March 2023 "The Line O'Type"

THE

March 31, 2023

MHS wrestlers Noah Tapia and Maryam Ndiaye make history , too

By:Abhik Mostafa LO’T Reporter

Moline has made history this year in more than just boys basketball. The MHS’s very own Noah Tapia and Maryam Ndiaye both came away with second place runner-up fnishes at the IHSA wrestling tourraments, Tapia in the boy’s division, and Ndiaye, who the first MHS girl’s wrestler to earn a state honor.

Tapia, a current senior, has been wrestling since the age of three, and is currently committed to Hofstra University in New York to continue his wrestling and academic pursuits.

This is Tapia’s third time placing in the state tournament, and he has truly represented our school with pride, saying, “I love representing Moline, and I carry a great sense of pride competing for my school.

much in wrestling, Tapia states, “It’s a very fulfilling feeling because of all of the work that’s gone into it for the past four years, and my whole life, is being rewarded.” He adds that he can’t give all his credit to just his wrestling ability alone but to his coaches as well. “My coaches have absolutely made an

becoming the first Maroon in school history to go to the IHSA state tournament for girls wrestling. When asked about how she feels about this great accomplishment, Ndiaye claims, “It feels extremely great to know that I have come this far even after [overcoming] my injury. Knowing that I made history for Moline High School and all of Moline is unbelievable to me, and I am very proud of myself. I honestly couldn’t have done it without my best friends because they are my biggest supporters. Also, my teammates... pushed me past my limits and made me stronger, and , of course, my coaches made me strong physicalled and mentally.”

MHS’s wrestling state runners-up, Noah Tapia and Maryam Ndiaye. Courtesy of Mrs. Hafner

AFTER HIGH SCHOOL, METRO IS STILL

FOR

Moline has a great community and I cherish the opportunity I’ve had to represent it.” When asked how it feels to have achieved so

impact on me. They believed in me way before I ever believed in myself.”

Sophomore Maryam Ndiaye, Moline’s other IHSA wrestling state runner-up, made history by

Both Tapia and Ndiaye have made Moline proud by their performances at state, and we are so happy that they get to be part of MHS’s vast athletic history. We also wish both of them luck as they continue their wrestling careers.

March 31, 2023

Basketball makes history with first ever state title

By: Simon Zimmerman LO’T Reporter

This past month has been an absolute blur in the sports universe. The usual intrests of spring sports such as, March Madness, and baseball games and practices, are taking a backseat as Moline is still celebrating their basketball champtionship triumph. The historic Boys Basketball run deserves a look through the lens of their coach, Mr. Sean Taylor.

He mentioned that their season had really started in June with practices and games. Bringing the ball up the court was Senior, Brock Harding, whose ball handling skills were exceptional, and whose jump shot was, as Coach put it, “unbelievable”. Standing at an astonishing 6’ 10”, Senior, Owen Freeman dominated the paint. Seniors, Grant Welch and Jasper Ogburn evolved into defensive brick walls and turnover machines, showing why defense truly wins championships. Rounding out the starting roster, Sophomore, Treyvon Taylor’s lethal athleticism, combined with a bench headed by Sophomore, Braden Freeman, the season was afoot.

After starting with a loss to Wisconsin Lutheran, the Maroons cruised through 12 games, winning by a combined 375 points. Unfortunately, Chicago Mt. Carmel took down the Maroons, who roared back with seven more wins before taking their final loss of the season to Illinois’ number 1 ranked Simeon 66-67. However, Coach Taylor was never phased, saying “we had a great schedule, and hard opponents, but we played well, and I think that helped us”.

After the regular season games had been completed, and the regional championship was secured, the community began to truly rally in preparation for the Super-Sectional. O’Fallon, the Maroon’s opponent in the sectional final, was forced to play in a sold out Wharton Field House bursting at the seams with over 7,000 Maroons screaming. O’Fallon was leveled 62-38. Now, Moline had their eyes set on

Oswego East. The super-sectional final was being played at Illinois State University’s campus, and for a moment, Moline looked mortal. Just one minute into the fourth quarter, Moline found themselves down 4 points. Quickly, Trey, Brock, and Owen clawed back the lead with 4 straight baskets to bring the lead to 3. With time ticking down, Oswego was forced to foul, and Brock Harding made the clutch free throws to bring Moline to a narrow victory of 59-55.

The school erupted and Coach Taylor and his players became celebrities. Even though the game against Oswego East was close, Coach Taylor described them as “not even the hardest opponent” they had faced in their season. As they left for the state semifinals, the Moline Police Department escorted the boys until the bus crossed county lines. Despite the nerves, the entire process of practicing in the State Farm Center in Champaign was smooth and “extremely organized”, taking stress off of the coaches’ backs. As the minutes ticked down until tip-off, fans flocked into the center. The Moline Student Section, outnumbered nearly 4:1, brought their loudest chants against the legion of Downers Grove North Trojans, and Coach Taylor said “it’s good to have [the MHS student section] behind you”. It took only one quarter for this game to end, with Brock Harding knocking down 16 points in just the first 8 minutes. Owen Freeman accidentally ripped his jersey and had to don the number 40. Moline kept a vice grip on the lead by keeping the clock running. Moline had worked their way into a state championship.

