November/ December 2018

b&w

BLACK AND WHITE NOV/ DEC 2018 VOLUME 27 ISSUE 3

THE ONLY CONSTANT IS

CHANGE

CHANGE As the new year fast approaches, the Black & White examines the concept of change. Throughout our lives, we have all experienced change which can come in varying difficulty. For some, this could be experiencing the divorce of their parents.

Others may have experienced the change in messages about women in society from accepting them in predominantly male fields to portraying female lead roles differently in major motion-picture films.

For many, Snapchat has changed how we communicate with one another. However, change is not always welcome or necessary. Some may feel as though they need to change their name to appease the crowd. In this rapidly advancing world, change has become the only constant.

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

Editorials represent the opinion of a majority of the editorial board. Editorial and opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the advisor, school officials or the district.

Letters to the editor must be signed. Like all material, letters may not be libelous, obscene or an invasion of privacy. To write a letter to the editor, or report an error in the issue, please contact the editors at jhsblackandwhite@gmail.com.

Say Hello

NOV & DEC When Jay Rice ‘94 brainstormed the name of our paper in 1991, it was not because of the ink color. For the last 26 years, our mission has been to bring our audience stories from the school, community and nation, told clearly and without exaggeration--in black and white.

Editorial Board

Editor-in-chief Andrew Maresca Print Editor Obsee Abbajabal Online Editor Ada Basic Feature Editor Taylor Siebert Sports Editor Evan Newcomb Copy Editor Brooklyn Dilley

Staff Writers

Parker Anderson Riley Anderson Payton Blahut Duncan Christakos Caroline Christensen Annie Culbert Cameron DeRoos Kylie Emery Kara Green Paul Heggen Elizabeth Jones Akshaya Kumar Tate Larsen Erina Lee Morgan Lind Sophia Longo Karla Lopez Marandah Mangra-Dutcher Ashley Marsh Jacob Marren JD Norris Jenna Olson Charlie Pattinson Ben Pegg Julia Richards Colt Smallwood Ben Williams

Instagram: @jhsblackandwhite Twitter: @jhsnewspaper Facebook: JHS Black and White

INSIDE LOOK

12 A Shift in STEM

News

4 Girls Basketball No Shave November Boys Basketball

Feature

6 Survival of the Streaks 8 Caught in the Middle 10 Interim Superintendent: Laura Kacer

Editorial

18 Do Not Ditch Disney

Opinion

20 Hello, my name is Valid 5 Wrestling Canned Food Drive Madrigal

12 A Shift in STEM 16 1 in 1700: Alexis Gorsh

Arts & Entertainment 22 Year in Review 2018

BRIEFLY

4 | news

Words | Morgan Lind & Brooklyn Dilley Layout | Andrew Maresca

On November 27, the Johnston Girls Varsity Basketball team took on the Marshalltown Bobcats. The results of the game ended up being a whopping 77-17, an easy and comfortable win for the girls. Currently the girls are 5-1 for the start of the season.

Photo by Morgan Lind

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Student council put on their annual No Shave November event, with teachers raising $13,000.

Dale Dejong takes No Shave November to the next level with decorating his beard at the end of the month. Both this year and last year he decorated his beard with purple and gold glitter.

NO SHAVE NOVEMBER

Photo by Morgan Lind

The Johnston Boys Varsity Basketball team played the Marshalltown Bobcats on November 27 and ended up winning with a score of 78-50.

This was not a challenging game for Johnston and they ended up with the victory. Currently, the boys are 2-1 in their season.

Photo by Morgan Lind

BOYS BASKETBALL

The varsity wrestling team lost their first meet of the season to Des Moines on Thursday, November 29, with a final score of 32-31. The meet was hosted by Johnston. The teams initially finished with a tie, and the winner was decided based on which team made the most pins.

WRESTLING

Photo by Brooklyn Dilley

The canned food drive, put on by student council, lasted for two and half hours, from 6:00 to 8:30 on December 6. 15 teams, went around and collected over 1,800 items from Grimes and Johnston residents. All items are donated to the Johnston Partnership.

Photo by Morgan Lind

CANNED FOOD DRIVE

The choir tradition started by Jodi White, has been around for over 35 years and is based off of the Elizabethan feast. The seniors dress up as a royal court, while underclassman are dressed in tunics as peasants. Carsyn Calkins ‘19 and Josh Hendrickson ‘19 were the king and queen.

MADRIGAL

Photo by Jordyn Cimmiyotti

6 | feature

SURVIVAL OF THE

STRE KS T

Words | Annie Culbert Layout | Julia Richards

he student wails in pure

With Snapchat, all it takes is a handful

anguish.

worst

of pictures sent back and forth between

Snapchat users that have a streak must

nightmare has come true.

friends to establish plans. “Teenagers

consistently access Snapchat in order to

now can have access to their friends 24/7,”

maintain them. This habitual access of

Snapchat was released in September

AP Psychology teacher Jesse Dowell said.

