2-torch22oct2010

torch the

John F. Kennedy High School 4545 Wenig Rd. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Volume 44, Issue 2

“THE TORCH HAS BEEN PASSED TO A NEW GENERATION” -John F. KEnnedy

in this issue: Teenage addictions, 8-9

Alumni receives Medal of Honor, 2 Latest gadgets released by Apple, 10 Booster Club suffers losses, 15 photo illustration by Asmaa Elkeurti

2

JFK Torch

News

October 22, 2010

Page by Darcey Altschwager and Michael Hoefer

Alum to receive top honor Kennedy alum Sal Giunta will be presented on November 16 with the Medal of Honor for his heroic efforts during an ambush.

It was mentioned about three years ago, after the ambush, that Giunta was nominated to receive the Medal of Honor. The list of nominees then went through different stages of military officials who worked to narrow down the list. The list was then sent to the White House where Giunta was selected to receive the Medal of Honor. Steve Giunta, Sal’s father, commented on the process that was used to select the Medal of Honor recipient.

“President Obama himself called Sal and he was very excited about that,” Steve said.

Steve also commented about Sal receiving the Medal of Honor being a bittersweet honor. Sal is excited to receive the honor but, on the other hand, is also saddened because the Medal symbolizes two of Sal’s close friends lost in the ambush. In previous interviews, Sal has mentioned that there is not a day that goes by when he does not think about what happened.

In October 2007, Giunta was part of an eight-man ambush at night to take down Taliban members that were armed with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.

During the attack, Sal rushed into the line of fire to rescue wounded comrades. He also helped kill and drive off the Taliban attackers. Sal forced them to release a captive U.S. soldier.

Two of Sal’s comrades were killed during the ambush, and everyone else involved was either wounded or had enemy rounds stopped by their protective equipment. Sal’s vest stopped one round that was potentially fatal and a weapon that was slung on his back stopped another round.

After the ambush, it took Sal three weeks before he was able to talk about what had happened. During a phone call to Sal, his mother

was finally able to convince Sal to talk about what had happened.

“He tries to protect us from what happens in his military career,” Steve said. Steve and his wife do not know much about what happens on a daily basis in Sal’s military career.

Sal signed up for the Army when he was a senior in high school. While working at the Subway located in Wal-mart, Sal heard a radio ad for the Army. So Sal decided to sign up for the free T-shirt. His parents approved of his decision to join the army. Steve said that Sal never really wanted to attend college right away out of high school.

Cary Beatty, language arts teacher, did not have Sal directly as a student but did work with Sal when he was cast in the play The Outsiders.

“We often times do not see hidden talents that students have,” Beatty said. Beatty enjoyed working with Sal because he was gifted in so many areas. Many people who have worked with Sal agree that he was a free spirited and independent person.

“We sometimes try to shove everyone through the hole of you are going to go to college and you are going to become a doctor,” Beatty said. Beatty was not surprised to hear that Sal joined the army and will be a recipient of the Metal of Honor because of his independent personality.

Life for Sal right now consists of about three to five media interviews a day and a 12 hour work day on top of that. On top of this Sal is also currently stationed in Italy making it difficult for Steve and his wife to keep in contact with Sal. Sal has currently put in three years towards his degree in business. In recent reports Sal has said that he plans to stay in the army for a while, but the future is uncertain.

Darcey Altschwager

Photo courtesy of U.S. Army Medal of Honor. Sal Giunta, Kennedy alum, is to receive the Medal of Honor for bravery in Afghanistan during a ceremony at the White House on November 16.

Nov. election wrap up

Photo by Jason Karsh via Wikimedia Commons

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Roxanne Conlin

Sen. Chuck Grassley

Immigration: Higher protection on borders War: We need better cooperation and accountability from the Afghan government.

Education: Believes the way to a better life is a good education.

Info from: roxanneforiowa.com

Immigration: Opposed to amnesty.

War: Concerned America would pay an even heavier price if the U.S. would surrender to terrorists.

Education: Higher education accessible and affordable for all.

Info from: grassley.senate.gov

Photo by Carl Wycoff via Wikimedia Commons

IA Gov. Chet Culver

Immigration: Crack down on employers knowingly hiring illegal immigrants.

War: Enhance housing benefits for veterans and require Veterans Day holiday.

Education: “A center focus in my campaign is education because I was once a teacher also teacher’s salaries need to be raised.”

Info from: chetculver.com

By IowaPolitics.com (Wikimedia Commons)

Terry Branstad

Immigration: Undocumented children should be denied access to public school.

War: Improve the support of the active military, Guard and Reserve members Education: Need to focus on the basics, a quality K-12 education and nothing more.

Info from: branstadreynolds.com Spencer Grekoff

News

JFK Torch

Page by Darcey Altschwager and Michael Hoefer

CPR Requirement Beginning next year, Kennedy will be requiring students to participate in a CPR instructional class as a necessity for graduation.

This is part of a state-wide legislation called the Healthy Kids Act. According to the act, all students who are physically capable of participating must, at sometime before their graduation, take a “psycho-motor course that leads to certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).”

Lewis described the class as a one-time, 50 minute class to be taken during physical education classes. This is contrary to a common rumor that the class would be a separate, term-long class that students would have to fit into their schedules.

As for students who choose to waiver out of P.E., Lewis is

confident that other opportunities to fulfill the requirement will be made available throughout the year.

For the most part, responses to the idea of a CPR course requirement seem to be positive. Jessica Mangione, a social studies teacher, said, “It’s really important. CPR is in that category of life skills everybody should be taught.”

Students in the school share similar views. “I believe that CPR classes would be incredibly beneficial,” Andrew Hanzelka, so., said.

Lewis has high hopes for the class, and hopes his students do as well. “I hope students look at this as something positive and not just another thing they are making us do. It could save a life someday.”

Shane Goodall

October 22, 2010

3

Briefly A club for musicians

The Kennedy Guitar Club is continuing to provide students a welcoming environment to learn and practice their performance.

Rick Nees, teacher and guitar club advisor, started the club to help kids who wanted to learn guitar but couldn’t afford private lessons. From a mere four members the first year, Nees has seen the club grow to over 50 listed members.

Guitar Club meets every Wednesday after school from 3-4 p.m., except on early dismissal weeks (in which case meetings are on Tuesday).

If you walk into Nees’s room during a Guitar Club meeting, you are likely to see groups of aspiring performers playing music together and sharing their talents.

Although guitar is the most common instrument at the meetings, Nees welcomes variety in the club.

“We want to cater to any instrument: bass, drums, flutes, guitars [etc],” Nees said. “[We welcome] all genres of music; all different styles.”

Mike Schultz, sr., has been in Guitar Club all four years of his high school career. It’s a place to hear other people’s influences and creations,” Schultz said. “Anyone is welcome to join the club, with any amount of musical experience,” explained Nees.

“The main idea is to have fun.”

Michael Hoefer

Photo Asmaa Elkeurti Saving a life. Arjun Venkatesh, jr., demonstrates CPR on Austin Anderson, jr.

Kennedy’s Secrets

Torch goes undercover to find Kennedy’s hidden rooms

Katy Perry craze The Katy Perry Club is one of the newest clubs at Kennedy.

The Katy Perry Club was created by Chase Sullivan, sr., who is also president of the club. “I think that she is a great artist, so I decided that I wanted to honor her with a club,” Sullivan said. Other elected officers include Vice President Carmen McCoy, sr., Attorney General Kylee Von Ahsen, sr., and Treasurer Mohammad Cheetany, so. “After I decided I wanted to make the club, I talked to Mr. Neff who is from California and asked him if he liked Katy Perry and showed him Teenage Dream and California Girls in hopes that he would let us make the club,” said Sullivan.