Coach Taylor refers to his players as “great guys with common goals” and “hard workers” had just one more game to win until they became history, and the greatest team Moline High School has ever seen. On that Saturday, Moline’s tipoff was 7:15, and parents of Maroons flooded into the stadium. Yet, the sea of red and white of Benet Academy seemed to engulf the stadium. Benet won the tipoff, and the game began. Moline didn’t have the same white-hot start of the days before. Instead, the game was within 7 points at halftime, with Moline leading. But coming out of the locker room, Moline owned the court, extending the lead to 14 by the start of the fourth quarter. Benet Academy fouled to extend the clock, but it was no use.

Moline had taken home a championship net, and with it, Coach Taylor and his players have cemented their legacy as the greatest team in Moline’s long history, and the county named March 21st official “Moline Maroons Day”. After winning, Moline became the 49th nationally ranked team according to MaxPreps.com. Coach was happy, but “not surprised”. He believes that Brock Harding and Owen Freeman “will just improve at Iowa”. Even though he did graduate from the University of Illinois, Coach Taylor admits that whenever their Big 10 rivals in Iowa are squaring off, he may just have to cheer for Iowa in the end. He also wanted to give thanks to his family and kids for being supportive, his school for being the best student section, and finally, his beloved team, who brought a legendary and long-awaited championship to Moline.

Moline basketball team poses at Wharton Field House for their historic victory photo. Courtesy of Mrs. Norcross.

Owen Freeman making a dunk at the semi-final game . Courtesy of Ms. Breidenbach.

Moline basketball cheerleading squad group picture at Wharton Field House. Courtesy of Mrs. Norcross.

Seniors pictured, Paige Melton, Makayla Mendoza, Paige Bohannon, Alec Delille, and Alex Dickey pictured in the student section of the championship game. Courtesy of Mrs. Norcross.

The true cost of true crime’s explosion on victims’ families

By: Sophia Brockway LO’T Co-Editor in Chief

Whether it’s a special two part streaming series, a documentary, magazine or podcast, true crime has taken over media and is growing in popularity across the country. The true crime genre has many fans, including myself, and researchers have come up with several theories as to why people love hearing the gruesome details of tragic crimes all for enterainment value. According to The University of Law, an academic organization based in the UK, the most widely agreed upon theory is that as humans, we like to know about other human behavior- especially if it puts us at risk. With true crime we are able to hear what perpatrators did to target victims as well as other details we may find helpful to keep us safe like why certain victims survived or the usually creepy motivations behind the crimes. A study perfrmed by the University of Illinois in 2010 found that true crime is especially popular among young women, specifically stories with women as the victims.

Along with the insight into human nature, true crime has a problem solving aspect to it as well, which humans are known for being obsessed with. Unfortunately, true crime is not always entertaining for everyone, like those impacted by the crimes. As the true crime genre has

expanded into television and movies, more and more there is debate about the ethics of possibly exploiting victims. While some true crime shows focus on details of the case and investigation, some hire actors and completely recreate real events. When a true crime project becomes a reenactment,it can immedietly becomes offensive, and at that point, it is no longer about the event but about entertainment of the viewers.

When the discussion of the ethics of true crime came about, it was clear to me where the difference between sharing a story to spread awareness and remember the victims and exploiting the death or attack of another person and their families stood. A recent title that we can all recall is the Netflix Original Jeffery Dahmer series titled “Dahmer,” which many enjoyed while others found shameful. The issue at hand was that the entire series focused on the killer and showed graphic reenactments of the different murders Dahmer committed. I found the disturbing scenes. Very untasteful due to the fact that most Americans not only already know who Dahmer is and what he did, but when you put it on a screen and make it into a film, it takes away the intense reality that this monster killed real people who have families who are still here grieving their losses. The reality is that Dahmer

killed upwards of 17 young men and those men lost their lives in terrible, horrifying, and graphic circumstances. Dahmer’s victims’ families have to live knowing that millions of people comfortably watched an imitation of their loved ones’ deaths,

and yet they won’t remember their names or have to live with the haunting memories of their murders. Even more, oftentimes these families are not compensated for their story and recieve no royalties from any success.

What’s important about these stories is always the people who were lost. Often, when cases are complicated and trials become national headlines, the victims become overlooked. A

different Netflix Original docudrama “Making a Murderer” fell under similar scrutiny and criticism for completely disregarding a victim’s story. The documentary covers the story of Steven Avery who was wrongly imprisoned and later exonerated for rape charges and who was then later reconvicted for the murder of a young woman by the name of Teresa Halbach, according to Netflix’s synopsis of the show. The series suggests that Avery was framed for his second conviction and mentions very little about the person Teresa was or her family. After the series came out, her family spoke out telling People Magazine, “It is not even close to what really happened. Everybody has

their own side of a story. That is the Avery family’s side of the story. I wouldn t expect it to be different. They think he is innocent. I am not surprised. I am surprised that someone would put that together in that way and have it [be] one-sided.” Halbach’s family firmly believes in Avery’s guilt, and for them, the series added salt in the already terrible wound of her death. When I watched the series, I was undoubtly convinced of Steven Avery’s innocence, but I forgot that all media is biased, and there is always a goal or agenda. “Making a Murderer’s” goal was to raise awareness about Avery’s situation, which is seemingly unfair. In the process of doing so though, they neglected someone who lost more than Avery did.

