December 2007

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VOLUME 17 ISSUE 5

DECEMBER 2007

OPINION

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Recycling changes

The B&W staff shares its negative views on the No Child Left Behind legislation.

515.278.0449

With the caucus on Jan. 3, an overview shows the candidates’ views on important issues for students to know.

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JOHNSTON, IA

Opinion editor Veronica Roshek delves into the life of Krysten Pierce following the loss of her mother.

FEATURE

Obama shines in library poll

Brittany Deal / BW

Junior Joey Honold empties paper from the recycling bin into a garbage can.

Honold is part of the Experience Based Career Education (EBCE) program.

Students assist with collection to keep recycling program up and running BEN VANDER PLOEG staff writer Different groups throughout the school have taken the initiative to help out with recycling under the direction of science teachers Kyla Burns and Ben Herman. Burns is in charge of paper and Herman in charge of plastics.

Experience Based Career Education (EBCE) a work experience program, works with the kids who go around picking up the paper. According to the EBCE brochure it’s “a program designed to allow high school special education students exploration of various jobs in the community.”

EBCE coordinator, Brigid Townsend is in charge of this program. Juniors Jared Alfred and Joey Honold are in charge of going to classrooms and picking up the paper. They both go around to different rooms and dump the paper in a garbage bin on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“I start in Burn’s room and go around and pick up paper,” Alfred said.

According to Burns the recycling program would not be possible with out these kids.

In order to get the plastics collected, Herman gets different study groups to help out. They then get some of the money to put towards their group, Herman said. Best Buddies, Student Council, GSA, and EBCE have been helping out.

People in the groups will go around and empty the recycling bins if they are full.

Then a group called Container Roundup comes and picks them up. Herman has had trouble finding people to help out.

“I’ve been trying to get more study groups to jump on the band wagon and do the cans,” Herman said. “Then the money would go to student groups.”

“The recycling program started in late September, after several teachers had voiced an opinion that something needed to be done,” Burns said.

They had recycling bins previous years, but the janitors never knew what to do with it. “It just makes sense for a school to recycle paper,” Burns said. “It would be silly not to.”

Brittany Deal / BW

Librarian Cookie Cranston checks Betsy Pilkington off on the list of students that have come in to vote before handing her a ballot. Pilkington voted for her presidential candidate of choice and favorite reading categories in the Library Media Center’s student straw poll. The total number of students that participated in this poll was 361. Barack Obama won the majority of the votes at 172.

Students vote for presidential candidate in library poll BRITTANY DEAL managing editor

In relation to the upcoming Iowa Democratic and Republican Caucuses, the Library Media Center (LMC) held a student poll of who should be the next president of the United States.

“Originally, we wanted to do a mock caucus in here and we thought we could do something with the government classes,” librarian Jane Behrens said.

The original idea of a mock caucus fell through because of the government classes meeting throughout the day at various times.

“We just thought since (the caucus) is such an Iowa thing that it seemed like we should be doing something,” librarian Cookie Cranston said. “Since the caucus thing did not work out, we thought we could at least do a vote.”

According to Cranston, who has been with the school for 25 years, this was the first time the LMC held a straw poll of the presidential candidates for

students to participate in.

In order to educate students of the major issues discussed by the candidates and the stances the candidates are taking on the issues, Behrens and Cranston posted information on the wall for students to peruse.

“We look for opportunities for students to visit the library, while at the same time we advocate that students become informed about current issues facing us locally, nationally and globally,” Cranston said. “We urge them to become comfortable with and take advantage of the many resources that we have.”

However, the voting booth was not only reserved for choosing a president.

The right side of the ballot pertained to books and asked students to state their favorite author, title, series, and other information that will be used to help the librarians learn what students enjoy reading and what to stock. “(The poll) was a way for us to combine (voting for a president) with students to vote for their favorite book and favorite author, because we’re all about books,” Behrens said.

A total of 361 students voted Dec. 10,

12 and 13.

Junior Betsy Pilkington, who narrowly misses her chance to vote in the next presidential election, decided to vote in the library’s poll.

“I guess (the poll) was pretty interesting and I did get to cast my opinion,” Pilkington said. “But it’s not like a real election. It doesn’t decide anything for the country.”

Although the library’s poll does not directly affect the country, whether or not it could influence the opinions of 18-yearold students when they go to cast their official vote is debatable.

“In a way it could because (the students) would see the popular vote,” Pilkington said. “But in a way it doesn’t really matter, because they’re just going to take their (pre-established) opinions to the (presidential) polls anyway.”

The librarians tallied up the votes and published them in the Dec. 18 announcements. Sen. Barack Obama gained the vast majority with 172 votes. Gov. Mike Huckabee followed in second place by 52 votes.

Due to illegible handwriting, one ballot was disqualified.

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B&W

Debate team: metro trend hits Johnston compiled by: nels engblom, staff writer allison kane, news editor brittany deal, managing editor The high school has a new debate team. Johnston is behind the metro trend when it comes to debate teams.

All metro area schools, including Ankeny Dowling and Hoover, have three levels: novice, junior varsity and varsity.

Because the debate team is new, debaters only participate in the novice level.

According to English teacher and debate coach Jane Altman, the reasoning behind never having a team in the past was because the early size of the district.

“When Johnston was smaller, there was no demand for debate. As the population has grown, it was just not added,” Altman said.

Debate is a class that is offered only seventh period, first semester. This is because the majority of the competitions are first semester. Students that are not able to participate in the elective class, can participate in the group after school.

The entire debate team is divided into two groups. These groups separated by when they practice.

Altman, who coached debate in Council Bluffs, is the only part of the debate team with previous experience.

“Its really hard because none of the kids know what to expect and its tough being the first year,” Altman said.

There are seventeen students participating on the team. Each student is re-

Brittany Deal / BW

(Left to right) Sophomore Nathan Prager, sophomore Sam Sellers, junior Chloe Coulter, and junior Sammy Meyer practice their debate during their seventh period class. The majority of the debate team meets during the school day in a class of the same name. quired to go to at least two competitions for their final. At competitions, students debate in teams of two. They take turns debating the topic with the team from another school. Debates last 31 minutes.

According to Altman, the judging at competitions is strict and a surprise to some students.

“When we went to the competition we stuck out really bad; I made the mistake of bringing a white Louis Vuitton purse,

wearing a black pencil skirt and high heels and a had my hair all done up,” junior debate member Sammy Meyer said.

“We looked like high class. You could tell we were from Johnston.”

Topics change every month and each topic is used by the entire nation. The topics are purposely broad so that students can use whatever angle they choose.

Every team must be able to debate both the affirmative and negative side.

Which side they debate is decided by a coin flip. “(Topics) are so dumb. Do teenagers really care about lowering the government budget deficit, no, or going into Iraq, not really,” Meyer said.

The debate team has competed in three competitions so far, and will continue to participate in more in the future. If you want to join the debate team you can talk to Altman or your guidance counselor.

Trestle to Trestle Trail connects the Metro LAUREN GEHRKE

staff writer

The Trestle to Trestle Trail completion helps continue to connect the Metro. This trail starts just south Johnston Drive and follows the old Interurban Railroad to a bridge over the Des Moines River just south of Euclid Avenue in Des Moines. The trail connects to the Neil Smith Trail at the south end.

“This trail gives Johnston residents the ability to ride a bike into downtown Des Moines, staying on trails the whole way,” park superintendent Ron Ward said.

The trail was opened to the public beginning Nov. 10. It connects the Inter Urban Trestle Bridge, south of the Euclid Bridge, to the Trestle Bridge, north of I-80/35. These connect to the Johnston trail system.

Future plans for this trail include establishing a conservation design project in 2008. Three to four rain gardens will include shrubs, grasses, and native trees. There will also be an education kiosk located off the trail to teach people about these gardens and water quality.

There may be a chance that the whole metro will soon be connected, but Ward is unsure of to where, when, and how long that will take.

“I love the convenience of the trails,” sophomore Rachel Chapman said. “There’s all these hills we sled down.”

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Corrections Clarifications

The Black and White strives to be both accurate and fair.

Readers who believe the paper has printed an error should call 515-278-0449.

Science teacher Chris Siewert seeks recreation from the trails.

“I’ve only been on the new trail three times,” Siewert said. “I’m more on the trails in Urbandale. It’s a good trail with the river and the hilly stuff, too.”

Next summer a new trail will be built along 70th Avenue as part of the 70th Avenue widening project.

This will then connect Beaver Drive to 86th Street.

The bridge will be widened and a trail under the bridge will be built so users do not have to cross 70th to travel north. Several other trail projects are being planed for the future.

According to Ward, a trail along Pioneer Parkway and another trail from the Augustine neighborhood south along Beaver Creek to 62nd Avenue will be established in 2009. Trails connecting Dewey Park to Beaver Drive and Beaver Drive east across the Des Moines River to the Neil Smith Trail will be completed in 2010 and a trail from the Johnston Public Library to the Middle School will be finished in 2012.

After the 70th Avenue trail is completed, Johnston will have approximately 30 miles of trails.

“Brickley, Schulte, and Gradoville now have a safe way to get to (the high school) in the spring,” Siewert said. “The cross country team also runs on it a lot.”

Johnston residents are able to get to Waukee and farther by taking the trail south from Crown Point Community Center, crossing the bridge over Beaver Creek and following the trails through Urbandale.

Provided/David Croll

When the 70th Avenue project is done, there will be 30 miles of trail in Johnston. This map shows the current trails is solid lines and the future trails in dashed lines.

Get weather alerts sent to phone Hat day fights cystic fibrosis THOMAS LASHIER staff writer Now students can sign up to receive alert announcements about weather cancellations sent directly to their cellular phone or e-mail.

People can sign up for this service at www. snowcaponline.net. Just click on the cell phone or laptop on the company’s home page. Then enter your information and your school’s information in the designated box.

Once you are registered, SnowCap will then send a text message to your phone or to your e-mail address if JHS is closed or delayed because of weather. For all interested students, there is a link to this site on the district web page.

