torch the
John F. Kennedy High School 4545 Wenig Rd. NE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402
F R I D AY, O C T O B E R 2 3 , 2 0 0 9 “The torch has been passed to a new generation” - John F. Kennedy
MYTH:
There’s nothing to do in Cedar Rapids.
REALITY:
Yes, there is. (In fact, lots to do.)
page 9 IN THIS ISSUE
Ghosting: A scary good time p. 11
The coming of the SMART Boards p. 2
A modern-day fixed marriage p. 5
J F K TO R C H , O C TO B E R 2 3 , 2 0 0 9
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PA G E B Y M I C H A E L N O R D S T RO M
Kennedy gets SMART It’s hard not to notice that newly finished piece of wall in the front of each core classroom, so let’s clarify. Say hello to SMART Boards, a revolutionary teaching tool that allows for teachers to explore new teaching alternatives on an interactive board. According to Jim Muench, associate principal it became clear that this tool would almost entirely replace the need for a pull-down screen in each individual classroom. DVD/videos can also be shown by the use of the SMART Board. It can be used as an electronic writing surface, as a computer desktop, or even be used to view a virtual dissection. The Cedar Rapids Community School’s Technology Dept. has determined that the boards will be installed in the core curricular areas: science, math, social studies, language arts, and world language along with visual arts. It has also been recommended that some special education classrooms, who hold core classes, receive them. Approximately 73 SMART Boards will be installed in the classrooms here at Kennedy. This is a district wide installment in all of the high schools and middle schools. Most middle school math teachers already have a similar interactive board; these are from a brand called Promethean. “My personal opinion on the installation and use of the SMART Boards is that these machines will greatly enhance the learning experience and atmosphere of the classroom,” Muench said. “There are so many exciting things that can be done with these boards, that learning can’t help but take place.” However, mixed emotion about the boards is present. According to the Technology Dept.’s guidelines, the boards are to be installed in the front of all classrooms, which has caused concerns with some teachers. The thought of having a chunk of his white board taken out caused economics teacher Pat Grady to shift the placement of his desks to have the appearance of the front be facing the opposite direction away from
his white boards. This was all in effort to keep them from being touched. A short while later, a huge gaping hole was prevalent, right in the middle of his white boards. And what about the skill that is required to even operate these machines? Teachers will have take training courses to help them adjust. And what about math teacher Bill ‘Herk’ Herkelman? Still taking attendance by pencil and paper, new isn’t always better to some. Despite the reaction of some, many faculty members are excited to be getting their board. Leah Goodmanson, language arts teacher, is thrilled to be getting hers. “I’ll be able to take a text from the internet and highlight and annotate it right on the screen, and show video clips if I want to.” Science teacher Julie Bush said, “I don’t really know how to use it [the SMART Board] yet, but am excited to be able to.” Math teacher Tim Johnson was the first in the building to have a board, and uses it often. Compared to your everyday textbook and notebook paper, these boards are certainly a whole new breed. However, all this technology comes at a price. The cost of each individual board is approximately $4,000; for all rooms, the total amount comes out to be about $292,000. Muench said the costs are being paid for by the SILO tax money that has been generated for the proposed upgrade in technology in our schools. The decision to install the boards was made about a year ago. The definite plan to make this all happen this year occurred last Jan. If everything goes according to schedule, all SMART Boards should be installed and running by Oct. 30 of this year. MORGAN GUGE
Photo by Jess Mora High-tech. Math teacher Tim Johnson uses his smart board to solve homework problems for his class. Johnson was one of the first teachers to recieve his SMART Board at Kennedy. Johnson uses his SMART Board for solving equations, graphing, watching YouTube videos, and more.
Photo by Jess Mora
SMART facts. The district has decided to purchase 73 SMART boards for Kennedy, using SILO tax revenue as funding. The total cost of SMART boards here will cost about $292,000. Teachers in core classrooms will receive the SMART Boards. The district hopes to have installation of all the SMART Boards finished by Oct. 30. Instructional sessions will help teachers learn how to incorporate the SMART Boards into their daily lessons.
PA G E B Y M I C H A E L N O R D S T RO M
Library still valuable student resource
For the past several years it seemed to look like the Kennedy students were using our library less and less. Well, according to head librarian Wendy Ziegler, the opposite is true. Ziegler has worked here for eleven years and she said, “The number of books checked out of this library has actually gone up over the years. When I got here the fiction section was very old and outdated so kids weren’t coming in. I made a special point of getting in popular fiction books…now kids are coming in to use it more.” About 200 to 300 students use the library daily, and around 50 to 75 of them check out books. Books aren’t the only materials students can use in the library. The computer labs are often filled with classes and students doing homework before and after school. Ziegler said, “If given the choice, I think students would only use the computers. Many teachers require using books so they see the great information that you can get from the books here.” The computers in the library are for research and school related activities only. The library is open after school until four. It may seem like the library isn’t an important feature here at Kennedy, but without it Ziegler said, “I think that students would have trouble completing assignments because a lot of students have problems getting to the public library. They would have a lot of trouble finding the information that they need.” Sarah Sickles
The 2008-09 yearbook is two to three months behind schedule. As of now, it is projected that the yearbook’s distribution will be during the month of Dec. This Dec. date, however, is still not guaranteed. According to Kara Asmussen, the yearbook adviser, it is unusual for the yearbook to be this far behind in its production. The reason why the yearbook is behind schedule, according to Asmussen, is because the staff last year had a difficult time making deadlines. There also have been problems with the publishing company where the yearbook is produced. This company, located in Topeka, Kansas., not only makes the cover, but it also creates all the pages and compiles the final product. There have been printing delays at their end as well. “Morgan Matthews, sr., our yearbook editor, and Ms. Asmussen, did their best to get everything finished, but our staff didn’t really pay attention to deadlines. We would get off track and get behind. This is why we are set back so much,” McKenzie Teare, so., a yearbook staff member, said. Although Ms. Asmussen has been the yearbook advisor for the past two years, she has been at Kennedy for a total of ten years. She couldn’t recall another yearbook being as far behind schedule in these ten years she has been at Kennedy. Ms. Asmussen does note, however, that Kennedy is not the only school that is encountering yearbook production delays. She says other schools are having similar set backs. Allie Sindlinger
School attendance slides with sickness
Graphic by Craig Aucutt
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briefly
Yearbook staff works onward despite delays
‘Board’ meeting. Paige Hagemann, jr., shares her chemistry lab answers with the rest of the class by typing them into the SMART Board. Students were given a lab worksheet and asked to solve the mole equations. Once they had answers they would type them in on the SMART Board to see if their answers were accurate.