The club hopes to get Katy Perry to come to Cedar Rapids and do a concert. “I’d love to meet Katy Perry, and I hope that she could come to Cedar Rapids and I hope that if she comes that I could make her dinner or hangout with her,” said Sullivan.

The Katy Perry Club meets on Wednesdays in Mr. Neff’s room (room 228) after school, the exact same time and place as chess club.

Mohammad Cheetany

New SPCA club Breakfast is served. A special breakfast room is located under the bleachers for swimmers.

Swimming team breakfast room To help get the energy they need, the pool is home to the breakfast room. This room provides the swimmers with food and snacks to help them get through the school day, as well as practices before and after school.

“We call it the breakfast room and we use it mostly for breakfast in the morning because we have practice almost everyday. It also has snacks for us to eat before and after practices,” said Tanner Rathjens, so.

With couches and fridges, the practices at 5:45 a.m. don’t seem so bad. The swimmers can sit on the couches and do homework, chat with teammates, or just relax. They can get ready for the meet they are about to swim in, or they could celebrate after a win.

Going for a walk. The ceiling above the auditorium is home to a secret catwalk to aid the tech crew.

Through glass. Swimmers can perfect their form through the underwater pool window.

All photos by Rachel Gilman

One of the “secret rooms” here at Kennedy is the catwalk in the auditorium. It is where the tech crew can provide lighting and special effects to make plays and events even better. Located above the audience with a spiral staircase to get to it, the catwalk is not very noticeable.

While it is not an actual catwalk, staff can sit and watch the show. Dr. Wilcynski, principal, said she once watched a show from the catwalk when the play was sold out.

It is made of wood, with spots to put the lighting and spotlights to make the plays even better. With the play moving so fast with different scenes, the tech crew has to be able to move fast and know where they have to go.

Underneath the pool lies a mysterious “room” that helps the divers of the Kennedy swimming and diving team correct their techniques and landing.

The most unknown of our “secret rooms” is the pool window room. The window is located right next to the diving boards, which helps the coaches when the divers practice.

For the non-swimmers, this is an opportunity to see what it is like to be underwater, without getting wet. It is a great way to experience what a swimmer does on a daily basis’s, without having to actually get in the water.

People can also see what a diver’s experience is like when they enter the water.

Jordan Calef

Drama dept’s tech crew catwalk

Swimming pool window

Flooding abroad: Pakistan’s woes Millions of homes have been destroyed, and 1600 people have died in the recent flooding in Pakistan.

The flood began July 22; millions of people are homeless and are living without food or water. It started with large Monsoon rains, which began to flood many north and west regions of Pakistan.

Many believe this has been the worst flood in 80 years. Government officials worry these floods will cause diseases to spread, which will mainly harm infants and the elderly due to the contaminated water. Nearly 20 million people have been strongly affected by the rains that

covered nearly 62,000 square miles, or one forth the size of America.

Half of the affected people are homeless, and are in need of urgent help. The flood has ruined city structures, trains, roadways, and many other resources. This has also affected much of Pakistan’s farmland, and has affected the growth of crops.

After the Haiti earthquakes, help came in quickly, but the Pakistan flooding is not being helped near as much. It has been three months, and they still don’t have sufficient help.

SAM NORDSTROM

Graphic by Rachel Gilman Under Water. Pakistan devastated by floods

New this year, SPCA is a club to promote the adoption and proper treatment of companion animals, particularly dogs and cats.

“We are not an anti-fur group,” Stephanie Hendryx, club advisor, said. “We just want to raise awareness on animal issues.” SPCA stands for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Hendryx decided to advise the club after some of her students showed an interest in developing a club modeled off ASPCA, a national animal humane organization.

“I want to be a veterinarian,” Jordan Shultz, jr., one of three club officers, said. “SPCA is a good way to educate others [about animal treatment].”

In addition, the club plans to profile animals from local shelters for adoption each Friday on the morning announcements.

SCPA meets every other Wednesday, opposite the half days, from 2:50 p.m. to 3 p.m in room 108.

They welcome those interested to attend a meeting.

Allison Kindig

Key club continues The Kennedy Key Club is a volunteer service organization that teaches leadership through service to others.

The Key Club meets on the first Monday of the month in Room 224 at 3 p.m. Sanjay Sudhir, jr., president, conducts the meetings and helps to come up with opportunities to benefit our community. “My goal for the Key Club is to run the meetings and be organized for each meeting,” Sudhir said.

Audrianne Freeman, sr., secretary, whose responsibilities include taking notes at meetings and keeping track of the voluntary hours the members donate to the community.

Among the many community projects the Key Club has been involved in are flood recovery work and helping the Salvation Army.

If you would like to be a member of this community service and leadership club contact advisor Joan Steinmetz or Sanjay Sudhir.

Austin Johnson

4

JFK Torch

Profile

October 22, 2010

Page by Rachel Gilman and Jessica Rowan

Staff members send kids to KHS Students of faculty see good and bad Imagine seeing your parents in the hallway or having your parents at school all day with you. Most kids would rather not have their parents at school with them, but for some kids, having their parents at school all day or even as a teacher is a reality.

Deb Snook, who is a science teacher and also the PACT counselor here, has had experience with having her kids as students. Her son, Michael Snook, so., is a student here and currently has his mom as an AP Chemistry teacher. “When I first came to Kennedy, it was kind of weird because I started seeing her more and it was just weird having her at school with me,” Michael Snook said.

Deb Snook has previously had another kid as a student here who has graduated. “I’ve had both my kids in class and

also have had their friends in class, so I try not to teach them any differently than other students and usually I’m harder on them then the other students,” Deb Snook said.

“I’ve enjoyed having my mom as a teacher so far, but there are some things that are better having her and some things that I’d rather not have her for. Most of the time I get the same treatment as everybody else,” Michael said. Deb Snook looks forward to having Michael in her class the rest of the year. “Having Michael in class is fun. It keeps it entertaining at the home front since he can just ask me for help and also the fact that I can monitor his grades better.

It’s more helpful for him,” Deb Snook said.

David Hynek, so., is also among one of the students

whose parent works here. “At first I was a little scared that other people would know about it and talk to me about it, but over time it started becoming alright and helpful,” David said. David currently does not have his dad, math teacher Dennis Hynek, as a teacher.

“I liked having him as teacher, because if I needed help I could go to him but aside from that it was just like having any other teacher.”

-Courtni Lewis, so.

Tim Lewis, who is the Wellness and P.E teacher here, as well as the head varsity football coach, has had

his daughter in class. Courtni Lewis, so., had her dad as a teacher during her freshman year in Wellness. “I liked having him as teacher, because if I needed help I could go to him, but aside from that it was just like having any other teacher,” Courtni said. Since Courtni doesn’t have class with her dad this year, she doesn’t see him as much. “I like that I can use my dad’s room to put stuff in and also go to him if I need something, but sometimes people are intimidated by the fact that he is my dad,” Courtni said.

There are currently five seniors, seven sophomores, one freshman and no juniors with parents on the Kennedy staff.

Mo h a m m a d Cheetany

Family affair. Michael Snook, so., expresses his love for his mother and teacher Deb Snook.

photos by Rachel Gilman Like father like son. David Hynek, so., and father Dennis Hynek, math teacher, pose in the hall during class.

Senior James Crumpton, Senior Sean Kenel, the the man of the moves man of the marathon

James Crumpton, sr.

