Spring Newsmagazine 2018

John F. Kennedy High School

Volume 51, Issue 2

May 23, 2018

Seniors Leave Behind Their Memories in the Halls

Senior Successes: Darby Manternach, Dawson Gibbons, & Taylor Mather

Farewell Torch Seniors, You Will be Missed

Pg. 18

Pg. 36-37

Pg. 38-39

the torch

Contents John F. Kennedy High School 4545 Wenig Rd. NE Cedar Rapids, IA, 52402 Volume 51, Issue 2

News 4-5 Top Five News Stories of the School Year 6 Mini Dance Marathon: Just Good Fun 7 Making a Change Photo 8-9 Power Movement

Twitter: @KennedyTorch KennedyTorch.org Issuu.com/kennedytorch

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’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.

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 ethics of journalism.

Opinion 10 The Impact a Voice Can Have 11 Spread the Word to End 12 For Vs. Against: Gun Control 13 Are People Becoming Numb to Violence?

Feature 14 15 16 17 18 19

Senior Seasons Honor Grandmother A Loving Chance: Leah Howard’s Journey The Importance of Student Government The Courage Camp Courageous Brings to IDD Students Seniors Leave Behind Their Memories in the Halls Q&A: Prom King and Queen

Photo 22-23 Spring Pep Assembly 2018 Culture 24 Fortnite Craze 24 An Unforgettable Aroma 25 How Rotary Changed My Experience in America 26 Hey Kennedy, Can We Go Thrift Shopping?

27 Geocaching: An Unexpected Experience 27 Isaac Toth in Pursuit of Art Photo 28-29 Spring Musical: The Wedding Singer Sports 30 The Dangers of Swimming 31 Kennedy Hustles at State 32 Girls Build Up for a Powerful Season 33 Racing From Drake to State Photo 34-35 Year of Sports Profile

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36-37 Senior Successes 38-39 Farewell Torch Seniors

Letter from the Editors Sports are a part of almost everyone’s lives, whether people are spectators or players themselves. High school sports are popular all over the nation, and especially here at Kennedy High School. Playing the sports you love while representing the Cougars is something every student should take advantage of. As volleyball and tennis players, we have made many new friends and created relationships that wouldn’t have been made without being on the team. Many people who play sports in high school seem to look back after they graduate and reminisce on the great memories and bonds made. You’re only in high school once so why not play a sport and gain valuable skills you can use throughout the rest of your life? Having the opportunity to build relationships with coaches and teammates that you can trust and count on is irreplaceable. We encourage all Kennedy athletes to treasure the time they have left playing with their teammates and make the most out of every game.

#RollCougs

Staff Editorial Many students wake up in the morning knowing that the day ahead of them is busy. For some it’s only one day, for others, every single day it’s a challenge to fit their extracurriculars in 24 hours.

At the beginning of each year, in every single class, teachers claim to understand that students have busy schedules, and a life outside of school. They insist that it isn’t their intention to crowd you with homework. Yet soon enough, you start having homework in every single class. It may seem like bad luck, but it’s not bad luck if it happens to every student on multiple nights.

Some nights I don’t get home until 9 p.m.. At which point, I get my homework done as quickly as possible. There have been many nights this school year where I don’t get to bed until after midnight. I also get up at 5:30 a.m.. I’m also sup-

posed to get 8-10 hours of sleep each night. Clearly, with the way things are, this is impossible for me and countless other students.

My suggestion? Create a system. Assign homework to be done on a certain day, give students the work ahead of time.

It’s the student’s fault if he/she procrastinates.

It’s not the teacher’s fault they assign homework. Assigning homework is too entrenched in the educational system to be removed. However, there’s a problem with the system when students are struggling to get sufficient sleep.

It’s time for significant change, students are barely hanging on to sleep, and relying on the weekends to make up sleep is a dangerous thing to count on students for. Treat us like our sleep matters more than a worksheet.

Approved by 9/9 Editorial Board Members

Torch Staff Jenna Anderson Editor-in Chief

Sophia Jasper News Editor

Max Luton Writer

Olivia Haefner Editor-in Chief

Tate Weaver Sports Editor

Jami Martin-Trainor Writer

Darby Herridge Profile Editor

Jamison Prull Photo Editor

Mathew WorthingtonBarnes Writer

Anafer Millsap Photo Editor

Josh Sheeley Writer

Dr. Stacy Haynes-Moore Adviser

Anna Reinhart Opinion Editor

Shaun Pothepalli Writer

Hannah Ratzer Culture Editor

Leeanne Mehring-Cruz Feature Editor

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News

Top 5 News Stories of the 2017-2018 School Year (Left to right) Sophomores Elizabeth Janusz, Mackenzie Joseph, and Kelsey Jaeger huddled in a classroom corner. Photo by Sophia Jasper.

As we approach the end of the school year, reflection of past events can easily become overwhelming.

The following stories (in no particular order of importance) are ones that have essentially “made the cut”. The stories are something that students should be aware of, because of the relevancy of the subject, or because they especially apply to students at Kennedy High School.

1. Would You Run, Hide, or Fight?

by Leeanne Mehring-Cruz

This article discusses the “Run, Hide, Fight” protocol that was taught to students at Kennedy High School right before this school year’s first lock down drill. Throughout the year, the relevance of this story has increased, especially with the Parkland Shooting in February and the responses it has brought from Students.

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2. Crazy Weather in Cedar Rapids

by Anna Reinhart

It’s no secret that we have had crazy weather this year. The week of Feb. 26, we had an average temperature of 50 degrees. And the next week? It was snowing. More recently in April, yes APRIL, the same pattern of snow and then warm weather was present.

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The first snow after an entire week of 50 degree weather. Only one of the many “crazy” conditions to occur this school year.

Photo by Mathew WorthingtonBarnes.

3. Want to LITERALLY Give Back to the Community?

by Olivia Haefner

3.

Junior Connor Shea hydrates. Photo by Olivia Haefner.

4. Make Your Voices Heard

by Jami Martin-Trainor

Since the Parkland shooting on Feb. 14, many walkouts, student led or not, have occurred across the United States. The walkouts focus on promoting gun control, but more than that, they focus on making students’ voices heard by government officials in issues that pertain to them. Our story gives details pertaining to the walkout at Kennedy on April 20. The widespread action taken by students in the form of walkouts, and the stories specificity to Kennedy are what make this story Top 5 News worthy.

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Saying goodbye to the senior class is something that marks the end of every school year. On May 24, at 7 p.m, the graduation ceremony will take place at the US Cellular Center. This news story also marks the end of something, The Top Five News Stories!

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5. Goodbye Seniors

by Hannah Ratzer

Student signs the petition. Photo by Anafer Millsap.

Last year’s graduation ceremony. Photo by Profile yearbook.

Every year, students have the opportunity to donate blood to Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, which then distributes the blood to those in need. Even students and teachers here at Kennedy have benefited from blood transfusions and because of the donations wide spread effects and frequent reoccurrence, this article about the most recent blood drive makes the cut for top 5 news stories.

News

Mini Dance Marathon: Just Good Fun “I want people to have fun while supporting a worthy cause,” Senior key club officer Hailey Freeze, sr., Key Csaid before the Mini Dance Marathon was held at Kennedy on April 7.

Kennedy Key Club organized the dance, and this year they partnered with Jack Hoeger, Junior and his foundation I Know Jack. Through his foundation, Jack and his parents have built a full Ronald McDonald House, which gives families a place to stay while a family member is being treated in a hospital.

“We thought that combining the two would be a great way to have more people at the dance,” Freeze said.

All the proceeds Key Club raised went to both the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital and the I Know Jack foundation.

Overall they raised more than $2,300.

“What makes it really special is that it’s our own students so there’s a lot of motivation,” Shook said. She said Hoeger’s positive attitude and passion for helping kids with cancer is what made the experience special.

Freeze and Shook, along with the rest of Key Club, worked hard to organize not only the dance, but also events that occurred throughout the week prior.

To raise money, they sold ribbons and Mini Dance Marathon T-shirts.

Hoeger also arm wrestled to raise more money during SMART Time.

“It’s a really fun way to spend time with your friends while supporting both the I Know Jack Foundation and the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital,” Freeze said The crowd cheers, as Jack Hoeger, jr., break dances. After battling a rare form of brain cancer which miracu- about the dance. lously did not take his life, Hoeger and his family through their, I Know Jack Foundation, have raised over Freeze also said it was $125,000 for cancer patients in need. A portion of the $2,300 earned at the Mini Dance Marathon will go rewarding to see the ideas towards this. Photo by Tate Weaver. they have been coming up Working with the I Know Jack Foundation has allowed the with all year being brought to life.

Mini Dance Marathon to connect with students in a new way.

“Jack being this excited is the most rewarding part,” Shook “They have a really good cause, you know the people that it’s said. “It’s just a time to have good fun.” going towards,” Laura Shook, Junior, and first-year Key Club Hannah Ratzer and Sophia Jasper member said.

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Making a Change Students gun purchases. at Kennedy “It’s stuwalked out of dents that are their fourth hour mainly in danclasses on April ger, so we should 20, attempting be the ones who to grab the atare speaking up tention of Iowan for what we berepresentatives, lieve in. I think and join the nathe petition tional movement really shows that promoting gun it’s our voices control. that are leading Many this movement,” student speaksaid Green. ers attended the There were walkout, sharing also T-shirt order their desire for forms and votmore restricing registration tive gun laws, forms for stuand emotiondents who were ally impacting going to be 18 the crowd of in the upcoming students.

Junior Mallory McGuire Registers to Vote during the election.