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As the year progresses, attendance decreases. More and more students have started to miss school whether it be sickness related or not. Flu season is here and is heading towards Kennedy at full force. The flu is one of the main reasons kids miss school on a daily basis. Being sick is not the only reason that kids miss school, though. Kids could simply be out of town taking a family vacation, or even be just taking a day off to rest due to tiredness. “On a regular day, usually 40-50 students are called out of school,” Marlys Dengler, secretary of attendance, said. As many also have realized, the newly spreading sickness, H1N1, has arrived at Kennedy. Since the sickness hit, over 200 people have been called out on a day to day basis. This is a huge loss in our school’s attendance, being that 12% of the school’s population is at home sick. Jessica Rowan
Should Facebook be blocked on school computers? Two sides of the heated controversy explained For: Facebook can be useful for communication, potentially education
Against: Facebook is distracting, inappropriate for use at school
Facebook. A website that nearly every teenager associates themselves with. Even if you don’t have one, you know all about it. Facebook is in every teenager’s life in one way or another, but does this mean it has a place at school? As many students have probably noticed, at the beginning of school, Facebook was no longer blocked here. As time has progressed, it has been blocked and unblocked throughout the year. As of now, Facebook is blocked and will stay that way until a meeting is held to decide whether or not it should be blocked for good. Michael Ayers, a Language Arts teacher here, thinks that Facebook could have some potential uses at school, and disagrees with blocking it. “I guess my debate is that first, if students are using it for school purposes, why should we lock them out of it? Second, how do we know we won’t want to use it in the future? Facebook is a good way for kids to communicate to each other if they are absent or missed what the homework was for a class in some way.” Facebook is a way for communication, since many teenagers are constantly on the site; it is a fast and easy way to tell someone something quickly. Keara Turkington, jr., also thinks that Facebook has good uses for school. “It is a good way to communicate with other people, and to help coordinate school activities,” She said. “I often get on Facebook to see if people can help me with my
Blocked? Unblocked? This has been the new hot question dealing with Facebook here at Kennedy. There are a wide variety of opinions and views on the topic of Facebook being available to students during school hours. “Kids just seem to be addicted to Facebook,” Wendy Ziegler, one of our school librarians, said. Ziegler, not a Facebook user herself, believes that Facebook is a distraction for students while at school. Facebook usage is mainly done on computers in the library. Monitoring Facebook at school is part of Ziegler’s job in the library. She believes Facebook doesn’t have any educational value, and that it keeps students from staying on task and doing their work. There are limited computers in the library, so the library staff only wants them used for school-related assignments. Unfortunately, she said, students don’t follow this rule. Asking students to sign off Facebook and find something more productive to do is a daily occurrence for our librarians. Ziegler doesn’t think Facebook is the only distraction students face at school. She believes cell phones, iPods, computer games, and any other electronics are just as big of distractions. Facebook user Tory Harmen, fr., although not against Facebook use during school herself, sees the downside of this issue. She believes there are negative parts that come along with Facebook usage during school hours. One negative aspect
school work.” Ayers says that there are other things that can be done on Facebook besides just talking to others. “Here are applications on Facebook that could be used for studying and planning,” he explained. “I’ve been told that there is a way to make flashcards, and there are some applications used for college level work.” There will always be websites that teachers won’t want students to be on. So why are they all zoning in on this one? Websites for gaming, watching videos, chatting with others; most of them are still free to students at any time in school. “You’re really not doing a whole lot more on Facebook that you can do in email,” Ayers said. “The excuse that Facebook is a distraction is really a lame reason to cut students off of it. Taking a stand on Facebook only makes us look like we are trying to do something about an issue we really have no control over. It really is not worth our time.” Many agree that Facebook is a website that can be used for fun or for work. It can be used for communication with others, coordinating events, and uniting people. So, is it really that bad of a thing to allow at school? You can decide for yourself. A l l ie D e V ore Graphic by Craig Aucutt
Medical marajuana now legal in California California was the first state to legalize the use of medical marijuana. Now, a step further, selling and purchasing marijuana for personal use is an issue hoped to be included in California’s 2010 ballot, which, supporters say, will create several positive impacts upon the state. The current maximum fine in California for being caught in possession with over an ounce of marijuana is a fine of one $100 and no jail time. If legalization does occurs in 2010, the fine would be lifted and personal use of the drug would be legal for Californians aged 21 and older. Californians would also be able to grow their own marijuana in a plot as big as 25-square-feet and contain up to 100 plants per plot. The act will be known as the Tax Cannabis 2010. One significant impact of legalization is that the sale and purchase of marijuana would create over a billion dollars in taxes, as it creates about $14 in revenues now. Legalization would also substantially decrease the amount of money the state currently spends on crime-related issues, such as selling and purchasing marijuana, by over $900. To obtain recognition for the issue, advo-
cates for the legalization of marijuana are asking for signatures to reach the 433,971 that are required to include the Tax Cannabis 2010 in California’s 2010 ballot. B rittani S herzer
for Harmen is the distraction from her studies. “Sometimes, when I’m at home and not at school, it is such a distraction that I get my computer taken away from me,” she said. Harmen says she checks her Facebook a minimum of four times a day. From her personal experience with Facebook, she can see how it can cause a distraction during school, but doesn’t think that it needs to be blocked. She believes it is the students’ responsibility to prioritize their studies and outside habits. In a recent survey conducted last week of 20 students in a classroom, there were mixed feelings about Facebook being blocked or unblocked during school hours. Fifty percent of the students in the class said they wouldn’t be upset if Facebook were permanently blocked at school. The main reason as to why they wouldn’t be upset, they said, is because they feel it is just another diversion during school. Currently, the administration has blocked Facebook because they don’t want students to have access during school hours. The administration will soon be reviewing this issue again in the near future. Stay tuned to find out more about the hot question, ‘Blocked or Unblocked?’ A l l ie S ind l inger
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PA G E B Y J O N AT H A N C H A D I C K
Together as one Dakota and Kelsey Murphy are two of many kids here that have been adopted. They walk among us and no one can tell a difference. The Murphy family consists of five adopted children, Travis, 24, Charlie, 21, Shane, sr., Dakota, so., Kelsey, so., “I think that any and their parents, Bob and foster child would Barb Murphy. rather be living Bob and with a stable family Barb adopted Kelsey when in a stable environ- she was three ment than being years old, switched around. along with her brothers, When you’re three Travis, Charlie, young, you don’t and Shane. “Before I have control over was adopted, your emotions. You I was in three need a stable place, foster homes. and I am very If my parents happy that that’s hadn’t adopted us when they where I am now.” did, we would -Dakota Murphy,so. all be split up,” Kelsey said. K e l s e y knows her birth parents’ names are Judy and Chuck. Both of her parents have cancer. Judy and
Chuck have even contacted her family a few times. “They have contacted us and I plan on visiting my birth mom soon,” Kelsey said. Dakota’s story is different from the rest of the Murphy children. “For my first year alive I lived with my biological mother, but circumstances weren’t good. I was placed in foster homes for the next year. I went through about 12 foster homes before I was adopted, when I was two, by the parents I have now,” Dakota said. Dakota doesn’t remember much about his birth mom or dad but he is happy where he is now. “Foster homes are not the ideal places for children to grow up in. They are nothing like having a real home with your parents and family. When you live in a foster home, social workers come and check in every three weeks to see if your needs are getting taken care of. Then, after about three months you get moved into a new one,” Dakota said. “Three months is a long time and you start to bond with the people. To get taken out of a place, it can leave an emotional scar.” Kelsey, Dakota and the rest of the Murphys have grown up
Kirkwood, because she will only be 17 and doesn’t want to be on her own. Barr plans to attend the University of Iowa to study medicine. She wants to then go to the University of Wisconsin to study neurology. “I want to be either a neurologist or a anesthesiologist, but I am leaning towards a neurologist,” Barr said. Barr made her mind up in seventh grade that she wanted to skip her senior year. “Many people were against me doing it for many reasons, but it didn’t stop me,” Barr said. Her parents have been very supportive and wanted to make
photo by Laura Pochobradsky Family. Kelsey ,so., Dakota ,so., Shane ,sr., Charlie, and Travis Murphy enjoy some time in their living room. together. During that time, they have learned to love each other as if they were all blood related. “If you asked me if I was related to Kelsey, I would say ‘yeah, that’s my sister.’ It’s not something you think about; it just happens,” Dakota said. Kelsey added to the sentiment of true family. “We treat each other like we are all really siblings… we all grew up together,” Kelsey said.
