April 2021

b&w

BLACK AND WHITE APRIL 2021 VOLUME 29 ISSUE 6

What We Have Left To

Say

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Print Editor Online Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor

Marandah Mangra-Dutcher Savannah Dennis Kylie Emery Joel Kellar Noah Gilbert

APRIL

When Jay Rice ‘94 brainstormed the name of our paper in 1991, it was not because of the ink color. For the last 28 years, our mission has been to bring our audience stories from the school, community and nation, told clearly and without exaggeration--in black and white.

STAFF WRITERS Nolan Akins Parker Anderson Nathan Anderson Addison Etnier Lily Fredericks Laila Hasanovic London Heim Marley Jenkins Renee Johnson Tate Larsen Abby Lehan Theron Luett

Ayden Lyon Levi Manley Jay Marren Sabrina McGuire Alyssa Minear Charles Pruett-Shillak Tyler Roberts Tarun Srikaran Edina Suljic Aidan Topolinski Michael Wesseh Ahren Young

Illustration by Joel Kellar

PAGE 16

WHAT WE HAVE LEFT TO SAY We have a lot of things we have not written this year. With the three different learning models our school had to take this year, it became difficult to cover really in-depth stories the right way. We had not had the time to find the necessary interviews, or do the research that is needed for a well rounded story because of all the changes to the class. In this last normal issue of the 20-21 school year, where we have been in person the entire time, we decided that the paper needed to cover at least some “gut” stuff. We needed to cover the things that are affecting or going to affect our futures whether we know it or not.

Editor-in-Chief Marandah

CONTENT Cover Marandah

Illustration by Savannah Dennis

Mangra-Dutcher

4 Letters Off the Page 6 Vaccination Nation 8 The History of of Horror and Moral Panic 10 Virtual School Makes a Comeback 14 Dragons Do It RIght 16 Strikeout Cheating 18 The Benefits and Downfalls of SROs 20 Photo Hotspots Around Town

PAGE 10

FINE PRINT Black & White is published solely by the Johnston High School newspaper staff. It is an open forum. In accordance with Iowa law, students assign, edit material and make all decisions of content.

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. To write a letter to the editor, or report an error in the issue, please contact the editors at jhsblackandwhite@gmail.com.

@jhsnewspaper

@jhsnewspaper

Follow us on social media for more content

4 | Feature

Letters Off the Page Every story has passion behind it.

sleazy and charismatic jeweler in New York

Words | Charles Pruett-Shallik Layout | Marandah Mangra-Dutcher

S

City, who continues to make risky and

torytelling is a concept that has

be shaped in whichever way the presenter or

story itself, or their morals and feelings

been present since the dawn of

reader desires.

within. The stories that force us to question

sentience within man, and serves as

Stories can serve as a basis for

or reinforce our morals, are usually the

a theoretical mirror in which the emotions

entertainment, education, or a deeper

deepest and most influential stories. Some of

and feelings imposed on man by the world

perspective on the moral values contained

my favorite examples are ones that create a

around him reflect the way man approaches

within the current or past societal norm.

spectrum between what we would normally

the world and builds his character. The art

No matter what a story is trying to convey,

define as “good” and “bad” actions and

of storytelling serves as a reflection of life,

one thing rings true throughout great

motives, and blur the line between what is

but also serves as a compass of moral lessons

storytelling, feeling. Human emotion is

inherently right or wrong.

upon the spectrum of what is considered

a fascinating concept, a powerful unseen

‘good’ or ‘bad’.

force dictating the world around us and

from film, which allows both a narrative,

influencing our every decision no matter

and a picture for the viewer to consume. A

its effects on mankind, is how it transcends

how miniscule or significant. Whether a

majority of the aspects of storytelling can all

a specific tangible platform. We can find

story gets you to laugh, cry, smile, frown,

be incorporated beautifully onto the screen.

stories in books, artwork, music, film, and

one thing is true. Stories make us feel

One of my favorite, and what I believe to be

even our own lives that we live. Stories

emotion as humans. They inspire us, and

a beautifully encompassed story arc is that

contain characters, a plot, a narrative,

encourage us to think and question.

of “Uncut Gems”, released in 2019. Following

The beautiful aspect of storytelling and

morals, there is no solid framework for what it has to be, it is a liquid concept which can

A good story instills a sense of curiosity, in which the reader questions either the

Some of my favorite examples come

Howard Ratner, played by a serious and foreboding Adam Sandler, Howard is a

conclusion of his stressful thinking.

