May 2013 pdf

John F. Kennedy High School

Volume 46, Issue 9

May 22, 2013

Contents Editorial

Photo

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Seniors say goodbye Final farewell

the

The final graduate

News

A&E

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Ethnic delights Iron Man 3 review

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Fighting the allergens in the air

Cutting the budget

Profile 15

Health

Behind the scenes

Feature

Sports

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Taking off

Taking over the ice Cover by Tara Mittelberg

John F. Kennedy High School 4545 Wenig Rd. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Volume 46, Issue 9

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

It is the Torch 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.

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Ownership

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 the ethics of journalism.

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torch

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Time to bail Over the past four years, the current graduating Torch members will have collectively devoted thousands of hours towards the publication. Today, we pass the Torch to the next generation of editors and readers.

First, a message to the Torch staff: Last year, the Torch underwent tremendous changes. We switched to a magazine-style publication, added a website, and got a new adviser. After these changes were planted by the graduating class above us, it was our responsibility to nurture them.

Over the past year, we think these changes have had the opportunity to flourish. We’ve upped the number of issues we publish, changed our website layout, and introduced many young staffmembers to the worlds of photography and graphic design.

However, we think there’s still infinite room for growth. Next year we encourage the Torch staff to make the Torch bloom with vibrancy that it’s never seen before. Take risks. Discover stories.

Photo by Hanna Krivit

Have a blast. However, we also urge you to not ignore Torch’s traditions. Although you will be faced with a shrinking budget and new principal, we hope you maintain Torch’s tradition of creating a high-quality journalistic publication.

Second, a message to our readers: You are the reason we flourish. Without your readership, feedback, and stories, the Torch would never succeed. We are incredibly grateful for both your praise and criticism, for both help us create a better publication.

We hope you continue to be engaged in the Torch.

Lastly, a message to Dr. Wilcynski: Thank you so much for your unyielding support for the Torch. We are made better by your enthusiasm, acceptance, and willingness to always pop by the Torch room for an interview. We hope you enjoy this one last issue.

Torch Seniors 2013

Lifelong friendships All of the members of the Best Buddies club at Kennedy have inspired me in so many ways. I have learned that there is no such thing as a disability. The only disability a person can have is when they hold themselves back from accomplishing your dreams. Whenever I had found myself having a bad day I would visit room 51c knowing that there would be ten smiling faces waiting to tell me about their day.

I have had the opportunity to watch our class grow even more accepting of students at our school living with any type of intellectual disability. Just a few weeks ago you made a fellow classmate’s dreams come true by electing her prom queen. And over the years I have personally seen many of you support the greatest high school mascot that ever lived, Kenny the cougar, who has also been my Best Buddy for the past two years as well as my lifetime friend since kindergarten.

I owe a special thanks to Mary Gibney for giving me the opportunity to be involved with her students that she has had over the years. The amount of compassion she

has towards her students and upholding the mission of Best Buddies is truly amazing. I also want to thank Mrs. Walsh who gave me the opportunity to help out in the special education art class and for always being there for me when I needed a hug.

And most importantly I want to give a special thank you to wonderful buddies I have had the pleasure of getting to know: Dylan, Aaron, Ann, Bryan, Catherine, Harrison, Jenna, Stephanie, Ted, Trystan, and Zach.

Part of me is the typical high school senior that wants to get out of high school and Iowa in order to move on to bigger and better things. Don’t get me wrong; I am super excited to move on to see what else life has to offer but it comes at the cost of leaving behind so many great people that have inspired me in countless ways.

As a senior I suppose I should be bursting full of wisdom to pass down to those of you that are underclassmen. What you do with your life is your own choice, be open to trying knew things ad getting to know knew people. But most importantly, be re-

spectful to everyone you come across, we all have different abilities and when you help others to discover them you will find yourself inspired everyday by those who set out to accomplish anything they wish.

Darcey Altschwager

Thank you to my peers

So this is it. The final editorial. The Out With A Bang. As I try to come up with my final words for Kennedy High School, two won’t leave my mind: thank you. Thank you to all who made the past four years incredible. Thanks to my teachers, my parents, my teammates, but most of all, thank you to my peers.

Through almost three years of Torch, I had the opportunity to speak with dozens of people I would have otherwise never met. Each person I interviewed opened my eyes to a life entirely unlike my own. I would like to tell the story of one particular interviewee whose words have affected me more

than any other conversation.

During my sophomore year I was assigned a mid-sized story, which involved speaking with several students about their perspective of a guest speaker. My editor instructed me to interview a girl whom I had never met.

When I pulled her out of class, she had a sucker hanging from her mouth and wore dark baggy pants. She looked nothing like my American Eagle-clad friends. Oh boy, I thought. Well, if this doesn’t work out I think we have a backup interviewee.

As she introduced herself, I was surprised by how eager she was to share her opinion.

And when she began answering my questions, I was even more astounded. Her thoughts were deep, detailed, and eloquent. Although I too had listened to the guest speaker, the girl I was interviewing showed me perspectives I hadn’t even considered.

When I asked what she had enjoyed most about the speaker, the girl said she was most inspired by the presenter’s message of tolerance.

“If somebody in this school wears a lot of black or is gay or something, you should accept them because they’re human, not ignore

the differences,” the girl said. “They’re still a human being and they deserve love.”

These words resonate to this day. This supposedly minor 15-minute interview altered my perspective about my peers and myself.

Now, when I’m confronted with an interview or an interaction with someone I don’t know, I strive to avoid preconceptions. Because of this, I have created connections with interviewees and with strangers that I never would have made before.

This is why I want to thank my peers, both those I’ve interviewed for Torch and those haven’t: your knowledge and insights made me the person I am today. Without your diverse perspectives, Kennedy wouldn’t have been the same. So I thank you, classmates, for letting me discover your stories.

Tara Mittelberg

Chamber of Secrets Through my four years at Kennedy High School, I’ve learned some pretty incredible things. Through the various classes I’ve taken at Kennedy (all 395 credits worth— lesson one: take the extra class, it’s worth the shiny medal) I’ve acquired some pivotal academic knowledge.

I can calculate things like the GDP number, properly cite my sources in a research paper, or say “where is the nearest bathroom” in Spanish. But after the past four years of my teachers taking the time to teach me each and everyday, I’ve decided that I would take this opportunity to give a lesson about the top 10 biggest secrets I’ve learned while at Kennedy.: 1. After drinking from the 40+ drinking fountains in the school, I’ve compiled some life changing information. The best three include the drinking fountain in the weight room, the band hallway, and the right side of the cafeteria.

Plan your drinking fountain habits accordingly.

2. According to the U.S News and World Reports for 2013, Kennedy is the best school in Iowa and 550th in the nation. I’ve already received 2014’s numbers; we’re number one all across the board.

3. Kennedy is widely-known for its great teachers. But the best teachers are the ones with strange but memorable idiosyncrasies. Such as a teacher who’ll can juggle teaching at Kennedy and still has time to star as Tony Stark in the latest Ironman movies, somebody who’ll stare

you down until you yell “price and quantity, price and quantity, P & Q,” or somebody with an uncontainable love for owls.

4. There are secret rooms (Chamber of Secrets) all over this place. I’ve hidden a map inside the school that leads you to each of the strange places I’ve discovered. Whoever finds the map wins.

May the odds ever be in your favour.

5. Get to know as many people here while you can, Kennedy has the most interesting and nicest people around. My high school career wouldn’t have been that same had I not got to meet the awesome people of Best Buddies or got to play Quidditch with kids just as strange as myself.

6. Kennedy has revealed a flaw in the spacetime continuum. Four years at Kennedy will fly by faster than anywhere in the world, appreciate and make the most out of each day.

7. Dr. Wilcynski is capable of magic powers.

She has the ability to teleport throughout the school and school-wide events whenever she pleases. The incredible impact that she has on the school can not be comprehended because it’s so large, no way could it be possible without the use of magic.

8. Stress is an incredible detriment to one’s academic success. So a personal day is okay every once in a while— as long as it’s filled with wandering the streets of Chicago through baseball games and parades with your quirky best friend and girlfriend (For those of you not fortunate to

get the reference, it is referring to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off).

