November 2016

<1% <1% <1%

Black

Asian

98% &

black white the

December 2016

Find us on Twitter! @jhsnewspaper

Read our online edition! www.jhsblackandwhite.com

Hispanic

White

Follow us on Instagram! @jhsblackandwhite

f

Like us on Facebook! JHS Black & White

Nov. 2016

index

p. 2

Cover | Kathryn Ikeda & Kitarrah Mangra-Dutcher

NOVEMBER

STAFF

ONLINE 1 2 3 4

Head editor-in-chief

Kathryn Ikeda

Online editor

Colleges want brainpower

Bryce Schulte

Print editor

Students take on the world through gap years

Photo essay

Clubs ........................................................4&5

Sam Farrell

Design editor

Presidents change but moral standards should not

Will Reiher

Feature Officers down, memorials up ................6 Preparation meets opportunity ............7

Opinion editor 1 in 1600: Preston Peddicord ...............10

Students React: election results

Matthew Berry

Photo editor Lack of diversity in educator ethnicities

Kitarrah Mangra-Dutcher

Staff writers

Scan to visit the online website or visit jhsblackandwhite.com

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

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

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

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

Twitter: follow @jhsnewspaper

IN THE ISSUE

Bobby Bailey Grace Ballesteros Mackenzie Beck Erin Bockenstedt Angela Cai Sophie Cordaro Justin Gard John Greenwood Shabana Gupta Molly Hauser Nick Irwin Katelyn Kempkes Gretchen Lagerblade Mason Lillegraven Anna Losen Jack Lucas Ben Lunn Jessica McKee Sloan Meader Abby Nichol Emily Poss Edin Sehic Hailey Sherman Kennedy Stone Brooke Willis Joel Woodsmall

Visit our site: www.jhsblackandwhite.com

8

As the racial demographic of JHS students has changed, JHS teachers’ have remained the same Opinion Stronger together, American will be

great again .......................................11 The Bechdel test “tests” my patience

............................................................12

Problems with piracy .............................13

Health Waterlogged ..............................................14

Sports Start to finish: Fall’s top athletes ..........15

Instagram: @jhsblackandwhite

Nov. 2016

FALL

FASHION

1. Whether you tie it around your waist, or wear it loosely over a blouse, a flannel shirt can be the most universal fashion

1

a way to

3. Adidas superstar

keep

shoes are serving as a

the chilly

more sporty, casual and comfortable style. The

2

Leg-

gings? A dress?

Ankle boots are the

chic

and

eye catching way to perfect your outfit.

5

3

necks,

and stylish

Jeans?

4

2. Turtle

you warm

5.

words | Mackenzie Beck photos | Ben Lunn model | Jayden Bohnsack

statement.

throughout

p.3

universal shoe can be worn

4. Serving its purpose to keep you warm and fashionable, a scarf is an easy accessory.

with jeans, leggings or even a casual dress.

season.

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, I am writing to discuss an issue that has plagued everyone’s mind for the past several months: The 2016 election. As of Nov. 9, Donald Trump is our president, winning with 279 electoral votes and receiving a second place popular vote count of 59,693,373. Whether Democrat, Republican, liberal, conservative or independent, everyone has a strong opinion on these results and their repercussions. From a political standpoint, this election is simply a matter of opinion on the best way to approach different policies. But from a social standpoint, this election has sparked intense emotions and widespread hate. I believe that this hate has to end.

As a strong Hillary supporter, I was very upset by the results of the election. I felt that anyone who voted for Donald Trump was wrong. This thought process plagued me and caused me intense distress. I didn’t understand how so much widespread hatred towards ethnic, religious and other minorities could possibly exist in the United States, a country designed for equal opportunity

and liberty. The way I saw it, Donald Trump’s elec-

lieve the things we do. We have to work together to

tion was a major setback to all of the progress we

spread love towards all groups, and work to under-

have accomplished. With each fearful and angry

stand one another. Not only will explaining your

article I read, my bitterness and resentment grew.

thought process help resolve the hatred between

After discussing my feelings with a few staff

political groups, it will also promote the equality

members, I realized something. By resenting

and acceptance that we all deserve, no matter our

those with different views than me, I accom-

race, religion, sexuality, or gender. The ugliness of

plished nothing. I hadn’t made any attempt to

this election is not what defines this great nation.

explain my point of view. Each angry comment

We are defined by our capacity to unite and love

I made only increased the divide between those

one another.

with different beliefs. Hate is not the way to bridge

I implore everyone reading this to take a mo-

that gap. Instead we have to take an approach of

ment and review what you believe, and what

education, understanding, and acceptance. Telling

sparks those opinions. By understanding your

Trump supporters that they are wrong, and ste-

own reasoning, you will better be able to explain

reotyping them all into one group will only cause

your views, understand others, and promote edu-

more resentment.

cation and unity. Spread love, not hate. It is the

By taking the time to have a conversation

only way to accomplish anything. Thank you.

with one another, instead of simply telling them they are wrong, we will be able to spark so much

Sincerely,

change. This great socio-political divide that

Sam Flodin

plagues America can be resolved. Telling another person that they are wrong will simply make them tune out. Instead we have to explain why we be-

Nov. 2016

p.4

photo essay

L

words & layout | Ben Lunn

2

1

3

1 3

4 Grace Saliers ‘19 and Jovanna Medina ‘19 review a photo after focusing on flowers. Members of the club work on photo compositions when the clubs meets after school on Tuesdays.

