MHS Line O Type May 2015

SIGNALS MHS

Pg. 1 Senior Editors Move on Pg. 4 Roses and Thorns Pg. 6-7 Focus on Seniors

May 15th, 2015 Volume 98. Issue 7.

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News

5/15/2015

Freely surf the waves of the wide open web By: Tara Krishnan MHS Signals Reporter The decision of the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, to pass net neutrality regulations last month pushed the nation into serious debate. President Obama faced the outrage of numerous network and service providers, including AT&T, IBM, Intel, and Nokia, along with many others.

But what is net neutrality? USA Today states that net neutrality, or open Internet, “is the principle that Internet service providers (ISPs) should give consumers access to all legal content and applications on an equal basis, without favoring some sources or blocking others.” What this means is that when you

are busy watching Gossip Girl or One Tree Hill, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) is not allowed to slow down your video stream simply because the show is streamed by a video company that competes with the ISP. The FCC has come up with these regulations because, after the old rules were removed in 2014, the Federal Communications Commission has had no authority to protect an open Internet. Therefore, with the manifestation of net neutrality, the internet will be treated as a utility. Service providers will act as private companies and will sell their services in the same way that old landline telephones were sold.

President Obama is strongly in favor of

net neutrality, even rallying for American support from online websites and petitions.

In his message, President Obama states, “An open Internet is essential to the American economy, and increasingly to our very way of life… The Internet has been one of the greatest gifts our economy — and our society — has ever known. The FCC was chartered to promote competition, innovation, and investment in our networks. In service of that mission, there is no higher calling than protecting an open, accessible, and free Internet.”

However, many network companies argue that classifying the internet as a utility would not have the intended effect of giving Americans easier access to the Internet. Ca-

ble companies, such as Comcast, Direct TV, and Mediacom, would still most likely have tiered pricing, which means instead of charging people for different speeds of Internet, people would be charged based on data usage. Another point is that the little regulation the FCC is currently using has worked fine so far. The National Cable & Telecommunications Association, or NCTA, argues that wired or wireless broadband reaches ninetynine percent of Americans.

There seems to be no end in sight for the debate over net neutrality. While the nation continues to churn out more and more reasons for and against open internet, the rest of us will have to sit and watch as the decision over the future of our internet is made.

ficers who gave brief speeches were Bryce Ritchie (treasurer), Kheya Patel (president), Karen Sanchez (secretary), and Bill Johnson (vice president). After the speeches, students were called on to the stage to receive their awards: juniors received pins, and seniors received certificates and $150 scholarships .

At the very end, President Kheya Pa-

tel pledged the new inductees into National Honors Society, making sure they know to follow the four pillars of NHS: scholarship, leadership, character, and service. Overall, it was a very successful night where the finest of Moline High School were recognized.

National Honors Society pledges new members By: Pranjal Kadwe MHS Signals Reporter On April 14th, Moline High School juniors were inducted in the Harold P. Griffith National Honor Society Chapter. In order to be selected into NHS, juniors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher had to fill out a form with recommendations, activities students were involved in, and a short personal statement.

They must be in one school activity for at least two years, but they must be involved

in three activities total, including those outside of school such as volunteering or a dance team. Based on this application and the specific criteria, students were selected.

A unique trait about Harold P. Griffith’s chapter is that each senior member receives a $150 scholarship award. Seniors are also given a chance to apply for a Harold P. Griffith Scholar Award, which is a renewable $1000 scholarship that one senior gets, and this year, Hailey Fulkerson was the winning recipient of this beneficial award. The four senior of-

Wharton floor gets makeover

James r millman dds ronald d riggins dmd kyle peterson dds

By: Kheya Patel MHS Signals Editor Immediately following the end of basketball season, the ever-famous Wharton Fieldhouse underwent reconstruction.

Due to dampness and possible mold building up under the gymnasium floors, the Moline School District has decided to install new athletic wood flooring as well as electrical and mechanical ventilation systems.

The first floor lasted over 85 years. This one was installed in 1997. The district will be looking at the warrentee with the second floor.

Unfortunately, due to the construction, the car crash scene could not happen at Operation Prom this year. However, Wharton is supposed to be completed in time for graduation, with an estimated cost of $200,000.

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309-797-2001 Wharton Field House floors have been removed and replacement is under way.

(Photo Cred: Alyssa Brems)

609 22 Street moline

3

News

5/15/2015

Dea d ly qu ak e shakes Nepal Moline High School By: Kelsey Eilers students weld their MHS Signals Reporter way to the future Lunch on a beautiful spring day in Nepal turned for the worst when a massive earthquake shook the grounds just shortly before noon. This devastation struck on April 25, 2015 after an earthquake, now known as the Gorkha earthquake, found its roots in the country of Nepal. It had been 81 years since the last traumatic disaster hit this country and Bihar, a state in East Asia, on January 15, 1934. Unfortunately, other areas such as India, China, Bangladesh, and Bhutan were affected by this 7.8 magnitude (M) earthquake.

The reported epicenter was found to be in Barpak village of Gorkha district, and its hypocenter (the site of the earthquake) was 9.3 miles below ground level. According to multiple geophysicists, a deadly earthquake in Nepal was not unheard of though due to the geology, urbanization, and architecture in the area.

This tragedy all started when the earthquake created an avalanche on Mount Everest and later in Langtang Valley with a total of 269 either found dead or missing.

After only a few hours, entire villages had been wiped out from the Gorkha earthquake, leaving thousands of people homeless. Since this sudden earthquake,

By: Brianna Rodgers MHS Signals Business Manager

The earthquake destroyed cities, but volunteers clean the rubble. Photo cred: www.dqindia.com 7,472 people have officially been found dead and more than 15,000 have been injured; the numbers are continually rising. Frequent aftershocks occur throughout this now vulnerable country, causing the risk of landslides.