It’s on our computers. It’s in our classrooms. It’s even on our phones. YouTube is shaping the way we visually express ourselves and interact with others. It can make you famous on a local or even global scale. One Kennedy student has captured his five minutes and fifty seconds of Internet fame on YouTube.

James Crumpton, sr., has taken the scene at Kennedy with a video featuring him dancing to Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” in different outfits around his home.

Since its release on

YouTube, the video has received over 900 views and has gained substantial recognition by the student body. “I guess my popularity has gone up a little,” Crumpton said.

“I saw some videos of guys lip-syncing and dancing to music, and thought ‘I have a camera, that’d be cool to do,’” Crumpton said. when asked what his inspiration was for the video.

“Some people thought it was amazing, and others were creeped out by it,”

-James Crumpton, sr.

Crumpton says that his inspiration comes from the user “Nigahiga,” which is a comedy vlog group. He says he releases a non-live video about every

other month, and a live one whenever he has access to a camera. His first video was for the song “Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny”.

Crumpton recieved student reactions with mixed feelings. “Some people thought it was amazing, and others were creeped out by it,” Crumpton said. Creepy or not, his videos have gained the attention of the students. “There are some people at school that are totally into me, and they like the stuff I do,” Crumpton said.

As far as making a career out of creating videos, Crumpton said, “I’m not expecting this to be a huge, major thing, but I wouldn’t mind.”

After high school, James is planning to get a job working with technology. He plans to keep releasing videos, but isn’t currently working on any projects.

Zack Goodall

26.2 miles is a a daunting distance most people would be quite reluctant to walk, not to mention running. But there are those who look squarely at that distance, adorn themselves in their best running gear, and take up the challenge of running a marathon. One of those select few is Sean Kenel, sr. In May of 2010 Kenel, who has been an avid runner for almost 10 years now, completed an entire marathon in Illinois.

After exactly three hours and 35 minutes of constant running, Kenel crossed the finish line. “I was relieved that it was over,” said Kenel.

Kenel is a cross country runner and he also runs track and field in the spring. He finds running a good stress reliever. “It gives you time to think about things and sort through your thoughts while staying in shape,” said Kenel.

“I make sure to run about 3-4

times a week on a treadmill for 4-5 miles during the off season.”

“The run was absolutely miserable.”

-Sean Kenel, sr.

“It [the marathon] was absolutely miserable,” Kenel said. When training for a marathon, the suggested training period would be 3-6 months before the event, depending on how experienced a runner is. However, even the most experienced should put a solid couple of months of training in to make the marathon all the more smooth. Kenel, however didn’t go through such an extensive training process.

“I didn’t really train as much as I should have,” said Kenel. “Whenever a run’s coming up, I just try not to think too much about it. I just

Sean Kenel, sr. kinda do whatever.”

Kenel decided to run the marathon to add to his experience. “It’s good to make yourself sound more serious, and running a marathon will do that, and now it’s something that I can say I’ve done before I was 17.”

Kenel doesn’t exactly look back on the 26.2 mile experience fondly. “The run was absolutely miserable. My hobbies are half marathons, but an entire one just killed me.”

Asmaa Elkeurti

Profile

JFK Torch

Page by Rachel Gilman and Jessica Rowan

October 22, 2010

Brown lands down under

5

Senior year in New Zealand Colin Brown, sr., is on the opposite side of the world.

Currently living in New Zealand, Brown is facing a life full of new friends, family, and experiences. Being 18 hours ahead of the people he left behind for a year, the differences from continent to continent vary.

Q: How exactly did you get the chance to live in New Zealand?

A: “The only things I had to do was fill out an application and take a couple extra classes my junior year. I took two english classes and a government class to make up for missing it this year.”

Q: How is your family in New Zealand?

A: “My family is amazing, I couldn’t be happier with them.

The mom’s name is Jenny and she teaches piano and drama lessons out of the house. I have a host brother, Thomas, who’s 22, he’s pretty sweet, cute as can be. He’s a musician and teaches guitar lessons. I have a host sister named Lexi who’s 19. I believe she’s going to dance school in Australia, I only met her for a day. My other sister is named Ellie and she’s 17, she’s also a musician and goes to the same school as I do. They are easy to live with.

There’s something going on all the time and you can always hear someone playing music

somewhere in the house.”

Q: What is your schooling like?

A: “Hmm, we have to wear a uniform. Also, there isn’t a cafeteria or anything. Most people bring food from home.

You can buy food at school though, but it’s more like the snack lines at Kennedy. The school is made up of a bunch of different buildings so you have to walk outside a lot. It’s nice now because it’s warming up. We usually eat outside too. Oh, and they have two 40 minute breaks during the day instead of our one lunch time.

The whole school system is a little different. Do you really want to know that? It’s kind of boring.”

Q: What has been the best part of being in New Zealand so far? (obviously jumping to your death could be a great possibility) A: “Haha yeah, the bungee jumping was definitely a highlight. Another one was the fishing trip I went on to Milford Sound with Thomas, my host dad, and Daniele, the Italian student who stayed here for a while. It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever been too. I caught a shark!”

They drive on the left side of the road I guess. They do use quite a bit of different words.

I’ll try to think of the biggest differences. It’s kind of hard to think of, I’ve just gotten used to it. One of them is they add “as” after a lot of things. Like, “Sweet as” or, “It’s cold as.” It’s basically like they’re going to compare it to something, but they just stop at as and don’t finish. ” Q: Why did you choose to leave for your senior year of high school? Do you wish you could take it back? Are you sad that you don’t get the normal senior experience?

A: “Nahh, I’m glad I’m here.

I’ve already done three years of high school, I was tired of it. I had the opportunity to go experience somewhere different so I took it. I don’t mind missing “normal” senior stuff.

It doesn’t seem that important I guess. In saying that though, I miss all my friends more than anything. That part I’m sad about.”

Q: What are the major cultural differences? Any different types of lingo?

A: “It’s not too different.

Q: How is staying in contact with your family here in Iowa going? Do you talk to them regularly?...If so how do you? Do you miss them? Is it hard living without them?

A: “We email back and forth a couple times a week but it’s usually short messages, straight to the point.

We’ve Skyped maybe three

Andrew Hanzelka, so.

Ryan Rodriguez, jr.

Photo provided by Colin Brown.

Free falling. Colin Brown, sr., bungee jumps in New Zealand with his foreign exchange host family. times so far. They want me to update them every week or so, tell them what I’m up to in a longer message, but I’m lazy about it so it doesn’t happen that often. I miss them a lot though. I really appreciate everything they’ve done in getting me where I am now.

When it comes to contacting friends, facebook helps out a lot too.”

Q: What were your first

thoughts when going across the world? Were you scared?

Excited? Sad? All of the above?

A: “I didn’t really think about it when I was flying over.

It all seemed kind of surreal.

Once I landed in Auckland though, and was waiting for my flight to Queenstown, I started to feel those things, excitement mostly. I was a bit worried it wouldn’t be as cool as I imagined, but it has turned out to be better. It did

feel weird knowing I wouldn’t see anyone I knew or loved for a year, though.”

Jessica Mangione, Teacher

Jason Cochrane, Teacher

Q: When do you get to come home?

A: “I will Most likely come home in April. I can stay until July without getting deported. So who knows, I’m not sure on how long it will end up being.”

Jessica Rowan

Scary movies scar viewers Courtney Carradus, fr.

John Freeman, sr.

