TheLittleHawk Iowa City High School Iowa City, Iowa volume LXX-issue VI May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
Bully.
Causing fear and hurt among students, teenage bullying has a real and powerful presence at City High. story by Cassie Wassink
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ot too long ago, Jane* ‘14 loved school. Now, waking up each morning, she must convince herself all over again to go to class. The explanation for this drastic change can be explained in one word: bullying. “My grades are going down because I don’t want to go to school as much as I used to,” Jane said. “I used to love school, but classes I used to love I now dread, because of people in them.” Jane’s social experience changed when a friend in her inner group stopped talking to her and began spreading rumors, turning many of her other friends against her as well. “At first I thought I just wasn’t getting texts back,” Jane said. “Then I realized it was a pattern.” Jane’s story is representative of a larger story told every day throughout the halls of City High. Bullying is defined by www.bullyingstatistics. org as “behaviors that focus on making someone else feel inadequate, or focus on belittling someone else. Bullying includes harassment, physical harm, repeatedly demeaning speech and efforts to ostracize another person. Bullying is active, and is done with the intention of bringing another person down.” City High is no exception to the pervasive force of bullying. At City High, 31 percent of students polled reported having been bullied themselves and 60 percent reported having witnessed bullying during their time at City High. “Every high school has issues along these lines,” Principal John Bacon said. Despite his acknowledgement that these issues are not specific to City High, Bacon maintains a zero tolerance policy with regard to any form of bullying. “No one’s a saint and no one’s perfect, but one thing I have absolutely no tolerance for is people just being mean and cruel to each other,” Bacon said. “I don’t expect you to be perfect, but there’s no reason we can’t treat everyone around us with kindness.” While Bacon’s stance is clear, the shady area lies in which situations call for intervention from the administration. According to Bacon, the school’s policy dictates that any offense taking place on school property falls within the school’s right and responsibility to intervene. Cyber-bullying is more complicated because it can occur anytime, anywhere, so a school’s jurisdiction is less clear. Bacon stated that the general litmus test is if bullying significantly disrupts a student’s school day, then it is again the right and responsibility of the school to intervene. To counter the negative effects of bullying, Bacon stated that City High makes adults available with whom the students can discuss their personal lives. While teachers and administrators are often available, Rick Spears with UAY Youth Out-
reach Counselor has been employed at City High for this purpose for the past four years. “I want to reach out to students and let them know they can talk at UAY, they can be safe, they can speak to adults about these issues if that is their choice,” Spears said. “My goal is to be a resource for kids who need help at this time of life.” Specifically, Spears described a desire to develop relationships with students. With these personal relationships, Spears works with students to brainstorm options for difficult situations they encounter. “We help the students come up with solutions that they can live with, which is different for everybody,” Spears said. “We try to develop options, try to problem solve, but we let them make the decision about how to deal with the situation.” Among the situations that Spears encounters are students dealing with bullying on account of their sexual orientation. Bob* ‘13 is a student who stopped denying his sexual orientation midway through high school. Many openly gay high school students become the butt of extensive amounts of bullying: physical, emotional and cyber. For Bob, this bullying occurred more throughout the time period from seventh through ninth grade, when he was not open about his sexual orientation. “I got cyber-bullied for a while,” Bob said. “I got facebook messages threatening to beat me up and kill me.” Bob described the impact that fear of bullying had on his own attitude during this period of time. “When I was scared that I was going to be bullied, I was really mean to people for a while,” Bob said. “But that’s not a good way to cope.” Since he stopped denying his sexual orientation, both to himself and others, Bob’s outlook on bullying has changed dramatically. He is now a strong advocate against using the word retarded as a negative adjective. He attributes to his own experience of becoming comfortable with his identity: “Growing up and maturing,” Bob said, describing the personal transition that led to this change in perspective, “realizing that there’s nothing wrong with who I am.” Bob and Jane have both been influenced by the pervasive force of bullying. Despite the undeniable reality of this presence at City High, Bacon remains positive and optimistic about the potential of this school to continue to combat the damage of this ever-present harm. “One of the great things at City High, one of the most special, is that it really has a legacy of acceptance and tolerance,” Bacon said. “Across different social groups, we are all Little Hawks, we are all a school family. There is a great harmony, and our responsibility is to continue to advance that legacy.” photo by RENATA STEWART
City High computer debate continues Administration and tech support debate the benefits of Macs vs. PCs for school computers.
