Issue 10

East High

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Vol 81 Issue 10 East High School 815 E 13th St. Des Moines, IA 50317

Des Moines Public Schools

Farewell class of

2013

“Don’t count the days, make the days count.”

-Muhammad Ali

Letter from the editors: Final thoughts

W

hat can we say?

The past four years have been a whirlwind of ups and downs, excitement and tragedy. However, the time has come for us all to move on to the next chapter.

The people we have met along the way have made going to East worthwhile - the underdog persona has motivated us to stand behind the red and black.

Fortunately, working on the Scroll gave us the opportunity to cover all of the great things happening within the eastside community and show everyone what a great school East is.

It was journalism sophomore year that helped shape the path that our last two years of high school would take. From an intern and a reporter to becoming editors, Scroll

became a major part of our best high school memories.

We came into senior year with lofty goals; luckily we had an amazing staff that helped us transform East High Publications. We spent the summer before school planning the changes we wanted to implement into the paper and eventually came up with a new design.

Being a part of Scroll wasn’t like being in any other class, it was full of hard work, dedication, but in the end always rewarding.

Along with our great staff, everything we have accomplished throughout the year would not have been possible with the advice and leadership from our adviser, Ms. Niemeyer.

She always remained a voice of reason and became a friend to many of us.

Since freshmen year, we

have been best friends.

The two of us have found working side-by-side on the newspaper to be a highlight of high school. When one of us is on the “struggle bus” the other is calm, we will always remember the Scroll and how it strengthened our friendship.

We are beyond excited to see what the Scroll staff accomplishes next year; the paper is in great hands. We would like to emphasize the importance of continuing to transform and advance the newspaper – always grow with the times.

Journalism has the ability to inform, entertain, and spark change all of which are things next year’s staff and editors can do. Good luck and thanks to next year’s Scroll staff, our advisor and of course, you the readers.

, itors d e ur

Yo

Pg. 3 -Scroll staff photos & final thoughts Pg. 8 -Where are the seniors headed after Pg. 4 -Personality profiles: Miles Menninga, graduation?

Meredith Layman and Austin Vorasith Pg. 9 -Two East teachers retiring Pg. 5 -Find out how juniors feel about Pg. 10 -East athlete profile: Christina Syhavong becoming top ‘dogs’ Pg. 11 -East athlete profile: Tobias Tyler -Peronality profile: Joey Bahnsen Pg. 12 -Senior’s final high school events

STAFF

Co-Editors in Chief

ADS POLICY

Ads are available in quarter page, half page and full page sizes. Ad inquiries should be directed to Natalie Niemeyer at natalie.niemeyer@dmschools. org. The Scroll reserves the right to reject ads deemed not in the best interest of East students.

The paper is printed every four weeks by Wilcox Printing in Madrid, IA.

Tyler Vail Alex Underwood Joshua Dunigan Shareece Burrell Natalie Flores Jacquelyn Gabriel Staff Members Keesha Gaines Brianna Boner Jeilah Seely DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL Savanna Bullington Brian Rivera EQUALITY STATEMENT Darian Delaney Adviser The Des Moines Public Schools prohibits Micheala Hale Kendrew Panyanouvong Natalie Niemeyer discrimination in educational and employment Jordan Gerke Michelle Nouchanthavong programs and activities based on age, race, creed, Principal Chelsie Smith color, sex, marital status, national origin, religion, Chase Reynolds Ethan Rustan Steve Johns sexual orientation, or disability. In addition, the Steven Johnson Aaron Hosman Stephenie Gabriel

Photographer: Brian Chang

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The Scroll is a public forum for student expression.

May 24, 2013 / Page Editor: S. Gabriel/A. Hosman

District prohibits acts of intolerance or harassment toward employees or students that are not related to the individual’s employment or education.

LETTER POLICY The Scroll welcomes letters but reserves the right to edit for space as needed. Outside contributions are subject to the usual restrictions of libel and obscenity and must conform to general paper policy, which is available upon request. Signed commentaries represent personal opinions, not views of the staff. Also, your letter needs to include your full name and grade. Unsigned letters can not be printed. You can deliver your letter to Natalie Niemeyer in room 3060N.

NOTE: All contents are the product of the EHS newspaper production staff. Occasional stories are contributed from the Journalism Intern program.

