March 2017

black& white the

March 2017

Purpose of the pill

pg. 14

Athletes pop pills pre-game

pg. 15

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March 2017 pg. 2 Cover | Kathryn Ikeda

Humans of JHS: Alan Ritchie

index STAFF

Co-editor-in-chief

Kathryn Ikeda

Co-editor-in-chief Bryce Schulte

Feature editor

Angela Cai

IN THE ISSUE Photo essay

Design editor Exploring S.T.E.M. fields......................4/5 Will Reiher

News

Opinion editor Teacher accused of sex abuse.................6

Matthew Berry “This summer I attempted to make a movie. It was at sum-

Feature Photo editor Scheduling situation..................................7

mer camp for Boy Scouts. My inspiration came from a pa-

Kitarrah Mangra-Dutcher

per that I was given and it had this poorly drawn turtle on

Sub-opinion editor

it. I named the film “The Quest for the Ice Turtle.” It was a doomed failure from the start because I had a shoestring budget of about 20 bucks. I had a crew of about ten people, most of them didn’t do much, they were just there because they needed their bear patch signed off on. The movie was very bad, mainly because we didn’t know how to act, but we tried very hard.”

For more, visit http://jhsblackandwhite.com/humans-of-jhs

b&w philosophy The Black & White is published solely by the Johnston Senior High School newspaper staff. Its goal is to inform, enlighten and entertain Johnston students. It is an open forum. In accordance with Iowa law and board policy, students assign and edit material and make all decisions of content.

The paper is published nine times per school year. The paper will not publish material that is libelous, obscene or an invasion of privacy. The law does not require parental permission to use student quotes. Ethically, we believe students can speak for themselves. Staff editorials represent the opinion of a majority of the editorial board. Editorial and opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the advisor, school officials or the district.

Letters to the editor must be signed. Like all material, letters may not be libelous, obscene or an invasion of privacy. To write a letter to the editor, writers an submit them in person in room 413 or email them to jhsblackandwhite@gmail.com The Black & White strives to report accurate and timely information. If you believe that an error has been published, please contact the editors at jhsblackandwhite@gmail.com.

The Black & White is a member of CSPA, NSPA, Quill & Scroll and IHSPA. Recent issues of the paper earned these honors: Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Crown Award, National Scholastic Press Association First Class rating, Quill & Scroll Gallup Award, IHSPA state placings and third in the National Best of Show.

1/1600: Jessica Bigelow............................10

Edin Sehic

Student diversity succumbs Staff writers to stereotypes............................................8&9

Bobby Bailey Grace Ballesteros Mackenzie Beck Erin Bockenstedt Sophie Cordaro Joey Dow Sam Farrell Justin Gard Shabana Gupta Molly Hauser Noah Haynes Nick Irwin Katelyn Kempkes Jacob Kim Gretchen Lagerblade Mason Lillegraven Anna Losen Jack Lucas Ben Lunn Andrew Maresca Jessica McKee Sloan Meader Jaden Neely Evan Newcomb Abby Nichol Anika Schmitt Hannah Short Kennedy Stone Hanna Tanner Brooke Willis

Representation of the student body proved to be lacking in A.P. classes Opinion Press pause..................................................11 Too many things, not enough time....12 Protest for the repressed........................13

Health Purpose of the pill....................................14

Sports Athletes pop pills pre-game..................15

current events

March 2017

p.3

March online

Scan to visit the online website.

2

Into the field of Criminal Justice Give Trump time

Visit jhsblackandwhite.com for further March coverage.

“

1

Fly me to the moon ... Ok.

-Elon Musk, in a tweet announcing his plan to send two wealthy tourists around the moon by the end of 2018.

Mock Trial Four Johnston mock trial teams advanced to the state competitions out of 29 total teams in the region.

High Low Basketball Boys lost in the sub-state final against Newton.

3

Verbatim 10001000010111010111101001 7,818 00101101101101101111000010 Number of documents released as part of the “Vault 7” leaks detailing advanced CIA hacking techniques.

March 8

7

International Women’s Day

90.8 Years

Predicted lifespan of the average South Korean woman by 2030. This marks the first time life expectancy has crossed the 90-year mark.

“

Number of planets found orbiting a star 40 light years away. At least three of the planets are likely habitable.

I feel like we shouldn’t have to copy other schools.

“

Archery competes at state tournament

“

1 2 3 4

Girls’ basketball loses to Indianola at state

-Joel Woodsmall ‘17, reacting to the blocked schedule set to be piloted

4 compiled | Bobby Bailey

77-67 The girls’ basketball team lost their quarterfinal game against undefeated Indianola. Indianola’s Grace Berg set a new state tournament record with 36 points scored in the game.

“...Effectively holding our citizens hostage.”

-Najib Razak, Malaysian Prime Minister, in response to North Korea’s announcement that it would be preventing Malaysian citizens from exiting the country. This dispute comes in the aftermath of the assassination of Kim Jong Nam, brother of Kim Jong Un, in mid-Februrary.

SOURCES: CNN, TWITTER, NPR

March 2017

photo essay

p.4

Exploring S.T.E.M. fields

Some clubs around the school focus on the science, technology, engineering and math subjects, including HyperStream, Math Club, Science Club and Robotics Club

words | Kitarrah Mangra-Dutcher & Shabana Gupta layout | Kitarrah Mangra-Dutcher

2

photo by Shabana Gupta

1

photo by Shabana Gupta

photo by Shabana Gupta

1

Members of the math club grab snacks off the front table before beginning to learn about Matrix. “They’re what we call a plus on the core,” math teacher Julie Probst said. “It’s extra that we don’t have to cover, and we don’t have time.”

2

Taylor Carlson ‘18, Jordan Durst ‘18 and Sydney Hughes ‘18 play with their elephant toothpaste experiment during a science club meeting. The mixture bubbled up over the top of the bottle and continued to expand while Carlson poured more colors onto the top.