9. Outkast, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Wu Tang Clan…Oh wait, this isn’t my top 10 list of favorite rap groups? Oops 10. Dress classy, be classy, stay classy. You may not think it, but dressing nicely helps keep the lazy thoughts off your mind, and it helps keep Kennedy the beautiful school it already is.

You stay classy Kennedy High School.

Take these secrets as my way of showing what Kennedy High School has truly meant to me, whether it’d be as my own personal manifesto to the underclassmen, or just another story scattered through the Torch. The impact that the school, the people I’ve met here, and serving on the Torch for the past four years will forever be a lasting one.

Mohammad Cheetany

Meeting people is necessary

Well, I must admit that for once words fail to come easily. This editorial is not an easy one to write, but I feel obligated to take the chance to write to the readers of this magazine. This is for you as much as it is for me. Without the people I’ve met, on both friendly and unfriendly terms, I don’t think that my mental sanity would have held up this long.

A lesson I’ve learned more than anything in my

time here, one that I would try to teach you, is that knowing and meeting people is necessary if you want to be anything more than an observer in life. I had problems doing this myself, and, regrettably, isolated myself for a long time before I realized the true value of knowing people. It is important to interact with all kinds of people; make friends, and learn from your enemies, if you have any.

Aside from interacting with people, it is important to use your time in high school to find what you want to achieve on the short term level. Find out who you are, what you want to be, what needs to be done to get there, and start doing it. That probably reads like the same rhetoric that you’ve heard from the administration and faculty at the school time and time again, and you would be right. It is similar. What is often lost in translation is that you can make mistakes. You aren’t living life in a vacuum, so you can expect opposition, adversity, and yes, your own mistakes. These have the ability to potentially flip the table on even

the best laid plans. So brace yourself, but take the risks and never stop moving forward.

To wrap this up, I would like to speak to some specific groups of people.

To the underclassmen, I urge you to stay in school, it helps whether you realize it or not.

You are stuck in a building for seven hours, surrounded by people your age; use that to your advantage. Your future will thank you.

To the kitchen and custodial staff, Thanks for doing what you do, it is appreciated. You people are truly unsung heroes in the operation of the school.

To the teaching staff, never forget why you started teaching, it makes your job more important to you, which helps you teach us better. Also, I owe you thanks for seeing this class through to the end.

Here’s looking at you, guys.

From a proud poet, a cynical journalist, a tenacious wrestler, a faithful student, and an all-around humble kid.

Zack Goodall

Life without David Well guys, as a wise monk once told me, all good things must come to an end. My senior year is coming to a close, and that means I will be leaving the halls of Kennedy for good. I know, I know… it’s a crushing blow. And believe me, I’m well aware that I mean a lot to the vast majority of students at Kennedy, and that it makes it that much harder to leave, but regretfully, you all will have to learn to live without me. I know it’s hard to believe, but there is life after David, and it does get better!

Yes the first few weeks will no doubt be filled with denial, which is the first of the five stages of loss you will endure. And yes, that may include a heavy amount of crying, hysterical fits of laughter, a brief stint in solitary, and in rare cases, temporary amnesia. However, there will be a day where you find yourself sitting on your couch, still wearing the same set of sweats from a week earlier, and as you make your way through your third carton of ice cream that day, you’ll stop acting crazy and instead ask yourselves “why is he doing this to me!?!?!” And then you will arrive at the second stage of grief, anger. Now as you can imagine, this could be especially dan-

gerous for me, and so I’ll just let you kick all the puppies you need, and arm myself with an elephant trunk for that one.

And so, skipping the part where you decide to hold people hostage, and are put on trial for any number of things that range from arson to larceny and everything in between (I don’t know what crazy stuff you people will come up with), you will find yourself arriving at the light at the end of the tunnel, and emerging a completely me-free person. It’s going to be a hard road, I’m aware of that. I mean, I know I could never do what you people are about to do. But trust me; after you freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are able to finally get over the fact that the best class of students to ever come through Kennedy is leaving (hopefully by the beginning of next year), the senior class will have already faded away, and all of us will be off saving the world in one way or another while you are left to try and rival the mark made on this place by the senior class of 2013.

So even though my fellow seniors and I were super freaking awesome and it seems impossible to do what I’m about to ask,

I’m making a challenge to each and every non-senior at Kennedy right now. Be better than us, and leave this crazy place that has been my home away from home for the last four years a better place than when you found it. Make a real difference, make a lot of friends, create a lasting impression, and be the reason why everyone is morbidly sad when it’s finally your turn to say bon voyage and leave the halls of Kennedy. Do these things and you will get all there is to get out of your remaining years of high school. Oh and I almost forgot. Don’t kill the freshmen next year. They actually turn out to be pretty cool people when they grow up.

David Hynek

Goodbye America

Dear Kennedy’s readers, I wrote this editorial to give you an overview of my experience this year. When I decided to come in America, I had four goals: to improve my English, to discover a new school system and a new culture, and to meet some people from all over the globe, and especially make new friends for life.

First of all you arrive in a country you don’t know at all, except by the widely spread stereotype, this might seem scary but differences make you enjoy every single thing you experience. I remember

being downtown Cedar Rapids, looking at those huge fields, and loving it while all of your criticize as boredom. This experience also taught me to appreciate what I have in Belgium, gave me a perspective that helped me to regard the world with new glasses, and to just extract the positive of anything.

I met people, all very different from Belgian people; they regard things by a way you have never thought of. You call foreign students, exchange students and it’s maybe because we have those exchanges about so many basics questions, with answers that we both take for granted in our own country but once we speak together, we discover the diversity of human thinking!

Kennedy has athletic and artistic programs. I played football this year, a wonderful experience, the sport itself is so nice.

I wasn’t at all a good player; I had hardly ever touched this strangely shaped kind of ball. But I still loved it so much because I met a lot of people who are now good friends. I also played soccer, I was not an awesome European player, but I made a lot

of friends on the JV team and even if this time I didn’t experience a new sport, I experienced a new way to regard it!

During winter I did speech, and my Reader Theater team won all state! I wasn’t imagining that in my most crazy dreams!

The Judge saying “The banner goes to Kennedy high school” is a sentence that will remember forever! That was wonderful!

Being an exchange student is also a family experience, sharing dinners, spending time together. It’s why when you leave you feel like you have two places where you are at home! It’s awesome to be a little bit more familiar with this globe you live on, but I feel like my heart will be broken between two places I love, with people I love, it’s the hard part of my experience.

It’s why I want to thank the Heskjes, my host Family, my best friend Mohammad Cheetany, the Cedar Rapids community, everyone who supported me in Belgium, and PAX, exchange student organization, with a special mention to Jeff Schmatt who made this trip possible.

Arthur Piret

Be something special Words can’t describe my love/hate relationship with this school. High school in general is a chore. You walk through the doors as a freshman, your eyes trying to take in all the wonders of what growing up looks like. Then you go through the conforming phase. Everyone looks alike, dresses alike, and talks alike, before you realize how great individualism can be.

But by everyone trying to set themselves apart, they’re simply becoming more the same again.

I would say that it takes until senior year to really discover who you are. Your beliefs and dreams, and even then, there are years more that we are given to truly find out what we want out of life.

If I were to begin high school all over again, I would study more, laugh more, and try harder to cherish every minute. But I would also be a better Christian; someone who would stand up for her faith. I always wanted to be that person people pointed to and said, “See that girl? She’s something special!” But it took until now to see that

the “something special” I wanted my classmates to notice wasn’t anything I said or did, but God’s love and compassion that has been poured into my heart.

I don’t know if I have succeeded at this.

Like I said, it has taken me until this year to figure out what I believe as a Christian, but I do hope there’s something different in the way I live my life.

I just feel like if we are always living our lives to glorify ourselves, what purpose is there? Isn’t that what high school has become? A chance to brag on ourselves, at what we have done?

Don’t get me wrong, accomplishments are great. If you’re good at something, be good at it! But honoring God in my accomplishments has blessed me so much more than had I tried to be who everyone wanted me to be.

High school has taught me how to accept people who are different from me and to love them for who they are. It has also taught me that in the midst of all the trials this world throws at us, God is in control.

He created us all different, but He loves us all the same.

