April/May 2020

STRONGER TOGETHER

b&w

BLACK AND WHITE APRIL/MAY 2020 VOLUME 28 ISSUE 6

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Print Editor Design Editor Online Editor Copy Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Content Manager Content Manager Ad Manager

Ada Basic Brooklyn Dilley Taylor Siebert Kylie Emery Marandah Mangra-Dutcher Joel Kellar Cameron Deroos Liz Jones Caroline Christensen Ethan Burgett

APRIL/MAY 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 Riley Anderson Payton Blahut Savannah Dennis Noah Gilbert Nitin Gupta London Heim Alex Heron Matthew Hickman Teja Jetty Ramayana Kazazic Akshaya Kumar Zachary Kehoe Tate Larsen Ethan Le Hank Lucas Define Mansour

Sabrina Mcguire Nathan Metzger Collin Minear TJ Olson Charlie Pattinson Ben Pegg Leven Petersen Charles Pruett Ainsley Proctor Ciaran Rigby Cadee Siebert Lily Simpson Aidan Topolinski Ethan Ung Allyah Van Wyk Kaya Young Stella Zeng

STRONGER, TOGETHER This one goes out to the seniors on our staff. A few months ago, COVID-19 entered our lives and forever changed them, especially for our seniors who missed out on so many lasts.

However, while we may seem ever so isolated in this time, COVID-19 is making us stronger, together. From the small businesses that work to keep going, to all the students living it up in quarantine. To the class of 2020 who has so much to say. To the toilet paper hoarders- you know who you are. And all the brave frontline workers. May we know that we are not alone in our battle against COVID-19, but stronger together.

- Taylor Siebert Design Editor

CONTENT Photo by Marandah Mangra-Dutcher

Feature

4 College Cut Short 6 20 People, 1 Question: What Are You Doing During Quarantine?

8 College Search Goes Virtual 10 Covid-19: Stronger Together 14 Small Businesses Struggle to Survive

Opinion

16 Frontline Family

Editorial

PAGE 10 Teachers participated in a drive-by parade for their elementary students after school ended on March 13th.

18 Dear Toilet Paper Hoarders

Open Letter

20 Sincerely, the Class of 2020

Sports

22 Spring Sports Cancelled

Scan me for more stories

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.

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4 | Feature VIRTUAL CLASS

The first U.S. college to shift entirely to online courses was the

College Cut Short

University of Washington.

Words | Brooklyn Dilley Layout | Akshaya Kumar

O

n Friday, March 6, the University

the only ones to struggle with the sudden

semester, I was loving it. I had adjusted and was

of Washington announced they

end to the school year - the situation has been

feeling like I was figuring out my life. And then

would make the switch to all online

hard on all other classes. College freshmen

just like that – it was over.”

classes for the remainder of the semester. Later

had their year cut short, causing them to miss

Every college has at least a few traditions,

that day, Stanford University made the same

out on many of the typical first year college

often split between the two semesters.

announcement. Over the next few weeks,

experiences.

Johnston graduate Jacob Kim was a freshman

300m meeting participants use daily. daily Zoom users

statistic via Edmit and Inside Higher Ed

300m

statistic via ZoomBlog

Freshman year is a turning point. For many

at Iowa State, and joined the fraternity Delta

decision to stop classes from meeting in person,

young adults, it is their first opportunity to

Chi. “I missed out on a lot of really cool things

and eventually asked students to leave campus

live life without a parent watching over their

that happen in the back half of the spring

and return home. High schools, elementary

shoulder. They are truly allowed to make their

semester at ISU,” Kim said. “The fraternities and

schools, and others were soon to follow.

own decisions, good or bad. “First semester was

sororities have a Lip Sync Battle in the spring.

a big change,” Johnston graduate Olivia Arnold

It’s a super big deal, and a huge competition

Another shock for many college freshmen is

between the houses. We had been practicing

the importance of time management. Classes

for eight weeks, just for it to be cancelled

and homework are often harder and more

when we had to leave campus. That was

time consuming in college than they are in

Due to the shutdown of schools, students’

said. “Just getting used to college life

college and high school, were left without a

and exploring the new freedom

proper send off or a goodbye to the last four

that comes with not living in

years of their lives. However, seniors were not

your parents’ house. By second

a huge disappointment.”

Institutions at high risk of closure within six years spiked in number by 47%.

