East Scroll issue 5

Vol 83/Issue 5

Peop Time g le ch oes o le th ange n. roug . h th ick a nd t hin.

April 3, 2015

Batt

0-11 Pages 1 o tw See how ve ha students eir th changed lives.

Senior Camille Juarez

E

easthighpublications.com

@EastScroll

IG: EastScroll

Inside issue

5

Feature Lunch at East pg. 10

Editors

Staffers

Brian Chang Nam Le

Adviser

Natalie Niemeyer

Zoe Beasley Matt Buchacker Principal Shirah Burton Steve Johns Abby Folkarts Jorge Gutierrez Beverly Hail Echo Kermoade Annie Khanthaphengxay Reginae Tree Katy McCaull Jordan Van Gundy Elizabeth Monetti Malesa Naovarath Caitlyn Van Gundy William White Joseph Rangel Elaina Rothmayer Kyleana Whitmore Cover flag/ Summer Mills

Cover art/ Jaylin James

page / 2

Feature March Madness picks pg. 23

DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL LETTER POLICY The Scroll welcomes letters but reserves the right EQUALITY STATEMENT

Photographers

Emma Stanley Aron Mota Robles

News ACT/ITEDS pg. 9

Feature Q+A with a tattoo artist pg. 17

Co-Editors in Chief Jessa May Jaylin James

News Mr. East High pg. 8

The Des Moines Public Schools prohibits discrimination in educational and employment prog rams 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.

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.

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.

The Scroll is a public forum for student expression.

Page Editor/J. May, C. Van Gundy

April Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

1

Friday

Saturday

2

3

Scrolls are distributed!

5

6 Boys and Girls 9th, JV, and Varsity Soccer home vs North @ 4:45p.m.

Easter

12

13

Back in 1991, the 2,500th episode of Entertainment Tonight aired

Today is National Scrabble Day!

19

20

Harlem Globetrotters at the Iowa Events Center @ 3p.m.

26 Post Prom event here @ East

Boys 9th and JV Soccer home vs ADM @ 4:45p.m.

27 Back in 1981, the first female soccer official was hired

7 Boys JV, and Varsity Tennis away at Ballard @ 4p.m.

14 Boys and Girls Varsity Tennis at Hoover @ 4p.m.

21 Boys and Girls Soccer home vs Marshalltown @ 4:45p.m.

28 The Lion King at the Civic Center @ 7:30p.m.

8 Today is National Empanada Day!

9 Iowa Wild vs Rockford Icehogs @ Iowa Events Center

15

16

Back in 2013, terrorists set off bomb at the Boston Marathon

Boys and Girls JV and Varsity Tennis home vs Roosevelt beginning @ 3:30p.m.

22

23

Earth Day

Boys and Girls JV Tennis home vs Ottumwa @ 4p.m.

29

30

Back in 1961, ABC’s “Wide World of Sports” debuts

Boys and Girls Varsity Tennis home vs Lincoln @ 4p.m.

10 Boys Varsity Soccer at ADM vs ADM and WSR @ 6p.m.

17 Today is National Cheeseball Day!

24 Girls JV Golf @ 3:30p.m.

4 Iowa Energy vs Maine Red Claws @ Iowa Events Center

11 Iowa Barnstormers vs Green Bay Blizzard @ Iowa Events Center

18 O.A.R. Concert at Hoyt Sherman Place @ 8p.m.

25 Prom @ East from 7:3010:30p.m.

2015 For more information on these events visit the websites below: www.iowaeventscenter.com www.dmschools.org www.desmoinesregister.com www.desmoinescenter.com

Page Editor/ A.Folkerts

page / 3

Isiser- what?

Story by / J. Rangel

PRIDE DE N DI O I CA T I D TI A O R N T They have performed in not one, but two inauguration parades. They’ve performed for the president three times. They hail from Des Moines, Iowa. Ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together for the Isiserettes! The Isiserettes drill and drum corp are a non-profit organization from Des Moines composed of both males and females. The members consist of young people ranging from 7 – 18 years old and who are currently enrolled in schools all around the Des Moines metropolitan area.

In 1980, a national

photo / M. Rangel

convention came to Iowa and they needed a youth group to represent Des Moines.

This is how the Isiserettes came to be. “As a kid, my brothers and I would beat on pots and pans and when my mom started the Isiserettes, I kind of just followed her,” Drumline instructor, Cory Williams said.

The group was started in 1980 and

they continue to bring entertainment to the community to this day. They perform for anything from parades to half time

“Be ready to

lead the next generation” events, and sometimes even weddings!

