THE
ORACLE
North High School -- February 2014 -- Volume 109, Issue 4
Welcome to the Throwback issue! Pages 1A-6A feature articles from 2014; pages 6B-1B feature articles from 1970s-1980s. Enjoy!
THE NOW AND THEN ISSUE Our lunch, our sacrifice: North trying negative reinforcement By Jake Sanderman A forty-five minute lunch, promised to us in exchange for a better attendance record. Sounds like a pretty nice deal, right? It’s almost convincing enough to cover up the corruption behind the ordeal in the first place. Almost, but not quite. Two years ago, the idea of a forty-five minute lunch was implemented, with a release time of 2:45 to compensate for our extra time. Before then, the release time had been ten minutes earlier, and our lunches failed to subsist. As of this school year, our lengthened lunch has been stripped from our schedule, and our time to eat has been crippled. Previously, this may not have been as big of a deal. Unfortunately for us, the enormous size of the freshman class this year has done well to devastate our time in the cafeteria, and create lines that make you physically older by the time you’ve left. This, combined with the excess amount of students forced to stay behind at the school due to their new inability to eat fast food, leaves us with a major surplus of hungry students who are forced to find a little breathing room in the cafeteria. It becomes apparent that the time allocated to the number of students just isn’t enough. That’s not where the corruption begins, however. After the removal of our longer lunch, the release time of 2:45 remained,
exchange for school wide changes. The results will be very reflective of this; a promise to give us what we had already had before is the idea of inexperienced authority. It’s obvious that because of the loss of principal Matt Smith, North lost its ability to compromise.
Other views:
Compiled by Brennan Whisler Sherry Poole, teacher Q: Have you seen any improvement in tardies? A: “Yes. Kids already in school get to class on time, but kids arriving to school late has remained the same.”
Photo by Saleena Lovan; graphic created by Tanna Jones. which had only been put into effect for compensation. This left us with moronic new release times for other classes, such as 9:02, and 10:29. All this succeeds in doing is creating a confusing schedule, and an irritated student populace. After the completion of semester one with a short lunch, the North High administration came out with an ultimatum. The dust has somewhat settled, and North High has begun their attempt at turning a longer lunch into positive reinforcement. This might be all well and good for the
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freshman who weren’t around to remember previous privileges, but everyone else knows just how pathetic this is. What we are in fact being given, is negative reinforcement that was poorly disguised as a reward. Until our release time is pulled back to a time more reasonable than 2:45, this “reward” is nothing but privileges we are already paying for with our time. So what are we left with? A school administration that cut us down from the knees, and offered to help us back up in
Daisy Diaz, freshman Q: What do you think of the attendance policy? A: “I used to be late a lot but since the administration told us we would get a longer lunch, I have cut down on my tardies. I want the longer lunch. There’s more time to eat. I really think the policies will work.” Eric Addy, campus monitor Q: Have you seen any improvement in tardies? A: “A little, mostly in the last week. They’ve been clearing out of the main hallway and commons area a little quicker.” Ivania Guerra, senior Q: Do you think the attendance policy is helping? A: “No, it’s not helping with anything. People are gonna go and come later. There is no success.” What do you think? Visit our website and add your comments.
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The Oracle 2A
Five Suicides In Five Years By Leah Waughtal
“But this is an issue of the human condition. This overwhelming world wide cry. A need to connect and be valued. We all just want to belong. To fit together like a mosaic – every single piece made to mean something to the bigger picture.”