I am going to miss Kennedy High School, teachers and students alike. I am thankful every day for the opportunities I have been given here. May God bless you.

Grace King

Tips you need to know As the year draws to a close the excitement becomes almost unbearable. Not just because you are getting away from all of the drama but because you are moving on to bigger and better things. Knowing that I won’t see many of you again I feel like I should leave you with some tips: Tip #1 Take as many classes as possible and put forth effort. When it gets to be your senior year and you begin to slack off, your past grades will be ever so crucial for you to enter college. For all of you incoming seniors, senioritis is a true health defect so don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. To treat this ailment refer to number three.

Tip #2 Attend as many school events as possible. All school events are fun, cheap and you get a chance to hang out and support your friends.

Tip#3 Take a personal day every once in a while. School life gets hectic and to deal with it you may have to take off a day here and there. Don’t skip too much because you will have Mr. Goodlove nipping at

your heels about not being in class.

Tip #4 Take as many AP classes as you can. AP classes on a high school transcript always look good and they further your knowledge and allow you to do better in your regular classes because of your newly gained knowledge.

Tip #5 Although this is cliché enjoy the little things. Some of the “little things” that you experience will become some of your fondest memories and define your whole high school career.

Tip #6 Make as many friends as you can. Make lots of friends because you are bound to lose a few and although it’s sad, it’s the truth. Having many friends also allows for more opportunities to do things.

Tip #7 Park where you are supposed to park. One of the most annoying things is when underclassmen park in the south lot and force others to walk what seems to be miles or get a ticket for parking in another lot.

Tip #8 Keep graduation in your mind.

For all of you incoming seniors at times it will feel like the year is never going to end but it will, and much quicker than you think. Because your last year is so short enjoy it as much as you can.

I hope some of these work for you and that I see some of you in the future. If not, have fun and study hard.

Trevor Melsha

Senior Editorials

TAKE AP. You may have heard that once, or twice, maybe a thousand times from Dr. W. But that’s not all you’ve heard.

She probably knows your name. She probably has had a conversation with you about how things are going or encouraged you about taking AP, or in my case, not dropping several AP classes.

She enjoys telling us at every awards night or student assembly how we are at the top

Thank you Dr. W of such and such magazine and ranked higher than all other Iowan high schools.

(By the way, in case you hadn’t heard, Kennedy High School is Iowa’s best high school according to U.S News and World Report’s 2013 ranking of the nation’s top public high schools.) I suggest that a big reason for this success is due to her immense sacrifice, service, and dedication to our school. What will Kennedy be without her?

High school is what you make of it. Dr. W has made Kennedy an environment in which we truly have nearly unlimited potential to make our high school years outstanding. As much as Dr. W emphasizes the importance of being rigorously challenged academically, she also supports the arts, music, sports, and so many more extracurricular activities. She even supports students in some of their activities away from Kennedy

Her contagious enthusiasm for school spirit and making a difference is constant inspiration. She inspired me to truly believe that “one person can make a difference, and every person should try.” She has helped me gain a new perspective on how I view education, being a leader, and being able to truly make a difference.

The legacy Dr. W will leave on Kennedy High School will never be forgotten. Going to Kennedy High School has meant being a part of a community with the most caring and concerned Principal. When the torch is passed, it will be somewhat dimmer without her levelheaded encouragement and enthusiasm.

Dr. W – you are the one who’s made a difference and I thank you for that!

Rachel Langholz

Giving none at Kennedy High School

Today I and about 400 seniors will be leaving Kennedy forever. I never thought I would see the day where I would get to leave this school for good.

Kennedy has been a huge part of my life. Kennedy has opened my options up for college, allowed me to become an individual, and shown me a great

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time. Yes there have been negative moments in high school but overall it was a good life changing experience.

High school is a time for growing up and attempting to become a respectable adult prepared for the, soon to be, real world. Kennedy has specifically prepared me to overcome obstacles that most people will go through at some point. Kennedy gave me the opportunity to meet new people from different backgrounds and has educated me while doing so.

I would like to thank all of the teachers at Kennedy for giving me an opportunity to learn and grow as a person. It isn’t a surprise Kennedy ranked number one in Iowa for academics. The teachers have been passionate about their teaching and clearly do it well. I would also like to thank all of my friends for always being there.

As I look back, I wish I had taken better advantage of the great extracurricular

activities Kennedy offers. Underclassman should not only try hard academically but also participate in extracurricular activities. I would strongly suggest students expand their friend groups and go outside their comfort zones.

Kennedy did a great job of giving me an education and allowed me to create amazing friendships. Shout out to Matt Eveland, my second grade homie, Andrew Shannon, and Grant Miller.

SAM NORDSTROM

#nonegiven

Senior Editorials

Senior memories

Senior year draws to a close and I just ask myself, where has all the time gone? I can’t say I’m happy or sad that senior year is finally over. I’m glad that I get to move on to UNI next year with one of my best friends Chuck Baxter, but on the other hand I leave behind so many other great friends and a great school that I have called home for four year.

Kennedy High School as a whole though when

you really think about it is a great place to be. Such strong academics and a rich history in sports, what more could you want? The teachers, I have had some teachers that I adored, but there are other ones I wish I didn’t have, but looking back it wasn’t as bad as people can make it out to be. The people are really what make Kennedy what it is today.

Through four years there are really two main things that I will think of when I look back at high school. First I think of joining Torch as a scared little freshman not knowing what to expect (but loving every second of it) to moving up and being on editorial board my senior year. Second I think of all the great football memories. Freshman year all the running and conditioning we were forced to

do. Even senior year Derek Jacobus and I both having torn labrums and holding down the injured reserves all season. Though we both hated every second of it we had some pretty good times in the training room everyday from eating almost a whole bag of sunflower seeds between us in a day to getting yelled at for having ice fights. Oh, and to whoever drank our fruit punch, I hope you enjoyed the laxatives that got put in there once we found out someone was drinking it all.

Spencer Grekoff

Pages by Darcey Altschwager 9

Final farewell

“It has been such fun over the years to cheer on our athletic teams at thousands of contests, listened to incredible music and watched remarkable performances on our stage.”

-Dr. Mary Wilcynski.

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ennedy is an amazing school.

There is such a grand mixture of people who come to work at Kennedy every day. They hail from all over the country, stretching from the east coast to west, from Canada to the south.

While some of them are just beginning their careers, and others are veterans.

All of them are Cougars and they have several things in common and those common elements weave the patchwork of personalities together. They have chosen to work with you. They give their best effort every day and they want you to do the same.

They work hard to motivate you to do so. They are committed to making Kennedy a great school for you.

The students who attend Kennedy are remarkable as well. You take challenging classes and excel. You go beyond the mini-

mum requirements and earn recognitions. You participate in co-curricular activities, clubs and organizations and give your best effort. You care for others, who struggle in our community and in the world, and you do so with strong actions and real support.

It has been such fun over the years to cheer on our athletic teams at thousands of contests, listened to incredible music and watched remarkable performances on our stage. We’ve had hundreds of academic assemblies and pep assemblies and we have kept you supplied with lots of Kennedy t-shirts. We’ve planted nearly two hundred trees on the campus, updated the heating and cooling system, and updated facilities on campus.

We have also laughed together and cried together through these times.

We’ve attended funerals for classmates and family members together. We’ve helped each other out of some predicaments and we have caused some others.

Through it all we have remained connected to each other and to Kennedy.

It has been an honor to be a part of the Kennedy community for nearly seventeen years. Thank you so much for making our school the most rewarding place to work, the most rewarding place to have my own children attend, and the most rewarding place to be forever call my professional home.

While it is difficult to leave, it is also exciting to welcome new leadership and new ideas to our school. I will be interested on your academic successes, looking for the AP enrollment and exam numbers, and curious about our results on the Iowa Assessments. I look forward to being in the bleachers and the auditorium next year, side by side with you, cheering you on and being a part of the traditions you create as Cougars.

Forever a Cougar, Dr. W.

Editorial

A new face in the halls

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reetings from North Carolina!