Snapchat show some signs of addiction.

of 2011 and has become one of the most

“[For] prior generations, you’d see your

“When we study reinforcement, like how

popular

for

friends at school, and then you’d have to

our environment shapes us, there’s what’s

teenagers and young adults worldwide.

like make a date or whatever you want to

called a schedules of reinforcement,”

A 2017 study held by Statista found

call it, to be like, ‘Hey, we’re gonna hang

Dowell said. “So if you get reinforced at

that 83.4% of U.S. mobile phone users

out Friday night.’”

certain times, it makes people respond in

Their

They lost their longest Snapchat streak.

social

media

platforms

Lexi Simmons ‘21 said.

aged 18-24 have a Snapchat. Frequently,

Streaks can help students maintain

different times. And a lot of time, social

Snapchat users start “streaks” with their

connection with each other if they don’t

media acts in what’s called a variable ratio

friends on the app. A streak is when two

see each other every often. “My longest

schedule of reinforcement. The whole

people Snapchat each other at least once

streak is 528 days with [my friend] and

idea of, you don’t know when the next

in the span of 24 hours. Commonly, it is

it’s always fun to snap her because I have

reward is coming, actually makes people

indicated by the flame emoji, but users

no classes with her, but otherwise none

want it more. It’s like gambling.”

have the choice to change this emoji.

of them are over 100,” Ashley Franke ‘21

Apps like Snapchat have features that

People who have followed all of the rules

said. “I have probably like 20, and I think

will use psychology and algorithms to

for keeping streaks and still lose it can

it helps connect people, because for me

ensure the maximum level of interest in

contact Snapchat to file a complaint and

at least they are all people I talk to but

encouraging users to keep using. “You

potentially regain it.

might not see during the school day. But

check it, and and sometimes when you

With the widespread popularity of

I’m not gonna lie, streaks that are just

check it it’s ‘ooo I got a notification’, and

social media apps such as Snapchat,

black screens back and forth are just a big

other times you don’t, so it’s like that

teenagers can easily become addicted.

waste of time.”

gambling behavior, they’re set up to get

Snapchat uses features like streaks and

Today’s teenagers, or “Gen Z”, have

you to keep checking it. Sometimes, these

“friend emojis” to keep users coming back

been exposed to social media from a

social media sites, they won’t give you

to the app every day. Anna Madson ‘21 has

young age. The result is what may be

the notification when you only have one,

25 Snapchat streaks, and her longest streak

a more highly connected world. “Your

they’ll hold them until you have three or

is a 519 days with her mother.“Honestly I

generation has had it your entire life, so

four. The three [notifications] versus the

don’t really know why I do it, it’s just kind

it’s more normalized.” Dowell said.

1 is the mega dopamine boost. You get

of a habit,” Madson said. “I started them a

However, while Snapchat can aid

addicted go that chemical feeling in your

while ago and then I just felt like I should

in communication, it can also cause

brain of, ‘Oh, people like me!’” Dowell

keep them. And for the most part I have

barriers. Some people don’t use Snapchat

said.

them with the people I actually talk to, so

for talking with their friends. Instead,

Whether it be out of obligation,

it’s not like I streak people and that’s the

they just send streaks every day in order

addiction, boredom, or loneliness, there’s

only time I snap them.”

to maintain their numbers. “I only have

no denying the fact that Snapchat streaks

Today’s teenagers have an increased

streaks with people I actually talk to on

have become a staple in teenage social

connection with others all the time.

a daily basis, that way I don’t lose them,”

media use.

I only have streaks with people I actually talk to on a daily basis, that way I don’t lose them.

- Lexi Simmons ‘21

CAUGHT

IN THE

MIDDLE words | Brooklyn Dilley

69%

of children under age 18 live in families with two parents

23% of children live with a single mother

3.0m

children live with two unmarried parents

4%

38%

of unmarried couples have a child under 18

of children live with a single father

layout | Andrew Maresca

N

ine-year-old

Madison

Dunn

we don’t mesh. Which doesn’t make any

they don’t have a car for me.”

‘20 stood on stage at her choir

sense,” Pate said. “Since we don’t really know

As the court figured out Dunn’s visitation

concert, her eyes searching the

each other, it’s super awkward. We know it’ll

with her father, it frustrated her. “When I was

audience. She spotted her mom, and then

be good for us, but it’s like when you’re forced

younger, the whole visitation schedule was

her grandparents, and she was so happy to

into a group project.”

determined by the court,” Dunn said. “My

see her family there supporting her. But as

When Dunn’s parents split, they went

mom would take my dad to court or vice

she continued to scan the audience, Dunn’s

to court to decide who would have custody.

versa, if they wanted something changed, and

happiness slowly faded. There was still one

Dunn stays with her mother the most,

then the court would decide what was best for

person missing. Her father.

and has visitation with her dad. While the

my sister and I. Which was really upsetting,

Whether it be from divorce, an absent

visitation schedule is confusing, Dunn has

because I was like, ‘How do they know what I

parent, or the death of a parent, 31% of

gotten used to it, but she still struggles with

want? Or what’s best for me?’”

children under 18 live in a household without

some of the details. “My car is technically my

Both Pate and Dunn’s parents have

two parents, according to the United States

mom’s car. She’s the one that bought it, she’s

started dating other people again, but they

Census Bureau. Dunn and Precious Pate ‘20

only introduce serious relationships to their

are just two of the students for whom this

children. Dunn’s mother has been dating her

statistic is a reality.

In Dunn’s case, her parents have been separated since she was less than a-year-old, and officially divorced when she was three.

“There hasn’t really been a time in my life where I actually remember my parents being together. Being happy together,” Dunn said.

“Or really interacting very much. My whole life it’s always just been [that] my mom and dad don’t want to talk to each other. They don’t want anything to do with each other.

They just want to be completely separate.”

Dunn’s father was also not always at her school events, which upset her as a child.