“I was pretty much born into it. My mom and brother were

Save The Date

What: This year the Isiserettes will be hosting their 35th anniversary celebration When: Saturday, June 13th Where: The Knapp Center at Drake University. 2601 Forest Ave. Des Moines Iowa 50311

Page Editor/ J. Rangel

both in it (The Isiserettes). I’ve been a member for about 10 or 11 years,” Member of the drumline, Spencer Smith said.

So as you can see, most of the kids in the group were born into it or have been in it for a very long time. But do not let that discourage you from joining at all. The Isiserettes welcome anyone to join. They will teach

you the skills and fundamentals you need to become a better drummer/dancer no matter who you are or where you come from.

“We want to teach young people that when you start something, you stick with it and follow it through,” Drill team instructor, Pam Williams said.

The Isiserettes’ purpose is to bring music, excitement and fun to the public.

Their goal is to teach enthusiasm, self-discipline, and work ethic.

“Have passion for what you do and be ready to lead the next generation,” Cory Williams said

How Do I Join?

The Isiserettes have sign ups for training every October. Young people accompanied by a parent or guardian can come into central campus from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. every Saturday in October and sign up for training.

page / 4

Healthy Living What are you eating?

150 calories for 33 pieces

Crystal Velazquez Sophomore How do you stay healthy?

I excercise three times a week drink lots of water and watch what I eat.

How do you stay active?

I go to the YMCA, I’m on the soccer team and in cross country.

Advice for someon who wants to be healthy?

It all depends on the persons commiment.

You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching television.

FACT 2

One can of soda contains 10 teaspoons of sugar and the average American adult drinks 500 cans of soda every year, estimating about 52 pounds of sugar consumed in soft drinks alone.

1 cookie 220 calories

550 calories per sandwich

fact 3

905 calories per package

McDonald’s sells 75 hamburgers every second of every day.

fact 4

During your lifetime, you’ll eat about 60,000 pounds of food — that’s the weight of about six elephants.

Helpful tips...

• Drop that soda, and drink water it’s 0 calories • Limit the fast food • No salt or candy • Try not to eat when you’re bored

fact 1

150 calories per bottle

700 calories per bag

fact 5

Eating breakfast regularly will also Are you always telling yourself that you’re going to get that summer help keep weight off body? Being healthy doesn’t always have to be hard, instead of because it gets your eating Doritos eat an apple, cut down on soda and instead try a bottle of water. Put down your phone for a good hour and go for a metabolism going. walk, start off slow one step at a time, don’t take it to the extreme.

Page Editor/ J. Gutierrez, E. Monetti

page / 5 feature

Crowning the king 2015 Mr. East High Pageant

On March, 26, 2015, former Mr. East High Evian Akers returned to crown his successor. Four young men competed that evening for the title of Mr. East High 2015

The thrift shop portion of the contest consisted of contestants choosing from a montage of clothes selected from local thrift stores. Contestants explained how their outfit choice demonstrated their personality.

Page Editor/ Z. Beasley

The pageant consisted of interviews, formal wear, talent, spirit, thrift shop and lip syncing. Each event was scored by a panel of judges, familiar faces such as School Improvement Leaders Boston Frilinger and Amy Lane.

The pageant wasn’t all about the contestants, this years pageant also featured a trivia game where audience members could win prizes and a hot dog eating contest where the winner, former Mr. East High Evian Akers was awarded the title of “Hawt Dawg”

Judges that evening saw talents such as dancing, juggling, and joke-telling. The next portion, lip syncing, saw songs such as “Let it Go” from Disney’s Frozen and Meghan Trainor’s “Lips are Moving”.

At the end of the night, audience members waited at the edge of their seats to find out the results of the close competition. After a beautiful serenade by senior Ruth Phaviset, the winner was crowned: Junior Mangok Kodak.

page / 6 news

‘Tis the season for testing Get ready...

Many students use these practice tests to prepare for the ACT. Pick one up to help you study for the upcoming ACT.

“In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, your’e given a test that teaches you a lesson.”

- Tom Bodett

that college.

So why should students care so much about these tests? In the end

about them? Because even if they don’t change your grades and don’t define who you are as a person they can affect your future, they tell you if you are on track or if you have a subject you need to work on. The triple E time you have at lunch could be filled with an extra class if you don’t perform well on the tests. You can take this test as much as you want, so if you don’t do as well as you want you should

Photo by/ M. Buchacker

Story by/ M. Buchacker

Y

ou hear the announcements “You could win a pair of Beats headphones and other prizes for meeting your goals or being proficient”.

The Iowa Tests of Educational Development (ITEDS), we take this test every year, except senior year. It is not a test over a student’s individual knowledge but a test to evaluate a students skills over subjects such as math, reading,

vocabulary, spelling and analyzing socials sciences.