Student Council raised money for cystic fibrosis by sponsoring a hat day on Dec. 14. The idea was brought up after The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation from Saginaw, Michigan, contacted the high school about helping out.

“We decided on a hat day after several different possibilities were discussed,” Amra Beganovic, student council committee chairperson, said.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that leads to life-threatening lung infections. Student council members sold stickers for $1 each in the commons and gym foyer that allowed students to wear school-appropriate hats.

B&W

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Abby Weaver/Dragon

New directors add different taste to Madrigal Under direction of new choir directors, Old English Madrigal Feast had updated changes KALLEN KRAMER

staff writer

Despite many changes, the Madrigal Dinner was a success.

“It seemed too easy,” choir director Sara Van Waardhuizen said. “It’s almost entirely student led, and they were very prepared.”

The Choral Music Department performed the annual Old English Dinner with many traditional songs and a few new twists. The nights of the dinner were Dec. 5 and 6 at The Bridge campus of Meredith Reformed Church.

The changes evoked mixed feelings in the choir, but resulted in a year of Madrigal to remember.

While much of the Madrigal Feast was traditional, the new directors added a new ending and made a few changes.

Some students voiced concerns about the song selection and Van Waardhuizen handled them very well.

“I was very impressed,” senior Jenny Pray said. “She made it a joint effort and addressed the problem instead of ignoring the concerns.”

“We didn’t know the importance of one of the songs, and found out half-way through,” Van Waardhuizen said. “There was one day that we had a sub, and we let them work on it themselves; it went very well.”

The attendance on Thursday night was significantly greater than Wednesday.

Tickets were sold for $30 this year, $5

more than last year. Approximately 125 tickets were sold for Wednesday night, and 250 tickets for Thursday.

“I wish more would’ve come; we lost some to the storm,” Van Waardhuizen said.

The ending was a definite contrast to last year’s arrangement of “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.” The lights dimmed and each student held a lit candle while the concert and chamber choir sang “Silent Night.”

The medieval procession filed up the stairs into the balcony. The candles were blown out except for one, and junior Allison Kane ended the dinner with the final verse of the song.

“I like an ending that makes people think,” Van Waardhuizen. “It helps them remember Christmas isn’t all loud and fun; the holidays are about reflecting.”

For the past 28 years, the Choral Department has coordinated this dinner. It consists of a procession of food, singing, and Old English comedy. The royal court is dressed in fine clothing of the times, while the peasants wear what are comparable to potato sacks. The music is completely a capella, and the choirs’ performance and expression add to the medieval atmosphere.

The dinner was catered by Hy-Vee in Johnston and featured tossed green salad with dressing, roast pork loin in mushroom sauce, parsley-buttered potatoes, glazed carrots, cranberry relish, and spice cake. The traditional wassail and boar’s head were a specialty as well.

(Above) Royal court sings the traditional wassail song. The court included senior Jenny Pray as the queen; senior Brad Halbersma as king; and the entire chamber choir.

The other choirs that performed at the dinner were Synergy, concert choir, and freshman chamber choir.

(Left) Senior Nick Hunsberger performs his solo as prince of the royal court. The comedy at the dinner consisted of the prince choosing a maiden to wed. Senior Lauren Kacere played the role of the court jester as well as the “Master of Ceremonies.”

Abby Weaver/Dragon

Fire alarms misfire two days in a row

JORDAN VAN ESSEN

staff writer

According to head custodian Dan Goldbuff, the fire alarms near room 222 and 306 were tripped by photoelectric sensors installed inside them.

This is something has not happened in the past. Little information has been given as to the exact cause of the 14-year-old alarms going off.

“The chance of having two alarms go off two days in a row is very slim,” Goldbuff said. “I can’t give a solid answer (as to why it happens). It could be anything from the damage caused by athletes jumping up and breaking them to being doused with hair-spray.

“I don’t honestly think that you will ever find a person that could without any doubt tell you why they went off.”

Hairspray may have an adverse affect that can cause the rate of false alarms to increase. The photo-electric detectors in the halls, have a sensor that is always looking for a certain “picture” from an internal l.e.d. light. If this “picture” is distorted for any reason, the device will alarm.

According to Goldbuff, the number one reason for smoke detectors causing false alarms is that the vital equipment to

the schools alarm system has been vandalized and abused. This ultimately leads to the detectors malfunctioning and thus falsely setting off the alarm.

“You have to remember that smoke detectors in the hallways are not the only thing that set off an alarm,” Goldbuff said.

“There is a vast array of other devices that can cause an alarm, including pull stations and mechanical equipment.”

When a fire alarm goes off two things must occur. First, all staff and students must exit the building “quickly and safely.” Second, the source of the alarm has to be found.

“When I find out that an alarm is caused by a device that has obviously been tampered with, it of course upsets me,” Goldbuff said. “Think of the lost class time, the fire department coming out, time to find the source of the problem and correct it.

It can be very frustrating. It is a disruption not only to the students and staff at the high school, but all departments and staff that must respond and act.”

According to Goldbuff there is no real solution of the smoke detectors being falsely tripped.

“As far as preventing these false alarms, there is no ‘magic bullet’ answer,” Gold-

Jordan Van Essen/BW

The fire alarm placed outside Katie Albrecht’s art class was one of the two fire alarms that went off on Nov. 30 and Dec. 3. “We actually had two different smoke detectors in corridors go off two days in a row,” head custodian Dan Goldbuff said. “That is a fluke. Our track record has been pretty good this year up to that point.” buff said. “However, it has long been my opinion that since vandalism is the number one cause of failure, more should be done to prevent this type of damage from

occurring in the first place. Persons need to be aware that tampering with a fire alarm system device can be treated as a federal offense in Iowa.”

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B&W

No Child Left Behind lacks concern A high school senior, Tiara Smith of Massachusetts, had awesome academic achievement throughout high school.

At the end of her senior year, she had to pass a national test in order to graduate. When Smith received the results and looked down at them in agony, she saw that she did not pass meaning no graduation.

According to the Christian Science Monitor, in the 2002 December issue, in 2003, Smith failed the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS), meaning she could not graduate. Now how fair is that?

Teachers should not be fired because the students are not meeting standardized test requirements. All students learn differently, so teachers should not be pressured to teacher every student the same way and expect them to perform equally.

Unrealistic Expectations

The No Child Left Behind legislation has caused major controversy between students, teachers and schools all throughout the United States. The first problem with this law is that standardized tests do not portray accurate results of a student’s potential.

According to Tikkun Magazine, in the March/April issue of 2001, it states that standardized tests are multiple choice, meaning a student does not get time to explain why they chose their answer. In addition, it states that because these tests are timed, they are based on speed rather than thoughtfulness.

In USA Today, in June 2003 in a New York survey called the Public Agenda, 53% of teachers said that standardized tests are “seriously flawed” and do not show a measure of a student’s true academic achievement. Of this, 24% said that these tests are used incorrectly. In this statement, half of New York’s teachers are saying standardized test are unfair, and these numbers should not be this high.

At present, No Child Left Behind is active to make sure disadvantaged students are making average yearly progress (AYP), to meet national standards. However, it has unrealistic expectations.

According to New York Times, in the 2006 issue of November, president George W. Bush, vows that by the year 2014, blacks and Hispanics and poor children will reach 100% proficiency in both math and reading. This is unrealistic. There is always going to be one students that does not meet this goal. There should be other ways that colleges look at a student’s achievement.

According to Hukee, if we do not meet the state annual objectives, which is 79.3% of students proficient in math and reading, the school will be placed on a watch list.

“The first time we don’t meet (requirements) we are placed on a watch list for two years,” Hukee said. “If we are on for a second year in a row, we then are placed as School In Need of Improvement (SINI) for two years. This would result in more planning for educational needs.”

According to Hukee, the school has met the national standards every year, but the administration should not have to worry about these standards and be concerned about funding and the possibly of creating a new curriculum.

Minority Groups

Alternatives

Flawed Results

Some students come from low-income families or different ethnic backgrounds so their educational opportunities are not as numerous as upper-middle class students. It is not a person’s fault they learn slower, no child can help their family situation. It is not fair that these students are being judged on tests, when they might not even be able to read English.

Junior Liz Gesiriech came to the school district from Russia in second grade. As an immigrant coming from another country she strongly believes the No Child Left Behind law should be reconsidered.

“I couldn’t understand how to write, I just couldn’t understand,” Gesiriech said.

“I had to write my name a million times and my handed started to really hurt.”

She explained that when she had to take these tests she would get very frustrated.

“It made me cry,” Gesiriech said. “In second grade people were talking, teachers were yelling at me and I got really frustrated. They didn’t it handle it right

staff staff KARI DOCKUM editor in chief

I don’t believe. My mom had to pick me up a couple of times from school when I took these tests.”

Gesiriech mentioned that No Child Left Behind can not group these students together with those who speak English.

“They can’t just put a test in front of you and expect you to understand and answer the questions,” Gesiriech said.

“It’s like putting an American in Brazil and expecting them to take a test there,” Gesiriech said.

Principal Bruce Hukee mentioned that students from different countries have to take standardized tests when they first come, but they are except from the reading portion.

“Students from different countries

who are new to the country have to take all tests (math, reading, science) to count as participants,” Hukee said. “We have to have 95% or more of students take the tests so we have to watch that carefully.”

Financial Concern

The second problem with No Child Left Behind is that it causes financial problems for schools and teachers across the U.S. According to the Dallas Morning News on August 11, 2003, in Trenton, New Jersey, in 2003, around 210 teachers did not have jobs the next year because they did not meet the requirements required by No Child Left Behind. Further funding was taken from the schools.

The No Child Left behind law should be abolished or at least revised, because standardized tests do not portray accurate results. According to Newsweek in the 2006 issue of March, at Duke University in 2006, 83 applicants had flawed scores because of scoring errors.

As an alternative to standardized testing and the No Child Left Behind act, students should be able to create their own ways of learning through projects, formulating questions and taking normal tests and using their grade point average (GPA) as a measuring factor.

Standardized tests should still be timed, because it is the most efficient way, but it should be in the form of an essay. Students should be able to explain why they chose the answer they chose.

