The Photo Issue
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October
When Jay Rice ‘94 brainstormed the name of our paper in 1991, it was not because of the ink color. For the last 28 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.
2021
EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Sports Editor Online Editor Video Editor Print Editor Visual Editor Copy Editor
Noah Gilbert Nathan Anderson Laila Hasanovic Marley Jenkins Sabrina McGuire Alyssa Miner Catherine Reiher
MANAGERS Content Manager Visual Manager Visual Manager Morality Manager Ad Manager Ad Manager
Theron Luett Aidan Topolinski Abby Lehan Eva Woznizcka Advija Jusufovic Ajla Kavazovic
STAFF WRITERS Nolan Akins Audrey Allen Jillian Blair Tatum Bremner Sofia Bristow Jordyn Butler Macy Carmichael Allison Christensen
Lily Fleming Kamryn Heron Maida Jusufovic John Kirkpatrick Van Proctor Liliana Santoyo Abigail Wharton
Follow us on social media @JHSBlackandWhite @jhsnewspaper
@jhsnewspaper
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.
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS See more on page 14
For more content scan here! Photo By | Jordyn Butler
CONTENT
Cover- Noah Gilbert & Alyssa Miner
4 Code Red 6 Beauty Beyond The Grave 7 Spooky Scary Pups 8 Petrifying Photos 10 Fashion in the Hall 11 Fall Destinations 12 Too Cute to Spook 14 Pink for a Cure 16 Twindividuals 17 This is A Sign 18 Our Element 20 Oh My Gourd 22 A Tribute to Summer 24 Football 25 Girls Swimming 26 Volleyball 27 Cross Country
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photo is a moment captured and stuck in time. Whether it be to portray a story, or as a form of artistic expression, photography plays a special role in our everyday lives. In journalism, photography can act as a portal for the reader to enter the emotion and dramatics of a story; it can explain a situation in a way that words cannot. The importance of photography is often overlooked and taken for granted, the effect photos can have on people‘s perspectives and beliefs is one that never ceases to amaze me. This year’s photo issue is based mostly around fall and Halloween. From fall destinations to event and sports coverage, our issue strives to keep its journalistic integrity while using one dominant medium.
Photo Issue
-Noah Gilbert Editor-In-Chief of the Black & White
Twinning is Winning See more on page 16
Photo By | Allison Christensen
4 | Photo Issue
Code Red Spread | Sabrina McGuire
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ur world is full of colors and different shades that make the enviroment around us even more interesting. Specifically, red is one of the
most intriguing colors in our world. Red is eye-catching, and loud: it demands attention. In order to capture some beautiful shades of red within Des Moines and Johnston, I set out on a mission to find the unique ways the color is presented. In our everyday life, the color red represents a variety of things, both spirtual and physical. To most people, red means love, anger and war. Additionally, however, red symbolizes health, courage, confidence, joy and friendship. These positive and negative connotations make red a color worth exploring.
2 1: The lantern lights at Blue Sushi Sake Grill on Court Avenue are displayed over the bar within the resturant. The lights give off the perfect color of red to set the mood for the patrons of the resturant. Typically, the color red represents energy as well as passion -- thus creating an ambiance for the dine-in resturant.
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3 2: On Court Avenue downtown, a clock lit up with neon red lights is displayed between buildings. The red neon of the clock blends in with the other flashy lights of Court Avenue. The color red is used to draw attention, which is demonstrated in the way the clock is extremely noticeable.
3: Located in the front of the lot of Iowa Pallets Ltd. on Beaver Drive, this rusty red truck captures the eye of any passerby. This F-700 has undertones of purple in the rusted body, making the red of the paint an even more interesting shade of red. The rusty purple-red color aids in showing the age of the truck.
4: A faded flag displayed on the lot of Iowa Pallets Ltd. has an interesting combination of shades of red. The contrast between the red of the wood against the diluted red in the stripes creates a beautiful mixture. The color red represents courage, and the textured red of the wood assists the faded meaning in the flag.
6 5: The “Love” sign is one of the many sculptures located in the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Its bright, neon red stands out amongst the various sculptures. One of the most notable meanings begind the color red is love, but red also means desire, life and health.
