April pelladium

helping habitat

Prom Revisited

PELLADIUM P. 3

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THE PELLA COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL NEWS PUBLICATION

04.29.2014

Volume 26

Issue Eight

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PAGE EDITOR: Gregory Frommelt

Current

04. 29. 2014

Show choir time commitment reviewed by administration The show choir season has come and gone, but controversy was recently stirred involving Many students voiced about their love for show choir and the feeling of having a family. The scheduling by the choir department and conflicting schedules. The 2013-2014 show choir protest did have results on both sides of the line. practice schedule stretches from August to March, but their competition schedule runs from “It wasn’t organized that much; people just sent out texts about it, and we all caught on the end of January to the beginning of March. eventually,” said junior Nicci Van Wyk. “It was an evalutaion of all performing arts schedules. The “The protest was a great opportunity for them to bottom line is we are trying to look at what is reasonable for all express their concerns; it was a great opportunity for students, at school and for student time. We looked at band and me to express my concerns in terms of the program Forté; we are looking at everybody. Basically, when you look at the and reasonable hours of practice. Overall, it helped performing arts calendar, you want to provide a calendar with the clear up the questions and rumors over the whole fewest conflicts as possible. Yet, a reasonable amount of time with process,” said Nelson. continuous improvement,” said Pricipal Eric Nelson.

“I feel like it helped show the administation Several students are involved in mulitiple extracurricular activities, how much it means to us and how much we didn’t such as football, cross country, volleyball, and marching band in the want it to change. I think it helped them realize it,” fall, along with show choir. Some students may have to spend up to said Van Wyk regarding the protest.

14-15 hours at school during one or two days of the school week.

A few smaller details are still in the air with not But, those students do know what they are getting into. only show choir, but also band and Forté.

“I don’t sign up for these things not knowing that I’m going to “There is not a final decision right now because be busy. I think it is nice to be involved in a lot of different things I am working with all performing arts and their because I can identify myself with a lot of different people between schedules. We are going to meet all together in the the football guys and the show choir members, so it is nice to have next couple weeks. It is a proccess, and I have talked a bunch of groups that I can go to if I need something,” said junior to two different programs that go through two Mason Van Gorp. Van Gorp is involved in football and show choir >>>CONTROVERSY. Principal Eric Nelson addresses a concerned crowd of show differents seasons ... jazz band (winter and spring), choir supporters at a meeting April 3. •Photo by Andrew Pavlat during the fall.

Forté (fall and winter), and show choir (fall and “Show choir in the fall is just three hour practices during the winter), so you always have that question, ‘Why do week, and it will be more busy this coming year with the musical. My sophomore year I did they need to go through two seasons?’ Also, if I am comfortable with it,” said Nelson. marching band, show choir, the musical and cross country, so it is definetely capable of doing, Chaplin did make an announcement at the April 7 show choir banquet. just busy,” said junior Amanda Nossaman.

“Mr. Nelson said it was okay if I could announce the following things to you tonight. He has The administration did consider several options involving the show choir and the other heard your concerns for change, and he has realized that we do need to begin in August. He will performing arts schedules. also allow us to have six hour choreography session as needed,” said Chaplin.

“There are multiple ideas from shortening the schedule to looking at different avenues and Chaplin appreciated the support of the students and parents. how we can make it more productive for the students, students are reasonable with their time, “I felt a lot of support come out of that; I would have called it a support mob. I didn’t ask or and they are focused on what we are going to do. The overview is what is best for the students,” request for that much but they showed that we are passionate, and I think the administration said Nelson. listened to them,” added Chaplin.

On April 3, several show choir members and their parents gathered at the high shool to voice •Andrew Pavlat (apavlat@pelladium.com) their opinions to the administration.

Cervantes shares

Pella observations Junior Brenda Mendoza Cervantes is a new student from Puerto Rico that recently moved to Pella. She has experienced many new things and agreed to share some of her experineces here in the U.S. Why did you decide to move to the Pella?

My mom got an opportunity to work here.

What are some major differences between the U.S. and Puerto Rico?

The weather, in Puerto Rico it is always hot. The food, the people and the way that the schools work.

How did you learn to speak English? Was it a hard language to learn?

I learned English since I was in elementary school because I went to a bilingual school in Puerto Rico. I also read and watched movies in English. It wasn’t really a hard language to learn; it just was hard to express myself.

What is your favorite thing about Pella? Least favorite?

In Pella, I like the way the people are and the place is very peaceful. My least favorite is the weather.

What do you think about playing soccer for Pella?

I think it’s a good opportunity to practice. I like all the players because they play hard.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve seen/experienced since living in the U.S.?

That I got the opportunity to see the snow for the first time, and that I got to ride in a school bus for the first time.

•Aletta Verhey (averhey@pelladium.com)

Yo-yo craze sweeps school

Crazes. They’re here, they’re gone... the latest ones being Flappy Bird, Silly Bandz, Harlem Shake and Crocs.

So, what next? The yo-yo, of course! Although one may be used to seeing just the normal yo-yo’s that go up and down, that is no longer the case.

This particular craze was first started by junior Jack Meyer, but has started to filter throughout the school.

“I started yo-yoing when I found an old yo-yo in my nightstand beside by my bed. I decided to try it out, but came to find out that it was a terrible yo-yo. Eventually it broke so I upgraded to the high end Wal-Mart yo-yo. This was a big deal in my career,” said Meyer.

Some of his friends have also come to an affection with yo-yoing; a few have even been able to pull off a trick or two.

“Slowly, my friends began to yo-yo along with me. They are buying the yo-yos themselves.

[Junior] Isaac [Naaktgeboren] is also very good at yo-yoing,” said Meyer Meyer has gotten into some trouble at school while showing off some of his tricks.

“I have lost my yo-yos on multiple occasions. The trick is to always have multiple backup yo-yo’s in the bag. Keep them in separate pockets, so if the teacher finds one they think they’ve found them all,” said Meyer.

Meyer is also convinced that yo-yoing isn’t a craze like many other things. It will always be one of the top things in his heart.

“Yo-yoing is not a craze or a fad. I think it might slow down, but it will always be extremely popular to some,” said Meyer.

Meyer spends an average of 15 minutes a day specializing and refining many of his tricks and skills. Meyer makes up some of his tricks, but others he gets off of the internet.

•Natalie Meyer (natalie.meyer@student.pella.k12.ia.us)

04.29. 2014

Current

Page Editor: Derrick Akers

Construction trades...

Makes a difference What does a man with three kids, and the first semester construction trades class have in common? They both worked together to put a quality home over a family’s heads.

With three kids, a need for a new home, and a valid application, Matt Walker of Pella began the process of obtaining a place for his family to grow. After around 18 months of the application process, working over 250 sweat equity hours after his day job and on weekends, and months of construction, Walker and his family finally moved into their new home Dec. 18 of last year. Building homes, building hope, building community; those are the goals the global, nonprofit housing organization, Habitat for Humanity, abides by.

Although many of Habitat for Humanity’s volunteers root from church groups, Walker’s house, in particular, hits closer to a group of high school students.

Mark Goodrich’s construction trades class traveled across town to Brook Circle nearly every day for two hours a day first semester to assist in the building process.

The group consisted of Travis Wallace, Logan VanBrogan, Michael Masek, Colton Taylor, Brady VandeVoort and Brady Dieleman. They worked on everything from laying floors and putting in doors to painting walls and building shelves.