Features

Scroll Staff2013

When you think of memories you’ve made with friends, those memories become treasures.

I’ll never forget...

Ms. Niemeyer: “When Josh asked Stephenie to be his Valentine. Love was in the air and it was my all-time favorite memory.”

Josh Dunigan: “Getting my boothang, Stephenie, a cookie cake asking if she’ll be my valentine and her saying yes.”

Alex Underwood: “The first time me and Josh completed a page together and hugged. Now we’re a dynamic duo.”

Tyler Vail: “The first time seeing Josh and Alex hug after finishing a page.”

Jordan Gerke: “Seeing Josh get a cookie cake for Stephenie for Valentine’s Day.” Shareece Burrell: “When Michelle brought the class eggrolls

and also the valentines’ party.

We’re like a big family.”

Steven Johnson: “Natalie’s cheesecake she brought for the valentines party, it was really good.”

Natalie Flores: “Getting involved in a story and going ghost hunting.”

Brian Rivera: “The first time I laid eyes on Ms. Niemeyer.”

Kendrew Panyanouvong: “Being able to connect with teachers and students and getting to go ghost hunting for one of my stories.”

Ethan Rustan: “I am the one man that has fixed all the staplers in this room. Plus a chair.”

Kayla Hale: “I’ll always remem-

ber the people in this class. Every- Stephenie Gabriel: “Being able one’s fun and energetic and I got to be co-editor with Aaron.” to know more of them.”

Darian Delaney: “Raising the Keesha Gaines: “When we took money for the family our class our first class picture outside.” adopted. So they could have presents for Christmas.”

Brianna Boner: “Designing the “Dear Keesha,” it went through Savanna Bullington: “Getting a lot of changes but I eventually to do more with computers.” found what I liked.”

Chase Reynolds: “I will always Chelsie Smith: “Doing the remember all of the good talks Christmas issue with Darian. I we’ve had in this class.” was really proud of the way it turned out.”

Jeilah Seely: “When I was freaking out because I had forgotten Jackie Gabriel: “Seeing my first how to use InDesign and having story in the scroll and being proud to keep bugging everyone about that I could write something oth- how to use it.” ers could appreciate.”

Michelle Nouchanthavong: Aaron Hosman: “Getting to “We’re always helping each other know all of the staff members out but having fun at the same and seeing them get better and time. I’ll never forget all of the what they do.” laughs we’ve had.”

Page Editor: Michelle N / easthighpublications.com

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Features

The “Miles” out of East Miles Menninga looks back on his time spent at East story/Steven Johnson

Miles Menninga admits that he is full of East pride and that it has grown during his time here at East.

His experience with East debate directly impacted his life. However, it seems his time here at East isn’t over, Menninga was offered the Assistant Coach position for IHSSA Debate.

SJ: Describe the way you have felt getting closer to graduation?

MM: “Well, I’m just kind of like “ehhh whatever” about it because after graduation its back for another four and more years of school anyway for college so I guess it feels like you know when you went through fifth grade promotion and then eighth grade promotion… it’s just another one of those steps.”

SJ: What college

are you going to?

MM: ISU, for secondary education U.S. History or Government Teacher.

SJ: What do you want to be when you grow up?

MM: “I think that eventually I want to become the debate coach at the high school I teach at because I have a lot of passion for it.

I want to impact the future and I figure by myself I won’t be able to do that but if I can educate the future than they will be able to have a bigger impact then I will by myself. So, I figure through debate that I can do that even more.”

SJ: Are you going to visit East High in the future or become Alumni?

MM: “I definitely will become an alumni, I hope that possibly I could get a position here, if not, I

will be more than happy to come back and help anyway I can because East has done so much for me… I think especially since I’ve won $1000 worth of alumni scholarships … that I should come back and pitch in.”

SJ: Do you feel privileged to have attended East?

MM: ”I think so. I mean looking at and especially talking to other kids through debate, I don’t think I would have gone to anywhere else even though we don’t have the best reputation. People are a lot more accepting, I think, here… So I think that I’m glad I went to East because I think it’s definitely the pride.”

SJ:Are you content with how your high school career is ending?

MM: I wish I would have joined debate earlier.