The media has nicknamed Southeast Polk High School ‘suicide high’. They’ve watched the massacres walk through the hallways and decided to nickname the catastrophe – and give it an equally disastrous moniker. A few words that roll off be the single one who is different? Overyour tongue, an easier way to swallow the whelming, exhausting, terrifying, and anxiety inducing. All feelings that may truth. No one mentions the lives. They don’t leave some students feeling pressured to recall the names, or their faces in the year- self harm, or worse push them to suicide. Teachers are quick to admit that Southbook. There isn’t a printed out replica of east Polk has battled a war with bullying. the note they left. It’s a fact that the media It must of left the administrators asking has painted Southeast Polk High School into being a born and bred death trap. The building is in pristine condition. All new facilities to accommodate over 2,000 students. Staff members commute to the building, nestled in the part of Iowa that looks like it could be found on a postcard. Southeast Polk kids go to bon fires during the weekends and paint themselves yellow and gold for football games. In a Wonder Bread world, these corn fed kids have a box they are built to fit inside. Their student body is 90% white. Diversity doesn’t breed in suburbia and white flight has left inner city Des Moines with class rooms filled to the brim with varying cultures. Going to North High School means that you have students from every single part of the socioeconomic spectrum. In every classroom people coexist. I think that is the biggest difference. The last student who committed suicide at Photo art created by Cameron Fisher. Southeast Polk was a young man who was African American, gay, and born with a cleft lip. Three things that made him stand themselves, “What have we done wrong?” out from the rest of his fellow students. Be- Begging each part of the building for an ing a minority at large homogenous high answer to their questions. They ask each cinderblock, every floor tile and the floschools often mean feeling alone. When everyone is the same, raised in rescent lights. But all they hear back is the similar single family homes, with a middle echo of their own voices and silence. Inclass background, what might it feel like to stead of answers they receive packets and instructions on how to “handle trauma.” Principals and school board members “Going to North High throw around political jargon like it could provide a remedy for these broken souls. School means that you It becomes controversial, a topic teachers have students from every shy away from and push beneath envesingle part of the lopes. Envelopes filled with statistics and test scores and lists of data that don’t mean socioeconomic anything. spectrum. In every classI am sure there was mourning. Candle lit vigils and and hundreds of tears shed room, people coexist.”
for the lives lost within the walls of Southeast Polk. And I understand the grieving process was intense and all encompassing. But this is an issue of the human condition. This overwhelming world wide cry. A need to connect and be valued. We all just want to belong. To fit together like a mosaic – every single piece made to mean
something to the bigger picture. The final argument is that diversity is more powerful than anyone could ever imagine. With every color of the spectrum being used, each hue can be appreciated and celebrated. Without it, those who stand out for being different are abused. They are ridiculed, often to the point where they were pushed to a brink. Bullying is not the focus of this article. But instead, the value of the spectrum of human experience. Every story is worth hearing, and every voice is worth listening to. Be proud of where you have come from. North High School is a pioneer in this ideological attempt at multicultural coexistence.
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Author’s Note I almost didn’t publish this piece. I almost let it all get to me. This piece felt like my baby. One that I had nursed through first drafts until it became what I truly wanted it to be. For the past few weeks I have been talking about North nonstop. I have represented green and pink like it was my nationality. I told people that bullying doesn’t happen at North. I told them that because of our diversity and our spirt that we don’t put each other down. And then life does this thing to you – it proves you wrong. I encountered cyber bullying and stood up for those who were victims. I received support from my peers but I also recieved backlash. I was told that I was blowing a joke out of proportion. Even when I knew that what I found online was deeply cruel and I wanted it removed. Finally, it was, and I dropped the subject and moved on. When it got drawn out further, I awoke the next morning feeling completely defeated. I carried the burden in my chest and it weighed me down. I understand that there are shades of bullying. Before, I was set strict in my set of principles. But now, I find myself questioning what I stand for. What does it mean when you tell yourself that you have done the right thing – and then still feel terrible afterwards? All I can say is that it has kept me awake at night. I know there aren’t “bad people”. I know that there are bad circumstances. I know that sometimes we speak without understanding the gravity of our language. I know that all I can do is keep getting back up, the same way I know that there will never be a finite answer about what is wrong and what is right, or, for this matter, who is wrong and who is right. I do not know how to tell other people to keep their chin up and honestly believe that it must get better – when I don’t know if I believe it myself.
Check out more articles by Leah Waughtal on our website www.northhsoracle.com --> Click on “STAFF” to see articles organized by all Oracle members.
The Oracle 3A
BLOOD DRIVE By Maddie Houska
Pothead Leah Waughtal and Hatte Kelley
You, stoner, asleep in class; with blood-shot eyes and glossy stare, Your life is fabricated of fake happiness; and all you can think about is that next hit! You wish your highs would last just a bit longer; Now you’re low, nothing is making you laugh. Stomach so full, and mouth so dry; You say your green makes you serene. Each hour you brag to all your friends; just to feel like you’re so cool. You’ve blown so much green; just to get some weed. And now you walk out, jipping class; You don’t know you’re ruining your life. The police come and you’re taken away; What you don’t know is, the police don’t play. This poem was written to match/ contrastthe poem on 3B from 1982.