sure she did what was best for her. “Generally, under normal circumstances, I strongly discourage students from graduating early for two main reasons,” Mary Wilcynski, Principal, said. “There are strong academic opportunities that students would not be able to take advantage of, and the social aspect of being a senior. This includes prom, senior meetings, and the last term of high school.” When Wilcynski became principal here, there were around 30 students trying to leave high school early. Now, there are three or four students each year. There
Both Dakota and Kelsey would not have their family any other way. “We’re just like a ‘normal’ family, only we’re all adopted,” Dakota said. Given the choice, Kelsey and Dakota wouldn’t trade their family to go back to their birth parents or foster homes. “I like where I am now. My parents care about me and don’t have court problems. They love me and treat me like I’m their own
has been a steady decrease until the last couple of years. It is tough for students to leave high school early because there really is no advantage. “If you graduate in the spring, there is nothing for you to do in college until the next year, and it is very hard for students to graduate in the fall,” Wilcynski said. A variety of reasons may lead students to graduate early, whether they be carreer-driven or not. However, in Barr’s case, graduating early will allow her to jump start her education. J o n at h a n C h a d i c k
A new beginning classes at Kennedy. It is a little bit different than middle school, but it is fun,” Kegel said. At this point, middle school students that are identified to excel in math are chosen to take advanced geometry as eigth-graders and in some cases even earlier. They also have the option to stay and take science as well. This gives them a very unique opportunity. “These students are able to make the most out of their high school experience. They are able to take more advanced placement classes and can even take classes at local colleges,” Mary Wilcynski, Principal, said. Last year, there were four students from Franklin and one from Harding. “There have been many great
PA G E B Y J O N AT H A N C H A D I C K
daughter,” Kelsey said. “I think that any foster child would rather be living with a stable family in a stable environment than being switched around,” Dakota said. “When you’re young, you don’t have control over your emotions. You need a stable place, and I am very happy that that’s where I am now.” S a r a h S i c k les
experiences for these students... The teachers say that these students succeed in these classes,” Wilcynski said. Statistics show that many of these students even do better than many of the freshmen. There have not been any reported negative experiences since this program started a few years ago. The program introducing bright middle-schoolers to Kennedy will continue to give a unique opportunity to many middle school students in the future. Many students will be able to benefit with this program. This will give these students an opportunity to take further advanced classes in the future, according to Wilcynski. J o n at h a n C h a d i c k
In India, now is the time to get married. Astrologers there have deemed the fall and winter months to be particularly auspicious for marriage. But the fate of many marriages between Indians, such as Adhi Ramesh, sr., will be sealed in a much different way, without their direct input, because arranged marriages are still the norm. Ramesh is a modern IndianAmerican; she lived the first 12 years of life with her grandparents in Chennai, Tamilnadu, India, before moving to live with her parents in America. And because of this heritage, Ramesh will not, in all likelihood, ever choose her husband, let alone marry for pure love. “It is just expected that I will have an arranged marriage someday,” Ramesh said. “It’s just what Indians do.” Today, marriages are arranged by parents in China, India and Indonesia, three countries with 40 percent of the world’s population, as well as in other nations that practice Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism. Couples don’t date; they don’t go to dinner and a movie; they don’t make out in the back seat of a car. “It’s not just like people go and get married; it’s a big process, but it isn’t as liberal as in America,” Ramesh said. “Marriage is based on facts, like those dating
websites, but not exactly…The elders use information to make a match. And when the guy finally goes over to the girl’s house, it’s official. This isn’t exactly engagement though; courting is kind of like a date, except your parents and your grandparents and your elders are all there.” In the region of India that Ramesh is originally from, arranged marriages are usually set up around age 21 by community elders, parents and grandparents. Matches may be made by taking into account factors such as age, height, personal values and tastes, family backgrounds, wealth, social standing and the astrological compatibility of the couples’ horoscopes. “Elders have to take into account so many different factors to ensure a successful, respectful marriage,” Ramesh said. Security is the basis of the Indian marriage and is why most undergo the process of having theirs arranged. But as for love? That must evolve over time.
“It is just expected that I will have an arranged marriage someday. It’s just what Indians do.” -Adhi Ramesh, sr.
“Ultimately, you just end up loving your husband, even if you don’t know him that well before,” Ramesh said. This was the case with her parents, who had their marriage arranged. However, Ramesh points out, if things don’t work out, there is always divorce. But the system of arranged marriage seems to be working, at least abroad. In India, where marriage is thought to be for life, the divorce rate is extremely low; just over one percent of Indian arranged marriages result in
divorce, compared with nearly 50 percent in America. “I think the low divorce rate is why there are so few love marriages, in comparison to arranged marriages,” Ramesh said. “Indian society is patriarchal, and so the parents and elders, mostly the males, decide what’s good for you and what’s not…and in all likelihood, this will be what happens in my case.” While she doesn’t like to go into the details of her impending marriage, it can be speculated that
photo by Abby Gilman Ramesh will be arranged between the ages of 21 and 25. And while she isn’t certain about what her future holds, in the way of marriage, she is not worried. “The idea of having an arranged marriage doesn’t freak me out much; it’s not like my parents are just going to bring me one person that I have to marry; there will be options,” Ramesh said. “Arranged marriages have shown benefits for so many Indians, and besides, I trust my parents’ judgment.” E M M A L e h ma n n
Planned marriage. Adhi Ramesh, sr., performs a Hindu religious ritual in her house. While she did not go into the details of her impending arranged marriage, it can be speculated that Ramesh will get married between the ages of 21 and 25. Ramesh is not worried about what is in store for her in the future because she trusts her parent’s judgement.
1550 S First Ave, Iowa City www.tspaIowaCity.com photo by Jess Mora Early grad. Rachel Barr, who is graduating one year early, finishes her math homework.
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Student who started Kennedy while in seventh grade continues into last year of middle school When eighth-grader Michael Kegel gets to high school, he will already be taking pre-calculus and chemistry. Kegel was identified by his middle school math teachers as a student that would excel in algebra as a sixth grader. He took freshman Algebra I in sixth grade. In seventh grade, he took Advanced Geometry here. This year, Michael Kegel, Harding Kegel comes here Middle School student for zero hour Biology and first hour Advanced Algebra II. He then goes back to Harding for the rest of the day. “I really like taking
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A marriage planned for years
Goodbye senior year, hello college When Rachel Barr thought of what she wanted to do during her senior year, high school was not the answer. Barr is ready to get into college and will forgo her senior year. Barr will be graduating with this year’s senior class, but is supposed to be a junior this year and graduate with the class of 2011. “I chose to skip my senior year because I will be in school for many years to come. I want to be a doctor and the classes here don’t really prepare me for my career,” Barr said. She will begin her pursuit next year when she attends
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PA G E B Y E M M A L E H M A N N
Less alcohol please I was offered a beer two times by guys I hadn’t met, saw a girl puke her guts out, and witnessed perfect strangers engage in fist fights that were undoubtedly influenced by alcohol…all before the first quarter even began. Heard James Ferentz, son of Hawkeye Coach Kirk Ferentz, was a heavy drinker? Yeah, well, he’s got nothing on his fans. Several months ago, I received an e-mail from the
University of Iowa that said, because I’m a prospective student, I could buy discounted tickets to home football games. I’m not big on school spirit or football, but I decided to go to one game anyway. I figured the worst that could happen was that I’d waste one day, or become a clueless football fanatic. So in Sept., I attended the Iowa vs. UNI game with my dad and, much to my surprise, I
enjoyed it. I watched attentively, cheered, celebrated big plays by high-fiving people sitting in front of me, and agonized over the game’s last four minutes with everyone beside me. There was camaraderie, bonding, excitement and positive energy throughout the game, which was awesome. However, I imagine the atmosphere during the game was very different outside of Kinnick Stadium. As my dad and I walked toward downtown afterwards, we saw at least a halfdozen students who couldn’t walk and were being supported by friends, one female who
dropped her driver’s license and fell over when she attempted to pick it up for the third time, and people who yelled out slurred cheers, while demanding highfives from each passerby. Everything I saw after the game made me feel extremely uncomfortable and even threatened. I understand people want to have fun on game day and I think everyone should have fun on game days, whether they drink or not. But for the sake of preserving our livers and reputations, I think it would do just about every Hawkeye fan good to focus on football more than alcohol.
Don’t be dirtball Lack of regular school-wide hand washing results in health risks, frustration for one senior Torch staffer
Listen: I’d just finished washing my hands in the ladies’ room when I witnessed another young lady emerge from a stall and proceed to check her hair, scratch her nose, and leave. None of her post-potty regimen included washing her hands. Absolutely none of it. She went in, did her thing, and left. Without washing her hands. Yep. Words cannot explain how
much this grosses me out. Granted, I grew up with a germaphobe hand-washing Nazi for a mother, but still. Seriously? I have seen this same situation too many times in my life, especially at school, to not speak up about it. And now with this whole swine flu/H1N1 business, I feel like it’s not even optional to discuss the merits of hand washing. I don’t care if you drip-dried or if nothing actually came
in contact whilst you wiped. Your hand was still down in Pantsland; thus germs are a-breedin’ on your stubby little fingers and what if, by some very unfortunate yet very likely circumstance, I touch the same door handle as you do later on in the day? I’d have your poo germs on my hands and I am so completely not cool with that. Grody, man. We go to a great school, which uses our tax money to provide sinks, running water, and liquid soap in convenient plastic containers for you to USE. This implies that after you expose yourself to fecal residue and E. Coli and God knows
what else is living down there, you WASH YOUR FREAKIN’ HANDS. Think about the people in underdeveloped countries who don’t even access to proper plumbing. Take advantage of your resources and just use common sense. Come on. Listen, I don’t care if you skimp on the Softsoap after you do your business at home. Gross, yes, but that’s your own territory. However, when it’s our shared school that you’re contaminating with your own personal nasty, especially this time of year…please, people. Be respectful. Be clean. Wash ya handz.
