KennedyTorch December Issue

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John F. Kennedy High School 4545 Wenig Rd. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

“ T h e to r c h h a s b e e n pa s s e d to a n e w g e n e r at i o n ” - J o hn F. K enne dy

President Obama’s recent decision to deploy more troops to Afghanistan affects the lives and futures of several members of the Kennedy community THEIR STORIES ON PAGE 2

Graphic by Craig Aucutt

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PA G E B Y M I C H A E L N O R D S T RO M

Rockwell cuts holiday bonuses

photo by Laura Pochobradsky Headquarters. The Rockwell Collins corporate logo illuminated at night.

A lack of bonuses have left members of Rockwell Collins families short for the holidays.

Rockwell Collins, a worldwide company headquartered here in Cedar Rapids, has decided to withhold yearly bonuses in response to the downturn in the economy over the course of 2009.

“Like many companies, 2009 was an extremely challenging year,” Pam Tvrdy, media relations manager for Rockwell Collins International, said. “A large part [of it] had a lot to do with the commercial side, especially aviation for business jets and air transport crafts for airlines. Those parts of our business experienced a very significant decline. Overall, business in 2009 compared to [that in] 2008 visibly declined.”

Rockwell Collins took significant steps to eliminate company spending in order to save jobs.

Within the span of 2009, the company laid off around 1,600 out of 20,000 employees worldwide, 300-400 of those in the Cedar Rapids division.

“It was a tough economy for Rockwell Collins in 2009,” Tvrdy said. “When we saw the financial figures and [realized] that we weren’t going to [be able to meet] some of the business bills, we decided we wouldn’t be able to pay some of our bonuses [to employees] this year.”

This change in plans affected Jason Rettig’s, jr., family’s plans for the holiday season.

“We try not to eat out as much and save more money than before,” Rettig said.

Rettig’s father has been working at Rockwell Collins for 20 years as a lab manager, but will not be receiving a holiday bonus this year. Similarly, Rachel Barr, jr., has parents who are both employed by the company.

“I asked for a violin and a guitar for Christmas [this year], and my mom was like ‘Oh, honey, I didn’t get a Christmas bonus this year,’” Barr said.

Although money may be tight, employees are thankful to still have their jobs.

“People understand that we are in a recession and we have a few employees who have said ‘I would rather keep my job than get a bonus,’” Tvrdy said.

After a very difficult economic year, Tvrdy believes 2010 will be more stable.

“We do see some signs of recovery and we do see that the financial environment and the commercial side [are] going to recover,” Tvrdy said. “We are starting to do some hiring again, and raises again, and plan to do bonuses again at the end of this year.”

With 2010 around the corner, Rockwell Collins can look back at the past year with a positive outlook.

“It was tough this year, and unfortunately we couldn’t do some of the things we have done before,” Tvrdy said. “In the long run we were able to save some jobs and the company will be able to recover faster with some of those changes.”

A b b y G i l man

The Facts: Rockwell Collins Number of employees: 20,000 Number of people laid off in 2009: 1,600 Number of people laid off in the Cedar Rapids division: 300-400

CO V E R S TO R Y:

Gearing up for war Quick Facts -Population: 28.1 million Capital city: Kabul -President: Hamid Karzai -Literacy rate: 28 percent -Median age: 17.6 years -Total US casualties since 2001: 869 -Number of civilians killed in 2008: 2,118 -Total cost of war since 2001: $223 billion

Despite some discouragement, seniors still plan to join the military

Tanner Ayers-Berry had no problem turning down his parents’ offers of trips to the United Kingdom and Australia to keep his commitment to the United States Army.

“I said no to all of my parents’ bribes and they eventually realized that I’m going to keep saying no,” Ayers-Berry, sr., said. “I made a commitment and I’m sticking to it.”

On Dec. 1, in a speech at West Point, President Barack Obama announced that an additional 30,000 U.S. troops will be sent to Afghanistan starting this summer.

Ayers-Berry is one of several students here who joined the Armed Services without knowing of the war in Afghanistan’s extension.

These students aren’t exactly keen on serving in Afghanistan, but are mentally prepared to do so.

Patricia Ochs, sr., started to think about joining the Navy only four months ago. “My brother, dad and cousin are all in the Navy.

I know they pay for school and I’d

have a pretty arranged life.”

Ochs will attend training this Aug. for eight weeks and additional training for six months to one year, depending on the job she chooses. Ochs is interested in being a Spanish linguist or nurse. There’s about a one in five chance that Ochs will be sent to Afghanistan.

“It made me really nervous [to hear that 30,000 more troops will be sent to Afghanistan],” she said. “I think my mom has become more apprehensive about me going, but I’ve talked to her about doing this for the country.”

Ayers-Berry’s parents also had second thoughts about their son’s decision to join the Army after Obama’s announcement. In attempt to get him to back out, they offered him trips to the U.K. and Australia to visit relatives.

These trips weren’t hard for Ayers-Berry to turn down. He’s been thinking about joining the Army since he was 15. “Both of my grandpas served and my uncle,

so I want to serve as well. I like the idea of money for college. Most importantly, I want to serve my country,” he said.

Ayers-Berry had also heard that more troops would be sent to Afghanistan before. “It’s been rumored in my unit for quite a while,” he said. “I’ve mentally prepared myself. When he (Obama) made the announcement, I felt like I was ready.”

This June, Ayers-Berry leaves for training, which lasts until Oct. Because his unit is scheduled to deploy in Aug., two months before he finishes training, there is a 5050 chance that Ayers-Berry will be sent to Afghanistan.

Afghanistan has been unstable since the USSR sent troops and began to intervene in the country in the late ‘70s. In 1996, the Taliban, which is known for its brutality, unfair laws and oppression of women, started to gain control. Since the U.S. pulled its troops out of Afghanistan and into Iraq, the Taliban has gained more power.

Photo by Elise Krivit Studying soldier. Tanner Ayers-Berry, sr., works on his homework. AyersBerry plans to serve in the United States army after graduating. He will engage in basic training these summer, and there is a substantial chance that he could be deployed to Afghanistan once completed.

Afghanistan’s instability worries Ochs and Ayers-Berry.

Ochs said, “I want the war to be over. I don’t really see an end to it.”

“I definitely don’t want to be sent to the Middle East,” Ochs

said, “but I know it’s for a good cause. If I were sent there, it’d be okay because it’s for the country.”

ANDREA NEMECEK

102 Kennedy Students Sureyed

-Current number of US troops in Afghanistan 38,000

By Andrea Nemecek

Graphic by Craig Aucutt

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PA G E B Y M I C H A E L N O R D S T RO M

Flashback to Y2K: Taking a look at why we freaked, how tensions peaked when the New Millennium arrived As the average person partied up for the 1999-2000 New Year, hands of computer programmers everywhere grew sweaty with the anticipation of the Y2K bug.

Midnight neared and the clock showed 11:59, eyes began to clamp shut with the fear of utter computer meltdowns spanning the globe. For those who haven’t yet made the connection, this is the ten-year anniversary of the Y2K bug.

Since most of us were too young to recollect, let’s take a look at what had this country and the entire planet in fear of something disastrous. Newsweek magazine ran a cover story on the topic that read, “The Day the World Shuts Down: Can We Fix the Year 2000 Computer Bug Before It’s Too Late?”

Documentaries that aired all over the United States showed this bug was going to affect the banking, utility and communications industries. As the pressure rose to fix the problem, there were split reactions among computer programmers.

Half stepped up to the plate thinking they could fix the problem, while the other half ran for the hills with water, guns, and a three-year supply of food.

What was the problem exactly? In the ‘60s and ‘70s computer programmers dropped the first two digits of a year when storing, processing, or collecting dates to save on expense and memory.

However, when arithmetic operations did date they would read a double zero (00) to mean the year 19100 or 1900, instead of the year 2000. This would result in incorrect data for all different systems that ran through computers because of a misread time lapse from the computer.

A Canadian computer consultant, who was describing the impact on the financial and insurance industries if Y2K were to happen, made up the term ‘Doomsday 2000’. A complete

computer meltdown at this point in history would have sent our economy back to the dark ages.

Kennedy’s own computer genius, Ben Fiedler, sr., gave an example to show how important correct dates and numbers are in something as simple as a bank account. “I have $1000 in my bank account that earns three percent APR. On January 1, the bank computer would give me $51,300 because in a matter of 24 hours, the computer would think that 17,100 years had flown by. The

Student Government receives $7,500 from anonymous donors Student Government has received $5,000 from three anonymous people, and $2,500 from an anonymous business, making the total donation $7,500.

According to Joe Benedict, Student Government advisor, the donors are very impressed with the way Student Government raises money. Students have participated in many fundraisers including Homeless Night, and Pink-Outs.

The anonymous donor gave Student Government the donations so Student Government could help out local families in need. The money will be used to buy supplies and Christmas presents for five local families that would otherwise go presentless throughout the holiday season.

“The business wants us to help the families using their money, and they like the way we do fundraisers here. We will be helping

2 families of veterans, and Four Oaks has given us 3 other families. We have helped families in the past, but on a smaller scale, helping only one or two families,” Benedict said.

The business and individual donors would like Student Government to spend all of the money. “We plan to spend all of the money, but if any of the money is not spent it will be sent back to the company, or the three people who donated it,” Benedict said.

