HENS News

H.E.N.S News

Forever Young

710 tickets were sold for this years prom

DESIGN BY EMERIE BELL

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S MAY, 2017

Letter From the Creators Natalie

Hannah Cantrell

I really enjoy journalism. Although I’m not very advanced when it comes to the technology part of it, writing is more up my alley. I love to do interviews and get to know more about the West High community and be able to incorporate different peoples style and personality into articles.

The thing I love most about Journalism is being able to express my creativity and also making something purposeful. I like to focus on design and making graphics. H.E.N.S. News’ goal is to provide news in an interesting and captivating way.

Emerie Bell

Sandrah

Journalism is not my forte. This is my first year doing any kind of news and or journalism. I like to stick with design and writing as much as I can. My creativity allows me to be able to design web and print pages relating to the story. Writing lets me express myself while also relating to others in our school. H.E.N.S News is all about relating to West High and informing the school about events.

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OPINION Room for Debate?

All about the debate team

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SPORTS Double Play The friendship of two baseball students

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I like to focus on photography and videography.

Working on this project has really opened me up to different editing software and cool gadgets that are useful for video and photography.

I really enjoyed working with my fabulous team of girls, we all have something special that we bring to the table and we all collaborate really well. This is one of our biggest projects yet and we hope you really enjoy it.

PROFILE

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Livid Liberty New high-school coming to our community

Continuing to Win the Day

The relationship Flash brought together

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COVER Forever Young 2017 WHS Prom

NEWS

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OPINION You are what you Eat What resturants you should eat at DESIGN BY EMERIE BELL

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OPINION

ROOM FOR DEBATE?

West’s Debate Team describes their season. strageties, and topic for this year.

BY NATALIE ROETLIN DESIGN BY HANNAH CANTRELL INFOGRAPHIC BY EMERIE BELL The West High Debate Team has a special duo this year: Ethan Trepka ‘18 and his partner Pranav Krishnamurthy ‘18.

Trepka and Krishnamurthy are very dedicated, as they will attend a seven week-long debate camp at University of Michigan over the summer. There, they will learn about the upcoming season’s topics of debate, improve their speech skills and become all around better debaters.

The nationwide topic this year is “Federal Government Engagement with China”. This is a very controversial topic with multiple perspectives to argue. The topics are chosen by a committee that is composed of debate coaches from around the nation. At the beginning of each year, they come together to choose an academically intriguing subject for debate.

Trepka says, “My partner and I have really enjoyed both the affirmative as

well as the negative side of this year’s topic.” Their main goal this season was to qualify for the ToC (Tournament of Champions). They accomplished this with flying colors by winning ‘bids’ (qualification round wins) throughout the season. The duo has made it past eliminations six out of the nine tournaments they have attended. Despite this being their first year competing as partners at the national level, they are excited to place high at the ToC. This level of confidence is substantiated as they practice and prepare for many hours before they compete.

“An everyday practice consists of researching along with practice speeches and speaking drills,” says Trepka. Preparing for the ToC is slightly different.

At the Tournament of Champions, there are a lot of teams who come up with new arguments that you have not

MAY, 2017

previously prepared answer. A way to be ready for what your opponent could argue is to come up with generic strategies that can be used as a rebuttal, Trepka and his partner try to reflect these strategies onto their team. Together they lead the team and help out others while at practice.

Although Trepka holds many accomplishments as a debater, he is undecided as to whether or not he will continue with the activity in college.

Trepka’s coach, Spencer Roetlin, re-

“It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.”

~Joseph Joubert lates the benefits of taking part of the debate team, “Debate does a number of things to set you apart from your everyday opponents, your classmates.

Debate teaches you great research habits because evidence quality is something that is highly valued and sought after in debate rounds. It teaches you how to logically reason through arguments which makes you a more persuasive person therefore can help set you apart from others when it comes to job interviews for example.”

Debating helps you develop essential critical thinking skills in addition to strengthening your presentation skills. Presentation plays a critical part in how others perceive you as an individual, and more importantly, as competition. When you are able to master the art of perception, you are able to use others opinion to your advantage. “Debate is a very hard extracurricular activity, but will benefit you greatly later in life,” says Roetlin.

More coverage on West High Debate online

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SPORTS MAY, 2017

DOUBLE PLAY TWO SENIORS WITH THEIR COMMON LOVE FOR BASEBALL HAVE BEEN FRIENDS SINCE THEY FIRST TOUCHED A BAT

BY NATALIE ROETLIN DESIGN BY HANNAH CANTRELL PHOTO CREDIT TO EMERIE BELL

Seven was the magic numintroduction over nine years ago,” ber, Dane Randall Christen Bell said. ’17 and Teagan Bell Not only do ’17 have been best the moms share friends since they the same passion first hit the field. for their sons and Baseball the sport they love, serves as the spark they share the same to their friendship, name as well. “I inthey met when troduced myself as they were seven Kristen with a ‘K’ years old and have and she introduced remained close as brothers since. herself as Christen with a ‘C’ from Randall and Bell’s young then on she has been one of my trubond inspired est and dearest West High Baseball their families to friends,” Kristen STATS form a strong reRandall said.

