April 2015

black& white the

April 2015

7 Plowing through post high school 10/11 The abstinence argument 17 In one ear, out the other

Dowling Catholic’s conflict pg. 6

Follow us on Twitter! @jhsnewspaper

Follow us on Instagram! @JHSPress

f

Like us on Facebook! JHS Black and White

www.jhsblackandwhite.com

index

april 2015 p.2

meet the staff

Cover drawing: Carl Rogers

Head editor-in-chief Anne Rogers

Print editor-in-chief Clare Farrell Online editor-in-chief Carly Kinning Design editor Zoe Wilson Sports editor Carly Campbell Opinion editor Senad Besic Online sub-editor Natalie Larimer Print sub-editor Sarah Caporelli

april

Staff writers

sports

18 Division decisions

profile

12 Cali Prentice

feature

9 Price Chopper replaces Dahls

news

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 generally 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 through email at jhsblackandwhite@gmail.com. The Black and White is a member of CSPA, NSPA, Quill & Scroll and IHSPA.

6 Dowling Catholic’s conflict

b&w philosophy

photo essay

Allison Klein Michelle Kumar Eileen Lagerblade Anna Larson Kate Lichter Allexis Mahanna Kitarrah Mangra-Dutcher Carissa Metcalf Lizzy Orr Will Reiher Bryce Schulte Olivia White Photographer Sydney Ginkens

4/5 Prom in photos

Matthew Berry Erin Bockenstedt Meredith Campidilli Grace Coleman Hannah Crooks Max Culbert Jake Dalbey Brianna Erickson Esmeralda Flores Brooke Ginsberg Myles Glandorf Kennedy Graeser Meredith Gwennap Kathryn Ikeda Medina Jusufovic

current events

april 2015 p.3

compiled | Lizzy Orr Interested in writing a Letter to the Editor? Email us at jhsblackandwhite@gmail.com or talk to us in person in room 413.

ISIS uses

1

social media

a

b c

in order to

recruit

ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) is currently

using social media to promote their propaganda for their organization according to CNN and MSNBC.

ISIS’s propaganda is professionally designed to target youths and Westerners to fight for ISIS’s cause.

ISIS’s propaganda includes magazines, viral

videos and photos, and different social media ac-

counts, most commonly on Twitter. ISIS is believed

Provided/ISIS

ISIS poses in an intimidating stance to use in their propaganda crusade. Since 2013, ISIS has been using social media to publicize their campaign of slaughter.

JHS shares their opinion

Do you know the purpose of the picture above and the organization represented?

to control up to 90,000 Twitter accounts, along with

Based on the amount of Westerners recruited to

fight alongside ISIS and those arrested en route to sands of Westerners have successfully reached Syria to fight.

In America, the Federal Bureau of Investiga-

tion has estimated about 150 Americans have

Shana Hudson, senior “That looks like an ISIS rally to me. Maybe to recruit or intimidate people.”

Dave Oldham, teacher “I think it is a picture of ISIS and ISIL, and it is meant to recruit soldiers.”

Matthew Jacob, senior “It is ISIS and it is meant to strike fear into people’s eyes.”

attempted to travel or have completed their voyage to Syria.

b

What in the world?

c

5 a

b c March 31

Essex, United Kingdom A nine-year-old deliv-

April 16

Tampa, Florida A homeless man, who

has been living in a box for 3 years, discovered his forgotten bank

account with Social Security benefits.

ered her mom’s baby while waiting for the

ambulance to arrive.

April 15

North Korea A South Korea activist sent balloons over to

North Korea with The Interview attached.

6 a b c

5%

What percentage of the world is left handed?

10% 17%

3

a

body are in your feet?

7%

b c

4

What percentage of bones in your

25%

a

b c

ferent social medias.

events quiz

15%

2

a

thousands of other various accounts located on dif-

Syria, the propaganda seems to be working. Thou-

Current

How many minutes does it take the average person to fall asleep?

20 minutes 7 minutes 13 minutes

About how many ways can you make a dollar?

150 ways 200 ways 300 ways

What percentage of the amount of hunting does the female lion do?

90% 100% 60%

If the human eye was a digital camera, about how many megapixels (MP) would it have?

313 MP 450 MP 576 MP

answers found on jhsblackandwhite.com

april 2015 p.4

Prom inphotos

photo essay

City Lights shone bright April 11 at the Community Choice Credit Union during prom. The Friendship Ball, put on by the Best Buddies program, was held at the Embassy Club in Des Moines March 28.

1 2 3 4 5

While under hypnosis seniors Ben Perman and Tim Zuo joyfully resolve their problems after a minor fight up on the stage. The hypnotist show was the final event of after prom. Multiple students were hypnotized to do skits, such as a rock concert.

1

Junior John Kyle dances with his date senior Kathryn Ludwig during prom April 11. The theme was City Lights and featured lighted bridges and skyline landscapes for decorations.

Senior Christina Anderson and Sara Nezirevic compete to place their marker the farthest while running on an inflatable during After Prom held at the high school. After Prom’s theme was “Rock of Ages” and included games, food and prizes.

Esmeralda Flores /BW

Ashley Long /Dragon

2 5

4

layout | Carly Campbell & Sarah Caporelli

1

Senior Eilise Murray laughs with junior Erin Gardiner about their dance moves at the Friendship Ball March 28. Roughly 30 students from Johnston attended.

A group of junior students dance at prom April 11. The group included juniors Kris Towne and Zach Haynes. A few of the feature songs played were “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor and “Fireball” by Pitbull.

words| Esmeralda Flores & Brianna Erickson

3

Esmeralda Flores /BW

Brianna Erickson/ BW

Helen Mortiz/ Dragon

photo essay

april 2015 p.5

6

Esmeralda Flores/ BW

10

6 7 8 9 10

Juniors Eilidh Chowanec, Tori Welles and Hannah Hoffman dance with their group of friends at prom. Prom was held at Community Choice Credit Union downtown from 8:30-11:30 p.m. with After Prom being held at the high school 11:30 p.m.- 3:30 a.m.

8

Brianna Erickson/ BW

Esmeralda Flores/ BW

Helen Mortiz /Dragon

7

Senior Chloe Keeny shows off her dance moves during the Friendship Ball. The name of this annual event changed from Best Buddies Prom to the Friendship Ball. “The night is a highlight of the year for most of the buddies and it’s so awesome to be able to be a part of that night for them,” senior Keely Larkin said.

While entering the Grand March, junior Samir Nezervic shows off his dances moves to sophomore Avery Gathercole, junior Sean Weldon and history teacher Alicia Rollison. When entering prom students had the option of walking through the Grand March where they displayed their prom attire and were announced to spectators.

9

Junior Frank Boska attempts to grab all the money he can while in the money machine during After Prom. Students competed in games to win prizes. Prizes included money, movies, gift certificates and more.

The student body applauds as the prom court nominees are announced at 10 p.m. The prom king and queen were seniors Brian Brass and Elea Kaptain. “It was an honor and very exciting,” Kaptain said. “I couldn’t stop smiling.”

Esmeralda Flores/ BW

news

april 2015 p.6

Dowling Catholic’s conflict Dowling Catholic substitute denied job because of sexuality words & layout | Kathryn Ikeda The past several weeks much discussion in the Metro

area has centered around Dowling Catholic’s decision to

ney said “That’s who they are and they can’t help it.”

Some students understand the legality of the situation.

not hire Tyler McCubbin as a teacher because he is open-

“It’s a private school, so it’s kind of up to them, but I don’t

teacher, shared his experience with the high school’s GSA

was gay] but I do think that that’s their right if they want to

ly gay. McCubbin, a former Dowling Catholic substitute club April 13. The “Black and White” had the chance to talk with him after that meeting.

After McCubbin applied for the full-position, Dowling

think that he shouldn’t have gotten the job [because he do that,” senior Teddy Katz said. “It’s a bad reason for them to not hire him, but legally it’s okay.”

Due to the media response, Bishop Richard Pates re-

Catholic called in for an interview and verbally offered him

leased a statement. “The Church teaches based on natural

been waiting for so long,” McCubbin said. “It was finally in

marriage is a sacrament between a man and a woman,”

the job March 27. “It was super exciting because I had my hands and I was willing to do whatever I needed so that I could get started planning.”

McCubbin told his friends and family about his position

on social media. A Dowling Catholic alum contacted him to

congratulating him. “He was excited because he saw it as progress with the school,” McCubbin said.

law, Scripture and the Church’s 2,000-year tradition that

he said. “The Catholic faith is central to our mission as a Catholic school and is an exercise of religious liberty. To deliver on that mission it is our expectation that staff and

teachers support our moral beliefs as they are the models of our Catholic faith.”