Luckily, volunteers from across the planet have been willing to help with the homeless, trapped, and overall destruction. This earthquake has brought the world together to help the unfortunate country overcome such a large scale disaster. With the help from others, it is clear that Nepal’s future is not only very promising but bright.

Baltimore: from chaos to calm By: Safaa Karoumia MHS Signals Reporter

Recently, Freddie Gray, an African-American male, died in the hands of officers of the Baltimore Police Dept., further sparking controversy on issues encompassing allegedly prevalent police brutality in America and racial prejudice. However, according to Michael A. Fletcher of the Washington Post, who has been a Baltimore journalist for more than 3 decades, the issues which construct the bigger picture of the effects transpiring in Baltimore cannot be written into the racial narrative along with Ferguson, Missouri. The journalist articulates that the city’s weakness stems from pervasive poverty and its dyar effects, rather than racial tensions, where the census concludes the majority of the population is African-American.

In turn, 6 officers were recently charged with felonies on a spectrum ranging from charges of assault to the contribution of murder in the fatality of Freddie Gray. “State Attorney Marilyn Mosby pronounces Gray’s arrest as illegal and unjustifiable,” and that the fatal neck fracture he suffered while in police custody was prompted by unethical methods which included violent shackling and being tossed head first into a police van. After these events, his

requests for medical attention were denied and even ignored by officers, as his condition worsened from being flung around the rigid box. The officers failed to secure Gray with a seatbelt and were guilty of unjustly accusing Gray from carrying an illegal switchblade, which was, actually, legal. He was also unjustly chased and pursued, Mosby all claims. The polarization seen in politics as a result of this issue beckons for police and social reform on the liberal spectrum, while the more conservative side argues this is an isolated case and that such reform is not needed in the government apparatus, but that the community’s attitudes and actions be dealt with, referring to the riots and looting which have engulfing the city roughly since Gray’s funeral.

In light of recent events, the only way to draw conclusions to this issue is through public awareness and collaborating with different groups to find answers. These are the vital steps to be taken to affirm events like this will become something of the past at best, and a rare instance at least. Through peaceful actions for reform, the nation will come together for change. This nation has overcome many obstacles, and these riots are just another to push through.

In recent news, the local technical institute, MTI, hosted a competition for local schools to win $10,000 for their welding programs. The contest consisted of online voting between area high schools. With many schools in the running, Moline and Fulton High School were neck and neck for first place, and Fulton was not going down without a fight. While only one school was originally supposed to receive the prize, an extraneous

situation allowed for both schools to secure the prize money. Regardless, Moline welding students definitely deserve the grant and plan to use it to allow the students to attain better skills, preparing them for success in the future. With the money Moline High School’s welding program has won from MTI, Mr. Thomson states, “The money is going to go towards upgrading and increasing the number of machinery in the welding room.

Right now, we have around 3-4 students per machine, and the plan is to make it so they can work in pairs or one on one with the machines.”

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Editorial

5/15/2015

Making the most of every high school minute By: Bill Johnson MHS Signals Editor-In-Chief “Woooooooo! Welcome! Come in!”

These were the first words I heard when I entered Moline High School. It was my first day, and the several Link leaders filled the hallway on our walk from the front door to the east gym. As I looked around, I saw new faces, new teachers, new people. But the most important things I saw were new experiences.

The important thing to remember about Moline is that everyday isn’t full of just seven classes and an extracurricular after school. Every class is an opportunity. Every conversation can lead you to discover new things about yourself. High school is a time for inner soul searching and discovery. It’s a time for you to impact your world. In your four years, you receive a permit to drive, a license, and can even get married by the end.

High school is the transitional bridge period between childhood and adulthood, so how can you make the most of it? You need to get involved, focus in class, and plan for your future in the most effective way possible.

Trying new things is certainly a generic statement, but that’s the best part about

it. There are so many different ways to do it. Some of the best ways, though, are clubs/athletics. Moline offers several clubs that range a variety of interests. I have been involved in band, jazz band, chess, newspaper, student congress, RAK, NHS, Link, and tennis; each club gave me new perspective, friends, and ideas about myself. Some of my closest friendships were crafted in clubs like newspaper and tennis. They help you boost a college résumé as well, which, come senior year, pays off. Clubs give you an opportunity to meet new people and, if you don’t like one, then just find another.

Another important thing to remember is to focus in class. Students have about 180 school days per year. If you do the math, that’s 1,260 periods, or 63,000 minutes spent in class. So, how can you make every minute count? Listen to your teacher. Read your textbook. Teachers have generally mastered the curriculum that they’re teaching, so try to learn. Put the effort in to learn something from every class. It helps you become more knowledgeable and will change your view of school as a whole. Your teacher will recognize you more, and your relationship with your

instructor will change from that of a parent and child to more of an equal partnership.

Not only should you work with a teacher but also your textbook. Textbooks are written by committees of acclaimed teachers and extensively researched before publication.

Every word in the book is checked to make sure it clearly emphasizes a lesson, so you need to make sure that you comprehend the point it is trying to get across. Be hungry to learn, because now is one of the few times in your life when your main priority is education. Make the most of all 252,000 minutes (four years of classes).

My final advice for you is to plan for the future. The popular quote of, “Hope for the best but plan for the worst” is a great way to think of your future. You can never know where you may end up, so it never

LO’T Signals Editorial Policy

Line O’ Type Signals is the official school-sponsored paper of Moline High School.

The paper is published by 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 representing 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, Jack McNeil and William Johnson, and faculty advisors Sue Blackall, Heidi Norcross, and Jay Bohnsack.

