May 2011

BW the black and white

backpage

senior photos

the black and white. may. 2011. volume 19 issue 8. 5152780449. 6501 NW 62nd ave. johnston. iowa one copy free

in this issue may four Say good-bye to principal

nine It’s Grad party time. Check

Bruce Hukee! Staff members

out some helpful tips before

and the time he spent here.

late grads and eat their food.

say a few words about Hukee

you venture out to congradu-

thirteen Read about two students

sixteen A student and his mom

who make and wear their own

share their personal account

Central Campus.

and immigrating to America.

clothes through a program at

of escaping a war-torn country

*THE BLACK & WHITE

011

y2 a m

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kelsey Kruse

News 3 4

DESIGN EDITOR Kelly McGowan

Relive the past month through photos Principal Bruce Hukee has left the building News briefs

Opinion 5 6 7

Why you need to learn self defense today That’s what Shi said Going over your tests: it’s actually important Hiding your final test grade helpful in the end Seniors share one last piece of advice for you to enjoy

Editorial

in this issue...

8

Thank you counselors Fun day trips to take this summer

Doubletruck Entertainment

FEATURE Lauren Coffey

12 How to make the most out of grad parties

Health

13 Learn all about different types of vegetarians

FASHION/HEALTH Spencer Vasey

Fashion 14 Two students break into the world of fashion

SPORTS Ryan Smaha

Feature

Eighth grader lends a helping hand

16 Student escaping war torn conditions 17 Film festival held to raise money for student with cancer

Sports

19 Ultimate frisbee takes flight Full Court press

Backpage

20 Get tips on how to take great senior pics

17

10

19

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BACKPAGE Ethan Meng DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Ian Dunshee

18 Senior softballl players soon to be rivals

3

OPINION Kristine Hayes

ENTERTAINMENT/REVIEW Evan Culbert

10-11 Created in Johnston

15

NEWS Mike Shi

EDITORIAL Zach Winjum

Review 9

PHOTO EDITOR Michael Knoedel

12

20

STAFF WRITERS Isabella Engblom, Wes Monroe, Alexa Anderson, Sarah Margolin, Mallorie Goodale, Ashley Enger, Elisabeth Lowe, Mirza Besic, Christopher Coble, Hannah Soyer, Paige Cramer, Taylor Mithelman & Ashley Shay Illustrators Rosemarie Freymark, Trevor Fisch & Austin Smoldt-Saenz, Lisa VanWiel PHILOSOPHY The Black and White is published solely by the Johnston High School newspaper staff. Its goal is to inform, enlighten and entertain Johnston students. It is an open forum. In accordance with Iowa law and board policy, students assign and edit material. The paper is published nine times per school year. The paper will avoid material that is libelous, obscene or an invasion of privacy. The law does not require parental permission to use student quotes. Ethically, we believe students can speak for themselves. Staff editorials represent the opinion of a majority of the editorial board. Editorial and opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the adviser, school officials or the district. Letters to the editor must be signed.

Like all material, letters may not be libelous, obscene or an invasion of privacy.

Bring letters to room 413 within one week after publication to be considered for the next issue. The Black and White strives to report accurate and timely information.

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

On the cover: Senior Rachael Sorci poses for a senior picture taken by senior Monika Sehic.

news

may 2011

the b&w p.3

may in

photos words & layout Kelsey Kruse

1

Junior Molly Thuente laughs as senior

Emily Mentzer pretends to fan herself with a few raffle tickets while waiting for carpoolers.

The Environmental Club sponsored Carpool to School Week April 18-22. Club members set

up a table on the sidewalk outside the gym

doors, handing out raffle tickets to participating students and staff.

2

Juniors Chris Caracci, Amanda Teel and

Megan Vaughan disect a cat during Anatomy and Physiology. “I have dissected a cow eye, a shark, a frog, a bug and now a cat,” Carraci said, “The cat has been the most interesting Kelsey Kruse/BW

because I feel like we are actually learning

something by identifying the parts instead of just cutting (the cat) open.”

3

Junior Scott Syroka snaps a photo of

sophomore Karly Palmer posing with a dish she prepared in Culinary 3. The class held a

luncheon for the visiting French exchange students on April 27 during B lunch.

4

Senior Sarah Schulte hops towards a

bucket with a golf ball between her knees for a Senior Challenge game. Senior Challenge

was held on Wednesday May 4. Eleven teams of 12 students participated and teams were

Kelsey Kruse/BW

eliminated as the night went on. The championship game was between the top 3 teams, in

which each member had to break apart a T-

shirt that had been frozen into a ball and wear it for the duration of the game.

1

Kelsey Kruse/BW

Morgan Riessen/TheDragon

2 3

4

the b&w p.4

news

may 2011

Mr. Hukee spends countless hours, outside of the school day, here at JHS for the students. When most people are home or relaxing, Mr. Hukee is always working to help students: nights, weekends, even Sunday mornings. - Curt Larkin It amazes me how Mr. Hukee can walk down the halls and greet nearly everyone by their first name and a smile. Impressive. - Susan Krebs Mr. Hukee has been such a great supporter of our library. He didn’t bat an eye when I started rearranging shelves, hanging things from the ceiling, instituting the Cafe Read a Latte for Staff breakfasts. Our library couldn’t be what it is today without Mr. Hukee. -Jane Behrens As most folks know, I open the library everyday at 7:00 a.m., but I most often arrive by 6:30. Mr. Hukee’s car is always here when I arrive - no matter what time. I just can’t beat him! -Cookie Cranston My most memorable moment is when Mr. Hukee would be sitting at my desk and staff members would come into the office and make a comment about how different I looked. -Lois Faley Mr. Hukee has always been very supportive of the office support staff and secretaries. -Liz Sullivan Hukee’s car is always the first one here in the morning - no matter how early I get here, his black car is here and he’s working away at his desk. It’s probably the only time he can get any work done without being disturbed! -Sarah Marckmann Mr. Hukee and central administration enticed me from retirement to teach the Spanish upper levels which I said that I would follow him if he would lead. Mr. Hukee has been a fine leader and model, and I have followed him for the past five years. I thank him for his consistent and positive leadership and hope that his retirement be much longer than what mine was, since now I have forty-four years in the classroom. -Gerald Hollingsworth Bruce—thanks for being a great boss! -Kayla Bousum Mr. Hukee always offered an ear and often asked about me and my family. He always thanked me for anything I did, big or small, that was part of my daily teacher routine. -Daniel Weiss Mr. Hukee, Thank you for your leadership and support. -Thomas Griffin When I think of Mr. Hukee I consider the many hours, before school, after school and on the weekends, that he puts into doing his job. -Rich Gradoville Mr. Hukee always takes time to ask me about the movies I’ve seen recently. -Ed Walker Mr. Hukee does a good job of listening to concerns and always keeping the interests of our students at the front of his decision making process. -Patrick Kearney Every time I see Mr. Hukee, he always asks questions about my family farm. Cows, corn, anything like that. Will farming be his next occupation? -Matt Jaschen I appreciate Mr. Hukee’s tremendous support of all of the activities and athletics. He has truly been a leader and positive influence on many students and staff. He will be greatly missed and he moves into his newest chapter of his life. -Gary Ross I would say-If you can’t think of anything nice to say about someone, ask Mr. Hukee. He always has something positive to say about someone. -Kelly Coleman The Big Ten recently split into the Legends and Leaders conferences and Mr. Hukee’s favorite team, the Iowa Hawkeyes, were placed into the “Legends” conference. However I think most people will remember Mr. Hukee as BOTH a Legend and a Leader at Johnston High School. -Brad Hurst Remember the Ackworth Golf Course!!!! -Vickie Borich Thank you, Mr. Hukee, for you dedication to the students and staff of JHS. You will be missed! -Jennifer Rollings Mr. Hukee arrives before everyone else, stays later than everyone else, and attends JHS events almost nightly. He never takes a day off. He even gets his haircut over winter break and spring break!

