March 2020

b&w

BLACK AND WHITE MARCH 2020 VOLUME 28 ISSUE 5

a W

. k c

MARCH

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Print Editor Design Editor Online Editor Copy Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Content Manager Content Manager Ad Manager

Ada Basic Brooklyn Dilley Taylor Siebert Kylie Emery Marandah Mangra-Dutcher Joel Kellar Cameron Deroos Liz Jones Caroline Christensen Ethan Burgett

When Jay Rice ‘94 brainstormed the name of our paper in 1991, it was not because of the ink color. For the last 28 years, our mission has been to bring our audience stories from the school, community and nation, told clearly and without exaggeration--in black and white.

Photo by Taylor Siebert

STAFF WRITERS Nolan Akins Parker Anderson Riley Anderson Payton Blahut Savannah Dennis Noah Gilbert Nitin Gupta London Heim Alex Heron Matthew Hickman Teja Jetty Ramayana Kazazic Akshaya Kumar Zachary Kehoe Tate Larsen Ethan Le Hank Lucas Define Mansour

Sabrina Mcguire Nathan Metzger Collin Minear TJ Olson Charlie Pattinson Ben Pegg Leven Petersen Charles Pruett Ainsley Proctor Ciaran Rigby Cadee Siebert Lily Simpson Aidan Topolinski Ethan Ung Allyah Van Wyk Kaya Young Stella Zeng

CONTENT

Photo by Cameron Deroos

News

4 We Are The Champions

Feature

6 20 People, 1 Question: What Is The Craziest Way You Have Been Injured?

8 Everyday Is A Holiday 10 And They Were Roommates...

12 Behind The Beauty

Profile 16 1/1700: Drew Jauron

Arts & Entertainment

PAGE 4 Kendall Nead ‘20 and Allie Hart ‘21 react to the state championship win.

18 Big Daddy’s vs. Wild Mikes

Opinion

PAGE 12 Amberly Dal ‘20 models a makeup look she created.

WACK What started as a joke during an ideas session became a full blown theme for our April issue.

Staffers ran around the school asking fellow students what is the craziest way they have been injured as part of our 20 People 1 Question series. Our society has decided that every day needs to be a celebration of random things which has resulted in every day being a wacky holiday.

The once stressful roommate search has now been revamped to mimic a version of Tinder that we have affectionately dubbed “Roommate Tinder”. It is wack that people are willing to put any kind of chemical on their bodies with no information, simply to fit into a mold society has created. Tattoos can be a controversial topic among generations, but what about amongst peers? This issue features a heated debate over whether or not tattoos need to have a meaning in a new series called “In My Opinion...” This issue, from ideas to distribution, was truly wack.

-Ada Basic Editor-in-Chief

20 In My Opinion...Tattoos

Sports

22 Break From The Game

FINE PRINT Black & White is published solely by the Johnston High School newspaper staff. It is an open forum. In accordance with Iowa law, students assign, edit material and make all decisions of content.

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, or report an error in the issue, please contact the editors at jhsblackandwhite@gmail.com.

6014 NW 59th Ct, Johnston, Iowa 50131

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We Are The

Champions

3

Girls win state championship against Waukee

T

he girls basketball team faced off with Waukee in the state championship on Friday, Mar. 6 at Wells Fargo Arena.

Coming into the tournament, Waukee was the one seed and Johnston was the three seed. The Dragons started off hot with a 24-14 lead after the first quarter, but the lead dripped down to four by halftime. Johnston lost their lead in the third quarter, but rallied for a 22 point fourth quarter to clinch a four point state championship win. It was a balanced effort for the team, as Maya McDermott ‘20, Kendall Nead ‘20, and Anna Gossling ‘22 all poured in 14+ points. Johnston sealed their victory by knocking down 10/11 free throws, as well as shooting 57.7 percent from the field.

Johnston avenged their past postseason woes, as they were knocked out of the playoffs in 2019 by Valley in an overtime game in the state semifinals, and also lost the 2016 state championship game by six points against Ankeny Centennial.

McDermott and Nead were named All-Tournament team. McDermott was given the title of captain of the All-Tournament team.

The future of the program showed that while losing three starters they will be just fine the next few years with very strong showings from Gossling and Molly Noelk ‘23 throughout the tournament, often giving the team a spark when they were in a scoring drought.

Maddie Mock sprained her ankle the week before and even though she may not have benn 100% healthy she still dominated the boards averaging 10.3 rebounds per game in the State Tournament.

These Seniors will go down of some of the best athletes to come through this school, so it’s only fitting that their Johnston High School career ends by hoisting the State Championship trophy.

2 1.Maya McDermott ‘20 holds the state trophy high before the student section. Last year the girls made it to the state semi-finals where they then lost to West Des Moines Valley 2. Kendall Nead ‘20 and Allie Hart’ 21 express joyful disbelief in their winning of the state championship.