But Junior year is a big year, you have these plus the ACT. A multiple choice test over four subjects, math, reading, English, science plus an optional writing section.

You can receive a score of 1 to 36. The score you receive can help you get into a college you really want or could possibly keep you from getting into

“Colleges use the score to determine acceptance.”

- Mrs. Curto they don’t hurt our grades if we do poorly, and they don’t make my grades better. So why should I care

retake it to get a better score. The better the score the better chance you have of college’s looking at you and accepting you.

Juniors who are preparing to take the ACT in April should take advantage of the opportunity because it is free, you are getting a $55 test for free. A free chance to get into the college of your dreams.

Study Use your Study with Prepare little bits parents to friends within every day help study time Take as many Plan out and have a study plan

Page Editor/ M. Buchacker

practice tests as you can

Get a good score

page / 7 news

The lowdown on lunch Story/Shirah Burton Let’s take a trip back to your freshman year, on the first day of school. Imagine walking into the cafeteria and smelling all of the food from Jake’s Place. Try to remember looking through the massive crowds of students just trying to find a place to sit. How nerve wracking was it trying to find a group of friends to enjoy lunch with?

“It’s important to have a lunch group to sit with because no one wants to eat alone.

Lunch is one of the most important moments of the day and being comfortable while eating makes it 100 times better.

Everyone needs a little entertainment,” junior Cassandra Foss said.

Plus, it isn’t always about the laughs. Just being comfortable with your close friends will help you have a good time.

“It feels good being able to speak freely to your friends because you can be yourself,” freshman Thomas Egenberger said. The more you can be yourself, the closer you become to those you eat with.

“Hanging out with friends at lunch depends

on if it is important to you. Some people prefer to eat alone and others would rather have someone to talk to,” junior Gerardo Murillo said.

Although it may not be important to some people when it comes to eating with friends but it may be the highlight of someone else’s day.

“During lunch I have met new people, got closer to them and found out what we have in common. I love it because it’s almost like a break from school.

You don’t have to worry about class or homework and you can finally just relax and chill with your friends,” junior Emely Teran said.

Even when you are having a good time, try to think about others.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have an everyday group of friends to sit with.

And for those who need a place to sit…

“Find open seats, look for friend or familiar faces, and do not be afraid to initiate a

conversation,” School Improvement Leader, Sara Curto said. It is perfectly okay to sit with someone similar to you but try to mix it up a little. Get to know someone with a different background or grade than you. You never know who you’ll meet.

“Our lunches are different from other schools. We have a diverse population with lots of good students that are very welcoming which makes a big difference,” Curto said.

Spending their lunch together is a close group of friends. These are some of the seniors that sit together on a daily basis.

“The best part about my friends is that we are really close and they are definitely funny. I love all of them,” senior Jailene Rodriguez said.

photo/ S. Burton Kicking back and relaxing during their free time is Dante Torres, Austin Hunter, and Austin Kelley. “I have known Austin Hunter for a long time and Austin Kelley is always fun to hang around. The two combined are hilarious,” junior Torres said.

photo/ S. Burton Hanging out at lunch is a small group of friends. “I usually eat with a few friends for lunch and then after we are done, we all head to the gym. I like going to the gym because that is where I really get to enjoy my free time,” junior Treatment Rout said.

photo/S. Burton

Page Editor/ S. Burton

page / 8 features

page / 9 ads

What Does It Mean To You?

High school:

Camille Juarez is a senior at East High School and is graduating in May.

Camille Juarez Tell me about a few things that defined who you are today.

Definitely my daughter defines who I am. I got pregnant in May of my freshmen year so I came in August five months pregnant.

I came back super pregnant.

And all my teachers were completely surprised. Because I was an honor roll student I was in extracurricular activities.

I went to class every day. I’m not your averaged “knocked up teen mom.” And then basically I had forgotten who I was.

One of my teachers looked me in the eyes and she said “I’m so sorry.” And I said, “Why what do you need to be sorry about.” It was at this point that I realized everyone pitied me, everyone saw my future as being gone. Everyone saw me as less than I was because of the fact that I made a mistake.

I did what every other teenager does.

Story/ K. Whitmore

Four years. 720 days. 5,040 hours. 302,400 minutes. 18,144,000 seconds. Each moment sets up a domino for the rest of your life.

You decide whether they stay standing or get knocked down.

Brian Rivera is a freshman at Iowa State University and graduated from East last year.

so you have to be responsible, if something doesn’t go your way you have no one to blame but yourself.

Brian Rivera

What influenced your changes?

