December 2011

black & white

It’s a

? y d a e r u o y e r A . e r e h t t u o s u circ

2 1 0 2 S U C U A C A W O I eight/nine

dec. 2011. volume 20 issue 4. 5152780449. 6501 NW 62nd ave. johnston. iowa

News 3

Photo essay

4

Re-interpretation of law

5

Relive the past month through photos

How Summit handled the arrest of a teacher

8/9

13

Jessica Pray

14

Robbery gone wrong

15

Johnston business gives back

Republican Candidates How to caucus

Advisory needs revising How it could be worth our time

Opinion

Immune system

December 2011

Feature

10

Newsbriefs/Stuco updates Responding to William’s arrest

Johnston alum turned pageant girl The real story behind what happened

Helping students prepare for jobs

11

New pe should be considered

Backpage 16

12

Back to Besic Pro/Con against drug education

Make sure your system is set for winter

Sports 7

Double Truck Editorial

A follow up about DMAAC credits

Health 6

the black and white

in this issue...

14 13

5

3

Wrestling offers opportunity

Football players turn to wrestling for extra workout

Helping athletes to prevent injuries

Scarred

Get the story behind student injuries

How soon is too soon for drug prevention?

In plain sight

Sports Bits

STAFF EDITORS

SUB-EDITORS

STAFF WRITERS

Zach Winjum

news

Kenzie Foldes Scott Syroka

editor-in-chief

Taylor Mithelman co-design

Evan Culbert co-design

Lauren Coffey managing

Ian Dunshee photo

On the cover: illustration by Lisa VanWiel

Mirza Besic

Paige Cramer backpage

Kristine Hayes opinion

Mallorie Goodale Sarah Margolin sports

Ashley Shay

health & fashion

Hannah Soyer feature

Taylor Joens

Monica Gagne

Wes Monroe

Laura Scieszinski

Ben Parsons

Lydia Sinclair

ILLUSTRATOR Lisa VanWiel * Editor’s note: Last month the “Blowing Smoke” opinion mentioned a survey seeing the effects of secondhand smoke. The link to the study is: http://news.stanford.edu/news/2007/may9/smoking-050907.html

PHILOSOPHY

The Black and White is published solely by the Johnston High School newspaper staff. Its goal is to inform, enlighten and entertain Johnston students. It is an open forum. In accordance with Iowa law and board policy, students assign and edit material and make all decisions of content. The paper is published nine 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 adviser, school officials or the district. Letters to the editor must be signed. Like all material, letters may not be libelous, obscene or an invasion of privacy. Bring letters to room 413 within one week after publication to be considered for the next issue.

The Black and White strives to report accurate and timely information. If you believe that an error has been printed, please contact the editors at jhsblackandwhite@gmail.com. The Black and White is a member of CSPA, NSPA, Quill & Scroll, and IHSPA. Recent issues of the paper earned these honors: Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medalist, National Scholastic Press Association First Class rating, Quill & Scroll Gallup Award, IHSPA state placings and sixth in the National Best of Show.

news

December IN

the b&wp.3

dec 2011

photos

<<< Gathering around Mike Zoller, a professor at Iowa State, seniors Amanda Teel, Johnny Katz, Dustin Thompson, Dino Omerhodzic and Nick Holland learn about PCR sequencing of DNA like police officers would for crime scenes. This was during an AP Bio. trip on Dec. 13.

<<<Senior Jose Iregui places his hand on the senior handprint wall.

“It seemed like a cool way to leave the senior’s mark on the school after they are gone,” junior and student council member Will Krone said. The student council plans on continuing the event for years to come.

>>>

>>>

>>>

<< Singing “Silent Night” Seniors Sam Sparland and Alyssa Becker participate in the Madrigal dinner on Dec. 1. Sparland and Becker were the king and queen of the dinner. “I was humbled, it was truly an honor,” Becker said. >>> Creating a poster, senior Sammi Trail participates in a PAW (People for Animal Welfare) meeting.

PAW is having a “Howliday” Pet Photo contest, where students are welcome to send their cutest holiday picture of their pet. There is a $1 entrance fee. All photos need to be turned in to Mrs. Burns’ room by January 11.

Playing the Timpani, senior Adam Jaschen performs during the winter band concert on Dec. 12. Both the Concert band and the Wind Symphony played four songs including “Titan’s Spirit” from the movie Remember the Titans.

Hanifen towing prepares the school bus to be moved. They screwed plates into the bottom and sides of the bus as attachment places for the cables that were used by two cranes to flip the bus back onto it’s wheels. See page 5 for the rest of the story.

the b&w p.4

news

dec 2011

Changes in college credit interpretation words & layout Ben Parsons credit classes have several options as well.

The state law regarding advanced place-

As one of several potential choices, an

ment credit is now being re-interpreted. This

ACT score of 21 on the reading portion will

will affect the way the Advanced Placement

give students the proficiency needed. Stu-

and college credit programs works.

dents that are part of the English Language

The State Department of Education

Learners program can take the I-ELDA

passed “Senior Year Plus” legislation sev-

exam to prove their proficiency.

eral years ago that explained how college

The students that decide to stay in the

credit can be given in high school classes.

AP classes without the college credit are

In the past, the Johnston school district has

still getting a college-level education. If the

been allowing students to drop the college

student is taking the AP class without the

credit in an AP course, yet maintain the high

college credit, then DMACC does not re-

school credit. This, according to the legisla-

ceive the money for that student.

tion, was acceptable.

Because of this, Johnston schools are

That is no longer the case. At the start

now requiring that if a student drops the

of the next semester, a new interpretation of

college credit for a class, they must drop

the legislation will go into effect, changing

the high school class altogether. This can

the way the college credit program works.

cause numerous issues. If a student de-

Ben Parsons/BW

College credit is given through Des

Seniors Samantha Phillips and Emma Van Houten debate over the dangers of mass media. The debates took place in Advanced Speech. This The way that Johnston has been handling class is one of those that will be affected by the new interpretation of the college credit program has been cost- the Senior Year Plus legislation.

Moines Area Community College (DMACC).

ing DMACC money. Each year, the district receives $250,000 from the state to pay DMACC for the classes offering college credit.

If a student decided to drop the col-

lege credit, but stay in the class for the high school credit, the money that went to DMACC to pay for the class goes back to

Johnston. “What happens then is that the student is auditing the class,” Principal Brett

Riessen said. “They’re doing that if they take the class without the college credit.”

newsbriefs & stuco updates

NB

words & layout Taylor Joens

New measures have been taken to en-

sure that only students who meet certain standards will be able to take AP classes.