Mrs. Bark’s class will be in charge of picking out the gifts.

Once the gifts are chosen Student Government will go shopping for the families in need. They hope to drop the gifts off on Dec. 20 or Dec. 21.

“I am truly amazed, and impressed by the way Kennedy students want to help families in need,” Benedict said.

Sam Nordstrom

bank system would collapse.”

However, let’s now assume the computer thinks it’s the year 1900. “I would now owe the bank $300,” Fiedler said. “Not a huge difference, but I want that $300!”

Jokes aside, the problem was fixed by millions of dollars worth of updated computers and programs that helped to keep any problems that arose, minor.

As of Jan. 1, 2000 reported problems included radiationmonitoring equipment to fail at midnight in Ishikawa, Japan,

but no risk was to the public.

NTT Mobile Communications, Japan’s largest cellular operator at the time, reported that on Jan. 1, some cell phones were deleting new messages received, rather than the older ones. In the United States, nearly 150 slot machines failed to work. Also, the website of the United States Naval Observatory, which runs the master clock to keep the country’s official time, displayed the time as Jan. 1, 19100.

Cartoon by Mackenzie Sheehy Although, Major disaster was adverted, effects of the millennia Random virus showed up in various counFacts: 1999 tries around the world. However, technology has changed in the Gallon of last decades, “Your TI-83 calculaGas: tor has more computing power $1.22 than the Apollo missions had,” Fiedler said. Looking back ten Dozen Eggs: years makes most laugh when 89 cents thinking out the Y2K bug and the world coming to an end. Now for The Matrix 2012… hits theatres Morgan Guge

Salvation Army not suffering with economy Despite the recession, Cedar Rapids has pulled through during the season of giving, and donations to local charities are at an all time high.

“The Cedar Rapids community has stepped up to the plate by increasing their donations despite the recession,” Mindy Kayser, Director of Development and Communications for the Cedar Rapids Salvation Army, said.

Kayser said there has been an increase in need since the beginning of the recession. Before the recession and flood, the Salvation Army Food Pantry served 80 to 100 families per month. Beginning in the last half of 2008, they have been serving 200 to 300 families each month. This means the need has about tripled.

The Cedar Rapids Salvation Army also serves a daily noon meal to about 1,000 people. This is a substantial increase from the pre-recession time period.

“The community is wonderful this time of year, but people need to realize we need donations all year round, not just at Christmas,” Kaiser said. The Salvation Army depends not only on donations, but also on volunteers this time of year to ring their bells for their famous Red Kettles. The Red Kettle Campaign provides about 40 percent of the annual budget of Cedar Rapids Salvation Army.

Another nonprofit organization that is experiencing the generosity of people in Cedar Rapids is the Linn Community Food Bank. This food bank is

Ringing for Charity.

Voluenteers outside a local store ring the salvation army bells in order to raide money. Student government students are among those voluenteering this year totally run by volunteers. The food bank operates in the basement of First Presbyterian Church and has done so for 37 years. ”Churches, organizations and the generosity of the people in Cedar Rapids and Marion are what keeps us running,” Sue Pearson, president of the Board of Directors of the Linn Community Food Bank, said.

Pearson says that statistics show a 23 percent increase in usage at the food bank over the last year.

Comparing this November to November 2008 (a year ago), there has been a 41 percent increase in the use of the Linn Community Food Bank.

The affects of the recession are still being widely felt. Even though donations are at an all time high, the demands and needs of the community are also at an all time high.

Allie Sindlinger

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PA G E B Y M I C H A E L N O R D S T RO M The low-income group.

At the Oxfam Hunger Banquet, a simulation, students were randomly assigned a social class.

The students were then fed a meal based on their class.

Sixty percent of the students, including those to the left, were members of the lower class.

They sat on the floor and ate rice with their hands.

Students in the upper class sat at tables and were fed an Italian meal of spaghetti, salad, and garlic bread from Zio Johno’s.

Approximately 80 people attended the banquet.

Photo by Elise Krivit.

Towing proposed as solution to parking problem Parking has been an issue here for years. The number of students and the number of parking spots don’t match, and when there’s no spots left, it creates a problem.

“The situation is that we have too many people driving and not enough spots,” said Willie Boyd, security. There are about 300 spots in the south lot, where juniors and seniors can park, and 94 in the north lot for seniors and staff. Carl Bartoa, security, said, “The main issue is that we have people who can’t find a spot in the south lot, so they park in the north lot. You can’t do that; you have to park on a street.”

Boyd and Bartoa give out tickets to those who don’t park correctly. Boyd said, “On a bad day, I may hand out 20 tickets, but on a good day, I hand out only a few.” In a few weeks, cars will be towed for not having the correct privileges for their parking spot. Bartoa reminds students to renew the north lot sticker every term.

To help the parking situation, Boyd asks students to car pool. “Drivers come with just one person in a car. If they came with two or more, less parking spaces would be taken.” If there are no spots left in the lots, Bartoa recommends parking on the streets, like Aspen Lane and Westchester Rd., but to make sure to watch out for two-hour parking. s a r a h s i ck l e s

Kennedy donates books to Uganda Books of Hope is a program based out of Wisconsin that sends books to children in Abuja, Uganda. Michelle Frye, language arts teacher, decided to bring this program here about two years ago. She is collecting books and would like for students to donate books to this cause.

“Students in my class have made about 150 books for the children in Uganda this year, the books vary from educational to entertaining. I have also received over 200 books from students around Kennedy. Sudan rebels are coming into Uganda and taking children for their army, so we would like to help educate them by giving them books,” Frye said.

Schools in Uganda have up to 80 kids in each classroom, and have few to no books. Many of the children who will receive books had to leave their homes to live in safe camps, due to the war.

“I watched a documentary called Invisible Children, and it really got me thinking of a way to help children in Uganda, and then I found out about Books of Hope. I would encourage kids to watch Invisible Children, or visit the website booksofhope. org to see what it is all about,” Frye said.

S a m N o r dst r o m

Power School linked to better grades There has been an increase in student grades this year, and some suspect that the new PowerSchool system is the reason.

Mary Herrity, counselor, said, “PowerSchool is a student based school management system that allows schools to schedule students, enter attendance and grades, track graduation progress, and enter discipline information.”

Herrity thinks students should check PowerSchool daily. ”Ultimately, it is the student who earns the grade and this would help students know where they stand, and also, where they could improve,” Herrity said.

Herrity thinks PowerSchool will continue to help students with their grades. “If parents can know where their child stands grade wise more often, “ she said, “they can take the correct measures to help their child with issues.”

Students have been putting in good words for PowerSchool. “It does help students who have missing or make-up work. Graduation progress is now available on PowerSchool,” Herrity said. “I think as time passes, students will find it very useful. I hope parents do also.”

Allie Devore

Going ‘hungry’ for a night Several members of the Kennedy community experienced a taste of poverty at the Oxfam Hunger Banquet on Monday.

Held in the cafeteria, the banquet served to illustrate the unequal distribution of food throughout the world.

Tamara Marcus, sr., was inspired to organize the banquet after participating in a similar event at the World Food Prize convention in Oct. “It was a good experience, and I thought it would be cool if people at Kennedy got to share the same experience,” Marcus said.

Around 80 people signed up to participate at the banquet, which was organized by Marcus and a student and staff volunteers. The event is a production of Oxfam International, a worldwide organization seeking to eliminate poverty.

When participants arrived at the banquet, they were directed to draw a slip of paper from a bowl.

Each ticket indicated the income level of the guest, and included a short story about an individual whom they were to represent

from that group.

Fifteen percent of the guests in the high-income level enjoyed a spaghetti dinner served expressly by a wait staff. Thiry-five percent of the guests, representing the middle-income level, ate a modest helping of rice and beans. Finally, the remaining 50 percent in the low-income level had to sit on the floor and received only a small bowl of rice and water.

The real-life numbers on which the banquet was based, however jarring they may seem, were only made clearer through this roleplaying ordeal. “[The banquet] helps people better experience hunger. When you hear the statistics, it may seem like no big deal, but here you can really see the difference and be in that situation,” Marcus explained.

Courtney Staudacher, sr., was one of the fortunate few who feasted on a hearty meal in the high-income tier. “I felt lucky, and I felt guilty,” she said. “[Seeing all of the people in levels below] made me feel more grateful for what I have.”

Rick Nees, math teacher, also

“[The banquet] helps people better experience hunger. When you hear the statistics, it may seem like no big deal, but here you can really see the differene.”

-Tamara Marcus, sr. participated in the event and enjoyed spaghetti with Staudacher.

However, he too was taken aback by the circumstances at hand.

“Once it was offered that we could switch [income levels] with someone else, I didn’t like that. I have to eat with a little bit of guilt now.”

The Hunger Banquet’s script included realistic scenarios illustrating poverty. For example, in one occurrence, six students from the low-income demographic were able to move to the middleincome section when they were offered jobs in a clothing factory opening near their homes. Then, six middle-income representatives were forced to join the low-

income ranks when they lost their work, and, consequentially, their means of living.

One student downgraded was Staci Bobbin, sr. “I learned that your circumstances are never stable,” Bobbin said. She was also shocked by another topic discussed during the experience.