An essay-based test would allow them to show their knowledge of the reading or subject.

In order to release tension and pressure on our schools, teachers and students, the No Child Left Behind should be reconsidered and talked about.

BRITTANY DEAL managing editor

VERONICA ROSHEK opinion editor

JENNA WILLSON double truck editor

LEE YOCUM sports editor

LAUREN PROFFITT design editor

ALLISON KANE news editor

STEPH IVANKOVICH review editor

TOREY ROBINSON feature editor

CICELY GORDON back page editor

AMY LOVEJOY design editor

The Black and White is a publication produced solely by the newspaper staff. Its goal is to inform, enlighten and entertain the Johnston students, faculty and community. It is an open forum.

In accordance with Iowa law, students assign and edit material.

Publications are released monthly during the school year.

The paper will print nothing 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. Grammatical and spelling errors may be corrected and length edited. 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 Editor at karidockum@yahoo.com or contact the school via phone at 515-278-0449.

The Black and White is a member of CSPA, NSPA, Quill & Scroll, and IHSPA. Recent issues of the Black and White earned these honors: Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medalist, National Scholastic Press Association All-American, Quill & Scroll Gallup Award, IHSPA State Champion, IHSPA First Place Photography Second Place Layout/Design and Honorable Mention Writing.

TINA LI photo editor

CAROLINE BYRD ideas editor staff writers:

Erik Anderson, Nels Engblom, Lauren Gehrke, Kyle Hanson, Austin Hartsook, Kurt Houp, Haley Johnson, Hana Kajtazovic, Kallen Kramer, Thomas Lashier, Bryan Lippincott, Michael Lunn, Dwight Lykins, Julia Manning, Scott Monroe, Kiera Morrill, Philip Mortens, Chelsea Nelson, Shawna Polen, Jordan Van Essen, Ben Vander Ploeg, Brennan Winget

B&W

opinion

Filthy fencing freaks students

Photos by Haley Johnson/BW

1. Senior Evan Stone lunges to tap junior Michael Freist for a point. “It was really hard to fence (Evan), because he’s in fencing club and he has all of his own gear,” Freist said. 2. Sophomore Monisha Kumar and senior David Cox prepare to fence. Senior Austin Pierce watches and keeps score for the match. 3. Dave Beason fences against senior Evan Stone as a demonstration for his sixth period P.E. class. 4. Sophomore Courtney Lappin zips up sophomore Jessica Johnson’s fencing jacket. The students are required to wear a jacket, a helmet and a glove while fencing.

Community fencing attire in P.E. is not sanitary HALEY JOHNSON staff writer I grabbed the first glove that I could see and slipped it onto my hand to complete my fencing ensemble. Instantly I ripped the glove off of my hand and found myself utterly disgusted with what I had just felt. The glove was warm and damp from sweat that it collected from previous users. As thoughts of who had been wearing this glove before me and the types of germs I had just attracted, I could not help but question the last time that these uniforms had been cleaned.

Others agree that the uniforms for fencing are not acceptable. “My jacket had an orange food stain on it. I was disgusted, especially because the last time I checked eating is not part of the usual P.E. schedule,” said Sophomore Courtney Lappin.

Everyday in P.E. the students warm up by running, followed by stretching and then comes the activity. Between the running, the hot gym, and the suffocating fencing outfit. A person is naturally going to produce some perspiration.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Preven-

tion, the main ways that germs are spread from person to person is through sweat and the air. With six forty-minute periods full of students producing sweat, there is a countless number of germs that accumulates in the attire.

“We wait until the end of the unit to wash the vests. We wash the gloves about once a week, because those usually become sweaty and pretty ripe. There’s no way to really clean the masks because they don’t come apart from the helmet, but we spray the helmets with disinfectant spray everyday.” P.E. teacher Dave Beason said.

There are four main types of germs: viruses, fungi, protozoa and bacteria. All of which are causes of things such as sore throats, ear infections, chicken pox and even pneumonia. Some viruses and bacteria are able to live on surfaces for up to two hours or longer. With only five minutes between periods, there is no time for the germs to die off on their own.

In elementary school, teachers used to emphasize the importance of killing germs, and continuously warned their students about the risk of lice. By allowing P.E. classes to suit up in these germ infested clothes, it is an invitation to sickness. We should be attempting to prevent the spread of illness rather than providing a gateway for germs.

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Inmy my

Shoes

Veronica Roshek

recycling revisions needed As I walk through Jordan Creek Mall, resourceful isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. While carrying an empty pop bottle, I wonder if it would be worth it to hold on to it until I got home, where I could put the bottle in a recycling bin instead of the trash can. Without putting much thought into how wasteful this really is, I drop the bottle in the trash, knowing it’s an ignorant mistake.

Malls, big box stores such as Target, Best Buy and Wal-Mart, and other public places throughout the Des Moines area are all at fault not providing proper recycling facilities in addition to trash cans throughout their stores.

According to the Boston Globe, an argument against recycling is that funding is too expensive for what their budgets supply them with. I find this rather hard to believe when they are bringing in millions of dollars. Something as simple as recycling should be well worth the few pennies they have to drop on it.

Places around Central Iowa have programs where they recycle cardboard boxes, but not other items in the store. “We use a cardboard compactor for boxes, it’s our only formal part of recycling,” Trisha Burton from Valley West Mall said.

According to Westfield Mission Valley Mall in San Diego, when they took action and set up a recycling system they actually ended up saving money because the amount of waste dropped so dramatically.

The prices for garbage collection are rapidly increasing, and this mall in particular is spending 40 percent less than they did back in 1994.

According to The Boston Global, Solomon Pond Mall generates 6,000 pounds of trash weekly. Think about how much less we would be wasting if 40 percent of that was recycled; that is 2,400 pounds of waste that could be going towards recycling from just one mall.

The main goal that the Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC) is trying to achieve right now is solving the problems with recycling in major shopping malls and big box stores. While a few of the major chain department stores and malls are doing the right thing and making these needed sources available, the majority are sneaking by the standards that need to be brought into effect. This program in particular also stresses the importance of consumers buying recyclable items at shopping malls and having the malls provide these items to the consumers.

According to The Boston Globe, Natick’s new shopping mall is taking the initiative early and purposing a grant to get the recycling program started. Although the community decided to start with a small action plan and work it’s way up, they have set the example for how recycling should be implemented throughout the community.

Conservation is needed as the global environmental issues are on the rise.

While there are many different ways we should be attempting to conserve our resources, recycling in public places is one of the huge factors that we should be attacking right now.

According to the Los Angeles Business Journal, a law was passed there by the Integrated Waste Management Board stating that cities whom do not reduce trash by source reduction, composting and recycling are in danger of getting fined for it. Those cities that don’t comply with this law face fines as high as $10,000 a day.

The state of Iowa is falling behind in these environmental procedures and isn’t using enough force to get similar programs for recycling.

Global pollution is an overwhelming problem to brainstorm how to solve, taking small steps towards making recycling a public habit could decrease our amount of waste along with saving money.

sports

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Swimmers shatter streak Boys’ swim team defeats Valley for the first time in 10 years JULIA MANNING

staff writer

Senior Charlie Thuente took off his goggles, got his towel, glanced up at the scoreboard, and for the first time in his high school career, saw his team score ahead of Valley. For the first time since the 1997-98 season, the boys’ swim team defeated the highly competitive Valley team.

“It was an incredibly significant meet because it’s my senior year and was awesome to finally not only be able to compete with them, but to beat them, which was even more ballin’,” Thuente said.

The team, consisting of 51 swimmers as opposed to last year’s 26, was very focused on winning the Valley dual meet.

“I really wanted to win the meet, not only as one of the team goals, but as a marker for the level of improvement of our program,” coach Shari Walling said.

In order to prepare for the meet, Walling and assistant coach Darin Robertson took a lot of time accumulating different times that members from the Valley team had achieved, and looked at times of their swimmers and made the best possible line-up to win the meet.

However, practices were not any easier before the meet, as the boys were still swimming 5,000 yards the day before the meet. This meant they did not do any special tapering like some might do for a big meet.

“We still woke up every morning at five and swam all out at our practices. We treated it just like any other meet,” Urbandale junior Nic Staub said.

Johnston took control of the meet right from the start of the meet, winning the first event, the 200 medley relay. Valley then surged ahead after the second event, the 200 individual freestyle in which they placed first and second.

“After the 200(freestyle), jitters started rising, since Valley’s so strong in long distance events,” sophomore Caleb Wagner said.

From then on out, Johnston controlled the meet, dominating and winning nine out of eleven events.

“The meet really signified hard work and dedication, during the season and the off-season. It is leading us on the way to accomplishing our goals for the season and to be better than ever,” Wagner said.

The team goals for the season include going undefeated in dual meets, winning the conference meet, winning districts, and qualifying and placing top 10 at the state meet. The boys’ team is going for their fourth straight year of winning the conference title.

“The Valley meet was a really awesome thing, but now we have to move on and be focused on accomplishing all of our other goals for the season,” Thuente said.

DeSplinternot on Dragon, Tiger roster MICHAEL LUNN

staff writer

Tim DeSplinter no longer plays for the varsity basketball team. Amid speculation that DeSplinter moved to Adel to play basketball, Adel-DeSotoMinburn Athletic Director Stephanie DeVos said he is “absolutely not” on ADM’s basketball roster.

The 2007-2008 Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Handbook states that any “student who transfers from a school … from one member school … to another member or associate member school shall be ineligible … for 90 consecutive school days.”

However, according to Todd Tharp, Iowa High School Athletic Association Basketball Correspondent, “As long as a contemporaneous move is made, which means the entire family moves from one school district to another, the student would have immediate varsity eligibility as long as other mandates are met.”

Julia Manning/BW

Sophomore Blake Johnson gasps for air as he competes in the 200 individual medley. Tim Albright, an Urbandale senior, won the event for Johnston with a time of 2:09.28. This was during the Johnston-Valley dual meet on Dec. 13.

Johnston won with a score of 104 to 66.

