Issue 5 March 9, 2017

the torch John F. Kennedy High School

Volume 50, Issue 5

March 9, 2017

Celebrating

News: Education For Better or For Worse Pg. 6

Feature A Month Dedicated Pg. 12

Sports Freshman On Fire Pg. 16

Contents John F. Kennedy High School 4545 Wenig Rd. NE Cedar Rapids, IA, 52402 Volume 50, Issue 5

Opinion 4 American Boy Doll Elizabeth Barrett 5 My Body, My Choice Anna Reinhart 5 Protecting Transgenders Mady Kircher News 6 For Better or For Worse Jake Corkery

Mission Statement The student staff and adviser are committed to producing top quality student publications, applying high standards of writing, editing, and production. These media seek to fairly serve the Kennedy High School faculty, students, and staff showing no favoritism to any particular interest, individual, or group. Final decisions about content are the responsibility of the individual editors, and the Editorial Board.

Non-Discrimination Policy

7 Mosque Receives Letters of Support Elizabeth Barrett 8 SMART Madness Brooke McNeal Profile 9 Living With Your Best Friend Claire Fluent Feature 12 A Month Dedicated Leeanne Mehring-Cruz 13 5 People Who Made A Difference Olivia Haefner Culture

It is the Torch’s policy not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (employment only), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socioeconomic status (students/program only) in its educational programs and its employment practices.

14 Homecoming Withdrawal Taylor Weiss

Ownership

16 Cougars Punch Their Ticket to The Well Tyler Blattner

The Torch publication, website, official social media, and broadcasts serve as a public forum produced by the students in Journalism-Newspaper. Student editors make content decisions consistent with the Torch Editorial Policy, Iowa Law, and ethics of journalism.

16 Freshman on Fire Anafer Millsap

15 Frankenstein Makes His Way to the Stage Jenna Anderson 15 Kennedy’s Literary Magazine Rylee Hatfield Sports

17 Don’t Bust Your Bracket Tyler Blattner and Jake Corkery Photo 18 Prom Dresses Madeline Jamrok

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Letter from the Editor Spring is right around the corner, and with it comes a renewed sense of freedom and liberty. Springtime often marks the rejuvenation of hope and the beginning of life. From the beginning of a new sports season to the continuation of close-knit friendships to the preparation of life after this school year and beyond the halls of Kennedy, springtime marks the bold resurgence of ambition and anticipation.

So here’s to closing out the school year on a positive note, here’s to the bright moments that this spring and summer will bring, but most of all, here’s to staying engaged for these last three months, and here’s to anxiously looking forward to the next chapter of your life.

Springtime is the time for exciting new beginnings and lively hope. We have an opportunity to better ourselves as a school and as a community.

someone who needs it. Use this spring as an opportunity to better yourself and those around you. Use this spring as a chance to show Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the world what it means to be a Kennedy Cougar.

During this spring of ’17, leave your mark. Push yourself to the limit academically, athletically, and personally. From the classroom to the sports field, embrace ambition. Spring is right around the corner, and with it bountiful opportunities to spread hope and cheer and happiness throughout the community.

Be a blessing in the life of another during this beautiful spring season, and most of all, enjoy yourself. Beautiful weather and even more beautiful moments are here, so let’s cherish it, Kennedy.

Use this spring as a chance to be a positive impact in the life of

Staff Editorial

As the year starts to come to a close and seniors look back on their memories at Kennedy, we, as editors, would like to give a thank you to some teachers that we have had that made high school enjoyable by going the extra mile.

5.) Stephens’ Fizzlympics

6.) Haynes-Moore’s Pizza on Send In Nights 7.) Melone’s Food Friday’s

Thank you for creating these things that make us want to come to school:

8.) Ferrante’s Monopoly

1.) Waldschmidt Wednesday’s

9.) Howard’s Breakfast Club

2.) Benedict’s Circle of Friends

10.) Grady’s Ping Pong Table

3.) Frivolous Fridays

Thank you to all of the teachers at Kennedy and elsewhere who endlessly pursue to better their students’ lives. We appreciate all of you and everything you do for us.