The class learned much about hands-on

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>>>Habitat Helpers. Logan Van Brogen, Brady Dieleman, Brady Vande Voort, Michael Masek, Travis Wallace, Colton Taylor

construction; however, senior Travis Wallace realized that a much deeper lesson could be learned.

“I was impacted because I got more hands-on training in construction, but it also made me more compassionate about the needy,” said Wallace.

Students of the class were honored to get to help such a deserving family. Meeting the family proved to be an impetus for students for their labor as a way to put real faces towards the work they were doing.

“I met the family, and it motivated me. I made sure to do whatever I could to help with the house and make it look awesome,” said Wallace.

Now, Walker and his family thankfully live in their new home, credited to the work and compassion of many volunteers, including the construction trades class and Habitat for Humanity as a whole.

“It was great to see that they [the students] were learning more about construction and that they were willing to help me out with my house. I greatly appreciate everything they have done for me and family,” said Walker.

•Megan Kooker (megan.kooker@student.pella.k12.ia.us)

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1. Tatyana Khapochkina; 2. Vee Yang; 3. Ania Stras; 4. Kiara Bradley; 5. Kaylee Butler; 6. Sara Martin; 7. Becky Visser

Senior Ania Stras took home the award “Best of Show 2D” for her charcoal self portrait entitled, “Can You See Me Now?” from the April 2 Little Hawkeye Conference Art Day. “I didn’t even know we could win awards, I thought it was just where people went to show their art. When I won the award, I was surprised. I didn’t think I was such a good artist,” said Stras.

Each year students from conference schools bring up to 15 art pieces to the show and compete in 20 categories. Each student also attends two workshop sessions. Ten students and 15 art pieces represented PHS. Freshman Tatyana Khapochkina won two first place ribbons, for her entries in the categories of “Graphite” and “Pastels/Crayon/ Colored Pencil.”

“I am pretty proud of our students and the art work. Of 15 pieces we took with it, I sincerely believe that they all deserved to be recognized. We have some incredibly talented artists! Out of the 15, 11 were awarded with a ribbon of some sort. That is pretty impressive,” said art teacher Julie Stratton.

Additional winners included: senior Becky Visser and junior Sara Martin, first; Stras and senior Suzanna Hall and freshman Vee Yang, second; senior C.J. Davis-Kovarik and freshman Kiara Bradley, third; and, Visser, honorable mention.

The students’ artwork has been displayed in the main office since the art day. Additionally, student art is continuously on display in the hallway on the way to the art room.

•Claire Anderson (canderson@pelladium. com)

Attention Athletes:

Athletic showcase offers opportunity Many athletes want to prove themselves as a player and show that they belong. Now, area high school athletes will have the opportunity to showcase their talents at the Midwest Athletic Showcase. Sponsored by Sterling Physical Therapy, this event will be at the Penn Athletic Center May 17.

“The purpose of the event is to provide professional testing for high school athletes, male and female, freshman through senior, in Iowa and border states,” said Travis Sterling, owner of Sterling Physical Therapy.

Various tests will provide area college coaches an opportunity to evaluate athletes as well as bring exposure to the athletes.

“We are inviting all Division III and NAIA coaches from the same geography, so they can be present and watch the performances,” said Sterling.

The schedule is jam-packed with testing led by strength coaches.

877-462-3687 www.central.edu

“When the athletes show up, they will be led through a dynamic warm-up to make sure they are prepared for the day. We will also take them through a height and body weight test.

After a Nick DiMarco slideshow presentation, we will jump right into female testing, and males will follow after female testing. We will test broad jump, vertical jump, bench press, kneeling power ball throw, 40 yard dash, pro agility and three cone drill,” said William Penn strength coach Jon Hougen.

Many athletes plan to participate, including sophomore Zach Vande Weerd.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for any athletes who have asperations to go beyond the high school level in sports or just to see how they compare with other athletes.

The cost of this event is $30, registration is online at midwestathleticshowcase.com. Print out the PDF file and mail in the form.

•Garret Jansen (gjansen@pelladium.com)

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PAGE EDITOR: JACK PARISEE

Current

What Do You Say to That?

>>>Improv: Juniors Matthew Weihe and Leah Wilborn, sophomore Craig Miller and senior Aaron Van Maanen perform at the annual Improv Show “What Do You Say to That?” April 11-12. “I really liked that everyone on all the different teams had a different type of humor and different personalities. The chemistry between all of us was awesome” said Wilborn. Junior Matthew Weihe enjoyed the experience as well. “It was really cool to work with new people and I really enjoyed the experience,as well as being part of the every night team,” said Weihe. Pictured below: 1. Weihe and senior Nathan Clayberg. 2. Freshman Ryan Van Maanen and junior Matthew Sutiuja. 3. Wilborn and Miller. 4.

Clayberg, junior Chase Petty and sophomore Joe Start. •Photo by Ashley Kirkland

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05. 29. 2014

Students learn life lessons during Texas trip to NASA Studying aerospace technology and competing against almost 200 students from northwest Iowa and Texas is not common for most high school students. A few students had the opportunity to travel to Houston, Texas for a competition against other high school students from Mar 27-31.

Junior Sally Ropes and sophomores Alex Bragg, Cole Siewert and Jake Speltz took part in this trip to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The trip lasted almost five days, one of which was spent exploring Texas scenery.

The trip was first offered to students last year; Bragg has attended the NASA trip both years.

“My freshman year was the first year Pella High offered it, and I have always planned in being an aerospace engineer, so I thought that it would be the perfect opportunity,” said Bragg.

Qualifications to attend this trip included having excellent math and science skills, and leadership and communication skills.

After a 21-hour bus ride to Galveston, students spent time at the beach, took a ferry ride on the ocean, and toured Building 9, a mock space facility where the astronauts train. This facility was where the students competed and completed their projects.

Chemistry teacher, and supervisor for the trip, Erin Yoder, also attended the program, though under a different set of circumstances.

“I had a lot of supervising responsibilities, and I took care of things behind the scenes that not everyone always sees. I like seeing how excited [the students] are about the competition.

Kids think that it’s [the trip] is fun; it’s just a great experience,” said Yoder.

During the competition, students completed a project that lasted 36 continuous hours. Set in the year 2049, the project consisted of constructing a space station that would hold over 10,000 people, also being able to collect asteroids and bring them back to Earth.

“We worked all day. There were 180 people there, splitting into four groups. I learned that organization is very important when you have a large group of people,” said Siewert.

The competition teaches students to communicate with each other, solve problems, manage time and work as a team. The students had a limit of 50 pages or 35 minutes to present their proposal to the “judges”. The judges were NASA Aerospace Engineers who ask students many questions when the students are finished presenting. According to Yoder, this year’s proposals were exceptional, creating an even more difficult decision when deciding the winning team.

Speltz was a member of the winning team at the competition, this year he has the opportunity to return to the program later this summer to compete once again with other students internationally, though does not believe he will attend the summer trip.

“Our overall design was better than the other groups. It was a really good experience and I learned a lot,” said Speltz.

After the trip, students returned home, taking back the knowledge they learned from this experience.

“I think the learning experience is incredibly valuable. The things you learn during the trip last with you your whole lifetime,” said Yoder.

•Jack Sytsma (jsytsma@pelladium.com)

Pizza Ranch provides fundraising opportunities 2.