“After every- walkout, one of the ways provided to students to The Cedar thing that has Rapids Comincrease the impact of their voice. Photo by Anafer been going on with Millsap. munity School gun violence, the speakers seemed to really District sent out an e-mail the morning inspire students and motivate them to of the walkout, stating their stance on the help,” Abbie Green, fr., said. walkout.

After the speakers finished, organizers “We will honor our students’ first encouraged students to call Iowan repreamendment rights to peacefully assemble sentatives and voice to them their requests and we will also maintain order in the regarding gun control. classroom with minimal disruption to “Joni Ernst usually takes peoples’ classroom instruction,” signed the district. thoughts into consideration when she Impacts of the walkout were seen follows up with e-mail responses. Chuck throughout the student body, as students Grassley gives a summary of your request, became more informed about gun control. and a record of his voting history related to “The walkout brought awareness and the issue, and Rod Blum typically doesn’t got more students talking about it. I think even respond,” Hannah Fusselman, sr., everyone there learned a lot more about said. the issue at hand,” said Green.

A petition was available at the walkJami Martin-Trainor out for students to sign, which listed the student’s requests. Some of the demands included banning assault rifles, universal background checks, allowing courts to disarm people who show signs of violent behavior, and requiring a gun license for all Pages by Sophia Jasper | 7

KennedyTorch.org

Kennedy students walked out of school to join the national gun control movement

The students watch as others come out of the building on April 20, at 10 a.m. as part of a national school walkout to protest gun violence.

Power Movement “School shootings, lately, have been impacting schools more and more,” Andres Davila, sr., said.

“If we don’t do anything to stop it, it will inevitably harm us too.”

The walkout is meant to bring attention to the pressing issue that students in America face every day when they come to school. Students refuse to

have their voices and thoughts on gun control be ignored.

“A couple of weeks after a shooting, news outlets either talk about it very little or stop all together, so it’s good to continue the momentum by having a walkout,” Davila said. “We also want to influence Iowan representatives, because they take money from the NRA [National Rifle Association] and we need to let them know that not what the people want, because their job is to represent the people.”

Speakers of both students and adults were present at the walkout to express their opinions on what needs to be done regarding gun control.

“There’s going to be mostly student speakers, because most of the attendees will be students, and we have one other speaker, Stacy Walker, a Linn County representative,” Taylor Harmer, sr., said.

Students who have taken part in planning the walkout include Andres Davila, Elise Williams, Taylor Harmer, and Madeline Kelley, and Hannah Fusselman.

Jami Martin-Trainor

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Above, students stand behind Madeline Kelly sr., and she speaks out during the walk out, Kelly paid tribute by reading out names of kids that have been part of gun violence.

Above, Rahma Elsheikh fr., says “We are the future and we are the change” and gets emotional during her speech.

Many students who participated at the walkout gathered by the flag pole and listened as their classmates made their voices heard.

Far left, one of the many speakers Sam Bennett sr., says “we need to stay angry.”

All photos by Anafer Millsap

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Above, Lynda Haddy, former Kennedy mom comes out to support the students. “...to help keep fighting for what’s right,” Haddy said.

Opinion

The Impact a Voice can Have.

Michael Bryant, jr., Ben Wilson, jr. at Linn-Mar, and Reya Sands, jr., brave the cold and snow to show they have a voice at the March For Our Lives rally in Downtown Cedar Rapids. Photo courtesy of Reya Sands.

O

f the seven billion people in the world, you may feel insignificant as one single being.

Enacting lasting change can seem like a daunting or impossible task.

Sometimes I imagine myself standing in a circle with everyone else in the entire world surrounding me, shouting into this impossible void between all of us, trying to let their voice be heard.

It’s hard for me to think I can make a difference when my voice isn’t heard.

My voice is lost in the vast space created by the masses of people, drowned out as everyone tries to get across their own personal causes and issues.

It can seem even more daunting when the people surrounding you are older, and are supposed to be wiser, people who society has deemed worthy of authority. It’s not unusual for one of them to dismiss a young person’s voice simply because of their age, thinking their judgement isn’t sound and that therefore they are not to be taken seriously.

What’s ironic is that just because you’re old, doesn’t mean you’re wise. Sometimes

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young people can have a most surprisingly clear viewpoint. Every voice matters no matter their age, and wisdom isn’t restricted to adults only.

Just one person can be the voice that urges others to speak as well. There shouldn’t be an age limit on the positive messages that can come from standing up for something with your voice.

Right now, is a monumental moment, as more and more teens are taking responsibility to make the world a better place. Young people are tired of what they see and are striving for change in areas adults are too scared to even talk about.

On Feb. 20, young people in Florida let their voices be heard. Students at West Boca Raton High School in Florida walked out and marched to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to express solidarity with the community. They didn’t falter to think of their voices not being heard, they believed they could make a difference and forged ahead, forcing people to listen.

Their voices are being heard.

On Feb. 20 students of Iowa City High School and Iowa City West High School,

as well as middle school students, walked out of class to protest at the Old Capitol Building in Iowa City, Iowa. This act caught the attention of national news organizations. The best part is that I first heard this story because it was brought to my attention by an adult on Twitter speaking of these students’ actions.

Adults are taking notice, and some of them are willing to listen. Students in Iowa City knew that their actions had the chance of being recognized and they also knew they had to take advantage of this opportunity to be heard, so they went.

They got up and walked out and they were noticed. Their voices were heard as they marched for what they believed in.

My own voice matters and I can create change.

As an 18-year-old, I have the right to vote. I have accepted this responsibility and I am beginning to get involved. I have been emailing my representatives, reading their newsletters, and responding to their polls asking me what issues I would like to see supported.

Even though I’ve just begun to take these steps, you don’t have to be 18 to take advantage of these opportunities.

The power of your voice isn’t limited to you being a legal adult, use your voice, and don’t be afraid to let it be heard.

Become involved in your local politics and be knowledgeable about the people representing you.

My picture of everyone standing in a circle, endlessly disappointed that their voices aren’t being heard, can change.

Instead of shouting into an endless void, we should turn to the person next to us, no matter their age, and listen to what they have to say. What if they considered and pondered and decided to agree with you and they turned to the person next to them.

Soon enough, half the circle could be shouting the same message. Suddenly enacting change doesn’t seem like such a daunting task. This is the picture young people should hold on to, this is the picture they should strive for. It’s too easy to give up if you don’t think you have a chance.

Young people have more than a chance, they have an opportunity and a voice, and it shouldn’t be dismissed. Everyone’s voices matter.

Hannah Ratzer

Below, Lily Wiese, sr., and Ellie Grovert, sr., pose for a photo while students sign the pledge respect banner on March 7, 2018.

Photo by Olivia Haefner.

Above, Nic Luongvan, sr., Shelby Cook, sr., Jack Hoeger, jr., and Delilah Ringo, fr., gathering signatures from those who wish to end the “R Word” on March 7, 2018. Photo by Jenna Anderson.

Spread the Word to End the Word S

pread the Word to End the Word was on Mar. 7, 2018. Spread the Word to End the Word is campaign to stop the use of the “R word”. As a person with family members who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) this is important to me.

I have never used the “R word” out of context and even in context I still don’t like to say it, because of the stigma people put behind it. It is a psychological definition not an insult.

At Kennedy, I have heard students say “Are you Autistic?” When they are asking their friend why they did something stupid. It often makes me angry and I always say that the R word is not a substitute for stupid or dumb.

I would say Kennedy is a really accepting school, but there will always be a few people who don’t get it. You don’t need to yell at people who use the term to hurt another, just educate them. Whenever I hear the word, I make sure to stand up for the people with IDD. A lot of people try to justify saying it with “It’s just a word” or “It depends on who you say it in front of”, but I don’t think you can justify saying it. Even if you say it to people who don’t care, you are still insulting others. You are still being derogatory to a group of people.

People will developmental or intellectual disabili-

On March 7, 2018 Best Buddies handed bracelets and candy to those who pledged to Spread the Word to End the Word.

ties are still people and have adequate feelings. I participate in Best Buddies, because they are fun and caring people. They are the nicest people you will ever know, and they are smart.

I am apart of Best Buddies so I can make new friends and help the ones who need a little push to be themselves or get out of their comfort zones. It isn’t always easy for them to do that, but if they have support they will. It is so great to see them smile and get to be themselves.

This campaign is to help educate people, stop the use of the “R word”, and end the stigma.

“It belittles a disability. It dismisses a disability, making fun of a person who had no choice in the matter,” Brett Hoyer, math teacher at Kennedy, put this quote on his board on March 7 regarding the campaign to Spread the Word to End the Word.

Leeanne Mehring-Cruz

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Opinion

Gun Control

E

very time there is a mass school shooting, we hear the exact same thing; send your thoughts and prayers. But, are thoughts and prayers going to stop people from getting shot? Probably not.

Students are going to school every day, worried that they might get shot while trying to get and education. Isn’t it sad that we must think about the possibility of death more than our GPA? So many problems could be solved in America if we merely had stricter gun control laws. No one is saying to completely get rid of guns. We’re saying to regulate who can get them and make it significantly harder for the everyday person to obtain a gun. It was known that the Parkland shooter had many mental health issues, such as OCD, ADHD, and anger issues, and yet he still easily purchased at least 10 guns.

Violence will exist, but the number of

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ecently in America, a hot topic is guns, school shootings, who’s to blame and what should be done about guns.

Increasing gun control is very flawed in

Josh Sheeley, fr., works to promote the accessibility of guns to citizens. “Ban ignorance, not guns”. Photo by Tate Weaver.

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casualties that come from the violence can be decreased exponentially with stricter gun control. If the Parkland school shooter had walked in with a knife, he would not have been able to murder 17 people in only a few minutes.