“Women walk five to ten miles for water everyday in some parts of the world, and that made me want to cry.”

Shane Nielsen, so., was also a participant who moved from the middle- to low-income sector. “It made me see that a lot of changes happen inside society,” he said.

Overall, Marcus believes that her project was a success in raising awareness about the poverty and hunger plaguing the globe. “I think it went really well. People seemed like they were getting really involved,” she said.

There weren’t many satisfied stomachs by the end of the night, but guests did leave with a changed outlook on world hunger and a newfound appreciation for the food waiting in the fridge at home. m a ck e n z i e s h e e h y

Unequal wealth distribution throughout the world: 15 percent: high income 25 percent: middle income 60 percent: low income

Karr, Shey win City Council runoff elections Don Karr and Pat Shey were winners in the runoff election between Aaron Saylor and Jerry McGrane on Dec. 1.

Don Karr came out on top over Aaron Saylor and Pat Shey won the position versus Jerry McGrane.

He represents the city of Cedar Rapids as being an at large city council member.

Before the election, Pat Shey knocked on around 3,000 doors to talk to citizens about why believes he can lead the city. He said if people were not home, wrote them personal notes. Shey thinks that knocking on the doors helped him win the election.

Many people believe that Cedar Rapids needs to make numerous improvements so the city will look more attractive to people traveling through the area.

Shey said, “We are waiting for federal buyout money.” He also

“I like to be involved in public service because it gives me the opportunity to make a difference.”

-Pat Shey, City Council member

said that FEMA is providing money that will do things to improve the city, like demolishing rundown flooded homes. He said that the city will likely have the funds soon, which will allow them to continue to clean up the city and recover from the Flood of 2008.

Some of the top things on his agenda for 2010 include revitalizing unsafe neighborhoods and improving city parks.

Shey decided to run for City Council because of his passion for public service. He said, “I like to be involved in public service because it gives me the opportunity to

make a difference to the city.”

Shey does not plan to have a long political career, but he is considering running for re-election.

His advice to people who want to be involved in public service is to volunteer or just pick an issue that they would be interested in helping in some way.

Pat Shey is a strong believer in Cedar Rapids and wants to ensure that the city will have a bright future. c a h l e co r r e l l

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Graphic by Craig Aucutt

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been the biggest parade celebration in New York since 1924.

Most Kennedy students stayed at home and watched the heliumfilled characters move their way up and down the crowded streets of New York. However for Cheyann Weinacht,sr., her Macy’s memory for 2009 was different.

Weinacht took part marching as a cheerleader in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Weinacht had been in big parades prior to this one, such as the London/New York Parade in London. However, the London/ New York Parade didn’t compare to this one.

“The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was a bigger deal.

There were a lot more people involved,”Weinacht said. All the streets were closed down for the parade and were crowded with people ready to watch.

“I have been to New York before, so it was really neat to see the streets that were normally filled with cars, closed off,” Weinacht said.

According to Weinacht, the parade went well. She and her fellow cheerleaders opened the parade with their routine and then found their place walking behind Santa Claus for the rest of the parade. This was a once in a lifetime chance, and though the expense

Baking for a cause

Oprah, Family Circle, Good Housekeeping, and USA Today had already jumped on the bandwagon, when Hannah Kaiser, jr., decided that it was her turn to do the giving back.

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is an organization that was started by a mom, inspired by her son’s fight against cancer.

A Cookies for Kids’ Cancer baker makes the cookies, sells them and in return, gains profit that goes to the developmental research in finding new treatments at pediatric cancer centers.

Kaiser admits this is her first time doing such a deed but says it won’t be her last. The passing away of Kaiser’s stepfather back in August makes this a very personal connection. photo provided by Cheyann Weinacht “Watching him go from a very Marching. Cheyann Weinacht, sr., independent, strong and involved poses for a picture before marching in the 2009 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day man to a man who could barely Parade. talk, couldn’t even sit up by himself, couldn’t eat…couldn’t do “I have been to New anything…it was awful,” Kaiser said.

York before, so it was Kaiser was at a local clinic to really neat to see the receive her flu vaccination when streets that were she saw an ad for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer in a magazine that normally filled with promoted cancer fundraising. cars closed off.”

“I sat there thinking, I know -Cheyann Weinacht, sr. what they are going through,” Kaiser said. “I’ve learned dying is a part of life, but a child’s life has was great, Weinacht now enjoys just begun…it’s not right for it having the ability to say that she to be cut short by something we has participated and walked in the could find a way to cure.”

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

After visiting the organizaJ e ss i c a R o wa n tion’s website and learning more about it, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer became an instant project for Kaiser.

Smiles.

Amongst all the evils of cancer, genuine love has blossomed from within the hearts of Hannah and her step dad.

Hannah Kaiser, jr., decided that it was her turn to do the giving back. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is an organization that was started by a mom, inspired by her son’s fight against cancer.

Kaiser has been baking cookies this holiday season and selling them. The profit that she makes will be donated to pediatric cancer research.

the founder of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer for example, she had this idea, and by word-of-mouth advertising, the very first bake “I’ve learned dying is a sale held sold every single part of life, but a child’s cookie baked. life has just begun...

How many exit’s not right for it to be actly? 96,000!

That one cut short by something bake sale raised we could find a way to over $400,000 cure.” that went to cancer research. -Hannah Kaiser, jr.

So this holiday season don’t think that one small gesture won’t turn out to be something that can only be described as a miracle.

Morgan Guge

photo by Andrea Nemecek Family Time. John McVey, sr., and his family read a message from his dad on the computer. McVey’s dad is currently serving with the National Guard in Taji, Iraq, and his brother is at basic training in North Carolina. any personal supplies, so we pretty much depended upon people back home to send us the supplies we needed,” First Lt. Justin M. Bellman, commanding officer from Cedar Rapids, said.

Bellman said that when his Marines receive mail, they always seem to be in better spirits and continually remember to thank

them, often in the form of prayer.

“The holiday season is the worst time to be away from family, so it can be a lonely and stressful time,” McVey said.

“I really get homesick when the holidays roll around, and I know I’m so far away from everyone,” Bellman said.

Whether it's raising their

siblings or getting an after school job, teens with parents in the military feel pressure to step up.

“These teens are expected to take on the responsibility the deployed parent used to take care of,” Mary Carolyn Voght, director of programs for Our Military Kids, a nonprofit organization that provides support to children with a

Turn Your Jingle Into A Crinkle!

No matter how much (or how little) money you have, living by a budget is a very wise idea. However, in order to do so, you need to track where your money is going so you can identify the “leakages” that may be whittling you down to the spare change in your pocket!

Metco Credit Union has a free budget spreadsheet you can download at www.MetcoCU.org - simply enter your expenditures to see where your money is going, and then use the spreadsheet to create a budget for 2009.

Keep with it and maybe at this time next year you’ll hear the crinkle of paper in your pockets rather than the jingle of coins!

Brought to you by: Everything is online & on YOUR time at www.MetcoCU.org

photo provided by Hannah Kaiser “I love to bake! I have been baking since I was in elementary school. I have a good group of friends who were with my family and me though my stepfather’s death. They also love to help people, so I thought, why not,” Kaiser said. “Baking to save lives sounds like great idea.”

With a lack of personal connection to a tragedy such as cancer, it seems hard for young people to get involved. “I just don’t think that kids our age sit down and really think about life, death and all the other terrible things out there. I think that many feel they wouldn’t make a difference…but that’s not true,” Kaiser said.

Like the old saying goes, “It’s the thought that counts.” Take

PA G E B Y J O N AT H A N C H A D I C K

Fighting during celebration Thanksgiving and Christmas are holidays where friends and family get together to continue the tradition of sitting around a big dinner table, eating turkey and watching football games on TV. However, the true meaning of the holidays is family.

But at the house of John McVey, sr., a piece of the family is missing: his father.

McVey’s father, a soldier in the National Guard, was deployed in June to Iraq. And after his father was deployed, McVey’s brother also committed. “I have a lot of responsibilities like removing snow, mowing the lawn and many other physical tasks my family would have a hard time doing without me,” McVey said.

This winter, McVey’s father will spend the holidays in Afganistan, splitting up the family for the first time in memory.

For some military members and their families, the traditional scenes of the holidays are ones that can only be dreamt about.

Military families who celebrate Thanksgiving are forced to give thanks in different ways during these holidays.

“While I was deployed to Afghanistan, we had no way of buying or getting hygiene gear or

Senior cheerer marches in NY Macy’s Parade

07profile

Please support Torch advertisers.

For information on advertising in the Torch call us at 319-558-3123 or email adviser Gary Lindsay: glindsay@cr.k12. ia.us.

We have ads in a variety of sizes to fit every ad budget.

Torch advertising is a great way to target your message to the Kennedy community.

115 8th Ave SW in Cedar Rapids 319.398.5007

Happy Holidays!

Beautiful holiday flowers and plants make wonderful gifts.

Peck’s Flower Shop 3990 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE

393-5565

www.pecksflorist.com Growing with the Cedar Rapids area since 1956.

photo by Abby Gilman

deployed parent in the National Guard, said. “There's usually the expectation that they will pitch in and help out more.”