Starting

second

semester,

students

need to prove their proficiency in the read-

ing, math, and science portions of the Iowa Tests (formerly the ITEDs). This means

they’ll have to score above the equivalent of the 41st percentile on these tests.

Even if students fall below the set pro-

ficiency standards, there are ways to still

falls below proficiency standards in either

guage requirements for getting into college making.

On Wed. Dec. 14, science teacher

en Apple Award is given to one teacher

ities such as weight training, along with

cardio provide students a way of improv-

ing their overall level of physical fitness.

“The purpose was to create something

that combined the lifting from Track 4 and

the cardio from Track 1,” P.E. teacher, Brian Lutter, said.

The school has come to a deal with the

into a class they otherwise wouldn’t be able year the new measures will go into effect to get into. both semesters, so incoming juniors will Students who may not meet the lan- need to be aware of the commitment they’re

opportunity to create a personalized

cardiovascular and muscle fitness. Activ-

ate. Although this would be an issue, this

dent’s abilities in either category and, at the resolve any scheduling issues and to get teacher’s discretion, gain the student entry enrolled in new classes, if need be. Next

Chris Beguhn received the “Golden Apple”

workout that allows for improvement in

class itself, they may be unable to gradu-

science or reading, a portfolio can be put Department of Education that gives stutogether. This portfolio can showcase a stu- dents until the start of second semester to

track offered for P.E. Track 5, Cross Training for Lifelong Fitness, offers the

senior year and they end up dropping the

wouldn’t be too common. “Most students do get into a class offering college credit. If a take the class for college credit.” Riessen student is gifted in math, for example, but said.

New track for next year Beguhn wins award Starting next year there will be a new

cides to not take the college credit in a class

award from WHO news channel. The Goldeach month during the school year and is

based on nominations given by students.

Senior Anna Pierce nominated Beguhn by sending in a letter to the station. “She’s

so dedicated to teaching and helping us,”

Pierce said. “It seems like she’s always at

Student council updates upcoming events the details january 12-13 Johnston’s Got

Talent auditions @ 3 p.m.

27 Basketball game

vs. Urbandale @ 7:45 p.m.; Overtime at Johnston E-Free

school.” Each year thousands of letters are

sent in. They are then reviewed by WHOHD and their partner, Allied Insurance.

30 Johnston’s Got

Talent (community talent show)

Sign up in Beguhn’s room to audition to be a part of Johnston’s community talent show in January.

A raffle will be held at the game with proceeds going towards cancer research.

Overtime will have Just Dance, dodgeball, and pizza.

All community members welcome.

Audience helps to determine winner.

Prizes for winners.

Tickets will be available for purchase.

news

the b&w p.5

dec 2011

Summit school responds to William’s arrest words & layout

Zach Winjum

As the news was being reported by

After being notified of a staff member’s

the media on the night of the arrest, an

Clay Guthmiller alerted Summit adminis-

homes that have students attending Sum-

arrest Thursday, Nov. 10, Superintendent tration. Summit principal Linda Hansen called a staff meeting that afternoon and

encouraged students to speak with counselors the days following the arrest.

The arrest involved Summit special

education teacher Steven Williams. Au-

thorities took Williams into custody from his home at 6:00 a.m. Nov. 10. Williams

was arrested on charges of sending obscene material to a minor as well as so-

“Alert Now” message was sent to all the mit. Guthmiller’s voice was recorded for the message and explained that Williams

was arrested and that as far as the district is aware, no students were involved in the

situation. It also mentioned that counselors would be available to students if they

would like to speak with them, and that the district was following proper procedures to ensure the safety of staff and students.

A Veterans’ Day program had been

liciting sex acts with a minor. Both of the

planned for the following morning. The

tigation in which officers pretended to be

gram, the district outreach counselor and

charges were a result of a federal inves-

young girls that Williams was communicating with. Williams has pleaded not guilty

and awaits trial. The arrest was a surprise

Zach Winjum/BW

Summit counselor spoke to the 56 stu-

Substitute Mary Bramer works on math problems with students in the Journey community at Summit. Bramer took William’s place since he was arrested. She will continue to substitute until a long-term substitute is hired

Williams had taught. The counselors were

had just met with him Monday morning

liam’s place in the classroom and has been

speak with them in private. “Teachers were

arrested,” Windom said. “I was shocked

“It goes without saying that Mr. William’s

to speak with the counselor to be given

in his nature and felt sad for my son be-

place, but they have been responsive and

might only want to leave class,” Hansen

Since some students were still not

Comfort also came from the coun-

event went on as scheduled. After the pro-

dents in the base camp classrooms where also available if the students wished to

and to discover three days later he was

teaching the students since his arrest.

told to allow any students who requested

when I heard because it didn’t seem to be

students were sad and upset at what took

the opportunity—even if it appeared they

cause he saw him as a friend.”

cooperative in the aftermath,” Bramer said.

said. “The first and foremost important

aware of William’s arrest by the following

selors. “The counselors said everything

safety.”

ment to be read to all students by the

better teacher that wouldn’t do stuff like

betrayed and sick,” sixth grader Mason

selors. “When I talked to my son he said

that a teacher who was arrested would

Sixth grader Jessica Ludwig, a student

day,” Stephanie Windom, mother of Ma-

was a mistake. It also reminded them that

everything would blow over soon.”

reacted very well and did what they could.”

students are safe. Hansen notified parents

they handled the situation. “The students

Williams days before the arrest to talk

dents.

maturity as could be hoped for in sixth

to the school administration. “It was an ongoing federal investigation that we were not aware of,” Hansen said.

The administration also planned an-

other meeting the following morning so the staff would know how to handle what had

happened after more information was announced through the media.

After hearing the news, some students

were shocked and disgusted. “I felt sad, Caruthers said.

that was also taught by Williams found out

about the incident Thursday night on the local news. “When I saw his picture on TV I started crying because I didn’t know what to do,” Ludwig said.

thing is safety. In this case it’s emotional

Monday, Hansen sent out a written state-

would be okay because we would get a

A total of 17 students spoke with coun-

teachers. The message assured students

that,” sixth grader Aubree Sanders said.

[the counselors] followed them around all

not be returning unless the judge says it

told us that everything would be okay and

son Caruthers said. “I thought the school

there are guidelines and rules to assure

Bramer commended students for how

Windom and Caruthers had met with

about the statement that was read to stu-

about Caruther’s academic progress. “I

Substitute Mary Bramer has taken Wil-

Bus accident blocks 100th Bus No. 31 tipped on its side blocking N.W.

100th Street in Johnston, around 2:40 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 2. No children were aboard.

The bus driver, Judy Russel, was the only

person on the bus. “She wasn’t even [taken to the hospital],” firefighter Shawn Beuberd said.