Since at least 1982, North has hosted an annual blood drive. Students of the age 16 and up can be a part of this event. It only takes 30 minutes of your time to save someones life, just by donating blood. Junior Isaiah Newsome of North High School, has battled sickle cell anemia since he was three. Every two months, he has a procedure, called an infusion(a transfer of blood from a donor to a recipient to replace blood), to give strength to his bones. When he receives a transfusion, he is very weak and it is often very painful for him. According to The Blood Center of Iowa, “Every week in central Iowa, 2,000 units of blood are needed. Every two seconds, someone needs blood. More than 35% of Americans are eligible to donate blood, but less than 10% actually do. Those seem like some dismal statistics.” Each year, North has recruited more and more volunteers to donate blood. Blood is a lifesaver for patients like Isaiah. In his case, blood helps heal his pain. By being a part of this event, you give patients in need, another day to smile. Blood is a vital source and by contributing to the annual blood drive you save lives. North plans on continuing their annual blood drive, and as students continue to donate blood, former classmates like Isaiah, are given another reason to smile.
Danny Kanyavimonh donating blood at the blood drive on January 30. Photo by Ben Graeber.
SCHOL HISTORY: PINK PRIDE By Sammi Linebach The school was officially opened in 1889 and up until 1892, North had no school colors. The principal at the time, Miss Louise Patterson, suggested that pink and green be used. She thought of the colors when she looked outside her window and noticed the pink blossoms and the green leaves on a Crabapple tree. Since then, the colors (for the most part) stuck. In the 1960-70s, the color disappeared out of uniforms, and since then, the color has been in out of the curriculum. However, as the years came about, pink
is sneaking back in. Some argue that pink is coming back, but not as much as it should be. However, in volleyball, the libero, which is the defensive specialist position, is now wearing pink instead of the previous white color it had been years before. The new North High Logo on the flags by the football stadium now hint a little pink outline as well. Some may argue that the pink hinders our boys’ team masculinity. While others argue it’s just a color and we should be proud to represent such a diverse and outstanding school. Alongside our school colors, there is
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something else that shows our spirit for the school. The large, gold round disk lodged into the ground that not many people know what it symbolizes. The North High emblem shows a polar bear on top of a cake of ice with a star shining it’s rays overtop. What does it all stand for? The polar bear, obviously, is our mascot. Which was chosen because we are NORTH--as in North Pole. The surrounding ice is, of course, it’s natural habitat, and the star is simply the North Star.
The Oracle 4A
Theatre: Exposed By Hatte Kelley You’re about to enter the unknown. What is this Woodchuck Theatre or “little” theatre you speak of? Where is “Almost, Maine”? What is it about? Huh!?! Shhhhh, Don’t worry our faithful Oracle consumer, let me explain. The Woodchuck Theatre is a secondary and smaller theatre than North’s auditorium. The Woodchuck has not always been the lovely secondary theatre it is today. It is now fully functional with dark curtains provided by Jill Frank, a fundraised $4,000 for a lights system, and ISU donated theatre chairs. Mark Rixner, North’s Drama Director, finished his miniature venue in 2007. “Almost, Maine” is the seventh production to grace into this hand crafted stage. Rixner explains why “Almost, Maine” was chosen for a small stage show, “First of all, smaller cast show with ten or less people on a stage at a time is
perfect for Woodchuck. Makes it more personal,” He also spoke on how the Woodchuck is for more obscure or not well known shows. Also, the auditorium theatre seats 1,300 versus the Woodchuck’s 96 seats. Challenges with the Woodchuck are extrapolated by Rixner, “More light to manage out there than we do here in the Woodchuck. That can sometimes be an issue. The noise in the halls can sometimes be a problem.” “Almost Maine” isn’t much of a place as it is this winter’s play, but in the play it’s an unorganized territory in Northern Maine. When asked to give a summary Rixner described the play as such, “A neat show about relationships. Even though some of the characters are older than high schoolers. They can appreciate the comedy and some of the issues faced. It has been a really high school/middle school year.” When he says it has been a “high school/middle school year” he was in-
Photo of Almost Maine poster signed by the cast. Photo by Hatte Kelley
tending to express what kind of audience this year’s productions have been geared towards. ` Out of five stars Rixner rates this play as a four for high school audience and high school performers. He mentioned, “Some actors can relate, and some are still too young.”