3.Zoey Buchan ‘22 holds up the trophy in celebration of Johnston’s first girls basketball championship.

1

The Big

Win Last 5 Games

Marshalltown Council Bluffs Lincoln Southeast Polk Iowa City High Waukee

Photos | Cameron Deroos Layout | Ethan Burgett & Marandah Mangra-Dutcher Words | Charlie Pattinson & Joel Kellar

Zoey Buchan ‘22 moves her way behind the three point arc. Buchan has been a constant force of the bench scoring 3.2 points per game and shooting 41% from the field.

Kendall Nead ‘20 holds onto the ball waiting for a Waukee defender to engage her. Due to the lack of a shot clock Johnston often employed this tactic to take time off of the game clock.

65-19 66-45 75-71 71-61 69-65

2 0 20 PEOPLE 1 QUESTION

What is the craziest way you have been injured?

17 | Entertainment

“I’ve never been personally injured in a weird way. But my brother one time got a black eye from a chess game because his friend leaned forward at the same time as him and they bumped glasses.”

Words & Layout | Staff

“I hit Maya McDermott’s elbow in P.E. one time and I had to get seven stitches on my lip.”

- Ragen Brotherson ‘20 “I fell.” - Maya McDermott ‘20

“I fell down the stairs.”

- Natalie Kahre ‘21

“One time I was running and I just bashed my head into the wall. And I got a concussion.”

- Kendall Nead ‘20

“When I was in fifth grade I was playing football and I slipped on a ball and got a concussion.”

- Evan Wessling ‘22

“I fell face first down the stairs.” - Raya Denisov ‘22

-Adisa Ganic ‘21

“My friend broke my wrist by driving off a ledge in a golf cart.”

-Ellie Churchill ‘21

“I was going down a waterslide, a drop off waterslide that my uncle made and I cut my knee open and had to have surgery because it got infected.”

-Anna Bustad ‘21 “When I was five I jumped off the top jungle gym because I was stupid and I twisted my arm and fell on my arm and broke my shoulder.”

-Emily Bechtel ‘20

“On Easter last year, I got my arm ripped open by a dog.”

-Grace Overton ‘21 “I have never been injured.”

-Ada Chen ‘21

“Hit by a motorcycle.”

-Peyton Thamke ‘20

“I actually haven’t been injured that much. I sprained my ankle once!”

- Joanne Wu ‘20 “I once kicked my toe really hard against a curb and it hurt really bad.”

- Amar Dupanovic ‘21

“I jumped off a bridge and I tore a ligament in my foot.”

- Sam Defransico ‘20

“When I was little my mom and dad were swinging me between their arms and I dislocated both shoulders.”

- Jill James ‘21 “I jumped off a swingset and I landed on my arm and I broke it.”

- Isabelle Hutchison ‘22

“I bruised my heel bone when I jumped off a high tree.”

-Karson Kleeve ‘20

“I broke both my legs. I went off an 18 foot ramp BMXing and fell off the bike.”

-Ty Roberts ‘21

To watch the full video on our website scan the QR code

8 | Feature

Everyday is a Holiday Weird and Wacky Days of the Year

1 dec.

2 jan.

3 may

4 oct.

Antarctica Day

Introvert Day

Press Freedom Day

Taco Day

5 apr.

6 sept.

7 jan.

8 feb.

9 oct.

10 apr.

Kids’ Yoga Day

Read A Book Day

Bobblehead Day

Iowa Day

Face Your Fears Day

Bookmobile Day

11 feb.

12 aug.

13 mar.

14 dec.

15 aug.

16 mar.

Satisfied Staying Single Day

Vinyl Record Day

Relaxation Day

Play the Recorder Day

Open an Umbrella Indoors Day

Gingerbread House Decorating Day

Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day

18 jul.

19 nov.

20 nov.

21 dec.

22 sept.

Mandela Day

Toilet Day

Name Your PC Day

Underdog Day

Hobbit Day

23 oct.

24 nov.

25 jan.

26 apr.

27 mar.

28 jul.

Pit Bull Awareness Day

Small Business Day

A Room of One’s Own Day

Hug an Australian Day

29 feb.

30 jul.

31 oct.

Sword Swallowers Day

Friendship Day

Magic Day

17 may

Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day

Day of the Cowboy

Words & Layout | Stella Zeng All events taken from Chase’s Calendar of events

Who Decides National Holidays?

C

ongress, officially. After the 1990’s, however, the House of Representatives became overflowed and stopped taking requests with Rule XII, clause 5. This rule does not apply to the senate, but today the creation of holidays has been taken over by the public, and shifted towards more wacky and unique celebrations.

A bill or resolution, or an amendment thereto, may not be introduced or considered in the House if it establishes or expresses a commemoration. In this clause the term ‘commemoration’ means a remembrance, celebration, or recognition for any purpose through the designation of a specified speriod of time.

