3.12.14The Blackhawk 1
SEPERATION OF CHURCH AND STATE Religious tolerance in schools and how the law has made it possible pages 8-9
LET ME BE PERFECTLY QUEER In light of the recent Olympics, how has the world responded to Russia’s homophobic laws? pages 10-11
COLORBLIND Casual racism has taken a new form in today’s youth, a problem taking over our hallways page 12-13
POOR JUDGEMENT Socioeconomic intolerance behind the slang term, “Dirty Kid” page 14-15
2 The Blackhawk 3.12.14
4
Delleman Breaks National Rowing Record
4
Butler Reigns King: On and Off the Court
5
DCSD to open Creative Arts Academy
6
Foreign Exchange Students Spotlight
16
Winter Season Wrap-Up
18
End of an Era
20
Athlete Superstitions
21
Spring Preview
22
Show Choir Season Wrap-Up
23
Moraetes Honored in New York
24
SEIBA Honor Band
24
App Reviews
25
Album Reviews
25
Pit Nation: the Kids in Black
26
Fashion Spread
29
Zero Tolerance Schools
30
Should Start Dates Remain a State Issue?
Letter from the editor Let me just preface this letter by saying that my beloved Great Aunt Wilhelmina has a heart of gold and is probably one of the kindest beings that ever grew from Missouri soil. She’s one of those Midwestern rarities that’s never uttered a swear word towards the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, or the Hawks, even in times of trouble, toil, and Todd Lickliter. Her dear soul has put up with the works; children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a doctor husband who worked late hours in the middle of the night but by and by was quite a swell guy. She never fusses, complains, or criticizes, even passive-aggressively, to the point that I feel so rotten even bringing this story up that I’ve changed her name here merely to keep the peace at the upcoming Easter brunch.
And if you would like to maintain this impression of my gentle, tenderhearted great aunt, you better never witness her behind the wheel, or you’ll quickly change your mind about this wild-eyed sixty year old woman charging at you in her lavender Chrysler 300 like a bat straight out of the 2007-2010 Hawkeye Basketball seasons. One of my particularly favorite stories about Wilhelmina’s road rage comes from the time in which she was driving up Brady and decided she needed to be in the far right lane from the far left. As we zipped past, in and out, of other vehicles and promptly cut them off, the sweet fragrance of burnt tires from all the screeching brakes drifted in through the open windows. When one of the cut off drivers had the audacity to lay down the horn at my great aunt, she whipped her hand out the window and threw up her ring finger at him. “I’ve never flipped anyone off before,” I remember her saying afterwards, clearly impressed with her own abnormal vulgarity. None of us passengers even thought about telling her that she still hadn’t, exactly. Even the best of us have had our times of intolerance. Internalized racism, gender stereotypes, manifested homophobia; we’ve all been there. However, there comes a point in our lives when we have to correct these misconceptions and realize that we aren’t the only cars driving on the road. Cover photography by Will McKay Susan Dircks - Editor-in-Chief Jacob Lamantia - Managing Editor Justin Sanchez- Sports Editor Cassidy Jarrett - Arts & Entertainment Editor Luke Eure - Viewpoints Editor Austin Starling - Broadcast Editor Rebecca Pogue - News Editor Claire Trimble - Features Editor Daniel Nunez - Marketing Editor Zoie Pena - Designer Selena Flores - Writer Elise Castro - Script Writer Will McKay - Photojournalist Dominick Pena - Photojournalist Madisen Hovey - Photojournalist Lydia King - Photojournalist Corrie Sabel - Artist & Writer Clint Balsar - Adviser
The Blackhawk is published four times a year from Central High School, 1120 Main St. Davenport, IA 52803. The content is produced by students, and it does not represent the view of the Davenport Community School District or its employees. The Blackhawk is an open forum and welcomes signed letters to the editor. We are a member of the Iowa High School Press Association.
Also visit www.theblackhawkonline.com
3.12.14The Blackhawk 3
STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS Delleman Breaks National Rowing Record Justin Sanchez
Sophomore Emily Delleman attended two camps, one in Michigan, and another in Oakland, California in late 2013 and early 2014. She competed in three individual events: the 2k erg test, the 6k erg test, and the 2k single row. Delleman received 1st place in the 2k and 6k erg tests. She also received second place in the 2k single row. Not only was her performance awarded with placings near the top in every competition, she broke a national record in the 6k erg test with a time of 22 minutes, 37 seconds. “I really train hard,” said Delleman, “we practice on erg machines for now and when it gets warmer we train in singles all the way up to quads.” Delleman will travel to Connecticut in July to compete at the final qualification camps before the world team she hopes to make is formed.
Butler Reigns King: On and Off the Court Susan Dircks
Senior Geo Butler was crowned Spree King at the last Spree Aud, on January 21. He was honored to be voted this year’s King by the Central student body, although he admitted that he wasn’t expecting it. “I was surprised,” laughed Butler, ”I didn’t think I was going to win. When they said my name, I felt happy and excited. ” Butler is the son of Veronica Butler and Terrence Carr. One of Central’s basketball stars, Butler plays the position of small forward, and intends to play in college. He is also a member of the Drama Club, led by Thea IntVeld. Butler’s future plans for university include studying business.
4 The Blackhawk 3.12.14
DCSD to open new Creative Arts Academy Susan Dircks
The Davenport Community School District was recently awarded a $500,000 four-year grant to establish the new Creative Arts Academy in August. The grant was given by the Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, a local organization that financially supports “areas of need in culture and the arts” in the Quad Cities. In addition, a $160,000, two-year grant from the Riverboat Development Authority will fund the academy.
The goal of the Creative Arts Academy (CAA) is to encourage exceptionally creative students to pursue a career in artistic fields, namely music, visual arts, theatre, dance and communication arts. Dawn Saul, the District spokeswoman, has stated that 63% (2,713 out of 4,304) students in the district are currently enrolled in a fine arts program or course at their school, such as photography or orchestra. Next year, 50 sixth graders and 25 to 50 high school juniors and seniors will be selected through an application process to attend the new school. Half of their day would be spent at their “home school,” like Sudlow or Central, and the other half would take
place at the CAA’s downtown location. Through the CAA, these students will gain both an innovative education focused on their chosen subject, and real world experience through mentorship programs with professionals through institutions such as the RME, Figge Art Museum and the Adler Theatre. “The thought is to capitalize on one of the major strengths of the district, that’s the arts program,” said Art Tate, superintendent of the District. “If we can do that and give students even more exposure and more training and link them up with artists and musicians, we feel it will just make each of those students better at the craft.”
