December 2012

It's

an

iPad world

the black and white. dec. 2012. volume 21 issue 5. 5152780449. 6501 NW 62nd ave. johnston, ia

index

the b&w in this issue

coyote meeting Residents meet to discuss coyote concerns

Rumor Busters

feature

5 6 7 8

Rumors around the school are put to the test

prescription meds Prescription medication is easily accessed.

Sharing them can lead to consequences

the basics about iPads Become informed about the need-to-know information for iPads

tattoos Students share their thoughts on tattoos and what it holds for their future

editorial

Madrigal brings another success in entertaining guests

sports entertainment

3 4

photo essay

backpage

news

[december 2012] 9

orchestra needed at JHS

With the benefits that an orchestra brings, the school should look into adding one to our music department

10

Asian influence

See how the Asian Culture has made its way into our own entertainment and society

11

concussions frequent in fall sports

Take a trip upstairs to room 413 to get your voice heard. Have an opinion you want to get out there?

Want your response to an article published? Write a letter to the editor and you could get your opinion heard! Write it within one week of this publication

to be considered for the next issue!

Fall season head injuries have increased, more than ever before

12

what Christmas means nowadays

Students of different religions discuss their views on the holidays

meet the staff Editorial board

editors in chief Hannah Soyer Laura Scieszinski Paige Cramer design editor Kenzie Foldes sub-editors Sarah Margolin- Copy Anne Rogers- Sports Sarah Ross- Feature

Mallorie Goodale- News

Staff writers

Austin Busch Clare Farrell Niki Ferguson Monica Gagne Aaron Gray Mollie Greenwood Myles Glandorf Taylor Joens Katelyn Lunders

Ethan Marshall Courtney Mithelman Zoe Wilson Jeremy Caracci

PHILOSOPHY The Black and White is published solely by the Johnston High School newspaper staff. Its goal is to inform, enlighten and entertain Johnston students. It is an open forum. In accordance with Iowa law and board policy, students assign and edit material and make all decisions of content. The paper is published ten times per school year. The paper will avoid material that is libelous, obscene or an invasion of privacy. The law does not require parental permission to use student quotes. Ethically, we believe students can speak for themselves. Staff editorials represent the opinion of a majority of the editorial board. Editorial and opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the adviser, school officials or the district. Letters to the editor must be signed. Like all material, letters may not be libelous, obscene or an invasion of privacy. Bring letters to room 413 within one week after publication to be considered for the next issue.

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

news

the b&w p.3

Madrigal

2

Music from the 90’s... the 1590’s words & layout Clare Farrell

1

Clare Farrell/BW

3

Austin Busch/BW

1

Victoria Trost uses Jacob Gehrke as a bench while Brandt Swallow (all seniors) puts a boot on her foot to prove she is the right fit. Trost’s dress was the envy of some girls because of its color and sheer back.

Senior Joscey Miner delivers her argument to senior Amelia Hammond. After admitting to killing Hammond’s donkey, senior Alex Kaptain who takes on the role of the king threatened Miner with five years of hard labor or one semester of Integrated Language Arts.

2 3

Junior Josh Dell begs for money at the annual madrigal dress rehearsal Nov. 27. Dell earned around $140 from the audience and was able to keep it. “I put most of the money towards my show choir fee,” Dell said. “The rest I kept for gas and stuff like that.” the prayer, senior Jacob Gehrke recites the prayer while everyone else hums before the 4 Leading annual Madrigal dinner starts. Gehrke played the role of jester. only by candle light, sopho5 Lit mores Barbie Sullivan and Bec5

4

Clare Farrell/BW

ca Stahr sing “Silent Night.”

Senior Laura Smalley sung the last verse of the song while the choir blew out their candles. Then Smalley blew out her candle and the church went dark.

Clare Farrell/BW

Clare Farrell/BW

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the b&w p.4

Coyote Concerns words & layout Kenzie Foldes Wildlife experts said coyotes are not dangerous at a

meeting held Nov. 15 at Summit Middle School. Organizers called the meeting in response to recent coyote

y

sightings in the Johnston city limits.

“Up until two weeks ago, I was not aware that we had

coyotes in Johnston,” Mayor Paula Dierenfeld wrote in Dierenfeld wrote about a Johnston mother of two

who emailed the mayor after she spotted a coyote in her backyard.