-Audrey Bell Thank you for taking extra time to meet with students and families to show you care and help students be successful! -Stephanie Guthrie Bruce, Thank you for all your help and support. ¡Buena Suerte! -Nora Olguin No matter what time of day or day of the week I came to the high school I would always see Mr. Hukee working ungodly hours in his office preparing for the next school day. I’m going to miss his leadership! Thanks for nine wonderful years Mr. Hukee and good luck in the future! -Brian Woodley His dedication to the students and staff of Johnston High School is both genuine and unsurpassed. -Sarah Wessling I would like to thank Mr. Hukee for his all of his time and dedication to the Johnston School District and to enjoy retirement. -Debra Nicholson I have been here almost twice as long as Mr. Hukee, but I think he has put in almost as much time at work that I have! For his first 8 or 10 years, he was ALWAYS here when I arrived and ALWAYS here when I left, no matter how late it was. I’m glad to see that he occasionally goes home now – family IS important, too! -Sue Cline

NB

Compiled by Michael Knoedal

Illustration/Yiming Qin

news briefs

Freshmen dodgeball

words & layout Mallorie Goodale

Graduation baccalaureate

Leo’s Legacy beat Wacka

A Baccalaureate will be

man dodgeball champi-

p.m. in the high school

Kate Leo’s team had never

calaureate is a Christian

Flocka Kleve in the fresh-

held May 22 from 1-2

onshipion May 5. Teacher

auditorium. The Bac-

made it past the first round. There were

graduation service held for seniors and

them, we had like 15 people left and they

zwagg are giving our senior encourage-

“The game was pretty intense. The legacy

from the Bible, tell a little about what FCA

18 teams in the tournament. “We smoked

their families. “Me and Andrew Vander-

had one,” said freshman Abby Nelson.

ment,” said Katie Lashier, “where we read

begins here,” said Karisa Cuneo.

has meant to us and then give some ad-

vice to seniors going to college. I encourage everyone to come.”

School clocks fixed The school bought a

master control panel to solve the problem

of synching up all the

clocks. The clocks were

all a minute off for a few weeks after spring break. The new clocks were timed to see

if they were the same as the old clocks by

the newspaper staff and they are less than a second off. No longer when you are tardy can you use the excuse “Well, the clocks are off.”

opinion

may 2011

the b&w p.5

Learn to defend yourself words & layout Kristine Hayes “BACK OFF!” Pause. Cue the Super-

fake-attack and “BACK OFF!” If you have been in Track 1 P.E. you know what I’m

talking about. The self-defense movie with

that chick with the Jersey accent. Yes, the

Some students understand this. “Know-

ing how to defend yourself can never be a

bad thing,” senior Mitch Langos said. Lan-

gos has participated in both the Karate and Muay Thai disciplines, both of which teach effective ways to defend oneself.

There are many types of self-defense

lady is super entertaining and you will be

training and they vary from a class or two

for days. But what you might not recognize

which can translate to a hobby. Some mar-

hearing other students mimicking her voice

is the value of what the video was teach-

ing. One day those who have taken Track 1 and participated in these exercises may

be thankful for that New Jersey accent. Be-

ing able to defend oneself should be a skill everyone has.

Self-defense is one easy way to confront

and possibly even stop crime. According to

all the way to formal martial arts training

tial arts disciplines are karate, aikido, jujitsu

and kick boxing. All of these forms provide classes and demos on self-defense locally.

Aside from traditional martial arts practice facilities you can go to the YMCA, local seminars are provided by the police and most gyms have self-defense classes.

If safety isn’t reason enough to learn

neighbordhoodscout.com Des Moines has

self-defense, think of all the other good

(armed thefts, personal attacks and rapes).

the skills. Besides generally feeling more in

approximately 1,082 violent crimes per year While this number is not huge, the risk is still there. Therefore, everyone still needs to be able to protect themselves. For every

1,000 people five of them are victim of a

things that come along with just knowing

control and safer, self-defense training can

improve your self-confidence, physical fitness, and is a natural stress releaser.

Every year, Deb Nicholsen’s Track 1 PE class watches a series of basic self-defense veidos in an effort to better prepare students for the future. is also a set of ethics guidelines that al- Students also fill out an awarness checklist.

violent attack. Let’s bring this to a school

top of the mental and physical gains there

think of it as five to six students being vic-

most every form of martial arts endorses.

level. We have around 1,200 students so

tim of an attack yearly. With that kind of a visual how can you not feel the need to at least know something that could help.

what

That’s

Illustration/Lisa VanWiel

Any way it’s spun there are benefits. On

In Taekwondo, for example, as a part of the

pledge and class openers there is a set of

Aims to Achieve that all members strive for.

Forced volunteering

Those Aims to Achieve are: honesty, modesty, integrity, self control, perseverance

and indomitable spirit. Just being reminded

of and practicing those qualities in daily

By forcing people to volunteer, doesn’t

that take out the whole point of donating

your time in the first place? The SLP, service learning project, was probably one of

the most hated parts of senior year. Pretty much everyone loathed it, myself included; I ended up not even finishing my hours

and half-wording my write-up. For a project designed to teach us the values of volunteering and citizenship, it’s done only the

opposite. By forcing students to do a cum-

said words Mike Shi

Illustration/Rosemarie Freymark

For our senior service project, the re-

quirements for senior picnic weren’t all

that strenuous. Simply spend $5 on school

supplies and then safely skip school, easy.

Though that may seem like a joke of a volunteering project, it’s better than the alternative, forced volunteering.

bersome and banal project, government class has taught us to resent volunteering.

You can’t force someone to volunteer, it

doesn’t work that way. You either want to

volunteer or you don’t, giving someone a grade isn’t going to change anything. I’ve

volunteered plenty, both before and after the SLP. I even volunteered at a second place while the SLP was going on. Honestly, if the

life is worth the effort. All you have to do is try one out. There aren’t ANY downsides

to learning to defend yourself and with this many advantages, why not?

SLP was my first taste of volunteering, as it likely was with many others, I’d probably be a lot more hesitant to do it again.

Though it may have seemed like a good

idea on paper, forcing people to volunteer,

especially jaded seniors, will only lead to contempt and resentment. If government class really wanted to teach us the merits of

volunteering, maybe we shouldn’t have to write a twelve-page paper about it and instead focus on the real motivations behind

volunteering, helping your community and helping yourself grow as a person.

So with that, I’m finally done with this

column. Nine columns, or rows I guess, of varying quality from pretty terrible to halfway decent all in the name of one glorious

pun. It figures that Michael Scott, the king of that’s what she said jokes, is leaving The Office right when this column wraps up.

opinion

the b&w p.6

may 2011

Check your tests: They actually matter words & layout Mirza Besic There was once a day when grades

were all important to high school students.

force information and fix misconceptions.”

The whole point of the test corrections

Believe it or not, that day has passed. How-

is not to give kids free points back on tests.

school, no matter how much you want to

over material they weren’t familiar with a

ever, grades are forever part of being in

They exist to encourage students to look

pretend they don’t matter.

second time and place it even deeper into

There are classes where tests are about

a third of your grade, and classes where

their brains.

While these test corrections are only for

tests make up a hefty 70 percent of your

the AP students, Howe also goes over tests

However, the grade isn’t what should mat-

points back, but that isn’t the point to begin

considered the real issue.

takes made and crush the final.

great at taking tests. If that’s the case,

taken by many students who want to help

be enough. Getting a good night sleep and

day final. Senior Ahmed Shaharyar has AP

key to acing the test. Going over it again is

vantage of these test corrections.

semester grade. So they are important.

with her Biology students. They may not get

ter. It’s knowing the material that should be

with. The whole point is to learn from mis-

There are a lot of people that aren’t

The generous test corrections offer is

studying before the test might not always

their grades out and prepare for the four-

eating a nutritious breakfast isn’t always the

Biology first period, and he takes full ad-

needed.

Biology teacher, Sara Kate Howe is the

“I love the test corrections,” Shaharyar

said. “I do horrible on tests, so test correc-

at your grades, so keeping an eye on how

the final has a lot of repeats, so now that

cally, tests will give you the best shot.

better prepared.”

so great on. Don’t just ignore it and pretend

kind of teacher that lets students correct

tions help me get the grade. Not to mention

ing towards the end of the year’s AP test,”

I’ve gone over it three to four times, so I’m

mistakes. It’s just one way for them to rein-

We know that colleges are going to look

their tests to get points back. “We are work-

Howe said. “Students come to learn from

Illustration/Lisa VanWiel

you are doing in classes, and more specifiSo take a look at that test you didn’t do

it never happened. Just because the test is

over doesn’t mean you should stop study-

ing that chapter. This advice probably falls on deaf ears for most of you upperclassman

with crippling cases of senioritis, but there is still hope for juniors and sophomores and even freshmen still hanging in there.

