October 2010

BW the black and white

the black and white. Oct. 2010. volume 19 issue 3. 5152780449. 6501 NW 62nd ave. johnston. iowa one copy free

in this issue october five Read a fierce debate about

eight-nine Get educated about the

cussing. Staffers Ian Dunshee

possiblity of grading policies

to head about the use of pro-

blocked science classes, and

and Michael Knoedel go head

changing, the elimination of

fanity and its effect on society.

the plans for a 9-12 campus.

thirteen As pictured above, Dane

fifteen Read about a government

Van Brocklin has once again

teacher, science teacher, and

House this Halloween season.

ished the Chicago Marathon

utilized his barn as a Haunted Check it out.

guidance counselor who finon Oct. 10.

0 1 0 r2

e b o ct

O

News 3

The low-down on new, healthy lunches from the gold star program

Opinion

in this issue...

4 5

Cheating VS. using resources That’s what Shi said- are debates worth it? Shi says no.

Michael Knoedel and Ian Dunshee take on the issue of profanity

Editorial 6

New policy limits student expression, puts teacher positions at risk

Entertainment 7

BW EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kelsey Kruse DESIGN EDITOR Kelly McGowan PHOTO EDITOR Michael Knoedel

Places to go enjoy the fall

Doubletruck

8-9 How will a new grade system, realignment of schools and blocked classes affect future students?

NEWS Mike Shi

Review

OPINION Kristine Hayes

Fashion

EDITORIAL Zach Winjum

Health

ENTERTAINMENT/REVIEW Evan Culbert

Feature

FEATURE Lauren Coffey

10 The Des Moines delis your taste buds are waiting for 11 Snooki, Lady Gaga, Dwight Schrute. Johnston’s cleverest Halloween costumes 12 The ultimate sports drink: chocolate milk! And how to fuel your workout 13 Dane and the gang are at it again, it’s the final year of the Van-Brocklin haunted house 14 Biotech pioneers learning experiences The story behind the 2500 total pennies on your 2009-10 “Two cents worth” yearbooks

Sports

15 JHS teachers ran 26.2 miles on 10/10/10 at the Chicago marathon Smaha sounds off with “Full court press”

Backpage

16 The amazing, unique talents that students at JHS occupy their time with

4

11

7

12

10

14

FASHION/HEALTH Spencer Vasey SPORTS Ryan Smaha BACKPAGE Ethan Meng DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Ian Dunshee STAFF WRITERS Isabella Engbloom, Wes Monroe, Alexa Anderson, Rachael Meyer PHILOSOPHY

Want the B&W online?

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The Black and White is published solely by the Johnston High School newspaper staff.

Its goal is to inform, enlighten and entertain Johnston students. It is an open forum. In accordance with Iowa law and board policy, students assign and edit material. The paper is published nine times per school year. The paper will avoid material that is libelous, obscene or an invasion of privacy. The law does not require parental permission to use student quotes. Ethically, we believe students can speak for themselves. Staff editorials represent the opinion of a majority of the editorial board. Editorial and opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the adviser, school officials or the district. Letters to the editor must be signed. Like all material, letters may not be libelous, obscene or an invasion of privacy. Bring letters to room 413 within one week after publication to be considered for the next issue. The Black and White strives to report accurate and timely information. If you believe that an error has been printed, please contact the editors at jhsblackandwhite@ gmail.com. The Black and White is a member of CSPA, NSPA, Quill & Scroll, and IHSPA. Recent issues of the paper earned these honors: Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medalist, National Scholastic Press Association First Class rating, Quill & Scroll Gallup Award, IHSPA state placings.

on the cover: Dane VanBrocklin at his haunted barn photo credit: Paige Plaskitt photo credit-sept cover photo: Molly Ward

news

oct 2010

Lunch pilots new program

the b&w p.3

words Mike Shi A new lunch program called the Iowa

Gold Cycle Menu is being piloted in the high school cafeteria. The program tests a

mix of old and new items for possible implementation into lunch menus across Iowa.

The district was one of seven chosen by

the Bureau of Nutrition, Health and Transportation Services to participate in the program pilot. “You have a big role in what is

coming down the road,” kitchen manager Boe Stoebner said.

Purpose The purpose is to expose students to

healthy choices and nontraditional lunches.

“[The] main goal is to get healthier items in here and to change students’ ideas on what they like,” Stoebner said.

Feedback Comments on the new menu options will

be compiled. “Your feedback and comfinal menu,” director of nutrition services

LaRae Doll said. Students who purchases

one of the new menu options are given a

comment card to share their opinion on the food’s appearance, smell, taste and texture.

They are also asked whether or not they would like to see the items in the future.

In addition to the comment cards, the

lunch staff is monitoring if items are actually eaten. Staff standing by the trashcans

look to see if students throw away the new items; they also make note of which items

are being thrown away. For example, if a student ate only the chicken and threw

away the rice in the chicken rice bowl, this would be noted by the staff.

From-Scratch One of the ideas of the Iowa Gold Cycle

Menu “is to bring in fresh, from-scratch meals,” Stoebner said. Some of the new

items are made from-scratch in the kitchens in order to get away from pre-packaged

food. “Our goal is to produce food kids like and will eat and hopefully are healthy,” Doll said.

Recipes & Ingredients

Michael Knoedel/ BW

Ron Killian, executive chef of the Iowa Department of Education, carries a tray of oatmeal raisin cookies while passing out samples outside the lunchroom on October 14. riety of ingredients and also fresher ones.

purchased. The food is mainly from two

include turkey tetrazzini and the chili.

Loffredo and Earth Grains/Sarah Lee pro-

Some old recipes that have been altered

New recipes involve more use of fresh in-

gredients. For example, in the past, garlic

vide fresh produce and bread.

Though both Reinhart and Martin Brothers

cheese bread was simply bought. Now, the

have distribution centers in Iowa, where ex-

own cheese. “[We] want to make sure [we]

know where it comes from,” said Stoebner

kitchen uses local bread and top it with its

actly the food is grown is a mystery. “I don’t

have the freshest and best tasting ingredi-

about the sweet potato fries served Oct 5.

ents we can provide,” Stoebner said.

Some items though are “fresh out of the

freezer,” Stoebner said. Whether or not the

Aftermaths Based on comments from the district and

ingredients used are canned, dried, fro-

the six other districts participating in the pi-

made, but an emphasis is put on fresh.

introduced in the spring. The new lunches

zen or fresh vary based on the meal being

Some response to the new recipes has

been positive. “It’s not as processed, and it

lot program, a new menu is expected to be will be implemented all throughout Iowa.