(345 institutions are now at high risk, 110 more than in pre-pandemic projections.)

colleges all over the United States made the

years were abruptly cut short. Seniors, in both

statistic via New York Times

high school, making it easy for students to fall behind or get overwhelmed. “Academic wise, I was taking a lot of classes this semester so it was pretty exhausting managing 18 credits and a job,” Arnold said. “It was kind of nice being online, but I was just getting the hang of my busy schedule and starting to like it. I had developed a routine, and it’ll be hard to jump right back into that in the fall.”

No matter what grade they are in, not being able to say goodbye to seniors has been a struggle for almost all students. The confusion surrounding COVID-19 left many unaware that the last time they saw their senior friends would be the last. “Especially being in a frat, you develop relationships and bonds with

“By second semester, I was starting to make those connections.

I made some great friends and we were growing closer – I can’t believe that we are all in different parts of the state right now, when we should be together, celebrating that we made it through the first year.”

-Olivia Arnold

upperclassmen,” Kim said. “It’s really hard to know you just might never see them again.”

For all grades, college is often considered the time for new experiences. It is the time to experiment, to make some not-so-great decisions, and to try to figure out what one wants to do with their life. For seniors, the hope would be that they made the most of their college years, and have memories to look back on despite the abrupt ending. For underclassmen, even though this year may not have gone as planned, they can look forward to going back in the fall and making up for this lost time. “I feel like I really missed out on a lot of spontaneous nights and fun weekends,” Arnold said. “But at least I have three more years to soak it all in.”

2 0 20 PEOPLE 1 QUESTION

7 | Entertainment

What are you doing during quarantine?

Words & Layout | Payton Blahut & Noah Gilbert

“I’ve been hanging with the people that matter to me.”-Jeffery House ‘20

“Quarantine sucks. Just been chilling at home Waiting to get my diploma” -Hope Sherwood ‘20 “I’ve been binging tv shows and I’ve been cooking a lot!” - Riya Sharma ‘22

“I started a photo editing business.”

-Marquita Norwood ‘20

“I have been cooking and exercising”

-Aleah Tenpas ‘22

“Tons of puzzles, and taking pictures for friends!”

-Mckinzie Horton ‘20

“I’ve been “studying for AP’s” (not really) and doing a lot of drawing.” -Joanne Wu ‘20

“I am still living life to the fullest.”

- Ajdin Hasanic ‘21

“I’ve been social distancing from everyone but my cat.”

-Emma Renaud, ‘20

“I’m doing my best! I’m trying to be productive and stay sane!” -Emma Erdoes ‘21

“I’ve been perfecting my baking skills!”

-Adna Palic ‘21

“I’m watching ‘The Outer Banks’.”

-Izet Dzinic ‘21

“Bike rides, Netflix, messing up my sleep schedule, and Working” -Isaac Kronberg ‘22

“I’ve been baking/cooking with my mom and puppy.”

-Autumn Wolter ‘21

“I’ve been driving around a lot!” -Mia Mattingly ‘22

“A lot of self-care and watching Netflix and Disney Plus” Lynzie Dixson ‘22

“I’m reading, listening to music, and rewatching my favorite shows” -Aidan Weyer ‘21

“I’ve been learning Japanese and editing my book.”

-Kara Green ‘20

“Since you can’t leave I’ve been doing makeup to the point where I run out” -Demerie Correy ‘22

“I’ve been playing video games, and getting outside as much as I can.”

-Jarrett Rotter ‘21

9 | Feature

College Search Goes Virtual Words | Ramayana Kazazic

“Not being able to see colleges and visit them definitely changes a lot of things and creates a lot of uncertainty for me. Most importantly it doesn’t allow me to be on different campuses to figure if I feel at home there or not.”

Layout | Taylor Siebert

As the world changes with the introduction of COVID-19, so does the process of searching and applying for colleges.

JHS College & Career Resources

S

tay-at-home orders, schools closing,

jumped on the virtual campus visits and

and millions of people being laid

admissions offices are all working remotely

off or furloughed. The COVID-19

which makes them very accessible for

pandemic has spread internationally and

With Kindergarten through twelfth grade

this, the college admissions process has been

schools closing as well, many question the

seriously interrupted.

role that academics can play in the admissions

As colleges close, some college visits for

process. “Students are struggling with grades

high school students across the country are

and how schools will transfer letter grades

is still scheduled. The SAT has been

In order to offer further assistance,

vs Pass/No Mark,” Guidance Counselor Brian

cancelled through May. “Colleges are also

Johnston has started a comprehensive google

have been accepted to a college but have

Frick said. “We are working with students to

aware that ACT/SAT may not be offered

site for college and career planning. On that

not yet made a decision, a closed campus

make sure they are finishing up and passing

over the summer when some students

site, administration has added a section for

has made choosing a college much harder.