6: One of the bright signs on Court Avenue is the sign outside of Tonic. The reflection of the sign off the window of creates a perfect red aura. The color of the sign is interesting because it reflects the energetic feeling of the night-life within, as red also represents energy.
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Beauty Beyond the Grave
Spooky Scary Pups
Photos & Words | Tatum Bremner
Photos & Words | Audrey Allen
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people. Yet, to other individuals, cemeteries can
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symbolize something bigger than Halloween
you see a dog in a costume at the door, it makes
superstitions. They can be a place for people to
everyone’s night more festive.
uring the month of October, the
s Halloween creeps closer, some pet
mention of cemeteries will surely
owners are tasked with the annual
send a shiver down the spine of most
decision of what their furry friends
should dress up as on Beggar’s Night. When
relax, remember loved ones, and even appreciate
Though not every pet owner participates
the gift of life.
in the fall fun, it’s still a successful business.
Cemeteries were originally introduced as a
According to the National Retail Federation
burial ground and a way of honoring the dead.
(NRF), “Interest in pet costumes remains high
Throughout centuries, this thoughtful idea has
with one in five intending to dress their pet up
been morphed into a more sinister picture, one
for Halloween this year.”
that contains ghosts, cobwebs, and all things
Sophomore Emma Iwamoto said she dresses
spooky. When speaking with different high
up her dog, Jack, “for fun.” She said, “He doesn’t
schoolers, everyone interviewed mentioned some variation of the word “scary” while describing cemeteries. “They’re really scary, I would never go into one!” said Victoria Verde ‘22.
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really enjoy it all the time. He only keeps his costume on for like probably 10 minutes and then he’s like, ‘grrr’. He gets annoyed, so we take it off, but he looks cute for a little bit.”
This initial negative reaction of the majority of
Sophomore Ellen Upper also dresses up Macy,
high school students demonstrates the negative
her dog, for Halloween. Upper explained that
stigma surrounding cemeteries.
she dresses Macy in costumes, “Because I think
Some may argue that cemeteries being seen
she’s really cute! And when people come trick or
as frightening is due to the heavy use of them
treating, they still think she’s a puppy.”
in horror movies and books. While this is one
It’s usually easiest to keep the same costume
probable cause, the main reason why cemeteries
year after year. Going through the process of
are now so feared is that humans instinctively have a fear of death. This fear is valid, and it is easy to understand why it is so common! But if
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coming up with yet another costume can be exhausting and expensive. The NRF says, “This year total planned spending for pet costumes
society can get over anxiety surrounding death,
comes in at $490 million.”
cemeteries could return to their original purpose
Iwamoto’s dog, Jack, has only had one costume
of existing as a way to honor and remember the
in his life. Iwamoto said, “[He’s had] the same
dead.
one ‘cause he hasn’t grown at all, so he’s just
This Halloween season, reflect on your bias
been chilling with his one costume…he doesn’t
towards graveyards, and enjoy all the beauties
go out trick or treating.”
of life, especially those that may be considered unconventional.
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Photo by Macy Carmichael
1: This is the grave of Laura M. Burkitt, who died on July 28, 1890. The red glow of the sun reflecting off of the graves in the back and off of the trees creates a bright warmth in comparison with the gray grave.
3: Originally called Hunt Cemetary and later renamed Ridgedale Cemetary, this graveyard was established sometime between 1850 and 1860.
2: This is the entry gate to the Ridgedale Cemetary on NW Beaver Dr. The beauty and intricacy of the gate demonstates how cemetaries are not meant to be scary.
4: This is a wide shot of the cemetary pathway. The cemetary is especially beautiful at sunset and in the fall, when the sun creates a glow on the changing leaves.
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1: Stanley Allen is wearing his superhero costume. He loves dressing up as ‘Super Stanley’.
2: Jack Iwamoto looks at the camera wearing his shark costume. He isn’t the biggest fan of dressing up.
3: Macy Upper is dressed in a teddy bear costume. She wasn’t very excited to take this picture, so she got some help from Ellen.
4: Staff writer Macy Carmichael’s dog Penny is wearing her new banana costume. Penny has never dressed up for Halloween and is excited to give it a try.