In the Netherlands, there was a man who had brought two knives to a school and tried to stab students, but students were able to fight back, and defend themselves with their backpacks. There were no casualties. If that man had obtained a gun, the situation would not have had such a happy ending. You can’t fight off a gun with a backpack.

Mental health is the excuse that most of the adults go with when gun control is brought up. They’re saying that us kids need to be nicer to each other. But mental health and bullying is an issue all around the globe. Mass shootings are an issue only in America.

Excuses are made by greedy politicians,

Jami Martin-Trainor, fr., speaks at the Kennedy Walkout on April 20. “It’s the greedy politicians in America who continuously take money from the NRA only thinking about themselves.” Photo by Anafer Millsap who are not actually listening to us. We are citizens in America, and we all deserve a say in our own lives. Gun control is something that we need as a society, we are the future. We are the new generation and we deserve the right to live.

Jami Martin-Trainor

Gun Control

its idea and I believe that increasing gun control is a bad idea.

One impact of America imposing more restrictive gun control laws is that it is a slippery slope; once you start with banning “high capacity magazines,” where does it end? It could end with lawmakers taking away guns from the public which is an inalienable right so it would be unconstitutional for the government to do so, and if the government does take away the American public’s guns, how will the people be able to protect themselves from an overbearing government—like what happened in colonial America?

A second Impact of increasing gun control is that it does not stop crime rates from increasing. Many people believe that there won’t be as many violent crimes if there are tighter gun control laws. However this is a common misconception. If you

look at the United Kingdom for example, in 2017 alone, there was a 27 percent rise in firearm crime, and a 19 percent rise in overall violent crime. As the facts prove, it looks like gun control is not working in the United Kingdom.

Furthermore, heavy regulation leads to the proliferation of illicit economies. With that being said, people who want to get guns, may it be by legal or illegal means, will still get guns and will still do harm that they intended to do before the guns had become illegal.

These are many reasons why having tight gun control laws is very bad for the future of America. America is in a state of confusion about what to do with guns in America, and the facts prove, that with some countries that have no guns like the United Kingdom, banning firearms is not a good idea.

Josh Sheeley

Are People Becoming Numb to Violence?

Jackson Foley, sr., plays Fortnite before his first period class. Fortnite has risen to great popularity at Kennedy and is played by a wide variety of students. Photo by Anna Reinhart. other. Violence and mass shootings are occurring so often that it is becoming normalized. People are numb to this violence, the sooner we realize that, the sooner we can start to do something about it.

Mathew WorthingtonBarnes

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Something is not right. Each time there is a violent event around the world there is less and less reaction by the public. It’s because this violence has been entrenched into today’s society, making its occurrence have less impact on the public.

Whenever something like the shooting in Parkland would occur in the past, people were much less adjusted to the violence that occurs today. Today, the Parkland shooting is just one of many mass shootings that have happened this year. It’s the increasing frequency of these tragedies that are making them normalized, and it’s causing a lot of problems, especially for today’s youth.

People are becoming numb to violence, but they may not realize it. It’s a phenomenon that is becoming increasingly widespread, and it’s not going to slow down until we realize what the violence is doing to us. Mass shootings are only becoming more frequent, and exposure to that society at a young age could lead to a majority of people in the future being undeniably numb to what we call tragedies today.

A psychological study found that someone, just after watching a violent movie, was less likely to help an injured person than someone who had not. The drastic increase in violent video games and movies for this generation is therefore causing an increase in people who won’t help an injured person, because we have become numb to that type of violence.

There is so much violence in the world and the games that are being developed contain an amount of violence that is causing a decrease in sensitivity to that violence when it happens in real life.

I know that I am numb to violence because I have played those violent video games. I started playing when I was 14-years-old. When there is a mass shooting, everyone knows it’s sad, but the emotional toll it’s taking on people is steadily decreasing as the frequency of these mass shootings goes up.

Everywhere in the world there is just so much violence and hate that people have towards each

Feature to her,” Davis said.

Senior Sport Seasons seasons This basketball season and cross-country season, Foley Honor Grandma always had his grandma in the “At her funeral, with tears in my eyes I dropped a letter in her casket, vowing to make her proud,” Spencer Davis, sr., said.

Point guard Jackson Foley and swimmer Spencer Davis decided to dedicate their senior sports seasons to their biggest supporter, their grandmother, Nancy Melsa, who passed away in May 2017. Melsa was diagnosed with kidney cancer during Foley and Davis’ junior year.

“My grandma was a selfless supporter of her family members and friends,” Davis said.

Davis and Foley are cousins, their moms are sisters. A lot of people don’t know this because they have different

Davis splashing by opponents during the 2017-2018 swim season. Photo by Kennedy Yearbook. friend groups and are involved in different sports.

“Our grandma was always our number one fan,” Foley said.

She went to every one of the boys’ competitions, at times she would go to multiple in a single day.

“My grandma was constantly at our sporting events. Even after she was diagnosed with kidney cancer; my mom and her sisters would rush her from her chemo treatments in Iowa City to my swimming meets,” Davis said. “Watching her wave to me from the stands surrounded by her daughters, as I’m getting ready for a race, meant the world to me.”

Melsa raised five daughters who were very active in Kennedy sports and clubs.

Davis’ aunt Michele was a state champion in track during the 80’s. His aunts and mother have raised Melsa’s grandchildren the same way she did. Melsa was a member of the Kennedy Booster Club and a volunteer security guard at Kingston Stadium.

“Both Jackson and I wanted to continue that legacy by dedicating our senior

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back of his mind during all practices and games.

“Both of us knew how close our family was and how big of a part of our lives and that our grandma would always be a part of our lives,” Foley said. “I think that she Foley dribbling past a defensive Trojan at helped us get to where we are today and Sub-State during the 2017-2018 season. it’s the least we could do for her.”

Photo by Jamison Prull.

Foley and Davis spent almost every day of their childhood with their grandmothhis grandma was the alone time with er. Melsa was the rock to their family and her, whether it was eating lunch with her they all still have emotional moments or seeing her after school. He cherishes from losing her. those the most.

“It’s weird to think, but losing our “We both wish she could’ve seen our grandma brought our family closer,” Foley senior year let alone the rest of our lives, said. “She will live on through us forever.” so we just wanted to make sure that we Foley, Davis, and Seth Davis [Spencer’s made her proud and this was one way we brother] all have the same pendants could do that,” Foley said. that say “Guardian angel protect us” to remember their grandmother.

Jamison Prull and Leeanne Davis and Foley’s seasons went well, Mehring-Cruz but they weren’t always perfect.

“It hasn’t been the smoothest or perfect dream season, but things don’t always go smoothly, and we still have an opportunity to make something happen here at the end of the season,” Foley said. “I know that this season, no matter what, my grandma would be proud of our team and I.” Although Davis had bronchitis and strep throat during state, he had his best overall season so far this year. At the district swim meet, Davis swam the 7th fastest 500 Free time in Kennedy history with a 4:56.2. In the 200, Davis got 1:48.9 and qualified for state in both. Davis was seated 17th and 22nd, respectively.

“I think one of the reasons I did so well at districts was because before each of my races I would tell her ‘I’m going to make you proud’,” Davis said.

Some of Davis’ favorite memories with his grandma were when he was a kid. He remembers how he would play outside, then run inside, greeted by the sweet smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies made by his grandma, and enjoyed the cookies with Nancy Melsa, the grandmother of Davis and Foley her.

Foley’s favorite moments with enjoying a birthday lunch at Red Lobster in Nov. 2016.

A Couple’s Path to Parenthood T

he hardest part for teacher Leah Howard was a feeling of helplessness.

Apart from routine steps a mother can take in a pregnancy to improve a baby’s health, Leah could do nothing to change Lydia’s diagnosis of Spina Bifida.

For Leah and her husband Sean, one thing is certain about their unborn child, “We will love Lydia no matter what.”

Spina Bifida is a condition which can form during a baby’s development. It occurs when the spinal cord does not completely seal, leaving a gap which prevents the connection of nerves, sometimes crucial, to the brain. The gap left untreated, can in many cases lead to paralysis and the development of learning disabilities.

“When we were told that Lydia had Spina Bifida, I started to think about all of the difficulties that my brother had growing up,” Howard said, whose worries associated with the complication are deeply personal, as her 38-year old brother has Spina Bifida. “All the surgeries he needed to have, learning disabilities he experienced…how hard school was for him, and just kind of thinking about bullying and how kids treated him in school. Because of this, I worried that my daughter would go through these same issues.”

Lydia’s diagnosis of Spina Bifida is not the first difficulty to mark Leah’s path to motherhood.

Leah and her husband Sean got married in July 2014, and according to Leah, they started almost right a way to make a family.

“I knew it probably wouldn’t happen right away, but I was surprised that it was as difficult as it was for us to get pregnant,” Howard said.

The difficulties Leah did not foresee, were that the process would take more than three years, a try with fertility promoting medication, and three unsuccessful attempts at Intrauterine Insemination (IUI).

After the lengthy struggle, in September 2017, Leah discovered she was pregnant and was able to share with her husband the exciting news.

In the next months, they joyfully discovered the baby was a girl and gave her the name of Lydia Elizabeth Ann Howard.

All this information was shared with family, friends, and even Leah’s students.

Then, on Dec. 27, 2017, Leah and Sean received the news at a routine checkup, through an ultrasound, that Lydia had Spina Bifida.