McCubbin, who is a devout Lutheran, disagrees. “If we

The preparation for teaching had already begun when

are to love one another that is the basic understanding of

started to give me some examples, like, ‘If you were a

supposed to love each other, and I happen to love another

Dowling Catholic called him for a meeting April 1. “They woman and if you were to have had a child out of wedlock, we wouldn’t be able to hire you because that’s outside of

what religion is supposed to be,” McCubbin said. “If we’re human being who is of the same sex, then that’s not a sin.”

they had found out that I was in a same-sex relationship.”

GSA meeting helps students with Dowling Catholic situation

Cubbin was engaged to another man during a social media

meeting April 13 to help students understand what hap-

the church’s teachings,” he said. “Immediately I knew that Dowling Catholic administrators discovered that Mc-

scan that is a standard hiring practice at the school.

When McCubbin confirmed he was in a same-sex rela-

tionship, Dowling Catholic said it could not hire him. “I was heart-broken and my mind was going in many directions,” McCubbin said. “I’ll never forget that day.”

McCubbin used to wonder what it would be like to be di-

rectly discriminated against. “Then it happened to me and

it was a shock,” he said. “My honesty lost me a job, and it shouldn’t be like that.”

When Dowling Catholic students learned why McCub-

bin was not hired, they staged a walk out April 8. Over 150

students and alumni participated, according to the “Des Moines Register.” Dowling Catholic senior Nicole Getta

was one of them. “The majority of people were confused

and upset on why [the administration] didn’t hire him be-

cause he really was an amazing teacher,” she said. “I think that everybody should be treated equally so I thought par-

ticipating in the walkout would be a good way to show that.”

Getta believes that the school did not set a good Chris-

tian example by refusing to hire McCubbin. “Part of the reason Jesus was such an inspiration was because he loved

everybody and He didn’t discriminate,” Getta said. “That’s something that I think Christianity should focus on more.”

Some Johnston students were upset by the event. “I

think we should be past the point where we discriminate

against people because of who they are,” senior Kate Min-

Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) invited McCubbin to its

pened to him. McCubbin, GSA representatives and mem-

Carly Campbell/BW

Tyler McCubbin speaks at a GSA forum April 13. Others on the panel included seniors Marcus Miller, Cole Balmer and Nick Lee from Catalyst, as well as Becky Smith and Matty Smith from One Iowa, the largest LGBT organization in the state.

bers of Catalyst, a Christian club, attended the meeting.

During the meeting, Catalyst representative senior Cole

Balmer spoke of his opinion about same-sex relationships.

“I think we’re all born with sinful nature and we can’t avoid sin,” he said. “Acting on homosexuality is just like adultery

or like how lusting after someone is a sin. It’s no different than any other sin.”

Balmer talked about his belief on homosexuality as well.

“I’m not one to judge others for their sins,” he said. “But it’s

clearly stated in the Bible that homosexuality is a sin, and

I just hope that somebody who believes in the Bible and follows Jesus doesn’t pounce on that sin.”

McCubbin talked about his religious experiences. His

faith faltered during college when he tried to date women.

“I was trying to force upon myself that I could like females,” he said. “Trying to force something like that on myself was

very difficult and I was really kind of emotionally and mentally ill during that time.”

While he studied abroad, McCubbin began to accept

who he was. “Each person is unique and however they discover themselves, that’s the plan that they were given,” he said. “If my plan is to love a man, that’s between my fiancé

and I. There’s never been any other time that I can think of when I’ve been happier with somebody else other than my fiancé.”

Iowa Law

Iowa code 216.9 states that no school can discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national orgin, religion, or disability in any program or activity.

It also states, however, that any religious organization is exempt from this section when the qualifications are related to a religious purpose.

Catholic Catechism

Catholic principle states that homosexuality is a disorder and is a sin when acted upon. Homosexuals must sacrifice the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.

Homosexuals are called to chastity, and are to refrain from sexual intercourse. By self-mastery, support, prayer and sacramental grace, they should approach Christian perfection.

feature

april 2015 p.7

Plowing through post high school Examining how one student is preparing for life after graduation words | Max Culbert layout | Lizzy Orr One day while working at Oakmoor last year, special

education associate KT Menke gave student Mason

Rumpf a vacuum to push around using the footrest of his wheelchair. Mason went around vacuuming; however,

there was one problem – the cord would get tangled up and caught in Rumpf’s chair.

Menke was frustrated the cord kept getting in the way,

but saw an opportunity arise from the vacuuming experi-

mow with his wheelchair, other students with disabilities

different places in the community. “It’s a way of us figuring out which of our students are good at doing those things, and we’re able to say this is a strength of this student so

when they graduate that would be something for them to do,” Menke said.

In addition to working in the community, students learn

ence. “He was so successful at it, so that kind of sparked

important skills in the classroom from teachers like Sallie

on [his] chair, or a lawn mower?” Menke said. “It was kind

and specific hard skills during school to prepare them for

a conversation of what would it be like if we put a plow

of just like ‘that would be so cool,’ never thinking that it would really happen.”

After a video shot by junior Chloe Williamson showing

Hedgepeth. “Students work on job-related social skills

their options after high school, no different than their nondisabled peers,” Hedgepeth said.

As the students gain knowledge in the community and

Rumpf plowing snow with his wheelchair, it was clear the

the classroom, they prepare for life after high school with

ting an action track wheelchair. This chair would allow him

with a team of family, counselors, a case manager, teach-

idea could work. Rumpf is currently in the process of getto plow, mow, haul things and even go hunting.

Using his wheelchair to mow lawns and plow snow

could be more than just helpful, it could become a busi-

the help of several people. “Most students work closely

er and others to develop a plan that is of interest and can be successful for the student,” Hedgepeth said.

While many students with disabilities to join the work-

ness. “My plan for a business is to plow snow and mow,”

force upon graduation, it is not the only option. A different

and I want to be able to do that too.”

program. These programs typically last two years and

Rumpf said. “I love watching people mow and snow plow Senior Mikayla Foster is Rumpf’s buddy in the Best

Provided/Chanhom Tharrington

discover their skills and interests through volunteering at

option for special needs students is an alternative college focus mainly on academics, building independence and

Student Mason Rumpf plows snow using an Action Track wheelchair. After graduation, Rumpf plans on starting a business plowing snow and mowing lawns. the past but [those programs] feel very strongly about

preparing for the workforce.

helping students become as independent as possible,”

Special education associate Chanhom Tharrington,

his family are currently looking in to programs for him to

more support could be offered to Cory. “Bethel said sup-

ful] because he is a very friendly person and he works

Minnesota to check out the new BUILD program (Bethel

work with us to find the right person/people to work with

have found a good fit.

Bethel’s program makes BUILD the top option for Cory

Buddies program. “I think it’s a great plan, I would definitely hire him to mow and plow for me,” she said.

who works with Rumpf agreed. “I think [it will be successhard, so whoever hires him will get a good worker,” she said.

Much like how Rumpf learned he could plow and

The action

track wheelchair

West Des Moines Valley junior Cory Schneider and

Dawn Schneider, Cory’s mom, said. At Bethel’s program,

attend. Over spring break, they visited Bethel University in

port could be built into his program and they would even

University Inclusive Learning and Development) and may

Cory,” Schneider said. The additional support provided by

“We had researched other programs similar to this in

Able to turn quickly

Additional attachments are available such as a snow plow.

Wheels can go through beaches, mud, snow and shallow water.

and the Schneider family.

Bethel University Inclusive Learning and Development (BUILD)* 2-year program Goal is employability Internships provide opportunities to gain and practice work skills Three types of student mentors help students * Information provided by https://www. bethel.edu/academics/build/

april 2015 p.8

Ins and outs of car searches

feature

Highlighting the difference between car searches on school campus and police searches in public words & layout | Sarah Caporelli Police Searches

Junior Lauren Grant had her car searched by a Norwalk

police officer one night when she and two friends pulled

if I said no he would automatically think that I was hiding something and that he would’ve thought of me as a bad person,” Grant said. “I wasn’t sure that if I said no, that no

over to look up directions. “We drove all the way out to

is no and they wouldn’t of searched my car.”

empty parking lot to look up where we were,” Grant said.

is never an admission of guilt and if there is no probable

was not sure what she had done wrong.

a violation and you tell me no I’m going to say have a nice

Norwalk, we were lost and confused and we pulled into an

When a cop pulled in behind Grant with lights flashing she The parking lot that Grant pulled into turned out to be

a common drug dealing area and the police wanted to be

Saying ‘No’ to a police officers request to search the car

cause the officer can not search. “If I ask for consent after day and walk away,” Spring said.