Photo by Ben Lunn Members of Open Source schedule out their project. The club planned out their schedule for designing a website in order to meet deadlines and finish the website in a timely fashion.

Photo by Ben Lunn

2 4

Justin Defenbaugh ‘19 takes a photo of a composition. Club members are encouraged to attempt new photos with resources provided. Photo by Ben Lunn

Jimmy Le ‘18 makes adjustments to a website design. “We are designing a new website for the Johnston Foundation,” Le said. Photo by Ben Lunn

photo essay

5

Matt Dolde ‘17 holds a gecko in Science Club. The club held the “Pets and Pizza” event, encouraging all students to attend.

Photo by Abby Watkins

Nov. 2016

6 7

Spanish Club members watch and analyze a video. Spanish Club meets Tuesday afternoons and promotes learning of Spanish culture. Photo by

Shabana Gupta

Foods and crafts from Armenia are featured at Spanish Club. The club features cultural elements from several Spanish-speaking countries.

Photo by Shabana Gupta

8

5 7

6 8

p.5

Andrew Janni ‘18 signs to club members. Janni is cofounder and copresident of the club, which meets Wednesday mornings. Photo by

Bryce Schulte

Nov. 2016

feature

p.6

Officers down, memorials up words | Edin Sehic layout | Will Reiher Nov. 2, Urbandale Police Officer Justin Martin, 24, and Des Moines Police Sgt. Anthony “Tony” Beminio, 38, lost their lives at the hands of Scott Greene. It was an unexpected attack. Just prior to the incident, Greene was praising police. The murders served as a reminder for families of those serving of the sacrifices they signed up for and the risks they face every day.

For some students, their parents have served or are currently serving as officers in the police force.

Addi Seybert ‘17 said. “Every time a phone call

“

Why would you tear apart a family and a community because of your own anger?

“

-Maddie Stoen ‘17

An Urbandale police car is set up outside the Urbandale police station for community members to leave items in memorial of fallen officer Justin Martin. Police cars were set up outside both the Urbandale and Des Moines police stations where community members could leave items in their memory. Photo by Kitarrah-Mangra Dutcher. event. “When he is home, it’s just taken on a sadder

were unanimous in their message to Greene. “Why

tone,” she said.

would you tear apart a family and a community,

These sorts of incidents are not ones many have

because of your own anger?” Stoen said.

to endure, but the ones that do find it very difficult

Many wonder why he had done what he did, and

to handle. “They don’t like talking about it,” Dona-

many want that answer. “I want to know why he did

hue said.

it,” Donahue said.

The last major shooting against police occurred in Dallas in July. Many pinned the blame on Black Lives Matter (BLM). Movements like BLM have gained a negative “anti-police rhetoric” by some

comes to the classroom, I’m always waiting for it to

critics. “I haven’t really noticed any change in the

be for me about my dad.”

way people treat my father,” Stoen said.

Both parents of Emily Donahue ‘17 serve as po-

In response to BLM, a separate movement, Blue

lice officers. “It comes to mind a lot,” she said. “Ev-

Lives Matter had sprung up. “It’s definitely changed

ery time there’s something, I always think of my

many things,” Seybert said. “People are viewing

parents and other cops.”

cops like my dad very differently. Being for Black

This tragedy affected many Iowa families, police

Lives Matter doesn’t mean you can’t be for Blue

families especially. “While we didn’t know them

Lives Matter, because police, no matter their race,

personally, my father was distraught for a really

are meant to protect.”

“

Everything time there’s something, I always think of my parents and other cops.

-Emily Donahue ‘17

“

“It’s always been something we’ve had to deal with,”

Often in hard times, Seybert finds loved ones

long time,” Maddie Stoen ‘17 said. “It‘s just been

Greene had taken the fears these families face

are the best ones to turn to. “Facing this problem,

heartbreaking to see that.” Her father is a police of-

and turned them into realities. Many members of

it’s made my family closer,” Seybert said. “Knowing

ficer in Clive.

the community likely have hundreds of things that

that we could lose my dad, it makes us thankful for

they want to say to him, but the children of officers

the moments we have with him.”

Seybert has not seen her father much since the

National firearm related officer fatalities

+66%

http://www.nleomf.org

On my honor, I will never betray my badge, my integrity, my character or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always uphold the Constitution, my community, and the agency I serve.

-Law Enforcement Oath of Honor

National officer fatalities

+17%

feature

Nov. 2016

p.7

Preparation meets opportunity

Different high school classes help students more than others when studying for a higher degree words | Mason Lillegraven

layout | Jessica McKee

High school marks the end of secondary education. After graduating, many students decide to

dress code and the professors don’t care as long as

dent here.”