A lot of the changes in me were influenced by my surroundings. Coming to Iowa State University I had to adapt into a college student fast. The amount of class, homework, studying, and meetings is daunting, add in a social life, clubs, friends, sleep, and other activities you want to do and you’ll easily learn that 24 hours

How do you feel you have changed since you graduated?

I have seen a lot of growth in myself mainly in independence.

My parents aren’t around to wake me up for school, tell me when I have to do stuff, or clean my room for me, etc.

Having to be an adult kicks in really fast. Everything is on you

page 10/ feature

is not enough for one day.

much fun as I think high school is, college is 10 times better. But the point I would get across is the moment he will have when he sees the look on his parents

summer before high school my family and I had learned that If you could have a my mother was diagnosed with conversation with your stage 1 leukemia, I had also freshmen self what do you been going through a time of think you would depression. My father talk about? took up multiple jobs The first thing I and with my mother

But the point I would get would say is “stop busy taking care of across is the moment he will being a scum bag and herself I didn’t really have when he sees the look on his have anyone over me go to class.” I would parents faces, when he tells them telling me what to tell him that he that he will become the first child do. Add in that I was would greatly regret the shitty job he did already a crazy kid to go to college. in academics because with no responsibility he is only making it it lead to a rough harder on himself for the next faces, when he tells them that first year of high school. It three years. I feel like I have he will become the first child to wasn’t until the last day of my grown a lot from my mistakes go to college. The amount of freshman year when I got in and it only made me better. pride he will gain from being a trouble with the school cop When I was a freshman I first generation college student, that I had a moment of clarity. was very anti-authority and how when a lot of times the I reflected on the past year and only listened to what ever great odds were not in his favor and saw where I was going in life if idea came into my head at the even when he had so much I had kept on the same path, no time. If somehow I could speak holding him back, he was able where. to my younger self he would to make it. definitely listen to me because The turning point back then, that’s the only Brian in his own words Soon I started getting person I ever listened to.

“Coming into my freshmen accepted to multiple I would warn myself on how year I had gone through some universities, this gave me hope important school is because as big moments in my life. The on higher education. Then

“

”

Page Editors/ Kyleana Whitmore

towards the end of my senior year I had received some grants from FAFSA and had received a full tuition scholarship to attend Iowa State University.

Excited out of my mind I saw how everything came into place.

Last but not least This shows that in today’s world anyone can make the most out of their life if they take the necessary steps and have the right mind set. A lot of my friends that I used to be close with when I was younger ended up being drops outs, some live their lives settled with working a job they hate 9-5 and selling drugs on the side. It saddens me because they too could have the same opportunities I had, all it takes is the right mind set that you want to do better. If you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe then you will be successful.”

The change It was from that point that I need to prove everyone wrong.

I’m not going to become a stereo-type, I’m not going to become a statistic. I’m going to beat that. And to beat that in the only way I ever knew how was through education. I knew I couldn’t stop going to school.

That was never an option for me at all. College has always been something that I was going to do. It basically came down to I’m going to do this for me and for my daughter.

A bump in the road I found out she had Gastricus. It’s a really rare abdominal wall defect. When babies are first in the uterus before you even know you’re pregnant, their abdomen will close around all of their large intestines and all that stuff. All that stuff goes in and makes the belly button. Sometimes some gets caught out there and it leaves a little hole in the right side of the bellybutton.

Her bowels were on the outside of her body. This would mean that I would have to have her early and that she would have to stay in the NICU for some period of time to fix it and because she was premature. It caused her not to gain weight like she should have. I was seeing two different pre-natal doctors, while having high risk pregnancy, while attending school. Then when I had her I knew I was going to have to be in the NICU for five weeks.

Still striving for success The school, God bless them, froze my grades because I had all A’s. They let me opt out of my finals which, thank god was over Christmas break, two weeks we didn’t even have school. When I came back second semester my grades didn’t suffer. Since having her, I just took as many AP classes as

“

work, and school, and Isabel.

That’s my breath of fresh air, is theater.

How do you feel you have changed since you started high school?

Definitely maturity. And I know that’s for everyone but I feel like I was 14 going on 40.

Becoming a mom really had to speed up that process. As a senior looking back I see all of my little mistakes and all my little things that could have gone differently. But now you realize you don’t have drama with anyone. You don’t really care what other people think.

You are more focused on yourself and your future. That’s how you realize that you’ve become mature. You realize that all the things that mattered four years ago have absolutely no significance anymore.

No matter what anyone says

of you or thinks of you, no matter what drama you get yourself into, no matter what things you let someone say to you whether it be boyfriend, parents, teachers, anyone; at the end of the day you matter.