4.) Mallicoat’s Christmas Quiz

Approved by 9/9 Members of the Editorial Board

Torch Staff Nathan Sheeley Editor-in Chief

Brooke McNeal News Editor

Jake Corkery Sports Editor

Taylor Weiss Culture Editor

Olivia Haefner Feature Editor

Jenna Anderson Opinion Editor

Anna Reinhart Profile Editor

Madeline Jamrok Photo Editor

Elizabeth Barrett Media Manager

Darby Herridge Writer Anafer Millsap Writer

Tyler Blattner Writer

Olivia Bowden Writer

Claire Fluent Writer

Rylee Hatfield Writer

Kayla Jacobsen Writer

Madylin Kircher Writer Leeanne Mehring-Cruz Writer

Elizabeth Dennis Writer

Dr. Stacy Haynes-Moore Adviser

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Opinion

American Boy Doll It's a pretty big deal.

American Girl has been around since 1986, after creator Pleasant Rowland visited colonial Williamsburg and struggled to find a doll for her nieces.

Since then, the American Girl company has been sold to Mattel, and have received the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award eight times.

But this is bigger.

Just a few weeks ago, the company announced the release of a new American Girl boy doll.

Yes, you read that right. After 31 years of doll-making, the company is premiering its first ever full size boy doll, named Logan Everett.

He is the drummer in Tenney Grant’s (a new singersongwriter doll the company just premiered) band.

“I think both little boys and girls will be interested. For girls it is the same concept as Barbie and Ken, now their American Girl doll can have an American boy doll to play with,” says Claire Phelps, sr. “For boys it should be the same concept as it is for girls, that children naturally would be interested in a toy that looks like them.”

As a former American Girl fanatic, I can attest to the impact that this company had on my childhood. I would bring my doll everywhere, change her clothes on the daily. Between my sister and I, there were five dolls, countless outfits, and even a couple American Girl pets. But it wasn’t the dolls

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that made a difference in my childhood as much as the stories they told, what they represented.

Each American Girl doll comes with a backstory, some life story that shows them overcoming a struggle. When American Girl first premiered, their massive popularity was based around the historical basis for their dolls, and the significance that came with introducing children to history at a young age. Logan is featured as a character in Tenney Grant’s book, but, as is typically the case, as a doll becomes more popular the stories are extended, meaning a full Logan book is not out of the question in the future.

Even looking at reviews on the American Girl products, the doll has received many positive comments, with multiple reviewers already commenting on how much both their daughters and sons really love the doll. The addition of a new gender seems to be a step in the right direction for American Girl to increase representation in their product line.

“I think it’s cool that they realized that there is this whole other side of things,” said Kourtney Holzer, sr.

“They figured out that they were neglecting another huge part of the industry. It really shows kids that you can have a doll, that it doesn’t matter.”

Elizabeth Barrett

My Body, My Choice I have the right to make my own decisions, and so does everyone else. Why is it that there is no controversy until I am making a decision about my own body.

If you say you are pro-life, then you need to be pro every single life, and that includes the refugees trying to get into our country.

I completely respect you if you think that abortions are wrong due to religious beliefs or political party affiliation. But I do not understand why you can’t let women around you who contradict your beliefs make their own decisions.

The Personhood Bill halfway through Iowa legislature should be stopped. It makes it so life will be protected from the moment of conception and will have the same rights and protections that are guaranteed to all persons. This will have consequences.

The bill may limit the most effective types of birth control for women.

Putting the child up for adoption isn’t always a good idea. The odds of a child having a forever home are limited due to over 100,000 children waiting to be adopted.

After being raped, a woman may not want to have that child, even if she does have the baby, maybe she doesn’t want him/her to be tossed around foster care until they are 18.

If you don’t want an abortion, then don’t get one. But do not tell a woman whose best option may be abortion that she cannot have one because of what you think.

Anna Reinhart

Protecting Transgenders On Feb. 22, the Trump administration repealed Obama’s law that permitted transgender students to use the bathroom that corresponded to their gender identity.

The way Obama ruled was an interpretation of Title IX, a law that federally prevented school discrimination between sex, to then prevent discrimination on account of gender identity.

Now that this law is no longer federally regulated, it is left up to state governments to determine where they want to mandate transgender people use the bathroom.

In my opinion, people should be allowed to use the bathroom that corresponds with the gender they identify with.

