December 2014

B&W the black and white December, 2014

truth blunt

the

pages 10/11

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dec. 2014 p.2

december 2014

index Cover: Photo illustration by Zoe Wilson

4/5

13

18

current events

12

health

3

What in the world, current events and a letter to the editor

Two in 1500

double truck

photo essay

10/11

news

13

4/5 6

Arctic activities

Searching for staff

feature

7 8 9

Living the American dream Shocking suspensions Associate degree achieves

b&w philosophy

The blunt truth

editorial

It is time to stand up

opinion

14 15 16

Symbolizing support Back 2 Besic ‘Grade-fetching’ epidemic Navigating religious paths

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

Letters to the editor must be signed. Like all material, letters may not be libelous, obscene or an invasion of privacy. Bring letters to room 413 within one week after publication to be considered for the next issue. The Black and White strives to report accurate and timely information. If you believe that an error has been printed, please contact the editors at jhsblackandwhite@gmail.com The Black and White is a member of CSPA, NSPA, Quil & 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.

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

17

Adderall for an ‘A’

sports

18 19

Church league slam dunk with high school boys Smeared eyeliner Mentality makes its mark

backpage

20

Netflix

corrections from November issue: - page 9: pictures were switched - pages 4/5: picture #10 is Samantha Monahan, Garrison Parker is a junior, picture #9 was taken by Ashley Long

meet the staff Staff writers Matthew Berry Erin Bockenstedt Meredith Campidilli MacKenzie Costello Hannah Crooks Max Culbert Jake Dalbey Brianna Erickson Esmeralda Flores Brooke Ginsberg Myles Glandorf Kennedy Graeser Meredith Gwennap Medina Jusufovic Allison Klein

Michelle Kumar Eileen Lagerblade Anna Larson Kate Lichter Allexis Mahanna Kitarrah Mangra-Dutcher Carissa Metcalf Jacob Orr Lizzy Orr Caroline Quinn Bryce Schulte Lindsay Soards Staff Illustrator Olivia White

current events

dec. 2014 p.3

Current

1 a

b c

events quiz

YouTube with a view count of 2,147,483,647?

Gangnam Style by Psy Baby by Justin Bieber Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus

a

b c

man in Iowa?

Philip Knight

5 6

What is the name of the richest

Michael Bloomberg

c

almost 600 pounds.

ship in the local Buffalo

attract new worshipers.

Letter to the editor Dear Editor,

It is not the manner in which people

are disagreeing about LGBTQ+ rights that

matters. Whether it be a seemingly polite

Harry Stine

b

$1000 worth of fish.

ous zoo. Phevos weighs

in the United States?

No Strings Attached by *NSYNC

a

fish counter and ate over

neglected at his previ-

odist Church set up wor-

What is the fastest selling album

The Eminem Show by Eminem

4

and climbed inside the

to California after being

Wild Wings, hoping to

1989 by Taylor Swift

b c

b c

December 10

23

the Vladivostok Airport

was flown from Greece

Howell, Alabama Riverchase United Meth-

20

a

Vladivostok, Russia A stray cat snuck into

Trikala, Greece Phevos, a bengal tiger,

are there?

3

December 12

December 11

How many James Bond movies

17

b c

a

compiled | Zoe Wilson

What viral music video “broke”

2 a

What in the world?

letter or vulgar, homophobic graffiti on the GSA stadium painting, the sentiment is the same. Even under the guise of civility, opposing marriage equality is still inherently

on Netflix?

Gossip Girl

Breaking Bad Orange is the New Black

Who invented the doughnut when he was only 16 years old?

Hanson Gregory Conrad Gessner Walter Camp

answers found on jhsblackandwhite.com

gressive protests; however, do not forget

tributing to LGBT homelessness”. This is

following: “A riot is the language of the un-

was the most frequently cited factor con-

disproportionate to the percentage of selfidentified LBGTQ+ individuals in the overall population, which is estimated at three percent.

Consider that “gay panic” and “trans

discriminatory.

panic” defenses are legal in all states

ties have used minorities’ characteristics

homophobes and transphobes to claim

Throughout history, oppressive majori-

to separate them from the whole and deny

them rights. It is unacceptable to interWhat is the most streamed show

sexual orientation and gender identity

fere with someone’s pursuit of happiness

based on whom they love. The issue of marriage equality should never have been

a debate; human rights should not be put up to a vote.

People who advocate against LGBTQ+

afraid to come out; this needs to stop.

with murder. LGBTQ+ individuals face discrimination and hatred in staggering numbers, as well as threats far more significant

than comments from their peers. Do not trivialize their struggles.

Respectability politics are often used

passionate activists “rude” or “intolerant”. follow the guidelines that the oppressive majority has set out for them, it’s open season on them.

Societies will erase or warp influential

According to the UCLA School of Law’s

activists’ beliefs to uphold respectability

youth are self-identified LGBTQ+ individu-

oppressors have used Martin Luther

Williams Institute, 40 percent of homeless

als, and “family rejection on the basis of

press a minority, they do not have to play by those rules.

Even if you disagree with the lifestyle of

If we do not stand up for equality for ev-

dividuals’ advances and let them get away

When a minority’s pleas for justice do not

equality and LGBTQ+ individuals being

heard. The bottom line is that if rules op-

temporary insanity caused by LGBTQ+ in-

nice to you. There is a widely accepted being afraid to publicly oppose marriage

a certain way in order to have their voices

a LGBTQ+ individual, you should be con-

to silence oppressed minorities by calling

false equivalence between homophobes

heard”. Do not force minorities to behave

except California; these defenses allow

rights are not victims; if you deny people

equal rights they are not obligated to be

that this revered revolutionary also said the

politics and undermine minorities. Many

King’s peaceful protests to condemn ag-

cerned when civil rights are being violated. eryone, then we pave the way for future

discrimination. Life, liberty, and the pursuit

of happiness are three beliefs that founded this nation, and America claimed independence with these in mind. Denying someone basic human rights is a direct affront to anyone who gave their lives to defend these principles.

Tone policing and trivialization margin-

alize the struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals and are vile tools of discrimination. ity.

Do not stay silent in the face of inequal-

With love, for love,

Jorjia Vawter, Alexis Williams, and Shu-

da Jarboe

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

photo essay

dec. 2014 p.4

Arctic activities

1.

The winter season started off strong for academics and athletics words | Anne Rogers

layout | Carly Kinning

1. Senior Elizabeth Reiher strikes

a pose during the hip-hop performance at the state dance tournament Dec. 5. Reiher was one of 5 seniors on the team. “I’ve been on the team since I was a freshman and we’ve always done the same three dances at state, pom, lyrical and jazz,” Reiher said. “But this year we put in hip-hop instead of lyrical and it was a good experience.”

3.

Ashley Long/Dragon

2.

Jacob Orr/BW

2. Senior Tim Zuo plays his saxo-

phone during a gig at the Hilton Garden Inn during the retirement party of the Iowa High School Athletic Association director Rick Wulkow. Zuo was part of a jazz combo that consisted of seniors Shane Burgess, Jacob Orr and Leon Sun, freshman Jesse Balmer, sophomore Michael Geddon and junior Tyler Martin.

3. Sophomore Henry Fischer aims

his bow at the target during archery practice Dec. 10. The archery team meets every morning at 6:45 a.m. and has tournaments various Saturdays throughout the season.

4. Freshman Collin Hushagen is put

Esmeralda Flores/BW

4.

5.

in a cradle by his Ankeny Centennial opponent during the varsity 145-pound match Dec. 11. Johnston won 54-12 against the Jaguars. The Dragons travel to Ames to take on the Little Cyclones Thursday Dec. 18.

5. Junior Rachel Hinders powers

toward the basket during the Dowling game Dec. 12. The Dragons fell to the Maroons 55-43, picking up their first loss of the season. Hinders and sophomore Elle Brown both scored a total of 12 points. The Dragons will host the WDM Valley Tigers Dec. 19.

Anne Rogers/BW

Carly Campbell/BW

photo essay

dec. 2014 p.5

6.

6. Freshman

Spencer Collison prepares to dive into the water during the 200 yard freestyle race at the home invitational against the Marshalltown Bobcats Dec. 9. Collison placed fifth with a final time of 2:06.26. Johnston is currently ranked fourth in the state behind Waukee, Dowling Catholic and Ames. The varsity team is also ranked third in the 200 yard freestyle relay and second in the 400 yard relay. The Dragons take on the Southeast Polk Rams on Thursday Dec. 18 at 5:30 p.m.