After finishing the film, there were

The psychological and emotional counterpart in great storytelling influences

high-stakes bets with borrowed money from

questions left unanswered, and storylines

the very fabrics of our lives, and creates

the mafia and gems and jewels he owns.

resolved in a way that didn’t feel satisfying

inspiration, insight and evaluation of

The film creates a high stress environment

at first. The story forced me to rethink the

not only the characters and plots within

to mirror the precarious life of Howard,

events of the film, and the line blurred

the story, but ourselves as well. The

by a sense of fast paced scenes, cutthroat

between if Howard deserved his final fate,

sophistication of modern and fabled stories

dialogue, and a soundtrack of looming and

or he simply got unlucky being caught in

alike help inspire ideas and concepts for

ominous music.

the shuffle of dangerous and high-stakes

new stories to be created, and pave the

decisions. I watched the film again, and it

way for future ideas and tales to be told.

to the psychological thriller genre of

felt like a different story was being told the

Great stories open a sense of insight for the

storytelling where Howard must balance

second time through. To me, these are the

human mind, to ponder and question the

family, his business, and his own scummy

most influential and important types of

world around them, allowing the benefit

morals. The environment is stressful, and

stories. Ones that force us to rethink what we

of greater thought and more established

can be a hard watch for any viewer. However,

know, and see life through a different lens.

morals. Storytelling serves as the building

that is where the beauty of the story lies. The

Stories that encompass human emotion, and

blocks for who we are as individuals, what

film puts the viewer in the shows of Howard,

force us to take a sort of third person view

influences our personalities and creates the

and creates the same sense of dread and

on our own lives and morals. Stories that

ideologies upon which we rely. Great stories

anxiety that Howard feels within the film.

engulf the audience in a sense of fascination

have influenced our history in who we were,

The consequences of Howards actions not

and the ability to think and create decisions

the current moment, and the future in who

only affect him, but the audience as well

based upon what we believe in and what

we want to be, and who will be.

by including visual and auditory details

we know, and when thought about long

that continue to build suspense towards the

enough, can create new morals and values

Uncut Gems stands as a classic tribute

for us to feel and believe in.

6 | feature 8 | Feature

Vaccination Nation Words | Parker Anderson Layout | Alyssa Minear

A

s the COVID-19 vaccine is slowly

Some students who do not have

getting the antibodies would be like,” AP

rolling out, students are getting

underlying conditions do not care when

Psych teacher Jesse Dowell said. “After the

more and more opportunities

they get the vaccine, as long as they can

first shot, I had symptoms for a couple of

to receive it. Whether they are getting

eventually get it. “I do not see a problem

days, like a milder version of when I had

vaccinated because of medical conditions or

with getting vaccinated,” Hannah Pitela ‘21

COVID. The second shot did not give me

because of where they work, they are being

said. “I am not in a rush though. People who

any sort of reaction.”

protected from the virus that has completely

need it before me can go ahead and get it,

changed the way we live and operate now.

I’m in no rush. I thought I had COVID-19

around friends and family. “My family

symptoms twice but tested negative so it has

broke the rules the whole time,” business

not really affected me that much.”

teacher Kayla Bousum said. “My dad has a

Some students are qualifying to get the vaccine through their jobs. “I was eligible because I work at KTC so I am technically a

Most of the students who do not want to

Johnston employee,” Sarah Wiles ‘21 said. “I received the Moderna vaccine and I am very happy with it. I feel so much safer and a lot more comfortable being in public spaces. I didn’t have any reaction.”

Jobs in the area may require workers to get the vaccine. “I was eligible because I am considered an essential worker,” Alison Peralta ‘21 said. “I got the vaccine through the health department and my sister went through their website to set up the appointment for it. After I had the shot I felt sick for about 24 hours and had a high fever.”

Health conditions are another possible reason students are eligible for the

condition I have,” Jenna Westendorf ‘23 said. “I did not react to my first shot but I have not gotten my second one yet, and I’m expecting some sort of reaction.”

The amount of people wanting the vaccine is currently up in the air. Many want it as soon as possible, while others want it when everyone who needs it already has it, and some do not want it at all. “At some point I would want to be vaccinated,” Wendy Avalos ‘21 said. “Once I am eligible. I feel like the combination of getting vaccinated and following CDC guidelines is the best way to protect yourself. I think this is how we end the pandemic and we can finally go back to fully enjoying life like before COVID-19.”

terminal illness, so the whole time he had been telling us that he did not care if he got

“At some point I would want to be vaccinated.”

