Issue 5

East High

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Vol 81 Issue 5 East High School 815 E 13th St. Des Moines, IA 50317

Des Moines Public Schools

Mascot

commotion This page, ripped from a 1966 yearbook, displays how classes in years past celebrated school spirit with the eminent Native American Scarlet mascot. However, in years since, nationally known court cases and headlines have forced Native American imagery out of Des Moines schools. A recent incident at an East basketball game has localized the issue.

Pg.6-7

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Issue December Pg. 9 -Breaking Dawn: Pt. 2 review -Dear Keesha -Staff editorial

Features

News

Pg. 3 - Twinkie Apocalypse

Pg. 5 - Celebration of the holidays -”Adopt” a family -Black Friday shopping Pg. 8 -Teacher senior pictures -Word of the issue -Overused words

-Updates & briefs

Pg. 10 -Staff New Year resolutions

Pg. 4 - Saturday School -Teacher Recognition

Centerspread

Sports

Pg. 11 -Winter sports

-Baseball recognition

Pg. 6/7 -Headdress controversy

STAFF

Pg. 12

-2012: World ending

ADS POLICY

Co-Editors in Chief

Tyler Vail Joshua Dunigan Natalie Flores Staff Members Keesha Gaines Brianna Boner Jeilah Seely Savanna Bullington Leandre Glover Darian Delaney Micheala Hale Kendrew Panyanouvong Michelle Nouchanthavong Karina Hernandez Chelsie Smith Chase Reynolds Ethan Rustan Steven Johnson Aaron Hosman Stephenie Gabriel

Brian Rivera Marissa Robinson

Adviser

Natalie Niemeyer

Principal

Steve Johns

Photographer: Brian Chang

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Opinions

The Scroll is a public forum for student expression.

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.

DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL EQUALITY STATEMENT The Des Moines Public Schools prohibits discrimination in educational and employment programs and activities based on age, race, creed, color, sex, marital status, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. In addition, the District prohibits acts of intolerance or harassment toward employees or students that are not related to the individual’s employment or education.

December 21, 2012/Page Editor: Stephenie Gabriel

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.

Twinkie apocalypse story/Steven Johnson

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en and women stood in line just 10 minutes after opening at the small Wonder bread/ Hostess outlet. Twinkies, and Hoho’s- gone, Wonder bread and all others were dwindling fast.

It was the last day the store would hold such prized products of an iconic brand which seemed to have imbedded itself into the hearts of so many.

“I am going to Miss Snoballs”, Gabbi Garcia said, a senior who was unaware of the loss of the coconut covered marshmallows.

It was Nov. 16th, a day that may forever live in fattening pastry lovers memories and various parts of peoples body (as fat). On that day Hostess announced its plans to wind down operations to a halt after the Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco, and Grain Millers Union

(BCTGM) decided to strike.

A combined loss in interest among the consumer, union strikes, increased ingredient costs, and suspicious wage increases for and by upper management may have created this bitter sweet end.

“I remember my box of 10 Twinkies, it was a couple of months ago, I didn’t know that it was my last Twinkie”, junior Daniel Boner said.

Corporate world seems to blame the BCTGM Union for pushing Hostess off the cliff. A few common facts being that the workers were over paid while receiving full health benefits despite insufficient funds from revenue.

The Ward baking co. had invented the Twinkie in 1930 and at the time it was an orange sponge cake filled with real fruit filling. Rationing during WWII helped evolve the Twinkie into the shelf safe golden sponge

cake with creamy filling that we knew it to be today before its demise.

The Corporate Hostess was running on Empty. Not mentioned yet was the two bankruptcies filed within the decade making this the third and final bankruptcy.

With the realization of the loss of the brand came the Dating of all movies that included Hostess products, like the movie Zombie Land, which featured Woody Harrelson as “Tallahassee” in an end of the world- zombie infested movie scene whose own self goal is to get the last Twinkie.