Esmeralda Flores/BW

7. 8.

Esmeralda Flores/BW

7. Senior Derek Jones goes up for a lay-up

during the first quarter at the Dowling game Dec. 12. Johnston lost the rivalry game 44-43, bringing their record to 1-3. The Dragons host the WDM Valley Tigers Friday Dec. 19 at 7:45 p.m.

8. Juniors Kyle Kane and Remi Coniconde

rehearse after school Dec. 11 for the play the acting class performed that night. Kane and Coniconde performed a skit called ‘Beauty and the Beef.’ Each student was able to choose a skit they wanted to perform from multiple options acting teacher Wendy Arch provided.

Carly Campbell/BW Anne Rogers/BW

9.

Ashley Long/Dragon

9. Head wrestling coach Aaron Tecklenburg

yells out advice to 132-pounder senior Shane Vaughn during the Mason City match Dec. 11.

Vaughn lost his match against Mac Spotts of Mason City, but he won his second match against Jace Williams of Ankeny Centennial.

10. Senior Darian Huff poses during the

10.

dance team’s hip-hop performance at the state dance team performance Dec. 5. The team placed fifth for their jazz performance, but they failed to place in their pom or hip-hop dance.

The girls are now preparing for their performances at Nationals in February.

news

dec. 2014 p.6

Searching for staff District struggles to find bus drivers, substitutes words & layout | Eileen Lagerblade

Substitutes

This year is proving to be one of the hardest years to

Students get onto thier already full bus after school and have to search for a spot to sit.

“I think that (having a sub who knew what they were

find subs for school.

doing) would help, just to have someone to ask questions

Brent Riessen said.

material, we learned fine off the powerpoints but it would

“I think this is as tough as it’s ever been,” Principal One of the problems is the new system for finding subs.

“We moved to an automated calling system this year

and the good side is that it saves some costs relative to employees manually calling folks. The bad news is it

and that way we absolutely know that we’re getting the

cess (of getting the right certification to be a bus driver).”

Junior Roslyn Blair had a similar situation when there

cause she was originally an English teacher.

With this new program, substitutes can also change

their assignment after they have already agreed to one.

This ends up causing even more problems.

“I think (another) part of the issue is just people are

more fully employed and there’s not as much availability,” Mitchell said.

Johnston has started advertising their need for qual-

ity substitutes in hope that it will help with the shortage.

They also hope that with mid-year graduated students it will make finding subs easier second semester.

stitute did not have the knowledge to teach the class be-

That shortage of classroom substitues lead administra-

tion having to put substitutes in classrooms where they do not know what they are teaching.

In AP Statistics this year, teacher Adam Paulson was

gone for about a week.

“Paulson uploaded powerpoints for the chapter and we

went through them and we worked together as a class and taught each other the material,” senior Troy Ikeda said.

Administration is trying to find the right substitutes for

each class, but it is proving to be harder than past years, which is effecting students and their learning.

said. “We have about five to ten people that are in the pro-

Bus Rider’s experience

With the shortage of bus drivers, most buses now have

“(It caused problems) because people were trying to

more students, which has caused some cramped buses.

Administration officials are trying to avoid putting a

and then we got a new one he was there at the beginning

ask her questions (and she couldn’t help),” Blair said.

substitute in a class where he or she is unable to teach,

but sometimes it has to be done because there is nobody else.

“Last year half-way through the year our bus driver quit

of the year and then he disappeared and since then there

has been a new bus driver every time I’ve ridden my bus,” junior Cierra Berkley said.

The number of students on a bus has grown because

Bus drivers

Along with substitutes being difficult to find, bus driv-

ers have been quitting this past year, leading to multiple problems which have yet to be fixed.

“I think one of the reasons it’s hard to recruit bus driv-

Classrooms

“We have gotten a few people that have been interest-

homework,” Ikeda said.

and bounce off of in terms of what were doing for the

riety of folks and can be very selective about the assignTom Mitchell said.

Register.”

ed but they don’t have the appropriate license,” Mitchell

was a substitute for her blocked algebra class. The sub-

ments they end up choosing,” Human Resource Director

why they have also posted the jobs in the “Des Moines

have been nice to have someone there to ask questions

plugs into a number of school systems that use the same

system and so substitutes have a greater access to a va-

why there is the sign out in front of the middle school and

ers is because the economy has gotten much better so

of the shortage of bus drivers and because there are have more students this year.

“My bus is just always packed, it’s so much worse this

year,” Berkley said.

The school is struggling to find replacements quickly

which is leading to more issues.

“I hate (the amount of students on my bus) you can

the job market is getting a lot tighter,” Mitchell said.

never find a place to sit and then people get all irritated

petition for drivers now.

you are the only seat left’,” Berkley said. At one point and

The school is running into issues because of the com-

when you sit with them like ‘what do you expect me to do

“One of the things schools compete with is that it’s

time the school tried to fix the problem her bus had.

hard to make (school bus driving) a full-time job; it’s two or

“For awhile they split up the route they had one of

three hours in the morning two or three hours in the after-

those small busses taking the kids to the mobile home

ing a split shift many times, whereas [other companies]

that lasted about a week and then they were back on the

go home,” Mitchell said.

on the bus made Berkley feel more comfortable.

letting people know that there are job openings. That is

refuse,” said Berkley.

noon and there’s that middle gap and so people are work-

area (because they are the biggest stop on that route) but

you work your eight hour day like most folks and then you

bus,” Berkley said. Getting rid of about half of the people

Right now the school is doing extensive advertising,

“I would ride the bus all the time last year but now I

feature

dec. 2014 p.7

Living the American dream

words | Kate Lichter

Shortly after being born in Augusta, Georgia junior Eilidh Chowanec and her par-

ents moved to Yarm, Scotland. Her two sisters were born during the eight years they

lived in the UK, before the family moved to Iowa because of her dad’s job. Due to the fact that her mom had citizenship in Scotland and her dad is originally from the United States, Eilidh and her sisters have dual citizenship.

Chowanec would like to go into the medical field and she could potentially use

Students talk about their green cards, visas, and dual citizenship Helen Wang

Guelph, Ontario After 14 years, junior Helen Wang and her family eventually found their way to Johnston, Iowa for her parents jobs. Wang was born in Ontario making her a Canadian citizen and permanent resident for 12 years until moving to Indiana. After moving to the U.S., she received an H6 visa giving her temporary residence. Even though Wang is able to live and go to school here, there are definite drawbacks to the move.

One being, when she was taking the PSAT. Wang could not become a national merit.

“I didn’t qualify for that because I wasn’t a U.S. citizen and I wasn’t planning on becoming one soon,” Wang said.

Due to the fact that it takes so long to become a citizen, even if she wanted to, Wang would not come close to the requirements.

Not only is she not able to get a job, but Wang cannot earn national awards, scholarships and more opposite of Canada.

Since it is more difficult for her to earn money for college, she plans on going back to Canada for a business school.

“I’m planning on going to Canada for college, for now, that could change,” Wang said. This decision would allow her to not only earn scholarship money but work, vote and other national advantages.

Wang recently had her card renewed for another year with the same H6 visa.

A Green Card allows the individual to be a permanent resident in the United States, meaning they can work, live, receive education and benefits, and other American privileges. However, like a Visa, a Green Card doesn’t allow you to vote.

A Visa grants someone the right to be in the United States but offer little rights compared to a Green Card holder. There are different kinds of Visas: working, education, living, and various other combinations.

layout | Eileen Lagerblade & Kate Lichter

Eilidh Chowanec

her situation to her advantage.

“I could get license to practice medicine in the UK and the U.S., but I feel like

that would be kind of difficult,” Chowanec said. Chowanec would like to use the free

education to get ahead like most, yet she would have to live in Scotland for a certain amount of time. Which cannot be done in a decent time frame.

However, there are some downsides if she went overseas for schooling, such as

leaving her family behind. “If I went back then I probably wouldn’t be able to come

home at all because it would be expensive to fly back and forth,” Chowanec said.

Yarm, Stockton-on Not only would that be an inconvenience but the U.S. makes it more difficult to enter and exit the country with ease. Meaning she would have to carry her U.S. passport -tees each time she traveled.

For now she plans on continuing not only her studies in America, but her life.