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•Graphic by Payton Belloma

FFA Banquet honors Members

>>>FFA. Freshman Chandler Jahner, senior Braden Klyn, junior Todd Van Dyke and sophomore Klage Van Vark receive honors at the annual FFA Banquet April 1. Recognitions included Star Chapter Farmer Jacob Beyer, senior, Star Chapter Sara Aguilar, sophomore, and Star Greenhands Kent Beyer and Chandler Jahner, freshmen. Junior Cheyanne Van Donselaar received a State FFA Degree and Jacob Beyer received a gold medal at district in production and advanced to state. Record book awards went to Jacob Beyer, Van Donselaar Aguilar and freshman Amanda Stanley. FFA leader and agriculture teacher Jacob Bowers expressed his excitement for the program. “The highlight of the year for me was seeing the progression and what we’ve accomplished throughout the year. It’s also been great to see the increase of participation with students and their enthusiasm in this class,” said Bowers. •Photos by Garret Jansen

Ever since most students were young, they’ve had the experience of going to the local Pizza Ranch to eat and seen familiar peers bussing tables and delivering pizzas. This regular occurrence is called Community Impact Night at Pizza Ranch, where an organization, team or club works to pick up plates, deliver and help business while picking up the tips at tables to fundraise for their cause.

Pizza Ranch has greatly and continuously supported sports teams in the high school by allowing the team to collect tips on these nights. Recently, the girls track team fundraised at Pizza Ranch and earned $388; the money will be used for posters, extra costs or new equipment the athletic department or booster club can’t cover. The track team is grateful for this opportunity and the benefits received for both the team and for Pizza Ranch.

“Pizza Ranch has always been great at supporting the school. This is an amazing opportunity they provide for us to raise a little more money,” said girls’ track coach, Dak Rasmussen.

Not only does Pizza Ranch support the high school, it also supports community organizations such as the Blake Van Vark/ BAJA 101. The mission trip travels to La Mision on the Baja Peninsula of Mexico to build homes. The group dedicates its name to Van Vark because he planned on participating in the mission trip before he passed away in February 2012. The group then fundraised at Pizza Ranch in March 2012 and raised over $9,000.

“The entire day was incredibly busy. The Pella Pizza Ranch had the largest overall sales day in Pizza Ranch history, not just in the Pella store but in all Pizza Ranch franchises. The money was used to pay for houses to be built in Mexico. Blake is responsible for the building of five homes after his passing,” said Sam VanMaanen, co-leader of the mission trip.

Pizza Ranch is proud of the Impact Nights and how it affects the community. For them, it not only brings business, it also allows them to have a strong relationship with several organizations in the community. This strengthens the support from Pizza Ranch to the community, and from the community to Pizza Ranch.

“I want to personally thank them very much. We need to remember to also support them because they are supportive of us,” said Rasmussen.

•Bellara Huang (bhuang@pelladium.com)

2114 Washington Street Pella, IA 50219 641-628-1604

Sports Defending state champions off to hot start in 2014 season 04. 29. 2014

After winning the state championship last season, the boys’ track team is off to a hot start in 2014. As the defending state champions, there is a pressure to perform well when they step onto the track or into the ring.

“The expectations are much higher. There will always be a sense of success in the air after winning a championship in any sport, especially with track,” said senior Jordan Pingel Even the coaching staff feels pressure to put people into the right positions in order to succeed.

“Anyone that knows me knows I have very high expectations from myself as a coach and for the teams that I coach. Sure, winning the state title adds a little, but my expectations are to prepare every year to be state champions,” said head track and field coach Brent Van Hauen.

This season, many athletes have already improved their personal records and have moved themselves up the school’s Top 10 performances list.

“I think the personal records are a result of a good approach to training, and for some just a year of growth and development in general. Some kids have just grown into their bodies over the last year and have become better performers simply for that reason,” said Van Hauen Pingel is glad their hard work is paying off, and that people are noticing the effect of hard work.

“I’m glad that the hard work that myself and the team has been noticed, because it isn’t always that way. I believe that the hard work and dedication to become great is so prevalent on our teams. And when we set personal records, we can thank the hard work for them,” said Pingel.

As for the rest of the season, the track team has goals they wish to achieve.

“Our goals remain the same, to be the best we can be on any given day.

Conference, district and state champions are what we strive to be each year. Yes,

Girls’ tennis team large in numbers

One may have recently driven by the tennis courts and seen an abnormally large number of athletes playing tennis. If they were really paying attention, they may have also noticed that the majority were girls. This primarily is due to the fact that there are 54 girls out this year for the sport.

“I love that so many girls are out! I really want to see the program grow, and that the girls can learn a lifelong skill. But, it is really overwhelming for the coach because a lot of the girls have never picked up a racquet before, and because there are so many girls. So, it is a lot of extra work, but it’s so worth it,” said senior Sami Wassenaar, one of three senior leaders/captains.

Also new to the team this year, other than the players, are the new coaches. The boys tennis team is starting the year with Lindsy Brandt and Josiah Brandt as coaches.

The head coach for the girl’s tennis team is middle school math teacher Josh McCollam. Assisting him >>> Senior Sami Wassenaar in coaching is Kelsey Boot, an associate at the middle school.

“I really like the coaches! It’s been frustrating having three different coaches with my four years on the team. But, he [McCollam] is doing a really good job of organizing and dealing with everything, like the weather and all the new girls,” said Wassenaar.

The weather has especially been a problem for the tennis teams. It rained on the girls’ first meet in Oskaloosa, causing the team to leave early, leaving only some of the players to actually play. A few practices have also been canceled due to the weather.

“The weather has been the most difficult part about the season so far. Practicing inside can be challenging, but it’s been going very well so far. Everyone has been patient with us and have had great attitudes. It’s still early in the season, and I’m excited to see how the girls progress,” said Boot.

•Natalie Meyer (nmeyer@pelladium.com)

PAGE EDITOR: Garret Jansen

those are lofty goals, but that is why they are worth going after; we love the challenge,” said Van Hauen.

Pingel has lofty personal goals he wishes to achieve in the remainder of this season. “(I want to) be a state champion in the open 800 meters and the 400 meter hurdles,” said Pingel.

The coaching staff is not just about the titles; it is about the athletes as well.

“Track and field is a very demanding sport to perform in and to coach. It is not just show up and win. We put a lot of time into developing a program that is successful and to develop young men into well-rounded individuals,” said Van Hauen.

•Garret Jansen (gjansen@pelladium.com) Note: Girls’ Drake Relays participants included Jessica Holterhaus, long jump; Lexi Reynolds, discus; Becky Visser, high jump; Lydia Van Ee, 100-meter hurdles; (Becky Visser, Corin McKinstrey, Kiki Pingel, Van Ee), shuttle hurdle relay; (Klaire Wisnewski, Holterhaus, MaKenna Bogaard, Mackenzie Gustafson), sprint medley; (Wisnewski, Kristin Rundle, Jenna Murphy, Holterhaus), 4 x 100 relay, (Bogaard, Megan Kooker, Holterhaus, Gustafson), 4 x 200 relay; (Van Ee, Larissa Downs, Bogaard, Gustafson), 4 x 400 relay.

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>>> Sophomore Nathan Henry, running the 200-meter leg of the distance medley, helped qualify the event for the Drake relays held April 24-26. Other members in the distance medley include seniors Derrick Akers, Lukas Steenhoek, and Jordan Pingel. Pingel also ran the 800 meter at Drake. The last Drake Relays participant was junior Garret Jansen, who qualified in the discus.