Rumors that the Twinkie can survive a nuclear bomb or still be edible after 30 years are false.

A Twinkie tastes best before 25 days of life on a retail store shelf.

After the best buy date it may get stale or hard like a rock.

Currently, there are a couple dozen potential buyers of all or just some of the Hostess brand. One company that is interested is Wal-Mart.

If the Super Store became the owner of the brand it would only be sold at WalMart and Sam’s Club.

Datebook & Briefs :

Updates and upcoming events

East High has once again won first place in the Midwest region of the Get Schooled challenge.

Last year East received a prescreening of Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. School improvement leader, Kris Byam said this year we can expect a visit from a celebrity as a reward in the coming months. Nationally, East came in sixth place.

Friday, December 21 Last day of school before winter break

Wednesday, January 2

First day back to school after winter break

#TeamKelsey

Get Schooled

Finals schedule January 10/A Day Attend blocks 1 & 2 Finals blocks 3 & 4

January 11/B Day Attend blocks 5 & 6 Finals blocks 7 & 8

January 14/A Day

Finals blocks 1 & 2 No P.M. classes - Make ups only

January 15/ B DAY

Finals blocks 5 & 6 No P.M. classes - Make ups only

Kelsey Michelsen, 15, from the Southeast Polk Community passed away on December 10, 2012 after a hard-fought battle against a brain tumor. Kelsey impacted not only the friends and family that were close to her, but other communities around hers and throughout the nation. Her story is one that will never be forgotten and the courage she had while battling cancer is what everyone should live to have.

Page Editor: Aaron Hosman - easthighpublications.com

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Making up time: Saturday school story/Karina Hernandez

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aturday school is assigned when a student has five or more unexcused absences in one block. Wednesday and Friday detentions are for those students who have more than 10 unexcused tardies for a semester. Saturday school is currently under Mrs. Soesbe, Mr. Konley’s and Mr. Meza’s supervision, while Wednesday and Friday detentions are under Mr. Ytzen’s supervision.

“I wish the kids would make an effort to get to class, the numbers are pretty high,” Brian Konley said.

“There is an average of 100-110 students who are assigned Saturday school, out of those 100-110 students, only, 50- 60 percent of those students attend.”

Saturday school is from 8-11a.m. and although Saturday school and after school detentions aren’t new to the system, it doesn’t change

the numbers. The rules for Saturday school are simple.

Bring in work to do, a book to read and to stay quiet for the rest of the time just like the after school detentions.

“People are very quiet,” Kyle Holcomb said, “And it’s three hours long, you can’t talk and you can’t have devices, though some teachers are cool with it, but if you don’t come when you have to you get suspended for a day, I don’t recommend it for anyone.”

Although there is no exception for students who are involved in any kind of activities, Mr. Meza describes a situation in which some football players were assigned Saturday school.

“They had been out of town and got home really late Friday night, they knew their responsibilities and they were here early in the morning to serve their detention.” Mr. Meza said

After school detentions are held from 1-3 on Wednesday and 3- 5 on Friday, their numbers are slightly the same as Saturday school with about

“If you’re in school we want you to be rewarded for doing what you’re supposed to be doing, you won’t be rewarded if you’re not in school,” -Kris Byam

150-175 students who are assigned and, only 45 to 50 percent of those show up.

There are many things that the administrators are doing to improve these numbers like reminding students to be in class on time and the get schooled challenge which Is a national challenge with MTV using social media to convince students to go to school. Right now, East has the attendance challenge where we get points for the games that are being played.

“We’re constantly looking at different activities, differ-

Teachers recognized for pushing Get Schooled story/Jeilah Seely

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n We d n e s d a y, Nov. 28 the Get Schooled committee presented 13 teachers with a “commitment to students” award.

These teachers were recognized for going above and beyond with get schooled in their classrooms.