Matthew Cooper

When junior Matthew Cooper was three, his family moved to the United

States and ended up in Iowa. After a few years Cooper received a green card, giving him access to more rights as he grew up. He discovered that even though

his family was in Australia, the U.S. could give him more paths to choose from even at a young age.

Brisbane, Australia

“You don’t have as many education opportunities,” Cooper said. Australian

schools are more expensive and exclusive compared to the ones presented in

America. Cooper and his family make the sacrifice of leaving their extended

family behind, only seeing them every so often, for a valuable education and other things.

His future would only be enhanced further if he becomes a citizen. This process can take very long and

Cooper has seen it first hand with his dad who turned in his paperwork in July, but still has not heard back.

If his dad earns his citizenship by the time Cooper is 18, he will not have to take the test because one of his

parents is a citizen.

Cooper thinks that the move allowed him to open doors that would have been locked in Australia.

“Having a green card is a good thing and becoming a citizen in the U.S. is a really good thing because I don’t

think people realize how good your opportunities are in America compared to other countries, even if they are

still first world countries,” Cooper said. “It’s still much more difficult to get scholarships or even into college.”

feature

nov. 2014 p.8

Shocking suspensions “The Black and White” investigates Johnston suspension trends in comparion to state-wide statistics When superintendent Dr. Corey Lunn spoke over the

words | Erin Bockenstedt layout | Zoe Wilson

port.”

think their peers are suspended for. “I would assume

tioned the consequences that certain students would

beneficial than out-of-school, however administration

gan Jones said. “No one ever stands up and does any-

consequences being suspension. “The Black and White”

sion. “In a perfect world, we would have some kind of an

intercom on the Friday of Homecoming week, he menface due to the vandalism of the school. Most of those

decided to investigate how many suspensions were given school-wide and state-wide.

Disruptive behavior was the most common trend in sus-

pension last year. These are behaviors that are deemed

Stratton thinks an in-school suspension would be more

must follow board policy when it comes to student suspenin school system,” Stratton said. “There are certain behaviors that are unacceptable, and the school and the board

have agreed that these behaviors are unacceptable, and

drugs, just because we don’t really fight here,” junior Morthing.”

There were, however, only 10 drug related suspen-

sions at Johnston last year. “The typical [drugs] we find are marijuana or prescription drugs,” Stratton said.

A large concern, aside from drugs and alcohol related

the student is not allowed to be here.”

cases, is the weapon related cases, considering the push

verbal abuse. Most of these result in an out-of-school sus-

partment of Education and Human Services at Villanova

derneath that category, so an air-soft gun would be con-

student occupied during his or her suspension. “There are

unfairly used and ineffective at producing better future be-

unacceptable, such as harassment, use of profanity and

pension, rather than an in-school suspension to keep the

some rare occasions where we do [suspension] in school, but the problem is we don’t have an in school supervisor

and we don’t have a room for it, so one of us and our offices are used, and that limits what we do during the day,”

associate principle Jerry Stratton said. “There are some cases where they just need to be here for academic sup-

According to a study done by Neil Bloomberg in the De-

University, out of school suspension is often misapplied, havior. It also suggests that not all in-school suspensions

of improved security. “Look-alike weapons would fall unsidered a weapon,” Stratton said. “Potentially knives, if you’re carrying it or threatening someone with it.”

Although there were 368 total suspensions school wide

have the same form or have the same deterrent effects

last year, and there were 54,110 total suspensions state-

similar to what was found in Iowa- the most common rea-

suspensions happening anymore. “The most I would hear

among students. The study found nationwide something son for suspension is disruptive behavior.

Drug related causes seem to be what most students

wide last year, some students hardly see or hear about about is fighting probably,” senior Logan Ryan said. “But I don’t even feel like people get suspended here anymore.”

All removals in Johnston 2013-2014 year

Statewide totals 2013-2014 year

Alcohol: 5 Attendance: 11 Disruptive Behavior: 122 Drug Related: 10 Fighting with Injury: 29 Fighting without Injury: 55 Other: 50 Property: 9 Serious Bodily Injury: 1 Special Ed ALJ Decision: 0 Threat of Destruction or Harm: 32 Tobacco: 1 Violent Behavior w/ Injury: 10 Violent Behavior w/o Injury: 18 Weapons Related: 15 Total: 368

Alcohol: 307 Attendance: 8,986 Disruptive Behavior: 16,922 Drug Related: 1,198 Fighting with Injury: 1,055 Fighting without Injury: 6,882 Other: 10,796 Property: 1,219 Serious Bodily Injury: 32 Special Ed ALJ Decision: 2 Threat of Destruction or Harm: 1,602 Tobacco: 896 Violent Behavior w/ Injury: 572 Violent Behavior w/o Injury: 2,810 Weapons: 831 Total: 54,110

feature

dec. 2014 p.9

Associate degree achieves

“The Black and White” investigates the outlook for associate degree jobs in 2022 words | Allex Mahanna layout | Allex Mahanna & Zoe Wilson Dental hygienist and registered nurses are

two of the 10 jobs that Forbes predicts will ex-

Jobs that don’t require a four-year degree Numbers:

Median Salary:

2022 Hiring Outlook:

No. 1: Dental Hygienist

$70,210

+33%

No. 2: Registered Nurse

$65,470

+19%

No. 3: Web Developer

$62,500

+20%

so if there’s a stigma (about two-year colleges),

No. 4: Respiratory Therapist

$55,870

+19%

counselor, said.

No. 5: Electrician

$49,840

+20%

No. 6: Computer Services Technician $48,900

+17%

No. 7: Paralegal Assistant

$46,990

+17%

No. 8: Appliance Repairer

$43,640

+21%

No. 9: Carpenter

$39,940

+24%

No. 10: Automobile Body Repairer

$37,680

+13%

perience growth and earn a respectable wage in the next decade.

Training for the jobs involves a two-year de-

gree, an option that is talked about frequently.

“We talk to students about all sorts of options, it’s not coming from us,” Susan Baker, guidance The common misconception is that to receive

a middle class paycheck, one must receive a bachelor’s degree at the minimum. This list proves that misconception wrong.

A recent study done by Nerdwallet, based on

the forecasts by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, shows jobs that require an associate’s degree will have the highest average growth by 2020. The average growth rate of all jobs is around 14%, while the growth rate for jobs requiring associate degrees is around 35%.

These higher earnings on the

job, paired with the low tuition rate

in order to get the job, are getting students’ attention. “It’s been an increase in more than just the past year of those attending two-year schools,” Baker said.

Graduates of some two year schools

ended up paying their school debts off in just two years, on average.

The cost of both degrees has remained close to the

same over the past decade, with a bachelor’s degree cost-

industrial production, fire protection and engineering all

DMACC, said.

and Arkansas.

to recent or soon to be graduates might change ideas on

averaged salaries above $60,000, in Colorado, Texas

A New York Federal Reserve study found that both

two and four year degrees do remain solid investments. “The more education you can have the better

off you’re going to be,” Jim Casey, an associate execu-

tive director of human resources at DMACC, said. “How-

ever (community college) will still be cheaper than a state school.”

According to a USA TODAY analysis of workforce pro-

ing anywhere from $110,000 to $130,000 and an associ-

jections by Economic Modeling Specialists Intl., a division

ing to New York Federal Reserve Bank economists Jaison

million jobs created by 2017, only 27% of them will be filled

“From a financial standpoint (going to a two-year school)

6% increase in jobs from 2013 won’t change much simply

Knowing what jobs are needed and how that relates

where students are attending and what their jobs will con-

sist of. “The teacher is always looking for jobs and has lots of friends in the business,” Lagerblade said.

Dental hygienists clean teeth and provide preventative

dental care. They are first on the Forbes list. Their median

salary is $70,210, and their 2022 hiring outlook is up 33%.

At DMACC, their tuition costs $10,147 to get the degree, minus costs of books and any equipment necessary.

