Apr16

B&W the black and white April, 2016

GENDER NEUTRAL RESTROOM

Restrooms are a right, not a privilege pg.11 Spring musical cuts loose pg. 4/5 The vaping variable pg.14

t

Find us on Twitter! follow us @jhsnewspaper

Follow us on Instagram! follow @JHSPress for newspaper and yearbook photography

www.jhsblackandwhite.com

april 2016 p. 2 Corrections from March: Pg. 6: Students cannot buy their iPads Pg. 8/9: “Milano” should have been “mulatto”

meet the staff Head editor-in-chief Carly Campbell Online editor Kate Lichter

Print editor Bryce Schulte Design editor Eileen Lagerblade Photo editor Esmeralda Flores Opinion editor Casey Metcalf Feature editor Kathryn Ikeda News editor Grace Coleman Sub-Design editor Will Reiher Website Manager Kitarrah Mangra-Dutcher

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Illustrator Kallie Beebe

Staff writers Matthew Berry Erin Bockenstedt Angela Cai Mackenzie Costello Sam Farrell Molly Hauser Dani Hindman Justin Hu Michelle Kumar Rahul Kumar Mason Lillegraven Anna Losen Ben Lunn Iryna Lyapandra Emily Poss Hailey Sherman Ahmad Smith Kennedy Stone Logan Swaim Anna Toot

Find us on Twitter! follow @jhsnewspaper

Follow us on Instagram! follow @JHSPress for newspaper and yearbook photography Go visit our site! www.jhsblackandwhite.com e-mail us at jhsblackandwhite@gmail.com

b&w philosophy

The Black and White is published solely by the Johnston High School newspaper staff. Its goal is to inform, enlighten and entertain Johnston students. It is an open forum. In accordance with Iowa law and board policy, students assign and edit material and make all decisions of content. The paper is published ten times per school year. The paper will avoid material that is libelous, obscene or an invasion of privacy. The law does not require parental permission to use student quotes. Ethically, we believe students can speak for themselves.

Staff editorials represent the opinion of a majority of the editorial board. Editorial and opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the advisor, school officials or the district. Letters to the editor must be signed. Like all material, letters may not be libelous, obscene or an invasion of privacy. Bring letters to room 413 within one week after publication to be considered for the next issue. The Black and White strives to report accurate and timely information. If you believe that an error has been printed, please contact the editors at jhsblackandwhite@gmail.com The Black and White is a member of CSPA, NSPA, Quill & Scroll, and IHSPA. Recent issues of the paper earned these honors: Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medalist, National Scholastic Press Association First Class rating, Quill & Scroll Gallup Award, IHSPA state placings and sixth in the National Best of Show.

index

S tudent Spotlight

Photo reprinted with permission from Christian Lund

Junior Joel Woodsmall decided to take advantage of the

beautiful scenery of the Isis Pyramid in the Grand Canyon. “I don’t know who she is, but we were on a spring break vacation and my aunt lent me her camera,” Woodsmall said.

Woodsmall wanted to take the opportunity to take some

photos of the Grand Canyon while he had a quality camera.

“I used some knowledge from journalism,” Woodsmall said. “I

really don’t do photography that much, this was the first time I’d ever used a nice DSLR camera.”

The photo is unedited and captures the park’s beauty.

“This one stood out to me because it looks as if she’s staring at a painted wall,” Woodsmall said. “It shows the size of the Grand Canyon and how far it really stretches.”

Photo reprinted with permission from Joel Woodsmall

Stuck in Colorado traffic, senior Christian Lund took

the opportunity to take a photograph when the sun was

setting behind the tree. Lund captured three photos, but the last two were blurry as cars finally began to move.

While editing the photo, Lund made the decision to

turn it into black and white. “The color looked [kind of] dull,” he said. “I thought it made it look a lot nicer.

Only beginning to use a Canon a few months ago,

Lund feels as though he has learned a lot about using

the camera, which he got from his dad. “I stole it from him,” Lund said. “It turned out that I was actually pretty decent at it.”

Photo reprinted with permission from Cali Prentice

Junior Cali Prentice can often be found in teacher Kyla

reptile. “When I took the pictures, it actually kind of looked

A couple weeks ago, when playing with Sonny, a crested

really cool because it shows people that they are actually

Burns room, hanging out with her assortment of animals. gecko, Prentice noticed how unique the skin of the gecko

appeared. “I had my camera with me to take pictures of a

like he was smiling in some of them,” Prentice said. “It’s very gentle creatures.”

Art has always been a big component in Prentice’s life,

person, but I saw [Sonny] and I thought it would look cool if

but after being introduced to photography, she has learned

After Prentice took the pictures, she realized it showed

tice said. “I’m not necessarily really good at it or anything,

I zoomed in on the texture of his skin,” Prentice said.

a different side of what some people would call a freaky

to love it just as much. “I’m really into photography,” Prenbut it’s something that I really enjoy.”

current events Current events quiz

compiled | Staff

1

Which candidate did the Pope invite to the Vatican?

2

Which former New Orleans Saints plater was killed April 9?

3

Which state has not yet signed a “Religious Freedom Act” into law?

4

In which country were tigers announced to be “functionally” extinct?

a

a

Will Smith

a

North Carolina

Bernie Sanders

b

Drew Bees

b

Mississippi

b Sumatra

Hillary Clinton

c

Reggie Bell

c

Georgia

c

a

Donald Trump

b c

5

april 2016 p.3

When was the Democratic debate in New York City?

a

April 14

b c

6

Which virus is quickly spreading in the South and North Americas?

7

Which golfer won the 2016 Masters Tournament?

a

Jason Day

H1N1

b

Ebola

c

a

Zika

April 12

b

April 8

c

8

Cambodia

China

Which country singer died from pneumonia complications?

a

Merle Haggard

Jordan Spieth

b

Dolly Parton

Danny Willett

c

Reba McEntire

answers found on jhsblackandwhite.com

What in the world?