“They all work very hard and we focus a lot on students, but it also takes a great staff to help the students win this thing,” Kris Byam said

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All of the teachers were hand-picked by the students on the committee. The list of teachers that received awards included Ms.Cross, Ms.Carroll, Ms.Evans, Mr. Soliday, Ms.Schryver, Mr Lounsberry, Ms.Gregory, Mr.Giboo, Ms.Frommelt, Ms.Fensterman, Ms.Weller, Mr.Lenk, and Mr.Bright.

The members of the committee are Jeilah Seely, Aaron Housman, Houa Vong, Ashley Dehaan, Hanna Bailey, Abby Mendenhall,

Cheyanna Thompson, and Artichala Wise. The group is supervised by Mr. Byam.

These awards were their way of showing that the teachers’ good deeds don’t go unnoticed.

“In taking time out to support this you’re doing great things and it doesn’t go unnoticed,” Mr. Byam said.

December 21, 2012/Page Editor: Aaron Hosman

ent curriculum and things like that to better our classes so that students want to go to class,” Mr. Byam said.

Besides the get schooled program there is a rewards and recognition program which gives away items and gift certificates to students that have perfect attendance, they are all to emphasis how important school is.

“If you’re in school we want you to be rewarded for doing what you’re supposed to be doing, you won’t be rewarded if you’re not in school,” Mr. Byam said.

Chris-Han-Wanza story/Ethan Rustan

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he festive aroma of the holidays are here and everyone is ready for Christmas; everyone who celebrates, that is. Many students and their families don't celebrate Christmas during the season and might celebrate something else like the Jewish holiday Hanukkah, or the African holiday of Kwanza or sometimes, something else completely. East is without a doubt as culturally diverse as it gets and we do well to support our students’ varying religions as well as the different holidays that they celebrate. Indeed many celebrate many holidays but some of our students don't celebrate anything over break.

“My family doesn't celebrate

anything during the holidays because my dad is Jewish and my mom is Catholic,” sophomore Hilary UnzuetaSoto said.

Some kids don't know what other holidays are like for other religions and sometimes wonder what its like to celebrate something different. Some children can even be jealous of other kids because they get presents.

“I used to be a little jealous of other kids who got presents at Christmas when I was little, but I'm not anymore,” Unzueta-Soto said.

Some students have interesting holiday traditions like practicing a mix of holidays.

There are presents, candles, and different beliefs, but imagine putting them to-

gether. “ I claim Hindu as my family does and we practice all Hindu holidays, but we have an exception for Christmas,” sophomore Tina Randolph said.

“I would say that my specific religious situation is unique and I’m proud to embrace it,” Randolph said.

“Me and my family exchange presents and see each other around the holidays, but we don't celebrate anything in particular because it’s mixed,” junior Mackenzie Moore said.

Indeed we all have our traditions and our different beliefs and we come together during the holidays, but we all enjoy our time with our families, good food and fellowship, and definitely getting out of school.

Newspaper staff adopts a family story/ Darian Delaney

During this holiday season there are a lot of families who are not able to celebrate the season the way they would hope to. With the way the economy is going parents are not able to get their kids everything on their wish list.

The Newspaper staff wanted to help out a family who has a lot of smiles and love to pass around to everyone.

Caught up in Black Friday mayhem story/Chelsie Smith

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he clock strikes midnight. It is officially Black Friday. The day where people trample each other for cheap goods after hours of being thankful for what they already have.

It’s my first Black Friday at Wal-Mart and I only came for one thing: A Garmin GPS for my step dad. Unfortunately, that’s what 50 other people came for, too.

As I’m standing there, right in the front, for what seems five hours, I look around to see who my competition is.

Of course, they are all taller than me, they are all impatient, have highly unsym-

pathetic attitudes and they are all inconsiderate. I don’t know what to expect, but all I know is to grab and hope for the best.

When the time finally comes, I’m completely closed in by sweaty people who really need to invest in some deodorant. I hear yelling from the people who are throwing out cuss words out of their mouths to the people who are in front of them that are in their way. Finally, I have a grip on a GPS. I get out of that crazy frenzy as fast as I can.

