Beginning of Change by North High Oracle

The_ORACLE Beginning of Change

Page 3 Same-sex partners plan to run for prom royalty

Pages 6-7 Exchange students Abroad at North

Page 10 Peter Pan fliess To NOrth HIgh School

North High School, 501 Holcomb AVe. Des Moines, IA 50313. A public form for student expression

TOC 2 The Beginning of Change Issue NEWS

3 Features

Deceased Alumnus Leaves $250,000 For Scholarships, Somerle Rhiner Royalty for Equality, Jasmine Inthabounh & Cheyann Neades

Opinions

8-9

Transforming Fashion, Kathleen Tran Exploring Isiserettes, Janiecia McCaleb & Chrystal Seger

4-5 Creative Arts

Caitlyn or Bruce?, Hannah McNichols & Kelsey Ambrose Intersectional Feminism, Taj Milton

Middle Spread

Peter Pan soars onto the stage this November, Nathaniel Cobb From the iceburgs to the stages, we cold, we know, AHHH!, Aeris Heckman & Skylar Kilgore

6-7 Sports

All around the world, Tanna Jones, Madison Houska & Alexis Barnes

With time comes change: Athlete’s view of the new North, Amirah Avant & Janelle Hill OJ Sinclair leads Athletic Department, Colt Wyatt Homecoming Game 2015 Recap: North vs. Hoover, Ian McIntire

In_Case_You_Missed_It

Obama and Duncan leave politics in Washington, focus on students and education Megan Bohall, Co-Creative Arts Editor

Many people see the President of the United States and think politics and being the leader of America. When President Barack Obama made an appearance at North High School it was to talk about one thing. Education. Obama took questions from students, family members, faculty and other invited guests. All of the questions having that one thing in common. When Obama was asked the question, “What do you believe the roll of a teacher should be?” said by Angelica Reyes, junior at North High, Obama quickly related the question back to his own life. “My mom had this great love of learning. She was my first great teacher,” he said. “When I think back to all the great teachers I’ve had, it’s not so much the facts that they taught me because I can get those from books, but it has been teachers who have been able to spark in me a sense of curiosity.” To see the rest of the story visit our website! www.northhighoracle.com

Oracle Staff

President Obama speaks to students, staff and families about college affordability on Monday, September 14, 2015 in the North High Auditorium. Photo credit: Colt Wyatt

Executive Editor-in-chief Hannah McNichols Tanna Jones Managing Editor Cheyann Neades Social Media Director Jolena Le Copy Editor Kelsey Ambrose

News Editors Angelica Reyes Janiecia McCaleb Sports Editor Colt Wyatt Somerle Rhiner Features Editors Jasmine Inthabounh Nathaniel Cobb

Opinions Editors Taj Milton Kenzie Schnathorst Creative Arts Editors Megan Bohall Daniela Hernandez-Avila Cover Gurus Angelica Reyes (Front) Nathaniel Cobb (Back)

Reporters Emily Acosta-Vijil Amirah Avant Alexis Barnes Julio Delgadillo Aeris Heckman Janelle Hill Russhaun Johnson Skylar Kilgore

Ian McIntire Chrystal Seger Kathleen Tran Rayshawna Collier Madison Houska

news 3 Deceased alumnus leaves $250,000 for scholarships North High students have the chance to go to college tuition free was the vice president of the company Regal Rugs. Friends describe Torrence as an “outgoing; a people person.” They called him the “Talking Man” because he always had something to say. Although Torrence graduated 54 years ago, he is even more important now because he is helping students have the chance of going to college. The qualifications are still being decided, but three have been confirmed: 1) maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, 2) attend one of the Regent Universities (ISU, University of Iowa, or UNI) and 3) it covers tuition only. Depending on investment profits, these scholarships might be available this year or in the coming years.

Somerle Rhiner, Sports Co-Editor If you are a North High student and plan on going to college in your future and want a way to pay for tuition, listen up, this might be your chance. Imagine going to Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa or University of Iowa with free tuition. It might sound too good to be true, but thanks to a man named Jerry M. Torrence, college-bound North High students could have this reality. Torrence has left $250,000 to North

Jerry Torrence standing in the middle at his class 40th class reunion. Photo courtesy of Alumni Association.

Torrence, bottom center, in his senior class picture of 1953. Photo courtesy of Alumni Association.

High School for this exact purpose. Torrence was an 80-year-old man who passed away on June 19, 2015. Torrence was an only child growing up; he was born in St. Charles, Iowa. At the age of five, Jerry moved to Des Moines, he attended Hard-

ing Middle School and graduated from North High School in 1953, he then went to the University of Iowa. He lived most of his life in New York City. Dr. Cheryl Modlin, vice principal of North, got into contact with Kevin McGrath while showing her respects at Torrence’s memorial services. McGrath is a close friend and attorney of Torrence. He left a portion of his money to North High because he didn’t have a family to inherit it and he loved North High so much. His wife passed away before him and they

didn’t have children. He decided to help students because education is important. Torrence was inspired to help others, he wanted to help those who were unable to go to college. Torrence used his money very wisely, after his passing; his money was donated to his church, North High School, University of Iowa, among others. North plans to invest the money and create scholarships with the money earned from those investments. He spent his life as a rug salesman. He

Jerry Torrence, right, showing his North High pride at 40th Reunion 10/12/09. Photo courtesy of Alumni Association.