Va l l e y M e e t S t a t s event 200 MR 200 free 200 IM 50 free 100 fly 100 free 500 free 200 FR 100 back 100 breast 400 FR

swimmer

time

B. Waldorf, Kottke, J. Waldorf, Staub (J) Hogan (V) Tim Albright (J) Mitch Taylor (J) Tim Albright (J) Mitch Taylor (J) Hogan (V) T.Albright, Staub, J.Waldorf, Taylor (J) B.Waldorf (J) Kottke (J) T.Albright, Herren, B.Waldorf, Taylor (J)

1:44.39 2:09.28 22.64 57.03 50.17 5:11.71 1:33.57 58.53 1:05.98 3:28.55

Ward wins assistant coaching honor LEE YOCUM

sports editor Looking back on the volleyball season, Beth Ward has many memories she will never forget. Not only did her team win the first state championship in 4-A school history, Ward was also named 2007 Iowa Girls’ Coaches Association Assistant Volleyball Coach of the Year.

Head coach Rick Brooks nominated Ward for the award, and according to athletic director Gary Ross, the nominations were then sent to a committee that selects a winner. “(Ward) cares about each of the students beyond the court or field and she is able to make each student feel important to the team,” Brooks said. “Coach Ward also understands (that) the true importance of athletics goes beyond X’s and O’s, winning and losing. She has sacrificed so much of her time and effort and doesn’t get the recognition that the head coach may get. She has also been an outstanding colleague and has helped me to better understand all the aspects of coaching in order to be a better coach myself.”

Ward felt honored to be associated with the volleyball program.

“The coaching staff and players are

amazing and they made coaching this year very enjoyable,” coach Ward said. “A coach can only be as good as the people around them, and I had an amazing group of young ladies and coaches around me.”

Coaching is more demanding than it sounds, but for Ward, it all pays off in the end.

“Words do not even come close to explaining how I felt when I found out (that I won),” Ward said. “Coaching takes a lot of time and effort, but there is no doubt in my mind that the time and effort were well worth it.”

For many of the athletes on the team, like junior Sam Jungman, Ward was more than just an assistant coach.

(Ward) is extremely funny and can make anyone laugh at even the worst times,” Jungman said. “She’s a great coach because she pushes us hard and helps us work toward our goals. She is very supportive and is a great role model.”

This was the second time that Ward has been named assistant coach of the year, the last time coming in 1997. The only difference being they won state this time around, instead of runner-ups like in 1997.

Ward has been taking some heat from students and athletes for her clothing

choice in the 1997 photo, a multi-colored sweater. She made a point to not make the same mistake twice.

“I wore a pretty safe shirt this year,” Ward said. “It was a purple, button up blouse. No patterns, same color, and hopefully it should stay in style for a few years. I can only hope my eyes are open and the shirt looks better in the 2007 shot.

Hopefully I aged well and will look just as good as everyone else.”

The award meant a lot to Ward, but upon reflecting on the season, it was not the most memorable event.

“It was so fun to watch the group of girls be so determined, so focused, so confident and so willing to go the extra mile to help each other out,” Ward said. “It was a family atmosphere all year. Just seeing the smiles on their faces throughout the year was a thousand times better than winning the award.”

Ward has been assisting girls’ athletics for 11 years. She is also an assistant coach for softball and basketball.

For related stories, see the Girls’ Sports Special Edition

in color

entertainment

10

B&W

Saving the

earth in style

or.gan.ic (awr.gan.ik) natural, non-chemical, without additives, unadulterated, pure

1

It’s time to stop making our earth suffer for fashion and start looking at more ecofriendly alternatives. Wearing natural fibers helps the earth because it prevents pollution in water-ways and agricultural lands. Ingredients are made excluding the use of toxic fertilizers and pesticides, plant growth regulators, sewer sludge, and genetically modified organisms.

Organic products help to sustain global health, and they are also comfortable to wear because natural fibers are more durable and softer on the skin.

In 2005, The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) proclaimed that personal care products could be categorized under the National Organic Program (NOP) standards. Under this system, consumers can more easily see how organic certain products are.

Wal-Mart is one of the biggest purchasers of organic cotton. Its goal is to bring healthy and affordable clothing to the masses.

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4 3

5

9

8 7

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Levis has a new line composed of organic denim products. Go to levi.com for more information.

Levels of Organics:

American Apparel has an organics section for girls and guys, with tees, tunics, tanks, and underwear. Go to americanapparel.net for more information.

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1 Botanics body butter [Target] 2 Origins body soap for men [Younkers] 3 Juice beauty mask [Sephora] 4 Burt’s Bees Citrus and Ginger Root body wash [Target] 5 Origins face wash [Younkers] 6 No7 lip gloss [Target] 7 Origins 10-minute mask [Younkers] 8 Botanics face scrub [Target] 9 Juice cleansing gel [Sephora] 10 Origins shaving mousse [Younkers]

Skip the shopping bag and use a roomy canvas bag to carry your purchases. It’s stronger than a plastic bag and it helps the planet.

compiled by: lauren proffitt design editor

Survival101

high school KYLE HANSON staff writer

During senior year, it is easy to show a lack of interest in school or flat out just not to students’ advantages.

I prefer texting. Most teachers have picked up on it by now and are quick to recare. But as easy as this can be, it is important to give effort in the areas that count, ply. I use this not only to talk to teachers, but it also comes in handy when talking to for example government, considering it is needed to graduate.

Another area of importance is actually a type of people. While it can be humorous coaches. Whether it was for deciding a meeting time, or to talk about off-season work to act silly for classmates’ attention, it would be more worthwhile to act mature and outs, it is quick and easy.

Not only can these be used for academic purposes, but athget the instructor’s attention. letics as well. Most of the staff is willing to go out of their Teachers not only give out grades, but they also give out way to help students talk to colleges about sports. Coaches use recommendations for college, so it benefits by being on their their cell phones to keep track of their players in off-season good side. While a student-to-teacher relationship is nice, a and make sure they are doing their workouts. teacher-to-young adult one is more beneficial. The only way to Using texting to stay in touch with With all the methods of communication it is ridiculous to achieve this type of a relationship is to act like a young adult. teachers and coaches is quick and easy. think that you would not be able to get a hold of a staff memDoing so can open up so many doors that most never knew Acting like an adult in class can help stuber. Do not worry about bothering them; they would probably were possible. Teachers can be more open with students that dents receive recommendations. be flattered that you were thinking about school or sports on have proven to act like this. your own time.

But there is no reason to stop there. Teachers’ e-mails are As college draws near, relationships like this make getting convenient to use, and almost all get back to students that very day. In fact, if for some reason students kept a syllabus from day one of school, a lot recommendations much easier. Whether it is a coach or a teacher, they will have a lot of them actually contain that teacher’s home or cell number. These should be utilized more to say about you as person, if they know you as a person.

lesson 4:

doubletruck

8&9

Hillary Clinton

Presidential

Gun Control

Supports licensing and registration of hand guns, holding adults responsible for children’s use of guns and raising the youth ban on guns from 18 to 21.

Supports reforming No Child Left Behind, lowering the cost of higher education with a tuition tax credit and providing aid to students who do public service.

Healthcare

Mandates individual health coverage for all Americans and supports offering federal subsidies for those who can not afford insurance.

US Government/Provided

John Edwards

2008

Gun Control

Member of the National Rifle Association, but supports the federal weapons assault ban. As governor, he passed a permanent ban on assault weapons.

Education

Supports limiting federal involvement in schools, believes that classes should only be taught in English and would measure progress for math and science.

With the presidential elections drawing closer, we take an up close look at the front runners in our state, the Iowa caucuses, and what issues are important to young voters

Healthcare Romney for President/Provided

Iowa Caucus 101

Who?

Gun Control

Gun Control

Supports gun-control measures but only for strict Constitutional reasons. As mayor of New York City, he banned the sale of toy guns that resemble real guns.

What?

Education

Supports reducing class sizes, offering teachers higher compensation to teach in low-income schools and reforming No Child Left Behind.

Since 1972, the Iowa caucus had been the first major event nationwide to nominate a candidate for the President of the United States.

Education

Thursday, January 3. The Democratic caucuses start at 6:30 p.m. and the Republican caucuses start at 7:00 p.m.

Healthcare

Believes parents should be able to choose which school to send their children to. As mayor, he created a charter school fund and increased school funding.

When?

Healthcare

Mandates individual heath care for all Americans by 2012 and supports requiring employers to provide health coverage or help employs defray costs.

Where?

Tina Li / BW

There are over 2,000 precincts in Iowa. Visit the Iowa Secretary of State web site to find your polling place.

Victory NH/Provided

How?

Barack Obama Supports extending the ban on assault weapons and a national law against concealed weapons, with exceptions for retired police and military personnel.

Gun Control

Owns a variety of firearms and is a member of the National Rifle Association. Opposes mandatory trigger locks and waiting periods for gun purchase.

Who the black&white

Education

Supports increasing aid for college and decreasing the cost of student loans, increasing chances to take AP courses, and reforming No Child Left Behind.

Education

is endorsing...

Healthcare

Supports creating a national health program for individuals who do not have employer-provided health care and who don’t qualify for other federal programs.

Obama for America/Provided

14 out of 34 votes

Each received 4 out of 34 votes

“My decision will be influenced by the candidates’ positions on the big ones like abortion, gay marriage, and health care.”

Emphasizes the importance of the arts, and would allow states to set their own standards for education and would offer bonuses for successful teachers.

Healthcare US Dept of Health and Human Services/Provided

Supports Mike Huckabee Most likely will caucus Plans to vote “I agree with (Mike Huckabee’s) views on immigration and the war.”

Compiled by: Jenna Willson; doubletruck editor, Brittany Deal; managing editor, Lauren Proffitt; design editor; Tina Li, photo editor

Christian Schoper

Leaning Democrat Will caucus Plans to vote

Trevor Haden

“No Child Left Behind is the worse thing that’s ever happened to America.”

Mike Rudy Guiliani Huckabee

Chelsea Kumbera

Jimmy Huynh

Supports Barack Obama Will not caucus Plans to vote

Barack Obama

Supports market-based approaches to reducing insurance costs and opposes federally mandated health coverage.