“When I had concerts and stuff, he’d actually be there sometimes,” Dunn said. “I noticed the times he was there, and I appreciated that, but I also noticed the times he would show up late, or the times he wouldn’t come. But my mom and grandparents were usually always there, and if they couldn’t be there, they’d be like, ‘Oh, we can’t come tonight, I’m really

“My mom tells us all the time - we’d be spoiled if he was in our lives. I feel like we’re so much better because we only had that one parent.

Because we learned to be independent early.

We just didn’t do the childish things in life cause we knew there was no point.”

-Precious Pate

current boyfriend for four years, allowing Dunn to establish a relationship with him as well. “I’ll talk to him about stuff that’s bothering me or stuff that I don’t want to tell my mom, or, like, recently my mom and I got into an argument,” Dunn said. “And I thought she was being unfair and I was upset about it, so I went and I talked to him about it, and he was just kinda there for me and he listens to me.”

While Pate’s mother has not remarried or dated anybody long-term, she still has had father figures in her life. “It started with my uncle, the one my aunt is married to, the one that always took care of us,” Pate said. “I love him. He’s also a Scorpio, so that’s great. And then my two brothers. They just took the dad role. We even call one of our brothers dad, because that’s his nickname.”

Due to Pate and Dunn being so young when their parents split, both had to be independent at an early age. “And I think

sorry, good luck.’ But he would never really

that’s because my sister and I were kind of

do any of that stuff. So I think, as a young

forced to become adults as really young

kid, it was a bit damaging to our relationship,

the one that pays for gas, she’s the one that

children, because we had to be responsible for

because I was like, ‘He’s not ever here for

pays for insurance on it,” Dunn said. “But my

ourselves,” Dunn said. “And we had so much

me.’”

mom has rules, because it’s technically her

extra responsibilities and stuff we needed to

For Pate, her dad was simply never in the

car that she’s letting me use. So I can’t drive

remember. So we were kind of forced to grow

picture. “For me, it was always my mom,”

my car over to my dad’s house, usually, I can’t

up a little too soon.”

Pate said. “It’s not like my dad left. It wasn’t

drive it on their time with me, because my

For Pate, not having her father around

something that was devastating, it was just

mom’s the one that is technically responsible

just made her closer with the rest of her

something I was always used to. They were

for that, so if something happens, that would

family. “My whole family is always there,”

together until we were born, and then they

be on my mom and not on my dad’s side of

Pate said. “We are that group of people. For

weren’t together.”

the family. So she doesn’t like the idea of me

any occasion we make t-shirts. For anything.

Pate and her twin sister occasionally see

driving my car Monday after school when I

So be ready class of 2020. You’re gonna see

their father, though it is usually only after he

have to go visit my dad’s side. So they’re the

a bunch of t-shirts. We all come together for

reaches out to them. “He and my mom just

ones that pick me up from school and drive

anything. So I feel like I didn’t miss [having a

don’t mesh, and for some reason that means

me around when I’m at their house, because

dad], because they were always there.”

10 | Feature

Johnston’s Interim Superintendent

L A U R A

K A C E R

words | Ada Basic layout | Payton Blahut

T

he

named

closely with the Board of Education. “The

think that’s why I can help because I’ve

Executive Director of Human

schoool

board

superintendent is the board’s only employee,”

had some experiences, I know what it’s

Resources (HR) Laura Kacer the

Board President Greg Dockum said. He said

like to be brand new, and I understand

interim superintendent for the 2018-2019

the board has oversight of the whole district

what it’s like to be a female in the role,”

school year in early April. She officially

and sets policy and the superintendent

Remy said.

started July 1.

executes the policy that the board sets. “So

The board has two options, either name

Due to the timing of the vacancy, the

really the school board is kind of the oversight

Kacer as the new superintendent or hold

Board of Education named an interim in

of the district, the superintendent is the

a search for a new candidate. In the event

order to have enough time to find and

leader of the day-to-day function,” Dockum

of a search, the school board would hire

hire a new superintendent. Kacer holds a

said. “And obviously is the supervisor of

a firm which would produce a pool of

superintendent’s license and indicated to the

everybody who works in the district.”

applicants that could be interviewed.

board that she was interested in the position.

Along

with

holding

the

interim

The school board is currently holding

Kacer insists on attending student events,

superintendents position, Kacer continues to

forums facilitated by Heartland AEA in

from football games to judging speech and

carry out the responsibilities as Director of

order to gain the input on what the district

debate tournaments, in order to create a

HR. “Personally, it’s important for me that

is doing well, and what the district could

connection with the community and let

I enjoy my work,” Kacer said. “We spend so

improve upon. Common feedback the

students and parents put a face with a name.

much time at work that I want my job to be

board received from students was the

Kacer’s goals have long been aimed towards

something that I love doing, and I love doing

disapproval of the Capturing Kids Hearts

working in administration.

“When you think about somebody

asking

you

right now while you’re in

high

school,

‘What

do you want to be when you grow up?’ My answer was always, ‘I want to be a principal’” Kacer said.

“So I knew in order to do that I had to be a teacher.

“One of the things that the board really wanted was to have somebody who was familiar with the district,

program. “I think a lot of students made it very clear that we thought that, if a connection’s

that we wouldn’t take a step back or a halt to what’s

going to be made by a

going on in the district during the year that she

Hearts doesn’t really

would have that job, We’ve been real pleased with the job that she’s done so far.”