Next stop? Toys R Us! Hopefully this time it won’t be as crazy because the

doors are already open and there are not a lot of people here at this time. As I enter, a lot of the shelves are cleared off but to my surprise I can still get the toys I need for my brother and cousins.

It took us nearly five and a half hours to get all of our shopping done. Next year, I’ll be going to Jordan Creek which will be nerve-racking. This time I will have experience and know what to expect. It was well worth the fight to get what I need. That day was very crazy, but Black Friday isn’t called BLACK Friday for no reason.

Page Editors: D. Delaney/C. Smith - easthighpublications.com

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Headdress causes a mess A national controversy has landed here at East High. An incident at a basketball game causes students, faculty, and the school board to express their mixed emotions.

story/Tyler Vail

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photo/Tyler Vail

Lane Galvin (11) sits in a vacant East High gymnasium where he isn’t allowed to wear his headdress at athletic events.

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December 21, 2012/Page Editor: T. Vail/K. Panyanouvong

HERE YA FROM? E A S T S I D E !

WHERE YA FROM? EAST SIDE! This cheer echoed throughout Urbandale’s gymnasium on the night of Friday, Nov. 30. The East High student section sure had something to cheer about as the Lady Scarlets triumphed over the Urbandale J-Hawks 44-37.

Even for an away game, the atmosphere was electric with Scarlet spirit. This year’s East High student section is full of crazed fans. Especially Lane Galvin (11), who decided to wear a Native American headdress to the game that night.

“We are the Scarlets. The headdress represented our school logo because we have it (Native American chief) all over our school. I don’t find it disrespectful. We’re not saying they were bad.

We’re trying to represent that they are mighty and strong and we want to represent them for that,” Galvin said.

Even though there are many Native American murals and logos around the school, the chief is East’s former mascot.

During the 90’s, the school was strongly encouraged by the Des Moines Public School Board to get rid of anything Native American related because it could be found offensive. East had to throw away thousands of dollars worth of school apparel and jerseys. Despite this, the school still kept up most of its mu-

rals and sculptures around the halls and athletic facilities.

A few years ago, East established a capital “E” as its official logo. Even though the logo changed, students can still be seen roaming the halls with letterman jackets that have Native American logos on the

On that Friday night at Urbandale, East athletic director, Ric Powell, took notice of Galvin’s headdress.

“I went up to Lane and told him that I personally did not have a problem with it but if I were to get a complaint then I would have to ask him to take it off,” Powell said. “It is just unlucky that same night we did receive a complaint.”

Des Moines Public School Board member, Joe Jongewaard, was attending the game and noticed Galvin wearing the headdress. Jongewaard approached teacher, Lowell Long, and told him that the student had to take off the headdress.

Jongewaard shared his thoughts on Native American imagery in high schools.

Jongewaard stated via email, “Please recognize that the perspectives outlined below are my personal perspectives and not necessarily those of any other board member’s and cer-

“The headdress represented our school logo because we have it all over our school. I don’t find it disrespectful. We’re not saying they were bad. We’re trying to represent that they are mighty and strong and we want to represent them for that,” -Lane Galvin back. It is not a secret that students still use Native American logos and symbols on their letterman jackets, tailgating shirts or any school apparel.

East High School has mascot guidelines in place to avoid discriminatory practices by staff and students. The guidelines state that the mascot cannot be used in a warlike fashion, students cannot wear Native American costumes unless they are realistic portrayals and all portrayals of the mascot should reflect positively on Native Americans. These guidelines were established for an official mascot which East does not have.

Therefore, these guidelines do not allow students, such as Galvin, to wear headdresses.

tainly not the perspective of the school board as a whole.