3

3

photo by Shabana Gupta

Jared Hermon ‘17 and Cole Foels ‘17 develop code during a HyperStream meeting. “We’re practicing setting up our virtual environment so we know what we’re doing for the competition,” Hermon said.

4

4

During math club Nick Dahlen ‘18 questions why the inverse of a matrix causes two numbers within it to switch spots in order to solve ‘x’. “Matrixes are helpful to do because you don’t need a calculator anymore to solve a system, which would be a lot more convenient if you didn’t own a $200 calculator,” Dahlen said.

photo essay

March 2017

photo by Shabana Gupta

5 photo by Shabana Gupta

6 photo by Shabana Gupta

photo by Shabana Gupta

8

photo by Bobby Bailey

7 9

6 7 8 9

p.5

5 During science club, Jade Kelso ‘19 removes ivory soap from the microwave after heating a bar for one minute.

This was one of seven experiments that they performed during the hour-long meeting.

Grant Abramowitz ‘18 practices coding languages during a HyperStream club meeting. HyperStream brought coders together to develop programs and virtual scenarios.

Stella Zeng ‘20 practices multiplying a matrix problem after being taught by math club advisor Julie Probst. Zeng travelled to the high school from the middle school to be a part of the club.

Hudson Berry ‘19, Jade Kelso ‘19 and Lauren Kress ‘19 work with the snake Mr. Smithers during a Science Club meeting. Kelso continued to participate in Science Club activities while holding the snake.

Working on FRC Team 4646’s robot, Afshan Chandani ‘17 rewires an ultrasonic sensor. The robotics team was not a school sponsored activity, though many students competed on a team.

March 2017

news

p.6

Teacher accused of sex abuse

After a warrant was issued for his arrest, science teacher and assistant boys soccer coach Dustin Mead turned himself in to authorities words & layout | Kathryn Ikeda [Left] Science teacher Dustin Mead’s mug shot. Photo provided by Polk County.

[Right] Mead watches a varsity soccer game in November 2015. Mead’s first year of employment was 2008-2009. Photo by Ashley Long.

Due to space constraints, this is a condensed version of a longer story, which has also been published online. Visit jhsblackandwhite.com to read the expanded version.

After being placed on paid administrative leave

complaint. This information is a public record.

mors going around school at first you’re like, ‘this

beginning Jan. 18, an arrest warrant was issued for

Johnston Police Officer Ryan Hanssen wrote in the

isn’t really viable, I can’t believe this right now,’ but

science teacher and assistant boys’ soccer coach

complaint the alleged facts for sexual exploitation

when they’re getting officials involved it feels a lot

Dustin Mead March 6. Mead was charged with

by a school employee. “Throughout the course of

more like it’s actually happening.”

sexual abuse in the third degree, which is a class

the 2015-2016 school year, the defendant (Mead)

Mead is charged with two levels of felony. The

“C” felony, as well as sexual exploitation by a school

reportedly provided the victim with grades that

maximums outlined for these charges are unlikely

employee, a class “D” felony.

she had not earned, made inappropriate sexual

to happen. A class “C” felony is punishable by up to

Johnston Police Department Lieutenant Tyler

comments to the student, touched the student’s

ten years in prison and a fine of $1,000 to $10,000.

Tompkins told The Des Moines Register that Mead

clothed upper inner thigh, grabbed the student’s

A class “D” felony is lower and less punishment.

turned himself in to police after being advised by

buttocks over her clothing, kissed the student and

Class “D” is punishable by up to five years in prison

his legal counsel. This is not uncommon. When

digitally penetrated the student without her con-

and a fine of $750 to $7,500.

a criminal complaint is filed by the county attor-

sent,” he wrote.

The entire investigation and trial may take more

ney, an arrest warrant is issued. The person can

The criminal complaint states that these in-

than a year. During this time, Smith thinks it is

arrange to turn themselves in, or law enforcement

cidents all allegedly occurred inside of the high

good for students to help each other process infor-

officers can seek out and arrest the person. “That

school in a pattern of conduct done for the purpose

mation. “I think it’s important for students to talk

doesn’t mean a defendant is admitting guilt, that

of arousing or satisfying Mead’s sexual desires.

about it,” she said. “Not necessarily in the rumor

just means the defendant knows there’s a warrant

Mead was the victim’s anatomy teacher.

sense, but just to understand what’s going on be-

out for his arrest and he’s choosing to turn him-

The details for third degree sexual abuse are

cause when something like this happens it’s just an

self in to law enforcement as opposed to the law

more graphic. “During the second semester of the

enforcement seeking him out to execute the arrest

2015-2016 school year, the defendant did digitally

She also believes it is necessary for students to

warrant,” attorney Luke Craven said.

interruption to your normal life.”

penetrate the victim’s vagina without her consent,”

not spread false information. “There’s definitely

Craven was contacted for this story to provide

Hanssen wrote. “This incident reportedly occurred

crazy things that people have been saying,” she

insight on the legal process. He is not, however,

inside of the Johnston High School. The victim

said. “It’s important to just remember that you

part of Mead’s legal team, nor does he have access

described freezing up during the incident and not

don’t know anything that happened unless you

to classified evidence, only what is available as pub-

knowing what to do.”

were involved.”

lic records. He made no comments as to the merits

When news broke of Mead’s arrest, many stu-

Executive Director of Human Resources Laura

dents were upset. “I was initially really shocked

Kacer was unable to comment as it is an open in-

Tompkins told The Des Moines Register that the

because I didn’t think that he was like that,” Libbie

vestigation. “I can confirm that Mr. Mead contin-

investigation stemmed from allegations brought

Smith ‘18 said. Smith was in Mead’s advisory class.

ues to be on paid administrative leave and we are

forth by school district officials. Tompkins also said

“When I found out I honestly couldn’t believe it for

cooperating with the investigation,” she said in an

the case involves multiple victims, however only

a little bit. It was a huge shock to me.”

e-mail. “Matters like this are difficult to discuss

of the prosecution or the defense case.

one victim is listed in court documents currently available to the public.