“The (dental hygienist) career interests me because

ate’s degree costing between $40,000 to $60,000, accord-

of CareerBuilder, although there are expected to be 1.8

there is less schooling required, the job has flexible hours

Abel and Richard Deitz.

by grads in the four year bachelor degree programs. This

eryday,” Henry said.

would definitely save me money, however I always wanted

because the students aren’t being pushed into the areas

They are second on the Forbes list. Their median salary is

A study conducted in Colorado by College Measures,

With the cost of college rapidly increasing and the wag-

their tuition costs $13,680 to get the degree, minus costs of

to go to a four year college,” junior Ellie Henry said.

that are needed.

a partnership of the American Institutes for Research and

es in real world jobs rapidly decreasing, choosing a career

Matrix Knowledge, looked at the graduates first year’s

that will pay off fast is a goal for most students.

graduate with a bachelor’s degree in any field was $38,860.

a welding degree and lined up future jobs for me,” se-

earnings out of college. The starting average salary for a The starting salary from an associate degree in nursing,

“(Two year degrees) are helpful, [it’s helping] me get

nior Walter Lagerblade, who is in the welding program at

and pays well, and I’d be able to interact with people evRegistered nurses provide and coordinate patient care.

$65,470, and their 2022 hiring outlook is up 19%. At Mercy, books and any equipment necessary.

The cost of tuition alone for an undergraduate degree at

Iowa State is $26,592, doubling the cost of the other two

degrees, without even adding any kind of graduate school into the equation.

marijuana

dec. 2014 p.10&11

The blunt truth

Students share their experiences with marijuana and how they believe it affects their body compared to what studies show

words & layout | Carly Campbell & Clare Farrell

100%

The students

A

Student

B

Student

C

Student

D

Student

Age started smoking: Freshman year

Age started smoking: Sophomore year

Age started smoking: Eighth grade

Age started smoking: Freshman year

Frequency of smoking: Everyday

Frequency of smoking: three times a week

Current smoking status: Still smokes

Frequency of smoking: Everyday

Frequency of smoking: Once a week

Current smoking status: Quit smoking

Current smoking status: Still smokes

Current smoking status: Still smokes

Their experiences

Marla Paul, the Health Sciences Editor at Northwestern Uni-

versity, and colleagues conducted a study showing that young adults who used marijuana only recreationally showed significant

After attending an out patient clinic and receiving help to quit

“I feel like I can prioritize more,” Student B said. “I didn’t really

Student A started smoking freshman year while at a concert.

“It was kind of just peer pressure and the people around me,”

Student A said. “After that I realized that it wasn’t that bad and it

and is glad to have made the decision to quit.

cause] they lost trust and then I had to rebuild it.”

Student C only sees a problem with marijuana when people

are using it to self medicate.

but rather a social activity. “I would not have met a lot of my

they use marijuana as a supplement to help them that’s not what

friends if it weren’t for marijuana,” Student A said. “I’ve found it to be a way that I’ve connected with people.”

Student A has smoked almost everyday since starting fresh-

man year and does not see any negative effects that would result in quitting anytime soon.

“I am not going to stop until it has affected my life in a bad

way,” Student A said. “I’ll stop when it’s necessary to stop. Like

when I have a newborn in the house and when I have new responsibilities that I need to take care of.”

Student B has recently quit smoking due to the fact that it be-

gan to affect their relationship with their parents, as well as the fact that it was becoming too much of a priority over other things in their life.

“I realized that the two hours when you are drunk or high

“If someone already has problems like depression or anxiety and

80%

stressors, genetic vulnerability, etc.,” Tofflemire said. “The potential for addiction is always present, but when it

Altered sense of time

Alcohol 72%*

70%

Alcohol

Altered sense of memory

50%

40%

probably quit,” Student C said. “If it wasn’t hurting me too badly

“It’s scientifically proven that it’s not physically addictive,” Student D said.

“But it’s definitely mentally addictive. I mean doughnuts can be mentally addictive so there is no denying it can be mentally addictive.”

“Either time speeds up or slows down “A sensation of a slowed sense of time

dramatically depending on what sce-

is a typical experience of marijuana in-

nario I am in,” Student A said. “If I’m at

toxication, as is euphoria or calmness,”

practice it goes by quickly, but in class

Tofflemire said.

I feel like I am always checking the

“There is potential for short-term mem-

“I used to not have to study as much,”

ory impairments that make it harder to

Student C said. “I think I have to study

learn and retain information, particularly

a little bit more, I think it is because

with complex tasks,”Tofflemire said. “It

my brain isn’t retaining information as

is common to experience trouble fol-

well as it used to, but it is not affect-

lowing through with multi-tasking, and

ing my grades because I still get [good

difficulty organizing thoughts.”

grades].”

Alterations in mood

Cannabis 40%*

“Some people may also experience perceptual disturbances (hallucinations),” Tofflemire said. “In higher doses it can

Alcohol

cause anxiety or paranoia.”

30% Cigarettes 23%*

Student C is not frightened by long term negative effects and “If it were slowing brain growth or killing brain cells I would

Students say:

clock.”

it should be used for.”

does not plan on quitting unless it causes serious brain damage.

underlying mental illness, situational

the use has likely become problematic.”

“I think people who have problems before will become addict-

ed to it because they’re using it as their upper,” Student C said.

“Many factors are at play, including

begins to impact major obligations then

like sneaking around my parents and making up excuses [be-

proceeded into what it is today.”

Student A has found that marijuana is more than just a drug,

Addictiveness of the drug

chance of getting caught is a lot more.”

marijuana, “The Black and White” compiled their opinions and fected them.

Expert says:

doesn’t really pan out in the long run,” Student B said. “The

using marijuana, Student B has become aware of the effects of it

observations on how marijuana has physically and mentally af-

Kindra Tofflemire, a Clinical Psychologist from Broadlawns Medical Center shares how marijuana affects and alters the body of consumers

*Information provided by the Center for Disease Control based on a study from 2012

60%

abnormalities in two key brain regions that are important in emotion and motivation. After talking to multiple students who smoke

90%

Estimated percentages of current tobacco, cannabis and alcohol use among American youth by the time they finish high school

Psychological effects

20%

Altered sense of space

“I giggled a lot, (when I was high) I was super happy and carefree,” Student B said. “When I was coming down from it (the high) I usually got a headache and went to sleep. I slept like a baby.”

Alterations in a persons sense of space

“I felt like everything in my body was

varies depending on the consumer and

moving and when I [would] close my

there are no known common mutations

eyes it would feel like a tie-dye roller

in the environment therefore Tofflemire

coaster,” Student B said. “I felt like I was

was unable to comment.

in my own little space.”

like deteriorating my life I probably wouldn’t quit.”

Despite knowing the ramifications of marijuana Student D con-

tinues to consume it. They smoke marijuana about once-a-week

and overall, they agree with a majority of what doctors, psychologists and other professionals have to say regarding the effects it

10%

has on the consumer.

relate to people when you’re always in a different state of mind.”

Alterations in sleep

Cigarettes

“Individuals often report using it to cope with mood, pain, sleep, or other psychological problems,” Tofflemire said. “While it may be initially beneficial for these

“I think it can definitely affect your cognitive development for

chronic users,” Student D said. “You don’t really know how to

Alcohol

0%

problems, it is also typical that use may often exacerbate these same problems.”

“One major thing is my ability to sleep when I don’t (smoke marijuana) all day,” Student A said. “When I am lying in bed I can’t sleep and I won’t sleep for about two to three hours.”

feature

dec. 2014 p.12

Julian Neely senior Senior Julian Neely has gone to physical therapy at

least twice a week, every week since September. This

fall, Neely suffered a torn meniscus while playing soccer,

words l Max Culbert

some weight bearing exercises along with body weight exercises.

Ever since his surgery, Neely has been getting around

and played on it for several weeks before a doctor told

on crutches. “It’s terrible,” Neely said. “Hopefully by De-

lock up when I was playing,” Neely said. “Finally I got an

not use them.”

him he needed surgery. “My knee would give out, and

MRI, and the MRI showed that [my meniscus] was torn.”

The doctor told Julian he most likely could not run

until February, and could not play soccer until March. Six months is a long time to wait, but a cautious approach to recovery is best in order to prevent reinjury, according to

Neely’s doctors. “They said the tear is so big they want to

Although Julian hasn’t particularly enjoyed being on

fun with them. “When I was using my crutches my little

brother would take them and hide them from me,” Neely said.

On one occasion, Julian was trying to retrieve his

namic stretching and riding the stationary bike. However,

whenever his brother stole his crutches. “I couldn’t go

“I like [physical therapy], I just want to be able to do

ping on ice. After that, Julian somewhat accepted defeat anywhere and he would annoy me,” Neely said.