Mike Huckabee

The process for the Republican caucus is relatively simple. Attendees arrive and cast written ballots for the selected candidates in a straw poll.

The Democratic caucus is more complex, requiring that a candidate have the support of 15% of the number of voters present to be viable.

Gun Control

Supports covering the uninsured without raising taxes and providing greater financial assistance to help uninsured Americans purchase private coverage.

Rudy Guiliani

Any voter who is a registered Democrat or Republican. Must be 17 years old and 18 years old before the November presidential election. If you are not currently registered, you may register at the caucus.

Supports the second amendment with regulations, voted for a ten year extension on the ban of hand guns and extensive background checks at gun shows.

think?

Mitt Romney

election

Education

o d t a h W s t n e d stu

B&W

Opposes federally mandated universal coverage, and would make health care more affordable by reforming medical liability and expanding health saving accounts.

Leaning Republican Hopes to caucus Plans to vote “The war comes to mind first.

And then I want to look at different values when it comes to family and education. Also, crime (is an important issue) because there has been a lot of that lately.”

opinion

6

Coffee Talk

vol. 4

Tancredo most honorable

BY KURT HOUP staff writer After following all of the candidates and narrowing down the options, it is clear that U.S. Congressman Tom Tancredo is most suitable to be President. As the only one who writes this column, I can safely say that Coffee Talk endorses Tom Tancredo.

Currently, Tancredo represents the Sixth District of Colorado in the United States House of Representatives, but could have a shot at becoming the president, depending on the next few weeks.

Tancredo is a man of strong faith and moral convictions. He is a Christian, and it is clear that his faith influences him deeply, in a way that any other religion couldn’t beat.

Unlike many of the candidates on both sides, Tancredo doesn’t have a poor record, or for that matter, a record to ever be ashamed about. Tancredo, pro-life, wants to see the 1973 Roe vs. Wade ruling overturned. If given the opportunity, he will nominate to the Supreme Court justices who would overturn the 1973 ruling that has allowed for a three-decade mass genocide of the unborn.

Tancredo is also pro-marriage. This week I was privileged to speak with Bill Salier, chairman of Tancredo’s campaign in Iowa. According to Salier, and according to Tancredo’s public stance, he supports marriage between one man and one woman, and would support a marriage amendment to the United States Constitution that would preserve this ancient building block of society.

Back on Aug 30, district judge Robert Hanson declared that Iowa’s defense of marriage act was unconstitutional, thus forcing Iowa to grant marriage licenses to gay couples.

Though Hanson’s ruling was suspended the next day, on Aug. 31, Tancredo, more than a month later on Oct. 5, spoke out against the judge on the steps of the Capitol on Des Moines’ East side. Tancredo, even though heckled by a member of the audience, came out and criticized not only Hanson, but the Iowa legislature for letting a district judge use power that he simply didn’t have.

The popular message of the Democrats running for president is an endless monologue of how terrible things are and how we need “change”. They claim that we need to tax the “rich” people so these “entitlements” can by paid for, this being just one of their many schemes at gaining control of not only your life, but your entire thought process. In doing this they have taken away from some of the most important issues that should be addressed in our post-Sept. 11 world.

We need a candidate whose record stands above the rest, one who will protect our freedoms and families, who will improve education by trying to get the federal government out of the picture and get local communities back in the picture, who will use his power to decrease the size of government, and who has America’s interest as his highest priority. He will protect the borders on both sides and most of all, he will protect the American people.

God Bless Tom Tancredo, may he make it to the White House.

shout-outs This week’s shout out goes to Ryan Palmer and Matt Palmer, as well as the several other people who are involved in Missionaries on Campus.

The group meets Monday mornings at 7 a.m. to read from The Holy Bible, pray, and have discussion.

Two thumbs up to this wonderful organization, may God Bless You and may your membership grow!

B&W

Tasers take self-defense too far KYLE HANSON

staff writer

Tasers are now on the market and are running somewhere around $500. These are dangerous weapons, and highly unnecessary for self-defense.

It is difficult to imagine a situation where a taser is practical. If a female is being followed by a burglar, she will not have time to reach into her purse, activate and apply the taser without having already been robbed. For the taser to be effective, the burglar would have to be standing almost completely still. Also, imagine if a women realizes this and has the taser already in hand and turns around to shock the attacker. However, then realizes it was a person who had no bad intentions whatsoever.

This may sound slightly unrealistic, but the dangers are not. Civilian tasers are pointless and dangerous. The only person someone would be able to taser is a person who is helpless and unknowing.

In fact, tasers come with warnings that advise customers from tasering people under 90 pounds for safety precautions.

Kenny Agan, Student Resource Officer, believes that tasers, like guns, should require a permit. “People should need a permit to carry one, similar to gun laws,” Agan said.

The same goes for mase. This is an unnecessary item that is sold only to make customers feel safe by having them.

If people think that the world is that bad, then they should not leave the house because surely everyone is out to get them. If a situation occurs and someone gets the feeling that they really need selfdefense, then there are numerous alternatives that would be much more effec-

tive.

One would be taking a self-defense course, such as judo, karate, or perhaps tae-kwon-do. This would allow someone to defend him or herself from situations like that and is much more realistic then spraying pepper at a 300-pound man.

This would leave the potential attacker defenseless on the ground, allowing you to get away.

Another option might be to go run-

ning once in awhile. This way, if someone felt like they were being followed, they could take off running. All that practice would pay off by leaving the burglar in the dust.

These suggestions may seem silly, but they are much more practical than civilian tasers or pepper spray. If someone does not trust the world enough to leave home without their little defense trinket, then they might as well stay home.

Society’s movement forgets morals KALLEN KRAMER

staff writer

What was unthinkable yesterday becomes a possibility today, doable tomorrow, and everyone will be doing it soon enough. Our morals change in a manner similar to driving. After accelerating from 30mph to 60mph, the speed settles in and the acceleration no longer has any effect. While accelerating, the intensifying speed can be felt, but after a few minutes of driving at an increased speed you become increasingly comfortable with it.

This is how easy we adapt to depreciating morals in our culture.

For example, our grandmothers didn’t go to the grocery store to be bombarded with magazines covered in pictures of “perfect women”. The swimsuit style of the early to mid-90’s covered the torso and often included a skirt. Today, it’s impossible for girls to run away from the tabloids, the “norm” is to wear as little as you can get away with.

Another example of our culture is the glorified adultery that fills the media and gossip all over America. The value of innocence has been lost.

Many elementary kids are already stressing about name brand clothing, and wearing makeup. They share the concerns of many high school girls.

The communication by means of technology has definitely continued to get

AMERICA

2007

8% of coupled households are unmarried $5.5Billion is spent on alcohol by high school students every year (More than what they spend on soft drinks, tea, milk, juice, coffee and books combined.)

50% of first marriages end in divorce 2,800 teenagers get pregnant each day

1/4 girls have had sex before they reach the age of 15

http://www.divorcereform.org/chilrate.html http://www.soundvision.com/Info/teens/stat.asp http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/fb_sexEd2006.html

worse. From Myspace bulletins to child pornography, technology and media can only welcome unprincipled communication and advertising.

America has morphed into a completely immoral society. The only concern has become how far we can push the limit instead of a conservative point of view by any means.

Girls starve themselves and become over their image, and it’s not their fault.

America is only accepting of the prettiest girls that fit the magazine standard,

Provided/Joan Flynn

Girls posing with a lifeguard in Huntington Beach, California. This photo was taken in 1924 when styles of the swimsuits were more modest. nothing less. Guys buy into the material culture and don’t look past the fake tan and makeup to the girl underneath.

The only solution to a better society is to put more value in people. A modest approach is more rewarding in the long run than making a decision that will provide instant gratification.

While acceptance can seem important in the now, 10 years from now what will you have wished you were like? 10 years ago I’m sure America didn’t expect this.

Don’t be afraid to be right.

12

Your t c e p Mother Res

feature

B&W

10,000K down 40,000K to go

Political Pollution!

CICELY GORDON backpage editor Driving down Pioneer Parkway after a long day at school is usually a refreshing experience for me, but Thursday, Dec. 13 was quite the opposite. As my sister and I drove down the curves of the snow-filled terrain, neon orange “no parking” posts littered the sides of the street to make sure the press and viewers were not endangering the neighborhood commute.

Right off Pioneer Parkway is IPTV where the democratic debates were held. The candidates’ supporters decorated the parking lot and the surrounding area with signs and banners for everyone to see as they entered the parking lot.

News flash: reading your name on a cardboard sign is not going to encourage me to vote for you, no matter how big or visually appealing it is. Our so-called “environmentally friendly” candidates should stop wasting paper turning Pioneer Parkway into a political billboard and put that money into the issues they stand for, or better yet put it into the country’s national deficit.

It is annoying to drive home to my cozy neighborhood and be bombarded by huge signs that distract my attention away from the landscape the city of Johnston worked hard to obtain.

Not only am I constantly reminded that people are running for president, but while the debate was going on there was a banner pulled tightly by two creepy men wearing cowboy hats that stated, “Hillary’s Holocaust” on the median in front of my cul-de-sac.

On both sides of the banner were disturbing, blown-up pictures of deformed babies that had supposedly been aborted. As if that wasn’t enough, there was a man waving the Iowa flag behind the banner and signs to draw attention to the repulsive sight.

I honestly wanted to throw up.

Holding something like that in front of a neighborhood where people are living and commuting back and forth to their personal activities is just plain invasive. I don’t care if you are pro-life or pro-choice, such a graphic statement should be saved for a more appropriate place. The four-year-old Cicely definitely would have had nightmares.

Presidential candidates would be the last people you would think of when it comes to littering. In my opinion, they are trashing my visual environment by publicizing themselves, and wasting money in the process.

If you have any questions or comments regarding this column, send emails to swizzles17@hotmail.com.

Allison Kane/BW

Junior Katie Bonney carefully edits her 50,0000 word-novel called Of Hope and Red Roses. Bonney participated in the National Novel Writing Contest (NaNoWriMo) where she wrote a whole novel in the month of November.