classes to graduate. Making sure students are

were going to take them and apply for

COVID-19, and resources directly related to

For students that have not yet been accepted,

aware of how a letter grade or Pass/No Mark

early admission. The schools are still

the pandemic.

college visits once posed as an opportunity to

impacts where they are headed for college.

encouraging early admissions and then

The school has been sending newsletters

show demonstrated interest. Demonstrated

We are working with students to help on

students take the tests later. More schools

pertaining to mental health and sharing

interest is when admissions officers look at

getting official transcripts and things sent to

are considering making tests optional

opportunities with students that include Des

the proper locations.”

for a short period of time,” Guidance

Moines Area Community College career

Counselor Susan Baker said.

opportunities, virtual learning options, and

the college admissions process in order to predict if the student will enroll if admitted.

Now, such visits can not be done and have

All colleges in Iowa and most outside of the state are accepting Pass/No Mark grades.

For students struggling during this

resources for virtual campus visits. The

If a student has an out-of-state school in

admissions process, look online as that is

counselors offer zoom meetings and email

hindered students in their search for what

mind it is important they check with those

the new way most colleges have decided

conversations with students and families.

colleges they want to attend. .

school websites and contact their guidance

to share information to the public. “There

The counselors encourage all students

counselor in order to guarantee what is

have been fantastic opportunities for

to reach out to their counselor. “We are still

needed for their admission.

online virtual learning sessions including

here to help, even though we are not at the school in our offices, counselors are working

However, many colleges are going online as a solution. “The key concerns we are hearing about is the inability to do an in

Another concern for students are the

tips for admission, writing admission

person campus visit,” Guidance Counselor

ACT and SAT. The April and May ACT

essay opportunities, etc.” Woods-Schmitz

with students to finish up the school year and

were postponed. The ACT in June and July

said.

assist with questions,” Baker said.

Erica Woods-Schmitz said. “Colleges have

JHS College & Career Resources

Documents

Campus

Financial Aid

GPA

Majors

Class Size

Student Life

Scholarships

Naviance

FAFSA

Common App

- Siri Mandava ‘21

indefinitely postponed. For students that

a student’s enthusiasm about a school during Scan the QR Code above to access a google site created

by JHS counselors. The website includes information from scholarships to alternative options to college. Students can also learn about important changes due to Covid-19.

students.”

affected millions around the world. Due to

ACT Prep

ZOOM

MAY

15

COVI D-19:

ST R ONGER _

T OGE T HER _

On the Front Line, Student Workers

13 | Feature

that never get to graduate and it makes me

Photos | Noah Gilbert, Brooklyn Dilley, Marandah Mangra-Dutcher, Jordyn Cimmiyotti, & Taylor Siebert Words | Ada Basic Layout | Taylor Siebert

O

A Fareway employee works on the frontline, as she checks out a customer. Many grocery stores and other businesses have added barriers between customers and employees as a necessary precaution.

Photo by Noah Gilbert

6 Feet

happy that I got a chance to have so many

senior year moments at all. Plus Barack and Michelle Obama are gonna give us a graduation speech.”

Essential businesses have remained open,

“My appreciation for people in the grocery industry and also in the health industry is that these people are true heroes.”

- Special Education Teacher Patrick Mattingly

n January 21 the Centers for

but a business cannot function without

Disease Control confirmed the

employees there to work. The internet has

first case of COVID-19 in the

deemed the essential workers “Frontline

United States. 10 days later President Donald

Workers” and several social media campaigns

Trump declared the coronavirus outbreak a

have been started to show appreciation for

public health emergency. Six days later the

these workers. In New York City at 7 p.m.,

first fatality in the U.S. was confirmed. On

people step out onto their balconies and clap

March 11, the World Health Organization

and cheer for medical workers. In Orlando,

declared pandemic. Two days later, on March

Florida fighter jets flew over the city as a way

13, President Trump declared the pandemic a

to honor frontline workers. Businesses such

national emergency. Although unknown at

as McDonald’s and Starbucks are offering

the time, March 13 was also the last day that

free thank you meals or coffees to healthcare

people have been understanding and some

being, it has provided an opportunity for other

Johnston students would be in school.

workers as a token of appreciation. At the

outright thank you for working and putting

workers to join it. Special education teacher

Since then, schools have let out for the

start of the quarantine period, some people

ourselves in the ‘Frontlines’.”