Russel initially went into the ditch because

of an unknown medical problem that caused

her to lose consciousness momentarily, said

the school’s Director of Transportation Mike Volz. As soon as Russel made contact with

the ditch she became conscious. “When she realized where she was [in the ditch] she tried to correct it,” Volz said.

words & layout

Sixth grader Tahj Neely agreed, “They

have dealt with the situation with as much graders,” Bramer said.

Kristine Hayes

Russel’s unconsciousness was very brief. while the other tipped it back up. Once the bus “From the time she went into unconsciousness was on all wheels, an employee from Hanefin to the time she went out was about 8.5-9 sec- towing helped steer it onto the truck.

Dr. James Casey, Director of Human Reonds,” Volz said, “[Afterword,] she had no recollection of [how she ended up in the ditch].”

sources for the district, said, “We want to make

the other side of the road.

cident of this degree and thank heavens there

As she regained consciousness, she over- sure everyone is safe on all of our bus routes, corrected and went nose-first into the ditch on and this is the first time we have had an acFrom there the bus flipped up and landed were no children on the bus.”

Casey does not know if the bus was sideways, blocking both lanes of the street.

Beuberd helped prepare the bus so it could deemed a total loss since there was extensive be moved. Two cranes lifted it back onto its damage. Because it was tipped on its side the

wheels. While lifting the bus, straps were cosmetic damages may be more expensive to placed around it and one crane turned the bus repair than buying a new bus.

Bus No. 31 after it was tipped back onto it’s wheels. Hanefin towing towed it away.

the b&w p.6

health

dec 2011

fend off eat

flu season

eat fish

nothing sounds more welcoming than a warm bed and some crackers,

missing school means falling behind, and loads of makeup work

balance of good and bad bacteria. Get-

pounds that help your immune system. Eat tuna, salm-

do

enough it seems as though everyone and their mother is ill (the bad kind). While

The digestive tract has a natural

Fish are a great source of Omega-3â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and other comon, herring, and trout. Not into fish?

Mix flaxseed in your diet

Researchers from the Cleveland

With the arrival of winter comes cold and flu season. Someone sneezes, and soon

yogurt

Omega-3 fatty acids increase the production of phago-

cytes, a white blood cell that protects against infection.

relax

easy ways to boost your immune system

words & layout Evan Culbert

for Omega 3â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

ting sick causes an unbalance. Yogurt

tions a try to boost your

bacteria. Consuming yogurt can help

and stay

contains probiotics, which are a good

immune system,

restore or maintain a healthy balance of

healthy.

this good bacteria, as well

Clinic have found that increased

as activate phago-

levels of stress and anxiety have

cytes and natural

a direct effect on the immune sys-

killer cells to fight

tem. Stress causes infection fight-

off foreign cells.

ing blood cells to decline. To relax, try

bring on the citrus

Citrus fruits are packed with Vitamin

C, essential for increasing white blood

cell and antibody production. Shoot for at least 100 milligrams a day by eating cit-

meditation, yoga and even laughing

take

is guaranteed. To prevent getting sick, give these sugges-

rus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lem-

often to reduce stress.

go to bed

zinc

ons, clementines, and tangerines. Two medium oranges is about 100 milligrams.

While it may be easier

An essential min-

said than done for most

eral, zinc is a powerful

people, getting a solid eight

antioxidant which can help

hours of sleep each night will help

fight off free radicals in the body,

maintain a healthy immune system. The Department

and decrease the length and sever-

ity of colds. Zinc helps the body absorb

of Psychiatry at the University of California found that

vitamin A and maintain vitamin E levels in the

natural immunity declines with sleep. Getting less than eight

hours can lead to increased chemicals that make us more

blood. Try taking zinc lozenges, or Zicam

susceptible to viruses and infection.

when you feel a cold coming on.

echinacea

This herb has been shown to

stimulate the production of white blood

cells

and

exercise

Regular exercise is extremely important in increasing

immune function. Just 20 minutes of elevated heart

rate five times a week will improve immunity by in-

interferon,

creasing body temperature to fight bacteria, increasing

which improves immune system

response.

Supplements

of

the pink flower are have been shown to decrease the

chance of catching

the common cold by

58 per cent, as well as

shorten colds by 1.4

days. Check with your doctor before use.

circulation, and clearing the lungs.

sports

dec 2011

the b&w p.7

Wrestling brings in football players words & layout

Wes Monroe

For some, wrestling is another method to stay in shape.

Senior Nick Newton wrestles with sophomore Rory Coniconde during a wrestling practice. Newton originally joined the wrestling team to improve his skills for football. This is his second year on the wrestling team.

But for a small group of football players it turned out to be

more. “A bunch of my football coaches told me I should do

wrestling because it would help me with football,” senior

Nick Newton said. There is a lot that wrestling can do that transfers directly to the football field. This includes everything from footwork to hand-eye coordination.

“When you’re on the mat one on one you have no one

to blame but yourself when you lose and that brings tough-

ness when you are center circle versus an opponent,” Head football coach Brian Woodley said. “That translates

into football. And when it gets to the fourth quarter and things are tough we need kids with mental toughness to persevere and win the ball game.”

Newton and sophomore Brandon Sexton joined the

wrestling team last season in hope of it helping them be-

come better athletes come football season. Over time they learned the sport and began to really enjoy it.

Ian Dunshee/BW

“I like the challenge of the sport and the feeling you

lete,” Sexton said. “I lost to many people that I was stron-

Wrestling also has a family factor. “Everyone is really close

are so hard that it makes practices for other sports seem

he shifts his weight and flips you because they have more

eat together, you wrestle together, you cut weight together

get when you win a match,” Newton said. “The practices

ger than, it’s just frustrating when your pinning a kid and

easier.” Wrestling is a grueling sport that takes a lot of de-

experience.”

termination and dedication to master.

It was tough joining a sport for the first time and hav-

ing to face opponents that have been wrestling for years.

“Wrestling isn’t all about who’s the bigger, stronger ath-

Though wrestling is difficult, it does help physically

and mentally which transfers to results on the football field.

“You can’t blame other people for your mishaps. It’s all on you,” Sexton said.

for those four months of the season,” Sexton said. “You

and most of all you are always there to pick someone up,” Sexton said.

Wrestling takes hard work and commitment to succeed

but it can form an athlete. The season is long and tough but rewarding and the results go a long way.

1 2

Sports briefs

Girls’ Basketball

Boys’ Swimming

The girl’s basketball season started on

The boys swimming team competed at the

Nov. 7. Players work hard during two-hour long practices that involve rebounding

drills, shooting drills, and other drills to

improve their performance. On Dec. 6, the Varsity team won a game against Lincoln

girl’s basketball team aims for success like

the win against Lincoln for games to come.