Royalty for Equality

Same-sex prom king and queen policy Jasmine Inthabounh, Features Co-Editor Cheyann Neades, Managing Editor It’s become almost a tradition for a high school to have a dance like homecoming and prom and a court that consists of one boy and one girl nominated by the whole student body to be king and queen but what if it was possible to change that and have two people of the same gender as prom royalty? As we have all seen 2015 has been a year of surprising changes, one of them being equality among LGBT community.

Seniors Dalanie Hawkins & Mikayla (Mickey) Neal draw a rainbow to represent equality. Photo credit: Cheyann Neades

Seniors Dalanie Hawkins and Mikayla (Mickey) Neal have been considering running for prom king and queen this school year. “We wanted to win prom king and queen, we were going to put my name in the queen and her [Mikayla] in the king,” Hawkins explained. Principal Michael Vukovich explained that, it’s not a matter of not allowing samesex couples to run, but the way homecoming and prom courts have systematically been done in the past. He confirmed, that the only way a same-sex couple, male or female, could be able to run, is if both contestants identified as the gender of the king or queen. “One way you could have two females in that area, and it’s not really two females because it wouldn’t be, but if there was someone that identified as a male,” Vukovich said, regarding Hawkins and Neal. Vukovich continued to stress the many other opportunities same-sex couples have. Such as the title of “Best Couple’ in Senior Superlatives, which are categories that students are chosen for by the senior class that appears in the yearbook.

Dalanie Hawkins and Mikayla (Mickey) Neal have been a couple for more than two years. Photo credit: Cheyann Neades

The problem of the matter deals with the tradition values that has been evoked throughout high school history. Many students of North High School stand behind Dalanie and Mikayla on same-sex prom court candidates. Senior, Mayte-Gomez Cruz explains, “Same sex marriage is legal in the United States so I think if the student body agrees with this idea that it should be fine.” “I feel like equality, is one of the things we practice most at North High,” Student Body President, Russhaun Johnson states.

The voting processes and dances are coordinated by Polar Bear Senate here at North. Russhaun Johnson, discusses what he can do as the Student Body President, “I feel like there should be a majority vote, stating if Mickey [Mikayla] should be able to run for Prom King and we’ll set it up that way, and then it would be fair.” As a result, Polar Bear Senate and North High as a whole are continuing to branch out and discuss more possibilities, to further practice equality and acceptance among staff and students.

For More Stories, Go to NORTHhighORACLE.COm

Opinion

Caitlyn or Bruce? Caitlyn Jenner: A woman of courage. Kelsey Ambrose, Copy Editor “If I was lying on my deathbed and I had kept this secret and never ever did anything about it, I would be lying there saying, ‘You just blew your entire life. You never dealt with yourself,” - Caitlyn Jenner. In early June, the world woke up to Bruce Jenner on the cover of Vanity Fair. Except this was not Bruce. This is Caitlyn. No, this was not a surprise nor was it a mistake. Whether you keep up with the Kardashians or not, you know how big they are in the public eye, from a tweet to a selfie the Kardashian lifestyle is everywhere among us. So when Jenner came out introducing herself as Caitlyn, controversy was all over. I have heard everything when it comes to the topic. For example, “it is disgusting. HE is disgusting.” Hold on one minute, he is a she. She also has a name. Caitlyn is not Bruce. Do not call Caitlyn, “Bruce.” It’s incredibly disrespectful in my eyes. When she has worked so hard to be accepted and make this hard transition for herself and her family. Just respect it. “Men cannot be women, it’s not possible. They can’t be us.” Well look at it this way, Jenner looks to be doing it just fine. So what she can’t produce children, or the fact she had to undergo vigorous surgeries and take tons of hormones to be where she is. Who cares? It isn’t hurting you, nor is it affecting your everyday life. You can still work, go to school, live your life. Nothing is preventing you from accomplishing anything. Soon after when news of her receiving the Arthur Ashe Courage Award surfaced, Jenner received many comebacks as to why she didn’t deserve it. In an article from the Los Angeles Times, Frank Deford from NPR said, “I can understand and sympathize with the torment Bruce Jenner has endured all these years, but I don’t think it rises to the level of courage,” then later went on to say that courage is usually involved with overcoming something. Maybe I’m wrong, but what Jenner has done is not only overcoming her own battle with reality and self identity - but the fear of judgment as well. She stood up, made a change and made it known that it is okay. It’s okay to be who you know you are. It’s okay to do what makes you happy instead of sitting back,

unhappy and letting everyone else in the world control you. Of course not all of us have a problem with accepting other peoples’ happiness. Or maybe it’s my overly large and understanding heart or the fact I was brought up to not judge the way people look, feel or if they stand funny that gives me the ability to not have an uncomfortable thought in my body towards the subject. Possibly it’s me who