As both charges are criminal, the trial process began when he was arrested and will continue at

because of the need to keep a person’s personnel matters private.”

As it is still an ongoing investigation, many

the same time as the investigation does. Students in

This is not the first time a Johnston teacher was

parts of court documents are classified. However,

Mead’s classes were sent subpoenas by mail stating

arrested on sex abuse charges. Former Summit

to charge the person being accused, called the de-

that the police wished to access students’ records to

Middle School teacher Steven Williams was con-

fendant, an investigating police officer must sub-

see which female students were in Mead’s classes.

victed in 2012 after sending sexually explicit mes-

mit facts they believe to be true that support why

“It felt a lot more real on levels of their involving

sages to a student he believed was 14 years old, but

the defendant may be guilty, called the criminal

authorities,” Smith said. “At first when you hear ru-

was actually an undercover Clinton County Sheriff.

feature

p.7

March 2017

Scheduling

As the opening of the new high school approaches, administration is looking at making

situation

changes to scheduling and start times. Currently, the middle and high schools have 45 minute, eight period days. There will be a pilot schedule starting March 27 to April 7.

Administration looks at two possible changes to the schedule format

The premise of a modified block schedule is to give teachers one day with an extended period of time. Monday, Tuesday and Friday would be a regular eight period days, however Wednes-

words | Matthew Berry

day and Thursday would be in a blocked format. Wednesdays all odd periods will meet,

layout | Kathryn Ikeda

and Thursdays all even periods will meet. One Wednesday and Thursday will be an A-day block, and the next Wednesday and Thursday will be a B-day block.

The reason for these changes comes from

Hours of sleep each night

many different forces. Besides the new building, Waukee, Des Moines, West Des Moines and

Less than seven

Urbandale all run either a modified or full block

Eight-nine

schedule. Principal Ryan Woods believes that this

Seven-eight

More than nine

trend is beneficial. “I think there are a lot of teachers who would tell you that the eight period day does not work for what they want to do,” he said.

“

“

I see it as an opportunity such that we can do longer labs and not have to split them up over multiple days - science teacher Dave Oldham

teachers respond. Oldham believes that going into the pilot with a negative attitude will instantly result in it heading towards failure. He acknowledges that not every staff member or student will like this change, but giving it time is necessary.

“People are resistant to change, because they have

JHS students 48 percent 39 percent 11 percent 2 percent

never taught that way before. I would like to see everybody give it a fair shake,” he said.

While the modified block has gained a large amount of momentum, Superintendent Corey

JMS students

The 80-minute class is something that science

Lunn has been focusing on a switch in start times

teacher Dave Oldham can use to give students

to reflect when students are most alert. This means

a more immersive experience when it comes to

that elementary will start at 7:45 a.m. and end at

hands on activities. “I see it as an opportunity such

2:50 p.m., while the middle and high schools will

that we can do longer labs and not have to split

start at 8:40 a.m. and end at 3:35 p.m. As a starting

20 percent

them up over multiple days,” Oldham said.

point, the district sent surveys to students in grades

4 percent

Some students can also see the benefit of a lon-

4-12, parents and staff in order to see how various

ger class period. “We are usually really rushed to

demographics of Johnston thinks of the change.

get labs done (in science), and I think having that

The survey found that the group that supports this

extra time will help,” Hannah Espeland ‘17 said.

change the most are elementary school teachers,

She believes that classes that a student does not enjoy could be even more daunting. “I’m not really an English person, so I think that class will just drag on and on,” Espeland said.

while the largest percentage of disapproval comes from staff members at Summit Middle School.

With the mixed responses in mind, Lunn believes more research on the matter is necessary,

There is a significant amount of change that

specifically reaching out to other schools that have

needs to be made in terms of teaching style, as

made this change such as Ankeny. However Lunn

long lectures can cause some students to lose in-

believes that this change is still something worth

terest. “If you are a teacher who has been doing the

pursuing. “The hurdle of becoming great is being

eight period teaching day for years you’ll have to

very good,” Lunn said.

change how you operate, and that change can be hard,” social studies teacher Jeremy Yenger said.

The success of this pilot comes to how the

He believes that this is something that applies strongly to Johnston. The earliest for a change in schedule would be the 2018-2019 school year.

34 percent 42 percent

SMS students 11 percent 34 percent 41 percent 14 percent Johnston Community School District (JCSD) surveyed students on start times Feb. 2017. 920 students from Johnston High School (JHS), 869 Johnston Middle School (JMS) students and 764 Summit Middle School (SMS) students responded. JCSD provided results to the Black and White.

double truck

p.8&9

Student diversity succumbs to stereotypes can not necessarily be said for other A.P. classes.

There is not obvious evidence suggesting that

ity of students are not Caucasian, until this year. “I

Johnston has institutionalized barriers discourag-

think that’s a great sign,” she said.

ing or preventing students of color from taking A.P.

Reports from the U.S. Department of Education

classes. However, Schillerstrom believes that those

show that there are diversity problems in Advanced

students face unintentional challenges from teach-

Placement (A.P.) classes across America in terms of

ers, students and other factors that could impact

ethnicity and gender. The statistics on diversity in

their decisions in taking A.P. classes. “I’m an old

A.P. classes lend themselves to stereotypes about

white man who cannot pretend to understand what

gender and ethnicity.

it means to be black in a school like Johnston,” Schil-

“

“

In all of her years of teaching A.P. World History, Sue Cline has never had a class in which the major-

Because people label me as smart, I feel like they don’t think I’m black or I’m not black enough.