Basically I wanted to do it (debate) but I didn’t know where to go. Btu other than that I’m pretty content on how it worked out.

SJ: What are you going to think about while you’re waiting to recieve your diploma?

MM: I’m kind of scatter brained so I’m sure lots of thoughts will go through my head.

I’m probably going to think of something happy so I don’t start crying, because I probably will.

photo/Jordan Gerke

From the football Senior states field to the battlefield her concerns for the future story/Brian Rivera There are many unknown athletes at east that grind and work to become better at the sport they love and don’t get recognition as they should.

Austin Vorasith is one of these

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photo/Brian Rivera

athletes. He participated in football, track, and swimming.

Many know Austin for his chill, funny personality, and his love for competing, and will to become the ultimate version of himself. Now a senior, Austin has plans to join the military and attend Iowa for mechanical engineering.

BR: What branch of the military will you be joining? And what made you want to join?

AV: I’m going to join the Army reserves, and being a part of something bigger, being able to say I’ve had the experience of being in the military.

BR: What are you looking forward to in the military?

AV: Shoot guns, travel, having opportunities in different careers.

BR: What was a good memory from your favorite sport?

AV: Having football practice in the hot summer days

May 24, 2013 / Page Editor: Jordan Gerke

getting ready for the season, I loved the team effort.

BR: What moment did you experience in high school that you feel changed you?

AV: The last track meet of freshman year because that moment we knew that we had to work hard and be fully dedicated to get better and qualify for state.

BR: Can you sum up your whole time in high school in 4 events?

AV: Learning how to swim my junior year, becoming a team captain in track, all the AP physics vs. AP chemistry wars, and trying Jesus cakes for the first time (Tuesday pancakes), I felt like I tasted god!

BR: What will you miss the most about East?

AV: The memories, sports, people, mostly the sports because this is the only time you can do high school sports because you never know when you’ll have the chance to be on a team again, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.

story/Jeilah Seely

Early one morning in the office of Traci Squires, senior Meredith Layman reflects on her memories here at East High School. During her time as a student at East (4 years) and central academy (5 years). She was also a member of Show Choir, Hand bells (advanced/beginner), Cross Country, National Honor Society, Debate, and Cheerleading.

JS: What are your plans after Graduation? What do you want to do for a living?

ML: I plan on attending the University of Iowa and studying Chemistry and then going pre-med before med school.

JS: What are you looking forward to about Iowa?

ML: All of the fun stuff to do up there. Things like Ultimate Frisbee, Harry Potter Stuff and all of the fun classes.

JS: What are your favorite things at East that you hope to find at Iowa?

ML: Friendly People and really just all the spirit

JS: Do you feel like East has prepared you for the path ahead?

ML: East has prepared me for all of the diversity I will see.

JS: How has East Changed since your freshman Year?

ML: Show choir has really improved and has an amazing choreographer. The teachers really seem to care more and are more involved in the students’ lives.

JS: What is your favorite memory at East?

ML: Walking the track on senior night with my parents.

JS: Do you have any hopes/ changes you’d like for East after you’re gone?

ML: I’d like for the students to care more, to take school seriously and behave.

JS: Do you have any inspirational words or words of advice for the students here at East?

ML: Keep a song in your heart, a smile on your face, and everything else will fall into place.

Features

Bahnsen reflects on high school career story/Stephenie Gabriel

“F

contributed by/Joey Bahnsen

East’s new top dogs Juniors express their feelings of what it is like to soon be on top

or the service of humanity.” Those are the words East has built its tradition on, strongly encouraging fellow Scarlets, and the community to live by this motto. Senior, Joey Bahnsen is a prime example of a student devoting their life around others. Not only is Bahnsen greatly involved in the classroom, but it carries out into his life outside of school. Volunteering and helping others has been a huge part of his high school career. From being president of National Honors Society to playing varsity golf for three years, the list of involvement this senior has is nearly endless. Throw in a part-time job, friends and keeping his grades up, Bahnsen is the exact definition of “For the service of humanity.”

Q:What would you say you were most involved in? And what role did you play in these activities?