While Grant’s car was searched she felt uncomfortable

sure she was not involved. “He asked me ‘Can I search

watching the officers go through her things. “He opened all

hide,” Grant said.

all over for about 10 minutes,” Grant said. “Then they said

stead of reasonable suspicion. “If the officer sees some-

and then we got to leave.”

off the consent given by the driver,” Johnston police officer

did not want to go through it again. “Next time I would [say

your car?’ and I told him yeah because I had nothing to

my car doors and he made me open up my trunk looked

Police need to have probable cause to search a car in-

‘Okay there’s nothing in here and I was like ‘yeah I know’

thing in plain view that gives him probable cause or based

After the uncomfortable experience Grant decided she

Sergeant Eric Spring said.

When a police officer asks permission to search a car

that does not necessarily mean that they do not have probable cause. “If I pull a car over and I smell the distinct smell

of marijuana, because I’ve been a cop for 15 years, I have

no] because I’ve already proved my innocence,” Grant said.

School Searches

There are a lot of differences between dealing with a

The Johnston Police Department employs 16 officers, three sergeants, a lieutenant, the Chief of Police, an administrative assistant and a records clerk.

Officers wear the patch to the left Provided/cityofjohnston.com and is the official symbol of the department. The location moved in August 2014 to a newly constructed building located at 6373 Merle Hay Road.

POLICE

To Search or Not to Search

The ways the police can search your car without a warrant.

probable cause,” Spring said. “I can work that into conver-

car search on school campus verses a police search. “We

1) If you give consent, they can search

No. Mind if I search the car? No. Okay.”

suspicion, rather than probable cause,” assistant principal

2) “Plain view” meaning if you have anything illegal visible from the window that gives an officer probable cause.

sation maybe asking are there any weapons in the vehicle?

Even though Spring had probable cause it may be eas-

ier to give the illusion of choice to the driver. “We want to

have a lesser degree that we have to get to for reasonable Jerry Stratton said.

Schools follow a reasonable suspicion basis for taking

diffuse the situation as much as possible because some

action instead of probable cause. This means that if a reli-

be at risk,” Spring said.

out anything in plain view.

interaction with a driver can tip off a policeman that they

“When you bring your vehicle on the lot, since it’s a school

based on the interaction with the driver and what is visible,”

said. “If we have reasonable suspicion that an object is ei-

car stops can be high intensity and the officer’s safety may Although an officer may not have probable cause, an

able source gave a tip, the school could search a car withThe school’s property is different than public property.

may be suspicious. “Every interaction is different and it’s

safety issue it’s very similar to a locker search,” Stratton

Spring said.

ther illegal or something dangerous is in your car we have

When interacting with a police officer and they do not

have probable cause but maybe reasonable suspicion is

the right to look.”

Several students have had their vehicles searched

when consent comes into play. “Nine times out of 10 the

on campus and did not want to comment for this article.

some further questions,” Spring said. “Then at that time

sions before. Administration recalls about 10 searches this

officer will advise you that you’re free to go and then ask

Searches on campus have led to arrests and suspen-

they’ll usually ask for consent based off some of the things

school year.

they may have seen.”

Grant decided to give consent to the car search be-

cause she felt she had nothing to hide even if she did not enjoy the idea of her car being searched. “I did think that

Because the car is parked on the property the school

has different expectations. Saying ‘no’ will not stop a car

search. “If I’m asking to search it means we’re going to search,” Stratton said.

3) “Search incident to arrest” if you are arrested with probable cause your vehicle can then be searched.

4) “Probable Cause to suspect a crime” it’s not illegal to have blood on the seats or a ripped up purse but those can coincide with a crime and be suspicious.

5) “Exigent circumstances” meaning the officer can break every rule if they suspect that evidence is about to be destroyed.

Bottom line you have to let the police search your car if they have a warrant.

*provided by http://www.businessinsider.com/what-rights-do-you-have-whenpulled-over-2013

feature

april 2015 p.9

Price Chopper replaces Dahl’s words & layout | Brooke Ginsberg

Amongst seven locations in the Des Moines area, same location. Price Chopper intends to work with all of the

Dahl’s groceries filed for bankruptcy Nov. 9. Price Chopper employees prior to renovation with an exception of two new supermarket, originating from Kansas City, Missouri, made store managers at the Johnston location and any new labor the decision in expanding and buying five of the seven force that approaches.

Dahl’s locations. Public advertisement and renovation began March 31, following the opening of their doors April 1.

Preparing for the change from Dahl’s to Price Chopper,

employees were told of the replacement mid November.

Locations that had not been replaced by Price Chopper When it became time for employees to make the transi-

sold out to another grocery store also owned by Associated tion, junior Carissa Dobson decided to not reapply and to

Wholesale Grocers known as Cash Saver. The placement move onto another business. “If I had to go through an inof these AWG stores were determined by the cost of liv- terview process either way, I might as well go somewhere

ing, business success rates in the area, local competition that would pay me more,” Dobson said. “If you take away between other grocery stores.

the money issue, I would have stayed because I had made

Price Chopper employee junior Savannah Boyle likes friends at Dahl’s and felt at home there.”

the better communication between her new bosses and

Employment operations and wage are not different for

is bringing. Online scheduling and standard schedules that percent discount on groceries. Head store manager Joe

Seniors Hezekiah Applegate and Keaton Rumer ring up groceries for customers in their new yellow Price Chopper uniforms.

“Beforehand I wouldn’t know I was working a Sunday shift Price Chopper. “The old discount isn’t really necessary, es-

shoppers around us,” Trombino said. “Even though it’s the

pecially when you have school and sports going on.”

in Iowa before.”

the more efficient scheduling system that Price Chopper employees after Dahl’s replacement, excluding their 10

two weeks in advance are an improvement for the store. McDonald has gone through the transition from Dahl’s to

until the Thursday before,” Boyle said. “It was stressful, es- pecially when our name talks about chopping prices,” Mc-

Donald said. “The discount is technically already in effect

Boyle is in her third year of employment from Dahl’s for our employees.”

to Price Chopper at the Johnston location. Before Price

Interior construction is expected to start in May. “We

Chopper’s take over, Dahl’s had been behind in the means want to give our customers a new perspective on [Price

same building with a new sign, we’ve never had this store

Junior Abigail Foutch and her family plan on shopping at

Price Chopper. “We live close to the store anyway,” Foutch

said. “We also have a problem of wanting pizza every other

of business and technological services. “They were stuck Chopper],” McDonald said. “It needs to be a little less dull

night so I just hope it’s a lot cheaper than Dahl’s was.”

track the orders of what you purchased, Dahl’s was still do- tion of the products throughout the store are going to cre-

her regular grocery store. “I don’t think my family will ever

in their old ways,” Boyle said. “When Hy-Vee would online and more inviting.” Painting, new counters and reorganizaing it by hand so that was one thing that put them behind”.

Previous employees of Dahl’s went through a simple

ate a new image for the store.

Senior Enzo Trombino also transitioned between gro-

transition process if they wanted to continue to work at their cery stores. “I think we’ll have even better interest from

Price comparison 1dz A&E eggs

Price Chopper

Wal-Mart

$2.99

$2.98

Sophomore Katie Kelly, however, plans on sticking with

shop [at Price Chopper]”, Kelly said. “We are so used to shopping at Fareway that we would not bother trying something new.”

“The Black and White” traveled to three grocery stores, Wal-Mart, Hy-Vee and Price Chopper to compare prices of the same item.

Hy-Vee

Jack’s pizza

Price Chopper

Wal-Mart

$2.99

$2.98

$2.99

$3.51

$2.97

$3.49

$4.44

$4.44

$4.43

$2.51

$1.97

$2.51

$2.99

1 loaf Sara Lee Bread

Hy-Vee

1lb Honey Crisp Apples

$2.18

$2.18

$2.18

12pk Charmin Toilet Paper

$5.47

12pk Coke

$5.47

$5.47

1pk Extra Peppermint Gum

1lb Bananas

CH

EW ING GU M CHEWING GUM

$1.29

$0.96

$1.29

abstinence Johnston does not have a specific pol-

icy as to what teachers are required to

Students share their thoughts and beliefs on whether or not they believe in staying abstinent until marriage, as well as JHS’ attitude towards the importance of teaching abstinence

teach regarding sex education, therefore it is up to the teachers discre-

tion as to what is taught as long as it meets the certain goals of the curriculum.