Upper has the same story with Macy. “Well we bought the costume when we first got her and she hasn’t grown since then, so it always fits her.” Costumes are a cute and fun way to get your dog in the Halloween spirit. This year, consider dressing your pup up to spread some fall cheer.
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Petrifying Photos Words & Photos | Liliana Santoyo
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umpkins, candy, and corn mazes are just some of the things that form what we call the “Spooky Season”. Most can agree that fall is one of the best seasons, not only for the cool
weather, but also for the mystifying feeling that it gives off. Haunted houses, pumpkin patches, and other festivities give us that fall feeling. The Halloween season is a great time to bingewatch all of the classic favorites such as, “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “It,” “The Addams Family,” “Corpse Bride,” and many other spooky movies. This season can also be an excuse to express yourself in a horrifying yet aesthetic way, either through decorations or Halloween costumes. Families come together during this season to do scary activities like trick-or-treating, going to Sleepy Hollow, or going on a haunted hayrack ride.
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1: The spooky trees are a great example of the scenery usually used in horror movies. It is also a demonstration of the seasonal foliage: the less leaves, the spookier.
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2: This doll looks innocent, but there is something about that smile that just gives you the chills. Its innocent face is a great representation of the creepy dolls usually used for scary Halloween decorations.
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3: Candies like these are the most iconic given during Halloween, mostly because the majority of people love them. Some candies like candy corn are one of the first candies that come to mind when you think about this season, mainly because of the colors and vibe it gives off.
5 4: Pumpkins are a fall staple. Pumpkins are something that bring together families through picking them from the patch, carving them, or making pies..
5: These little figurines are a terrifying representation of the scary gnomes that are shown in movies like “Goosebumps” that chase the characters. Looking at them gives you the same chilling feeling as watching a scary movie.
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Fashion in the Halls
Fall Destinations
Words & Photos | Sofia Bristow
Words & Photos | Catherine Reiher
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ashion is a wonderful outlet for people to dabble in self-expression. Fashion at Johnston High School exists on a spectrum of different unique looks and individual preferences. I wanted to reach out to a handful of students to capture the aesthetics of different fashionconscious people and learn what fashion means to them. “To me, fashion is my form of selfexpression, it’s my art,” Macy Severs ‘23 said. What I like about Macy’s style is that it’s something different, which is refreshing. Her style reminds me of the grunge era of the ’90s. Overall, Macy dares to be bold with her choice of clothing and patterns creating a nice aesthetic. “I wear the clothes I wear because it reminds me of certain things. It makes me feel like I’m at a concert or that I’m in a horror movie. Certain clothes can make your day feel different. That’s what I like about it” Jack Gabby ‘24 said. I find Jack’s thoughts on fashion to be quite insightful. As a peer and acquaintance to Jack, I’ve seen his style evolve throughout the years so I thought of him as a suitable candidate for this article. Jack’s style makes me think of starting a band in your garage with your friends in a cool thrifty kind of way. “Fashion is a way for me to express myself in the way that everyone can see at all times instead of having an artistic outlet that’s just one physical thing. I get to show it to everyone else,” Riona Butler ‘24 said. I find Riona’s sense of fashion to be trendy and fitting to her personality. Her style is on the softer side and reminds me of going to a coffee shop in the morning or taking a walk during the spring. In conclusion, the fashion in the halls can be summarized as self-expression. The students of JHS prioritize the freedom that comes with choosing the clothes and accessories that they wear.
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1: Macy Severs ‘23 is pictured wearing a plaid dress and leather jacket completed with a pearl necklace and silver heart earrings. Macy’s style displays her artistic nature.
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3: Riona Butler ‘24 is captured wearing a white and pale blue argyle sweater and a pearl nacklace. Riona keeps it classy and sophisticated with her choice of clothing.
4 3 2: Jack Gabby ‘24 is photographed wearing a graphic tee shirt, loose fitting jeans and a chain around his neck. Jack’s style is casual and cool.
1: Students, Renne Johnson ‘23 and Raegan Rodda ‘23, walking through the corn maze at Center Grove Orchard in Cambridge, Iowa.
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2: A flower and vegtable stand at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market. 4: A young calf sticking its tongue out at the camera.