April 13

A Norwegian oil company prepares for “Operation Groundtruth”. While searching for signs of the Loch Ness Monster, they found a 27-feet-long shipwreck and remnants of a prop, disproving rumors of the creature.

April 13

36,000 Verizon employees went on strike after the company began outsourcing over 5,000 jobs to Mexico and the Philippines.

April 12

Japanese researchers hope to complete pig-to-human transplants by 2019. Insulin-producing cells from pigs would be used to treat Type 1 Diabetes.

Interested in writing a Letter to the Editor? E-mail us at jhsblackandwhite@gmail.com or talk to us in person in room 413.

april 2016

photo essay

p.4

Spring musical cuts loose A behind the scenes look of students participating in the spring musical production “Footloose”

Kate Lichter/BW

Ahmad Smith/BW

3

words | Kate Lichter and Ahmad Smith

In the opening scene set in Chicago, senior Zoe Murphy as Urleen Norton judge Ren MacCormack’s move. Murphy used experiences from her high school career for inspiration for Norton. “She didn’t really have a back story so I had to make a back story for her,” Murphy said. “She basically has a lot of your normal teenage problems.”

4

Junior Luke Safris shakes hands with a fellow cast member as his character Reverend Shaw Moore. The cast took a trip to Salvation Army for their costume needs, as well as raided old show choir clothes to fit their characters style.

Setting down benches for the church scene, sophomore Ethan Wells and Sierra Wicks are apart of the stage crew for the musical Footloose. With limited stage hands, the cast helped out with putting smaller set pieces up like the benches, and participated in set builds on Saturdays.

12

Watching fellow cast members seniors Sarah Henry and Seth Tack, junior Luke Safris awaits to perform. Clothing, props and chairs were scattered around the side of the stage for quick changes and allowed for cast members to rest.

1 2

layout | Kate Lichter

Kate Lichter/BW

3 5

4

Making fun of character Ren MacCormack for moving away from Chicago to a small town, Bomont, sophomores Abby Meyer and Riley Love, along with senior Lauren McDowell actually poke fun at him behind the scene. “We’re talking about what’s happening but not really,” Meyer said. “It looks like we’re making fun of him but ... we’re talking about what’s going on off stage.”

5

Ahmad Smith/BW

Ahmad Smith/BW

photo essay

april 2016

6

p.5

Kate Lichter/BW

7

6 7 8

During the musical number “The Girl Gets Around” junior Justin Hu as Chuck Cranston and senior Sarah Henry as Ariel Moore set up their relationship for the rest of the musical. Upon receiving the lead female role, Henry had the goal to really show how passionate she was about the musical. “You have so much more to do and you can really show off how much you care about it with a bigger role,” Henry said. “Last year I had speaking lines but there wasn’t as much for me to do, so it was harder to put myself all into it.”

Working his shift at the Burger Blast restaurant, senior Seth Tack as Ren MacCormack holds a conversation with his new friend Willard Hewitt played by junior Nicolas Ronkar. “It’s kind of intimidating,” Tack said. “If I’m having a bad day I have to leave everything behind so we have a good rehearsal because I know it affects other people.”

Conversing with the cast about choreography, 2012 graduate Emma Henry lets them know their placements for the number. Before the musical was in need of a choreographer, Henry initially told english teacher Jeremy Fitzpatrick to keep her in mind in case it was necessary. She was willing to step up to the position, which took pressure off of Fitzpatrick.

Ahmad Smith/BW

Kate Lichter/BW

8

8

april 2016

Seeking

support for students

District’s first prevention coordinator is determined to bring awareness to schools words | Justin Hu layout | Eileen Lagerblade

feature

p.6 In January, the Board of Education approved the

creation of an exploratory project on student health

and well-being. Prevention Coordinator Chris Wilson

was hired to complete this project. “I am taking a

lects data through students in the development and administration of district surveys.

Wilson will compile it to draw conclusions on

look at what our students need to not just be healthy

what resources students need to learn effectively

the support that they need,” Wilson said. “If anything

health as well as academic performance data. Then,

but to enjoy school here- to make sure they have

gets in the way of learning, we can make sure that they have what they need to handle that.”

Prior to her work on this project, Wilson has been

in school. This includes analyzing student mental she will present her conclusions and recommendations to the district.

Senior Mallorie Myers is one of the students that

with the school district for 15 years. She has also

benefits from Wilson’s assistance. “She has helped

gram (JUMP). Since Jan., her new position’s respon-

will most benefit the community,” she said. “She has

been in charge of the Johnston Youth Mentoring Prosibilities have been in conjunction with her JUMP du-

ties. She spends half the day working on the new project and half the day on her previous obligations.

us by taking our ideas and generating new ones that been in touch with local psychiatrists so (we can) see

what will be the most beneficial in making a change.”

Wilson is assisting Myers with a Twitter project

Wilson’s project is a topic never analyzed before

to spread awareness about suicide prevention.

special assignments on different topics, maybe

dent4Change, and is planning to make t-shirts to sell

by the district. “I believe there have been other crisis prevention planning or math and science planning,” she said. “This is the first one involving student well-being.”

Wilson was interviewed and selected

due to her experience and work on similar

student support services actions. Associate

She is currently running a Twitter account, Stuto students. “I hope to accomplish a different kind

of atmosphere in the Johnston community,” Myers said. “We have long suffered from the effects of suicide and I think everyone is ready to stand up and make a change.”

Senior Wyatt Schmitt is also assisting with the

superintendent Bruce Amendt was involved

Twitter project. “I hope to create a more accepting

directly involved with student supports in-

options and places to go when they need help,” he

in the hiring process. “Ms. Wilson has been

cluding JUMP Mentoring, student transition supports at the secondary level, and

has worked with community organiza-

school environment along with giving students more

said. “We can give students different opportunities to get help when they need it.”

Wilson has many goals for her current project. “(I

tions including the Johnston Partner-

want to) create a plan to make sure we have the pro-

hance student and community well

the skills they need to develop healthy behaviors,”

ship for a Health Community to enbeing,” he said.