“Scary movie “Blair Witch “Scariest “It. I was “It’s called “I hate movie I’ve 2. Possibly Project...I watching Rose Red. I scary movever seen? always it alone, it saw it when I just because ies. Having Hmm...The thought was stormwas five and the title of to choose, Crazies. Only the movie there was I had nightI would say ing, and my because it going to mares about has the word Seven, due to parents were mentions be somegone. I had a baby girl scary in it. Or the whole Cedar RapParanormal one creepy with baby concept of to shut it off. ids...and Activity, but standing in Also, anyarms for not knowthe huntthat movie ing guys are the corner thing with the longest ing what’s scary. “ was just a when I woke Satan gets time!” to happen joke.” up.” me.” next.”

6

JFK Torch

Editorial

October 22, 2010

Page by Alex busbee

Think for torch yourself the

John F. Kennedy High School 4545 Wenig Rd. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Volume 44, Issue 1

Mission

The Torch staff and adviser are committed to producing a top quality student newspaper, applying high standards of writing, editing, and production. The Torch seeks to fairly serve the Kennedy High School faculty, students and staff, showing no favoritism to decisions about content are the responsibility of the individual editors and the Editorial Board.

Letters to the editor will be printed from anyone in the Cedar Rapids community. However, Torch retains the right to edit stories for length and style, without changing the writer’s intent. We also reserve the right to refuse publication for legal and ethical reasons. All letters must be signed in order for them to be published.

Editorial Board

Editor-In-Chief Alex Busbee Managing Editor Mike Hoefer Design Editor Allison Kindig

Editors

News Darcey Altschwager Profile Jessica Rowan, Rachel Gilman Photo Asmaa Elkeurti Feature Michael Nordstrom Copy Editor Sean McQuade Lifestyle Allie Sindlinger, Shane Goodall Sports Riley Galbraith, Mohammad Cheetany

Writers

Jordan Calef, Zach Goodall, Grant Sheeley, Sam Nordstrom, Spencer Grekoff, Austin Johnson

Photographers Rachel Gilman, Jessica Rowan, Asmaa Elkeurti, Michael Nordstrom

Graphic Artist Rachel Gilman

Torch editor warns to ignore political tv commercials If you haven’t seen already, you will soon—­political elections are back and pretty soon millions of ballots will be submitted for mayor, congress, and what not. While young voters are increasing in numbers, there is one thing I would like them to do before casting their ballots; it’s called using your brain.

Too often do I hear generic and sometimes completely inaccurate information about political candidates. Just because someone overhears Mom or Dad calling a political candidate an ass or jerk doesn’t mean that the political candidate is in fact one. So next time somebody makes such a broad and somewhat negative statement, why don’t you ask them why? Generally, from my own experience, they have no reason or they’re ill informed. Saying stuff like, “Obama is increasing my taxes,” makes me wonder if you really are making over $250,000 or if you misheard someone else speaking.

Also, now that political ads are once again hogging all the advertisement slots on television, people need to just tune them out. Way too often are they simply incorrect or exaggerated. It’s important that

people actually do research for themselves and find unbiased, non-partisan sources. Just voting based off crappy and inaccurate campaign commercials is just going to encourage politicians to keep on making them.

Thinking for oneself does not always mean that one will agree with Mom and Dad. I’m not saying you shouldn’t listen to your parents, but I’m just saying keep an open mind and base your ballot on unbiased information that you have found. Look into campaign promises and actual reports of fraud before you decide who to vote for.

I hate to break it to you, but parents and grandparents, themselves, don’t always get their information from an unbiased source. Maybe you could enlighten them with your own findings.

When it comes down to it, I just want everyone know about their options before voting. Just staying within a political party’s lines isn’t always best for America. Do research, tune out political commercials, and think for yourself. michael nordstrom

photo by Asmaa Elkeurti Campaigning. Leslie Wille, sr., places a sign in her yard for her favorite canidate, Mark Seidl.

Staff Editorial: Facebook addiction Torch warns against Facebook overuse and abuse Facebook is a tool. Like any tool, it can be used for both good and bad. And it all depends on how you use it.

There are those things Facebook should be used for. Facebook should help us keep in touch with our friends and family, when busy lives and long distances make it difficult. It’s a great way to chat with them, look at their pictures, and watch their videos. Older people are beginning to fall in love with Facebook as well, as they learn that it’s a great way to connect with the younger generations. As long as students are living at college, people are taking trips overseas, or old friends are moving away, there will be a need for Facebook.

These are all great uses for Facebook. But there are those things that Facebook should not be used for. Facebook should not be a paradise in cyber space where we spend every waking hour. Okay, we get it, some people think Farmville is fantastic, but that hardly justifies staying up all night to tend an electronic patch of strawberries. Repeat after me, there is life outside of Facebook. There is life outside of Facebook…

Facebook was created to be a tool to help people communicate. Unfortunately, people have taken it to the point where it becomes detrimental to their communication skills.

Because of texting and Facebook messaging, it seems like some high school students have forgotten how to have a face-to-face conversation. To meet someone new, you used to walk up to him or her and say, “Hi. My name is (insert name here). What’s your name?” Not any

more. Now kids rely on a process that is slightly more complex. First, you friend them on Facebook. After a few pokes, you work up the courage to chat them. After a month of online chatting, if all goes well, you swap phone numbers. Congratulations. You just made yourself a friend.

Facebook is for staying connected with friends, not making new friends. When used sparingly, Facebook can be beneficial to our

social lives. Otherwise, it steals time away from work, homework, and real socializing.

If the world were one big elementary school, then Facebook would be the coloring book.

Sure, you will have a blast using it. But if that is all you do, you never really get anything done.

Eventually, you need to get out on the playground and meet new people for real.

Alex Busbee

JFK Torch

Editorial

Page by Alex busbee

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October 22, 2010

Torch editor gives reason why to skip out on celebrating Halloween night

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Halloween is the only widely known and celebrated holiday in the month of October.

While Halloween can provide us a great excuse to consume calories and act weird, I believe the overall impact of Halloween is negative.

Every single year on Halloween night millions of people dress up in outrageous outfits and take part in the redistribution of candy in America. While this may please minors of all ages, the negative effects cannot be denied. When an adult gives his/her candy to a small child, the bargaining power based on candy rewards suddenly becomes negligible. Let’s say your child needs to clean his/her room. You say, “Hey, child dear, if you clean your room I will give you one candy bar.” Your child looks at you with a smirk, confidently reaches into his/ her halloween bucket, and pulls out a perfectly good candy bar of his/ her own. The room does not get cleaned.

Every single year little children traipse throughout neighborhoods with little or no parental supervision, causing traffic congestion and hassle for drivers who have to avoid the disguised children. Halloween becomes a nightmare for both evening shift delivery people and late night city bus drivers.

Every single year, multiple deaths occur on the day of Halloween.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an average of 107 deaths occur worldwide every minute during Halloween.* You tell me what’s wrong with our world.

Despite these downfalls, Halloween’s number one most negative effect is the masking of other crucial holidays in October. Have you ever heard of ‘National Forgiveness Day?’ What about ‘Get Smart About Credit Day?’ I bet you couldn’t even tell me what day the ‘International Day of Rural Women’ falls on.** Our nation is monopolized by Halloween during the month of October, causing us to completely forget about the intended messages of other meaningful holidays. This year, I encourage you to leave the costumes at home, throw away the candy, and tell your favorite knock-knock joke.*** *Average based on yearly deaths **October 15th, in case you were wondering ***October 31st is ‘National Knock-Knock Jokes Day’ Michael Hoefer

Booster club president gives time to Kennedy Ken Terukina is one of those special people.

He is the kind of person that makes you want to do more, more than just the status quo.