Jansen vies for spot in “The Opening” The football program has produced many gifted athletes, and some have gained recognition as the best in their respective position. Junior Garret Jansen has recently been contacted and invited to participate in the Nike Football Training Camp in Chicago, Ill., April 12.

Jansen explained that if the camp goes well, there could be further opportunities.

“Whoever is the top player in their position will be named MVP and one player will have an allexpense paid trip to Eugene Ore., to compete in ‘The Opening,’ where the best of the best from each camp compete against each other. There are camps all over the United States,” said Jansen.

Jansen, who is awaiting the camp with anticipation, is no stranger to how the Nike training camp process works.

“I was very excited to get the letter in the mail, because I have always watched ‘The Opening’ on tv and thought about how cool it would be to compete in an area like that. Now, I have the chance to compete with some of the best players in my grade and show what I’ve got,” said Jansen.

Having the opportunity to participate in these camps can get in athletes’ heads, but Jansen is staying focused on his high school team.

“I don’t want this to affect the Pella high football team at all; a lot of times these camps are so focused on the individual that it can get to your head. I’m just trying to stay humble and focus on the team and the season ahead,” said Jansen. “And as for senior year, I want to be able to gain some qualities in the area of leadership while I’m there and have fun for my senior year, not having to worry about the recruiting process.”

“I looked forward to soaking in the experience, because not many people get this opportunity, and I made the most of it,” said Jansen.

• Aaron Van Maanen (avanmaanen@pelladium.com)

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In Focus

PAGE EDITORS: Ben Konfrst and Gregory Frommelt

04. 29. 2014

Festivities fill the streets Amidst all the frantic tourists with their fanny packs and and Nikon cameras draped around their necks and the venders rushing to their stands, it’s hard to know where to go and what to do during the annual Tulip Festival. If the steering committee spends a year planning the variety of events to participate in, citizens and guests should have a full explanation of their options.

While the two parades a day are well-known, the events leading up to floats and bands may help get one into the Dutch spirit. Wooden shoes clomping down the street is a familiar sound during Tulip Time; however, where are they rushing to? In front of the Tulip Toren, dancers gather to perform and encourage others to participate in authentic Dutch dancing.

Don’t be afraid to cut the rug, the Dutch way.

After stomping on the pavement, it’s time to spotlessly scrub those streets. As is typical of a Dutchmen, Pella makes sure that the roads are in pristine condition for the approaching parade. The men carry yokes on their shoulders, full of buckets of water to pour onto the streets. Women follow close behind with their brooms. Scrubbing streets has been an ongoing tradition for many families. All ages are welcome to join.

Between parades, take a seat in the grandstands where people can watch multiple presentations including the Parade of Provinces, displaying all the costumes from the different areas around The Netherlands. Also shown at the Tulip Toren is a demonstration of how

cheese was traditionally sold at the markets.

Make sure to take a stroll through West Market Park, which transforms into a vendor fair during Tulip Time called The Dutch Market.

It’s easy to get swept away with all the stands full of food. If anyone hasn’t tried Dutch delights, this is a golden opportunity. Churches, organizations, sports teams and restaurants are excited to open their stands in order to serve you the best. Vendors have Dutch treats to satisfy anyone’s hunger. Dutch tacos are a tacos filled with Pella bologna and a special sauce, and stroopwafels are a delectable treat. It’s hard to resist this layered dough baked treat combined with a caramel-like syrup. The almondfilled pastries, Dutch letters, are a must. One of the longest food lines at Tulip Time is well worth the wait when it’s for poffertjes, little pancakes that can be topped with whipped cream, strawberries and powdered sugar.

New to Tulip Time is an event called, “Dutch Demos.” Located in the Memorial Building, it’s an opportunity for people to observe or participate in three different Dutch Demonstrations; Sweet Treats, Look Like a Dutchman and Tip Toe Through the Tulips.

Tulip Time gives many opportunities to not only view the events, but actually be involved and take part in the festivities. Whether festival goers are tourist or natives, Pella has something new for everyone to try at this three day celebration.

•Sarah Muller (smuller@pelladium.com)

Locals vs. Tourists

expericice Tulip Time in different ways

Tulip Time means different things to different people. Tourists, stand workers, members of the parades, the average Pella citizen, those who will be working at local shops, and the people who won’t want to be involved at all, all have different roles in the three day festival, all drastically different from each other.

For sales clerk Heather Van Sant, Tulip Time consists of many hours of selling Dutch letters at Jaarsma’s Bakery. The bakery, always a popular tourist spot, often has lines stretching down the block.

“I will be working my butt off [at Jaarsma’s bakery] with some of my favorite people. I am looking forward to the paycheck, and meeting different people,” said Van Sant.

For students, Tulip Time can be a very hectic three days. It may consist of working at stands, marching in the parade, or working a part-time job, or both. For junior Stephanie Rennich, Tulip Time is a balancing act, trying to fit in hours of working, marching in the parades, and still having time to enjoy the festival with friends.

“I’m going to be really busy during Tulip Time because I am going to be marching for band and also picking up a few extra shifts at Jaarsma’s Bakery because it’s very busy during Tulip Time. I also need find time to hang out

with my friends, of course,” said Rennich.

As a Dutchess, junior Sarah DeWolf will spend the three day festival dancing and riding in a convertible during the parade.

“We do random performances all around town, and we also do a big performance on the Tulip Toren, as well as ride in a convertible in the parade. Basically, we get to sing and dance and make the tourists happy, it’s the most fun thing in the world,” said DeWolf.

One group will certainly have a full schedule during Tulip Time, and that is the Tulip Court.

Senior Rachel Mueller is looking forward to participating in Tulip Time as a member of the Tulip Court.

“During Tulip Time we will be going around Pella and just enjoying it with each other. Before May is really the time where we represent Tulip Time by giving our program, but during the three days we get to be introduced at the Tulip Toren,” said Mueller.

Numerous out-of-town visitors come year after year to enjoy the scenery, parades, shopping at West Market Park, and, of course, the food. This is made possible by everyone at Tulip Time, whether they are working at the bakery, marching in the parade, performing with Dutchesses, or on the Tulip Court.

•Christina Gualtieri cgualtieri@pelladium.com

Local businesses prepare delicacies Poffertjies, Dutch Tacos, bologna on a stick and Dutch Letters, of course. All of which seamlessly appear in thousands of consumers’ hands during the three festive days of May. These signature Tulip Time foods do not, however, magically appear from thin air when the Thursday of Tulip Time rolls around. Behind the scenes, planning and preparation begin early, and for some stands and businesses, this commences shortly after last year’s festivities. That’s what it takes to serve the hungry people itching for a Dutch treat.

This statement is especially true for the iconic bakery which sells around 37,000 Dutch Letters within three days alone, hauling in profits equal to about a full regular month’s worth of revenue, Jaarsma Bakery.

The first obstacle Jaarsma Bakery faces with such an excessive demand is not planning, but hands on preparation. With a reputation of fresh baked goods, the Dutch Letters and pastries, must be prepared and baked with diligence the night before. The night parade may be long concluded and the streets vacant, however, during Tulip Time, the production crew can be found in the depths of the bakery preparing the goods for the following day. Beginning at 12 a.m., they freshly bake each letter and pastry, and can be found laboring until 4 p.m. the next day.

“Our bakers put in a lot of hours. There’s nothing really to prepare for it in advance, it’s just a lot of extra hours and nonstop baking because everything needs to be fresh. There’s a few things we will pre-package early, like our St. Nick cookies, but for the most part, it’s normal everyday work, just a lot more of it,” said coowner of Jaarsma Bakery, Kristi Balk.