One argument I’ve heard countless times is that men could sub sequentially hide behind the transgender ruling. Couldn’t a man creep into a bathroom, and assault a woman even without the law allowing people to use the restroom they identify with?

To me that idea is ridiculous. If someone really wants to assault another person, they are going to do it with or without a law to “hide behind.”

Removing a person’s right to use the bathroom they desire goes beyond violating human rights, it affects them psychologically and physically.

For example, a Georgia State University found a connection between revoked access to bathrooms and suicide attempts.

During a study that lasted 34 days in 2015 over 27,715 transgender people conducted by the National Center for Transgender Equality found appalling stats; 59 percent had avoided using a public restroom in the past year, 32 percent had avoided eating or drinking to prevent having to use the restroom and 9 percent had been denied access all together.

While those numbers may seem small that means that approximately 2,497 people out of those surveyed had been refused the simple act of going to the restroom.

To help us visualize, imagine everyone at school plus about 600 people and that is how many people are at an increased suicide risk just out of those surveyed.

One thing that I strongly believe is that people do not have to agree with another person’s way of life to cohabit with them.

While I am a strong ally with the LGBTQ+ community, some people may not be. Even if you are not familiar with, or accepting of the community I just ask that you are respectful, and grant them basic human rights.

Mady Kircher

Pages by Jenna Anderson | 5

News

For Better or For Worse “Teachers’ working conditions are students’ learning conditions. Teachers under increased stress may not be able to fully meet the needs of the overfull classroom,” Syndy Richey said.

Richey is the scholarship coordinator at Kennedy. She is also one of Kennedy’s building representatives, a member of the CREA executive board, and has been in the teachers union for all eight years that she has been in the CRCSD. For better or for worse, America, its policies and overall morale may experience drastic changes with America’s new administration. The Department of Education is not immune to changes after the appointment of Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education.

and has served on the committee in the past. “[Teachers Unions] support teachers and its goal is to make sure students and teachers have the best circumstances possible,” Lindo said, “If there is a downside, it is public perception of unions and not everybody belongs to them but everyone benefits.”

The Cedar Rapids Community School District went into an agreement for next year teachers salaries a few days before the bill was signed, so HF 291 will not

Branstad signed the 1.11 percent increase to the Iowa Education Budget following the budgets cuts from last year, but many feel it is not enough. Branstad publicly expressed interest in a 2 percent increase and Democratic leaders advocated for a 4 percent increase.

“Our associations have worked hard and we have worked with them to put together a package that will allow us to maintain all of our positions in the district going forward next year,” Buck said.

Buck says if the proposed 2 percent increase happened teachers would receive packages in line with inflation. Had we received four percent, “It allows us to dream about things we would like to do for our students and really innovate,” Buck said.

“The right to have a legal voice about working conditions and advocating for students and families has been muted.”

In Iowa school districts, on the forefront of educational change is collective bargaining which is how teachers negotiate salary and benefits. This has been reformed under House File 291.

Also Gov. Terry Branstad signed a 1.11 percent increase to the education budget in Iowa and a school choice ESA system is being considered at the federal and state level.

“For teachers at Kennedy and across the Cedar Rapids Community School District, much of the impact of the new law remains to be seen,” Richey said.

Collective bargaining is a law that has been around for 43 years in Iowa. It affects the way teachers unions are able to negotiate wages/benefits and provides job stability for teachers. Those who support HF 291 feel the previous law is outdated, doesn’t provide flexibility to public employees, and isn’t fair to taxpayers.

Language Arts teacher Cheryl Lindo has been in the teachers union for 29 years

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have an immediate impact.

CRCSD Superintendent Brad Buck talked about these changes with the Torch.

“Some of the concerns I have heard informally are concerns about teachers losing their lunch periods for example. I understand their concern because there is a lot of unknown,” Buck said. “Some of the details on how we work together may be impacted by legislation but that won’t change our orientation which is; we want to work with staff.”

Richey opposes HF 291 and feels it falsely implies the majority of the law will remain with few changes.

“All that is left is the law making it illegal for public sector workers in Iowa to exercise their right to strike,” Richey said. “The right to have a legal voice about working conditions and advocating for students and families has been muted.”