School Board member Mar-

ci Cordaro does not believe that it is nec-

essary to have a more concise policy when

it comes to what the schools are and are not

allowed to teach regarding sex education.

“As things are changing so much with dif-

ferent issues, you know what’s considered

in the realm of sex education and growth and

development,” Cordaro said. “You want to keep

things flexible enough so that if the teachers need

to change their curriculum they can.”

The school board provides a foundation of the cur-

riculum for the teachers to follow in the classroom.

“[The teachers] are the ones with the expertise and they can

words & layout | Clare Farrell & Carly Campbell

Sex education and abstinence Iowa is one of the few states that, by law, does not require their

schools to stress the teaching of abstinence in the sex education unit or require the teachings of sex education period.

Iowa code states that “each school board shall provide age-

appropriate and research-based instruction in human growth and development including instruction regarding human sexuality, selfesteem, stress management, interpersonal relationships, domestic

abuse, HPV and the availability of a vaccine to prevent HPV, and

Students share their thoughts on whether or not they believe in staying abstinent until marriage. In fear of judgement the students asked to be kept anonymous.

“

“

develop a curriculum that is most appropriate for their students, but

it’s important that [the school board] provides the support they need to be able to do that,” Cordaro said.

Health teacher Lacey Fulton bases her curriculum off of what

she thinks is most important and helpful to students when it comes to sex education.

“We need to make sure we give students the right information to

make the right choices to protect against teen pregnancy and STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases),” Fulton said.

Even though it is not required for Fulton to stress abstinence, she

still finds it important to do so.

“Every day of the sex education unit I talk about [abstinence] be-

cause it’s important for them to understand that it is the only way to 100% protect yourself from teen pregnancy and STD’s,” Fulton said.

Cordaro believes that it is important for sex education to be

taught in school.

“A lot of students get that kind of instruction at home from their

families, but a lot of them also don’t, so I think it’s important for the school to have some involvement,” Cordaro said. “It’s a pretty sensitive issue and people have a lot of different emotions about it, but people [seem to be] more open minded about it now.”

Fulton believes that it is important to teach sex education in mid-

dle school as well, but believes that different grade levels require different levels of conversation.

“A lot of young people, even though they are sexually active, are

really unaware of what being sexually active truly all entails,” Fulton

said. “At different maturity levels there are certain things that are

important to be covered. I don’t know if it necessarily needs to be

called sex education at the younger levels, but I think it should be introduced.”

Cordaro thinks there is some value in teaching sex education in

middle school as well.

“I think that at the middle school ages children develop so differ-

ently,” Cordaro said. “You have to be mindful of what the parents want their children to know, but also with what is in the media or what is talked about in social gatherings,” Cordaro said.

I believe that you should be abstinent before marriage. I think people just do it to impress friends or family.

Also, I think some people do it because they are hurt on the inside and want someone to love them so they find it the wrong way.

“

I think it’s just the culture we have grown up in and it’s a lot more common now that it’s kind of just a natural thing.

Abstinence in religion When senior Luke Davis found Christ, he began to understand

why people believed in staying abstinent until marriage. “I just

didn’t get it, but now that I believe in Jesus I do get it,” he said.

Now that Davis believes that sex should be saved for marriage,

he falls in the category that most people would consider a ‘Reborn Virgin’ or ‘Born-Again Virgin.’

Davis has never considered himself to be a Reborn Virgin, but

rather just a Christian.

A ‘Reborn Virgin’, by definition means a person who, after

having engaged in sexual intercourse, makes some type of commitment not to be sexually active again until marriage (or some

other defined point in the future or indefinitely), whether it be for religious, moral, practical or other reasons.

Davis believes that staying abstinent until marriage is only

worth it for those who understand the true meaning behind it. “Sex changes a relationship drastically,” Davis said. “I knew I didn’t

want that drastic change to ever happen again unless it was with someone who I am spending the rest of my life with.”

Davis did not talk through this decision with anyone, but knew

that it was the right decision for him. “I just knew that it was necessary to do that in order to have a good relationship with my wife.

That probably sounds weird to anyone who doesn’t think about things like that,” he said.

60% of Women*

3%

“

what they want to teach.

I don’t believe in staying abstinent before marriage. If you love someone enough, I believe you should have the ability to make love to them and marriage should not restrict that.

“

they leave it up to the districts to determine

Students on abstinence

“

acquired immune deficiency

syndrome in grades one through 12...”, but

Asking God for forgiveness, according to Davis, is essential in

order to have good relationships in the future. “I have made a mistake in my life and God has forgiven me for that mistake, but there is still that sole bond you have when you have sex,” Davis said.

The concept of a born again virgin is common in the Evangeli-

cal denomination. “It is common in our church, but I wouldn’t say we label them as a ‘Reborn Virgin,’” Johnston Evangelical Free

church Youth Pastor, Jay Quick said. “For those students who do choose to go down that path, we’ve counseled them through a process of [healing and forgiveness.]”

Quick leaves it up to his students to decide whether or not they

want to stay abstinent, but encourages his students to abstain

from sex until marriage. “I am not trying to rob them of that experience, but I just tell them that this is the best context in which it’s

used,” Quick said. “I also realize the desires of the human flesh is to bond with one another, so it is up to them.”

Another way students show their promise to God to stay

abstinent before marriage is by wearing a purity ring. The act of

wearing a purity ring is to make a promise to God that you will not have sex until marriage.

Junior Makenzie Hill received a purity ring from her parents

when she was in eighth grade. “(Getting my ring), I saw it as sort of a step of maturity,” Hill said.

Junior Meredith Johnson received a ring from her parents as

well. “They (my parents) gave it to me as kind of a pact between them, God and myself,” Johnson said.

wait to have sex until marriage In highly religious groups, up to

of Americans successfully wait until marriage to have sex *http://waitingtillmarriage.org

*of the three percent of the population

40% of Men*

wait to have sex until marriage

“

I do believe in abstinence before marriage.

Based on my morals, my Christian faith and my parents influence I think it’s right to wait until marriage. I think my parents have influenced my belief.

“

april 2015 p.10&11

20% of people wait until marriage to have sex

profile

april 2015 p.12

1 1500 in

made by Zoe Wilson

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

Cali Prentice sophomore words | Allison Klein

layout | Zoe Wilson

Some people around sophomore Cali Prentice refer to

her as an ‘old soul’ because of her taste in music, interests and general attitude towards life. She enjoys painting and taking pictures, listening to 90’s grunge music and skateboarding with friends.

Skateboarding, even though it is something she loves,

has caused Prentice some troubles with other kids outside

of her friend group. “People are so willing to judge us as

‘bad kids’ because we skateboard and occasionally wear black,” Prentice said.

Her friend group thinks there is a stigma attached to

them because they like to hang out and ride skateboards.

Prentice lived in Iowa for the first two and a half years of

her life then moved to Missouri to live with her dad. “I was a little farm girl,” Prentice said. “Our town was so small. I only had 48 kids in my grade.”

Two weeks before her eighth grade year she moved

back to Iowa and started to attend Johnston. Prentice

Sydney Ginkens/BW

would be surprised how much Prentice is just like everyone

group of friends if other people just stopped judging them.

and loves to take pictures together with her friends.

us, I think they would be surprised,” Prentice said. “We re-

else. She is a major Star Wars fanatic, a lover of Nirvana

Both Prentice and Gau see a lot of potential in their

“If other students at Johnston took the time to get to know ally are all the same when you think about it.”

prefers a bigger school like Johnston compared the old school. “I feel like there are so many more opportunities

in a bigger school and a lot more people like me,” Prentice said. “It was very small town, everyone was the farmer type and there were no ‘rocker’ people.”

At Johnston, Prentice found peers she could relate too,

but because they were different than what is expected, they were labeled as ‘skaters’. Junior Tatiana Gau is one of Cali’s friends who is also associated with the ‘skater’ group,

and she also see’s the judgement against the friend group.

Gau is known for her crazy hair colors and enjoys be-

ing different. “I find it personally offending for me when students act surprised when I tell them I’m in advanced classes,” Gau said. “Just because I have hair that doesn’t

conform to social norms doesn’t mean me or any of my friends are dense individuals.”

This situation is only one of many judgments Prentice

and her friends feel that are projected onto them.

“Once, someone spread a rumor that my friends and I

were ‘emo cutting freaks,” Prentice said. “And that couldn’t be farther from the truth.”