Hiding final grades helps words & layout Wes Monroe If anyone has been in a blocked science class the last

worthwhile. With this idea of hiding the results to the first

ing semester final grades. This means that when students

centage is going into the final exam, so they might be in-

couple years, they would have experienced the idea of hid-

exam students will not know exactly what their overall per-

take their first semester final the results will not be revealed

clined to put more effort into studying and preparation.

until after the second semester test.

The results of both tests will then be put into infinite

campus at the end of the year. “It’s about students doing

weeks of school are still extremely important.

harder and be more prepared for semester exams.

right away, then you might get discouraged and get into

percentage they need to get in order to maintain or raise

go. Students should use strategies and be more prepared,

said. Hiding the final grades doesn’t allow that to happen.

sibly can on the second final.

their first final grade, they would be able to calculate how

going to want to do well on their final exam to ensure that

raise their grade to an A.

final exam scores. This idea is a great way to make stu-

If the final grade is calculated into your grade as a whole

In most classes students can figure out exactly what

a hole that you can’t dig yourself out of as far as grades

their grade. “Kids like to play how low can I go,” Beguhn

regardless of their final, to help them do the best they pos-

Say a student has an 85 percent in math. If they have

Kristine Hayes/BW

summer on their mind and put aside the fact that the final

their best,” science teacher Chris Beguhn said.

They believe that by hiding the final grade, kids will try

Junior Alyssa Vuckelich works on her chemistry final on May 6.

Also it is a great way to keep students more attentive

during the home stretch of the year. Many students have

low they can go on their second final to maintain the B or to Basically they are stuck and don’t feel like studying is

If students have uncertainty about their grade they are

their grade doesn’t drop significantly due to the combined dents to put in the effort.

opinion

may 2011

Take classes because you are genuinely interested in

the subject, not just for an easy grade or for the credit.

Kelly McGowan

Some 15 tardies and then 7ish hours of detention in the art room this year has taught me a simple, but important less on: be where you are, when you are supposed to be there. You star t your day badly, show disresp ect and send a message tha t your time is more important than the teacher’s which it simply isn’t.

Too many times, we take classes or don’t take classes

because of the grade we may receive. Most times,

students who are interested in the topic they are study-

ing tend to do better in those classes. So when you go to

change your schedule next year because you don’t like

J-Lab

the teacher or you think you would get a “C” instead of a

r o i n e S pinions O

“B”, give it a chance, because that challenge is going to

better prepare you for college. For example, don’t drop

AP Chem just because it will be a lot harder than any

other class. Give the class you want to drop a chance,

because you may love it in the end.

Ryan Smaha

Too many students are basing

ey

and with so many people vying for jobs, it is crucial to make a good impression for potential employers.

A series of experiments by Princeton psychologists

as rV

ce

en

First impressions are everything, especially in the professional world that most of us will be entering within the next few years. The job market is rough,

on’t worry u can and d yo s a ch u in Do as m r the poster ill remembe st I . re ilu fa f about 00% o the “You miss 1 , m o ro ’s rt Mrs. Pippe on’t take.” shots you d

reveal that it takes a tenth of a second to form an impression of a complete stranger. That’s a tenth of a second that you have to show your employer, or any-

Elisabeth Lowe how to form educated opinions

their college decision on whether they “bleed” black

Sp

el d e o n K l e a h ic M

When it comes to politics, we

the b&w p.7

body else, that you are worth their consideration..

all need to learn

and gold, or yellow and red.

How ludicrous!

This life-changing decision should

probably be taken a little more seri-

ously. College if for learning, leave the rivalry on the

instead of mindlessly believing what the liberal or con servative media tells us to. Keep an open-mind and not adhere entirely to only one political party. No sing le person shares the exact same views; so why do we vote like it?

field.

Kelsey Kruse In the end, it doesn’t matter. GPA, ACT, twenty years

from now, no one’ll care. Why go through school obsessed

Ch

The best piece of advise for your high school

you instead do something that you are very pas-

individual, after all that’s what most colleges look for.

le

sionate about and make yourself seam like a unique

b Co

in the trap of fake success. I would recommend that

the life, I’ve lived it. Instead of focusing on getting A’s, take

the time and enjoy the little things. For me, one of these

ris

experience that I can think of is to not get caught up

with numbers when they’re are just that, numbers. I know

Don’t spend all your time pouring over textbooks and

staying up late to write that essay, do something that

you enjoy doing and makes you who you are. Try as hard as you can to not to be like everyone else.

was Plursday. It’s simple, each Thursday–party Thursday,

get it?, me neither–we bring a cake to AP Lit. Though it

may not seem like much, this weekly ritual is one of the

bright spots in the few weeks left of senior year. Instead

of worrying about grades, take a moment to sit back and

enjoy the little things. Whether it be cake, cane toads or

Krispy Kreme caps, take the time and take in the everyday tidbits that make memories worth remembering.

Mike Shi

editorial

may 2011

the b&w p.8

u o y k Thaen lors couns

They didn’t earn a degree on scheduling, but feel free to thank the people who deal with everday issues.

The editorial board votes on the opinion behind the editorial. A simple majority is needed to pass. This month’s vote was 11-1 /BW

They do it all: scheduling, personal issues,

grades, college prep, or casual chatting. The counselors are here to ensure our success.

Some students do not utilize Curt Larkin, Stephanie Guthrie, Susan Baker and Audrey Bell, but the ones that do are a step ahead.

Success in and outside of class is the prima-

ry reason we have counselors available at the school. Our counselors do their best to point students in the right direction. “We want you to be on a path to explore. Your society is so much more

fluid than any society, ever,” guidance counselor Curt Larkin said.

The counselors set aside time each spring

for junior and senior meetings. At the meetings

students’ futures are the prime topic discussed.

Some students skip their meetings. That trend

correlates with the students who miss out on opportunities such as scholarships and deadlines.

“We have access to a large amount of resources that even colleges might not have,” Larkin said.

Another resource that often goes unused is

the scholarship page on the high school web site.

This page gives access to multiple scholarships

er y Eng Ashle

that include organizational and university based scholarships. Counselors have had scholarships to certain majors that students haven’t applied to. Instead of the money going to waste, why not stop in and check out the benefits.

The four aspects of the guidance office con-

sist of personal, social, academic and career

goals. Just because a student is called into the guidance office, doesn’t imply there are issues that need to be dealt with. “I make it a point to seek students out, it might be for various things.” guidance counselor Stephanie Guthrie said.

One way to take advantage of what the coun-

selors have to offer is by attending the Study

Skills small group. The counselors contribute

their time for students so that the guidance office is welcoming and resourceful.

“They’re so helpful when I’m having a bad

Ashle y Eng er/BW

day. They’re all so happy and cheerful, plus they all know your name,” senior Emily Welch said.

For everything the counselors do that is in

their job description and everything that goes

beyond, take the time to give a simple thanks to them.

r/BW

ge ey En Ashl

Audrey Bell

Susan Baker

Curt Larkin

Stephanie Guthrie

Top: Senior LaBria Gates checks in to the office while being greeted by guidance secretary Sarah Marckmann Middle: Sophomore Brennen Woods waits in the guidance office for guidance counselor Sue Baker.

Bottom: After a meeting with his counselor, sophomore Brennan Woods signs out.

entertainment

may 2011

Be prepared

don’t let graduation parties catch you off guard

the b&w p.9

Grad party season. It’s finally that time of year again,

and as invites clog our facebooks, many of us may feel

overwhelmed by the multitude of parties departing seniors want us to attend. Having plenty of graduation par-

ties are nothing to get stressed over. Follow these five easy tips to ensure a quality grad party experience.

words & layout Evan Culbert

tip

#2

tip

#1

Get ready for some tough parking.