Although a lengthy six month recovery is not enjoyable,

2 1500

more than the basic, but my doctor has to clear me first,” Neely said. Fortunately, he was recently cleared to do

however Neely remains optimistic about playing soccer for the team this spring. “I want to play, it’s just a lot of train-

in

intersects the library hallway before school on any given day, he or she may have seen and been greeted by one of the biggest smiles at the school. This smile, however, does not just live at this intersection.

Senior Chloe Keeney is this smile. A very active stu-

dent, Keeney can not only be seen around the hallways, but in many other activities as well. Keeney loves to at-

tend Anime Club after school and also enjoys working with the children at Oakmoor.

Special education associate KT Menke worked closely

made by Zoe Wilson

words l Jacob Orr

ready for Menke’s CNN Student News, a daily classroom warm-up, last year. She would always ask each student

for their answers to the question of the report during and after the video.

Keeney, many would say, is a very connected, social

person. She talks and writes about her day in third per-

son, everyday and posts it on Facebook. “Not only does she talk about her days, she takes a picture of herself

every day in the same spot, and has done this for years,” Menke said.

Keeney is not only social online, but at school too.

with Keeney and knows her well. “She’s amazing at

Many students and faculty enjoy seeing her in the hallway

how a person is feeling and is very perceptive of others.”

shouts my name, ‘Ben!’, gives me a high-five, and says

understanding people,” Menke says. “She can pick up on This trait is shown through her experience with working

with others. When working with the four-year-old children

at Oakmoor, Menke mentions how Keeney performed her

and having a quick chat with her. “Every time I her she

‘Yeah!’” senior Ben Poss said. “She’s always smiling and in a good mood.”

Keeney especially loves interacting with her fellow

job seriously and strove to give her best in her work.

peers in the classroom. "She wants to be with other stu-

ent in the classroom.

Menke said. "She loves to help out and is a very compas-

Her passion towards working with others is also presKeeney was also in charge of getting the projector

Senior Julian Neely’s knee flexibility is tested by his physical therapist. He has attended physical therapy 2-3 times a week since tearing his meniscus in September.

On a list of all students in the school, from sophomore to senior, two students were randomly chosen to tell their story

Chloe Keeney senior If one happens to walk past where the guidance hall

Max Culbert/BW

crutches, his younger brother has managed to have some

crutches from his brother, and nearly fell down after slip-

four months of doing only simple exercises gets old quick.

“And I’m up for it but we’ll see what happens.”

cember or January I can just throw these in the house and

make sure I don’t reopen it,” Neely said.

So far, Neely’s physical therapy has consisted of dy-

ing I’ll have to do before the season starts,” Neely said.

dents, she wants to rely on getting help from her peers," sionate young lady."

Provided/KT Menke

Keeney poses for the camera at school on her birthday. She takes pictures of herself everyday, as well as writes about her day, and posts it on Facebook for her friends to see.

editorial

dec. 2014 p.13

It is time to

stand UP

When “The Black and White” editorial board printed

to voice them to others deserves recognition and respect.

believe in it,” Miller said. “If you’re going to write or say

riage, little did we know that people would blow up about

me up, so overall I thought it was good,” Miller said.

tion to it, so you have to be able to stand your ground.”

to the Editor in the next issue and people would come up to

cussion.”

about the topic at hand because being educated equals

Editor about a different topic.

ple after publishing his article, we can all learn from it.

they are talking about.

not do- stand up for what he believes in, and we hope oth-

ly disagree. Most of “The Black and White” editorial staff

ing about. He backed up his opinion with facts, and those

Miller took the time to sit down, write a full article and

We published it anyway. We all learn when we share and

to him.

senior Marcus Miller’s Letter to the Editor about gay marthe topic on social media, we would have a response Letter

the editorial board asking if they could write a Letter to the We are glad Miller did something that most others will

ers will learn from this and voice their opinion as well.

have enough guts to ask “The Black and White” to print it.

It sounds scary, we know. But members of the “The

Black and White” staff do it all the time even though a majority of the student body, the people we see everyday, are

“A lot of people disliked it, but a lot of people backed

“Some of it was rude, but a lot of it was really good disAlthough Miller experienced some rudeness from peoIt is okay to disagree with an opinion, even vehement-

disagrees with Miller on his views of same-sex marriage.

discuss our ideas and keep the rudeness to a minimum.

opposing him should do the same thing when responding During the time of the year when most of us are stress-

agreeing with someone might be of more importance.

out ideas in order to contribute to the discussion.

Contemplating one’s beliefs and being secure enough

When writing his letter, Miller knew what he was talk-

For this school to be a place that people enjoy attend-

feminism, gay rights or racism, so called ‘hot button issues’ age those people to do more.

respect. People will respect someone who knows what

ing about our grades, the lessons we are learning about

goal for all of us in the future.

ing and to maximize our learning in order to prepare for

in our society. For that, we applaud them. But we encour-

Expect the opposition, and respond to it. Be educated

That is hard to do when one is angry, but it is a worthwhile

the first to judge us on what we say, do, wear, etc.

Other people at our school are not afraid to tweet about

something, you’re going to have to expect some opposi-

the future, more people need to add to the well-thought

Voicing opinions and attaching one’s name to them is

risky. There will be criticism, but take the advice offered

by Miller. “If you don’t stand firm, it’s almost as if you don’t

standing up for opinions and being respectful when disOur democracy, a form of government that thrives when people contribute ideas, depends on it.

To publish something as thought-provoking as Miller

did, and as many of our staff members do all the time, takes bravery.

We invite you to be brave.

The editorial is an opinion held by the editorial board of the newspaper. It needs a simple majority to pass. This month’s vote was 9-0.

Illustration | Kenzie Costello

opinion

dec. 2014 p.14

kcaB 2 Besic

Symbolizing support “Safe Space” stickers show LGBT students that they have a place to be comfortable being themselves

words & layout | Bryce Schulte

Web filter needs reconstruction

words & layout Senad Besic Recently, nothing has been getting on my nerves, so I

Growing up in a fairly homophobic

home, I never had a person to go to

was really struggling to find something to write about for

as I was growing up. It was not un-

googled “things that piss me off” in a last-ditch effort to

a group of people that I could openly

own about some topic.

for help. I never had friends to talk to

this issue. So to solve my case of writer’s block, I literally

til my eighth grade year that I found

see if I could feed off of someone else’s anger to fuel my

Not surprisingly, I instantly found hundreds of results

talk to about being gay.

of professional columnists complaining about a countless

Although society has become more

amount of topics. Because if there’s one thing we colum-

accepting of the LGBTQA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Questioning,

nists are good at, it’s complaining.

BTQA+ youth, many still live in fear of

our glorious and honorable (I hope you can sense my

Sadly, I couldn’t access any of these articles because

Asexual, etc.) community and LGnot being accepted for who they are.

“‘That’s so gay’ was the standard epithet,” teacher Sue Cline said. The high school used to be very intolerant and

with time it has gotten better, but it still is not a perfectly safe environment.

With the “Safe Space” and “Safe Zone” stickers and

magnets around school, LGBTQA+ students are able to know that they are going into an inviting enviornment where they can be themselves and get help.

The stickers are commonly triangle-shaped, with the

colors of the gay flag inside. “Teachers who genuinely

care about making Johnston a safe place for everybody, should be encouraged to hang up the stickers,” junior Abbie Rogers said.

Only two teachers and two counselors have these

stickers or magnets on their doors. While that number

is definitely good and better than zero, more teachers should have a “Safe Space” and “Safe Zone” stickers on their doors.

Teachers, counselors or administration do not have to

agree with the topic of the LGBTQA+ spectrum. Having

these stickers, however, would really help LGBTQA+ stu-

dents because it would allow them to know that they have

Teacher Sue Cline poses with the “Safe Space” sticker she has placed on her door’s window.

“It’s so much better now than it was (in past school years).”

SAFE PLACE LGBT youth are 2x more likely than their peers to be assaulted, kicked, or shoved at school.

sarcasm) school website filter blocked me from an entire Google page of results.

Then it hit me.

I can write about how I, Senad Besic, despise our

school’s filter with every past, present, and future fiber of my being.

Now, I understand that we need one. Clearly we can’t

have kids watching porn and illegally downloading things off the internet willy-nilly. However, there’s a lot of useful information out there that is being blocked just because the website the material is on would occasionally contain explicit language or a ‘game’.

For example, I probably could have found a different

idea for this column if the filter didn’t block everything. Yet,

64% of LGBT youth feel unsafe at school due to sexual orientation

because it did that, I did find an idea. So thank you, but I

44% felt unsafe at school due to gender identification

school needs to weaken the current filter and have it only

According to NOBullying. com

can select and choose certain websites or URLs to block

also hate you.