A: For NHS I am the President, so I basically run the organization here at East. I ran all the meetings, do the scheduling and things like that. Also, I work with the other officers to figure out what kind of service projects we are going to do, and what kind of activities we are going to do as a group. Then for ACE Mentors program I was on the competition team this year, I was the lead presenter for our group and we made it to Washington DC, I presented there and we ended up getting first place.

Q: I recently read that you earned the National Construction Industry Honors; can you tell me about that?

A: Well, I have been in ACE Men-

tors for the past four years. The first three years there was a Team South that comprised of East, Lincoln, Roosevelt and Southeast Polk students. This year they decided that they were going to start a competition team and so we had to submit essays then they chose eight of us, so I was on that team. We designed a project for this national competition, then we had to design display boards. We sent those boards in and they selected three teams throughout the country to go to D.C. and present; our team was selected. Then when we went there I presented to CEO’s of major design and construction companies, and we won that. I was in front of nine judges, up there by myself; it was a 20 minute presentation, which consisted of my presenting and then various questions from the judges. Turner Contracting, which they are the biggest construction company in the world, was there.

Q: What is your proudest moment at East?

A: When I was in seventh grade my mom had Lymphoma, which is a type of blood cancer. And so since then my family has always been really close with the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. When I became president of NHS, one thing I wanted to do was Pennies for Patients, which helps kids that get Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma. Our original goal was about $500, which is like less than 20 cents per student. We figured that was somewhat reasonable.

We ended up raising over $2,100, so we quadrupled our goal. Be-

ing able to golf varsity would also be a proud moment I had.

Q: What are your plans for after high school?

A: I will be going to Iowa State for the Architecture Program, so I will be doing pre-architecture.

Q: Was Iowa State always your first option for college?

A: Yes, Iowa State was definitely always my first option. I’ve wanted to do architecture ever since I was like five years old, so I have always known what I wanted to do.

Growing up here in Des Moines and having family that went to Iowa State I was always exposed to ISU. As I got into middle school I found out that their Bachelors of Architecture Program is one of the top ten in the nation. So, being able to get in-state tuition and go to one of the best colleges for what I want to do is ideal.

Q: Who has helped you the most here at East?

A: I think there have been many different teachers who have helped me with different aspects.

Mr. Koch has helped me become a better leader because of NHS, but I also feel like there are teachers that I’ve had like Mrs. Cross who I’ve had for three years; she has been good support. Mr. Hall and Mr. Bright are both liaisons for the mentor program I am in, they’ve always been there to talk to and help me kind of think through when I wasn’t sure if I wanted go for engineering or architecture one year. And then, Mrs. Kucharski for constantly getting on me for everything I was slacking on.

“I’m just really excited that we get to graduate next year,” junior Sydney Mathis explained, “I am looking forward to attending all the football games.

“I don’t look at it like being top dog. I’m just happy to have one more year before I get to start college,” junior Katie Williams said.

by/K. Hale/S. Burrell/ K. Gaines

Page Editor/Stephenie Gabriel easthighpublications.com

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Gary Rourke was a 1971 East graduate.

He coached wrestling for 22 years at East and in 1999 became the Vice Principal up until 2009.

The beloved educator passed away on September eighth 2009.

Dan Conner replaced former East Principal Mike Zelenovich, who became the District A.D. As the new principal Dan Conner began to administer changes to improve East.

Freshmen 2009-10 Barack Obama was Inaugurated as the 44th President in January 2009. Obama became the first African American to serve as President.

Sophomore 2010-11 On January 12, Haiti was hit by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake.

An estimated 220,000 people fell victim to the destructive earthquake.

Then & Now 2 T

he past four years have impacted the lives of not only the graduating seniors at East, but the entire world. From small successes to large tragedies, the class of 2013 has witnessed it all. Graduates are entering a world that has drastically changed from where it was four years ago. The United States has re-elected the first black president and has eliminated a global enemy with the death of Osama Bin Laden. East has also come a long way, welcoming two new principals and implementing challenges and policies to increase attendance. East has had success in athletics and academics. The softball team won the state championship in 2011 and in April East was named one of the top 50 AP schools in Iowa. Through it all, people and communities have created or maintained meaningful relationships.

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May 24, 2013 / Page Editor: A. Hosman/N. Flores

East became the Central champions of the Get Schooled fall attendance challenge. The school worked together to improve the overall attendance and won an all day movie premiere.