North’s upcoming show is The Outsiders. Performances will be April 3 - 6.
Contest Update By Leah Waughtul If you think that musicals are the biggest worries on a Theater student’s plate, you are dead wrong. In January students from across the state congregate at local high schools to compete. This Saturday January 25th, North sent 17 groups to speech contest. After braving Iowa wind chills students arrived at Valley High School. After tracking down their centers, spread out across the confusing halls of Valley, they meet up in the gym. Piles of coats, bags, scripts, and costumes mark their territory for the rest of the day. In the following hours students must manage time between readying themselves for their own performances and supporting other students. Categories are a range of Improv, Radio Broadcasting, Ensemble Acting, Mime/Solo Mine, Musical Theater, One Act, Readers Theater, Short Film, and Choral Reading. Each one is per-
formance demanding in its own way. The entire building is one big ball of nervous energy. The hallways demand silence, but in every nook and cranny of the building you will find students practicing. This is only interrupted by the random bouts of cheering from where the scores are posted. It is a range of roman numerals one through four. Ones mean ‘on to state!’ twos mean ‘close, but not quiet up to par’ threes translate to ‘way off the mark’ and fours are a devastating disqualification. 11 of our 17 groups will be going to state in two weeks. So while you were in bed on Saturday morning, North students were out proving themselves as champions of the stage. So come out and support them February 8th and pray for a trip to All State!
Photo of the drama department during contest at Valley. Photo courtesy of Mark Rixner
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The Oracle 5A
Stupendous Six Winter Olympics Information With Sochi well underway, America is picked to finish high in total medals and gold medals. Trailing only Norway in both categories, they both are the favorites this year with possible contenders from Canada, Germany, and Russia. America has always had the big name athletes, but with Lindsey Vonn out who will be the big names and stories in Sochi. Well here our five strong possibilities. From left: Jamaal Dudley, Sam Williams, Teyontae Jenkins, Sakou Mtayari, Terrance Bush, Darius Myles. Photo by Cameron Fisher
By Brennan Whisler Teyontae, Sam, Terrance, Sekou, Darius, and Jamaal. All are Polar Bears, all are basketball players, and all are in their senior year. This year the boys’ basketball team promises to be more promising than ever before, hopes of a CIML title and a state run is dangled in front of them. For the seniors, it’s a last chance. A last chance to make a name, a last chance to impress scouts, and a last chance to play competitively with childhood friends. Of the six seniors, four have been connected since elementary and middle school, whether through direct contact or through friends. Teyontae, Sam and Sekou knew each other in elementary and Jamaal came to know them in middle school. Darius and Terrance met the team when they came to North, but they quickly made up for lost time and the result is a likely CIML title, numerous state statistic leaders, a top five ranking, and an almost unbelievable on-court chemistry.
The results speak for themselves: a 17-2 record and the seniors lead the way for the team and Class 4A in multiple categories. Sam is second leading blocker in 4A. Teyontae is first in both free throws made and attempted, he is also number one in assists, and along being fifth in steals he has the third highest point total. Terrance leads 4A in steals, is a top ten member in defen-
hit their stride by destroying East, Lincoln, and Carlisle by an average of 26 points; don’t forget to throw in a double OT thriller at Ankeny Centennial. With a stretch like that it’s easy to forget the lone loss and the closer then it should’ve beens such as the first East and Lincoln meetings, and the threepoint win against a current 4-9 Indianola squad. They have shown guts, determination, and toughness so far this year. A loss that forced them to stay focused could’ve proven helpful to this team of would be underdogs turned powerhouse. How far they will get as a team is unknown, how far they will get as people is clearer. Most of the seniors have college playing capabilities and those without those talents are more than prepared for the academic side thanks to Coach Ryan’s student first thoughts on student-athletes. Regardless of the future the team and the seniors are winners, all that’s left is how big will they win.