Finals are Dec. 19, 20, and 21 and students must stay in their

“Had it not been for the fact that it was cold and rainy

classes for the entire time that is set for that class. “For classes that

out, she said her children would have been playing in

you don’t have a final in, or where you just present a project, I think

the backyard,” Dierenfeld wrote in her blog. “This mother

that once you present your project you should just be able to leave

was concerned and wanted to know what the city was

because most kids aren’t even listening to the project anyways be-

doing to respond to these “new” sightings of coyotes in

cause they just want to go home,” sophomore Ruchi Shekar said.

our community.”

the schools were brought inside from recess as a precaution.

The Johnston Police Department contacted the dis-

trict about the increasing amount of phone calls the Department had received about coyote sightings. This prompted Horizon Elementary and Summit Middle

Schools to keep students inside for recess as a precau-

tion. “Not knowing a lot about the situation, we thought it was best to keep the [students] inside,” Tim Kline, director of buildings and grounds said. “Then through talking

to the Johnston Police Department and DNR we educated ourselves.”

The message of the Nov. 15 meeting which drew 50-

60 people, was similar. Jeff Swearingen from the Iowa

DNR and Ron DeArmond from the Wildlife Pella Company assured troubled locals by giving basic information about coyotes and answered questions residents had.

A coyote’s diet consists of small rodents, including

mice, rabbits, and squirrels. Coyotes hunting small animal pets and children are highly unlikely, and through the practice of hazing, a strategy to ease fear back into

coyotes by producing loud sounds such as yelling or

blowing whistles, coyotes will lose their sense of well being in residential areas.

Kline was surprised by the number of people who at-

tended the meeting. “A cougar was shot in Des Moines

about two blocks from an elementary and when a public meeting was held, only 15 people showed up,” Kline

said. “It was really surprising that coyotes received more attention.”

Kline feels education will help people understand

coyotes. “We are moving into their area, and they are adapting to humans,” Kline said. “Learning more about them is the first step to keeping our pets and kids safe.”

elman

ey Mith out Courtn words & lay

EalsD: M NenFts IR CO stay in fin Stud

her blog in November.

The day the staff received the email, students from

Rumor TERS S U B st ‘em u b e w , m e ou get ‘

A captive coyote that keeps to himself stands quietly in the background while Ron DeArmond from Wild Life Pella Company gives information about coyotes and how they interact with humans.

How to prevent a

Students will be allowed to go to the library during finals week, but only if they do not have a scheduled class at that time.

: D E M IR COJeNanF s on Friday’s

Teachers who wish to wear jeans on Fridays must pay two dol-

coyote

lars per week. “What we have asked, is that teachers who want to

Coyotes become territorial between the months of January to March due to breeding season. Here are a few tips to prevent an encounter.

became principal, teachers were not allowed to wear jeans at all.

encounter

Protecting your pet

Coyotes are often intimidated by humans. Accompanying your pet when you are outdoors can help prevent an encounter.

Do not leave pet food or treats outside for this can attract coyotes.

Use a leash when walking your pet in the park.

Use a coyote-proof fence in your yard. It must be at least six feet tall and extend at least 12 inches underground.

Use effective hazing

Hazing is a strategy to scare off a coyote and hopefully prevent it from becoming too comfortable in a residential or populated area.

Some effective hazing skills include yelling or being loud. Banging pots or throwing objects are also effective if a coyote is spotted in the area.

Continue to haze until the coyote has left the area.

Information provided by The Humane Society of the United States

wear jeans on Friday contribute to a fund that is used for Dollars for Scholars, and the other half goes to families in need,” principal Brent Riessen, who created this policy, said. Before Riessen “I think it’s great because the money is going towards a Dollar for

Scholars scholarship,” French teacher Mary Moermond said. A benefit for teachers that pay for this is giving back to the students

through Dollars for Scholars Scholarships. “And also, it’s one day

a week that I don’t have to think about what I’m going to wear,” Moermond adds.

TEceDss: BrkUinS g lot ac Pa

The high school handbook states that all parking lots are off

limits during the school day.

“What we ask of kids is that if you are scheduled for a class,

that you’re at that class,” principal Brent Riessen said. There can be consequences for going to your car, but they can vary from each situation.