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07editorial
Re-defining her race Since I was a child, I have always thought myself black. This wasn’t because I acted in a specific manner, dressed a certain way, or lived in a particular neighborhood. It was because that’s what society told
me I was, and so I accepted it, because really, what difference did it make? But recently, just as I began to assimilate into a culture following the one-drop rule, standards changed. Suddenly, I
Well into my second year at Kennedy I have learned a lot of new things. I have had knowledge shoved down my throat at an alarming rate and learned a lot of important lessons. But I am pretty disappointed at the lesson I have been taught in these short two months back from summer break…don’t get involved! The first thing that I was
told at freshman orientation was how important it was to get involved in the Kennedy community. But what I have learned is that this is not the truth. Every night, I spend about five to six hours working on homework, and that’s on a normal night. I don’t even want to think about the nights where I have a lot of homework or I might have a nervous
Torch Staff Editorial: scales/leaves. Playboy might not be calling me up to feature this look anytime soon, but I like my creative concoction; it, to me at least, has always epitomized Halloween. But the ad’s ‘Nurse Ophelia Payne’ and ‘Maid Perfect’ costume models seem to be suggesting that I am wrong at age 17, surrounded in glittery green polyester and good, clean, free fun, I am no longer celebrating this holiday properly. Put simply, I am just not enough of a Halloween whore. So this year, in the spirit of the season, I am thinking about taking the message of the ‘Fantasy Fairy’ and all who support her one step further and bypassing the costume all together. Yes, you understood that correctly: to one-up the rest of you autumnal sluts, I think I will just go naked…I will call this new holiday Slutoween, I think. In all honesty, I don’t see a downside to this idea. Other trick-or-treaters will undoubtedly be envious. My parents, I
wasn’t black enough. Did I come up short in appearance, I began to wonder; or was it my behavior that didn’t quite fulfill the criteria? After seventeen years of viewing the world through one schema, my identity was stripped away. I’ve been told I’m not dark enough to be black, I’m just tan. So I ask, what’s dark enough? Is there a color swatch I hold up to my skin to see if I pass your test?
Or is it determined on a case-bycase basis? Perhaps it’s the way I act that prevents me from being an OG. Do my skinny jeans and moccasins not do it for you? Or is it the absent swagger that gives me away? So, what makes me black enough? It seems that as long as I fulfill the stereotypes forced upon me, I can retain the title of black. But once I step outside
breakdown. My schedule right now consists of about five to six hours of sleep a night. Now, that I have finally thought about it, I realize how unhealthy it is. The problem is, I can do absolutely nothing about. It’s no wonder H1N1 is hitting the school so hard. With most students staying up all hours a night frantically trying to get their work done, our immune systems are slowly wildling down to nothing. I don’t know what is going to happen if I contract the infamous swine flu. I feel like I will never get
caught up, I will fail all of my classes, and I will spend the rest of my life as the poor guy on the corner of the street begging for spare change. I am being a bit overdramatic, with that last part, but I think you get the point. I am involved in Torch and soccer. That’s only two afterschool activities, which is really not that much. I am constantly telling myself that it’s going to get better, but it never does, and now I realize that it never will. It’s these times that make me contemplate quitting one of my activities. I’ve got to say that
SMART choices. One Kennedy student uses the newlyinstalled SMART Boards. These boards cost $4,500, individually; the total price for school-wide SMART Board update will be around $292,000. Emotions and reviews on their usefulness photo by Jess Mora are mixed.
SMART Boards, smart choice?
cartoon by Mackenzie Sheehy can only imagine, will beam with pride as I leave the house. And as strangers answer the door to give me candy, they will think, Oh my! I wish I had been smart enough to go naked too! Instead I bought Halloween Boutique’s ‘Nudist Princess: The Tiara, Wand
and Nothing Else Costume’. This girl sure is bright! Now, I’m not suggesting Slutoween will catch on automatically more likely, with the early onset of snow, cases of whore-attacking pneumonia will set in first but as holiday
leader, I know what I will be wearing, or not wearing, for that matter. But remember, it is a slippery slope from whorish Halloween Bootique ads and loose morals to Slutoween. It’s up to you to decide if the fun is worth the cost.
of what is expected from me, I become ‘just tan’. However, what many fail to realize is that there is no right or wrong way to act black, because it shouldn’t be a performance. There’s no costume to wear, nor lines to recite, and society is not an audience to be pleased. There is no one way to be black, because it isn’t the race that defines a people, it’s the people who define the race.
Sophomore year priorities confuse one student
Choosing ‘trick’ over treat I got a flyer from the Halloween Bootique in the Gazette today, and apparently, $45 slutty costumes should be moved up to my number one purchase priority. At least, So this year, in the that’s what I spirit of the season, assume it was I am thinking about suggesting to me. taking the message Now, don’t of the ‘Fantasy Fairy’ get me wrong, and all who support I like dressing up like a go-go her one step further dancing ho as and bypassing the much as the costume all togeth- next girl, but I have always er. Yes, you under- taken a differstood that correctly: ent approach to one-up the rest to this holiday. all of of you autumnal highFor school, sluts, I think I will I dressed up just go naked. as been what can be most accurately described as a Christmas tree/ bird combo. It makes me look like a green triangle covered in
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The installation of SMART Boards here has brought out strong emotions from both teachers and students. Some think the boards aren’t worth their $4,500 individual price tag, while other are excited about the possibility of making classrooms more high-tech and interactive. The Torch staff is just as confused and divided as the rest of the school. However, we all agree that, like every new change, SMART Boards deserve a fair chance. Each SMART Board, according to Jim Muench, Associate Principal, costs $4,500 to purchase and install. The boards will be placed in all of the classrooms where core classes are taught, so, in total, they will cost $292,000. These expenses are being paid for by revenue from the SILO tax, a one percent sales tax designed to provide for improvements in infrastructure and technology for Iowa schools.
After hearing how expensive SMART Boards are and how uncertain teachers are about how they’ll be used and if they’ll be valuable, many students said purchasing SMART Boards wasn’t a wise investment. During the last five years, approximately 24 multimedia projectors that cost $600 and $1,000 to mount to the ceiling each have been installed here, Muench said. Multimedia projectors are able to perform some of the same tasks as SMART Boards. Many teachers are unsure of how to use the SMART Boards effectively in class. More so, people are unsure that expensive technology will improve the education here; after all, teachers are good teachers because of their approachability, kindness, knowledge and, most importantly, ability to connect with and engage students. Both of these points,
however, can be reversed. The money spent on multimedia projectors won’t go totally wasted because they will be placed in classrooms that won’t receive SMART Boards. Also, they can do much more than projectors because they add a new dimension of During the last five interactivity. years, approximateThe ly 24 multimedia school projectors that cost district is offering a $600 and $1,000 to series of mount to the ceileight classes ing each have been on how to use SMART installed here. Boards, and basic instruction will take place here. These classes will hopefully give teachers the knowledge and skills they need to use the boards to their full potential. As far as the cost goes, well, only time will tell if SMART Boards will be worth it.
really pushes me over the edge. I really love the activities that I’m involved in, and I think it’s ridiculous that I feel pressured to quit one of those activities just because the teachers in our school feel the need pass out homework like it’s candy. To all your teachers who claim that I am over exaggerating, you are invited to come by my house and observe my homework load. But, clear your schedule, it will be a long night. I’m really not trying to be a complainer, but this really has gotten out of hand, and something needs to be done.
Ignoring numbers
Student rebels against the constraints of word counts, in his own way
When I was asked to do this editorial, I only had one question. “What do you want me to do?” Emma flirtatiously replied, “Write about anything you want, just make sure it is less than 300 words.” That’s it? I could write about the injustices of livestock rape, the hilarity of hungry butt, or how all the teachers in the school are secretly working for the MIB, as long as I could finish my thoughts in under 300 words? Well, I guess I don’t really have a choice here, but to limit my ideas doesn’t really make sense in other situations. Think about when you get a writing assignment from a teacher. They give you free range, “Write about what inspires you, be passionate,” they say. But in the same breath they let out, “In 1,000 words or less.” I don’t know about you, but if I am passionate about
something, the words flow like a drunk man peeing. It’s just a never-ending stream of golden, stinky, moist thoughts. So, for me, if the only limitations I get is on quantity, it is more difficult than if the limitation is on content. For example, look at what I am writing now. But, what can a student in this never-ending problem do? Perhaps I can help. First off, ignore the limitation. What is the teacher going to do? Sure, they can hand your paper back, make you remove the extra 1,000 words, or deduct points, but at least you’ll know you did your best work. Or, you could lie; write well over the word limit and lie about how many words are there. What is the teacher going to do, count every word? My last piece of advice is the most important, and works without fail. You should always-
Corrections from the September issue
Last issue, a letter the editor was published by Phil Vermie. However, it should have only been co-published under that name.