More than 30,000 teens between the ages of 12 and 18 have at least one parent in the National Guard deployed to Iraq or Afganistan, according to the Department of Defense.

When all military branches are taken into consideration, the American Psychological A s s o c i at i o n “I really get homesick e s t i m a t e s when the holidays roll about 700,000 around, and I know I’m children under the age of so far away from ev18 have a par- eryone. It’s just not the ent deployed same as it used to be overseas for when I was a kid.” military duty.

McVey is -First Lt. Justin M. Bellman one of those hundreds of thousands of kids who will have to go through the holidays without one or both of their parents.

“Kids who have parents and family around should be thankful for what they have during this holiday season,” Voght said.

J o n at h a n C h a d i c k Celebrating. Melanie Abzug, so, and her family light the Menorah during the holiday of Hanukkah.

Hanukkah is a Jewish celebration where you light a candle for each day the oil in the Menorah stayed lit after a long battle.

Celebrating religious diversity during the December holidays Since the holiday break is just around the corner, it’s a good time to examine some of the religious holidays and customs that are celebrated by students at Kennedy High School Ossama Abu-Halawa, fr., is a Muslim. One of the Islamic traditions he observes each year is Ramadan, a holiday in which Muslims fast between sunup and sundown for 30 days.

One of the five pillars of faith for Muslims, Ramadan, is observed during the ninth month of the lunar calendar. It is the holiest period of the Islamic year and thought to be the month that the Qur’an was first revealed by God. The rules of Ramadan are fairly straightforward. For one month, all practicing, able-bodied Muslims, (those over the age of 12,) are forbidden to eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. Muslims believe that during this month the gates of Hell close, meaning that the devil is unable to tempt them during a time of discipline, charity and self-control. Muslims are permitted to eat and drink after sunset.

“Fasting for Ramadan this year was especially hard because

Ramadan was in August when the daylight hours are longer. It is not as hard when Ramadan falls in the winter; when the daylight hours are shorter,” Abu-Halawa said.

After Ramadan is the holiday of Eid ul-Fitr. This is a celebration where family and friends come together at their mosque for a special prayer. They also have special food and exchange gifts.

Abu-Halawa said that kids enjoy getting gifts from their parents.

Megha Puranam,so., is a Hindu. She says the main holiday for the Hindu religion is Diwali.

“The story behind our holiday is that our Hindu God defeated the demon. This symbolizes good prevailing over evil,” Puranam said.

The date of Diwali changes each year because of the lunar calendar. Diwali is celebrated by families coming together to eat and set off firecrackers. They also stay up all night.

One of Kennedy’s current cultural exchange students, Ibrahim Jeries, is a Christian from Palestine. Jeries says the main holidays for Christians in his native lands are Christmas and Easter, as they are here.

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his earthly death.

During Christmas, Jeries said that families get together and exchange gifts.

Among other “The story behind our foods, they eat holiday is that our colored eggs.

For the little Hindu God defeated kids, Santa Claus the demon. This symcomes to visit on bolizes good prevailChristmas Eve. M e l a n i e ing over evil.”

Abzug, so., prac- -Megha Puranam, so. tices the religion of Judaism. One of the Jewish holidays that she observes is Hanukkah. The Jewish people found a small amount of oil after a long battle. There was only enough oil to burn for one night, but miraculously the menorah burned for a total of eight nights of festivities during Hanukkah.

America was built on the idea of religious freedom, meaning that each person is able to exercise his or her own religious beliefs. This is the case here. There are many students with various religious backgrounds.

Allie Sindlinger

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08editorial

PA G E B Y E M M A L E H M A N N

torch Resolutions that work the

because when it comes down to it, New Years resolutions are, in fact, lame.

Every year, millions of people set their “resolutions”. Every year, millions of people epically fail while trying to keep these “resolutions”. At the beginning of the New Year, people will say something like, Hey! I’m gonna run a mile everyday!…and then one week later, they are sitting

on the couch, eating Gardettos, slowly decreasing their life expectancy.

So how do you avoid this?

How can you possibly have a New Year’s resolution that works? The simple answer…you can’t. Don’t even try. If you do, chances are, 2010 will be no different and you will fail just like every other year.

Yeah, this may be a bit depressing, but there is hope.

Instead of having a New Year’s resolution, have a plain old resolution. Set yourself apart.

Everyone is making New Year’s resolutions, and everyone

is having trouble keeping their New Year’s resolutions. Be different. You can still make changes in your life; just don’t associate them with the New Year.

Make a change in your life because you want to be happier.

Make a change because you want to be healthier. Make a change because you want to break your addiction to Gardettos. Don’t make a change because it’s a new year; don’t make a change because everyone else is doing it.

If you did, it would be peer pressure. And we all know what peer pressure leads to…drinking.

parents.

I began to doubt Catholicism, the religion I grew up with, in seventh grade. By the time I reached high school, I was unable to believe in God, even though I wanted to. When I shared this with my parents, they were upset. They pushed me to attend church and complete the Confirmation process

more than ever before, but to no avail. Ever since, the time around Christmas has been everything but pleasant.

I know that there are other students caught in similar situations, but, because we’re discouraged from talking about conflicts with religion, I’m able to name all of these people who I know on one hand.

This is a problem.

Not only should religious people be more considerate of the irreligious, but also we the irreligious, who make up the silent majority of the population,

should stop hiding.

In social situations, it’s uncomfortable to express one’s disbelief in God and discomfort of religion. However, undergoing this temporary discomfort and embarrassment is well worth it. Making us heard will lead to acknowledgement and understanding from people of faith and, hopefully, to a future in which your faith is not a defining part of who you are.

And I might be able to enjoy Christmas again.

F R I D AY, N o v e m b e r 1 3 , 2 0 0 9 John F. Kennedy High School 4545 Wenig Rd. NE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402

New Years resolutions, blah. You’re probably thinking, ‘Another cliché article about how boring resolutions can improve my life, I’ve heard it all before.’

Well people, you’re wrong.

Now, with this article I could delve into the benefits of daily exercise, the importance of eating healthy and give tips on how to stick to your sleeping schedule. But I won’t. And this is

Christmas, without Christianity The holiday season is supposed to be a time for happiness, faith, family, friends, fun and memories. However, for those who don’t practice a specific religion but once did, the holidays can be very difficult to get through.

I’m a member of the population whose religious views differ from the religious views of their

To read the news story over this topic, turn to page 2

Torch Staff Editorial:

Despite politics, support our troops President Obama has recently decided to deploy more troops to Afghanistan, and the nation is divided over whether or not the war in the Middle East should continue in the direction in which it is headed. However, no matter what individual citizens believe, the Torch staff encourages everyone to support our troops and to recognize their service to this country.

In this December issue, readers will learn about members of

the Kennedy community who have a family member fighting overseas during this holiday season. There will be an empty chair at the dinner table, a few less presents under the tree, and instead of asking for an iPhone or a PlayStation 3, they will be wishing for the safe return of their beloved soldier. A few students featured in this issue plan to join the military themselves, and will face these same sacrifices if they too are deployed.

No matter what political views we hold, it’s vital to support those who have risked their safety and time with loved ones to defend our freedoms.

Whether it’s by sending a care package, writing a letter, or simply taking a moment to think about the services of the men and women overseas, everyone can do something to support their fellow Americans, especially during this season of giving. And from the entire

Torch staff, have a safe and happy holiday break.

the✓ote

The majority opinion of the Torch editors. for

101 Junior sheds perspective upon the parking problem Other juniors propose parking solutions “I think that freshmen and sophomores shouldn’t be able to park in the south lot, that’s what Lovely Lane is for.”

Emily Lauderdale, jr.

“We could use more space; I think it’s stupid that sophomores park in the south lot…they just need to find somewhere else to park.”

Garet Christianson, jr.

“I feel it’s very congested in the parking lot and I feel that there should be more parking options available.”

Nashua Kilbert, jr.

Mitch Valenta, jr.

“I come in at 6 a.m., so I always have a spot, but I have noticed that when I leave during the day for an appointment or something, that the space is very limited in the parking lot...so students need to start carpooling when possible [to fix this problem].”

Showing up at school after 7:40 am is a gamble. Whether or not a parking space is left in the south lot is questionable.

Students anxiously drive down row after row to find no available parking space left. The question then arises; where on Earth are students supposed to park?

As a junior at Kennedy with a zero hour only on ‘A’ days I tend to find myself in this scenario way too often. It sucks. Not only are students now going to have to find another parking space

somewhere else, they’re also going to be risking a ticket by doing so.

I’m sure I’m not the only junior who feels this way. And then to put the cherry on top of this unfair sundae students go out at lunch to move their car back to the south lot only to find that menacing pink ticket nestled between their wiper and windshield.

This is a problem. People don’t want to keep getting tickets the administration should

absent

not have given out more parking spaces than they had available.

Now let me get straight to the solution: at midterms students should have to reapply for spaces. Students that carpool should get first choice and then when all of those students have their spots, the lot should be opened up to the rest of the junior and senior classes.

All in all the administration can’t just sit there, handing out tickets as if they were candy.

They need to act now and work with the student body to find a solution. Until then I’ll have to keep getting to school early because at Kennedy the early bird not only gets the worm; he gets the parking space.

