Issue 5 Pieces of Our Community by North High Oracle

our_staff: Executive Editors-in-chief: Cheyann Neades, Madison Houska

Mentor Editors-in-chief: Hannah McNichols, Tanna Jones Managing Editor: Jasmine Inthabounh Copy Editors: Taj Milton & Kathleen Tran News Editor: Angelica Reyes Opinions Editor: Kenzie Schnathorst & Daniela Hernandez-Avila Features Editor: Nathaniel Cobb Entertainment Editors: Megan Bohall Sports Editors: Colt Wyatt & Somerle Rhiner Cover Gurus: Megan Bohall, Kenzie Schnathorst (Front) and Nathaniel Cobb (Back) Reporters: Emily Acosta-Vijil, Kelsey Ambrose, Laura Christensen, Rayshawna Collier, Ashley George, Aeris Heckman, Yer Lee, Janiecia McCaleb, Ian McIntire, Noemy Salgado Newspaper Adviser: Jennifer Dryden Design: C. Neades/N. Cobb

Story by Nathaniel Cobb

By: Yer Lee

Event Timeline

5:00p.m. - 6:30p.m. Silent Auction Begins - Attendees could bid on a variety of items such as: salon packages, sports memorabilia, artwork, rag quilts made by the sewing club and various other items. 5:00p.m. - 6:30p.m. Student Showcase Social Hour - This was an opportunity to that presented some of Northâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest students who showcased some showstopping performances: - Orchestra Quartet - Debate - Jazz Band - Choir - ROTC Presentation of Colors 6:30p.m. Buffet Dinner 7:30p.m. Dessert Auction - Attendees could bid on desserts and pastries from local bakeries and pastry chefs - Keynote: Sean Quinlan 8:05p.m. Silent Auction Ends 8:15p.m. Live Auction Begins - Attendees could bid on Disney World tickets, vacational trips, artwork, and various other items 9:00p.m. - 10:00p.m. Checkout - begins after the Live Auction concludes 9:00p.m. - 10:00p.m. Entertainment by Des Moines Crosstown

News

Event Summary At the top of the Holiday Inn tower, located in downtown Des Moines, North High’s booster club hosted the Polar Bear Gala and Auction, which sold out many days prior. Entertainers at the Gala included some of

North’s finest students such as the orchestra quartet, jazz band, choir, debate, and ROTC. Attendees were able to bid on a variety of items at the live auction, dessert auction, and live auction that scheduled to take place the

entire evening. Money raised will help benefit North’s sports program, fine arts, robotics, yearbook, and many other activities and programs. Personal “Thank You’s” have been sent out to all donors and contributors.

Items that were donated and auctioned varied widely thanks to all the donors and contributors. Part of the items consisted of a sports apparel package, polar bear pottery, IPad mini, and artwork - “It’s Cool To Be Kind.” Photo Credit: Jasmine Inthabounh

Event Auctions The Polar Bear Gala was a huge event for North High School and largely helped spread the name of North amongst the coummunity. Approximately $25,000 was raised from the gala, all of which will be used to fund North activities. The silent auction, which was held at the beginning of the event, auctioned 108 items total and included some fascinating items such as a basketball signed by Fred Hoiberg and the Chicago Bulls, and a football signed by the Green Bay Packers, which auctioned for $600. Shortly after, the dessert auction became a competitive moment as people tried to outbid others or a taste of some delicious des-

serts. Jean Schwendeau, who’s cupcakes are well known by the staff, made carrot and turtle cupcakes and were both auction for just above $150. Although the staff was skeptical about planning a “dessert auction,” who’s first auction item was bid for only $40, towards the end however, things turned for the better. As the bids became heated, the last dessert, which was a champagne cake, was bid off at $250. Perhaps the most expensive part of the event was the live auction. Although, only eight items were auctioned, it included some incredible things. Most notably, Chris Vance, who was a graduate of North High School, kindly donated his own personal artwork. Other pieces Vance has made can be viewed

at his website chrisvanceart.com. In addition, live tickets to see a musical performance by Dartanyan Brown, who was also a graduate of North High School, were auctioned for $1000 by the alumni. Other live auction items included a Disney World Park Hopper pass which auctioned for $400, Broadway tickets (3 nights + 2 shows) auctioned for $4000, North High t-shirt quilt auctioned for $240, along with a few other items. The event could not have been possible without the donations from the staff, NHS activities programs, and as well as kind businesses from outside of North.