-House Rule XII, clause 5

Chase’s Calendar of Events

The expert reference book for special events, holidays, and anniversaries.

1957 Months to Celebrate January - Clean Up Your Computer Month | Personal SelfDefense Awareness Month February - Goat Yoga Month | Return Shopping Carts to the Supermarket Month March - Umbrella Month | Music in Our Schools Month April - Adopt a Ferret Month | Youth Sports Safety Month May - Sweet Vidalia Onion Month | Get Caught Reading Month June - Surf Music Month | Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month July - Women’s Motorcycle Month | Cell Phone Courtesy Month August - Pirate Month | American Adventures Month September - Shameless Promotion Month | Update Your Resume Month October - Celebrating the Bilingual Child Month | Go Hog Wild—Eat Country Ham Month November - Banana Pudding Lovers Month | Eye Donation Month December - Write a Business Plan Month | Bingo’s Birthday Month

365 -

The year William and Harrison Chase began this calendar Days of events and anniversaries

4,750 -

Notable birthdays

12,500 -

Entries as of 2020

10 | Feature

And They Were Roomates...

Words | Caroline Christiansen Layout | Marandah Mangra-Dutcher

F

inding a roommate can be an anxiety provoking process for high school seniors going to college.

Roommate horror stories are everywhere.

From disgusting slobs to druggies finding a somewhat stable person to live with for eight months can be stressful. The process can be frustratingly long for some, while others find their roomie within a couple of weeks.

According to Harvard, age, lifestyle, rent, length of time you are willing to live together, responsibility, chores, pets, privacy, and other expectations are factors people should take into account while searching for a roommate. (Click on the link below to get Harvard’s full article on roommate advice). https://cdn.offcampusimages.com/ public/resource/spz2nc1wimwebvj1f4vtqui_ f4yosivp2uivyrhlkvg.pdf Many colleges are using Facebook groups and social media to help students find their other half. Students can post a short biography on their activities, interests, and hobbies, as well as pictures of themselves. Weirdly, this process of finding a roommate is similar to finding a romantic partner on a dating app like Tinder. Sabryn Labenz ‘20, found her roommate, Sabrina, on Facebook. “I just kept scrolling and then I found Sabrina on there,” Labenz said. “I was like, huh, that’s funny.

I’m Sabryn, she’s Sabrina so we have almost the same name.”

Molly Lunn ‘20 is attending the University of Minnesota next fall and also found her roommate, Kayla, on a Facebook group. “I searched class of 2024 University of Minnesota and I found a page created by someone who was going there,” Lunn said. “That one had like 1,000 people in it, and the other accounts were sketchy, so I joined it. Basically everyone said the same thing. They would be like ‘I want to go out, but I’m always down for a chill night watching Netflix.’”

After joining a Facebook group, students can make a profile to find potential roommates. “I thought [my profile] would be different, but it was the exact same everyone

“In my head, I had a type. I wanted a science person, I wanted someone not necessarily prettier than me, but still on the same level. I didn’t want someone too athletic because I’m not super athletic. I didn’t want someone who was going to make me go to sports games. So I definitely had a type I was looking for.”

-Sabryn Labenz ‘20

else did you know...that dating profile,” Lunn said. “I posted nine photos of myself, which is weird because it’s exactly like Tinder but more photos. It’s sad because you judge them based on their appearance slightly.”

First impressions on a possible future roommate can be nerve wracking. “I freaked out when [Sabrina] messaged me,” Labenz said. “I was like, oh my gosh. What do I say back? Because it was like a partnership for life.”

Lunn connected with her future roommate over their shared taste in music. “She reached out to me, so we started asking each other questions. It’s weird when you are not face to face because it’s all over Snapchat. No one uses Facebook.”

Once a person connects with a possible future roommate, they can decide to continue talking online and keep their options open, or mutally agree to become roommates. “While I was talking to her [Sabrina], I got a few messages from other people’s profiles on the Facebook page. But then it felt awkward because it felt like I was cheating on her.”

If a person finds their roommate online, often times they do not meet until orientation or until move in day. Ultimately, if their connection fizzles out, and sharing a room does not work, many colleges offer an alternative person to live with to reduce tension.

However, rooming with someone can be an incredibly smart financial decision. Lunn saved 2,000 dollars by finding a roommate for the fall. “After two stressful months of searching when I was worried I would be put in a single room, and have to pay 5,000 dollars instead of 3,000 for a double room, I found a roommate and I was super happy,” Lunn said. “Plus she is really chill and I think we will get along well. That’s what is important.”

12 | in-depth

Behind the

W

hen buying cosmetics, there seems to be three types of consumers. There are those

who could not care less about what they get as long as it is functional and affordable.