Bruce Jenner: Man not woman Hannah McNichols, Editor-in-cheif Cassandra, Bruce’s daughter, says that the two of them finally have a relationship. They “can just be girls together,” she reported. Cassandra apparently gave up on having a father, and has settled for a girlfriend to gossip with. It’s just wrong. While I feel sympathy for Bruce’s psychological struggles, it’s selfish to do this to your children. First to take their fa-

Bruce Jenner transitions to female Caitlyn Jenner.

has the problem because I don’t see a problem. It’s frustrating when I hear someone tell me how undeserving and gross she is, but those people are the same people telling everyone to “be themselves,” how will you continue to live in a world where everyday people are beginning to be themselves and start doing what’s good for them, when you can’t handle this? I will never understand how Jenner felt before her transition, or how she even feels now, and I can’t ask anyone else to try to do the same. But please, try and understand how selfish and disgusting it sounds when you speak on something that could affect the person next to you.

ther from them, and then to coerce them into dealing with such a devastating development in front of the whole world. Of course, while his family takes the brunt of it, the mob trips over itself to congratulate Heroic Bruce. ESPN has even recently awarded him with the Courage Award. There was a time when this award went to guys like Pat Tillman, who gave up his chance at fortune and fame to sacrifice his life on the battlefield, but the honor devolved quickly from there. I thought it hit the basement last year when they handed it to former third string NFL player Michael Sam for achieving the remarkable feat of being gay while playing a game. Shockingly, it turns out ESPN actually

isn’t the most reliable arbiter on courage. ESPN isn’t alone. A search through Twitter and Facebook reveals unanimous praise, with “brave” and “beautiful” and “historic” being indiscriminately tossed around like so much confetti. While I seem to stand alone on this most times, I realize that it is not my life and he or she can do whatever they want with their bodies. There is more to being a woman than “feminized” facial features and frilly underwear. Women are beautiful because they are women. Women bring something distinct and special to the world. They fill a void and play a role that no man can. A woman is a woman not merely because of whatever cosmetic feature a man might vaguely emulate. A woman is a woman because of her biology, which Bruce does not share and never will. A woman is a woman because of her capacity to create life and harbor it in her body until birth, which Bruce cannot do. A woman is a woman because of her soul, her mind, her perspective, her experiences, and her unique way of thinking, of loving, and of being — all things Bruce can only mimic. A woman is a woman. She has earned that title. She pays for that title. She suffers with that title and gives life with that title and lives from conception until death and beyond with tha title. She is that title. She should not be told that it’s such a flimsy thing that a man with enough money can buy his way into it. It’s demeaning and reductive.You don’t get to have a “new” self or another self or a different self or a Self 2.0. Your self is your self. It’s your being. It’s your essential personhood; your particular and unrepeated character. Your self is your body, mind, and soul. It is physically, spiritually, scientifically, rationally and logically impossible for a self to change into a new self. A self can only be what it is. Bruce is not a female. Even though he may have the parts of a female and look like a female now he can’t give birth. He can’t have the biology of a women. He isn’t a female. Let him do whatever he wants but that’s my opinion. He can call himself a female but he isn’t one. He is a he. I will never be rude or mistreat a trans(gender person) because it is their life not mine and I believe it’s not my choice in what they decide to do but in my eyes she isn’t a she.

OPINION

Intersectional Feminism

Making Sure All Women Have A Voice Tajohnie Milton As the Feminist movement has began to step into the spotlight, a disturbing observation has occurred leaving many women questioning who exactly feminism is really fighting for. “Intersectionality “ within Feminism was a term coined by American professor Kimberle Crenshaw in 1989. Though the concept previously existed, she put a name to it along with textbook definition that states: The view that women experience oppression in varying configurations and in varying degrees of intensity. Cultural patterns of oppression are not only interrelated, but are bound together and influenced by the intersectional systems of society. Examples of this include race, gender, class, ability, and ethnicity.” By way of explanation, specific groups of women have multi-layered facets of oppression they have to handle throughout their lives. For some odd reason this concept has been extremely hard for some within the movement to understand. The mainstream Feminist movement has been dominated and molded into addressing the issues of White women and white women only, leaving WOC (Women of Color) feeling excluded from a movement that is suppose to empower all women. This unfortunate reoccurrence of blatantly ignoring the obvious obstacles of women of color thus silencing them has resulted in the worldwide Phenomenon, “White Feminism.” Though no one really knows who coined the term, it was greatly defined by Cate Young, a Trinbagonian writer and author of a feminist pop culture blog focused on film, television, music and critical commentary on media representation, as: “White feminism is a set of beliefs that allows for the exclusion of issues that specifically affect women of color. It is ‘one size-fits all’ feminism, where middle class White women are the mold that others must fit. It is a method of practicing feminism, not an indictment of every individual White feminist, everywhere, always.” Unfortunately this type of racially exclusive feminism has an historic presence throughout women’s history such as the Suffrage movement and “feminist” icon Susan B. Anthony. Both of which purposely excluded non White women for the sake of only empowering those who resemble them. Yet when I look in any textbook Anthony and the Suffrage movement are looked upon as great revolutionary turning points for all women. They are remember as heroes when that wasn’t the case. Why should I and other young girls of color learn to look up to women like Susan B. Anthony when she’s quoted as saying “I will cut off this right arm of mine before I will ever work or demand the ballot for the Negro and not the woman.” Aren’t women who aren’t white still women? A more modern example of White Feminism is pay inequality. I’m sure everyone is pretty familiar with the fact that men unfairly make more than women for the same exact job. Now, this is where the silencing of women who aren’t white begin. Practically everyone knows that to every white man’s $1.00, women only make 79 cents. It has been made a fuss about. Every single time pay inequality in America is brought up, you hear about how horrible it is that women are only making 79 cents to a man’s dollar. But here’s the thing, only White women make 79 cents. Black women make 64 cents, Native America women 59 cents, Latino or Hispanic women, only