-Obsee Abbajabal ‘19

Representation of the student body proved to be lacking in A.P. classes words & layout | Angela Cai & Katelyn Kempkes

of immigrants, usually immigrant Asian parents

vanced classes. Historically, A.P. Psychology has

ly walked in with an, ‘Oh crap I might have to do

will want to push their child to work hard, and push

been heavily female dominated, with anywhere

something different in this class,’” Silkin said.

themselves academically,” Anna Xiang ‘18 said.

from 60 percent to 70 percent of the class repre-

Now, however, Silkin is glad to be in an environ-

sented by females. “It seems like guys are falling be-

ment where she is an equal. “(The guys) don’t view

hind in some of the advanced courses,” he said.

me differently because I’m a girl, so I can really ef-

This was the experience that Xiang had with her parents.

Anjali Dhawan ‘19 had a similar experience to

“

Xiang. “The way my dad grew up was in a competitive environment academically, so that’s his expec-

I kind of wonder, ‘Why are guys falling behind? Is there something we need to do as schools to fix that?’”

tation for me,” Dhawan said.

The population of males and females is fairly

According to College Board, Caucasians repre-

lerstrom said. “I can’t argue that there is no discrim-

take A.P. World History to have the same opportu-

equal overall, without taking into account students

sent 55.9 percent of students taking A.P. classes. In

ination or bias in the system against black males and

nities as her sister. “I was resentful at first but I know

in multiple A.P. classes. However, the numbers are

a 2012 report from the U.S. Department of Educa-

females because it’s really hard for me to see that

what they’re doing what’s best,” she said. “Seeing my

very different when looking at humanities and sci-

tion, the percentage of African-American and La-

from their situation, from their perspective.”

sister be in college, I know I’m going to need those

ence, technology, engineering and math (S.T.E.M.)

classes later on.”

A.P. classes. In A.P. humanities courses, females rep-

“

March 2017

-Jesse Dowell

fectively contribute,” Silkin said. “Chai also does a really good job of not treating me any differently because I’m a girl in the class.”

Silkin does feel a difference in atmospheres in the classes, however. “There’s definitely a difference in dynamics because I’m the only girl. It’s not necessarily a negative dynamic charged towards me, but it’s definitely more of a bro culture in that class than in A.P. Chemistry where there are way more girls,” she said. “Since sixth grade, I’ve come to the realiza-

tino students in advanced classes is nearly half the

The percentage of black students in A.P. classes is

number of African-American and Latino students

much lower than the overall percentage of black stu-

Roberts’ choices in advanced classes have often

resent the majority at 66 percent. In A.P. S.T.E.M.

dents in the high school. “There’s a stereo-

been different from her black friends. “When I was

courses, males represent the majority at 62 percent.

This is a topic of discussion in A.P. Psychology,

type (among black students) that if

with my friends and they were picking classes, they

This lines up with national statistics on gender

since Dowell said that colleges and professional

Despite the lack of diversity in some classes,

enrolled in schools offering A.P. classes.

These stereotypes are apparent in most of Johnston’s A.P. classes as well. “In A.P. courses, any course in

basically picked all the same classes,” she said.

tion that in those advanced math and science classes I’m going to be like one of five girls.”

diversity in A.P. classes. According to the U.S. De-

programs are becoming more female dominated.

most agree that it is important. “We sit around and

ing to act white,” Obsee Abbaja-

Roberts is the only black student in her period of

partment of Education’s 2012 report about gender

“I have no problem with women having more of

all agree with each other because we’ve all had the

you try in education you’re trybal ‘19 said. “Because people

A.P. World History. “There are times where like my

equity in schools, “Girls outnumber boys in enroll-

a role,” he said. “I kind of wonder, ‘Why are guys

similar experiences the last 18 years,” Dowell said. “I

A.P. Language and Composi-

label me as smart, I feel like

black friends care more about it than I do,” she said.

ment in A.P. science, A.P. foreign languages, and

falling behind? Is there something we need to do as

think it would enrich (courses) to see some people

tion teacher Mark Schiller-

they don’t think I’m black or

schools to try to fix that?’”

that see the world in a very different way.”

strom said. “You get into dif-

I’m not black enough.”

Johnston, things tend to stratify,”

Schillerstrom believes that people’s cultures play

several other A.P. subjects. In A.P. mathematics (Cal-

into the ethnic diversity in A.P. classes. “Your cul-

culus and Statistics), however, boys have consistently outnumbered girls by up to 10,000 students.”

‘19,

tural values, the things you grow up with and that

sometimes we accept those

like Abbajabal, is a black

are embedded in you, shape us in ways that we re-

things without thinking,

student in A.P. World His-

ally don’t or can’t imagine,” he said.

and we shouldn’t do that.”

tory. Roberts’ sister is the

For example, the percentage of Asian students

ferent stereotype issues and

Amanda

Roberts

school generally lends itself more to females, espe-

and if they find any discrepancies they will address it

cially considering the nature of young and adoles-

and figure out why. “If there’s something that’s hap-

encouraging all students to take S.T.E.M. classes.

cent boys. “Some guys struggle more sitting in one

pening in scheduling, or somehow in the process,

“Teachers are making an extra effort,” she said. “I

place for long periods of time,” he said. “They want

that is making those classes inaccessible for a certain

to be up and moving around.”

population, we need to know about that,” Principal

first person in her family

in A.P. classes is much higher than the overall per-

didn’t really feel discouraged when I took engineer-

to go to college, and her

centage of Asian students in the high school. “Since

ing and S.T.E.M. classes.”

cally diverse, the same

parents

many of the Asians at our school are the children

Roberts

Hispanic 5.49%

Pacific 0.32%

82.98%

White

74.28%

6.68%

15.92% 6.18% Black 1.63%

Asian 6.68%

Hispanic Mixed Pacific Islander

White 82.98%

Gender Diversity

Ethnic Diversity in all classes compared to AP classes Asian

Black 6.18%

Physics. “At the beginning of the year I definite-

Dowell is concerned about men’s roles in ad-

Overall Student Population Mixed 4.48%

Nika Silkin ‘19 is currently the only girl in A.P.