In high school, Johnson took Introduction to

you get your work done.”

Business and Marketing, which he feels did not

Lauren McDowell ‘16 is studying at Missouri

Many colleges, however, are vastly different

particularly help him prepare for his major. He be-

State University majoring in Theatre. McDowell

from high school. Sometimes students feel unpre-

lieves that taking Money Management was benefi-

believes that Johnston prepared her in some ways

pared for the transition.

cial as it taught him the importance of budgeting

but not others. “I feel like there should have been

At Johnston, requirements for graduation include four years of English, three years of math, three years of science and three and a half years of social studies.

Counselor Susan Baker believes that these requirements make students more well rounded. In Baker’s opinion, the best attempts students can make to prepare for college is to explore a wide variety of electives to determine their interests. She also encourages academic challenges for students,

“

“

continue their education in college.

It seems like in high school classes we just read a lot of easy stuff and wrote essays on it.

-Lauren McDowell ‘16

and maintaining a bank account.

which includes putting forth their best effort in

Baker agrees that Money Management is a valu-

their regular classes and possibly taking an AP class.

able class to take. “We hear more and more of stu-

Lukas Johnson ‘16 is currently at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) majoring in

dents coming out of college in debt,” she said.

more writing training,” she said. “It seems like in high school classes we just read a lot of easy stuff and wrote essays on it.”

There are some classes she did not take but feels that she would have benefitted if she had. “I wish I would have taken more math classes and maybe AP Literature and Composition.”

Michelle Kumar ‘16 also enjoyed Adult Living, taught by Allison Hoskins. “It really prepared me for college,” she said. “I highly recommend it to anyone, it really pushed me to do better.”

Kumar is at the University of Minnesota and is majoring in Communications and Political Sci-

Some of the debt is attributed to the cost of

ence. She did not take any classes related to her

Johnson believes that

tuition. “We hear from universities that students

major except for Government, which is a class re-

high school did not prepare him for college. “I

aren’t managing their money so a class like Money

quired to graduate. “At Johnston there’s not a wide

don’t think JHS prepares students at all,” he said.

Management and Adult Living which has a budget-

variety of classes available,” she said. “People here

“They don’t teach us life skills.”

ing unit are very useful to students,” Baker said.

from other schools had more options and variety.”

Business Administration.

Johnson believes teachers were too easy on stu-

Devon Wood ‘15 is currently at DMACC ma-

Spencer Feinberg ‘16 has different viewpoint.

dents during high school. “They spoon feed you

joring in Art. He did not take any classes in high

“When I started talking to kids who went to differ-

everything,” he said. “In college they don’t make

school to prepare for his major due to his sched-

ent schools, it made me realize that Johnston has a

you study for tests, they just tell you what they

ule being full in order to meet his required credits.

lot to offer in things like video production, Journal-

know and you do the rest, it’s entirely up to the stu-

“It’s nothing like high school,” he said. “There’s no

ism, and the arts,” he said.

U NI VER S I T Y

JHS

double truck

p.8&9

Lack of diversity in educator ethnicities

for more minority applicants.”

As the racial demographic of JHS students has changed, JHS teachers’ have remained the same

Jadyn Lovelady ‘17 is used to having mostly white

diverse staff. She grew up in Johnston so she was

teachers but still wishes they were more diverse. “It

words & layout | Nick Irwin & Kathryn Ikeda

used to the lack of diversity, but the issue has only

would be comforting to have some minority teach-

recently caught her attention due to discussion

ers,” she said. “I’d like to be able to talk to an adult

about it.

that aren’t my parents about issues that white peo-

Johnston’s population has grown immensely.

ing teachers and students of the same race helps

From the 2000 census to the 2016 special census,

students of color form a connection with their

However, Woods has observed that even at these

the population increased by 230 percent from

teacher, and, by extension, their class. “I want an

teacher fairs, the number of diverse students is still

8,877 to 20,460. The city has not only increased in

experience that every student has a connection.,”

very low. He believes that if the district visited oth-

size, but has also become more diverse. In 2000,

Stratton said. “Will that happen because we have

er out-of-state colleges the ratio of diverse students

the city’s population was 91 percent Caucasian, de-

diversity within our teaching staff? It might. The

would increase.

creasing to 89 percent by 2016. The school district

difficulty is, if we have that approach, how do we

has also become more diverse, with 76 percent of

bring staff in to simulate that diversity?”

ing this method.

Woods thinks that the ratio of diverse teachers should be the same as the ratio of diverse students,

the district-wide student body being white. How-

Stratton believes that we should not focus on just

but does not believe it is going to happen. “In a per-

ever, the number of non-white teachers in the dis-

a single aspect of diversity. While a diverse teach-

fect world, our teaching staff would match the di-

trict remains at two percent.

ing staff does help, Stratton thinks there is more to

versity of our student population,” he said.

Hiring and marketing

diversity than just race. “Diversity comes in a lot

crease our diversity of our staff when we can, and sell our profession as it’s for all people,” principal Ryan Woods said. “We want great teachers.”