Remember thinking in Driver’s Ed that you will never ever have

Have a plan.

to parallel park in Iowa? Well, you were wrong. Plan on experiencing several tricky parking situations on a day of grad partying. Expect some tight squeezes, trouble backing out, and yes, there will

With gas prices on the rise, grad party tip number one becomes even

be some parallel parking. Since you won’t be traveling as a lone

to each corner of Johnston. Planning out your route and “schedule” for the

bad at driving, drawing sticks or rock, paper, scissors might be

want to. Before you embark to your many grad parties, take ten minutes or

responsibility of navigation.

more important; always have a plan. No one likes driving back and forth

wolf, try to convince the best driver to drive. If a group is all equally

day will save gas and time, and guarantee making it to all the parties you

necessary to determine the driver. Shotgun seat should take the

so prepare.

First, make a list (or print off your facebook events) of the grad parties

you want to go to. Make sure to include the times and addresses, and orga-

nize the parties in order of the time they will be going on. Next, MapQuest each address and print off the map with the parties addresses marked.

Group the parties going on at the same time, and plan the order you will

be attending each party within each group. Make sure to go to all of the parties in one area before moving on to the next area for that time group.

That way you won’t have to worry about driving back and forth or forgetting someone.

tip tip

#3

Don’t get stuffed in one place.

Who knew they wrapped Twinkies in ba-

ty day how much you will be eating. A small

at a grad party. While your stomach may tell

bar is always a good plan. It may not be

con!? Is this heaven? No, it’s the food table you to go to town on those delicious arteryclogging Twinkies, try to restrain yourself.

Although it will most likely take every bit of willpower you have, you will be thankful when you get to the next party and see something like a chocolate bar wrapped in

bacon wrapped in more bacon. Whatever the food may be, stick to one simple rule: at each party, stick to a small portion of the best thing offered. That way, you won’t be too full to get a bit of each delicious food during the day.

Keep in mind the morning of a grad par-

breakfast, like a bowl of cereal or granola a bad idea to get your jog on either, or do some kind of physical activity.

One final food pertaining tip to ensure

your wellbeing: Be weary of the crème

puffs. Sure, crème puffs are great. Until you

realize how many of those bad boys you’ve popped into your mouth, but by that point it’s already too late. As long as you keep

your crème puff intake below around three or four, you should be okay. Just know that once you get closer to ten, the queasiness will begin to set in, and it will last the whole day.

#4

You can’t gift everyone.

Don’t feel like you have to bring some-

graduation cards off the internet. There are

grandparents do the spoiling, you just worry

cards, and if you really can’t find one you

thing for every grad. Let the relatives and

about showing up and congratulating them.

If you absolutely feel weird walking in emp-

ty handed (which you shouldn’t), print some

tip

#5

plenty of websites that have free printable like, just make one. A homemade card will be appreciated just as much as the most expensive Hallmark card you can find.

Don’t be a lone wolf.

While you may feel right at home going

alone to your best friend’s graduation party, the kid you know just enough to make a

quick stop by their party may end up ex-

to talk to, so you won’t be that awkward kid sitting in the corner eating crème puffs by themself.

Grad party weekends also involve a

tremely awkward if you waltz in alone. Hav-

lot of driving, and carpooling will save you

to grad parties is always a good idea; no

you don’t have a GPS, having a naviga-

ing a friend or small group accompany you one wants to be stuck at a grad party full of

people they have never met before. Having a companion also gives you someone

some gas and save you from boredom. If tor will make finding the parties easier and

save you plenty of turnarounds. So don’t be the crème puff kid, bring a friend or two.

made in johnston

the b&w p.10&11 may 2011

To some people, sewing is just a fun hobby, but to Hannah Troung, it’s a

lifestyle. Troung first learned to sew at 15 years old from her mother, who is

Head-chef Elias gets ready to cook up a homemade

also a tailor. “When I was little I wish I could be a doctor but the more I grow up I want to be a tailor,” Troung said.

chimichanga on the grill. A tortilla is loaded with meat

moved here to Iowa in 2005 to be with her family. Although the shop she

so. Some lettuce, veggies, rice and beans to go with

way for her to get to really know the people. “We talk to everyone, and it’s a

of many from Johnston’s own El Mariachi. However,

Troung is originally from Vietnam but moved to Atlanta in 2001. She then

and cheese, then gets a nice deep-fry for a minute or

works in is small and quaint, she would never think of moving. Tailoring is a

and this meal is ready to go. This popular dish is one

good way to speak English,” Troung said.

Troung works ten-hour days, six to seven days a week. Her days involve

fitting the customer, measuring, cutting, sewing, pressing and steaming. “I

like to do a hard job because after I’m done I feel good,” Troung said. All the

clothes and outfits she makes or fixes are all by herself; with the occasionally help from her mom on the weekend. “I’m by myself all the days,” Troung said. “I do it all myself.”

Her cozy shop is piled with clothes she hems or makes, mainly formal

traditions The B&W investigates stories behind places that make Johnston what it is. Locally-owned shops Johnston Tailors, El Mariachi, The Barber Shop and The Bait Shop are traditions in the Johnston community.

there is more to this Mexican restaurant than just the chimichnagas.

It all started when two brothers, Carlos and Miguel

Inside hangs Mexican-themed banners, Mariachi

Mendoza, moved here from Tulsa, OK and found a job

music and on the TV there are even Hispanic shows.

After working there for a while, the two decided they

the inside,” Salvador said.

After looking around, they found an old vacant building

Mariachi. “It’s a great place to work,” he said. “There’s

With a drive-through and all, they decided to take the

have been family members or close family friends, so it

Shortly after, Carlos and Miguel hired their other

With its good, close location and the fact that all its

at El Rodeo, another Mexican restaurant in Johnston. wanted to find a new space to start their own restaurant.

“It might look like a Hardees, but it’s very different on Salvador really enjoys his job being a manager at El

that used to be a Hardees until it went out of business.

a great atmosphere.” Lately, most of the workers hired

for-rent building and begin the making of El Mariachi.

is no wonder why it would be a good place to work.

brother Salvador Mendoza, to be a waiter. Salvador

food is homemade, folks in Johnston really enjoy eating

down. Her niece who is 12 also wants to be a tailor. However it is also

of the restaurant. Carlos and Miguel then went off

the fact that they support us,” Salvador said. “Apparently

else. “I want to make people happy and to look good,” Troung said. “I never

Casa. “It’s the same restaurant, just a different name,”

favorites for many customers. But when it comes down

dresses for weddings. A very detailed wedding dress with beads and layering stands out up front for everyone to see. “If I work on nothing else except the

dress, it will take about a week.” She is currently working on making clothes

for an entire wedding party, which would be seven bridesmaid dresses. Each dress only takes about two days.

compiled by Chirs Coble, Paige Cramer and Lauren Coffey

In Troung’s family, tailoring is a hard-working job that’s been passed

faithfully worked as a waiter until becoming the manager

here. “People in Johnston seem to be really nice. I like

something that Troung enjoys doing and couldn’t see herself doing anything

again to start another restaurant in Indianola called La

they like our food.” Fajitas and Chimichangas are the

want to stop doing this.”

Salvador said.

to it, “They like anything from the grill!” Salvador said.

Walk into the Johnston Bait and Tackle shop in the morn-

It’s a fine summer day and Marv Van Ausdall opens the

the man up and shaves him clean. It works and it gives the

door to his barbershop on the corner of 62nd and Merle Hay.

closest shave every time. Not many salons or hairstylists

er gentlemen a shave, others are giving haircuts and others

tered barbers in the state of Iowa.

up to him and they start talking about the most recent little

tomer service and friendliness to a whole new level. “We

bursts in and jumps into his arms. They look happy as can

what kind of haircut you want.” They do not use computers

He walks in and greets his employees. Some are giving oldare just standing around talking. A familiar customer walks league game. Then Ausdall’s young daughter Moni Hart be. This was when Johnston was just growing, today Hart herself has taken up the barbershop from its humble roots.

“Not much changes around here,” said Hart. And she’s

One of the more defining qualities of the Johnston Bar-

I feel about how short it is.” Even so, Johnson has plans to

bershop is that they do straight razor shaves. This is the kind of thing seen on old movies where the barber lathers

has been around for 30 years. The current managers, Darcy and Mike Olson, have had it for 11 years. “When we got [the

go back because he needs to keep it short for entering the military.