“They have shown guts, determination, and toughness so far this year.” sive rebounds and total rebounds, he’s fifth in threes attempted and ninth in threes made, he’s also fifth in FG attempted and in total points. State leaders lead the way for a hungry Polar Bear team that as of now have beaten state powers such as Ankeny Centennial and Johnston along with CIML titans Roosevelt and Hoover. With a midseason falter to Southeast Polk the Polar Bears have
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• Bode Miller- This is the skier’s fourth Winter Olympic showing. He currently has one gold, three silver, and one bronze and will likely continue his successful streak this year. • Lolo Jones- This is the former track star’s third Olympics, but first Winter showing for the bobsledding hopeful. She hopes for this to be the year she gets an Olympic medal. • Patrick Kane- A headliner for the American hockey team this is his second Olympic Games. This year he’ll be looking to win gold after the silver performance at Vancouver. • Ted Ligety- Ligety has participated in two other Olympics and has one gold medal. This well known skier hopes to add more to his case this year. • Shaun White- Arguably the most we’ll known player at the Sochi games this year, the Flying Tomato will likely add to his two golds. This is the snowboarder’s third Games.
The Oracle 6A
CURRENT PHOTO GALLERY
Keon Lowe (Sophomore) shooting free throw’s during lunch. September 26th, 2013
Kristy Irwin posing during Homecoming week. September 16th, 2013.
Savannah Van De Boe (Senior) working on her painting. Novemeber 15th, 2013
Erin Overton (Senior) and Hunter Adrian (Senior) dancing at The Homecoming Dance. September 21st, 2013
Somchai Ko during the senior night wrestling meet. January 28th, 2014
Teyonte Jenkins (Senior) practicing his free-throws. Novemeber 6th, 2013
Danny Kanyavimonh (Senior) and Shauna Tyler (Senior) dancing at The Homecoming Dance. September 21st, 2013
Homecoming Queen Taylor McDaniel (Senior) and King Sam Williams (Senior) at the Homcoming dance. September 21st, 2013
North taking control during the senior night wrestling meet. January 28th, 2014
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Mrs. Nieters and Mrs. Schwendau on superhero day of homecoming week. September 19th, 2013
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THE
ORACLE
Welcome to the Throwback issue! Pages 1A-6A feature articles from 2014; pages 6B-1B feature articles from 1970s-1980s. Enjoy!
THE THEN AND NOW ISSUE A New Attendance Policy Again! When truancy occurs, you get no credit for make up but the teachers have the option of requiring you to make it up. If you should happen to get suspended you can get credit for your classes if you approach your teachers for make up. Now this is just fine and dandy for a person who is in good health but every once in awhile you can find a student who isn’t quite so lucky. If this student should happen to be sick twelve separate days they are dropped from classes. They should make the policy for the unexcused absences more lenient.
Debra Griffin (1976) It seems like every year something new is always happening. Well, this year is no exception. Most of the seniors know that two years ago North High decided to try out a totally new policy for attendance. In this policy, the students were allowed twelve absences (three tardies equal an absence). All the absences were unexcused unless you had an extended illness or you had an excuse from a teacher. Attendance was taken in every class for all six periods. After three days of being absent your parents were notified by having a letter sent to them. If you were gone seven days your parents got a letter and a call from the teacher of the class you missed. After twelve absences you had better forget about getting credit for your class. Well, this policy went fine until the first month of school was up. Then people started getting kicked out because they had too many absences. I guess the administration thought that the majority of the students that fell under this category were jipping too much. So this year things aren’t quite as easy for us. The new policy has followed the same
“After twelve absences you had better forget about getting credit for your class.”
Spirit Week during Homecoming from October 3rd, 1973. steps of the old policy, except that a few things have been added. The big change is that the first period teachers have to report all absences at the beginning of class to the office. In the office a huge list is made up and given to each teacher. This is when students run into trouble. If your name happens to be on the absence list but you’re in the rest of your classes you will
stay clear of trouble. When the absence list doesn’t have your name on it and you’re not in one of your classes you get an automatic fine for the day in that class. You probably will be asked about it and if they decide that the absence is legitimate then the five will be cleared. Every tardy must be made up but still after three tardies you will have one absence.
Editorial Note
The Oracle would like to make it known that certain topics in the vintage issue might not correctly represent our beliefs. These are just articles we have pulled out that we thought you might enjoy reading and compare to present issues.