I taught for nine years and was in a great position to learn a lot about

teacher, Capturing Kids need to be there to do that,” Marie Johnson ‘19 said. “It’s just going to be something that’s

Greg Dockum

HR work.”

made and you’re going

to feel it, a handshake isn’t automatically

the education profession, so it was a relatively

Kacer believes by human nature, most

going to create a connection between the

easy transition for me because it was a goal

people are just conflict avoiders. She said

that I had set for myself very early on.”

while she is not a person that looks for

Johnson feels that adults sometimes

two.”

Kacer taught middle school math before

conflict, she will address it. “If you constantly

overlook student voice. “I hope she listens

transitioning into an administrative role.

avoid conflict, it doesn’t go away,” she said.

to us, I think a lot of people look at us like,

She previously held the positions of Dean

“Usually, it festers and can grow bigger and

‘Oh they’re young, their opinions don’t

of Students, Vice Principal, and Principal, all

get legs of it’s own and become this monster

matter, let’s listen to more experienced

within Des Moines Public schools. In July

that ‘Wow, if we had only addressed that

people’ but in reality it’s a school, it’s

2013, Kacer became the Principal of Johnston

earlier, it wouldn’t have become this great

about us and our opinions and how we feel

Middle School and held the position for

big issue that it is’. So I’m all about, if there’s

should be taken into consideration when

two years before becoming the Executive

an issue in an organization or a person’s

making decisions that affect our lives and

Director of Human Resources (HR).

struggling with their performance, let’s get

our education,” Johnson said.

Administrators and staff at the district’s

in there early and provide them support or

Remy agreed with that advice. “From

central office have been helpful to her.

awareness that there is a problem so that

[the superintendent perspective], you’re

“Because we’ve got goals set that we’re trying

they can improve on it.”

going to get lots of advice, sometimes

to make sure that we’re moving forward,

West Des Moines Schools superintendent

people really pushing for a certain way,”

Kacer said. “This isn’t just a year of coasting

Dr. Lisa Remy is mentoring Kacer. She

Remy said. “Make sure the final decision

or stabilizing.”

said college cannot prepare one for all the

is what’s best for students. Because that’s

nuances of being a superintendent. “But I

why we’re here.”

As part of her new role, Kacer works

12 | In-depth

A SHIFT IN

Words | Caroline Christensen & Kylie Emery Layout | Taylor Siebert Photos | Taylor Siebert & Kylie Emery

H

igh school science teacher Chris

of effective sponsors are factors pushing

Beguhn was pursuing a degree

women to leave.”

in pharmaceutical science when

Another

reason

for

the

lack

of

she decided to change her major to science

women entering STEM is that many feel

education after the first semester of her

underestimated or discriminated against. In

sophomore year. “I remember being very

2015, women made up less than one quarter

apprehensive to tell my dad about my major

of those employed in STEM occupations.

but, when it was secondary science, it was no

Women of color made up “slightly less than

problem,” Beguhn said. “He was like, ‘Yep. We

10% of working scientists and engineers.”

need those, that’s perfect for you.’ I’ve never

Robotics member Shreya Shrestha ‘20

looked back. I think my siblings all with

has not encountered direct discrimination,

pride say, ‘Call up my sister! She’ll help you

however she has encountered situations of

with chemistry and physics.’ That’s a good

minor prejudice. “I’ve definitely had people

feeling.”

tell me, ‘Oh, you shouldn’t carry the robot

However, Beguhn felt underrepresented in her classes, as she was the only female

because it’s too heavy,” Shrestha said. “Let the boys do it.”’

in most of her college physics class. “I have

Industrial technology teacher, Mitchell

a vivid memory of the professor saying the

Gearhart, has an average of two females to

blue-eyed, blonde female set the curve on the

every 16 males in his classes. “When I walked

test,” Beguhn said.

in it was a little bit shocking,” Paige Mentzer

Today, there are more women than ever

‘21 said. “At the beginning of the year there

entering science, technology, engineering

were six girls and the rest of the class was

and mathematics fields, or STEM, but there is

filled with boys. As the year went on, two of

still significant progress to be made as women

the girls dropped out and there were only

feel underrepresented and underestimated.

four girls, but second semester it was only

In fact, only 22 percent of women in

me and my friend and the rest were guys.”

physics are undergraduate majors, and

Math teacher, Danielle Pippert, noticed

less than 5 percent hold full professorial

how females were underrepresented in her

positions. According to Physics Central, from

higher level college classes. “The higher I

1973-2012, 22,000 white men earned PhDs

went in math, I realized that there were just

while only 1,042 white women, and 66 black

not that many females,” Pippert said. “But

women received PhDs in physics during that

because I chose to take that into education,

same time frame.

that kind of nullified that because with the

There are many explanations for the lack of women entering STEM. In some cases, it is caused by poor working conditions, resulting

education field there are so many different topics.”

However,

math

teacher,

Alexandra

in women leaving their jobs. In 2016, one

Jacobson, encountered a radically different

third of women in the United States intended

atmosphere. “I am 25, so I am a younger

to leave their science, engineering, and

female, and in my program, at least for

technology jobs within the year. According to

math education, I think back to our program

Catalyst, a nonprofit research organization,

and there were 13 of of us in math education

“Isolation, hostile male-dominated work

and six of us were female. So, I didn’t feel

environments, ineffective feedback, and lack

[discrimination].”

“Because I am a female, I am a minority, and I look a lot younger than I am, there are people who definitely underestimate me. I actually started out in video game design.