While some stands have lengthy lines, none can say their line covers more ground than Jaarsma’s. With this kind of a line, sometimes

even two, stretching clear to the end of the block, a desperate need for extra help, especially clerks, is evident. Though it may seem as though tending to customers during Tulip Time would be stressful, junior Kailyn Hackman exhibits a different opinion.

“I miss out on the majority of Tulip Time fun outside and that’s a bummer, but I love working Tulip Time more than any regular work day. It’s actually a lot easier,” said Hackman.

Contrary to popular belief, Hackman’s job as a clerk tends to be less taxing during this busy season. This is credited to the fact that the pastry options are cut down to the best selling goods (Dutch letters, puff pillows, almond-filled cookies, and St. Nick cookies), making customer decisions much less difficult, and extra clerks are hired for Tulip Time in particular.

Balk looks forward to this time of year every year. Not only does it bring in consumers and promote the Jaarsma Bakery name, but it also proves to be an entertaining week for her, even as a business owner. With last year’s weather creating one of the only lousy Tulip Time sales in her lifetime, Balk is hoping this year will more desirable, bringing in more business, but most importantly, more interesting people.

“People come from all over during Tulip Time and it’s so neat to talk to people and see where they’ve come from. They’re willing to wait in line and we really appreciate it. Tulip Time brings in happy people and good customers,” said Balk.

With 10 percent of yearly revenue rolling in within three days alone, the preparation truly pays off.

•Megan Kooker (megan.kooker@student.pella. k12.ia.us)

Opinion

Surviving Tulip Time With no signs of any large blizzard rolling towards the little Dutch ‘village’ of Pella, I think it would be safe to assume that this year’s Tulip Time festivities will be a much more enjoyable few days of tulips and Dutch treats, coming out of the woodwork of Pella’s Dutch facade.

Nonetheless, Tulip Time provides a great source

of revenue for local business, and draws lots of attention to Pella. Tulip Time is here forever. One just needs to slip into their wooden shoes, put on a happy face, and learn how to survive Tulip Time for the greater good. Here are my go-to methods to get through this first weekend in May.

1. Mess around so much. For those of us who enjoy ridiculous practical jokes, these few days are a gold mine of opportunities.

3. Do a lot of Tulip Time. Slap on your Dutch cap, sign up for some Dutch dancing, and maybe even sign up to guide a tour if you’re really committed. Take the weekend by the horns and ride it to freedom/the Sunday after Tulip Time.

2.Don’t do Tulip Time. Just skip it. If it’s really not your jive, it really would be pretty easy to avoid it as a whole. Queue your netflix, buy some ice cream and don’t leave your house til the tourists have fled.

4.Flee. Pack your bags and book a flight to Cancun.

•Jack Parisee (jack.parisee@student.pella.k12.ia.us)

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8

PAGE EDITOR: Claire Anderson

Opinion

04. 29. 2014

The Bottom Line •A column by Christina Gualtieri

Each day, when I enter the classroom, my first thought is not “What am I going to learn today to further my education?” Instead I think, “What can I do to get a good grade in this class?” I think this is the way a lot of middle school and high school students think. School, while once deemed by students as a place of learning, a fun place to go, somehow became a place where memorization and the ability to follow are tested. Instead of wanting to learn, many (not all) students want is to get a good grade in whatever class they are currently taking.

Learning has changed to the memorization of facts in preparation of test day.

Before I go any further, I want to clarify. I think it’s a great thing to have good grades, but when a student is near-tears because they missed two points on a 20-point assignment (I wish I was making this up, but I’m not), it’s getting ridiculous. Getting good grades is a great accomplishment, but students shouldn’t be obsessing over two lost points on an assignment.

However, many students have it engrained in their mind that they have to be obsessed with their grades, focusing on getting straight A’s, instead of focusing on getting a good and fulfilling education.

Why is this? The answer, in my opinion, is different influences in our lives. One major factor is parents. If I come home with anything less than a B in any of my classes, I get in HUGE trouble. This goes with assignments too. I stress and worry so much about getting the answers to the homework and tests right that sometimes I’m not even learning, I’m just copying formulas down or reciting facts to myself until I’m blue in the face, because I don’t want a) my dad to be disappointed with my grades or b) to get in trouble due to a low grade. I don’t even care if I am learning during this, I just want to have that B minimum grade.

Yes, I understand we need some sort of system to track our learning progress, but the grading system is too heavily weighted. This goes for a student’s GPA, too. Someone could be a decent student and get all A’s and B’s in all classes except one that they completely bomb, and their GPA goes down significantly. This makes the student look less intelligent than a student with a higher GPA, when, in fact, the first student was very intelligent and just struggled with one class during her high school career.

Editorial Cartoon

Another reason good grades are stressed so much is because state schools looking at applications only take into account the student’s RAI, an equation having to deal with different numbers that grades effect, such as the student’s GPA, class rank, etc. Instead of sending in essays or doing interviews to see if a student has enough potential to attend said college, they become just another number in the system. This therefore encourages students to continue only caring about good grades, because that is what college admissions are doing, instead of seeing the individual’s potential as an intelligent student.

This system of taking away the individual intelligence of a student and testing memorization and obedience to the system also applies to the ACT. The ACT standardizes an entire high school career education into a four hour, multiple choice test. This test is not an accurate representation of how intelligent a student is. For example, I know a student who had a 3.9 GPA, yet received a 20 on the ACT. I am sure this has happened multiple times with students who may not be good test-takers but are still very intelligent students. However, colleges do not recognize their level of intelligence because this student received a low score on one standardized test. The ACT shows how quickly and accurately a student can answer a multiple choice test; in other words, again, it tests their obedience to the system.

One of my favorite quotes of all time is by Albert Einstein, and it seems appropriate to use here. “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” Things such as an RAI score, good grades, or a high ACT score do not measure the intelligence of an individual. These things standardize education and do not encourage a student to actively seek education and learning, but instead teach obedience. I personally You want me to spend four hours studying? Sure. You want me to rewrite this formula 15 different times until I know it well enough that I can regurgitate it on a test? Okay. Whatever it takes to get an A, to get a 30 on the ACT, to have a high enough RAI score to be admitted to the college of my choice. This just shows, once again, that grades teach obedience instead of encouraging learning.

Staff Editorial

Tulip Time. There are probably no other two words that carry as much weight for people in this town, besides maybe morbid obesity (get it?). For three days a year our community gathers together to celebrate the rich, Dutch heritage of this town. Many of us aren’t Dutch, but for that weekend we all might as well add Van to our last names and throw on some wooden shoes, because there will be enough Dutch culture to get everyone involved.

Last year’s Tulip Time was a disaster. I’d go as far to call it a Tulip Crime. If you recall, many of the tulips did not bloom in time. The weather resembled that of Russia, and seriously who wants that? Russians don’t even like Russia, that’s why they’re moving into Ukraine. Parades were delayed, attendance was at an all time low, and the overwhelming feeling of excitement felt during this time changed to more of a dull interest at best. Parade attendance was less impressive than the weather. We all made sure to patronize some of the booths last year, but our efforts weren’t enough to save the day, and last year’s Tulip Time was deemed a failure.

