The Oracle - Issue 2 2021 (Senior & Staff Edition)

Senior_&_StAFF_Edition

The_Oracle Volume 118, Issue 2, April 2021

Our Last Year...

@dmnorthmedia

2

Comic News Sports Features

04 05 06 08

Staff Features:

08-11

Senior Features:

12-15

04 This Just In...

Nat Huber

05 Graduation: Do’s and Don’ts Sara Perdue

06 State Wrestling Emily West

07 D1 College Scholarship Brianna Crane

08 Q&A with Mr. Holland Hsar Tray

09 Ms. Schwendau Retires Augustine Perez

10 Q&A with Mr. Voss DM North Media Staff 11 Staff Retirees Shoutouts DM North Media Staff

12-13 Meet the Yearbook Editors Connor Meade

14-15 Senior Spotlights Amanda George

What’s G

d?

Dates to remember: 8:00—11:00 PM Forte Banquet & Conference Center 615 3rd Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 Mask & Student ID Required

Prom: April 24 Last Day for Seniors: May 27 Graduation: May 30 Last Day for 9th-11th: June 3

12:30—3:00 AM GameDay Located in the Merle Hay Mall Mask & Student ID Required

This year’s prom...

Mykenzey Granillo, Reporter Last year, due to the pandemic, juniors and seniors lost their chance of having a prom. This year for seniors, class of 2021 there will for sure be a prom. On April 24 there will be a prom with a fantasy garden theme. Masks and social distancing will obviously be required.

I spoke with Alyssa Oliver to ask if she was nervous for the prom or if she thought other students would follow through with social distancing and wearing a mask, she said, “I’m not nervous, I know only seniors are allowed to go as of right now, so that makes me feel better.

I hope they will follow through with social distancing and wearing a mask.” She also said, “We’re still in a pandemic and just because Kim Reynolds lifted the mask mandate you should still wear one.”

Dont forget to get a yearbook this year!

You have two ways to pay: 1) Pay with cash or check at North ***Bring cash or check made out to North High School to Ms. Dryden in 1511 silver or the bookkeeper in the main office.*** 2) Pay online with debit or credit card ***Go to yearbookordercenter.com and enter our school code of 2969. then follow the prompts.*** Reserve your book by April 15!

3

4

This Just In...

A comic by Nat Huber, senior at North High School 51: Future

A note from the artist: Dear Readers, Thank you all for following the journey of “This Just In...!” It’s been a surreal three years; it still hasn’t fully hit me that it’s over. I plan on writing other comics in the future, and I’ll be posting art-related updates on my Instagram, @the_eevee_mama. Thanks again for reading!

- Nat Huber

Comic

Nat Huber will graduate in May. To keep up with her art, follow her Instagram @the_eevee_mama.

Photo Credit: Nat Huber

To read the entire series:

52) Graduation

Do’s

Sara Perdue, Editor-in-Chief Graduation is the day almost all high school students look forward to. The graduating part may not take a lot of effort, but planning for it takes a lot more.

Knowing where to order your cap and gown and how to get to graduation rehersal are some of the many things seniors should know before it is too late.

Graduatiom for North High School seniors

Caps and Gowns

and

Graduation:

Don’ts

will most likely take place at the Drake Knapp Center on May 30th at 7:30 pm. These plans may change due to COVID-19, however as of right now seniors are planned to graduate accordingly.

Throughout these difficult times, everyone should be thankful to still have a graduation regardless of restrictions and extra precaution for family and students. The staff at North have

worked hard to plan a better graduation for seniors this year after seniors last year did not get the graduation they deserved.

Any other questions can be answered by one of North’s associate principals, Jessie Masteller.

Masteller can be contacted through email or through Microsoft Teams.

Check your student email everyday for more information on graduation and other events.

Rehearsal

Graduation rehearsal is usually “Class Day” where walking and placement is practiced.

DO: Get the latest information on when rehersal is and when you should be ready.

DON’T: Wait too long to figure out times and how to be prepared for it.

Final Classes

Caps and gowns can be orderd through herffjones.com.

DO: Order before graduation and graduation rehearsal.

DON’T: Order too late. Caps and gowns are required for the ceremony.

There are many classes needed to graduate, like certain math and English classes.

DO: Talk to your counselor to see if you have all of the classes you need, and when you can make up classes/ credits.