However, True crime is not definitively unethical, in general, and there are plently of really well produced shows and podcasts that take special care to show respect to the victims. An example of this would be NBC’s iconic “Dateline.” This show interviews family members of the victim as well as family members of the killer and investigators. A production like this allows the facts to be shown from all sides as well as the different perspectives of the events that happened. The show often has friends and family describe the personality of the victims, which highlights the humanity of every sin-

gle crime and the loss of those victims. It is so important with true crime to stress the true nature of every crime and the pain and impact those deaths leave behind.

Another issue with true crime of late is its psychological effect on how we think. Many different articles ranging from Wired to the New York Times discuss how true crime may increase paranoia. A research article published in 2020 found that crime news consumption was linked to an increased irrational fear of violence. Though obviously nobody wants more anxiety, maybe an increased irrational fear of violence isnt always bad. In this sense, it could be argued that true crime motivates people to take steps to ensure their personal safety. Some also claim true crime skews society’s view of the justice system, so to that, I say we don’t need true crime to make the justice system look bad; they do it enough themselves.

In the end, true crime is addictive and definitely isn’t going away, but as consumers, we should carefully choose which productions are given the credit they deserve and which are using the worst day of someone’s life to make a buck. Take the time to learn the names of the victims and forget the names of the abusers. These stories are ‘nobodies’ but the victims to tell, so when they are retold, they should be done so correctly and respectfully.

A true crime career panel with members from the Moline PD and Rock Island County staff visits MHS.Photo by Mrs. Norcross

ChatGPT generates controversy regarding education

By: Siri Chintala LO’T Editor-in-Chief

ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence-based chatbot, was initially released in November of 2022 by OpenAI and is now finding its way into learning environments. “The Guardian’’ discloses that the AI startup was co-founded by Elon Musk and other tech venture capitalists, including Sam Altman, during 2015 with a goal of “[advancing] digital intelligence in the way that is most likely to benefit humanity.” While this may be the case, controversy revolves around the issue of whether artificial intelligence belongs in the classroom, and if so, how should it be used?

“The New York Times” contends that schools should “adapt to prepare students for a future filled with all kinds of capable A.I. tools.” In fact, students and users of ChatGPT have utilized the AI tool to find research prompts and study for tests by asking the chatbox to generate study guides for specific subjects.

According to “WeeTech Solution,” ChatGPT “may be utilized in a variety of natural language processing applications,” such as generating text for a wide range of tasks like producing information regarding a detailed topic. Additionally, a unique feature of ChatGPT is that it is designed in a way that enhances communication because it generates “responses in a manner that is similar to a human conversation.” Personally, I can see the value of the app because I tell ChatGPT to generate study guides for most of my classes, which helps me with last-minute skimming and allows me to recall terms and ideas.

Personally, I can see the value of the app because I tell ChatGPT to generate study guides for most of my classes, which helps me with last-minute skimming and allows me to recall terms and ideas.

Within the classroom, due to ChatGPT’s fast response production, “Entrepreneur” maintains that students may be given immediate commentary on their work, which may aid their writing and math skills. Moreover, since teachers may not be able to answer emails at night, the bot provides students with the opportunity to ask ChatGPT, which runs all the time. Plus, students are able to ask chatbox-specific questions, allowing them to delve deeper into various topics. The magazine goes on to claim that although ChatGPT “cannot actually be used as a citable source,” it is equipped with a plethora of resources from across the internet that may be used to build background knowledge.

Along with students, “Entrepreneur” asserts that ChatGPT may also help “teachers streamline one of their most time-consuming tasks: grading.” In this case, the chatbox may evaluate assignments and give teachers suggestions on creating more stimulating lesson plans for students. With that being said, teachers who create their own assessments may utilize ChatGPT to construct their test questions from scratch.

While ChatGPT can provide a greater learning experience for students in the classroom, many are concerned by its ability to enable students to misuse the AI-based chatbot for cheating purposes.

First off, since ChatGPT has the ability to construct essays, students may easily ask the chatbot to write essays for them, reducing students’ ability to exercise their critical thinking skills.For this reason, teachers’ greatest concerns regarding ChatGPT is that students may take advantage of the AI chatbox and plagiarize their way through essays, leaving their writing skills dormant. As a matter of fact, a survey conducted by “Intelligent’’ revealed that “30% of college students have used ChatGPT on written homework” and “3 in 4 ChatGPT users believe it is cheating but use it anyway.”

Additionally, some users “consider using ChatGPT to be cheating as long as the work produced is still original and not plagiarized,” whereas some perceive it to be “a form of academic dishonesty.” The fact that users who identify their act of plagiarism continue

to do so aids another rising problem: dependence on technology.

I find this aspect of the chatbox to be highly controversial and unethical as students have the option to use ChatGPT as an essay generator. However, to aid teachers in the struggle of finding AI generated essays, “Entrepreneur” declares that Princeton student, Edward Tian created GPTZero, an app used to detect AI technology within essays for teachers to double check students’ works.

“Entrepreneur” advocates that “With such an easy search tool,” users may use ChatGPT as “a crutch instead of a tool.” This way, students who depend on using the chatbox for most of their assignments may eventually deviate from learning basic problem solving skills as well as writing skills. On the contrary, what if artificial intelligence is the future of learning for students? Is dependency on technology truly a bad thing? With all of the tools ChatGPT provides students, I believe that students may be able to effectively and efficiently study for school and exams, so ChatGPT may ultimately have a favorable impact on the education system.