-Wendy Avalos ‘21

vaccine. “I was eligible because I am 16 and considered high risk with the medical

Students and staff are feeling a lot safer

sick, he was going to die soon anyways so he wasn’t going to let COVID get between us. I did go see him after getting my second vaccine, and it was a nice feeling to know that I can’t bring him the illness because I have been vaccinated.”

People are now getting to do more things while feeling safe due to the vaccine.

“Our whole family got to go to Disney World over spring break,” Dowell said. “It felt nice knowing my wife and I had both been vaccinated, even though the kids hadn’t. We just followed the guidelines of wearing masks and staying six feet apart and everyone else who was there was doing the

be vaccinated have a reason to not want it.

“I feel since we are not in the age category where the disease is super deadly, like 99.9% survival rate and the people who could die from it usually have an underlying condition, and I do not have one, I just do not want it because of the reaction it can cause.” Dylan Coslin ‘22 said. “The other day I saw something about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine giving people red skin, almost like they are burning from the inside out. There are all these things where people feel awful after getting it and I personally, do not think it is worth it.”

Teachers are also being vaccinated because they are considered essential workers. “I had COVID so I knew what

same thing.”

Along with getting to do more things, people are also seeing more people who are also vaccinated. “I got to see my aunt and her family,” Westendorf ‘23 said. “My aunt is high risk and her family has been super cautious throughout the whole pandemic so it felt really nice to see them. We all still wore our masks and were socially distanced but they were very comfortable seeing my family.”

“I hadn’t got to see my friends since November as I was trying to limit my exposure,” Wiles ‘21 said. “Two weeks after my second dose though, I got to see my closest friends who had also been vaccinated.

It felt great to be able to see them unmasked and get to spend quality time together.”

8 | Opinion

The History of Horror and Moral Panic Words and Layout | Jay Marren Throughout history, art has constantly

is, of course, traumatized after the event

Bronx, singing christmas carols. At another

opened in theaters the same weekend as

Bulger was taken to different locations to

that occurred and was raised by nuns who

theater in Milwaukee, a group known as

the original “A Nightmare on Elm Street”

be beaten, abused, and splattered with paint

been subject to scrutiny from different kinds

of the Bulger case, gave evidence that at

told him to repress his tragic past. Billy

the “Citizens Against Movie Madness,”

and outgrossed it with the weekend box

by the two boys until they tied his body to

of people, no matter the genre. Horror has

the time Jon was not living with his father

grows up to work at a toy store and is

protested the theater with signs saying “Save

office. The film was later rereleased with

a railway track. This case of brutality was

caused the brute force of it. Whether it be

when “Child’s Play 3” was in the house.

pushed into being the stores St. Nick, thus

Santa” and “Santa is Not A Murderer.” The

new marketing, wearing its controversy on

surrounded by aggression and outrage from

protests of movie releases, or the constant

So the chance that Venables watched it

horror ensues. The film sparked protests

messages of the protests spread even further

its sleeve. Because of this people flocked to

british citizens, with the two boys Venables

question of “does violence in movies cause

is highly unlikely. Psychiatric reports

by parents and families around the country

with newspapers and news broadcasts

the movie for months, eventually spawning

and Thompson viewed as some of Britain’s

violence later in life?” It is evident that there

presented to the court at the time of the

as it threatened the “sanctity of christmas.”

throwing their hats into the ring. Leonard

four sequels and a loose film remake in

most vile criminals. The two were found

has been some moral panic when horrifying

trial proved that the connection between

The film began to cause outrage before

Maltin, a famous film critic, even went on to

2012. In ways for this film, its protesting and

guilty and sentenced to imprisonment for

things are related to a horrifying movie.

Venables actions and the film were

the film came out but, as the tv spots

call it a “worthless splatter film,” even asking

controversy ending up selling the film to

constant review, eventually having their

Protests

incorrect as Venables had an aversion to

began to air. Children were traumatized

“What’s next, the Easter Bunny as a child

many of people shown in its massive box

opportunity for parole and new identities as

horror movies.

across the country as they sit down to

molester?” Tristar Pictures, the distributors

office take ins.

they reentered society. The question many

have family television time, and see a

of the movie pulled the movie from theaters

to a horror movie was in the year of 1984.

causing discussion, controversy, or panic.

masked santa claus bringing out weapons

a week after the Milwaukee release. Shortly

Violence Inspires?

asked was how childs play 3 was involved in this murder case. In one scene from

On Nov. 9, 1984, the world was shocked

Its a matter of if we let it affect it they it

to murder many. The pure image of Santa

after these events, one member from the

the film, it showed the possessed Chucky

by the release of the cult classic holiday

affected these people

was tainted and immediately parents

Citizens against Movie Madness was featured

Night” sent the entire country of america

doll splattered by paint and having its face

horror film “Silent Night, Deadly Night.”