by Ellen Carman and Oli Peters olipeters@thelittlehawk.com ellencarman@thelittlehawk.com
Mac and PC computers have been rivaling each other for years and it is no exception in the academic world. City High currently is a dual platform school, meaning the school uses both types of computers, and new changes in the district policy could be changing this. “It is a mixed environment out in the real world.” Vice Principal, Terry
Coleman said. “I think there are some things you can do on Macs that are just far simpler, whether it be designing a graphic project or producing some sort of a movie. I’ve used some of the Windows software and it’s just not as well integrated.” City High Technology Services Director Greg Vrasper agrees that the applications Macs have can make things simpler for computer based classes. Part of the change City High may undergo has to do with the new
IT Director David Dude. “Last year when Mr. Dude came in, one of the things that he was proposing was for simplicity or the idea of easier support for our computers and to have one platform.” Vrasper said. “He would prefer to have that PC based. He was going off the numbers of computers already in the district that were primarily PCs.” Now, in order to have Mac computers, a school must go through an application process and be able to show
what the need for the computer is. “We applied for maintaining at least one Mac lab in the library. Where there could be changes is like that little guy sitting over there.” Coleman said, pointing to his own computer. “Teacher computers, office computers, and that kind of thing would be the place where I would anticipate that there could be some changes where you just wouldn’t see individuals with desktop Macs.” City High is almost split, in terms
of Mac to PC computers in the building. West High is exclusively Windows with the exception of one computer lab for their journalism and arts classes. “It seems to make some sense for both sides of town to have a similar platform for that.” Coleman said. “And so I don’t see that changing.”
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PREVIEW May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
inthis
ISSUE ... news
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Fine Arts Construction Update What’s being done and what is yet to come; the story behind all the ruckus in the parking lot.
Practice Field Problems
John Bacon and D’Anne Kroemer discuss the future of the City High practice fields.
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Year in Review
From ‘Chicago’ to the Trayvon Martin rally; all is covered from City High and beyond.
sports
features
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City Secret
Nothing is left to guesswork; City High students bring their secrets to light. This is City Secret.
Young Entrepreneurs
City students or CEOs? The line is blurred in this look at students’ business lives.
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Moving Up
As the end of the year approaches, seniors reflect on their high school careers and eigth-graders look ahead.
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Softball
With their season opener close at hand the softball team is practicing hard and hopes their off season work pays off.
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Girls Tennis
The girls tennis team is headed to Regionals and says goodbye to seniors after a successful season.
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Girls Track
With a second consecutive state champion title within their grasp, the girls track team is working harder than ever to ensure a win.
EDITORIALSTAFF renata stewart co-executive editor
sonora taffa
co-opinion editor
cassie wassink ellen carmen co-executive editor
kieran green
co-opinion editor
co-news editor
nora holman design team
oli peters
co-news editor
jason arnold design team
ryan young
co-sports editor
emma gier design team
annika wasson alex perez co-sports editor
mikiel curtis advertisements
co-features editor
eli shepherd
photo/video editor
emma baxter
gabriel basile
reporters
Daniella Perret Olivia Peters Shannon Randall Jack Rogers Harris Thompson Annika Wasson Ryan Young Kierra Zapf Ethan Zierke
co-features editor
Nathaniel Alder Emma Baxter Ellen Carmen Naftalia Flatte Max Friedman Olivia Hamilton Lily Howard Claire Jacobson Christian Kennedy Kris Kindl Sarah Lange
a&e editor
News TheLittleHawk
May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
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New Pioneer Co-op relocates Tech The Co-op has developed plans to move to the intersection of College and Gilbert. byCassie Wassink
cassiewassink@thelittlehawk.com
In the midst of a series of renovations transforming the scene of downtown Iowa City stands the potential relocation of long-standing New Pioneer Co-op. Retaining its downtown location, the Co-op plans to move from its current spot on Van Buren to the plot of land at the intersection of College and Gilbert. Some contest the validity of this move, protesting the loss of a small, intimate location for the projected larger, but less limiting space. Despite this worry, however, the vote taken by members of the New Pi was 90 percent in favor of the move, displaying a strong support for the suggested plans. As it stands right now, however, the plan is far from completion. In fact, the Co-op is currently in the very beginning stages of a process that is projected to last until the beginning of 2015. The first step in the plan is to submit a proposal to the City, requesting rights for the desired site, which is comprised of four parcels of land, three of which are owned by the City. The other component is negotiating with MidAmerican Energy, which currently owns one parcel of land, but which has expressed a willingness to relocate their equipment to a new site. Goals for the eventual outcome include a greater amount of space for