With the participation of a personal writing contest, student writes a 50,000-word novel in one month ALLISON KANE news editor Dosed up on eight shots of espresso, junior Katie Bonney attempts to stay alert as she diligently types on her silver Mac laptop. Hands cramping, brain throbbing, and tension mounting she continues to spark her creative juices. Deathly scared to read the nearest clock at Caribou Coffee, she finishes her last 10,000 words at 11:47 p.m., only 13 minutes to deadline left to spare.

For two consecutive years, Bonney has taken part in a personal writing contest called National Novel Writing Contest (NaNoWriMo). The goal of NaNoWriMo is to write about a 175-page, 50,000-word novel in the month of November.

“The contest is basically to overcome whatever road blocks you have in writing,” Bonney said.

According to the Des Moines NaNoWriMo coordinator, Mary Eagan, anyone 13 and up can participate in the contest. Those who participate can write any genre. Bonney chose to write a fantasy novel called Of Hope and Red Roses.

“The novel I wrote is about a guy named Ray who discovers that he is named heir to the throne of Grinlin,” Bonney said.

According to Bonney, once Ray is renounced king, an assassin agency finds out about his existence, and Ray is forced to flee the country. While away, Ray gathers up fighters to help him fight the evil dictator when he returns. Ray meets a guy named Damion on this quest.

“Damion is Ray’s closest friend,” Bonney said. “He is a happy-go-lucky guy; doesn’t worry at all. He’s pretty much in the story to

provide comic relief and make fun of Ray.” Bonney also mentioned that Damion helps Ray become more of a people person, because Ray is very distant.

“Through Damion, Ray learns to listen to people, and this is very important since he is to become a leader,” Bonney said.

Although Bonney finished her novel in one month, she did not have the plot outlined in advance.

“The night before Nov.. 1st, I had to come up with a start to my story and I had no idea what I was going to do, so I looked for pictures on the internet,” Bonney said.

“Then I found a picture of a guy sitting on the front steps of a house, holding a rose looking off into the distance.”

According to Bonney, this picture was the opening scene of her novel. She also mentioned that the idea for Ray’s name was also random.

“I got the idea of the name Ray from Neal Herink,” Bonney said. “I thought the name was ironic because the Spanish word for king is rey.”

Bonney also mentioned that with the factors of school, friends, family and procrastination, the last week of writing the novel was extremely stressful.

“I’m a huge procrastinator,” Bonney said.

“I was always consistently half of what everyone else was at the write-ins.”

According to Bonney, on Nov. 27, three days before the due date, she had only written 24,000 of her 50,000 words.

“It was the craziest week; I didn’t do any of my homework,” Bonney said. “In fact, my hands still hurt when I type. On the last day of the contest, I got home from school, and I had 10,000 words to go until midnight.”

Bonney mentioned that during the last write-in and the wrap-up party, she had doubts about finishing her novel.

“The leader was standing right over my head saying ‘You’re going to finish this last 1500 words in this half-hour.’” Bonney said a guy told her to switch her clock to Hawaii time so that she would have plenty of time to finish. And others told her to just copy and paste part of the already written story, to take up space. Although she was the last one to finish her novel, she did finish it.

“I don’t want to ever procrastinate again,” Bonney said.

Bonney does not plan on becoming an author, but wants to continue with the contest.

“I can’t do this every month,” Bonney said. “One thing, because I procrastinate too much, but another is that you have to sacrifice things and it’s really hard. I don’t have the time to write three hours every night.”

However, through the NaNoWriMo contest Bonney learned that editing is not always the most important thing when writing a novel.

“I learned that the most important part of writing is the writing itself,” Bonney said.

“People get too hung up on the editing, and whether the novel is going to be something someone else is going to want to read. With NaNoWriMo, you have to be able to write without worrying if it is good enough.”

With the contest and the completion of her novel, Bonney feels content with the experience.

“Maybe it wasn’t a good story, but hey, I wrote a whole novel last month,” Bonney said.

Williams willingly waits for Mini Cooper PHILIP MORTENS staff writer 1 in 100,000. This was odds of winning a brand new 2008 Mini Cooper Convertible. Sophomore Steven Williams decided to take these odds, and it paid off for him in the end. Williams was one of the select few that made it to the final round of drawing. Williams has not won the Mini Cooper yet , but his odds of winning have increased dramatically.

If Williams manages to win the car, he is not going to own it for long. His parents are planning on selling it to get the $25,000 retail value. “(My parents) are going to let me drive

it once, and then they are going to sell it,” Williams said.

Should Williams win the car, he will have gotten lucky twice. The first time was when the company putting on the raffle called to verify his information before he was officially entered into the final drawing. During this call, they learned that Williams was not 18 years old, the legal age in Iowa to win such contests.

“When she called she asked a bunch of questions, and then she asked if I was 18.

I said no, so she said we will enter your father’s name then,” Williams said. This allowed Williams to stay entered in the competition.

Williams entered into the raffle on Nov. 5 while he was at Jordan Creek hanging out

after an early dismissal. The raffle was put out by Stormy Point Village and Summer Winds Resorts Services to advertise their time-shares at Branson, MO. “It’s not an illegal scam, but it’s probably a list building operation,” Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller’s Press Secretary Bob Brammer said, “What they’re trying to do is get people’s information.”

This information can be sold to marketing companies and used to contact thousands of people. According to Brammer, most cards that you fill out to enter into a sweepstakes have a fine print which give companies the right to solicit to you whether you like it or not.

“All we can say is be extremely cautious,” Brammer said.

me a river

Students share reasons for tears and Dr. Petersma explains where these tears come from.

B&W

WhY ? cry

backpage

crY

16

Colleen Shannon ju n i o r Are you a crier?

In certain situations yes, I’m definitely an emotional person.

When was the last time you cried?

Last year at the end of soccer season when all of the seniors graduated.

Have you ever cried because you were so happy?

Yes, I couldn’t play soccer for six months freshman year so when I got released I was so happy I cried.

Have you ever cried at school?

No, but when the newspaper article about my brother came out last year I wanted to, just from all of the emotional build-up.

Taylor Erwine sophomore

Are you a crier?

Sometimes, but I’m not super emotional. It usually happen when pressure at school and from friends and family builds up.

When was the last time you cried?

When my grandma died a couple months ago.

Have you ever cried at school?

I don’t think so, but I remember one time a girl I know cried at school because she found out her boyfriend cheated on her. I felt bad for her because she was kind of a mess.

Why do you think girls cry more than boys?

Girls aren’t afraid to show their emotions, they aren’t embarrassed by it.

Derek Furrow senior Are you a crier?

No, not at all. I’m never really sad and I’m usually in a pretty good mood.

When was the last time you cried?

I can’t even remember the last time I cried, I think it was in eighth grade when my parents got divorced.

Have you ever cried at school?

No I haven’t, but I remember when Jordain Skarphol cried sophomore year after she tripped and got soup spilled all over her in the lunchroom.

The healing power of tears HALEY JOHNSON Staff Writer Sitting at home, box of Kleenex located at your side, watching a sappy movie, and all of a sudden, a warm, wet liquid is streaming down the side of your cheeks. Crying is a common experience that happens during the course of everyone’s lifetime.

Whether it is a death of a loved one or a song that tugs at the heartstrings, tears are a way to express oneself.

“Tears come from the lachrymal gland, which is located above your eyeball, almost right behind the bone above your eye that your eyebrow lies along,” Dr. Jay D. Petersma, O.D., said.

There are three different types of tears that everyone’s eyes produce. Basal tears are the tears

that protect the eye from foreign objects and help to keep it moist. Reflex tears flush out the eye when it becomes irritated, and emotional tears occur as a person’s response to a situation.

According to studies done by New York University’s Science, Health and Environmental Reporting Program, there is a higher level of manganese and protolactin in emotional tears. By releasing these elements when you cry, the body equals out stress levels and releases the build up of chemicals, causing you to feel better once you have cried.

Although crying does make the body feel better, it is also a way to show one’s emotion. It is a way to express feelings of sadness, fear or extreme happiness. No matter what language you speak, crying has the same meaning to anyone around the world.

Compiled by Cicely Gordon, backpage editor, Haley Johnson, and Julia Manning, staff writers.

Tiffany Song sophomore

Are you a crier?

Yes, I cry easily.

When was the last time you cried?

Two days ago because I was stressing out about school and show choir.

Have you ever cried at school?

Yes, because of arguments with friends.

Why do you think girls cry more than boys?

Girls get hurt more easily, emotionally and physically.

Boys just get angry. I think they secretly cry.

Jacob Clabaugh ju n i o r

Are you a crier?

No, I don’t get sad very often.

When was the last time you cried?

When I broke my toe in eighth grade.

My brother and I were playing football downstairs and I stubbed my toe on the couch. They had to cut my toenail off because it was so bad. It was bleeding and nasty.

Have you ever cried at school?

I think once when I was in second or third grade because I got hit in the face with a basketball and lost a tooth.

dungeon

daniel SUTHERLAND B&W

Compiled by Caroline Byrd, Bryan Lippincott and Julia Manning

biography

Daniel Sutherland, 18, was born in Sheffield, England. He moved near Aberdeen, Scotland as a baby and lived there for four years before moving to Blairgowrie, Scotland, where he currently lives.

The first time he played basketball was at age five at an Activity Camp.

According to Sutherland, high school starts at age 12 in Scotland. He played two years of high school ball before moving on to play for the Arabeth Musketeers, which is a club team about four or five minutes from Blairgowrie High School. Sutherland plans to attend the University of Aberdeen in Scotland to study politics and international relations.

Scottish U-18 team

Sutherland played for the Musketeers for four years before moving to the Under-18 Scottish National Team. Sutherland was invited to a tryout, and made the cut to become one of the 12 players on the team.

The team traveled all around Europe competing against other national and club teams. Last year, as a returning member, he captained the team. “(My favorite thing about basketball) is the passion and competition,” Sutherland said.

coming to America It was a transition year for Sutherland between high school and college in Scotland, so he decided to come to the U.S. for a different experience.