revolted. Parents called local television

on Good Morning America stating “If they

into panic and emotional turmoil,

beaten in; a similar fate to Bulger. This of

“Deadly Night” focuses on the story of a

stations to remove the television spot from

don’t make any money on this sort of film,

another film was connected in a string of

course would become relevant discussion in

tortured child named Billy after he was

their commercial block. The parents even

maybe they won’t make any more like it.”

controversy. The next case of which was in

the case of Bulger’s murder. Rated 18 plus in

orphaned when a man dressed as Santa

went as far to protest the premiere of the

Sadly for the protestors that was not the end

the year 1993 having to deal with a shocking

Britain, there was a massive theory that the

Claus horrifically murdered his family. Billy

film at Interboro Quad Theater in the

of the story. “Silent Night, Deadly Night”

sequence of events after “Child’s Play 3” was

film had a sinister inspiration to the boys,

seeming to be the one connection of a brutal

having the fate of the doll be so similar to

murder. Two british children Jon Venables

the fate of Bulger. In his judgement, Court

and Robert Thompson were caught at the

justice Morland, said that exposure to violent

center of horror fans attention when it was

movies could have influenced the eventual

revealed across the world that these two boys

demise of Bulger, as it was revealed that

were charged with the torture and murder

Venables may have been exposed to the

of two year old James Bulger. In an effort to

film when rented out from a video store by

understand the tragic events that occurred

the Venables family, the month before the

they believed that the 1993 film “Child’s

murder. However it was reported that Neil

Play 3” was the cause of these boys violent

Venables, the father of Jon never let him

actions. On Feb. 12 1993, Bulger was taken by

watch the film. According to the police,

Venable and Thompson when his mother

the “Child’s Play” theory was convenient

Denise Bulger was distracted momentarily

for people to try and understand why this

when at the local butchers shop. What

absolutely incomprehensible tragedy

ensued was tortue too graphic to report.

occurred. Albert Kirby, the main investigator

The most prevalent case of protests

Similar to how “Silent Night, Deadly

In the end, horror will always be

11 | In-Depth

7:45 Monday, August 23

EMAIL

ll across the nation, schools were

A

learning platform that does not require

for the online learning option. “Edmentum

forced to shut down because of the

teachers. Students have differing opinions

is an approved curriculum through the

pandemic. The shutdown forced

about

might

Iowa Department of Education,” Woods said.

school districts to experiment with new

influence their decision on if they are going

“We’ve used Edmentum in the past, and it is

styles of teaching and learning. Usafacts.org

to do in-person or online school. “Edmentum

part of our credit recovery system. They have

revealed that during the pandemic, 65.3%

was super easy to understand and get the

a very robust catalog that we can choose

of households with children reported that

hang of,” Jasmin Kaur ‘23 said. “It was not at all

from.”

Makes a

Edmentum,

which

their children were distance learning using

Even though teachers are not required

online resources. For many schools, this

for the online learning option, they are

included going fully online or using a hybrid

Virtual School

using

model. Although both models were used this year, only online learning will be making a comeback.

The original purpose of the online learning model was to be another option for students to feel safer during the pandemic.

After using this model on a large scale, the district is offering it as an option next year because some students prefer it more than

Comeback

the in-person option. “I prefer online school

Words | Edina Suljic & Laila Hasanovic Layout | Savannah Dennis

model but it was very challenging for both

and I am glad I chose it,” Kathryn Walker ‘23 said. “I think it has given me the opportunity to understand things more clearly.”

Others preferred the hybrid learning students and teachers. The hybrid model

“I loved that I was able to do things at my own pace. I was able to learn just as much as I would have in person, while still having a lot of freedom to do what I wanted during the day.”

- Jasmin Kaur ‘23

provided for support. This practice will continue next year as well for the students that chose the online option. If a student has questions or concerns, they can contact their designated teacher for the class they are struggling with. As well as teachers, counselors are also available as a resource to online students.

This

1. Log into Edmentum 2. Finish today’s assignments 3. Go to practice

similar

to

what

Students could reach out to their teachers via email or during class zooms in order to get their questions answered. However, there was no designated task

consisted of students splitting their time

teachers had to do regarding

between home and school so not all the

TO DO:

is

teachers had to do this year.

answering student questions

students were in the building at one time. “As

difficult to use.” Others view Edmentum from

but, next year there will be.

far as the hybrid model, I will tell you it is

a whole different perspective. “I personally

“It would be part of their

by far the most difficult to run for teachers

think that the Edmentum curriculum makes

day,” Woods said. “It would

and for students,” Principal Ryan Woods said.

learning harder than it needs to be,” Ethan

be considered a duty.” This

“The teaching piece of that was very difficult.”