0

5.49% 2.71% 4.48% 5.50% 0.32% 0.54% all classes

AP STEM AP humanities AP classes all classes

made

At this stage, the school is just looking at the data

Xiang believes that teachers are doing a good job

History is very ethni-

Although A.P. World

From Dowell’s observations, he believes that

to any kid at some point.”

AP Physics

52%

48%

50%

50%

AP Lit and Comp

14%

25%

75% 86%

34%

66%

62%

male

38% 100

0 AP classes

Ryan Woods said. “Any course should be accessible

male

female

female

All charts and percentages are based on first semester data and may not accurately depict current data. Information provided by staff and the guidance office.

March 2017

feature

p.10

Jessica Bigelow 1 in 1600

From sophomore to senior, one student was randomly chosen to tell their story words | Hanna Tanner

Standing on the stage, Jessica Bigelow ‘17 was

munity. Bigelow has been involved with 4-H Polk

hand-in-hand with the other Polk County Fair

County counsel and 4-H State since fourth grade.

Queen contestants waiting for the very moment

“4-H has really been a great organization where I

for the name to be announced. When the name fi-

have been exposed to so much,” Bigelow said.

nally poured through the speakers, Bigelow could

4-H is a youth program for fourth grade stu-

not believe she had won. “When they placed the

dents up to their senior year in high school that

crown and sash on my head, It was at that moment

focuses on teaching kids life experiences such as

that I realized all my hard work had finally paid

setting and reaching goals as well as developing

off,” she said. “It was the greatest feeling ever.”

valuable skills and being involved and giving back

Bigelow, however, believes that it’s not just about

to the community.

winning a crown and wearing a sash but about how

Her mother, Jo Ellen Bigelow has been follow-

she can make an impact in one girl’s life by showing

ing her daughter in her very active journey over the

her that she can accomplish anything she sets her

past nine years of being actively involved in 4-H. “It

mind too. “The greatest part about being crowned

was exciting while waiting and then proud that she

is the impact I am able to have on my community,”

was acknowledged for all of her accomplishments

Bigelow said.

in 4-H when crowned,” Jo Ellen said.

Besides the pageant scene, she is involved in a

Bigelow has made it a priority to use what she

multitude of other activities, including cross coun-

learned from 4-H by attending meetings with the

try, soccer, bowling, Iowa Youth Congress and is

Bankers Trust Youth Board on how to inform youth

also a member of the Bankers Trust Youth Board.

about the importance of banking. In Iowa Youth

“I have like always lived this mentality that if I’m

Congress, she meets with legislators and informs

not doing something every day I’m not reaching

them on issues important to Iowa youth.

my full potential,” she said.

After being crowned Polk County Fair Queen,

Growing up, Bigelow looked up to pageant

Bigelow spent the whole week volunteering at the

queens. She hoped one day to be in their shoes and

Iowa State Fair. This included handing out ribbons

use the platform to help better the lives around

to the winners of different events such as the sheep

her. “My goal this year was to say yes to as many

show and the kid’s tractor pull. Bigelow also helped

opportunities as possible,” she said.

out with cooking at the pancake breakfast.

Bigelow has had many of those, such as speak-

The 2016 pageant was Bigelow’s second time

ing to numerous elementary schools and at the 4-H

competing, having come in second the first time.

Foundation Legacy Awards Gala.

Now that she has won, she can no longer compete.

In order to become Polk County Fair Queen,

For her, it is just another step towards her goals. In

Bigelow had to meet the judging requirements of

the fall, she will attend Iowa State University (ISU)

leadership and citizenship, interview, application,

to major in business and hopes to one day start her

and participation and experiences in 4-H or com-

own non-profit organization.

layout | Bryce Schulte

Polk County Fair Pageant Rules No professional model is eligible to compete in the Polk County contest.

The queen/king and their court will wear proper attire at all times (nice dress clothes).

The queen and king and their court will act in a professional manner at all times.

The queen/king and their court will hold a cheerful and positive attitude at all times.

editorial

March 2017

Taking a day off is beneficial to student mental well-being

layout | Gretchen Lagerblade

When stress builds up, it can feel like the at-

chose to stay home. Unlike teachers who have a

mosphere is caving in. Pressure builds up and can

limit for sick, personal and emergency days each

easily push someone to their limit. It is important

year, students do not, associate principal Randy

to keep in mind that taking a break is okay. Some-

Klein said. This leaves room for students to take

times students lose sight of priorities, but when

those days as they need.

feeling overwhelmed, taking a “pause” from school is an overlooked option.

Jacque Richards has allowed her daughter Julia Richards ‘19 the opportunities for mental health

Stress won’t fade away without a solution, and

days since fifth grade. Richards has become in-

taking a mental health day from school can help,

creasingly aware of her child’s mental health, even

albeit temporarily. “Sometimes the confluence of

if the days are used very rarely. “I feel that my child

events is too much and we need to take a time-out

is a human being, and I recognize that she has

for ourselves,” therapist Amy Ziegenhorn said.

stress at times,” Richards said. “I feel it’s important

Students need this time to rejuvenate themselves, analyze how they handle stress and how they can deal with that stress moving forward.

p.11

for her to have some control and for her feelings to be acknowledged and respected.”

Julia believes these days are beneficial, although

Ziegenhorn is pleased that the idea of mental

she has only taken about five since the opportunity

health days is growing in acceptance, as society

arose. She uses these days off when personal issues

becomes more and more aware of the stressors

or stress interfere with her schoolwork. They offer

people are under, and how they impact individuals.