The board as currently configured has not discussed high school logo’s. Over a few years what a community accepts as appropriate can change. You point out that the logo of a Native American in full ceremonial head dress has been for the most part been replaced by a large capital E. Scarlet is now describing the color when it used to refer to a Native American warrior. I believe our community has collectively decided to reject perpetuating the stereotype of depicting Native Americans as savages. We have decided that we owe Native Americans respect as the first to call home what we now call home. That we should show

respect for the ground that they hold sacred as the burial ground of their ancestors and we should show respect for their sacred symbols, such as their ceremonial head dress.

These are the perspectives that caused me to tell Mr. Long that the student wearing the head dress was not appropriate.”

After Long‘s attention was drawn to Galvin’s headdress, action was taken. Long informed Powell of the complaint after the game.

The following Monday, Galvin was called into Powell’s office. Powell told Galvin that there was a complaint from a school board member and he could not wear the headdress to anymore athletic events.

“I have the right to wear what I want but there is school rules you do need to follow and respect,” Galvin said.

East is not the only school with a controversial mascot. A few miles south of Des Moines is the town of Indianola. Indianola High School mascot is a Native American. After receiving complaints, the Indianola School District made a policy to respect Native American culture. The Board of Education established guidelines to make sure Indianola High School reflects positively on Native Americans.

The Des Moines Public School board has not put in place any policies and procedures that state students can or cannot dress up as Native Americans.

“The current school board has never had a discussion regarding this issue. As such, we don’t have a perspective. One individual board member witnessed it and his perspective is what drove him to take the action,” Dick Murphy, school board chair, said via email.

Many opinions have been spoken and many perspectives have been viewed regarding the use of Native American imagery in high schools. Demeaning or praiseful, Lane Galvin or any East High student will not be seen wearing a headdress tonight at the game against Lincoln.

East High School - easthighpublications.com

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#TeacherThrowback

Can you put an East staff members name to these senior pictures? (answers on the bottom of the page) by/Chelsie Smith

a.

b.

c.

d.

Mrs. Cameron ____ Ms. Morris ____ Mrs. Frommelt ____ Mrs. Kucharski ___

Word of the issue man-dime; (n): a really hot guy that

Holiday Shopping Tips

looks good no matter what he wears or does; a perfect 10. it is the male equivalent of a ‘dime piece.’ from www.urbandictionary.com

Keep it merry…even if you don’t have a big budget!

Sticking to your budget can be especially challenging during the holidays. But it doesn’t have to be. Below are a few helpful tips: • Open a Holiday Savings Account. Save throughout the

year for holiday gifts and name your account “Holiday Cash” so you’ll stay focused.

• Put Your Budget On a Gift Card. Load a Visa Gift Card with your holiday budget and when it’s gone, it’s gone.

• Low on Cash? Give the gift of your time – help the recipient

with a project or house chore, or simply go out for dinner together.

Time with you is a gift only YOU can give!

Visa Gift Cards from EdCo Use online & anywhere Visa is accepted.

• Perfect gift • Perfect budgeting tool

story/Darian Delaney

Ratchet: People use it for everything. They use it for

something being nasty, when the word does not even mean “nasty”.

-Rachel Ekaradt

Awks: I hate when people say awkward when the situation isn’t even awkward. But when people started saying “awks” I hated it even more.

-Cierra Cantrell

Swag: Because the people who use the word think they have it when they don’t.

-Sharae Parker

Like a bank...but better! www.EdCoCU.com

Finna: I really don’t get why they don’t just say “going to” -Lindsay Andrews

a. Mrs Frommelt b. Mrs. Kucharski c. Ms. Morris d. Mrs. Cameron

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Over-used words

December 21, 2012/Page Editor: Stephenie Gabriel

Opinion

The East High Scroll

Letters to the Editors, Dear Keesha or your opinions can be sent to: hosmanaaron@yahoo.com, Ste14ph@aol.com, Natalie.Niemeyer@dmschools.org or dropped off in room 3060N

Staff editorial:

We reflect on the recent elementary school shooting and how we as a school can make East’s environment a warmer place

I

t has now been a week since tragedy shook our nation and young children in Newtown, CT lost their innocence. During Friday’s shooting, 26 lives where taken, 20 of which were children. Along with the rest of the country, we the Scroll staff mourn with the families of victims and this community which is still grappling to accept the devastation. Incidents like this seem to be happening more and more across America, it’s a scary reality. Unfortunately, it takes mass shootings and acts of terrorism to even spark conversation about creating a safer nation.