There were people who were like, ‘what’s a woman doing being interested in video games?’ However, I think that the longer that I’ve been in [the field], people around me see that I’m well suited to it. I don’t encounter so much of it once people get to know me a little bit better.”

-Stefanie Dao

By The Numbers: Class Ratios (Females:Males) Science

teacher

John

Chai

Engineering

Welding

6:64

5:53

agrees

that STEM is very male dominated. “I definitely think women and minorities are underrepresented in STEM,” Chai said.

“So, anything that helps balance that out in general is probably a good thing. If the field looked more like the demographics of the whole population, then you would have a lot more voices. On a big scale, that could advance science in a good way.”

Another cause for the lack of females in STEM is prevalent sexism in workspaces.

Some female students said they feel like they get unnecessary help with hands on activities from teachers. “There were times that I felt like he stepped in and did something for me even though I wanted to and could do it myself,” Mentzer said.

However,

many

young

women

are

changing the statistics in the ever shifting field of STEM. “I’ve always kind of been interested in science,” Mentzer said. “It’s just

After school, Paige Mentzer ‘21 makes adjustments to her robot for her engineering class.

really cool to me to see how things work.”

Mentzer initially was not interested in technology, engineering, or mathematics, but as she was taking an engineering course

younger, I was really into doing stuff with

home,” Dao said. “We had internet access at

for college credit she became intrigued.

my hands and making stuff that did things,”

home, which in the mid 90’s, was kind of a

“I started researching engineering and I

Coon said. “So then I started taking more and

big deal. I had always been around them, and

realized that, because of the way my mind

more engineering classes. I was on the LEGO

then in middle school I got the opportunity

works, that this might be a good fit for me,”

robotics team over at Summit, so I got really

to join basically Urbandale’s equivalent to

Mentzer said. “I’m curious, I never want to

interested in building stuff. Then, over at the

the help desk. We were a student team that

stop figuring things out. I’m not sure what

middle school, I did Hyperstream, and then

went around and took care of the work tickets

kind of engineer I want to be yet, but I like

got into FTC, which is building robots but it’s

for the Urbandale district. That’s how I first

the problem-solving aspect of it and the

metal instead of plastic.”

got started in [computers] in a professional

creativity.”

Dao was exposed to computers at a

setting. Computers were something I’d

Abby Coon ‘21 is also in the Principles of

young age, as Dao’s father is the network

Engineering class, as well as one of the First

administrator at Heartland AEA. “From a

Despite

being

Tech Challenge robotics teams. “When I was

real, real young age, he had a computer at

sometimes

treated

always been into and really loved.” outnumbered differently,

and

Mentzer

Computer Science

AP Physics

AP Biology

13:66

11:24

27:12

continues to take STEM classes. “I’ve never

activities are offered to women pursuing

barriers are there like they used to be.”

really been the type of person to be swayed

STEM. “I think now we are lucky enough to

Students and teachers involved in STEM

by other people’s opinions,” Mentzer said. “It’s

have opportunities for everybody,” Shrestha

want young girls to know that they should

almost as if I’m oblivious to what others think

said.

not be afraid to go into the field. “I think girls

or say. If what I want to do is seen as different

Stella Zeng ‘20, also a member of Robotics

are sometimes hesitant to take risks,” Dao

than other girls, I don’t care. It’s what I want

Club encourages young girls to pursue the

said. “With fields like science, engineering,

to do.”

opportunities offered by the schools. “If you

and technology, you have to be able to take

have even the slightest interest, go for it.”

risks and make some mistakes. Just know

Today, the amount of women going into STEM keeps increasing. More women than

Many agree that it has become easier for

that it’s not a reflection on you personally.

ever are working in core STEM fields. 61,430

women to go into STEM. “The pressure at the

The only way that you’re going to be making

more women worked in STEM jobs in 2017

time versus now is so different,” Beguhn said.

progress is by trying to make those steps

compared to 2016.

“It’s so much better. There are more paths to

forward. Technology is all about trying things

help women get in there. I don’t think the

and finding problems that need solutions,

Shrestha recognizes how more clubs and

and sometimes the first solution you come up with isn’t the right one. That shouldn’t discourage you from continuing to try.”

Shreya Shresta ‘20 works through a math problem on her AP Calculus homework.

Gearhart has worked with young females in his classes, and encourages anyone with even the slightest interest to try STEM. “Give it a shot,” Gearhart said. “I have countless stories of former girls that have gone on and pursued STEM careers and have done awesome. A lot of them didn’t know what they were getting themselves into. They just really enjoyed it, took some more classes, and found out it was fun. You can problem-solve and find solutions to make the world a better place. It can be a meaningful career.”

Science teacher Lisa Horsch encourages young girls to try STEM classes even if it can be lonely. “If you are alone in a class convince a friend to come in with you,” Horsch said.

“Just stand proud and don’t worry about it.”

Mentzer encourages girls to go and put themselves out there and. “Do what you want to do,” Mentzer said. “Going your own route is super cool, people appreciate you for that. It’s a story to tell if you just do your own thing.”

1/1700:

ALEXIS GORSH

FROM SOPHOMORE TO SENIOR, ONE STUDENT WAS RANDOMLY CHOSEN TO TELL THEIR STORY words | Jacob Marren & Marandah Mangra-Dutcher layouts & photo | Marandah Mangra-Dutcher

Alexis Gorsh ‘21 found herself planning the rest of her life when she walked through the doors of the high school this year. Unlike most of the other students her age, she actually has an idea of what she wants to do when she graduates. Ever since she was a little girl, Gorsh has known that she wanted to teach. She believes that she can make her impact on society through education.