According to Sutherland, students do not actually ever graduate high school in Scotland; they have to go to high school for a minimum of four years and a maximum of six. Therefore, he has been able to maintain his athletic eligibility in the U.S. Sutherland came through the Foreign Links Around the Globe exchange program (FLAG), and is staying with the Moser family in Johnston. According to Sutherland, there were no surprises when he came to America. “It’s pretty cool, very much like home,” Sutherland said.

Johnston basketball Sutherland joined the basketball team this year, and is a key player according to head coach Bobby Sandquist. “He’s a great teammate, one of the most athletic kids on the team, and he is one of our best defenders,” Sandquist said. “He’s been a great addition. We count on him a lot when he’s in the game.”

His teammates agree. “His best skill is defense,” junior Justin Amick said. “He works hard and gets low.”

13

Review

B&W

7

Dwight Lykins

THE on

DL

Staff writer

DM

Tea/Coffee-Gong Fu Tea

s CVB

oine Greater Des M Provided by/

Threads-SMASH By far the most laid-back store in town, SMASH is the “IT” clothing store in Des Moines right now, with features in the New York Times and DM Magazine. Even with all the press and buzz, it is still somewhat of a hidden gem. “A lot of people come in and ask us, ‘Oh did you guys just move in?,’ and I always say, ‘No, we’ve been here for two years,’ ” Mike Draper, owner of the self-proclaimed greatest store on earth, said.

“Basically, it all got started when I printed these shirts when I was at Penn. They said ‘NOT PENN STATE’ and they took off. I guess I just noticed that Iowa was more marketable. So I moved back to Des Moines, and started printing new shirts,” Draper said. “The name was just from an Offspring song.

Speaking of which...”

Draper stopped and went

to his iTunes Library and played the song to up the mood of the interview.

Whenever anyone goes in the store, there is always something unique in the store, from the music in the store to the local art found on the walls. “I always try to give people who haven’t ever had a show one,” Draper said.

The clothing is a mixture of “SMASH BRAND,” the in-house printed shirt, with witty humor. “We didn’t want to do some dumb shirt that you always see, we wanted to do a brand of humor that you would have to be somewhat intelligent to get,” Draper said.

They also carry other Des Moines-based designer’s work, as well as hats, bags and hoodies for boys and girls. SMASH has something for anyone.

The BookWorm

An Asian style tea cafe, they serve tea either by the cup or by the bag. With private tea selections as well as big companies for sale, one is sure to be able to find something they like. Also for sale are health-conscious snakes, including figs, dates, and an authentic snack blend; think a classy granola.

The selection of tea stretches the wall behind the cashier, all in little tin canisters. One can order their favorite, or the knowledgeable staff can help find a new favorite. After ordering, one can either sit up front in regular cafe-style seating or go in back where there are tables on the ground where one can sit and sip tea. A must-get tea is the Ancient Happiness. It is a light Asian tea, perfect both cold or hot.

ZZZ is an old school record store in the East Village, right across from the Blood Center. It carries every genre on the face of the earth, in every format printed. From LP’s of Jimi and Zeppelin, to CDs and vinyl of today’s new artists.

Browsing though the over 15,000 vinyls in the store, yes kids vinyl, one can find quite a large selection of local music. By far the best was a copy of a Envy Corps 45, which cannot seem to be found anywhere else.

The store is split up by genre, with hip hop and jazz here, local there, classic on the right, and new releases right in the middle. By far thebest thing in the store has absolutely nothing to do with music, it is a cool vint-

age TootsiePop dispenser.

At the front of the store is a little shop set up that sells shirts, and for the unfortunate few, classic turntables. Lately the have had some cheap electric and bass guitars in the store as well.

In addition to the records in the store, ZZZ helps inform people about a local trade show downtown that has 50 or so vendors who sell LPs, 45s, CDs, and DVD’s.

Although it is known for its live music, House of Bricks now has a full service kitchen. While it is no five-star restaurant, it has pretty good food for a bar. They serve during shows as well as lunch and dinner. It is fast service during the lunch and dinner hours, but if one goes in during the dead time, expect a few minutes to wait.

The menu is pretty typical of a bar, Burgers, chicken strips, daily soups and salads; but the large cut fries are actually not bad. Do not go in expecting a huge burger, though; after a burger and fries, one may still be a little hungry.

Rough Around the Edges is sharp comedy review editor

Harmful If Swallowed and Retaliation left off with us feeling anything but retaliated against. One year later, comedian Dane Cook returns with one of his biggest shows performed, in Madison Square Garden: Rough Around the Edges.

Rough Around the Edges includes two disks: the Sounds disk, which includes the audio performance of the show, and the Sights disk, which includes the actual performance.

Cook covers topics for the audience, from television to “love.”

A particularly funny act Cook performed is track eight, Pedophiles. What makes Pedophiles funny is that he makes fun of The Oprah Winfrey Show. Cook portrays Oprah, or as he would call her Harpo, rolling onto her stage, making a grand entrance on a skateboard and giving out big gifts such as humpback whales and schools with a staff. Then, after the “fun”

The Bar Code Tattoo

Beats- ZZZ Records

Eats- House of Bricks

STEPHANIE IVANKOVICH

BY: Shawna Polen

part of the show, he tells us the not-sofun part, when Oprah gets a serious look on her face and enlightens the audience about pedophiles and where you can find a pedophile near you.

If that is not funny enough, Cook makes fun of the History Channel and how he loves to watch shows about the Civil War because he thinks he was in it along with flute players and the drummers putting on gigs.

The fun just does not end there, however. After one listens to Sounds, Sights is introduced. Long time Cook fans must know that Cook is better live. Along with the live actual performance in Madison Square Garden, the DVD includes bonus features, a commentary, and Lighting the Lights of Madison Square Garden, basically the story of Cook’s career in comedy.

Compared to Retaliation and Harmful If Swallowed, Rough Around the Edges comes somewhere in between them. Like all of Cook’s comedy, it is funny because it is true and the acts are always something the audience can relate to.

On the downside, Cook, similar to most of his releases, has very coarse language

Provided/New Wave Entertainment

Comedian Dane Cook put on one of his largest shows ever in Madison Square Garden: Rough Around the Edges. in every act. Rough Around the Edges is also the shortest of his other releases.

If one is a Cook fan or just loves to laugh, Rough Around the Edges is worth every laugh.

The Bar Code Tattoo, by Suzanne Weyn came out in 2004, offers a new idea that made readers wonder if it could actually happen.

The new idea? It’s 2025 and the world is not using paper money, credit cards or even banks anymore. Instead, at the age of 17, people get to decide whether or not to receive a bar code tattoo on their arm. Not only does this hold their money, but it also holds the person’s work history and genetic code revealing the his or her family illness background.

Scary much? Yeah. By knowing your illness history, the government can make your life a living hell. If they found out that you had a higher rate to have a heart attack, they could make you lose your job.

The book follows 17-year-old Kayla, who doesn’t like the idea of the bar code conformity, even though her parents and friends have one, making her an outcast.

Soon it is the law to sport a bar code and now she is a fugitive running from the law.

The Bar Code Tattoo tells Kayla’s journey through a nonconformist’s point of view, finding herself and safety in numbers, while battling the government.

The book is based on a great idea. An idea that could happen in reality given time. But that was the only thing that kept me reading. Personally, if the idea were given to a more seasoned writer (someone whose written more), the book and idea could blossom into a best-seller.

When reading a book, readers will notice that a story builds until you reach the climax. But in The Bar Code Tattoo’s case, the story builds and then drops off at the end, not even completing the main conflict! Readers are left hunting for the second book.

Like the readers I mentioned above, I will be hunting for the second book to find out what happens. It is hard to leave a book unfinished.

Speaking of hunting, this book was hard to track down and the book club needed it bad. No one had a copy! Libraries, book stores and schools. Nope, none, nada. I was fortunate to find a copy at Barns & Noble on black Friday. The other stores told me that I could order one, but it would take a week. We do not have that kind of time.

Even though I have been ranting about the book’s downsides, I still encourage you to read The Bar Code Tattoo. But if only for the idea, it’s really scary to see something of that magnitude become a reality.

ReadingTip

Get out of your head and into the book. By putting yourself in a character’s position, you can understand the story better.

For questions, comments or feedback, e-mail me at Batty_forlife@yahoo.com

FEATURE

B&W

11

Veronica Roshek/BW

Provided/Krysten Pierce

Provided/Chris Adair

(Left) Before the car accident occurred, starting at left moving clockwise, Cayden Adair-Pierce, Dee Pierce, Heather Adair, and junior Krysten Pierce pose for a picture. (Middle) Krysten jokes around with Cayden at Child Serve while looking at the stickers on the tray of his wheelchair. Krysten tries to visit Cayden almost every day for at least two hours.

(Right) Not long after the accident, Cayden rests at the University of Iowa Hospital with his many injuries. He was the only one in the car that survived the car accident.

Pierce copes with loss of her mother VERONICA ROSHEK opinion editor

As junior Krysten Pierce signs in at the front desk, the receptionist politely greets the familiar visitor before Krysten starts to navigate the well-known route toward her little brother’s room. The brightly colored walls and scattered toys throughout the hallways attempts to create a homey-atmosphere. Home may not be the first word that comes to mind when associated with Child Serve, but that is exactly what it is for three-year-old Cayden Adair-Pierce.

Cayden smiles and squirms in his wheelchair as Krysten comes into the room, immediately going toward him to give him a hug. Cayden’s grandpa, Britt Adair, stands up and watches their interaction, pleased, and the trio decides to head down to the game room. While Krysten pushes Cayden’s wheelchair, he points down the halls directing her which way to go, truly a miracle after the accident only four months ago.

Devastating crash

On Aug. 10 at 8 a.m., Cayden was in the car with Heather Adair, his mom, and Dee Pierce, Krysten’s mom, on the way to Iowa City. Dee was going to have minor eye surgery. While traveling east on I-80 around Coralville, a trucker was changing lanes and did not see their Pontiac Bonneville. Skid marks were left where Dee slammed on her breaks and swerved off the road over the median, colliding with a van coming from the opposite direction.