In the wake of the Newtown shooting, the human desire to make a difference was eminent – strangers comforting one another, stricter gun laws being discussed, communities holding toy drives for victim’s peers and #26Acts trending on twitter encouraging people to do kind things.

As a school paper, our goal is to enlighten our readers, represent our community well and make a difference.

We want to encourage the East High student body to reflect on Friday’s incident and think about how you can make your community a better place.

The shooting has brought East’s safety procedures to the forefront. Wearing our ID’s helps school leaders recognize who belongs in our building and keeping classroom doors and the second set of main entrance doors locked helps keep us safe.

No one ever knows when their life can be cut short; we encourage you to be kind, accepting of others and school procedures. Lastly, we want to acknowledge the importance of teachers in our school. Stories of heroism rose when teachers Friday in Newtown risked their own lives to protect their students – respect and thank your teachers; they are an important part of your safety and success.

but now If I did some things with a guy and he promised not to tell anyone when we were together were broken up and he’s telling the world, what should I do? and some I’m sorry to tell you this, but its life. Everyone is not who they say they are You also can’t keep their promises. You have to learn who you can and can’t trust. have to know for sure when the time is right.

My boyfriend is violent and abusive what should I do? he loves It is a very simple answer, LEAVE! No matter if you love him and he says he does. you, there is no way he really loves you if he can put his hands on you like you have.

You shouldn’t have to or want to make excuses for him for the bruises you better much Anybody should see right through your lies. You should know how can be treated and if he can’t treat you right find someone else that will. they can’t What should I do if I rip a hole in my pants at school, and my parents are at work so bring me new ones?

If you’re First, go check out the nurses’ office and see if they have anything for you. ask one the type of person that does not normally like what the nurse has to give you, you could of your friends if they have an extra pair of sweat pants, or anything that family wear until you can give them back. Also, you could see if you have any other members that are not at work that could bring you something.

*If you are in an unhealthy relationship and would

like to talk, call the Iowa Domestic Violence hotline at 1-800-942-0333. Safe. Free. Confidential.

Sincerely,

Bloodsucking excitement W

story/ Brianna Boner hat you are about to read contains SPOILERS; read no further if you wish to see Breaking Dawn-Part 2 first. I highly recommend seeing it either way.

Hilarious, nerve-wracking, and just simply amazing, defines Breaking Dawn-Part 2. Friday, Nov. 23 at approximately 4 p.m., my Mother, Grandmother, and I entered the Copper Creek Theatre with candy, popcorn, and tickets in hand we made our way to theatre one.

Looking around, the

theatre was not very full.

A couple of lovebirds, an elderly couple, and an obnoxious family, you know the usual. Useless commercials blare over the sound system and then the movie begins… finally!

The beginning is just pure comedy, from Edward (Robert Pattinson) being overpowered by Bella (Kristen Stewart) to Jacob (Taylor Lautner) smelling like a wet dog, it is non-stop laughs for Bella’s transformation.

Then we start getting down to business with our crazy vampire friends thus named

the Volturi.

Irina (Maggie Grace) angry and love stricken over the loss of her lover Laurent (Edi Gathegi) tries to make amends with Bella, but seeing Bella’s child strikes a deep hatred in her. The Volturi, hearing her statement, set off for Forks to annihilate the Cullens.

Soon the vampire world is split in half, and friends become enemies.

Good vs. Evil. The fight begins with many dying on each side. Carlisle, Jasper, Seth, and Leah on the Cullens side. Marcus, Caius,

Jane, Alec, and Aro on the Volturi side… just kidding Alice’s vision showed that Aro would die if he started a war. Technically, Aro was just a chicken so he and his ‘army’ left to go do whatever 3,000 year old vampires do.