“Different women face layers of sexism intertwined with other factors of oppression based on who that woman is. The voices of all woman matter whether they’re Black, poor, disabled, mentally ill, gay, bi, or transgender.” Photo credit: Jolena Le 54 cents. Yet whenever you hear mainstream feminist address the pay inequality issue, you only hear about that 79 cents. Now that doesn’t go to say that White women making 79 cents isn’t unfair by any means but neglecting to acknowledge the unfairness WOC face due to their gender and race being a factor, that never seems to get brought up because we aren’t important enough to even address and our specific struggles don’t matter. White feminism is ignoring the fact that the wage gap is greater divided by race than it is gender. If feminism is really the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men, then why aren’t all women being represented? Why are the voices of so many women being silenced? There needs to be a huge revelation within the mainstream feminist movement that Feminism

“If feminism is really the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men, then why aren’t all women being represented? Why are the voices of so many women being silenced?” isn’t a one-size-fits all glove for all women and all women aren’t white, middle class, cis gender and able-bodied. Different women face layers of sexism intertwined with other factors of oppression based on who that woman is. The voices of all woman matter whether they’re Black, poor, disabled, mentally ill, gay, bi, or transgender. And yes transgender women are women and have a place within the feminist movement. There is no more room for the erasure of women who don’t fit the mold of what a woman is. And there needs to be an even bigger revelation that it is not beneficial to all woman if it’s only beneficial to White women.

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All Around t

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Muhammad Baig Pakistan

Alexis Barnes, Reporter Muhammad Baig who goes by Talha is a tion skills, at speaking English and public junior foreign exchange student from Pesha- speaking. “I hope to return to Pakistan as a war, Pakistan. He is in Des Moines because leader,” Talha said. he wants to learn the American culture and ways of life. Talha has a thirst for knowledge for “I came to America for the culture experi- American culture. What Americans call paence, not to study,” Talha said. jamas, it is regular attire in Pakistan, he said. Talha was born and raised in Peshawar “I am afraid to wear clothes from my culture therefore this is his first time in America. because they are like pajamas to Americans Talha has two older brothers and one and I am afraid of being made fun of,” Talha younger brother who he sometimes misses, said. along with his parents. He copes by watchHis favorite thing about America is the ing funny videos. food because it’s very different from PakiHe said relationships differ in the US than stan’s food; his favorite food is tatertot casin his home country. serole. He mentioned our eating timeframes “The concept of boyfriend and girlfriend are different from Pakistan. is very new and different from Pakistan. Talha explained classes are very different In Pakistan from Pakistan you have to as well. In hide your Pakistan they boyfriend only have core or girlfriend classes like scibecause it is ence and math, against culand they only ture. If you have electives are caught in Pakistan like you will get art and woodbeat. Also, shop. Talha women can explained how drive and teachers are ride bicycles friendly in in America. Baig strikes a grin in front of the North sign outside. Photo by Madi Houska. America, howThey cannot do that in Pakistan,” he said. ever in Pakistan they are not friendly. Talha hopes to accomplish better confidence, leadership skills, communica-

Chiara Cavalla Italy

Madison Houska, Reporter

Germany born, and Italy raised, Chiara Cavallaro is manager as he a foreign exchange student from a small town in Sicily “In Italy, yo Italy, called Taormina. She will be attending our very your life when own North High School for five months before she heads home to her mother, older brother Julian, and dog Pepe. Chiara is currently fluent in Italian and Spanish but decided to visit the U.S. in order to become more fluent in English. This being said, in order to have a conversation with her, we had to communicate mainly through Google Translate. She is very inquisitive and she shared that for college she plans on going to The University of Economics in Italy, there she will study to become a bank manager. Cavallaro smiles in front of the school on She explained her reasoning for choosing to be a bank school of econ