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Junior 2011-12

A suspicious fire in August destroyed the locker room and all the football equipment inside.

The community and other supporters helped raise money to replace the loss of the equipment.

Senior 2012-13 On the morning of December 14, a gunman opened fire to Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut.

20 out of 26 victims were children.

The terrorist leader responsible for the 9/11 terrorist attacks, was killed during a raid on May 2, 2011. The raid was executed by Seal Team 6.

After seven years, couple remains hand in hand story/Darian Delaney

H

igh School relationships hardly ever last, let alone middle school relationships. Aneglo Arreloa and Kaylee HilarioBahena are an exception to the rule, and have been dating since fifth grade, and still going strong. They will both be graduating this year, but they believe that they will continue to grow and the end of high school will not be the end of their relationship.

Do you think you will be able to hold the relationship that you have held for so long?

You guys are the longest lasting couple at East. Why do you think you guys have lasted and other couples haven’t?

Aneglo: There have been so many challenges that we have gone through, and we have overcome all of those challenges so I think we can make it work.

Kaylee: We have known each other since second grade and grew up together. We really understand each other.

Aneglo: I’m truly myself around her and I don’t try to act like someone I’m not. It’s hard to find someone you feel comfortable with at such a young age, so we just got lucky.

Kaylee: I moved away for two years and we still dated, so I don’t think distance will ever be an issue.

What do you think will be the hardest part of maintaining your relationship after high school?

Kaylee: Finding time to spend together with our busy schedules.

Senior year marks their seven year anniversary, pictured is Kaylee and Angelo before this years Homecoming dance.

East High School - easthighpublications.com

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Abbey Mendenhall Pittsburg State University Veterinary Medicine Andrea Vizcarra DMACC Registered Nurse Dakota Anderson DMACC Engineering Leslie Bernal-Perez DMACC/UNI Early Childhood Education Adrian Olivares C. DMACC/Central College Architecture Julie Khanthavongsa DMACC/La James Business/Cosmetologist Sharae Parker DMACC Special Needs Education Kali Biondi DMACC Undecided Derian Perez DMACC Welding Lupe Ortego DMACC Vet Tech Mackenzy Moats DMACC Culinary

Victoria Richardson Central College Nursing Ana Morales DMACC Registered Nurse Jennifer Marquez DMACC Vet Tech.

Jodi Hatcher DMACC/ISU Veterinarian Jessy K. DMACC/ISU Undecided Nancy Lovan DMACC/Indian Hills Criminology/Law Enforcement Morgan Green DMACC/ISU Special Elementary Education Clara Hensen DMACC Undecided Reio Cason DMACC/ISU Criminal Justice

Brianna Boner Bemidji State University Medical Field Ariana McMains DMACC Graphic Design Gerardo Perez DMACC/Iowa Physical Therapy Mariana Hernandez DMACC Nursing Jacob Anderson DMACC/ISU Engineering-undecided Megan Belcher DMACC/Grandview Nursing Kevin Brown DMACC/ISU Business Angelo Arreola Iowa State University Computer Science Hunter Hall Iowa State University Insurance/Finance/ Accounting Nick Sayavong Iowa State University Computer Science Grant Jones Iowa State University Veterinarian Medicine Chris Johnson Iowa State University Software Engineering