There are those who follow influencers or

Beauty Words | Noah Gilbert Layout | Taylor Siebert

YouTubers, and always buy the products they recommend. Then there are the few that do their research and pay attention to what ingredients they are putting on or in their bodies.

While makeup usually comes to mind when the word ‘cosmetics’ is used, cosmetics can include all types of self-care products, from face wash to deodorant. Cosmetic

are some that are libostlic which are good for

lot in recent years,” Sorum said. “There was

the skin. But there are a lot out there that are

a kinda big thing about baby powder a few

more like rubbing alcohol, which can cause

years ago, and it’s the same product that

inflammation of the skin and that is not good

they will put to foundations, and it can cause

for prolonged use,” Chey Sorum, a licensed

respiratory issues.” Talcum powder, which is

Esthetician with Central Iowa Dermatology,

made from TAIC, may be a cause of various

said. “Different types of alcohol can be used

types of cancers according to the American Cancer Society.

products are required to have a label listing what ingredients are in them; these labels are usually on the side or back of the package, sometimes in such a small print the ingredients are almost illegible. But it seems that not that many consumers pay attention to what these labels say anyway.

Lauren Kress ‘20 is a makeup artist at Blonde Blurr, a company that does makeup for events. Kress plans to attend L Makeup Institute in Las Vegas following graduation.

“I feel like putting [the ingredients] on the back of the bottle doesn’t do much cause how many times a day do you read what’s on the back of every bottle. Or food even,” Kress said. “Now that you say that I’m going to [pay more attention].”

Though issues do occasionally arise,

“I just pick whatever is cheapest, I don’t think that much.

I don’t think it’s that important, I don’t really care what’s in it”

Although companies are required to put all ingredients on their products for consumers to read, they are often long, complicated and technical. Serienity Gladney

consumers seem to blindly trust cosmetics companies. “I don’t believe they are going to give me something that’s going to hurt me,” Drew Schmidt ‘20 said. The choice to do research and read the ingredients is up to each individual person, and how concerned they are about what is going on and in their skin.

Affordability is another common way people decide what products to buy. “I’m not really picky, as long as I get something that works and it’s affordable,” Gladney said.

This seems to be a popular opinion. “I just pick whatever is cheapest,” Cooper Smith ‘21 said. “I don’t think that much. I don’t think it’s that important, I don’t really care what’s in it.”

- Cooper Smith ‘21

Additionally, it is not uncommon for popular makeup products to be copied by other brands, trying to pass off their cheaply

‘21 rarely, if ever, researches ingredients that

made alternative as the real deal. “Especially

are unfamiliar to her. “I know most [parabens] can be harmful, especially if you use them

in liquid foundations, face/hand wipes, face

in the makeup community where there are

past their expiration date, and that is why we

washes/makeup removers and other products

alot of dupes,” Gladney said. “And they can be

have the time stamp on them,” Gladney said.

as well.”

really dangerous because of the ingredients

“Besides that I don’t really know.”

Sorum also mentioned an ingredient

in them.”

Some ingredients can be harmful to

commonly found in powdered products, such

Dupes, or counterfeit cosmetics, has

human skin and can cause damaging

as powder foundation and baby powder. “The

become an issue for many companies such

reactions. “Our biggest one we avoid long

other thing that is in more powder form is

as Morphe and Kylie Cosmetics. Various

term use with is alcohol. With alcohol there

TAlC, that’s kinda one that’s brought up a

influencers have talked about this issue,

Makeup Look by Amberly Dal

14 | in-depth

being James Charles. On Dec. 18, 2018,

any other social media platform, go to the

Charles posted a video called ‘I Bought a

company itself and make sure it’s in fact a

FAKE James Charles Palette.’ In the video, Charles compared his James Charles x Morphe Palette to a counterfeit version. At the beginning of the video, Charles expressed disgust for the production of the palette. “It’s so disrespectful that these people went and slapped my name and face and work on God knows what product this is,” Charles said.

He went on to use his term “Sister Scam” to describe the counterfeit palette.

Charles is no stranger to counterfeit products and had done two other videos on the same issue. Before comparing the products he issued a warning. “We have no idea where these palettes are being produced and there have been so many reports and stories of the most repulsive ingredients going into fake makeup,” Charles said. “Such ingredients are literal rat feces!”

According to a CNN Health article by Amanda Jackson, over $700,000 worth of counterfeit cosmetics was confiscated by the LAPD on April 13, 2018. LAPD’s commander Mark Reina shared that the task force hit over 21 locations in the Las Angeles Fashion District. The products confiscated contained various bacteria and human waste. “The best

Billion, The Net Worth of the Global Beauty Industry Statistic provided by ipsos.com

“I’ve gone years with trying to find products, like the right facial cleanser and right lotion that mixes well with foundations and concealers and stuff the best primer, and I still haven’t found it yet.”