3: A singular sunflower in the sunflower medow at Center Grove Orchard.
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Too Cute to Spook Words & Spread | Theron Luett
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verybody has that one favorite costume that they looked forward to showing off all year. Maybe it was a character from your favorite movie, or maybe you wanted to impress your older siblings by dressing up as something scary. These students share their favorite memories along with their favorite Halloween costume.
Ellie Lashier ‘22 (left) standing next to her sister, Lauren. Photo by: Jenny Lashier.
Kate Bachmann ‘22 (front) is dressed in a homemade pumpkin costume with her brother, Mark, dressed as a bird. Photo by: Jane Bachmann.
Bachmann’s favorite part of her costume was the fact that her dad handmade costumes for her and her brother. “At the time, my family and I actually lived in Switzerland...so my dad learned how to sew so that my brother and I could have Halloween costumes, which I think is pretty unique and endearing.” said Bachmann.
Lashier’s favorite costume was inspired by Ellie from the movie “Up”. “I remember I loved her adventurous spirit, and I loved her quirkiness, and I saw a lot of myself in that character,” said Lashier. The costume was even complete with a special addition of the character’s iconic grape soda pin. “We were in Disney World, and I had a grape soda pin. And it was fun because I think Disney World is the only place where people would recognize who you are,” said Lashier.
Rylie Henry ‘24 dressed as a zombie for a Halloween party. Photo by: Julie-Anne Henry.
Fred Jensen ‘23 dressed as Ironman. Photo by: Rhonda Jensen.
Some students even made their costumes themselves. “It took me four months to build from start to finish and it’s very difficult to walk around in and see...” said Jensen of his Ironman suit. “A lot of people in my neighborhood appreciated the amount of work and effort I put into my costume, so I got extra candy from a majority of the houses I went to.”
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Pink For A Cure Words & Photos | Jordyn Butler
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ctober is a unique month where the weather gets cooler and the trees change color, but many people forget that October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Most people have only heard of breast cancer or witnessed someone else go through it. Others, however, have experienced breast cancer themselves, such as a couple of teachers at Johnston High School. “I was diagnosed when I was 34. I’m 42 now, so, eight years ago,” said Spanish teacher Kari Gray. “I don’t typically do my own exams, but I felt something and sat on it for a couple of weeks, and I ended up going to the doctor. She didn’t think it was anything, but she still sent me to a place to get a mammogram, and by the time I was leaving my [mammogram] appointment, they were setting up follow-up appointments, so I kind of knew there was something going on,” Gray said. Biology teacher Rachel Jensen had a different experience with breast cancer. “My mom had what they call triple-negative,” Jensen said. She was diagnosed with stage two initially, and then it moved to stage four. Jensen’s mom was diagnosed when Jensen was just 24 years old. “You see everyone else who gets breast cancer does not survive, and I was thinking, ‘I’m only 24 years old, that’s not fair! I want to have my mom forever!’” Even though there’s a lot of bad involved in breast cancer, Gray has spread some positivity. “In
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the student council, we started Tiff’s Treats for care packages. I remember the first time we took the kids to these facilities; we got chills just being there,” Gray said. “We got thank you cards, and I think the kids really just understood what it meant.” Jensen has also begun activities to spread awareness and positivity. “Before my mom passed, she started these care bags. They’re called Laura’s Little Bits of Comfort, and inside are things that my mom felt cancer patients needed, such as hats for when it’s cold, bottles of water because nothing ever tasted good to her, and we even started putting masks in there,” Jensen said.
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5. The JHS Volleyball team cheers after receiving a pep talk from their coach.
6. A JHS Cheerleader supports the JHS Football team during the Pink Out football game.
4 1. The JHS Cheerleaders celebrate after Johnston scores a touchdown.
3. The JHS Cheerleaders cheer to the crowd during the Pink Out football game.
2. The JHS Volleyball team links pinkies during the National Anthem before starting their game.
4: The JHS Colorguard perform with the Band during halftime at the Pink Out football game.
7. The student section shouts along to the song “Shots” as the drummers play it during halftime.
8. The JHS Volleyball team celebrates after making a score.
Scan here to read the full article
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Twindividuals
This is A Sign
Words & Photos | Allison Christensen
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Words & Photos | Maida Jusufovic
dentical twins share the same DNA, and it’s often difficult to distinguish one from the other. However, twins are two different people with different passions, personalities, and plans for the future.