To all of my new friends at Kennedy High School, I would love to send you a “hey y’all” from here in Charlotte. Of course, my southern accents not very strong, because I am originally from Ohio (Go Browns!) and have only lived in the south for nine years. As the hot, sticky southern summer months begin to descend upon us here, I could not be more excited to be coming to Cedar Rapids. And from what I hear, when you are going to work at a school in Cedar Rapids, Kennedy is the best.

As your new Principal, I wanted to share a little about my experiences and myself. I was born on the cold shores of Lake Erie in Cleveland, Ohio during the blizzard of 1978. This may explain why I love snow. We lived in Cleveland until I was thirteen and then we moved to Erie, Pennsylvania, a city about the same size as Cedar Rapids. In high school, I participated in no sports because I am about the most uncoordinated person you will ever meet. Instead, I was an academic competitor on my school’s speech and debate team, Academic Decathlon team, and Quiz

watched on TV last night. Don’t be Bowl team.

Throughout my childhood and ado- freaked out by this: I will likely try to lescence I knew I wanted to be a teach- strike up conversation with you. And I er, and that is what I went to college to love when students start conversations become. When I graduated, I took a po- with me.

Second, I am all about options for stusition teaching high school Social Studies and coaching debate at a Catholic dents. I have worked very hard to make school in Erie. I discovered very early Myers Park a more student-friendly on that I made the right decision: I love place and I plan to examine what can be teaching. During this time I earned my done to make the Kennedy experience Masters degree in School Administra- even better for students. We will look tion degree as well. In 2004, I moved at curricular options, extra-curricular, to Charlotte and started teaching at athletics and spirit activities that will Myers Park High School, a school of help keep Kennedy the premier choice about 2800 students. There I took over for high school education in both Cedar Rapids and the Advanced Placement and “I have worked very hard to make Myers in the state.

F i n a l l y, I n t e r n a t i o n a l Park a more student-friendly place and Baccalaureate I plan to examine what can be done to expect that I E c o n o m i c s make the Kennedy experience even bet- will be visible in the classes and ter for students.”

I became a -Jason Kline, future Kennedy Principal. school. hate sitting nationally in my office, recognized debate coach. More importantly, it was I love to visit classrooms and asking in Charlotte that my wife and I were you about what you are learning. I may blessed with three beautiful daughters. even quiz you! My goal is to become As everyone can guess, these three personally involved in every student’s girls are my world and motivate me to experience at Kennedy, whether it be do the work that I love. As I see things, in the classroom, on the field, or in an I value your education as much as I val- after-school activity.

I hope you all have a great summer ue theirs. When I make decisions about my school, I think: is this what I want and I will see you in the fall. for Peyton, Callie, and Tierney? When Sincerely, they are old enough, I hope that they Jason Kline will attend Kennedy.

So what can you expect from me as your new principal? First, I love to talk, it’s just what I do. So when you see me in the foyer, the hallways, the cafeteria, or anywhere, please stop by and chat with me. I want to know what›s going on with you, what tests you have today, what your weekend plans are, what you

PageS by Lydia Martin

11

News

CUTTING THE

BUDGET

graphic by Jordan Lunsford

Kennedy High School to eliminate four positions due to $4.2 million district budget reduction The Cedar Rapids Community School District made a plan to make $4.2 million in budget reductions. The plan will cut 24 positions throughout the district, with four coming from Kennedy.

The district will receive more money from the state with these reductions. “The state aid formula actually benefits schools that make reductions locally,” Dr. Gary O’Malley, Deputy Superintendent for the district, said. “These reductions help us increase our spending authority. We have to make reductions.”

Every conventional high school from the district including Kennedy has to cut four positions - one from each of the core areas (math, science, social studies and language arts). This goes along with each middle school in the district cutting two positions to make a total of 24 staff reductions.

“80 percent of our money is tied up in people, staff,” O’Malley said. “So the only way that you can really reduce at the secondary level is to reduce staff.”

Kennedy has three people resigning, Bob Fontana, Derek Roberts, and Jessica Wise,

as well as one retirement, Mary Fliehler.

“The hope was that we could get those positions cut with just natural attrition so if people were leaving, we just wouldn’t fill their positions and we have been able to do that, somewhat,” Dr. Mary Wilcynski, principal, said.

Kennedy also has two people placed on the surplus list, Dan Carrell and Leslie Nelson. Carrell and Nelson might not return to Kennedy next year, but they will have a job in the district according to Wilcynski.

Although no teachers lost their job, the district is losing support staff, according to O’Malley. The district is losing media secretaries in middle schools and paraprofessional educators, also known as paras. Paras supervise students and provide administrative support to teachers.

Planning these reductions started in December with weekly cabinets between all of the district directors, as well as separate meetings between the superintendent, deputy superintendent,

12 Pages by Amy Brause & Alli Nemecek

associate superintendent, director of finance, director of special services, and the director of personnel. At these meetings they discussed ways to reduce expenditures district wide.

Following these weekly meetings, respective meetings between the elementary, middle, and high school principals were held to plan out what could be cut at each building. “It was numerous discussions amongst numerous administrators,” O’Malley said. “We all believe that we did not want to continue to overspend our reserves to get to the point where we had to cut, and when we did cut we had to cut programs.”

“The district is just trying to have a balanced approach so that it’s not just elementary school closings but it’s secondary reductions, not just in schools, but across the district,” O’Malley said.

“We’ll have less resources in the ELSC [the district’s Educational Leadership and Support Center] because we are trying to minimize our cost.”

Reducing the amount of teachers in the

News building will not have a major effect on “I think we’ve learned a lot in trying to class sizes, according to Wilcynski. “We figure it [scheduling and class placement] make sure that the sacrifice is as far away out,” Wilcynski said. “It kind of boggled us from the classroom as possible,” O’Malley up a little bit. We ended up adjusting and said. figuring it out, but I think we will get bet“It’s not going to be all that noticeable, ter at it this coming year.” for any of the cuts in the classroom or in Along with removing four positions, the activities,” Wilcynski school’s control budsaid. “I’m not sure that “We want it to be balanced. get, which is spread a lot of people will even We want it fair. We want it out to programs and notice. We have been a to be across the board. We other expenses, was bit overstaffed in a few want to continue to have our cut 10%. Wilcynski areas and we’re able to said Associate Prinreserves so the programs equalize those now.” cipal Jim Muench is “Your teachers and that we love so much can be working on this reyour administration protected.” duction. will have to decide -Dr. Gary O’Malley, Deputy “First we see where how to even out those Superintendent we’ve spent monreductions so that it’s ey and where we not unfair to certain haven’t,” Wilcynski classes,” O’Malley said. “You shouldn’t said. “Then we’re going to figure it out.” have an AP class of 15 and a writing Some budgets may be cut 10 percent class of 35. You have to look at classes to and others won’t, depending on which balance them out.” programs use their money. “Our staff is The eighth grade program will continue remarkably resourceful at finding the next year, Wilcynski said, with about 80 resources that they want and need,” people next year compared to 64 this year. Wilcynski said.

The expensive part of the school’s budget is textbooks. “The district pays for the new adoptions of textbooks, but we are responsible for any that we need that we lose or that we add,” Wilcynski said.

“If a class gets bigger, or if all of a sudden there are more kids taking a particular class than we have textbooks, we have to find those.”

O’Malley said the district has known for five years that cuts needed to be made, and more cuts will happen in the future.

“I think since the flood, we’ve known our student enrollment has gone down and our open enrollment went up, and if we did something each year, that would be better than waiting till the end and doing something more drastic,” O’Malley said.

“We want it to be balanced. We want it fair. We want it to be across the board,” O’Malley said. “We want to continue to have our reserves so the programs that we love so much can be protected.”

Alli nemecek and amy brause

Who is leaving Kennedy?

Derek Roberts- Transferring to Ankeny Centennial

Bob Fontana- Transferring to Ankeny Centennial

Mary Fliehler- Retiring

Jessica Wise- Moving to Indianapolis

Roberts, Fontana, Fliehler, and Wise are all leaving voluntarily and their positions will not be filled.

Nelson and Carrell are currently on the surplus list. Building Engineer Richard Sedlacek (not pictured) is also retiring.