Associate principal Jerry Stratton acknowledges the lack of diverse applicants. “We create as much

“

“

from a small pool of candidates. “We need to in-

“Diversity comes in a lot of different ways. It’s not just a cultural thing.

-Associate Principal Jerry Stratton

Executive Director of Human Resources Laura Kacer believes that the district should not prioritize hiring diverse teachers for diversity’s sake. “We always want to make sure that we are hiring the best teacher possible. Hiring solely based on the diversity of the candidate isn’t an appropriate hiring practice.” Kacer said.

Teachers and students

Rollison tries to implement learning opportuni-

“

ple cannot relate to in the same way.”

Lovelady shares the belief that the school does

The school doesn’t seem to care about a lot of things other than making sure we graduate.

-Jaydn Lovelady ‘17

not make staff diversity a priority. “The school doesn’t seem to care about a lot of things other than making sure we graduate,” she said. “The school’s interest in mental health skyrocketed after the district experienced issues because of it. But we haven’t had issues because of a lack of colored teachers. No one’s going to say anything or do anything about it, because the majority of the students don’t look at it or see the impact.”

ties about racial diversity into her classes. “I don’t

She does not believe that, for all the comments

think we do enough to talk about diversity with the

the school makes about valuing diversity, it is a real

students,” she said. “I sometimes struggle to figure

priority. “The school doesn’t care,” Lovelady said.

out how to incorporate it into the curriculum.”

“All the school thinks about is what it looks like to

However, Rollison thinks that incorporating diversity into schoolwork may backfire if it is a mod-

the public. They care about the rich and powerful parents, not the minority students or educators. ”

ern issue or is not implemented correctly. “I always

Evan Erickson ‘18 is Native American and a

think that our minority students have pressure since

member of the Bad River tribe. Erickson has no-

they are usually one in a class,” she said. “If a racial

ticed the lack of diverse teachers, but does not con-

topic comes up, everyone looks at them and thinks

sider it an issue.

diversity as we can, but it’s based on who we end up

of different ways,” he said. “It’s not just a cultural

Social studies teacher Alicia Rollison identifies

having in front of us to interview,” he said.

thing. It could be learning styles or interests out-

as biracial. She thinks the lack of diverse teachers

side of class.”

is particular to Johnston’s location. “If people don’t

After being one of the few non-white teachers at

time goes on, and there isn’t much the school can

Part of the difficulty of hiring diverse teachers is

they can speak for all of their race.”

Erickson thinks that the problem will fix itself as

due to federal law. Federal law prohibits employers

The district frequently visits teaching fairs,

see themselves in professions, it does hinder what

the school for 15 years, Rollison does not believe di-

do to help speed up that process. “I think it kind

from requiring applicants to state their race, age,

events where newly-graduated college students

professions people then aspire themselves to be,”

versity in staff is one of the school’s main concerns.

of just comes with time as Johnston keeps grow-

sex or creed.

speak to administrators about career opportuni-

she said. “I think that can affect student’s focus in

“I don’t think the school prioritizes diversity,” she

ing and we get more staff,” he said. “I know I’m not

ties. Several teachers in the district were hired us-

life, as well as what they think they can be.”

said. “If we want it to be reflective of the school

concerned with diversity in school.”

Stratton and many other educators believe hav-

Johnston Community School District Asian: 7.2%

nority teachers over white teachers.

body, we have to be proactive. We can’t just wish

As a teenager, she did not think about the lack

Many administrators believe the problems stem

Students

Rollison believes that it is best to prioritize mi-

“

Nov. 2016

Teachers

Asian: 0.6%

Black: 6.1%

Black: 0.4%

Hispanic: 5.6%

Hispanic: 0.8%

Multiracial: 4.8%

Multiracial: 0%

Native American: 0.07%

Native American: 0%

Pacific Islander: 0.07%

Pacific Islander: 0%

White: 76.2%

White: 98%

Students

Des Moines Public Schools Asian: 7.7%

Teachers

Asian: 3%

Black: 18.3%

Black: 7.1%

Hispanic: 25%

Hispanic: 4.2%

Multiracial: 6.4%

Multiracial: 0.2%

Other: 0.6%

Other: 3.1%

White: 42%

White: 85.2%

Ankeny Community Schools Students

Asian: 2.37%

Teachers

Asian: 0.16%

Black: 1.89%

Black: 0%

Hispanic: 4.47%

Hispanic: 0.66%

Multiracial: 3.61%

Multiracial: 0.1%

Native American: 0.08%

Native American: 0%

Pacific Islander: 0.12%

Pacific Islander: 0%

White: 87.46%

White: 99.06%

Nov. 2016

From

feature

p.10

D R O C I D D E P N O T S E PR 60 0 1 n i 1

e student w n o r, io n se to re o sophom

as randomly

story chosen to tell their

ck Lucas

words & layout | Ja

From elementary school to the present, Preston Peddicord has possessed a drive to attain goals, and pursue his passion for technology. As a result, Peddicord has developed what some call one of the most fascinating clubs in the school through years of experimentation and vision.