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The Oracle 2B
Suicide - The Answer? Lisa Nelsen - April 1977
centages are in the North more Julie came into the living room and blacks comkissed her parents good night. They were mit suicide, in both mildly surprised since at 16, she had the South more be acting with typical teenage introver- whites do. Dursion. ing the year, “We’ll live through it,” her father had April holds the said. “Most parents do.” highest suiAt the door, Julie turned and smiled at cide rate with them. They felt good about her. Luckier the two weeks than many of their friends whose kids got at Christmas a messed up with drugs, skipped school, close second. and even ran away. Julie got good marks During the days and behaved herself. Everyone liked her. of the week, FriAt seven o’clock the next morning when days and Monher mother went to the door to wake Julie days produce up for school, she found it blocked. Her more suicides. calls brought no help from inside; so with Girls tend to all her strength she forced it open partly. take the pasAll she remembers before she fainted was sive means out Julie’s outstretched arm laying towards – sleeping pills the door, her dead body crumpled on the and slit wrists floor. She had swallowed 32 sleeping pills. – where death Jim was always an insecure person, espe- eases in. Boys cially around girls, although he did a fairly choose hanging good job of hiding it. When he started go- and shooting ing with Ellen, he felt as if he’d never been – where death happier. Even his home and school life comes violently. Photo: Picture of a graveyard; originally published in April 1977 . started improving. He was so proud of her On average, 650 around his friends. suicides are committed during a week. In still no one knows for sure. The average teen spends much of his He was hurt beyond belief when Ellen recent years teen suicides have risen 200 time in varying degrees of depression. But dropped him to go with another guy. One percent. it can get out of hand, and when it does it’s more exciting and popular, more in the Why is this happening? Why are all of because of a lack of communication. spotlight. Jim would show her. He would these hundreds of youths taking their own The two examples of teen suicide could make her feel sorry for what she did. He lives? have been saved if Julie’s mother would would make everyone feel sorry for him. One of the reasons stated by psycholohave noticed she wasn’t acting herself; not That night he went home into his garage gists are breakdown in institutions, pargoing anywhere, avoiding friends, staying and shot himself ticularly home and in her room. She could have sat Julie down with his father’s “Why is this happening? church that used to and said, “What’s the matter? I can tell hunting rifle. provide stability in a Why are all of these hundreds something’s wrong. Wanna talk about it?” These are not isoyoung person. of youths taking their own Jim’s girlfriend, Ellen, could have exlated new tragedies. Another reason plained to him that she didn’t break it off Suicide is now is that America’s lives?” because she thought he was a boring and the second leadyouth is forced to uninteresting person, but because their ining cause of death grow up to fast and terests were on such a different level. among teenagers today, second only to the pressures get to be too much. Also, A teenager who’s contemplating suicide accidents. Efforts are made to cover these teens are trying to decide on a life’s work isn’t wishing to die, he’s begging to be things up because schools are left scandal- that has meaning and gratification. This saved. ized and communities shocked. But fami- can produce a lot of hopelessness and There’s no stereotype of people who comlies rarely recover from the guilt brought negative thinking. Unlike the days when mit suicide, although a higher number of on by the suicide of a son, daughter, or kids naturally worked on the farms or the people do it if their parents did. Seventysibling. shops their parents owned, we’re forced to one percent of teen suicides come from Thirty percent of all teen suicides are make strong decisions the will affect our broken homes. This could be because they drop outs. Girls account for 90% of all sui- entire lives. felt responsible for their parents divorce. cide attempts, while boys make up for 70% These are some of the reasons for the rise How can you tell in advance if a friend of actual suicides. Some geographical per- in teen suicides, there are many more but
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might be thinking of committing suicide? Look for the following danger signals: 1. Absence of significant personal relationships. Watch for the effects of a broken love affair, death of a parents, or a person becoming a loner. 2. The use of drugs and alcohol. Over half of teen suicides had been abusing drugs and drinking heavily. 85 percent in cases where suicide is attempted unsuccessfully. This does not mean that everyone who commits suicide wants to kill himself. 3. Communication problems at home. A study of youthful suicides revealed that nearly two-thirds of them had been on poor terms with their families. Most said that their families didn’t understand them. 4. A sudden personality change. 5. Behavioral changes. This includes loss of weight, loss of appetite, neglect of school work, lack of interest in personal appearance, and talks or threats of suicide. If you notice and of these signs in a friend or yourself, try and talk it out with someone. If you’ve got no one to turn to, call Crisis Line, they’re willing to help. The number is (319) 351-0140
The Oracle 3B
School Colors; Why Pink and Green Article from: October 1, 1982 Have you ever wondered why North High School’s colors are pink and green? Dr. Robert Denny, assistant superintendent of Des Moines Schools and principle of North High in 1961-63, explains that “One day Miss Louise Patterson, principal of North in 1889-92, looked out the window of her office and saw the pink apple blossoms and the green leaves on the crabapple trees and suggested the North High
colors should be pink and green.” Later when Dr. Denny was principle of North, students were encouraged to take part in decisions within the school and this was when white was added to the school colors. But why a polar bear for an emblem? The emblem of North High is the Polar Bear on a cake of ice with the North Star shedding it’s rays of light over all. A former student of North High who inquired about “Why the bear” years ago was
told unofficially that “they chose the Polar Bear because it was North High School.” the emblem of the North High Polar Bear was placed in the floor of the front hall in the summer of 1965 by the Student Council.Later the chain was put around it to keep the students from walking on it, and the light that shines upon it is in memory of a student at North who died October, 1965. So if you’ve wondered why . . . now you know!