Dan Carrell- Surplus list

Leslie Nelson- Surplus list

13

Profile

Artist frenzy AP Studio Art students awarded for talents Art is a passion that takes many different forms, from drawing to storytelling to photography. Three Kennedy AP Art Studio seniors discuss the role art has played in their high school careers and for their futures.

Emily Mere has enjoyed art her whole life, especially drawing. Going into high school, though, she wasn’t sure about where it was going to take her. “I never felt like I was the best in the class,” she said. “But I’ve always felt like I wanted to improve.” And improve she did, earning her several awards. Mere won best in state for visual arts at the Iowa PTA Reflections program. Her entry, a colorful self-portrait, is now being judged at nationals. Mere also earned the Michelle Pinkston Memorial Award, a scholarship that is given to driven art students at Kennedy. She will continue art next year at the University of Iowa, either as a strong hobby or by minoring in it alongside Japanese.

Ali Bennett has been passionate about art since she was a child. To Bennett, art is a good way to express thought or feeling. “If you don’t want to tell someone how you’re feeling, you can put it all down in your sketchbook. It’s cathartic, in that way,” she said. Bennett, emphasizes both on drawing and the storytelling aspect of art. Getting inspiration from cartoons like the Powerpuff Girls, Adventure Time, and the Regular Show, she will be attending the Kansas City Art Institute to study animation, a career where Bennett has expressed interest in not just for the art and story boarding, but possibly for voice-acting as well.

Lexi Bernstein received her first camera from her grandfather while she was still in elementary school. Now graduating, Bernstein was selected to be on the All-State Visual Arts Team, an honor less than 20 students received.

She uses photography as a way to tell stories through images. “Through my photography I’m able to put all these images that are in my head on paper,” she explained. Bernstein, who says that her sense of fashion helps shape her photography, will be attending College of Saint Benedict & Saint John’s University in Minnesota next year to major in Photography and Environmental Science, to pursue her goal as a fashion photographer.

BAILEY ZAPUTIL

Suzuka. Emily Mere, sr., recently won state at the Iowa PTA Reflections Program, which is now being judged at nationals.

drawing by Emily Mere

Disassociate. Ali Bennett, sr., will be attending the Kansas City Art Institute next year to later major in animation. drawing by Ali Bennett

Windy City. Lexi Bernstein, sr., was selected to be on the All-State Visual Arts Team of less than twenty students in the state. photo by Lexi Bernstein

14 graphic by Steph Mercer

Overhead. A view of stage risers from the loft above the auditorium seats.

Behind the scenes Student skips graduation for Cirque du Soleil

Heights. Michael Castelluccio, sr., replaces a broken light bulb in the loft for stage lighting.

photos by Bailey Zaputil and Steph Mercer

Castelluccio is most looking forward to talking to professionals While most seniors will be getting ready for graduation on May 25, one senior will be in Las Vegas working on the sets of Cirque and seeing how his future schooling will help him in a job setting.

He hopes to one day work for a company like Cirque du Soleil as du Soleil.

Michael Castelluccio, sr., was accepted to go on a trip with the an on-stage mechanic making sure that everything goes the way students at his future school, Bradley University in Peoria, Ill. it should on set. He would also like to use his double major to one The trip allows students to watch six Cirque du Soleil shows. They day create the devices that are used on set and run the systems then get to work hands on with the set of six of those shows, backstage. working with professionals and learning the technology behind “I hope to get a better understanding of mechanics in theater, moving in backgrounds and scenery through machines on stage. and to learn how to put technology into it to make it better than it would be without it,” Castelluccio said.

The trip takes place from Monday, May 19 through May 26. This means “I’ve always knew that I liked “Maybe someday I can create new systems to that Castelluccio will be missing his mechanical engineering and I just heighten that experience for the audience.”

Making the decision to miss graduation last week of high school and also the got into the theater aspect of things, graduation ceremony. To Castelluccio, so I thought it’d be a good idea to wasn’t very hard for him because he felt he this trip is worth it. combine them and do what I enjoy,” has gotten acknowledged for a lot he’s done throughout school. For others who might be Although Castelluccio only began -Michael Castelluccio, sr. struggling on decision making, he offers this doing tech work in his junior year, he advice: “Weigh your costs and weight your feels that he’s learned a lot through the tech program here at Kennedy. Castelluccio plans to double benefits,” Castelluccio said. “Consider ‘Does it really matter to do that particular event?’ Or if you know what’s going to happen, to major in both theater production and mechanical engineering.

“I’ve always knew that I liked mechanical engineering and I just see if you need to go.” got into the theater aspect of things, so I thought it’d be a good isabel neff idea to combine them and do what I enjoy,” Castelluccio said.

Pages by bailey Zaputil & Steph Mercer 15

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Dr. W is not just a principal, she pushes us to achieve like a mother, she protects us like a guardian angel, she’s there for you like a best friend.

Without her, I have no idea where my high school career would have gone but it would be no where near here. She’s a role model for hundreds, and a friend for thousands. Her time at Kennedy may be winding down, but she has made an impact that will echo in these hallways forever.

The final g

One principal’s impact o

Riley Fergus, Class of 2013 What I remember the most about Dr. W is her enthusiastic support and encouragement for all students. She’s been a fixture at school events, cheering on every attempt and achievement. She’s continued to encourage me through Facebook as I applied to graduate school and is always interested in what I’m doing when I see her around town during visits home, 10 years after my graduation. We’ve been lucky to have her guidance for so many years. I can’t imagine Kennedy without her.

Ted Plagman, Class of 2008

Erin Althoff, Class of 2003 Dr. Wilcynski’s passion for Kennedy is admirable and contagious. She takes pride in seeing students succeed in the classroom as well as in extracurricular activities. She goes above and beyond by supporting her students at various events. What I will remember most from Dr. Wilcynski is that in order to excel in what you are doing you have to be passionate about it. I will always remember my Kennedy experience and more importantly Dr. Wilcynski for instilling in me the importance of making an impact no matter what you do.

Shauna Happel, Class of 2011 I believe I started at Kennedy the same year (1997) Dr W did.

As a freshman on the varsity dance team (which was permitted back then) I remember the seniors being worried about the new principal. They heard she was strict and had a lot of new rules.

It quickly became apparent, though, that Dr W was an avid supporter of all sports, activities, and students at Kennedy. She attended virtually every sporting home game, showed up for theater productions and music concerts, and learned as many student names as possible and genuinely cared about the students’ success. She was a fan of us so we became fans of hers.

Even today, as a working professional, 12 years after graduating from Kennedy, I know I can reach out to Dr W for assistance and advice. It’s hard to imagine the halls of Kennedy without Dr W’s presence.

Sheena Chihak, Class of 2001

It’s hard to summarize in a few short sentences how I think Dr. Wilcynski shaped Kennedy. Being a woman, she faced a lot of extra criticism, and never let it keep her from making the right choices. She is a natural leader who has always made decisions based on what she knew was best for the student-body.

This hasn’t always made her the most popular principal, but it certainly makes her the most thoughtful, caring, and professional principal any student could ask for. As her first child to come through under her reign as principal, she was faced with raised eyebrows and assumptions that she would make decisions that favored myself and my friends. Never once was she willing to give myself or others special treatment, nor save me from the chopping block when I got into trouble. She was beyond fair to every student that passed through her doors, and cared about each student’s happiness and success above all. As

I would say one of my mom’s biggest influences on me has been my work ethic. In my early high school years I wasn’t always interested in homework or studying for tests but my mom was always there to keep me focused. There were times where it was frustrating and I thought she was being too hard on me. However when I look back, those good habits she helped me develop in high school are what helped me graduate college and eventually start a great career.

“Dr. W turned the role of Principal from a job into a true passion. She made it a point to make sure every student at Kennedy was not a number but a person that made a difference. Whether you were performing in color guard, or running cross country, she was there supporting you.

I hope she realizes how many lives she touched and that her efforts did not go unnoticed. She will always be a true inspiration. “

Bonnie (Vogl) Benesh, Class of 1999 While I was at Kennedy Dr. W was always friendly and pushed learning. She was passionate about her job and made each day at Kennedy a worthwhile day.