Kenzie Foldes/BW

Their record is now 4-0 including the Ames Invite. After their recent win they are now

ranked first in power-rankings. At the Ames Invite sophomore Justin Winnett broke

the school record for breast stroke with a time of 1:00.87.

Boys’ Basketball

The wrestling team started off their season

The boys now have a record of 2-3 as of

ley on Dec. 1. As of Dec. 14 their record is

last year and are aiming to rebuild for later

now 0-2. Top wrestlers sophomore Jake

Senior Kailey Kerr

first time in school history took first place.

Wrestling

with a loss against West Des Moines Val-

Scanlan and senior Joe Scanlan along

with other teammates are looking to get a win against Southeast Polk on Jan. 5.

layout Kenzie Foldes

Ames Invitational on Dec. 3 and for the

3 4 High School, with the score of 49-44. The

words Taylor Joens

Dec. 14. The team lost crucial players from years. New drills and longer practices six

to seven days a week further improve the team. Their next game is against Urban-

dale at Urbandale High School on Thursday, Dec. 22.

Senior Nick Newton (left) Sophomore Rory Coniconde (right) Ian Dunshee/BW

Learn who is eligible to caucus, where to go, and how to caucus in

Provided/Rick Santorum for President

Provided/Romney for President, Inc.

Provided/RickPerry.org, Inc.

Provided/Ron Paul Presidential Campaign Committee

Provided/Newt 2012

Provided/Bachmann for President

caucus 2012

dec 2011

the b&w p.8&9

Republican candidates at 5% or above according to The Des Moines Register’s Iowa Poll (Nov. 27 to Nov. 30): Michele Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Rick Perry, Mitt Romney, and Rick Santorum. President Barack Obama, right.

Iowa’s first-in-the-nation contests January 3rd

2012IowaCaucuses

layout Scott Syroka words Paige Cramer and Hannah Soyer Provided/The White House

With a constantly shifting nominating contest on the Republican side and one of the first tests of organizational strength for President Obama’s team on the Democratic side, Iowa’s first-inthe-nation caucuses yet again bring the national spotlight to our state. While President Obama has had an Iowa infrastructure that never stopped contacting voters, Republicans are catching up. Before Jan. 3, inform yourself with the background basics on this year’s Republicans.

Eligibility Almost all of the senior class is eligible to caucus. Sev-

Locations Caucuses are held in every precinct in Iowa. They are

Process D: People gather in designated spaces to publicly declare

enteen-year-olds are eligible to caucus as long as they will

set up in a variety of locations including community centers,

their support. To be viable and earn delegates, a candidate

member of whichever party’s caucus you attend. However,

and Republican party websites have tools to help you find

The candidate with the most delegates awarded wins.

be 18-years-old by Nov. 6, 2012. You must be a registered

you can change your party registration at the caucus. In addition, observers are allowed but cannot actively participate.

churches, schools, and more. Both the Iowa Democratic

caucus locations. If you’re a Democrat, go to www.thecau-

needs support from 15% or more of those in attendance.

R: Ballots are passed out, you write your preference in

cuses.com. If you’re a Republican, go to www.iowagop.org.

secret, and the candidate with the most votes wins.

Bachmann

Gingrich

Paul

Perry

Romney

Santorum

Current residence

Current residence

Current residence

Current residence

Current residence

Current residence

Education

Education

Education

Education

Education

Education

— Received a J.D. from Oral Roberts and an LL.M from

— Received an M.A. and PhD from Tulane University

— Received an M.D. from Duke University

—Received an MBA and J.D. from Harvard University

— Received an MBA from University of Pittsburgh

— Minnesota

— Received a B.A. from Winona State University William & Mary

— Virginia

— Received a B.A. from Emory University

— Texas

— Received a B.S. from Gettysburg College

— Texas

— Received a B.S. from Texas A&M University

Political experience

Political experience

Political experience

Political experience

Sixth Congressional District; elected in November 2006

House Minority Whip, and congressman from Georgia’s

Congressional District; elected in November 1996

ernor, commissioner of agriculture, and member of the U.S.

— Currently a U.S. congresswoman from Minnesota’s

— Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Sixth Congressional District (1979-1999)

— Currently a U.S. congressman from Texas’ Fourteenth

— Currently the governor of Texas, former lieutenant gov-

— Massachusetts

— Received a B.A. from Brigham Young University

Political experience — Former governor of Massachusetts

House of Representatives

— Pennsylvania

— Received a B.A. from Penn State University — Received a J.D. from Penn State University

Political experience

— Former senator from Pennsylvania and member of U.S. House of Representatives

Family

Family

Family

Family

Family

Family

— Five children: Lucas, Harrison, Elisa, Caroline, and So-

— Two children from a previous marriage: Kathy Gingrich

— Five children: Ron Paul, Jr., Lori Paul Pyeatt, Rand

— Two children: Griffin and Sydney

— Five children: Tagg, Matthew, Joshua, Benjamin, and

— Seven children: Elizabeth, John, Daniel, Sarah Maria,

— Married to Marcus Bachmann phia

— Married to Callista Gingrich

Lubbers and Jackie Gingrich Cushman

— Married to Carol Paul

Paul, Robert Paul, and Joy Paul-Leblanc

— Married to Anita Perry

— Married to Ann Romney Craig

— Married to Karen Santorum Peter, Patrick, and Isabella

Religion

Religion

Religion

Religion

Religion

Religion

For policy specifics

For policy specifics

For policy specifics

For policy specifics

For policy specifics

For policy specifics

— Evangelical Christian

— www.michelebachmann.com

— Catholic

— www.newt.org

— Baptist

— www.ronpaul2012.com

— Evangelical Christian

— www.rickperry.org

— Mormon

— www.mittromney.com

— Evangelical Christian

— www.ricksantorum.com

the b&w p.10

editorial

dec 2011

Advisory not reaching goals Whether it be called seminar, homeroom, or advisory, a

Teacher and advisory board member Alicia Rollison is on

class period dedicated to future planning and making a con-

the personalization team which handles and oversees the ad-

and goals may change from grade to grade, but the content

“The goal of advisory is to give students one more adult

nection with a teacher never seems to disappear. The name

visory program.

has not improved since these classes begun. The point may

they have a connection with,” Rollison said. “Just someone to

be to instill some form of good character or ideals in the stu-

talk to about scheduling, life, or just any questions they have.”

A perfect example is the class “seminar” of ninth grade. It is

with noble goals, but does not think students see the value of

were freshmen. A core part of the class was reading a book

“Advisory, currently, is not meeting goals put in place,”

dents, but the class misses the mark by a large margin.