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Have you ever pranked someone by switching places? “Yeah we did in about 5th grade, it was actually mom’s idea so we didn’t get in trouble, and she actually got a test in the class that we switched in: in math,” said Jaden Anderson ‘23. “And I got you an A, you’re welcome.” said Kaden Anderson ‘23.
of randomness. That’s exactly what Maren Rasmussen ‘22
veryday, it’s almost as if we press the reset button. We arrive at school in the morning and follow the same predictable, 8-period schedule, day after
day after day. Our lives could use some unknown, a bit and Sophia Guiter ‘22 aimed to do when they created the @dudewithsign.johnston account on Instagram. During passing time in between 4th and 5th period, you can find Rasmussen and Guiter holding their random
Jaden and Kaden Anderson ‘23 have an inseparable bond that goes beyond the camera lens.
sign of the day. They began by only appearing in front of the auditorium, but have since been moving to different locations around the building. “We thought it would be
What are misconceptions about twins? “That we are exactly alike, that you look the same, you have to act the same, you have to be the same,” said Kaden Anderson ‘23. “Even when you grow up you’re still the same person,” said Jaden Anderson ‘23.
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fun, like people have to find us. You don’t know if you’ll see them after 4th period that day,” said Guiter. Rasmussen and Guiter made their first post on their @dudewithsign.johnston Instagram account on September 2, 2021. The post shows Rasmussen holding a cardboard sign with the words “This is a sign. @dudewithsign. johnston.” They’ve since made several other posts with a variety of different signs, covering sporting events, homecoming dress up days, opinions, funny sayings, etc. The Instagram account currently has 432 followers. Rasmussen and Guiter took inspiration from Seth Phillips, the creator of the Instagram account @dudewithsign, which currently has 7.7 million followers. “We were like, ‘That could be really fun to do here at Johnston, just write funny sayings that kinda apply to students,’” said
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Rasmussen. The conversation surrounding the Instagram account and the different signs grows everyday. With conversation comes opinions and feedback, which Rasmussen and Guiter have received a lot of. “Students love it…Some teachers think it’s funny and others find it offensive. It depends on the sign too, but a lot of teachers are more confused,” said Guiter. Rasmussen and Guiter have no plans of removing this
Max and Reggie WearmouthGweah ‘22 are all smiles. They’re not just twins, but friends.
Have you ever pranked someone by switching places? “I remeber one of our friends that we had for years didn’t know that we were different people,” said Reggie Wearmouth-Gweah ‘22.
What are misconceptions about twins? “Even though our genes are the same, it’s how they’re expressed is different,” said Max Wearmouth-Gweah ‘22.
1: Sophia Guiter ‘22 holds up cardboard sign reading “Don’t look at this sign.” Students cover their eyes as they walk by the scene. 2: Maren Rasmussen ‘22 stands in the cafeteria, holding a sign reading “Come to Dig Pink Spike Blue.” Dig Pink/Spike Blue is an annual volleyball event in support of breast cancer awareness month and colon cancer.
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3: Maren Rasmussen ‘22 quotes Pitbull on the sign reading “Every day above ground is a great day, remember that.” The sign also advocates for “#MentalHealthAwareness.” 4: Sophia Guiter ‘22 holds a cardboard sign reading “Live Laugh Love.” Mya Peters ‘22 smiles as she walks by.
bit of randomness from our school days anytime soon. “I think we’ll keep doing it, at least, until the end of the semester because that’s when I graduate…I have a good time with it,” said Rasmussen.
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OUR Element Photos & Words | Noah Gilbert
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n element is described as a person or animal’s natural or common environment. Just as a tree is a bird’s element, the high school is a student’s element. For some, school is a place for them to focus and get work done. For others, it is a place to be themselves and be social. From passing periods to the dismissal bell, the building is inhabited by teens and adults with different ideas, thoughts and intentions. The candid moments captured in “Our Element” allows a view of how the student body interacts, communicates, collaborates.