IMAGE MOTORSPORTZ Collisions & Customs 3250 Portz Drive Bettendorf, IA 52722
Tom & Heather Portz, Owners (BUS) 563.449.8100 (FAX) 563.449.0011 Mon. - Fri. 8-5 Sat. by appointment (CELL) 563.343.0374
The Blackhawk Newspaper would like to thank
Riepe Enterprises
for supporting our publication 3.12.14The Blackhawk 5
Foreign Exchange Students Spotlight Selena Flores
“Not like the movies.” All of this term’s new foreign exchange students said something like this when asked what they thought of America, but when they actually arrived it was a whole different experience. We welcome Justus Czaja, Rania Benzbiria, and Sibu Nhlapo. What are their stories? Meet Justus from Berlin, Germany. “I was enthralled and enchanted by America, it was what I had seen in the movies. I realized now, it’s definitely not what I imagined.” Similarly, Rania from Morocco, claims that America is different than what she saw in movies. She laughs, admitting that “Mean Girls is my favorite American movie.” Why did they choose to come to America? Sibu from Johannesburg, South Africa confesses that at first he was planning on going to Italy, but that had to be paid for. “When I found out that you can go to America for free, I changed my mind. I’m from a big city so I hoped to go somewhere like California-and say hi to Beyoncé while I’m there.” For others, it wasn’t exactly planned. Rania tells about the whole ordeal. “Funny story; it actu-
ally was an accident. I had made a bet with my best friend one day when I found a pamphlet about a foreign exchange program. Originally it started out as a joke, to see which one of us could actually get through the whole process. So since I had top grades in my school I easily moved up to level two and took a long test, and then had an interview with an ambassador- which was very scary I might add. At this time the only English I knew I had learned from American movies. After passing all the requirements, I didn’t really want to go still and thought of it as a joke, until they told me I could go.” In the end she weighed all her options and is very glad that she did come and has no regrets about her final decision.
are very easy, but I like them. I’m a senior but I feel like I’m back in freshman year. Back home the classes are very limited and focus a lot based on what you want to go to university for. Your major pretty much starts in high school there. Since I want to get an U.S. diploma I have to take most of the required classes just like everyone else, like P.E., science courses, and U.S. Government.”
The application process takes a very long time. It takes approximately 8 months for most students to find out if they are accepted after all the examinations and interviews are through. The list for the requirements goes on and on. “I had to get a bunch of shots, the VISA card was hard to get, and I had to fill out 20 pages worth of paperwork,” Justus claims.
The diversity and the arts program were also a plus factor. Sibu talked about his recent success in landing a lead role in the school’s production of The Wedding Singer. “I love musicals and am excited for this show.”
Let’s not forget the education aspect. Sibu states; “The classes
6 The Blackhawk 3.12.14
Rania agrees with Sibu; “Honestly I don’t want to be a cliche but they are really easy. The only hard part that I struggled with was the math. Originally I have always learned math in French and Arabic. I never got a proper education in English, so it was a challenge to get used to math in a third language.”
Homesickness isn’t just for kids back in summer camp. All three admit to some sort of longing for their home. “I’m only here for 6 months but I’m actually happy that it’s not too long of a time away
NEWS from home,” said Justus. Sibu, one who’s not afraid of speaking up, declares that he knows he’s already touched too many lives here. “I want to go back soon, I miss my family, and I want to rekindle old flames.” Rania, Justus, and Sibu, have many things to check off their bucket lists while here. “I really want to see an American wedding, and want to do as much community service as possible,” said Rania. With family bonding time in mind Josh discloses, “My parents are coming here and we are going to go on a cross country road trip and drive to the East Coast and also see the Grand Canyon on the way.” Sibu reveals, with an interesting
twist, that he is planning on coming back to America for college. Differences between their home countries and the U.S. included food and the weather. Rania exclaims: “I hate Iowa for the cold. It’s crazy how its -17 Celsius here and 17 Celsius back home, the complete opposite! I cover myself with so many layers, I feel like a wrapped up chocolate bar!” “It gets cold there too, I mean South Africa is close to Antarctica, but this weather here is a different kind of cold I’ve never felt before,” Sibu said. He also comments on the huge food portions and our greasy food that led him to gain weight; “I bought two pairs of jeans just last month and I already have to go out and buy new ones. I’m living off sweatpants for now!” Food is always a worthy topic of
conversation no matter who you are. Justus said that he does not like American food as much as he thought he would. “I thought I could never get tired of pizza but now I definitely am.” Rania’s host family doesn’t let her eat any of that junk. “They don’t let me eat junk food so I have to eat healthy things. I admit my favorite American food is Whitey’s ice cream even though I’ve only been there three times so far.” Even though America might not be the picture perfect place like how it is portrayed in our movies, people come here for an adventure and opportunities of a lifetime. In the words of Sibu: “I am slowly but surely making my dream come true.”
Editorial Cartoon by Madisen Hovey
3.12.14The Blackhawk 7
FEATURES
Seperation of Church and State Selena Floress Tolerance. What does this word really mean? The actual dictionary definition of tolerance: “having sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one’s own.” What makes a person tolerant? Accepting the issue, embracing the problem, or ignoring the beliefs? Dating back in our countries history, America has taken many great steps, leaps even, to distinguish the fine line between separation of church and state. One of the first landmark
Supreme Court cases dealing with the entanglement of religion was Engel v. Vitale (1962.) The final ruling struck down in favor of separation because of the prohibition of the First Amendment which is against the enactment of any law (“respecting an establishment of religion;” made applicable to the states by the Fourteenth Amendment.) State officials may not compose an official state prayer and require that it be recited in the public schools of the state at the beginning of each school day - even if the prayer is denominationally neutral and if pupils who wish to
8 The Blackhawk 3.12.14
do so may remain silent or be excused from the room while the prayer is being recited. This ruling overall made it illegal for students to be led in prayer in a public school. Another more recent case, Stone v. Graham (1980), questioned a Kentucky statute that required the posting of a copy of the Ten Commandments, purchased with private contributions, on the wall of each public school classroom in the state. The court ruled that it had no secular legislative purpose, and therefore was unconstitutional as violating
the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Just in these two cases alone, the apparency of religious tolerance is noticeable. Our government respects beliefs and practices, but cracks down on excessive statues (that we don’t realize used to be the norm) in public schools. Our state is one of the five states that does not make students recite the Pledge of Allegiance in school classrooms. Wyoming, Vermont, Hawaii, and Oklahoma are the only other four out fifty states with this liberal law. In 1954, Congress enacted the phrase “under god” into the pledge, creating a wild storm of controversy that still creates a heated debate today. Do we have the right to not stand during the Pledge of Allegiance at our school? After much research, the concluding answer varies. Yes, any student has the right to not partake in the pledge, if it goes against their rights or morals. Any student can also legally sit as they please and not take part. A piece of advice beforehand though; make sure to tell the teacher right away about your stance on the pledge, and don’t wait halfway through the term and decide to not say the pledge one day because you feel sluggish that morning. That will cause confusion at the teacher’s behalf, and will look like defiance. Unless you want a lawsuit against you, anyone can advise to just stick to the routine, (even if you do not want to outwardly speak the words),
or, in other terms, “stand in respect.”
to make a Fellowship Atheist Athletes club here at our school, the administration could Nevertheless, in 2011, Iowa not say no, even if they might proposed the House file bill 420 believe that religion is morally which would have required that wrong. They would have to say all children would have to say yes, and be fair about it too, the pledge in public schools. because if we can have a FCA, The file never passed and saw why not have that group also? no action when it was introAny faith can have an organized duced. Could this be another group within the school, and indication that we live in a more have it be protected by the Bill tolerant state? of Rights. Imagine this: The school bell rings at 7:45 A.M., everyone is sitting in their desks waiting for the principal to come on to the speaker and say the Pledge of Allegiance - everything seems normal so far, right? After this, we repeat the pledge in unison, and the principal reads the 10 Commandments to us, and then leads the school in morning prayer. We all bow and whisper amen afterwards and the teacher begins class as usual. In theory, would we even consider that public school? The mere fact that we have private schools and public schools, is an astounding achievement for our nation; it shows that our country allows all religions to freely express their beliefs, but we also have institutions that are non-denominational. Even in our own community, every high school in our district has a Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization, which is protected by our rights in the First Amendment to freely express ourselves and our beliefs. If a group of Atheist students teamed up and decided
A whole country cannot be persuaded or forced into conversion for one religion and still be considered free. Everyone has different viewpoints, different cultures, and different morals. The ignorance of yesterday is gone. The whole country might not be on board yet with the idea of no “excessive entanglement of religion,” but we’ve become accepting of others practices besides our own. Baptists, Quakers, Ismailism, Wicca, Lutheran, Protestant, Muslim, Mormon, Christianity, Roman Catholic, Atheist, Scientology, Buddhism. These are just some of the religions that are popularly practiced beliefs in the United States. They are one in the same, metaphorically of course, but overall very much alike. There’s a long list of religions around the world. Where does one begin and one end? We might never know exactly, but that’s the beauty of difference. All in all, every religion is unique in itself and who is to be prejudice against one or another? Let’s celebrate the fact that our state is more tolerant than others. Let’s embrace the difference in society as a whole.