Roses

- Prom - Summer - Graduation - SloughFest - Half & Half - Warm weather - The river - B-rad’s freestyles - Graduation cake and cash - Pitch Perfect 2 - Dr. Dre - Sophmores at prom - Potter appreciation - Senior ABC Countdown - Watching “long clips” in classes

Thorns - The Dancing at Prom - Punching doors - Tornados - Stagnant thermometers - Non-newspaper staff hanging in the pub - No selfies at graduation - Country music at prom - Amount of GOP presidential candidates - Amount of grad parties - Earthquakes - Failure of 1% for schools - Inequality in the 21st Century - Gym class

Editors-In-Chief: Bill Johnson & Jack McNeil

Head Photographer: Zach Baker

News Editors: Kheya Patel and Will Fisher

Staff Photographers: Alexis Gerard, Maureen Duffield,

Colin Brown, and Keely Glenn

Focus Editors: Karen Sancen

SIGNALS STAFF

and

hurts to plan ahead. It’s never too early to begin planning for the rest of your life. If you plan on attending a university like I am, research the schools you are looking to attend. Check to see if any dual-credit or AP credit can transfer to your potential school.

You even need to have a major in mind.

Pay attention to the application process, and strive to impress your school through your involvement and diligence in high school.

Every day of school is made to help you prepare for your future, so start planning.

High school is full of trials and tribulations. You need to be a thermostat in a world full of thermometers. You can be the one changing the temperature, rather than letting the world tell you to change.

Appreciate high school and all of its opportunities to thrive.

Feature Editors: Sabrina Scott Sports Editors: Andy Brill and Darsh Kurani

Business Manager: Brianna Rodgers Advertisement Manager: Hailey McCormick Advisors: Sue Blackall, Heidi Norcross, and Jay Bohnsack

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Editorial

5/15/2015

The good, bad, but mostly good four years By: Jack McNeil MHS Signals’ Editor-In Chief

As I sit typing my last editorial looking back at the past four years of high school, listening to my playlist on Spotify thanks to the new Wi-Fi password that was tweeted after a week of no Wi-Fi, a few narratives of school are set in my mind.

Number one: I love the publications office, or “the pub.” The past two years, you could find me here every day during lunch, or for this year, much of the day somehow.

With all of the classes, rules on where you can eat, needing passes to anywhere, having a mini lab to come to whenever without any questions of your intentions, is refreshing.

And that feeling is what schools miss.

How do schools get compared to prison? Besides the food, it feels like someone’s watching or condemning you everywhere you go. Just walking through the hallway during a certain time of day may incite a verbal abuse from a teacher.

I understand some of the rules are intended for a few bad apples, but for the rest of us minding our business, the school has to be built on a culture of trust. Which brings me to the other parts of what I’m doing; listening to music on a streaming service with the new Wi-Fi password. The school is built on trust. So when the Wi-Fi network suddenly disappeared without any word on a return, I felt a lack of trust.

This is the Alec Michna and I fighting crime as Batman and Robin. same type of lack of trust I feel when I, as a senior, go to the library to get real work done on my own time to maybe print off a paper and get denied because I don’t have a pass from a teacher.

Even in an athletic study hall, I repeat, study hall, only three students per class can go to the library. Out of a whole study hall class, filled with students stuck in a classroom where the only access to technology is their phone, having to stay in that classroom because only three people per study hall can go to the library is crazy. That needs to change.

The library should be the most open place in the building, promoting productivity and relaxation. My freshman year, I ate lunch every day in the library and took naps during lunch when needed. Now, I can’t even get into the heavily guarded room.

I remember spending a lot of time in the library during Share Joys because of the coffee they were selling those few days. Not only did the librarians suggest that they wanted to have coffee sold in the library all the time, but the main reason behind why they wanted coffee was simply to get more students in the library. There are several contributing factors to why coffee hasn’t been sold there for the rest of the year, but without poking the fire, all I will say to the

administration is: let the librarians sell coffee!

Why bring this issue up in my last editorial when I could be talking about what the last four years have meant to me? Well, high school to me has always been fun, but I’ve never taken it too seriously. Sure, I’ll do the work I need to, I’ll get into the speeches for public speaking or the debate for American History, but I try not to view the building as some sort of symbolic trophy of what will soon be “The Good Old Days.”

Life is larger than a single school you happen to grow up in. Life is larger than the lessons you learned in this building, or the more likely scenario, lessons learned outside of school during this period of your life. So, while I enjoyed my four years at Moline, and made the most of them, I never intended for high school to be something it wasn’t.

At the end of the day, students are young people with energy. Depending on your mindset, you may put your energy into school or work, or to picking up that bag of munchies while watching Adult Swim at 1AM. There isn’t a right way to go about high school, only your way.

My way is to question things when they need questioning, but more importantly, I’ve enjoyed myself.

Holl y wood’s narratives of high school cover two extremes; h i g h school will be hell if you’re a nerd or the greatest four years of your life if you’re a jock.

Thankf u l l y, Hollywood doesn’t direct the act u a l events of high school. Alec Michna and I before prom. (Photo Credit Mary McNeil) Things have changed since our parents went to school. Being a jock attracts more judgment than worship. Not accepting differences in people makes you a bigot. Being open minded is “in” right now.

Sure, there are a few big cliques at the high school, but for the most part, once you reach your senior year, the lines of cliques don’t define who talks to whom on a daily basis, like Hollywood suggests.

Don’t let grades, teachers, students, test scores, or peer pressures control your happiness.

The second you do, you lose. You can find happiness in anything you do. During high school, I found it in swimming, theater, day-to-day laughter, and newspaper for the past two years.

So, I didn’t go into high school with unrealistic expectations, I did expect to have fun. And that I did. But the fun isn’t a substitute for also finding your passion, whether school related or not. I’ve found plenty of passions as I’ve grown through high school, and I’m going to use them for the rest of my life. So find yours, and get started becoming the best you.