With the new program, potentials for

has more interesting flavors than what we

price changes have yet to be determined.

“The new items are unique entrees,” se-

meals, the district has had to increase staff

usually have,” junior Alissa Campbell said.

On some days with more labor intensive

nior Mary Feng said, “you can’t get strom-

as cooking from-scratch takes more work.

boli bites at McDonalds.”

Suppliers The company supplying the food is the

New and changed recipes are mainly

same as before; however, the food is pro-

pes have been altered to use a wider va-

ner. Also, a larger variety of food is being

what are being tested by the district. Reci-

companies, Reinhart and Martin Brothers.

cessed and presented in a different man-

Whether or not this translates into an in-

Spencer Hyde ‘11

Student’s Opinions

ments will be used when they produce the

“I get the new lunches everyday and I’m a fan of the texture, the taste and the looks.

I was disappointed in the tetrazinni, the looks. It looks like someone took a stinky diarrhea dump on my tray.

Other than that, everything’s been good and the school should keep it coming.”

Laura Smalley ‘13 “Some of the food is a little too bland. Like the Asian chicken with rice, it just seemed to me that the rice was the same rice that they used and it didn’t add any flavor so it didn’t taste good at all.”

Mirza Besic ‘12 “It would work in our schools if you get past the initial fears of trying something new and different. Just because it’s healthy doesn’t mean it’s bad.”

crease in prices has yet to be seen.

Cathleen Dutcher ‘12

plete, the district is no longer required to

“This isn’t like school food, it’s more like restaurant food.”

After the five week pilot program is com-

participate in the new menu. However, the district may continue to serve the new or altered recipes based on student response.

oct 2010

Sharing, not cheating

She does not need to just memorize the characteristics

government. Is this cheating?

Biology teacher Jennifer Rollings said, “I wouldn’t consid-

night, and goes to bed. The next day, it is eighth period, the

er [telling other people questions on tests] cheating.” Using

No. 2 pencil. Deep breath in, it is almost here. The teacher

guide reflects the test, so there’s not really an advantage to

is something she did not practice. Yes, it is based on something she studied last night, but she practiced finding deTruth is, even with study guides, it is

hard to know enough about the content

of a test to adequately prepare yourself.

Some people solve this problem by getting the answers to the test from students

that already took it. This hurts them be-

telling.” Telling people questions does not do the studying for them, they still have to know their stuff, but it takes away some of the stress.

Cheating:

to take an examination or test in a dishonest way, as by improper access to answers

cause they do not know the material at

all, and come finals week, they’re going to be left scram-

Dictionary.com defines cheating

as, “to take an examination or test in a dishonest way, as by improper access to answers.” Asking other people to help you know what to study is not improper access to answers, it is using your resources.

Spanish teacher Gerald Hollingsworth believes

bling. Other people chose to ask others what things are

that sharing answers is cheating. “Inflated

study. This isn’t cheating.

higher GPA, potentially costing you or another

covered on the test, and use that information to help them Look at this scenario: A senior girl asks one of her peers

that took the test a day or a class period early what topics are covered on it. She does not tell her exact questions, just the main theme. She is not providing answers, just adding

to the study guide given to her by the teacher. Instead of

spending all night studying everything, she makes sure she has a full understanding of the parts that are in the test more, and she knows enough on the less-covered topics.

what

That’s said words Mike Shi

mar k

hands out the tests, she looks down, and the first question

a study guide is not any different. Rollings said, “My study

Frey

period of the test. She walks in, sits down, and takes out a

arie

do next time. Many problems later, she decides to call it a

to be able to pick out which item listed is not a theory of

scores... could cause that person to have a

sem

each time, figuring out where she went wrong and what to

opposite, she has to memorize the theories of government

n/Ro

Junior Tina Wu sits in her room, studying for a math test.

She is working through math problems, checking her work

of a state, she needs to be able to apply them too. Or the

student access to preferred college entrance

or scholarship. It also forms another false, but

ratio

words & layout Rachael Meyer

rivatives, not memorizing the definition.

opinion

a negatively successful pattern, for that ‘cheating’ in-

Illus t

the b&w p.4

dividual, throughout life.” Cheating hurts yourself and others, creating an incentive not to simply take other people’s

answers, but to do your own work and study yourself. However, asking people to help you go over material and figure out what to study is not cheating.

A Different Perspective

Illustration/Rosemarie Freymark

Wow, that was some debate on the other

page; you should probably read it before

this article, just saying. On one hand, we have Michael, who thinks you should only

cuss in drastic situations, on the other, we’ve got Ian, who’s all about cussing,

those four letter words are just, well, words.

the status quo wins out. Like in real life, first

sides debated with logic and reasoning,

even after a rousing debate.

when all things were said and done, my

darn stubborn. People can and really do

did yours.

bate and that I, the reader, am definately

ty much any issue, once you make up your

change their opinions. Let’s take the cuss-

because of some debate. Debates, at least

think cussing should only be used in dire

sue like health care, immigration, abortion

reading Ian’s arguments? For those of you

logical a debater is, he or she has pretty

change after reading Michael’s arguments?

people to change their opinion. Try as hard

own reasons and arguments.

They can try to persuade us with their cred-

change someone else’s mind on a topic

they can show us facts and figures (hey,

time could be better spent with, well, pretty

Both are valid arguments I guess. Both

impressions on an issue are likely to last,

both sides brought up valid issues and yet,

I know what you’re thinking, I’m just too

opinion didn’t change, and probably neither

change their opinions after hearing a de-

Now, this isn’t just with cussing. With pret-

not be one of those people who does not

mind, it’s probably not going to change just

ing debate as an example. For those who

in my mind, don’t do anything. Take any is-

situations, did your viewpoint change after

or whatever. No matter how eloquent and

who are “for” cussing, did your viewpoint

much got a 90 degree uphill battle to get

No? Good. People have already made their

as they might, debates simply don’t work.

Why waste your time and effort trying to

ibility, they can appeal to our emotions,

when it simply isn’t going to happen? That

ethos, pathos and logos,) but in the end,

much anything.

opinion What the

oct 2010

is Up With

Profanity?

(insert word here)

Desensitization words & layout

the b&w p.5

Michael Knoedel

In the past when someone used a curse word, they immediately got the attention of their peers. Instead, students overuse profanity until everyone becomes

desensitized from them like the boy who cried wolf. It seems that students are incapable of forming a complete

sentence without sandwiching vulgarity in to them everywhere they can. Curse words need to be used much

more sparingly.