For most towns, this would just be a sad reality. But for our town we can’t fathom how we survived this. Some stores on the square make a huge percentage of their income over Tulip Time, making a bad Tulip Time detrimental to their entire year. The merchants of Pella were about as destitute as they could be, and the sound of their clanking tin cups as they begged for coins was some what of a downer. Since apparently burning the Scholte house down for insurance money “wasn’t a good idea” we need to make sure to plan ahead of time in consideration of weather if we want to actually make a profit this year. Perhaps we can charge for entrance into any heated building.

Tulip Time has one flaw for kids at the high school level, It doesn’t appeal much to us. We all know the demographic Tulip Time is meant to appeal to - retirees who enjoy day vacations and looking at colorful flowers and buying handpainted rocks and home made doll clothing. We need more teenage friendly things to do during these days. I want to see some wooden Nike’s.

Maybe we can get Miley Cyrus to perform wrecking ball while swinging from the Tulip Toren.

We don’t know about the rest of our classmates, but we’d stick around through the cold, rain and snow in order to see that.

The Pelladium staff voted 12-0 in favor of this editorial

Letter to the Editor:

Belding responds to last month’s Bottom Line column I read the “Bottom Line” column and cried. I cried for my friends who are out of the closet and deal with these indignities on a daily basis. I cried for my friends still hiding in the hangers who read the column and knew they would never be safe from condemnation, knew that they could never be themselves without being reviled. And I cried for my religion, that this is now what we represent.

The cross around your neck never gives you license to treat someone without one as less than you. In fact, if we’ve been reading the same Gospel, it commands you to put them before yourself.

We are supposed to be here when the world fails, when safety nets slip, when families fall apart and when there is no one left. We are supposed to be where the light meets the dark, but attitudes like the one in the column cast shadows instead of handing out candles.

Being a Christian is not about religious liberty or homosexuals or making ourselves as conspicuous as possible in American culture by throwing legislative temper tantrums each time we don’t get our way. To believe in our God is to love Him; to love Him is to love His children, all of them, not just the ones whose mere existence doesn’t offend us.

Contrary to Ms. Guilitairi’s insistence, this is exactly like “the 1960s and racial discrimination” - it will change, an oppressed community shall overcome, and Christianity will be stuck on the wrong side of history. Again.

I’m tired of being the bad guy. I’m tired of people assuming I hate those in LGBT community because I believe in God. I’m tired of them having articles like this to back up that assumption.

Mostly, I’m just tired of the intolerance. Can we go back to God yet?

•Maria Belding

04.29. 2014

OPINION

The Lit t le

Guy

Page Editor: Christina Gualtieri

The Other Side

•A column by Derrick Akers After visiting different colleges, I found my home for the next year at Northwestern in Orange City, Iowa. After making this decision, I started to wonder about sports. For the longest time I have loved to play sports; the competition, the camaraderie on the team and the feel of a sport, pushing me to start pursuing a collegiate career in track.

This was a long time coming for me. Ever since middle school sports, I’ve been told I was too small. Too small to play running back, too small to play defense, and clearly too short to play basketball. Hearing statements like these only fueled the fire inside me to get better in everything I do. Over the past three months, I have trained nonstop, trying to accomplish something that many doubted could happen.

I can now guarantee that I will be a college athlete at Northwestern.

For the longest time I was lacking in effort.

I knew I wasn’t going to play so I didn’t see the point of working hard. I was dedicated enough to show up to practice, but anything above that seemed foreign. At the beginning of my senior year I started to realize that I was wrong. I wasn’t succeeding because I wasn’t giving effort. Now as I look back on the year, I realize how much it has paid off. It took countless hours of lifting, jumping and running to get where I am now. I’m not trying to brag on what I’ve done, there are plenty of other athletes who have been next to me everyday and will also be pursuing athletic careers in college. All of us worked as hard as possible, trying to get where we are now.

Giving full effort is something I have been thinking about. Why would someone do anything without giving full effort? We

9

•A column by Greg Frommelt

are only on earth for so long, but the world is filled with people who are wasting their time by not giving their all. I look at athletes who are naturally talented and wonder what would happen if they had the work ethic of a dedicated player.

This effort does not only apply to sports but life in general. Being successful in anything takes dedication. It could be track, school, a job, even your faith; in this life, things don’t come easy, otherwise everyone would be successful. Our world today is filled with people who are unwilling to put in the time and labor to be successful. Nothing pushes my buttons more than someone who doesn’t apply themselves but complains about their lack of production. It’s very clear why the results are not coming the way they would like. If no training is done, no improvement will show.

No matter what motivation someone has, (money, a promotion, a scholarship) the main goal should be to succeed in whatever challenge arises. Giving half effort does not lead to succeeding. When on a team, everyone comes from different places, the talent ranges from a star athlete to the kid who has been forced to go out. No matter who is on the team or the experience they have, everyone should give full effort and work towards the overall goal of success. Problems come when a player’s ego gets in the way of submitting to the team.

In whatever you do, I encourage you to work hard at whatever the task may be. Again, as I have said in previous columns, no one knows when they are going to leave this earth.

Today could be it, are you ready for that?

If I had to guess the most common word in my column over its time, I would guess society. Almost every column I write throws shots at “society” without ever talking about what that word means. It has been an extreme generalization.

In acknowledgement of this, I would like to focus on one aspect of society often talked about, never resolved - the impact that societal pressures have on the self-image of a person.

Although the issue is often focused on females specifically, I believe that there are problems on both sides of the issue. The difference comes in the fact that for males, the mold they are pressured into fitting is one of big muscles, toned abs and athletic. Although it may take an emotional toll, it does not take the physical toll that it does often for females.

Women have to deal with this, but their mold is angled in a much more extreme way to be thin, really not even thin, absolutely tiny and twig-like. The way females are pressured to look could lead to an unhealthy lifestyle contrary to the mold males are pressured to fill.

For once, I am not going to throw a comfortable, all encompassing word like “society” to dehumanize the problem. The problem isn’t society; the problem is us. The sooner we realize that, the quicker we can begin to aid in solving this problem.

I am done blaming everything on “society” because what the heck is that? This problem is caused by people, and you cannot pass it off on anyone else.

If each individual can take responsibility in the aspects of the body images of individuals around them, we could make great strides.

How? It would start with a simple respect for each other and the differences between us all.

Now, maybe a lot of people would launch into a feel good comment and use a cliché such as “You are perfect just the way you are.”

I am sorry, but that is not true.

You are flawed in many ways. Here is what we need to comprehend. We are ALL flawed.

No one is perfect. No one is close. If we can understand that, then we can stop having this idea of comparing to perfection that really does not exist.

The second thing is to stop taking part in activities that seem to place the physicality of a person over that of their personality or emotion. Every time someone is thinking about the appearance of a person over that of the personality and emotions they become objectified and are influenced into thinking that they will be judged as a person on these attributes.

I believe that we all need to make a conscious effort, especially males because they are the ones who objectify women the most.

The horrible truth is that teenage girls decide to take their lives over this topic.

The responsibility falls on us all. Peers, be accepting of others’ differences. Friends, be open to problems that exist. Ignorance is just as bad as inaction. Parents, love and support your children. Never make any mention of what your child needs to do to change their body. It doesn’t matter.

I pray that I will never have to experience the guilt that the male population would feel if a girl took her own life because of what they thought of her body. I want actions taken to see that I don’t. By all of us.

What is your favorite food at Tulip Time?

•Corey Elliott (celliott@pelladium.com)

Freshman Ross Vande Weerd “Dutch Tacos because I like messy tacos that taste good.”