“that’s what we’re good at.” Darcy also ties rods and bait hooks

for single moms so they can go out and have fun with their kids. “We’re trying to [give them] a good time,” Darcy said.

The bait shop also does many things for this community.

“We really appreciate it when the Johnston community supports us,” Darcy said. And for this support they often give a

the shop had gotten into trouble with the law after a drug

that their first job was as a worm packer for the bait shop. The

it what it is today.

Bait and Tackle gives younger kids such as senior Drew Jack-

bust in 1999, but the Olsons revamped the store and made

cuts in shape. Senior Mason Johnson who plans on enlist“The people were nice,” said Johnson, “but I don’t know how

ing someone how to set the drag on a pole or how to use a net

shop] it was a mess,” Darcy said. The former managers of little back. Many kids around Johnston take pride in the fact

Dodge only a few miles away many National Guard soldiers

ing in the Air Force recently got his hair cut by Hart herself.

where you can get a haircut.

The shop is one of the oldest businesses in Johnston, it

“We get a lot of military men here,” said Hart. With Camp

goes up it stays there,” said Hart. It is basically a museum

as well as vintage posters and products. “Once something

to catch a fish. “Our business is bait and tackle,” Darcy said,

morning of fishing, all at Johnston Bait and Tackle.

to remember someone, they actually know them.

depend on the Johnston Barber Shop for keeping their crew

call you over and talk about the huge fish they just caught location and decide to check it out. A great start to a great

know you when you walk in,” said Hart, “we even remember

right. Scattered over the walls are old pictures of Johnston

is, “Great fishing starts here.” Darcy can often be seen teach-

over on Saylorville Lake. You learn about their secret fishing

The most exciting part of this place is that it brings cus-

If you need help Darcy thinks she can bring it. Their motto

ing and you may be greeted by two older gentlemen enjoying their coffee and socializing with the other customers. They

can say they do this; in fact there are only around 180 regis-

atmosphere makes Johnston Bait and Tackle what it is.

Often when Darcy sits in the shop she finds herself im-

Senior Mason Johnson takes a seat at the Johnston Barber Shop while Moni Hart cuts his hair.

mersed in the conversations of customers. “We are grateful

worms have to get into those boxes somehow and Johnston son the opportunity to make some quick cash.

So this is what defines Johnston Bait and Tackle and makes

for every customer,” Darcy said. Whether it be talking about a

it unique in comparison to something like Bass Pro Shop. “We

way to fish, Darcy and Mike always believe that the friendly

going to need, people are pleasently surprised.”

recent fishing excursion or teaching their customers the best

pay our property taxes,” Darcy said. “We have all the bait you’re

the b&w p.12

review words & layout

may 2011

words & layout Spencer Vasey

When summer seems to drag on and it seems like everything to do in Johnston has been done, consider taking a spontaneous day or weekend trip and see what else the Midwest has to offer. words Ashley Shay and Kelly McGowan

drive- 336 miles (5 hours 38 mins)

layout Kelly McGowan

Provided/trout run trail

Decorah

Take a three or four day trip to explore the music scene in Chicago. There are a few big concerts making their way to the Midwest this summer, including the Dave Matthews Band Caravan, Lollapalooza, and the Revolt Tour 2011.

Dave Matthews Band Caravan: Dave, with artists like Kid Cudi, OAR, The Flaming Lips, and others.

July 8-10 Lakeside Chicago, IL Tickets: $195 for a 3-day Pass Lollapalooza: Eminem, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Muse, My Morning Jacket, DEADMAU5 and other artists form the line-up of this 3-day music festival Aug. 5-7 Grant Park Chicago, IL Tickets: $215 for a 3-day pass

Provided/Lollapalooza.com

Ames

drive- 211 miles (3 hours 48 mins)

Decorah, Iowa, is the perfect town for a weekend trip with its many charming family-owned shops and restaurants.

In addition to shops, there are places to enjoy the views of scenic Decorah and spend some time outside canoeing or kayaking on the Upper Iowa River.

drive- 38 miles (48 mins)

Not too far from Johnston is Ames, a place surrounded by fun summer activities like eating out and river tubing.

Food: When thinking of places to eat in Ames, everyone

Fun: Decorah Hatchery (Buy $3 baby chickens!) 406 W. Water St • Decorah, IA 5210

suggests going to the restaurant Hickory Park, but next time try something new, like Café Shi. All the food is

made fresh and from scratch and the chefs love to add

Explore: Rent Canoes or Kayaks. Chimney Rock Canoe Rental, Campground and Cabins 3312 Chimney Rock Rd, Cresco, IA 52136

new dishes to the menu each week. 823 Wheeler Street Ames, Iowa.

Food: The Train Station is a restaurant known for their

Activities: Drive about 20 mins out of Ames to Boone;

famous “Flashburger:” a burger with hash browns and

there is a Seven Oaks where for $22 a person you can

melted cheese on top. 202 N. Maryville, Calmar, IA 52132

rent equipment and go tubing down the Des Moines River.

Omaha

drive- 136 miles (2 hours 22 mins)

Get away for a weekend trip to Omaha and check out the farmers market, one of Omaha’s popular summer attractions. Then go see new things coming up at the zoo.

Food: Try the Midtown Crossing Outdoor Market, where food is harvested as fresh as possible and there are all different cultured and variety of things to eat.

Fun: We all know about the Omaha Zoo but sometimes it

can drag on and on, so this summer there are new attractions, such as the first cheetah cubs ever born at the zoo, and Ocean Day on June 8th where there are new activiProvided/Decorah Hatchery

ties to do and sea animals to see.

Provided/Midtowncrossing.com

fashion

may 2011

the b&w p.13

Sew talented Two students share a love for creating clothes words & layout Spencer Vasey

“

I made this dress out of fabric that I inherited after my

grandma passed away. It meant a lot because I know she would want it to be put to good use. I also wore her necklace with the dress in the fashion show.

-Elin Tegels

“

”

The whole top of this dress is made out of fake

flowers that I put together. It took forever to make, especially when the flowers started falling off.

-Dahlia Gordon

“

”

This is a cookie monster costume I made for my sister to

wear on Halloween. I reconstructed a kids’ cookie monster costume I wore when I was little to create this costume.

-Dahlia Gordon

”

The lights flash and the music blares as senior Dahlia Gordon

struts down the runway. When she reaches the end, she pauses,

giving the crowd time to admire the silk flower dress she has

my junior homecoming dress, and countless other pieces of clothing before beginning the program.”

One student that did not have as much experience as Gor-

spent months constructing, before rushing backstage to change

don was junior Elin Tegels. “Before the class, I knew how to

Gordon spent eight months hard at work to create the six

make bags and simple skirts, but nothing as complicated as

into her next creation.

complete outfits she showed May 4-5 at the Central Campus Fashion Show. As a member of the Fashion Design and Mer-

sew, but I’d only ever made simple stuff,” Tegels said. “I could I’m making now.”

Tegels now hopes to pursue fashion design as a career. “I

chandising class, Gordon was required to design, construct, and

want to continue to get better so that I can have my own line

The class began last fall by teaching students basic sewing

it into something I can make. I love the freedom of designing

model clothing that fit into six specific categories.

and construction techniques. “It’s a lot harder than you’d imag-

ine,” Gordon said. “A lot of the girls came in here without

one day,” she said. “If I see something I like, I try to incorporate your own clothes, you really get to do whatever you want.”

Both Gordon and Tegels say that the program has helped

much previous sewing knowledge and struggled

them become more creative designers. “I’ve learned a lot

I already had so much

advanced skills, you can be more creative with your designs.

a lot at the beginning. I’m lucky that

experience. I made

through the program,” Gordon said. “When you have more It just gives you a whole new level of freedom.”

the b&w p.14

health

may 2011

No meat? No problem.

No matter where you come from or how you are raised, it’s neer too late to start words Elisabeth Lowe

As someone who grew up in a quasi-

words Ian Dunshee

As a young boy, I considered myself a car-

vegetarian household, I’ve always been

nivore, and was quite proud of it. My father was

middle school, I watched a video online that

food group at his apartment. With my mother a

interested in vegetarianism. When I was in exposed the harsh realities of factory farming. That very day, I went vegetarian and haven’t looked back since.