Hiba Cheetany, Class of 1998

I interacted with Dr. W quite a bit, whether it was for student government or at what seemed like every home event Kennedy ever had, but the thing that has always impressed me was how the teachers I liked and respected spoke about and respected Dr. W. What’s more, I know that just like we agreed on a lot of issues, there were times we disagreed on decisions, and I know teachers had the same experience. So, when you are the principle somewhere for as long as Dr. W has been at Kennedy and work with as many teachers as she has and make as many tough decisions as have to be made every day, I’m all the more impressed when I still have teachers who to this day tell me they don’t know how she does it all so well. Thanks for your years of hard work, Dr. W. I know four Craig kids who appreciate it.

Drew Craig, Class of 2005 time has passed I have come to realize how much time, effort, energy, and emotion Dr. Wilcynski dedicates to this job. Every night after watching a different high school sport, she sits in her chair, working on a speech or planning an award ceremony or analyzing AP scores. Year after year my siblings and I catch her studying the yearbook in order to learn names, and looking through class records in order to make sure there truly is no child left behind. The amount of dedication Dr. W puts into her job and the well-being of her students is unmatchable and irreplaceable. Kennedy is losing one of the best principals ever, but the 17 years of dedication to students and their education will never be lost.

Jenny Plagman, Class of 2006

graduate

on 17 graduating classes I was playing in our first home soccer game my senior year when I went up for a header and ended up missing the ball, falling, and landing on my directly on my head. I finally managed to stand to my feet and went to tell the coaches that everything looked wavy like heat coming off of hot asphalt in an Iowan July. They pulled me from the game and had me checked over by the trainer. As it was still early March, it was near freezing outside and I kept yelling that I was really cold and couldn’t feel my fingers. Dr. Dub heard my pleas of agony from the game box and came over, took off her puffy down coat, and draped it over my shoulders. I was so glad to finally be warm again! With a little smile she said, “Toughen up, Bertroche,” and went back into the press box.

Tyler Bertroche, Class of 2007

First off, class of ‘09 was her favorite class. We started the tradition of Dr. W crying at graduation so clearly we were the best. Because of my mom,I’ve built some great relationships with so many people that without her I don’t think would have happened. She really forced me to be active and work hard. There were times when I would come home from school and she would have the inside scoop on the latest drama before I had even known about it. One of my greatest memory’s of her at school was the constant bickering on morning announcements with her daughter (Jenny Plagman), It made me feel right at home. :)

Nick Plagman, Class of 2009 Dr. W was always present at athletic events and engaged with students. I remember she always made an effort to attend a variety of events and to go to as many graduation parties as possible. In addition to these school activities, Dr. W was concerned about students’ personal lives; when my mother had surgery and was on bed rest Dr. W visited our house and made a meal for my family. This kind of interest and concern for student’s lives, both in and outside of school, is very rare and special.

Amanda Benedict, Class of 2004

Pages by Hanna Krivit Photo provided by Impact Photo

My mom has always been a fighter and you can tell by the way she has impacted Kennedy’s community and my family.

Her job is a lot of dirty work that people don’t see behind the scenes of, but as her daughter I have seen and hear it all! She puts the school above all making sure it is a place people feel welcomed and shows how special students are in the classroom, on the court, field or stage. She has showed me how to fight for what I want and how one person’s effort can impact so many others lives positively. Although she is leaving after 17 years she will always be a Kennedy Cougar at heart.

Hannah Plagman, Class of 2010 Dr. Wilcynski took over for Dr. Reed as principal during my senior year of high school. Needless to say having a change at the very top, gave me and my classmates a bit of anxiety going into our senior year. After all, we just spent three years learning how things functioned and it was finally our time to “rule the roost.” Dr. Wilcynski did a terrific job at immediately establishing a relaxed and friendly culture that put our worries at ease and provided a terrific environment for both education and extra-curricular activities.

On behalf of the Class of 1997, I want to wish her sincere congratulations and I hope she enjoys a well-earned retirement.

Ryan Prahm, Class of 1997 During my time at Kennedy, Dr. W was always supportive of me academically. However what I most appreciated was the emotional support and advice she was able to provide me with through tough times. While it’s not always sunshine and rainbows with her, it’s crucial to remember that when she is tough, she is tough for a reason. Whether she’s relentlessly encouraging you to take an AP class or doling out punishment, she’s doing it because she cares-about you, your future, and the future of Kennedy. And that’s special. Attending sports events, knowing students names and helping students like me personally are all testaments to the care she demonstrated daily. Thanks, Dr W, Kennedy will sorely miss you.

Lauren Boyer, Class of 2012 Dr. W was always super friendly, involved, and impressively, knew every students name. She attended so many sporting and music events, to support her student. She will be missed.

Lauren Ajango, Class of 2000

I’ve been fortunate to know Dr. W not just though my time at Kennedy, but outside of academics as well. She hired me to nanny for her kids during a summer break from college. How she managed crazy family schedules and kept Kennedy running smoothly was quite impressive. So I was excited, but not at all surprised, by Kennedy’s recent ranking. Mary gave Kennedy alumni yet another reason to have tremendous school pride. She may not be aware of it, but Mary also has some match making skills. My husband went to a much smaller school and Dr. W convinced him that the opportunities at Kennedy, like AP classes, would help him further along in academics. [My husband] Alex considers transferring schools one of the best decisions he’s ever made, and I’m not sure we would have met otherwise. I’m so thankful for her encouragement!

April (Chihak) Reynolds, Class of 2002

One spot, one senior, one memory Photography

Above: “I chose the auditorium because this is where I have my best memories of just being of stage and having everyone watch you whether that is for show chior or playtime poppy or just a normal musical in school. This is the place in school where everyone is looking at you and you are the most important even if you are not the most important.” ~Madeline Craig, sr.

Top right: Tory Harman, sr., choose the south lot doors because those are the doors she gets to walk out of and leave school everyday.

Bottom left: “The gym has always been really meaningful because my muscles have always been obnoxiously big, considerably bigger than everyone elses at this school.”

Cole Henry, sr.

Bottom right: “[I chose the visitors parking] because it is the best place to park. But you have to make sure there are a lot of spaces left, so you don’t take it away from actual visitors.”

Jacob Frazier-Flores, sr.

Pages by Hanna Krivit and

22 Emma Moss Photos by Hanna Krivit

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Ethnic delights

Arts & entertainment

Sushi

Oyama Sushi is a steakhouse that serves traditional Japanese food as well as sushi.

A large part of Oyama Sushi’s attraction is their fleet of Hibachi tables. These are large metal tables on which the food is grilled. Seating is directly at the table.

The other big attraction for Oyama Sushi is of course, sushi. By definition sushi is just vinegarred rice; however, it is usually topped with fish or other toppings. Oyama serves a wide variety of rolls, a la carte sashimi, and other raw fish based dishes.

Oyama Sushi has a designated sushi bar although sushi can also be ordered from the

regular seating area.

The rolls are more filling than a la carte sashimi because of the rice however they are extremely tasty because of the various sauces and fish they mix in.

Oyama Sushi also features specials with fresh fish that isn’t always available. These are frequently oyster, sea urchin, and if you’re very lucky, giant clam.

Rolls range from about $5 to $15 and hibachi dinners range from $15 to $35. Oyama Sushi is located at 5350 Council Street in Cedar Rapids.

Thai Siamville is a Thai restaurant that features various stir-fries, curries, and Thai noodle dishes.

One “must-have” at Siamville would definitely be the crab rangoons, which come in both spicy and regular versions. Compared to crab rangoons that are at various Chinese restaurants, these crab rangoons have a sweeter, creamier flavor. Other “must-have’s” at Siamville include Pad Thai Sukhothai, which is essentially just a Northern Thai styled Pad Thai and the Masman curry, which is a sweet curry with

cinnamon and peanuts.

Other featured curries include green, red, yellow, panang curries. All of these curries have unique Thai influences and are very tasty. One should be warned that all of these curries are relatively spicy, as most curries are.

Almost all entrees come with your choice of chicken, beef, pork, or tofu. Entrees range from $9 to $15 and appetizers range from $4 to $7.

Siamville is located at 3635 1st Ave. in the Town & Country Shopping Center.

Indian Taste of India is a restaurant on the northeast side of Cedar Rapids that features Indian cuisine. Tastes of India serves a wide variety of Indian food.