COMIC “Getting a Date”
Donors Needed To Give Blood Aricle from: April 21, 1982 Blood is needed 140 times a day in the Central Iowa area and you can fill that need. It only takes 30 minutes of your time to save a life by donating blood, but the results would mean a whole lifetime for the patient who needs blood. A donor should be in general good health, between the ages of 17 (with parents’ permission) and 66 years old, and have eaten a meal prior to donating. By donating blood an individual fulfills a need that can be accomplished in no other way. Blood is a vital resource. It cannot be manufactured.
Junkie By Randall Hoch (1982) You, dopehead, sitting there; with runny nose and distant stare, Your world is full of unreal kicks; and now you know, you need that fix!
Published on May 1, 1974
You now wish your highs would stick; Now that you're down, you feel so sick. Face so pale, and arms with tracks; You say your smack makes you relax. Each day you tell so many lies; just to get your plastic highs. You've gone so far as to steal; just to leave the world that's real. And now you sit there, com -atose; You realize it's an overdose. The ambulance comes and you're gone away; What you don't know, you'll be D.O.A.
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The Oracle 4B
North High Drama Club Stages Fall Play Article from November 18, 1977 The drama club presented its fall play. “The Beauty Part,” November 11 and 12. The play was a comedy about Lance Weatherwax, the son of a millionaire, who decides that he is not fulfilled, and ventures out into the world to fulfill himself. He tries to fulfill himself through many different jobs, but totally fails. He then gives up his dream for the woman that he loves, April Monkhood. He returns home and they marry, living happily ever after. The actors and actresses did an excellent job, playing a number of different characters. There were about 30 characters to be portrayed and only 17 actors and actresses. There are so many characters, that there is too many to mention, but the main characters were: Lance Weatherwax Steve Cree April Monkhood Linda Shipman Milo Weatherwax, Hyacinth Laffoon, Harry Hebris,
Nelson Smedley, Mark Linebach, Ocavia Weatherwax, Grace Fingerhead, Emily Gould Those who were also in the play are: Becky Woodyard, Janet Battles, Rob Gallagher, Michelle Weeks, Mona Reese, Doug Godwin, Lesle Rychel, Paul McCollom, John Gillihan, Chris Hay, Tina Lewis, Richard Peckham, and Rod Christofferson. The play was a big success and all those who participated should be congratulated for a job well done! Only Pictures Caption: Pictured here is one of the scenes from “The Beauty Part” which was presented last week. Pictured from left to right is Mark Linebach, Steve Cree and Emily Gould.
Pictured here is one of the scenes from “The Beauty Part” which was presented last week. Pictured from left tp right is Mark Linebach, Steve Cree and Emily Gould.
Killinger Clowns For Money
PREVIOUS NORTH HIGH SCHOOL PLAYS
1
Killinger Clowns play, raising money for a chance to play at the White House.
Finnian’s Rainbow
The Boyfriend
Mr. John Thompson helpin the cast of The Boyfriend Rehearse (1974)
NORTH HIGH VOCAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT PRESENTS:
“I GOT THE MUSIC IN ME” May 17, 1977
7:30 p.m.