storage as well as clients, a removal from the flood plain upon which the current venue is located, and better working conditions for employees. While a plan has been laid out detailing the upcoming process, there are some unknowns that have yet to be worked out. “There is a series of hurdles to get over before we can break ground,” Angerer said. “We’re still in limbo.” One issue that must be resolved is ensuring sufficient parking for the new location. The Chauncey Swan is adjacent to the new setting, and will provide the majority of spots for Coop clientele. New Pi is currently working to reserve 80-90 parking spaces within the garage for Co-op shopping only. Beyond the parking hurdle, expenses may also prove difficult to cover. The Co-op, however, remains confident that their current sound financial condition will allow for this upgrade. The projected price for the project is between seven and a half and eight and a half million dollars. Despite details that must be worked through before its completion, Angerer remains confident in the worthwhileness of this project. “I just think it’s going to be a better experience for everyone. We’re underservicing the Iowa City market. We need to be leaders and service the area sufficiently or someone else is going to do it,” she said.
by Ellen Carman and Oli Peters ellencarman@thelittlehawk.com olipeters@thelittlehawk,com
photos by ELI SHEPHERD & KIERRA ZAPF The New Pioneer Co-op stands at its current location in downtown Iowa City. The Co-op has been there for many years but has plans to finish relocating by 2015.
Press box work Teachers plan continues to retire Construction on City’s new press box is close to being completed. by Harris Thompson harristhompson@thelittlehawk.com
City High fans will no longer have to endure a long wait to use the restroom or to grab a slice of pizza as the new press box is coming closer to becoming completed. “I am extremely excited about the Stand-Up for City High Campaign,” Principal John Bacon said. “The generosity of our school community is outstanding. Incredible improvements to Bates Field are in the works.”
The new press box is going to supply a larger restroom area and a viewing box on the second floor that will allow students and other various groups to gather and support their team. The old press box will turn into a bigger concession stand that will help the traffic of hungry fans. “Well it’s not completely finished yet,” head football coach Dan Sabers said. “but obviously I’m excited about what’s there, I think it looks great.”
photo by Harris Thompson The new press box at Bates Field, with the Stand Up for City High sign on the field.
cont.
by Ethan Zierke
ethanzierke@thelittlehawk.com
As many students anticipate the arrival of summer vacation, the end of this school year will mark a much larger milestone in the lives of a number of teachers at City High. Retiring teachers at City High include music department secretary Ann Robinson, math teacher Jan Hollis, and Paula Ellsworth and Charlene Lange with special education. Other City High staff retiring is the french teacher Donna Grundstand and Brad Smith physical education teacher. Smith is also the City wrestling coach. Ms. Robinson has been employed at City High as the music department secretary since 1995. “I helped to build up the position to what it is now,” Robinson said. “The music secretary who worked here before me retired in the middle of the year; she only worked parttime and didn’t even have an office.” Robinson now has her own office, works the same hours as the other teachers, and keeps calendars and finances for choir, band, orchestra, plus other musical groups. Robinson says she feels lucky to have worked here during some of City High’s most successful years in music. “I was able to attend the Midwest Band and Orchestra International
Clinic in 1999, something only the best musical groups in the country are selected for,” Robinson said. “I also received the opportunity to chaperone three of orchestra’s European tours, and we won three Grammys in the course of my time at City High.” Robinson claims she will miss the students the most but also the people and families she has worked with over the years. In addition to relationships with students and families, there are other aspects of her time here that she said will remain in her memory as well. “I have enjoyed working with City staff in general; the educational atmosphere at City High is very positive,” Robinson said. “It’s an uplifting working community and my job here has been interesting and challenging; It includes many aspects of running a successful music program.” Principal John Bacon is proud of the work that this year’s retirees have accomplished throughout their careers at City High school. “All have demonstrated strong dedication to City High School and served the school community faithfully for many years,” Bacon said. “They have impacted hundreds if not thousands of students’ lives and I wish them the best of luck in their retirement.”