These kinds of accusations are what causes Prentice

and her friends to feel like everyone judges them. Most

The story behind the board The inspiration and process of making a longboard designed with exposed photos

Sophomore Cali

one of a concert and the

Prentice created this

other some flowers. Then

long board in one of Dan

a photo of her and her

Weiss’s art classes. She

boyfriend, her and her

had heard Weiss talk

mom, and then one of just

about something called

her surfing. The process of

liquid emulsion. Liquid

making the longboard was

emulsion is the same as

quite complicated. “First

emulsion used to develop

I sanded down my long-

on ordinary photographic

board and put a clear gloss

paper but in liquid form

on it,” Prentice said. “Then

so one can develop

I went into the dark room,

photos on any surface.

painted on the liquid emul-

Prentice wanted to make

sion with my photos and let

something that was a

it dry, after that I exposed

representation of her, so

it.” The pictures devel-

she decided to develop

oped just like they would

her own photographs on

on photo paper and the

her longboard. Two of the

longboard was finished.

photos she took herself,

editorial

april 2015 p.13

Learning life skills must begin How do you manage your time? at work practicing for a sport

studying for school

Even though she takes on a surplus of activities dur-

ing the school year, sophomore Sophia Nelson still finds time to work a job while juggling the clubs and sports

she is involved in. She maintains a job where she works between five and 10 hours each week during the school

year in addition to school and other commitments. When high school students work, it teaches them a substantial amount about budgeting and saving, time management and responsibility, just like it has taught Nelson.

working a part-time job

According to the National Center for Education, the

number of high school students who are employed is the lowest it has been in 20 years. When students do not

have jobs, it does not prepare them properly for their fu-

ture for when they will have a job or when they will need to apply these skills.

Budgeting and saving are two crucial skills every high

school student must learn before entering the “real world”

$ $

clubs and organizations

High school students must practice their time-management skills each day by juggling activities. Without this skill, students will struggle immensely after high school.

simply sitting in a classroom. Practice with actual money

activities and do not have time to work during the week

after high school is over. The knowledge about saving

is how this is learned, and Reiher has been doing this.

having a job should encourage every student to have a

income or allowance, rather than relying on their parents’

into a savings account.,” Nelson said. “15% (goes) into

there is a chance that the student will not earn the in-

demanding baseball season, so he makes time to work

works to earn her money to save it for college, pay for

as much as their parents always have, they will still have

Saturdays because we don’t have practice then,” Bast

out with her friends.

their parents earn. Learning to budget and save money

but it is better to learn how to do so early in life rather

Reiher are two students who have taken initiative to learn

and budgeting that Nelson has been able to learn from

Every student should be trying to budget for their own

job at some point while in high school. “I put (my money)

income. If this is not done, it will pose a problem because

my spending and the rest goes into my savings.” She

come that their parent makes. Though they will not make

her gas during the summer and to have when hanging

the habit of spending the large amount of money that

It can sometimes be difficult to save so much money,

are skills that need to be learned by all, and Nelson and

than later. According to an article on CNN.com, more

how, which all students should be doing.

paycheck. This is not an ideal situation to be in. If there

save her money, but it has taught her how to better man-

not prepared for the situation. However, this large num-

work. Every high school student should be encouraged

younger age. Budgeting and saving can be taught in high

are continuing their education through college. If these

dealing with their own money they make.

school, it will lead them to be unprepared and frustrated.

receiving an allowance to last her from month to month.

ing on during each day with a job in addition to home-

and other miscellaneous purchases. “It’s important that I

more precious. More is actually being accomplished in

it over a certain span of time,” Reiher said. “That’s the life

extra-curricactivities. This is because the students will

than 25 million American families are living paycheck to

Not only has having a job taught Nelson to budget and

in addition to their activities and school work. There are

other options to this, such as working in the off-season of a sport or extra-curricular activity.

Senior Conner Bast finds it difficult to work during his

as much as he can during his off-season. “I usually work said. He is a good example of knowing his schedule well enough to plan when he works at Hy-Vee accordingly.

There are many places around the high school that can do this for their high school workers, and if the student searches hard enough, they will find a place that is a good fit.

Senior Marcy Chamberlain has been working ever

was some sort of emergency in a certain family, they are

age time as well when it comes to finishing her home-

since her age has allowed her to, and has found a good

ber can be lowered if budgeting and saving is taught at a

to become an expert in this aspect, especially if they

learned a multitude about being a responsible member

school, however, it is more effective when students are

skills are not learned before students graduate from high

Senior Elizabeth Reiher has been taught this skill by

Though it may seem more stressful to have more go-

fit for her at Starbucks as a shift manager. She has

of the workforce, which can only be learned by experi-

ence. “It taught me that you need to be an advocate for

yourself,” she said. “If you want opportunities you have to seek them out.”

Chamberlain works more hours than most as a high

This money she receives goes towards her gas, food

work and other activities, time ends up being treated

school student each week, averaging at about 40 hours.

know that I have the money and I have to save it and use

each day when working a job or being involved in more

school to prepare them for their life after their high school

skill they’re trying to teach.”

know that they need to focus as much as possibly in the

these specific skills.

the value of a dollar is a piece of knowledge that comes

plete their assignments.

By learning how to budget and save money, knowing

along with these two other skills. It cannot be learned by

short amount of time they are given to study and com-

Some students are in sports or other extra-curricular

Every student should have a job at some point in high

career, because having a job is the best way to learn

“Getting a job makes you realize just how fast money

goes,” Chamberlain said. “It doesn’t grow on a tree that your parents always joked about, it’s not there.”

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 8-0.

opinion

april 2015 p.14

Homework causes troubles

Filled class schedules could lead to overloading students with too much homework and too little time when participating in sports and extracurriculars words | Kitarrah Mangra-Dutcher

layout | Carly Campbell & Zoe Wilson

We have eight class periods a day, five days a week.

For some students one of those class periods is gym

while all of the other class periods are filled with academic classes in which they receive homework.

Average homework per night

I have had multiple teachers tell me that I should have

40

57

an hour of homework every night for my classes, or at

least theirs. Since I have had many teachers tell me this I

minutes

minutes

felt like it meant I should have about an hour of homework for almost all of my classes.

If a student has seven class periods and an hour of

54

homework for each one, that is seven hours of homework.

13

That adds up to 14 hours of school a day. Students between the ages of 13-18 years old are supposed to get

42

minutes

minutes

around nine and a half hours of sleep each night. Fourteen hours plus nine and a half adds up to 23 and a half hours.

That leaves about 30 minutes left for things like eating, working, playing sports and socializing with friends.

Yes, the amount of homework one has depends on the

classes you take.

Many students feel the need to take the harder class-

es because colleges might look for those more vigorous

This information was gathered by acquiring average hours of homework from teachers who teach typical sophomore classes. For science these classes include chemistry and biology.

Math classes include geometry, Algebra II, Trigonometry, and pre-calculus. World studies is the only history class offered for sophomores and Integrated Language Arts is the only English class offered.

classes. Those harder classes have more homework.

According to The National Education Association, first

grade students should get about 20 minutes of homework

perspective I believe, from my perspective, when I assign

it. Teachers could see if their students understood what

In order to get everything completed a student, or

through the work and see if they could figure out how to

a night and then the amount of homework should increase

homework and it doesn’t get done,” Oldham said.

that as a senior students should have 130 minutes, about

teacher, has to prioritize the work that needs to be

hours of homework by my freshman year and now I’m do-

“Sometimes I think, when we have to make our pri-

ers- have lives outside of school. It is not healthy to con-

because this other project or this other thing, whatever it

homework load would be beneficial to both teachers and

by about 10 minutes every year after that. This means

two hours, of homework a night. I was doing about two

done.

ing about four to six hours of homework a night.

orities, [students] choose not to spend much time on this

their homework. “I think part of the problem with our at-

is whether it’s school related or not, is more important,”

Some students may not even spend much time on

titudes that we have towards school is mostly to hurry up

Schillerstrom said.

teacher Mark Schillerstrom said.

not think that we should totally get rid of homework. How-

the homework, which causes even more trouble. “I’m one

figure out how much homework helps students with their

other kids,” Schillerstrom said.

class. This would help teachers because they could use

of the school day. They work on grading papers and tests

a long amount of time on a certain subject. Lessening the

I write is new, I don’t rewrite stuff so that takes hours,” sci-

teachers and students.

and get it done, not necessarily get it done well,” English

I know we will never totally get rid of homework. I do

All of this homework means someone has to grade

ever, we need to work together, students and teachers, to

person trying to keep track of the progress of 150-160

understanding of the material they are working with in

Most teachers work on things for their classes outside

more of their time to plan and they may not have to spend

as well as planning things out for their classes. “Every test ence teacher Dave Oldham said.