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SOMETHING
CEDAR RAPIDS
to do in
Think there’s nothing to do in your town? Think again. Here’s a look at just a few of the coolest places in town that you may not have realized were so, well, cool.
CSPS: LEGION ARTS, SERVED WEEKLY Gig heaven. Legion Arts, centered at the CSPS building downtown, provides local as well as international artists with a place to showcase their talent, and the audience with a unique, low-key atmosphere.
Legion Arts is a local, non-profit organization that showcase artists from all over the world. Open except during the summer, Legion Arts brings in musicians, artists, dancers, actors, and cinematographers. They have been helping improve Cedar Rapids culture since 1990. Legion Arts is located in the CSPS building in downtown Cedar Rapids. Mel Andringa is the producing director at Legion Arts. He
and John Herbert co-foundered Legion Arts almost 20 years ago. The organization houses a wide variety of artists, anything from Irish folk music to the Rocky Horror Show. “We do anywhere from 60-100 cuts a year,” Andringa said. “We haven’t been airconditioned in the past, so we don’t do things in the summer. But two or three nights a week we have concerts and a wide variety of music, including young singer/songwriters. We do some
bands, but we don’t really do much rock. We do more, what I’d say, acoustic rock. And we do a fair amount of world music which is music from outside of the country, like Irish music and different things like that from different cultures.” Students interested in attending a Legion Arts exhibition can find a schedule of upcoming events on legionarts.com. ALEX BUSBEE
BRUCEMORE: A HOUSE OF HISTORY A tour of a historical mansion may not be exactly what a teenager would define as a night on the town, but Brucemore may be an exception. Tours of the historical mansion take place Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. “Tours usually last about an hour. You would come to the grounds, stop by the visitors center, where you would purchase a ticket and then you’d go to the mansion where a tour guide
would show you throughout the house,” Tara Richards, marketing and programming associate at Brucemore, said. Along with the traditional hour-long tours, Brucemore offers additional events. “We have a number of events that revolve around the holidays. From November 27 through December 31 we offer holiday mansion tours,” said Richards; this among many other activities. According to Richards, Brucemore is an important part of the city’s
culture because “we are providing a historical experience of the prominent families that built Cedar Rapids. We offer different theatrical, artistic, and historical events throughout the year.” Brucemore is much more than just an old-fashioned mansion. “I think it’s a place where you can sort of see history coming alive and have a chance to go back to the past,” Richards said. MICHAEL NORDSTROM
An iconic mansion. The historical Brucemore mansion has been a widely recognized symbol of the Cedar Rapids community for decades. Tours and special events are held year-round.
CRMA: ART FROM ROME TO IOWA Art in action. The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art has been supporting arts in the community for over a hundred years, showcasing works from all over the world.
all photos by Elise Krivit
Cedar Rapids, Iowa may not be the first place one would think of when they hear the words ‘world-class art’, but one of the city’s most time-withstanding cultural institutions has proved itself worthy of the recognition. “The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art has been a fixture, in one form or another, in the city’s history,” Sean Ulmer, the Museum’s curator of collections and exhibitons, said. Visitors to the museum can view a variety of different collections and artistic styles. “[The
Museum features] the largest collection of Grant Wood in the world, and work from Malvina Hoffman, Rodin’s last student… we have a little bit of everything, from Roman sculpture to Andy Warhol,” Ulmer said. “We also have a variety of programs: films, art making activities, artist demonstrations, family fun days.” The best part? It’s free if you’re 18 years of age or younger. The Museum recently wrapped an exhibition featuring a series of films. Some of the
unique collections on display include minimalist and conceptual art from the Sixties to today and contemporary photography from China. “[The Museum] provides not only a place to show collections, but also a place to show temporary exhibitions, and various activities and events,” Ulmer said. With its unique history and reknowned programs, our city’s premier art museum has deserved its cultural street cred. MACKENZIE SHEEHY
CITY OF FIVE REASONS: WHY CEDAR RAPIDS IS A COOL PLACE TO BE 1. There’s a lot to do here. Take it from the experts of the city’s culture themselves. “There are so many things to do if you look for them,” Sean Ulmer, Cedar Rapids Museum of Art curator of collections and exhibitions, said. “You can’t wait for things to happen to you.” Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance executive director Joe Jennison put it this way: “When somebody [says there’s nothing to do here], I ask, ‘Well, why I am I so tired? There’s things happening each and every day.” 2. We’re an important part of history. For example, Brucemore is one of the city’s most well-
known symbols. “It parallels the history of Cedar Rapids itself,” Jennison said. Families in the Brucemore legacy have been connected to such historical and cultural landmarks as the Titanic tragedy and Gone With the Wind. 3. We compete with the bigger cities in the culture department. From the African American Museum to the Czech & Slovak Museum, our city’s culture is reflected in several institutions. “All of us need to understand where we fit culturally,” Jennison explained. “And there’s always something to be proud of.” Ulmer has cited individuals who
have moved to Chicago only to come back to Cedar Rapids later because “there’s just as much to do here, without the hassles that come with a big city.” 4. We’re the home of one of the most iconic artists of all time. “I talk to travellers from all over the world, and our number one attraction is our Grant Wood history,” Jennison said. Wood’s American Gothic, the second most recognized painting behind da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, was painted right here in C.R. The Grant Wood Studio is open for tours, and attracts art enthusiasts from every corner of
the globe. 5. This city is unbreakable. "I represent 150 arts and cultural “There are so many things organizations, many directly hit to do if you look for them... by flooding; not you can’t wait for things to one of them has called it quits and happen to you.” left,” Jennison - Sean Ulmer, Cedar Rapids said. One would be hard-pressed Museum of Art curator of collecto find a better example of the tions and exhibitions strength and depth of this community. MACKENZIE SHEEHY
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Members of Kennedy dance crew come together, aim to change public’s view of hip-hop culture Face Off is Kennedy’s first hip-hop dance crew, created last year. A previous student at Kennedy waited for Anthony Lesain, so., to begin his high school career to start the group. When Lesain became a freshman, he and a few others went to teachers Stephanie Hendryx and Cheryl Lindo to begin their dance crew. “Anthony and the other students wanted to start a hip-hop group to represent hip-hop in a positive way,” Hendryx said. During the first year of dancing, the group performed at various school events. This year, the crew will perform at half time during basketball games, as well as the winter pep assembly. The members of the crew include Lesain, Darrius Jackson, sr., Dane Reynolds, jr., Bryce Reynolds, sr., Martise Thomas, so., Josh Carew, jr., and new members Josh Payne, fr., Andrea Starks, jr., Mai Hoshuyama, and Rica Parrow, jr. The teachers who co-lead the crew are Hendryx, manager, and Dana Melone, choreographer. Admittance into the dance crew requires an audition. The auditions this year took place within the first few weeks of school. For the audition, the Face Off hopefuls had to dance to part of a Michael Jackson song, using Michael Jackson’s dancing style, as well as perform his or her original hip-hop dance. Those who were on the crew last year automatically held a spot this year. Prior dance experience is not required to join the crew. Most of the crew members like to dance in their free time. Although Lesain enjoys dancing as a hobby, over the years it has become more than that. Lesain has his own manager, and has performed at concerts such as T-Pain, Young Jeezy, and Soulja Boy. The crew, along with Hendryx and Melone selected the crew. “We looked at if the auditioned was able to pick up choreography, as well as the sharpness and detail of their own moves,” Hendryx said. The group also looked for someone with “high energy” who could “bring it.” This year the crew is working on a routine to a medley of Michael Jackson songs. The songs include “Smooth Criminal”, “Bad”, and “Thriller”. “The choreography for this year’s routine is much more complicated and detailed than last year,” Hendryx said. Melone choreographs with the help of the group’s own free style contributions. Face Off practices are enjoyed by the entire crew. “The practices are fun, tiring, funny, and full of lots of sweat,” Jackson said. The crew can get a lot accomplished at practices if they are determined, but their favorite part about practice is goofing off with each other. The Face Off season spans all of fall trimester
graphic by Craig Aucutt
Student judges share experiences, ratings of some of the greater Cedar Rapids area’s most popular haunted spots
You got served. Josh Carew, jr., takes a solo to show off some original dance moves.