LO’T Editorial Policy

Line O’Type is the official school-sponsored paper of Moline High School. The paper is published by the students under the supervision of faculty advisors for the Moline High School community. The staff will strive to accurately report school, local, state, and national news that affects high school students. Line O’Type Signals is also a forum open to students, faculty and administration to encourage the airing of opinions respresenting all sides of an issue.

All submitted material must be signed, due to a code passed by the school board. All responses or questions regarding editorials should be directed to your Editors-in-Chief, Sophia Brockway and Siri Chintala and faculty advisors, Heidi Norcross and Heather Breidenbach

Courtesy of SFGATE

Careers aren’t meant to be feared!

By: Itzel Herrera LO’T Focus Editor

Moline students, especially those who are taking the SAT, prepare!

This is a reminder to study and get ready for the big test, but don’t forget to prepare for your future as well.

High school is a time to explore your interests, and what better way than to get involved and learn more about what hobbies and interests that you might be able to turn into a career. Try to think about the things you like to do and narrow them down into something you think you would have fun doing as a career in the long term.

It may sound overwhelming to some, but dig deep in what you connect with and find the goals that you can set for yourself. Then, accomplish those small steps to work toward a greater opportunity.

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Everyone’s career path is different, and there is no ‘right’ way to start a career,” which means that each situation for each person is different. Don’t be afraid to cut ties or start anew

with what you are choosing. There isn’t the need to feel like the career you choose is the only thing you are set for in the rest of your life.

It’s also important to remember to broaden your horizons, as keeping an open eye might also promote you to seek more careers that you might enjoy. Maybe it sounds inconsiderable, or it’s a job that you personally don’t find yourself ever thinking about, but it’s something new and something you may discover later on as a possible future career that you will be pleased with.

As the saying goes, “You never know until you try,” and on this occasion, it can be applied in this instance. Explore what you like. Join clubs, activities, sports, arts, literature and so many other things that can be offered during your high school years. They don’t also have to be necessarily from school, as joining organizations, offering volunteer work and learning to handle jobs is all in the process of what you expect to do for the rest of your future career.

SAT: the test to end all tests

By: Maranda Bargren

LO’T Focus Editor

For juniors, one of the greatest sources of stress is the SAT.

The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized test created by CollegeBoard to measure high school students’ readiness for college. According to “The New York Times,” “SAT and ACT scores, combined with a student’s grade point average and other factors, can help predict a student’s success in college, especially in the crucial first year.”

Because the test is standardized, many students may find it difficult to understand the questions. They have been formulated in a specific way in order to be as valid as possible for what the question must test for. However, because of this, some students may not do as well as they hope because they are intimidated by the question types.

As a senior who took the SAT last year, I understand these fears, but don’t worry: I have advice for you:

● Practice, practice, practice! Full practice SAT tests can be found all over the internet. I specifically recommend Khan Academy because it is easy to use; you can link it to your CollegeBoard account, and it can give you specific concepts to work on.

● To freshmen and sophomores: I know this sounds redundant, but be sure to look out for and take PSAT tests. The high school offers two every year: an optional one in October, and a mandatory one in April. Try your best on these tests! It is important to know your capabilities before the real SAT.

● Manage your time wisely! Don’t work too quickly, but not too slowly either. Be sure to take enough time with the questions to answer them correctly, but don’t rush too much that you accidentally skip questions, or even a whole page! (Trust me, it’s happened).

● If you’re really struggling, seek a tutor! CollegeBoard offers some, but I’m sure you can also ask your counselor for any help you may need regarding your performance on the SAT.

● Overall, don’t stress too much! The SAT may be daunting, but don’t let your failure OR SUCCESS define you! The importance of the SAT has decreased over the years. According to “The New York Times,” “With testing dates disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, many institutions, including Harvard and Cornell, made the SAT and ACT optional for this year’s applicants.” Regardless, since it is still being administered at the high school, all that I can recommend is to do your best! A good score can only help those who are college-bound.

The spring 2023 SAT administered by the high school is happening on Wednesday, April 12, at 8 a.m. Juniors must be present, and freshmen, sophomores, and seniors will work remotely from home.

MHS fair is peering into careers

By: Itzel Herrera LO’T Focus Editor

On Mar. 23, the Kathleen Curry Medhus Career Center arrived at MHS, with the career expo organized around career clusters that showed up for MHS students in careers of Hospitality, Tourism, and Health and Human Services. These were some of the catego-

ries present in the career fair. In particular, careers such as musical therapy, fire fighters, dental tech and social work were present during the event.

This organization is prominent in Moline High School, as in the Spring of 2021, Kathy Curry Medhus who worked as a Librarian at MHS for 37 years, dedicated her 90th

birthday money donation to career resources.

This career fair gave the opportunity for students to go face to face with employers and form connections, in which many varieties of work fields were available to establish potential internships and provide information.

“One of our cornerstone pieces is PrepStep, a Career

and College readiness database that has practice tests for most major standardized tests including ACT, SAT and ASVAB,” explains Carolyn Mesick, Library Media Specialist at MHS. “It offers educational modules to help students improve their scores, create a resume and beef up their employability skills,” she continues.