Another primary change in Iowa, could be legislators’ anticipated proposal of a bill that would implement Educations Savings Accounts. ESA’s would allocate a certain amount of money per student and the student would have the ability to take that money to the school of their choice, including private schools. The goal of ESA/school choice is to increase competition in schooling and allow each student to have access to the best schools. For public schools, that could mean losing funding.

“I already think competition exists. We are comparing our schools and our kids to see how prepared they are,” math teacher Bret Hoyer said. “It’s not a fair comparison to compare us to a private school.”

News

He argues private schools don’t have the same requirements such as IEP and mainstream special education students. If the bill is passed by state legislation, the district will not have an option to continue the current enrollment process.

“If we are going to do school choice, I can respect that and get into the conversation if necessary,” Buck said. “I just want it on a level playing field.

As long as we are on the same playing field, we are ready to compete and I think we will hold up pretty well.”

Jake Corkery

Mosque Receives Letters of Support The Mother Mosque of America. Construction was completed in February of 1934, and it acts as a historical and architectural reminder of the diversity that our nation was founded upon. It is the longest standing mosque in existence in North America, and it’s located right here in Cedar Rapids, IA. The Mother Mosque may be the oldest mosque in North America, but it’s not the most used one. Due to its small size, the Mother Mosque cannot fit the needs of the community, thus a larger mosque was built: The Islamic Center. The Islamic Center acts as not just a place for prayer, but also as a community center, hosting potlucks, providing childcare services, and acting as a general meeting space for those directly and indirectly involved with the community.

In an show of community, Cedar Rapids locals sent letters of love and acceptance

Substitute teacher and mother of two stands on the steps of the Iowa Capitol opposing changes. Photo and photo caption courtesy of Kelsey Kremer, Des Moines Register.

n an integral nity has bee u m m co r u and we ap“We know yo r a long time, ld and new, fo s id ap R part of Cedar bers, both o ifts your mem ant you to know we g e th e at ci pre We w community. cult times, bring to our gh these diffi u ro th u yo h it u.” - People’s will stand w can to aid yo e w at h w o d and we will salist arian Univer Church Unit

to the Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids.

“I loved all of the letters but the one that really got me was one that came from a prison. The guy had converted in prison and was asking our Imam for guidance at a hard time,” said Afnan Elshiekh, a Kennedy senior who practices Islam at the Cedar Rapids Islamic center where the letters were sent. “It got to me because he asked similar questions to what was going on in my head. It assured me of the allies I have.”

“I came h with m ere to bring fl y eight o month wers baby b ecause old it is ne early to ver t right a each him wha too nd t know t what is not. is hat no P lease ta are hat eful an ll Americans d ignor family ant kn teache ows your reli . My s love a gion nd c for all.”

-Cedar ompassion R apids local.

The letters were sent in from individuals and organizations alike, some signed with a single signature, some sent anonymously, and some even boasting Flowers and cards are showcased. Photo by a full roster of names signed across the Elizabeth Barrett card.

Elizabeth Barrett Pages by Brooke McNeal | 7

News

SMART Madness

Will Smart Lunch make a comeback? Or will it be benched?

Last fall, SMART lunch was taken away from students and replaced with an alternative, SMART time, due to the lack of space and cold weather causing the patio to close meaning even less space for students. Unlike SMART lunch, which is a 60-minute time period between 4th and 5th hour for students to get help from teachers, participate in intramural, etc., SMART time is a 30-minute time period after 2nd hour that is meant to replicate a study hall.

When SMART lunch was replaced with SMART time, Jason Kline, principal at Kennedy High School, notified parents via e-mail about the change and also mentioned that this change was temporary. Now, students are wondering when it will be reversed.

“I want SMART lunch to come back because with the extra 30 minutes, students have more time to make up work, tests, more time to do homework and eat. Instead if just working on one class we can actually get help from multiple teachers with the full hour,” Tea Barrett, sr., said.

This change has affected students who are in extracurricular activities and utilized SMART lunch as a crunch to getting homework done before their activities.

“It’s a pain to do homework during soccer season at home and have enough time to actually finish it all and last year, SMART lunch helped with that. This year we won’t have that advantage during the season and I think this will affect how much homework I get done,” Caleb Christiansen, jr., said.