3.12.14The Blackhawk 9
Let Me Be Perfectly Queer: Is the world as accepting as we think? Susan Dircks It’s an obviously fashionable segment in times of unified patriotism to rally together and beat on the other guy, whether it be opposing sides of a stadium at a college football game or rival mascots on the field of a professional basketball tournament. However, we rarely get the opportunity to experience this sense of good natured tug-ofwar at an international level. One of our few chances to engage in such fraternity and contest comes about every two years, when the Summer or Winter Olympics take place. We’ve all felt that surge of pride for our Americans adorned in gold atop an elevated pedestal after a close battle for first, or that taste of bitter loathing to the European, Asian, African or Australian athletes who are competing against our own jocks. This sense of nationalism, experienced by anyone from any country attending the Olympics, is a natural, healthy vice that both rouses us as an audience and gives us a little bit more of a reason to care about curling and rhythmic gymnastics.
However, many of us who tuned into the media coverage of the 2014 Winter Olympics, held in Sochi, Russia, noticed that figure skating and alpine skiing weren’t the only things raising international rivalry this year. Many were shocked around the world in last summer when President Vladimir Putin of Russia approved a vaguely worded law that banned the “propaganda of homosexualism among minors.” The law imposes administrative fines of up to 5,000 rubles ($160) on individuals and 50,000 rubles ($1,600) on officials who are found to be promoting homosexuality to Russian youth. In the six months since its approval, less than a dozen have been fined,
10 The Blackhawk 3.12.14
and no individuals have been jailed. While many Western news sources have been criticized for erroneously reporting false claims and non-factually supported rumors of Russian events, there is definitely rising homophobia throughout the nation that can’t be dismissed. The State Department’s information for LGBTQA travelers in Russia warns that: “Discrimination based on sexual orientation is widespread in Russia. Harassment, threats, and acts of violence targeting LGBT individuals have occurred.” Russia’s sports minister for the Olympics said that if a “sportsman with a nontraditional sexual orientation . . . . goes out on the street and starts to propagandize it, then of course he will be held accountable.”
As much as athletes were preparing for their Olympic events, other countries in the world were showing their opinions towards Russia’s homophobic law. For example, in the opening ceremonies, German competitors wore “pro-gay” rainbow uniforms as a silent demonstration. Canada released a PSA in response to Russian government’s ban on gay propaganda, and Google made their homepage doodle for the Olympics rainbow-colored. A number of political leaders from countries that are attending the Olympics have spoken up about the issue as well. “I think Putin and Russia have a big stake in making sure the Olympics work, and I think they understand that for most of the countries that participate in the Olympics, we wouldn’t tolerate gays and lesbians being treated differently,” said President Obama on the Tonight Show recently. “They’re athletes, they’re there to compete.” This should have been a good sign of international progress; individuals and organizations getting together with governments to bring their support for LGBTQA rights around the world, and openly opposing homophobic laws and bigoted legislation. Except, these “protests” do little to nothing to actually help queer people. It is illegal to be queer in 76
countries. That’s about 39% of all the countries in the world. Same-sex marriage is legal in about .07% of countries. Yes, nations that supposedly oppose Russia’s homophobia, including Germany, Moldova, Egypt, Ukraine, Singapore and Indonesia, have anti-gay laws that are just as bad (or even worse) than the laws that they criticize Putin for. There are men in Nigeria who are currently on trial for homosexuality charges, as a new
law stipulates jail sentences of up to 14 years for gay people. A 2013 report by Stonewall revealed that “one in six lesbian, gay and bisexual people in the UK had been the victim of a homophobic hate crime or incident in the previous three years.” India’s Supreme Court recently reinstated a colonialera ban on gay sex. Saudi Arabia has an extensive history of executing homosexuals, although Obama maintains that there is “long history of friendship” between Washington and Riyadh. It isn’t hypocritical to say that America’s policies and current stances on queer issues are certainly light years ahead of
Putin’s Russia. Yet, we cannot disregard the blatant homophobia that surrounds America for gender and sexual minorities that the government is overlooking in order to antagonize Russia. In both Utah (the place of the 2002 Winter Olympics) and Arizona, the “advocacy of homosexuality” is illegal, and even prohibits the suggestion to children that there are “safe methods of homosexual sex.” In Alabama and Texas, sex education classes are mandated to teach children that “homosexual conduct is a criminal offense.” Fourteen states still have anti-sodomy laws in the books, although it’s been over a decade since the Supreme Court ruled such laws unconstitutional in Lawrence v. Texas. 33 states have bans on same-sex marriage through either laws or constitutional amendments or both. This officially sanctioned homophobia affects members of the queer community to the point that it’s even been proven to affect classroom bullying to lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual and transgender youth, and the unnervingly high level of suicides among these teens. Apparently gay rights are our new space travel in the game of: Things America Only Cares About Because We Want To Be Better Than Russia.
3.12.14The Blackhawk 11
Colorblind; Racism in plain sight Justin Sanchez
12 The Blackhawk 3.12.14
Racism in today’s society is being pushed under the rug and not being noticed for how serious is actually is. The truth behind racism is that it surrounds us in our everyday life. Though not realizing it, racism is prevalent in much of our modern world; some of it in which is accidental, and others to show no mercy in their personality. Racism has many different ways of being pursued. It’s most popular form has been modified into telling cruel jokes, many of which can not be looked at without wondering “what kind of idiot takes the time to do this?”. Which is exactly what was going through my mind when I browsed on KickassHumor.com, which showed the jokes that the ignorant people throughout the United States, and ultimately the world come up with about multiple races. Yet society does not see it that way; instead, they embrace it, instigating it in a way that makes the joke teller continue to spit out more stupidity, or even get more and more racist. Some may even argue that being able to joke about ethnicity proves that racism is becoming less prevalent in our society, and we see bigotry as a ridiculous, laughing matter. However, to the African-American looking at pictures of white kids “Trayon”ing, or a girl with an Asian background being imitated as someone that stereotypically mixes up their “L’s” and “R’s”, casual racism is taken a lot more seriously, and a lot more personally. People of color encounter rac-
ism almost everyday, including within the schools we attend. Although Central does have a wide variety of race, 57% of the students that attend Central are Caucasian. On the other side of the spectrum, only 24% of the students are African-American. Other races take up 19% of the population. Central is presumed to be the “ghetto” school of the Davenport Community School District by other schools in the Quad Cities, but standing at almost 110 years old, the school is receiving updates within upcoming years. The racism in Central and schools in general is by far one of the more masked forms. However,
S
urveys in 2012 reported that 51 percent of Americans expressed anti-black sentiments in a poll; a 3 percent increase from 2008. masking racism is not in everyones eyes, “People should be able to believe what they want, it’s not right or wrong, it’s just a part of life.” said William Betsworth, a white junior at Central. “We don’t all look alike. We may be all black and famous, but we all don’t look alike. You’re busted,” said actor Samuel L. Jackson in an interview with a KTLA reporter. The reporter mistakenly asked Jackson what he thought of the Su-
per Bowl commercial he starred in. Unfortunately, the man in the commercial the reporter was referring to was not Samuel L. Jackson, but actually Laurence Fishburne. Fishburne is another African-American actor. “I think being African-American is good...but we aren’t seen as equals, I guess that’s one really upsetting thing about being black,” said African-American student Chris Conner. Not only has racism taken a place in African-American’s lives, it’s all walks of life. “Why don’t you go back home to Mexico before you ruin this country like you ruined your own!” said a white woman to a young, 28 year old Hispanic man, Nick Valencia. Not only did the woman repeat it, she did so in spanish. “Vete” (Go Away) she screamed at the young man. Valencia took the opportunity to embrace his ethnicity and responded with “Estamos aqui” which translates to “we are here.” A group of Hispanics stood by his side as he walked away from the festival. Racism is something that affects every minority. It is not just being directed towards AfricanAmericans, or Hispanics, or Asian-Americans, but it is being directed towards every race around the world. So next time you think you’re having a good time with friends and mocking essential features of another’s ethnicity, ask yourself, are you being racist?