Popular and growing careers

By: Maranda Bargren LO’T Focus Editor

For students who are envisioning their futures in various careers, one tip may be to look at the most popular and trending occupations right now.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top three fastest growing occupations from the years 2021-31 are projected to be nurse practitioners, wind turbine service technicians, and ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers.

These occupations on these types of lists have changed exponentially

over the last 100 years.

According to the U.S. Bureau’s 1920 census, the top three most popular occupations of the 1920s were dairy and farm raisers and laborers and clerks.

According to U.S. News, the top three off the 100 best jobs list of 2023 include software developer, nurse practitioner, and medical and health services manager.

The main reason why these occupations has changed so much is likely due to the industry’s development from agriculture to technology. While agriculture continues to be a large

part of the United States economy, the industry remains stagnant compared to the much higher rate of the growth of computer technology, such as computer sciences, AI, and programming.

However, it is safe to say that the medical field is always going to be a growing field, even while other fields will change in growth due to the United States’ change in priorities and the improvement of technology.

So, to the students deciding between career fields, don’t just look at the statistics. Think about what you really want to do

in the future, and decide your career based on that.

Careers can focus on your interests and hobbies.

Even if you are interested in a career that may not make that much money, it is important to note that a career is not just about money, but also your enjoyment of the career and how it will impact your day-to-day life for the most of your adulthood.

MHS handles this by allowing students to take quizzes on Xello and complete career readiness checklists. These are helpful for students who don’t know their interests. Good luck!

Freshmen Jasmain Kollman and Marissa Andrews speak with a fireman about that career.

Photo courtesy of Mrs. Norcross.

Freshmen Isabel Ramirex and Tamiah Nash learn about dental assisting. Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Norcross.

Sophomore Justine Kasongo and junior Laini Kisumbule play the drums while learning about careers in music therapy.

Photo courtesy Mrs. Norcross.

The Media Center created a Career Center display in the library. Photo courtesy of Ms. Witherspoon.

March

“Creed III” is a knockout for everyone except Stallone

By: Micah Thieme LO’T Entertainment Editor

Earlier this month on March 3rd, “Creed III” the third movie in the Creed film series, which is a spinoff of the Rocky franchise, hit the theaters and didn’t disappoint. The new movie has not even been out for a month and has already grossed 224.3 million dollars as of March 19th according to Collider.com.

If you haven’t already watched the first two movies in the series, you should. The series dives into the life of Adonis Creed, played by Michael B Jordan, the son of Apollo Creed, and his uprising as a boxer. He is trained by Rocky Balboa,

the former boxer, and is trying to prove that he can be just as good of a boxer as his dad. Adonis started with nothing and after boxing became one of the most popular boxers in America just like his father.

“Creed III” taps into Adonis Creed’s past with a former friend Damian, played by Jonathan Majors, wanting to take his own chances in the boxing ring. Adonis has all to lose and with Damian just getting out of prison, he only hopes to prove he can be the best.

It is clear that this movie is no failure with its 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and over 4 stars on Google Re-

views, and I couldn’t agree more.

Veiwers are wondering if there will be any more movies from this well-loved series, and Michael B. Jordan has already confirmed in an interview that the fourth movie will coming eventually.

Although the movie has been a huge success, some fans have been disappointed by the absence of Sylvester Stalone playing Rocky. In the two movies prior Rocky was Creed’s main coach and was very involved in the movies, so many are wondering why he wasn’t in the latest movie.

It seems odd that Sylves-

ter Stalone has starred in the Rocky franchise for 47 years,, and all of a sudden, he is missing. Apperently, The reason for his absence is because of Stallone’s disinterest in the newest storyline for the movie. He didn’t believe it was like the traditional upbeat Rocky franchise movies, so he chose not to be in it. Even though Stallone’s absence was dissapointing to veiwers, the latest installment still contained the thrilling element of boxing. If you are interested in watching, get to theaters soon and take a jab into the world of boxing with “Creed III”!

“The Whale” sparks a Brenden Fraser comeback

By: Harry VanVooren LO’T Entertainment Editor

“The Whale,” directed by Darren Aronosky, is an absolutely fantastic movie that pulls at your emotional heart strings and is sure to make the most empathic individuals shed tears. The movie is about a morbidly obese man eating his life away to cope with depression.

Brendan Fraser, the actor

who plays the overweight main character, Charlie, exceeds expectations in the role despite the early criticism that the film’s production crew received by not casting an actual obese actor to star in the role, according to NPR.

Ultimately, the production crew and Fraser were validated when Fraser won the Oscar for “best actor” for his performance in the movie. The movie also earned an Oscar for “Best Makeup and Hairstyling.”

“The Whale” is about an obese man who

left his family for his true love, another man, and after losing his partner, he goes into a deep depression in which he uses eating as a coping device. The eating gets to him, and he eventually reaches a staggering six hundred pounds. After the weight gain, he is so ashamed of his image that he never leaves the house, and he becomes an online English teacher to make ends meet. Charlie throughout the movie just looks for real essays and how the people feel and wants people to be themselves, something he was unfortunately not able to accomplish.

While teaching online, he never turns his camera on due to his poor selfimage due to his excessive

weight, and he continues to avoid the outside world by ordering food online, which only makes his problems with food and weight worse.