DON’T: Wait until May to contact your counselor, you could need more classes.

Graduation Party After graduating, it is traditional to have a party to celebrate your hard work. This also gives a chance for friends and family to visit and give gifts.

DO: Decide if you want a party during COVID-19, and who you want to come.

DON’T: Have a party if you are not prepared or concerned.

8

Q&A

1.

2.

M r h . t H i olland w before hi s retireme nt in June

Hsar Tray, Reporter

How was teaching this year?

“It was difficult at the beginning trying to learn the technology associated with virtual learning. Once I got past that my stress level went way down. Like all the other teachers in the building, I knew if my students would show up for class, I could get them through.” Just the Holland we know, passionate with everything he does and even more with teaching, some might say.

Was online teaching difficult for you or an easy transition for your teaching?

If you thought online was hard as a student, teachers had to learn a whole new way of teaching and, maybe we should give our teachers more props than we usually do. For Mr.Holland he “had some anxiety about learning the technology; once I was comfortable with that aspect I felt like I was doing a talk radio show or podcast.”

3.

How many years have you been teaching?

4.

How long have you been a coach?

“[I] started coaching football in 1983 at Simpson College. I have coached football for 38 years, wrestling for 35 years, track for 22 years, soccer for eight years, softball for three years, and baseball for one year. Little League for eight years. I coach football, wrestling, and track for North.”

5.

What advice do you have for anyone who wants to become a teacher like you?

“Don’t be a teacher like me, be a teacher like yourself! Many people can hear, but not everyone listens.”

North will miss you, Mr. Holland!

Mr. Holland has been teaching for a while maybe even longer than most of your teachers you had. He has been teaching for “36 years, 29 at North, 7 at Amos Hiatt [Middle School].”

Staff Features

Make sure you get a good look at this, because this might be the last picture you see of Mr. Holland teaching economics before his retirement. PC: Bri Crane

Design: H. Tray + S. Perdue

9

Mrs. Schwendau’s Last Year at North High School Agustin Perez, Reporter

2002- 2021 18 years of serving North High School Shout out to all retiring teachers!

Jean Schendau will retire at the end of this academic year. Photo Credit: Agustin Perez

Ms. Schwendau, ELL biology and biology teacher for 9th-12th grades at North, is known as a great, kind person from all who know her. This year is her last as she readies for retirement. She shares her thoughts on her time at North High School.

She has taught for 18 years, starting in 2002 teaching many students who later became teachers at North too, such as Mr. Rost, Mrs. Rost, and Mr. Masters to name a few. Many others becoming researchers, geneticists, lawyers and parents who send their kids to North.

She stays connected with her students through Facebook and enjoys hearing from them.

One of the reasons she is retiring includes the school offering paid leave.

She is turning 65 years old to retire, so she took the offer to relax.

When the Coronavirus pandemic

haulted everyone, the 2020-2021 school year was a mess as Schwendau said, “… being online all the time, it's so hard to look at circles and trying to teach personally.”

When she was looking for a school, she was impressed on the diversity that reminded her of Memphis, Tenn., where she grew up. Times have changed since Schwendau came to North, like there were fewer classes being offered than when she first began. The tests were different and team meetings being less monitored. She has worked under four administrations.

What Schwendau enjoyed most about this school was the sense of community, the people who stick together in the best of times and worst times, and how everybody was holding each other up.

In her free time, Schwendau likes to be out in the woods and work in her yard. She has also gone camping and likes taking photos.

She likes sweets like chocolate, but her favor-

ite food would be any type of chicken.

Schwendau also has advice for any seniors out there or fellow student by saying, “Have fun, enjoy every second, and push yourself to do your best.”

We at The Oracle hope Schwendau has a good retirement and a happy good-bye!

Schwendau’s Advice for Students: “Have fun, enjoy every second, and push yourself to do your best!”

Design: A. Perez

10

North G&T adviser to retire after 41 years in education Q: What’s one of your best memories as a staff member here?

A: There have been so many but I guess one of the most memorable was the day Robert Nishimwe (North graduate of 2018) came to my office and shared that he had been accepted to Georgetown University. It was very rewarding to have played a role in that.

Q: What is something you’ll miss from North?

A: I will miss the students most of all. I have built many strong relationships with students that I will always treasure.