Preston was poised from a very young age to make waves in the field of technology. “I was always interested in how things work, and it was around sixth grade when I realized that I don’t know how a lot of things work,” Peddicord said. “Like my watch, I don’t know how that works, my phone: I don’t know how that works.”

Out of that interest sprung an enthusiasm for taking technology apart. That year, Peddicord got a Samsung Galaxy S for Christmas, for the sole purpose of taking it apart. “(I) still didn’t understand it, so I knew I had to dive deeper,” Peddicord said.

As Peddicord went through middle school, he began experimenting with programming of his own, using an light-emitting diode (LED) strip, a basic set of on command or in a pattern, despite waking up at

Preston Peddicord ‘18 wires a programmable LED light cube. Peddicord’s Open Source club finished the project the week of Nov. 10. Photo by Jack Lucas.

3:30 a.m. to run up to 16 miles a day.

Open Source,” Peddcord said. “Learning how things

light bulbs that are programmed by the user to flash

The projects soon became more complicated, us-

worked online was really hard because online not ev-

ing multiple colors and levels. “It would be similar to

eryone said the right things. It was kind of frustrating.”

learning to run as a toddler. First you have to learn to

The school board approved Open Source and it

crawl, then you have to learn to walk, and then you

became an official club soon after. Next came the se-

can learn to run,” Peddicord said.

lection of projects, in which Peddicord began picking

The vision for Open Source, the school club, came as Peddicord gained knowledge of the incredibly in-

out possible ideas. “Is was tough for an exact goal. I couldn’t put it into words,” Peddicord said.

tricate world of programming. “It started last year

Before long, Peddicord had the club follow in

during weight-lifting class, and we were talking about

the same footsteps he had taken months before and

different types of technologies and different tools we

peaked the interest of several individuals. “A part of

use to do stuff,” co-founder Jimmy Le said. “It came

that comes from how much he cares about learning

down to Preston’s passion and his dedication to teach

technology as well as teaching it,” Le said. “This causes

others.”

people around him to be as passionate. Add along his

Through examining his purpose for starting Open Source, Peddicord began to imagine goals of the club,

leadership skills and what he knows, it makes him the ideal person to lead Open Source.”

which were oriented based on members’ learning

The club has just completed the coding of a full

and later mastering the information through hands-

LED cube, with is programmed similarly to the light

on projects, as opposed to goals based off production

strips, but three-dimensional. This year, the goal is to

and performance. “I wanted to learn how everything

produce a multi-colored cube and they are on track to

worked and really that was the motivation to start

complete that goal.

Open Source Membership

1 3

: 3 People

2/1/16

4/1/16

6

6/1/16

12

10/1/16

editorial

Nov. 2016

p.11

Stronger together,

America will be great again

We as humans like to group things. We divide

“They know I’m a nice person. If somebody’s nice

our candy by color or by shape, our drawers by

to me I’m going to be nice back, no matter your

type of clothing, our bathrooms by gender or our

political views or stances.”

schools by age.

Despite the things that set us apart, there are

Dividing ourselves is only human nature.

many more similarities that bring us together:

The first Tuesday of the month was, for many, a

We are students of Johnston High School. We can

time of celebration. Students woke up jubilant Nov.

agree that NW 62nd Avenue is one of the worst

9, ecstatic for the coming presidency. A similar

roads to exist in the universe. We are all teenagers,

amount, however, were also lost. Some felt hope-

enjoy most of the same teachers and take the same

less, fearful or simply sad.

core classes.

As we walked into school the morning of Nov.

Time will pass. Inevitably, we will have a Presi-

9. the hallways were somber. For the entire day,

dent Trump. And then, after some more time, we

all anybody could talk about was the election. In

will not. Yelling and screaming will not change this,

newspaper, the topic was temporarily banned. We

rather it will only exist to add more stress and an-

had work to do. People would get too upset.

ger into the world.

That should not have happened.

Not because a different candidate should have

sive human nature. While it is easy to focus on our friends’ disgusting political views and vow to never

should be able to overcome our differences in

speak to them again, first remember what pulls us

opinion and background to have a calm, educat-

together rather than what breaks us apart.

should not be tears.

Not only does loving and supporting each other save us sleep and stress, but makes our environ-

There is something about politics that cause ten-

ment a better place. We are, after all, high school

sions to run high in the worst way. Many of us are

students just trying to graduate. Creating a toxic

not even legal adults, but apparently we are mature

classroom is simply not an option.

and well-educated enough to call each other names based on their beliefs.