The Student Showcase Social Hour consisted of the Orchestra Quartet, Jazz Band, North Gospel Choir, and ROTC. Photo credit:Jasmine Inthabounh

Student Showcase

The student showcase social hour provided the chance for North’s finest students to present themselves and put on a great performance. The jazz band played songs such as Vehicle, Lean on Me, Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk, and the North High Fight Song which hyped the crowd and stimulated lots of energy and at-

traction. Towards the end of the showcase, the North Soul gospel choir delivered some powerful songs. They opened with the Alma Mater which is well known among the alumni of North for generations, Brighter Day, Higher and Higher, You are my Strength, and ended with God is Great Medley that was fun to

watch as the choir had fun and caught many attention with their claps and body movements. Followed by the North Soul, the ROTC began the presentation of colors to which the choir sang the Star Spangled Banner.

Design: Y. Lee

Once a Polar Bear, always a Polar Bear At North many cuts have occurred, leaving students and staff in both sadness and disbelief

Janiecia McCaleb, Reporter Here recently at North there have been many teachers excessed, and a few have been reduced to a part-time position for reasons none of us seem to know. So instead of dwelling on what we don’t know; let’s remember what we do know. What we do know is that all of the teachers being let go were indeed an asset to North and they will be truly missed. I know many of the teachers feel so empty having the cold reality of no longer working here, but with that I’d like to add that all of your hard work, dedication, and long nights spent here at North have not gone unnoticed; we do appreciate you and you all will be very missed. I personally haven’t had all the teachers who are being let go; however I have heard many stories reminiscing in the great times students have had with the soon to be former teachers, along with many remarks on the disappointment of loosing them. 11th grade Tyana Settles said, “I feel really bad because so many of these teachers have families, and they really are a part of what makes North who and what we are.” North won’t be the same without walking down the family consumer science hall and seeing Ms. Kaiser’s smile effortlessly greeting students; or Ms.Levy’s humor making the 80 minute class fly by leaving the students asking where the time had gone. On behalf of many North students we are going to have a hard time adjusting to school without all of you. Samantha Negrete said,“I feel like

Opinions

Photo by: Janiecia McCaleb 10th grade student Jazmarye Morrow hugging Ms.Kaiser , who will no longer be with us next school year. all the cuts don’t really make sense because were losing staff during the school year, so they now are going to either have to find replacement’s, or cut the classes all together and not all teachers teach the same so they’re changing the way students are used to being taught.” Having cuts occur affect the North students in several ways as well. We are now going to be expected to adjust to the way other teachers teach. And that’s challenging. Were loosing teachers we have personally built relationships with; so as much as it’s hurting all of you, it’s hurting us too. After all “A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart”, and all of you have done that in a number of ways. Even though you will no longer be with us, you are always going to be a Polar Bear. Thanks for all of your hard work.

Des Moines, Iowa

“My professors not only know my name, but they know me - who I am and what my interests are.” – Ake Phetdavieng

LEARN MORE AT

ONE OF OUR VISIT DAYS Soph/Jr Visit Day

Fri., Apr 1

Summer Visit Day

Fri., June 10

Design: J. McCaleb

Features

Design: A.Reyes /D.Avila

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Known as Nytt arsballet, which is translated to; Th e new year’s ba ll. This full-on pa rty season take s place before their en d-of-year exam s. The fun includes a variety of harm less dares as well as expe nsive vehicles c alled russebil, which can include de corated vans decked ou t with stereos, televisions, furniture and re frigerators. Wh ile some of them create humorous new spapers to raise money for the party.