Gorsh’s transition to the high school has allowed her to create strong relationships with her teachers, which has inspired her even more. This year she has seen her teachers not only teach their students, but motivate and encourage them. Gorsh has felt that the teachers here encourage students to be who they are, making it easier for them to succeed. Her history teacher, Dale Dejong has witnessed her motivation firsthand. “Lexi didn’t stand out to me at the beginning of the year,” Dejong said. “She was quiet and sat in the back. It was not until I got to talk to her at a volleyball game that I realized how unique and interesting she was. She’s funny, unique and creative. She loves to write and shared with me a short story about something that happened to her last year. Now, I feel like my connection with Lexi has grown and I enjoy hearing about the different things going on in her life and her different perspectives.”

Gorsh’s passion for teaching reflects her devotion to her school

“My number one passion I would probably say is school, that sounds weird because I am not really one to say I really love school a lot but it’s ultimately what drives me. I’m an athletic person, sure, but not like a lot so I use school as a way to get my success in life later so I’d say that something that is really important to me is to do well.”

- Alexis Gorsh ‘21

work. “My number one passion I would probably say is school.

That sounds weird because I am not really one to say I really love school a lot, but it’s ultimately what drives me,” Gorsh said. “I’m an athletic person, sure, but not a lot, so I use school as a way to get my success in life later. So I’d say that something that is really important to me is [doing] well.”

While neither of her parents are teachers, some of Gorsh’s aspiration for teaching comes directly from her parents and their careers. Together, Gorsh’s parents manage Peak Distributing, a professional auto supply distribution company they created in April 2016. Gorsh’s Mom, Cari Gorsh, runs the financial and technological side of Peak by helping with payments and running the website. As such, a majority of her work is done behind a computer screen. Her dad, Curt Gorsh, however, is the salesman of the business, and his job consists of going to auto shops in order to sell their products to potential customers. Gorsh remembers coming home to hear stories of his experiences from being a salesman and working with customers. Gorsh grew to love the social aspect of her dad’s job, which further pushed her into teaching. In a way, seeing how her parents interact with their customers has motivated Gorsh to pursue a career centered in making connections with others, as teaching certainly does.

18 | editorial

DO NOT DITCH DISNEY

The editorial is an opinion held by the editorial board of the newspaper and is a collaboration of the board. It needs a simple majority to pass.

This month’s vote was 4-2.

R

ecently on the Ellen Degeneres show,

she uses the film to teach her children about the

actress

opened

importance on consent. “I look at my girls and

up about her decision to ban her

Keira

Knightley

ask, ‘Don’t you think it’s weird that Snow White

daughter from watching certain Disney movies,

didn’t ask the old witch why she needed to eat the

of these being Cinderella and The Little Mermaid.

apple? Or where she got that apple?’” Bell said in

“[Cinderella] waits around for a rich guy to rescue

Parents Magazine.

her,” Knightley said. “Don’t. Rescue yourself!

As a small child with a developing and

Obviously.” She then continued on to criticize

impressionable mind, the messages of something

The Little Mermaid. “I mean, the songs are great,

so simple as a short animated film may leave

but do not give your voice up for a man, hello!”

imprints on the brain that last a lifetime, as

Knightley said.

Knightley and Bell have pointed out. Even if

It is common among pop culture to sift

someone hasn’t seen one of these films since

through classic stories to try and find a deeper

its release date, it’s not difficult to recall

meaning, particularly a not-so-nice one, as

the overall story or the general message,

Knightley pointed out in both Cinderella and The

given the massive amount of press and

Little Mermaid. While these themes of women

expectation surrounding each and every

not being able to free themselves or express

film to come out of Disney.

themselves without the help of a man may have

Emily Bertlshofer ‘21 offered some

been common in past Disney films, the most

criticisms of Disney movies, of which

recent Disney movies have strived far away from

essentially summarize the concerns felt

that mindset, and Disney deserves some credit for

by parents, and possibly young adults,

such a dramatic shift in storyline.

regarding Disney movies. “I feel like they lead

Knightley isn’t the only celebrity to express

children to do things, or think things, that

disapproval toward a Disney film. Recently,

aren’t practical, like having a prince save you

Frozen star Kristen Bell made some criticisms

from your problems or something like that,”

of the beloved 1930s film, Snow White. Bell said

Bertlshofer said.

c.c o.u k

“Men speak 71% of the time in Beauty and the Beast (1991); 90% of the time in Aladdin (1992) 76% of the time in Pocahontas (1995).” bb

erc www.h

28 out of 41 disney movies pass the bechdel test

a

m pu s.c om

While underlying themes in past Disney

White, Cinderella, Pocahontas, and many others.

movies might have sent the message that every

The scene featured all of the princesses gathered

woman needed a man, it is unfair to equal the

around one of the main characters in Ralph Breaks

Disney of the past to the Disney of today.

the Internet, little girl and video game character

Look at Frozen, for example: a simple story of

Vanellope, with each princess presenting their

two sisters learning the importance of expression

own mocking take on their individual fairytale

and putting aside the need for a knight in shining

story, trying to determine Vanellope’s princess

armor to save them, instead choosing to save

status.

themselves. Released in late 2013, it established

Rapunzel ended the interrogation with one

a desire in audiences for an original story with

simple question: “Do people assume all of your

an inspiring message, particularly for young

problems were solved because some big, strong

girls. Since then, numerous films have been

man showed up?” Rapunzel asked in the scene.

released following the same pattern, like

When Vanellope replied yes, all of the princesses

Moana and the live-action Beauty and The

rejoiced at discovering that she is in fact a princess.