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1 1: Students in the seventh period physical education class enjoying the outdoors on the football field. The football feild is used in many different ways, from pep-rallys to sports games. Every student has spent some time at the dragon feild.
2: Dane Jaques ‘23 takes a snooze during his open period in the blue commons. The commons are used by all students as a study place, social hangout and a good place to nap.
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3: Lily ‘23 and other colour gaurd memebers practice their first movement before performing during the football game on Friday, October 1, 2021. The auditorium entrance/atrium features seating for students to study at aswell as lots of open space for a multitude of different activities.
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4: Kate Henkenius ‘23 checks her phone after taking a test in chemistry. The building has multiple hallways where science classes can be found. Although some are required courses, there are many other sciecne classes are electives.
5: Isaiah Jorgensen ‘24 standing in the halls waiting for a freind to meet him. The hallways are typically lined with students wearing various outfits. From sweats to workplace causal, the fashion is not set and is personable to each person.
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Oh My Gourd Words & Photos | Lily Fleming
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ach year on September 22, the equinox marks the first day of fall. It is not long after that before “spooky season” rolls around. This time of year is full of an endless list of traditions. Just some of these traditions include: Halloween, scary ambiences, cooler weather, warmer attire, baked goods, bright trees, crunchy leaves and pumpkins. All things pumpkin. Customs with this squash are lighthearted and familiar, something jovial to look forward to for many, especially through all the chaos and monotony that life can bring. But how did these traditions start? What started this cultural love and enjoyment of pumpkins? For thousands of years, indigenous North Americans have grown pumpkins, even before the cultivation of beans and corn. More recently, but still hundreds of years ago, the Irish began carving jacko-lanterns from potatoes. When they migrated to North America, they switched to pumpkins.
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1: Rows, columns, fields, buckets of pumpkins can be found at Iowa Orchard for sale. As stated by the Economic Research Service, in 2020, 6 lbs per person of pumpkins were grown in America. That is over 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins produced.
2: Lurking, or possibly sleeping between boxes, hay stacks and pumpkins, the black cat pictured can be found at Iowa Orchard. Its presence at a fall activity is notably appropriate as black cats are commonly associated with Halloween, October and the season of autumn. The origin stems from cultural tradition: in medieval Spain black cats were considered bringers of bad luck or even a curse. The cat photographed, however, is obviously too cute to be considered evil.
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4 3: Pictured is the entrance of Iowa Orchard in Urbandale, Iowa. The smaller pumpkin patch poses boundless opportunities for fall traditions. Inside, customers can purchase apple cider, apples, a wide selection of homemade pies and other baked goods. The orchard is open from 9am-6pm all week except Monday.
5 4: Alongside columns of pumpkins for sale, red wagons, and a black cat, buckets upon buckets of mini gourds for sale inhabit the fields of Iowa Orchard. Gourds are from the cucurbits family, a plant family consisting of about 965 species. As shown in the photo, they come in exceptionally unique shapes and colors.
5: The sun overlooks a pumpkin field at Iowa Orchard, getting ready to set. The patch’s clear view of the western sky permits it to be an ideal destination for fall sunsets. During this time of year, weather patterns propel dry, clean Canadian air into our country, further enabling more vibrant sunsets, as our eyes are not seeing through as many dust particles.
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A Tribute to Summer Photos & Spread | Alyssa Miner
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Follow @alyssaslens for more
n this photoshoot, Molly Trachta ‘23 and I decided to create several artistic portraits. We took inspiration from the simplicity of nature, the simplicity of flowers. We made use of floral aspects, as a last expression of nature’s color before heading into the bleaker, colder seasons. We created bright images to keep these colors alive and refreshed as winter settles in.
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Football
Girls Swimming
Photos & Words | Abigail Wharton Spread | Nathan Anderson
Words | Catherine Reiher and Staff
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n the Friday October 1, the football team hosted the Dowling Catholic Maroons for a rematch of last year’s upset. The Dragons could not pull off the upset this time, as Dowling notched a decisive 38-3 win. Safety Jack Cihota ‘23 led the team in tackles (15) in an otherwise rough statistical night. Despite a difficult night, the team has continued to work hard and add to their stats. Quarterback Adrian Broadus ‘24 is the team leader in passing yards with 718 so far this season. A bright start to the season was quickly diminished as the Dragons have had to adapt to several key season-ending injuries. Resilient nonetheless, the team has still put multiple wins on the board since.