Marisol Hernandez Aveda Institute Cosmetology Alejandra Cordova Grandview University Physical Therapy Josh Lemon Grandview University Business Administration Nicole Battin Grandview University Pediatric Nurse Ashley DeHaan Jeremy Bos Iowa State University Grandview University Chemical Engineering Accounting Darian Delaney Carly Dycus Iowa State University University of Northern Iowa Elementary Education Education Austin Vorasith Xavier James Iowa State University University of Northern Iowa Mechanical Engineering Undecided Joel Head Nancy Truong Iowa State University University of Northern Iowa Physical Therapy Criminal Justice Sidney Cam Jewel Head Iowa State University University of Northern Iowa Undecided Physical Therapy Taylor Williams Hanna Hoskins University of Iowa Simpson College Environmental Sciences English/Special Education Jay Rowat Ben McClure University of Iowa Simpson College Psychology Music/Theatre Arts Jensen Hastings Jacob Schmitz University of Iowa Iowa Western Community Photography and General College Business Sign Language Aaron Hosman Abu Sama University of Iowa Iowa Western Community Broadcast Journalism College Hailey Galloway Criminal Justice University of Iowa Bedipenny Wom English/Cinema Ellsworth Community College Fehim Poric Biotechnology University of Iowa Derico Lower Business Ellsworth Community College Jenny Chavez Rivera Sociology University of Iowa/Drake Mindy Yom Law School Step Up Program Political Science/ International Studies Savanna Bullington Devin O’Connor Step Up Program University of Iowa Photography Pre-Med/Music Kortnei Seals Desirae Dupree Northern Illinois University University of Iowa Criminal Justice Health & Human Vanessa Razo Physiology Mercy College Lindsey Helm Nurse Practitioner University of Iowa Artichala Wise Elementary Education Iowa Central Community Javier Hernandez College University of Iowa Criminal Justice Computer Applications Brandon McGill Evan Momm Undecided Iowa Central/Grandview Air Traffic Control College Kyler Krogman Pre-Denistry Dakota Wesleyan University Kilo Solo Physical Therapy Grandview University Heaven Chamberlain Undecided Ellsworth Community College Jayde Murray Biotechnology Grandview University O’Ron Manson Undecided Navy Christina Syhavong Wartburg Biology/Chemistry A;ex Huyng Iowa State University Psychology Jake Vangundy Iowa State University Architecture Fernando Murillo Iowa State University Engineering-undecided

Class of 2013 moves on Jazmine Miller DMACC LPN Program

Alexis Jenkins DMACC/Clark Atlanta Human Resources Kalen Reed DMACC Environmental Sciences

Jeremy Banks DMACC Diesel Mechanic/Auto Body Kaylin Scheel DMACC Veterinarian Joe Riesterer DMACC Business Isaiah Green DMACC Criminal Justice Brandon Leach DMACC Criminal Justice Yasmin Bibian DMACC/Grandview/La James X-Ray Tech, Photography, Beauty Crystal Lozano DMACC/Simpson Undecided Elizabeth Ouverson DMACC Culinary Arts Adrian Torres DMACC/ISU Engineering/Architecture

Jacob Dank DMACC General Arts Tara Edvenson DMACC Fashion Design & Merchandising

Shyana Thompson DMACC Dental Hygiene

Justice Brown DMACC/Marines Computer Science/ Photography Henry Murillo DMACC Criminal Justice Stephenie Gabriel DMACC/ISU Event Management Jasmine Palmer DMACC Liberal Arts Mike Kendall DMACC Criminal Justice Kristen Monroe DMACC Undecided Chase Reynolds DMACC/ISU Undecided Amairani Montoya DMACC Medical field-undecided Amber Smith DMACC Registered Nurse Jeffrey Lukasak DMACC/ITT Tech Information Technology Brianna Proctor DMACC/ISU Microbiology/Pre Med

Austyn Banks Iowa State University Undecided Franklin Slaton Iowa State University History Lauren Holmes Iowa State University Public Relations Miles Menninga Iowa State University Education or US History Ricky Lewis Iowa State University Undecided Mauro DeAvila Iowa State University Design Steven Ukpan Iowa State University Electrical Engineering Carlos Silva-Trejo Iowa State University Engineering-undecided Eva Fabray Iowa State University Psychology Alisha Keointavong Iowa State University Undecided Jackson Nyuyen Iowa State University Business Management Sophie Backham Iowa State University Biomedical Engineering

Page Editor: Stephenie Gabriel/easthighpublications.com

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G

Features

Farewell

East teachers retire after years of preparing students for the future photos/John Hoyt

Interview with...

Interview with...

Sid Gordon

Ron Borstad

story/Savanna Bullington

S

id Gordon is a teacher in the Career and Special Education Department. After for working at East for ten years, he had decided to retire this year. He wanted to teach at East because he wanted to help students to learn. He was born and raised in Des Moines. Before he worked at East, he had taught at North High School,

in Atlanta, Georgia and at Heartland A.E.A. Q: What are you going to miss about working at East?

A: Being contact with teachers, students, and administrators.

Q: What are you going to do when you retire?

A: Take some time off, travel, and see people I haven’t seen in a while.