The position she fills is a broad

oversight of the entire district.

Wilson is analyzing student

graming and curriculum in place to teach students

she said. “I also want to make sure we have the

resources for kids when they struggle so they can have the opportunity to focus on learning.”

She does not want her project to just be confined

data from all students in the

to the school. “I think when we talk about student

lect data, she has met with

change everywhere in our community; I don’t think

district grades K-12. To colschool staff as well as the

police department, may-

Illustration by Kallie Beebe

or, students and mental health experts. She also col-

well-being, there are probably opportunities for

it’s just a school issue,” she said. ”Our entire community should be engaged in the well-being of our kids.”

feature

april 2016

Reality of relationships Long-term senior couples discuss their plans for their changing futures

Kaitlyn Pietan & Devin Anderson

Senior couple Kaitlyn Pietan and Devin Anderson met

February of their freshman year when a mutual friend introduced them to each other. They have now been together

for a little over three years. The couple has found a com-

mon interest in their passion for music and participating in the band program.

Seniors Kaitlyn Pietan and Devin Anderson get ready for a football game against Urbandale.

Macey Kramer & Mitch Marek

Pietan and Anderson are going to separate colleges.

She will be going to University of Northern Iowa (UNI) for teaching and he is going to University of Iowa for a double

p.7

words & layout | Hailey Sherman

major in music education and composition. “We’re just going to go with the flow,” Pietan said. “I’m a little nervous, but I think we’ll be okay.”

Anderson and Peitan have discussed continuing their

relationship throughout college and feel it will not be too much of a challenge. “We’ve talked about it,” Anderson

said. “I’m going to the University of Iowa and she’s going to UNI so we aren’t too far apart when we want to see each other.”

Although Pietan is slightly nervous, Anderson is confi-

dent they will be able to make it work. “I have zero doubts,”

Anderson said. “We’ve been through a lot together but nothing really has been able to come between us.”

make a huge difference for them as they will be able to see

each other more often. “After my first year I’ll probably be able to live in a house and have my car,” Marek said.

They have discussed continuing dating through college

Macey Kramer and Mitch Marek have been together for multiple times and feel more comfortable with the idea. “We

a little over two and a half years although they have known have talked about our future and it turned out to be a very each other for over five years.

successful conversation,” Kramer said. “We don’t have any

Next year, Kramer will be attending Kirkwood Communi- doubts. If it’s meant to be it’s meant to be.”

ty College for a major in dental hygiene while Marek plans to attend the University of Iowa for a major in business.

Although they spend everyday together now, Marek is

not overly concerned about that changing next year. “It

Seniors Macey Kramer and Mitch Marek attend the Indianola Balloon Festival. “We enjoyed sitbe about 30 minutes away from each other. Kramer plans we do now so that we appreciate the time we have togeth- ting on the grass relaxing and watching the balto bring her car to school with her, which they believe will er,” Merek said. loons as they were in the sky,” Kramer said.

Due to the location of their campuses, they will only might be good for us to not see each other every day like

Adam Friesth & Anne Wallace Senior Anne Wallace grew up in a household with

three siblings, all of whom continued high school relationships on through college. “I talked to them all a lot about what it’s like to try and have a high school boyfriend in college and I just decided it wasn’t really a negative,”

Wallace said. “My sister said that it was just a really nice constant to have when everything else in college is so

Seniors Anne Wallace and Adam Friesth jog the track. They often spend time together running after school, along with other activities they are both a part of such as show choir.

crazy and new.”

Although Wallace saw her siblings successfully transi-

tion their relationships from high school to college, she

never planned to attend college while in a relationship un-

til she met senior Adam Friesth. “I never wanted to go college with a boyfriend because I just feel like that’s exactly what people tell you not to do,” Wallace said. “But now I

just don’t see it as an obstacle or the reason to break up.

It’s just not a good reason to end it.”

Friesth is also unconcerned about starting college in

a relationship. “Some people tell me that it’s not a good

idea, but they also assume that I’m just going to spend all my time with just her and become introverted, which isn’t

the case,” Friesth said. “Like always school will come first, then my social life.”

Although they both aware of the potential obstacles,

they still plan to commit to the relationship. “I’m excited,” Friesth said. “It’s nice going into something totally new and facing it with your bestfriend.”

How to keep a healthy relationship: Tips from our senior couples • • • •

Don’t get mad over petty things Have someone that can make you laugh Make sure they support what you do Never give your partner a reason not to trust you

• • • •

Own up to your mistakes Don’t lose yourself Remember to show them that you think about them Always be honest

april 2016 p.8&9

out-of-state college

words & layout | Carly Campbell & Kate Lichter

Top tips from Guidance Counselor Susan Baker

1

Still undecided about staying in-state or

going out-of-state, senior Bryan Friestad

at all possible, please go visit,” Baker said. “ If“That’s really critical. Its critical of in-state too but time and time again we have students transfer because they haven’t visited and you really won’t know if its a good fit unless you are there on campus.

“

2

Look for scholarships

“

Because most of the scholarships we receive are for students going in-state, you really have to make an effort to find them yourselves,” Baker said. “Look on the colleges website, we have some books in our office and there are a ton of online databases to help find them.

“

3

Contact admissions about credits

“

Contact the admissions office and see how and if credits transfer,” Baker said. “We in guidance know how they will transfer to in-state schools but we don’t know a lot about out-of-state schools so you really have to take the initiative and figure out if they will accept them.

“

Don’t go to a school because your best friend or boyfriend or girlfiend is going there,” Baker said. “I can’t tell you how many kids have transferred home because they broke up with their boyfriend or they aren’t friends with their best friend anymore. Pick what is the best fit for you.

4 “

“

Make the best decision for you

After looking at a school on a different

continent, senior Eilidh Chowanec decided

]

Illustration/Kallie Beebe

class rank.”