Lydia Elizabeth Ann Howard was born on May 8 at six pounds and four ounces From and is 18 3/4” long. She has upcoming neurology exams, but so far she looks there, good. Photo provided by Leah Howard. they weekdays, her husband. decided that a reasonable next step would The fetal surgery was performed on be to visit Mayo Clinic, in Rochester Feb. 6, and according to Leah’s doctors Minnesota, to get further testing and the went smoothly. In fact, the results elimiadvice of experts in roughly two to three nated many worries for the Howards. weeks following diagnosis. This testing When she found out, Howard felt only would determine whether or not they happiness and love for her daughter, sayqualified for surgery. ing, “I was really happy, I was overjoyed.”

“Those were really hard weeks. We Since the surgery, Lydia has exceeded didn’t know how severe the disability was, her doctors’ expectations many times. all we knew was that the baby had Spina Most recently, she has made a large imBifida,” Howard said about the stressful provement. The Chiari Malformation in situation.

Lydia’s brain has been reversed.

After Leah and Sean visited Mayo Clinic This means, that Lydia’s brain has been and spoke to different specialists, they returned to a normal position, which were thrilled to discover that they were will hopefully reduce future damage to eligible for a fetal surgery, which would development. give Lydia the highest chance of avoiding Although one large step towards a the many challenges that come with Spina brighter future for Lydia has been made, Bifida, which Leah saw first hand with her the journey for the Howards, is not over. brother.

Marked by the kindness from friends, Leah explained this by saying, “This is family and even strangers, worry, sadness an option my parents never had with my and joy, they continue to look forward brother, which is why the opportunity with hope. would be difficult to give up.”

On May 8, Howard’s C-section is schedThere are some risks involved with the ules at 37 weeks, something that for any surgery, but despite these, they believe baby with Spina Bifida is a big accomthat it was the best course of action for plishment.

Lydia and her future. There was also a definite sacrifice associated with the procedure.

Having the surgery required a relocaSophia Jasper tion to Rochester, Minnesota where Mayo Clinic is located, causing Leah to leave behind her students, friends, and during

Pages by Leeanne Mehring-Cruz| 15

Feature

As Graduation Approaches, Seniors Reminisce

Mallory Nesmith, sr., giving support to her fellow cast members. Photo

by Jamison Prull.

with 1:27.55 as time,” Jones said. “I will cherish these memories the rest of my life and it has been and honor being a cougar.”

This was Jones’ last season of track and his goal for this year was to be a state champion. His father was a wrestling state champion when he went to Washington High School. Jones has gotten the state title but not champion and that is what he wants to be.

“Ever since I was a little kid I had the dream of being an all state athlete and being on a great team that dream has came true since I have been at Kennedy,” Jones said.

Blake Jones, sr., running his high school track career to the finish line. Photo by Kennedy Yearbook.

B

lake Jones’, sr., favorite memories happened while participating in track throughout his high school career.

“My first favorite memory was getting third at state as a team in 2016,” Jones said. “This gave me a lot of motivation for my next memory which was placing at state in 2017.”

In the 4x200 Blake Jones and his teammates placed 4th and earning 2nd Team Elite All State.

“That year [2017], I also broke a school record in the 4x200

16 |

M

allory Nesmith’s, sr., favorite memory happened the closing night of the Wedding Singer, Kennedy’s spring play. Nesmith has been a part of theater and musicals most of her life no matter where she has lived.

“Being part of the musical at Kennedy really made me feel at home,” Nesmith said. “Not only was it my last show at Kennedy, but my last theatre production, so it meant that much more to me.”

As the curtain closed and the rest of the cast and Mallory waved goodbye to the final audience, Nesmith felt sad that such a huge portion of her life was ending. “[I am] Happy that I could spend it with such amazing company as I did,” Nesmith said.

Jose Juarez, sr., was helping his boss clean out some equipment and started messing with the DJ. Photo provided by Jose Juarez.

J

ose Juarez’s, sr., favorite memory is being a part of the Chinese language and culture at Kennedy. His class started as 12 students and has shrunk down to six in the past four years.

“We went to speaking competitions together and performed embarrassing, but creative skits every Chinese New Year,” Juarez said.

The students went to Chinatown with their teacher, Grant Brown, who Jose has much appreciation for.

“We became a family and will always be family even after we graduate,” Juarez said.

Jose’s other favorite memories are prom, being a part of Mentors for Violence Prevention (MVP), the Quiz-Bowl, and getting to know the exchange students that come to Kennedy.

“If I had any regrets, it’s that I didn’t speak to more people,” Juarez said. “My advice for lower classmates is to be yourself and don’t be scared about everyone else.”

Leeanne Mehring-Cruz

1.)How did it feel to win Prom queen/king and why?

Ray: “Pretty Great, When I heard couples get the chance to be prom queen and king I thought yes! I have a shot because otherwise I never thought that me personally would be able to get that opportunity.”

Ashby: “I was definitely shocked because never in my life would I suspect that I would even be nominated to be a Queen and it was really cool. I would never suspect people would notice me because I’m only nice so.”

2.)What your plans after high school and why?

Ray: “I’m going to Iowa State for mechanical engineering and I’ve just always liked building things and designing things to make things better or make a difference.”

Ashby: “My plan is to go to Kirkwood for the first two years and then transferring to Iowa State for elementary school Education. I’ve always enjoyed being with children and I think its really cool being able to impact the future by teaching little kids.”

3.).What is something Kennedy has taught you?

Ray: “Not to be narrow minded and accept all types of people because over the four years I’ve considered myself as one person, but with all the activities I’ve done they opened my horizons.”

Ashby: “It has taught me to be who I am not to be afraid of that, to be able to support others and who they are and what they like to do.”

After the crowning, Ashby Renner and Raymond Koch pose for cameras. Photo by Darby Herridge.

Q & A with Prom King and Queen

Ray: “I feel like Kennedy has so many opportunities that you can do, and it helps you as a person. Kennedy makes you a more diverse.”

Ashby: “I feel like senior year has opened my eyes to new opportunities and I’ve definitely made new and better friends this year. Out of all the years, senior year has been the best out of all the four years.”

Olivia Haefner

KennedyTorch.org

4.)In what ways has Kennedy impacted your senior year?

Pages by Leeanne Mehring-Cruz| 17

Feature

The Impact that Student Government has on the Community

“Student Government gives you a voice and allows you to have opportunities to change a ton of peoples’ lives throughout our community,” Hailey Dolphin, sr., said.

Dolphin has been a part of Student Government since her freshmen year and initially joined because she thought it would look good on resumes, then realized it would mean so much more.

“Student Government has given our students a class they can take where they learn how to be a good person and help others,” Dolphin said. “This is an important life skill to develop and makes the culture at Kennedy better.”

Senior Evyn DeWitte joined Student Government because she enjoys volunteering and helping those in need.

Students listen to announcements to pick up on new service projects they are interested in.

“People don’t realize how much people are affected by the volunteering Photo by Olivia Haefner. and help that we give her in Student ties. All the proceeds go to charities and Police dogs, and written letters to honor Government,” DeWitte said. foundations. flight participants.

This year so far, Student Government “[Without Student Government] We “I think Student Government is under has organized Homecoming, Homeless would have a lot less kids who would appreciated because we don’t get much Night, WPA, elementary school carnivals, continue to help the community down recognition for the services we provide a blood drive, and so many other activithe road and Kennedy’s reputation in to our school,” Dolphin said. “We deserve the community recognition for our hard work, especially wouldn’t be as Mr. Benedict because he keeps the class good,” DeWitte running smoothly and provides us with said. many opportunities to help our commuOther events nity.”

Student GovernStudent Government won a plaque ment has orgafrom the Salvation Army for volunteernized is holiday ing to ring the bell more than any other events for staff organization in Cedar Rapids. Student members and Government brings joy and fun to the their children, student body and with the proceeds they Gems of Hope, make they turn around and give it back to and adopting a the community. veteran family They are recognized by other volunteer during Christgroups in Cedar Rapids and should be mas to provide recognized by the school. essentials they “[Student Government] Is not adverneed and prestised enough - we do our service and don’t ents they cannot flaunt it,” DeWitte said. afford.

In spite of contrary believe, Student They have also Government has done a lot more than made blankets just organize school dances. That is only Seniors Haley Dolphin and Evyn DeWitte take attendance and give for the homeless a small part of what they have done this out potential volunteer opportunities to classmates. Photo by Olivia and Cedar Rapids school year.

Haefner.

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Leeanne Mehring-Cruz

Newer and Stronger Friendships Formed Students with and without IDD play with a parachute and run underneath as they hold it up. Photo by Olivia Haefner.

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ennedy’s Best Buddies program has participated in the Camp Courageous spring field trip for the past four years. The peer buddies go along with IDD students to participate in outdoor sports and activities, such as zip lining. This year students in Student Government will be taking the place of peer buddies that can’t go due to AP testing.

“Our hope is in participating in these kinds of unified activities that it leads to new friendships, improved self esteem and positive changes in attitude,” Special Education teacher Mary Gibney said.

Washington and Jefferson High School join with Kennedy to mix up groups of peer buddies and students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). This is a partnership with Special Olympics Iowa to commit to pursuing Unified Sports, student leadership and school wide awareness of intellectual disabilities.

“Our Best Buddies Club helps pursue this goal to build upon and promote to students the concept of inclusion and acceptance,” Gibney said. “Camp Courageous is one of the best activities that we do as a Best Buddies Club.”

At camp courageous these students know they are in a safe

environment and are with people that care about them. “[Camp Courageous] Gives them a day to have fun and forget about their school work,” Sadie Wagemester, jr., said.

Wagemester has participated in Camp Courageous for two years and is this year’s president for Kennedy’s Best Buddies program. “[Camp Courageous is important] because they are able to work as a team,” Wagemester said.

Wagemester feels it is important for peer buddies to go because it strengthens relationships and she even got to see what the community does for people with IDD. “It’s important for peer buddies to go as well because it’s really great being able to make new friends and form a relationship with your buddy,” Taylor Harmer, sr., said.