Curse words are just a combination of letters that our society labels as vulgar. When it comes down to it, these

words have a power that others do not. For instance, if I put the word mango in an article, no one will say a word

and continue reading on. While if I put in even one small reference to a curse word, the parents, teachers and administrators would go ballistic. They would threaten

my advisor and even the newspaper as a whole just like

what happened in the FML article last year.

The Black and White published a page about the pop-

ular book and Web site FML. The story in no way made reference to any curse words. It merely talked about a few

student’s bad days and connected the stories to something in students’ culture. Even though no intention was made to offend anyone, parent outrage ensued. Only in

important or dire situations should profanity be used.

A relaxed environment should call for relaxed words.

There is no reason to curse in a game of Monopoly with friends, but when curse words are being used in people’s

everyday vernacular, what’s the point? What would peo-

ple say if they are in a dire situation? Exactly the same thing they would in regular conversation?

One day, someone “stole” my friend’s keys and decided to fake steal his car in front of him for fun. While backing out, the thief was too busy looking at my friend’s

face to notice that he was about to back into another stu-

dent. Realizing the danger in the situation, he was able to curse at the thief to get him to notice the pedestrian.

My friend almost never cursed so when he did in this

situation it was extremely powerful. Powerful enough to save a life.

If my friend cursed regularly, the thief would have paid no attention or thought it was funny. These words

should be used, but only in the appropriate environment and appropriate situation. When things go dire, the Red

Alert button of cursing should always be there, but never

overused. If the button is constantly pressed, Red Alert

wouldn’t mean anything at all.

The Power of Profanity

words & layout

Ian Dunshee

Ever since the fifth grade, I’ve always had a colorful vo-

cabulary; colorful meaning vulgar. I don’t know how exactly

it happened, or why I kept saying words kids were constantly being told in class were bad to say. Maybe I thought

it made me cool, or perhaps I just wanted to rebel against the adults that told me no. It can be hard sometimes to

figure out when habits and beliefs really start to develop.

When are kids truly ready to start dating? How many times

do parents have to take their kids to the church, synagogue or mosque until they start believing; or do they ever? How

many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? The world may never know, yet all are very important

questions, vary from person to person, and most importantly, their answers won’t change a thing.

Whether

you’re debating

the existence of a

higher power, or if profanity is OK to

use in any situation, a definite answer to such questions

(if at all possible) wouldn’t stop anyone from simply doing what they do. People are still going to pray and people like me are still going to cuss to their heart’s content. It’s all

around us, and no one has died from being over exposed

to the profanity. Yet everywhere around us, there is a constant barrage of immoral examples for future generations.

The TV idols of our younger siblings are wearing mini-

skirts and tube tops, or have a six-pack and a tan that

makes them look like a walking tumor. Better yet (or worse

depending upon your view), you can watch such individuals parade around on Primetime doing drugs and getting it

on like rabbits. I couldn’t care less, but the more respectable side of society does (or so I hear), so are slang words

no one remembers really the BIG problem? People 100 years from now will wonder why we ever considered such

words to be bad in the first place. So why censor such words from the ears of our society when pornography is just a click away from your fifth grader at the local library?

A lot of questions with common sense answers stall real

progress in the community, and it’s all because some people “feel” that things like cuss words just aren’t right. Yes, it’s true, legally everyone can have his or her voice heard, and that’s only fair. But why does his or her voice suddenly

snuff mine out because he or she don’t approve of the specific words I use?

the b&w p.6

editorial

oct 2010

Confusion over policy causes conflict

Under the Friday night

tion that follows the law when

er runs down the field for a

ment, these people will not

lights a varsity football play-

it comes the First Amend-

pass. He misses the catch

be here forever. Principal

and the team loses the

Bruce Hukee is retiring this

game. Monday morning, the

year. What if the new princi-

head coach is called in by

pal decides to call students

the principal to tell him the player should have caught

the pass. In the end, the principal reassigns the

Lauren Coffey/ BW

Rarely are coaches blamed for the performance

coach to coach seventh grade football. The varsity

of their athletes. However, teachers are blamed for

that dropped the pass. This has never and probably

mances are constitutional.

player feels responsible because he was the one will never happen. Coaches are rarely blamed for

and teachers to the office every time he or she or a parent

finds something “objectionable”? What’s next?

Will art teachers be in trouble for students who

their students’ performances even when the perfor-

portray a partially nude human body in a painting

This is why in 2009 former school board member

Will history teachers be in trouble for students who

or sculpture?

the performance of their athletes.

Tyler Buller revised the school’s student expression

use “objectionable” situations for a current event?

named high school in Iowa. In this situation the

tion for advisers,” Buller said. “But administrators

who use realistic dialogue in a story?

close that gap back up.”

is nothing new around here. A few years ago fresh-

The story was about the football team’s lack of

cently overturned by the current school board on

olate War” by Robert Cormier and “I Know Why the

players stood by their quotes, but the story upset

Board member Jill Morrill was the only member to

Now take a real situation that occurred at an un-

teacher was blamed for a story one of her students wrote for the school newspaper. The teacher will remain unnamed.

success. Nothing earth-shattering. The football people. The principal of the school confiscated the

papers (a violation of Iowa law). He told the writer to apologize for her story in the next issue of the paper. She refused because she felt she had done

policy. “The law clearly intended to include protechave found a way around that. I just wanted to

The policy was passed in April 2009, but was re-

a 4-1 vote, although two members were absent. vote for keeping the policy. “To provide for our best possible environment,” Morrill said. “That’s why I voted (to keep the additional language).”

Board President Tracy Orman voted against the

nothing wrong. Ultimately, the principal kicked her

policy. “We still have the policy, we just took out the

After the controversy, the adviser resigned. Her

covers (for protection of teachers), we don’t need

out of the class.

error? She supported the First Amendment rights

of a student. Imagine how the student felt when the adviser resigned.

Will English teachers be in trouble for students People disagreeing about objectionable material

man English students stopped reading “The ChocCaged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou because they

were “objectionable.” The books contained violence and sexual references. The school board voted to

allow the books in lit circles with parental permission, but they could no longer be used as class novels. Students had no input on the decision.

The board made a mistake when it took out the

additional language,” Orman said. “The law already

language that gave additional protection to teachers

to exceed state law.” If that was the case, then the

ment. Morrill said it best, “If it protects advisers, ad-

teacher mentioned might still be advising.

Although we are fortunate to have an administra-

who support students practicing the First Amendministrators, and allows students freedom of press, then why wouldn’t you provide that environment?”