While I leave the high school after four years filled with memorable dances, over-hyped sporting events, getting close to seniors only to see them move on to better things, and meetings great friends and even teachers, I wish the best to everyone still attending Moline High School.

Despite all the flaws, I wouldn’t trade my unique experience with all the students here for anything. It’s part of me and everyone else here. No matter your overall view of your high school experience, it will forever be a part of you. Thanks for the last four years.

Arizona State Bryce Ritchie Abby Sutterman

Ashford University Marley Patrick

Augustana College Emily Flippo Ricardo Garcia Colton Graham Chelsey Hernandez Antonio Rosas Jacob Schmidt Alex Sierra Adrien Soto

Aurora University Alyssa Brems

Austin Peay State University William Fisher Fernando Navarrete Brett Newberg

Blackhawk Community College Javier Acosta Mary Ade Abigail Aguirre Brandon Allen Alaiveir Atwater Amanda Anderson Joseph Benson Adam Besse Jordan Bovee Sam Bowman Isaac Boyle Nam-Long Brennan Josue Calderon Robert Canner Cecilia Carrillo Elvira Causevic Saban Causevic Tyler Christianson Nayely Cortez Jose Cortes-Alonzo Joel Dang Alexis Davies Haley Dau Megan Dodd Daniel Downing Jesse Doyle Jim Drain Reba Dunham Martin Duron

Jake Feaster Hannah Ford Ashleigh Freymann Nancy Garcia Diego Garcia Ben Gehrke Braxton Gelaude Antonio Gomez Marivy Gonzalez Lindsay Gritton Chayann Guzman Curtis Hanson III McKenzie Harper Mikayla Harris Fidel Hernandez Jorge Hernandez Elena Hernandez-Sandaval Kaleb Hult James Hunter Austin Jared Aric Jarel-Lacy Sabina Jasarevic Gaby Jimenez Taylor Johnson Roberto Juarez Morgan Kraft Marc Lara Morgan Loete Allie Majetic Kaylin Maltby Amorah Malzewski Jack Martinez Michaela Marx Maliyah Mason Jessica McCabe Hannah McCloud Clayton McPherson Alec Michna Katlynn Misch Timothy Millard Carly Montgomery-Wildermuth Jose Morales Dillon Morley Luke Neal Erika Olivares Jaida Palmer Makayla Parks Bailey Phares Bryan Phillips Nic Ponce Monse Ramos Megan Randall Erica Rea-Vasquez Kailee Riley Jacob Rose Sean Ryan

Focus On

Noah Schneider AJ Schultz Zach Shafer David Slagel Shayla Slater Alyssa Smith Marcus Smith Jennie Snart Logan Stone Shelby Stone Alyssa Streets Courtney Threlkeld Michaela Timmsen Cody Trask Baylee Valdes Kylie VandeVoort, Kayleigh VanWinkle Samuel Versluis Brittni Walker Kelsey Weil Autumn Williams Brock Williams Dejavery Young Alfonso Zavala Kaily Zude

Elon University

Blong’s Technical College

Sydney Curphy

John Sloan

Bradley University Hannah VandeVoort

Brown University Hailey Fulkerson

Capri College Becca Adamson Charlie Guzman

Carl Sandburg College Andi Cooper Megan DeArmond Matt Trouten

Bri Rodgers

Glendale Community College Hayleigh Mueller

Graceland University Omar Morales

Illinois Central College

Kylie Buckwalter Brad Butcher Christian Frieden Andrew Maffie Joshua Martel Claire VanDerGinst

Indian River State College Indiana Wesleyan University Abigail McNaught

Iowa State University Audrey Ade Katelyn Atkinson Bharath Banothu Meghna Chandrasekaran David Fudge Ashwin Gopal Emma Newell Reece Oldenburg Jonathan Sancen

Creighton University

Kirkwood Community College

Jordin Wilson

Louisiana State University

MacMurray College

Jessica Howell

Drake University

Myah Cordova Ramirez

Illinois State University

Alexia Eve Stetson

Jack McNeil

Loras College

Katelyn Dempkowski Blake Shaw

Clarke University

Depaul University

Cristian Castillo Jose Castillo Cameron Hughes Ahmadou Ndiaye

Cassie Shaw

Kansas City Art Institute

Andy Brill

Lincoln Community College

Jenna Laxton Kellie Smet

Le Cordon BleuMitchell Pingel Shawn Trainor

Kiersten Hann

Marquette University Sam Riggins

Memphis College of Art

Jack Reynolds

Midwest Technical Institute Jeff Cunningham Madalyn Brown Fatou Diop Andrew Fritz Ryan Mack Taylor May Ashley Phares

Morrison Technical Institute

Garrett Ireland

Northern Illinois University

Sarah Hillbloom Hannah Iams Elise Vermeulen

Northwestern University Essence Birdsall Bill Johnson

Oral Roberts University Alex Lee

Parkland College Austin Fancher

6

Palmer College of Chiropractic Rebecca Hasselman

Purdue

Cassie McKee

Roosevelt University Hayley Forest

St. Ambrose

Hailey Cook Keeley Knobloch Nik Mittman Fernando Muhammad Hunter Pairrett Cody Rossmiller Alexis Trent Autum Yarger

Sauk Valley Community College Landon Fuller

Sam Houston State University Manuel Morales

Santa Barbara City College Monse Moreno

Scott Community College

Bryceson Alonzo Jessica Bailey Jordan Bailey Chase Bollman Matt Chandler Alyssa Coil Nick Czerwinski Kaliah Dothard Johnathan Duenas Marco Flores Mercedes G Freddy Hernandez Hailey Huebner Amber Maland Katie Nelson Alex Rodas Shayla Slater Gabe Solis Zach True Brenton Vanthournout Emily Williamson Julian Zavala