Tony Voss will retire at the end of this school year after serving North for 17 years in its gifted and talented program. PC: Bri Crane

DM North Media Staff Tony Voss has been the gifted and talented adviser at North for 17 years, but his career in edutaion will top out at 41 years of service when he retires this spring. Voss shares about his time at North and the memories he will carry with him after this year.

Q: What have you done in your career at North?

A: I have served as the Gifted and Talented Consultant for North my whole tenure here.

Q: What has been your favorite experience at North?

A: Wow, that is a difficult question to answer.

It is the “parts” that make the “whole” experience. That being said it has been the combination of getting to know and appreciate all of the amazing students, the dedicated staff and being a part of the Polar Bear Way.

Staff Feature

Q: How long have you worked at North? Before North in education?

A: This year makes my seventh year serving North, my 16th year working in DMPS and my 41st year in education.

Q: What are your plans after retirement?

A: I honestly have no plans presently. It’s hard to plan in a pandemic world. I’ll probably look at getting at least a part-time job. I would also like to do some volunteer work that I could never do because of working full time. Maybe some travel. And of course there is always my stunt double work as Walter White and the possible sequel to Breaking Bad, Breaking Out. Q: What made you want to work at North, originally?

A: Full disclosure, I had no say in the matter.

I was assigned to the building by the thenChief Academic Officer, Holly Crandell. There was a GT Department restructure and I was assigned to all new schools.

Q: Why did you decide that this year was a good year to retire?

A: I was always told that you will know when it is time to exit and after 41 years it was my time. The older you get the harder change is.

The longer you’re in education the more difficult it is to not become increasingly cynical. I wanted to leave at the top of my game and on my terms so it seemed like now was that time.

And I’m old. And they dangled some cash in front of me.

Q: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to become a gifted and talented adviser like you?

A: It may sound like an easy job and that you get to work with all the smart kids, but it has its own unique challenges. It is so important to get to know the students and build relationships. You need to know their stories. You need to understand their challenges of access and opportunity. You need to be beside them, not in front or behind them. You need to have a deep understanding of the field of Gifted and Talented to best identify, serve and advocate for a very distinct population of students.

Look for things others may not see.

Messages to Mr. Gregory Holland Business Teacher “Greg would sign senior checkouts with made up names. I told one girl this would be a problem and she said, ‘I told him not to do that! But he said no one reads these things anyway.’”

- Le e Jo hns

& Memories of the Retirees

Ms. Jean Schwendau Science Teacher “You’re the best teacher in the building! I enjoyed the Applebee’s lunches back when I was a rookie! We’ll miss you around here! Thank you for loving kids more than you loved your content!”

on

ri

-E “Holland and I have shared a wall for a couple years and I just laugh when I hear him yelling, trying to have students understand what a monopoly is or another term in class. My students get wide-eyed, and then we hear Holland laugh and peace is restored once again.

He is hilarious and all the students speak amazingly of him!”

n

fer

i nn

e -J

e yd Dr

“HIS ALL STAFF E-MAILS WRITTEN IN ALL CAPS.”

y dd cA

- TJ Miller

“He coached football and wrestling during my short stints in athletics at North. I’ll never forget an impassioned speech he gave at a football practice about sacrifice and team. It’s a speech I’ve carried with me my entire life, despite not being very good at football or playing my entire career.”

- St eve

Sch app au

gh

Mr. Barry Molloy Woods Teacher

“Industrial arts is a vital skill for anyone to have, and your dedication to ensuring Des Moines youth learned the trades safely for so many years will be felt for generations.

Best wishes!”

“Tony always made me feel like Julia Roberts walking into the opera when I saw him at the Des Moines Civic Center where he works as an usher. When I saw him for the first time at North he made me feel the same way with his smile.”

-A nge la S

arv is

- Angela Sarvis

“When I think of North High, I think of Jean Schwendau. She’s been a pillar of this high school since I got here 8 years ago someone who I admire because of her no-nonsense attitude and her ability to try new things for the benefit of her students.”

-M elis sa D

“I had my geometry class do a proof investigation as to who stole my Diet Coke and at the end the only logical answer was Tony. The next day in class he randomly walked in sipping a Diet Coke to say hi and all of my students accused him of stealing it.” ani els

“Jean was the first teacher I met at North. She was in my interview, and she was candid, honest, and seemed to just love what she did here at North. From the first few minutes of listening to her talk, I knew I needed to teach with her or at least be in the same building.”