Crisp, cool air, the bright orange of pumpkins on every doorstep, crunchy leaves and warm apple cider. All of these are signs that fall is in full swing. Set aside a day, a weekend or even just Halloween night to do some classic fall activities. Don’t let it pass you by without enjoying a bit of autumnal splendor.

1- Go to a pumpkin patch!

Howell’s Pumpkin Patch 10-6 everyday. 3145 Howell Court Cumming, Iowa 50061 -25 miles south of Des Moines -$6.00 general admission fee -Enjoy a pumpkin patch, tractor rides, pedal-cart racing, a corn maze, and a bunny farm.

-Feed an assortment of farm animals in the ‘Barn Yard.’

-Gift shop offers dried florals, jack-o-lanterns, and floral wreaths.

oct 2010

the b&w p.7

!

L L A F experience

entertainment

words & layout

Kelly McGowan

Center Grove Orchard

11-6 Sundays 9-7 Saturdays. 32835 610th Ave, Cambridge -31 apple varieties in store or pick-your-own -30 minutes from Des Moines -$7.95 weekend admittance -Admission includes hay rides, corn pool, corn maze, apple slingshot, farm animals and super slide -Feed Bunk, their restaurant has soups, steak sandwiches, sweet corn, homade apple sauce and more.

-Bakery has cider donuts, carmel apples, ice cream and more.

h carve pumpkins.

es and Allyson Veatc

Yocum, Kim Hugh Sophomores Erin

3- Trick or Treat?

Iowa Orchard Saturday & Sunday 9-6, 9875 Meredith Drive, Urbandale -hosts a pumkin carving contest, submit photos online -has a bakery and large selection of produce and honey -no pick-your-own apples, only availible in-store

2- bake a pumpkin Baked Pumpkin 1 sm. pumpkin 2 tbsp. apple cider 2 tbsp. honey 2 tbsp. melted butter 1- wash the pumpkin.

2- bake on a pie plate for 1 1/2 hours at 350 degrees.

3- cut a hole 3 inches in diameter, scoop out pulp and seeds.

4- mix honey, cider and butter, put this inside of the pumpkin.

5- put top back on, bake again for 30 minutes.

6- cut into wedges and serve with basting mixture. www.aliciasrecipes.com

Planning on handing out candy to trick or treaters this Halloween? Here are some jokes from elementary school kids that you can expect to hear: Knock knock who’s there? boo boo who? you don’t have to cry about it!

-Martha Shoemaker’s preschool class at Wallace Why did the skeleton NOT cross the road?

Because he didn’t have any guts!

-Bailey W, 2nd grader at Lawson What is the biggest pencil in the world?

Pennsylvania -Jacob D, 2nd grader at Lawson

Knock Knock, Who’s there?

Phillip Phillip who?

Phillip (Fill-up) my bag with candy!

-Kate Florer’s 4th grade class at Wallace Why did the football coach go to the bank?

To get his quarterback!

-Tate Larsen, 2nd grader at Lawson What is a pirate’s favorite letter?

Arrrrrr!

-Connor K, 2nd grader at Lawson Ethan Meng/ BW

policy changes

oct 2010

the semester test is worth 20%.

The high school policy committee has been

looking at changing the policy. The proposed

change would be a system that did not divide the grading into quarters; rather the grades from the entire semester would accumulate to make up

80% of the final semester. Twenty percent of the semester grade would still come from the semester test. For the changes to occur the school board and administration would have to approve them.

Derek Winchester ‘12

I think it takes the pressure off us for tests if it’s 80/20.

Rory Mull ‘12

I do really bad on tests but I do my homework. I mean if they do the 80/20 thing if I do bad on a

Taylor Smidt ‘12

I think they should put the freshman at sum-

mit and put everyone else at the high school.

Because they aren’t ready for the high school

parking

create The Buildings Facilities Committee to discuss how to accommodate the projected growth

of the district. After four months of meetings, they Options

Votes

Current grade configuration add on to each building New 10-12 HS, grades 8-9 at existing HS, grades 6-7 at summit and existing MS

3

came up with five options and voted on their first and second choices.

one-way bus/drop off lane

On Oct. 5-6 the committee met to discuss how

they could make the option with the most votes work. That option included a 9-12 campus using 5

the current high school and middle school, and

gym/auditorium lobby

a new 6-8 building with Summit housing 6-8 as well.

Existing HS and MS utilized as 9-12 campus, new 7-8 building, grade 6 at Summit

6

Existing HS and MS utilized as 9-12 campus, grade 7-8 at Summit, new building for grade 6

2

Existing HS and MS utilized as 9-12 campus, Two 6-8 facilities: one at Summit and one new building

23

The committee worked with DLR, an engi-

neering and architectural consulting firm to create possible plans for the nine through 12 campus.

“The consultants are going to lay our a couple

possible options of how we are going to make

it work,” superintendent Clay Guthmiller said.

auditorium

canopy over-head

LMC

media center and offices

performing arts facility

parking areas outlined in dotted lines will be remodeled to avoid duplications of libraries, offices, etc.

new drive-up (one way)

“Eventually (the building facilities committee) will

decide on one option that will be submitted to the

open “plaza”

school board.”

At the October meetings, the committee split

green space

greenway

no longer accessible

softball field

into three groups; each came up with an outline.

Two of the groups connected the buildings with new construction and one of the groups allowed

expanded road

parking

for traffic to go through. “I have always favored

having ninth graders as a part of the high school,” Guthmiller said. “By utilizing the two facilities, we could certainly make that work.”

Parking

Committee Members

Jim Adair Rick Brooks Nancy Buryanek Brian Carico Jim Casey Tina Ceraso Steven Conlan Lisa Cooper Marci Cordaro Marty Dolde Tom Foldes Karmen Gano Wendee Garton-Molano Nicole Gathercole Terry Gebard Tim Gootee James Gorsche Clay Guthmiller Linda Hansen Ken Hockmuth Bruce Hukee Brad Johnson Mikki Kinning Tim Kline Mary Helen Krofta Jill Morrill Michele Nemmers Sharon Norris Casey O’Connell Jim Quam Tom Richards Tanya Richards Barb Sersland Tony Sparks Scott Syroka Brad Tenpas Mark Toebben Eric Toot Kevin Tubbs Caleb Wagner Julie Walter Amanda Woods Ryan Woods Connor Yocum

athletic addition

Brian Carico, middle school principal “I like the 8-9 set up, I came here with the inten-

tion to open an 8-9 building and it works but it all comes down to space.”