Coleman pointed out that Macs could be more effective in art classes. “The people who are in the creative professions definitely gravitate towards the Macs,” Coleman said. “It does things better, that’s just my own personal opinion. The thing is Mac users can almost always do the things they need to on the PCs and it’s not always the other way around.” One of the reasons for the change in the policy cited in the report was the cost of Windows versus the cost of Macs. “I don’t have a preference for macs or windows,” Dude said. “The fact is that windows cost less and we could have more machines if we stick with windows.” However, not everyone thinks that Windows are cheaper. “Personally I’ve been looking at this for probably 15 years because its been a long time that people have tried to go to just windows in various districts.” Coleman said. “Although the initial price is more, if you look at the total cost of ownership over a 5-6 year time span and there is essentially no difference. The cost for personnel to upkeep and repair are significantly lower for the Macs, so it’s kind of a wash in terms of total cost.” Vrasper feels similarly. “Macs last longer and need less maintenance. Our Macs that are four and six years old still work great,” said Vrasper. “Our PCs on the other hand, by the time they get to four years they’re slowing down. They just don’t necessarily work as well and we’re frequently sending them in. Then when you look at the statistics Macs are better.” The opinions of the City High tech personnel was reflected in the papers turned into the ICCSD school board, along with surveys. “We have done an extensive survey and filled out a big packet that we turned in.” Vrasper said. “We don’t know for sure what’s going to happen with the pcs and macs. we haven’t heard back on what our mac application status is.” Another point cited in the report was the possibility of streamlining tech personnel so they only have to learn to fix one type of computer. “Is it our focus to make things the simplest or what’s best for the school and educational opportunities?” Vrasper said. “I feel that the Mac as well as the PC options create much more opportunities for students to expand their learning.”
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NEWS May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
Elections Coverage 2012
Obama visits Iowa: A photo story
photos by ELLEN CARMAN and CHRISTIAN KENNEDY ABOVE LEFT: President Obama speaks to University of Iowa students and members of the Iowa City community, focusing on the issue of student loans. LEFT: The president arrives at the Cedar Rapids airport in the official government plance, with secret service members keeping a close watch on people watching. ABOVE: Students cheer in front of and behind the president while he speaks. He was met with enthusiasm and cheers during his visit to the Field House.
YPA members help campaign The new club aims to get students to get involved in politics. by Sonora Taffa and Christian Kennedy
sonorataffa@thelittlehawk.com christiankennedy@thelittlehawk.com Young Political Activists Club, or YPA, is a new student-founded organization, created to encourage high school students to take part in their nation’s politics. The founders are Max Friedman’13, Nat Alder’13, and Renata Stewart’13. “YPA has been meeting to discuss issues in the news, politics, and the upcoming presidential election process,” Friedman said. “We like to talk over things we don’t necessarily understand, and we usually end the meeting with a very heated argument. We also usually have cookies.” The club meets every Wednesday in Mrs. Redlingers’ room and welcomes any walk in attendees. “I feel young people should get involved in politics, especially during such a vital election,” YPA member Ryan O’Mally’13 said. “Young people can really make a difference, as long as they have the time and willingness to
work and help out.” O’Mally himself plans to campaign this summer for Mitt Romney. He campaigned for John McCain in the summer of 2008 as well. “I made a lot of phone calls and had a lot of people hang up on me, but I had a lot of fun doing it,” O’Mally said. “I think it’s important for kids to learn about politics in order to be a more informed populous in our future.” The club is completely non- partisan, a decision that the founders decided on very intentionally. Alder is also planning to campaign this summer, however he will work at the Obama headquarters instead. “I want to get more involved, and I think it’s a good way to make people more politcally aware,” Alder said. “Iowa is a swing state, so the win could be determined by a very few number of votes. The Bush-Gore election was only won by about 124 votes, so I believe that every vote counts.” As of November 2008, fewer than half (49%) of the 3.7 million 18-yearold citizens were registered to vote, a rate 22 points lower than the general
population, according to projectvote. org. “The vast majority of our school that is eighteen or over is not registered to vote and they need to be,” Alder said. “And even if we’re not yet able to vote, the point is that we can potentially change our own future if we know about politics and the election now. Then in the next four years we’ll know what’s up.” YPA plans to hold a voter registration drive by the end of the year, although the details are still in the making. The club is also working to invite guest speakers to educate students on current campaign news and politics. “At one of the meetings I went to we had a campaign manager for the Iowa City Obama campaign come talk to us,” O’Mally said. “Although I didn’t necessarily agree with all of his views, I thought it was really cool that we could get someone to come throw ideas around with us and tell us what is going on with politics right now. It’s a great learning experience for everyone.”