7

Seattle University

Colin Fly

Southern Alabama University

Sarah Effio

Seniors

Rachel Meyers Michelle Preiss Kayli Puig Isis Randall Mercedes Vasquez Emily Vershaw

Southern Illinois UniversityCarbondale

University of Miami

Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville

Emma Vyncke

Sarena Henry

Elliott Jacobs

Universal Technical InstituteAusten VanDegejuchte

University of Colorado, Boulder Erik Wier

Karen Sancen

University of Minnesota University of Mississippi Samie Irwin

University of Missouri

Elane Edwards Tommy Hillyer Marshall Laud Sabrina Scott Kiersten Timmer

University of Chicago University of Edgar Baragas Northern Iowa Adrianna Brenny University of Hunter Hendricksen Dubuque Andre Milton Auriole DaSilveira

Alexa Stombaugh

University of IllinoisChicago

University of South Carolina

Maureen Duffield Andrew Hedrick Leslie Martinez Kheya Patel Fatma Taore

Hailey McCormick

University of Utah Taylor Blackburn,

University of University of Illinois Wisconsin-Platteville (Urbana-Champaign) Brett Lohman Anna Brahm Darsh Kurani Alyssa Pollock Nathan VanDeCasteele

University of Iowa

Mike Anderson Adan Carbajal Jeremy Drobushevich Stephanie Hay Matthew Hayes Payton Hostens Alexandria Imming Connor Malcolm-Bivens Eddie Marske

Emily Woodford

Western Illinois University

Nick Anthony Temur Bakhriddinov Emalee Clayton Jamie Dare Andrew Faust Kendall Howard Endia Jarrett Taylor McCune Ariel Neitzel Jake Nord Dustyn Olson

Hayley Reid Taylor Rigg Rebecalyn Ruff Abigail Scott Brooke Thompson Anthony Wallace Jadé Wilson

Workforce

Tyler Biscontine Rafael Carillo Cereno Chavez Jason Farrel Eddie Hamilton Samantha Hunsinger Markel Joiner Tristan Kinney Jake Knisley Killian Lee Kylee Quinoz Juan Peralta Lilyann Rule Miguel Santiago Courtney Shelor Sebastian Vollmer Jacob Williams

Air Force

Peter Condit Ben Dosch Michael Goethals Erick Raya Alexandra Siesk

Army

Steven Pearson

Marine Corps

Jonathan Cisneros Tyler Decker Kody Hartz Patsy Koester Brandon Rottman

National Guard Christian Rios

Navy

Cole Hernandez Nevadah Christianson Quesean Ford

Undecided

Pablo Gallardo Jacob Garriott Kalob Isenberger Weston Lavino Gio Martinez

Seth Romeo Tyler Waldbusser Laura Ortiz Reilly O’Tool Brennen Peters Taylor Morris

5/15/2015

Attention Seniors!

Make sure to come down and fill out a transcript release form in the registrar’s office when you can to send final transcripts to colleges!

Senior Quotes As our senior class gets ready to embark on new journeys, they leave MHS with these final words...

“That was nothing like High School Musical”- Jessica McCabe “When you feel like quitting, remember why you started”- Cassie McKee “As Mr Gorgal’s 8 year old once said, ‘Skydiving without a parachute is a once in a lifetime experience’”. -Alexandra Siesk “Don’t say Suck.”-Samie Irwin “High school is fun and all, but have you ever tried stuffed crust pizza?”-Mary Ade “If it ain’t broke, break it.”-Bryan Phillips “I venni, vetti, vecci’d this place”-Bill Johnson “It’s the oldest story in the world. One day you’re seventeen and planning for someday. And then quietly and without you ever really noticing, someday is today and then someday is yesterday. And this is your life.” -Contributed by Sabrina Scott “We made MTV. What more could I possibly ask for?”-Isis Randall “So what you’re saying is, I’m not a super senior?”-Cereno Chavez “Long live anti-homecoming.”-Payton Hostens

8 Entertainment

5/15/2015

Video Game Review: Mortal Kombat X By: Truman VanVoren LO’T Entertainment Reporter Mortal Kombat X, which is developed

by NetherRealm Studios, is a fighting game that is overall very good but has some flaws.

The good things include the gameplay, graphics, new features, but the game’s story, bugs, and coin progression are flawed.

Gameplay/Multiplayer: First off, the gameplay for this game is great. The game runs so smooth in local multiplayer and is very fluid, which makes the game unbelievably fun. Next, the multiplayer is good if you are with a person with a good ping (3 bars). If not, the game is pretty much unplayable with the amount of lag . Other than

that, the multiplayer is fine with plenty of game modes.

Graphics/New Features: The graphics in this game have taken a huge step from Mortal Kombat 9 and are nicely done. For example, the fatalities are updated and are more gruesome than ever. MK X also added some new features to the game that give it much more replay ability, giving you quite a few reasons for coming back. The new features are character variations, which change how the character plays and what it looks like.

Also, they added living towers, which are challenges that range from hourly to weekly.

Story/Bugs/Progression: Even though the game is fantastic, it does have flaws, which are its story, bugs, and coin progres-

sion. To begin, the game’s story is mediocre at best for a regular game, but for a fighting game, it is not terrible. Next, the bugs can be a problem. It doesn’t have many bugs on the console, but I have heard that on the PC the game is broken; however, they have been attempting to fix the problems. Also, the coin progression is very grindy and takes a while to get new skins, etc.

The Verdict: All in all, the game is great because of the gameplay, graphics, and new features. I would highly recommend this game to anyone who likes fighting games, and I’m looking forward to the sequel.

The Score 8/10 Great Photo Creds: shoryuken.com

Avengers movie does not disappoint fans

Photo Creds: IMGSOUP.COM

Brix proves its worth By: Alexa Scott LO’T Entertainment Reporter Bored and hungry on a Sunday afternoon? Come down to Brix Pizza in downtown Moline for $6 pizzas every Sunday. The service was wonderful and the food was delicious! If you enjoy a good pizza, Brix is the place for you. Some great pizza flavors included Buffalo Chicken, Tuscan Chicken Spinach and Garden.