To fix this abridgment of our first amendment rights, the

block the absolute worst of the sites (sexual and illegal

things). Then, they need to develop some way where we by simply putting the link into a program. This program

wouldn’t be impossible to make. I know nothing about

a safe place to go, people to confide in and it would all

coding, but an expert could code this in their sleep. Then,

To make the issue of creating a safe environment

ture student volunteers to come in and start blocking well

House of Representatives passed a bill called the “Rel-

Personally, I would sacrifice multiple hours of my life

around create a safe environment for them.

the school could either do it themselves, or ask for ma-

for LGBT youth even harder, just recently, the Michigan

known websites the school doesn’t want us using.

gious Freedom Restoration Act.” It allows employees to be exempt from servicing citizens that identify as LGBTQA+.

This bill is wrong in every way possible. It would allow

pharmacists to refuse to refill HIV medication. It shocks me that it even passed as a bill.

Adults should want to create a future for their youth

that is safe, one that is not going to allow discrimination against any peoples, whether by race, religion or sexual

orientation and/or gender indentification.

Getting a “Safe Space” sticker is not hard. It as easy as

searching for it on Google and going to images. Print it out

blocking websites for this school if it meant more access to sites in general.

I’ll admit it, this system wouldn’t be perfect, yet I be-

on paper, and then tape it on the door.

lieve it would trump our current arrangement. If this new

Hangng up “Safe PlSpace” stickers should be strongly

trary sites that are occasionally blocked, for example,

serve a safe haven, and staff can easily provide that.

tive at all.

Staff that support LGBTQA+ students should show it.

system was implemented, it would open up those arbi-

recommended, but not required. LGBTQA+ students de-

stardestroyer.net, that really don’t contain anything nega-

opinion

dec. 2014 p.15

“Grade-fetching” epidemic As finals season approaches, there is a noticeable in-

crease in Infinite Campus checks per hour, causing our

terial so that it will help you in your future ca-

downs and crying on the floor because of a math study

it’s not really going to benefit you to take a

school to spiral into a state of borderline-mental-breakguide. Why you ask? Because we have been trained since

we entered kindergarten that we need to have A’s and anything less is unacceptable, turning our entire generation into “grade-fetchers.”

Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Ali Hoskins,

who coined the term “grade-fetcher,” was one all through her college education, but realized how odd it was during

her masters education. “I was 4.0, valedictorian and 3.987

reer, not just take it for an easy A because class that you already know about,” junior

things.” Exploratory classes are meant to al-

low students to take a variety of classes and a class simply for the A and GPA boost is not

as well, but he acknowledges the issue that stands. “I think

though,” Hoskins said. “It doesn’t mean that at the game of school, but that doesn’t mean

you’ve actually walked away learning something.”

As an experiment, I have gone two months

the main problem is there’s such a high value placed on

without checking Infinite Campus. I showed

value of a student is determined by what their grade point

mation given to me, and I put effort in outside

grades and it seems that it’s gotten to a place where the

average is rather than what they actually know or can do,” he said.

I used to be a major “grade-fetcher.” Up until junior year

25 30

“I think there’s a big expectation that A

you’ve learned this stuff. You might be good

Senior Josh Borwick has “grade-fetching” tendencies

15

the way to look at our education.

GPA. None. And it suddenly hit me right towards the end been so silly.’”

20

find out what they really enjoy doing. Taking

equals smart and good student, but it doesn’t

of my first degree and I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, this has just

Number of Infinite Campus checks per hour (ICCPH) during finals week

Krys Towne said. “You go there to learn new

in college and for my masters,” Hoskins said. “But after high school, guess how many people ever asked about my

words & layout | Natalie Larimer

“You should take classes to learn the ma-

up to my classes and tried to learn the infor-

10

35

5

40 45

0 ICCPH

of class to make sure I understand things.

When I completed my two month experiment-

I thought a B would mean the end of my educational ca-

of-sorts, my grades were actually higher than I believed they would be. This indicated to me that if I would

ports” and I cried my way home because I had a C in spell-

spending a week in teacher Ed Walker’s Power of Persua-

have gained the intelligence I did because I would have

We have geared ourselves to this grading system and do

reer and I could kiss my future goodbye. However, after

have checked my scores every two seconds, I would not

sion class, I realized that I would likely not get an A. So

reached a point where I said “good enough.”

uncontrollably, I decided to take the material and apply it

taught to do,” Towne said. “We’ve been taught that it’s bet-

of it. I ended with a B in the class, but I can still point out

then you don’t really need it after that.” Our educational

just there to get an A because there are classes that I don’t

will undoubtedly leave us in the dust of where our knowl-

lege,” Borwick said. “So I’m really not there to try and get

“It has gotten to a point where many students aren’t con-

phasis on, like the report cards and everything,” Hoskins

just concerned with getting the A or B or whatever grade

kids and it sort of chuckled me that they have that. Like

instead of locking myself in a secluded room and crying

“It’s what we are supposed to do, it’s what we’ve been

ing. In first grade, one of my “stories” was marked with a B. not even consider the fact that we are not actually learning what we should.

“I think it’s got to start well before here,” Hoskins said.

to everything I could as to make sure I got something out

ter to learn it, memorize it, get a good grade on tests, and

“Because you guys (students) are programmed really early

your logical fallacies. “Personally, in a lot of classes, I’m

system is focused around the memorization of facts that

great!’ and B means ‘okay-ish’, C is ‘oh.’”

see as necessary for me and what I want to pursue in col-

edge should be going.

anything out of it, I’m just there to try and get my 4 point.”

cerned with what they’re taking away from a class, they’re

and regurgitation of the material rather than learning and

they’re going for,” Borwick said.

This trend is causing our school to focus on memorization retaining.

I remember in fourth grade when we got “midterm re-

on in our school system to see that A means ‘good and C is average, so why is it looked at so harshly?

“I think [it has to] be something we don’t put much em-

said. “We’ve been getting those since kindergarten for my why are you grading a kindergartner?” School is for gaining knowledge, not for improving memorization skills.

opinion

dec. 2014 p.16

Navigating religious paths

Open-mindedness and furthering wisdom is key for high school students

words & layout | Brooke Ginsberg Through FCA, Catalyst and Overtime, the high school

is generally exposed to Christianity only. All of the experi-

diversity, the better the understanding of life.

“I don’t look at other people differently for believing

ences these programs provide to students has had nothing

something else because that’s a choice that they have

for those who are not interested in being apart of Christian-

Growing up with an agnostic father who was previ-

less than a beneficial sense of unity as a whole. However,

made and I respect that,” Lo said.

ity, believe in another religion or simply hope to be exposed

ously Jewish and a Protestant Christian mother, religion

mindedness they deserve.

Wednesday sermons, bible studies and participating in

to something new entirely, students are not fed the openMy own religious path has always been a contorted

crossroad without direction. Questioning the majority route and wondering as to what other faiths have to offer has

been my tour guide through designating what is at the end of my road. This is how I found Buddhism.

Buddhism is centered around three main ideas: to lead

a moral life, to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions and to develop a wisdom of understanding.

“I definitely felt different growing up as a Buddhist be-

cause there weren’t that many in Johnston,” junior Peter

was never forced down my throat. Going to Sunday and volunteer and missionary work was on my own. Regret or shadowing upon the personal experience I’ve acquired

defeats the purpose of the message. Being mindful of all things and developing wisdom is the end goal.

Under a majority of religions, interpretations are depen-

dent on the branch of one’s faith or the person in position

for preaching the word. The Dharma, also known as the

truth taught by Buddha, never changes due to it being sustained by personal practice only.

“In order to be good, one must do good,” Echahn said.

Lo said, “I remember feeling [odd] compared to other kids

Only you can develop an interpretation through experienc-

The important thing to remember is to look down the

ance allowed into life will determine how wise and knowl-

when they talked about going to church with their families.”

path one is headed down, do not turn, curbside or reroute this travel due to what seems to come off as another irrelevant billboard advertising a one-sided view on religion.

Comparing Buddhism to Christianity is only to support the

point that making decisions for what betters oneself holds

es that build your wisdom, supporting the idea that the variedgeable one can be. “I was very career oriented and lived

for material happiness, but Buddhism teaches you to live the middle path, to not need too much but not to have too little where you can’t survive,” Echahn said.