When thinking of Ken Terukina, Kennedy, It seems that booster club we have a pretty active president group of partents, But when you see all of the things that Terukina does for the school, it puts everybody else to shame. To think that

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there are some people that have not once volunteered a second for Kennedy, while people like Ken Terukina spend multiple hours every week just to try to make school activities run more smoothly is shocking.

It’s kindness that you don’t often see in the world anymore.

Ken Terukina got involved with the booster club all the way back in the year 2000, while his first child was going through Kennedy. He has been Booster Club president for six long years, including two years when he didn’t even have any kids attending

Kennedy.

Looking back on all of the contributions Terukina has had for the school, Athletic Director Aaron Stecker calls it immeasurable. Stecker estimates that Terukina has raised close to a million dollars in fundraising for Kennedy activities over his time as Booster Club President.

One of Terukina’s most proud accomplishments has been being able to provide for all the Kennedy students. “It’s nice to see that we are working together to provide for our student athletes, and that’s what gets me

excited, the fact that we can do something to effect change and provide for our student athletes. That’s great,” Terukina said.

So I think it’s time to say thank you, on behalf of the Kennedy community. Thank you to Ken Terukina for all he has done over the years for the Booster Club, and all he will do in the future. Also thank you to all the other members of the Booster Club, and those who volunteer. We really do appreciate it!

Riley Galbraith

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JFK Torch October 22, 2010

ADDIC

Online pornography increasing among teens, adults While addiction to pornography is still being debated, a new trend is showing that pornography is becoming increasingly popular among both men and women.

Although it may be something students are reluctant to talk about, one student was willing to talk about it, as long as he could remain anonymous. Even though he claims to not be addicted to porn, he admits it is something he views daily. “I think the first time I saw porn was around 4th grade, but it wasn’t until 8th grade that I started watching it repeatedly,” he admits. He went on to say he doesn’t see himself ever quitting completely.

At any given time over 28,000 people are watching porn and the industry averages over $90 billion annually. There is no doubt that a substantial amount of students here watch porn.

The symptoms of porn addiction include: excessive time spent on pornography sites, isolation from family and friends, feelings of anxiety when you are away from the computer, and failed attempts to quit. Addiction to pornography has been compared to cocaine addiction because of similar neurochemical activity in the brain.

Its important to note that not all pornography is solely used for masturbation. “Its not all for pleasure, there’s hilarious pornography that I watch just for enjoyment.”

Michael Nordstrom

Overtraining results in injury, not improvement for runner Although very rare, addiction to physical exercise is currently on the rise. With every day stress combined with images of skinny swimsuit models and ripped athletes, overtraining is becoming common.

Overtraining or physical exercise addiction is defined as a physical, behavioral, and emotional condition that occurs when the volume and intensity of an individual’s exercise exceeds their recovery capacity. This is most commonly found in weight lifters, but is also seen in runners.

Jenn Smith, sr., admits she is addicted to running. Smith began running freshman year and has sustained several injuries since. “I’ve had three stress fractures,” Smith said. Currently Smith is unable to run due to a different injury.

“Now my feet go numb whenever I run due to pressure in my calves,” Smith said. “It’s probably an overuse thing.”

For some, addiction to physical exercise is caused by a desire for a certain body image.

Smith’s is not. “Running for me relieves stress and gets me away from everything,” Smith said.

Before her injuries, Smith ran, on average, 40 miles per week. “When it’s really cold outside, my parents told me I couldn’t run, but I did anyways.” Smith plans on getting back to running as soon as her injuries heal.

Contrary to popular belief, overtraining is unhealthy. Rather than improve performance, it can damage the body as it did in Smith’s case.

Michael Nordstrom

Feature

Page by Michael Nordstrom

A professional lo When the word addiction comes to mind, the first things that pops into one’s head are images of drug addicted celebrities and drunken reality TV stars. However addictions aren’t just for celebrities. Friends, teachers, siblings, and even classmates suffer with addictions of their own, and Kennedy is no exception.

An addiction isn’t confined to just illegal substances. According to AP Psychology teacher Dana Melone, some of the most popular addictions amongst teens are caffeine, Facebook, and texting. Other addictions can range anywhere from an addiction to tanning to an addiction to eating paper. There really is no limit to what an addiction can be. “An addiction is a physical or psychological dependence,” Melone said.

Jenn Smith, sr., has an addiction of her own that has taken its toll on her body.

Smith has an addiction to running. Since ninth grade she has had three stress fractures and is currently suffering from compartment syndrome. “People tell me I’m crazy sometimes when I want to go run in the winter, but I don’t listen to them and run anyways,” Smith said.

While it is easy for people to criticize others for their addictions, many may have addictions of their own. In a day and age where technology is everywhere, social networking has become a very big part of peoples lives. Currently there are over 500 million active users on Facebook alone. Perhaps one of the reasons for this impressive viral participation is Facebook’s addictive factor. The average active Facebook user spends upwards of 55 minutes on the site each day. The question still remains, however, when does a hobby become an addiction? “Anytime you are uncomfortable not being around something,

Student returns fr According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, 20% of teenagers between grades 8 and 12 have experimented with drugs.

This statistic isn’t surprising, especially since options are no longer limited to cocaine and marijuana, but now range from alcohol to prescription drugs, especially among teens.

It’s no surprise that Kennedy is no exception to the new generation of drug abuse.

McKenna Graham, jr., is a recovering drug addict, being an out-patient in rehab for marijuana. “It started from just experimenting with friends. I have a chemical dependency, which made me addicted more easily,” Graham said on how she got her start on the slippery slope, which is drug use. She knew she was becoming addicted when she was using marijuana every day. “It felt weird to me when I wasn’t using it,” Graham said.

After about three months of using, McKenna talked

to her parents, who put her in rehab. Life changed drastically in regard to her freedoms and trust with her parents. When asked to reflect on her regrets, “I regret ever starting to use marijuana in the first place,” Graham said. Though fear of relapse is always on her mind, Graham is making a successful recovery.

It seems as though drugs have become part of our culture, but the effects, can be deadly. Even short-term use of marijuana can damage the brain and make risky situations even more dangerous. Use of marijuana affects memory, judgement, and perception. Some cases end in tragic deaths, more specifically in lethal car accidents, caused by the loss of coordination and judgement.

Although some users may feel that they have everything under control everything can change in a short time. But some like Graham have been able to overcome their addiction.

Andrea Traeger

Feature

CTIONS Page by Michael Nordstrom

ook at addictions it is probably an unhealthy addiction,” Melone said.

According to some experts, some addictions like drug and social networking addiction are caused by something called intermittent reinforcement. Intermittent reinforcement is a repetitive behavior that is reward with some sort of response. In the case of social network“You could be ing, when users log onto Facebook or make comments genetically predisand browse the site, they are posed to have an rewarded with notifications, addictive personcomments, messages, and ality or addictive friend invites. In the case of substance abuse, addicts tendency,” are rewarded when they get Shea-Hunt high or intoxicated. By consuming more drugs, they are reinforcing their addictive behaviors.

But are these incentives really enough to cause someone to become an addict? Could perhaps some people be more prone to addictions? “I can’t speak for everyone, but some people have more addictive personalities than others that can sometimes even be linked to genetics,” said Melone. Christine Shea-Hunt, a crisis counselor who has seen addiction first hand, offers a similar opinion. “You could be genetically predisposed to have an addictive personality or addictive tendency,” Shea-Hunt said While the science behind addiction is relatively new and up for debate, Shea-Hunt decribes the personality of an addict. “People who tend to have the type of personality where in dealing with their problems they tend to find other ways for relief. They don’t learn the proper ways to deal with stress, anger, and extreme emotions,” Shea-Hunt said.