Tran ‘23 said.

means that certain teachers

Currently, the online school option uses Edmentum for their curriculum, a virtual

it,

will be assigned the task

Edmentum will continue to be used next year

of responding to online

Although

some

may

not

enjoy

Ms.Kenny

12 | In-Depth students in order to avoid issues with teachers not responding to student emails.

Online students will also interact with in-

some. According to data from the National

person students because they will be allowed

Survey on Drug Use and Health, “Research

Despite these similarities, the 2021/2022

to do extracurriculars like sports and clubs.

shows that the school environment is critical

online school model will look different than

They will also be allowed to attend school

for fostering academic motivation and social

how it was used this year. “No in-person

activities like dances. “Online students are

development.”

teacher will be teaching online. There is no

just like in-person students, so you are a

Many students experienced this struggle

more zooming-in in the future,” Woods said.

Johnston High School student whether you

when all the student body went online earlier

There are also stricter rules regarding

are online or whether you are in-person,”

this year. “Online school was bad,” Patrick

switching between online and in-person

Woods said. ”You are eligible for sports, you

Yang ‘22 said. “I had a hard time keeping up

learning. Opposed to being able to switch

are eligible for dances, you can do everything

at my home since I got distracted too easily.”

during the semester, students will have a

that anybody else can do.”

According to Educationdata.org, “During

much shorter time frame to transfer from

In addition to being eligible for sports and

the pandemic, 42% of students indicated

online learning to in-person or vice versa, if

activities, the online school option may also

staying motivated was a major problem for

they wish to do so. “The deadline is the first

seem enticing to some because this opens up

them completing coursework online.” If

week of school,” Woods said. “So once you

the opportunity to finish classes at a faster

lack of motivation does become a problem

commit to online, you are committing for the

pace. However, students will only be able to

and students disengage from their work, the

whole semester.”

complete a semester at a time. This means

school will intervene just like they would

In addition, some online students might

with an in-person student. “First step: we try

not be entirely online. Although Edmentum

to contact the student who disengages, and

offers a variety of courses, many courses

have a conversation with that student,” Woods

like lab-based classes and music classes are

said. “If they have a hard time, we can ask the

not available online. “So, [online students]

counselor to try to contact that student. We

may be in the building for part of their day,”

“I think the biggest challenge for teaching online would be or was getting student interaction and to know where students were at and being able to adjust instruction based on their understanding.”

Ms.Wooden “It was less stressful in how you spend your time getting from and to school: spending less time getting ready, less time driving. It was convenient in the fact that it was right there.”

Ms.Love “I liked the flexibility. I liked also [how] students, in my opinion, showed more vulnerability than they would have in person because they didn’t necessarily have to be seen by their peers to share it.”

would then contact parents.”

Woods said. “For high school...there is a lot of

that students will not be able to start the next

Nonetheless, some students thrive in

courses that you can’t take online.”

semester until that one is over, even if they

online learning courses. Online school will

have completed their courses. Students will

continue in the years to come, but only if

also not be allowed to start their next school

there are a lot of students who want to do it.

year early. “It’s how we load their schedule

“You have to have so many kids before we can

to make sure their plan can be successful,”

say it’s financially even doable,” Woods said.

Woods said.

“If only 10 kids sign up to be online, I don’t

However, online learning does provide

know how you can run an online school.”

flexibility with pacing and even with personal

Due to the challenges the school has

lives. “I loved that I was able to do things at

faced this year, many students found out that

my own pace,” Kaur said. “I was able to learn

online learning is what works best for them.

just as much as I would have in person, while

Therefore, as long students continue to enjoy

still having a lot of freedom to do what I

online learning, it will continue to be offered

wanted during the day.”

as an option along with in-person learning.