2014 lationship. “The The boys 34 wins, 10 losses boys quickly beshare many sim2015 came friends on ilarities, they 34 wins, 12 losses and off the field, both play sec2016 they have a very ond baseman.

37 wins, 7 losses special bond In addition to serving as the second base catalyst to Kristen and I’s initial Bell plays third while Randall is

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SPORTS

MAY, 2017

Randall ‘17 and Bell ‘17 play baseball on the same team when they were younger.

also needed in the outfield, pitching etc.

The boys are very excited for the upcoming season as they will be seniors and this year will be the last time they play together. They plan on staying close considering DANE RANDALL ’17 they both are furthering their education close by. Bell will be attending the University of Iowa next fall while Randall will be near by at Kirkwood Community College. Out of the two only Randall will be continuing his career in baseball.

“I hope playing at Kirkwood will broaden my opportunities to play at a D1 school,” said Randall.

From carpooling to practice to boys night on the weekend, they share a similar routine. They share the same hope for this season, that everyone will have fun and

hold themselves accountable to the team.

“I think this season we’ll have a better lineup for hitting, although our pitching won’t be as strong, we hope to be as good as last year if not better,” said Bell.

They boys moms really enjoy the season, they sit next to each other at every game. “We naturally gravitated towards one another in the stands, our shared passion for the game and our boys has left us with years of memorable moments,” said Christen Bell.

Soon Bell and Randall will be parting sides of the field and walking their own innings of life.

The years will not be forgotTEAGAN BELL ’17 ten, the boys have brought to existence a bond that could never be broke.

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PROFILE MAY, 2017

CONTINUING TO

WIN THE DAY HOW AUSTIN SCHROEDER LEFT A LEGACY OF A LIFETIME

BY NATALIE ROETLIN DESIGN BY HANNAH CANTRELL

“Win the day,” late Austin Schroeder would have said.

Meaning take each day as a gift, don’t lose the gift of today by contemplating tomorrow's. Austin Schroeder better known as Flash knew just how to win the day.

“He was the kid that made people laugh, I love listening to his high pitched squeal of a laugh in videos because that’s exactly how I remember him,” Carter Johnson ’18 said.

Flash and Johnson were best friends, as close as brothers. They were neighbors and played on the same baseball team since they were eight years old.

The baseball team was coached

by Craig Schroeder, Flash’s father.

Having Craig as the coach for so many years served as the catalyst to the Schroeder and Johnson family’s extremely close relationship.

“Craig became sort of a second father to me and I will always be thankful for that, it’s as if I have two families,” said Johnson.

It was a very hard transition for

first started dating it was like I had to get two families approvals instead of just one, which I wouldn’t change for the world,” said Barta ’18.

Johnson and Barta participate in nuJohnson after Flash had passed merous charities and events around away, he had lost his best friend. town. One of their favorites being the He has now found someone who University of Iowa Dance Marathon. will stand by his side and help him “The charities certainly have their through the rough days. He has sad moments but getting to meet all found someone who will help him of the families that have been affectmake a difference in the world one ed by childhood cancer is by far one small step at of the most a time. He “I will carry Flash’s sto- incre dible has found a experiences best friend, ry with me for the rest I have took someone part in,” said who he of my life, I will tell my J o h n s o n . can con- kids someday about To g e t h e r fide in and the two also Austin impacted participate count on. how This special not only me but the sur- in planning someone meal packbeing Madi rounding community.” ing events Barta ’18, at John-Carter Johnson ’18 J o h n s o n’s son’s church girlfriend. in order to do what they can to “Madi has helped me get through feed hungry people worldwide. so many things, she’s amazing to Both claiming Flash as the have by my side. In the months after driving force to do so much Flash died I was able to talk to her good around the community. about things that were on my mind,” “I will carry Flash’s story with me said Johnson. She was a wonderful for the rest of my life, I will tell my contribution to his life and his family. kids someday about how Austin “My relationship with the Schroed- impacted not only me but the surer’s has grown a lot, when CJ and I rounding community,” said Johnson.