Michael Nordstrom

rom drug rehab

JFK Torch October 22, 2010

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Graphics by Rachel Gilman

Social networking sites have some students stuck in a web Weather it’s Facebook, Twitter, or Skype, the Kennedy community is linked through the internet. As social networking takes up an increasing amount of students’ time, students are becoming self acclaimed ‘Facebook addicts.’

While Facebook and other social networking sites have their pros, experts are seeing growth in internet addiction, especially among teens. Dakota Murphy, jr., openly admits to being a Facebook addict, spending up to four hours a day on the social networking site.

“I got my Facebook when I was in eighth grade. Myspace was getting boring, and it was mostly seniors in high school and college kids on Facebook, and I thought I could be a rebel by getting one,” Murphy said when asked why he opened an account in the first place.

After three years of status updates, pokes, and uploaded pictures, Murphy reflects back on how it has affected his life: “I’m totally okay with it being a part of my life. It’s had a positive influence because now I can constantly be updated with everyone,” Murphy said.

While Murphy’s content with his addiction to Facebook, some really aren’t. There are currently over 150 websites for social networking addicts to find help and link them with resources to cure their addiction. In very extreme cases, the addiction has ruined relationships and has resulted in cases of neglect for parents.

Andrea Traeger

Student finds shopping as a way to cope with typical stress Someone stepping into Rachel Maker’s, sr., room would find two whole closets packed with only shirts, some of which she has worn only once, or not at all; jeans, including 25 which fit her, six of which are her favorites; and jewelry, including 60 bracelets, 50 plus pairs of earrings, and 25 scarves. Maker is a shopaholic.

Maker shops three times a week, mostly for jeans and accessories. She learned her shopping habits when she was younger and shopped using money she earned babysitting and money her parents gave her. After she stopped babysitting, she continued shopping using more of her parents’ money.

“I’m in a store for at least half an hour, and I can’t leave without buying something,” Maker said. “The most time I spend is two hours in a single store. I know that sounds really bad.

The least I’ve spent is 50 dollars in a single trip to the mall. I spend the most when I’m doing back to school shopping, or when the seasons change. I spend 800 dollars on those trips.”

Maker does not consider herself addicted to shopping. For her, shopping is therapeutic.

“I go shopping when I’m stressed. It makes me feel better, so it’s definitely a stress reliever,’ Maker said. Although some of Maker’s clothes spend most of their time in her closet, she donates them to stores like Goodwill when she grows out of them.

Alex Busbee

All photos are posed and none of the models have participated in any illegal activity for the sake of the supporting story. No illegal substances were used and no illegal web sites were visited by the models. Top left, top right, bottom left, and bottom right photos by Michael Nordstrom. Bottom left photo by Asmaa Elkurti.

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JFK Torch

Lifestyle

October 22, 2010

Page by Allie Sindlinger and shane Goodall

New up and coming artist to look for: J. Cole

Photo provided by Ortiz via Wikimedia Commons Fresh face. J. Cole (left) is a new upcoming hip-hop/rap artist from Frankfurt, Germany.

J. Cole is an upcoming hip-hop/rap artist who is being mentored by one of the biggest names in the music industry, Jay-Z. J. Cole is an artist on the Roc Nation record label. He started out his career in 2007 with his debut mixtape “The Come Up.” After posting his mixtape to the internet Jay-Z, founder of Roc Nation record label, heard his song “Lights Please” and signed him.

In 2009 he released his second mixtape “The Warm Up,” which got a lot of attention from other artists. He was featured on Jay-Z’s album Blueprint 3 on the song “A Star is Born.”

After a lot of hype he announced that he would be releasing his album Cole World in 2010.

In 2010 he announced via Twitter that he would be doing a 3rd mixtape entitled “Villematic” in preparation for his album. Cole World has no set release date but is slated for a December release a month before he plans on releasing his mixtape “Villematic”.

His music has a lot of lyricism and wordplay, which distinguishes his style from other artists. In his beat production you will hear lot of soul-sampled, energetic percussion and catchy beats. He also produces a lot of his own music and a fair majority of his beats.

Overall, J. Cole is a lyrical artist who uses a mixture of an old-school hip-hop feel with a refreshing and thought-provoking attitude.

Mohammad Cheetany

Artist: J. Cole Real Name: Jermaine Lamarr Cole Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap Hometown: Frankfurt, Germany Record Label: Rocafella Hit Songs: Who Dat Lights Please Show Me Somethin Higher Won’t Be Long Never Told Blow Up We On Just Begun Villematic A Star Is Born Bun B For President The Last Stretch Funk Flex Freestyle Sky Boy Knock On Wood Freestyle Gladiators Playground Just Begun I Get Up Last Call Get Away

Apple’s new hot products that are ‘must haves’ descriptions by Mohammad Cheetany

Stories by Mohammad Cheetany

iPod Touch 4G

iPod Shuffle

Apple has added several new features to the iPod Touch series, making it one of the most elite music devices available. The New iPod Touch 4G resembles the new iPhone 4G with almost all features except the phone capability.

The biggest feature they have added is a front and back camera. With the addition of the cameras, they have added the new retina display. The retina screen is the smoothest display of graphics and text on any music device. Apple has slimmed down the new iPod with a sleeker design, making it the thinnest of the iPod series. With the updates, the screen brightness is automatically adjusted to save your battery life. The average battery life is now up to 40 hours.

Prices: 8GB: $200, 32GB: $300, 64GB: $400 As simple as the Shuffle is, Apple has added a few new upgraded features to the new generation.

The Shuffle has kept the same design as previous versions but has condensed everything to make it smaller.

They have added a new button feature to where it’s more of a touch wheel rather than a click wheel. The biggest addition is the new VoiceOver feature. The new feature can tell you the artist of the song you are listening to, the album that the song is on, and which playlist the song is on all with the click of a button. The new feature also informs you how much battery life is remaining. With the new model they have now added a higher battery life ranging from 14-15 hours audio time.

Price: 2GB- $50

iPod Nano 6G

HD TV

Apple has taken a new approach on the iPod Nano. They have taken the classic iPod Nano features and replaced them with smaller and more accessible ones.

Along with the addition of the multi-touch screen, they got rid of the click wheel which was in all previous generations of the Nano. It’s overall 46 percent smaller than the 5G. The screen has been condensed into 1.5 inches top to bottom and across. One of the new options that you can use is the FM Radio. They have also added a new Fitness application that is used with Nike+ and can be used as a pedometer. The battery life of the new iPod has an average of 24 hours battery life.

Prices- 8GB: $150, 16GB: $180

The Apple TV has been simplified to a smaller and sleeker model but bigger with entertainment.

The Apple TV is a digital media receiver that can be hooked up to your TV to access things such as TV Shows, movies, photos, and videos.

All of these can be streamed by using iTunes or through a wireless network connected with the Apple Store. It has a built-in power supply and is also incredibly energy efficient. They are also working on making all material that’s available in the iTunes store available through the Apple TV. It can also connect to the internet giving you access to websites such as Youtube, Flickr, and MobileMe. Price: $99, all rented materials are separate from the cost of the media receiver.

Lifestyle

JFK Torch

Page by allie sindlinger and shane goodall

Nightmare Manor Ah Fall,the season of ghosts, ghouls and goblins of the night, all of which can be found at Cedar Rapids’ own haunted house, Nightmare Manor.

It is located at 525 H Street SW, Cedar Rapids. It ended up to be approximately thirty minutes long. It’s fast paced and keeps you on your toes without dragging on past its initial excitement. The eight dollar price tag seems a bit much, but it is actually the most economic haunt in the Cedar Rapids area. It’s a good idea for a night out with friends, and also a good way to make new ones. They could have done without some of the ghost animatronics, and the constant strobe and filtered lights.