The movie really makes viewers think about obesity and Charlie’s unfortunate emotional battles of using food to cope with depression and life’s hardships in a different light. I personally loved the movie, and it has become one of my favorites due to the fact that many people could be living the way that Charlie is.

By the end of the movie, I found myself in near tears alongside Charlie as he realized the devastation that his weight and choices had on his life . It is hard to watch Charlie accept his fate early on in the movie.

He doesn’t want to go the hospital as he is too poor to afford the medical bills, which also makes viewers think differently about obesity.

Many see obesity as a personal choice due to lack of willpower, but the movie helps us realize that it really is a medical condition that affects people both physically and also mentally.

Furthermore, the movie also forces viewers to think about the devastating impacts of a health care system that doesn’t care for people who are poor, suggesting that if you don’t have a good job, it shouldn’t take you a lifetime to pay for a lifesaving medical procedure. After finding his daughter, he eventually reveals he does have

money and wants to give it to her even though she acts entitled and extremely snobby, as he believes she still has good in her. Although the movie came out in December, it is still in theaters, and I would highly recommend you go see it.

Photo courtesy of PosterSpy.com

Photo Courtesy to IMDB to IMDB

Photo courtesy of Fugitives.com

March 31, 2023

Angry women are “all the rage” in cinema

By: Natalie Rotramel L’OT Feature Editor

For many years of cinema, female anger has

been represented in the ‘silent but strong’ form. A mother lets a tear roll

down her cheek before putting her smile back on and continuing. A

girl purses her lips in the face of injustice. But now more than ever we are seeing pure, unbridled rage coming from angry women in film. And audiences are here for it. Specifically, many teenage girls are finally seeing their emotions portrayed accurately in movies instead of feeling childish or immature when the girl they see on the screen takes things silently and without a fight. The level of anger doesn’t even have to be completely, but given the

opportunity to see the reaction you pushed below the surface actually play out is deeply satisfying for many.

This is not to say women have only recently begun to express emotion in film, but rather it is the first time they are being appreciated in their full glory. And since then ,they have now been appearing more and more often in films. Notable figures of female rage include Florence Pugh in “Don’t Worry Darling,” Megan Fox in “Jennifer’s

Body,” and a myriad of actresses from the series “Euphoria.” But it seems no one has sparked the fiery rage of female actresses like Mia Goth.

Mia Goth, the actress now dubbed the “Scream Queen” by many, is just that--the queen of cinematic female rage. Her now iconic scenes from A24 films “Pearl” and its prequel “X,” gained her the title, and it appears they’re not stopping any time soon. Just as well, because, so far, people can’t seem to get enough.

There’s no place like Moline Theatre: a lovely conclusion

By: Anandi Hoogheem LO’T Feature Editor

This year, Moline High School’s Spring musical was “The Wizard of Oz”—a classic! And the casting couldn’t have been more perfect with Katie Rhea as Dorothy, Josef Bodenbender as Scarecrow, Chase Portner as Tin Man, and Antoine Richmond as Lion. They took the audience on an unforgettable theatrical adventure to find the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Maddox McCubbin.

This year marked a turning point in Moline High School’s Theatre Department. As Mr. Holmes has become the new choir director this school year, he is also the music director for our musicals. Directing alongside Mr. Ryser, the director, and working with Mr. Morton, the pit orchestra conductor, the show pulled together without a hitch.

The pit music was the Royal Shakespeare Company(RSC) version, which is the most accurate to the original MGM film (the studio with the lion roaring). According to Mr. Morton, “It was the most challenging music the pit has ever played. It went really well and was very exciting. I think it was one of the best productions we’ve done.”

It is such a unique experience to perform with a live pit orchestra. Another unique experience is different age groups performing together. Middle schoolers auditioned to act as Munchkins, Ozians, and Winkies. High schoolers acted as role models and mentors for these aspiring actors.

As senior, Liv Haney, explained, “This was a wonderful way to end my time with high school theatre. Working with all age groups to put on a magical show is an unforgettable experience. I’ve definitely been changed for good by this place.”

As this is our last major show this year, many seniors are preparing to

part ways with our theatre department. As Zele, another senior, puts it, “It’s bittersweet to know it was our last big show at MHS.”

However, many seniors are preparing to direct their own One-Act play, holding auditions earlier this week. Although the cast list has been released, it’s never too late join crew or show support in the audience on May 26th!

Actress and revered “Scream Queen” Mia Goth portrays the titular character of Pearl, after a fit of rage. Courtesy of Slash Film.

Sydney Schiltz(Glinda), Katie Rhea(Dorothy), and Liv Haney(The Wicked Witch of the West) pose in character for a promotional photoshoot. Photo courtesy of Cobert Photography.

Local fan-favorite coffee chain is perfect for a quick coffee to go

By: Abby Comp LO’T Feature Editor

For this issue, I tried a coffee shop that is different from the others I have reviewed. This week I visited Redband Coffee Company, which many people have recommended. I was very excited to try it after all of the great reviews, and I was definitely pleased with my experience.

Redband Coffee Company is a local coffee shop with two locations in Davenport. I visited the East 4th Street location, which is open from 6:30 am to 2:00 pm every day of the week. They offer a drivethrough, walk-up window, or you can order inside at the counter.