Sophomore Saghit Rethmeier “Poffertjes because I like how they are really moist in the middle.”

Junior Amelia Vande Lune “Poffertjes because they are good, I like to eat them.”

Senior Brianna Buzick “Dutch Ribbons because they are delicious.”

Pelladium Staff Executive Editors: Derrick Akers, Jake Dorman, Greg Frommelt, Ben Konfrst, Sarah Muller Page Editors/Reporters: Claire Anderson, Christina Gualtieri, Garret Jansen, Megan Kooker, Jack Parisee, Frommelt, Muller, Konfrst, Akers, Dorman Reporters: Joshua Da, Corey Elliott, Bellara Huang, Natalie Meyer, Andrew Pavlat, Jack Systma, Aaron VanMaanen, Aletta Verhey Business Manager/Social Media Manager: Marissa Borgerding Cover Page: Ben Konfrst Adviser: Ann Visser The Pelladium is a monthly tabloid produced by the high school journalism department to serve as an informative, educational and entertaining communications media and to provide an open forum to students and readers. •Letters to the editor are welcomed and encouraged. These letters must be signed and should, in no way, be libelous, irresponsible or obscene. Letters must have verified facts and should deal with issues. The Pelladium reserves the right to edit grammatical editors, libelous content or length due to space limitations. Letters may be brought to Room 201 or sent to Pella Community High School, Box 468, Pella, IA 50219. •The Pelladium will strive to deliver information in a fair and truthful manner. The Pelladium will function in accord with all applicable laws, both in regard to the rights and restrictions of journalism. •The views expressed in this publication are those of the individual writer and are not those necessarily of the Pella Community Schools administration or the Board of Education. •The Pelladium will make retractions in the event of errors made in the content of printed stories. Retractions will be printed in the issue immediately following the issue containing the error. •The Pelladium is a member of the Iowa High School Press Association

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Page Editor: Megan Kooker

Prom >>New Review venue,

Entertainment

04.29.2014

Check it off your bucket list: >>Summer edition

new opinions

This was my second prom, and I have had the luxury of attending both venues. Prom has always been held at the Pella Opera House but was moved to Central’s Graham Hall for the 2014 prom. Although there were many differences and similarities, three stood out clearly.

The Temperature Prom at the Opera House was notorious for being an oven. There was a larger space (I will address in my next point), which created a brisk environment for people to dance without the fear of sweating an unhealthy amount. This also helped a majority of the gentleman refrain from taking off their undershirts, leaving them only wearing their vest. This was a nice change.

Space I know I do not only speak for myself when I say I appreciate at least five feet of space between myself and the opposite gender when I let loose and dance. Graham provided the necessary space to let me do just that.

Lighting I have heard from many people that they did not appreciate the level of lighting at Graham. I also ran into a few problems with this situation. Due to how light the dance floor was, you could make eye contact with anyone at any time. As I was doing “The Robot” in the corner of the dance floor, I would make awkward eye contact with people who were promiscuously dancing. Of course when that would happen, I would accidentally wave at them, and it all spiraled out of control from there.

Prom offered a great experience for all who were involved, and Graham added to it in a positive way. The change in venue ended up being a great decision and benefited the students greatly.

•Aaron VanMaanen (avanmaanen@pelladium.com)

With all the dreary weather slowly coming to an end, you may find yourself immersed in the same mundane activities every day. Want to change things up a bit? Here are some great ideas you can add to your bucket list in this warmer weather.

1Now . Nerf war at the beach here’s an out-of-the-box idea: dip Nerf bullet tips in glow-in-the-dark paint and have a Nerf war at night on the beach. You may lose a few (hundred) Nerf bullets in the water, but the experience is what counts.

2Celebrate . Light sparklers on the last day of school the first night of freedom with some bright lights! Spell out a word like “summer” (or another more creative word) and snap a picture that will forever remind you of the best summer ever.

3Rules . Water balloon paint fight of the game: fill up water balloons with washable paint, wear a white

shirt, split into teams, and chuck them at each other. Simple, right? It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt (or someone’s younger sibling joins).

4.Whether Picnic on the cliffs you want to spend the summer with your friends or with a significant other, having a picnic is a great way to create memories by spending the afternoon talking about life and watching the sunset. I mean, who doesn’t like a combination of food, friends and beautiful scenery?

5Warm . Disney movie marathon weather? That’s no excuse to not watch “Frozen!” Watch some of

the newer Disney movies or take a trip back down memory lane and refresh your knowledge of Neverland, the Seven Dwarfs and “Hakuna Matata” as you enjoy these classic stories.

•Bellara Huang (bhuang@pelladium.com)

What’s in a name? Nicknames uncoded 1. Senior Jason Mingboupha “Lurch” “A bunch of us guys were together, and Pauly Apostolopolous said that Jason was ‘lurching.’ So, it was a verb that we had made up at first, and we just started to call him “Lurch,” said senior Jordan Pingel.

2. Junior Judith Finney “Katie” Everyone knows her as Katie Finney, but some may not know that this is not her real name.

Judith Kathryn Finney is her full name. She was named after her grandma, Judith. “My parents got Kathryn from my other grandma. They didn’t think Judith was a name for a little girl, so they got Katie from Kathryn and started calling me that right when I was born,” said Finney.

3. Junior Andrew Pavlat “Pavy” “I was called Pavy by our football coach in fifth grade, and it caught on with my teammates. Now, most of my coaches and friends call me that,” said Pavlat.

4. Teacher Carly Montgomery “Monty” “Students called me ‘Monty’ in Texas, and students started calling me ‘Monty’ here in Pella without me mentioning it. I think kids are just looking for a way to shorten

Montgomery. I know for some it reminds them of the Monty Python movies,” said Montgomery.

5. Sophomores Aleasha Reed and Andrew Kingery “AJ” Both Andrew Jackson’s and Aleasha Jasmine’s nickname stand for their first and middle initials.

A.J. is barely ever called Andrew, except for school attendance in the beginning of the school year.

Aleasha is called A.J. at home by her mom and sister, senior Shaylynn Reed.

6. Freshman Katie Vander Molen “Boo” “It started with my sisters who gave me the nickname when I was little based off the character Boo from ‘Monsters Inc.’ The nickname started to be used more by girls on my soccer team since there were three Katie’s on the team. From there on, more people just began to call me Boo,” said Vander Molen.

7. Junior John Ross Meyer “Jack” Jack’s real name is John Ross Meyer, but he goes by Jack because of his grandpa. “My grandpa was called Jack, even though his real name was John. I am called Jack as well as my grandpa,” said Meyer.

•Aletta Verhey (averhey@pelladium.com)

Gold Sponsors - Pella High School Publications Boat’s Home Furnishings, 620 Franklin Street Brom Auto Service & Sales, 202 Main Street Dr. Gregory Vannucci, 2601 Washington Street G & B Concrete & Foundation Repair, 2174 Coolidge Street

Great Clips, 1586 Washington Street Iowa Bike & Fitness, 814 Main Street Jansen’s Decorating & Kitchens, 614 Franklin Street Klyn Law Office, Vincent S. Klyn, 729 Main Street Leighton Processed Meats, 227 Otley Street, Leighton Midtown Tire, 109 East Oskaloosa Street

Pella Orthodontics, Dr. Kim Wass, 715 Main Street Pella Pets & Veterinary Clinic, 411 Oskaloosa Street Precision Pulley & Idler Inc., 300 SE 14th Street Royal Amsterdam Hotel, 705 East 1st Street Tri-County Veterinary Clinic, 650 Hwy. T14 Triumph Martial Arts 308 SE 9th Street Ulrich Motor, 1130 West 16th Street Van Hemert Chiropractic Center, 1310 East Washington Street Van Sant Collision Repair, 80 Truman Road Wiskus Group, 821 Franklin Street Van Gorp Corporation, 1410 West Washington Street

04.29.2014

Entertainment

PAGE EDITOR: JR Dorman

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After four years of being almost constantly in this school for eight hours a day, many seniors would think they have experienced all the high school has to offer. I say to those people, hold your horses; you still have much more to do. My four bucket list items to do at the high school before you move on with your mundane life.