Don’t like pizza? Brix has got you covered. Try the Classic Caesar salad or the Tuscan Spinach Dip. If you have a larger party, they have a back room perfect for twenty or more. Brix is located at 425 15th Street Moline, IL 61265 Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11 am—1 am Fri-Sat: 11 am—3 am Sun:11 am—1 am.

By: William VanVoren LO’T Reporter As millions flock to see the new installment of the Avengers series, they will not be disappointed in “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” Although it’s not as groundbreaking as the first movie, it’s definitely worth two hours of your time. It does a great job at making the characters seem more human than freaks by giving Hulk more time as a human, developing Hawkeye, and adding Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, who are good additions to the cast.

First, the overall movie is fantastic with the premise of Tony Stark (Iron Man) and Bruce Banner (The Hulk) using Loki’s’ super weapon in an effort to create a force against evil that ends up becoming Ultron, the main bad guy in the movie.

Early in the film, Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch are children who have hated Stark industries ever since their house was destroyed by one of its bombs. They volunteer to be experimental subjects that will give them their own superpowers. They evolve

during the movie and are exciting additions to the series.

Later, the Avengers attack a lab, steal the needed files, and start to work on building Ultron, which they think will end all war.

However, the project ends up backfiring and Ultron becomes the opposite of what they want. In his plan to make earth a better place, Ultron plans to rid it of all human life.

There are many sub plots, such as the Hulk and Black Widow romance, which feels a bit strained,

and the development of Hawkeye, which gives background to him and makes him seem more human. The introduction of Vision seems to come from the middle of nowhere.

In the end, the fight with Ultron’s army is the most climactic scene of the film, and a small squad of new heroes seems to be the setup for a sequel.

The movie was certainly a success and worth seeing.

It lays a great foundation for Marvel’s phase three initiative, which will culminate the next movie.

Students listed in this box are entitled to a free Whitey’s shake or malt.

The gift cards can be picked up in the publications office.

Freshman: Isaac Waddell Sophomore: Hannah Frye Junior: Jessica Rocha Senior: Michelle Preiss

9

Feature

5/15/2015

Tips to help you and your roommate get along By: Kiersten Timmer LO’T Feature Reporter 1. Make Sure You Set Boundaries Early: Figure out the basic things like what time lights go off, when you can have guests over, and what times are for quiet study.

Once these things are established, you’ll both be able to easily know the schedule and agree on how things work.

2. Respect Your Roommate’s Things: Nobody likes when people borrow their stuff and never give it back and claim they lost it. If your roommate is nice enough to allow you to borrow their things from time to time, make sure you treat them with care and return them when you are done. This way they will be up for sharing and will treat your things in the same way.

3. Keep Your Room Clean: Messy rooms create a hectic environment and that is the last thing you and your roommate will want with all the school work and social events going on. Setting a day out of the week to clean will make your room nice and organized and your life will be easier. You guys could even split up tasks so you both have less work to do.

4. Lock Your Room: Even if you’re just running down the hall to use the restroom, make sure you lock the door behind you. You wouldn’t want anything of your own stolen, and you definitely wouldn’t want to be responsible for your roommate’s things being stolen either.

5. Be Friendly: You’re both in a new place trying to get used to all the new things coming your way. Although

Bummer summer? Absolutely not!

By: Divya Badri LO’T Feature Reporter Summer is almost here, and you’re probably wondering what to do. After all, it’s a new summer, and doing the same old thing every year is no fun. Sure, you can travel for a new experience, but it’s a lot less stressful and more efficient to not have to book flights, pack luggage, endure long trips, spend a lot of money, and adjust to jet lag, don’t you think? Therefore, I will tell you some things you can do while staying in the Quad Cities!

Firstly, you can go to the library. Now I know you’re probably groaning and thinking, “I don’t want to have to worry about school!”

But just because you go to the library doesn’t necessarily mean you have to study. There are many other things you can do at the Moline Public Library. You can catch up on the latest teen novels or read some magazines and newspapers to get up to speed on the world.

However, you can do more than just read.

You can eat in the Dewey’s Copper Cafe, which has some of the nicest staff and food in the area. They might hire you if you need a summer job and/or beyond!

Or, if volunteer work floats your boat, you can work in the Friends of the Moline Public Library bookstore for a 2 or 4 hour shift. Not only does this count as community service, but it helps raise money for the library, and you will have some of the sweetest coworkers! The ladies are very welcoming and instructive; I worked in the Bookstore

over the summer, and I loved it. This option is especially apt if you like to organize things or help people. Shifts are 2-4 and/ or 4-6 on Mondays and Tuesdays, and on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, shifts are 10-12 and/or 12-2.

Secondly, you can go to the movies.

Many movies are coming out from May-August, as per the annual summer blockbuster streak. If you are an Avengers fan, Avengers: Age of Ultron premiered May 1. Pitch Perfect 2 premieres on May 15. For those of you who liked Jurassic Park, its sequel, Jurassic World, premieres June 12. The prequel to Peter Pan, entitled Pan, comes out July 24. A contemporary remake of Fantastic Four is set to release August 7. I could go on, but you can go onto a site like movieinsider.com to get the full scoop!

Finally, there are the miscellaneous hot spots around the area. There are the classic water parks, like Splash Landing and Whitewater Junction, and food joints, like Chipotle, Whitey’s, Culver’s, and Orangeleaf, of the QCA. Some other fun spots include the Quad City Family Entertainment Center, Modern Woodmen Park (River Bandits), North Park Mall across the river, and South Park Mall right near the Quad City Airport. Essentially, if you branch out this summer, you are bound to have the time of your life!

your roommate may not end up being your best friend, try your best to be friendly and always there if they need anything.