Beast, both of which were two of the most

Now that modern Disney has made their

successful films to be released in the last few

position quite clear on the themes of past Disney

years, and continue to hold relevance.

films, in which every woman needed a strong man

The

sequel,

to save them, Disney deserves some credit for

Ralph Breaks the Internet, made

Wreck-It

Ralph

changing up their thought process and the themes

news when it’s trailer came

provided by their films. Instead of continuing to

out, not only because of

criticize the Disney of the past for some slightly

it’s anticipated success,

controversial underlying themes, we as a society

but

one

should start looking forward in the direction of

scene featuring some of

modern Disney, which is continuing to make

the most noted Disney

dramatic changes to its storyline.

because

of

princesses, including Snow

20 | opinion

HELLO my name is

Sanjana Amatya ‘19 sat in Culture Clash, listening to her teacher, Jeremy Fitzpatrick, described

many

students’

struggle

in

comprehending the novel they were reading in class. The novel is rich in Nigerian culture and the names of the main characters made it hard for students to keep the different characters straight. Fitzpatrick suggested that the class refer to the Nigerian names in the novel as more common names that they are familiar with in order to understand the text better. “I hated that so much,” said Amatya. “It seemed pretty terrible to completely rename someone with another name without trying to put in the effort to say

layout | Akshaya Kumar

words | Obsee Abbajabal

“They might just be characters but teaching students to completely disregard a name someone was born with is pretty harsh.”

-Sanjana Amatya ‘19

NAMES CAN IMPACT. . .

the name they were born with. They might just be characters but teaching students to completely disregard a name someone was born with is pretty

A

harsh.”

that I learned to recognize and one of

the names separate,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s like

the first words that I learned how to say. My name

color coding notes. [Afterwards], you are going

is how I identify myself in this world. To some, it

to keep the cultural names separate.” For a class

is too foreign and hard to say.

that is supposed to teach students how to analyze

hidden power lurks behind each letter

However, the erasure of cultural names was

of my name. It is one of the first words

not Fitzpatrick’s intent. “It’s a mechanism to keep

Primarily, ethnic names provide a glimpse of

cultural texts, the erasure of someone’s name

people’s backgrounds and heritage. Often times,

which directly coincides with their culture is very

they are mispronounced and whitewashed, or

problematic.

glossed over, in order to fit the “white standard.”

This miscommunication can teach students

This standard stems from the ideology of white

the wrong thing, and the rhetoric they learn in

supremacy where the set model of averageness

school will influence their decisions throughout

is supposed to be the characteristics of a

their life. If they choose to take this advice into

white person. From celebrities to average-day

account, the ideology of white supremacy will

Americans, people are indirectly coerced to

spread through a systematic approach.

change their names to fit this standard. Teachers,

In fact, this white standard of names have led

students, and the rest of the general public must

to discriminatory practices by many businesses,

try their hardest to pronounce people’s names

including Hollywood. When actor Oscar Isaac

correctly. The lack of effort causes society to

started his career, he was concerned that he’d be

gradually accept the ideas of white supremacy.

restricted to play stereotypical Latino roles. He

Grades

Acceptance to College

changed his last name from Hernández to Isaac in order to avoid restricted casting. “I don’t want to just go up for the dead body, the gangster, the bandolero, whatever.” Isaac said in an interview with “In” magazine. “I don’t want to be defined by someone else’s idea of what an Oscar Hernández should be playing.” Other celebrities and politicians that have changed their names include Bruno Mars, Ted Cruz, and Bobby Jindal due to similar reasons.

“You’ve got to correct me when I mispronounce something. I’m not going to take offense to it. If I get mad, it’s not at you for correcting me, it’s on me for not getting it.”

-Jeremy Fitzpatrick In fact, students have also had similar

my name is

Óscar Isaac Hernández Estrada

if it is mispronounced.

experiences to that of celebrities. Zenudin

“There’s research out there, like when you

Omerovic ‘20 was also indirectly coerced to

greet somebody, it takes you introducing yourself

simplify his name for his teammates. “They were

20 times before the person will remember your

like, ‘Zenudin’s way too hard,’” Omerovic said.

name,” said Fitzpatrick. “The same thing goes for

“They kept pronouncing it wrong, and I got

pronunciation. [Teachers] have to say it multiple

annoyed so I was like, ‘You know what, just [call

times and you, as the student, have to be willing

me] Z.’”

to correct us every time. I feel a lot of times, stu-

When Arundhati Soni ‘19 moved to the district, she was asked if she wanted to go by a nickname. She told the administrator that she

dents [think that] after about five times ‘it’s just not worth it. They’re not ever gonna get it.’”