Harmer attended last year’s trip to Camp Courageous. During the trip, Harmer got partnered with a different buddy than her own and go to bond with the new buddy the whole time and it was overall a great experience.

“I think it made everyone happier [Camp Courageous] and more care free,” Harmer said. “It is a day of having fun with everyone and while you’re playing games it is easier to become closer to people.”

Leeanne Mehring-Cruz

Pages by Leeanne Mehring-Cruz| 19

Ads

Men’s Soccer would like to say congratulations to our Seniors and thank them for all they’ve done for our program. You’ve set the wheels in motion to a program to be proud of. #PRIDE

To: Olivia Hellweg Congratulations! We love you and are so proud of all you have accomplished! We look forward to sharing your new adventures as a Hawkeye!

Torch seniors Hannah, Jamison, LeeAnne, Tate Don’t forget to write.

–30– HM

Love, Dad, Mom, Claire, & Abby

Congrats Annette & Brynn!

Continue playing golf as long as you can, at as many different courses as you can! Can’t wait to hear about your first hole-in-one!

Coach Buerman & the rest of the ’18 Girls Golf Team

To: Jacob, Jackson, B.J. and Andy “Bagel McDriver” Announcements won’t be the same next year. Graceful dates, Driving, Canning Jars and Beef Knock O’s!

Call/email us with your problems.

Best of luck next year. The Fixers.

Senior Soccer Players It’s been a great season and we are proud of you! Best of luck in all of your future endeavors!

Go Cougars!!

- Girls Soccer Parent Support Group

Kennedy High School Graduation Ceremonies 7 p.m., Thursday May 24, 2018 U.S. Cellular Center

Goodbye Messages for KHS graduates 20 |

Happiness, Inc. Seniors It is said that what you send out into the world is what returns to you. If that is true, get ready for a life filled with joy!

Have a nice life! - Zig

Kennedy Debate Last few words of advice...

“The only stupid question is one that’s never asked; the only stupid answer is one that’s never given.”

Congrats!

Senior Speech Team Members Be a voice, not an echo.

Congratulations!

Marzen & Marner

Best to you Shelby and Veena!

Two amazing girls that have given me millions of tennis memories. Big things are in future!

Women’s Swim & Dive Seniors Congratulations Ladies!!!

We wish you the best in the next chapter of your life. There is a bright future ahead of all of you.

Once a Cougar Always a Cougar!!

Coach Seely

- Kennedy Women’s Swimming & Diving

To: Karter Donahue What a great neighbor! It’s been fun watching you grow up... Lots of funny moments over the years.

Good luck next year and always!

The Reinharts

Kennedy Volleyball Seniors Congratulations on your graduation. We’re so proud of you all. Good luck in your next adventure! Come back to visit...

We’ll miss you.

Kennedy Volleyball Coaches and PSG

To: All the seniors I’ve known and loved before, and all others... all the best!

Lindo

Ads | 21

Photo

Photos by Jamison Prull

Cougar Spirit Reigns

Top Left: Seniors Grace Harrelson, Joey Bushman, and James Tolly shouting the class cheer. Top Right: Senior Brandon Koch being showered in confetti. Bottom: Cougar spirit raining down on sophomores Shamariyon Graham and Alexis Mcquistion.

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Kennedy Cougars gathered in the gymnasium March 29 for the last pep assembly of the school year. Top: Senior Jackson Foley participates in a giant game of leap frog. Bottom Left: Senior Spencer Davis in his green getup. Bottom Right: Seniors Sam Mead, Blake Jones and Jurnee Rose-Johnson, and Juniors Amelia Spreitzar and Michael Bryant playing musical chairs.

Pages by Jamison Prull | 23

Culture

The Fortnite Craze

Freshman Zoe Trumpold has had it with Fortnite.

“My boyfriend stopped talking to me because he was too busy playing Fortnite,” Trumpold said. “It ends relationships, so hey I’m single.”

Fortnite is a co-operational sandbox survival game, in which up to four players can play from their own controllers.

“The game is so addicting because it gives you a rush to make number one,” Jaylun Johnson, sr., said, adding that, “it has good hand-eye coordination.”

The story of the game is that about 98 percent of Earth’s population has vanished, and how zombie like creatures from violent storms arrive to finish off the remaining population.

Survivors must try to return Earth to its normal state.

Players have their characters construct fortifications around defensive objects to protect them and they also go on missions to collect resources. Characters must create weapons to win in combat against the creatures, and can gain rewards from these missions to improve the characters and weaponry.

Freshman Jared Sacquitine-Darrington is all for the game.

“It makes school easier because I know it will be there when I get home.”

Fortnite Battle Royale is the standalone mode of Fortnite, a fusion of the survival and exploration with last man standing play.

Students can play this on their cell phones now even at

Fortnite can now be played on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, MacOS, and Microsoft Windows. school, making it a possible distraction in the classroom.

“I’m open to students enjoying the game,” teacher Jan Jauhiainen said. “But if a person finds that the video game has control over you, and you don’t have control over it, then that is when I worry.”

About 45 million people play Fortnite and the reported monthly revenue Fortnite makes is $126 million. The Fortnite website shows that some people play up to six to eight hours a day, maybe even 10.

Haylee Brewer and Shaun Pothepalli

An Unforgettable Aroma As you walk into the Donut Experiment, the first things for the workers to make your donuts. When I went in on a that you experience are the smell of delicious cake donuts beings Sunday, the wait wasn’t very long. The aroma of the donuts was fried and smiling workers eager to take amazing, and they came out warm and well made. your order.

The donut size is not too big or The ordering system differs in small. The workers do a really good job this shop compared to others. As you of creating a good topping to donut walk in, they have a rack of clipboards ratio, which is very important. The containing papers with customizable toppings vary from crushed Oreos to options to order. The paper lists over M&M’s, to raspberry drizzle. thirty different types of toppings and The Donut Experiment is a nice, flavored drizzles that you can choose small, donut shop. The service was from depending on what kind of donut great, and the wait time wasn’t bad, is calling your name. but most importantly, the donuts were The waiting and seating area is good quality and tasted fantastic! I small, but if you go into the shop later The Donut Experiment is located at 5300 Founin the day, you have a better chance of tains Drive, Cedar Rapids. Photo by Josh Sheeley. would give them a four donut holes out of five. If you like cake donuts, getting a seat. then the Donut Experiment is the place for you.

After you are done filling out the ordering sheet, you wait

24 |

Josh Sheeley

Juniors Roberta Prats, Kai Johnson, Jessie Loney, and Justine Carrel on the 2017 Women’s Volleyball Homecoming Parade Float.

Rotary’s goal is to help students learn new languages, discover other cultures, and truly become global citizens. They have achieved their goal with me. Rotary is the organization that helped make everything possible for me. They set up my exchange this school year from Spain to America.

Rotary is an organization that truly loves having exchange students. They love doing activities with us including setting up trips and conferences that make our experience better. Every month I have one Rotary meeting with my district. My district is composed of 14 exchange students from nine different countries.

My Rotary district is my second family here in Cedar Rapids because we can understand each other perfectly. We have so much fun together and I enjoy hanging out and laughing with them. Each meeting we do something different and can meet new students from different countries.

In Rotary we are assigned a counselor and my counselor is Amber. Amber is the person I go to when I need help with something or have problems. She is someone who really cares about me and tries to make this experience the best it can be.

Rotary does a really good job of taking care of me in every aspect including at home, school, and activities. They help make this year away from home a better experience. Being a foreign exchange student wouldn’t be possible without them.

Going to school at Kennedy High School has been a very big part of my experience in America. Kennedy’s been one of the best things for me and it has given me the best memories.

Sports have really contributed to me making friends here. So far, I’ve played volleyball and basketball, and I will be playing tennis in the spring.

Through these sports I have met so many new people and I have gotten to see them every day. I think playing sports has been one of the best decisions I’ve made here.

One of the best memories I’ve had is during basketball season when my team and I had a team dinner at the restaurant La Cantina. One of my team members, Raphe, was turning 18 that day and the workers brought out a big cake to surprise her.

It was a sweet moment because I felt happy for her and she felt so loved and welcomed by the girls’ basketball team.

Along with sports, Kennedy has had some activities throughout the year to make things a little bit more exciting.

Kennedy has Homecoming, WPA, and Prom dances. This is one thing that we don’t have in Spain, so it is cool way to enjoy my exchange year.

Rotary and Kennedy High School are really involved in exchange students’ programs and I can’t say thank you enough for making this year amazing and unforgettable.

Roberta Prats

Pages by Hannah Ratzer| 25

KennedyTorch.org

Rotary Changed My Experience In America

Culture

Hey Kennedy, Can We Go Thrift Shopping?

As summer rolls around, high school students look for new hobbies to take on while school is out. A recent YouTube trend is shooting “Thrift with Me” videos, which take YouTubers viewers with them while they shop at various thrift and consignment stores.

Juniors Laura Nus and Savannah Miller are “thrifters” and their favorite places to go are Salvation Army, Goodwill, or Stuff Etc. “I like shopping at Salvation Army because it’s super cheap and has cool things,” Nus said. “While Stuff Etc. is a little more pricey but it has cool vintage Kennedy stuff.”

Most thrift shoppers look for vintage team shirts, cheap name-brand clothes like Nike or Adidas, or even just fun unique shirts.

“My favorite item I’ve gotten is a red vintage Adidas sweatshirt,” Miller said.

Miller and Nus recommend that newbies should start out shopping at Salvation Army, because it is a large store with plenty of inventory, and the prices are lower than most consignment stores.