Obsee Abbajabal ‘19 was walking to class Nov. 9 when a passing student said “Trump” to her. “I

We must support each other, as both sides are attacked for their beliefs in their candidate, their

Electoral college Donald Trump

290 Hillary Clinton

232 Popular vote

religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or favored tax policy.

thought it was really dumb and ignorant to say,” she

The world is not a welcoming place even without

said. “Like, ‘look, here’s a Muslim wearing a hijab’

us attacking each other. We all just want to leave

and you’re just going to point out that Trump won

this place in a few years with a diploma.

the presidency.”

as of Nov. 17 (CNN)

Instead of fighting each other, fight our divi-

won--we take no stance on that--but because we

ed discussion. There should not be yelling. There

Election results

Breaking each other down only serves to create

Abbajabal has attended Johnston since elemen-

a situation where all sides lose. Stop attacking each

tary school and has grown up with many of her

other. There is more that brings us together- hold

classmates. “They know my character,” she said.

on to that and do not let it go.

Donald Trump: 47.1% of vote, 60,948,836 votes total Hillary Clinton: 47.9% of vote, 61,993,136 votes total

The editorial is an opinion held by the editorial board of the newspaper. It needs a simple majority to pass. This month’s vote was 6-0.

Nov. 2016

opinion

p.12

The Bechdel test “tests” my patience words & layout | Erin Bockenstedt

To pass the Bechdel test, a least in its simplest

One of my favorite movies, an action film from

form, a movie must have this: Two women (pref-

2013 called “Pacific Rim”, about people fighting

erably named) talking to each other about some-

giant monsters with giant robots, had only one

thing other than a man. This rule was created by

prominent female character. Mako Mori, a young

cartoonist Alison Bechdel, which she displayed in

Japanese woman played by Rinko Kikuchi, is prob-

a comic strip called “The Rule.”

ably one of the better female film characters of

My problem with this rule is not that it asks for

the last 10 years. She is likeable, sensitive and ca-

more women to be included in films. My problem

pable. But she doesn’t talk to another woman for

is that the rule is so vague and poorly defined that

the whole movie. Even if she doesn’t pass the test,

it turns watching movies into finishing a checklist.

Mako is not any less of a character.

However, I am surprised by the types of films

Recent and upcoming films are beginning to

that have come out that pass the test, like “The

follow trends of remaking classic films with mostly

Purge: Election Year” and “Anchorman”. But when

female casts, as seen in “Ghostbusters” and the in-

I looked into why they pass, the reasoning is ex-

development “Ocean’s Eight”.

tremely slim. The times women talk to each other

Having seen “Ghostbusters”, it definitely passes

in both of those movies is so brief that it doesn’t

the test, but the characters are uninteresting aside

have any effect on the plot itself.

from Leslie Jones’ Patty. I couldn’t get excited about

When looking at the overall content of the films, they aren’t very progressive towards women. “An-

the fact that four women were on screen together because I didn’t really care about any of them.

chorman” shows women as either shrill and up-

As well, there are good movies that don’t fea-

tight or promiscuous, and “The Purge” subjects

ture women prominently or at all. The one men-

many female characters to gruesome violence, al-

tioned woman in “The Shawshank Redemption” is

though the females in “Purge” are honestly better

shot and killed at the beginning.

written than those in “Anchorman”.

The women in “The Godfather” are either wives

The Bechdel test is too simple. It reduces the

or collateral damage. Yet both of these films are

representation of women in cinema to quantity,

iconic and great, and their greatness hinges on

not quality. Although I am female, I do not go to

the quality of the script and direction, not on the

the movies actively looking for female characters.

amount of female characters.

If there are, I want them to be well-rounded and

That is not to say that female characters are

likeable. You could have a cast that is exclusively

not needed, they are. Hollywood needs to begin to

women, but if none of them are well written, then

make strides if films are meant to be representative

what’s the point?

of the real world.

How to pass the Bechdel Test Step 1: Have at least 2 girls

Jenny

Brittany

Step 2: Talking to each other

What’s up?

Hi

Jenny

Brittany

Movies that pass the Bechdel test Mad Max: Fury Road The Purge: Anarchy Bridesmaids Divergent Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2 Pitch Perfect Black Swan 10 Things I Hate About You Gone Girl Jurassic World Fifty Shades of Grey The Lego Movie Skyfall Big Hero 6 Titanic The Hunger Games

Step 3: Not talking about men How are you?

I’m fine

Jenny

Brittany

opinion

Nov. 2016

p.13

Problems with piracy Despite justification, piracy is still illegal and wrong

words | Matthew Berry layout | Anna Losen

Free things are great. I’m one of those people to

when it comes to buying something. Should I be

show up for a sporting event over an hour early just

allowed to go to Hy-Vee and demand that my gro-

to get a bobble head or lunch box as one of the first

ceries be free? After all, most people believe that

x amount of fans. However, those things are free

food is a basic necessity for everyday life. The logic

because someone said they are free. If they told me

of a pirate is that of having your cake and eating it.

I would have to pay for it, I would skip it and live

And while Ballard is correct that one person will

without the free lunch box. Or I would pay for it.

sal Pictures or O’Reilly books, one person is not the

we want. The very fundamentals of the econom-

issue. It’s a collective group of people. When the

ics in our country are that: the consumer pays for

U.S. loses $12.5 billion to piracy every year, that has

product or service that we want. If someone can’t

an impact. It’s the reason why between 1999 and

pay for it, they don’t get it. However, this idea and

2007 the U.S. saw a loss of 71,000 jobs due to pira-

increasing trend of Internet piracy.