I could. Even now this semester I’m at DMACC’s maximum credit hours at 16. I will have my Associates degree finished in August. Then I go to Drake in the fall for environmental policy major. She just pushed me to do what I needed to do.

Instead of using me having a child as an impediment to success I tried to use it as driving force to success.

Breath of fresh air I kept up with theater because it is something I have loved always. I didn’t let myself, thanks to my mom, lose track of that. I kept being involved in theater. Even when she was first born I played Juliet. It was a really big role for being as busy as I was. If I wasn’t on stage I was sleeping. I was exhausted but I loved it. I continued to because I think that is important as well to do things that make me, me.

I need to do that to keep me sane when I step away from

Page Editors/ Kyleana Whitmore

”

Are you happy with your change? Why or why not?

Yes. I’m happy because I started making better life choices for myself. I started doing what’s best for her and what’s best for me. That required a lot of hard work and a lot of lifestyle change.

Now looking back I’m about to see the fruits of my hard work pay off. I’ve been working and working and working. We move into our house in June.

Just me and her[Isabel]. And then I’m going to start going to Drake University. All these good things are finally coming.

After all these years of work, work, work, get over it, get over it, keep going, keep going. I’m now finally starting to see the results of that. It’s really really worth it.

If you could have a conversation with your freshman self what do you think you would talk about?

I’d say “Don’t listen to your

mom. Go get birth control.”

Whether your mom is okay with it or not. I think that is a big misconception with our parents. I came to her in a very responsible way. I said, “Mom I’m having sex. I would like to be on birth control” and she said ‘No. No you are not going to be having sex.” I obviously didn’t just stop. And ta da baby.

It has nothing to do with my mom. It’s a choice. I would say to myself use birth control or don’t have sex, and choose wisely with the people you surround yourself with. I had a boyfriend who influenced me in a multitude of ways, mostly bad. It really changed me. My freshmen year I did not get good grades at all. This little sense of freedom like over took me. I took it way too far.

Do you think they would have approved of you now?

Yes. If you would have told me when I was a freshman that when you graduate you’re going to be half way to a bachelor’s degree. I wouldn’t have believed you. I think I would be proud of myself you know if I was a freshman. I didn’t know all that I could accomplish. And I didn’t know if I put my mind to it what I could achieve.

What advice would you give for freshman boys or girls starting at East on how to manage their high school career?

To realize at the end of the day what matters is you. No matter what anyone says of you or thinks of you, no matter what drama you get yourself into, no matter what things you let someone say to you whether it be boyfriend, parents, teachers, anyone; at the end of the day you matter. You need to make choices that will affect you in a good way because everything you do in high school is a domino effect. You do one bad thing and it leads to another and another and another. You need to be the thing that stops that. Although it’s super cliché peer pressuring and things like that really do happen. You need to be the change you want to see in yourself. Be the change you want to see in the world.

page 11/ feature

Pages Editor/ M.Naovarath

2 Arizona

6 Xavier

4 N. Carolina

1 Wisconsin

7 Wichita St

3 Notre Dame

5 W. Virginia

1 Kentucky

Sweet Sixteen

???????

Championship

East High says...

1 Wisconsin

1 Kentucky

Final Four

Elite Eight

1 Duke

7 Michigan St

2 Gonzaga

1 Duke

7 Michigan St

Final Four 4 Louisville

Who will win?

100 East High students participated and this is what they said.

2 Arizona

1 Wisconsin

3 Notre Dame

1 Kentucky

Elite Eight

March Madness

2 Gonzaga

11 UCLA

5 Utah

1 Duke

7 Michigan St

3 Oklahoma

4 Louisville

8 NC State

Sweet Sixteen

10 votes

Duke

50 votes

Kentucky

Wisconsin

15

25

page / 12 votes

Michigan St

votes

The real universe

Marvel universe

Marvel: What is Marvel? Besides marvelous. Marvel was founded in 1939 not always known as marvel but never the less made comic books.

With some of their charters coming from the mythology origin.

East High’s Marvel favorites 1-10 1. Spider Man 2. Wolverine 3. The Incredible Hulk 4. Captain America 5. Iron Man 6. Thor 7. Daredevil 8. Captian Marvel 9. Black Widow 10. Black Panther

DC universe background

Favorite enemies

background

30 East High students choose between good and evil.

Then their choice of comic companies.

Marvel vs DC

DC We have all at one time wanted to be more then what we are. Whether that be self improvement or in the form of super powers. The wonder of a universe, outside of our own.