The online option comes with more

This provides an opportunity for students to

personal flexibility, but it also comes with

choose what learning model best meets their

several obstacles. Some of those obstacles

academic and personal needs.

could possibly serve as dealbreakers for

CONNECTION LOST

15 | Review

Dragons Do It Right Graduates open a chicken joint at the old DQ. Words | Catherine Reiher Layout | Savannah Dennis

T

he best part of Charlotte’s Kitchen

flavor, love and soul. A medium-sized sign

about the food at Charlotte’s; all of the food

was the Char’s Sauce, it has a

welcomes customers through to their drive-

was hot and fresh. The sandwich buns were

perfect balance of sweet and salty

thru. The customer service and food create

toasted and flaky. The cheese curds were

that complimented their fried and grilled

an intimate experience. You can truly tell

lightly breaded and even tokened “best in

BBQ

chicken. The Char’s Sauce is a creamy pink

our area”. The cheese curds are comparable

dipping sauce. Similar to the sauce you would

to the ones you see at the state fair. The

Deadeye Medium Mango BBQ sauce, mayo, lettuce, & pickles

receive at Cane’s but better as it has less

milkshakes were okay, a friend of mine

pepper. The sauce comes on their Original

preferred the vanilla shake to the chocolate

Chicken Sandwich, you can also order the sauce on the side, and enjoy it with chicken

both seemed pretty average. They also offer a 6150 Merle Hay Road Johnston, Iowa 50131

tenders or their incredible waffle fries.

Charlotte’s Kitchen was founded by two

shake of the month, April’s is Fruity Pebbles.

Other observations by newspaper staff, the pickles are thick and they are a classic

MONDAY

11:00 AM TO 8:00 PM

Robert Doan ‘14. Charlotte’s was inspired by

TUESDAY

11:00 AM TO 8:00 PM

sandwich. What about the cost? The quality

THAI

Doan’s grandmother and is located in the

WEDNESDAY

11:00 AM TO 8:00 PM

and quantity of the food are worth the price.

House thai sauce, thai peanut sauce, thai slaw, & pickles

previously the DQ.

THURSDAY

11:00 AM TO 8:00 PM

the area, Charlotte’s is very similarly priced.

FRIDAY

11:00 AM TO 8:00 PM

Johnston alumni Michael Hanstad ‘14 and

heart of Johnston on Merle Hay, in what was Charlotte’s began with a small dessert vendor at the Des Moines Farmers Market.

American pickle that you would want on a

In comparison to other chicken restaurants in What makes Charlotte’s different? The food at Charlotte’s is carefully crafted. There

With an ambition to “do better” they decided to

SATURDAY

11:00 AM TO 8:00 PM

are lots of options, from an Original Chicken

open a food truck and with great success, they

SUNDAY

CLOSED

Sandwich with their exclusive Char’s Sauce

have now opened a brick and mortar location.

The menu at Charlotte’s was influenced by

to their Nashville Hot and not so common @_charlotteskitchen_

Thai and Crab Rangoon Chicken Sandwiches.

the popularity of chicken sandwiches and

April’s Monthly Special is Chicken Bacon

NASHVILLE

the Chicken Sandwich Wars. They spent six

Ranch. They also offer every sandwich with

months in a test kitchen perfecting their fried

grilled or fried chicken and as a salad.

House nashville hot sauce, mayo, pickles, & lettuce

chicken recipe.You definitely should try it for yourself.

The overall experience at Charlotte’s was humbling. When first arriving, the white

ORIGINAL Char’s Chkn sauce, lettuce, & pickles

Fried Brussel Sprouts a not so common menu option. I guarantee some of you just the difference between an average fast-food

cringed at the thought of brussel sprouts.

restaurant and their food.

At a chicken sandwich restaurant? The fried

building appears washed out in comparison

The waffle fries are crispy and seasoned

brussel sprouts give the food truck and

to the busy street and construction. However,

perfectly, newspaper editors and staff rate

restaurant something to make them unique

the food being prepared inside is full of

them a 10/10. Comments and observations

that could be cooked fast and fresh.

16 | Editorial

8 game suspension, which during the 60 game season was equal to about a 22 game suspension in a normal year. Correa received nothing in a situation that seemed to at least be because of both players.

Early in the 2021 baseball season a Cinncinati Reds player, Nicholas Castellanos, scored a run on a passed ball after getting on base by getting hit by what he thought was an intentional beanball. To celebrate Castellanos flexed on home plate and yelled, “Let’s F------ Go” to the pitcher who was not able to place the tag in time. The MLB handed out a two game suspension as punishment which brought attention to the fact that a player who said one curse word got suspended for longer than players who won a championship while they were cheating.

Our society reflects the MLB as the world has gotten too lenient with people and corporations that cheat their way to success.

Around 10 years ago the punishment in schools for cheating was more severe and usually had a major impact on a person’s grades and would make it difficult for the student to be successful. Now there is little to no consequence.

With little to no consequences for cheating, many students will cheat on a test or essay. For most high school students the worst case scenario is just retaking an assessment. “We are pretty [relaxed] here,

Strikeout Cheating The editorial is an opinion held by the editorial board of the newspaper and is a collaboration of the board. It needs a simple majority to pass.This month’s vote was 5-0.