The verdict has not been set and stone yet though.

“I don’t know if SMART lunch will come back. I met with my staff and a large amount of them want to keep SMART time, but I also understand that a large amount of students want the opposite. I am trying to find a balance between those who want to use SMART lunch for academic purposes and those who want to use it as an hour lunch,” Kline said.

As for now, Kline has talked to the food department and they are allowing students to use the night office to work on school work during lunch.

As for now, though, SMART lunch may sit out until next season.

“That’s why they pay me, to make decisions, and I will,” Kline said.

“We have seen an overwhelming improvement in tutorial attendance (with the addition of SMART time), and also in the work ethic of those who would go to the cafeteria and not get any work done,” Principal, Jason Kline, said.

Even if SMART lunch does return, it will not be until late March or when the patio can be consistently open to create more space for students.

Since SMART time has only existed for half of a semester, it is hard to determine whether is has affected grades. Kline did mention that grades had improved when SMART lunch was introduced.

8 | Page by Brooke McNeal

BROOKE McNeal

Living with your Best Friend: Ana Vilanova and Kendal Runels Foreign exchange student Ana Villanova enjoying a refreshment. Vilanova is enjoying her time in the United States and has grown close with her host family. Photo courtesy of Kendal Runels.

“I’m loving it here,” Ana Vilanova, so., said. “The first month is hard because the culture is different but once you get settled down everything is much better.”

in January, Vilanova was going to have to switch host families and move schools until one of her friends at Kennedy offered to take her in.

Sophomore Kendal Runels always wanted a foreign exchange Coming from Spain, Vilanova has been a foreign exchange stustudent and didn’t want Ana to have to move schools. dent at Kennedy for six months now. Between switching host families and not seeing her own family for almost half a year she “I’m really glad we decided to host. She fits has had some difficulties, but that in perfectly with our family,” Runels said. hasn’t stopped her from having one of the best trips of her life.

“The best thing about having Vilanova has been with the Runels fama foreign exchange student is ily for almost two months now. She will “My favorite part about living that you get to learn new things here is the people,” Vilanova said. about their culture and how they be staying with them until the end of the school year when she has to go back to “You get to know so many people live,” Runels said, “She has helped Spain. from different cultures and counme become a better person and it’s tries and I think it’s interesting.” like living with your best friend.” “The best thing about having a foreign exchange student is that you get to learn new Vilanova is fluent in Spanish and English and is currently taking French 1 at Kennedy. She partici- things about their culture and how they live,” Runels said. “She has helped me become a better person and it’s like living with pated in basketball and will be participating in golf this Spring. your best friend.”

“American schools provide so many sports and activities and Claire Fluent everyone is involved in those. In Spain, you have to go to clubs outside of the school to participate in anything,” Vilanova said.

Due to an unfortunate circumstance with her original host family

Page by Anna Reinhart | 9

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Pages by Elizabeth Barrett | 11

Feature

A month dedicated Each year Black History Month is celebrated throughout the entire month of February. During this month African American history is remembered and recognized.

“As a white woman, I don’t have the cultural passion to the month celebrating the accomplishments of African American trendsetters,” Language arts teacher Miranda Arends said, “But I do get the chance to take some time to focus on the literary achievements of those individuals who should be celebrated.”

At Kennedy High School it is important for literature classes to learn about the many African American authors and poets that students have read and discuss in class.

Black History Month is the only month that is dedicated to a specific race.

“We shouldn’t have separate months to celebrate different cultures, but celebrate everyone year round, without separating into groups,” Arends said. “I know that probably won’t happen. I guess by having the month, it helps all of us to focus on certain things a bit at a time so that we can truly engage and take away something from it.”

“Black History Month is about remembering what African Americans have done for me to get here,” Paige Browning, sr., said.

“In U.S. Humanities, we read Free at Last, a compilation of stories, poems, speeches, and interviews recounting the events of the civil rights movement,” Arends said.

Teachers like Arends hope that students take away an appreciation for all types of literature and writing.

“It is important for my classes such as history and language arts to educate students about Black History because I grew up in a white home and didn’t necessarily learn about my culture and things that make you “Black,” Paige Browning sr., said.

Some people think Black History should be celebrated year-round as well.