1 2

The Light Above the Auditorium- Perhaps one of my most exhilarating moments experienced at this school is the day Suzie Jones allowed me to climb to the crawl space where the stage lights are in the auditorium. It is a wonderful experience thinking of all the mischief you could achieve, such as spitting on people below or dropping bricks onto them.

The High School Roof - Illegal? Perhaps. Just for that reason I will speak in terms as if I have not been on top of it at three in the morning…. because I haven’t. But if had, I am sure the new perspective would open up a whole new world to me that I would never want to leave (and several secret doors).

3 4

Fallout Shelter- Courtesy of history teacher Bryant Hancock, many can say that they have checked this one off the list. What lives in the labyrinth of tunnels beneath our school? No one can be sure. But I plan on finding out. I expect it ending with a scene similar to “The Mines of Moria”.

Double Doors by the Teacher Lounge- What are beyond those two doors in the lunch room? Storage I am sure is the answer they all want us to accept.

But, when looking at how large that room must be, I find it unlikely. I am not saying there are corpses back there. I am just saying there could be.

•Greg Frommelt (gfrommelt@pelladium.com)

Josh Draws

Muller names ...

Best Upcoming Artists

with Josh Da

The music industry is booming now more than ever, pumping out fresh faces every week. Looking closer, only a few faces stay and make a name for themselves, no matter where in the world they come from. This is an introduction to a few upcoming artists to be looking at this season.

You have humans. You’re going to need to take a daily dose of eight tablets of earthquakes with a strict regimen of droughts.

uuSam Smith- Walking past this UK native, it would be hard to imagine he contains the soul-sounding voice he displays on his records, or that he is cousin to vocalist Lily Allen. His upbeat ballad, “Stay with Me,” can easily make girls swoon. While he recently released his debut album “In the Lonely Hour” in February, we can expect many more tracks being played through our radios soon. uuHolychild- A dynamic duo based out of Los Angeles create the ideal teen anthem to the upcoming summer season. The only way to describe their sound is “brat pop,” which compliments this girl-boy band. Holychild hasn’t even released an album yet; however you can get a copy of their EP “Mind Speak” on iTunes. uuJohn Newman- It’s easy to love this hopeless romantic. This Brit is hitting it big in America with his raspy tone and big band tunes sweeping across Billboard’s Top 100. His first hit single “Love Me Again” was a phenomenal way to introduce him to the public. His album “Tribute” was released soon after. Some say they are desperate love songs; however, with his accent and lyrics, it’s easy to fall in love with this upcoming artist. uuBANKS- This American singer-songwriter and musician doesn’t need much instrumental to back up her smoothly dark, mellow tone. With a cross between alternative and

R&B, Billboard claims her as a “magnetic writer with songs to obsess over.”

BANKS was even featured on a Victoria Secret commercial with her single “Waiting Game” from her EP “London.”

•Sarah Muller (smuller@pelladium.com)

TWItTEN BY Top Tweets for April

1.

Sydney Swanson - @Sydster95 The cop who pulled me over for my headlight recognized me from cheerleading and running in town. It’s safe to say I’m a local celebrity.

2.

Devin McCain - @DevinMcCain Just finished all the marshmallows out of a huge box of Lucky Charms. That’s my kind of after school activity..

3.

6.

Mike Roozeboom - @poopymuffins I miss her so much. She is so gentle and gives me nice warm hugs. We will see each other very soon. I love you bed.

7. Tess Roorda - @tess_roorda

I still play with animal crackers and act like they are real animals #ForeverYoung

Tristan Miedema - @TristanMiedema I wish I was cool enough to sit in my truck and block a whole lane of senior parking .

8.

I got 99 problems, and school caused ‘em all.

9. Paloma Mate Kojo - @TheMKPaloma

4. Austen Rempe @AustenRempe

Rachel Mueller - @rachelsmueller7 I wish colleges would choose your roommates based off of your music preferences

When I start earning my own money, I’ll buy donuts. And eat all of them.

5.

Payton Phelps - @paytonphelpss Mom: pull up your freakin pants & get out of the middle of the road. Me: Mom the window’s down… #HeHeardYou #MomsOutOflt

10. Hannah Pickett - @pickett_hannah

I want someone to look at me the way I look at pizza • Jack Sytsma (Jsytsma@pelladium.com)

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PAGE EDITOR: Sarah Muller

Picture This

04.29.2014

“Repeat the past? Well, of course you can,” said Jay Gatsby in the famous American novel “The Great Gatsby.” On April 5, students attended a themed prom based off what a night with Gatsby would be. While it may be impossible to repeat the past, snapshots captured the night for those to relive.

•INFLATE. Junior Sawyer Burton prepares balloons to display at prom. “It was fun.

My favorite part was they had a huge thing of CO2, and everyone was sucking the helium, which made it so funny,” said Burton. •Photo by Ashley Kirkland

•Strut. Seniors Martin Heerema and Larissa Downs walk over the Central bridge on their way to take photos before prom. “I personally hate taking pictures, but I looked good in all of them so that was fun. Eating out was really great because you got to ride up with your friends and go eat at a fancy place looking pretty cash,” said

•THROW. Senior Regan Nelson throws a football during a game at Midnight Mania while junior Brian Rundle stands by to watch. “After prom was fun, I beat Brian really badly in the football throw. Just call me the next QB,” said Nelson. •Photo by Ashley Kirkland

•SWAY. Sophomore Molly Howard and junior Jack Meyer dance together. “Prom was so much fun! I had a great time and a great date,” said Howard. •Photo by Jaiden VerSteeg

Heerema. •Photo by Carlee Ver Helst

•REUNITE. Juniors Greta Putnam, Devin McCain and Megan Atkins meet up at pictures before prom. “I had the most fun getting ready and taking pictures. I liked getting all dolled up. It was fun,” said McCain. •Photo by Carlee Ver Helst

•GROOVE. Seniors Rachel Mueller, Tristan Miedema and sophomore Mike Roozeboom dance and laugh during prom. “It was a lot of fun hanging out with my friends and being able to get all dressed up and go out to make memories that will last forever,” said Mueller. •Photo by Jaiden VerSteeg

•LAUGH. Junior Eleanor Witt laughs while playing a basketball game at Midnight Mania. “Games were so fun. I took a freshman, and we played the basketball game like eight times,” said Witt. •Photo by Ashley Kirkland •HYPNOTIZED. Junior Cathryn Yoder and senior Alex Boots are hypnotized at Midnight Mania. “I remember everything now. During, it was like I fell asleep. Every time he woke us up, it felt like the show had just started.

After, I checked my phone, and I couldn’t believe an hour had passed. Everyone should try it. It’s a good, calming activity and looking back on it now, it’s really funny,” said Boots. •Photo

by Ashley Kirkland