T

he Major League Baseball organization is a near perfect representation of our society in the modern age. In the past few years many scandals have emerged in the MLB and there has been little to no consequences for the offenders.

The most notable scandal being the Astros sign stealing issue from 2017 to 2019 that led to their first World Series win in their franchise history. It also gave them a Most Valuable Player award winner in Jose Altuve, 9 All Star position players, a Rookie of the Year award winner in Yordan Alvarez, and 5 Silver Slugger award winners.

Despite the Astros cheating, there were no consequences for the players.

The sign stealing scandal was an elaborate system using cameras, televisions, and trash cans. In the investigation that the MLB completed in the winter of 2020, they found that it was a mostly player run operation. They had an assistant put a video camera in center field that transferred a live video feed to a tv in the hallway between the dugout and the team’s clubhouse. A few players would watch the live feed and look at the catcher’s signs to figure out what pitch would be thrown. A player would then bang on a trash can with a bat that would signal to the hitter the pitch that was coming. This provided an advantage for the Astros hitters.

The General Manager of the Astros at the time, Jeff Luhnow, was fired though he

Houston Astros Accomplishments During Sign Stealing Scandal (2017-2019) 2017 Word Series Champions 2019 American League Champions 2017 AL MVP - Jose Altuve 9 All Star Position Players 5 Silver Slugger Winners 2019 Rookie of the Year - Yordan Alvarez

denied knowing the players were getting the signs illegally. Their manager AJ Hinch and assistant manager Alex Cora were both fired by their respective teams when the scandal came out and received a one year suspension from the MLB. Both were rehired after their suspension was up, Cora by the Boston Red Sox and Hinch by the Detroit Tigers. As a franchise they were fined $5 million and lost their first and second round picks of the MLB draft in 2020 and 2021.

These punishments handed out by the MLB were seen as weak by some baseball fans and multiple players. When Astros players spoke out about the scandal many did not provide a sincere apology and said that they won and to move on.

George Springer a current member of the Toronto Blue Jays organization was one of a select few Astros players who came out and apologized for the scandal.

Many baseball players started speaking out saying that the punishment was weak and some took it into their own hands to punish the Astros players. In the middle of the shortened season a Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly nearly hit two Astros players, including Carlos Correa, and struck them out to end the inning.

Correa believed it was intentional and there was a yelling match between Correa and Kelly which eventually led to the benches somewhat clearing as Kelly walked into his dugout. The MLB handed Joe Kelly an

like it's almost for some students what’s the worst that could happen. Oh they’re gonna make me reassess.” AP Psychology teacher Jesse Dowell said.

Right now the consequences for cheating are nothing big, but for the most part that changes in the future. In college and beyond the consequences for cheating are much harsher and can have a major impact on their life. “If the wrong professor catches you doing that next year, you will be expelled.

And I don’t know if the students actually understand that,” Dowell said.

In schools and workplaces, a student or employee typically does not use obscene language at an acquaintance or an upper authority. A reason for this is there has been a consistent punishment for using obscene words. While it has changed slightly, the punishment is still about the same.

The consequences of cheating have never been set in stone.“It’s kind of like this pendulum, and I feel like maybe the pendulum has swung a little bit too far, where if you do see people doing bad things and there’s no consequence for it and you’re someone on the fence about doing it then you might do it,” Dowell said.

To stop the epidemic of cheating the world needs to swing the pendulum from way too lenient on cheating to closer to the middle. In no way should the world go back to where if someone gets caught cheating

their life is automatically ruined, but there needs to be stricter punishment for cheating.

The MLB is not handing out punishments for people and teams who are cheating shows followers of the sport and leagues that even if someone gets caught cheating they will not suffer major consequences.

Some fans, especially those of younger generations, will see the lack of consequences after the Astros players and realize that they could cheat with little to no risk. “There’s 10 percent of students, roughly speaking, that will do the right thing and do whatever you tell them,” Dowell said, “100 percent of the time all the time, there’s 10 percent that are gonna fight you on everything and there’s 80 percent in the middle that are impacted one way or the other.”

The lack of punishments for cheating in our current society is setting up a whole generation of people up for failure.

Examples such as the MLB’s leiniance and tolerance for cheating is one of the many different examples of our societies lack of accountability.

To assure the success of future generations and to keep good sportsmanship in sports and life. There must be less tolerance, and more punishments for cheating.