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F E AT U R E

MAY, 2017

FOREVER YOUNG

DESIGN BY EMERIE BELL

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F E AT U R E MAY, 2017

BY SANDRAH OCHOLA AND EMERIE BELL DESIGN BY EMERIE BELL PHOTO CREDIT TO SANDRAH OCHOLA Typically girls get ready in groups, usually the groups that they will be attending prom with. If you’re lucky, the girls in your group may have different areas of cosmetic expertise. Jamming out to dated 2000’s music and practicing the latest moves is also part of the process. The latest hair trends seem to have stemmed from everyday fashion. Instead of the typical curly poofy updo many have switched to the simple yet elegant half up, half down do, with loose curls at the end.

Ellie Brown is getting her hair done for the dance

Pre Prom

The venue was the Iowa Memorial Union, it hosted 710 students and faculty. The venue also has refreshments and drinks, which is where you could find 45% of attendees due to the hot and humid atmosphere. The theme was Forever Young. As an attendee, based on the decorations and music your would never guess that this was what the theme was. Unless of course you stayed until the end and heard the DJ play “Forever Young” by Alphaville. But by then over half of the prom goers had left to dry off and get ready for after prom festivities.

Where It All Happens

How many prom tickets were bought?

How many after prom tickets were bought?

710 200

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F E AT U R E

The Dance

MAY, 2017

Yes, this really is all about fun and games

Hot, humid, sticky, and gross, just a few words to describe the often over hyped conception of what prom is really like. If you do happen to make your way into the center of prom you might mistake it for the feeling of being suffocated inside a plastic bag. Over all, the music was great and the people were beautiful. During prom you go through quite the makeover.

All attendees get a custom full body soak, and a complimentary makeup smearing. Mascara and lipstick included. Men get to have an all expense paid wardrobe change, from a shirt and vest to only a vest because of the incredible heat. Prom makes sure you leave, not the same way you came.

AFTER

After Prom, a sprinkle of people will show up to the party hosted by West High, normally they come for the food. During the after prom party you will see people sitting to give their feet a rest from dancing for so long in unsupportive shoes. You may also see some party people continuing dancing and listening to music.

The rest of the prom attendees tend to go to the house of a member of their prom group afterwards.There, the high school students hangout and enjoy their own festivities with their friends and usually stay the night.

The

Prom

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N EWS

MAY, 2017

LIVID LIBERTY

BY NATALIE ROETLIN DESIGN BY EMERIE BELL

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N EWS

MAY, 2017

L

iberty High School, a bittersweet transition. As North Liberty and Coralville have grown, it’s been known that there would need to be something done to address the growing student population. “We have received a lot of positive feedback and excitement about having a brand new facility opening to relieve the massive overcrowding at West High, the district hasn’t opened a new high school in almost 50 years so this is a very momentous time,” Lori Roetlin from the School board said.

Although not all feedback has been positive, as there have been many livid parents and students about Liberty when it comes to deciding who will be attending which high school. The boundaries are not straightforward. There are some kids that live closer to west, but will be bussed to Liberty and vice versa.

Current eighth graders and freshmen in the school district do not have an option as to which school they will attend, it all depends on the boundaries. On the other hand, current sophomores and juniors in the school district have the ultimate say in where they would like to go to finish out their high school education regardless of the boundaries. They will be instructed to open enroll if they choose to proceed at the high school outside their boundary.

A few juniors from West weighed in on their decision to Liberty next year. “My commute to school will be much easier

NO Varsity Sports Until 2019 There Is Air Conditioning There Are Limited Amounts of AP Classes

considering I live so close to the new high school,” Maddie Houser ’18 said. Houser along with around 20 other current juniors at West High will be transferring to Liberty in the fall of 2017. “I decided to transfer because of Maddie’s decision to go,” Tatum Elmer ’18 said. They have been very close friends the past couple of years and did not want to be separated for their senior year of high school. This has been the leading reason as to why the few seniors who have decided to transfer did.

Due to the lack of upperclassman willing to attend the new high school, West is forced to send majority underclassman. Liberty will have a couple years under their belt before they have an even distribution of students between grades.

Another side of the story is the faculty movement. West is losing some really great teachers to Liberty, including many department heads. “It’s really exciting to be part of a brand new school and help build that culture and turn it into the best school we can, that being said I will miss West too, it’s a bittersweet situation at hand,” Dave McNair from the spanish department said. It is unfortunate that West will be losing many great teacher but will help Liberty get on their feet and flourish. “The Iowa City Community School District is great now and will continue to be great with the addition of Liberty. City and West will just have one more hometown rival to compete against,” said Roetlin.

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E N T E R TA I N M E N T

You Are What You Eat

MAY, 2017

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E N T E R TA I N M E N T

MAY, 2017

As summer break draws closer, nature shows off some beautiful scenes.

(Above) An orange and blue sunset can be scene atop one of the cliffs at Squire Point.

(Left) A maple tree shows off shades of green and brown on a spring day.

(Right) Small flowers sprout off of a branch. The sunlight shines through the petals.

COMPILED BY HANNAH CANTRELL