“It is important for Black History to be celebrated year round and not the shortest month of the year,” Browning said.

Although, there are some benefits of Black History Month being in February.

“Students are in school and teachers have the opportunity to expose those students to Black History information,” Arends said.

People have their own views on what Black History Month means to them.

“Black History Month is about remembering what African Americans have done for me to get here,” Browning said.

Leeanne Mehring-Cruz

I was raised to believe excellence is the best deterrent to racism or sexism. And that’s how I operate my life.

- Oprah Winfrey 12 |

Did You Know?

Five Notable Achievements The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) celebrated it’s 100th Anniversary in 2009.

In 1992, Dr. Mae Jemison became the first African-American woman to go to space, aboard the space shuttle Endeavor.

In 1940, Hattie McDaniel became the first African American to win an Academy Award.

In 1921, Bessie Coleman became the first licensed African American pilot.

In 1923, the first African-American baseball team, The Renaissance, was organized.

Pages by Olivia Haefner | 13

Culture

Having Homecoming Withdrawals?

Don’t worry because WPA is here!

Ladies, it’s time for you to get creative and ask the guys to the WPA dance because it is coming up soon.

go with a group to take pictures, go to dinner, and eventually make their way to the dance.

Women Pay All is a dance that Kennedy High School holds every year in March, known as WPA. It will be held on March 24, same as last year, and will be in the west gym.

Valerie Vanek and her boyfriend, Cade Schoenauer both seniors have also gone all three years and will make an appearance this year as well.

The dance gives the girls a chance to take on the lead for the night. They do the asking, paying, and everything a boy would typically do for Homecoming.

“I really like getting together with friends and going to the dance”, Valerie Vanek, sr., said. “It is a lot fun at the dance and I’m looking forward to go my last year.”

Many students enjoy this dance for different reasons.

This dance has been at Kennedy for a long time. It seems to be a memorable thing for the students.

“I really like getting dressed up and going to dinner with my boyfriend and friends.”, Jazmine Loomis, sr., said. “Homecoming is always so fun, it gives us an excuse to have another great night.”

WPA is very similar to the homecoming dance. Couples usually

“I’m sad that is will be last year attending WPA but I’m happy to be spending it with my best friends,” Destiny Cottrell, sr., said.

This dance is something you don’t want to miss so don’t forget to get your ideas rolling because it’s coming sooner than later.

Taylor Weiss

Jazmine Loomis, sr. and Jackson Middlekauf, sr., have gone to the WPA dance together all three years and are continuing to do so their senior year. Photo provided by Jazmine Loomis.

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Valerie Hatfield, sr. and Cade Schoenauer, sr., will be going to WPA together along with a few other couples. Photo provided by Valerie Vanek.

Destiny Cottrell, sr. and Payton McCarty, sr., will be attending the WPA dance together along with their closest friends.

Photo Provided by Destiny Cottrell.

Frankenstein makes his way to the stage As the start of a new season arises, hard work begins on Kennedy’s 2017 spring musical.

“This year’s musical is called Young Frankenstein. It’s a comedic twist on the classic ‘Frankenstein’ tale,” Kennedy Wilson, jr., said.

Monster, Ziggy, Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein, and the Hermit.

“There’s about 50 people in the whole cast, not including the tech crew and band,” Wilson said.

Aside from the main cast there is the ensemble, which consists of approximately 30 various roles.

The musical originates from the horror/ comedy film “Young Frankenstein” directed by Mel Brooks in 1974.

“We practice almost every day after school and a lot of us come in on weekends to help build the set. Those with lines work on practicing memorization,” Schulte said.

“The musical is about the grandson of Victor Von Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein, and his journey to Transylvania where he finally embraces his family heritage and creates a monster of his own,” Julia Schulte, so., said.

As show time gets closer and closer, practices increase in length and full “run-throughs” of the entire performance are done to perfect the show.

Kyle Huber, sr., Moira Green, sr., Brandon As the film gained more positive reviews, Koch, sr., and Michael Shea, sr., stop for a “I think this musical is definitely going to “Young Frankenstein” became a Broadway quick picture while practicing for the spring be lighter and happier than some in the musical in November of 2007. Language musical. Photo by Elizabeth Barrett. past, but it will still be a blast, as always, arts teacher Mr. Tolly, and science teacher for the audience and performers,” Wilson said.