Omerovic does not believe there should be

I can not blame these prominent individuals

wanted to be called Rooney. However, her name

an emphasis on names in school. “At school,

for dumbing down their original names,

was soon mispronounced. “I was like, ‘wow you

not really,” he said. “Cause it’s not like you’re

especially when the average American faces this

butchered the smallest name I have,’” Soni said.

gonna see those people ever again after four

same endeavor. According to the National Bureau

“It’s not that hard. I tailored it in an American

years.” However, a 2012 study by Rita Kohli and

of Economic Research, traditionally African

accent for [the administrator] but [they] still

Daniel Solorzano found that pronouncing names

American names are less likely to get called into

messed it up.”

incorrectly “impacts the world view and social

job interviews than people who have more white-

Amatya has also faced this awkward situation

sounding names. In a world where people are

during roll call. “It gives me a little bit of anxiety

discriminated against for their name, it is our

because no one can pronounce my name,” Amatya

duty to make sure the power of names, people’s

said. “It’s always different versions.” Many teachers

So, please learn to say my name because it is an

identies, can be heard.

encourage students to always correct their names

integral part of who I am and who I want to be.

Profession

Future Spouse

emotional well-being of students which is linked to learning.”

In every avenue, names impact people’s lives.

Residence

22 | Arts & Entertainment

Year In

Review 2018 words | Colt Smallwood layout | Tate Larsen

Super Hero Movies Feb. 16th. Marvel Studios Black Panther opened at the box office to critical and commercial acclaim. It’s domestic earnings on opening weekend alone came to $202,003,951, and after all was said and done, it’s worldwide earnings totaled $1,346,913,161.

Apr. 27. Marvel Studios Avengers Avengers: Infinity War with a near identical pattern as Black Panther, reaping critical acclaim

Royal Wedding May 19. Church bells were ringing at Windsor Castle, as the royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took place. The couple met in 2016, and announced their engagement, and officially tied the knot on May 19, 2018. While there are no official figures, the wedding was estimated to have been viewed by hundreds of millions of people, with the United States alone drawing in approximately 28 million viewers.

and commercial success. After an opening weekend grossing $257,698,183, it has gone on to hold the title of highest grossing title of 2018 as of writing, taking in $2,046,909,636 worldwide.May 18. 20th Century Fox’s Deadpool 2 dominated the R-rated box office this year, taking in $733,809,601 in total earnings, and taking the second place spot for highest-earning opening weekend for an R-rated movie at $125,507,153. The movie it placed second behind?

The first Deadpool. June 15. Disney-Pixar release the long awaited sequel to 2004’s The Incredibles, Incredibles 2 to much fanfare.

After an impressive opening weekend, earning $182,687,905 domestically, it went on to earn $1,240,842,465 in total box office revenue.July 6.

Another success for Marvel Studios, Ant-Man

and the Wasp debuted in theaters. While not as impressive of an opening as Infinity war or Black Panther, it did take in $75,812,205, an impressive opening weekend that easily knocked Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom out of the top spot. After all was said and done, Ant-Man and the Wasp earned a respectable $622,606,208 worldwide.

SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy Rocket

Music Top Hits Drake: God’s Plan. Released January 19 of 2018, the video for God’s Plan went viral, with drake recording himself giving away the music video’s near one million dollar budget away to various people in Florida.Ed Sheeran: Perfect. The only song in the top ten still hanging on from last year, Ed Sheeran’s Perfect was released on September 26, 2017 as the fourth single from his album ÷, and has consistently stayed on the charts since with duet versions with both Beyonce and Andrea Bocelli.Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line: Meant to Be. The second holdover from 2017, Meant to Be is the only country entry due to the inclusion of Florida Georgia Line. Debuting at number 61 on November 11, 2017, the single climbed the charts and held to the number 2 spot until the rise of number 1 on this list, Drake’s God’s Plan.Camila Cabello: Havana.

A Latin inspired song that again debuted in 2017, Havana hit the U.S. Billboard charts at number 7, behind Post Malone’s Rockstar, and after some spot jumping, hit number 1 in early January, but similarly to Meant to Be, was dethroned by God’s Plan.Post Malone: Rockstar. Rounding out the top 5 of Billboard’s 2018 Year End

February 6th. The maiden flight of SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy

Hot 100...is another track from 2017. Post Malone’s breakout track

rocket was held. The launch was notable for several reasons,

“Rockstar” shot his name from underground up-and-comer to pop

the most famous being the rocket’s payload. The Falcon 9 main

star. After debuting on Spetember 15, 2017 at number 2 behind

booster carried in it a 2008 Tesla Roadster owned by SpaceX

“Bodak Yellow”, it took the number one spot after 4 weeks.

founder Elon Musk. With the roadster playing “Space Oddity” by David Bowie, the launch was live streamed across the internet, amassing millions of live viewers.

March for Our Lives March 24. Millions of students across America participated in the March for Our Lives protests. After the Parkland shooting, the protest was organized in an attempt to change America’s gun laws. With the nationwide school walkouts and marches, the total number of people that participated is estimated between 1.2 to 2 million. Across the globe, protestors had support everywhere from Japan to Scotland.

Sports February 4: Super Bowl LII is played. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33, and while several records were set, not all of them were good. On one side, the Patriots set a record for most points scored by a losing team in Super Bowl history, and the most combined yards gained at l,151. However, while it’s viewership was still impressive on it’s own, compared to other Super Bowls, it was the least viewed in the past nine years.

February 9-25: South Korea hosts the 2018 Winter Olympics. In the midst of tense relations between North and South Korea, some form of unity was achieved during the Winter Olympic Games. A unified Korea competed in the women’s ice hockey, possibly opening up future talks.

On the medals side, Norway took home the most medals, with 14 gold and silver each, and 11 bronze. The USA took in 23 total medals, nine gold, eight silver, and six bronze.

THANKFUL for 20 Years of SUCCESS!

May Your Holidays Be Peaceful, And Your New Year Prosperous!

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