Overall, the amount of scare isn’t worth the price of admission.

Zack Goodall

October 22, 2010

Screaming Acres

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Circle of Ash

As you stand in line waiting to enter Screaming Acres corn maze, you might think to yourself, is this really worth it?

You just spent 15 dollars, and possibly had to wait in line for an hour.

As you walk through the corn maze, screaming girls, clowns, and butchers scare you. The maze can take 30 minutes to get through, and is well worth it.

If you’re looking for a scary, yet fun haunt, you should visit Screaming Acres. The hour wait and 15 dollars is definitely worth it. Screaming Acres is located at 3260 69th St. Atkins, Iowa. It is open through the month of October every Friday and Saturday.

Sam Nordstrom

As you walk into the dimly lit room that starts your adventure at Circle of Ash, you realize you’re walking into a scary unknown situation that’s the real deal. Circle of Ash, located at 412 7th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids is your typical haunted house with long, winding paths featuring all the scary favorites, including everything from people covered in blood to a mental hospital patient that is looking for friends to play games with.

Another scary attraction is a tunnel leading to a mesmerizing room of different colors and lights with an alien and no clear path out. Besides those three attractions, it’s very predictable with obvious hiding spots and people popping out everywhere.

Overall it’s not worth the 11 dollars to get in.

Spencer Grekoff

Pack on Halloween pounds photo by Asmaa Elkeurti

Torch helps with packing on that tricky holiday weight with our special weight gain program Carmel Apple with nuts Serving size 1 apple 120 calories, 50 calories from fat 6 grams of fat 1.5 grams of saturated fat 15 grams of carbohydrates 10 grams of sugar 3 grams of protein Candy Corn 20 pieces per serving 150 calories o grams of fat 38 grams of Carbohydrates (13% of your daily value) 33 grams of sugar 0 grams of protein Each year Americans consume enough of one brand of candy corn that if laid end-to-end it would circle the earth 4.25 times Bite size chocolates Serving size 5 pieces 210 calories, 110 calories from fat 13 grams of fat 7 grams of saturated fat 25 grams of carbohydrates 22 grams of sugars 3 grams of protein

Sweet feast. Halloween treats surround a candy bucket. Candy is a staple for the weight gain plan.

Gummy Candies Serving size 2 pieces 60 calories 0 grams of fat

13 grams of carbohydrates 11 grams of sugars 1 gram of protein Candy Characters/bones Serving size 20 pieces 70 calories 17 grams of carbohydrates 16 grams of sugar 0 grams of protein Jelly beans Serving size 12 pieces 40 calories 11 grams of carbohydrates 8 grams of sugar 0 grams of protein Popcorn ball 100 calories, 5 calories from fat 1 gram of fat 25 grams of carbohydrates 12 grams of sugar 1 gram of protein Eating one serving of each means you have consumed 650 calories.

Recommended intake for teens is around 2500 calories, meaning if a person has three meals a day, consuming just one serving of each of the candies almost accounts for one meal for the day.

Darcey Altschwager

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JFK Torch

Lifestyle

October 22, 2010

Page by Allie Sindlinger and Shane Goodall

Looking pretty in pink Throughout Cedar Rapids breast cancer awareness is in full force October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You probably have noticed more pink around school and throughout Cedar Rapids the last few weeks. Even some professional football teams are wearing pink gloves and shoes on the football field this month.

The Especially For You Race Against Breast Cancer was held in downtown Cedar Rapids on Sunday, October 10. The purpose of the race is to raise funds for those unable to afford breast cancer screenings. Funds are also used to educate women on the importance of early detection. The 2010 race was the 20th anniversary of the event. The first 19 years have raised more than $1.2 million in funds.

This year’s race attracted

Photo provided by Cheryl Burns Mass Movement. A record setting number of more than 15,300 participants gathered downtown for the Especially for You activities.

There was excellent representation from the JFK student body. Some 30 students from the student body and student government classes registered to be part of the Gems of Hope team. Many other Kennedy students registered through Kennedy volleyball, individually or with friends. Alexa Mitchell, jr., was one of many who was in the group of Kennedy students who participated in the race. “I participated because I wanted to show my support for a good cause. It was really cool seeing how many people united together for a worthwhile purpose,” Mitchell said.

For once, instead of mittens and stocking hats, the temperature was warm and sunny, making for a festive “It was really cool seeing and sun-filled atmosphere. It was also emohow many people united tional as breast cancer together for a worthwhile survivors who participated wore bright pink purpose.” scarves, visible against -Alexa Mitchell, jr. the sea of over 15,300 participants all wearing more than 15,300 walking their pink race shirts. and running participants.

It was a truly remarkable Racers could walk or run the day for Cedar Rapids and all 5K (3.1 mile) course. There who helped try to make our was also the option of a one town and our world a better mile fun walk. and healthier place to live.

Allie Sindlinger

Photo by Rachel Gilman

Safety First. Mackenzie Welsh, sr., wears a special protective helmet during athletic competition.

Headache heartbreak If asked a year ago what her favorite activity was, Mackenzie Welsh, sr., would have said basketball. For years, she had worked hard, preparing for her senior year, and along with it, her final season. Little did she know that her basketball career would soon come to a premature end.

Welsh has had four concussions, three of which occurred in the last year during basketball games. After her last concussion, she started having migraines on a regular basis and began throwing up from time to time.

She visited a doctor with her mom. The doctor broke the bad news—she could no longer pursue her passion, basketball.

“I didn’t know what to

do,” Welsh said. “I was devastated. Basketball was a huge passion, and I physically couldn’t do it. It was a frustrating situation I was put in. Sometimes I wonder if I shouldn’t have told my mom about my headaches.”

Not ready to accept it, Welsh tried numerous other doctors who all told her the same thing; no physical activity. She can still run track and play powder puff football, but she has to wear a special helmet when she does.

“I miss basketball so much,” Welsh said. “When I had to tell Coach Roloff that I couldn’t play was during one of our basketball camps.

I started bawling and the seniors crowded around me. It was horrible. I’ve spent trillions of years practicing and

I couldn’t do it anymore. Its stupid.”

Her concussions have affected her performance on and off the court. The head injuries have complicated her schooling as well.

“Sometimes I feel like I’m less intelligent, or I feel like I can’t focus.” Welsh said. “I will daze and not know it. Its kinda weird.”

Welsh received her first concussion when she was little and her brother hit her in the head with a toy ball.

Slamming her head on basketball courts resulted in the next two.

“I got my last one during an AAU tournament,” Welsh said. “A girl spun me around, but I didn’t hit my head. I got really sleepy then blacked out.

It was kinda crazy.” alex busbee

Photo

Page by Asmaa Elkeurti

JFK Torch October 22, 2010

13

Above: Powder Power. Shauna Happel, sr., carries the ball to victory for her team at the Powder Puff football games. photo by Jessica Rowan

Homecoming Happenings A look at the events that made up homecoming week

Left. At the homecoming assembly, Carly Henderson, sr., escorts Jed Haycraft, sr., and Anthony Crawley, sr., escorts Olivia Meier, sr. Each was a contestant in the top 14 homecoming court. photo by Asmaa Elkeurti

Below. Josh Carew, sr., who was one of the top 7 on homecoming court , walks with his parents at the homecoming football game. photo by Jessica Rowan

Above. Herschel Dixon, sr., homecoming king, tells the Kennedy student body his love for his role model: his mother. photo by Asmaa Elkeurti Right. Amy Hanson, sr., homecoming queen, dances with her escort, Chase Sullivan, sr., at the homecoming dance. photo by Asmaa Elkeurti Far Right. Sydney Aarhus, sr., is escorted by Alex Rohrssen, sr., at the homecoming assembly.