Mr. Hayes, worked together to select this popular musical.

“I think this musical will be just as funny and enjoyable as all those in the past, if not more since it’s almost pure comedy,” Schulte said.

The main cast consists of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, Igor, Elizabeth Benning, Inga, Frau Blucher, Inspector Hans Kemp, the

Even though it is a light-hearted comedy, “Young Frankenstein” conveys a beneficial message to the audience.

Don’t miss the performances at 7 p.m. on April 20th, 21st, 22nd and the preview during school hours on April 18th.

Kennedy’s Literary Magazine Accepting YOUR Work “The plain brown wrapper is a student produced literary magazine, it is published every spring, it features artwork, fiction, non-fiction, and poetry by Kennedy’ students and staff,” Leah Howard said.

Howard is the adviser of PBW as well as teaching LA 10, AP Literature, and reading workshop at Kennedy.

“I started advising the literary magazine as a student teacher in the spring of 2005. When I got my job here at Kennedy the next fall, I took over advising PBW,” Howard said.

Jenna Anderson

magazine have that sense of pride that people appreciate their work,” Howard said.

To submit your work you need a green form which can be found in any Language Arts room or the middle IMC. Also, you can email your submission forms to pbwsubmissions@ gmail.com. If you choose to email your form, you “It gives people the still need to fill out a copy to put it in a submission opportunity to submit box with your work. The boxes can be found in something that they Language Arts rooms and the middle IMC as well.

want to be known for.” fr., Shyanne Howe said.

There is a class which meets every other day for 8th period. The class is a small group which consists of members who discuss work that is submitted. They talk about what they like and what could be improved about the piece, then look over the submissions and then vote anonymously.

“I think this helps students because those published in the

The deadline for this years submissions is April 7th.

“It gives people the opportunity to submit something that they want to be known for,” fr., Shyanne Howe said.

Howard believes that being on staff has benefits. “It helps with literary analysis skills and being able to participate in a discussion, it helps them with their own writing because we talk a lot about what is good writing,” Howard said.

Rylee atfield

Pages by Taylor Weiss | 15

Sports

Cougars Punch Their Ticket to the Well

On Thursday, February 16 in a crowded Wells Fargo Arena the Iowa State Wrestling tournament was ready for the stage to be set. With wrestlers from all over the state, Kennedy High School was fortunate it to have sent four wrestlers to the tournament including Ben Sarasin jr., Garrett Kubovec sr., Sam Pape sr., and Cam Shaver jr.

Sarasin and Kubovec were the only wrestlers from Kennedy to make the podium. Sarasin placed 3rd and Kubovec placed 5th in their weight classes.

“Wrestling at state is always a really cool experience. It’s a lot different from a normal tournament considering how many people are in the stands watching you,” Kubovec said.

This was Kubovec’s second and final time qualifying for state, finishing his Kennedy career at The Well.

“I’m happy with the outcome to a certain degree. I really wanted to be able to come away with a state title, but I can’t be disappointed with where I ended up,” Kubovec said.

“This year, a lot of my success was due to having good practice partners and the coaches always pushing me,” Kubovec said.

“Also with knowing it was my last year in high school I wanted to finish a strong career.”

Kubovec hasn’t decided if he wants to wrestle or play football after high school but he is currently being recruited for both. Sarasin is undecided on his college plans but he wants to wrestle.

Garrett Kubovec takes control of his opponent in a home match. Photo provided by Jaelynn Hauschild.

Kubovec and Sarasin were partners at practice which allowed them both to be successful. Sarasin has qualified for state every year he has been in high school.

“Wrestling at the state tournament is always a really cool experience. This is my third year now wrestling at Wells Fargo Arena and stepping out on the mats there still gives me goose bumps,” Sarasin said. “My goal remains the same for next season. If I continue to train hard I’ll certainly have a great chance for taking home a state title.”

Tyler Blattner

Freshman on Fire

“I was 7 years old, I was trying out for the Cedar Rapids Blue Devils and so I tried out as a pitcher and I wasn’t very good. But I loved it and so I started taking lessons and it took off from there,” Kaylin Kinney, fr., said.