Internet piracy is defined as “Using the internet to illegally copy or

distribute

software,

or other forms of digital media.” This is more

“

that Ballard is aware of.

“If no one bought the

Should I be allowed to go to Hy-Vee and demand that my groceries by free?

simply defined as downloading something you did not pay for.

book, then that company doesn’y make money, and their employees lose their jobs,” he said.

It’s also worth pointarguments that pirates make could be made for shoplifting. You make the

same

statement

shoplifting, so why not? Again Ballard explains.

shoplifting; you are taking a product or service

“When you shoplift alarms go off, and you have

without paying for it. In six months of 2012 people

to run from the police and get arrested. It has way

from the United States illegally downloaded 96.8

much more effort. With piracy all I have to do is

million songs. The US economy annually loses

torrent things,” Ballard said.

$12.5 billion to piracy. In 2010 42% of the worlds

It boils down to this: piracy is very convenient.

software in use was pirated. Case in point: Piracy is

Ballard said he had saved hundreds of dollars by

widespread and a continuous issue.

pirating.

So if Piracy is bad, then why do people do it?

As Ballard already said piracy is very easy to do,

Nick Ballard ‘17 explains why he does. “I know its

much easier than stealing a physical copy. Howev-

not okay, I just don’t care,” he said.

er, just because something is convenient and easy to do does not justify that action.

ferent arguments. One of them is justification of

Now to be clear, the intentions of my opinion

what he pirates. “I mostly pirate books, and I be-

are not to rip apart Ballard’s beliefs. The fact is Bal-

lieve knowledge should be free,” he said.

lard is one of many people who priate, he was just

This is something heard often. That the person pirating believes that something should be free

someone who willing to have an interview and give his side of story.

or that their money does not matter. “Missing my

This is not a piece to be preachy, not a article to

money is not going to be a big dent in [a big com-

be holier then thou, this is just a challenge to the

pany],” Ballard said.

current idea that piracy is okay. If you walk away

This argument can be defeated in two ways.

First, it is irrelevant what us as the consumer think

from this still believing piracy is acceptable, then I won’t stop you.

Consequences of pirating

ing out that all of these

In simpler terms, piracy is the equivalent to

Ballard’s motivation to pirate comes from dif-

were pirated in 6 months

cy. All this is something

“

dermined by the new and

96.8 million songs

not bring down a massive company such as Univer-

It’s a very simple concept, we pay for the things

fundamental is being un-

In 2012

1

Warning ISP (Internet Service Provider) informs that the connection is being used to pirate, along with information to steer away from piracy

Punishment

2 ISP threatens mild punishment

such as slowing down the internet to an almost unusable speed

Termination

3 Some ISPs will shut down the internet connection

(Varies per internet service provider)

Nov. 2016

health

p.14

Waterlogged

words | Justin Gard layout | Gretchen Lagerblade

Dehydration is commonly known but drinking too much water has similar effects Drew Decker ‘17 was over hydrated his fresh-

Thielen had low sodium levels and the balance

man year. “I drank two gallons of water in an hour,”

between water and sodium was offset. “I remem-

Decker said.

ber sitting on the couch and then I passed out and

Humans should, on average, drink about half a gallon of water per day. “I felt very sluggish, my head hurt, and I went to the bathroom about every fifteen minutes,” Decker said.

woke up a while later and I still had a headache but felt a little better,” Thielen said.

While the symptoms might seem similar to dehydration, Thielen was not. Dehydration is when

Instead of drinking a sports drink he just did not

the body does not have enough water to perform

drink water for a while to treat his hyponatremia.

daily functions. Some symptoms of dehydration

He did not go to a doctor for treatment because it

are headaches, fainting, and dizziness.

was not super serious.

There are many ways to monitor and diminish

Drinking too much water can have serious issues.

Too

much water can cause the

balance

between

water and sodium to be offset.

Taking in

more water than your kidneys can get rid of in urine can cause too much water to collect

“

dehydration. If someone feels dehydrated, they can drink things with a lot of electrolytes like Ga-

“

health

I remember sitting on the couch and then I passed out.

-Drew Thielen ‘17

in the kidneys.

Retaining water can

torade, suck on ice chips, or take sips of water. The color of urine is also an indicator of dehydration.

The clearer it is the more hydrated the body is.

Although

dehydration

happens because of lack of water and hyponatremia is

cause the balance between water and sodium to be

an excess of water, they do share some similarities.

thrown off. That can cause severe damage to the

The symptoms are very similar to each other both

body. “Over hydration occurs more often than you

having weakness, vomiting, confusion, and muscle

think,” athletic trainer Chris Wiedmann said.

cramps. Because the two are very similar it increas-

Wiedmann also said that it is not extremely hard

es the danger of hypothermia.

to be considered over hydrated. If a person drinks

Hyponatremia is very hard to notice. If the in-

too much water and does not eat enough sodium

dividual thinks they are dehydrated, they are only

you can be considered over hydrated, also known

increasing the danger.

as hyponatremia.