These two comic giants have made

Pages Editor/ J.Van Gundy

Heroes vs Villains

Marvel

Heroes

the world of super heros and villains into a world that is full of twists and turns that drive the reader to read more into these fantastic stories in which there are heros and villains.

An epic conquest of good and evil.

There are many

Villains

different stories, characters and realities.

If you are looking for a new hobby or just like a lot more pictures in your books. With an explosive, always moving story line, comics are probably for you.

DC: Detective comics. DC was founded in 1934. like Marvel, they have had many different names.

They have survived though the ups and downs. They began action comics. With one of their fan favorites. Super Man. East High’s DC favorites 1-10 1. Green lantern 2. Batman 3. Superman 4. Joker 5. Supergirl 6. Aquaman 7. Flash 8. Wonder Woman 9. Harley Qinn 10. Bane

page / 13

Ross Welcher

Snapchat “I immediatly knew what she was going to use it for, and so I was like oh my gosh you did not just do that I look ridiculous,” Ms. Buckton.

“I didn’t really care, but yet I felt violated,” junior Earl Warren said.

“Getting screenshotted doesnt really bother me to be honest because I get screenshotted a lot,” junior Greg Baltzley said.

#DoItForTheScroll Josh Davis

“I knew she was going to. You send them, and it happens,” freshman Zack Kuehler said.

“I didn’t feel violated because my hair looked awesome in that picture,” Mr. Allan said.

Page Editor/ Jessa May, Caitlyn VanGundy

“I didn’t feel violated because I feel like they like what they see and wanted to screenshot it,” freshman Logan Robinson said.

Mason Fisher

page / 14

Story/ E. Rothmayer

Artists: Katie Davis (bottom right), Josie Weber (ying yang), Brad Steffens (others) Photos/ Elaina Rothmayer

Tattoo: A mark (on a person or a part of the body) with a permanent design by inserting pigment into punctures in the skin. The word tattoo originated from the Tahitian word ‘tatau’ which translates as ‘to mark something’.

Tattoos have been around for what seems like forever, some people love them, some people hate them, either way it’s a means of self-expression. The human body is like an empty canvas, what you choose to identify yourselves as, wear, or mark yourselves with; is ultimately your choice. You need to understand that no one but you can fill in this canvas, the artist, whether you choose paint brush or colored pencil, chalk or marker, it’s your freedom of body and mind that shows who you are, not what you do.

From hearts and ribbons to skulls and flames.

Tattoos are very unique, each with a different significant meaning.

Q & A with Brad Steffens: Tattoo Artist

Q:When and why did you decide to become a tattoo artist?

A: I’ve always drawn since I was eight or nine years old. I’m a selftaught tattoo artist, I started when I was 18, everyone (had) seen my skills at drawing and somebody handed me a (tattoo) gun and told me to get tattooing.

Q: How many tattoos have you done in the last five years?

A: Around 2500-3000 and started the wall about six months ago Q: While you’re working on a tattoo, what do you think of ?

A: Mostly I joke with everybody, jam out to my music, try to keep a clear head. I also think about what I’m gonna do how I’m gonna shade it I’m also watching my needle

making sure I’m not pushing too hard.

Q: Do you ever freehand designs for people?

A: Yes, I gotta like what I’m doing, gotta feel it. If I don’t like what I’m doing I’ll throw it out.

Q: How do you come up with the inspiration to free hand designs?

A: I look online, I like the old Hawaiian styles Q: What is the most significant or most memorable tattoo you’ve ever done on someone?

A: The life and death one, (see photo) Mike Harding, my best friend and confidante, been friends for 13 years, he was killed in a motorcycle accident by a drunk driver.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who wants to get a tattoo?

A: To really think about

Pages Editor/ E. Rothmayer

what you want because it is permanent, make sure it has meaning not just cool to get with your friends.

Make sure you sit down with your tattoo artist and talk about what you want, make sure you see their portfolio.

Q: Advice for an aspiring tattoo artist?

A: Learn the history first, do a lot of drawing, I don’t draw near as much as I should. Study their craft if they really want to do tattooing.

Other: I like my clients to be comfortable, I prep and sterilize like how it’s supposed to be legally done, and I keep it clean.

I’ve actually turned people away because they don’t take care of themselves.

There’s no magical eraser When you’re tattooing you can’t color like you’re doing coloring books you gotta use small quick stokes/circles.

Photos/ Elaina Rothmayer

Ms. Lee is an art teacher at East High who loves tattoos as much as her students. She has a total of five tattoos and plans on getting more. Her most recent one is a free-handed mandala; she chose this particular tattoo because her students created them in her class, and they inspired her.