- Lauren Kress ‘20

legitimate company and the product is from the company and not a 3rd party illegal company,” Sorum said. “We always suggest that if it’s a physician’s strength product, get it from your physician’s office. If you are getting Mac or Bare Minerals or any of those types of lines, get it from their websites, not from Amazon or eBay.” Companies

advertise

to

to make them the most money. According to the Beauty Business Journal, advertising of cosmetics is heavily one sided. “Women continue to be recipients of the majority of skincare marketing through TV ads, magazines,

and

recent

social

U.S. share of the industry is valued at

20%

Statistic provided by ipsos.com

69%

of U.S. makeup consumers consider drug store makeup brands to be just as good or higher quality than department store brands Statistic provided by npd.com

The number of US consumers that would try new products from other brands if they are natural is

66%

media

campaigns,” author Richard McKeon said.

But recently, male personal care items are becoming a possible multimillion dollar growth opportunity. The personal care market for men is reported to hit $166 billion by the end of 2022, according to Allied Market Research.

While the market is slowly growing, it still seems that the large majority of men simply do not care. “Women tend to care more about skin care routines, if you were

price doesn’t mean the best deal,” Reina said

to ask 10 guys only two would have a skin

in a tweet.

care routine,” Smith said. “But if you ask 10

Sorum recommends for consumers to

girls, nine of them would. They pay more

make sure they know where their products

attention to that stuff, generally. Not all the

are coming from. “My biggest suggestion is

time, but generally.”

if you see it on Instagram or Facebook, or

Statistic provided by ipsos.com

limited

demographics, focusing on who is going

$166 billion

Statistic provided by ipsos.com

is the projected value of the men’s personal care market in 2022

56% of male respondents acknowledged using facial cosmetics at least once

Statistic provided by cnbc.com

1/1700: Drew Jauron Words | Kylie Emery

Layout | Brooklyn Dilley & Matthew Hickman

FROM SOPHOMORE TO SENIOR, ONE STUDENT WAS RANDOMLY CHOSEN TO TELL THEIR STORY.

T

hree years ago, Drew Jauron ‘20 was

go through [track], it’s been fun being that

running around a track by himself. In

upperclassmen or that senior that can help

a true act of athleticism, he won the

gold medal in the race against himself. “I was the only person running the race,” Jauron said.

“So it wasn’t a great time per say, but we got the gold medal so that’s all that counts.”

That would not be the last time Jauron experienced track shenanigans. “Last year we, as hurdlers, you know, we always fall over the hurdles at times,” Jauron’s teammate Colby Svestka ‘20 said. “One time, I think it was Drew, he just biffed it at one point. And we were all just like, you know what? It’s kind of embarrassing, but we’ll let it slide as long as you say ‘My bad’ when you screw up. It kind of just evolved into this thing where if you were a hurdler, and you biff it or hit the hurdle or mess up, you’d just be like ‘My bad!’ all the time. That was kind of funny.”

Jauron has always loved track. He started club track when he was in seventh grade, and has been running ever since. “I just like the idea of running because you’re really on your own for a lot of it,” Jauron said.

One thing that I want to make sure is known is that the teacher, Mr. Jason Jauron, he is not my father. There is no relation to Mr. Jauron and me. I did have him for a study hall once, so that was an odd experience, to say the least.

But nope, we’re not related. Make sure that is printed.

The independence that track provides, despite being a team sport, is something that Jauron enjoys. “It’s your own time, your own

people who don’t quite know what they are doing and to help young kids.”

Being a positive role model to the track team is one of Jauron’s biggest goals.

“Especially the younger athletes who haven’t seen anyone older than me, I hope they look up to me,” Jauron said. “I think a lot of people like me and one of the things that I like about my leadership style is that I am very communicable with the people. So I am very much their peer, not an intimidating figure. That’s just something I’ve picked up from watching other coaches and leaders throughout my life.”

Jauron believes that strong role models share those same qualities. “I think that’s what the sign of a good leader is,” Jauron said.

“That they don’t always have to be actively leading, but they are helping the team in any way they can.”

One person that Jauron has been a strong role model for is Svestka. “I think Drew is somebody who I kind of look up to in some ways,” Svestka said. “He always puts his best

-Drew Jauron ‘20

foot forward and he just has a certain drive to him that just makes him keep going even

skill ability,” Jauron said. “And really you can

though it’s hard. That’s something that I really

get better just by running. I like the idea that

admire about the guy.”

it’s a team, so there’s still the team element, like

can improve, whether that means how I can

Jauron encourages students to keep an

in football, which I really enjoy, but you also

help other people too. But also including how

open mind and broaden their interests. “I

have your own personal goals that you can set

I can make myself better and how I can put

would say that it is important to understand

for yourself to achieve.”

more effort in different parts of it. So I always

your opportunities before you let them go,”

go in with mindsets in any activity that I do of

Jauron said. “Keep all of your doors open. I

‘How can I always improve?’”

have definitely tried to do that, and I think

However, Jauron does not necessarily set specific time goals. Instead, he focuses on how he can simply better himself in the sport.