Lutor Ab Nigeria

Madison Houska, Re

Lutor Abwa, is a science student from West he said. Africa. He is joining us for 10 months as he In order to g gets a better introduction to help him become a program, his s Neurologist after completing high school. students that w At North, Lutor takes 3 different sciences classes aside from a few other main classes including Algebra 2, US History, English 4 and gym. Two of them are AP science classes. When asked what his favorite class was, he said “AP Biology for sure. Since I plan on becoming a Neurologist, this class gives me the setup that Abwa studying chemistry work during class. Photo by M I will need later in life.” the right mind He came here about a month ago to begin new things, an his junior year. When he returns to his home in respect other p June, he will complete his senior year. “After to respect you graduating I plan on going to college, I might attend college in the US or possibly in Europe”

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the World:

aro

foreign places and foreign faces

er career. ou can decide what you want to do with n you are in the eighth grade. From there, you can go to a high school that will help prepare you for that profession. So I go to the high n a fall day. Photo by Madi Houska. nomics which will help me eventually

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get involved with the study abroad school has an exam where the wish to go, write an essay and they then choose the most outstanding or most fitting to the requirements. “I miss my family and friends and home, but the love I have been shown from my family here is compensating” he said. “They treat me very nice, like I’m their own son. When I have a problem they handle it swiftly, they are very helpful” he said. Lutors journey is just beginning, howMadi Houska. ever he came here with dset. “You always have to accept nd you always have to adapt and peoples cultures so they can learn urs” he said.

become a bank manager,” she said. At North, Chiara is involved with the girls swim team. She is staying with a host family here in Des Moines. She said she misses home a lot. Foreign exchange students leave home, choose to live with approved families they don’t previously know and are expected to adapt. Chiara is doing her best. Not to mention that it’s just her by herself; she does not have anybody to relate to like at home. However she does communicate with her family back home every day using apps such as WhatsApp and Skype, she said she misses her mom greatly, and a day doesn’t go by that they do not get in touch. All in all, her experience here so far has been exciting but also difficult when it comes to communicating. The next five months will be a learning experience for sure, but there is not a doubt in her mind that she will be extremely successful, as she is always ready to take matters into her own hands and learn something new.

Fatima Nazar Morocco

Tanna Jones, Editor-In-Chief Fatima Nazar is currently 4,669 she didn’t like it. When she goes miles away from her home, Moroc- back to Morocco she will take her co. She lives with her host family final test in order to graduate high here on the north east side of Des school while taking everything Moines, she’s learned Iowa. here, back With the home. panic of “My host deadlines, family’s very Fatima was supportive of unsure if me and very she really sweet. Evwanted to eryone I have Nazar poses in front of North building. Photo by Tanna Jones. study met so far has abroad but decided to fill out the been nice but I can tell I really like application the day it was due. it here,” Nazar says. She will be spending the year at When she goes back to Morocco North high advancing her studies in she will take her final test in order English, Spanish, U.S history and to graduate high school while takpsychology. ing everything she’s learned here, “It gets really cold here, and in back home. my hometown it never snows so Even though the future is unit’s very different,” says Nazar. known, Nazar could see herself Being a very realistic person adventuring further into the states she came into all of this with no and possibly going to college here expectations on how it would be and becoming an engineer. so she wouldn’t be disappointed if

Features Jason Sims: SRO Newest Addition to NHS Security

Sims in his new office for the 2015-2016 school year here at North, He is happy to be a part of the staff and is ready to get to know all the students. Photo credit: Jasmine Inthabounh

From working in the alcoholic beverage industry to starting in law enforcement 8 1/2 years ago, Jason Sims is happy to be at North. Sims knew he wanted to be a police officer from an early age, he just didn’t get to it right away. Before becoming an officer he delivered alcohol, starting out in a truck for three years he worked his way up to being a supervisor. Sims then had the opportunity to pursue the career he knew he wanted. When on the job, Sims tries very hard to maintain the belief that all people are to be treated equally because everyone matters. He tries very hard to not judge people based on their appearance, with the goal of giving everyone the same chance. His favorite part of his job is the people he works with, although that’s his least favorite part as well, “People change. It doesn’t matter who you’re dealing with, some days you have really nice people, others you have not nice people,” Sims said. “My out of work life is fairly boring, there’s not much time,” Sims said. Although, when he does have free time he

Loretta Martzahl:

Counselor Relates More Than NHS Knows

Kelsey Ambrose, Copy Editor

Aeris Heckman, Reporter

enjoys, exercising, golfing, and running. With four daughters at home, Sims is kept very busy. With the position he’s in now at North, he’s able to see them every morning and night - which before he wasn’t always guaranteed to be able to do, previously he’s worked the midnight shift and third watch, which both were a little rougher for his family when it came to being able to spend time with him. Now, Sims has the “best schedule”. “I chose North because it’s demographically like where I came from, obviously North is poverty level, lower income kids. Which is exactly where I came from growing up, I know exactly what these

Ever gone in the office, to see the school counselor and realized Mrs. Foshe, our former counselor, was gone and someone new was there? Meet Ms. Loretta Martzahl, the new school counselor. This is her first year at North. Martzahl explains how she got to be a part of North High School unexpectedly, and said " One of my professional goals was to work for the Des Moines Public Schools, when I applied for the open position I wasn’t aware it would be North, but since coming here I am fortunate to have

Welcome to The Bears’ Den!