None of the homework that Oldham assigns is actually

taken for a grade, yet he does have homework quizzes

in his AP Chemistry class. “It’s frustrating from a teacher

amount of homework would be less stressful for both The less homework we have the more time students

would spend on it and the more feedback teachers

would give. Students would not try to race through the

work to get it done, but actually sit down and understand

they were doing and they could have more time to go help the student who didn’t understand.

It is important to remember that students- and teach-

stantly be engrossed in one’s schoolwork. Lessening the students.

BUSIN E

ENGLI

SS

SH

MATH

FOREIG

N LANG

SCIEN

HISTO

UAGE

CE

RY

opinion

april 2015 p.15

Clarifying unclear definitions An explanation of the differences between tolerance, respect and acceptance

I need to

respect

your opinion?

words & layout | Bryce Schulte America is living in a rather confusing time right now.

There are so many equal rights movements spreading

across the country, like gay rights, transgender rights, feminism and other issues. With all of these issues, words

like tolerance, acceptance and respect are being thrown

around without people knowing exactly what they are talking about.

These three words are wrongly being used interchange-

ably, mainly because they are all being loosely interpreted

How about I

from their similar definitions. Let’s change that.

Tolerance is defined as “allowing the existence, occur-

tolerate

rence or practice of something without interference.” In simpler words, tolerance is pretty much dealing with someone or something one may not agree with.

your opinion?

Respect is defined as “a feeling of deep admiration for

someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities or achievements.” The definition is pretty clear. A person looks up to the belief and/or person.

Acceptance is defined as “believing or coming to rec-

ognize (an opinion, explanation, etc.) as valid or correct.”

Again, in simpler words, this means that a person believes in and supports a belief and/or person.

Here’s an example of how one of these words can be

used in the wrong context: “You must all respect us! We

have unalienable rights and are becoming more prevalent in society whether you like it or not.” This statement seems

like it could be used by an activist in any movement, whether it be LGBT+, feminism or racial rights.

When people, however, start preaching that everyone

must respect a particular belief, that totally destroys the

idea of free will. Forcing someone to respect things they do

This shows an example of how respect can be misused for tolerate. No one can be forced to respect another’s opinion no matter how many try and make it happen. For example, one person may demand respect for gay rights, and a Christian may not want to respect them, but they can at least tolerate it.

Chart of

progressivism Tolerance

The minimalist approach. You may not agree with the belief, but you acknowledge its presence.

Respect

Middle ground! It is not necessarily that you believe in whatever, but you admire an aspect of the belief

Acceptance The highest in progressivism you can get. You support, and think the belief to be correct.

not believe in is not ideal.

Tolerance, however, is ideal. One may not respect or

accept the idea of gay rights, but they should at least come to tolerate it.

These words can be thought almost as a progression

to a feeling of serenity. While that feeling can never be

entirely existant, it can certainly become more common. If people can learn how to properly use these words in differ-

ent situations, society can possibly become less evil and just turn the other cheek when someone says that they do

Eric Garner, people have been fighting for implementations to decrease the amount of racial violence by police.

In addition, after the suicides of transgender teens

in the coming months.

In the battle of the sexes, women are fighting for more

equality for both male and female genders, both economi-

not respect one belief or another.

Leelah Alcorn, Zander Mahaffey and Blake Brockington,

ance,” “respect” and “acceptance” are being used. The first

momentum and has grabbed attention from the public.

voice their opinions, and that is something we should en-

about topic, especially since a substantial ruling concern-

they need to know the correct terminology in order to make

Now, for the list of movements in which the words “toler-

one is concerning racial issues.

After the murders of multiple African American people

in the past years, like Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and

the transgender rights movement has gained much more Along with this, gay rights has become more of a talked

ing same-sex marriage will be made by the Supreme Court

cally and socially in whatever applies to them.

With all of this going on, more people have began to

courage. However, when people do voice their opinions, the change they want to see happen.

opinion

april 2015 p.16

Changing the name, the idea is the same The movement for equality has difficulty breaking ground due to word association of feminism words & layout Michelle Kumar

enough for a monday #senioritis”, or “I got a letter from the

In the 1950’s we had the Civil Rights movement to

school outlining my absences & telling my parents to im-

promote racial equality. Great men and women like

press upon me the importance of regular attendance #se-

MLK and Daisy Bates insisted that the color of our skin

nioryear”. These are funny, but they all define the concept of

shouldn’t dictate how we are treated and what oppor-

senioritis differently.

tunities are available. No matter what color we are,

Yet, that’s the beauty of the term. Senioritis can be de-

we are all human. In hindsight, the racism that occurred

fined in a variety of ways. High school seniors look at it as

then would be unthinkable due to the current desegre-

an actual ailment, afflicting them from as early as the start of

gation of our society.

senior year to after they receive their admission letter from

From 1900 to the late 70’s we had the integration

the college they will be attending next year. Teachers and

of women into the workforce. Women changed their

parents look at it more as an excuse created by lazy stu-

say a woman does not belong in the workforce today is

haters but

job of bringing in income. A household without a woman

and a misandrist because feminism is equality for all,”

sible to be

it’s imposa feminist

Coy said.

Growing up, I thought it was unfair that boys were

The fight for equality between genders may seem a

told not “act like a girl” and to “man up” when they

culture and is seen as a social norm. There is already a

me that labeling what people can and can’t do based on

thing of the past, but all too often it is integrated into our

movement to advocate these changes, unfortunately, it is seen as man hating and aggressive. Despite having

showed even a hint of emotion. It later even occurred to gender was wrong.

I did not call myself a feminist until recently. The

feminine as its root word, the feminist movement’s aim

whole concept frightened me because I had no clue

The definition of equality is the state of being equal,

feminist movement is at its core the more they under-

is to better everyone, not just women.

especially in status, rights and opportunities. The definition of feminism is nothing more than the belief that men

what it was. The more people that understand what the stand that the message is about equality.

Feminism’s aim is to benefit to everyone. It does not

and women deserve the same opportunities and treat-

disclude people based on gender, race or sexual orien-

support equality why can’t they support feminism when

an idea which has so strongly been put down by soci-

ment politically, socially and economically. If people can it is the same thing?

The word feminism comes along with a negative

connotation. For many, it is right up there with hypo-

tation. For boys it gives them the right to show emotion,

ety. For women it gives them the freedom of choice and having the same opportunities given to men.

If we changed the word from feminism to say equal-

crite and communism. A word and movement that ad-

ism there would be little resistance to the movement. I

hate group by a radical few.

word for the comfort of others is not equality. Changing

vocates for equality has been made synonymous with a Being labeled a feminist seems to be a bigger issue

with people than the movement itself. Senior Katherine Claes believes that this is due to preconceived ideas.

“People associate it with those who take it too far or who are maybe extreme with their beliefs,” Claes said.

Senior Betsy Coy has a similar view. “It’s the stigma

people connotate it with, so people think we’re man

death, I’ve seen a considerable increase in the amount of

nuts”, or “I went to two class periods today… that’s good

boundaries, social or physical.

mom, usually does not work in today’s society.

As the school year inches closer to its inevitable heat

teacher you’re late because you HAD to go to dunkin’ do-

given the same opportunities. The need for it spans all

working, whether it be an office job or a stay at home

words & layout Senad Besic

punch line. They say things like, “Senioritis is telling your

one. Everybody wants to be treated the same and be

not only insulting, but shocking. Many women share the

Shining a new light on senioritis

social media updates that make jokes using senioritis as the

Equality is the assumed right to be equal with every-

traditional gender roles and in turn changed history. To

kcaB 2 Besic

am not trying to change the word because changing the the name because of its association with women would be wrong because it is the opposite of what feminism

and equality stand for. Not calling yourself a feminist

hinders the movement and the change that comes with it. So instead of avoiding the movement because of

the name, educate yourself on the meaning behind the word, and maybe the movement can be successful.

dents trying to justify their lack of motivation in school.

Honestly, both the seniors and teachers are right. This

year I have never been more lazy. Normally I don’t start my

homework until nine or ten at night, but if I start earlier, I take

half hour long breaks at least every hour. I also constantly postpone things until the very last day that I can do it. But this doesn’t mean you can’t be productive. I may be one

of the only remaining people that still takes notes over the

book in AP Psychology. I still finish all my homework on time as well, along with making time for extracurriculars.