3.12.14The Blackhawk 13
Poor Judgement:
The Socioecononmic Intolerance Behind “Dirty Kid” Claire Trimble
You can walk through the halls of Davenport Central and see many types of people. The athletic, the dramatic, the intelligent, the musical; the accepted, the shunned, and the ones praying not to be noticed. People with all different backgrounds are put together for eight hours a day, 5 days a week and still, we have trouble accepting and tolerating those who aren’t like us. Though society has made many strides when it comes to equality, we still let social class, appearance and our abilities define us. Everyone who attends or has attended Central, has most likely used the phrase “dirty kid” at one point or another in their lives. The question is, what does it mean? Well, it kind of speaks for itself. The people who use it are deliberately making negative comments on someones appearance. Besides the obvious literal meaning, the phrase is very powerful, and potentially hurtful. Some people don’t always think before they use it. Really, using the phrase “dirty kid” unfairly labels people, and most of the time, people are labeled before others get to know them. One group of students in particular that is sometimes labeled as “dirty kids” is the members of JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps). “The motto of JROTC is to motivate young people to be better citizens,” said junior and cadet sergeant Charlie Carr. “We try
to help people want to help out in their community.” Yet, by calling them “dirty kids”, we are implying that they are people who are “lesser”. “A lot of them are really good kids,” said Carr. We verbally bring down the kids who strive to do better and be better people.” When asked if it bothered him, Carr responded, “Personally, it kind of does.” He believes that it is not fair, especially to the people with leadership positions as it is not, in his words, “an easy job”. Though Carr says he does not have personal experience with it, he believes that this sort of name calling could definitely result in students quitting JROTC. Whether or not the name “dirty kid” stems from physical appearance or social status is up to the individual. With “social status” referring to how many friends someone has, what kind of friends someone has or how much money they have, this is most definitely something that has affected people and how society looks at them. Physical appearance (being fat or skinny, short or tall) has always been a factor in how someone ranks in social class. If you do not fit the the set norm of society, then you are not accepted into it. Some of the students at Central have voiced their opinions. “I think it’s a social thing, like a “clique”,” said junior Savannah Moeller. “A lot of people just come up with stupid names for groups of students, this being
14 The Blackhawk 3.12.14
one of them. Its [also] a rude name to call someone.” “In our school it tends to be based on appearance,” voiced senior Matt Heinricks. “The clothes you wear and the things that are said.” “I think it’s a combination of people’s personalities, hygiene, physical appearance and how much money they have,” spoke freshman Heather Morley. “Honestly, as much as I don’t think it’s right for anyone to be called dirty, I do believe some of it can be a personal choice. You can choose the language you use both verbally and with your body. Its wrong to label, but you do control most of who you are and how others perceive you.” “Being called ‘dirty’ or ‘dirty kid’ is a way for those of higher social status to remain there,” voiced sophomore Elizabeth Rome. “If someone never bathes or is wearing visibly disgusting clothing, that is dirty. Being poor or middle class, or not wanting to wear what everyone else does is not a reason to be called dirty.” Something that most high school students don’t always take into account is the fact that not everyone has access to a shower or clean clothing. We live in a world filled with people who struggle to make ends meet. There are people, even at Central, who are just lucky enough to have a place to live
and food to eat. There are people who don’t necessarily have the money to run the washer as often as they would like to. Or maybe as a way to save money, a family limits the amount of showers taken in a week. Should we ridicule these people that don’t have the extra money to buy the latest shoes or pants? Should we make fun of the people who are not as fortunate as others? As a society, we need to learn how to get rid of this shallow concept that if you do not look the same as a certain type of person, then you are not considered equal. We must learn to stop this judgement and learn how to not only tolerate but accept those who are viewed as different. This term we have here at Central has become a way for students to express their opinions about someone’s appearance in a negative way. Most people refuse to tolerate others who they see as different or insignificant. Instead of people attempting to accept them, they are treated as outsiders. These people who act superior to those who they view as less are in reality, not worth more than anyone else. In fact, it could be argued that because of this cruel behavior, they could be regarded as worse. Whether its about the way a person dresses or the way their hair looks, we can’t seem to look past these so called “flaws” and see that the people we call names are really not that different from everyone else.
“
Being called ‘dirty’ or ‘dirty kid’ is a way for those of higher social status to remain there. If someone never bathes or is wearing visibly disgusting clothing, that is dirty. Being poor or middle class, or not wanting to wear what everyone else does is not a reason to be called dirty.” 3.12.14The Blackhawk 15
SPORTS
WINTER
WRAP-UP Boys Basketball Woes Standings Justin Sanchez
Girls Basketball Improves with Help of Juniors Jacob Lamantia
The Girls Basketball team has done fairly well coming from a previous season that saw them beat North twice and upset Bettendorf for their three MAC wins. Coach Holly English, who replaced Tom Eagle, thought her team had more athleticism than it has recently, but had concerns about its overall depth. Depth in the roster seemed to
have an effect, as playing fatigued players obviously limits a team from playing to their full potential. Fans may be staring at a losing record and there is nothing wrong with being critical to a team that is 2-20 on the year, but behind the curtain is a small group of individuals who have stuck together and have pushed on through the losses; a fearless group of girls willing to take on the toughest of opponents, even when they know the odds are against them.
16 The Blackhawk 3.12.14
The Boys varsity basketball team finished their season at 13-10 and in sixth place in the MAC. The boys are currently led in scoring by senior Geo Butler with 364 points and is shooting 46.7% on the season with a career high, 40 points against Assumption. Junior Trey Hollinshed came back to the team after facing multiple injuries and other problems that kept him from playing. Hollingshed is averaging 12 points per game and is shooting 42% in the season. Although the two upperclassmen have led the team, sophomores Timothy Rummels and Dei Ron De La Rosa had also stepped up, shooting at percentages in the upper half of the MAC. Rummels
played the entire season and De La Rosa played only half of the season due to grades. Senior Matthew Moran has also come up for the Blue Devils, scoring 202 points in the season. The team had a ravishing start to the season, starting off at 3-0, but suffered a losing streak starting with United Township in December. However, they sparked back up after coming back from winter break with a five game winning streak in January, starting with Cedar Rapids Jefferson and ending with North Scott. Not only did the boys jump ahead in the MAC rankings, they beat the second ranked team in the state, Bettendorf. The Bull Dogs hadn’t suffered a regular season loss in 36 games, and hadn’t been beat by Central for over three years.