-L

Mr. Tony Voss Gifted & Talented Adviser

aur e

nR

- Ja

cks on Ma rw

- Je

Ma stel ler

“Tony really gets into any and all events! Spirit Week you will see him dressed to the extreme in patterns, Hawaiian attire or whatever the day’s theme is. Holidays he will decorate the front counter with fun little things. His presence in the office area will be greatly missed!”

r ge

- Terri Kruse

- Steve Schappaugh

ssie

“The comaraderie that we shared at book club and at North will always be remembered. You are a diligent, insightful and caring teacher and friend.”

i -G

ru yK n n

“Barry came to North and really dug into making our wood shop better for students. He was eager to support our community and truly made his year at North memorable. I’m so grateful for all he did.

Best of luck!”

itz

“Tony Voss - he is an amazing baker. I love his pecan bars!”

oha ch

11

“Barry faced plenty of obstacles in his final year of teaching: placed in a new school, during a pandemic, and having to teach his Woods class virtually. He took all of those changes in stride and maintained a positive outlook. Barry demonstrated his dedication to his craft and the new students he was serving by being innovative in his approach.”

-

y rle Bu t i Ca

“Barry has embraced Polar Bear Nation during this pandemic in the best way - it is a pleasure to have him here.”

-Jes sie

Ma stel ler

Design: J. Dryden

14

North Seniors: Next Steps After Graduation Amanda George, Reporter being the center of attention. When I was... say 6, I played a part in my church's nativity scene play (I played the part as the donkey for some reason). And then in elementary school I wanted to be in the talent show so bad, I was in it twice actually! This is something that's just always been a part of me, and it kept growing and growing. It helped me build a ton of friendships and develop my character. I used to be a loudmouth jerk and making all the friends I did helped me change and become a better person! Now I want to move forward with this passion I have and make it into a career. Majoring in Theatre at UNI will help me with this because I'll learn how to do what I love at a professional level.

Brady Okic, Senior

Q: What made UNI stand out the most to you?

Why was this school your choice, what excites you about going?

A: UNI never really stood out to me actually. My original plan was to go to ISU, but as I looked into their theatre program it actually wasn't as good as I thought it was. And then they ended up denying my application so that became less of an option. They offered to have me go through their A.P.P. plan which involves going to DMACC for two years to recover credits then transfer to ISU. It wasn't until a friend of mine got accepted and started planning herself for UNI that I gave it a look.

That same night I applied for UNI after taking a look at their program, next morning I was accepted! This school offers a lot more for the performing arts than I thought it did to be honest! I'm excited to move out to somewhere I've never been and begin a new life in a brandnew environment!

Q: Why did you choose to major in theater performance? What got you interested in music and performing?

A: I have always loved theatre and performing in general! I used to think it was just because I got roped into theatre by my friend and then I just got into it. But when I thought back to how I was as a kid I've always enjoyed the stage and

Senior Feature

Q: I see you have a goal to become a film actor, tell me more! What does that career path look like for you? What are your dreams and goals for your future?

A: This is a dream of mine that I've had since I was a kid. I'd see movies and fanboy out! But I wasn't like other kids who wanted to meet their idols and talk with them, I just wanted to be next to them and work with them! Around mid-sophomore year I was going back and forth between careers I'd like to pursue, and which would help me financially. It wasn't until Covid-19 hit that I decided I was just going to full send it! If others can make it, why can't I? It's a big leap for what those around me have done, and to be honest it's fairly unlikely for me to achieve this. But why waste my life chasing and dancing around the dream I have right in front of me when I can take the jump and take it now!? So that's what I plan to do once I graduate from college. I don't have a solid plan just yet, but I'll go around the country to get a role if I have to!

If there's any message I can leave to underclassmen it's this: don't think that your dream is too big. No matter what it is, I see no reason why you can't achieve it. It's hard, it's far and out of reach, only so many people can do it. And? Nothing in life comes easy, you will struggle but in the end it is worth it. It doesn't matter

how far it is, jump out and grab it while it's still close to you. And if there's only so many people that can do it, then it can be done. Yes it's a small chance but someone did it! People have made it, so you can too!

