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.
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