This is a practice of the mind more than anything else.

much more importance than following the popular belief.

Teenagers strive and stress for something that gives a bet-

is based on a conduct of teaching, not preaching. “If I did

Through common methods of meditation, clearing one’s

To contrast a supposed Christian approach, Buddhism

push you to become Buddhist I would be taking away our free will to decide and believing that Buddhism is the bet-

ter way,” practicing buddhist Don Echahn said. “My dad

ter understanding of the lives led and the purpose for them.

mind is the main priority, eliminating stress and worry to focus on coexisting with the world.

Teacher Dave Oldham also introduced me to the “Big

always said if the religion teaches you to be good and wel-

Boat and Little Boat” theory commonly followed by Bud-

choose.” This supports being mindful of others and devel-

along on your religious journey as possible. In the little

coming of all people then it didn’t matter what religion you oping understanding of all things.

Yes, this is to say that one could both be a Christian,

Muslim, Hindu or any religion and still be a practicing Buddhist. To be concerned with labels such as sexual orientation, race, those of other faith or anything of origin, is the

dhists. The idea of the big boat is to bring as many people

boat, you are by yourself on this journey upon reaching the goal of the Buddhist ‘heaven,’ Nirvana, also known as the

place when you’ve reach full and complete enlightenment.

Buddhists are to teach and not preach.

“I think we live in a very individual type society and we

last worry Buddhists associate themselves with. Maintain-

forget about others and what is around us,” Echanh said,

is made to coexist and to grow our wisdom, so with more

an easy way to make whatever path you choose possible.”

ing the two beliefs would not conflict another. Everything

“To follow a path can be difficult but Buddhism offers easy

Truths of Suffering Suffering: Dukka

all living things are suffering

Cause: Samudaya

you are alive

End: Nirodha

period in between reincarnation

Path: Magga

following morals and principals

health

dec. 2014 p.17

The lengths some students go to in order to receive an “A” could lead to serious consequences

Adderall for an “A”

Administration’s role with study drugs It has become a growing phenomenon in colleges

and some high schools for students to use study drugs, such as Adderall. Some purposes of study drugs and

Adderall is to treat Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and narcolepsy.

With this said, however, according to Iowa Drug

laws, Adderall is a schedule 2 drug when it is used without a prescription. “If a student is found with a study drug, it would be treated like another illegal drug,” associate principal Randy Klein said.

The administrative office occasionally hears of

study drugs, such as Adderall, being used in the high school. “We don’t hear about it often, but it comes around every now and again,” Klein said.

Adderall and other study drugs are classified in the

same category as cocaine and methamphetamine,

since it is a stimulant. Drug Recognition Expert and

Student Resource Officer Jessica Jensen said that it is a dangerous and highly addictive drug.

Jensen said that these drugs can used for more

than studying. “They’re also used for weight loss, like

most stimulants they cause a decrease in appetite so

Student Resource Officer questioning when drug is found

1 2 3 4 5

Identify the owner of the drug

6

Figure out if they are selling it

Identify what the drug is Identify if it is a prescription Identify if it is the carrier’s prescription If it is not the carrier’s, identify who it belongs to and why they don’t have it

you’re not tending to eat as much,” Jensen said. “For

someone who doesn’t need it, it’s going to affect them even much more.”

There have been instances where students have

been selling their prescriptions to other students, and

they have been caught. "I think it’s concerning because we do catch students with loose prescription pills that are of that variety," she said.

Unfairness of ‘cheating’ calls attention

The “Black and White” chose to protect the following students’ identities Some students in high school are willing to risk a lot

in order to receive good grades on their finals.

However, students who do suffer from the disorder

find it unfair that some students are using it as an advantage. “I think it’s unfair that kids that don’t need it

take my pill, something that I need to complete every-

day tasks and they use it just for studying purposes,” one student said. “I take it so that I can do what everyone else can do on a daily basis, they take it and it’s like they one up me again.”

A second student suffers from narcolepsy, and takes

a stronger version of Adderall to treat it. They have the same views as student one when it comes to thinking

it is unfair for students without a prescription to take it.

“It’s kind of like cheating in a way,” the second student

said. “I don’t think those people understand the severity of this drug and what it could do to their body when they don’t need it.”

Both students said that their doctor warned them not

to tell people about the specific drugs they are taking, in fear of students asking to buy it or even stealing it from

them. Student one said that some of their peers know of the prescription, and have asked to purchase it. Those peers were turned down.

The question arises if these drugs give the abusers

an advantage over students who actually need it and

those who study without the assistance of Adderall. “In reality what it does for me could be harmful in the body

of someone who doesn’t need it and is abusing it,” the first student said.

words | Carly Kinning & Allison Klein layout | Carly Kinning & Zoe Wilson

Students who have taken Adderall share experiences

student a

“

- began junior year - unknown study drug used - does not use study drugs anymore

I read an entire book, I wrote a paper on it, I finished

[about] a week and a half of math homework, and I also did random miscellaneous stuff,” Student A said. “It got

”

the job done [though] it wasn’t one of my best decisions.

student b

“

- began senior year - uses Adderall, Focalin, Vyvanse - continues to use study drugs

You lose your personality completely,” Student B said.

“It’s very hard to be personable when you’re on it, but it

”

goes away.

Potential consequences first offense

a serious misdemeanor with a fine of $315 to $1,875 and one year of prison, or both

second offense

an aggravated misdemeanor with a fine of $625 to $6,250 and one year of prison, or no fine and two years in prison

third offense

a class D felony with a fine of $750 to $7,500 and up to five years in prison, or both

an additional 100 hours of community near service to possible charges above schools

intent to sell

incarceration of up to 99 years, and no eligibility for parole for 10 of those years

*All according to http://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/

sports

dec. 2014 p.18

Church league slam dunk with high school boys words | Caroline Quinn

layout | Zoe Wilson

In a 4A school, it can be difficult for students to partici-

Winning is not the biggest priority for The Elite Eight.

pate in all the sports that they are interested in. With only

“We’re not too serious about it,” Page said. “We want to go

who don’t get the chance to play through the school. Luck-

it’s not a huge deal. But when it comes to playoff time we’ll

16 boys playing varsity basketball, there are many boys ily for them, there is another option.

Church league basketball is organized through the

up there and win, but we’re gonna have fun either way so probably get pretty serious.”

Players in the league have a range of skills, but Dodd

Grubb YMCA in Des Moines, and any student who wants

thinks that talent is overall evenly distributed between

teams of juniors and seniors playing this year in the league

pretty bad, and a couple of them that were pretty good, but

to create a team of 8-10 members can join. There are three of 19 teams: Team 57, the Squad and the Elite Eight.

Derek Hannah is the YMCA program director who works

behind the scenes to make the league successful.

“There are hundreds of kids throughout the metro who

would probably have played high school basketball if they

teams. “Last year there were a couple of teams that were generally it’s pretty even,” Dodd said.

Hanstad feels confident about Team 57’s abilities at

game time. “We’re the best team in the league by far,” Hanstad said. “We beat every team [last year] by like 20.”

The league’s regular season began on Dec. 13 and

attended a smaller school,” Hannah said. “Our league is

ends late February. After the regular season ends, the

pete with a team and play the game in a structured league

throughout the regular season. “There is a losers’ bracket,”

here to provide an opportunity for all of these kids to comto re-create the environment of a real game.”

Junior Nicholas Hanstad is a player on Team 57. “I quit

normal basketball but wanted to keep playing, so I decided to play church league,” he said.

Junior Drew Dodd of The Squad says that he left school

teams enter into a tournament based on their success Dodd said. “You play in the tournament, you play one game

in the tournament, and then if you lose, you play one consolation game. So you’re guaranteed at least two games in the last tournament.”

Whether the kids win or lose, Hannah thinks that par-

ball because he wanted to continue playing competitive

ticipating is beneficial for the players. “I think students who

“Church league is a really good blend of staying competi-

know that being a part of a team and competing against

basketball on a less competitive level than high school.

tive while having fun too,” Dodd said. “I think it’s a good opportunity to hang out with your friends and play basketball in a somewhat competitive environment.”

Captain of The Elite Eight, junior Jake Page says that

some teams do not really play competitively, just for the

participate in our league do it for the fun factor, but I also others can help us all learn so many lessons related to teamwork, work ethic, grit, handling success and handling disappointment.”