SPORTS Varsity Wrestling Captures a Win Jacob Lamantia
Lamantia goes to State Justin Sanchez
Senior Jacob Lamantia wrestled at the state competition in Des Moines, Iowa on February 20 and 21 where he was knocked out of the tournament on the second day. Lamantia wrestled in the 113 weight class and went against Fort Dodge’s Erik Birnbaum (ranked eighth) 9-1 to send Lamantia to the consolation rounds, who was then in an uncomfortable position, for another loss would end his high school wrestling career and send him home early in the weekend. Lamantia wrestled later in the day against Sioux City East’s Tavian Herman and realized the pressure he was under. “I need to get this win, and I had a chip on my shoulder from earlier in the day, I wasn’t going to settle for just qualifying for state,” said Lamantia. He
The wrestling team finished their season at 1-12. Their only win came from the bitter rival Davenport West on their last meet of the year. This sent a message to the MAC that Central’s wrestling team is gaining confidence through their young athletes and will be a contender in the seasons to come. Notable wrestlers included Jacob Lamantia who was 27-11
on the season and is a state qualifying contender along with Jacob Behrendt and Jacob Houghton who are close to the 20 win mark. The varsity squad prepared for districts on february 15 at Western Dubuque high school. The district team included Lamantia at 113, Josue Dansou at 120, Ian Herrin at 126, Berny Ruiz at 138, Jacob Houghton at 145, Chance Skiles at 152, and Jacob Behrendt at 170.
won in a major decision 16-9 over Herman and advanced to the quarterfinal of consolation, seeking third place. Lamantia went another day of fasting, making sure he would make weight the next day. Lamantia wrestled around noon against Rohweder, and lost 4-0 in a fight to the finish. “I couldn’t even fathom what was happening, I gave him a match of a lifetime and I’m sure it won’t be the last time I wrestle before I graduate.” Lamantia plans on attending Loras University, and wrestling in the 125 lb. weight class for his freshman year.
Boys Swimming Tops Performances of Past Luke Eure
The boy’s swim team had their best season in over 20 years. They were 5-2 in MAC meets, and placed third at districts. Nick Moeller (‘14) was very pleased with the season. “Such work. So swimming,” he said “Much happy. Very seniors. Wow.” The team had five qualifiers for the state meet, the most since 2008. Mitch Berendes (‘14), Nick Moeller, Andrew Skalak (‘14), Luke Eure (‘15), and Joseph Shie (‘17) all qualified in relay events. Eure also qualified in the 200 individual medley and the 100 backstroke. His 100 backstroke time at districts
of 52.87 was a school record.“It was a good season,” said head coach Duane Stahl, “I think we all had a lot of fun.” Stahl was selected as the Mississippi Athletic Conference’s coach of the year. “We achieved all my goals” he said. Seniors on the team were Mitch Berendes, Aaron Gehrke, Scott Heuer (AHS), Sam Hipple, Jordan Miller, Nick Moeller, James Moraetes, Sam Nowacheck, Drew Richter, Keagan Rigg, Robert Riley, Andrew Skalak (AHS), Matthew Smith, Sebastion Taylor, Mason Tope, Will Trasowech, Jesse Trujillo. Heuer and Skalak attend Assumption High School, but swim for Central because Assumption doesn’t have a team.
3.12.14The Blackhawk 17
END Justin Sanchez Throughout the past several months, there have been rumors of the Mississippi Athletic Conference (MAC) and the Mississippi Valley Conference (MVC) being dismembered, and being transformed into districts, just like the Western side of the state. The ‘loss’ of the MAC conference has been hidden to the public, and not many people apart from the directors of athletics throughout the Davenport Community School District and the state know exactly what this means. The MAC and the MVC are the two conferences that compete in the eastern side of Iowa, and are the only conferences left in the state, as everyone else has transferred to districts. The decision to be put into districts was emphasised once Assump-
tion (MAC), Dubuque Wahlert (MVC), and Cedar Rapids Xavier (MVC) all transferred down to their original class of 3A in late December. The three powerhouses of 4A are all Catholic schools, and because of that, could bump down to 3A with almost no questions asked. The three are presumed to take control of the 3A class of football. As for the rest of the MAC, and MVC, they have decided to transfer them to four separate districts, which will be three districts of six teams, and one district of five teams. The MAC and MVC will be split, and thus now face each other, but also play teams from their conference. Every team will have five games with their district, and four separate games against any team of any class they would like.
18 The The Blackhawk Blackhawk 3.12.14 3.12.14 18
OF Brian Ehlinger, Athletic Director of Central, has said that he believes that becoming a district team will help Central become more consistent with games and end up becoming more of a powerhouse in districts. Athletic Director of the DCSD, Brad Oates has shared that every two years, the districts will be switched up, bringing more adversity to the opponents that the teams play against. “I understand and appreciate the feelings people have for conference play; especially football, I believe district football will be better for our programs in Davenport,” said Oates. “We will have the opportunity to play teams that may be more at our level of competition and give us a chance for success we can build on.” Many might wonder if this is actually a stunt to give the Davenport Public
AN Schools (DPS) more of a chance to succeed in football. For example, West has not made the playoffs since 1999, and North has never made the playoffs. Central, on the other hand, has made the playoffs for the past five years, but has failed to make it past the first round. “I also like the idea of scheduling different schools from the ones we have seen the last several years.” Oates is strongly in favor of switching to district football. “This change from conference football to district football will not happen in other sports. All schools end the regular season and go into postseason play with an opportunity to qualify for the state tournament, no matter the record. In all other sports, you go into the class you belong, regardless of your conference,” Oates stated in his information.
ERA So is this a simple way of putting it that the DPS were not ‘good enough’ for the rest of the MAC? Or is it really because only one team dropped down a conference (from the MAC)? The question deserves to be brought to the front of ones mind, but cannot be answered with a yes or a no. Instead, think about the teams they were paired up with in District play. Do they measure up to these teams? Or are they really transforming to Districts because of the loss of Assumption? Being a powerhouse in high school athletics is something easier said than done, and having the possibility of becoming mixed in with an Iowa City school, who have all been major champions and or contenders in state running practically ev-
ery year, could become nearly impossible. However, nothing is guaranteed. The possibility of drawing all MAC schools is possible as well, as is drawing a mix of MAC and MVC schools. The coming of the districts has been completely approved, and the teams that Central drew are Pleasant Valley, Iowa City West, Davenport North, and Dubuque Hempstead. That means Central will have five games against any other team they would like, and would have to be approved by the state. Those five games will take place the first half of the season and the last four weeks will be consisted of District play. In order for Central to qualify for the play-offs, they will need to win only one game in their District.