Julia and others like her a beneficial break when

Recently, her employer, who specializes in men-

school is too much to handle. “I believe a small por-

tal health, began allowing sick time to be used for

tion of the student body takes mental health days,”

mental health days. Receiving recognition of men-

she said. “I think there are other parents like mine

tal health issues is a positive step within the work-

who understand and allow their children to take

she became overwhelmed this year during school,

place, along with the school system as well.

these days off from school.”

she acknowledged the issue and sought a solution

illustration | Amy Nguyen

If a student feels like they need a break of some

Although numerous benefits are shown upon

to help. “I ended up crying in one of my classes,

sort, their family can let the school know if they

taking a day off, using them the wrong way can

which was a red flag, since that’s so unlike me,” she

have the opposite effect. Days should not necessar-

said. “I talked to my principal, and he checked in

ily be taken to cram for a test, but rather to rewind.

on me, I really appreciated his support. He said I

“What I see a lot of with high school students is,

was able to take some time off to make some ap-

they say to themselves, ‘if I just have one more day,

pointments that I had been too busy to take care of,

it’ll help me,’” AP Psychology teacher Jesse Dowell

and he wanted to make sure I am well, and encour-

said. “But a lot of what we see with teenagers is pro-

aged me to take the time I needed.”

Have you taken a mental health day? information from a Twitter poll of 222 students

49%

51% No Yes

crastination. They take that extra day, but they may

After this two day break from school, plus the

just sit around and not use it to its extent, like they

weekend, Andrews could feel the benefit. She is

needed to, and this can actually make their anxiety

a firm believer that all of us, both students and

go even higher.”

teachers, need to take care of themselves, in every

Finding the right routine for an off day is a key

way possible.

factor to a helpful day free of school. However, stu-

By recognizing that a break is needed, person-

dents are not the only ones that have mental health

al limits are acknowledged. “You are also giving

days available to them.

yourself permission to step back from the stressor

French and english teacher Tamara Andrews

and re-evaluate your tactics and progress,” Ziegen-

said that there are a couple times a year where she

horn said. “You can reformulate your plan and you

finds herself overwhelmed. Last spring, her doctor

can take the time to boost your enthusiasm and

explained that she was experiencing situational ad-

stamina. Essentially, it helps you get your thoughts

renal fatigue, which is also known as burnout.

straightened out, because when we get over-

Now aware of the outcomes of her stress, when

whelmed, we don’t think as clearly.”

The editorial is an opinion held by the editorial board of the newspaper. It needs a simple majority to pass. This month’s vote was 6-1.

March 2017

opinion

p.12

Too many things, not enough time words | Evan Newcomb layout | Justin Gard

Everyday I juggle the commitment of sports and school. It’s hard and creates more stress than I need. Despite that, sports are a part of my life and I would not give them up for the world. I have to stay until evening for practices and even until 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. for meets, already leaving me with hardly any time to finish my other work.

The school district conducted a survey to see if the students and parents wanted to change the start time. According to Superintendent Corey Lunn, results of the survey were inconclusive and the change won’t happen next year.

The late start the district is discussing would hurt the already few hours I get to work. I don’t want it to happen but we need to have a solution for students like myself that do not have a lot of time to do other things, such as homework. If the change happens, I will have to quit something I love to prioritize school, which could have many poor effects on both my physical and mental health.

Students involved in after-school activities would get home even later in the evening than usual. “The students don’t get done with rehears- believes

morn-

als and practice until 6:30,” english teacher Jeremy ing practices could Fitzpatrick said. He also coaches Speech and De- help that issue. bate and is in charge of the school’s fall play and

Aaron Koopal ‘18 is busy as it is,

spring musical. “They still have to go home, eat, and doesn’t see the late start being benand do all the other things they do at night. There eficial in any regard. One idea Koopal had was is just less time to do it.”

for athletes to have their P.E/Study Hall classes

According to Sports Digest, athletes tend to suf- eighth period, and use that time to go straight to fer from stress more than non-athletes due to the practices for sports. With some adjustments, this amount they are required to balance. “The pur- idea doesn’t seem half bad but would be hard to pose of the late start is to give students more sleep,” implement.

Fitzpatrick said. “If you push everything back then you are not adjusting schedules much.”

The school would have to find every student in

start, considering the times for meets and games dents to get out of class.

Maybe with time, a more clear solution will pres-

school earlier than they would if there wasn’t a late ent itself. Koopal has continued talking to others start,” Activities Director Gary Ross said. “However about his idea, and Ross thinks that a late start does (with late start), events get done at the same time so more harm than good. “My preference, personally, the students get an extra hour of sleep.”

from an activities standpoint, is that we keep it as

Despite that, if students are dismissed early to it is,” Ross said. travel to meets, they are still responsible for mak-

The results for the survey were inconclusive so

ing up the school they missed, essentially taking the idea should be shut down. Results don’t waraway any “extra” time allotted.

How many hours a day do you spend on extracurricular activities? information from a Twitter poll of 112 students

an activity and modify their schedule, which could

Student athletes will miss more school with a late be a logistical nightmare, or a poor excuse for stuwon’t change. “You have students getting out of

[Above] Along with schoolwork, Aaron Koopal ‘18 is involved in track. Koopal makes time to hang out with his friends and practice photography.

rant a change now, so they are not going to change

Ross also believes there are quite a few negatives in the next few years when most of the students to a late start, like outdoor practices would end at and parents in the district are the same. Changing a darker time of the night and cause conflict with start times now would only have an adverse effect other priorities, like church on Wednesdays. He for many students.

25%

4+ hours

30%

45% 0-2 hours

2-4 hours

opinion

March 2017

Prote

st for

repre s

‘17 holds Sam Flodin reads, at up a sign th r again, eve “We said n Flodin it.” we meant st d in a prote participate vel ban, tra against the rder by eo v an executi rump.