Even though I was able to do this with

ease, I advise anyone who is seriously con-

my role model, and tenderloins were the main

lifetime vegetarian, I wasn’t given much incentive to go down her path as I hated vegetables,

and saw the lifestyle to be nothing more than unnecessary starvation.

Then a life-long friend of mine went on a

sidering going vegetarian not to. By going

health kick a year ago, and somehow I got

both meat relapse and various dietary im-

and health-consciousness with him. As we

vegetarian overnight, I put myself at risk for balances.

The best way to go vegetarian is to

slowly eliminate meat from your diet while

assimilating in vegetarian substitutes. This

pulled into the vortex of door-frame workouts treated high fructose corn syrup like the black

plague, I added meat to that list, though semiunsuccessfully at first.

That lack of success led me to sneak burg-

allows your taste buds and body to adjust.

ers like I was an addict in rehab, which weaned

Proceed with caution, prospective veg-

the soy, whole grain, and Vitamin B-12 supple-

It also helps eliminate cravings.

etarians. While there are many health ben-

efits associated with the removal of meat from ones diet, replacing your meat intake with dairy can be just as hazardous.

me off meat slowly so I had time to adjust to ments I would soon call my usual diet.

A brief exposure to the hardships of veg-

anism (lets put it this way, I went a week on coffee and peanut butter), led me to see how easy vegetarianism actually is and solidified my new lifestyle.

In the time of your life that most rely on par-

Out and About?

R estaurants that ca Burger King - Ve

ter to vegetarians

ggie Burger $6?

Java Joes - Ging er Curry: $5.95, Veggie Canadian bacon: $5.95, Ga rden Burger: $7 .25, “Not Italian Sausage” sandwi ch: $7.25.

Bandit Burrito Vegetable Chorizo Burrito: $5.95

What is a

vegetarian?

Pescatarian

ents, it can be hard to be vegetarian when you

don’t buy the food and the only thing for you at school is grilled cheese and peanut butter and jelly. The important thing to know is that if you

can do it in highschool, you can do it almost anywhere.

Vegetarian aka lacto-ovo-vegetarian

Pescatarians don’t consume

Vegetarians don’t

Lacto-vegetarian

Ovo-vegetarian

Lacto-vegetarians are vegetar-

Ovo-vegetari-

Vegan

Vegans don’t consume meat

any meat except for fish. The

eat animal flesh of

ians who don’t consume eggs, but

ans are vegetar- of any kind, eggs, dairy products

sion of the fats found in other

ing fish. They do

ovo vegetarians go further by only

consume

benefit of this diet is the exclumeats, and compliments your diet with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

any

kind,

includ-

consume dairy and eggs.

do consume dairy. Many lacto and consuming the less fatty versions of

eggs and diary such as egg whites and skim milk.

ians who don’t or any other product that contains dairy, ingredients

derived

from

ani-

but do consume mals. This includes gelatin in fruit eggs.

snacks, as well as dairy powder in most seasonings and snack bars (including most protein bars).

feature

the b&w p.15

may 2011

Harrison’s helping hand words & layout Ethan Meng

A few days before

boys who lived at this campus made Kruse

at the Youth Homes. The manager told

RECOGNITION

13 year-old boys were

ther asked Robert Mackenzie, Director of

Homes’ information and they would get

through word-of-mouth around the campus,

Christmas, while most making plans to play

over break, Harrison Kruse was going door-

want to do something to help out. His faDevelopment, what needed done. Mack-

enzie told Paul there was a strong need for

Kruse to fill out a form with all of the Youth back to him.

Soon after, Kruse received a call from

winter coats.

the store manager who told him he would

Cam-

a coat drive. Before doing so he joined

Association to purchase the luggage. “I

around a year ago when Kruse’s father

ally have to be 18, a rule change permit-

to-door at the Youth Homes’

Ross

pus. This whole philanthropic story began

began his involvement with Youth Homes.

It sparked Kruse’s interests in helping the boys who lived there.

COAT DRIVE

Two years ago, during his sixth grade

year, Kruse’s father Paul began his involvement with the Youth Homes of Mid-

America on the board of trustees. Youth Homes, whose organization helps young men who come from troubled backgrounds

develop the skills needed to become independent adults, has its Ross Campus

Immediately Kruse began to organize

the local Lions’ Club. Since members usuted his membership and he discovered a large network of people who were willing

be given a $1,000 grant from the Wal-Mart went back and asked for 40 duffle bags and

we did price check, then they told me we still had $700 left to spend,” Kruse said.

With the left over money, he decided

to help his cause. Kruse asked his fellow

buying the basic necessities for the boys

tly used coats as they could. “I would just

boy a bottle of shampoo, deodorant and a

members to bring in as many new or genask them and several people would bring

around 15 coats from work,” Kruse said.

Over the next few months, through donations and discounts at Good Will, Kruse

was able to collect 40 coats to donate to the Ross Campus.

would be the best option. He bought each bar of soap. But, Kruse was not done yet.

“I then went to my dentist and I asked him

if he would be willing to donate 40 tooth-

brushes, tubes of toothpaste, and dental

floss,” Kruse said. “He just handed them to me right then and there.” When Kruse felt

LUGGAGE DRIVE

he had the basic needs of the boys cov-

boys who live at the Youth Homes

drive. A few weeks later, he again contacted

to purchase a jacket for each of the boys.

which brought the cause

could help. “He said that these kids come

Christmas just a week away it was time to

thought this was not right,” Kruse said.

to cottage with Youth Homes employees to

on the north side of Johnston. Several attend school at Johnston, closer to home for

Kruse. Hearing about the

Kruse was not finished after the coat

Mackenzie who suggested another way he with all of their stuff in a garbage bag and I Kruse began devising a year-long plan

to get the boys from the Ross Campus luggage so they would no longer have to transport their possessions in garbage

bags. He went to the Wal-Mart in

Grimes and asked the manager to

purchase 40 bags for the boys

ered, he once again returned to Wal-Mart

As his project was nearly complete and

deliver the gifts. Kruse went from cottage give the boys their gifts. “Everyone was just so thankful and I thought that was pretty cool because I didn’t expect them to be that happy,” Kruse said. “I just wanted to do something for them.”

Besides a small article in the paper and

many people did not know about what he had done. There are not many students at Kruse’s school that know about his philanthropy projects. “I don’t really know even

if people around school know what I have done,” Kruse said. “I mean I don’t even care, because I don’t do it for the fame.”

Kruse was nominated to receive a 2011

Friend of Youth Award earlier this year for

his efforts over the past two years. “No one has approached us with an idea quite

like [Kruse’s],” Mackenzie said. “From time to time a church youth group or Girl

Scout group will do something like provide

cupcakes or Christmas gifts for the boys,

but that is not a sustainable event.” Kruse was one of three others who received the honor this year, but in the 68 years the Youth Homes have been around, Kruse is the youngest to have received award.

this

the b&w p.16

feature

may 2011

“ We were fighting to survive.”

The Bosnian War took place from 1992-1995 in Bosnia, as a result of the breakup of Yugoslavia. This conflict of religion and territory led to between 100,000-200,000 deaths and over two million people being displaced from their home country. From 1991-1996, over 30,000 Bosnians immigrated to the U.S., with 5,695 settling in Iowa, according to the 2000 U.S. census.

Seventeen years ago, the Lastro family crossed the border from Bosnia into Croatia. Now, the family lives in the United States, and recaps the story of their crossing. words Hannah Soyer layout Ryan Smaha Provided/Paalso

Seventeen years ago in December, Ivanka Lastro gave

birth to her son Danijel in an enemy hospital in the middle of a war raging itself through her home country, Bosnia.

Her husband, Mario Lastro, was being kept in hiding so

and children cross, because they knew that if the husbands

on the roof. They watched it, scared to death that it would

not come back.

the territory, finally safe. For the next four years, they lived

and fathers went with the families, they would most likely

The Lastro’s plan was for Ivanka and Danijel to cross

fall, but it never did. In the morning, they took a bus out of

in many different countries surrounding Bosnia, and then

as to avoid being caught, and was not able to witness his

the border on the road, and for Mario to cross the border

child up to the window everyday, to wave to his father and

fortunately, this plan did was not as successful as they

es as well, most commonly the difference in languages.

some soldiers that caught him,” Ivanka, who was watching

started kindergarten, allowing him to begin schooling with

child’s first day. Despite this, the woman would hold her the rest of his family, who were somewhere out there in the war-torn country.