Patrick Mattingly, like every other educator

year, non-essential businesses have shut

chose to stop working in order to quarantine,

down, toilet paper has become scarce, and

others chose to continue to go to work. “It was

entering

often

short. Mattingly saw this as an opportunity to

many people are living in self-quarantine,

a pretty easy decision to continue working,”

overwhelming the employees that try to

join the efforts in caring for the community

or in certain states, under mandatory stay at

Amber Altman ‘20 said. Altman is a part time

serve them. “Regardless of the thanks we get,

and got a job at a grocery store helping with

home orders.

checker/stocker at a chain grocery store.

sometimes, and the small increases in pay or

online grocery orders. “I am a relatively

Panic buying has led to more people stores

more

often,

during these times, had his school year cut

COVID-19 has a large impact on the class

Others are starting to worry. “When all

whatever, everyone has considered quitting,

healthy 51 year old who has been given so

of 2020. Most second semester senior activities

of this first started I wasn’t nervous about

whether it’s the health risk or just the stress of

many great opportunities in life,” Mattingly

have either been cancelled or turned into

working and kinda thought it would just

dealing with the amount of people that comes

said. “I thought it would be good to give back

virtual events.The original graduation date

blow over, honestly,” Jackson Ramaekers ‘20

in everyday,” Ramaekers said.

to the community by helping, staying busy

of May 26 has been postponed until possibly

said. “When you hear about how it affects the

Due to some high risk employees making

late June. “I’m actually okay with it, and I

world it all seems so distant, but now that

the decision to stop working for the time

Although some people have been able to

don’t know if it’s cause I don’t know what I’m

it’s here I’ve started to question if I should

being in an effort to protect themselves

continue to work during this time, COVID-19

missing with graduation or if I genuinely am

be working right now.” Ramaekers works

and others, businesses are understaffed

has required some critical changes for

alright with this ending, but I don’t have a

part time in the meat department of a chain

and the employees that chose to stay are

procedures in the workforce. Most stores are

lot of sadness or regret.” Heather Debruin

grocery store.

overworked, often doing the job of more than

now, weeks after the start of the pandemic,

The mass panic that came with the

one person. “We’ve had to take more hours

starting to require and provide face masks for

beginning of the pandemic led to an increase

due to parents pulling some people from

employees to wear during store hours. “The

in panic buying. The shortages of disinfectants

working and we are tired,” Ramaekers said.

biggest thing that I have learned is that I have

and toilet paper are the more noticeable signs

“My manager came up to me and said ‘This

a total appreciation for the hard work and

of this, but shortages on food are starting to

sucks.” and I said ‘What does?’ and he replied

dedication that I have for all grocery industry

appear as well. “We’re running out of a lot of

with ‘Everything.’ That really showed me the

workers,” Mattingly said. “Regardless of

different things because people panicked and

stress this is putting on some of the people

the pandemic or not, the amount of hours,

bought more than they needed, which leads

I work with, especially the people who work

hard work and dedication these people have

to some people giving us some sass for not

full time back there.”

toward their customers and their store is

‘20 said. “I just think about all of the people

“There hasn’t really been a change in my coworkers. We have precautions but we still act normal. “ - Amber Altman ‘20

having their ribeyes or New York strip steaks,”

While circumstances have forced some

Ramaekers said. “For the most part however

workers to leave the frontline for the time

and working with others.”

overwhelming! These people are true heroes in my book!”

Small Businesses

Struggle to Survive Layout | Taylor Siebert

Words | Marandah Mangra-Dutcher

S

mall businesses across Iowa have

Businesses who have been required to

capability to do that on their own. “I was

been hit hard due to the recent

close or are struggling, have grants and

slightly worried, however, simply because

spread of the Coronavirus. With the

relief programs they could apply for, whether

our store is a local nonprofit and almost all

threat of the virus looming over the state,

it is through the government or other

of our proceeds go to Haiti,” Longo said.

Governor Kim Reynolds ordered the closure

“We don’t necessarily have the resources

of nonessential businesses like bookstores,

to remain closed for a long period of time,

boutiques, jewelry stores, and cosmetic stores.

as our store and our store’s mission rely on

Reynolds also limited the capabilities of restaurants to drive-thru, take out or delivery.

Due to these decisions local businesses have begun to struggle.

Sophie Longo ‘21 works at a local thrift store called Many Hands For Hati Thrift Market, which had to temporarily close its doors. “I wasn’t very surprised, because lots of places (specifically retail stores) had been closing at this point,” Longo said in an email interview.