“I know exactly what these kids go through on a daily basis because I did that.”

friend that tragically committed suicide. Counselors are here for us, but sometimes they need someone to lean on too. "Sometimes life is messy and it can make you feel alone and scared. If others can be spared the feelings of isolation, I am happy to help! Being kind is my thing," Martzahl said. Ever thought a teacher, staff, administration, or counselor would say that a student taught them something? Well, I can tell you I have, Martzahl said, "All my students have taught me about them and counseling practices, but has also taught me about myself. I have been very lucky!" Go into the office, walk to the back and say hello to welcome our new counseler, Loretta Martzahl to the Bears' Den!

“Being kind is my thing.”

New Staff at NHS:

kids go through on a daily basis because I did that,” Sims said. He feels as he could relate a lot more to the students at North because he has more of an understanding. Sims advice to high school students is to make sure to continue education, most of all of the jobs out there today require you to have more than just your high school diploma. They require some type of degree, whether that’s a two-year degree or a fouryear degree, it’s all important. He is most looking forward to meeting all the students at North and being able to get to know them.

been placed in a building of amazing kids who I can completely relate to!" Martzahl was also a high school drop out. She was 14 years old and three months into her high school education when this occurred. But later on, she got back on her feet and worked hard for her masters degree. "Honestly, I never believed I was someone who could ever get a degree. Not where I came from," Martzahl said. Martzahl is also, currently working on her second masters in social work. Not only is Martzahl a new addition to our North family, she says one of her favorite memories is when she welcomed all four of her kids into her family. Growing up, Martzahl went through some tough times. A few years ago she lost a close

Loretta Martzahl stands by her office to let all students know what room she's in if they ever need some counseling. Photo credit: Aeris Heckman

Jenna Boylan:

Former NHS Cheerleader, Newest Head Coach Daniela Hernandez, Creative Arts Co-Editor

Coach Jenna Boylan is a fellow graduate of the class of 2014 at North High School. She was a cheerleader for all four years, and a coach for cheerleading now at her home high school. This was something that she wanted to dedicate her time to. Boylan loves the environment when it comes to cheerleading. "No matter what mood I am in going into practice. It always does a complete 180 by the time we are done," Boylan said. "These girls have some of the best attitudes and it makes my job ten times easier," Boylan continues. She feels she should set a good example for those who look up to her. The opportunity came about from the former cheer coach Kristen Kennedy. She looks forward to

learning about communication. She feels lucky to have two helpers on her side to help her through coaching, and making sure they're on the same page. One of her favorite things about cheer is the girls that she works with. "Practice may be long and boring to them somedays but once they step on the field it surely pays off," Boylan said.

Read about our other two new cheer coaches! Go to northhighoracle.com

Emily Garmen: Giving Back to What She Loves Boylan explains the logistics of stunting and how the cheerleaders can improve during practice on the football field. Photo credit: Jasmine Inthabounh

Michelle Brackemyer: Teacher by Day, Cheer Coach by Night

Features

Transforming Fashion Kathleen Tran, Reporter Taking old clothes that you no longer wear or reusing material to create something fashionable out of it is called upcycling fashion. Today, many fashion brands such as Reformation, Kallio, Sword & Plough, etc. have opted to making this method of re-making to become eco-friendly and save money. Stefany Rivas, a freshman at North High School, first discovered this idea in the fifth grade when her mom introduced it to her. From there, she developed a passion for it. Doing this is her way of expressing herself through her style which she describes as “unique, edgy, and dressy.” The process is simple. You take an old piece of clothing or recycled material and vamp it up to your liking. Stefany usually gets her Freshman Stefany Rivas sorts through her upcycled pieces of clothing in the student center. Photo by Nathaniel Cobb clothes from thrift stores, example, I cut off the sleeves and add patterns to make it my style.” she explained of the process. “If I have a long sleeve, for Reusing material in creative ways saves money and doesn’t add more material to the world that we don’t need. For instance, if we were making just one cotton t-shirt we would need 400 gallons of water to grow the cotton needed for it. On the other hand, using an old shirt in your closet and transforming it into something stylish uses almost no water at all. Not only are there benefits, but you get to have fun with it as well. Stefany enjoys doing this as a recreational activity and a way to relieve stress. Although, she plans on pursuing a career in fashion industry as a designer someday. “I hope to see people wearing my clothes one day.” she said of her future. “Getting to be unique is my favorite part.” The possibilities are endless and by using your creativity you can make some really cool pieces. Rivas poses with her transformed clothing. Photos by Janelle Hill

Exploring Isiserettes Janiecia McCaleb and Chrystal Seger, Reporters

If you’ve been at a parade or on Facebook, you’ve probably watched or heard of the Isiserettes. Many people have heard of Isiserettes, however, many don’t know what it is, or what it promotes. Isiserettes is a drill and drum team for the youth lead by a non-profit organization. We interviewed a North high sophomore named Tre’vawn Jarett. During the interview he shared a lot of personal and inside information on the drill and drum team.