Q: What are the best memories that you

have here at East?

A: The spirit of student, administrators, and the community, as a whole.

Q: What do you like to do for fun?

A: Play golf, volunteer at my church, go to the movies, and watch sporting events.

Q: Who are you going to miss most of all when you retire?

A: The students.

L

story/Chase Reynolds

ong time teacher at East, Ron Borstad, is retiring after 20 years of service.

Borstad teaches World Literature, English II, Radio Film and TV, and Shakespeare.

Q: How long have you been teaching?

A: 41 years. The seniors I taught my first year would be 59 years old.

Q: Was teaching your first choice?

A: I sort of fell into it. A friend in college told me I should the education block. I was a theatre major so I had no clue what I would do with that. What’s really cool is that I started teaching before I even graduated college.

A teacher at the high school was partying with the students so she got fired and they needed someone super fast. So I taught for the rest of that year then I went back and finished my degree.

Q: Have you ever had a different job?

A: I’ve been an assistant butcher, radio announcer, graphic artist, carpenter, plumber, lighting technician, and I’ve worked on a farm.

Q: What was your favorite part about teaching?

A: I wouldn’t have stayed if

I didn’t like it. What I love about teaching is that every day is different. Every student is different. Every day every student is different.

Q: What was the best moment of teaching?

A: Well here’s the thing. I don’t judge my performance as a teacher by how the school year went or how the well the students did in class. I judge it by what happens with those students down the road, later in life. 5 or 10 years later when a student comes back and talks to me and tells me how they’ve been doing, that’s when I know I did a good job. When a former student stops by and tells me that they get reminded of me or that something I’ve taught them has helped them, that’s what makes what I do special.

Q: What are your plans after retirement?

A: My wife has already moved and is living in Nashville right now and as soon as school ends on June 5th I’m getting in my car and heading down there. All of my possessions are in Nashville with my wife. All I have right now are my clothes and my car.

May 24, 2013 / Page Editor: J. Seely/T. Vail

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On to the next level

Sports

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Christina Syhavong bumps, sets, and spikes her way to Wartburg photo/Brian Chang story/Chelsea Smith

C

hristina Syhavong is a senior here at East. During her four years, she has played volleyball and soccer. Volleyball is Syhavong’s favorite sport. She’s been captain, honorable mention, and varsity letter winner for both volleyball and soccer. For volleyball, Syhavong was recognized for outstanding senior and for soccer she set the school record for most shutouts in a season. She has also participated in Senior Board and NCYL. Syhavong was voted “Most Likely to Be on ESPN” in the 2013 East yearbook.

CS: What is your favorite memory here at EHS? CS: Making it to third round regional in soccer during my sophomore year. We broke that record because that was the farthest girls’ soccer at East has ever made it in playoffs.

CS: What made you motivated to do sports?

CS: Watching my older brother play when I was younger. I loved seeing how much fun he had and how exciting the games were. So when I started playing I loved it and I knew sports is something I wanted to revolve most of my life around.

I also loved being active and doing anything outdoors. I didn’t want to be one of those kids that just sat around and doing nothing.

CS: Why did you choose to join volleyball?

CS: After playing for fun at camp, a volleyball coach said I should consider going out for the sport and I did.

CS: Why did you choose to go to college for volleyball and not soccer?

CS: Because I am very passionate about volleyball and feel I am better at it. I honestly cannot get enough of the sport and love everything about the game, so I wanted to

continue playing competitively and keep volleyball in my life by going to the next level which is college.

CS: What staff member inspired you?

CS: I look up to Stephanie Carroll (volleyball coach). We are a lot alike and she has many accomplishments. If she can do it, I can do it.

“I also loved being active and doing anything outdoors. I didn’t want to be one of those kids that just sat around and doing nothing,” -Christina Syhavong CS: What do you plan on doing after high school?

CS: I plan on going to college and majoring in biology and chemistry.

CS: What college do you plan on attending?

CS: I plan to attend Wartburg.

CS: What made you choose Wartburg?

CS: I chose this college because of their medical pro-

May 24, 2013 / Page Editor: T. Vail/A. Underwood/J. Dunigan

gram and volleyball team. They are also a division III college.

CS: Did you receive any scholarships?