“You can’t be in a hurry looking for things,” Nus said, “and you can’t go into the store with high expectations, because if they don’t have what you expected it can be disappointing.”

The aisles that seem to be the best for Miller are the men’s sweatshirts and T-shirts, and women’s jeans.

“It’s just kind of a hit or miss,” Miller said. “Sometimes I’ll find five things and other times I will leave empty-handed.”

Teens who are tired of shopping at their usual stores and spending a lot of money should try out thrifting this summer in Cedar Rapids.

“I think more people should go thrifting because it’s fun and you never know what you’re going to find,” Miller said.

Jenna Anderson

Junior Savannah Miller trying on a shirt at Treasures Quality Retail Shoppe. Photos by Savannah Miller.

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Geocaching: Unexpected Experience of the landowner is required. The fact that Free stuff is pretty great, especially anyone can hide and look for geocaches is if getting to it can be a fun process. This pretty awesome in itself. was my outlook when I decided to give The objects can be concealed anygeocaching a try, and although in many where, or as one of the ones I found on people’s books the experience was a flop, my so called “adventure” they can be hidI have to say that the amount of fun I had den in plain sight. was pretty surprisTo start the ing. process, I downGeocaching loaded the app itself is a bizarre called “Geocachconcept. At its core ing.” The app it’s basically an shows you all of activity where you the geocaches use GPS to find entered into their hidden objects. database (and These “hidden obsurprisingly there jects” can be anyare a lot) and thing from small A geocache found in Marion that contained gives you specific toys, baskets full jeans. Photo by Sophia Jasper. directions to it, of knick knacks, including a hint if or simply a paper the person who hid it provided one. that you can record your name on. To I went with my dad on a Saturday and me, this idea is great. It’s basically a free it started off pretty well. We easily found a activity that can potentially get you cool geocache within our proximity and began (and did I mention free?) stuff. Anyone can hide a geocache, although permission to search for it, spotting it almost as soon

as we arrived within 300 feet of it, as it was large.

This is where things got interesting.

We spotted a chevron basket and proceeded to approach, only to find that the original items from the geocache had been taken out and replaced with jeans. Yes, jeans. At first I though the experience was a total bust, but to be completely honest the amount of laughs that followed from both me and my dad made up for the “disappointment.”

We then went to another geocache that was legitimately a total bust as the app continually told us that we were 9 feet away or less, but we were never able to find it. The words, “I just don’t get this,” came out of my mouth many times.

Overall, I would definitely go geocaching again. The experience was not ideal, but still managed to provide a fun time for me and my dad.

Maybe next time I’ll find something other than a pair of jeans I had no desire to even touch.

Sophia Jasper

Isaac Toth: In Pursuit of Art Being an artist, Toth is on a time crunch for most of his artwork.

“Time management is important in art, anyone can make a piece look good if they spend enough time on it,” Toth said. “I usually try to finish a drawing piece within a week, but if I add more detail then it can take up to two weeks.”

Josh Sheeley

“Asian American Home” by Isaac Toth.

Pages by Hannah Ratzer| 27

KennedyTorch.org

Senior Isaac Toth is an aspiring young artist who wished to get a college scholarship to do something that he loves, and his dream came true. Toth will be attending Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida.

Toth has loved to draw ever since he was a kid, but never thought about it being a career for him until the end of his sophomore year. This rediscovery of a love of art for Toth came from self-reflection.

“I wanted more than a boring job, I wanted a career that could grow and change,” Toth said. “It’s not a career where you punch in your eight hours and go home.”

Toth mainly likes to draw people and cartoons. Before Toth took AP Art History and AP Studio, his drawings were purely aesthetic.

“After taking those classes my art has more meaning,” Toth said.

When Toth applied for Ringling College of Art and Design, he had to submit a portfolio of 10 to 20 art pieces.

“They mainly looked for quality over a variety of mediums,” Toth said. “They wanted to see observational pieces of the hands, feet, head, as well as creativity.”

One major pull factor that got Toth to accept the offer to Ringling was the great computer animation program. He made sure to go and visit the campus and talk to the faculty at Ringling.

Photo

The Wedding Singer Photos by Jamison Prull

Top Left: Sophomore Noah Loehr as Glen Gulia. Top Right: Sophomore sound board operator Maddi Strait. Bottom: Seniors James Tolly and Ferin Bergen.

28 |

Seniors’ Goodbye Kennedy High School presented The Wedding Singer, a musical reenactment of the 1998 film.. With the play being the last of the school year, it will be the seniors’ last play of their high school career.

One senior in the cast is Kennedy Wilson. She is a veteran in performing arts at Kennedy, having done three Playtime Poppy shows, two fall plays, four spring musicals, and two student directed one acts.

With the Wedding Singer being the last play of the year, it also means that this will be Wilson’s last play as a cougar.

“I’m sad that the Wedding Singer is my last show because it’s the end of my time acting with all my friends from school, but even though I’m sad, Mr. Hayes and Tolly, as my directors, have taught me so much, and I’m excited to use my knowledge and skills they’ve given me to continue my acting in new places,” Wilson said.

Senior James Tolly, played the role of Sammy, the main character’s best friend, in his last musical in Kennedy’s theatre department. Like Wilson, Tolly is experienced in the theater department. He has been in two plays, five musicals, four Playtime Poppy shows, and has been involved in four one act plays.

Since this is Tolly’s last play as a cougar, he wanted this to be a great musical.

“I love this musical, as it’s been my favorite one to be a part of, and I think people are really going to like how goofy it is,” Tolly said, “I was the one who really wanted to do this show, and I can’t think of a better way to go out.”

Josh Sheeley

Top: Senior Mallory Nesmith preparing for show time.

Bottom Left: Seniors Kennedy Wilson and Ferin Bergen.

Bottom Right: Senior Erin Grams and sophomore Josh Young

Pages by Jamison Prull | 29

Sports Swimming in high school has many complications.

Over the past month, four members from the Kennedy Varsity Men’s swim team had a common incident of injuring their left foot.

Junior Zach Johansen commonly participates in the 200-yard individual medley, and either the 100-yard backstroke or butterfly.

“I went to Naruto run into the pool, and I slipped on the deck and smacked my foot in the gutter. I stayed at practice and went to Urgent Care the next day, and they gave me an X-ray. I had a fracture in my foot” Johansen said.

Junior Reese Manternach, swims relays, 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle races.

Manternach recently swam in a relay for the home Kennedy meet against Dubuque Senior on Jan. 16, but came to a surprise after his race when his left foot was split open by the wedge (a piece used to lift a swimmer’s back foot up when starting).

“I had to go to Urgent Care to get four stiches in between my toes and my foot.” Manternach said.

Senior Dawson Gibbons, similarly to Manternach, swims the same races. However, over the Weekend

The Dangers of Swimming

Danny Mulhern fr., swims the individual medley. He is pictured swimming the first 25-yards in fly.

Photo by Anafer Millsap. of Jan. 20, Gibbons injured himself.

“At the conference meet, I messed up on a flip turn and hit my feet wrong, and tore off two of my toe nails,” Gibbons stated and concluding, “At the meet, I went over to the medic and had them wrap it up and got back to racing.”

Sophomore Weston Turner, a 100-yard butterfly swimmer injured his foot during practice when attempting a flip turn. “I got out because my foot

hurt and got back in, then I got back out because it still hurt, then coach Thomsen asked if I was getting back in, I said probably, then Thompsen looked at my foot and said no you’re not,” Turner said.

“I only made it the next few days with crutches and a lot of ibuprofen.” Turner said In all cases, the injuries were preventable with more practice, and an enforcement in rules. Manternach wished “just leave the wedge to face the right way and not on the

Carson Wheat sr., starting up the 200 free individual at the Linn-Mar Districts Meet. Wheat is the second from the right. Photo by Tate Weaver.

30 |

ground.”

Meanwhile, Johansen assures the team with, “I now sit and slide in and no more Naruto runs.”

Gibbons portrays a simple standpoint of “not being stupid.”

Turner just explicitly states, “Don’t swim, but if you do — don’t do flip turns.”

At state, the 200-yard medley relay was disqualified, but earned themselves a time of 1:42.44. This would’ve been the 22 fastest time at the state meet this year. Spencer Davis swam a 200-yard and the 500yard freestyle earned himself a 1:48.93 and 5:46.21 with 24th place in both events. Carter Kramer swam a 22.33 50-yard freestyle, he got 12th. In the 200-yard freestyle relay, the boys got a time of 1:29.41 scoring 13th place. Their final team place was 23rd.

Swimming is coached by Coach Sean Thomsen and his three assisting coaches. Next year’s swimmers are able to train over the summer on the Kennedy summer swim team known as KAST or Kennedy Area Swim team.

Tate Weaver

KH

ennedy ustles at tate S

On Feburary 15, Cedar Rapids Kennedy sent out five state qualifying wrestlers to compete on behalf of their Kennedy family, and for their honor as wrestlers. Senior Ben Sarasin, juniors Cam Jones and Noah Cunningham, and sophomores Dylan Falck and Josh Vis, traveled to the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines to compete in the state meet.

Sarasin entered in the 170 weight class, as he weaved through the competition and finished out as the undefeated 3A state champion. With back to back wrestling, Sarasin finished his senior year with an accomplishing turnout. His fourth and final match was against Anthony Zach, Sarasin finished the match with a 9-5 decision. Sarasin finished his season with a perfect 40-0.

Jones continued on his own path and wrestled in the 220 weight class. He finished his Junior year with three matches at state. His final match was against Tanner Teem, Jones lost with a finishing score of 10-3 in a decision.

Cunningham weighed in the 145 class, finishing his junior year at state. Cunningham wrestled two matches, his last one was against Alan Ayres.