The idea of friends staying in state while

With money being a big factor for Fries-

fell in love with the mountains in Colorado,

tad’s decision, transferring is not a fear. “If I

it down to Iowa State, Colorado School of

could go pretty much anywhere else and be

but the price tag in his home state. Whittling Mines and University of Colorado in Boul-

der, Friestad wants to study an undecided form of engineering.

went to UCB and it turned out that I hated it I paying less,” he said. “I don’t see transferring as a huge deal.”

However, pressures from family and

much all my friends are staying in-state,” Fri-

state. “[Applying] was pretty similar between

state,” he said. “But they also want me to do

present in Iowa they should take the leap. “I

write two essays for it. Where as ISU and Colorado School of Mines I pretty much just had to send in test scores and GPA and

both my parents kinda want me to stay inwhat I think is best for me.” Yet with other

family members outside of his immediate

family mainly staying in the Midwest for school, Friestad wants to branch out of that comfort zone.

]

feel like those are all good reasons to go out-

of-state,” he said. “If you want to go out-ofstate just to say you went out-of-state I don’t think that’s the best reasoning.”

cuse University next fall despite never tour-

ing the school. “They had a great virtual tour

and I talked to people who go there,” Grzech said. “I honestly can always transfer if I don’t

like it, so what is the worst that can happen.”

Grzech only applied to two schools total

due to the in-depth applications. The other

school Grzech applied to was University of

Southern California (USC). After doing a month-long study program, she felt it was were she really wanted to go.

But with about a three percent accep-

tance rate, Gzrech was not accepted into the

cess, Chowanec found that teachers would

Chowanec moved to the United States

had teachers in the past say, ‘It’s a waste

when she was eight from England. Because her family is Scottish, they return to Scotland

every summer. “There is a town called St. Andrews which I always really liked,” Chowanec said. “The University of St. Andrews is

Touring over 20 schools and applying to

11 colleges total, senior Karl Rasmussen eventually narrowed down his decision to

alize what his top priorities were. “No school

could provide everything I wanted,” he said.

“So there [were] schools that [have] A and B but not C and D.”

tion than Iowa State.”

Karl Rasmussen

Iowa schools, as none have the best environment for marine biology.

In summer 2015, Rasmussen had been

receiving offers to play if signing to the team. sign here and call it just done,’” he said. “I

With support from his sister, family and

friends, Rasmussen does not feel as worried

for the change. At San Diego, Rasmussen

felt like he belonged. “I could envision myself walking down the sidewalks and seeing these people every day.”

Rasmussen headed back to the Univer-

wasn’t really sold on the East Coast or the

sity of Miami and had a similar experience,

After that decision was made, he went

Unlike some other students he is willing

Ivy League football mentality.”

but still feels San Diego was the best fit.

States. “I kind of thought of these four years

himself writing multiple essays about ran-

out and try to see if it’s for you,” Rasmussen

aid package came in and I called and tried

Iowa,” he said. Rasmussen did not tour any

confused,” Grzech said. “I am still trying to figure out how credits transfer.”

Luckily for Grzech, her family was very

supportive. “We moved to Iowa and we aren’t

ing the top 100 films school in the nation

looking out of the state,” Grzech said. “I kind

no film industry in Iowa, so I thought either

gives me a much more personalized educa-

Communication is an issue Grzech is

State,” Grzech said.

coasts were the best areas for film. “There is

is a better way to spend my money.”

I didn’t,” Chowanec said. “Creighton just

to take the risk and maybe squirm in a new

to have them explain it but I’m still kind of

and then eliminated from there. She felt the

some people it’s true but for me (Creighton)

process is so long and stressful but I’m glad

on to the application process for the other

attending an in-state school. “Because the

She started looking for schools by search-

for less money,’” Chowanec said. “And for

Iowa State. “Halfway through I just wanted

Rasmussen looked beyond Iowa from the

having. “I was really confused when my final

initely considered just going to Iowa or Iowa

There was a point where she almost

to give up and go to Iowa State because the

Iowa State, you will get the same education

“I was this close to saying, ‘I’m just going to

The amount of work required for the ap-

much pressure with the deadlines, I was def-

Chowanec said.

of money trying to go out-of-state, just go to

To limit the search, it was up to him to re-

as potentially more of a time to get outside of

portfolios are so extensive and there was so

derstood it would be better in the long run,”

gave up on out-of-state schools to attend

looking into Ivy League schools for football,

coast would be good,” she said.

plications had her considering giving up and

benefit I would get at Creighton, they un-

try and persuade her to stay in state. “I’ve

University of Miami and University of San

start as an opportunity to explore the United

things happen, it’s okay,” Grzech said.

education after her undergraduate degree.

University of San Diego

Diego.

Syracuse University

USC film school. “USC was my favorite but

While going through the application pro-

nities and you can basically start research-

gram, atmosphere or has opportunities not

Shelby Grzech Senior Shelby Grzech is attending Syra-

St. Andrews.

receiving the final costs of the University of

Friestad holds a strong belief that if a

student wants to go out-of-state for the pro-

tion was the lengthiest, because I had to

more affordable for my family and basically

often [as possible].”

friends put Friestad in a tight spot. “I think

the two,” Friestad said. “Boulder’s applica-

“But once they saw my scholarship and the

Chowanec decided it was more cost ef-

estad said. “I want to be able to see them as

Applying to the schools themselves was

not the cause of his deter from going out-of-

ficient to stay inside the United States after

ing your freshman year,” Chowanec said.

considering going out-of-state when pretty

Her parents also tried to persuade her to

anec is attending Creighton University next

Creighton provides more research opportu-

Friestad’s shoulders. “It’s definitely tough

there and it’s really pretty because it’s by the

stay in the state by offering to pay for her

fall for the research opportunities. “It was just

he goes out-of-state, adds another layer on

Creighton University

coast and I really just wanted to apply there.”

to go to college only 119 miles away. Chow-

Bryan Friested Undecided

Visit the college

Eilidh Chowanec

]

Seniors discuss the process of choosing to attend college out-of-state

]

Out of state but not out of problems

originally from the East Coast.”

dom topics and having a longer wait to hear if he was accepted or not.

environment. “At least take a chance and go said. “It’s something different and you don’t grow unless you get a bit uncomfortable.”