Teacher Jesse Dowell sees advisory as a noble program

no longer a required course, but it was when current seniors

the program.

about celebrity leaders. Interestingly enough, Tiger Woods

Dowell said. “Whenever students get a worksheet, they dis-

headlined a section about preparation. When the class was

engage and are like ‘Oh no! This looks like work.’”

we would either watch vaguely related movies, or spend the

or just zone off for twenty minutes. Sophomore Hannah Van

play dodgeball, but by no means did that build good character.

ing used to its full potential. “(Advisory) is worthwhile in some

matches.

in high school, but we don’t ever get enough time to finish the

not reading about celebrities with supposed good character,

Most students simply use this time to either do homework

time free-reading. The best part of the class was getting to

Zee is new to the high school, and feels advisory is not be-

Cheating and complaining were commonplace at dodgeball

ways,” Van Zee said. “It’s a great time to plan for your future

Seminar is now optional at the middle school, but at the

high school, advisory is mandatory. The two are not exact rep-

online planning.”

Senior Ben Smith has attended Johnston since tenth

licas, but both are a period of time to spend on non-academic

grade, and feels advisory does not have much value.

even so, filling out worksheets about our goals and getting pa-

that I could just talk to my parents about,” Smith said. “Most of

issues. Advisory spends less time on character building, but per handouts about the importance of reduce, reuse, recycle gets old rather quickly.

The problem is that neither students nor teachers get seri-

ous about it. Building character is something parents should

“I feel as if the little lessons they try to teach us are lessons

the time they are not very relevant to me.”

If there is one over-arching theme that everyone can agree

on, it is that advisory could use some tweaking.

“It is one of those things that you get out what you put in.”

and usually do care about. Advisory teachers, on the other

Rollison said. “If the teacher gives the effort, it can be a posi-

Dragon TV.

waste of time.”

hand, often apathetically read off of a worksheet or turn on

tive experience. If they just do the bare minimum, then it is a

The editorial board votes on the opinion behind the editorial.

A simple majority is needed to pass. This month’s vote was 9-1.

opinion

dec 2011

the b&w p.11

New PE neccesary for athletes Extra workout before games proves to be detrimental words & layout Mallorie Goodale

steps to prevent ACL injuries.

“All the coaches had a meeting with an

When Aug. 8 comes, the summer of a

girl swimmer is over. Practices start and

orthopedic doctor who talked to us about

ming, along with many other sports, prac-

athletes,” said volleyball coach and health

again after school. Every other day, these

out to start doing in order to try and lower

As a freshman, I had second period

the workout into our volleyball program two

ing swimming workout. On the days of

In seventh grade, senior Joy Tan broke

soon after, and so does school. Swim-

the rise in ACL injuries, especially in female

tice twice a day, once in the morning and

teacher, Lacey Fulton. “He gave us a work-

athletes have another workout: P.E.

these types of injuries. When incorporated

P.E., just an hour and a half after my morn-

to three times a week.”

meets, I would swim, run for 30 minutes in

her leg while in P.E. She was in a wheel-

later that night.

sports for the rest of the year. “I was upset I

school, or both, do not need to have a third

stay indoors the rest of the year,” Tan said.

P.E. and still have to do well at the meet

chair for half the year and was unable to do

Athletes that workout before or after

wasn’t able to join a sport because I had to

As of right now, JHS has two tracks de-

workout in their day.

According to Dr. Pauline Powers, author

of “The Exercise Balance,” excessive exer-

cise leads to stress fractures, musculoskel-

Mallorie Goodale/BW

signed specifically for athletes: track one

Sophomore Drew Grill performs a hang clean lift in the weight room.

Grill plays baseball and golf and is currently in Track 4 P.E.

be added for next year. “We are going to combine the cardio part of track one,” Track

etal injuries and cardiovascular problems.

I am not going to rant about how P.E.

is pointless and athletes shouldn’t have to

take it, but I do think that there should be an

alternative for to athletes who don’t want to risk an avoidable injury by over-exercising.

A new P.E. track that would put the fo-

cus less on working out and more on injury prevention for athletes would be beneficial.

The curriculum of the P.E. class would consist of learning how to properly warm up,

cool down, stretch appropriately and correct

range of motion.

4 P.E. teacher Brian Lutter said. “Like the

the risk of injuries. Although these activities

working out. It is encouraged for any athlete

strength and fitness of track four like weight

for injury prevention would be valuable.

ries if the correct techniques are not used.

up and cool down along with your workout

way to perform lifts could prevent sprains,

This is why the school needs to add one

says stretching helps decrease risk of inju-

doing a lift wrong.

health in mind, but also does not wear them

techniques while lifting weights to minimize

The Iowa caucus: an important, if largely symbolic, primary is quickly approaching,

and the field of candidates is slowly starting

to shrivel. So far, it is reminiscent of every election in recent history. And that is a serious problem.

What I mean by that is no matter how

much every candidate promises to be

different, no matter how much he or she

treadmills and running with the muscular

make up much of Track 4, a track designed

lifting.”

According to mayoclinic.com, a warm

Learning these techniques and the proper

still get a quality workout in every other day.

reduces risk of injury. Mayoclinic.com also

strains, fractures that could be caused by

more track that not only keeps the athlete’s

ries by helping joints move thought their full

This year, the girls volleyball team took

The problem with politics in America

It’s getting to be that time of year again.

Weight lifting is also a major part of

in the offseason but can cause major inju-

kcaB2Besic

words & layout Mirza Besic

and track four, however an extra track will

noise coming from the Democrats, but that

Everybody is furious at the government

and at Wall Street for lying or being greedy,

candidate for the general election. Whether

eryone is as gullible as a seven-year-old

campaigning yet, as they already have a or not you agree with the message the What really is important is that none of

of them will do will make a big difference.

them are 100% truthful.

stimulated, and wars come and go. But the

the politicians. They are doing what they

don’t have) that plague this country seem

elected. The problem also lays with the

The Republican field of candidates is

It amazes me how Americans always

Sure, laws get passed, the economy is

down for sports.

is understandable. They don’t need to be

candidates are spreading is not important.

promises to change the country, nothing any

It is a good start, because athletes can

The fault does not belong completely to

but as soon as election year comes, evagain. We are $14 trillion in debt, but every

candidate promises to cut that down. If you haven’t noticed yet, the debt clock has con-

tinued to go up through both the Bush and the Obama administration.

There’s no way to fix the problem with-

biggest problems (i.e. spending money we

have to do in this political system to get

out completely changing the fundamentals

to go unchanged.

American people.