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JFK Torch October 22, 2010

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Page by Michael Hoefer

Sports

Page by Mohammad Cheetany

Lack of Booster Club involvement

Terukina believes that another key in turnFor most kids and parents, their knowledge of the Booster Club is slim. Most Kennedy ing the temporary problem around is getting families don’t realize the importance of the the word out. “A lot of it [the problem] is understanding what the Booster Booster Club, which has led Club does and getting excited “With everyone’s to its most recent problems. about it,” Terukina said. “By The Booster Club is a participation, getting the students involved group of parents that put people can assist and them understanding what their time and effort in to in a number of we provide, which is offsetting help fund or raise money the major capital expenditures for most all of Kennedy’s different ways, not for each sport and therefore activities. After its first just financially.” taking the burden off the parmajor fundraiser, the sellent groups, I think will make a ing of Benchwarmer tickets, -Ken Terukina big difference.” Terukina said. the Booster Club has fallen Booster Club Another thing that is very short of their goal amount, important to understand is which was 800 tickets.

President how much volunteering can One main cause of the help the booster club, as getting lack of ticket sales has to do with the bad state of the economy, but effort volunteers is always a challenge. One thing to from Kennedy families is definitely lower than remember is that parents volunteering greatly it should be, as there were some full teams that helps the Booster Club, which has a major effect on your child’s school experience, whether have not yet sold any Benchwarmer tickets.

At this time, there is about 20 percent of that be in sports or other activities.

There is a possibility of a moderate budget the Kennedy community doing about 75 percent of the work. This problem could easily get cut and other small consequences, the Booster turned around by getting more students and Club is confident that this should have a minifamilies involved. “With everyone’s participa- mal effect on the Kennedy athletic programs as tion, people can assist in a number of different they have ideas in mind for other fundraising ways, not just financially, but also in assist- efforts which should help offset the lost money ing by volunteering to take tickets at sporting from the Benchwarmer ticket sales.

Although the Booster Club is having a slight events and work at concession stands, which all really help us out,” Ken Terukina said. Terukina budget problem, with volunteers help, the is the Booster Club president, a position he has Booster Club will be right back on track.

Riley Galbraith held for the past six years.

Sonic Drive-Ins Support Kennedy Torch

JFK Torch October 22, 2010

15

Photo by Asmaa Elkeurti Equiptment. The Booster Club supports every Kennedy sports team with funding they raise from Benchwarmer tickets. They use the money to provide jerseys and other sports equiptment.

Volleyball team helps create team at Metro

Watch out Kennedy, a new volleyball team help the team measure their progress. “Each has shown up to play. They’re competitive, in- match, I set two to three team goals and the tense, and hardworking. Metro High School ask the players to set a personal goal. Our team recently added a competitive volleyball team to goals usually focus on communication, passing, and defensive play. Generally though, I their sports program.

Practices were held once a week last year was looking for our athletes to demonstrate for the Metro High School volleyball team. commitment and teamwork, which they have,” However, this year marks the first time that Payne-Christiansen said.

The athletes are benefiting tremendousMetro will have a competitive volleyball team.

The newly founded team, led by Coach Erin ly from the newly formed team. PaynePayne-Christiansen, is having a successful year, Christiansen believes the team has enjoyed the considering they have only been together for season, learned some new things about volleyabout six weeks. Payne-Christiansen believes ball, worked as a team, and most importantly, success can be looked at in more than one way. had fun. Besides skill development, they also “We haven’t actually picked up a ‘W’ this year focus on good attendance, respectful behavior, and I remind the girls often that we’ve practiced and positive leadership.

The Metro team seems to be a success. together for about six weeks so that’s okay for now, but we’ve met most of our team goals for Students are not only able to grow as athletes, but more importantly, as people. Through diseach match.” Payne-Christiansen said.

The team has a total of twelve players that cipline and a little bit of fun, a new community all contribute in some way. They don’t belong has emerged at Metro High School. On October 18th, they will play to any particular con“Each match, I set two to their last game of ference and mainly three team goals and the ask the year and finish play Christian schools their first season. around the area. They the players to set a personal The Metro team also have a limited goal. Our team goals usually hopes that they can budget and aren’t acfocus on communication, passkeep developing tually recognized as an and improve with athletic team by the ing, and defensive play. Genertime. Even though district, but instead ally though, I was looking for the team is only as an intramural team. our athletes to demonstrate recongized as an Through Coach Payneintramural team by Christiansen’s previcommitment and teamwork, the district and divious job at Jefferson, which they have.” sion, their chances she was able to get -Erin Payne-Christiansen of becoming a disabout twenty voltrict team is still a leyballs from them, Metro Volleyball Coach possibility. With the which served as a huge addition of the new boost to get the Metro team, teams around the district could have a program started.

“We have some former Kennedy students chance to play this team if they manage to beon our team. Coach Goodall contacted us re- come more than an intramural team.

Grant Sheeley cently about some form of cooperation between the two teams, which would be cool,” Payne-Christiansen said.

Payne-Christiansen sets clear goals that

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JFK Torch

Sports

October 22, 2010

Page by Riley Galbraith

The Cougar Golf Dynasty For the past few years the Kennedy Golf team has been unstoppable, and this year was no different. Although they fell one place short of a state championship, this year was still a dream season for everyone involved.

This team has done it all.

After winning the CRANDIC and MVC tournaments for the fourth year in a row, they knew what they could accomplish. Having athletes, who were coachable, very talented, and friends off the course, are what made this team the best.

After coaching for 12 years, head coach Mark Wilden has coached some of the best athletes in the state.

“Talent is the biggest thing these athletes have. They are coachable and willing to help each other,” Wilden said. He has also had help from coach Mike Green (JV) and coach Julie Bush (9th grade).

One of his golfers was Dane Worley, sr., who was no.

1 in the state for best stroke efficiency and also took second place as an individual at the state golf tournament.

With this being his last year, he felt this year was a good way to end his high school career. “Winning the CRANDIC and MVC all 4 years (was my biggest accomplishment),” Worley said.

With all the guys supporting each and helping one another when they get down, it is no wonder they are friends on and off the course. “(The chemistry) is really good, and

we have always been friends.

We support each other,” Worley said.

With the past few years being successful for the golf team, Wilden explains how this year was easier. With only two losses, the team played some amazing golf, earning themselves a no.

1 ranking in the state. The team’s only goal was to take home a win at the state tournament. When that goal was not accomplished, the team still looked back at the season with pride.

“In the 4 years I have played golf, this year has been the best, no matter what happens,” Worley said.

With this season in the books, Kennedy is already looking forward to next season. Even though the outcome of the season wasn‘t what they had hoped, they still have the determination to win. With returning players such as Cody Bell, jr., and Brigham Stewart, jr., next year’s team should be just as successful. “(Next season) six out of the eight players are back, which makes a big difference.

These guys have had experience, and they want to win state. Next year should be good,” Wilden said.

With memories that will last a lifetime, this team’s season has come to an end.

We will always remember what great accomplishments they have made and what a great team they were.

Jordan Calef

photos by Asmaa Elkeurti Pure Joy. Dane Worley, sr., rejoices after clinching the win for the Cougars in the district golf meet.

Smooth Swing. Dane Worley, sr., takes a swing during the district golf meet at Ellis Golf Course. The Cougars narrowly pulled out the win.