“If they need to go to their car, what we would ask them to do

is come to the office and check,” Riessen said. “Typically then it’s

a matter of signing out, getting what you need and signing back in.” That’s exactly what choir director, Samantha Robilliard does.

“I always make people check into the office before they go to their

cars,” Robilliard said. The reason that students are asked to check

out of the office is so the administration always knows where kids are in case of an accident, or emergency.

news

the b&w p.5 School nurse Susan Krebs sees it every year —

is illegal. Once someone becomes an adult, however,

them instead of taking it to the nurse’s office at the

dent is a minor giving a prescription medication to an-

Associate principal Jerry Stratton said that the rea-

or aggravated misdemeanor. If someone is an adult

students keeping their prescription medication with

the charges can become much more serious. If a stu-

beginning of the year, as is the school policy.

other minor, he or she can be charged with a serious

soning behind this policy is so students do not give

giving a prescription medication to a minor, he or she

this does not happen often, it is still an occurrence,

On top of this, if a crime is committed by an adult,

their prescription medication to other students. While

can be charged with a class C felony.

and there are serious consequences if a student is

that person faces the adult court system, which is put

On Nov. 5, senior Peyton Pagliai, 18, was arrested

nile court system is meant to help teach and sway,”

caught. This can often lead to police involvement.

in place to punish. Jensen attests to this. “The juve-

and charged with distributing prescription drugs to a

she said. “If you’re 18 and you get in trouble, you’re

female, was charged with possession of prescription

Giving prescription medication to someone without

minor during school hours. The minor, a 15 year-old

going to be put in jail, you’re going to see a judge.”

drugs and other drug paraphernalia. A $10,000 bond

a prescription can be dangerous, the main reason

Pagliai’s lawyer Sean Spellman appeared in court

the type of medication, different reactions could oc-

James Birkenholz ordered Pagliai to undergo a sub-

reaction. “Pain medication is one of the most poten-

Dec. 13. She was then ordered to have a trial by jury

Krebs said. “If it’s strong enough, the student could

was posted Nov. 6 for Pagliai by Iowa Bail Bonds.

for the school policy. Krebs said that depending on

on Nov. 13 to plead not guilty. The Honorable Judge

cur. For one, a student could have a severe allergic

stance abuse evaluation by her arraignment hearing

tially dangerous prescription medications out there,”

which will take place Feb.13.

pass out.”

the use of prescription drugs has “skyrocketed” since

not to follow the school policy. “I can barely get to

Whatever age someone is, giving prescription

her ADHD medication. “I don’t have time to go to the

School Resource Officer Jessica Jensen said that

Despite this reasoning, many students choose

2007 due to the increasing availability of them.

school on time,” a female student said in regards to

medication to one that does not have that prescription

nurse’s office and wait in line for my medicine. I usu-

ally realize [I forgot to take my medicine] while I’m in

class and realize I’m not getting anything done. I don’t want to have to leave class and take time to go get my medicine when I could just get it out of my pocket.”

The student does agree, however, that the policy is a good idea.

If a student is caught in possession of prescription

medication, that person will be asked to leave it in the nurse’s office for the rest of the day where Krebs will

keep it locked up. A phone call will also be made to

the parent(s) to verify that it is indeed the student’s medication. Parents are asked to encourage their student to bring it to the nurse’s office in the future.

In regards to suspension, associate principal Jerry

Stratton said, “If I believed that there was enough information to turn it over to a police officer, I would say

there’s a really strong likelihood that I believed you were doing it based on my findings. I can’t believe

that I would ever turn it over to a police officer unless I would suspend them.”

Stratton said he doesn’t know how big of a prob-

lem prescription drugs are here, but that he knows it exists. “I think I’m throwing a dart against a wall, I don’t know for sure. To me, any time that we have

drugs, alcohol or prescription drugs, one is too many, because we’re talking about student safety. For me, any time I think it’s out there it’s a problem.”

words & layout Hannah Soyer

Hannah Soyer/BW

Pills become prevalent

feature

the b&w p.8

his tattoo on his rib cage. “(It was) excruciatingly painful,”

O’Keefe said. “It felt like I was getting stabbed repeatedly in the ribs.” O’Keefe described this as the worse part about getting a tattoo.