However, prior to closing, Many Hands For Hati Thrift Market had to change how it operated, just as other businesses had to as well. “Prior to our closing, lots of changes had to be made,” Longo said. “For example, we rely entirely on donations for our product,

“I think America has woken up to realize small business drives the American economy.”

customers coming in and purchasing items.”

One of the loans that a small business can apply for is called the Paycheck Protection Program, “The PPP focuses on covering expenses such as payroll, rent and utilities over a two month period,” Jayne Armstrong, Iowa’s District Director from the Small Business Association said in an email interview.

Curt Gorsch, Owner of Peak Distributing, a small business which is still open, applied for the PPP. “I haven’t heard anything money due to the high traffic the loans have received. “During the initial two week period of the program SBA funded more loans than in the past 14 years combind,” Armstrong said.

the virus in Iowa, we had to stop accepting

Coronavirus bill which would provide an

could potentially be spread from a donator

-Jayne Armstrong

or their donation. We also limited our store

However, the Senate has passed a

additional $310 billion to the PPP. Even though some small businesses are still open because they are considered

hours and took extra precautions in making

organizations. Many of these funds were

essential to everyday life, it does not mean

sure the store was thoroughly cleaned.” Many

designed specifically for a situation like the

that things for those businesses are going well.

Hands For Haiti Thrift Market is set to reopen

closure of stores for a long period of time,

“On the financial spectrum of it obviously the

soon.

as many small businesses do not have the

business and commerce in general are way

Theaters

Gaming Facilities

Barbershops

Performance Venues

Health Spas

Senior Citizen Centers

Salons Casinos Gyms

y r r WE’RE o S CLOSED

Shopping Malls

Fitness Centers Aquatic Centers Bars Restaurants

Health Clubs

down. It obviously has affected sales and

presence related to sales and marketing.”

will take a couple years for things to get back

receivables and it’s just affected the general

Many other owners have taken this time to

to normal,” Gorsch said.

economic workflow,” Gorsch said.

do renovations and remodeling, rather than

While small businesses fight to get

trying to run the business from closed doors.

through this time many people have begun

However, some small business owners, whether they stayed open or not, have tried

is

to note their importance to the social and

to make the most of what they can do. “Many

not expected to come through this time

economic growth of the United States

of the businesses took advantage of the down

unscathed, “Unfortunately, there will be a

economy. “Not only are small business

time to strategize and rethink their business

large number of businesses that won’t make

owners are our friends, family members and

models,” Armstrong said. “For example, a lot

it,” Armstrong said. And for the businesses

neighbors, they are the backbone of our local

of retailers and restaurants identified new

who make it through this period, it will take

communities and they won’t be taken for

revenue streams by developing an online

awhile for things to be as they were. “I think it

granted anymore,” Armstrong said.

back,” Gorsch said. The PPP has run low on

but with the beginning of the spread of donations entirely, for fear that the virus

15 | feature

$68.8 Million

was distributed to small businesses in Iowa through the Small Business Relief Program, April 7-29

The

small

business

community

3,643

small businesses were offered grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 and the opportunity to defer sales and use or withold taxes due and waive penalty and interest.

Infortmation provided by Iowa Economic Development and coronavirus.iowa.gov

May 15, 2020

is the date in which some businesses will be allowed to reopen for the first time under certain restrictions such as limited occupancy in restaurants.

Frontline Family

16 | opinion

Over...

Words | Kylie Emery Layout | Payton Blahut

bringing home dinner from somewhere for my family or taking our dogs for a walk

16,000,000

people are frontline health care workers.

before she settled in for the night as a way to relax or de-stress. However, since COVID-19 is a concern, my mom is afraid to do any of offices, law enforcement, fire departments,

those things because she does not want to

hospitals, and others. The employees of plac-

expose the rest of us to the virus since she

Q

es like these cannot work from home and

uarantine and social distancing.

was potentially exposed at work. My mom

must take the risk of going out every day in

These are two things that everyone

comes home, immediately decontaminates

order to do their jobs. As a result of this, life

is probably familiar with by now

in the garage, puts her scrubs in the laundry

looks different for these employees and their

since we are living in the midst of a global

and showers before greeting my family and

families compared to people who are able to

pandemic. On just about every news channel

me.

stay home most of the time.

people are constantly reminded that they

Despite my mom trying to be as careful and

For example, both of my parents are in

need to stay home unless it is absolutely

hygienic as possible, there is always a little

the medical field. My dad is a firefighter

necessary to go out. Schools and sports are

bit of worry within my family. My mom or

and a paramedic and my mom is a nurse.