Consequences of Cheating

Too Lenient

Too Harsh

Benefits Downfalls

Research Assistant| Levi Manley Words| Staff Layout| Marandah Mangra-Dutcher

D

onnie Henderson ‘22 likes the

middle school to protest what they called

district’s SROs and they like

the absence of equity at school. Sgt. Zach

frequently. “I forget their middle name, but

him. “I haven’t had any bad

Grandon and Slack arrived and conversation

I used to know their middle names,” he said.

experiences with the SROs, only good ones,”

with students ensued. “I do remember

They talk about sports, activities and family

he said. “The SROs help us.”

them standing off to the side, you know

when they see each other.

Jill James ‘21 feels uncomfortable with

of SRO’s

how they stand with their hands on their

Henderson said he talks with the SROs

James has observed the SROs talk to “a

SROs in the school. “I don’t think we need

select few”. She has never had a conversation

police officers watching us eat lunch, or

with one at school. “I mostly see boys talking

walking the halls or being there just for parking violations,” she said.

The stark differences of opinion of these two high school students emulate those in American society. Some believe SROs benefit schools by building relationships with students and making them feel safe. Others feel their presence escalates situations and introduces teenagers into the court system for incidents that formerly were handled by the school. The Des Moines School District has discussed eliminating their SRO program.

Fewer than half of the public schools in

“We take the high school SRO program very seriously.”

-Ryan Woods

the United States, 42%, had an SRO during

The district employs two SROs – Dan

A “Des Moines Register” editorial about eliminating the Des Moines schools’ SRO program noted that talking with a police officer is different than talking with a teacher. The editorial said, “Unlike teachers, counselors or security guards, sworn police officers have the ability to issue criminal citations and make arrests.” The editorial talks about how the SRO program “feeds the school to court pipeline”.

According to the editorial, in the 2019 school year, Des Moines SROs made 174 arrests in high schools and 140 in middle schools.

the 2015-16 school year according to the National Center of Educational Statistics.

to the police officers,” she said.

Grandon said he does not like to use belts and just stare at everyone,” she said.

the word arrest. “We don’t arrest kids, we

“I don’t understand why there were cops

refer them to juvenile court,” he said. The

Steck at the high school and James Slack at

there.” Shortly thereafter, a group of school

Johnston School District made 31 referrals in

the middle school and Summit. Johnston

administrators including superintendent

2019- 2020.

introduced the SRO program in 2007.

Laura Kacer walked out of the school.

According to the National Association

Grandon, who used to work as an SRO in

Referrals are different Grandon said because juvenile court sometimes tries

of Secondary School Principals, the SRO

the district, cited relationship building as a

alternatives to punishment. “We make

or Student Resource Officer’s primary

benefit of having SROs in schools. “If you

the referral and then juvenile court, as

responsibility is safety. They also serve as

have had those positive interactions with the

opposed to adult court, might sit down

mentors, advisers and role models.

police officer in the schools, that translates

with the student and talk about what

back out onto the streets and helps build

happened and what occurred and maybe

benefit to having an SRO in the high school.

that bridge within the community,” he said.

find a diversionary program rather than

“I think that they help by providing a sense

“That’s what we want to do.”

putting them in the system as punishment

Principal Ryan Woods cited safety as one

of security, and that they will be staying in our buildings in the future,” he said.

James feels their presence is unnecessary.

SROs give students one more adult to

right away whether it’s counseling, or

talk to, especially in times of crisis Grandon

anger management classes and community

said. “If a student is more comfortable going

service,” he said. “So, the juvenile court is

She questioned why they were needed at

to the school resource officer with a crisis

there to provide them the resources in order

the march last summer. On June 6, former

in school or at home, it can help the cops

to reform rather than punish them.”

and present students gathered at the

resolve the issue,” he said.

Photo

HOT SPOTS around town

Photos and Layout | Sabrina McGuire With prom around the corner, the hunt pictureworthy places has begun. The town around is filled with vibrate life and culture that will make for some great photos.

1. The Theatre Shop on 5th Street in Valley Junction displays a sign out front that mimics a retro theatre.

The sign is currently arranged for spring time.

2. On Cottage Grove Avenue in Des Moines, the Smokey Road coffee sign is a great go-to picture destination. The sign is displayed outside the cafe to take pictures in front of.

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Located downtown across the river, this red walking bridge is a great spot for pictures. The bridge is across the street from the Des Moines Police Department.

4. The multi-colored sign displays neon lights for perfect pictures.

The display is located on Court Avenue right next to the bridge across the river.

5. The classic East Villege graffti welcomes you to the east side of the river with colorful illustrations. The welcome sign is located on Grand Avenue near the State Captial Building.

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