After 17 years as an artist, Schager said creating a

tattoo is not hard. “Ninety percent of the tattoo job is

mental, the rest you could pretty much train a monkey

to do,” he said, “but you do have to have some sort of

artistic talent.” He said some people draw a sketch of the tattoo on the person before to use as a guide.

“Me personally, I like drawing it on paper and making

a stencil,” he said. “You just wet the skin and it leaves like an outline. Then you just work off that.”

Tattoos in Training

Students and artists share their experiences with tattoos Kenzie Foldes/BW

words & Layout Jeremy Caracci

His mother opposed the idea the most. “You don’t

ing a tattoo artist.”

Dotseth praised Nelson’s work. “She’s very good at

lows 16 and 17 year-olds to get one with parent con-

what she does,” Dotseth said.

sent.

“I usually just draw on my friends, I draw on myself

O’Keefe kept up the pressure. He travels to Omaha

a lot too,” Nelson said. “When people see things on me

often for medical tests. Eventually, his mother gave in.

that they like, they ask me to draw it on them.”

“There are way worse things kids can do,” she said.

“Craig goes there all the time so I thought it might be a

Inking Experience

nice gift.”

Other than taking drawing with teacher Daniel Weiss

After researching online and talking with his parents,

last year, Nelson has no other drawing expertise.

O’Keefe decided on a tattoo of his family crest. “I didn’t

Schager didn’t take any art classes in high school. “I

know what I wanted at first,” he said. “Then I realized I

started college and I didn’t really know what to do, then I

wanted the O’Keefe crest because family is something

found commercial art,” Schager said. “I graduated, but I

that is very important to me.”

them.”

According to a Harris Poll, 14 percent of Americans

have tattoos. Of those, seven million people say they regret getting their tattoo.

Schager, who co-owns the Skin Kitchen tattoo parlor

on Douglas Avenue, said his own tattoos have meaning.

Most people wanted the nonpermanent tattoo on their

“I started really drawing on people in fifth grade,” she

Iowa law prohibits people under 18 from acquiring a

else’s body and you’re putting something permanent on

ed drawing on each of us.”

said, “and that’s about when I started thinking about be-

tattoo even with parent consent. Nebraska, however, al-

the hardest things for me,” Schager said. “It’s somebody

game,” sophomore Hayley Dotseth said. “She just start-

emotionally before the game.”

want a tattoo,” she said. “It’s going to be there forever.”

process. “Getting over the permanency factor was one of

Pella Christian game. “We were sitting watching the JV

connect more as a team because we were connecting

typical. “Nice try,” they said.

ing people he had trouble getting comfortable with the

to draw tattoos on the varsity volleyball team before the

“I don’t know if it helped us physically, but it helped us

Brian and Wendy, he wanted a tattoo, their reaction was

When local tattoo artist Matt Schager started tattoo-

coming a tattoo artist. In the fall she used a black Sharpie

wrists. “Everyone had something different,” Dotseth said.

When 16 year-old Craig O’Keefe told his parents,

A Body of Work

Junior Bailee Nelson has put some thought into be-

didn’t do anything as far as career-wise.”

Kenzie Foldes/BW

Danny Gould, a tattoo artist at Skin Kitchen, gives Shane Strant a tattoo on his left arm.

Gould is one of the five tattoo artists at Skin Kitchen.

The tattoos on his knuckles are just some examples. “I

got this one in honor of Johnny Cash when he died,” Schager said. “I got this one as a tribute to 9/11.” About 60 percent of Schager’s body is covered with tattoos.

O’Keefe recommends getting a tattoo, but advised, “Just not in a very sensitive spot.”

Against the advice of his artist, O’Keefe chose to put

For Schager, becoming a tattoo artist simply fell into

place. “I worked some odds and ends jobs here and there, but my sister-in-law lived in California and she was a cosmetic tattoo artist,” Schager said. A cosmetic artist does make-up tattoos around the eyebrows and lips.

“She told me I should look into [tattooing]. So I found

a place that did apprenticeships and kind of went from there.”