CS: I received the Mike Augustine scholarship for sports and the Wartburg Presidential scholarship for my GPA and class rank.

CS: Is there anything you are nervous about going to college?

CS: I’m actually nervous about finding somebody to eat lunch with! I don’t know anybody and I don’t want to eat lunch alone.

CS: Is there anybody you want to thank for helping you throughout high school?

CS: It’s hard to narrow it down, so I just want to say thank you to all of my teachers and coaches.

CS: What are you going to miss most about East?

CS: I’m going to miss the staff.

They are outgoing and fun. They try to get people involved in things.

CS: Any advice for underclassmen?

CS: Do not procrastinate! And don’t fall into peer pressure no matter what!

Sports

T

obias Tyler has been around the East High community for almost his entire life.

Born and raised by a father that’s an East alumn, former coach, and hall of famer, Tyler is a true eastsider at heart. The past four years Tyler has participated in football, bowling, track, and baseball. Tyler will be on a football and bowling scholarship and major in mass communications at Grand View University.

Kendrew Panyanouvong: Hands down what has been your favorite memory here at East?

Tobias Tyler: It’d have to be my sophomore year with Kip (Rogen). It was good memories.

KP: How much does East High School mean to you as a whole?

TT: It means a lot to me. I’ve always been around East growing up ever since I was little, and considering my dad’s in the hall of fame.

KP: What was your favorite game played this year during football season?

TT: Southeast Polk, even though we lost. I had a unbelievable game.

Tobias Tyler will continue to play football on the Eastside after high school photo/Brian Chang story/Kendrew Panyanouvong

KP: Being the captain of the football team, how do you think your senior season ended?

TT: Besides injuring my ankle, I think the season went really well.

Everything I wanted to do I did.

KP: How was it like having your dad as your coach for football?

TT: It does get annoying at times but he still helped with a lot. He was my main inspiration to play football in the first place.

He made me a better athlete.

KP: Plans after college?

TT: I want to be a commentator for a video game company. I just want to do something that involves video games.

KP: Reflect back on your last four years, what was your favorite year and why?

TT: My senior year because I didn’t have to stress about anything, all my other years was pretty stressful.

KP: Any advice to the underclassman?

TT: Take your school work seriously but have fun as well doing it. Do your work. Have fun; that’s the key. Do what others won’t to achieve what others don’t.

Summer Job Lined Up? ersity

niv at Grand View U

Have A Plan For The Money!

Just like an athlete training for a big event, wise financial planning requires a workable and realistic training plan. Below are a few helpful tips for making that summer job WORK for you!

• Think long-term — Why are you working?

• Have a goal — Create a visual reminder of what you’re working toward.

• Have a plan — Build in rewards along the way.

• Make saving easier — Determine a realistic amount of money you can save from each paycheck (push yourself a little!), and have it automatically transferred to a separate savings account each time you get paid.

Visit our website at www.EdCoCU.com for 5 more tips to make your summer job WORK for you!

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Come see for yourself…

Do the View Visit Day

June 14

Sign up online or give us a call!

rs for a d n e l a c r eek, k you And, mParrivate College W Iowa -9!

5 t s u g u A

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Des Moines, Iowa

515-263-2810 E 800-444-6083 E www.admissions.grandview.edu

Page Editors: T. Vail/A. Underwood/J. Dunigan/easthighpublications.com

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Senior Photo Spread Alumni banquet

Senior basketball game

photos/ EHS Photo Class

Senior Xavier James dribbles away from his dad/staff member hopes of making a basket.

East Alumni gather at their tables to celebrate the 126th anniversary based off of the very first Alumni banquet.

Seniors Hannah Bailey, Andrea Hiatt, Lauren Holmes, and Aaron Hosman pose in front of the Alumni banner.

Seniors shoot for the stars in hopes of beating the long time champions, the East high staff. The seniors lost 54:23.

Senior breakfast: the final goodbye

East seniors pose for the last time with their friends at senior breakfast located at the Euclid Room on May 16, 2013.

Food was catered by HyVee, with guest speaker Erin Kiernan.

photos/ Brianna Boner

Pictured from left to right: Bobby Harlan, Isaiah Green, Jackson Nguyen, and Derico Lowery.

Page Editor: Brianna Boner / easthighpublications.com

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