But the thing is, we don’t have to accept this definition

of senioritis. It’s so gloomy and lame. Senioritis has the capacity to mean so much more. Instead of it symbolizing

laziness or a sense of energy-depletion, let’s look at it this

way: senioritis can stand for hope. Hopeful for your senior year ending so you can leave this “prison”. It can stand for

motivation. Use those feelings of laziness and lackluster and turn them into a burning passion to finish your final year here. It can stand for rejuvenation. Take comfort in the fact

that very soon you will leave this place and be cured of your

senioritis, allowing your drive to be reborn, which will only

prepare you for future hardships. And lastly, it can stand for unity. If you’re thinking you’re the only one feeling senioritis,

don’t. There are about 534 other students that feel the exact same way.

So as we approach graduation, let’s keep in mind that se-

nioritis doesn’t have to be the death sentence for your GPA that it basically is. If you look at it in a more positive and inviting light, it has the capacity to not only change your attitude

and actually make you a productive member of society, but save the whole world.

health

april 2015 p.17

In one ear out the other

Most students are listening to their music too loud and it is causing damage that is life long When listening to music, most doctors will

tell people to follow the 60/60 rule, meaning that

people should listen to their music at 60 percent of the maximum volume for 60 minutes. When

people exceed that rule in any way, it can cause permanent damage to their hearing. A U.S. survey of 500 teenagers ages 13-19 showed that 9 in 10 (88%) of them admitted to participating

in activities they know will damage their hearing.

Listening to loud music was the most popular.

“We’ve got these headphones now and peo-

ple basically put those in their ears and they

turn them up really loud and tune out the rest the world,” science teacher Matt Jaschen said.

“That’s cause for concern because there are a lot of studies showing that headphones, especially

the louder they are inside your ears, are not good for your hearing.”

On average a normal volume conversation is

at 60-65 decibels; when the decibels exceed 85 it can cause permanent damage. Most people do

words & layout | Eileen Lagerblade

pening outside the realm of the headphones. If

ing loss occurred when he was working on his

The types of headphones people use are

nailer, which uses gunpowder to shoot a nail

ably too high.

also a major factor for the amount of damage caused. Earbuds, which seem to be one of the

most popular type, are the most damaging to

people’s hearing because they sit so closely to the ear drum.

“Earbuds are the worst headphones you can

bile engine right next to the ears.

Senior Johnathan May listens to his music

about six hours a day at around 60 decibels.

“(I listen to my music) not loud enough for oth-

er people to hear but loud enough to cancel out what everybody is trying to say to me,” May said.

May also breaks the rule of listening to music

at a volume where one can still hear what is hap-

shot the first nail the sound echoed through his

concrete basement causing a high pitch whistle in his ears.

“Right this moment I’m hearing that whistling

never going to go away and there’s nothing I can

on your device to hear well and this puts more sound pressure level near the eardrum.”

everyday for the rest of my life,” Miller said. “It’s do about it.”

He now has his hearing checked annually to

Using earbuds also boosts the decibel level

make sure he does not need a hearing aid, and

from a dial tone of a telephone to a train whistle

“I do think there is damage occurring to peo-

about 10 more decibels. That is similar to going

so far he does not need one.

500 feet away. Because both Forest and May

ple’s hearing due to this way of listening to music

Even after hearing this information not every-

it until it is too late,” Hanson said. “Noise induced

use earbuds, their decibel level is increased.

to their hearing] and my thinking is if they did they

bels is like listening to a motorcycle or snowmo-

even though he was informed to and when he

ana Hanson said. You have to turn up the volume

an average of 100 decibels for about five hours

them saying turn it down,” Forest said. 100 deci-

into concrete. Miller did not use ear protection

in my ear, nonstop every second of every hour of

ears and therefore do not fit well,” audiologist Di-

body is going change their habits.

a day. “Sometimes its so loud I can’t even hear

basement and was using a powder actuated

use as they are not specifically made for your

exceed 85 decibels when listening to music.

Junior Alexis Forest listens to her music at

Miller suffers from hearing loss. His hear-

one cannot hear, then the decibel level is prob-

“I don’t know if [students know what it can do

wouldn’t really care because, especially when

and the unfortunate thing is people do not realize hearing loss takes 15-20 years before it will show up so you may not even realize you are doing damage until it is too late.”

Hearing damage caused by overexposure to

you’re young, you know the facts but you’re like

loud noises unfortunately is irreversible.

invincibility factor until you get older and you’re

hearing because once you’ve screwed it up it’s

Students also might not change their habits

There are hearing aids for those with dam-

[who cares] I’m young and you also have that like shoot I can’t hear,” Jaschen said.

“I encourage my students to take care of their

screwed up for good,” Miller said.

because they do not feel there is any damage to

aged hearing but those will not bring back the full

“Because you lose the hearing gradually you

damage is by prevention. Some ways are to use

their hearing.

don’t quite realize that you are losing,” science teacher Don Miller said.

capability of the ears. The only way to stop the

headphones instead of earbuds, and mostly just using moderation when listening to loud sounds.

Decibel comparison chart Conversation 60-65 Decibels

Train whistle 500’ 90 Decibels

Powersaw 3’ 110 Decibels

Hand Drill 98 Decibels

Jet engine 100’ 140 Decibels

Jackhammer 50’ 95 Decibels

sports

april 2015 p.18

Division decisions

Deciding to play Division 1 or Division 3 has several factors

words | Anne Rogers layout | Carly Campell Since an early age, senior Hezekiah Applegate knew

he wanted to play collegiate athletics, preferably in the Midwest, allowing friends and family to come watch.

From there he looked at many Division 1 schools, focusing on the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS),

Provided/Sachin Gupta

Senior Sachin Gupta signs to play golf at Grand View University. Gupta accepted a scholarship to help pay for his education and will be a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Golf coaches and Gupta’s parents attended the signing at the high school April 8.

which are schools that are not quite as big as University

Examples

have been recruiting me for a long time, since sophomore year, so I’ve gotten to know the coaches really

well,” Applegate said. “Part of it was the major, they have the major I want and they’re really good at it.”

Applegate is one of the few student-athletes at

Johnston who chose a Division 1 school. “Any [Division 3] school that was in town I talked to for a short time,

but then I told them I was looking for a higher level of football,” he said.

Senior Kristen Stucker will also be playing Divison 1

volleyball at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee,

next year . “It just kind of worked out, I was getting a lot of interest letters from schools but I wanted to go to a

school that had a pre-veterinary program, so I looked at

schools that had interest in me and that fit academically, so I decided to visit and I really liked it,” Stucker said.

She will be receiving a full ride scholarship that will be paying for her entire undergraduate degree.

Stucker was always set on going to a bigger school,

and she prioritized academics over athletics. “I didn’t re-

ally look at any Division 3 schools just because if I wasn’t

playing I would probably go to Iowa State or Minnesota or something big like that,” she said. “So that was important in my search. When I had a Division 1 school interested me, that caught my attention.”

Although the competition will be tough at a bigger

school, Stucker is confident she will be playing next year.

“I like the chance that we could get into the NCAA tournament,” she said. “Then we would play a really big school and that would be sweet.”

Senior Olivia Doherty is one student-athlete who will

be playing Division 3 next year, playing golf at Luther

College. “I liked the community feel when I was at Luther and all the faculty was extremely welcoming and they

cared about each individual student, so that made me feel worthy in a way,” she said. “And then I want to go

FCS Schools

to compete at the elite level. “I picked UNI because they

FBS Schools

of Iowa and Iowa State University, but still big enough

Scholarships

S

-University of Iowa -Iowa State University -University of Oregon

-Required to offer all or nothing for scholarships.

-Allowed to give out 85 full ride scholarships per year.

-University of Northern Iowa -Ivy League schools

-Can give out partial scholarships, and rarely give out full rides.

-Have 63 scholarships to be distributed.

into nursing and they have a phenomenal program, and it just had the right fit for me.”

Doherty prioritized academics before athletics in her

college search. “Once I decided on Luther based on the academics and the community and all that, I looked into

whether or not I could actually play with them,” she said.

Division 3 schools do not give athletic scholarships, so

Doherty will be attending with academic scholarships.

Perhaps the biggest difference between Division 1 and

Division 3 athletics is the scholarship aspect. When the

NCAA was founded, some schools decided they did not want to be a scholarship program for financial reasons.

“Those schools just didn’t want some of the challenges that come with providing scholarships, primarily the fi-

Support

Money

-Usually a bigger budget, which means they can spend on things like a nicer facility

-Much larger stadiums -Bring in the most ticket revenue

-Much smaller budget, usually have to spend their money wisely.

-Smaller Alumni base -Much smaller stadiums

athletics,” he said. “Obviously the quality of performance might be different, but the passion and desire to train, excel, and compete is still high.”