Kinney recently committed to play softball for the University of Nebraska, despite receiving offers from Minnesota and Iowa State. “[Nebraska] felt more like home and the amount of support for the student athletes was incredible. Overall I just fell in love with the school,” Kinney said.

Some think that maybe it is too early to be committed but for Kinney it was the right choice and she doesn’t regret it.

“I don’t think I chose to early, and yes I do think I made the right decision,” Kinney said.

Kaylin Kinney bats at home in her first season as a Kennedy Cougar. Photo Provided by Matison Schwartzhoff.

Kinney says that Nebraska has a strong softball program and they have outstanding academics.

Her dad went to visit Nebraska with her and he loved the school just as much as she did. He was really impressed with what they had to offer.

“My family and friends have been so supportive and so excited about my decision. They all have been a huge part in my recruiting and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them,” Kinney said.

“The night I told my family that I wanted to be a cornhusker he went online and bought a bunch of apparel for the family because he was so excited,” Kinney said.

She has had a lot of support from both her family and friends especially her dad.

Kinney is thinking of going into the medical field but is still not completely sure of it.

Anafer Millsap

16 |

Don’t Bust Your Bracket

Tips and fun facts so you don’t bust your bracket The lowest seed to ever win the tournament was #8 Villanova in 1985.

vs.

A 16 seed has never beaten a 1 seed.

“I use complex algorithms to figure out which teams have the best chances of winning.” Clayton Debrower so.

“I make Iowa go all the way.”

Branden knight so.

I fill out two brackets one for what I want to happen and then the second one I go by go by ranks and who I think is going to win and like probability and stuff.” Laura nus so.

In 2008 for the first and only time, all four number one seeds advanced to the final four.

“I usually pick the higher ranked teams and throw some good upsets in there,” Ashley Hamilton Sr.

“I try to find teams I think can pull off an upset and I take Wisconsin all the way just for fun.” Jacob Ciabatti, jr.

The odds of choosing a perfect March Madness bracket is 1 in 9.2 quintillion. Tyler Blattner and Jake Corkery

Pages by Jake Corkery| 17

Photo

“My mom got my dress for me when she was on a business trip in Maui. I wore it in 1999 and it was under $200.

Although it didn’t fit quite right, I still loved it,” Dana Melone, social studies teacher, said.

“Although this dress was my second choice, I loved the taffeta underskirt which was lined with colored ribbons.

My perfect, timeless prom dress was $35 and I wore it in the 1970s,” Kathy Ulch, associate principal’s secretary, said.

18 |

Prom Then...

“I chose this photo because it shows my gold shoes that I drove to Westdale Mall to buy. My mom made this dress and I wore it to prom in 1993,” Alison Gardner, world language teacher, said.

“I got my dress at Maurice’s. This dress caught my attention because the back of it had a butterfly with fabric flowing from it,” Jennifer Wagner, interventionist teacher, said.

“When I was in high school I worked at J.C. Penney. This dress flirted with me every evening while I sorted clothes.

I bought it for $90 and I wore it to Kennedy’s prom in 1999,” Christina Langton, language arts teacher, said.

“I wore this dress in 2004 at my high school prom. I got to go shopping with a couple of my girlfriends and ended up getting my dress at Dillard’s for $100,” Kristina Merritt, math teacher, said.

Dresses And Now...

“I got my dress at Hope’s for $560. I chose this one because it was unique with the V-line cut,’” Bailey Klinger, sr., said.

“I got my dress at Stacey’s in Des Moines. It is $490 and I chose this dress because I really liked the high low style,” Mackenzie Hill, sr., said.

“I got my dress from Dave and Johnny in New York for $350. My aunt lives in New Jersey and gave me the idea of looking at Dave and Johnny,” Kianna Franklin, sr., said.

“I got my dress at GLAM in Cedar Falls. After trying this dress on, I fell in love with the color and the style,” Raquel Green, sr., said.

“I got my dress for $200 at Hope’s.

This one was my favorite because the style was simple and classy,” Maddy Bagby, sr., said.

“My dress was bought for $750 at Peaches Boutique in Chicago. It was the first dress I tried on, and I fell in love with it,” Morgan Micheals, sr., said.

Pages by Madeline Jamrok | 19

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