Reforming not only the way campaigns can

campaigning at full steam ahead, making

manage to forget how politics work. The

running

to hear, because that’s how they will get

that dictate how our government works. raise money, but also laws

Being president is a tough job, one that

promises left and right. Every candidate

candidates are all saying what voters want

none of us can possibly even imagine.

Obama‘s tyranny or restore America, or

into office. That’s how the American system

president knows that the average person

is

promising

to

either

undo

a mixture of the two. There is not much

works, and has worked for 200 years.

There are about a billion things that the has no idea about.

the b&w p.12

opinion

dec 2011

Age Appropriate?

Drug Education in the Elementary years

At what age should kids learn in depth about drugs, alcohol, and tobacco? According to district curriculum, alcohol and tobacco are first mentioned until second grade and illegal drugs are discussed in fifth grade through the Code 411 Program. The topic arose at a Rock In Prevention assembly held at Timber Ridge Elementary.

School has it right words & layout

Taylor Mithelman

The sooner the better words Ashley Shay

With a line of elementary students beside me I lean down and

Whether we like it or not, kids are going to be exposed to drugs

ask the first one, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hey, you want a cigarette?â&#x20AC;? This was a role-play-

sooner or later. Most likely it will be somewhere with their friends rath-

practicing their refusal skills. This was part of Red Ribbon Week in

kids at home about not doing drugs, they should start to be taught

and Rock In Prevention, a non-profit organization.

students learn about the harm of drugs and the consequences of us-

ing activity I did with the elementary kids at Timber Ridge who were

er than at home. This means that as well as parents talking to their

which high school NCYL students worked with elementary students

about it more in depth at school at a younger age. The sooner that

According to district health curriculum, second graders are made

aware of the harmful effects of tobacco and alcohol. In third grade

ing them, the better.

When I was in first grade at Perkins Academy, in Des Moines,

they practice refusal skills, in fourth grade illegal drugs are brought

there was a school assembly that grades first through fifth attend-

gram, formerly known as D.A.R.E., in which a police officer gives

lungs compared to a non smokers lungs, and like at Rock In Preven-

drugs.

or alcohol through skits. There was even a video about illegal drugs.

riculum when it comes to drugs and alcohol. With my experience as

drugs, what they do, and to never use them. It let us have fun but

young people do not comprehend what tobacco alcohol and drugs

them and remember them to this day.

into the curriculum. Fifth graders participate in The Code 411 pro-

ed. At the assembly they showed examples of things like a smokers

students in-depth information about tobacco, alcohol, and gateway

tion, they demonstrated how to say no if someone offered you drugs

The school has put together a completely age appropriate cur-

I can remember it talked about the name of many different illegal

a nanny, and living with younger siblings, I have seen first hand that

taught us valuable lessons at the same time. I have benefited from

entail. For example, when my brother was in first grade, he took a

Nowadays so many kids are starting to experiment with drugs and

Singing into the microphone, elrolled up piece of paper and pretended to smoke it like a cigarette. ementary student Alexa McMuHe had no idea what it actually meant, and like many other parents, lin participates during the Rock In Prevention assebly at Timber my mom explained to him that it was something that we do not do.

Ridge.

alcohol at an increasing younger age. An annual survey conducted by

the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that 32.2 percent of students have drank alcohol and 11.3 percent have tried marijuana,

For young elementary students this is the proper way for tobacco

before the age of 13. Unfortunately that means to keep kids safe we

with these subjects or talk about illegal drugs at home, that is their

first. If the appropriate information about drugs and alcohol are put

The school has it right when it comes to teaching age appropriate

time kids are exposed they will have the background information and

and alcohol to be discussed. If parents choose to go more in-depth

have to bring up drugs and alcohol at school in grades as young as

decision.

into the curriculum each year, there is a better chance that by the

health material.

knowledge to know what to do if offered any.

And we thought the smokers were bad.

In Plain Sight Illustration Lisa Vanwiel

feature

dec 2011

the b&w p.13

Pray prepares for pageant Johnston alumna turned Miss Iowa prepares for Miss America pageant words Laura Scieszinski

layout Kenzie Foldes

As 20-year-old Johnston alumna

Jessica Pray sits down at her computer, she goes through the normal routine of

most people. Check Facebook, check her e-mail, and look up YouTube videos. But unlike most people, watching YouTube

videos will be the starting point of her competing in pageants.

Jessica never planned on being in

pageants, until her friend suggested she

compete in the Miss Muscatine pageant.

“I said ‘What the heck, why not?’” Jessica

said. “It’s not very typical. It’s usually considered a late start in the pageant world

if you start when you are 14. So as an 18 year old, I was pretty late.” Rather than

hiring a coach like most girls, she taught herself using YouTube videos on how to

pose and walk. She went on to win Miss

Muscatine, and competed and won the title of Miss Iowa. She is now training for the Miss America title.

Although Jessica started late in the

pageant world, she believes her experiences have given her the knowledge

and skills necessary to be Miss Iowa and partake in the Miss America competition.

“I think part of that is that early off we were involved in high school public speaking,”

Jennifer, Jessica’s sister said. “Volunteer

work, she’s always been involved in that.

So in a way even though she hasn’t been

doing pageants for a long time she’s been preparing her whole life for this experience.”

With Jessica being so involved with

pageantry, she’s had to postpone some things. “Part of my contract is to take a

whole year off school,” Jessica said. “I get paid for the appearances I do so it’s like

a full-time job, there is no way on earth to ever be in school and do this job.”

Preparing for the Miss America pageant

consumes a lot of Jessica’s time. She’s

been focusing attention to the judge’s interview, which she believes to be a

vital part of the pageant. Although not televised, the interview is ten minutes

going over a broad range of topics with seven judges.

“They basically sit in front of you

while you stand behind a podium and

they fire question after question,” Jessica said. “It could be anything from abortion to how did working at Van

Dee’s change your life.” She has taken public speaking training at such places as the Dale Carnegie Institute and has had about 17 mock interviews since June.

Jessica also goes to events to sup-

port her platform. A platform is a cause a contestant promotes through her

title and involvement with the pageant.

Jessica chose “Saving Lives Through

the Gift of Blood Donation”. She works

Jessica Pray, Miss Iowa 2011, stands before an audience who attended the Send-Off to Miss America party on Dec. 11, 2011. Audience members of the party were given the opportunity to ask Pray questions as an exercise that would help Pray prepare for the interview portion of the 2011 Miss America pageant.

Jessica Pray (left), Miss Iowa 2011, and Francesca Lubecki-Wilde (right), Miss Iowa’s Outstanding Teen 2011, enjoy themselves at the Send-Off to Miss America party on Dec. 11, 2011. The two pageant winners have became friends over the time they have spent together volunteering around the community.

primarily with blood centers as well as

attend things like blood drives, such as

at JHS, and donor recognition banquets.