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics

(NAIA) is a league separate from the NCAA. It mostly

consists of small private colleges, such as Grand View

University or Wartburg College. Senior Sachin Gupta will be playing golf at Grand View next year, and will receive a substantial amount of money through athletic scholar-

ships. “I picked (Grandview) because of both academics and athletics, but mostly because of the golf program,”

he said. “I’ll get to play and at a very high level because they’re in the top ten for NAIA.”

Although the level of competition is still high at Divi-

nancially aspect,” Luther Athletic Director Joe Thompson

sion 3 schools, the resources, such as financial revenue

kind of emphasis on athletics.”

are dramatically different, the facilities are dramati-

said. “Because if it’s scholarship program it’s a different Because of this, Thompson believes there are dif-

ferent types of students-athletes who attend Division 3

schools. “We have student athletes here who attend to

their primary goal, preparing for their vocational career, who know very well that they won’t make a living in

and recruitments, they receive are not. “The resources

cally different, the level of play is dramatically different,” Thompson said. “But the passion to do what you do is

the same. The kids at Division 1 and the kids at Division

3 are all out there trying to do their best, so that’s a common denominator with all levels.”

april 2015 p.19

Athletes improve with club sports words & layout | Myles Gandorf

When senior Hayley Dotseth was 12 years old, she

Dotseth sees many benefits from being involved

joined All Iowa Attack, a volleyball club with practices

in a volleyball club. “It’s definitely helped improve my

June and competes in around 16 tournaments a year.

much we play, but our coaches are really experienced

three times a week from the end of November until

“I wanted to play more and the school season was only like two months long,” Dotseth said.

Many athletes are involved in club sports in the

offseason of their school sport to improve. According

to “The Chicago Tribune,” elite club sports offer train-

skill just because of how much we practice and how

and they help us with life lessons,” she said. “Giving us

advice and being there for us because a lot of us travel a long ways to practice (and) they kind of help us with managing our time.”

Derry has also become familiar with the coaching

ing, competition and attention from college recruiters

staff at Sporting Iowa. “You get to know the coaches

school sports explain that sports in school teach ath-

Derry said. “Probably because (I’ve spent) way more

that might not happen otherwise. Proponents for high letes important lessons and experiences.

Volleyball coach Rick Brooks believes club sports

and I feel you get more of a connection with them,”

time in club sports than I have in high school (sports).”

Brooks also believes club sports could potentially

can be helpful for developing athletes. “Obviously it’s

place doubts in athletes’ minds about the effectiveness

instruction and growth that they get from the training

times (say) ‘well this is the way we do it at club,’ or ‘this

the instruction they get throughout the year, continued and the play over the course of the winter, spring and even summer now,” he said.

Scheduling sometimes becomes an issue with club

of the coaching at their school practices. “If kids someis the way the club coach teaches it,’ those differences you have to deal with,” he said.

Dotseth enjoys both school and club teams. “I like

sports. “There’s starting to be some conflicts in the

school because you get a really big atmosphere, dur-

be together,” Brooks said.

experience to have a crowd watching you,” Dotseth

June month where we would as a high school like to Despite the huge time commitment, Dotseth be-

lieves she made the right choice. “It takes up a lot of time, but I think it’s been worth it,” Dotseth said.

Junior Brett Kerr has been playing club soccer for

eight years and believes that the club, Sporting Iowa, has helped him improve. He attributes it to the com-

petitive nature of the club. “It’s the people you play with and that you play against that make you better every day,” he said.

Kerr has not had any scheduling conflicts between

the two teams, but that almost was not the case since

his club team was contemplating playing in the spring.

“Other states have school soccer in the fall when we

have it in the spring,” Kerr said. “So they want to play club teams from other states which can be difficult.”

The workouts and atmosphere at Sporting Iowa are

different than the school’s, according to Kerr and junior Joe Derry, another player on the team. “Clubs are

more laid back and easy-going and in high school they take stuff a little bit more seriously,” Derry said. “They do a lot more technical work.”

The coaching styles differ between Sporting Iowa

and the school team. Kerr prefers the school’s to the clubs. “[In club] the coach you have changes every

year or two so you get a lot of different coaches but in

high school soccer it’s the same every year,” Kerr said.

ing the game people come and watch and it’s a cool said. “But I like club almost for

the opposite reasons because when we go to tournaments there’s really not that many people watching us so it’s more about your team and the game you’re playing.”

Derry likes both

club and high school soccer, but he

tends to get more enjoyment from

the club sports. “I

get to know people from other schools

and that’s kind of cool

and it’s just a more fun

atmosphere to be around,” Derry said. “But I also really like high school because I know a lot of the people there and I can

just see them in the halls.”

sports Smeared Eyeliner Yes, I know sports.

words & layout | Carly Campbell There have been many occasions where I have to say

“yes I am a girl and yes I know sports.” I’m personally

getting quite sick of the game of 20 questions that follow

that statement. I know I am not the only female sports fan, so I know there are people out there who can relate to

my struggles. It never fails that as soon as someone finds out that I know more about sports than the typical girl, the

annoying stereotypes being. Since 35% of sports fans are

females I thought I would clear up some misconceptions in hopes of relieving the painful experience us female sports

fans have to go through. The first, and sadly most common misconception is that we don’t want the pink jersey. Why

is it that the only jerseys in my size are pink? I don’t want sparkles or rhinestones, and I’m not sure who does.

Next, you don’t need to explain the rules to me. In fact,

you don’t need to explain the rules to any girl. Either they already know them or they don’t care. Please stop mak-

ing me miss the two point conversion or flagrant one foul

because you think you understand it better than me. But if

you have any questions about the rules, I’m sure I can be of assistance in explaining it.

Next, and please listen carefully to this one, when you

find out I know sports, you don’t need to quiz my knowledge. Do you ask a guy 20,000 questions to verify he

knows his stuff? No. So I ask you to do me the same cour-

tesey. And if you would like to quiz me, at least allow me to quiz you as well. Trust me, you won’t get an A on my quiz.

Which brings me to my next point, I grew up with the

team too. I been watching them since I was born also. You

don’t need to grill me who Brett Farve or Charles Woodson

is, I watched them slay back in the day. (Yes I am a Greenbay fan.)

Please, please, please, I beg you don’t cry when my

fantasy team or bracket beats yours. Yes, you did get beat by a girl. Get over it.

I also don’t understand why I am judged for yelling at the

TV or going into post game depression over a loss. It’s ac-

ceptable for guys to turn into a five-year-old and pout, curse at the TV and cry when your team loses, but the second

mine does, I need to calm down and “act like a lady.” It’s 2015. This is how a lady acts.

Lastly, and the most important, I don’t like sports be-

cause of the “attractive players.” If one more person tells me the only reason I think Russell Wilson is good because he’s

good looking, I might lose it. Do not dismiss my opinions because I’m only interested in sports for the attractive players.

I also don’t talk about sports so guys will like me. And if I

really need to explain why, then you’re a lost cause anyway.

It’s very simple, I know sports and that makes me differ-

ent then the typical girl but absolutely no different than an

male sports fan. Stop treating me different or I will drop kick your fantasy team to prove it to you.

backpage

april 2015 p.20

Forgotten fame Exploring the most obscure trophies JHS has to offer

words & layout | Jake Dalbey

Sydney Ginkens /BW

Dragons Name Recognition Show Choir Nationals

Presented to the class of 1997 to com-

Received by Innovation Show Choir dur-

junior who created the dragon’s mascot in

of Sarah Van Waardhuizen, for being

memorate Andriena Lutter, a Johnston

1947 under the name “Golden Dragons”

eventually shortened to just dragons. The plaque is dedicated to all athletes who have participated in Johnston sports.

ing the 2010 season,under the direction awarded 4th runner up at Show Choir

Nationals. The competition took place in

1995 Boy’s State Basketball TSA Project Donation Given to the 1995 boy’s basketball team for

The model car was received as a dona-

Middle School math/science teacher Chris

ago, as a project created by two basic

winning state with a record of 26-0. Summit Danner was apart of the team, which won consecutive titles in 94 and 95. The team

Nashville, Tennessee from March 25-29th. also set the state record for points scored Innovation also received best band during the preliminaries as well as best female

in a single title game at 173.

as a way to commemorate the two stu-

dents choice to pursue a career in auto collision repair at DMACC. Inside the

car is the signature of Ryan Quesnell, a

24

146 163

181 ACADEMICS

CHOIR/BAND

BASKETBALL

FOOTBALL

TENNIS

SOCCER

TRACK/XC

17

BASEBALL

8

11

23

car care students. The car was created

former JHS TSA member.

vocalist for Marissa Broich.

Trophies By The Numbers

tion, gifted to the library close to 5 years