6. Keep An Open Mind: Going into a new situation, it is important you have a good attitude about it.

Don’t stress out about your new living environment, instead give it a chance and you may be surprised with a great outcome.

7. Don’t Spend All Your Time In Your Room: Go out and get involved on campus. Just like your time in high school, college will fly by. By getting involved, you’ll meet a lot of new people with common interests and not feel like you’re constantly in your room with your roommate.

Livvie Lyman asks Logan to Prom with his favorite drink of choice, Mountain Dew.

Andrew Maffie and Bryce Ritchie asking Claire Vanderginst and Samie Irwin

Promposals

Joseph Son and Manasi Baheti

Nate Vandy asking Kheya Patel super late

10

Retirements

5/15/2015

Derouin is riding into the sunset

By: Sabrina Scott LO’T Feature Editor Whether you saw her dancing an Irish jig through the halls on St. Patrick’s Day or sat in her class during one of her many feminist demonstrations, Mrs. Derouin has left such a great impact on many students here at MHS. Mrs. Derouin has been through multiple years of schooling, and has spent many years teaching. “Do you really wanna know where I’ve been? Thats boring. No one cares where I’ve been, I’m leaving.”

If you have been blessed with Mrs. Derouin for a class or two, she can teach you many things about life that don’t normally get taught in school. One of the greatest

things she has taught to her students is that if you can think critically, you can do just about anything. All throughout your early life people try to shield you from all the bad and ugly that this world has to offer, but Mrs. Derouin is not that person. She is not afraid to hold an opinion, speak the truth, and tell you how it really is. She teaches you to ask questions: Why? How do you know? And then she tells you to prove it.

She is educated, wise, and inspirational, making her one of the greatest role models here at MHS. In just one 50 minute period, she can light this fire inside of you to go out and accomplish something wonderful, while also making you realize that you have so

much more to learn before you get there.

Finishing up her last year here at Moline, she is looking towards the future and what it has in store for her. When asked about the upcoming years, Mrs. Derouin responded, “I’m reinventing myself one more time; I’ve been a baby mama, a teen lover (lover of teaching teenage kids that is), and now I can become something new... I plan on learning something new each year. First I’ll start with tap dancing, and then maybe I’ll work for the Democratic party.”

Mrs. Derouin has touched the hearts of many and will never be forgotten here at MHS. We wish her nothing but the best of luck in retirement!

End of the Blackall era

By: Brianna Rodgers LO’T Business Manager A seemingly permanent fixture in the halls of Moline High School since 1984, Ms. Blackall has taken on roles above and beyond being a teacher such as the Line O’ Type editor, Head of the English Department, and President of the Teacher’s Union. This will be the final year for the lifelong teacher who unofficially started teaching at the age of six when she would gather up her younger siblings and teach them numbers and letters.

Her official job as a teacher began in 1974 and has followed her to the ends of the earth, literally. Ms. Blackall spent some of her early years teaching in Australia and subsequently travelled around the United States looking for a place to settle down, finally ending up in her hometown of Moline where she has remained since then.

Her many years as a teacher have been influential in the school district and community, which was what she set out to do when she decided to become a teacher. While she has been making a difference, the education system has shifted its focus on standardized testing, but as the times have changed, Ms. Blackall says that the kids and her love for teaching never will. As her final days are coming to a close, the ever busy Ms. Blackall will have more time on her hands, which she will spend doing nothing for a while. Her time doing nothing will most likely be spent mourning the loss of seeing her students and fellow teachers everyday.

Her numerous years at MHS have been riddled with memories, but she said that one of the most memorable and laughable moments would have to have been the time that the Homecoming Queen got into a fight on third floor with a Share Joys elf. As the memories become more distant, her advice for students is to have dreams, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to work hard!

Mrs. Derouin dances an Irish jig on St. Patrick’s Day with students in the hallway.

Fitz calls it quitz

Jacquelyn Fitzpatrick in 1991

Susan Blackall in her faculty picture 1985

By: Andy Brill LO’T Sports Editor For any student that has had the pleasure of taking a physics class with Mrs. Fitzpatrick, otherwise known as Mrs. Fitz or Fitz, one can easily see the passion that she pours into her teaching. Throughout the thirty-three and a half years of teaching at Moline High School, Mrs. Fitz has impacted the lives of thousands of students.

Since the beginning of her teaching career, Mrs. Fitz has developed several “favorites” while here at Moline. Every year, the Moline Marching Maroons come down to the auditorium to start off a new school year. For Mrs. Fitzpatrick, this moment is the perfect embodiment of the upcoming year. When asked about her favorite part of teaching, she could barely stop spouting off new things that she has loved about her job over the past several decades. She loves the variety that every day brings, getting to meet new students, looking forward to the different activities that go on, and above all else, thinking about the difference that she makes in the lives of her students.

Moving on to life after teaching, Mrs. Fitz and her husband will be going on an Alaskan Cruise following this school year. Although she currently has no long-term plans for her retirement, Fitz is sure she will be staying active.

Mrs. Fitz’s last pieces of advice for high school students are to “avoid having regrets by always doing your best” and the golden rule, “treat others the way you want to be treated.”

In my own experience with Mrs. Fitz, I can completely confirm that she has impacted the life of at least one of her students. I have had the pleasure of being taught by Mrs. Fitz in a combined three semesters in her Physics and Physics II classes. Throughout the past few years we have developed a great relationship, which I am sure will continue after we both leave the halls of Moline High School following this school year. I am incredibly grateful for the time that Mrs. Fitz spent teaching me, writing recommendations for me ,and giving me great advice over the past few years. Moline High School is not only losing a great teacher but also a great friend and mentor. You will be missed Mrs. Fitz!