either canceled or conducted virtually, many

one of us could get the virus or even have

My mom works at two different hospitals,

people are working from home, big social

it right now without knowing since it is

which thoroughly screen each employee

gatherings have been canceled and many

possible to be asymptomatic with COVID-19.

at designated entry points. At these entry

non-essential businesses are closed in hopes

We have become more focused on boosting

points, everyone’s temperature is checked

of slowing the spread of COVID-19.

our immune systems and preparing for

and then they are provided with hand

Obviously, there are places that need to

when we get it versus trying to hide from

hygiene supplies so they can apply masks

remain open in order for society to function

the virus because that is simply not realis-

before entering. Sometimes she takes care of

such as grocery stores, gas stations, post

tic. We continue to do what the Centers for

actively infected COVID-19 patients who are

Disease Control (CDC) recommends while

in designated areas, and sometimes she takes

realistically preparing for if and when we

care of recovered COVID-19 patients who

show symptoms.

are no longer showing symptoms. In some

Along with normal hand hygiene, exercise,

situations, she has to wear a combination

and eating healthy, we are taking extra

of different Personal Protective Equipment

vitamin and mineral supplements that have

(PPE) which includes a gown, masks, a face

been proven to boost immunity in the body.

shield or hood, gloves, and sometimes has

We also have a designated “quarantine

to go through a decontamination process.

room” for if or when someone shows symp-

Other times, she just wears a normal mask

toms of COVID-19.

and gloves, depending on the severity of

At this point in the global pandemic, every-

each patient’s situation.

one probably knows at least one person who

When my mom would come home from a

has had their life altered somehow by this

long day of work before this pandemic start-

virus whether it be illness, injury, or loss of

ed, she was able to do little things without

a loved one. My heart goes out to each and

thinking much of it such as occasionally

everyone who has already been affected.

Almost...

36.9% Of health care workes have a child at home.

Nearly...

88.9% Of Registerd Nurses are Women. information provided by cepr.net

19 | editorial

D

ear Toilet Paper Hoarders,

Dear Toilet Paper Hoarders 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 9-0.

well as those who are medical professionals,

year 1999, people hoarded groceries before

As the novel virus COVID-19

sanitation workers, grocery store workers, and

the world ended and the year 2000 began.

spreads across our communities

people with immunocompromised systems.

Somehow, humanity survived these ordeals,

and upends our normal way of life, you have

People are taking these products away from

and history now looks upon these hoarders as

made it abundantly clear stupidity has not

the people who are effectively holding this

hysterical idiots.

been cancelled.

country together.

Ultimately, toilet paper should not be

This is evident in grocery store aisles,

I have witnessed the impact of shortages

your biggest concern during this pandemic.

where toilet paper is nowhere to be found.

and hoarding first hand. In the senior living

Instead of putting all your energy into

Other items like hand sanitizer, latex gloves,

community where I work, employees are

attacking grocery store workers stocking

and masks are also being picked off the

reusing their specified one medical mask

toilet paper, try to contribute something

shelves faster than Karen the soccer mom

everyday because we simply do not have

positive to society. Like donating food to

can whip up a batch of homemade sanitizer.

enough. Nurses, CNAs, and dining staff are

your local food bank, volunteering at an

Medical masks like N95s are also missing and

forced to wear soiled masks day after day as

animal shelter, or giving blood. The point

pose a significant wait for shipping.

they interact with the most vulnerable group

is, hoarding is not going to solve any of

The scenes from grocery stores are

of people affected by the virus. This is not only

our problems. If anything, it will make this

horrendous. People are mobbing shelves,

horrifying, but unacceptable. People have a

pandemic much harder to deal with if we do

desperately clawing for a pack of toilet paper.

right to have adequate safety equipment as

not all collectively come together and act like

Some people are leaving stores with enough

they are risking their lives to help protect our

reasonable human beings. So let us do just

toilet paper to last for years. Some have tried

loved ones.

that. Come together as one people, with one

to sell their massive amounts of toilet paper

Unfortunately, hoarding food and other

goal. To get through this pandemic, but also

and hand sanitizer on sites like eBay and

products is not a new concept. For example,

treat each other with kindness and empathy

Amazon to make a profit, but these websites

in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis

during a time of unprecedented need and

have quickly taken down the posts, leaving

people stampeded through stores to buy

desperation. And when this is all over, maybe

the hoarders with an excessive amount of TP.

canned foods. In 1972 increasing oil prices

we can all toilet paper each others’ houses in celebration.