3.12.14The Blackhawk Blackhawk 19 19 3.12.14The
Athlete Supersitions
Jacob Lamantia Being an athlete is a strenuous job. Hard training, diets, and performing under pressure make up just a small sample of what athletes in our school do on a daily basis to perform at their maximum ability. We’ve all seen athletes performing rituals before important competitions, like stories about baseball players with lucky socks or hockey players with favorite sticks. To the spectator, it may seem silly and strange, but to the competitior, superstition is commonplace on on the court. In fact, for some players, these habitual patterns may actually influence their success on the field. Sophomore Ryan Lorber always wears a “black arm sleeve with a white one over it, left wrist taped, with Evo shield over it” for a game, and “lots and lots of eye black.” While junior Nick Hairston
says he used to always use the restroom before a game, Lorber claims it is bad luck if you do. The one time he used the restroom, he broke his finger and the team
lost 39-0. Junior Bella Solis always wears her lucky pair of batman socks for a track meet. She claims it makes her feel much faster. “I almost beat Pleasant Valley’s Anne Lenners while wearing those socks.” Lenners won state last year for the 400 meter hurdles. Students may never realize the impact that this could be having on their
fellow athletes throughout every sport. Their team captains may have secrets to tell about their pre-game rituals. You wouldn’t think all-star athletes such as NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan would rely on superstition to be successful, but he did. For every NBA game he played, Jordan would wear a pair of his college team’s shorts underneath his NBA team’s shorts. To cover it up Jordan would wear longer shorts which inspired a trend throughout the league. To athletes, having your own ritual or superstition is a given. It is a sports tradition. It gives athletes a mental edge when performing in front of crowds eager to see them succeed. It may not make an athlete play better, but it will make them play worse if they adhere to their ritual in their minds.
Girls Bowling Takes Huge Strides
Justin Sanchez The girls bowling team improved excessively throughout this season. Sarah Walsh (‘15) had the highest average on the team that qualified for ALL MAC conference team. She finished 19th with an average of 170.30 throughout every meet. However, that does not include tournaments. The captains of the team were Sarah Walsh and Kortny Bennett (‘14). Bennett was the only senior on the team but did not have an average due to lack of meets bowled. The most improved bowler on the team was Nicole Meyers (‘17) after the first two meets she averaged 104.8 and by the end of the season she averaged 126.6 for meets only. This is an improvement of 21.8 pins per game.
20 The Blackhawk 3.12.14
Boys Bowling Has Spectacular Season
Jacob Lamantia The boys bowling team wrapped up their season with a 2-6 record. While it may seem like a mediocre record, the team is young and will be a contender for years to come with their new found varsity experience. Senior Collin Harrington has been leading the way with points scored, the four year varsity bowler has been proving his talent to the teams of the MAC conference and is a force to be reckoned with. Senior Alex Meador has also been showing his worth. He hit 467 in the team’s last meet. The team failed to qualify for the state tournament and has had their season brought to an end.
Spring Preview Justin Sanchez and Jacob Lamantia The boys soccer team hopes to have a better season this year after being knocked out of the playoff run in the second round of sub-state last year. The team finished with a record of 7-11 and had yet another year of upsetting Bettendorf and hope to pull out yet another year. Not only will the team have a more experienced team, they will also have a total of 17 returning varsity players. Ten of those are seniors., including Mitchell Portz, Jesse Maddox, Van Mielenhausen, Matt Moran, Mitchell Diamond, Nick Lawton, John Gerace, Zach Waskowiak, Dominick Pena, and Evan Heyer. The girls soccer team is excited to jump into the 2014 season with a team of fresh faces. They had a 7-10 record and are looking to have a winning season. Out of the 16 returning team members, 14 are juniors or younger. Seniors are Kristina Sier and Morgan Mahon. Junior Morgan Teel had 61 shots last season and contributed to the team along with leading scorer, junior Kaylee Golden who had 11 goals. However, after losing the starting goalie from last year, the girls will be in a bind while they try to find a goalkeeper. Good luck with your season! The boys track team hopes to have a better result this season after qualifying in 13 separate races last season. Not only will they have powerhouse 400 runner Cameron Pugh on the team, they will have Devon Brown, the fourth place finisher at last years regionals in the 100 meter dash. The boys only have four underclassmen, as they’re mainly made up of nine seniors: Devon Brown, Cameron Pugh, Ryan Farrell, Matt Smith, Robert Moreno, Andrew Richter, William Seibel, Brandon Westmoreland, and Ryan Rediger.
The girls track team began practice on Tuesday, February 18. The team is lead by returning state qualifiers Tadaisha Thornton, Sarah Hegetschweiler, Gabi George, and Bella Solis. Coach Trujillo and Coach Valant are looking for success with the leadership of their upperclassmen Solis runs the 100 meter hurdles. Track takes a lot out of an athlete. Not only do you need to build the proper conditioning to run as hard as possible for long periods of time, but you need to keep your legs in good condition through all the hard work. The boys and girls tennis team is eagerly looking forward to action after spring break. With a group of fresh young faces the team will be the underdogs heading into the 2014 season. Senior Tillie Sitz is very optimistic about the upcoming season even with the odds against her team.The girls team’s first competition will be on April 5 against Dubuque Hempstead. Senior JK Houghton’s success from the previous season has him confident in achieving a state berth. The boys tennis team’s first competition will be on April 8 against North Scott. The girls golf team will hope to have a low scoring season this year. The team will be led by junior Mary Marker, who averaged a nine hole total of 50.33. There are five Varsity returners, two of them being seniors that hope to average career low averages in the 2014 season. Those seniors are Noel Howell and Jordan MIller, who are both looking to become team leaders and help the team advance to state. Good luck girls!
3.12.14The Blackhawk 21
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Daniel Nunez
Central Singers Inc and Blue Vibrations had an incredible competition season. This year, they competed at “Supernova” which was hosted by Linn-Mar High School, “The Big Dance” which was hosted by Davenport North High School, “Music InMotion” which was hosted by Mt. Pleasant High School, “Silver Stage,” which was hosted Monona Grove High School in Wisconsin, and “Ram Showcase” at Southeast Polk in Pleasant Hill. “Regardless of the acquisition of trophies, or lack thereof, the trials we have endured, and the feedback, good or bad, we have received, the tenacious elements of family, pride, and discipline continue to persist in the lovelies at CSI,” said senior CSI member Robert Riley. At “Supernova,” Central Singers placed seventh to start off the season. CSI was the first of nine total
Show Choir Season Wrap-Up
varsity show choirs to compete. Blue Vibrations also placed fourth and Freshman Nate Trasowech won best male soloist for the prep division. On February 1st, Central Singers placed third at “The Big Dance.” One of the six judges awarded CSI a first place after finals and two other judges placed CSI in second, while the three remaining judges placed CSI in third to average out to a third place finish. Though CSI overall had more points than any other show choir in vocals, North used a system of placements to determine a winner. CSI placed second in vocals and choreography. Senior Elise Castro won best female soloist for her second year in a row. After not placing at “Supernova,” Central Singers Inc. managed to turn it around. While at The Big Dance, CSI also defeated Cedar Rapids Kennedy who previously defeated CSI at LinnMar. Blue Vibrations also placed fourth for the second week in a
22 The Blackhawk 3.12.14
row. The following week, CSI finished third after finals at the “Music InMotion” competition hosted by Mt. Pleasant High School. CSI placed first in the daytime show for the first time in four years. Central Singers won three caption awards, which were Best Choreography, Best Band for the band “Pit Nation,” and Best Female Soloist for senior Kedijah Pettie. Blue Vibrations won the prep category by placing first for the prep division and placed seventh overall. This marks Blue Vibrations third straight win in a row at Mt. Pleasant for the prep division. On February 15th, Central Singers Inc. placed second overall at the “Silver Stage” show choir competition. CSI placed second in both the daytime and night-time awards. Central Singers won the caption award for best choreography. Blue Vibrations placed second in prep category.
Moraetes Honored in New York Susan Dircks Senior James Moraetes recently performed with the New York Honor Choir, an invitation-only ensemble of high school musicians that have been selected internationally for their vocal talent. Moraetes, a member of Central’s varsity show choir, Central Singers, Inc., and Concert Chorale, along with orchestra, swimming, and soccer, has also been involved with Iowa’s All-State competition for the past 3 years. Having been accepted as a Baritone/Bass 1 in this year’s All-State choir, he later was sent an application to the New York Honor Choir and decided to apply. After recording an audition tape with Central’s choir director, Michael Reese, and sending it in, he waited a number of weeks and then received an acceptance email saying that he had been chosen. “There were a lot of emails from the director,” Moraetes said about his preparation for the concert, “and then I got the music in a couple of weeks, and I went over it with Mr. Reese.”