Her appearance is another focus of

Jessica’s. “You can’t look like the average college student,” Jessica’s mother

and business manager, Rita Pray, said.

“It’s that constant ‘You need to look

good all the time’ and that pressure.

You actually need to care about your

appearance because people are looking and taking pictures.”

All of Jessica’s hard work will be

tested in Las Vegas at the Miss America pageant. Tune in to ABC at 8 p.m.

January 14 to cheer on Jessica as she fights to become the first Miss Iowa to ever win Miss America. “Her talent is just off the charts, she’s got the voice

of an angel,” Jessica’s personal trainer

Ray Porter said. “I think she’s got a real shot.”

Iowa Senator Maggie Tinsman (left) and Jessica Pray (right), Miss Iowa 2011, attend the Dream Fundraising Gala at the Hotel Blackhawk Aug. 27, 2011. The event was to raise awareness about human trafficking in the Quad Cities.

Tinsman gave a speech about this issue and Pray performed two vocal pieces.

the b&w p.14

feature

dec 2011

Good samaritan gets shot and injured Man trying to save victim becomes victim himself

words & layout Lauren Coffey

Recovery *Both James and Amy Bradford

declined to be interviewed for this article.

For most students, the scariest

thing that has happened to them was getting into a car accident.

Things like robberies and shootings are things we hear about, but usually are lucky enough to never deal with. For sophomore

Tyler Bradford though, these things are all too real for him.

9:00 p.m.

On Friday, Nov. 27, Tyler was with his parents at his dad’s friend’s house. At around 10:30, they

saw

three

men

walk-

ing around the neighborhood.

“We didn’t pay them any mind,”

Bradford said. Around 20 minutes later the men started look-

ing through the house next door to where the Bradford’s were.

“They ran in and all we could

see were shadows through the window,” Tyler said. “They were wearing ski masks.” Tyler, father

James Bradford, and James’

friends all decided to go after the men. The next door neighbor is

pregnant, which helped in the de-

cision of going after the robbers.

Tyler said. “We didn’t really think

about (going after the robbers). It doesn’t pop into your head that

they might have a gun or something.”

10:30 p.m.

12:10 p.m.

towards the robbers they were

lice after hearing the gun shots.

As the Bradford’s were running running

away.

The

robbers

pulled out a 9 mil copper jacket handgun and started shooting

towards Tyler and his father.

Their friends were hidden, while

Tyler and his father were out in the open. “I wasn’t behind anything, I had to bear crawl eight

feet to a trailer to hide,” Tyler

said. “My dad was by a garage, and he had to crawl to get down.

When he turned, he got shot in the back.”

12 p.m.

The bullet that was fired from the gun hit the edge of the ga-

rage door where James was standing, and ricocheted off. As

the bullet hit the door, it started

turning. When it hit James, the bullet was end-side up. If it was

front-side up, it would have killed him. The bullet hit him in

his vertebrae. If the bullet had been a few inches higher, it would have hit him in the heart.

James was both incredibly lucky

and incredibly unfortunate. “I didn’t see him get shot, I was

worried about getting shot myself,” Tyler said. “But when you actually hear the bullet tumbled

that far from his aorta, and they way the bullet tumbled the way it did, he would have been dead if it hadn’t.”

James had surgery to

remove the bullet and

Tyler’s mother called the po-

The police came about 10 min-

utes later, and took James to the hospital. “My dad didn’t really express pain, “ Tyler said. “The doctor didn’t even think he was shot, he wasn’t bleeding a lot.”

The men left the scene before the police came. They have not been

caught yet. “They don’t have any information about them,” Tyler

said. “It rained, so the fingerprints on the casings are probably gone.” The men took an Xbox

and an iPad from the house. “It’s what happens, people don’t get

caught for stupid reasons,” Tyler

said. “I was more or less nervous about my dad, I wasn’t re-

ally scared (After the shooting).

It’s what happens when you live

in a bad neighborhood, you get

used to it. It’s not bad enough to move or anything.” Tyler’s mom was a more worried after. “There

was one point in time my mom just kept double locking all our doors.” Tyler said.

is currently undergo-

ing physical therapy.

“The doctors say he’s three weeks ahead of

anyone who’s had spinal injuries,” Tyler said.

“He’s only on a heart monitor now.” James is

expected to make a full recovery. With Christmas coming up, the Bradford’s hope James is able to be out of the hospital in time. “The docs

say maybe (he can be home for Christmas),

we’re hoping. If we have to (celebrate at the hospital) we will.”

Support

Although this has been hard on the family, they

have the support of each other and their friends to help. “(Our family) was always really close,” Tyler said. “We never told lies, we always try to be honest with each other. I don’t know if hav-

ing me and my mom there (when my dad was shot) helped, just having family around helped.

My friend’s ask how (my dad’s) doing every-

day.” There is also a donation fund set up to

help the Bradford’s, the Jim Bradford Donation Account.

For people with family members in similar situ-

ations, Tyler has a piece of advice. “Keep your hopes up,” Tyler said. “When you let the victim see you’re hurt, he’s gonna start downing

himself too.” He also has a word of advice for

people in a similar situation he was in. If some incident happens when you have to make a

quick decision, think it through first. “Call the cops immediately,” Tyler said. “Don’t try to be

the hero, because you’ll never know if they have a gun.”

feature

dec 2011

Building Experience Store owner works with students to prepare them for future jobs words & layout Lydia Sinclair

The back room of the store Created in John-

how do YOU think you did?” Moriarty paused

Holman is spray painting the concrete statue

Meyer awarded him with a high five. While teach-

ston is filled with loud noises. Senior Makayla of a dog black while junior Jordan Moriarty

watches. Junior Casey Coughlon is organizing the various figurines and junior Victor Me-

jia is sweeping up. Senior Dylan Ostwald is

for a minute and then said, “I think I did good.” ing the students about making the concrete fig-

ures, Meyer is also trying to raise their self-es-

teem and make them confident in what they do.

Working at Created in Johnston also gives the

working on his angel statue. Dennis Meyer,

students an opportunity to discover their strengths

to each student, instructing and giving advice.

skills they learn may develop into a passion or

owner of Created in Johnston, goes around Meyer volunteers his store and services to

help students in the Experience Based Ca-

and interests. Pattschull explained that the new a plan for what they will do after high school.

Holman’s favorite part of working at the store

reer Education class (EBCE). The EBCE is

is painting the statues. “Painting is all about us-

port become prepared for life after high school.

using your left,” Holman said. She teaches

designed to help kids in need of extra supAs part of the class, students are selected to work at a business that best suits their learn-

ing the right side of your brain. It’s easier than

some of her classmates how to paint too.