2015 JHS graduating class college choices 134 students

from Iowa so they were really okay with me

of feel like I’m going closer to home since I’m

schools he planned to apply for. He found

26 students

90 students 61 students

Out-ofstate

79 students

april 2016

feature

p.10

1 in 1600: Corrina Iler

On a list of all students in the school, from sophomore to senior, one student was randomly chosen to tell their story

words | Brooke Ginsberg layout | Eileen Lagerblade

challenging yet, he keeps her head up and leads by exam-

“ ”

down from his dad,” she said. “He has a really good work

care about everyone and really be there for anyone who

Through Italian ties and a strong family influence, junior

older siblings’ experiences. “They both had children at

vated to make the last of her high school years the most

cause they had someone to provide for, but without a way

Corrina Iler has become academically and internally motisuccessful. Leaving a good name for both herself and her family is on the top of her priority list. “I feel like because of

them, I push myself so much harder than I would’ve without,” Iler said. “I have higher expectations for myself and I always strive to do more.”

Iler branches from a family tree of five that have passed

on a variety of lessons from each individual relationship

relatively young ages and I think it was hard on them beto really do so,” Iler said. An older sister who now works at Methodist hospital also encouraged her to get her foot in

the door and begin thinking about her future and how important it is to get her on the right path. “Seeing [my sister

work] and how much she loves that, got me interested in science,” Iler said.

Iler has chosen this year to be one for focusing on which

and have all inspired her in what she wishes to achieve

classes she is truly interested in. Not only is she doubled

actually divorced, but that doesn’t keep anyone from re-

ters, but has dedicated her time in these classes to fol-

both this year and many years to come. “My parents are maining close to each other,” Iler said. From a combination

“ ” of hard work, mistakes and simple role modeling, Iler has

been shaped into both a determined science-oriented stu-

dent and has had her passion for family overlap her future career choices.

Because of them, I push myself so much harder

Being the youngest sibling of three, Iler thinks that the

importance of education has a factor of learning from her

up on sciences, taking chemistry and physics both semeslow a career path where she can apply her knowledge to a personal passion derived from her family. “I’d like to do

pediatrics, it seems like I get along well with children and

it’d be a really fulfilling job,” Iler said. As from her father, Iler

explained that although her schedule this year is the most

Their mistakes show me that I want to do better than that

Not only has her family encouraged her to be success-

ful on her own, but to also create and keep friendships that will last a lifetime. Friends since the sixth grade, junior

Maddie Boettcher explains the effect Iler’s family has had

on her friend and consequently herself. “She’s shown me that staying focused and working hard really pays off,” she said. “The things you want are never handed to you.”

Junior Jack Gruening has known Iler for years and can

attest to the impact her family has on her. “She’s really

ple. “My dad has his own business that has been passed

driven by all of them,” he said. “She’s taught me how to

ethic and is always driven, so he’s definitely taught me

needs you.”

that.”

Studying and grades aside, she has also always had

Constantly surrounded by her family, Iler mentioned that

an interest in working in any field that allows her to interact

gives her sense of kindness and positivity. “I love being

my sisters, and my mom are all ‘people people’ we have a

extremely rewarding,” Iler said.

will always share,” Iler said.

the vast amount of time with her three nieces give is what

with the public and make a difference for the better. “Me,

around kids so I feel like getting into pediatrics would be

caring [attitude] towards everyone, that is something we all

editorial

april 2016

p.11

Restrooms are a right, not a privilege Taking the next step towards LGBT+ acceptance not difficult Earlier in the 2015-2016 school year, after students be-

gan a petition, Roosevelt High School became the first in

Iowa to adopt two gender neutral bathrooms in their library.

It would be strongly in favor of the high school here to follow in Roosevelt’s footsteps and change the staff restroom

by the cafeteria into one that is gender neutral for both students and staff.

It is important for the school to show acceptance, and

there is no better way to show inclusion of trans* youth than to add these simple but meaningful accommodations.

When Roosevelt paved the way towards trans* accep-

tance in schools, Roosevelt junior Zoey Wagner was at the head of it all. A transgender peer used the restroom of the

gender they anatomically aligned with instead of their psychological gender identity for the sake of not facing any

ridicule was when Wagner chose to start a petition. The petition got over 114 signatures within an hour to change

the staff bathrooms to be gender neutral. “I’ve always had a passion for human rights,” Wagner said.

Every day, trans* students are faced with the issue of

which bathroom to use. Senior Eli Crowley, who identifies

as male, used the female restrooms for the first half of the

Illustration/Kallie Beebe

first semester before choosing to use the male restrooms for the remainder of the school year.

Administration has been relatively flexible working with

students in Crowley’s situation. Because he has P.E. first period, he changes in the nurse’s office instead of either

of the locker rooms and they have suggested the staff re-

stroom by the cafeteria as a place for Crowley to go to when needed. So far, the high school has been personally accommodating to needs of trans* students as they come.

Publicly announcing a gender neutral restroom to use for whatever reason makes all the difference. The only way for

this to become a reality is for the student body to voice their support. Tell the school what is best for its kids.

For students now and in the future, gender neutral bath-

rooms would offer a place where gender has no importance. In segregated bathrooms based on anatomy, there

is a risk for trans* students to put themselves in these unsafe conditions.

Forcing a student who identifies as anything other than

what they were assigned at birth to conform for the comfort of others can also have a negative toll on their mental

health. A national survey done by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) found that 75 percent of trans* students feel unsafe at school. It also found

that trans* students have significantly lower grade point averages than their cisgender (when an individual identifies with the gender they were assigned at birth) peers.

Under Sections 107.1 and 107.4 of the school district’s

anti-harassment and bullying policy, acts of discrimination

that “unreasonably interfere with the individual’s work per-

formance” based on race, sexuality and gender identity amongst other things, are prohibited.