She says that all the little dots are supposed to represent unity, and the tattoo itself will be a reminder of her first year teaching. She likes how its become a lot more casual, and how its considered an art form. She also believes that it takes a very ballsy person to get a tattoo.

Page / 15 feature

Anonymous @Restless_ 36m What is a good way to get a good sleep at night?

Dear Echo, @DearEcho 34m

East High School’s advice column

To start, you should set a goal time to get ready for bed. Your body is bound to have routines, it develops an internal clock so avoid sleeping in late no matter what. I tend to wait until I’m tired enough to actually get in bed, but that leaves me paying for it in the morning. Fans are used for a comfort, that can help you fall asleep faster. Avoid leaving lights on. Make sure you have a good dinner to prevent restlessness. Try to stretch before crawling into bed to release tension in muscles. Focus on breathing to ease your mind and relax. Hope you have a better night sleep!

Anonymous @Cluelesss_ 44m How do you talk to a boy?

Dear Echo, @DearEcho 41m Guys are weird... They don’t like to talk about themselves in a personal way but they will talk about personal subjects. I wouldn’t compromise yourself too much in a conversation with a boy, but it is nice to discuss things that they are interested in. That’s your first task, find out what they like or dislike.

Most guys (people in general) are not into a one sided conversation, so avoid talking about yourself so much and engage questions that have to do with both of you. Just be yourself, remember that you’re getting to know a person. Think about how you would want him to get to know you.

@DearEcho

Anonymous @TruOrnahh_ 53m How do you know who your true friends are?

Dear Echo, @DearEcho 50m If you start (or have started) to do something new that you’re either interested in learning or thorougly enjoy and your “friends” are not supportive of you and discourage you, then you will know.

Anonymous @Desperadooo_ 57m How do you tell a guy you like him without sounding desperate?

Dear Echo, @DearEcho 54m Confessing your feelings for someone can be a vulnerable situation. It is scary for us to come face to face with the possibility of rejection. But keep in mind, you don’t have to be desperate. There are lots of ways to let someone know that you like them without bluntly saying “I like you...more than a friend”, you can ask them to hangout once or twice and maybe get them to realize it themselves, or you can be sincere and tell them exactly why you like them and what you’re looking for in a relationship but also be mature enough to accept their feelings as well. Being straight up isn’t being desperate.

Page Editor/ Echo Kermoade

page/ 16 opinion

WH IPL A S H EXCEEDING THE LIMITS When push comes to shove, when is it too much? When does ambition become obsessive behavior? When does exceeding the limits become harmful? Based on real emotions from a musician himself comes a film directed

by Mr. Damien Chazelle and was released into select theaters in 2014.

instead, this seems For jazz lovers and to be a source of adrenaline seekers, “Whiplash”, conveys determination for Andrew Neiman the trauma and perseverance of one (Miles Teller) as he student.

To be pushed “Push people not only beyond what is beyond expected of them. what is expected I believe that is a of you, necessity,” -Fletcher but beyond not only tests his actual capability, is sure to cause some band instructor extreme anxiety. But Fletcher’s (J.K.

Story/Echo Kermoade

Simmons) patience, For more of this but defies his limits story, visit www. by exceeding his easthighpublications. own expectations in com. the end. Although the film was portrayed with a lot more intensity than the actuality of the event that occurred in the director’s life, it still shows the immense emotional impact that anyone who is devoted or committed to something can easily relate to.

Fifty shades of emotions

Story/Katy McCaull

“Mr. Grey will see you now.” These words lead Anastasia Steele to meeting the biggest challenge of her life.

“50 Shades of Grey” first became popular when the hit book series came out. The movie came out February of 2015 and made over $247 million at the global box office.

This series has captured the interest of many teens, but has brought a lot of controversy.

For Ana, being with Christian Grey is the best thing that could have happened to her. Until she learns about his weird fetishes, most of them being sexual, and how he wants her to sign a contract saying she must do certain things for him. For instance, she will be ‘punished’ when she says or does something against what Grey wants her to do.

“There are many things that are ma-

nipulative and emotionally abusive about Christian Grey,” sophomore Autumn Fetters said.

Some viewers saw Grey in a different way. “I would say it’s emotional because she wants more but he is a little hesitant, but he ends up loving her, just not in a way that is normal,” junior Afi Atchale said.