1 Photo by: Catherine Reiher.
Gianna Stasi ‘24 swims the 100m Backstroke in 1:04.1 at the Johnston Invitational. Stasi has found success already in her young career, having gone to the state meet last year.
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6 5: The offense gathers to discuss the results of the game’s last offensive drive and make adjustments.
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4 6: Safety Jack Cihota ‘23 stands ready for the play late in the game. Cihota started the season as a backup, but has played well since injuries created an opportunity for him to play.
1: The Johnston offensive line prepares for the snap. From left to right: 56 R.J. Jordan ‘23, 72 Jackson Mueller ‘22, 51 Anthony Kiatamba ‘24.
2: Students watch the game while dressed in patriotic fashion. Seniors wore red, juniors wore white, and sophomores wore blue.
3: Quarterback Adrian Broadus ‘24 goes out for a pass on a trick play midway through the game.
4: Defensive lineman Ian Dolan ‘22 wraps up a Dowling player for a tackle. Dolan has made his presence known on the line, racking up 5.0 sacks on the season.
Photo by: Grace Anderson
Avery Heun ‘22 and Ana Andreasen ‘23 embrace after a tough race. The Dragons lost 73-113 to Dowling Catholic in a dual.
For more sports coverage and score updates, scan the code above!
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Dig Pink/Spike Blue
Cross Country
Photos | Nathan Anderson and Nolan Akins Spread | Nathan Anderson
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ometown Johnston made short work of the visiting Waukee Warriors in the annual Dig Pink/ Spike Blue game, played on October 5th. The game is played every year to raise awareness and fight breast cancer, and throughout the years Johnston has raised over $100,000 from these games. Johnston swept rival Waukee, winning three sets to none and sending everyone home early. “I think it’s a good cause,” outside hitter Jaeden Thompson ‘22 said, “considering we’re all doing what we love and raising awareness and funds at the same time.”
1 Maren Rasmussen ‘22 spikes the ball past the Waukee defenders. Rasmussen is a starting middle hitter and led the team with 6 blocks against Waukee.
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Mia Anderson ‘22 and Molly Trachta ‘23 work together for a block. Anderson and Trachta are both multi-year starters and mainstays on this year’s team.
Dasha Svitashev ‘22 jumps to spike the ball in the first set of the match. Svitashev has accumulated over 250 kills in her high school career so far.
1: Varsity girls join each other in a huddle showing support for one another along the way. They finished first overall in the meet.
3: Alex Wear ‘23 pushes himself to pass the competition. He completed the race in 17:33.5.
2: Krissy Spear ‘24 gives it her all as she races towards the finish line, finishing the race in 15th place overall.
4: Olivia Verde ‘24 smiles with excitement as she accepts her award. Verde said, “It’s our sayings and mottos that keep us going during a race.”
Photos | Tatum Bremner Words | Macy Carmichael
n October 13th, the CIML conference cross country meet took place at Johnston High School. The varsity boys won second place overall while Jaxon Plumb ‘23 got third overall. Plumb said, “Last year because of COVID I didn’t get to run, so I kind of just gave up on everything. It just set me back a lot this year, which sucks. But this year everything is back to normal and I mean I’m back in training which is great.” Aidan O’Connor ‘23 is also excited to be back on the course. According to him, “It’s always an adrenaline rush.” He added, “I think going back to regular races and stuff this year is great because we get to race a lot more competitively and it just makes it a lot more fun.” Varsity girls took the win at conference with Olivia Verde ‘24 coming in first place and Abigail Wharton ‘24 following in 5th. Verde said, “I think mindset is a really big part of running … I think if you aren’t in the right mindset before a race it can all go downhill even if you’re in the best shape you’ve been in.” With the state meet approaching quickly emotions are high as the varsity teams prepare to give it their all. Verde said, “We as a team have really tried to work on being a family and working together to get to the state championship.” The same mindset is shared by the varsity boys. O’Connor said, “I think we got a shot to win, I’m excited.”
“The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do.” -Andy Warhol