Track provides leadership roles that Jauron

that’s beneficial because you can see different

“I’m very reflective upon myself and how I’m

also enjoys. “I’ve been hurdling for the last

opportunities. You don’t always have to go

doing on that day,” Jauron said. “In track, it’s

four years, and I’ve had the same coaches,”

into them full out, but if you never try, then

no different. I’m always looking to see how I

Jauron said. “I’ve seen all the upperclassmen

you’re really just selling yourself short.”

17 | profile Jauron (upper left) and his friends at Drake University.

18 | opinion

Big Daddy’s vs. Wild Mikes Words | Zach Kehoe Layout | Staff

T

he real question that has plagued our generation is the competition between rival school pizzas. I reviewed qualities of both pizzas to determine once and for all, who has the best school pizza.

Some of the most impactful and influential innovations of our time are sparked from great rivalry. Pizza is not exempt from such an innovative spirit.

Two main competitors in the arena of school cafeteria pizza have emerged: Wild Mike’s and Big Daddy’s. Waving their war banners rallying support among the populace for this war of pizza. The two competitors in the pizza field are the legendary Big Daddy’s Pizza and the infamous Wild Mikes.

Big Daddy’s pepperoni pizza is the absolute pinnacle of bread, sauce, cheese, and pepperoni combination. The students look forward to the highlight of the school week, Friday, Big Daddy’s Pizza day. “Honestly Big Daddy’s is the best,” Riggen Snyder ‘22 said.

The quality of Big Daddy’s is off the charts. Every single day

the consistency of Big Daddy’s pizza is constant. When eating a slice of Big Daddy’s the quality is unquestionably perfect.

The ingredients of Big Daddy’s are always top-notch. “I love Big Daddy’s pizza, I especially love the sauce.” Reece Hougland ‘22 said.

However, not everyone is a fan of Big Daddy’s. “Big Daddy’s is greasy and falls apart,” Konrad Rohlf ‘22 said.

Comparing the quality of Big Daddy’s to Wild Mike’s is like day and night. Wild Mike’s vary in temperature to an unnatural extent. “Big Daddy’s is way better than Wild Mikes. Wild Mikes is super greasy,” Bodee Jones ‘21 said. “It’s a disgrace to pizza.”

Personally, I have had burnt Wild Mikes, but I have never had a burnt Big Daddy’s slice. That does not mean that Wild Mikes has no redeeming qualities. The crust of Wild Mikes is excellent and is better seasoned than Big Daddy’s. The ingredients that makeup Wild Mikes do taste good, but the ingredients of Big Daddy’s taste superior. Overall the ingredients and consistency

are better in Big Daddy’s.

Another quality to take into consideration is the size of the slice. Like the name implies, a slice of Big Daddy’s is decently large. Comparing that to Wild Mikes minuscule slice size. Big Daddy’s definitely wins a point in the size category.

The real test for a slice of pizza is the taste, so how do these slices compare. “Big Daddy’s is perfectly seasoned and cooked thoroughly,” Caden Myers ‘22 said.

The taste is revered by thousands. “I love Big Daddy’s,” Jaxon Kaster ‘20 said.

Obviously, Big Daddy’s has a cult-like following with many students raving about the taste.

Unfortunately, Wild Mikes did not have such a following they lacked the notoriety that Big Daddy’s has. People know Big Daddy’s, they know it stands for something a symbol of quality, of trust, of love. Wild Mikes simply does not carry such a standard.

To conclude, while Wild Mikes pizza provides a decent quality pizza slice, Big Daddy’s is the absolute pinnacle of school pizza.

20 | Opinion

In My Opinion: Tattoos Words | TJ Olsen

Layout | Joel Kellar

Words | Liz Jones day, there is not much risk of getting tired of a tattoo.

In the article “Worried About Regretting a

Tattoo? Here’s What You Should Know”, author Sara Lindberg writes about a recent Harris Poll in which 2,225 adults were surveyed about why they regret a tattoo that they have. One of the top reasons was that it was not meaningful.