I believe that this relationship is partially physical but more emotionally

Page Editors/ E.Kermoade, K.McCaull

abusive. However, Ana was always given the choice to leave. In some parts of the story it is also romantic because he takes her places that he has never taken anyone else and has had many ‘first’s’ with her. In the end, Christian ends up hurting Anastasia in

a way that is unforgiveable, she must then make a very big decision. Ultimately, she must choose to stay or leave Christian. In the next movie, “Fifty Shades Darker,” we will see what Anastasia’s ultimate decision will lead her.

page / 17 reviews

Rising star from overseas

Story / A. Khanthaphengxay

“If we’re talking about my value, I’m a billion dollar baby,”- Lee Chaerin At the age of 18, CL became the leader of the wellknown four member group named 2NE1. In just 8 years, CL pursued her dream of becoming a singer and songwriter.

Although most of CL’s songs are in Korean, she receives much love from her fans from all over the world.

During an interview, CL was asked about music and if she worried about language barriers that would stop her.

“You can just enjoy music without understanding it, music is a universal language.” CL said.

“The Baddest Female” and “MTBD (mental breakdown)” are two solo songs that CL has written and performed all by herself at the moment. She has previously released “Dirty Vibe” with Skrillex, Diplo, and label mate G-Dragon. CL is currently working with the Black Eyed Peas and also working on her solo album which is being released this year. Although no specific date is stated, fans of CL are excited and are anticipating her debut in America.

Maybe it’s too late...

Story / B. White On Friday, February 13, only two hours after releasing his new album, he made over $700,000 from his new mix tape, “If You’re reading this it’s too late”.

It was huge surprise to most of his fans. Some liked it and some didn’t. He released 18 songs, some

of which were titled in an oddly way which some fans reacted to.

Rapper 50 Cent also expresses how he felt towards the album.

“Look, I don’t have favorites artists, I have favorite moments from artists,” 50 Cent said. 50 Cent knew that the album would go trending.

Fans were upset

Best songs: Legend, know yourself, energy / Magdah Bresh / 9

You and the 6 is the best song, hands down. I love the flow of the song / Earl Warren 11

about how you had to buy the album on iTunes and it was very difficult to find or download it on other websites. Drake originally planned to drop it as a free mix tape. The cause of that is because the label “Cash Money” pushed for it to be released through retail.

The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 the week it was released.

The mix tape art the title has a very awkward front. One thing fans don’t know is that “If you’re read-

Page Editors/ A. Khanthaphengxay and B. White

ing this, it’s too late is a shot at Rapper Birdman who owns YMCMB. Early on in the year, Lil Wayne had beef with Birdman for not releasing “Tha Carter V.” Wayne sued Birdman and Cash money for $51 million for freedom from the label.

Must download

1. The Baddest Female 2. I Am The Best 3. Come Back Home 4. MTBD 5. Dirty Vibe

instagram / @chaelincl

Many Korean artists have tried to come up in the American music industry but have failed. The only Korean artist that everyone knows is Psy with the song Gangnam Style. This year a label mate of Psy’s will be debuting in America. Known as the charismatic leader of a Korean girl group, CL will be rapping and singing her way up the charts in the States after signing with Scooter Braun.

Coming from a family that does well in physics and economics, Lee Chaerin, or CL, dreamed of becoming a singer at age 10.

When CL was 15 years old, she entered YG Entertainment after personally handing one of her mixtapes to the CEO.

MUST DOWNLOAD Legend Energy Know Yourself 10 Bands Jungle

page / 18 reviews

When life gives you hurdles... year.

These girls aren’t the only team ready for a great season.

Teams such as Waukee, Urbandale and Ankeny are a big competition for this group of girls.

Though there is Junior Dimetrea Hamilton finishes her run competition, these over the hurdles at one of the first outdoor girls are very used to practices of the season. the pressure. story/ J.James “I feel very comhy would teammate Dimetrea you want Hamilton also com- fortable running hurdles. I still get to run? Who would peted in the open nervous before my have fun running 100 hurdles and in circles? Why is placed second in the race but once I get over the first hurdle, that even a sport? state.

I feel fine,” said When it comes to As a team comHamilton. competing for who’s peting at the state For more inforthe fastest out there, track meet, the girls mation on when and track is the sport took sixth place in you’re looking for the shuttle hurdle re- where the girls will and the East girls lay and are after even be running, check the Spring sports hurdle team happens more this year. The to know a lot about girls hurdle team last schedule. it. Track is a very year consisted of the exhilarating sport following students; that gets the blood Anderson, Asia Bell, flowing faster than Abbie Youngwirth ever. and Hamilton. When “Everything goes asked to reflect on so fast, I still get so what it would take to nervous before every follow up on such a race,” said junior great year, the girls Ajae Anderson. all answered with Anderson comalmost the same peted last year at the response. Hard state track meet in work, dedication and the open 100 hurdles continuously training and placed eighth is the key to having in the state. Her another successful

W

Page Editor/ J. James

J U

M

P page / 19 Sports

ads

page / 20