J F K TO R C H , D E C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 0 9

09editorial

Over the years I have been able to overlook most everything Tiger has done wrong.

From his swearing on live TV, to his childish tantrums, which teach all kids how you should

act on the golf course according to Tiger Woods. He has gotten free passes for every that he has done wrong because he is the greatest golfer ever, but now it’s nice to see that everyone can

finally see the person that he really is.

The first thing he needs to do is gain some perspective. All I have heard from him is how he is the victim because all of the media is victimizing him. Let’s be honest: the only victims in this situation are his family. He has embarrassed, betrayed, and disrespected them. Why doesn’t he just worry about them before he worries about what the media is doing? He made the choice to be famous, now he has to live

PA G E B Y E M M A L E H M A N N

with it.

He also needs to get some help. The minute someone thinks of leaving their super model wife to go be with some trashy, reality TV stars, and bar tenders, they have truly gone nuts.

The next thing to do is get out there, and tell the truth. All we’ve been hearing are things from outside sources. The person we really need to hear from is him. Tell your side of the story and quit hiding.

graphic by C

raig Aucut t

But in the end there is only one thing to make this all go away. Start winning again. The fans in this country are very forgiving. As you can see from the Kobe Bryant situation, nobody remembers the alleged rape from a few years ago, all they can remember are the titles and awards he has won in the last couple of years. When he wins, it will all blow over.

Although he won’t be able to win my respect back there are plenty more people out there.

Tiger’s Mistress Timeline

cartoon by Mackenzie Sheehy

Week of Nov. 23: Tiger was first busted in the press for cheating, when The National Enquirer reported on ‘racy text messages’ between the golf pro and NY nightclub promoter Rachel Uchitel.

Week of Nov. 27: After Tiger and his wife Elin Nordegren seemed ready to reconcile, that infamous “car crash” happened. (His wife beat him up with a golf club later.)

Early Dec.: The following eight mistresses come out of the woodwork, the current count is at 12, as follows: (2) Jaimee Grubbs, (3) Kalika Moquin, (4) Mindy Lawton, (5) Cori Rist, (6) Jamie Jungers, (7) Holly Sampson, (8) annonymous 26-yearold waitress, (9) annonymous British TV presenter, (10) annonymous mistress, (11) Joslyn James, (12) Loredana Jolie.

Letter to the editor:

SMART Board rebuttal to ‘Mr. Wasta’

photo by Elise Krivit Jason Cochrane, science teacher, uses his SMART Board during class. Cochrane feels that the new teaching materials are essential to keeping up on a global scale. “Employers across the world need creativity and innovation from our students. Students in the United States will compete globally for jobs in thier country,” Cochrane wrote.

Mr. Wasta, It is apparent that you were misguided in your research concerning the funding allocations for the SMART Boards from your most recent post in the Torch. None of our school’s budget or our administration was involved with how this money was allocated. It was decided to spend this money three years ago, before the economic decline, through a majority vote for a SILO sales tax.

I understand that the initial use you are seeing from teachers of the boards is not as plentiful as you might want to be deemed as a useful tool in your educational experience, but be assured that teachers will gradually use them more. Have you ever seen the video, Did You Know, released in 2007, or the revised 2009 edition? It contains facts about the global perspective of education in countries like India, China, and the United States and the impact technology is making on our students. It shows how the technology trend continues to increase as societies demand for technology innovation continues to grow. Employers across the world need creativity and innovation from our students.

Students in the United States will compete globally for jobs in their country.

In the United States, teachers develop a curriculum that fosters creativity and avoids turning students into left brained directed students or workers. If science is taught the same way in Iowa as it is in India or China, then students’ level of global competitiveness will diminish.

However, the relevance, approach, and delivery of the content to the student in Iowa are different and that is what makes us competitive.

“Just like biodiversity is essential for an ecosystem to survive, a diversity of talents is essential for a nation to thrive” (Zhao, 2008).

It is part of a teacher’s responsibility to produce students who will join a workforce that can solve problems, think critically, and thrive in a high-tech environment. For this reason, the state of Iowa has incorporated 21st Century skills into the Iowa CORE curriculum. Teachers are expected to incorporate these skills into their lessons to enhance the global competitiveness of their students.

The new SMART interactive whiteboards are a good example of innovative technology that can create uniqueness in a student’s learning experience. Interactive whiteboards are just a small tool to help increase the future success of our students and develop their unique abilities to utilize technology in a competitive world. It is the student’s right, in a country that values their creativity and understanding of technology in a completive world.

It takes time to develop an understanding of technology, especially since it changes so quickly.

However, it is the duty and sole mission of the teacher to create students with the best possible opportunities for the future. Teachers have standards in which they abide by to help create such students. For example, teachers engage in professional growth (Standard 8). They take classes to deepen their understanding of the content or help them utilize technology tools to enhance student performance. They do this to increase student performance and increase their students’ technology awareness. Teachers allow students to be creative and use technology to learn essential concepts.

Unlike other countries we develop creativity and an understanding of current technological innovations to set us apart from others who are competing for the same jobs.

J as o n Co chran e

10entertainment

J F K TO R C H , D E C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 0 9

PA G E B Y A B B Y G I L M A N

Holiday Yummies

The weather outside might be frightful, but these holiday favorites taste delightful Crispy Ginger Crinkles 1-1/3 cups vegetable oil 2 cups white sugar 2 eggs 1/2 cup molasses 4 cups all-purpose flour 4 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt 2 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tsp ground ginger 1/2 cup white sugar

Mix oil and sugar thoroughly with electric mixer. Add egg and mix well. Pour in molasses. Sift and add dry ingredients until incorporated.

Roll teaspoonful of dough into ball, drop into sugar to coat.

Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 13 minutes.

Makes 24 cookies.

Sweet Peanut Blossoms 1 ¾ cup flour 1 tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt ½ cup shortening ½ cup peanut 1 cup granulated sugar ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 egg 2 tbsp milk 1 tsp vanilla 1 bag Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Don’t grease baking sheets. On a piece of waxed paper, sift flour, baking soda and salt. In a mixing bowl, cream shortening, peanut butter, ½ cup of the granulated sugar and the brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Stir in egg, milk and vanilla and beat until blended. Stir in flour mixture and mix well. Shape into 1½” balls and roll in remaining granulated sugar. Place about 2” apart on prepared baking sheets.

Bake in preheated oven for 8 minutes. Top each cookie with a chocolate kiss and bake for 2 minutes longer. Remove from baking sheets and cool on wire racks.

Makes about 2-dozen.

Creamy Oreo Truffles 1 pkg (1 lb 2 oz) Oreo Cookies, finely crushed, divided 1 pkg (8 oz) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened 2 pkg (8 squares each) Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate, melted

Mix 3 cups of the cookie crumbs and the cream cheese until well blended. Shape into 42 (1-inch) balls.

Dip balls in melted chocolate; place on waxed paper-covered baking sheet. (Any leftover melted chocolate can be stored in tightly covered container at room temperature and saved for another use.) Sprinkle with remaining cookie crumbs.

Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Store any leftover truffles in tightly covered container in refrigerator.

Peppermint Brownies 1 cup butter or margarine Five 1 oz squares unsweetened chocolate 5 eggs 2 1/4 cup sugar 2 tsp vanilla 1/2 tsp peppermint extract 1 3/4 cup flour 1 tsp salt

Combine butter and 5 oz. chocolate or cocoa and oil in sauce pan. Place over low heat until melted. Remove from heat. Cool to room temperature.

Combine eggs and sugar in mixing bowl. Beat with electric mixer at high speed until light and fluffy; about 2 minutes. Add chocolate mixture, vanilla, and peppermint. Add dry ingredients.

Bake in 15 x 10 inch pan at 325 degrees about 25 minutes. Frost with peppermint frosting.

Makes one pan.

Coconut Macaroons 14 oz sweetened shredded coconut 14 oz sweetened condensed milk 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 2 extra-large egg whites, at room temperature 1/4 tsp kosher salt

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Combine the coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla in a large bowl. Whip the egg whites and salt on high speed in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until they make medium-firm peaks. Carefully fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture.

Drop the batter onto sheet pans lined with parchment paper using either a 1 3/4-inch diameter ice cream scoop, or 2 teaspoons.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown. Cool and serve.

information gathered by Rachel Gilman, photos by Elise Krivit, border by Craig Aucutt

11entertainment

J F K TO R C H , D E C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 0 9

PA G E B Y A B B Y G I L M A N

briefly

Holiday concert brings people of all religions, backgrounds together

Witte’s End Witte’s End is a cozy brick coffee shop nestled next to the famous Zoey’s Pizzeria in Marion.

With reasonably priced coffee and a warm atmosphere, Witte’s End seems like the perfect place for students to relax, have a nice latte and catch up on their studies.

When I finally made it to Witte’s End, I ordered a hot chocolate. I will vouch for Witte’s End by saying that it was very good hot chocolate.

Everyone else around me, who ordered coffee, lattes, etc., seemed to enjoy their drinks as well.

The atmosphere is very nice and festive. It’s not as artificial and generic as other coffee chains. The place really has a lot of personality.

And don’t worry about space; Witte’s End is actually a converted house, so there is a lot of room. But when it came time for closing the employees had no problem asking us to leave.