Baseball Promposal

What you will need:

•One Baseball •Sharpie of your choice •Cute promposal question (Such as: “I might strike out asking, but will you go to Prom with me?”) •The perfect player

Puzzle Promposal

What you will need:

•Plain piece of paper •Markers or pens of your choice •Scissors •One small box or bag •The perfect date

Design: K. Schnathorst/ M. Bohall

Janett Luna- University of Iowa

“It’s where I feel more comfortable, and they have a large variety of majors to choose from, which is perfect for me.”

PC: Infinite Campus

Twelve years in the making and the day is finally here. You walk across the stage and get your diploma and then you begin the rest of your life. What are you going to do? College, Military or work? Here are some of your North seniors who know what they’re going to do after they graduate, and why they chose that path.

PC: E. Acosta

Dori Polk- Grand View University

“I saw opportunities for me in nursing and I’m more of a small college person. I like a more personalized experience and a tight-knit community opposed to a larger college where most professors won’t even know your name.”

PC: E. Acosta

Tania Montoya- DMACC

Features

“I can get my classes for a cheaper price. I want to be an interior designer because I love math, art(fashion), and if you put that together that’s what you use for interior design.”

Jade Hath

“Nothing is school so th tinue to wo

Teacher Advice:

•Mrs. Power about the college path: “My advice would be to set a goal for yourself when you get to college so you are always pushing yourself to strive for something great.” •Mrs. Krantman about the college path: “Get involved in college, it’s a time to reinvent yourself. Explore who you are as a person.” •Major Quinlan about the Military path: “Mentally, physically and morally be prepared, make sure that this is what you want. Ask questions about the different serivces they provide, [it] depends on the person. See if it’s the best for you and your future.”

Hathaway

PC: Infinite Campus

ng is free. Teenagers realize that in high so they get jobs and sometimes they conwork after high school.”

Russell Champlin- Marine Corps

“Well someone has to do it. It’s a mobile choice, and there’s a very distinct honor and respect among Marines.”

Albert Valle- National Guard

“To be a part of a small brotherhood and to do something bigger than myself. I chose it for experience and to fight for my country when the time comes.” You

PC: E. Acosta Design: E. Acosta / A. Heckman

15 Mrs. Daniels,

Mr. Franz, History Teacher

English

Teacher “She’s prob teacher ev ably the coolest er, she kn ow to keep st udents en s how while lear tertained ning. I ju st really lik e her vibe.” -Junior, Tina

“He takes time to let students talk about what they don’t understand, relates to his students. Also his room alw ays smells bomb.”

-Sophomore, Jenna Jensen

Mr. Jordal, Social Studies Teacher

“He has a positive and relaxed vibe that is nice to have for an AP class. I get so intrigued, I have considered teaching AP Human or studying Agricultur e after high school.”

-Sophomore, Jasmine Inthabounh

Mrs. Masteller,

English Teacher

t her cares abou “She truly ves in you lie be d an students ve in don’t belie when you yourself.”

na Peterson -Sophomore, Brea

Jasmine Inthabounh, Co-Features Editor

Ms.Schwendau, Science Tea cher

“She’s kind and he lps even when you’r e having a hard time, she’s really my favorite teach er.” -Sophomore, Jessica Hansen

Mrs. Landrith, English Teacher

help “Always willing to ch a regardless of how mu e about student may not car school.”

vong

-Junior, Akai Thipha

Ms. Lambert, Math Teache

ory Teacher Mr. Colemanely, Hicastres about my

“He genuin tside of side and ou my abilities in believes in s ay w al he class, always d I and he an es at m class s, while w challenge gives me ne ive.” sit po ng ni remai

“She always has us do the best and when we get a bad grade, even a B, she alw ays tells us, ‘You’re better tha n that,’ and she makes sure we all do the best we can do.”

-Freshman, Staesha Christia nson

Neades -Junior, Cheyann

Features

Design: J.Inthabounh

, Reporters

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Tennis Jasmine Inthabounh, Co-Features Editor

Photo Credit:

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Dorcas Muhaw

Photo Credit: Oriah White

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