Baylor University in Waco, Texas. They performed a number of challenging selections from a classical and religious repertoire that included Feodosy Rubtsov and Samuel Barber.
The concert itself took place on February 9, at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The choir performance was conducted by Dr. Lynne Gackle, the Professor of Ensembles and Assistant Choral Director at the esteemed
“It was amazing performing with the choir,” said Moraetes, “because it was about 300 people out of 10,000 that applied, and so obviously everybody was pretty good; they don’t just let anybody in there.”
ers Inc and Blue Vibrations each had an exhibition performance which allowed the show choirs to stay on route for their next competition.
On February 21st and 22nd the show choirs along with Davenport West High School, co-hosted the “Great River” Show Choir Invitational. On the first day, the competition was strictly middle school. Cedar Rapids McKinley won as the grand champion for the middle
school division. The following day, Cedar Rapids Grand Prairie won the competition with Cedar Rapids Kennedy placing 2nd and Muscatine placing 3rd. Cedar Rapids Kennedy’s show choir protege, placed 5th overall and placed 1st in the prep division. Central Sing-
On March 1, the show choirs competed at Southeast Polk High School in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. CSI placed second after finals and won the caption award Best Choreography. One out of the five judges placed CSI in first place over Waukee “Milenium.” Blue Vibrations placed 6th and made finals for the third year in a row. Sophomore Nick Farhenkrug recieved the award for best male vocalist. CSI will compete at the national show choir competition, “Fame” in Orlando, Florida on March 15 to finish off the season.
3.12.14The Blackhawk 23
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
SEIBA Honor Band Claire Trimble Saturday, January 25th was the annual SEIBA Honor Band, held at Iowa City West High School. After auditioning on Saturday, January 11th, six students from Davenport Central were chosen to take part in the honor band; junior Hannah Quick on clarinet, junior Nick DeBlois on alto saxophone, sophomore Abby Luntz on flute, sophomore Ally Luntz on oboe, sophomore Korben Wilson on bass clarinet and freshman Tommy Hathaway on trumpet. Students from schools all over Southeast Iowa attended SEIBA this year. “It was fun spending time with kids from other schools,” said sophomore Ally Luntz.
The band played a total of five songs: Korean Folk Songs from Jeju Island by Frank Ticheli, On An American Spiritual by David Holsinger, The Seal Lullaby by Eric Whitacre, Triumphant Fanfare by Richard Saucedo and Circus Days by Karl L. King. All the songs were under the direction of Dr. Richard R. Fischer, Director of Bands at Concordia University Chicago. “It was a fun experience. The music was really fun and the director was great,” voiced sophomore Korben Wilson.
Flappy Bird was one of the newest and popular games, yet is no longer available in any app store. The simple goal of this game was to avoid the green pipes while flying. Dong Nguyen, its creator, said it was an addictive product so he took it off the market. It was said to have caused an “uprising in todays society,” as it acts like a digital drug to people. There have been iPhones and iPads sold for $100,000 on eBay.
Heads Up is a game for both Apple and Android users that costs $0.99. It’s a game where you place your phone on your forehead where a word will appear, and your friends give you clues to figure the word out within a short time frame. You have to guess as many words you can within the time frame and when times up you pass the phone to the next player to see if you can beat them. It’s a great app for family game night or just to play with your friends.
24 The Blackhawk 3.12.14
Infinite Campus Mobile Portal is a free app that allows you to check your grades and see what you’re missing. Infinite Campus Mobile Portal is very easy to access, all you need to do once you’ve downloaded the app is go on to the infinite campus website to get the district code and sign in using your student ID and password on the app and then you are able to see your grades any time of the day and anywhere you are.
Zedge is a free app to download wallpapers and ringtones. This app had a wide-range of categories for both wallpapers and ringtones. There is over 50 million users for this app. It had been rated 4.5 stars out of 5 for both users. This app allows you to set all different alerts for facebook, tweets, emails, calendars notifications etc.
App Reviews Cassidy Jarrett
Album Reviews Cassidy Jarrett
Lorde’s has debut her first album Pure Heroine in September 2013 receiving commercial success worldwide. Her number single is “Royals.” I personally like this album, because I think it’s different than the rest of today’s music. She has something to her voice that is unique from other singers. I would recommend it to anyone who likes Lana Del Mary Lambert has just deRey or Ellie Goulding. buted her second EP Welcome to the Age of My Body which was released in December of 2013. Her number one single is “Same Love” in which she collaborated with Macklemore. This is a very heartful EP and is definitely relatable to many teens. I personally love this album and I would recommend it to people who likes Birdy, Lauren Aquilina, or Sara Bareilles.
A Great Big World debuted their first album in January. Their number one single is “Say Something” with Christina Aguilera. I’d describe them as nerdy pop, as it really shows how creative music can be just by the lyrics and beat of each song. I would recommend it to anyone who likes Florence + The Machine.
John Newman has recently launched his first album Tribute to the US in January. His number one single is “Love Me Again.” His music and the way he sings is more like soul than todays traditional pop. I like a number of songs from the album but Newman’s music is still growing on me. I would recommend it to people who like Emeli Sande, Rita Ora, or The Script.
Pit Nation: The Kids in Black Claire Trimble
Show Choir is an art form made up of many parts. The singers in their flashy dresses and swanky suits and ties; the crew, who make everything costume and prop related happen; and of course, the pit, or ¨Pit Nation¨ as its referred to by its members. The pit, which is made up of approximately 30 people, is responsible for all things instrumental. There is the wind section, which features trombones, trumpets, mellophones, a flugel horn, baritone saxophone, tenor saxophone and alto saxophone. The rest of the instruments that make up the pit are included in the rhythm section, which is made up of the piano, synthesizer, guitars, bass and drum set. While being a part of the pit may seem like an insignificant role, its members have more responsibili-
ties other than just playing music. The band must pay attention to the director, play a “smart show” and perform accurately in time and on pitch, without covering up the singers. These are the aspects that make a performance truly great for the pit, and for the singers as well. “They supply energy for us and they help us find the right notes,” said senior and CSI member, Kristina Seier. “Not to mention they add spiffiness to the show with their fancy ties!”
So far, Pit Nation has had a very successful season. At the competition which took place at Mt. Pleasant High School in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, they received the caption award for Best Band. “I hope to finish out the season successfully and more importantly have fun while doing it,” said pit member Collin Garrett, senior. The pit is excited to see how the rest of their competitive season finishes out.
3.12.14The Blackhawk 25
FASHION
Photoshoot by Will McKay
After this year’s Winter Vortex, everyone’s starting to feel like it’s about time for spring to have sprung. Our models, Maddie Fiorato and Adam Hendershott, take a break from the harsh winter and chill out in a true spring break style.