M ich a e l N o rd s tr o m

Brewed Awakenings The moment you step into Brewed Awakenings, the delightful smell of their coffee surrounds you. This is the best coffee shop around town.

Brewed Awakenings is a locally owned coffee shop in downtown Cedar Rapids. Once you take a seat at a table or on one of their many comfy couches or chairs the employees will bring your order to you.

The menu offers everything from Mochas and hot cocoa, to sandwiches, soups and sweet treats. The best-sellers are the brewed coffees and the turkey pesto sandwich. Free WI-FI is offered to all paying customers.

Brewed Awakenings is intriguing for many reasons. Whether it’s the art on the wall made by local artists, the friendly people, or the music that is always playing, the snug atmosphere allows you to sit back, relax and enjoy your cup of coffee.

S a r a h Sickl e s

The Coffee Emporium Walking into The Coffee Emporium, the instant aroma of freshly-brewed coffee overcomes the senses. With a relaxing atmosphere and friendly employees, The Coffee Emporium is a nice coffee shop with modern art on the walls and a menu including items from coffee to sandwiches to desserts, all with a reasonable price.

Of the drinks there, the frappuccino and hot chocolate are highly recommended; they come very rich and smooth.

All in all, The Coffee Emporium has fewer employees working than many of the other coffee shops around, and as a result has slower service. However, buying from The Coffee Emporium supports a local business and it has very friendly employees.

Even though there are a few cons, The Coffee Emporium is still highly recommended; it had a good environment, friendly service and quality drinks.

C a hl e Co rr e ll

The Coffee Emporium Location: 1725 Boyson Road, Hiawatha Hours: 6 a.m.-5 p.m.

Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday

Brewed Awakenings Location: 1271 First Ave SE, Cedar Rapids Hours: 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday

Witte’s End Location: 630 Tenth Street, Marion Hours: 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday

graphic by Craig Aucutt, photos by Abby Gilman

Generations come together for some cocoa and carol fun It’s freezing outside as family members and fans alike cram into the auditorium. As more and more people arrive, the unlikely few are forced to stand or sit in the aisles to try and see the stage.

The first group is announced, and the room shakes with clapping, whistling, and cheering. Coca and Carols begins.

From year to year, changes are made, but the spirit of the event stays the same. Justin Sands, one of two vocal directors, runs Cocoa and Carols. This year was the sixth Cocoa and Carols he has planned.

“I try to do everything the best I can,” Sands said. “I try to be organized, to have it flow well, try to keep the audience entertained between groups; the shout-outs were a new thing this year. Just being light-hearted, I guess. I don’t want to change the formula too much. If it’s working, we just make it the best we can.”

The biggest change this year was the addition of the shoutouts. A shout-out costs one dollar, and is a small piece of paper where someone can scribble down a personal note; then Mr. Sands reads them between groups. They range from loving support from parents, to funny inside jokes between the high school performers.

“The shout-outs were a new thing this year,” Sands said. “I thought they went really well. It was kind of fun and some of the messages were neat. Groups that return will remember that we did it, and it will probably grow. It's a good time filler too.”

Cocoa and Carols is a fundraiser for the vocal department, but Sands believes there is a side effect to the event as well. “[Elementary school kids] are happy to be here, and just happy to sing and perform,” Sands said. “[Recruiting] is not a goal of the event, but we hope it happens. If you ask some of our current students, they’ll say they remember performing at Cocoa and Carols and seeing Happiness, Protegé, Chanteurs, and thinking that that was really neat and that they wanted to do that someday.

So it's kind of a side effect of the event.”

Josh Siegel, sr., is a member of Happiness, Inc. He has been participating in Cocoa and Carols since he was in middle school.

“I just remember watching Happiness and thinking that they’re the best thing ever,” Siegel said. “A lot of little kids think that. They get really excited when we perform.”

At its heart and soul, Cocoa and Carols has always been about

coming together and enjoying the holiday spirit. Nowhere is this more apparent than when the elementary kids perform. Their performances, driven by sheer adorableness, really get the crowd going. Carol Borshel is in her eighth year directing the Hiawatha Elementary School Highlights. “[My favorite part is] seeing the kids come alive when they’re on the stage,” Borshel said. “They get all the audience encouragement and it pumps them up.

It’s an experience they don’t have anywhere else. Their eyes get really big when they hear people in the audience shouting out. It’s different for them. It's fun and they like it.”

Téa Barrett, a fifth grader at Hiawatha Elementary School, has been in the Hiawatha Highlights for two years. This was her second year performing at Cocoa and Carols. “[My favorite part is] probably getting up on stage and seeing all

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way. Oh what fun, it is to come, and watch the orchestra play, hey! Concert choir and orchestra are joining together on Dec. 21 to spread a little holiday cheer, open to people of all religions.

You were probably singing that new verse of jingle bells in your head to the beat of the normal jingle bells song, right? Whether you are Atheist or Muslim, Buddhist or Jewish, or any other religion, you all hear the same music near the holiday season.

In the concert, common holiday songs will be played and sung for all to hear. Though most songs deal with Christmas, songs are not based on religion.

“I would say the songs are based on the most common and most enjoyed songs of the holiday season. The holiday concert has never really been a religious deal when it comes to the music being played,” said Iman Kashmola, so.

Kashmola is Muslim, but keeps her mind open to other religions. Her family has attended previous holiday concerts, and despite their family’s religion, they were able to enjoy the music being played and sung.

The concert is simply organized to bring people together for some holiday fun.

J e s s R o wa n

Students enjoy elite All-State experience Throats were sore, lips were chapped, and fingers were numb by the end of the All-State Music Festival that occurred Nov. 19-21. By collaborating the sounds of select singers, string players, and band members, the group put on a performance Nov. 21.

Students from all over the state of Iowa came to prove their skills at the festival. To be included in this choir, each person had to audition in a quartette. Judges observed each performance, and each person was observed by either being chosen to be on the choir, or rejected.

Fourteen Cougars represented Kennedy in Ames.

This year’s turn out was typical for Kennedy. Seven of those fourteen were singers, including James Odegaard, jr., who sang in the front row.

“It was cool to hear the sound a huge choir produces,” Odegaard said.

Ultimately, the musical festival was a unique state championship of singing for each of the members. The elite group practiced for two days to intermix all of their sounds, before showing what they had learned for their performance. It gave them a fun atmosphere, yet in the end the practice was proven to be a success as many enjoyed what they had heard The experience was one to remember, according to Odegaard, who could only explain All-State as “pretty awesome.” It was a short ride home, with memories to remind him of how blessed he was to be among other premier musicians.

C am mi lks

Calendar Of Events Winter Vocal and Orchestra Concert Dec. 21, 7 p.m.

Kennedy Auditorium

Sing it to me. Members of Happiness Incorporated show their skills at the Cocoa and Carols performance last Saturday. photo

by Laura Pochobradsky. the people and dancing. I thought it was interesting. I like seeing the older people perform.”

When asked if she will be in Happiness when she is older, she just smiles and nods her head.

Al e x b u s b e e

Theatre Cedar Rapids Holiday Open House Dec. 22, 4 p.m.ñ6 p.m.

Theatre Cedar Rapids Lindale

Brucemore Holiday Tours Through Dec. 31 Brucemore, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Endless Possibilities Exhibit Opening Dec. 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

African American Museum of Iowa

Granger House Victorian Christmas Tours This Saturday to Sunday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Granger House, Marion, Iowa information gathered by Brittani Sherzer

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PA G E B Y A L L I S O N K I N D I G

Winter events function as fun modes of exercise As many Americans head for that second cookie, the thought of resembling Santa’s large red belly becomes less and less jolly. Yes, it is officially the binge eating season known affectionately as ‘The Holidays’. But, don’t run to that treadmill just yet; as leading fitness experts have recently concluded, just experiencing the holidays may burn off that glass of eggnog, and then some.

Sledding:

Shopping:

Ice Skating:

Slap on those boots and grab the toboggan this winter to get a great butt for summer. That’s right, sledding has recently been discovered as a much more healthy activity than previously given credit for. This winter sport exercises the quads, calves, forearms and biceps. It has also been reported that only 15 minutes of sledding has the potential to burn over 120 calories.

Dad’s wallet isn’t the only thing slimming down at the malls these days; believe it or not, shopping is a very healthy activity (maybe not financially, but certainly physically!). It has been shown that one hour of shopping can burn just under 250 calories, primarily from all of the walking involved. And as an added incentive - carrying heavy bags builds up arm muscles.

Twirling around the ice rink in a cute winter outfit is by far the biggest fat-burner of the holiday season. This winter activity has the power to burn off the stocking stuffers, and then some. Not only does skating pump up the heart rate, but it works the leg muscles as well. The number of calories burned while ice skating has been estimated at approximately 480 per hour.

Emma Lehmann

Calorie-burning potential by the hour:

photo by Elise Krivit Ready for take off. Grant Miller, fr., prepares to slide down the hill on his body board sled.

480

250

480

Better together

When eaten together, these pairings enhance nutritional, health value for intake Pot Roast & Carrots

The zinc in beef allows the body to absorb and utilize the vitamin A found in carrots. Vitamin A onlly travels through the blood bound to protein; zinc helps in the binding process. Vitamin A helps fight infections.