LMC

redesigned entry w/ visitor parking

performing arts facility

offices

Haris Kajtazovic ‘11

have one for a 9-12 campus because most 9-12

really full of these little kids. They’re little, they’ll

campuses only have one library.”

es Bruce Amendt said. “The skills you learn from bi-

department’s one-and-a-half year study finished

that returning to full-year courses was seriously discussed at board meetings.

sequential,” Executive Director of Academic Servicology do not necessarily aid you in chemistry.” A student could potentially take multiple science classes with no problems where they can not in math.

“I would envision that once we have a new prin-

In blocked classes, a student must process two

ciple in place, the math department would change

might have the same ‘seat’ time in the class but

taken away in the future, an overhaul of the math

days of information in only one day. “A student

not the same ‘think’ time,” Math/Science Coordinator Jyll Miner said.

“While there is no clear and concise evidence that

shows that blocked classes help or hinder, when

a class moves twice as fast as normal, students become like deer in the headlights” Chris Beguhn

as well,” Amendt said. If blocked math were to be whole department would have to take place. With math being sequential, there would not be a way

for non-accelerated students to take calculus. If this change occurs, it will most likely be several years down the road.

“Growth requires change,” Amendt said. “Fewer

said. If a student does not understand a section,

than 40% of schools in Iowa use blocked class-

a problem for catching up after being sick; then ev-

change. Once the decision was made, they all went

there is no time to spend another day. This is also ery class day is like four year-long days.

es.” The entire science staff was excited about the out and gave eachother high-fives.

Nathen Jones ‘12

I like block classes, I like getting done with a

class in half a year, I feel like I can concentrate more.

Emilie Githens‘12

I like year round a lot better because I can pay attention easier.

Brandi Jansen ‘12

I want (blocked classes) for everything. I don’t

think they should get rid of them because most sciences need two periods to do.

bus loop

Mary Helen Krofta, Librarian

“Having one [library] is much more conclusive to

Science teachers began discussing block cours-

es about three years ago, but it wasn’t until the

ons

quarter counts for 40% of the semester grade and

Last spring, a group of teachers, students,

parents, and community members gathered to

math will stay for now. “Science, unlike math, is not

them.

pini

mester into two quarters and a semester test. Each

extended road

While blocked science classes are gone, blocked

1998 until a Sept. 27 board decision eliminated

stud e

80/20

in policy

Currently, the grading system divides each se-

test it won’t matter as much.

realignment

parking

Blocked sciences classes have existed since

nt o

change a

blocked classes

[ the b&w p.8&9

That’s a horrible idea. The school is already

Alisa Paiser ‘11

get trampled.

makes me think of a college campus. I like it.

(For the 9-12 campus) It loos pretty cool it

experience, they aren’t old enough.

Compiled by Kelly McGowan, Kelsey Kruse, Michael Knoedel and Zach Winjum

the b&w p.10

review

oct 2010

DELIcious Next time you do the deli, try something new.

Walking into any deli, it is hard to feel anything but happiness. Smelling the

wonderful aroma of tasty foods of all sorts; and the options are always endless

at a deli. Nonetheless, many deli-goers tend to stick to the safe side: the same old ham and cheese sandwich, maybe go “crazy” and get some soup. Countless customers miss out on the mouth-watering sandwiches that have been there all along, crying out, “Eat me, I’m delicious!” It’s time to say good bye to your boring

old ham and cheese, and discover a whole new world of ‘deli’cious foods. Check

out a couple of Des Moines’ favorite delis, and see what they have to offer. You

words & layout Evan Culbert

may find the dream dish that your taste buds will be sure to thank you for.

Plain Jane

Tortellini 8 oz.

69 $2.

19 $6.

Apple Orchard $6.39 Customers eating at Jason’s Deli don’t

At each of Palmer’s five delis, one will find

have to worry about trans fat or high fructose

a different and unique atmosphere. No two of

son’s takes pride in serving only organic “real

can always count on is the exceptional signa-

corn syrup in any of the food served there. Ja-

them are the same, but one thing customers

food.” Customer service is remarkable for a

ture sandwiches, and market salads offered.

deli, and the setup is very relaxed. Descriptive

For those who are indecisive, or afraid to

menu items paired with appealing dish

take a risk on something new, one can’t

names makes choosing food easy.

go wrong with the Apple Orchard

Take the Ranchero Wrap for

sandwich. Palmer’s has suc-

example. This southwestern

cessfully packed the taste

bundle is packed with chick-

of an entire apple orchard

en breast, cheddar, south-

into one bite of this fantastic

west spices, ranch, pico de

sandwich, consisting of roast

gallo, and jalapeños for that

turkey, provolone, and sliced

extra kick.

Granny Smith with apple but-

If you would rather go a lit-

ter. The combination of apple

tle farther north for food, try the

butter, apples and the roast tur-

Plain Jane. Although the name doesn’t

key creates a new flavor with turkey

jump out like the Ranchero Wrap, this whop-

complementing the juicy granny smiths.

yummy dish of starchy goodness is packed

much loved market salads before sitting down.

ions, and of course, BACON. Each bite packs

er salad. Might as well make it a box lunch for

ping baked potato does not disappoint. This

Don’t forget to grab a side of Palmer’s

with cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onenough toppings to keep the flavor far from boring. Before you head out the door, grab

some FREE ice cream made 100% scrumptious, and of course, organic.

Whether it be cheesy tortellini, or yummy snick-

FRE Ice C E ream

t

ke r a M

ds a l a S

$8.29, with your choice of sandwich, market salad, chips, pickle spear, and of course: you can’t forget the infamous homemade Palmer brownie, in it’s rich chocolaty goodness.

fashion

oct 2010

the b&w p.11

Create priceless costumes Three easy Halloween costumes to make on your own words & layout Spencer Vasey

Dwight

Snookie

Alice & The Mad Hatter

Josh De Lanoit ‘11

Rachel Swanson ‘11

Jessica Mozga and Spencer Lee ‘11

Jersey Shore

If you do not already have Snooki’s

What’s your perfect costume?

The Office

The best part of Halloween is...

Any type of drab dress

A. Going to haunted houses B. Going to friends’ Halloween Parties C. Carving pumpkins D. Listening to the jokes of the trick or treaters

Your favorite Halloween treat is...

A. Gummy eyeballs and worms, gross B. M&M’s, lots to go around C. Candy necklaces, fashionable and delicious D. Laffy Taffy, comedy and candy go perfectly together

Your costume usually comes from...