IN THE NORTH HIGH AUDITORIUM Tickets: Students $1.00 Adults: $2.00 TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR.
North HIgh music theatre students practice for the winter musical drama production Finnian’s Rainbow which will be presented in late January. Photo by: Doug Smith (1977)
Plan to join us for music form the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s as well as a EXOLOSIVE FINALE!
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The Oracle 5B
Found Farewell to The Fabulous Five Unknown Writer 1983 Five North high girls ended their high school careers as they were defeated by the Urbandale Jayettes in the semi-final round of the sectionals. Those seniors are forwards Barb Chappas, Bobbi Bailey, and guards Ginger Groenhoff, Deanne Hodges, and Linda Page. The loss ended a long standing team relationship, with the the girls been teammates since ninth grade. In their last game both Barb and Deanne had good performances. Deanne showed excellent hustle all game and had three interceptions, while Barb had two offensive steals and ended up with 42 points by displaying her more skillful moves. Ginger “Shorty” Groenhoff had several blocked shots. Linda Page also turned in a good game performance by pulling down 5 rebounds. Bobbi Bailey was extremely limited in her play due to a knee injury sustained the night before against Lincoln. Juniors Shari Wilson and DeAnn Kannis also showed promise by adding 11 and seven points, respectively. Sophomore Lois Schomer also saw a varsity action by chipping in a point. It was a sentimental loss, but a game well played. In the first round of Sectional play, North lost a heart breaker to Lincoln 86-60. The tempo of the game belonged solely to North until the last four minutes when an
Olympic Review
In August one of the amazing sports spectacles took place in Montreal, Canada. The event was the olympic games. As unusual the olympics contained its fair share of upsets, victories and controversial issues. Before the olympics began politics entered the picture when Canada refused to allow republic of china to enter the games under that name. Then many of the
The 1982-1983 Girls Basketball Team unlucky chain of events began to haunt the Mama bears. First, Bobbi Bailey was injured while driving for a lay up, “Shorty” Groenhoff was tagged with several fouls, creating un-due pressure on the guard court, and both courts were plagued with turn overs. The loss was extremely disheartening since North had played so well
at the games start. Hodges had four interceptions ad Ginger had two in the first half. Kanis, sparked the team early with sizzling shots that scorched the net, and North went into the locker room at half time sporting a 4038 lead. The second half flowed well also. Plays were executed efficiently and stam-
ina showed as the girls really played with their heads in the game. A final salute should go to the graduating seniors and best wishes to the upcoming Mama Bears.
African teams withdrew from the games because a New Zealand rugby team had toured South Africa On sports scene the East Germans won the most gold medals with U.S.S.R and the United States following in that respective order. The East Germans dominated womens swimming and womens rowing. The Russains dominated team gymnastics brought about one surprises when Nadie Comeneci received the first perfect score in the olympics. In track and field the U.S failed to place
anyone in the top 3 sports in the 100 meter dash , the first time thus has happened in olympiads. The 4-400 meter relay were won by U.S. Teams. And in the 400 meter hurdles the U.S. took first and second when Edwin Moses and Mike Shine finished one, two. The american boxing team surprised many people when they made a very good showing by collecting six gold medals. In the 1972 Munich Olympics the United States basketball team lost to the
U.S.S.R in a very controversial game. So the “76” olympics basketball battle was expected to be a rematch of the “72” olympics but the Russians did not qualify for the finals and, the United States beat Yugoslavia for the gold medal. With the growing dominance of the Eastern European communist countries who start training athletes from from age 6 many Americans are asking should we change our athletic system?
Junior Linda McClain is determined to put the ball over as North defeats Marensdale-St. Marys 15-0. Photo by: David Sounders (1978)
Photo from January 16, 1974
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Emily proves to be a pain in the back. Photo by: Jim Gebhardt (1977)
The Oracle 6B
VINTAGE PHOTO GALLERY
Photo: February 27th, 1974
Photo: October 3rd, 1973
Photo: February 27th, 1974
Photo: October 30th, 1981
Photo: February 27th, 1974
Photo: February 27th, 1974
Photo: February 27th, 1974
Photo: October 3rd, 1973
Photo: October 3rd, 1973
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Photo: October 30th, 1981
Photo: February 27th, 1974