Currently a student suffering from a mental war is forced

to fear discrimination doing a simple task that cisgender

peers will never understand the significance of - and hav-

Would you support having a gender neutral restroom at Johnston High School?

Yes 58%

ing to use a bathroom that they do not identify with is violating that policy. “[Transgender] youth are legally allowed to

use the restroom, locker room, and play sport they identify with,” director of Iowa Safe Schools Nate Monson said.

“Education is defined under civil rights law and includes everything. There is no grey area for that.”

Backlash against LGBT+ rights are not uncommon. One

No 42%

student, who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of harassment, believes a gender neutral bathroom would be

too much of a special luxury. They argue using bathrooms should be limited by the organs a person has. “If they want to be treated equally, this isn’t the way to go,” they said.

However, not every trans* student can afford surgeries

to align their physical appearance with their mental identity,

so they are stuck in a restroom limbo. “Going into the guys’ (bathroom), I don’t know if people are already going to be there,” Crowley said. “It’s really nerve-wracking.”

Roosevelt opened the doors to acceptance of trans*

students at their school and it is time for students to pressure Johnston to do the same. Putting up a sign that reads “gender neutral” not only allows for trans* youth to perform

better in school, it more importantly shows acceptance to students and however they identify. “It’s for everybody,” Crowley said. “It’s another option for people like me.”

Information from 233 polled students *The use of “trans*” in this article covers transgender and all gender non-conforming identities

The editorial is an opinion held by the editorial board of the newspaper. It needs a simple majority to pass. This month’s vote was 8-1.

april 2016

opinion

p.12

laying the udget

Band needs more funding to maintain a growing program As junior Peter Beebe plays his vibraphone solo dur-

sive ordeal. Though the band program may be getting a fair

Beebe, while trying to keep playing, attempts to fix it. Later

other programs. It is easy for those who do not understand

ing band rehearsal, the pedal breaks off the instrument.

that year, Beebe plays the bell set as the stand collapses, causing three broken keys. Though this seems like Beebe’s bad luck, many players who use school-owned instru-

the cost of running a successful band program to misinterpret the budget.

A quality marimba is around $4,000 and a sousaphone

rings in at about $6,000. Instruments are not even at the

size of our band. With more students comes the need for

sic pieces for each concert band and jazz band, as well as

more equipment and in turn means more money. A top quality band program can only exist with hard work and well-maintained instruments.

top of the list. A majority of the money goes to multiple mufees to participate in festivals. This is necessary spending as we need music to play and places to play it.

Money is set aside for repairs if instruments break, but

Sadly, our school only has one of these things. Carrying

with instruments breaking left and right the repair cost

in Iowa, we still do not have adequate money to maintain

ment. At this rate, we can only buy better equipment once

the reputation of having one of the best music programs equipment. The number of students enrolled each year has increased steeply. If this trend continues, more instruments

could be building up to as high as the price of new equipevery few years and soon, waiting will not be an option.

I realize that money does not grow on trees. However,

will need to be purchased.

the band does a fundraiser every year - we sell plants.

equipment. “On one marimba the string breaks, and you’ll

some plants?

The percussion section boasts the top slot for worst

be playing it and it’ll fall apart,” Olivia Vander Ploeg said.

Sure plants are cute, but who would spend big bucks on

We need to offer a product that people are more inter-

“We have some xylophones with keys that are cracked in

ested in spending their money on, something like edible

Percussionist aren’t the only ones suffering. I play the

regarding the salmonella risk because being poisoned is

half and we stick them together with tape.”

baritone saxophone in concert band. None of the school’s baritone saxophones are in good shape, parts fall off like

they were never attached and they are always in need of a repair.

This is not the only instrument that needs to be replaced

cookie dough. So many people eat cookie dough raw, disworth the flavor experience. With the edible variety, the risk

is eliminated completely, so you can focus on eating instead of your possible death. Even if cookie dough is not an option, almost anything is better than plants.

Performing with sub par and damaged instruments is

with a better model. Concert tubas, sousaphones, march-

like the football team playing with deflated footballs and

and the list keeps going.

love as the athletics department by providing the materials

ing baritones and mellophones, new percussion equipment

Replacing all of these intruments is an extremely expen-

cracked helmets, so the band should be shown as much we need to play at our prime.

Junior Arun Krishnan plays on along with the rest of concert band on the tuba during class.

Krishnan’s tuba demonstrates how damaged and dented some of the instruments are.

Increase in band enrollment 144

‘10-11

words & layout | Anna Losen

amount of money, it will not go as far here as it would in

ments face these problems.

As the size of incoming classes increase, so does the

lues

147 ‘11-12

141

‘12-13

176

196

163

‘13-14

‘14-15

‘15-16

opinion

This month’s issue: Privacy

april 2016 p. 13

varying viewpoints

As the 2016 election approaches, each month two Black and White staff members will explain their stances on a popular issue. layout | Carly Campbell & Kathryn Ikeda

Government shouldn’t take chances with privacy words | Grace Coleman

the Federal Bureau of Intelligence (FBI)

rightfully so, refused, explaining that creat-

nearly impossible to meet a stranger to-

of one of the shooters, Syed Farook, but

back door to every iPhone on the planet.

than five feet away. The Internet has be-

The iPhone was password protected,

uncover how these two terrorists were

we see as vital are impossible without it.

contents of the phone without accessing

there is absolutely no guarantee that any of

on end. But with all this new technology,

the privacy of everyday Americans.

this technology is used for good by every-

to access the phone without Apple’s help,

people use technology to help with bad

and the U.S. government has sparked a

ber bullying or bothering people. They

ing the security of everyday, law-abiding

After the terror attacks that took place

Californian court ordered Apple to create

2015, a debate began between Apple and

cess the phone more simply. But Apple,

Technology has become our lives. It is

sparked up. The FBI obtained the phone

day that does not have a smartphone less

could not access it without Apple’s help.

come our means of survival; most tasks

meaning not even Apple could access the

We search, research and repeat for hours

the system in a way that could jeopardize

risks come with it. A majority of the time

Although the FBI ended up being able

ing this software would create a dangerous

of unlocking any iPhone in the world.