Carly Campbell/BW

It’s that time of year again when a college athlete is

labeled a Heisman winner and receives the approval to get drafted in the first round of the NFL, with a starting

salary of far too much money. I think it’s pretty clear that it is no longer the award for the best player in college football. It’s all about the quarterbacks.

Don’t get me wrong, quarterbacks are very im-

portant, and the majority Heisman nominations are

freak athletes. These are the athletes who have the all the traits of the Parr family in “The Incredibles.” The

speed of Dash, elusiveness in the pocket making them invisible like Violet, the strength of Mr. Incredible and indestructibility like Mrs. Incredible.

By simple logic, the nomination would make sense.

These quarterbacks, however, mirror the angry prob-

lems of Jack-Jack, the final Incredible member. They typically go up in flames when they get to the NFL.

The obvious example is Johnny Manziel- the defini-

tion of a Heisman fail. He was drafted to Cleveland with

the assumption of starting, and he lost the starting posi-

tion to Brian Hoyer. Who even is that? Although Manziel is now getting the start, his first game was a bust. He threw 18 passes and completed 10 of them for 80

yards, along with two interceptions. How embarrass-

ing. Cam Newton, another Heisman winner, is at best

average with the Panthers. I drafted him to my fantasy

team last year because I thought an athlete like that has to have a breakout season. I was wrong.

The only Heisman winner I can think of that had a

great rookie season is Robert Griffin III. He played ex-

cellent until he realized that NFL players are big dudes.

They are also fast. He got hurt, shocker, and will never At least RGIII went first in the draft- most Heisman

winners don’t. The number one draft pick should be

Jadeveon Clowney, a defensive player, was the first

experience,” Page said.

draft pick last year and was he considered? No.

Hanstad thinks that some teams take it more seriously

The defensive players who are drafted first are hav-

than others. “It depends on who you’re playing,” he said.

ing successful careers. The only defensive player to win

“(For our team), we just play and we win.”

a Heisman is Charles Woodson in 1997. He is now 38

The Squad does not take the league too seriously. “We

years old, in his 17th season, playing for the Raiders

do not practice at all,” Dodd said. “We just kind of wing it

and about break the all time interceptions returned for a

the day of the games. We could be a lot better if we did

touchdown record. That deserves a Heisman.

practice.” Despite the lack of practices and the small time

The two running back Heisman winners in the last

commitment, Dodd does think that playing church league

decade both start in the NFL as well.

can help players to keep up and improve their basketball

I didn’t expect Melvin Gordon III to win this year

skills. “If you want to get better you absolutely can,” he said.

over Marcus Mariota because running backs just don’t

The Elite Eight does not practice routinely, but they oc-

win Heismans. Quarterbacks do, enter the NFL and

casionally try and get together for small practices. “We don’t

school today’, but that’s basically all the practice we have.”

words & layout | Carly Campbell

considered for a Heisman no matter what position.

just trying to get active in the community and get basketball

text some guys and say ‘hey, do you want to go shoot after

Quarterbacks Monopolize Heisman

again be the player he once was.

experience. “There are some teams who have kids that are

really have an official practice,” Page said. “If we want, I’ll

Smeared Eyeliner

Junior Nolan Monthei drives towards the basket during Team 57’s first game of the season, to win 61-15 against Real Steele.

realize that everyone is just as athletic. Maybe the Heisman committee should start considering NFL potential

when evaluating candidates. Isn’t that the whole point of college football anyway?

sports

dec. 2014 p.19

Mentality makes its mark

Athletes realize mental training is just as important as physical training

words | Meredith Campidilli layout | Zoe Wilson Alone in the locker room before his race, senior Jared

DeGroot blasts music through his headphones in order

to focus his thoughts. “They say that racing is 80 percent mental and 20 percent physical, so you need to be able to train your mind to be tough, positive and relaxed,” DeGroot said.

Swimming is a sport that focuses just as much on men-

tal training aspects as physical training. “This is my 29th

year of coaching and I’ve always felt that the ability to re-

lax, focus and anchor behind the block is a very important thing,” coach Shari Walling said.

The swimmers are participating in a new mental train-

ing program this season called ‘Swimming with a Com-

petitive Edge’. The program consists of 22 tapes that the

swimmers will finish listening to by the end of the season.

“It’s mental toughness training, listening to DVD’s and

then we talk about things afterwards,” Walling said. “It’s like another coach talking, and then I can use that as a

platform and open up what we are focused on and talking about.”

Each of the 22 tapes focuses on a different topic to

help athletes improve mental skills. “They all have a

general theme for each tape, which we hang up on a

poster on the side of the pool so we can see it while we’re practicing,” junior Zach Smith said. “Some of them focus

you, some of them relax you, but mostly they just help you because mental is a really important part of what swimming is.”

Before meets, Walling will go through a whole re-

laxation and visualization mental process to get her

swimmers ready for competition. “I’ll talk to them and go through relaxation where I give them wintergreen mints because it stimulates the brain,” Walling said.

The athletes tighten and release their muscles begin-

ning at their feet until their head. “They have to pinpoint

focus on that muscle and that’s all they think about,” Walling said. “As we go up the body, the legs start to feel like they’ve melted into the floor and you get really relaxed, because there’s no tension in their body.”

As the next part of the mental preparation process,

Walling will have her swimmers visualize themselves

swimming a perfect race. “A lot of times we’ll use stop-

watches and have them time their event so it’s as if they see themselves swimming and they have to swim it

perfectly,” Walling said. “They see if their time correlates.

We spend so much time swimming back and forth, they

should know what it feels like to swim fast. If you can’t allow yourself to feel faster than that time, then you have a

“

Once some basic skills are acquired, probably 90% of golf is mental. The biggest difference between golf and other sports is that you have more time to either positively or negatively let a lot of influences affect what is happening.

To help create that 10-15 second environment right before you hit the ball, you have to get yourself focused in on the quarter of a second motion.

”

“

Meredith Campidilli/BW

Junior Zach Smith focuses intently on a mental tape during dryland practice on Dec. 9. The topic of that mental tape was believing in oneself.

Each of the 22 tapes focuses on a different topic to improve mental skills.

Cross country is a very mental sport. Unlike most sports, you get out on the course and there’s not a lot of people watching you, so the motivation truly has to come from yourself. You may not even have teammates next to you that you can feed off of, and you don’t have the crowd to feed off of, so it comes from inside. You have to be able to block out all the pain and just push through it, knowing that at the finish everybody will be there.

”

Steve Smith Head golf coach

Matt Jaschen Head boys cross country coach

hard time going faster than the time as well.”

improvements in my stress levels before races,” DeGroot

comes, her swimmers will possess mental skills to help

the blocks before I race, because you don’t want to be

Walling hopes that by the time championship season

them improve their times. “When we get to the championship season, we work on relaxation and visualization,”

said. “I have noticed I am more calm and confident behind nervous and get tight muscles before the race.”

Smith agrees that there are positive results from par-

she said. “Being able to have the mind control the body is

ticipating in mental training, and thinks it should be used

Although some may doubt the effectiveness of the

benefit equally from mental training,” Smith said. “It’s just

huge and paramount in what we’re doing.”

mental tapes and special routines before races, there

are real results. “Even though we have only listened to two tapes this season, I think that I have actually seen

in other sports as well. “I personally think all sports can

really apparent to see that it benefits in swimming. For it (mental training) to have a real effect, you really have to believe in it or else it’s not going to change anything.”

backpage

dec. 2014 p.20

With Netflix being an importance presence in high school students’ lives, “The Black and White” decided to stream the facts

words & layout | Jake Dalbey

Net income for Netflix between 2013 and 2014: $1.342 billion dollars.

78% of users watch Netflix on their TV’s

ela Dav cha is’ i M

“I watch ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘House of Cards’. I usually watch TV because I can binge watch for hours.”

nio

Sp

Percent of customers who use Netflix to watch TV: 63%

Netflix Founding year: 1997

Se

r

“I’ve watched ‘That 70’s Show’ fully through like four times which is kinda sad.”

r

enkins’ Se J r nio ce n e

Number of Subscibers: 53 million

35% of all bandwith used in America is consumed by Netflix.

Size of Netflix’s library: 1 petabyte

Cost of two House of Cards seasons : $100 million

Average Average Netflix viewing session: 93 minutes amount of Hours watched per month : data used by 1 billion Netflix per month: 45GB