Nelson plans to attend college and study graphic de-

sign. “I’m not sure if you need a college degree to become a tattoo artist,” Nelson said. “It’s not a definite de-

cision yet, but it’s definitely something I’d be interested in.”

editorial

the b&w p.9

The Sound of Change For years Johnston has been on top of providing the best for its students. Administrators exceed in finding doors to new

the district, providing opportunities for our students here at Johnston, and also to better enhance the music department.”

worlds for students to expand their education and invest in new

Junior Bella North played the violin as a child but over time

things. Currently they are focused on bringing the Ipad’s for stu-

dropped the instrument for other sports and classes at the high

dents and faculty and creating the model for a new high school

school. “I think having an orchestra would be cool to give kids an

for future students. Why is advancing our arts programs not a

opportunity to play together,” North said.

part of these new changes?

For every student there is a whole world of opportunities, except with instruments. Johnston is limited to the select instruments in the common band. Meanwhile, schools like Valley and Waukee are finding ways to broaden the horizons in their school by providing an orchestral class to students who wish to play a different instrument like a violin, bass, cello, viola or harp.

Junior at Valley, Emily Roose, has been in the school orchestra since

“

5th grade when she picked out the bass as her new instrument.

Kearney gives his stance on how to go about getting a orchestra for Johnston.

“

Ultimately it is both a curricular and financial issue. The school

board would first have to approve a class and an orchestra curriculum. Another issue is that the orchestra has to be funded.

Given the constraints that the school board faces in terms of dollars from the state, either there would need to be an increase in funding to the district from the state or other programs would have to be eliminated to pay for an orchestra.

I love the bass. It’s because the bass is the foundation of the orchestra. It’s

the instrument that adds depth to the sound. I love being able to ‘hold up’ the

”

rest [of the] orchestra. My bass is a part of me and I couldn’t imagine my life without it.

”

Luckily, Miller is already working on it. “The plans aren’t final yet, as I am still waiting for a reply from David Law, who works

with the Iowa Alliance for Arts Education, for some information and tips on presenting my ideas to the school board,” Miller said.

It is only orchestras that can bring a love of music

this strong to so many students.

“I contacted a Waukee representative, and they told me that they partnered with the Des Moines Symphony, and now offer private

“Orchestral music is the real history of instru-

lessons through Community Education. This is something I was

mental music,” band director Pat Kearney said. “[It

thinking about, rather than trying to jump into a full strings pro-

is] the music that is studied in colleges around

gram, if we could gradually ease our way similar to what Waukee

the world.” Schools like Valley have realized the

does.”

progress that needs to happen to open up the

Waukee is one of the many schools struggling to provide more

music world to even more students. The truth is

opportunities to their students without cutting funds from the al-

that Johnston needs to catch up and bring the

ready existing music program.

opportunity to students across our district.

“I think that classes being offered through Community Edu-

Numerous students in the district already

cation are pretty easy to do, so long as you have an instructor,”

play orchestral instruments. Sophomore Marcus

Principle Brent Riessen said. “As for an orchestra program, that

Miller has been playing the violin for seven years

is a far more complicated process to work through. I would never

and has been cooperating with the band for songs

rule out a possible course of study, but I know that there are a

that may allow for a violin. “I think many people these

lot of demands on students and schedules already. It has been

days, especially in these tough economic times, overlook

looked at in the past, and can always be reviewed.” The idea of

the arts programs, such as an orchestra,” Miller said. “An

an orchestra must be looked at again soon if we hope to further

orchestra program would be beneficial to the district in nu-

opportunities for all students.

merous ways, such as attracting new students from outside

The editorial board votes on the opinion behind the editorial. A simple majority is needed to pass. This month’s vote was 4-0.

entertainment

the b&w p.10

Asian

Love

Invasion

English songKorean artist

Not ready to transition into full blown Korean songs? No problem, some Korean singers have English versions released.

Korea

A snapshot of Korean pop culture layout Monica Gagne

words Sarah Margolin

Korean Beauty

In Korea, there are many things that we as Americans do

that make no sense to them, and vise versa. Prime example,

beauty. In America, everyone has a different idea of what is beautiful. In Korea, there is one thing that everyone (both male and female) strives for, these are: 1. Long legs

2. Large eyes (doll-like effect).

3. Pale skin. This one is the most different from us as

1. 2NE1- “Can’t Nobody” 2. Girls Generation- “The Boys” 3. The Koxx- “Take me Far from Home” 4. Taeyang- “Wedding Dress” and “I’ll be there” 5. BIGBANG- “Lies”

Americans whose goal in the summer, or anytime of the year is to go and fry our skin and keep it as tan as possible. Korean’s will wear long sleeves in the summer to keep their skin pale.