Five months later, after Ivanka had left the hospital and

returned to her husband, they decided to try crossing the

border into Croatia. This would entail crossing three borders in all: one out of the city, one being held by UN troops,

and one into Croatia. “We were fighting to survive,” she

through the forest, so that he would not be caught. Unhad hoped. “When he was going to the woods, there were

this entire scene from the other side, said. The soldiers told him to go to the actual border, and if they would let him

cross, so be it. “That soldier was very nice, because usually they grab you and you are done.”

Knowing that he would have no chance at the border,

said. “We needed to do something--either stay and die be-

Mario sat down, waiting for a miracle. Little did he know,

to cross it. If you survived, you survived, if not, either way

started raining hard,” Ivanka said. “It was like a bad storm.”

cause we did not have food, or go to the border and try you would be killed.” Ivanka and Mario decided to cross on the day people were permitted to visit their relatives on the other side of the border. “I told my mom and my husband’s

mom that I might not come back. If I crossed [the border],

I would just go to Croatia.” That morning, they took a bus that was designated for people visiting friends on the other

side of the border. They were packed minimally, to say the least. “I didn’t have anything, I just took my purse, my documents, and that’s it,” Ivanka said.

On this day, however, soldiers would only let women

that miracle would come in the form of rain. “Suddenly, it

When the storm hit, all the soldiers began running to their

came to the United States in 1998.

Of course, living in America comes with it’s challeng-

Danijel’s family arrived in America the summer before he

other children his age. Normally, this would mean that

Danijel was on the same page as every other kindergart-

ner, except for one major difference - the language. “I had no idea how to speak English,” Danijel, now a junior, said.

“I remember coming home and [telling my mom] ‘Everyone

is stupid, they don’t know how to talk.’” After a year of “just

being thrown in here and not knowing anything,” however, Danijel was speaking just like his classmates.

The family still in Bosnia always has visits to look forward

tents and shelters, leaving Mario to fend for himself. “As

to, although those are becoming less and less, due to the

the border,” Ivanka said. Mario’s running drew the atten-

Danijel, whose entire extended family still lives in Bosnia,

they started running for their tents, he started running for tion from the Bosnian soldiers guarding the border, causing

some to run after him, guns pointed. Soldiers from other side in Croatia warned them not to shoot, saying this would

cause their soldiers to shoot in return. “It was God’s will that he could cross and survive that moment,” Ivanka said.

That night, they stayed in a building that had a grenade

rise in prices. When it does work out, they are bittersweet. admits that living here is “kind of lovely.” He said, “Everyone over there knows each other and knows who you are.

I remember walking up my grandma’s street. She lives on this big hill, there’s a bunch of houses, and everyone would

be like ‘Who are you? Who’s your dad? Your mom?’ and they just know right away. ‘Oh, you’re from America.’”

Films for a cause

feature

may 2011

“Just a better outlook on life” -eddie hepplewhite

words Christopher Coble layout Kelly McGowan Standing in a huddle, ten-year-old Josh DeLanoit gets ready for the big

cheer. Basketball practice is over and sweat pours down his face. Next to him are a few of his friends and teammates that he has grown fond of over

the time they have spent together. “Go Dragons!” Everyone shouts as their

hands go up. Just as Josh raises his hand, he feels someone’s elbow slam

into the side of his face. From the ground he looks up and stares into the face of Ed Hepplewhite who quickly apologizes and helps him up. Little did Josh know, this small event would lead to one of his greatest friendships.

Fast-forward to today, Josh and Ed are the best of friends.

In the spring of 2008, this friendship became a little more complicated.

1

Ed was diagnosed with a form of lung cancer called Ewing’s Sarcoma and

was pulled out of school for chemotherapy. As many would expect this put

major strains on Josh and Ed’s friendship. “It made me think a lot about

losing a friend,” Josh said. It put a huge financial burden on the Hepplewhite family as well.

Josh was always there for Ed throughout the chemotherapy. “Josh told

everyone I was in Sweden,” Ed said, “He’s an awesome friend for doing that.” A penny drive was also started in Ed’s name that raised enough money to help pay for part of the costs of treatment.

Through all this Ed and Josh tried to keep positive. “I didn’t really think

2

about it much, just looked on the positive [side],” Ed said. During this time, Ed had to keep confined to his bed. He was home schooled during the

year by a teacher provided by the school. “It was easy,” Ed said. The point was to pass not to learn. Because of the cancer, Ed was under constant

stress and couldn’t find time for much else. “I was always tired,” Ed said,

“Usually I didn’t feel up to hanging out.” Even through all this though Ed’s

friends remained by his side. “They understood what I was going through so it wasn’t bad.” He said.

After battling his cancer for about a year Ed was declared in remission

on January of 2009. He began going back to school and living a normal life.

“I missed pretty much an entire semester of school so it was a bit hard to come back to,” Ed said, “[but] my second semester was fairly normal.”

During April of this year Ed’s cancer came back, hard. After more than

a year of being cancer free Ed had to go through the whole process again.

Seniors host a fund raising film festival with for a friend struggling with cancer

the b&w p.17

“[The doctors] told me it might be very difficult to treat this time,” Ed said.

3 All Pho

Josh found this as his invitation to act. He went to the administration

and asked if he could raise money for Ed, but they declined because they had already done so with the penny drive. So he took it upon himself to

start something else. He began a film festival that would be completely devoted to paying for Ed’s chemotherapy.

The festival is going to be held on June 3 and will cost $3 for admission.

Mike and Josh Shorts, MJS for short, is the name of their group starting the drive. They are accepting all types of films and will be setting up in Dave Van Brocklin’s barn.

Throughout it all there is now more hope. Ed’s cancer is not as bad as

many would think. “They caught it early,” Ed said “it was worse before.” Ed

believes there are a few positives from all this. “[I] just have a better outlook on life.” Ed said. “I feel more sympathy for people.”

tos Pro

4

vided/D

eLanoit

1) Josh and Ed hang out Camp Hantesa.

2)From left to right, Josh, Ed, Collin Ward, Ben Adams at the DeLanoit house.

3) Ed pictured with his Rock Around the Clock team.

4) The fund raising film festival’s poster.

the b&w p.18

dungeon

may 2011

Seniors face a divided field words Sarah Margolin and Alexa Anderson

layout Ethan Meng

got back to the hotel in our uniforms and jumped into the

funny [playing Lauren]. We are both competitive, when

got annoyed cause we got the hotel wet,” Goodale said.

nice to know someone on the other team,” White said. “

They first started playing together in seventh grade

Outlaws, which is an 18 and under team. “[We] could only

good against them,” Goodale said.

it were not for those five years. The girls continued on in

time] we were up till twelve-thirty because of a lighting de-

the community college level. “I am guessing it will be

for the Jaguars. “[We] played all our games and went

down a hill. We got home around one-thirty, two o’clock,”

Merical cause different coaches have different coach-

Lauren Goodale and Erica White stormed the softball

pool and the water turned black. It was funny and people

she runs past me I will be trying to trip her. It will be

Freshman year Goodale and White both played for the

I know how she plays, so I will have to play harder to do

and would have never been as close as they are now if

play in the fall and were with completely new girls. [One

The rigors of softball will be different once they hit

their softball career when they were 14 playing together

lay while playing. It was pouring out and we were sliding

more fast-pace, it will just be weird not playing for coach

White said.

ing styles and different philosophies on things,”

field after winning state tournament, 5-0. That was their sophomore year and now they are the only two seniors left on the team.

to state--and we got last place,” White said. After losing at state they went to regionals in Kansas,

Most people do not have the time to give up some of

Goodale said.

Neither Goodale or White knows how far

got second and went to nationals in Indiana,

their school and summer life for one sport. Their practices

when we got there we got to walk on

three to ten o’clock. The time commitment that the sport

just through community college or to a

ASA [Amateur Softball Asso-

“It takes up a lot of your summer, if its not your main sport

ing in college. However, both

get a job, sleep, have a life,” Goodale said.

ing to college. “I feel like I

“We were all dirty

and White end up spending a lot of time together through-

White said. “My fam-

gree heat,

grade, and we roomed together and stayed together at

ing it [softball]

that much you become friends,” Goodale said.

tions.”