Q: What got you interested in Isiserettes and what’s your role? dad encouraged me to start, and I’ve loved it since then. I’m a A: “My drummer.”

your favorite part about Q: What’s being in the program and are

Q: How long have you been involved with it? Has it changed your life? A:

there any benefits? “[I like] traveling and big compe-

A: tition. Isiserettes looks good on

“It’s going on 4 years and it’s kept me out of trouble, it’s also allowed me to expierence more of the world.”

your college resume.”

big of a role does Isiserettes play in your life and has being in it Q: How influenced who you are today? plays a huge role and it’s time consuming- it keeps me busy. It’s A: “It taught me respect, our couch has high expectations.”

Describe your emotions during a performance.

“Don’t mess up the beat, don’t drop the stick, and remember the routine. The big performances give me the best feeling ever.”

Q: What challenges do you face and how do you overcome them? challenging to] stay hydrated and conditioned. I always have A: “[It’s water with me, and I work hard- I push through.”

are the expectations of you and are there any consequences if Q: What those expectations aren’t met? out of trouble, always being present and on time. Getting A: “Staying kicked off the team.”

What life lesson have you learned?

A: “Tradition, pride, dedication.” Trey’vawn Jarett, sophomore, drums with the Isiserettes. Photo courtesy: Tara Jarett

Creative_Arts

Peter Pan soars onto the stage this November Nathaniel Cobb, Features Editor Every year the advanced theater arts class puts on a musical in the fall. In the past they have performed The Addams Family and Urinetown. The students involved have a lot of fun and generally plan on continuing theater arts in college. The students of the theater arts class are starting to gear up to perform Peter Pan this November. Many of the students are especially excited for this musical because some of them will be ‘flying’ across the auditorium. A system will be installed to give the effect of flying, since this particular musical requires a lot of it, and some students will be taught how to use it. Most are excited, some are nervous. Mercedes Castillo, junior, plays the role of Peter Pan. She says it’s “really not different that a girl plays Peter because that’s how it was in the actual show.” She goes on to say, “it’s also difficult because now

I have to act more guy-like.” This type of situation is common within theater arts because not only does it challenge the students in charge of the roles, but it also makes the show more interesting. The role of Captain Hook is played by Jacob Mentzer, sophomore. He’s preparing for this role by challenging himself and asking “what would I do if I were a villain?” He says he’s super excited for this role and has improved immensely since playing Uncle Fester in The Addams Family and says, “I have a lot more experience and I feel a whole lot more comfortable on that big stage and will only improve from here.” With all of the community involvement and cool special effects, Peter Pan is already showing signs of being a truly amazing musical no one will want to miss out on.

“Really not different that a girl plays Peter because that’s how it was in the actual show.”

Actresses of Peter Pan study their lines for the upcoming show. Photo credit: Cheyann Neades

From the icebergs to the stages, we cold, we know, AHHH! Movement 515 kicks off first event October 16

Madison Cox, senior, participates in a Movement 515 workhsop activity. Photo credit: Aeris Heckman

Aeris Heckman, Reporter Skylar Kilgore, Reporter In 2011 Emily Lang and Kristopher Rollins came up with the idea of Movement 515 to let high school students speak their mind, talk about things close to home, stand up for what they

believe in and become a family who they can count on. Senior Russhaun Johnson described his Movement 515 family as a "beautiful movement filled with supportive and great poets." Johnson has been in Movement 515 since he was in 7th

grade at Warren G. Harding Middle at a slam is intense but we're there to School. He's been off and on with Move- show support and love. We all want our ment 515, but Movement 515 is where schools to win, to hold the title, to win the golden boombox." Madison Cox say. his heart is. Movement 515 is very diverse, Madison Cox has been in Movement 515 since her sophmore year of high there's groups of kids from five differschool. Madison is now a senior here at ent schools: East , Hoover, Lincoln, North High. She has two favorite piec- Roosevelt and North. Here at North es she wrote, Daddy Issues, or the one the mentor is Melissa Daniels. If you for her little sister. Madison sure has a would like to join Movement 515 or just see what they go see Mrs. Daniels in way with words. Workshops are every Tuesday at the Red hall, room 2423. their home school and on Thursdays at the Des Moines Social Club downtown. In workshop they do activities where they complete the sentence. Share the mic is their first performance this school year, it will be October 16th at Sheslow Auditorium near Drake. Get ready to snap your fingers. " Melissa Daniels leads an activity for the Movement 515 poets at North High School. The enviornment Photo credit: Aeris Heckman