11

Sports

Sports shorts and spring scores Soccer girls strong

Tennis talent on top

The Moline Boys Tennis players have continued their long-term success this year as they await the conference tournament and postseason. Team captains, Darsh “D$$$” Kurani and Bill “Pacesetter” Johnson, have switched between singles and doubles all season, doing whatever they can to contribute to their team’s success. Also, fellow seniors, Nate “J Cole” Vandy and Sam “1s th3 man” Riggins, are debatably the best #2 doubles team in the western part of the state.

Rommy “No Flow” Khallafallah and his younger brother Shaddy have been stricken with injury for the majority of the season, but they look to contribute in the conference and sectional tournament. Finally, rounding out the squad is senior Blake “Swoll Boy” Shaw, who provides needed depth to a great tennis squad.

Senior Sam Riggins hitting at tennis practice.

Photo Credit: Zach Baker

By sports reporter: Emily Lindbloom After a previous record-breaking season, Moline’s soccer girls were striving for success once again this spring. Collectively, many players shared goals pertaining to continuing their conference winning streak.

Unfortunately, this season has not gone as planned. Moline took hard losses to Quincy and United Township, which put them third in conference. While the girls have lost sight of a Western Big Title, they still have an opportunity to take their losses and disappointment constructively and be strong competitors in postseason. With so much talent on the team, including the junior target forward, Jamie Althiser, who finds the back of the opponent’s net nearly every game, being competitive for regionals and sectionals is not out of the picture. The girls are not ready to hand in their uniforms without a fight for redemption.

Senior Cassie Shaw has had an excellent, nearly perfect season from the mound this year, helping her team to an undefeated conference record. Photo Credit: Zach Baker

By Sports editor: Andrew Brill With the school year winding down, comes the final edition of the acclaimed “Maroon of the Month” series. For the senior athletes, these remaining few weeks are all that is left in regards to high school sports.

Over the month of May, several athletes have given tremendous effort in hopes to continue their team’s success.

This months female Maroon of the Month are: Jordin Wilson, senior soccer defender, Jamie Althiser, junior soccer forward, Keeley Knobloch, senior track runner, Cassie Shaw, senior softball pitcher and first basewoman, and Kellie Smet, senior softball outfielder.

All three girls teams have had success thus far, especially the softball team, as they boast an undefeated record at 23-0 and a conference record of 10-0.

Switching to boys sports, this months male nominees for Maroon of the Month are: Brett Newberg, senior baseball pitcher and first baseman, Anfernee Crompton, junior baseball utility player, Nate VanDeCasteele and Sam Riggins, senior tennis doubles team, and Sam Thompson, junior track runner. All boys nominees have contributed greatly to their respective teams and look to continue their exceptional play.

Division 1 Austin Peay commit Brett Newberg has had an excellent season. He has thrown a no-no and a one hitter this season.

Also, he hit a grand slam against Alleman.

Phtot Credit: Zach Baker

By Sports editor: Andrew Brill

Maroons of the Month

Senior Tanner McNalley sprints across the finish line. Photo Credit: Zach Baker

Tearin’ up the Track

By sports reporter: Riya Patel This season the Moline girls and boys track teams have shown outstanding improvement throughout the season and are hoping to achieve their goals as the season comes to an end.

The girls track team, led by coach Joel Bohnsack, placed an impressive second overall at the Western Big Six conference last Friday. Despite her knee injury in Dixon, senior Hailey Cook got first in long jump, high jump, and discus, which she threw five feet over the state qualifying distance. Senior Cassie Mckee got third in 100m hurdles and triple jump, sophomore Jade Ford got first in the 400m run as well as anchored the winning 3,200m relay, and senior Keely Knobloch got second in the 1600m race and first in the 3200m race. The girls are looking to continue their success through sectionals this Friday, and they hope to be top contenders sending as many athletes to state as possible.

The boys track team, coached by Grant Iles, is also hoping to place high at their upcoming conference meet. Connor Dessert, an exceptional sophomore runner who won third place in the 800m run at the recent Waubonsie Valley Invitational, believes that at conference “the guys on the team are going to come out and lay everything on the track.”

He also expects many personal records and is excited to see the efforts of his teammates pay off at the Western Big Six conference meet this season. For the remainder of the season, junior Sam Thompson expects “the team members to continue giving 100 percent and striving to become the best athlete and individual they can be.”

Sports

12

Softball seeks state run

By Darsh Kurani Sports Editor: The Moline softball girls have come out swinging this season. The girls recently won the Western Big Six title with an undefeated 10-0 record. The girls also hold a nearly perfect regular season record of 24-1. The team used outstanding teamwork and senior leadership to land

themselves as a top two team in the state. Seniors currently hold 5 of the 9 starting positions in the field. Senior Payton Hostens says that, “The girls plan to continue their success by staying hot and having a deep postseason Senior Payton Hostens arrives at home to seal a 3-run homerun. Photo Credit: Darsh Kurani

5/15/2015

Baseball boys bounce back

By Bill Johnson Editor-in -Chief The Moline Maroons baseball team has certainly had a trying and successful season.

The team currently holds a 22-7 record and a strong 8-2 conference record. Despite tough early season conference losses, the team has cleaned up its play to be primed for a deep post-sea-

son run. The charge is lead by senior leaders Brett “The Show” Newberg, Andy “D1” Brill, Andy Wilczynski, Austin “Stin” Fancher, and Landon Fuller. The varsity has been assisted by a group of talented juniors as well, including Anfernee “Fern” Crompton, Cacey O’Brien, and Connor O’Brien.

For 25 years, the John Deere-Moline and Moline-Coal valley Schools Business and Education Partnership have promoted responsibility of educating all students for the future.

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there” - Theodore Roosevelt

beats walking. www.gogreenmetro.com