Cunningham lost, ending with a score of 17-10 in a decision.

Falck approached the 132 weight class, but had an abrupt ending to his season when he obtained a neck injury and was cared to by trainers and staff over the weekend.

He had a fractured C3 vertebra, but there is no need for surgery. Falck was on a road of recovery and will hopefully

be back wrestling again next year at state for the Cougars.

His last scheduled match was against Ethan Sorenson, but from his injury, Falck obtained a medical release.

Finally, Vis fought in the 285 weight class. As the Sophomore finishes his year, he proudly obtained 7th place at his first state tournament after five matches. Winning his last match against Troy Monanhan, with 3-2 Overall, the team scored 33 points and placed 19th in state. Sarasin obtained first with 26 points. Jones obtained an unknown place with one point, and Vis got seventh place with six team points.

Until next year, students hope to see the underclassmen and juniors rise to the challenge

Ben Sarasin sr., speaking to his fellow students about his award.

Talking to his peers about his Championship. Photo by Anafer Millsap. and expectation that Sarasin set.

It has been more than ten years since the last state champion of a weight class.

Sarasin got state championship title in the 170 weight class, he is placed along side the past champions from Kennedy’s wrestling team which includes the following: Tate Weaver

Kennedy Champs 1973 Glen Zenor 1977 David Brown 1988-9 Lance Paulson 1992 Brent Paulson 1999 Dan Reiser 2004 Mike Russell 2004-5 Joey Slation 2007 Cruse Aarhus 2018 Ben Sarasin

Ben Hoeger , so. wins his match 6-4 at Cedar Rapids Kennedy. He even lost his head gear while wreslting. Photo by Anafer Milsap.

Pages by Tate Weaver 31

Sports

Girls Build Up

for a Powerful Season

As State approaches, the Kennedy Women’s Soccer team prepares for one of their best fun, but everyone seasons yet. The still works hard. team is currently “I enjoy touch planning for a long, pass, which has two yet worthwhile seaplayers against two son as tournaments, players, like a little regionals, and state scrimmage,” Ervin approach. said. “However, The girls start once you score a their first tournagoal, the two playment May 18 at ers who got a point Valley Stadium in have to run back Des Moines, with reand touch their goal gionals following on post and continue May 30. Finishing again while the off the soccer season opposite team is the State tournaswitches out.” ment on June 7 at Runels also enDes Moines-James joys the touch pass Cownie Soccer Park drill as well, but with the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Hannah Mundell, sr., trying to steal the ball from Washington, to pass to Dekko. Photo by she practices as the goalkeeper during Union.

Tate Weaver. these small scrimThe team of girls some tough turn outs against a great learning process. mages. In games have a strong bond, “I learned positivity goes teams Linn-Mar and Washshe is looking and trust towards one another. ington. a lot further than negativforward to the in-town rivalry “We’re all friends outside of ity, but I want to teach my “We beat them [Linnmatches, against schools like soccer, so we always have each teammates that winning Mar] and that was a turning Jefferson and Washington other’s back.” Kenadee Dekko, isn’t everything, it’s nice, point for us, it gave us some High Schools. Dekko rather sr., said. excitement for the upcoming but hard work and determienjoys scrimmaging the most Dekko is the varsity team nation determines the type competition,” Runels said. and the individual games with captain along with junior of player you are,” Dekko Runels is the Goalkeeper, the team.

Jennifer Schmidt. Dekko feels said. but her main objectives are Overall, the team is involved that she is a good role model Ervin enjoys being at practo stay positive in games and in games weekly, and would for the underclassmen, both in tice, and hopes to continue be- like some encouragement making people happy, laugh the game and in the classroom. ing a large contributor to the and stay upbeat during their while they continue their Schmidt and Dekko are midteam. She thinks practice is practices. season into June. fielders, they help communi“I want to teach my teamcate to everyone on the field. tate Weaver mates to always stay positive “I’m always trying to do betno matter what situation,” ter than last year, and make this Runels said. my best year. It will be my fourth Rylee Ervin, jr., is a right year at state,” Dekko said. defender or central back.

However, the team’s strength She considers herself to be not only relies in their friendgood at knowing what goes ships, but also on the attitude on the field, not to mention of each other. Kendal Runels, jr., communication. encourages her teammates to All the teammates are stay positive and communicate. one, whether they learn “By keeping each other in from one another, or win check and trying to include and lose as a team, their everyone, we can have fun while bonds are what keeps them getting work done,” Runels said. strong and passionate.

The team wants to go to “I’ve learned many things State and have their best year from this team, like how to ever. be a team player and how “We have some things to important communicating figure out, but we have the is,” Ervin said.

Kenadee Dekko, sr. dribbling the ball around the referee, while trytalent to go farther than last Runels knows being a ing to keep the ball away from the Washington girls soccer team. year,” Dekko said. teammate is important and Photo by Tate Weaver.

The women’s team has had some tough turn outs against

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Racing from Drake to State

Jacob Green so., finishing first in the varsity 3200m run, obtaining a Drake qualifying time at Dubuque Senior high school. Photo by Tate Weaver.

to be state champion, I expect to win it all, but I need to improve by becoming quicker.”

White had a good experience, but only ran in one race at the Drake Relays.

“I’ve learned to never take anything for granted,” White said. “Just having the best time does not mean being the best.”

Sarah Nolting, sr., competed as an alternate for the 4x100meter relay.

“It was really fun, we got to bond as a team,” Nolting said.

Nolting expects to compete in the shuttle hurdle relay and possibly in the 100-meter portion of the sprint medley relay at State.

“I think we’ll do fairly well,” Nolting said. “I’ve learned to push myself.” Men’s track coach Curtis Pakkabier has been working with Track & Field at Kennedy for 19 years and started when he was eight years old.

“I expect Kennedy students to break their personal records in every event and show improvements,” Pakkabier said.

“Drake went fantastic, it was one of our best times there I can remember.”

The students prepare themselves while anticipating their qualification into State.

Max Luton

KennedyTorch.org

Kennedy’s Track and Field teams competed in the Drake Relays from April 26 through April 28 and are preparing for the upcoming state meet.

Jacob Green, so., placed 20th in the 3200-meter race at the Drake Relays.

“I need to be mentally prepared by the day of the meet,” Green said. “I need to get some miles in and do some speed workouts.”

At state, Green will most likely compete in the 3200-meter race, and possibly run in the 1600-meter race and 4x800-meter race. Green wishes to become a state qualifier in multiple events.

He expects to do better than he did at Drake.

“Don’t get down on your own performance, even if the team is doing well,” Green said.

Natalie McAllister, sr., seeded 30th and was placed 15th in the 4x100-meter relay with a time of 50.62 seconds.

“Drake went very well,” McAllister said. “We ran hard, and the weather was nice.”

McAllister expects to qualify for the 4x100-meter relay at state, hoping to be even faster than at Drake. Along with that, she hopes to qualify for the shuttle hurdle relay.

“I need to practice my handoffs and endurance, and make pauses shorter,” McAllister said.

Brian White Jr., sr., placed second at Drake for the shuttle hurdle relay.

“I have higher expectations for state,” White said. “I want Terrell Jordan sr,. finishing the last leg of the varsity shuttle hurdle relay at Dubuque Senior high school. Photo by Tate Weaver.

Pages by Tate Weaver 33

Photo

“And as Always, Go Cougs”

Cade Parker so., wrestles in the weight class of 182. Photo by Anafer Millsap.

34 |

Above, Brenndin Tuttrup so., swimming in the 100 freestyle. Cougars fell to the Lions 90-80. Photo by Anafer Millsap. To the right, Terrell Jordan sr., finishes third on long jump at Drake Relays with a jump of 22’3. Photo by Natalie McAllister. To the left, Reya Sands jr., plays against Washinghton High School. Photo by Camber Ostwinkle. To the far right, Tasha Gilkinson so., golfs at Hunters Ridge. Photo by Abby Bright.

Jake Pearson, sr., outruns three trojans by himself heading for the try zone. Photo by Leeanne Mehring-Cruz.

Alex Stone sr., plays against Lin-Mar on April 24 the cougars fell to the lions.

Photo by Tate Weaver.

Natalie McAllister sr., hurdles at Iowa city high, McAllister qualified for the 4x100 relay for Drake. Photo by Anafer Millsap.

Pages by Anafer Millsap | 35

Profile

SENIOR SUCCESSES Darby Manternach

Receiving a Full Tuition Scholarship On Nov. 21, senior Darby Manternach got a call from her but I feel that I have good time management skills and will admissions counselor and received the news that she was be able to handle it,” Manternach said, “and from what I’ve awarded the Distinguished Trustee Scholarship from Coe seen, it’s a great group of girls on the team and I feel like it College. will be a fun expeThe Distinrience.” guished Trustee Manternach Scholarship is part was dared by a of the Williston couple of friends Jones (founder to go out for of Coe College) swimming in Scholarship eighth grade.

Program and is “I got recruited given to people from Coe. Our who model Coe’s new high school mission statement coach Ivan Sanand what their chez is Coe’s asschool is all about. sistant coach and This scholarship so he was able to will grant Manterget a look at our nach free tuition team but before all four years she he became our will attend. coach. I received “I was super a ton of letters pumped. I literally from Coe through jumped in the air and One of Darby Manternach’s senior pictures, taken at Lake MacBride. Photo by our old swim coach, screamed. It was dur- Mary Mathis.

John Ross,” Mantering my gym class so I nach said, “so I was got yelled at for doing that and got told to get off my phone recruited by them but didn’t look into it too much until Ivan but I was too excited,” Manternach said. started annoying me about it, so I told him I would go on a “I was super excited because it meant that I could go to visit.”