A. The costume store, you go all out B. A friend, between your two closets, you can make the perfect costume C. Your own closet, you can make a great costume out of what you already have D. A thrift store, the clothes are unique and inexpensive

Mostly A’s

A scary costume such as Jason from Friday the 13th is a perfect match for you.

Mostly B’s

Snookie or Mike “The Situation” are perfect costumes for your outgoing personality.

Mostly C’s

Your creativity screams for a Lady Gaga costume.

Put together clothes you already own to become truly Gaga.

Mostly D’s

Your joking personality needs a funny costume to accompany it. Try becoming Dwight from “The Office” or create your own hilarious costume.

Becoming a typical office

worker is extremely easy. clothes are perfect for

the characters on “The Office.” Some of the more unique characters are a little more difficult to

put together, but can be found for little to no expense at

Goodwill or other thrift stores.

big brown hair, you can purchase a “Snooki wig” at Party City for $15.

Pair it with an excessive amount of bronzer and oversized sunglasses to complete the look. To become

Mike “The Situation,” draw on some fake abs and an Ed Hardy shirt.

Blow out and gel your hair for the finishing touch.

Alice in Wonderland

Goodwill has a large selection of sport coats and suits

perfect for the mismatched mad hatter. Alice’s dress can be made using a light blue shirt and high wasted skirt of the same color. Add a white baker’s apron to complete the transformation.

the b&w p.12

health

oct 2010

Hydrate Yourself words & layout Kelsey Kruse After loading the bus to head home after the Pella Invitational,

coach Pat Hennes announces to the girls’ cross country team that they need to unload the bus to have a glass of chocolate milk. “(The team)

can usually drink 3 gallons at a time, if I push them,” Hennes said. “Ide-

why choose chocolate milk? carbohydrate and protein content replenishes tired muscles high water content replaces fluids lost as sweat nutritional bonus of calcium just the right amount of sodium and sugar to retain water and energy

Make your own Sports Drink 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup orange juice 2 tbsp lemon juice

1 dissolve sugar and salt in water 2 add juices and cold water 3 enjoy!

*

post work-out tip.

Eat a banana after your workout.

Bananas are high in potassium, an

electrolyte that’s most often lost during excessive exercise. Eat slowly

and wash it down with 8 oz. of water.

ally, we would like to have it after every hard workout and race.”

According to the Ames Madison university Chocolate Milk study,

post-exercise consumption of lowfat chocolate milk was found to provide equal or possibly superior muscle recovery compared to a highcarbohydrate recovery beverage with the same amount of calories.

chocolate milk

for high-endurance athletes For atheletes with high-endurance level work outs that invovle constant, sustained movement, such as swimmers, bikers, and long-distance runners, chocolate milk is the ideal recovery drink.Choose low-fat or Nesquik powder for best results.

water or enhanced water for light physical activity

For low-impact sports, walking, quick cardio, yard work, and short runs beverages with no more than 10 calories per 8 ounces should be consumed to prevent hydration.

sports drinks

for medium to high intensity For bike rides, long runs, and sports like football and soccer, beverages with 50 calories, 14 g carbs, and 110 mg sodium per 8 ounces are ideal to replenish electrolytes and prevent hydration.

electrolyte packets for very high intensity For runs or bike rides longer than one hour, Gu packets are packed with over 100 calories, natural fruit sugar to build energy, electrolytes to balance blood chemistry and caffiene for an extra energy boost. Take 15 minutes before racing, followed by one every 30-45 minutes. information from Fitness Magazine, Men’s Fitness Magazine, eHow.com and Gu.com

feature

oct 2010

the b&w p.13

Fright Club

8

1

Four seniors assemble a haunted house to end a 10-year legacy words & layout

7

Ethan Meng

Walking down a pitch-black hallway ter-

rified, yet knowing that you are completely

Set up

With work and Allstate practices the

safe at the same time. Your senses are

team has limited time to work and have

your terror just waiting for a masked figure

tion on the weekends. Due to lack of time,

heightened as every sound increases to spring out and grab you from the dark.

For seniors Dane VanBrocklin, Jake

Swesey, Tanner Grill, and Thomas Winkelman, creating this fear for others is what they live for. The haunted house

was named by VanBrocklin’s parents

when they designed their basement as a

haunted house for trick or treaters. “We

are taking a bunch of old ideas and adding new things to them,” VanBrocklin said.

“In years past it was all ‘Boo!’ and then

done, but this year everyone will stay in character.”

they made plans for the house earlier in we used to have three weeks to put it to-

In years past the team had been

limited to the number of people that had been able to come due to people not

knowing where the house was or when it was open. They had created groups on Facebook inviting their friends to come This year the team has made shirts

of pouring our own money into it we

grade year. One year, the house was moved to senior Blake Barrett’s.

The original team in 2000 started with

Swesey and VanBrocklin. Over the years, Winkelman and Grill joined the team.

could finally pay for the house and not be broke by selling the shirts,” Winkelman

ideas. “We rent the movie and take notes to see what is scary, whether it be the boo or the gore value,” Swesey said.

Thomas Winkelmen

The Brawn

The Omega

The end

Because this is the production man-

the last year for the VanBrocklin haunted to everyone at Johnston and people can bring whoever they choose.” VanBrocklin said. The team is hoping to have at least

100 students to attend each night so they

can scare as many people as possible one last time.

The lowdown

What:

Tanner Grill

to it do not have to pay for admission.

house. “This year we are opening it up

contributed to where the team gets their

Jake Swesey

haunted house so that the people that go

for the next horror movie to be rented for tyville Horror”, and “Sleepy Hollow” have

Dane VanBrocklin

said. The shirts are to fundraise for the

agers’ senior year, it will most likely be

ideas. Movies like the “Saw” series, “Ami-

Ethan Meng/ BW 1. Senior Jake Swesey attatches a motorized spider to the ceiling.

2. Senior Dane VanBrocklin hangs string from the ceiling for part of the spider section of the house.

3. Senior Thomas Winkelman sets up a fence in the corner to make a cage.

4. Nick Vogel hammers a fence into a support beam for a maze part of the house.

5. VanBrocklin’s grandpa helps with the house by measuring boards to cut.

6. Jake Swesey digs a hole to place a fake gravestone.

7. Dane paints blood onto a table.

8. Graduate Molly Schunicht helps Winkelman hang up dividing tarps.

house on them. “We felt like after years

Inspiration

The team will always be on the lookout

5

Advertisement

the location has been changed from VanMadrid when he moved during his sixth

4

the layout and ideas done by August.”

with designs promoting the haunted

Brocklin’s home in Johnston to his farm in

3

gether,” Winkelman said. “Now we had

Ten years ago VanBrocklin’s family put

together a haunted house. Over the years

2

the year. “We’ve used more space and

but this left out other students.