Dee was killed on impact, while Heather was thrown through the windshield and also killed. Cayden was airlifted to the hospital. From there, Cayden stayed in the Intensive Care Unit at the University of Iowa Hospital until Sept. 5, when he was transferred to Child Serve, where he is presently.

Krysten did not find out about the accident until 4 p.m. while riding in the car with, Ashley Campbell, Krysten’s cousin, and Bernie Adair. “Bernie told us, ‘Dee and Heather have been in an accident,’ and then after he paused for a little bit before he said, ‘Dee and Heather are dead,’” Krysten said. “I didn’t want to believe him.

I started crying right away. If I was standing I probably would have fallen over.”

The car accident was hard to grasp for everyone. “I was shocked and devastated, just like everyone else,” 2007 graduate Corey Pierce, Krysten’s brother, said.

Once family members all heard about the accident, they gathered together at the Pierce residence. “All the people stayed for a while and it felt like they were all watching you, which made it tough,” Krysten said.

Krysten and Corey’s dad, Kerry Pierce, and step mom, Donna Pierce, were visiting family in Texas during the accident. When they found out, they caught the first flight back home. “I thought, ‘no way.’ It sounded

like a nightmare, a bad dream,” Donna said.

Family went to the house a few days after to collect the things in it. According to Krysten, it was hard because she could tell where her mom had been last, and that they must have been in a hurry because there was a lot of stuff left out. “Her room was the hardest place to sit in, but it was the place that I felt closest to her,” Krysten said.

Miracle toddler

Cayden was the only one in the car to survive, but he suffered many injuries. “(Cayden had) a broken collarbone from the strap of his car seat; brain trauma on the left side of his brain, which he will bounce back from; a fractured heel; eviscerated liver; contusion to his lungs; he broke all vertebrae in his back; and had ligament damage to his spine,” Britt said.

However, he is almost completely healed, only having problems with his left arm because of the brain injury.

According to Britt, because Cayden is so young, he is lucky he will be able to overcome the severeness of this accident. “His brain was hit with a blunt force. It’s like shutting down a computer; now the doctors have turned it back on, but it takes time to get it all working again,” Britt said. “But eventually he will be 100 percent, or close to that, much better.”

According to Krysten, Cayden is starting to relearn what he knew before, such as counting to 10 and speaking three- to four-word sentences. “The best part is being able to come (to Child Serve) and seeing Cayden smile,” Krysten said.

Britt is at Child Serve with Cayden every day, on average 10 hours a day, and Krysten visits almost everyday for at least two hours. “(Visiting Cayden) is a positive that helps keep Krysten focused. Going over there with her has been a big support for her,” Kerry said. “She’s a different person after being able to spend some time with him.”

After effects

After the car accident, Krysten moved in with Kerry and Donna, while Corey prepared to take off for college. “It was a tough situation for Krysten to have to come and live with me full time,” Kerry said. “She used to be with her mom 80 percent of the time and me 20 percent of the time.”

“It was nice (to have Krysten move in), but it was difficult for everyone. The expectations are different at the different households,” Donna said. “We’ve had our bumps and bruises and road barriers to get over, but we’re happy to have her in our lives.”

According to Krysten, from day to day, she has her ups and downs. “I have a constant want to talk to my mom, but I can’t even call her,” Krysten said. “I can see their (my mom’s and Heather’s) smiling faces, but I can’t hear their voices. And that kills me.”

It’s been difficult for Krysten to go to school where

she feels like people are always watching her, and they do not act the same around her. “At school, it’s hard hearing people talk about their moms, and because Heather worked at the school, not having her there,” Krysten said. “The best part now is I have plenty of people at school now that I can talk to.”

Krysten does her best to remember her mom in a positive light. “(My mom) may not be here with me physically, but she’s still with me,” Krysten said.

Kerry and Donna are trying to encourage Krysten to get involved in sports and other school activities to keep her focused. “Krysten has a lot before her having to go through her junior and senior years of high school without her mom,” Kerry said. “And then going through graduation without her.”

According to Krysten, it is hard to find the motivation to get schoolwork done. “When it’s quiet, I just start to think about it, and I don’t feel right working on something while thinking about it,” Krysten said. “If I don’t think about it, then it makes me feel bad; like I’m trying to forget it.”

Krysten does not want to participate in school sports anymore because of the events during the senior year season. “I don’t want to have to do the senior walk,” Krysten said. “I have a picture when (my mom) walked with Corey during his senior year, and she looked the happiest she’s ever been.”

A prolonged struggle

At this point, the family is still hanging on and struggling through grieving the loss of the two women. “The biggest thing (I’ve learned) is that you never know what life is going to throw at you,” Donna said. “It’s something that you have to take one day at a time, and help and support them as much as you can.”

While the tragedy is still difficult to deal with, going off to college has helped Corey do well and move on to the next part of his life. “For him, it was probably the best thing because it got him away from the area and it got him focused on other activities,” Kerry said.

At college, Corey was busy with other things like school and having a job, but coming home brought the event back on his mind. While home, he was able to go and see Cayden for the first time since the accident. “It triggered lots of different thoughts, like how he’s going to go through life without his mom,” Corey said.

Krysten is worried about similar things Cayden will have to overcome. “Everyone always talks about how he’s recovering so well and how he’s going to be back to the way he was before,” Krysten said. “But he’s going to need his mom and Dee to be exactly the same way he was before.”

As Krysten and Cayden joke around and laugh back at Child Serve, the time flies by. Cayden continues to heal quickly and will soon be able to leave Child Serve as an outpatient. The three-year-old miracle lives in spirit of Heather and Dee.

sports

FAB

14

Nate Dewhurst

4

Senior Signees

Denver University

Hockey

Bryan Lippincott

B&W

Jared Walahoski

University of Iowa

Golf

Troy Dubay

Concordia Univ.- Saint Paul

Concordia Univ.- Saint Paul

Baseball

Provided/Mark Phillips

Baseball

Nate Dewhurst plays with the Des Moines Buccaneers.

Senior Dewhurst signs with college hockey powerhouse

AUSTIN HARTSOOK staff writer

Senior Nate Dewhurst has always wanted to play professional hockey. He has built his resume just like any person interviewing for a job would have. He started playing for the Des Moines Capitals a member or the Midwest High School Hockey League as a freshman.

He then moved away from home and became a studentathlete for Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana.

This move increased exposure for the high school prep; which in turn created the opportunity for him to receive an invitation to play for the U.S.A. Under-18 Select Team. There, he was a key member of a team that played other countries from all across the world.

When he returned back home, he started playing for the Des Moines Buccaneers, a local minor league team.

The next step on his path to the pros came into effect when he signed with college hockey power Denver University.

Denver University is a Division one program playing in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA).

They have won the national championship two of the past four years and are one of the perennial powers in

the college hockey world.

Countless hockey programs lobbied for Dewhurst services on the ice including Michigan State, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Colorado College, and Notre Dame. He chose the Pioneers because of tradition and academics.

“I chose Denver because they’ve won two out of the last four national championships, and they have a great business program,” Dewhurst said. “ I love Denver. It’s right next to the city and the mountains, plus the campus is really nice.”

Denver head coach George Gwozdecky commented on Dewhurst recruitment. “We decided to recruit Nate Dewhurst based on his impressive skills, his intelligence, his competitive nature, and how well he has played when he has represented his country in international play,” said Gwozdecky.

Dewhurst expects to play center or wing next year and is hopeful to get on the ice as soon as next year for the currently second ranked pioneers. “ I think I’ll play there right away. The freshman that are there right now all play, so I’m assuming that I’ll be in that mix next year.”

So is this commitment just a stepping stone to bigger and better things? Not quite, Dewhurst said. “My ulti-

mate goal is to play in the NHL, but my focus right now is to get a good education and win a national championship in college.”

Other College Signees

-Zach Guyer

Iowa State Football -Veronica Roshek

Simpson Softball -Leah Embrey

UNI Softball

Dance team bounds over obstacles to place at state CHELSEA NELSON staff writer Eleven girls bounded to the center floor of the auditorium in front of an audience of several thousand people. As the music came on, they began to dance to a routine that was relearned only a few weeks prior.

The dance team’s Purple squad performed three routines at the Iowa Dance and Drill Team Championships that were held on Nov. 30. The dances had been recently re-choreographed because of changes that affected the team.

“We had someone quit in October after we had already choreographed two of the dances,” cocaptain Bethany Christenson said. “And then we had another person quit at the beginning of November and we knew that we would have to completely redo the routines.”

Coach Christy Christensen choreographed the lyrical and pom routines and half of the jazz routine.

“We choreograph according to how many girls there are on the team,” Christy said. “The girls are placed into groups. We had 13 girls, but with two gone, we had to do the groups differently.”

Cocaptain Courtney Coakley was determined to compete at state despite the setback.

“When (Christy) told us (they quit), we just sort of sat there in disbelief,” Coakley said. “We were like, ‘How could this happen?’ But it only really bothers you for a second. We knew we wanted to be successful.”

Coakley believes that while the changes that were made to the routines were problematic, they were also good for the squad.

“Although it throws you off at first, it almost helped to pull the team together,” Coakley said.

“It makes you even more like a team.”

According to Christy, longer and more frequent practices were scheduled to rehearse the new dances.

“We put in extra practices not scheduled, putting in five plus days a week,” Christy said.

“The girls got together on weekends, practicing two to three hours at a time.”

At state, the squad took sixth place in both their jazz and pom routines and placed third in the lyrical routine, missing second place by half a point.

“I’m very proud of the girls, and they did such a great job,” Christensen said. “They could have chosen to say, ‘this is such a pain in the rear. I’m not going to do this.’ But they didn’t, and they really pulled together and saw this through.”

Cory Gagne/Dragon

Senior Courtney Coakley leaps into an arabesque while rehearsing the lyrical routine. The routine and two other dances were performed at the Iowa Dance and Drill Team Championships on Nov. 30. The squad may perform at other competitions in the spring.