Coe because I loved Coe but I wasn’t able to afford their Currently Manternach is swimming with Linn-Mar High tuition until receiving the scholarship.”

School’s club team.

After Manternach applied to Coe, she was automatically “They have a good coaching staff and I’m planning on made a finalist because of her academics and service work. continuing that up until August of 2018 when Coe’s season She then had to go through an interview process of hunbegins,” Manternach said. dreds of people to be able to receive the scholarship.

After her four years at Coe, Manternach plans on apply“I’m looking forward to college,” Manternach said. “I’m ing to medical school and pursuing her dream of being a ready to graduate and meet new people and just live my life nuerosurgeon. and be independent.”

“I’m super excited for the season to start and I can’t wait Outside of majoring in biology, minoring in chemistry to meet my future teammates,” Manternach said. and pursuing a specialty minor in neuroscience, Manternach will also be swimming for the Coe Women’s Swimming and Darby Herridge Diving team.

“I’m scared because it’s a lot of work and it’s a lot of time

36 |

Dawson Gibbons Paving his Own Path to College

Taylor Mather’s Journey to Fitness

from his active involvement in the social studies department at Kennedy.

He is currently taking four social studies classes at Kennedy and entering a major focused on global politics, Gibbons should be well prepared.

Leaving the halls of Kennedy for the last Senior Dawson Gibbons Celebrating on time on May 23, Decision Day. Photo by Andy Jacobsen.

Gibbons will pave his own path towards higher education. As the first in his family to attend college, Gibbons looks forward to seeing what the future holds.

Anna Reinhart

Seeking workout inspiration, senior ing out at a new facility.

Taylor Mather started up an Instagram “Before I started, I would just sit account this past summer to showcase around and tell myself that I would do it her fitness journey. tomorrow,” Mather said. “One day I just “I follow a lot of fitness bloggers and decided to get a gym membership, and YouTubers, so I thought it would be a fun I’m so thankful I did.” thing to do that would keep me motivatBy posting about her workouts and ed,” Mather said. photographing her progress, Mather’s account (@ “Everyone is so Mather is able to show her folfitnessbytayy) provides a each step she is taking to supportive of lowers way for her to record her reaching her goal. progress, list her workouts, each other and I “Everyone is so supportive of share motivational quotes, think that’s really each other and I think that’s reand post pictures of her ally awesome,” Mather said. awesome.” food.

With loads of support sur“I’ve received a lot of rounding her fitness account, positive feedback and a lot Mather recommends that anyof girls have told me that my account one beginning a fitness journey should inspires them to workout,” Mather said. display their progress.

“Some have told me that my account “My way is a little more public, but inspired them to make their own, which is you could always start off with a fitness really cool.” journal or with a private account until you Planet Fitness is Mather’s favorite gym feel comfortable sharing it with people,” spot, because they have various machines Mather said. and trainers to help with routines. FindAside from showing her physical proging a workout buddy is something Mather ress, “@fitnessbytayy” has given Mather advises to ease the intimidation of workspiritual reassurance.

Senior Taylor Mather posing with a medicine ball at Planet Fitness in Cedar Rapids. Photo by Taylor Mather.

Jenna Anderson

Pages by Jenna Anderson | 37

KennedyTorch.org

As seniors approach their final day of high school, the only thing on their minds is what’s coming next. For some it’s following the footsteps of their family, whether that be enrolling in higher education or enlisting in the military. For Dawson Gibbons, sr., it’s about paving his own path to college, as the first one in his family to attend a university.

In the fall, Gibbons will attend Calvin College, located in Grand Rapids, MI, majoring in International Relations and Data Sciences. As a hugely involved member in the Chinese program at Kennedy, it’s natural Gibbons is also minoring in Chinese.

“My family has always been pushing me towards education, just because that’s always been a huge aspect for them,” Gibbons said.

Gibbons’ father entered the military straight out of high school, and both of his parents understand that college isn’t the only option for Gibbons or his younger brother, but they reap that some sort of skills based learning after high school is mandatory.

“My dad definitely pushed both my brother and I to go do something,” Gibbons said. “That way we had the opportunity to really go and do what we wanted to do.” As the biggest proponent for Gibbons’ education after high school, his father is an extremely important facet regarding Gibbons’ plans for higher education.

Gibbons’ desire for a role in international relations stems

Profile

Farewell Torch Seniors Tate Weaver

Senior year, a literal drag, but a worthwhile experience. Most kids say they’ll cut back on classes, do less activities, and have a lot more fun. However, I completely disagree. Senior year may not have been my most fun, but it was my last year to meet my grades, my last year to see all my friends, and my last year to do activities before I head off to college. I’m not one to boast myself or to ridicule others of their high school decisions. I had a full schedule and online class my senior year, just to make sure I could still do the classes I love (like Torch) and be prepared for college.

To any underclassmen, I recommend not slowing down in high school, especially if you plan on going to college.

Slowing down and limiting yourself gives you more leisure time, but with my experiences I would

rather be more prepared than underprepared. It is also my last high school year. I took it upon myself to expand my horizon. I had German 4 with some of the kids I’ve known since freshman year. I met a bunch of teachers who actually cared about me (trust me they care, you just have to be cooperative). I took French 1 and met a bunch of freshmen who are actually decent, I took Composition (a writing class and 10/10 recommend) which helped combat the fear of writing eight-page essays. I did four sports my senior year and worked on top of that. Was it hard, yeah, but it was worth it. Do not limit yourself, if you want to go play a sport, go do it. You think that kid over there is cool, go talk to them. It is high school, express yourself.

Roberta Prats

Although my exchange year at Kennedy was not easy at the beginning. Though it was hard to learn the language, start to live in another country, and to go to another school that is not in my home country, this year was the best of my life.

During this year I made new fiends and best friends forever, had new families, I have grown as a person and matured, and I have appreciated every moment and everything of this exchange year in America. I was involved in volleyball, basketball, and tennis. I had never thought that I was going to play so many sports at Kennedy, but it was one of the best things this year. I learned that doing new things teaches you to live and enjoy life. Playing all those sports inspired me to try new and different things. I made so many friends in my teams and it’s the most beautiful thing in the world.

I always loved to write and to develop my thoughts and ideas by writing stories and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to join Torch, one of my favorite subjects

38 |

this year. I learned so many things and I used all my inspiration. The team is amazing, and we always help each other when someone needs help. Being involved in Torch taught me to be a better person, to use our imagination and do the best that we can do: believe in myself, learn about the life of the others, and learn how to make people thrill by simply writing a story. The only word that comes to my mind when I think about Torch is “incredible.”

I can just say thank you for being helped making this year the best of my life. Thanks to all that created memories that I will always have in my heart.

Thanks Kennedy for giving me this opportunity and sharing this year and all the experiences with me. Thank you to my teachers, friends, families, teammates, and most definitely my Torch family for believing in me and helping me with everything. I couldn’t have done this without you.

I hope you all the best in your last years of school and I will remember you my entire life.

I will miss all of you! I will bring to Spain all the memories that we made together.

Leeanne Mehring-Cruz As I walk across the stage and turn to look at my classmates and the crowd, I am sure I will start reminiscing. I can’t say that I will miss Kennedy High School in general, but certainly parts of it and I am excited to move forward with my life. I am thankful for the teachers who believed in me, gave me extra help when I needed it, and didn’t give up on me.

The things I will miss the most are school dances, art classes, and Torch.

Torch has shaped me into a new person. I was shy and timid, but now I am able to speak my mind. I have grown

into a stronger writer and a voice as an individual. I have made new friends and it has been fun staying late working on pages. Torch can be stressful trying to meet deadlines, but it has been worthwhile. You will make mistakes in high school whether it’s grades or personal choices, but just keep pushing through and correcting them.

As my final goodbye, my piece of advice is not to dwell on things and it’s okay to leave things behind because you will receive greater things.

Jamison Prull You hear over and over how quick high school goes by. You blink and it’s over. I won’t lie, that is not how it was for me.

The last four years of my life actually went incredibly slow, but they were so full.

I have had countless opportunities, learned numerous lessons – life and educational, and I have had a lot of fun. Kennedy has given me so much, and these are some examples: 1. People. I have met some of the most interesting people at school, staff and students. I look around in my classes and I feel grateful to be surrounded by diverse and fascinating people, but I am also disappointed I don’t have more time to get to know them all.

2. Difficult classes. I didn’t take an AP class until Junior year and I am so glad

I did. I learned I am capable of so much more. I also appreciate the classes that kicked my butt, because I learned how to deal with it.

3. A love for sports, photography, and sports photography. The activities I’ve been involved at Kennedy helped me find some of my passions. I found a love for being a part of team, throwing discus, and capturing moments with a camera. Most importantly, I solidified my life passion – to always help others.

Kennedy High School offers everyone opportunities to grow as a person. The best advice I could give anyone is to take advantage of all of those opportunities.

Hannah Ratzer Junior Year: Starting Torch Writing for the Torch has allowed me to express myself and represent my school in a positive and impactful way, and because of that, has been one of my favorite parts of high school.

Senior Year: AP Statistics I look forward to Stats everyday and I’m so glad I decided to take the class at the last minute. I’ll always remember all the laughs.

KennedyTorch.org

While I’m spent many moments at Kennedy, here are some of my favorites from my four years.

Freshmen Year: Running Cross Country Starting XC the summer before my freshman year introduced me to the best people and gave me friendships that have lasted all of high school.

Sophomore Year: Going to State Track Qualifying for State Track with my 4x8 relay team is one of my proudest moments of high school and spending the weekend in Des Moines was so much fun.

Pages by Darby Herridge | 39

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