History

6

been forced to do most of the construc-

A FREE indoor/outdoor haunted house put on by high school students with a bonfire afterwards for those who are too scared to drive home.

The Flair “My favorite thing is setting up scenes because of my theatrical work.

Creating and observing is very important to me.”

When:

October 29 and 30 House open: 7pm to 9pm Campfire until 12:30am

The Brains “Halloween is my favorite holiday and I love designing things so I think the two kind of worked out together”

“It has been a fun four years scaring the crap out of people and I hope as many people that can come do.”

Where:

“The best part about working the house is scaring your friends and seeing how they react to your character.”

14000 NW 122nd Avenue Madrid, Iowa

the b&w p.14

feature

oct 2010

Biotech pioneers a new way to learn words & layout Kristine Hayes

After all of the legalities were worked out

the class was allowed to visit. Students

Twenty students hop off a bus, safety

were required to stay with their groups, wear

see is a building full of plants. When they

cell phones or cameras were allowed to be

house with one robotic piece in the middle

work with biohazardous materials like cor-

scene from a sci-fi movie but it is actually

much red tape to be able to bring students

glasses in hand. One of the first things they

safety goggles, closed-toed shoes, and no

look closer they see that it is a huge green-

out on the premises. The people at Pioneer

moving things around. This seems like a

rosive chemicals, which is why it took so

taking place right next door, at Pioneer.

in for a tour.

tion by a student turns into a field trip. How-

“When we went into (a lab room) all the

the making. The biotechnology class finally

characters,” junior Brian Turner said. “Sci-

ever. Biotech teacher Chris Siewert said,

fun aspect was a demonstration about the

related to real life and one of the students

liked seeing) the old-fashioned way of get-

the idea. “It was mostly about finding the

caliber bullets. It was messy,” senior Con-

Not often does it happen that a sugges-

However, the day was not all serious.

ever, this suggestion was three years in

machines were labeled with Flintstones

took a field trip to Pioneer for the first time

entists can actually have fun too.” Another

“We were talking about how biotechnology

equipment when genetics first started. “(I

suggested Pioneer.” Siewert followed up on

ting the nucleus out of the cell using .22

right people who were willing to be a part of

nor McCool said.

(the field trip).”

Making the trip happen was not easy. The

they take samples out of the corn leaves,

In the future, Siewert would like to have this

data to decide how to make bigger and bet-

great relationship,” he said. “They’re excit-

stick them in micro test tubes, and study the ter corn.

At the end of the trip, students were shown

an actual lab with all of the machines and robots moving. “My favorite part had to be

trip be an annual expedition. “I think it’s a ed to have us, we’re excited to be there. It’s a great way to open the doors of science to a lot of kids.”

when I went into the lab area where they used all the machines, and (they told us that Pioneer) got blacklisted for ordering too many (gun) BB’s,” senior Ahmed Shaharyar said. Pioneer uses the BB’s to mix chemicals in their labs.

They are ordered by the millions so

when 9/11 occured, the government

payed special attention to Pioneer’s orders.

The class was also in-

troduced to a bio-infor-

most time-consuming part was having Pio-

matics lab that mixed

nels to allow the class inside its buildings.

of the lab with the

is) put together in a lab,” Siewert said. “I

what Pioneer does.

the students to see) on their end because

and exposes it to

nology.”

and pesticides. Then

neer go through the necessary legal chan-

the physical aspect

“They wanted to show us how (equipment

computer aspect of

think the computers were harder (to allow

Pioneer takes corn

of legal issues with showing us their tech-

bugs,

chemicals

Michael Knoedal/ BW

Senior Ahmed Shaharyar is spreading the bacteria on a bacteria growth plate in Biotech class.

Placing pennies on yearbooks proves difficult words & layout Wes Monroe Gluing two pennies on each yearbook

might sound like one crazy idea but that is exactly what the yearbook staff did. Senior

Monika Sehic invented the theme “Twocents Worth.” The idea to use real pennies evolved from her idea.

The first task of the lengthy project was

to round up all the pennies, which was not an easy feat. The staff called a bank last

year that said it would be no problem to acquire the 2,000 pennies needed. However,

Faisal Alabsi/ The Dragon the pennies’ newly-designed back caused

Senior Jordan Robinson glues two a shortage. “That many 2010 pennies were pennies onto a 2010 yearbook. hard to find due to the high demand by col-

lectors,” junior Hellen Lagerbade said.

The staff bought 6,000 pennies to sort

through, only about 20 were found in the first 3,000.

When all else failed, Ebay was the an-

swer. Two thousand five hundred 2010 pennies were ordered in perfect, still-in-the-

box condition from a coin dealer of the US

Mint. They also needed a specific product

They ended up giving each person a spe-

cific job; one person would glue and then

pass the yearbook down to another person ready to quickly add the pennies. If the exact right amount of glue was used, the pennies

would stick without glue oozing out the sides.

“Once we got going it was fine” Senior Meredith Batz said.

They used the concept of Jenga (stacking

called gorilla glue to ensure that the pen-

the books in alternating directions) to dry the

Now they were set, they began gluing

just over an hour to dry ten to fifteen year-

nies wouldn’t move from their positions.

pennies to 950 books. Trouble ensued. “All the glue would squirt out from under the

pennies or bubble up so we had to start over on lots of them,” Lagerblade said.

books while keeping the pennies intact. It took books so the process was a lengthy one.

Finally the job was accomplished and the

2010 yearbooks were fully equipped and ready for distribution.

sports

oct 2010

the b&w p.15

Faculty finishes 26.2 words & layout

Ryan Smaha

It was mile 22 when counselor Audrey

Bell hit what marathon runners like to call,

“the wall”. She closed her eyes for a fraction of a second, and before she knew it

she was veering off toward the crowd. Her

eyes started to water, and she had to resist the impulse to vomit.

All of the sudden, she saw her husband,

riding alongside the race on his bike, urging her to keep going.

“Hearing my husband’s voice made me

snap back a little bit, and helped me keep pushing through that wall,” Bell said. Bell’s

gun time was 3:45:07, which means from

the time the first runner crossed the start until Bell finished. Her official time will be

a chip time, which is when she crosses the start until when she finishes.

“The gun time can be a couple minutes

off of your chip time, because when 40,000

runners have to start, it takes some time,” Kelsey Kruse/ BW

Teacher Patrick Mattingly runs mile one at the Chicago Marathon. The 26.2 mile race spans around downtown Chicago, and goes past Wrigleyville, Lincoln Park, and down Michigan Avenue.