All this panic and hoarding of essential

resulted in a mass panic and buying of fuel.

products creates a serious problem for people

In 1985 people hoarded Coca Cola after Pepsi

Sincerely,

who live and work in nursing homes, as

released their “new Coke.” And finally in the

An exasperated citizen

20 | Opinion

Skip Day

Sincerely ,

Class of 2020

The school year is officially over. There

rebel for skipping school on senior skip day.

thank you for livening our days and just

was no prom, no spring sports, probably no

Instead of having the senior challenge, we

being you. Our future relationships will never

graduation ceremony and no more high

played online games with our friends over

be the same because of you, so thank you for

school. Some of us might not even see some

video chat. We have lost the memories we

teaching us how to love for the first time.

of our friends again.

deserve, but we have made ones that will do.

Even when one of us messed up, we would

The spread of the Coronavirus has created

Whether students have been here for all

not change those memories for the world.

a completely unprecedented situation that

four years or merely one, high school has

Thank you for growing with us. Goodbye,

no one ever could have anticipated. The

been such a formative time in our lives. High

and hopefully we never meet again because

effects of COVID-19 have been exceptionally

school has fostered friendships, relationships,

that would be awkward.

destructive and heartbreaking. I know some

mentorships and the passions of every

And now, to our high school career, thank

of you are very close to the effects of this

individual. These years have directly formed

you for helping us become who we were

pandemic. It has separated loved ones, forced

the shapes of our lives from here on out, and

meant to be. This is where we learned how

many back into toxic homes, increased

now we will never get to give high school the

we want to live our lives. Whether we want to

anxiety and depression rates and taken

goodbye it deserved.

live in a city or the country. If we want kids.

the lives of people dear to many. We are experiencing many of these scenarios as well as losing a formative year in our lives.

So here, here is the goodbye we all wanted to have for our senior year.

To our teachers and staff, you have

What job we want. We aren’t all the way there yet, but you helped us discover ourselves, thank you. Goodbye.

It is okay to be mourning the loss of a

changed our lives in so many ways. We are

There is no going back to the past. While

senior year. Others are mourning events that

thankful for the friendships we’ve formed

we may be missing out on so many memories,

may seem more life changing, but senior

with you. You have taught us so much, not

there is so much to look forward to in the

year is no small event. Letting myself feel

only the curriculum, but also just how to be

future. The first year of an apprenticeship,

my emotions has always been a hard thing

a good person and have a good life. Goodbye,

the first year of college, the first apartment,

for me to do, and I am here to tell you that

and have a good summer.

the first full-time job. And hey, in the future

all your emotions are okay. It is okay to feel

To our peers and friends, thank you

this will be a great story to tell little kids.

pain over lost memories. It is okay to cry and

for being supportive, kind and fun. The

be angry. These emotions are valid. Your pain

friendships we made here are what we will

This is a time we will survive and hopefully

is not selfish. Do not discount your feelings

pattern the rest of our friendships after.

we will come out on the other end with more

and misfortunes because others might have

Thank you for teaching us how to be good

empathy and more appreciation for those

it worse.

They are never going to believe all of it.

friends. We have weathered so much together,

around us. But, for now, focus on surviving

We did not go to prom with our squad, a

and we could not have done it without you.

this in the best way possible. You don’t need

night full of laughter and close connections,

We love who you are and are so impressed by

to be productive, you don’t need to learn a

so we videochatted our friends in our fancy

everything you have accomplished. Goodbye,

new language, you don’t need to become a

clothes or went to a park for a very distanced

and I hope we will see each other again.

prodigy. Be sad, but also be happy when you

view of each other. We never got to feel like a

To our crushes and significant others,

can. We can do this together, but apart.

Spring Sports Cancelled

Brooke Mckee'20 runs during the Drake Relays. She was only 8 seconds off of the school record in the mile. (Right) Matthew Kliegl '20 runs during the state meet. He won the state championship in the distance medley.

Owen Smith ‘20 was ready to help take the boys tennis team to

up in front of thousands of fans to run in the state meet. He

Caroline Christenson'20 poses for a photo with her doubles partner Laura Paul '20. Christianson was on the brink of varsity last year. (Right) Owen Smith '20 waits for the serve in a tennis match. This photo was provided by Smith.