As the winter came around, an epidemic hit the United States, and the Kennedy community. H1N1 burst onto the scene, and the constant craze to keep healthy has hit classroom attendances hard. Nearly every class now has hand sanitizer.

Then rumors arose that bacteria was becoming immune to the cleansing gel, which healthcrazed students use habitually.

“I would say I use hand sanitizer just about every time I walk into a new classroom,” Allie Hutcheson, so., said. “It’s just kind of become a habit, and I feel like it’s really helped me stay healthy through the winter months.”

But those rumors have indeed been squashed. According to Jeff Krivit, an Otolaryngologist at Physicians Clinic of Iowa, hand sanitizer is not just as good as traditional hand washing, it may

be better. “As long as there is no debris on your hands like mud or dirt, then hand sanitizing is more effective [than hand washing],” Krivit said.

Because hand sanitizer is antiseptic it cannot become resistant to bacteria; this gel kills bacteria by exploding the cell. This is different than, for example, antibiotics, which kill viruses by stopping their replication.

“Another reason it [hand sanitizer] works better is because, for me, I have to wash my hands often before I see patients, so using hand sanitizer makes it so my hands don’t to start to crack from the dryness,” Krivit said.

So next time you’re trying to stay clear from the sickening bacteria, just grab some hand sanitizer and it will hopefully keep you safe.

R i l e y Ga l bra i th

Green Tea & Lemons

“As long as there is no debris on your hands, like mud or dirt, then hand washing is more effective [than using hand sanitizer].”

-Dr. Jeff Krivit

graphic by Craig Aucutt

The vitamin A in lemons helps the body absorb 13 times more of the antioxidants found in tea than drinking it without. Such antioxidants have been found to decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Lean Burgers & Yogurt

Although significant evidence has yet to surface, some research suggests the calcium in yogurt flushes fat out of the body. By binding to fatty acids found in burgers, calcium slightly helps block absorption and calories. allison kindig

photos by Laura Pochobradsky

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PA G E B Y A L L I S O N K I N D I G

Dr. Didyouknow?...

How to cure the hiccups

You may hear this in school, trying to finish your math test. You might hear this at work, from an annoying coworker. Or, you may hear this coming from your own mouth.

Hiccups are common and experienced by evereyone from time to time. But what exactly are hiccups?

According to the Mayo Clinic, hiccups are “the involuntary contraction of the diaphragm”. The contracting diaphragm causes the closure of your vocal cords, causing you to hiccup.

Hiccups are triggered by a wide variety of factors, including eating too much, excessive stress, or drinking carbonated beverages.

To cure hiccups, try the following Mayo Clinic recommendations:

photo by Asmaa Elkeurti Swallow away. Caitlin Shea, jr., prepares to gargle with ice water to rid herself of hiccups.

1. Swallow a teaspoon of sugar 2. Breathe into a paper bag 3. Gargle with ice water 4. Hold your breath M i c ha e l H o e f e r

all photos by Elise Krivit Lay back and relax. Cali Hancock, sr., waits comfortably as she donates one unit of blood for the blood drive.

A blood battle Kennedy, Xavier students donate blood in effort to oust the other

Kennedy and Xavier High School students arrived at the Oakland Church of the Nazarene on Monday to donate blood to kick off the battle of the two schools’ blood drive.

It was the first time donating for Eric Jones, a student from Xavier. “I decided to donate because my dad does it and it’s something the rest of my family does, so I thought ‘Why not?’”

Jones said.

All blood donated at the drive went directly to St. Luke’s Hospital and was used strictly for patients with a financial need. Such donations can be used for cancer and trauma patients, as well as premature babies.

To donate blood, donors must

be at least 16, meet blood pressure and iron requirements, weigh at least 110 pounds and meet general health requirements. Those donating in the Kennedy/Xavier battle filled out a questionare about the requirements and completed a short physical with a nurse.

“One donation can help up to three people,” Shaylee Minear, a lab assistant at St. Lukes and a ‘08 graduate of Kennedy, said.

“There [were] about 150 people signed up between students and others donating for both Kennedy and Xavier, along with some walkins, so we should have gotten about 150 units of blood for the hospital today,” Minear said.

Sometimes there are minor side effects to donating blood, like passing out or becoming light-headed. Rachel Maker, jr., described how she began feeling a little dizzy before and while blood was being drawn.

“My nurse kept asking me if I was sure I met the weight cut-off,

and when I told her I was feeling a little warm, she immediately flipped over the table I was laying on so that blood rushed to my head. It was a little embarassing.”

The Kennedy/Xavier blood drive will continue on Monday, Dec. 21. Blood donations can also be made at the St. Luke’s lab, where the St. Luke’s blood bank is located.

“We’re always welcoming others and grateful to people coming into the lab to donate,” Minear said.

Maker and Jones both think Kennedy will win the battle of the blood drive due to the fact that Kennedy has more students.

“I’m obligated to say that Xavier will win,” Jones said, “but I think that Kennedy is probably going to win.”

The overall winning school will not be determined until after the second day of donations in Dec. Only time will tell.

B r i tta n i sh e r z e r

Got water? Xavier donor Eric Jones drinks water to hydrate before donating blood.

Vein finding. St. Lukes nurse inserts needle into Kennedy teacher Troy Elliot’s right arm.

Dose of dizzy. Rachel Maker, jr., suffers the minor side effect of donating blood: acute dizziness.

Unlike younger kids who are excited to take their Flintstones every morning, most high school students do not share this same enthusiasm. Many teens know that vitamins are good for them, but they choose not to take them.

Anna Riester, fr., fits into this category.

“I don’t get sick much, so I don’t think I need to take them,” Riester said. “I’ll take them if they are just sitting on the counter.”

Samantha Amundson, Lindale Mall GNC manager of four years, sells many products ranging from vitamins to herbs. Surprisingly, many teens do come into her GNC. store. However, male teen shoppers outnumber females.

“Mainly guys come through the store to buy products like protein shakes. Some females come in, too, but not very often,” Amundson said. She would like to see more teens concerned about taking vitamins every day; Amundson recommends that teens take a multivitamin daily.

Trevor Bramer, so, takes One A Day Teen Vitamin everyday to prevent from getting sick.

“I got sick a lot last year, so maybe if I take them this year, I won’t get sick,” Bramer said. He

also takes them because they promote muscle growth, which he said will help him with show choir.

According to Dr. Angie Dolphin, “All [vitamins] are important.” Dolphin has been practicing medicine for seven years and specializes in family and general practice. She recommends vitamins to many patients, she also recommends a multivitamin for teens.

Dolphin said the dietary needs of males and females are different when it comes to taking vitamins.

Females need to take more iron.

In addition, females also need more calcium to help prevent osteoporosis.

All vitamins do not just come in pill form. For example, a person can get calcium by drinking milk.

Vitamin D is the only vitamin that our body can synthesize. All other vitamins must be ingested.

There is no important time period during life when vitamins are most important. However, people should take vitamins all the time. It is possible for a person to get too much of a vitamin, but teens shouldn’t worry about it too much.

Dar c e y A lts c h wa g e r

graphic by Craig Aucutt

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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

Top tennis player graduating early

Joey White, sr., is skipping his final season to practice at the U of I

photo by Elise Krivit Forehand. Joey White, sr., swings at the ball while he practices at Coe College. Joey White, who has been the top tennis player for the past three years, is forgoing his senior season.

For most, senior year the chance to play in his is a cherished time. After last high school tennis all the straining years of season. “I just kind of high school, it’s finally a feel like last year was chance to slack off, and my final season and I’m rule the school. But for just trying to look at the one Kennedy student, postives,” said White. senior time has been cut White will also miss out short. on the chance to secure Joey White, sr., is dehis first individual state ciding to graduate one tennis title that has trimester early in order eluded him. “I am not to enhance his tennis that upset that I won’t skills at the University of get to play in individual Iowa. White will spend his state, I am just upset spring trimester practicthat I won’t get to help ing with the Iowa tennis my team win anoher team, and possibly playstate championship.” ing in the meets. Though Last season the he will most likely be taktalented tennis team ing a redshirt for the seafinished with a record son, White will have to of 23-1 with their only make up a few classes in loss coming during order to make it possible the semi-final of the for him to graduate, but state tournament. The photo courtesy of Shelly Galbraith Cougars will now return that will be no problem for a student with a stellar 4.1 three of their top six playJoey White, sr.

GPA. ers from last year, and are Although it will be a big change, White is excit- still one of the favorites to win state. ed about what the future awaits for him. “I think “In my eyes they are still the favorite to win the hardest thing will be not being able to see my [state]. It will be a lot harder without me, but I still friends everyday like I do now, and also not being sincerely think that they can do it,” White said. able to do the normal high school thing anymore.”

RILEY GALBRAITH White is also disappointed about not getting

DeBlois played for Team USA Dererk DeBlois, sr., is not an average Kennedy student.

Hailing originally from Rhode Island, DeBlois came to Iowa this year to play for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. And so far, it has been an eventful year.

At the beginning Derek DeBlois, sr. of the season, DeBlois was chosen to play hockey for Team USA. “It was the best experience of my life, hockey-wise,” DeBlois said.

DeBlois comes from a place where hockey competition is not as fierce. He said that the best part about playing for the RoughRiders is the great game atmosphere. He also added that there is much better competition playing for the RoughRiders over being back home.