26 The Blackhawk 3.12.14
3.12.14The Blackhawk 27
28 The Blackhawk 3.12.14
VIEWPOINTS
Zero Tolerance Schools Luke Eure
Zero Tolerance schools seem to be on the way out. Thank goodness. Florida is in the process of passing a bill that will ease up some restrictions caused by Zero Tolerance policies. Maryland has already passed similar regulations. The bills come after many instances of excessively severe punishments under zero tolerance policies. Zero Tolerance policies, which increased in popularity after the shooting at Columbine, enforce strict rules without exception. All infractions of school rules, no matter how slight, are punished. Nothing is tolerated. For example: an Oklahoma girl was suspended for using his fingers as a gun. In New York, a 12-year old girl was caught drawing on her desk with an erasable marker and was handcuffed and brought out of
school. A child in Maryland was suspended for biting his PopTart into the shape of a gun. In one incredible case, a 13-year old Texan student was assigned to write a scary story. When he wrote it about shooting up a school, he was jailed for six days. He was released when officials realized that he hadn’t done anything illegal. It’s no wonder states are easing up on their policies when students are getting punished for such slight infractions. School safety is important. But it shouldn’t come at the cost of instilling fear into students, and it certainly shouldn’t be cause to limit students’ expression. Many schools are clearly taking safety too far. Will playing cops and robbers really lead to more school shootings? However, some school districts seem to be taking discipline too much out of the hands of their administrators. One school district in Los Angeles banned suspensions for “willful defiance”. There have been
national studies that suggest that administrators are too quick to suspend students, especially black students. According to the LA Times: “Critics say it gives school officials too much discretion and too little incentive to work with struggling children.” The law gives school officials too much discretion. Isn’t that why we have school officials? To use their own judgement on disciplinary matters? That’s not to say that every instance of willful defiance should be punished with a suspension. But that power shouldn’t be taken away from administrators either. They should be free to use their own judgement-their own discretionas to the need for and severity of discipline. But haven’t administrators been using their own discretion in the above mentioned instances of extreme discipline? Some administrators claim their hands are tied by Zero Tolerance Policies. Administrators need to be given jurisdiction to make their own decisions concerning school discipline. They have the ability to take each incident on a case-by-case basis. School rule changes handed down by state legislature will change student’s behavior. But they will not be as effective as administrators and counselors who are caring, and motivating and able to make connections with individual students.
3.12.14The Blackhawk 29
Should Start Dates Remain a State Issue? Susan Dircks
Recently, there has been widespread discussion in the Davenport Community School District regarding school year start dates. It seems to be the current trend in our district to start much earlier than we have in years past, with the 2013 year beginning on August 12. According to the state statute, Iowa schools are required to start no earlier than a day before the calendar week that includes September 1. However, by asking for a waiver, we’ve continuously been able to change the start date further and further upwards into August. We’re not alone in this; the majority of Iowa districts request these same passes. Should the state continue to be in charge of this issue if their law is repeatedly ignored, or is it time for local school districts to decide when their year begins? Iowa Code 279.10 reads: “The school year shall begin on the first day of July and each regularly established elementary and secondary school shall begin no sooner than a day during the calendar week in which the first day of September falls but no later than the first Monday in December.” This law was signed by
Governor Terry Branstad in 1983. However, this rule can be waivered by any district- and most do. Out of the 348 school districts in Iowa, 341 requested the waivers for their 2013-14 school years. DCSD’s neighbor in Bettendorf started in early August as well, as a result of a waiver granted by the Department of Education. Earlier this year, Gov. Branstad and Iowa’s tourism industry proposed to implement stricter rules for school districts concerning the waivers. Branstad believed that the state legislature was too relaxed when it came to following this particular code. With his revisions, Iowa Code 297.10 would change the process of getting waivers and the policies that districts must follow in order to qualify. The law also would also make it more difficult to start the school year before the conclusion of the Iowa State Fair, because it affects the revenue and attendance the event has gotten in years prior. Tourism interest groups argue that the effortless access to waivers is causing businesses and attractions to lose out during the summer season. Commerce gained by travelers in the state of Iowa is directly hurt when families have to
return home earlier than usual for school in August. By altering the immediate granting of waivers, Branstad could both support Iowa tourism and have a stronger grasp on the particular law itself. The rule was rejected by the Iowa State Board of Education, however. There are many that oppose the earlier start date altogether. While some supporters argue that the earlier date allows for first-semester finals to be over with before winter vacation, others say that students could be using the break to study in-depth for their tests. “Frankly, all of the studies and statistics that I’ve seen show that having an earlier start date has not improved academic achievement,” Branstad stated in a news conference earlier this year. A study done by an organization called “Save Alabama Summers,” which is dealing with a similar problem as Iowa in their own Department of Education, reveals that the top ten academic states all start off the school year in late August or early September, and then administer their semester finals after winter vacation in December and January. It also hurts summer employment for students who only work during the season and might need the money. The heat that comes along with early August pushes up utility bills and takes up more energy, because schools are forced to install expensive air conditioning and keep it running, which is commonly seen a waste of money for only a few weeks out of the year that students have had off in the past. However, the position in favor of earlier start dates is supported by some as well. There are those that believe that having schools start September 1 will affect the sports that have recently become August-focused. It could hurt activities like swimming and football, which use these few extra weeks to practice after class, because it’s guaranteed that all team members will be in town as opposed to being on a family vacation. A supporter of early start
dates includes the director of School Administrators of Iowa, Daniel Smith. “[It] appears that the proposed rule change does not take into consideration the negative or potential negative impact on the coordination of calendars between school districts, community colleges, universities and the many student activities that routinely begin in early August,” said Smith during the August Board of Education meeting where the bill was voted on. Shorter summers make for the opportunity for more days off within the school year also, like a fall break in October and a longer spring vacation in March and April. Many educator groups believe that the start dates should be up to the community. As the start date given by the state is commonly ignored anyways, there seems to be no reason for the state to even attempt at creating a universal date. It should instead be the decision of the district, who understands the needs of their community and the nature of how their schools operate. States like Nebraska and Illinois do not have state laws demanding a certain start date for school districts. In Illinois, schools in Moline began August 14, and Rock Island-Milan on August 5. Illinois does not have a state-regulated date which schools must start on or after, but simply mandates a minimum of 185 days in the proposed school calendar. It should also be noted that Iowa has been beaten in student performance measures by a number of neighboring states with significantly later fall school start dates that are decided by the independent districts. If the state intends to follow the code’s original statute, stricter rules must be implemented to enforce it. Until this happens, Iowan public school students, parents, and teachers are going to continue wasting time arguing with a lame duck law that is constantly having to be bypassed by local officials who should know their community’s needs better in the first place.
12.18.13 The Blackhawk 31
Photography Index Pg. 4 Pg. 5 Pg. 6 Pg. 8 Pg. 10 Pg. 11 Pg. 12 Pg. 14 Pg. 16 Pg. 17 Pg. 18
Cover “Delleman” “Butler” “CAA” “Foreign...” “Coexist” “Olympics” “Google” “Colorblind” “Dirty Kid” “Butler” “Lady D’s” “Wrestlers” “Lamantia” “End of...”
McKay & Z. Pena Contributed Jarrett Yearbook D. Pena McKay & Z. Pena Contributed Contributed McKay McKay Sanchez Sanchez Contributed Contributed Taken from past year books
32 The Blackhawk 3.12.14
Pg. 20 “Jordan” “Girls Bowl” “Boys Bowl” Pg. 21 “Spring” Pg. 22 “Show Choir” Pg. 23 “Moraetes” “Spree Aud” Pg. 24 “SEIBA” “Apps” Pg. 25 “Albums” “Pit Nation” Pg. 26 “Fiorato” Pg. 27 “Fashion” Pg. 28 “Against Wall” Pg. 29 “Lopez” Pg. 30 “Snow on DC”
Contributed Yearbook Yearbook Sanchez D. Pena McKay Jarrett D. Pena Contributed Contributed Jarrett McKay McKay McKay Hovey Lamantia