Caroline Christenson is a senior girls tennis player. Last

From May 20-22 senior Matthew Kliegl was supposed to line

their first state appearance in many years. He had already spent a year and a half playing varsity with his doubles partner, Kyle Geerts, and was focused on playing singles this season. This is a

was supposed to have the chance to defend his state title in the

season she was on the brink of playing varsity and this year

big feat because only the top 6 players on the team get to play

the rest of her senior track career. She was going to compete at

distance medley with his teammates Zach Abbey ‘20, Phavian

was supposed to be the year she finally was able to play.

singles.

the Drake Relays and at State and hoped to win each. After that

Johnston senior Brooke McKee had everything planned for

Moorer’20, and most likely Karson Kleve’20. Kliegl, like a few

Christenson played doubles her sophomore year with Emma

Smith was looking forward to the competition he would get

she would continue her running career at the University of Iowa

hundred thousand other senior track athletes across the US won’t

Christenson and played doubles last year with Laura Paul ‘20.

to face while playing varsity. He was ready to embrace the

and run cross country and track. Her senior track season was

get the chance to do any of this as the last season of his high

In those two years her partner and her only lost one match in

challenge as one of his biggest goals was to take the team to

set to be special as it would be her last in a Johnston uniform,

school career came to an abrupt stop on April 17, because of the

JV.

state. Smith said, “I would’ve loved to go to state and play against

unfortunately her season got canceled because of the COVID-19

COVID-19 pandemic.

This past winter Christenson and Paul really focused in on

some of the best kids in Iowa.”

being their best for their senior season. “[One] of my biggest

Smith throughout his career was known to be very consistent.

at Johnston. This class had amazing depth to it and played a

goals of the season was to play varsity and varsity doubles with

This is something that he takes pride in and believes that his

huge role in the changing of the culture when the coaching

my partner Laura Paul. We had been practicing all winter and

consistency is one of the reasons he played on varsity for a year

country team. McKee helped lead the girls cross country team to change happened a few years ago. Kliegl had blossomed into second place at state (2018) and three state championships (2016, one of the leaders of the track team constantly putting in work.

really had been looking forward to kicking some serious butt.”

and a half. He is also proud of his ability to not get down in

Christenson said.

the dumps when he was struggling or lost a match. Smith said,

2017, 2019). At the state cross country meets she placed third

pandemic.

McKee ran varsity for Johnston cross country and track all four years and is one of the best to ever do it for the girls cross

Kliegl is part of one of the biggest classes in boys track history

Kliegl said “When I’m the last one in the weight room it makes

The majority spring sport athletes were surprised when they

“We [Geerts and Smith] would laugh and tell jokes, and were

twice, fourth, and 30th. She made all-state three seasons in a row

me feel really good.”

found out their sport was canceled and not postponed to

generally lighthearted, as opposed to some other teammates who

(2016-2018).

This mentality he had the winter of his junior year turned out to

the summer. Christenson was part of the minority. Like the

may have gotten down in the dumps when things weren’t going

McKee placed fifth at state last year in the 1500 meter run. She

be the best thing he could’ve done for track. He was on track to

rest of the spring athletes though, she was still incredibly

so well.

ran a team best 4:43.47. This was only 8 seconds off of a new

become one of the better 400 meter hurdle runners in Johnston

disappointed when she found out.

Smith and Geerts had a special bond on and off the court and

school record. She was poised to attempt to set a new school

history until he broke his wrist at a practice early in the outdoor

Christenson will not only miss competing during her senior

that led to them playing good most matches. They played every

record in the 1500 meter run before her season got canceled.

season. He was able to persevere through this and won the

season, but it’s not being able to play and practice with

single meet last year together. Smith said, “We played well,

state title in the distance medley. He ran the 400 meter leg in

her teammates and coaches. At their last meet last year

always had fun, and never lost sight of the fact that tennis is just

this race and ran with legendary Joe Schaefer ‘19, Zach Abbey Hiekes’21 and Aleah Tenpas ‘22 both get to being all-state runners ’20, and Phavian Moorer ‘20. Matthew Kliegl was set to have a this year in cross country. special track season his senior year and have the chance to earn

Christenson unknowingly played in her last tennis meet of

a game to be enjoyed.”

her Johnston career. Christenson said, “I will never get to play

For Smith tennis at the end of every school day was a great way

with my amazing teammates, partners, and coaches who really

to end his day. It was a great stress reliever and he was able to

McKee will represent Johnston well in years to come as she

scholarships from many schools if he could improve to what he

shaped the player I am today. For me, that is what hurts the

have fun and play with his teammates, whom he has developed

competes at the University of Iowa.

thought he was able to do.

most about not having an opportunity to play.”

lasting friendships with.

McKee was a great leader for the girls cross country and track and field teams has she has played a role in helping Bella

Tennis

Tr a c k A n d Fi e l d

Layout: Joel Kellar Text: Joel Kellar

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