Take the lead. Bryce Reynolds, sr., Darrius Jackson, sr., and Anthony Lesain, so., show each other new dance moves. and part way into winter trimester. The group agrees that their favorite aspect of participating in the crew is acting silly and being with each other. “My favorite part is just being with the group,” Thomas said. “They have a lot of talent and energy and they are all good people,” Hendryx said. “My favorite part is working with the group and getting to know them.” Face Off hopes that the group will continue to prosper throughout their high school careers, as well as continue further in the future. rachel gilman
Nightmare Manor is a waste of time, money
Frightmare Forest fails to Scream Acres: You’ll be meet expectations screaming in boredom
Save your money because the haunted police station is a real waste of time. I’m not really one for haunted houses, because I do tend to get frightened easily, but the haunted police station really disappointed me. For starters they haven’t even changed anything from last year. That means that the same tacky and not so scary décor still fills the narrow hallways of the haunted police station. I took my friend along with me to the haunted house because haunted houses are her kind of thing and even she was very disappointed. In the end we both came to the conclusion that the haunted police station has lost its fear factor. It seems like the haunted police station is more focused towards a younger audience. For the four minutes it takes to walk through the haunted house your $7.00 doesn’t go very far. It seems like every other room is filled with strobe lights that make it more annoying than scary. Along with amateur painted props and outdated automated props I saw a lack of ‘scarers.’ I bet only three people jumped out to scare our group during the whole ordeal. The only positive I’d say is their clown room. I think the whole creepy clown thing is classic and timeless. I’m not sure what others may think, but in my opinion there are plenty of other places to go that are far scarier and more fun. May I recommend 13 steps or some other cemeteries. Michael nordstrom
If you want to spend your money wisely, do not go to Frightmare Forest. Period. Having never been there before, I grabbed a few friends last Saturday and drove to the forest, expecting a night of fun. After paying $13 for a wristband to gain access to both “haunts,” I was greeted with a long line of people waiting to get in. For most haunted places, the long line is usually made bearable with a few scary actors walking around. This was not the case for Frightmare Forest. The only entertainment provided was two large speakers blaring obnoxiously loud metal/ death/not-scary/annoying music. I would say listening to the music was equivalent to a baby elephant yelling in your ear. After about a 30 minute wait, our group was finally admitted into the first “haunt.” We grabbed each other by the arm, took a deep breath, and started our journey. Frightmare Forest was filled with all the usual scares: demented people jumping out at you, creepy people following you, and normal people checking your orange wristband. That’s right, wristband checkers. Right when I thought I was going to be scared out of my mind, an actor appeared and said in a plain voice, “wristbands?” This completely ruined the scary atmosphere, destroying what little suspense was built up. Overall, I would not recommend Frightmare Forest unless you don’t like getting scared, or you have too much money. Actually, if you have too much money, you should probably give it to me. mike hoefer
As I pulled into the Bloomsbury Farm Scream Acres Haunted Corn Maze parking lot last Saturday night, all seemed promising. The sound of gunshots and muffled screams filled the air, and despite the cold, I was ready to be scared out of my socks. However, I was quickly disappointed. No, it wasn’t because the maze was too tame or too scary, it was because I never got in. That’s right folks; after driving for 20 minutes to Atkins and being stamped with on the hand with a mark, which, by the way, refuses to leave my skin, I didn’t get in. Bloomsbury Farm’s most ingenious marking ploy yet, hiding the line until after customers pay; made sure of this. Yes, that’s right; only after paying the surely outrageous $15 admission fee, was I shown the mile-long line. In 45 minutes, I moved approximately 20 feet, if not less. Eventually, I had to leave. However, this is not to say that Bloomsbury didn’t have some positive aspects. I was thoroughly scared by a roaming clown corpse and saw a man (not employed by Scream Acres, hopefully) pee five feet in front of me. And above all, the ticket ladies graciously refunded me the $15, after a little finagling. I suppose it’s just too bad they couldn’t refund my wasted night. Emma lehmann
Rating Scale
The only thing scary about this is the amount of money you actually spent on it Not too lame, but pretty pathetic Decently frightening Pretty scary Bring extra pants Frightmare Forest Nightmare Manor Bloomsbury Farm
Consensus: Actually, the entire panel of judges found all three nominees exceedingly lame. However, the least lame out of the three was Nightmare Manor. If you must choose out of Cedar Rapids’ meager haunted house selection, this is probably your best bet. infograph by Mackenzie Sheehy
Student ghosters make creeping competitive Students take on unique new hobby, turning stalking into an innovative sport photos by Abby Gilman Stomp the yard. Dane Reynolds, jr., and Anthony Lesain, so., demonstrate one of their dance moves from a previous performance.
Local Sonic Drive-Ins support Kennedy Torch.
Flowers and plants make great gifts Peck’s Flower Shop 3990 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE
393-5565
www.pecksflorist.com Growing with the Cedar Rapids area since 1956.
The uncertainty of being stalked, of an eye of malice watching every shift of your body behind your defenseless back, is what motivates and drives the human, urban ghost. Humans, seemingly, have that unnatural ability to detect being watched and stalked. A phenomenon that can’t be perfectly explained; perhaps though an instinct inherited from the dawn of mankind when our ancestors depended on this keenness for survival. A skill that modern man has retained, locked away in his DNA to this very day. Arisen from this innate ability are those that wish to test this, the ghost. The sport of ghosting, also referred to as “personal space invading,” is when any person deliberately puts them self within the range of one to two feet of any oblivious member of the public. The ghost remains positioned within this close distance, at either a walking or running pace, matching stride for stride the now ghosted person. This continues until the ghosted person is persuaded to turn around, usually solely by the need to satisfy their instinctive intuition. The objective of the sport is to remain unnoticed by the person for as long as possible. Local pioneers of the free recreational sport include Nick Fitzgerald, sr., and Nick Runninghawk, sr. These two ghosts were some of the first here
and played a leading role in popularizing this hobby/sport that continues to seize attention and new participants daily. Between these two ghosts, a bond of friendship and teamwork has developed, as they regularly practice together, work as ghosting tag-team partners, and continuously invent new strategies to outwit the “human sixth sense,” as referred to by Runninghawk. Favorite ghosting strategies include the Baltimore Browser, Seattle Seater, The Sandman, The Frankenstein, and the ultimate ghosting challenge, the Double Decker. Ghosting requires stealth, patience, silence and courage, which makes it difficult to learn and master. One of the biggest challenges is finding a good target to engage in ghosting. Fitzgerald and Runninghawk recommend large retail stores and malls with large numbers of people. People who have acquired more years of wisdom tend to be the best targets. “They are less aware,” Runninghawk said “and can be ghosted longer.” To really be a quality ghost you have to, “Live without shame…but pick targets wisely,” Fitzgerald said, as he taught others the principles and strategies of ghosting. Bragging rights and skill are measured amongst ghosts by timed records; Fitzgerald’s is forty-four seconds and Runninghawk’s is thirty
photo by Ryan Dahm seconds. A requested note from both of these ghosts: ghosting can’t be done at school during passing time for everyone is already being ghosted because of the cramped conditions in the halls. r ya n d a h m
Double decker. Nick Fitzgerald, sr., and Nick Runninghawk, sr., ghost an innocent Wal-Mart shopper.
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With so much on the line for that college-athletic scholarship or that Friday night victory, students push their bodies to new limits assisted by the use of commercially made products. In parallel to most professional athletes, students risk their health for a narrow edge of strength. Just ask any coach and the answer is clear: weight lifting is extremely
photo by Elise Krivit Contributing on crutches. Sidelined after a serious injury to his right knee, Royce Bell, sr., motivates his teammates to a victory under the Friday night lights. The Cougars defeated Waterloo West 28-0.