I was very impressed with this movie, especially Aro’s creepy laugh. It had me rolling on the floor. The long transitions between each scene were a little annoying but ironically I found it more annoying with the shortness of the movie. I give Breaking Dawn-Part 2, 4.5 stars out of 5.

Page Editor: Brianna Boner East High School - easthighpublications.com

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What is your New Years Resolution?

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1. Kayla H: “To end up starting my 10. Stephenie G: “To finally give up college classes, to become a nurse. pop. I will forever miss you Dr. Pepper.

2. Keesha G: “To get accepted to a 11. Kendrew P: “To be more awesome college that I want to go to. than you.”

3. Chelsie S: “I want to eat healthier and 12. Michelle N: “I wan to put a part of stop with the junk food.” each paycheck I get into a savings so 4. Brianna B: “To stay fit and have more one day I can maybe be a millionaire!” fun.”

13. Ethan R: “To make a movie with 5. Aaron H: “I plan to improve my Adam Devine, and eat a pie with him.” grades and get my scholarships in 14. Karina H: “Be a better person.” order.”

15. Ms. Niemeyer: “To save money!”

6. Tyler V: “Focus on my school work and 16. Darian D: Not eat as much fast food procrastinate less.” as I do now.”

7. Natalie F: To stop stressing out and 17. Chase R: “Stop my Blue’s Clue’s enjoy high school!” addiction.”

8. Josh D: “To take Steph on a date ;).” 18. Steven J: “I’m still working on that.”

9.Savanna B: “To make more friends.” 19. Brian R: “Get the best possible 10. Stephenie G: “To finally give up pop. grades so I can go to a dope school.”

I will forever miss you Dr. Pepper.

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December 21, 2012/Page Editor: Stephenie Gabriel

The

Scarlets

Attack

The two wrestlers fight for the pin as one wrestler gets body slammed to the mat at the winter sports kickoff.

Aricca Daye, junior, looks to sink in a pair at the charity strike. The point guard tries to lead the lady scarlets past Ankeny in the close intense

battle.

Cheerleaders Kara Cipperley and Trin Do, seniors, do the typical duck face pose.

Jessica Moreno, junior, strides her way to victory.

Lane Galvin, junior, strokes to the finish line. photos/Brian Chang

Scarlets showcase skills story/Kayla Hale

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wo East High Students, junior Colby Carmichael and sophomore Connor Enochs participated in a high school baseball showcase at Grandview University on November 18. They were both selected to play in the Under Armor Pre-Season AllAmerican Tournament in Tucson, Arizona in January.

“We had to run a 60 yard dash in the outfield at Grand View, I had to get timed pitching and then I had to hit the ball in front of the scouts. They analyzed and watched everyone; they talk-

ed about it, and chose me the next day,” Carmichael said.

Carmichael feels when it is time for the big day, he is going to do what he does best, and play baseball.

“I’m excited because it’s a big deal. I’m not only representing East High School, but I’m representing Des Moines. I’m excited to see what the competition is like around the U.S,” Colby said.

“I feel like it will be a big opportunity because there will be plenty of scouts there to watch me.”

Out of ten thousand athletes who try out for this

showcase, only 300 are accepted. Carmichael and Enochs were the only two people to make it out of this region, along with participants from as far away as Michigan and Ohio.

“I think it’s an honor, because they watch and choose kids our age around the country.” Connor said.

“I won’t try and focus on anything until it’s game time.

Hopefully this will get me noticed, and I’m excited to see where it will take me.”

Colby was selected to pitch in the tournament, and Connor will be an infielder.

Colby Carmichael throws heat for the Scarlets.

Page Editor: Josh Dunigan - easthighpublications.com

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Going out with a B A N G !

Story/K. Panyanouvong

M

ark your calendars!