“The better competition has been good for me and has made me a better player,” DeBlois said.

DeBlois was chosen to play for Team USA, beginning this year at the USHL Hockey Jamboree. At this jamboree, every

team in the USHL was brought together to play against each other. The best players from this event were judged and chosen to represent America in a hockey tournament with teams from around the world. DeBlois said he was surprised but also happy to be chosen for such a great honor. After coming back from the jamboree, DeBlois got ready to leave with his teammates for the long trek to Eastern Canada. DeBlois missed ten days of school for the event, but felt that it was a small sacrifice to have the honor of representing Team USA. At the tournament, Team USA was one of the best, despite the stiff competition, DeBlois said. Despite the competition, Team USA powered ahead to take gold.

“When we won I was very exicted to have won something representing our country, not just our team,” DeBlois said.

When Derek got back from Canada he was surprised at all of the college scouts who began to notice him.

“The experience has definitely helped my future in hockey,” DeBlois said. DeBlois has now committed to go to college at the University of Michigan and play on a hockey scholarship. After college DeBlois wants to play in the NHL. SPENCER GREKOFF

Speedster. Derek DeBlois, sr., races after the puck during a RoughRiders game.

Ready. Derek DeBlois, sr., on the ice during a match for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders.

DeBlois scored the only goal for the RoughRiders in their 1-2 shootout loss to number one ranked Green Bay. Deblois’ goal came with 9.6 seconds left in the second period. photos by Gail Gilman

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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

Dance team Dance team prepares for Nationals

After placing high in the State Dance Competition, the Kennedy Dance Team is busy preparing for Nationals.

“I’m really excited that we finally get the opportunity to go, I am nervous though,” Paige Beatty, sr., said.

This is the first year since 2001 that Kennedy will be going to Nationals.

Beatty has been dancing for Kennedy for all four years and has also danced outside of Kennedy for 15 years at Cherie’s Dance Studio.

Hannah Plagman, sr., has been dancing for Kennedy for four years and for Studio Dance for 13 years. “I’m really excited, it [going to Nationals] will be a good experience. I might not have another chance like this,” Plagman said.

Practice time now is three days a week for two to three hours each.

Though both Beatty and Plagman agree that practice time and intensity level should increase as Nationals gets closer.

Nationals is held in Orlando, FL from Feb. 5-9. As a team they will need to raise about $14,500 ($850 per person).

“We hosted a birthday party recently, and have two more parties coming

Down and dirty. Mackenzie Thompson, jr., and Liz Sankey, sr., dance on the floor during the Dance Team’s performance at the Winter Pep Assembly. The Dance Team is going to Nationals for the first time since 2001. They need to raise around $14,500 ($850 per person).

up,” Beatty said. They receive $200 from the parents at the parties to teach the kids a dance, do their hair, makeup, and paint their nails. Dance Team has also raised money by holding multiple car washes, selling T-shirts, and holding dance and cheer clinics at Kennedy.

“If any team will be ready, its this one,” Miranda Arends, Varsity Dance Team Coach said. Arends has been coaching for nine years. She spent her first three years at Xavier and is now on her sixth year here at Kennedy. Arends took Xavier to Nationals in 2002 and is now taking Kennedy for the first time in her coaching career here. Arends also competed at Nationals as a junior at Waterloo-Columbus High School, where they received first place in poms.

“There are 14 returning members who have danced together for a long time and have learned to dance like

Athletes share opinions on practicing during Christian Mckee, jr. holiday Boys’ Swim Team Practices everyday break

each other; they have earned it,” Arends said.

Arends is having the team read the book Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens before Nationals. “It has everything to do with Nationals,” Arends said. “It teaches how to be a successful member of a group. The girls have been more generous, compassionate, and thoughtful in reaction to reading it.”

Before Nationals Arends also plans on adding a couple practices but says she doesn’t want anyone overworked, hurt, or sick because she wants this to be a fun experience for the girls.

“I don’t care about the other competition,” Arends said. “We must be the best.”

KAITLIN BEALTRMEA

“Its good and bad.

Good because we’re going to get better because the Christmas practices are the hardest.

Bad because Drew Johnson, sr. it kills our Wrestling Team Christmas Practices everyday break.”

photos by Elise Krivit Dancing diva. Emily Flesner, sr., performs for the Kennedy student body. The Dance Team is going to Nationals in Orlando, FL in Feb. “That’s just the way it is.

It has to be done in order to achieve individual goals. And we have 12-15 hour meets every Anthony Spoke, jr.

Saturday, too.” Boys’ Bowling Team Practices a few days

“Its a very good idea.

I’m in several leagues as it is. Its a fun way to get out.

Christmas time is for family but it gives you sometime to hang.”

Jill Kuenle, sr.

Girls’ Bowling Team Practices a few days

Got ideas?

“We had practice over Thanksgiving.

I think we have enough practices the way it is. We’re consistent and we play three games a day. That’s good for me.”

We want to hear them! Submit story ideas to the Torch by contacting Mr. Lindsay in Rm. 70 or Editor-in-Chief Emma Lehmann.

16sports Pressure is a privilege J F K TO R C H , D E C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 0 9

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

Boys basketball team looks to deal with pressure from great seasons past

Photos by Abby Gilman Slammin. Christian French, so., makes a slam dunk during the Cougar’s game against Burlington. The cougars won the game 53-32. The Cougars are 3-0 so far this season.

According to Bob Fontana, varsity boys basketball coach, success can be defined in many ways. Pressure from previous successful seasons has not affected this year’s varsity squad. This year, the squad has the opportunity for success just by simply playing correctly.

Fontana said that the pressure doesn’t affect his coaching decisions.

“We, as a coaching staff, always have our teams prepared for anyone we play,” he said. As for the players on the court, “If they do their job with following the game plan, we will be in a position to successful.”

As of this Monday, the Cougars have a winning record, 2-0 Throughout his 13 years as varsity coach here, Fontana has kept the same defensive philosophy. “We do tweak some things, but the changes are subtle,” Fontana said.

As for the other side of the ball, on offense, the Cougars also stick to the same plan. Fontana said, “We have a base system also, but run specials according to our personnel.”

In order to be successful, the Cougars are taking it one game at a time. “If we do, good things could happen for us,” Fontana continued. “If we don’t, we’re setting ourselves up for mediocrity.”

In prior years, mediocrity is certainly not a habit at Kennedy, where the team has conquered a 3-peat of MVC Championships. This has never happened here for the Cougars.

However, there still is one open title that the Cougars hope to attain: State Champions. This is the team’s and program’s ultimate goal.

By committing to defense, Coach Fontana’s philosophy should keep the Cougars in every game. “You are going to spend half of the time on defense anyways,” he said.

Fontana will continue, this year, and in each upcoming year to provoke the defensive awareness that he has started at Kennedy. By doing so, he has made his players all around much better. “It takes some toughness to play defense,” Coach Fontana said.

Playing week to week, game to game, will certainly help the Cougars on their long road to a state title.

Starting at the defense, they will look to fast-break all the way to the finals.

Cam Milks

Shifty. Max Martino, sr., shakes off a defender during the Cougars win over Burlington.

Number-one ranked Cougars work towards title For every team, there are goals.

Sometimes a state basketball title exceeds these goals. This year, that is the only goal for the girls team. Being ranked number one in pre-season polls, the girls team have a huge target on their backs.

A target may be something, but Kristen Hahn, sr., says it’s nothing special. “We are out to get each team as much as they are out to get us,” she said. Although it has created pressure, she believes that being ranked number one just shows how much talent the Cougars have.

Agreeing with Hahn, Jade Rogers, sr., said, “We’ve always been a team to beat, but this year being ranked number one definitely has its pressures.”

Although this pressure is overwhelming at times, Rogers said, “We can handle it.”

In previous years, players may have dreamed for a chance at a state

Photo By Abby Gilman Screen. Val Ross, jr., sets a pick for Olivia Meier, jr., during the Kennedy, Dubuque Wahlert game. The Cougars won the game 67-50.

title. But this year, it’s a reality for the five senior starters.

However, Rogers and Hahn both agree that they will have their fair share of difficult games. “Our biggest rival will be Wash. and Linn-Mar,” Hahn said. “We have lost to them

both since us seniors were freshmen.”

But Hahn said that the Cougars will no longer accept losses. “We are done losing, especially to Linn-Mar and Wash.”

Having five senior starters has certainly helped the team, with much experience off and on the court.

Although currently ranked first in the state, all seniors have been working hard according to Hahn. Talent seems to never stop even on the bench, where Courtney Strait, so., will come off and contribute to the team. This year she is the only sophomore, but her talent has helped the team.

So far the team has started off 3-0 with early wins against their competitors. Hahn will make the best of her opportunities this year. “I’m excited and anxious; I know we’re not going to let anyone stand in our way of a state championship,” she said.

Cam Milks

Girls Basketball Rankings 1. Kennedy 3-0 2.Ankeny 4-0 3.Linn-Mar 3-0 4.Waukee 3-0 5.Sioux City North 4-0 6.Ames 3-0 7.Des Moines East 4-0 8.Xavier 6-0 9. Lewis Central 2-0 10.Washington 2-0