The risks outweigh the benefits. If

Although it is extremely important to

Apple were to have created the soft-

radicalized and what lead them to attack,

would have been created, one that hack-

that information will be found on this locked

iPhone. It seems like the FBI would be taking an extreme chance by creating an unsecure gateway to possibly find some information on the phone.

day Americans. But in a few instances,

this clash between a technology giant

things. They use it for more than just cy-

debate on how far is too far when risk-

Apple released, if Apple were to comply to

use their technology to harm our country.

American citizens. In this scenario, a local

new iPhone operating system that bypass-

in San Bernardino, CA in December

new software so that the FBI could ac-

According to the customer letter that

the court order, they would have to create a es all current security measures put onto iPhones now. If this operating system were to get into the wrong hands, that individual

We have to prioritize safety over privacy

words | Iryna Lyapandra

or organization could have the capability

ware, a whole new level of data access

ers have never had the possibility of accessing before. Although it is possible

that valuable information is stored on the iPhone, it is also possible that there is

nothing valuable on it. Keep in mind that this was a premeditated terrorist attack.

It seems unlikely that a terrorist would

leave an iPhone filled with their deepest, darkest secrets for U.S. law enforcement to find.

The FBI should not be taking chances

with our security in order to gain information that may not even exist.

they will commit multiple.

ate a new version of the phone’s iOS oper-

that there is no valuable information on

media explodes very frequently with

Syed Rizwan Farook’s phone might have

in the phone’s random access memory to

and their families not to use every chance

around the world.

gence (FBI) in finding out about the future

It is no secret that unfortunately the

shocking news about terrorist attacks all

If that was the case, the invasion of

assisted the Federal Bureau of Intelli-

ating system that could be installed and run disable certain security features.

Apple refused to do this, claiming it was

the phone, but it is not fair to the victims possible.

The FBI announced it had successfully

threats and helped to prevent them.

trying to protect its users’ privacy. But prior

unlocked the iPhone without Apple’s help,

are the most publicized acts of terror, but

Farook and his spouse did not do a good

extracted data from iPhones under court

this situation will likely happen again, and

ist attacks each month. The fact that we

vestigators found 12 pipe bombs, hand-

creates an illusion of safety.

used to make improvised explosive de-

ist attacks in 2014. More than half of those

house, according to FBI reports.

authorities found out of the threats.

password protected and would erase

strong motives and it is unlikely that they

made it harder for the FBI to bypass the

Most of us have probably heard of at-

tacks in Paris, Nigeria and Egypt. These

Previous investigation showed that

to the Farook case, Apple had regularly

on average, there are about 40 terror-

job sweeping over their traces, since in-

don’t hear about even half of them just

gun rounds and the tools that could be

iPhone and iPod belonging to two teenag-

rethink your “relationship” with technolo-

Just over 32,000 people died of terror-

vices during the search in the terrorist’s

they refusing to provide the same entry

have sensitive information, it might be

deaths could’ve been prevented, had the

The fact that Farook’s phone was

Many terrorists are driven by very

all data after 10 unsuccessful attempts

will execute one single attack and often,

password. The FBI ordered Apple to cre-

order.

so the controversy could stop there. But

One of the cases involved unlocking an

ers accused of killing a couple. Why are into Farook’s phone this time? The National

Sheriffs’ Association has suggested that

Apple’s stance is “putting profit over safety” and has nothing to do with privacy.

Bernardino Police chief Jarrod Burguan

said that there is a reasonably good chance

we cannot just put off the conversation.

This incident should encourage you to

gy. Apple can clearly be hacked, so if you better to leave it off your smartphone. Not

only that, but in some cases, we have to face facts - safety needs to come before

privacy. Not every situation is black and white and should be treated with specific discretion.

april 2016

health

p.14

The vaping variable words & layout | Kathryn Ikeda

Vaping has become a popular activity, but long term health effects are still mostly unknown by users and experts alike

1

Information from fda.gov

Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved it, leading

to some wary opinions. “People don’t know much about Vaporium sales clerk Randall Robertson said. “But there’s

Propylene Glycol (PG) and/or Vegetable Glycerine (VG)

Water and/or Artificial flavoring

studies done on the long-term effects. The U.S. Food and

it and they hear all these negative things,” Atomic Cloud

Base

Additives

Because vaping is so new, there have not been many

2

Average yearly cost of vaping vs. smoking

been no actual tests through the FDA, nothing to say that it’s bad or worse than smoking.”

Vaping, which includes heating up a liquid to its vapor-

ized state then inhaling it, is often seen as an alternative to smoking cigarettes or any tobacco product.

At Atomic Cloud Vaporium, an owner will travel to the

laboratory of a juice company before deciding to carry

“

their product. “We make sure it’s not in somebody’s basement, or their mom’s car,” Robertson said. “It’s an

actual lab- a clean environment,

everybody’s

wearing gloves, stuff like that. There are some very cheap juice companies out there.”

Student A, who wishes

to stay anonymous due started vaping to quit

$40 $5

ured it might help me stop,” they said. “I feel like I’m smoking but I’m actually not so it’s better health-wise at least.”

every two weeks

E-juice

$5

every week

rieties of flavors, brands and strengths of nicotine, rang-

Cigarette pack

$6.50 every day

total total $510 $2,372

ally harsh. It feels like it’s destroying your throat.”

Student B, also underage, views vaping as a less se-

vere activity than what other students may participate in.

“At least I’m not doing drugs,” they said. “I’m sober. I don’t

drink, I just vape. People die from alcohol poisoning and drug overdose but I don’t have to worry about that.”