Sports With time comes change in athlete's view of the new North Amirah Avant, Reporter Janelle Hill, Reporter

It’s no news that the sports at North High School aren’t the best, in fact some would say we are the worst but what people don’t know is the amount of passion each person has for the sport they play. Sophomore Chrystal Seger knows this best, being a volleyball player at North High for two years she has learned to look beyond the past and make a new future for North. Seger has learned that she belongs most at North as she said, “I love how the community feels like a family, I hate how people put down North for their sports, we really try and we still don’t win but it’s not about winning it’s about being a team”. The North volleyball team has not won a game yet this year, but through all of the fights, hard work, and tears, the volleyball team manages to stays together as ONE and continues to fight to the finish. Whether they win or lose they always finish strong. These girls don’t just see each other as teammates but as “Family, Sisters I love my girls,” as Seger put it. Unless you are part of the team or come and support, nobody really sees this part of the bears den. “People just see the scoreboard, they don’t look beyond the scoreboard.” Seger said. Through it all, we all manage as a team even as a school to stay like a family. Remember it’s always a great day to be a polar bear.

Volleyball teammates of the pink JV team, after finishing a day of team bonding in the North High gym. Photo credit: Amirah Avant

11 OJ Sinclair leads Athletic Department Colt Wyatt, Sports Editor

If you go to North High School, you might notice some new faces around the school, including the new Athletic Director, Oliver Sinclair (OJ). Before coming to North, OJ was a business teacher at Meredith Middle School for five years, another Des Moines Public School. Sinclair was also a head girl’s track coach at Hoover High School, home of the Huskies, for two years and was an assistant football coach for the Grandview Vikings, a private college here in Des Moines for three years. Sinclair said he wanted to become the new AD at North because, “I’ve always had as strong passion with sports and working with kids. After my two year coaching stint at North I always said I wanted to return when the right opportunity presented itself.” Sinclair replaced former AD Brian Tate who was the AD at North for three years and was at North for a total of seven years, but has been in the district for 26 years. Tate left North to go be a Student Improvement Leader at Amos Hiatt Middle School.

New Athletic Director OJ Sinclair and Athletic Secretary Terri Buban pose showing just some of the sports here at North High. Photo credit: Colt Wyatt

Sinclair works along side Terri Buban, who is the Athletic/Activities Secretary. “He involves me more, we do everything together, and I was never able to do that with Tate” Buban said. Buban has been at North for 12 years. When asked what she liked most about Sinclair she said “He’s involved in everything, no task is too small.” As the Athletic Director Sinclair is in charge of all the sports that goes on at North High, making sure they run smoothly, making sure all the officials are there, everything is set up correctly, etc. Sinclair said if he wouldn’t of got the job as the new athletic director here at North he thinks he would still be coaching football for Grandview and teaching at Meredith Middle School.

Homecoming Game 2015 Recap: North vs. Hoover

Ian McIntire, Reporter

what is better then both?” Q: Why did North decide to get/put in the clocks, field lights, & score boards? A: “This ‘wanting’ started before I had started here at North. The score board was also 15 years old, and we wanted our

Q: Why did you guys partner with Coco-Cola? It’s that time of the year again, the very A: “ Scoreboards are expensive, lots of popular tradition of Thursday and Friday school partner with Pepsi or Coke, we sale night football. For North High students their products and they take some of the it’s a time for cheering on the polar bears bill for us.” and the time to let our school pride out. Q: How Homecommuch did it ing was early cost to be this year, and able to afNorth took ford these on Hoover to things? make a close A : final score - 17 “ A b o u t to 19. Hoover $30,000”. took the win in If you the last quarwant any ter. extra info on The new this subject athletic direcor sports in tor, OJ Singeneral, you clair, opened can talk to up to introO.J. In the duce himself main office, to the North his room is High commutoward the nity. The main back on the focus of the left side. interview was E v e n to talk about t h o u g h the new field Homecoming Game: Noah Lane, a varsity player is running the ball at the homecoming game North vs. Hoover, September 11, 2015. N o r t h equipment, Photo credit: Ian McIntire didn’t win, the new field equipment to be first class, also of course after the game there was great sportsmanlights, clocks, & score boards. because the team deserved them.” ship and high fives and pounds, no matter Q: Do you like your job? Why? Q: Where did North get the money to who won or lost, they kept strong, a posiA: “Absolutely, I enjoy working with get these this new equipment? tive attitude will get you far in sports. kids, working with athletic programs, A: “We partnered with Coco-Cola.”

Find all of the words in this issue!

ALUMNI

HOMECOMING

PETER PAN

FASHION

ISISERETTES

SCHOLARSHIP

FEMINISM

JENNER

SCIENCE BOUND

FOREIGN

OBAMA

TECHNOLOGY