I

of the 600 that regretted it within the first few

n a country where almost a quarter of the

days, one in four said they got the tattoo on an

population has at least one tattoo, the question

impulsive decision.

comes up about whether or not tattoos should

This may lead to laser removal. In the same

be meaningful. The simple answer to that question

article, Lindberg talks about the cost of laser

is yes, they should be. “Tattoos should have

removal. On average it will cost $200-$500 to

meaning,” English Teacher Jeremey Fitzpatrick

get a tattoo removed. Which, depending on the

said. “It is going to be on your body for the rest of

tattoo, is about the same price to even get the

your life.” Fitzpatrick has one tattoo on his leg. He

tattoo. People waste their money on a tattoo

has a tattoo of the yin and yang symbol. “It has a

that is not meaningful just to get it removed

personal meaning to me. It reminds me that I need

anyway. If people are going to spend money

change a wallpaper and you can not change a

to have balance in my life.”

on a permanent thing, make sure it means

tattoo. So, a fun tattoo is something that people

something to you.

I am 16 years old and I have been thinking of

of work. Few people would say no to owning the “Mona Lisa,” so why are tattoos any different?

thinking about getting other tattoos without a

“I want a lavender plant either on my bicep or

specific meaning in the future. “I would get one …

somewhere,” Kauffman said. “[It] doesn’t have a

based on the artistic value of it because if it looks

lot of meaning, but it’s pretty and I don’t think it’s

cool … go for it,” Clark said.

one of those things I’ll regret.”

Since a tattoo is mostly permanent, it is a good

People decorate their bodies in many ways just because it is cool or it gives them some

“[When you get a tattoo] you have to take on a

serotonin for whatever reason. “People get

ack in January, my mom asked me

permanent thing,” Clark said. “And so I think to

piercings because they want them, not because

what I wanted to do for my birthday.

some that’s a scary thing and to others that adds

they’re necessarily meaningful,” art teacher Katie

At that moment, I realized this was

value to it.” Personally, I will sit on a tattoo idea for

Black said.

finally the time to tell her. I wanted to get a tattoo

a few months so I am sure that I am completely

on my 18th birthday. This shocked her. People in

comfortable and ready for the tattoo.

B

600 people who regret at least one tattoo. Out

While Cole Clark ‘20 is planning on getting meaningful tattoos surrounding music, he is

idea to carefully think about any tattoo ideas.

Lindberg also writes about a study, conducted

by Advanced Dermatology, where they surveyed

Right now, I am planning my second tattoo

put so much weight on decisions. In reality, there

It was what I wanted however and my mom

and I thought I was completely sure, but now I am

does not need to be so much pressure on picking

was fine with it. Before approving it, she made

not totally sure about it. Which is exactly why I

the “right” choice. Things do not matter as much

sure I was not getting a face tattoo or a tramp

wait for a long time, now I am glad I waited to

as people think they do. “I have friends who

stamp of her name. No joke, she knows someone

decide.

have tattoos, and myself too, that really mean

Contrary to popular belief, many adults have

something,” Black said. “That are symbolic or

Tattoos may not be as scandalous as they used

gotten purely aesthetic tattoos and do not regret

mean something to their life in some way but I

will love at first but, will eventually want it gone.

to be, but there are a lot of societal expectations

them. “I have four tattoos,” science teacher Kyla

don’t think it matters [if tattoos are meaningful.]”

Tattoos have to be meaningful because people

around them. Many people think tattoos have

Burns said. “Only one of them has any meaning

Instead of wondering and fretting over finding

will love that tattoo forever.

to be meaningful. It is wonderful when tattoos

at all, the other ones are just for the fun of it, just

the “perfect” tattoo, people should get whatever

for aesthetics.”

tattoos makes them happy, regardless of whether

that did that with their mom’s name.

So, tattoos do have to be meaningful.

to get three tattoos. The first one I am going to

The tattoo that someone gets should mean

get is a semi colon, which is a suicide prevention

something to them and should be something

A tattoo does not have to mean something

have deep significance for the individual, but

tattoo. The next one will be one that says the word

that they would want to keep with them forever.

to everyone though. It just has to be meaningful

having meaning should not be required for

“perspective” with the letters facing different ways

It should not just be a fun tattoo. Think of it as

to the person getting it. “I think they should be

getting a tattoo.

to show that you always should look at stuff from

a wallpaper on your phone. Obviously, we put

meaningful,” Spanish Teacher Kari Gray said.

People think that others will get tired of

the powerless figurehead. “I’m not really going to

other people’s perspective as well. Finally, my third

stuff as our wallpaper for fun and it’s usually

“But it doesn’t have to make sense or depend

their tattoos since they are permanent. “I feel

tell someone else that they can’t because it’s their

tattoo will be of two girls in love to show that I am

something just pretty or cool but, you can

on others’ opinions.” Many people may think

like when you have a meaningful tattoo you

body,” Kauffman said. “They can do what they

they do not have to have a meaningful tattoo

won’t regret it in 20 years,” Taryn Kauffman ‘20

want.” There is no point in getting a tattoo if you

A big part of why I love tattoos is because of my

because other people do not. In reality though

said. This is true, however, kids are a permanent

do not enjoy it, so if someone has a tattoo they

dad. He has a lot of tattoos but he does wish that he

many tattoos are meaningful. Just not to anyone

decision too and no one is saying anything about

like, they should just get it. It is their life after all.