The students work hard to make the stat-

ing and capability needs. Students also have

ues look nice for Meyer’s customers. “We

Created in Johnston was just added in August

said. Recently, the students were allowed

a say in what work they are most interested in.

to the dozens of local businesses that help the stu-

dents. “I saw how big a heart he had for the com-

munity,” Heath Pattschull said on hiring Meyer.

want this business to keep going,” Coughlon

to make and paint their own personal stat-

ues - a gift from Meyer for their hard work.

At the end of the second semester the class

Pattschull is a work experience coordinator and

will stop going to Created in Johnston but Mey-

right focus and energy. People that care enough.”

next fall. He feels that although the students

teacher of the EBCE. “We needed people with the These past months, students have been work-

ing on a variety of activities such as answering the phone, cleaning around the store, and learning how to fill out a resume. They are also taught

er says he would consider volunteering again come from different backgrounds, they are work-

ing together to have a learning experience. “It’s almost like they were meant to come here.”

the long and important process of making the various concrete figures. This includes mold-

ing the concrete into different shapes, patching up cracks, sanding the statues smooth, and

finally painting them. “I always thought you just carved into a block of concrete,” Mejia said.

While

the

students

work,

Meyer

gives

them advice and tries to push them to their ut-

most potential. “These kids need guidance and they need to be pushed,” Meyer said.

“If you aren’t doing something right, he will

tell you,” Mary Ann Johnson said, a special

education associate that helps supervise. “He

is strong with them but helps them make decisions. He leaves a little humor behind too.”

After patching his statue, Moriarty asked

Meyer, “How did I do?” Meyer replied, “Well,

(Top) Garret Vadillo shows junior Casey Coughlon how to cover up cracks on the newly made statues. Vadillo has worked at Created in Johnston for three months and helps with the program at times. “It’s fun to teach (the students) new things,” Vadillo said. (Middle) Senior Jordan Moriarty sands down an angel statue to make it smooth before painting. (Bottom) Senior Makayla Holman paints a statue with black spray paint. “I can get it done pretty easily,” she said.

Photos by Paige Plaskitt/The Dragon

the b&w p.15

the b&w p.16

backpage

dec 2011

Students share their experiences of breaks, bumps, and bruises. compiled by: Sarah Margolin and Kristine Hayes

Chase Fiedler

Tree terror

The hunt for a baby opossum spurred senior Chase

Fiedler and his friends, Joe Faerrell and Jordan Doswell, to climb a tree and ended with stitches and a trip to the hospital.

Eigth graders at the time, Fiedler, Joe Farrell and

then-ninth grader Jordan Doswell were looking for a

inside my leg,” Fiedler said.

The stub of branch that protruded from the tree

went into Fiedler’s leg between the two calf bones. “I yelled a four-letter expletive, my friends thought I was joking so they kind of sauntered over.”

He was not very far off the ground and the other

baby opossum they saw in a tree earlier that day.

boys helped him get out. “Jordan lifted me off and

younger and getting a few cuts and bruises. For senior

his dad who rushed to see what happened. “My dad

Most kids remember climbing trees when they were

Chase Fiedler, his experience was a little different. “I

was hanging off the tree by my ankle,” Fiedler said, “I didn’t really feel it hurting right away.”

Fiedler broke off a branch leaving about a four-inch

stub sticking out. As he tried to jump to another branch the one he was standing on gave way and he fell.

After catching his bearings, Fielder reached down

to what he thought was just his pants hung up in the tree. “I felt my leg and realized that the tree was stuck

helped pull my leg off the tree,” Fiedler said. He called

got there in like five minutes, he had to be going like 60

mph,” he said. They went to the hospital where Fiedler

got 12 stitches, but was lucky he had no other injuries. The healing process, however, took about three months. “I can’t feel part of the left side of my foot,” he said pulling up his pant leg to show the scar. Now, he

has a scar, some numbness, and a great story to tell.

And they never did figure out what happened to the opossum.

Kristine Hayes/BW

Nick Siddens

In four years, kids go through a lot of

times he broke his nose was when he

bruises but it all heals over time. For Nick

it was healing. It is easy to re-break a

changes. In that time, they get cuts and Siddens, he got more than a few scrapes.

When Siddens was six-years-old he

was seven and both of them were while

nose while it is in the process of healing.

The fifth and final time Siddens broke

ran into a wall and broke his nose for the

his nose was when he was 10 years

pital they put what looks like a bandage

[not] paying attention and got hit in the

first time. When Siddens went to the hoson his nose. The bandage is actually two

pieces of cardboard used to keep his nose in place. The doctors then broke Siddens

nose back and forth until they got it into the right position. “It hurt a lot.” Siddens said.

Just a month later, he broke it again.

Siddens and some of his friends were

messing around and wrestling. Before he knew it Siddens had another broken nose and had to go to the hospital again.“It was

more painful the second time. My nose had a giant crook in it and was slanted to the

right.” Siddens said. The third and fourth

old and playing street hockey. “I was

nose from the hockey puck,” Siddens

Wheel of fortune

Fifth time’s the charm?

Jessie Sandmann

Provided/Jessie Sandmann

Sandmann’s x-ray of her arm after the surgery.

She had two however, this one was on the bone, the other was for the scar.

The plate has come out now, but the screws will never be taken out.

With her bike chain falling off and the

members them calling her dad on the way

metal bar. The bar will help to make sure

Sandmann went flying over her bike into

the next day in the hospital, the doctors

grab [my nose] and pull, it will pop,” Sid-

bike early in the morning with her friend,

and forth.” The bar helped put Siddens

jured. Buising went door to door trying to

will have it in there forever. “I have a slit

someone and luckly, that person was a

dens said. “It was a fun year; I had black

The nurse called the ambulance and

said. When Siddens went to the hospital

again to get his nose fixed they put in a

front wheel locking up, senior Jessie

it does not move or break again. “If I

the ground. Sandmann was riding her

dens said. “It [is] bending the bar back

senior Anna Buising, before she was in-

nose back to its normal shape and he

find someone to help. Finally, she found

in my nose were they cut it open.” Sid-

nurse.

eyes for three months.”

helped Sandmann up. Sandmann only re-

to the hospital. When Sandmann woke up decided that she would need surgery to fix

her arm. “Apparently I blocked my face in-

stead of putting my hands out to break the fall,” Sandmann said. In her first surgery Sandmann got a plate and two screws put

in. The second was from a plastic surgeon to fix the scar. “We have the plate at my

house,” Sandmann said, “My dad wants to make [the plate] into a necklace.”