Knee injury ends senior’s final season Inside the Kennedy sports therapy room, there is a list painted on the wall titled ‘ACL Cool Kids.’ On the list are names of Kennedy athletes and the year they tore their ACLs. The newest name on the ‘ACL Cool Kids’ list is Royce Bell. Royce Bell, sr., was the starting running back for the Cougars until he tore his ACL, MCL and Meniscus in a game against Cedar Rapids Xavier. “I was blocking, and I was supposed to protect Jed, our quarterback,” Bell said. “He rolled out and I rolled out with him. There was a 235 pound. linebacker waiting there. The linebacker charged me so I braced myself. I looked back to see where Jed was and when I turned around, the linebacker just blew me up. You could hear my knee pop and it came completely out. From then on, I was in pain and I was screaming. I rolled over and it kind of popped back in. I knew then that it was definitely bad.” Bell was putting up impressive numbers this season. In the two and half games he played, Bell ran for over 500 yards. But with the injury, his senior season came to an abrupt halt midway through the third game of the season. “I almost wanted to cry,” Bell said.” I’ve never been much of a crier but I was hurt because I knew I was gonna miss out on my season. But life has thrown me curves, so this wasn’t the most dramatic thing that has happened in my life.” Lynn Groth, the Kennedy trainer, was on the field when Bell was injured. “On the field I tried to test his knee, but he was so amped up and in pain that we couldn’t do the tests,” Groth said. “So I just wanted to get him off the field and to the sidelines so I could get a better look that way. It was swollen and when I tested it, it was really loose. I knew his ACL was gone.” Tim Lewis is the Cougar football head coach. He has known Bell since he was a freshman. “I knew it right away [how bad the injury was],” Lewis said. “I knew when I went out there and saw how much pain he was in. He’s a pretty tough kid and he could hardly make it off to the side. Anytime it’s a knee injury you have to assume the worst, unfortunately.” Bell has been forced to use crutches to get around since the Xavier game.
Eat This
important to improve strength and speed. To increase performance and stamina, many athletes take supplements, specialized protein, and other chemicals to increase muscle size and the ability to do more repetitions of lifts. These supplements that come in the form
of pills, powder, and pre-packaged drinks are regularly $60 or more. Matt Graham, sr., prefers to buy his supplements and creatine from the web and takes these products on a daily basis. “I’ve noticed a difference in my ability to lift by the amount of weight and reps [repetitions] that I’m able to do,” Graham said.
Defying this everincreasing trend is Nick Seedorf, sr., who is currently on an all- natural type diet. Seedorf chooses foods that are full of vitamins, minerals, and proteins in their organic, unprocessed forms. Not only is this a much cheaper option, but Seedorf is able to supplement his body with all-natural foods. By doing so, he avoids the
risk of any unknown side effects from the largely untested muscle supplements. Indeed, it is a difficult dilemma to risk the strength of your wallet and possibly the safety of your body just to get that extra five pound increase on your bench press max. R ya n D a h m
Not That :
photo provided by Chloe Evans Hope from abroad. Chloe Evans, sr., comforts a Peruvian child as he colors after his tooth extraction.
Kennedy student travels to Peru, studies medicine graphic by Craig Aucutt “You don’t really realize how much you need both your legs or both your arms until they’re taken away from you,” Bell said. “I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t do anything. I was really dependent on family and friends and everybody to help me get around.” Two days after the game, Bell had knee surgery, and is now on the long road to recovery. “It usually takes you about six months so I got about five good months to go,” Bell said. “Who knows, I could be ahead of the game. It just depends on how hard you work, and I plan on working hard trying to get back on schedule.” Since the injury, Bell has had to change his plans for the future. “I was planning on finishing out a full season, going all out,” Bell said. “This was my last shot, my senior year. I’ve only played three games, and last year I had kind of a short season too, so that didn’t help either. Now I’m just gonna hit the books real hard, and see where I go from there.” Alex Busbee
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graphic by Craig Aucutt
Peru is a nation located in South America, with an odd climate and a third world classification. It’s the last place anybody would think of when choosing to get a good medical experience to prepare them for the future. Although, one teen did just that. Part of an organization called Hearts With Hope, Chloe Evans, sr., spent two weeks in Peru shadowing a team of surgeons, while working with the nurses and doctors in the hospitals. Hearts With Hope is an organization that was started by Dr. Juan Carlos Alejos. Its goal is to teach Peruvian doctors how to form more complex surgeries. They gather up a team of doctors as well as volunteers, most come from UCLA, to go down for two weeks. While they are there, they try to do as many operations as they possibly can in the time allotted. The truly remarkable thing is, they are all free. The whole medical team provides services that would normally cost somebody a load on their health bill. The dental team that went along on the trip would go on outreach to small villages where they’d perform surgeries on those in need. “I heard about the program through my aunt, who is in a relationship with Dr. Alejos. I emailed her to tell her that I was interested in medicine. She suggested that I call. I did just that and did an interview over the phone with her and Dr. Alejos,” Evans said. “I also had a ton of applications to fill out.” Evans not only got to learn from watching the
doctors, but she also got hands on experience. “In Peru, I would sometimes work at the hospital. There I went between being an ICU nurse and being a dental hygienist. I really liked working recovery. I helped kids come off of anesthesia, changed their gauze after surgery, and I would just hold them if they were sad. My scrubs, before I cleaned them, were drenched in the blood and tears of the Peruvian children and infants that I would comfort. The worst part was not being able to speak Spanish. These kids were so traumatized, and I could barely say anything,” Evans said. “The only thing I knew how to say to them was muy valiente. Very brave.” There were some disadvantages to being an organization as they were. “My first day working in the hospital the dental team had lost its anesthesia, so they had to do surgeries without it. I will never forget the screaming I heard,” Evans said. “I remember, when the dentist was done, she turned to me and said ‘I’m not getting into heaven.’ It was very sad.” Evans spent most of the two weeks in Arequipa. When she wasn’t doing surgeries she was able to spend some time in Cuzko, sight seeing. “Partying with doctors is a pretty interesting experiences,” she said, laughing. “It’s an experience I don’t think I could ever forget,” Evans said, “I feel very lucky to have been a part of it.” A s m aa E l k e u r t i
Muscle cramps are painful and prohibiting, but with minimal effort, can be reduced and prevented. It’s crunch time during the biggest game of the year. Everything you’ve worked for is on the line when you go up to take the jump shot, or heave the hail Mary down the field when suddenly, your muscles tighten up. Pain shoots through your extremities, you can’t move, and the game is all but lost. The culprit is cramping. Almost every game of any sporting event, someone always seems to suffer from a cramp somewhere along the way. It is one of the most common ailments in sports today. But it seems most people are unaware of how to protect themselves from it. Some say eating a banana is the best thing to do. Others think chugging a jar of pickle juice will serve you the best. Based on science the solution is clear. Cramping occurs when athlete’s muscles are lacking hydration. So the battle starts way before you even step on the field. The two main things your body needs are water and sodium. “It is very important to stay hydrated.
Electrolyte drinks like Gatorade work the best, and it’s also important to keep your muscles loose,” Cory Jirak said. Jirak is a personal trainer at the Midwest “It is very Athletic Club, and important to has worked there for the past three stay hydrated. years. Electrolyte The onset of drinks such as cramping calls for alternative action. Gatorade usu“Stretching would ally work the be the quickest way best, and it’s to get rid of cramps. also important Also eating foods that are high in po- to keep your tassium, like a ba- muscles loose.” nanas, helps,” Jirak -Cory Jirak said. Stretching helps to loosen the cramped muscles up. The intake of potassium replaces the glucose levels in your muscles, to keep them in a relaxed state. So the next time you’re in the heat of the moment and you feel your muscles suddenly tighten, stay calm, grab a banana and stretch. It’s that simple. Riley Galbraith
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photos provided by Bill Happel Photo shoot. Star wide reciever Bill Happel poses for his Iowa football picture. Bill Happel played wide receiver and punt returner for the Hawkeyes. He played under legendary Iowa coach Hayden Frye. He played for four years from 1982 to 1985. After quiet freshmen and sophomore seasons, Happel exploded into public eye with 47 receptions for 632 yards and two touchdowns. Happel had one of the most famous plays in Iowa football history. In 1984, when Iowa was playing at MN. Happel ran back a 95-yard punt return, which is still on record today.