Full-court Press x

x o

o x

o o

o x

x

By: RyAN SMAHA

College football players: should they be paid?

University of Georgia junior wide-receiver A.J. Green

returned to the team after serving his four-game suspen-

sion, and had seven catches for 119 and two touchdowns.

Green was suspended because he sold his jersey to what

the NCAA defined as an agent. This is an issue that is becoming more and more relevant in college football, and has

impacted other big-time universities such as Florida, Alabama, USC, South Carolina, and North Carolina. I mean

considering the amount of money they make for the university, why shouldn’t they be paid?

Bell said.

Bell was one of three teachers that

participated in the Chicago Marathon, the Midwest’s most recognizable marathon.

The other teachers who ran were science teacher Dustin Mead and history teacher Patrick Mattingly.

The Runners Best time

The Chicago Marathon is also one of the

4 hours, 24 min

qualifying events for the Boston Marathon in

Running song “The Angry American” by Toby Keith

the spring, adding significance to the race for runners that like the competitive side.

Mead’s gun time was 3:11:55, which

Mattingly

Marathons 3

would not qualify him for Boston. However, he ran a time that qualified him for Boston at the Des Moines Marathon.

Best time

Mead said. “When I’m running there, I just

Running song

3 hours, 42 min

“I’m excited for (the Boston Marathon),”

Thinks about friends that fought cancer

want to enjoy the experience and soak it all in.”

While Mead and Bell ran by themselves,

Bell

Marathons 2

teacher Patrick Mattingly ran with a group supporting former school board member

Karen Coaldrake. Mattingly finished fourth

Best time

in the group with a time of 4:37:05.

3 hours, 4 min

that you get to run through Chicago and

Rudy/Rocky themes

Running song

“The best thing about the marathon was

when you have all those people cheering

you on and supporting you, it’s an unbeliev-

Mead

Marathons 3

able experience,” Mattingly said.

The answer is quite simple actually. College football

college as some of the brightest students that apply to a

payment you are thinking of, though. The truth is, college

application, essay, recommendations, and interviews,

players actually do receive payments, probably not the football players get their entire college paid for, meaning that they don’t have to pay for one of the most expensive parts of someone’s life.

According to FinAid.com, the average graduating col-

lege student in 2008 had $27,803 from student loans.

These loans will be worked off during the next 10 or so

years of their lives, and by that time most college students will have families to provide for. Personally, I am starting to

university and have to go through a rigorous scholarship

and receive just as much money as a kid that can throw a football on a string just seems wrong. These players are student-athletes. That means that their first responsibility on campus is to get an education, not to play football. And if a school is giving out a free ride to college just because

of athletic ability, the athlete should be greatful, and not get greedy.

But it’s not just about the fact that the players don’t need

come to the crude realization that in the next five years, I

the money, because it is a financial issue for the athletic

than in any other point in my life. After paying for books, tu-

and mens’ basketball programs finance the entire athletic

will probably have the least money available for me to use ition, room and board, food, and transportation at an Iowa

university, I will probably be paying close to $22,000 a year, not counting any financial aid I might receive. For college

football players, they don’t have to worry about close to $18,000 of that cost, just because they are good at football.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m as big of a college football

fan as you are going to find. But for people to say that a football player that is already getting as much money for

department. For many universities, the college football

department. Nothing against soccer, wrestling, swimming,

baseball, or any other sport, but the fact of the matter is that these other sports actually cost money to run. If the

athletic departments had to add, say $500 per month for 80

football players and 15 basketball players, the department would add $570,000 in expenses. That would almost force at least one sport to be removed, and with all the tragedy

that happened with the UNI baseball team, why should athletes be punished because of their sport choice?

the b&w p.16

backpage

oct 2010

Johnston’s Got Talent compiled by Isabella Engblom, Alexa Anderson and Layout by Kelly McGowan

They are unique, bizarre and individual. They are random talents, and the students of JHS have plenty. They can change their clothes in 1.7 seconds, learn to beat box with the help of YouTube, do a back flip off a bench, juggle. All of these talents are from students who saw what they liked and wanted to do it.They either taught themselves or learned from basic instructions or online.

Casey “Flips” Morales Junior Casey Morales wanted to get rid of his boredom two years ago by learning how to flip. “Me and my friends started jumping on the trampoline and then started to flip.” Morales

said. “Then we went and did it on the ground.” Now he flips when he finds cool things like trees, playground equipment, and benches when he wants or when people ask him.

Senior Dirk Opland has many talents lncluding

devil sticks, doing the rubix cube with his feet, and juggling a soccer ball 1,306 times. “I’d say my favorite random skill is juggling. It was

probably the first random talent I learned, and

by this point it’s just natural to me.” Opland said.

The first time he juggled was after his 11th birthday. “I saw a professional juggler and thought it was really cool,” Opland said.

All the practicing led to some pretty

interesting performances. “When I was

in like fourth or fifth grade, I got together

with senior Blake Schlawin and senior Mitch

Bruckshaw and we did the school talent show because they could both juggle well.”

Opland had decided that he needed to learn new

ways to juggle. “I started getting bored because it was the same stuff over and over, so I started watching YouTube of some tricks I could try.” Opland said.

He can juggle underneath his leg, can add in three Ethan Meng/ BW

Junior Casey Morales flips off a park bench. Morales learned to do a backflip two years ago.

balls, and can juggle a soccer ball with his feet while

Anderson/BW

juggling three bean bags in his hands.

Aaron “Quickchange” Johnson When would being able to change your clothes fast ever

come in handy? “You never know, you might catch on fire one day and need to get you clothes off fast, and It’s pretty funny

to randomly do when my friends are over just to see if they

Junior Aaron Johnson holds up his “quick change” clothing. Johnson says he is able to take his clothes off in 1.7 seconds

Provided/ Johnson

Madi “Beat Box” Buckley

notice,” Johnson said.

Morgan Riessen/ The Dragon

Junior Madi Buckley shows off her robot dancing that she learned how to do along with beatboxing.

Madi Buckley wanted to learn something new. The skill was beatboxing and Buckley learned how to do it using YouTube. She would watch

a video of somebody beatboxing and then mimick it. “My biggest inspiration is ‘Butterscotch,’” Buckley said. “She was a girl beatboxer

from America’s Got Talent.” Buckley has found that people think it is ‘pretty sick’ when they only know her shy side, then they hear her start to beatbox.