Today is the big day you’ve been waiting for, it’s finally Doomsday. Encounter any zombies yet?

Today, December 21, 2012 marks “Doomsday” or the end of the world as we know it. From zombies, to meteors, to solar storms and blackouts, there is a pretty high chance that something… won’t happen.

Whether you’re a believer or not, there are many people who do believe in things such as this. But nothing truly states as factual that today our lives will come to an end.

There are many conspiracy theories out there that people believe in, but they were just fooled. They’re all phony, just a bunch of hoaxes. Although there won’t be a mass corruption of our government or zombie apocalypse, there will be a winter solstice. But don’t worry; a winter solstice is just when the sun appears

at its lowest altitude along the horizon line. You can see this happen today at noon.

One of the most popular end of the world theories is the ending of the ancient Mayan calendar, which ends December 21, 2012 as well.

Quite ironic, isn’t it? Truth be told, the Mayan calendar is most likely just like yours hanging in your kitchen at home. Many people seem to believe in this theory because of how knowledgeable the Mayans were with astronomy.

“The world will not end in 2012. Our planet has been getting along just fine for more than 4 billion years, and credible scientists worldwide know of no threat associated with 2012,” says an article from Nasa.gov.

The Doomsday hoax was an huge opportunity for people to make some cash. The $770 million box office earning film “2012” made its debut in 2009, and was a pretty big hit.

December212012.com runs as “the official website” for Doomsday, with ton of information, a digital countdown clock, and even very long list of “Doomsday believers”.

This isn’t the first time that the world was supposed to end, or as referred to as a“rapture”. There have been over 100 dates that have been predicted that tragedy like this would strike, dating back 2012 years ago, the very first years to exist.

So, a whole world total blackout or a gigantic me-

“Kiss a Playboy Bunny, bungee jump, and make it to the NFL.” Junior Cameron Dorsey “Ride a jet ski down a waterfall.”

Junior Skyler Knutzen

“I want my checks to look like phone numbers.”

Junior Paige Larson “Steal a police car and go on a rampage.”

Sophomore Israel Munoz “Tumble with Shawn Johnson.”

Freshman, Trinity Wignall “Go to Brazil and adopt a finger monkey.”

Senior Jasmine Chak

teor that will end the human population? So called planets named “Nibiru” and “PlanetX” that will collide with our dear old planet Earth, or a polar shift? Giant solar storms or a mass government corruption making people go crazy and insane? How will the world really end?

These are just some of the few absurd theories of how our lives are supposed to end today. Hopefully by the time you’re done reading this you’re still breathing. Oh, and did I forget zombies too?

Top 10 reasons why the world won’t end on Dec. 21, 2012 Story/S. Bullington

1) The end of the world is just a myth. Just like the year of 2000. (Y2K) 2) According to GetTopTen.com, an increased emission from the Sun does not mean the end of the world.

3) According to Toptenz. net, Michel de Nostradamus never said that the world would end in 2012. He was a famous mysterious person who forecasted the world’s end.

4) The Mayan calendar Illustration/Jason Soliday probably wasn’t finished.

5) Scientist have just discovered more years on the Mayan calendar. The Mayan calendar is a system of time-tracking developed by the Mayans of Mesoamerica. This calendar was predicted to end on Dec. 21, 2012.

6) A lot of people don’t believe it’s going happen.

7) People have thought about the end of the world before, but it hasn’t happened yet.

8) According to Yahoo. com, the Earth cannot flip over and switch its rotational polar axis.

9) If Nibiru was here, we would easily see it by now.

It would dominate the sky; therefore it does not exist.

According to Wikipedia. com, Nibiru or also known as Planet X is a supposed disastrous encounter between the Earth and a large object which certain groups believe will take place in the early 21st century.

10) In the Bible, it says that nobody on Earth knows when it’s the end the world, only God knows.

“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the son, but the father only,” Matthew 24:36

Page Editors: M. Nouchanthavong/N. Flores - easthighpublications.com

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