4. X-Lines/ S-Lines. Both of these are different body types

in Korea. S-Lines, being the more curvy type, and X-line is long legs and arms, with a tiny waist.

5. Small face. Korean’s in pictures will sometimes do

peace signs by their cheeks. This is an attempt to cover up

Korean music Boys

pop rock

Super Junior

their cheekbones because they view them as sticking out bigger then it really is.

6. V-Line. This goes with the idea of the ideal face shape.

Girls Girls Generation

A V-Line is the idea of having a slim face. In Korea, there are things like face rollers and different drinks that claim to slenderize your face.

CNBlue

Eve

rap

B.A.P

2NE1

hip-hop

BIGBANG

Wonder Girls

dance

U-Kiss

4Minute

R&B

Taeyang

Lee Hi

has his hair styled and will wear makeup on a normal

indie

Handsome People

Urban Zakapa

their goal. In Korea, it is normal and girls love them.

Flower Boys The idea of a flower boy is something that is seen

in Korea and in a lot of Korean music videos. A flower boy is someone who dresses super nice, always

basis. Flower boys do look very feminine but that is These guys are like the Bradley Cooper of Korea.

Couples vs. friends Public displays of affection between couples: Not often. Hand holding maybe, but kissing and hugging are not really common. Korea is

just more into the emotional part of a relationship versus the physical.

Between friends: Totally normal. Girls will hold hands with each

other as well as guys if they are close friends. This is really com-

All this information came from Simon and

mon between guys in the same band. While on talk shows they

Martina who are a couple that lives in Korea

other in general. It is very normal for guys to be sitting on each

at eatyourkimchi.com, or their YouTube page at

touch each others faces a lot, and will just be really close to each

and blogs about their life in Korea. Learn more

others laps and sleeping in the same room. This is not weird in

SimonandMartina.

Korea and they are not seen as dating, just really good friends.

All illustrations done by Monty Cason

sports

the b&w p.11

Counting down the concussions words Anne Rogers Senior Joscey Miner watches from

the sidelines as her cheerleading squad

pumps up the football crowd. Oct. 12, Miner

suffered a blow to the head, which took her

out of participating in cheer for the rest of the season. “It’s sad, and really hard to sit

and watch because I’m so used to being involved,” Miner said.

Her concussion happened when a flyer’s

back came down on her head during a prac-

tice. “Only my back hurt at first, so I didn’t

think anything of it,” Miner said. “Later that night, I got really bad headaches, and I would consistently get them everyday.”

Miner waited six days to go to the doctor

until she realized things were getting

worse. “When I was writing my gov-

ernment essay one day in class, my head was literally pounding,” Miner said. “Afterwards, my mom

took me to the doctors because it

was hurting so bad.”

After her visit to the doctors, Min-

er was out of school for the next two

weeks because of the severity of the

concussion.

Concussions have always been a

Left: Junior Kelsey Kramer practices a prep stunt with her cheerleading team. Kramer has also gotten a concussion from falling out of a stunt.

layout Paige Cramer

problem in athletics. There were 18 concussions

ed up sitting out the rest of the football season.

was a handful of football players, at least five

cussions are dangerous,” Riessen said. “When it

in school athletics this past fall season. “There on varsity,” head football coach Brian Woodley

said. Three varsity cheerleaders, Miner being one of them, got concussions this fall as well.

Athletes seem to push away the severity of

“Yeah I was mad I couldn’t play, but I know conhappened I wasn’t thinking straight, so I thought

I was fine. Now I’m glad I stopped playing after that practice.”

In order to prevent concussions, coaches

concussions so they are still able to participate

need to stress to their athletes to always take

sion when they need to be taking care of it.

tell the boys to ‘see what you hit.’ “As coaches,

in their sport. They tend to ignore their concus“[The cheerleaders] know the impact that just

one girl missing from practice can have on the team when it comes to stunting and pyramids, so they may not tell anyone they have a headache

because they don’t want to sit out,” said head cheerleading coach, Lexi Shafer.