However, what makes the coffee shop different is it does not have indoor seating options. Nevertheless, they have two picnic tables outside, as well as a circular patio enclosed in rocks where you can sit and enjoy your coffee.

There is another location on Brady Street. This Redband Coffee Company also has a drive-through and an inside counter to order at, but it does not have a walk-up window.

Numerous people raved about Redband’s New Orleans Style Ice Coffee, so of course, I had to try it, and I was not disappointed.

The flavor was different than I expected, but I enjoyed it. The New Orleans

Spring Break Roses & Thorns

Style Ice Coffee is made with brown sugar, which gives it an overall sweet taste.

I’m usually nervous to try new coffee because I don’t like a very bitter flavor, but I didn’t find the

drink bitter at all. I liked it, and I will definitely be revisiting Redband Coffee Company to get it again!

Their fried egg sandwiches were also recommended to me, which are only sold until 1:00 pm. I tried a fried egg and cheese sandwich, but you can also add sausage or chorizo.

It was one of the best breakfast sandwiches I’ve ever had, and I’m currently obsessed. The egg had a strong pepper flavor, which I loved, and the gouda cheese was a nice addition.

If you aren’t in the mood for a sandwich, however, they also offer scones and cookies.

I was curious about the Redbadnd name, so I

looked on their website for answers.

I discovered that coffee is grown 25 degrees north of the equator to 25 degrees south of the equator, around the globe. The company interpreted this growing region as Redband because coffee comes from a beautiful red fruit with two coffee beans inside.

I found this very interesting, and I will now have a greater understanding and deeper appreciation for the company’s name.

Overall, I had a great experience at Redband Coffee Company and I undoubtedly will become a continued customer. I rate my order a 5/5 and I definitely recommend it!

Spring Break is almost here: A guide!

By: Haley Wymore LO’T Reporter

There is no denying that school can be extremely stressful for students. Between homework, exams, sports, and extracurriculars, students’ schedules fill up quickly. With spring break just around the corner, it is the perfect time to take a break from the hard work and unwind.

Prom

Spring break is the perfect time to finally relax and take some time for yourself. Pick up that hobby you’ve always wanted to try. Read that book that has been sitting on your shelf for months.

Binge watch the show you’ve been wanting to watch, but had no free time to do so. Learn how to med-

itate or do yoga. Find something that makes you happy and expresses yourself.

With the weather getting warmer, there is more opportunity to get outdoors. Try something new like going on a hike, exploring the rivers that run through town, or even walking over the new bridge!

There are many different sports to try as well, such as frisbee golf or sand volleyball. It could even be as simple as taking your pet outside on a walk.

Take this time for yourself and spend quality time with your friends and loved ones, as well as yourself.

And, if you’re a junior, don’t forget to study for the SAT.

Happy Spring break!

Pictured Redband Coffee Company’s East 4th Street location

Photo courtesy of redbandcoffeecompany.com

Spring Break Bingo Card. Photo courtesy of St. Cloud Technical & Community College.

By: Akhil Kumar LO’T Sports Editor

Boys Track

The Moline boys track team launched their season, showcasing their talents at the Western Big 6 Indoor meet hosted on their home track Saturday, March 4th. Among the standout performers was sophomore Adrian Cooper, who flew past the competition to claim the top spot in the 60m hurdles with an impressive time of 9.05s.

In addition, junior Marvin Plant clocked a noteworthy time of 55.47s in the 400m event, earning him a well-deserved spot in the top three.

Fellow teammate Karinton Djikpe narrowly missed out on a podium finish, securing fourth place in the same event.

Hunter Toye, one of Moline’s star run-

ners, displayed his dominance by being runnerup in the 800m dash.

Colin Frederiksen, a promising sophomore, also had an exceptional performance in the 200 meter dash, securing second place with a swift time of 23.51s. .

At the Sterling Invite on Saturday March 25, the Moline Boys’ team showcased their exceptional talent on the track. Sophomore sprinter, Colin Frederksen, proved to be a fierce competitor when he took first place in the 60-meter dash with an impressive time of 7.34s.

Senior Collin Ducey also took second place in the 200 meter dash, clocking in at 24.68s, and Junior Zander Ealy finished right behind with a third place spot. Marvin Plant took second place in the 400 meter dash with a time

March 31, 2023

of 55.45s, and Hunter Toye, earning first place in the 800 meter event.

Girls Track

The girls team competed in the same Western Big 6 meet as the boys and also had some phenomenal results.

Freshman Kiersten Rittenhouse was a standout performer, proudly representing Moline by securing second place in the women’s 60 meter dash with a time of 8.42s.

Senior Corynn Holmes had an outstanding performance, finishing first in both the 60m Hurdles and High Jump. Holmesfinished hurdles with a time of 9.36s, jumped 1.70m in the High Jump event, and advanced to indoor state ,placing second in high jump and fifth in 60m hurdles.

On Tuesday, March 14,

the girls team competed in the Triangular #1 meet against Geneseo, Sterling, and Alleman. In the 1600 meters event and dominated, securing the top three spots.

Junior Alexis Havercamp earned first place with an impressive time

of 6:02.33s, followed by freshman Karen Martinez Hernandez with a time of 6:08.40s, and sophomore Lyllian Jorgenson in third place with a time of 6:28.55a.