According to coolefitness.com, a good way to tell

There are a few ways hyponatremia can be treat-

whether someone has hyponatremia or could be

ed. One is by drinking a sports drink with electro-

dehydrated is by weighing themselves before and

lytes like Gatorade, or eating food with higher lev-

after exercising.

els of sodium. Adding salt can also work to help

If the scale reads an increased weight, hypona-

replenish sodium levels. In very serious cases, hos-

tremia could be a possibility. If it reads a decreased

pitals will pump in fluids through an IV tube that

weight, there is a chance of dehydration. The goal

will help sodium levels rise.

is to maintain the same weight before and after.

Drew Thielen ‘17 was at his grandma’s one day

The human body depends on water in order for

and drank six glasses of water in about an hour. “I

it to function properly. Although staying hydrated

felt very nauseous and I had a very bad headache,”

is an important thing to do, people can drink too

Thielen said.

much water and over hydrate.

Nov. 2016

back page

p.16

Start to finish: fall’s top athletes words & layout | Sam Farrell

1 2

Lexi Horner ‘17 Horner was Individual State Champion in the

200 IM and 100 breaststroke. The girls’ swim team placed second overall Nov. 5. Photo by Kati

Anderson.

1

3

Patrick Bose ‘17 Bose ran a record-breaking 15:27 Oct. 29, clenching the title of 2016 State Champion. “Running was something I picked up in eighth grade,” Bose said. “I did it just for fun.

It turned out I was good.” Photo by Ben Lunn.

3 4

2 5

5

4

Taryn Knuth ‘17

Knuth was awarded CIML Volley-

ball Player of the Year. Knuth committed to Forida State University last year to play beach and indoor volleyball. Photo by Kati Anderson.

Nick Pittman ‘19 Pittman received a the Central Iowa Metro League (CIML) Iowa Conference Tournament after winning the two hold playoff. Boys’ golf finished third. Photo by Kati Anderson.

Brooke McKee ‘20

McKee placed third at the state meet Oct. 29 with

a time of 18:20. Her sister, Jessica McKee ‘18, placed second. The girls’ team broke a state record, scoring 26 points and winning first place. Both sisters were named to the Elite Girls All-State Team. Coach Patrick Hennes was named the All-Iowa Coach of the Year by the Des Moines Register. Photo by Ben Lunn.

Nov. 2016

p.16

back page

Surprising scholarships words & layout | Kathryn Ikeda & Bryce Schulte

Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship

10th Annual Create-A-Greeting-Card $10,000 Scholarship Contest

When Cali Prentice ‘17 was scrolling through scholar-

Tara Djukanovic ‘17 entered a scholarship contest to

ships, she came across an opportunity for vegetarians like

create a greeting card in order to win. “I was feeling over-

herself. The scholarship was sponsored by The Vegetar-

whelmed by all the other stressful and serious scholar-

ian Resource Group.

ships that I had to do,” she said. “I just wanted to have fun

The scholarship requires that applicants be vegetarian and have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and will continue to do so in college.

The scholarship rewards $10,000 to the best and

with one of them.

The scholarship is sponsored by Prudent Publishing Company Inc. The $10,000 prize is given to any person who is at least 14 and a citizen of the United States.

$5,000 to two other applicants based on their submitted

Djukanovic was careful when applying to avoid being

essays. “I thought it was funny,” Prentice said. “Money is

scammed. “I checked out the website and read reviews,”

money.”

she said. “It seems legitimate but even if it isn’t it’s not that big of a deal.”

Flavor of the Month Scholarship

Digital Responsibility’s E-waste Scholarship

When Kati Anderson ‘17 applied for the ”Flavor of the

Digital Responsibility sponsors a scholarship for

Month” day, she wrote in her essay that she would be va-

$1,000. Students must write a 140 character state-

nilla. “I’m a little plain and average,” Anderson said. “But

ment and fill in basic information such as their

I’m also sweet and original.”

date of birth and GPA. “The purpose of this schol-

Anderson found the scholarship on unigo.com under

arship is to help you understand the impact of

a “weird scholarships” category. “I just had to talk about

e-waste and what can be done to reduce e-waste,”

what ice cream flavor I was,” Anderson said. “So I signed up for it.”

the website said.

Applicants must be a high school student of

The scholarship awards $1,500 to the winner and has

any age or entering graduate school. Finalists

been an opportunity for students since 2011. Applicants

are announced on Earth Day. The final recipi-

must be at least 13 years old at the time applying, a resi-

ent is chosen after the finalists write an essay.

dent of the United States and be currently enrolled or enroll by 2023 in a secondary institution.

Abbie Craig ‘17 applied for the scholarship after seeing it on Cappex, a website that supplies students with resources for college.

“Honestly, I had never heard of what it was before so I just decided to look it up.,” Craig said. “I don’t even remember what I wrote, I just tried my best to sound like I knew what I was talking about.”