PA G E B Y A L E X B U S B E E & R I L E Y G A L B R A I T H
Blast from the past
Bill Happel, father of Shauna Happel, jr., looks back on his college career playing football as a wide receiver for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes
“It was my most exciting moment of my career and I had a pretty good game with nine catches.” -Bill Happel, former Iowa football player
the University of Iowa, back in the glory days, while under legendary coach Hayden Frye. During his four years on the team, Happel was a wide receiver and a punt returner. Happel was on the Iowa football team from 1982 to 1985. With a quiet first two years, Happel had his breakout season as a junior, where he had 47 receptions for 632 yards and two touchdowns. Also. during this year, he had one of the most famous plays in Iowa football history. While on the road at the University of Minnesota, Happel ran back a 95-yard punt return, which is still a record today. Then in 1985 it was Happel’s senior season. He along with a talented Iowa team led the school in the most famous year in Iowa football history. The Hawks were having an exciting year and then came the battle between number one Iowa, and number two Michigan
at Kinnick Stadium. During the game Happel had an astounding nine catches for 107 yards. The Hawks ended up winning the game on a last second field goal, and were ranked number one for six weeks. “It was my most exciting moment of my career and I had a pretty good game with nine catches. The whole year was very exciting because it brought so much attention to the state and university,” Happel said. Later in the 1985 season, they would be upset by Ohio State and headed to the Rose Bowl to face off with UCLA. Although the Hawks lost, Happel was still able to make history during the prestigious bowl game. He was able to score a touchdown, which made him and his father the only father and son combination to score touchdowns in the Rose Bowl. So Shauna, you have some work to do.
“At the time, I really couldn’t enjoy it because we were loosing, but I will still always remember it, and it was just a really cool moment,” Happel said. This capped off a great season in which Happel ended the year with 112 catches for 1,685 yards and ten touchdowns. Happel then signed as a free agent with the Kansas City chiefs. He attended mini camp but decided to go another way with his life. “I don’t regret not trying to go pro. I think I timed my football days well. When my senior year was done, I had put so much into football through the years, that I was happy to hang up my cleats and be done,” Happel said. Although he is no longer involved with football, Happel is kept busy with his two daughters and is happy to be involved in the Kennedy community. Riley Galbraith
Shawn Johnson, Olympic star and winner of Dancing With the Stars, came to Cedar Rapids on Oct.10, 2009, to speak at the Food, Fitness and Fun event at the U.S. Cellular Center sponsored by The Gazette and HyVee. It was a day focused on leading a healthy lifestyle, with food and fitness demonstrations, more than 60 exhibitors and health screenings available. Kennedy’s ambassador, Allie Sindlinger, so., was there as one of the gymnasts who performed before and after Johnson spoke. Sindlinger has been in gymnastics since she was three years old. She said that she was rambunctous as a child and used this as a way to channel her energy. She practices at Twister’s Gymnastics about 16 hours per week. In addition to gymnastics, Sindlinger also dances. This past year she took first place on the balance beam, which she considers her strongest event, at the Midwest regional competition. “There are different skills you have to have on the beam, certain requirements that you incorporate into your routine, and you’re judged on that,” Allie said. Since she is at the highest level at Twister’s, her coach chose her to be one of the four gymnasts to perform at the Food, Fitness and Fun event. CRAG Gymnastics and Somersaults also sent participants. When asked about her part of the show, Allie said, “We did a lot of tumbling, like flips and stuff. It was an exhibition, not a competition.” A crowd of about 2,000 gathered for the Food, Fitness and Fun event, with Shawn’s speech being the highlight for many. Her main message was to take personal responsibility for your own wellbeing and to stay true to yourself. She also said that she hasn't decided yet if she will train for the 2012 Olympics. Allie thought that Shawn's talk was short and to the point. She said that the whole day was a lot of fun. Sindlinger tried some of the food there and said that it was really healthy, but tasty, especially the chicken pasta. She also visited the exhibits of a few of the local fitness centers and some of the makers of energy drinks. The event was packed and most of her family was there. When asked if she would participate in such an event again, Allie said, “Yes I would because I am a firm believer in a healthy lifestyle and getting that message across to teens is really cool.” C h r i s F ly nn
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Flipping. Allie Sindlinger, so., spins through the air during the Food, Fitness and Fun event at the U.S. Cellular Center. The event was sponsored by The Gazette and HyVee and took place on Oct. 10.
photos by Elise Krivit
Standing Tall. Olympic Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson gives a speech during the Food, Fitness and Fun event at the U.S. Cellular Center.
Sticks it. Allie Sindlinger, so., sticks her landing. Sindlinger has been participating in gymnastics since she was three years old.
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PA G E B Y A L E X B U S B E E & R I L E Y G A L B R A I T H
Sindlinger shines for Shawn Johnson
Touchdown. Bill Happel scores a touchdown against the Iowa State Cyclones in the first game of the 1984 season. The Iowa Hawkeyes won the game 59-21 to start the season off strong. This was his first of 12 touchdowns that he scored for the Iowa Hawkeyes in his career.
Now-a-days the only football seen from the Happel family is on the Kennedy powder-puff field during homecoming week. That’s where Shauna Happel, jr., led the class of 2011 to their first powder-puff football victory. It must run in the family. Most Kennedy students probably won’t remember, but most of you Iowa alums should remember the name Bill Happel. Happel received a full ride scholarship to play football at
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photo by Jess Mora Jump. Trask White, jr. (left), and Will Rowan, jr., leap into the air to try and catch the frisbee.
In the last ten years, ultimate frisbee has become one of the world’s fastest growing sports. Played in over 43 countries, the trend was bound to hit Kennedy High School. Joe Bunch, a teacher here at Kennedy High School, supervises the new ultimate frisbee club. The club has about 20 to 30 people and it is only going to grow. The club meets on Sundays at Noelridge Park at whatever time they decide on during the week. When the club meets, the
amount of people who show up are split as evenly as possible into two teams. Then they just play to have a good time. The weekly get-togethers usually last 2 hours. Will Rowan, Jr., is one of the founding members of the ultimate frisbee club. “[I like] hanging out with the people,” Rowan said. “Give it a try. That is what I did. It is a lot better than what people say it is. You never know what you like until you try it.”
Ultimate frisbee is a cross between numerous sports ranging from soccer to football. The goal is to pass the frisbee back and fourth up and down the field to end up with a teammate catching the frisbee in the opponent’s end zone. The players must do so while following the rules. Once the frisbee is passed to you, you have up to three steps of moving whichever way needed, as well as ten seconds to pass off the frisbee to a teammate. J e s s i c a Ro wa n
How to play Ultimate Frisbee
-Played with two teams -One team throws the frisbee to the other team -The other team gets three steps to pass it -No limits on how many passes a team gets -Defending team cannot touch the thrower -The goal is to throw the frisbee to a teammate in the opponent’s end zone
Juniors create new sport, ‘Phanic’ How to play ‘Phanic’
-Played with two teams -Games are played on a ‘phanic pitch’ (soccer field) -Teams try to move the ‘phanic sphere’ (tennis ball) down the phanic pitch using their racquets -The goal is to score by hitting the phanic sphere through the -No blood, no foul
Someone call up Reid Galbraith, because the Kennedy Soccer Field has been invaded again! No, it’s not marching band this time, but a whole new team, a team of fanatics. Over the summer, a group of Kennedy students got together to play a newly created sport, known as phanic. “Phanic is awesome; it’s a combination of tennis, football, soccer, and lacrosse,” Dan Wasta, jr., the creator of phanic, said. It all started one summer night
when Wasta was playing tennis with a friend. “We were waiting for two other people to show up,” Wasta said, “So we decided to mimic lacrosse with tennis rackets.” They went onto the Kennedy Soccer Field and started to hit the ball around. After a few minutes of playing, Wasta realized how fun it was. “It was epic,” Wasta said. “We marched onto the field, rackets in hand, and played for our lives. It was the start of something
amazing.” The game is played with tennis rackets and tennis balls, but has rules similar to soccer. As for penalties, the rule is no blood, no foul. “So far we’ve only had one broken bone, which isn’t too bad considering our intensity,” Wasta said. They are always looking for more players. “You think you can play with us? Wasta asked. “Prove it!” M i c h a e l Ho e f e r
photo by Gail Gilman Dribbling. Dan Wasta, Jr., dribbles a tennis ball, or phanic sphere, down the Kennedy soccer field.
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PA G E B Y A L E X B U S B E E & R I L E Y G A L B R A I T H Business faces. Cameron Beets, sr. (18), Erik Boyer, sr. (30), Matt Graham, sr. (74), Drew Johnson, sr. (24), and Tyler Holmes, sr. (60), showcase old football jerseys.
Current Cougars model retro jerseys
Members of the Kennedy football and volleyball teams show off jerseys ranging from the 1980s to their current jerseys. Over the years, the games changed, and so did the uniforms of their athletes. The jerseys range from oldest to newest.
Models. Jade Rogers, sr., Laura Boenish, sr., Trisha Hinke, sr., Haley Brightwell, sr., and Kristen Hahn, sr., show off retro volleyball jerseys.
graphic and photos by Elise Krivit