On the field side, senior Nai’lah Anders took the first spot in Shot Put-

4kg, throwing 12.51m. Overall, Moline’s runners and field athletes have shown exceptional talent in the indoor season. We are very pround of them and we wish them good luck as they enter the outdoor season.

Moline’s baseball and softball teams swing into their upcoming seasons

By: Morrison Fry LO’T Reporter

As Spring is finally here, softball and baseball players are gearing up for eventful and hopefully successful seasons.

When Craig Schimmel, who has been coaching Moline baseball for the past ten years, was asked what strengths and weaknesses his team is going face this season, he replied, “Weaknesses? No weaknesses… absolutely none this year.”

And as for strengths, he said, “We have a lot of returning players, versatile players, and our pitching depth… all of this will give us an advantage this season.”

Schimmel ends by saying, “I’m just looking forward to the season and hoping the weather will cooperate, so we can get some games in. And while we are at it…win!”

Schimmel added proudly that the varsity

baseball team’s motto this season is, “Just win, baby!”

This season softball aims for a fresh start as Moline has new head coaches and will be setting a new tone for the program. This is exactly why the softball team’s motto is, “Set the Tone.”

The new head varsity coach, Jordan Wages, said “Our motto can be interpreted for the team or individual, but the meaning behind it is that we

are responsible for setting the tone every day at practice and games.

She adds, “However you choose to lead is how people will follow.” When Wages was asked what some strengths/weaknesses were going into the season, she responded with, “Weaknesses will be figuring out what field combinations we will have.”

“We have lost some of our starting players. Still, I have no doubt we

will have the girls to step up and fill them.”

She continues by saying, “Our strengths are definitely having a lot of returning players with varsity experience and a great hitting lineup, which will allow us to score a lot of runs.”

When asked what new coaching styles she plans to bring to Moline, Wages responds, “I like to think of my coaching style as a newer outlook.”

“We have not had a female head coach for softball in 22 years. Girls’ athletics has changed so much, and I think I bring a new set of standards and expectations for the girls. I want the girls to be excited to play for Moline High School!”

As Moline’s baseball and softball seasons swing into action, we wish both teams the best of luck for their respective upcoming seasons!

Track and field athletes are off to an exceptional start to the season

Moline’s 4x400m relay team poses with Coaches Taylor , Polizzi, and Vasquez at the Sterling Indoor Invite.

Photo courtesy of Malcolm Slaney

March 31, 2023

The girls soccer team is ready to kick off the season!

By: Diya Vishwakarma LO’T Sports Editor

Moline High School is excited to watch the girls soccer team begin a fresh season. The girls are working hard to improve their technique and work on teamwork skills for the rest of the season.

From rigorous practices to tough and competitive games, these athletes are determined and supportive of their teammates.

Senior Allyssa Pirmann says “It’s fun to see the girls come together and work hard during practice. We engage as a group and also learn from each other. I’m proud of the girls and can’t wait to see what the season will hold for us.”

The team played Normal West on March 16 for their opening away game and really brought it on the field.

Although the girls did not win their first game they learned alot from the experience.

The final score of the game was 5-1. Junior Annie Hazen, scored 3 goals that game and says “It was fun to come back to the team and work together, We learned a lot from the game and we will continue to strive to our fullest and accomplish wonderful things this season. ”

For fun times and jokes, the girls call Annie “Hat-Trick Hazen.” This is such a fun and loving name for their fellow teammate to motivate and encourage them to work to their full potential.

Soccer is sport that involves trust and teamwork. During practice the girls are determined to work hard and work together as a team.

Practices are hard and can go on for about 2-3 hours, but because of a team spirit and learning

and communicating together, the girls get through it.

Senior Ariella Doucing says “It’s a very positive and supportive atmosphere, when someone is feeling down the girls are always there to help out and motivate us.”

As the school year comes to an end, the team is preparing to say goodbye to this year’s seniors. It’s a bittersweet time of the year as the seniors reflect and think about their future endeavors.

Senior Bryleigh Harper states “I’m sad to leave the team this year, I’m going to miss the fun and competitive environment and all the friends that I have made along the way. This journey with Moline soccer was amazing and it will always have a special place in my heart.”

As the girls put in full effort and learn form their mistakes, they are seeing improvements and more and more teamwork within the team.

Coach Schilb says “The harder they work the better they will be, that’s a decision they will have to make everyday.” Inspirational words from their coach motivates the girls to work harder and be aggressive on the field.

Coach Saucedo, the varsity assistant coach, says their team motto is “To be at the top, you have to make sacrifices, talent alone is not enough! Have passion, dedication, consistency, work ethic, respect for your teammates, coaches and the game itself.”

The girls played Quincy high school and played with a purpose; using their communication skills and hard work to try their best and give it their all. Unfortunately, the girls lost with a score of 5-0, but learned a lot from the game.

This years team captains are, senior Kiersten Bailey and junior Charlise Martel. Kiersten says “We take our role as captains as equal power. We work to together to lead the girls and learn from each other. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about. Teamwork!”

The girls passionately motivate, engergize, and practice their craft together. It’s amazing to see that they are coming together to create a positive impact on and off the field.

We are excited to see what this girls soccer season will bring and we will be rooting for these exceptional athletes. Go Moline soccer!

The seniors pose for a memorable picture at their home field showing off their athletic numbers. Photo courtesy of Camryn Simmons.