An issue causing concern in some users is what has

been deemed “popcorn lung,” as it was diagnosed in

many microwave popcorn factory workers. Scientifically

called bronchiolitis obliterans, popcorn lung involves an

irreversible cough and shortness of breath. Diacetyl, the

-Lacey Fulton

The liquid, called “e-juice,” comes in many different va-

Atomizer

tions) contain some sort of rubbing alcohol, which is re-

chemical most believed to

smoking. “Someone introduced me to vaping and I fig-

every four months

which is a mistake because the juices (at some gas sta-

There is no FDA regulation or approval behind helping smokers quit. I think the unknown about these e-cigarettes is scary.

to being underage, first

Starter kit

tions,” Robertson said. “A lot of people start with those

“

Possible e-juice ingredients

ing from zero mg to above 42 mg. Five mg is considered

to be equivalent to a light or moderate smoker. “Nicotine

is harmful to the developing teenage brain,” health teacher Lacey Fulton said. “It is a very addictive drug, so there is concern that [e-juice containing nicotine] will actually make more teens turn to regular cigarettes.”

Student A started with five mg of nicotine in their e-

juice, then decreased down to zero mg. “I think it’s a lot

better,” they said. “But I wish I’d never started smoking. I used to smoke a pack a day, but it literally is so painful.”

The health risk of vaping differs greatly depending on

level of nicotine used and the brand of e-juice, as well

as where the product is purchased from. “Starter (vape pens) are starting to advance more, they’re not like the

really skinny more pen style ones you see in the gas sta-

cause popcorn lung, was

found in 39 out of 51 e-juic-

es when tested by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. However, according

to The Daily Caller, people

who vape are exposed to

nine micrograms of diacetyl a day on average, while

smokers are exposed to 6,717 micrograms. “I don’t

worry about it,” Student B said. “I know it’s bad but from what I heard about it you can’t die from it, your lungs just get messed up.”

A concern many new users have is battery safety. The

batteries used in many vape boxes and pens have been

known to catch fire, causing many photos of burned and scarred legs to surface on social media. “A lot of people

are just throwing them in their pocket with loose change

and keys,” Robertson said. “And people don’t realize that that makes a connection- even just with nothing in your

pocket the friction will cause a connection to the battery and it will overheat.”

To counter this problem, the batteries are often sold in

plastic cases, however not all users see it as an issue. “I

don’t really take any precautions,” Student B said. “If I get [messed] up then I get [messed] up.”

Fulton does not believe vaping should be used to quit

smoking, or even in general. “I believe in the future there will be more and more studies that find more dangerous health effects,” she said.

sports

Making the

choice

Sara Pigman

It might be difficult getting back into the routine of sports, but coaches repeatedly

april 2016

p.15

Students discuss what led them to dropping sports words | Kennedy Stone

layout | Will Reiher

Megan Kress

Senior Megan Kress, who once ran track, had to find other ways to exercise since

stress the importance of taking time to think about the decision students are making.

quitting. “I found that I just had a lot more free time,” Kress said. “But track was my

year, but wishes that she had not. “Get back into it, even if you end up on the lowest

Quitting a sport does not always end in a loss. Kress had to quit for financial rea-

Senior Sara Pigman is a former basketball player. She quit after her seventh grade

main form of exercise. I had to find time on my own.”

team,” Pigman said. “I missed my chance to be [on] the junior varsity team.” Pigman

sons. “I just got a job and I wanted to focus on that,” Kress said. “I’m going to college

not have to go to the coach directly herself. After quitting and re-joining multiple times

Patrick Hennes with her decision. She decided to drop track for the season. Hennes

quit because of time issues and her coach recommended it to her. Therefore she did

and I’ll need the money.” After taking the time to think it out, Kress came to her coach

before, she eventually stuck with the decision the coach made and did not re-join.

was grateful she decided to talk to him in person and not over e-mail.

Reasons behind staying

Reasons behind quitting

Enjoy the sport Exercise

Bullying

Like competition

Teamwork

Jackie Sapp

coach

Health teacher Jackie Sapp once coached college-level basketball. She believes if

Too many injuries

Issues with coaches

Lack of playing time

Steve Smith

coach

If a athlete is not putting in their full effort, then they do not get to play. If a player

a student quits after ninth grade, it is because they have found other interests or they

quits or is cut, a coach is then left having to make major changes to their plans for the

Students who plan on quitting a sport need to think about how it will affect them.

their interest in the sport. “For the kids who stay, they always have a good time,” golf

forward without something as busy as a sport in their life. “If you’re going to quit, don’t

Smith has had experiences with students who dropped, then wanted to play again

have lost the motivation to participate. “They’re just burnt out,” Sapp said.

season. Golf coach Steve Smith finds it is more often than not that the player is losing

After giving it time to settle in, the student needs to decide on how they will move

coach Steve Smith said.

quit and do nothing,” Sapp said. “You need to do something else so you are still con-

later. “That fear of ‘will I be accepted back in?’ has to go away,” Smith said. “If you end

tributing to your school.”

up regretting it (then) it was a mistake to quit.”

april 2016

backpage

p.16

or

What it means to be distracted words & layout | Kallie Beebe & Emily Poss

23 Texting

times more likely to get in an accident

16 Reading

times more likely to get in an accident

8

Eating

times more likely to get in an accident

9

times more likely to get in an Grooming accident

10times Music

more likely to get in an accident

4 times GPS

more likely to get in an accident

“I’ve been distracted by my cell phone before because I received a text or just changing the song on my phone that I’m listening to,” said senior Eric Siedenburg.

Ten percent of all drivers 15 to 19 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crashes.

Information provided by distraction.gov

“I am guilty a lot of the time for eating or drinking, playing music very loud, dancing, or texting at intersections while driving,” junior Becca Swanson said.

A 2015 Erie Insurance distracted driving survey reported that drivers do all sorts of dangerous things behind the wheel including brushing teeth and changing clothes.

Information provided by endd.org

“I like to listen to music when I drive and it’s easy to have it playing too loud and become a distraction,” senior Hannah Crooks said.

Many drivers program their GPS while driving, which is no better than sending a text message or reading an email while driving.

Information provided by oharelawfirm.com