never got some of them because they did not mean

but the person who has it. So let’s stop saying

that. There are many permanent things that

anything to him. Oftentimes, when tattoos are not

that tattoos do not have to be meaningful. Some

society does not warn individuals away from.

meaningful, they lead to regret. “At minimum,

people may want a tattoo someday and I doubt

My tattoo does not have any particular

meaning,” Burns said. Art is part of the human

they should be something that is beautiful and that

they will want to waste the money on something

meaning to me and I love it. It has a vibe of

experience and often does not incorporate a

you love,” English teacher Kristi Miller said. “You

that does not mean something to them.

positivity in my mind, but no real meaning. I can

sentimental meaning into it. Many of the most

not see myself ever getting tired of my tattoo. As

famous pieces of art do not have a meaning or a

long as the decision to get a tattoo is not made

message to portray, they are just art for art’s sake.

in a drunken stupor or after an adrenaline filled

Tattoos can be the same way.

think that you won’t regret it, but you will.”

If it makes them happy, it is worth it. There is this tendency to view things so seriously and

my family do not get tattoos, it is just not a thing.

tattoos my entire life. When I turn 18 I am going

proud of my sexuality.

The “Mona Lisa” does not necessarily have a meaning, but it is a commonly admired piece

It is also important to remember that people are the ruling monarchs of their bodies, not just

Meaning can also come in unconventional forms. “I think that just decoration is also a

they have any meaning or not.

22 | Sports sports

M

ia Anderson ‘22 was at her first volleyball tryout and the pressure was nerve-wracking.

Shortly after the tryout started, Anderson dove for a ball and ended up striking the floor. With the need to impress the coaches trying to recruit her for their team, she continued to play through the pain.

Anderson served the ball, her body gave out and she fainted. She was taken out of tryouts and rushed to the hospital where she was told she was going to need surgery on her hand. Anderson ended up being out for two months. Sometimes coming back from an injury can be the hardest part. “Mainly the fear factor, it wasn’t that it hurt, I just had to get over the fact that I wasn’t going to hurt myself again,” Anderson said.

High school athletes suffer two million injuries a year in the United States according to stopsportsinjuries.org. One fourth of those result in doctor visits. The sports with the most injuries were 28 percent of football players, 25 percent of baseball players, 22 percent of soccer players, 15 percent of basketball players and 12 percent of softball players.

Sadie Schoenauer ‘22 was playing a club softball game when she injured her ankle.

While playing in left field, the ball was hit up in the air between her and the shortstop.

I think the biggest mental roadblock from coming back is trusting your body.

-Josh Tobey

Neither she nor the shortstop called the ball and they ended up running into each other. After laying on the ground for awhile Schoenauer knew something was wrong.

She was taken to the hospital. Doctors told her she had a sprained ankle and would be unable to play for two months. When she returned to playing, she thought she might reinjure the ankle. “I had a major mental block with sliding,” Schoenauer said. “I was scared that I was going to slide wrong and be out again.”

High school athletes tend to have little experience dealing with injuries. They work hard to develop their skills and may feel like the work was for nothing when they become injured and cannot practice. Frustrated, they may try to return too quickly. “A lot of kids in high school that get hurt with a serious injury, that is the first time they have had a serious injury and with the season being so short in high school you could easily miss the entire season for a really nasty sprained ankle or something like that,” Middle School Athletic Director Josh Tobey said. “That is always a hard transition for a high school student, to know my season is done because the season is only 8 weeks long. You have to be patient and trust your trainer and your coaches, you might be done now but you can come back and be stronger next season or

Break From The Game

Words | Ciaran Rigby Layout | Tate Larsen

for your next sport too.”

Athletes also worry about competition for playing time and starting positions. “Our kids spend so much time getting in shape then when you miss a month everybody else stays in shape,” Athletic Director Joe Nelson said. “Unless you are able to get on the bike or do something to keep your cardio up that is what I hear from the kids, there is game shape and there is out of shape.”

More emphasis has been placed on sports safety, Iowa concussion law mandates that all coaches take an online concussion course every year. It also requires that athletes suspected of having a concussion be taken out of play immediately, along with other precautions to ensure the safety of the players. “Since the 80s and the 90s and the 2000s, it is safer now than it has ever been in my entire life,” Physical Education teacher and Varsity Football Coach Brian Woodley said. Many factors are outside the control of the athletes like the coaches’ decisions around playing time and how long it takes an injury to heal, Tobey believes the hardest part of returning from an injury is actually up to the player. “The biggest mental roadblock from coming back is trusting your body,” Tobey said.

5

of the most common sports injurys

Tennis Elbow

Hamstring Pull

ACL Tear

Shin Splints

Ankle Sprain

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