T President ndrew A Photo by Maresca

the

sed

My first protest started with me writing on a piece of poster board as I ran to catch up with the

words | Andrew Maresca layout | Jess McKee

“As long as you’ve done your research and have a point of view and you have evidence to back up that point of view, go for it”

crowd walking through downtown Des Moines. Afing, holding signs and chanting ,I felt more liberat-

protests or marches. History and Extended Learning Progream (ELP) teacher Sue Cline attended the March for Iowa’s Teachers at the State Capi-

-Sara Howe

ter I jerked my way into the herd of people march-

p.13

tol. “Somebody has got to stand up for the people that cannot stand up for themselves,” Cline said.

ed than ever before. Although I was surrounded by

“For awhile I have done nothing beyond share my

complete strangers, the experience made me feel

many ways [protesting] is a method of celebrating

opinion verbally with friends and post quite often

understood. Protesting made me feel as if my voice

American tradition and American values,” he said.

on Facebook. It finally hit, we’ve been too safe for

Obsee Abbajabal ‘19 participated in the same

really does matter in our society.

too long.”

Some students and adults believe protesting

protest. She attended because she believes her

Whether they are marching or protesting,

is ineffective and a joke. This is a good sign some

representatives do not accurately represent her.

many of the participants are regular citizens, not

people may not be paying attention in history class.

“I’m a black Muslim,” she said. “I’m not going to be

necessarily activists. A person’s participation in a

Think about the Boston Tea Party. A bunch of our

represented very well at the state level or even the

protest does not always determine their political

forefathers not only protested taxes, but dumped

federal level.”

view. Many protests consist of diverse participants

tea in the harbor (although I am not advocating de-

While some students and teachers participate in

of various races, genders, social classes, religions

stroying property). The Civil Rights Movement was

protests, other decide to use marches as an alterna-

and political views. “These are real, normal every-

a movement driven by protests. Progress would

tive. Marches often have a supportive approach to

day people who care about real issues and want to

not be possible without bus boycotts and march-

topics, rather than opposing an action or bill like

have their voices heard, whether they are protest-

es. Women’s voting rights would not be possible

protests do. Whether it’s a protest or a march, the

ing or marching, however you want to define it,” art

without some women parading outside the White

act of voicing an opinion is important.

teacher Katie Black said.

House in 1917 and being arrested for “obstructing

Addi Seybert ‘17 marched in the Des Moines Women’s March. “I would absolutely go to another

sidewalk traffic.”

Black participated in the Women’s March in Washington D.C.

Protesting is one of the only effective ways to

march because it was a really good experience, I

History has proven that without protests, prog-

voice opinions to the government. Some of our

think a lot of people should do it,” she said. “Espe-

ress cannot be made. This still applies today. Pro-

own students and teachers’ experiences exemplify

cially if you’re not really into protesting and don’t

testing is not just for self proclaimed activists. Any

this. Will Kaptain ‘17 attended the travel ban pro-

want any backlash, a march would be great.”

citizen with a passionate view and wants to be

test held in February at the State Capitol. “I think in

Donald Trump elected President November 8, 2016

Women’s March January 21, 2017

Teachers have also participated in a variety of

Travel Ban Protest February 2, 2017

Anti-Trump Protest Protest against the defunding of November 10, 2016 Planned Parenthood January 24, 2017

heard should not hesitate in speaking their mind.

March for Iowa’s Teachers February 12, 2017

Protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline February 4, 2017

Day without women March 8, 2017

Day without immigrants February 16, 2017

March 2017

health

p.14

Purpose of the pill

Birth control has alternate uses than for contraception words | Abby Nichol layout | Jessica McKee Birth control does more than prevent pregnancy. For some, it helps with acne, while for others, it helps solve problems with their menstrual cycles. For others it simply takes away the fear of unplanned pregnancies.

when to have my period,” Student B said.

Birth control pills are a form of medicine that

Dermatologists also prescribe the pill form of

one would take daily to prevent becoming preg-

birth control to patients because it helps reduce

nant. Although there are multiple different brands,

acne. Birth control can also be a safe and effective

they are all similar in what they do.

way of getting rid of the problem of acne, although

While preventing pregnancy is the primary in-

there are some side effects. According to Planned

tended use of birth control, it also comes with po-

Parenthood, some potential side effects of birth

tential positive side effects, including a decrease

control are headaches, nausea and sore breasts.

in acne or a decrease in unusually uncomfortable

“Not everybody responds to certain pills the same

menstrual cycle problems. “Ever since I started my

way so you have to pick and choose a pill that has

period I have had really bad cramps and they have

the right estrogen and the right type of progester-

been like abnormally heavy,” Student A said. “My

one,” Steinmann said.

doctor suggested that birth control would be the best way to fix these problems.”

“

Although side effects are all possible things that may happen, there is no guarantee that someone

Alternate birth control uses

Controls acne

will experience them. Popularity of using birth control for alternate reasons has risen. “Right now,

I was scared that if I told even my friends they would be like ‘oh you’re just doing it so that you can have sex’ when it was not that at all

in my practice, I would say about 30 percent use

- Student B

avoiding becoming pregnant. “I was scared that if I

“

Many girls struggle with having periods that

it for (excessive bleeding) and 70 percent for birth control,” Steinmann continued. After getting a pretrol, costs range from $0 to $50 a month.

The term “the pill” often has a bad reputation because people only associate it as a means of told even my friends they would be like ‘oh you’re just doing it so that you can have sex’ when it was not that at all,” Student B said.

are irregular or very serious, potentially causing

Student B tried to think of the pills differently

them to be admitted into the hospital due to blood

than birth control. “We called them ‘hormone sup-

loss. “If you have really heavy bleeding and heavy

plements’ because it was weird to say ‘birth control’

cramping it will cut down on your cramping and

because there’s this big stigma around it,” she said.

bleeding,” certified nurse and midwife Lori Stein-

People believe the stigma behind birth control is

mann said.