Football players pretend to be fine as well.

“Some players just don’t want to miss playing

safety precautions. Football coaches constantly

that’s the most important thing we say to them.

Don’t put your head down, see what you hit,” Woodley said.

In cheerleading, technique is key. “We are

constantly coaching and correcting the girls in

their technique, so that they can learn preventative measures to prevent injuries,” Shafer said.

Nurse Susan Krebs sometimes sees athletes

time,” Woodley said. “But this is their head, their

who have concussions in her office. “Athletes

their life.”

to be careful,” Krebs said.

brain, and they need it to function for the rest of Junior Grant Riessen got a concussion this

need to be smart about the play. They have got What athletes do not realize is that if they

past football season in August, as the team start-

don’t take the time needed to recover from con-

on the ground for the ball and someone landed

future. “I’ve seen people with permanent brain

ed two-a-days (two practices in one day). “I dove on my head,” Riessen said. He played the rest of practice, but went to the doctor’s right after.

“I felt really out of it and I had a really bad headache,” Riessen said. “I knew I had a concussion though. When someone gets a concussion, they just know.”

Riessen got constant headaches for two and

a half months after the first concussion. He end-

cussions, there could be serious damage in their damage, memory loss, even people in wheelchairs,” Krebs said. No matter how much they love the sport they play in, athletes need to be

precautious and take the time to heal from a concussion. “If you have concussion symptoms, listen to it,” Krebs said. “It’s a matter of four weeks

out of one year, or the rest of your life. Think about it.”

symptoms of concussions*

preventing concussions*

• Unusual sleepiness or difficulty being awakened • Trouble using arms or legs • Slurred or stuttering speech • Convulsions or seizures • Increasing headache • Increasing or onset of vomiting • Increasing confusion

• • • •

Use the right protective equipment Follow safety rules and rules of sport Practice good sportsmanship Do not return to play with a known or suspected concussion • Always practice safety • Be careful

Left: Sophomore Jordan Weddington carries the ball at a football game against Dowling Catholic on Aug. 17. Although Weddington did not get a

*According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

concussion this season, many of his teammates did.

Provided/Dragon

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the b&w p.12

Is Christ still a part of Christmas?

In December, many people partake in the Christmas traditions such as Christmas trees and caroling. However, not everyone does these as a celebration of the birth of Christ. Have the traditions kept with their Christian origin or has Christmas become more commercialized throughout the years? ood e eenw r G Gagn ollie a M ic on s word layout M

Carly Crist-Atheist Mollie Greenwood/BW

Aditi DinakarHindu

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Provided/Aditi Dinakar

Even though Christmas started as a Christian holiday and obviously it was started from the whatever of Jesus that happened on that day. Wasn’t it his birthday or something, or did he die that day? I don’t even know! But, even though it started that way, Christmas has become more of a social holiday. It’s become more American, rather than Christian.

”

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Christmas is very important to me because it’s a time to remember how much God loves each of us and desires to have a relationship with us.

He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to earth for us. And the amazing thing is that it doesn’t mean that I have to be perfect. No matter how hard I try, I will never get everything right. But He will forgive me for my mistakes if I ask Him to. That’s what Christmas is about: The God of the Universe sacrificed His only Son for each of us because He wants us to be a part of His family.

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”

From left to right: Senior Fatiha Iqbal and junior Aditi Dinakar

Josh HjelmaasJewish

Natalie Vander PloegEvangelical Provided/Natalie Vander Ploeg

“

We put up our Christmas lights during [Diwali] so we just have them up early. We do put up a Christmas tree.

It’s obviously not a religious celebration of Christmas, just kind of like a cultural thing. We have a little tree, we’ll do presents sometimes, but it’s nothing as extravagant as most Christians would have.

Provided/Josh Hjelmaas

“

I love all of the festivities and hoopla surrounding Christmas, but I don’t actually observe the holiday. I don’t at all think that Christmas has turned into a secular holiday. It has become so intertwined with American culture. Just think of the scores of Christmas TV specials and movies coming out this time of year, as well as the consumer madness starting with Black Friday. It’s hard to say that Christmas is purely religious in this country.

”