Taste of India offers many curries as well as other Indian entrees and appetizers.

Some of their food, including items such as Chicken Tandoori, is cooked in a clay oven, which creates a very tender texture and flavorful aroma.

One thing that is noticeable about Taste of India is the lack of beef or pork based dishes on the menu, granted this is most likely because of religious objections that many Indians have, causing beef and

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pork to be excluded from Indian cuisine.

However,Taste of India does an especially good job at servicing vegetarian customers. A vegetarian eating at Taste of India certainly would not feel that they had too few options to choose from.

Entrees range from $8 to $13 and appetizers are all around $3. At Taste of India one will want to order bread or “Naan” to go along with their food to dip in the various sauces that will come with one’s food.

These breads range from $2 to $2.50. Taste of India is located at 1060 Old Marion Road in Cedar Rapids.

Photos and stories by Michael Abramson & Sam Nordstrom.

Arts & Entertainment

Iron Man 3 review

The armor is cracked and crumbled as Iron Man 3 takes a darker turn in the new installment of the popular Marvel superhero series. It seems like everything has been taken one notch up from the previous movies, with scenes and CGI being near Avengers-quality. The plot has more complexity than the others, adding two new villains to the story that are both equally terrifying, but never really gets too dark because of the sarcastic humor of Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), who never fails to get a few laughs.

To start off, the acting is spot on with everyone involved, including the hilarious yet tense chemistry between Tony and Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow). Ben Kingsley, our villain, brings the Mandarin to life and pulls off the most unexpected twist of a superhero movie in recent memory with near perfection.

Some of the big and dramatic lines in the finale fall a bit flat and aren’t really surprising at all, but it all balances out with

big shocks, creating an exciting and fun viewing experience. Without any spoilers, it will leave fans wondering what the fate of the Iron Man series could be.

The visual effects are also notable, having been edited with such a fast pace and extreme precision. Though the 3D is hardly present at all (don’t waste your money, folks, see it in 2D), that doesn’t stop the action from coming alive and gripping audiences with its sheer intensity. Missiles are flying, houses crumble into the ocean, and there’s plenty of Iron Man action to go around.

Overall, Iron Man 3 is a huge crowd pleaser, but may include some things that will anger avid comic book readers due to the changes of some plots and characters.

It’s definitely a must see on the big screen.

Though it’s a darker and more serious movie than the previous two, the enjoyment of watching an Iron Man movie remains.

Jason Grobstich

Artist of the Month: Chance the Rapper

Fresh on the Chicago rap scene, Chance the Rapper takes listeners through an upbeat journey with his distinct voice and witty metaphorical rhymes.

Chance the Rapper first rose on the rap scene after being suspended from school for 10 days in 2012. While he was suspended he recorded and released his debut mixtape “10 Days”, which quickly gained many downloads online and helped Chance the Rapper receive attention.

His debut hit on “10 Days,” “Brain Cells” received attention from some notable online hip-hop sites which lead to Chance The Rapper getting viably more attention.

After the booming success of 10 Days, Chance The Rapper began working with artists such as Ab-Sol, Action Bronson, Twista and Childish Gambino on creating his most recent project, “Acid Rap”. “Acid Rap” was released in late April 2013 and was among one of the most downloaded mixtapes on popular mixtape website dat-

piff.com with its popularity of songs such as “Juice” and “Favorite Song”.

With the announcement of “Acid Rap” and the success of “10 Days”, Chance the Rapper toured with notable artists such as Kendrick Lamar which included a stop in Iowa City in early May. Chance the Rapper is a breath of fresh air from most hip-hop. His upbeat but witty nature bring attention to his raps along with his quirky ad libs of “igh” and “na na”. Simular to Chicago native rapper, Kanye West, Chance the Rapper’s production relies on upbeat music as well as sampling (including samples of Kanye West’s “Freshman Adjustment Intro 2” on “Good Ass Intro”).

Overall Chance the Rapper brings a unique but valued perspective to rap. As one of the most notable rappers out of Chicago right now, Chance the Rapper is a promising rising artist.

Mohammad Cheetany

photo by Jordan Lunsford Artist: Chance the Rapper Name: Chancelor Bennett Genre: Hip-Hop Hometown: Chicago, Illinois Hit Songs: “Brain Cells” “Hey Ma” “Juice” “Favorite Song” “Cocoa Butter Kisses” Twitter: @chancetherapper

For in-depth coverage on Chance the Rapper visit Kennedytorch.org Pages by Michael Abramson & Sam Nordstrom 25

Health

Fighting the allergens in the air

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are biggest in spring and the fall, but counter, and they’re available in generic they’re not exclusively to spring and fall,” form. Claritin, Allegra, and Zyrtec are the Hazelton said. In Iowa especially there are non-sedating antihistamines. Benadryl a lot of allergens, such as tree and grass is a sedating antihistamine, meaning you pollen in the air that come out in the spring. take it when you’re going to go to sleep,” Hazelton said.

Many people tend to acquire allergies over Pretty much anyone that Many believe that when time. “Pretty much moves to Iowa eventually will it comes to anyone that moves to Iowa eventually will have allergies. It has to do with s i c k n e s s , pres c r ipt ion have allergies. It has the farming and the airborne drugs are the to do with the farming [allergens]. better choice and the airborne -Dr. Lisa Hazelton than over the [allergens],” Hazelton said. Some people are born with the counter drugs, but Hazelton disagrees tendency to be more allergic. “They call when it comes to allergies. “The only ones those ‘atopic diseases,’ and they might that are prescription now are probably have a tendency toward allergies as well combined with Sudafed, and actually most as asthma and some skin conditions; they insurance companies are not covering just call it ‘atopic dermatitis,’” Hazelton said. the regular antihistamines because they are According to Hazelton, some symptoms available over the counter,” Hazelton said. of allergies include watery, itchy eyes, Hazelton says that the best thing a runny nose, and puffiness of the you can do is see your allergist and get eyes, along with itchy skin or a tight allergy shots if you are severely allergic.

Mary Mathis chest while breathing. The symptoms may increase in severity when outside.

“All of the antihistamines are over the graphic by Tara Mittelberg

‘‘

‘‘

Allergies can be a major problem for Iowans in the spring and fall. Many Kennedy students can relate to a scratchy throat, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

When he was 11, Kollin Wiebel, fr., realized his allergies were getting worse.

“It’s mostly pollen in the air or any type of pollen,” Wiebel said. He was tested by a doctor and received prescription allergy medication. Wiebel takes his medicine daily to prevent allergy symptoms. “It’s harder to go outside and play with my brother or shoot baskets [with allergy symptoms]. It’s kind of hard to see,” he said.

Matt Larson, jr., has had allergies since he was eight and goes to his allergist weekly for shots, along with daily medication. “It really makes every day tasks more difficult. It’s just another thing that you’re always worried about.

Basically, it’s like constantly being sick,” Larson said. “They get a lot worse in late spring and early August,” he said.

Lisa Hazelton, who is board certified in internal medicine as well as hospice and palliative care, works at Unity Point Clinic Multi specialty in Cedar Rapids. “Allergies

Health

Natural vitamins vs. supplements

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The difference between food based and manufactured nutrients A: Boosts vision and bone development B2: Helps red blood cell production B5: Breaks down fats and carbohydrates for energy and healthy digestive track B12: Boosts metabolism

B7

A

B5

B7: Improves neuromuscular and immune function C: Grows and repairs tissues D: Absorbs calcium E: Antioxidants that protect against free radicals K: Helps blood clot

K

D C

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Vitamins

B2

E

B12

Variety: different types of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seafood can supply your body with all the nutrients it needs. photo by Rachel Langholz

With food and fitness fads coming and going, vitamin supplements and added nutrients are viewed as necessary to a healthy lifestyle.

Many students at Kennedy take vitamins, or protein for athletics, along with getting the necessary nutrients from fruits and vegetables.

When training and weight lifting for football, Cody Burke, jr., drinks protein shakes. “Every time I lift, I take a protein shake afterwards, mostly to get stronger for my sport,” he said.