“It was a nine hour car ride to Indiana and

are from two-thirty to six o’clock, and games can be from

they want to take softball, whether it be

the basketball court with all of the

takes has led to many upperclassmen leaving the team.

four-year school to continue play-

ciation] teams,” White said.

than why would you put all your time to it when you could

are very excited about go-

They ended up getting

second in regionals.

Being the only two seniors on the team means Goodale

was born for the sport,”

in the 100 de-

out the year, “We have played together since seventh

ily has been do-

a n d

nationals and at state. When you hang out with someone

for genera-

we

Now that Goodale and White are just weeks away from graduating, they both have decided to play softball at a community college. Goodale is going to Muscatine and White to

Marshalltown,

which

are rival schools.”

I think it will b

e

sports

may 2011

the b&w p.19

ULTIMATE FRISBEE takes flight

words & layout Ryan Smaha

For the past three years, a group of students have met on Mondays

and Wednesdays at the gazebo in Green Meadows West to play Ultimate

Frisbee. These gatherings, known as Ultimate Mondays and Ultimate Wednesdays, have grown from a group of kids playing for fun into a group vying to become a school club.

Senior Ben Stensrud has been instrumental in the process of trying

to promote Ultimate Frisbee as an official school club. He has drafted an official set of procedures for the proposed club, met with principle Bruce

Hukee, and will meet with the Board of Education to discuss the club. “We

wanted a way to promote the sport, and also gain some field space so we would be able to host some competitions,” Stensrud said.

Recently, Stensrud said as many as 30 students and staff have sup-

ported the recognition of Ultimate Frisbee as a student club. “It used to be

something for just the kids in show choir on Mondays, so it would be nice for other kids to have the opportunity to play,” junior Chase Fiedler said.

To become a club, the organizers must first meet with principal Bruce

Hukee to present their idea. “Basically they have to follow our requirements so they have to state a purpose, turn in a list of possible people that

would be involved in it, and they have to make sure they are following the requirements that the board sets out for them,” Hukee said. “If they have

all that information turned in, and it looks like it’s complete, then my next step is to turn that over to the board.”

Once it gets to the board, organizers will have to answer any concerns

that the board may have, and the board votes on the potential club at the meeting after.

If approved, Ultimate Frisbee will become only the second school

photos by Ethan Meng/Ryan Smaha

Left: Senior Brandon Miller catches a frisbee mid-air Top: Senior Brandon Miller looks for a teammate to pass to during a pickup game. Middle: Senior Thomas Winkleman tries to bypass a defender.

Bottom: Senior Jake Foutch catches a pass from Ben Stensrud.

Full-court Press x

x o

o x

o o

o x

x

By: Ryan SMAHA

New conference realignment hurts competition Starting in the 2013-2014 school year,

the CIML Conference will undergo a massive shift in power. With Ankeny splitting

into two different high schools, the confer-

club hosted out of school. The other club not currently hosted on school grounds is FCA.

“Ultimate is one of the best ways to meet new people not only from

Johnston and Johnston alums, but people who play at other schools too,” Stensrud said.

ence decided on April 26 to split into three

promote competition and athletic participa-

body likes to lose, so it would be inevitable

division, as opposed to three six-team divi-

that one of the four teams will fall to the per-

fan attendance would fall off because it is

four-team divisions and one seven-team sions, the current format.

The new divisions however, undermine

the overall athletic mission of the conference because of the pairing of multiple

tion? With the new divisions, it is inevitable

petual basement, while the teams that finish second and third in the conference will

struggle to receive high sub-state seeds

for athletic participation would fall off. Also,

harder for a city to get behind a team that consistently loses.

Now, do I think Johnston will fall to the

because they didn’t win their conference.

basement? No, growing class numbers will

2014, Johnston will be apart of a division

the basement of this new division, it would

every year. However, what the CIML should

dale, and Valley. My question is, why pair

pation would fall as well as attendance at

large schools in a single division. In 2013-

that includes Dowling Catholic, Urbanthe largest school in Iowa with two of the largest (Urbandale and Johnston), and a

private school known for its athletic excellence (Dowling Catholic)?

Isn’t the point of high school athletics to

Hypothetically, if Johnston were to fall to

be reasonable to think that athletic particigames. Like it or not, high school students

like to be apart of a team that could challenge for a state berth or even a state title,

not a team that will be consistently dominated by the others in their division. No-

definitely help to challenge for a division title have done is keep the current division format, just added the new Ankeny school to the CIML Central. I’m sure the 12-member

board that decided the division put a lot of research into their decision, but the clear

dominance of one division shows that geography was prioritized over competition.

the b&w p.20

backpage

may 2011

1

words & layout Taylor Mithelman & Isabella Engblom

Senior Snapshots

3 2

Starting to think about getting senior pictures taken? When preparing for senior pictures there are some basic tips to follow.

Also look into all your options when picking your photographer, including student photographers.

to 8Tips Successful Senior Pictures

5

1.

4

“Wear what you look good in. If that's jeans and tshirt, go for it. If it's a sizzling skirt and heels, that's

7 8

6

a building. We always want our seniors to look youth-

about celebrating who you are as a unique individu-

awkward studio poses. We want to see your authentic

stairs that everyone else has been.”

you may be asked to sit on the ground or lean against

individuality and who they are. Senior portraits are

ful and fun! No lame mottled muslin backdrops or

al, not about being photographed on the same set of

6.

-His&Hers Photography

“I always suggest, for the yearbook photo, something

your images. It’s okay if it dates your image because

in my book, senior portraits are about capturing this time in your life , your rite of passage.”

7.

11

-Huffaker Photography

No Sun Burns. The camera loves a little color in your

skin tone, but we live in the mid-west and our winter

hidden skin tends to burn easily. Please protect your

-Mullica Studio

“Bring full gear, all the way down to the ball for sports pictures. You never know what you’re going to need pictures better, a headband here or a hat there can really make a picture.

you are, not an ad for a jewelry company. You can get

skin and avoid sun burns prior to your photo shoots.

-His&Hers Photography

or want to use. Anything you bring might make the

the modeling style and feel to your portraits without

4.

eye away from you and will totally date your image.

absolutely give you grief.”

“Do not over accessorize. These are portraits of who

all the extras.”

“Avoid branding / writing on your clothes. It pulls the

Jacob or Palin in 2012 shirt - but your future kids will

-Portraits by Deena

10

-Huffaker Photography

We know you want to wear your Bieber Fever or Team

more traditional, and for the outdoor segment, wear you have a favorite outfit that is wild; go for it in one of

3.

where their friends have gone or are going but that they consider if that photographer will capture their

what will look good and you will be comfortable in. If 9

“I would suggest that the senior not only consider

great, too. Plan to bring several outfits. Keep in mind

you! Rock your own style.”

2.

5.

8.

-Photojeania

“Get at least two nights of good sleep before your

photo session so that you will look fresh and won’t have bags under your eyes. As for hair care guys, let a new hair cut grow out for at least a week before

your pictures. Also, take the time to get a close shave.

Girls, if you plan on coloring your hair or getting a

new style, also allow at least a week to get used to the style.”

-SeniorPictures.com

Senior Monika Sehic started taking senior pictures when she de-

Monika Sehic photography

cided she wanted to start collecting photography for a portfolio. “I like

photography that’s interactive. When you work with people as your sub-

jects then there is so much more you can do with the photo.” Sehic started developing her own photo style as she took senior pictures.

“You are a lot more comfortable having a peer take pictures rather

than a professional you don’t know,” Sehic said. Sehic works with the

student to determine price based on how long they want to take pictures. She does not charge for outfits and edits a few pictures of the customer’s choice as part of the price of the session.

Getting senior pictures taken by a student is ultimately much cheaper.

“It’s cheap enough that you can use it as a trial and see what you like,” Sehic Said. “You can always go get more taken by a professional.”

Photos Credited to: Tim McConnell Fine Photography

1, 8, 9, 11

Monika Sehic Photography

2, 5

Portraits by Deena 3, 4, 6, 7, 10