Analise Hawley, Senior

Q: What first interested you in becoming a video game developer?

A: I think what interested me in Video Game Developer was playing code games in elementary school. We would code about once a year, and I absolutely loved it. The hobby just followed me, and I would find websites that would teach me how to code using Java and many others. Another thing that interests me is its way more than just coding, it's about the design and storyline of the game and other core features.

Q: How do you plan on achieving this goal?

(Education, internships, jobs, etc.)

A: I plan on going to DMACC and taking a Computer Language diploma, I have not figured out what internship or jobs I may take but I am excited to figure those out in the future!

Q: What specific job are you shooting for? Any certain franchise or company?

A: I think Naughty Dog would be an amazing company to work for, especially since they make a lot of my favorite games and all of them are so creative and have amazing storylines and designs.

15

stuck. I also am very passionate about fighting for equity in our country and I became aware of my white privilege around 8th grade when Collin Kaepernick first kneeled and Ive continuously educated myself more on oppression throughout my high school years, so I wanted to use my privilege to help others, therefore my major is Justice Studies which deals with social justice issues such as inequality, race, gender, citizenship, and indigeneity.

Q: Where do you plan to finish out your dream of going to law school? Any specific institution?

Lorelai Finch, Senior

Q: What about ASU caught your eye? Why did you choose an out-of-state college to continue your education?

A: Originally, I knew I wanted to go out of state just for a fresh start and explore more areas. It came down to Arizona because the state is surrounded by a huge population of cities in other states as well such as California and Nevada which I felt like would be better for my opportunities as a law student and eventually a lawyer. It's also really warm all the time so I took that into consideration cause I'm over Iowa winters.

Q: What first interested you in studying prelaw and later your goal to become a defense attorney? When did you know that is the path you wanted to follow?

A: It was a long process in finding which major I wanted to study because honestly nothing interested me, at first, I thought of forensics science but decided it was not for me. I kept that same route when my sophomore year my mom just mentioned the movie Legally Blonde and Reese Wetherspoons character (Elle Woods) is who my parents would refer to me as growing up saying I would be just like her and would make a good lawyer, so then after she mentioned law school the idea just

A: I have not decided where exactly I want to practice law, I feel like moving out of state for the experience and opportunities is great, but Iowa needs a lot of work and it is my home so right now it's definitely an option that I come back and practice here to help the communities I grew up in.

Q: Do you plan to continue your passion of dance, sewing, the gym, etc? What do you see yourself doing?

A: I've been dancing since I was 3 so it's always been a huge passion of mine and I'm in love with it so that's something where when you graduate you stop going to the studio so I'm trying to find classes I can take to keep dance in my life. People have mentioned joining cheer or a dance team in Arizona which could be an option when I'm there as well! I will continue going to the gym, it helps me stay healthy mentally and physically a lot of people use working out as a stress reliever and it actually works but it also makes me feel good to keep my body in shape.

Overall, my main focus is law school I'm not the type of person to really study or anything but for this major its known that there's a lot of work you need to do on your own so I'm going to make it a priority that I can get the most out of my education to help others who don't have the opportunity.

Seniors Post-Graduation Plans

Xiomara Rodriguez- DMACC to become a veterinarian.

Max Dressic- attending UNI in general studies, hoping to form own major in linguistics.

“I hopefully one day want to be able to teach English in other countries, and teach other languages here in America.”

Jieldh Ortiz-Olague- “I plan to begin at DMACC for the first two years then later transferring to Iowa State. I would like to major in clinical psychology.”

Muhayimana Benigne- Iowa State to study dietetics.

Clark Jaschke- “I plan to go to UNI and major in Management Information Systems.

I hope to be involved in music related things on campus like participating in the Panther Marching Band.”

Oh Bwit Paw- University of Iowa, double majoring in biochemistry. “I want to also play soccer for college, and maybe continue playing the violin as well.”

Connor Meade- Waldorf University, music education, Waldorf bowling team.

Delicia Oxenreider- Majoring in graphic design. “I have a volleyball scholarship and am also wanting to join Grandview’s journalism.”

Estheirne Ninkunda- Iowa State to major in dietetics. Involved in gospel choir, volleyball, soccer, science bound, and National Honor Society James Masteller- enlisted in the United States Marine Corps

Design: A. George

Congratulations

Class of 2021