Many people believe that their diet isn’t very important as long as they take vitamin and nutrient supplements. However, supplements do not supply all of the 42 nutrients needed daily in order to have good health. A cup of fruit or vegetables provides a much higher number of nutrients, in natural form, than a supplement.

Christy Frese, a registered dietitian at Hy-Vee, said, “It would be preferable to get nutrients from food rather than from vitamins. Our body is made to digest nutrients, and it knows how to handle the nutrients that come from food.”

“Although our bodies will recognize the manufactured vitamins, it is still better to find nutrients from your food because it’s easier for your body to absorb,” Frese said.

Other people believe that even if they eat a good diet, they still need vitamin supplements in order to ensure good health, but intakes of supplements do not give added energy, brain power, or protect against disease. In fact, if too much is consumed, supplements can even be toxic.

Shaun Beyer, fr., also lifts and takes supplements daily, specifically in the form of protein bars. “[I take protein] mostly to build muscle and gain weight,” Beyer said.

“There might be increased protein needs for someone doing lifting,” Julie Gallagher, Hy-Vee dietitian said. “If I told you to increase your protein, I might have you drink chocolate milk [instead of protein supplements], because that in itself will also give you Vitamin D and some of the other nutrients that some might think they need to take a pill to get.”

“What are going to have the biggest impact on your health will be the foods that you eat,” Frese said, “not supplements.”

Xander Riley

Pages by Rachel Langholz & Grace King 27

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Sports

Freshman on the rise

Volley. Jessica Pederson, fr., returns a volley earlier this year. Pederson has been the number one in singles on the varsity tennis team this year. photo by Mary Mathis

W

ith every year comes experience, and usually it’s that experience that helps people succeed in high school athletics, or athletics in general. Fortunately for the Kennedy Girls Tennis team, that isn’t the case for Kennedy freshman Jessica Pedersen who decided “why wait?” and now finds herself on the brink of going to state tennis as a freshman.

This year the team has the special opportunity to send a doubles team to state. The doubles team is made up of Sarah Leseski, sr. and Pedersen, and hopes are high for the duo who sit 1st and 2nd on the team. “Sarah and Jessica definitely stick out as power players. In my opinion, they have a great shot at winning the state tournament this year,” head coach Joe Bennedict said.

Hard work may beat talent when talent doesn’t work hard, and in Pedersen’s case, having both at the same time creates a lethal combination. Pedersen has worked for years in order to get a jump on competition in high school.

According to Leseski, Pedersen’s work ethic is big reason for their success this year. “She’s a great doubles partner to have. She’s always very focused. She works really hard and stays positive about our matches no matter the score,

which helps me. We’re able to feed off of each other and that helps a lot,” Laseski said.

For Pedersen, her position on the team and being a contender at the state level is just a result of being so involved with the sport from an early age. “My sisters played tennis, and I was about six when I started taking lessons. I take lessons every week, and last year I did a good number of tournaments. I think I got to this position on the team from playing as much as I have over the years.”

Pedersen said.

Whatever the reason for her success may be, it’s undeniable that Pedersen has had a breakout season this year. Her and Laseski have only lost one match in doubles, and have the potential for state. Pedersen has only lost one match in singles as well, and according to Benedict there is no ceiling on how high Jessica can go in the years to come.

“She played really well this year, and competed with some pretty high caliber players. In future years I have no doubt that she’ll compete in singles as well as doubles when talking about state. For Jessica, the sky is the limit,” Bennedict said.

David Hynek

Page by Norm Althoff & Annie Feltes 29

Sports

Dancing to the future Freshmen girls allowed to join dance team The upcoming 2013-2014 season will be the first varsity dance team that will allow freshmen on the dance team.

“The reason for the change is we had such a small number of people on the team,” Head Coach, Miranda Arends said.

In Arends’s nine years at Kennedy, freshmen had never been allowed to be on the varsity dance team. “We weighed the pros and cons and managed to turn most of the cons into pros and decided that it would be best if we allowed freshmen on the team,” Arends said.

The biggest change coming into a new year is that the team will shift from a predominantly older team from the 20122013 season to a predominantly younger team in the 20132014 season. “ I think this [upcoming] year will be much harder on the team because there is only three returning members, so it’ll kind of be a reconstructing year for them because most of the team doesn’t have a full idea of what’s going on during the year,” Krista Shea Nelson, sr., said. Of the 11 new members there will be one junior, three sophomores, and seven freshmen.

As one of the largest changes next season the returning

members will need to step up and take full leadership of the team. “I think it’ll be different but exciting because the freshmen will put forth the effort and work hard,” returning member Taylor Foley, jr., said. The upcoming season will be Foley’s third year on the varsity dance team. “The bonding was much closer last year because we were almost all returning members but this year we’ll probably work on bonding much more and becoming one,” Foley said.

With the new opportunity for freshmen, many are looking forward to proving themselves as viable options for the upcoming season. “I like that they’re allowing freshmen [on the varsity dance team] because it allows for a lot more opportunities for the dance team,” incoming freshman Macy Schares said. Although the freshmen class looks promising, there are a few things that will be difficult for the team to overcome.

“The biggest struggle will be that the freshmen are new to high school; they don’t know how we do things and what’s expected of them just yet,” Arends said.

With the new freshmen class coming there are high hopes that’ll have to be attended to through the strong leadership of the returning members.

Mohammad Cheetany

Five varsity dancers are graduating this year.

Seven eigth graders are coming to the team next year.

Only three dancers are returning from this year’s team.

There will be fourteen total members next year representing all grades.

Dance. Macy Schares is one of seven incoming freshman that will be on the 30 dance team next year. varsity photo by Annie Feltes

Sports

Taking over the ice

photos provided by Serena Dalhamer

Kennedy teachers join curling team

An open house was held at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena on April 23 to introduce the newly established Cedar Rapids Curling Club. Many attended the open house including several enthused Kennedy teachers aspiring to start their own curling team.

Storm Ziegler, choir director, began curling in high school because his girlfriend was really into the sport. “I curled pretty seriously my four years of high school and then I hadn’t curled again until last week,” Ziegler said. The open house was Ziegler’s first time curling in 22 years. The club that Ziegler curled with in high school later on had some of its member compete in the Olympics. “I had an opportunity to play with them but I chose to go to college instead,” Ziegler said.

Lon Peper, founder of the newly established Cedar Rapids Curling Club, recently relocated to Cedar Rapids from South Carolina where he was involved in a curling club. He contacted the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena to see if anyone had attempted to start a curling and if not he was interesting in starting one himself. The newly established club is the only public curling club in the state of Iowa.

“All skill levels from beginners to Olympic athletes are welcome to join. I have played against a team who had one player in a wheelchair, and lost, seen someone who had suffered a stroke play this game and know of people in their 90’s who play. It is truly a game anyone can play,” Peper said.

The only restriction the Cedar Rapids Curling Club faces at this time is accommodating to children under 13. In the future Peper hopes the club will have their own facility so they can accommodate to this younger age group by purchasing

smaller stones that are lighter for small children to handle and so leagues can be held every day.

Since the club will be renting ice time from the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena, regularly scheduled practices will not be held.

Instead the club will hold league games similar to a bowling league in that the club will be made up of several teams that will compete against each other.

Ziegler, Mark Jensen, science teacher, Adrian Evans, social studies teacher, and Bob Young, science teacher, plan to form a team in the Cedar Rapids Curling Club. Young has been an avid curling fan over the past years and enjoyed watching curling events during the winter Olympics. Young and Jensen have discussed joining a curling club in the past, so when the open house rolled around Young felt it would be a great way to become involved with the sport.

“We wanted to try it and at least see what it was like and it turned out to be pretty fun,” Young said. After the open house Young discovered that curling was actually a lot harder than he thought. “It takes a lot of flexibility and a lot more balance than you would think.” Luckily the curling club provides special braces to prevent beginner curlers from slipping on the ice.

One of the main focuses of curling is the sportsmanship among players. “You shake hands before and tell your opponents “good curling.” After the game, you shake hands and say “good curling” or “good game.” If your opponent makes a good shot, you tell them, even give them a fist bump or high five, but you never celebrate opponents’ missed shot or misfortune,” Peper said.

Darcey Altschwager

Pages by Norm ALthoff & Annie Feltes 31

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