Less severe headaches

scription from a doctor to start taking birth con-

Balances hormones

wrong because what it does is necessary for many

The issue of irregular periods causes some girls

people. “I think it is super important to break the

to begin taking birth control. “It’s been really help-

negative reputation because it can really be helpful

ful for me because it gives me the ability to decide

if you are having issues,” Student A said.

Less bleeding

sports

March 2017

p.15

Student athletes pop pills pre-game Students take pain relief medication before matches to prevent pain from hindering performance words | Joey Dow & Will Reiher

layout | Will Reiher

Preparing for their junior year state cross coun-

er Chris Wiedmann said.

try meet, Student A thought it would be advanta-

As a member of the baseball team, Student B has

geous for them to take some pain medication.

been taking ibuprofen prior to games and practic-

They thought it would keep them from feeling any

es in an attempt to relieve pain. They got the idea

pain if they got hurt, so they ingested six ibuprofen

after a teammate had been doing the same thing.

pills before the meet.

“A kid on my team had some and told me to take

These pain relieving medications, like many

some before our game,” Student B said. “It helped

others, can help or hinder the body. When taken

a lot for the pain I was having and I’ve been taking

in amounts higher than recommended, the odds

them ever since.” Student B does not take ibupro-

become significantly higher of there being an ad-

fen before practices daily, just before games and

verse

some practices.

Non-steroidal

anti-inflammatory

drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are used to lower swelling and inflammation as well as reduce pain.

NSAIDs are most commonly used by athletes to help with soreness, muscle aches and other injuries after games.

Instead, a new trend is presenting itself where pain relievers are being taken in excess in an attempt to stop or lessen pain before a game or practie even starts.

Athletes may sometimes take up to an entire

“

If you are taking four or five at a time, two or three times a day, your kidneys are working overtime to filter that out.

-Chris Wiedmann

“

effect.

day’s worth of medication all at once, putting their body at risk of kidney failure while not seeing any

Student C is also a baseball player. “I take like

results. “I had pain in my stomach,” Student A said.

five at a time before a game or sometimes before

“It didn’t help the way I wanted to.”

practice,” they said. “It just kind of numbs you and

Taking these several pills at one time trying to

you can’t feel any pain.”

ease pain before it begins can leave the individuals

Only a small handful of students athletes are

in more pain than they would have been in without

overdosing on pain relievers out of the whole, but

the medication. Not to mention, their risk of bodily

testify to its effectiveness. Although the three have

harm and an increase in vulnerability to more se-

not noticed any negative side effects, taking ibu-

rious issues down the road increase exponentially.

profen in excess can also upset the stomach lining

“

and cause bleeding ulcer on top of the kidney and

I take like five at a time before a game or sometimes before practice. It just kind of numbs you and you can’t feel any pain.

“

-Student C

liver damage.

When taking medication for too long, it is inevitable for people to build a tolerance. Tolerance, when the body requires more and more of the substance to get the same effect, can be harmful and

Painkiller statistics information from Statistic Brain

54%

of users will experience side effects

Upset stomach Nausea Vomiting Headache Drowsiness Dizziness

$1,642,000,000 Overall sales of pain killers in 2013 reached $1,642,000,000

17%

17% of high schoolers admit to abusing amphetamines

lead people to taking more intense drugs to reach the desired effects. “If you’re consuming too much, your body will get used to that medication,” Weidmann said. “They’ll stop being effective over time.”

Activities Director Gary Ross thinks the ibupro-

If an athlete is injured during a match, the medi-

fen usage is a gray area. “Ibuprofen is a very appro-

cine given by an official might not even take affect

priate thing to take as long as it’s for the right rea-

due to their body already “maxing out” from an-

sons and the right amount,” he said. “If it’s abused

other medication. “If you are taking four or five at

to the amount of becoming an addiction or over-

a time, two or three times a day, your kidneys are

dose-type [of ] situation, that would be something

working overtime to filter that out,” Athletic Train-

I’d be very concerned about.”

5,100,000 5,100,000 Americans report using pain relievers in the past month

back page

p.16

March 2017

Crazy for Girl Scout c words & layout | Brooke Willis

kies

Girl Scout cookie sales in 2016

Sydney Hedgepeth ‘18 Former Girl Scout

information from wired.com

23%

25%

Other

Thin Mints

What benefit do cookie sales give you and your troop?

Ten percent of our sales go directly to our troop, so the more we raise, the more we get to go out and do or give

9%

back to the community.

So there’s no personal benefit?

Shortbread

13%

There’s certain rewards you can earn by celling a cer-

Peanut Butter Patties

tain amount of boxes. They’re small, but occasionally there’s cool prizes like a new iPad or laptop.

11%

Do girl scouts actually enjoy selling door to door?

Peanut Butter Sandwiches

Not really. It gets boring after about half an hour and

19%

Caramel DeLites

selling at a kiosk can get redundent. That’s why they’ve introduced online sales, I think.

Discontinued Girl Scout Cookies

Ally Andreasen ‘18 Former Girl Scout

Was there a secret to selling cookies?

I don’t know if there was much of a secret.

Golden Nut Clusters

Golden Yangles

These caramel-covered pecans were

Cheddar crackers briefly available

on the market for a short time, from

during the 1980s-90s, but have not

1991-92.

been around since.

I think the adorable little girls wth boxes of cookies does the trick on its own.

Which cookie was your personal favorite?

That’s definitely a tie between the samoas and the lemonades.

Do girl scouts actually enjoy selling door to door?

I know I did, but I was a pretty talkative child.

Kookaburras

Juliettes

Popular in the early 80s, Kookabur-

These were milk chocolate-covered

ras were a combination of crispy

cookies with a caramel center, avail-

rice, chocolate and caramel.

able from 1993-96.

It was pretty fun to get to interact and make connections with people.