VS.
TAXES
NEWS May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
Freshmen enter the workforce
For high school students, jobs have primarily belonged to upper-classmen. However, this year there has been an increase in the amount of freshmen with jobs. by Naftalia Flatté
naftaliaflatté@thelittlehawk.com
To 20 percent of the freshmen surveyed by The Little Hawk, getting a job is not for now, but for the future. However, many freshmen are getting an early start. Among these is freshman Elizabeth Brown. “I like having a job because I feel as if I’m accomplishing something with my life and not just being lazy,” Brown said. Brown works as a lifeguard at Mercer Park Aquatic Center, one of many jobs open to freshmen. Other available jobs such as waitressing or acting as host at restaurants don’t require as much training. The old classics, babysitting and lawn mowing, remain popular as well. “Having a job teaches you responsibility and how to manage your time well,” Emma Holmes ‘15 said. As younger workers, freshmen do have to deal with logistical issues of child labor laws. There are very strict laws in place concerning child labor. People under
the age of 16 need to acquire a work permit to be kept on file by their employer, or they will not be allowed to work. The employer is also required to keep a complete list of all workers under the age of 16. To get a work permit, one has to go in person to the Iowa Workforce Development Center and prove that they are who they say they are, either by presenting a birth certificate or a passport, and then filling out a form. Arielle Soemadi, a freshman who works at SnoBiz, the Hawaiian Shaved Ice stand, believes that she should have waited before getting a job. “Even though I knew it would be stressful, I didn’t want to rely on my parents, so I got a job,” Soemadi said. “But now I have to rely on them for transportation to and from work. Unless freshmen have their own transportation, I would recommend waiting before getting a job.” Minors are not allowed to work during school hours and can only work a maximum of four hours a
by Oli Peters
13% thought they shouldn’t
25% of freshmen have jobs
87% thought freshmen should have jobs
day on weekdays and eight hours on weekends or holidays while school is in session. During the summer, they can work up to eight hours per day, but no more than 40 hours per week. “If freshmen plan on getting a job, I suggest waiting until summer so they don’t have to worry about school,” Soemadi said. “I work about a 16
hour week and I have to balance that with all my school work.” Although some say having a job as a freshman can be stressful, others describe more positive aspects. “Having a job is a good way to prepare for after school,” Holmes said with a smile, “and having extra money around is never a bad thing.”
City High junior Francesca Lubecki-Wilde will spend eight weeks of her summer interning with the Institute of Rural Research and Development in India. by Ellen Carman
T h i s s u m m e r, j u n i o r Francesca LubeckiWilde will be traveling to Gurgaon, India for eight weeks as part of an internship with the Institute of Rural Research and Development. “I’m going to be doing research with how social media outlets affect the development of rural villages,” Lubecki-Wilde said. “So I will be staying in a big city and going out into the rural villages during the day to do research.” Lubecki-Wilde was able to ap-
ply for this internship because of her participation, which is provided through the World Food Prize, because of her participation in the Youth Institute Conference. “You go to the world food prize conference in Des Moines. You get to sit in on conferences and you have to write a paper and do research about food insecurities somewhere in the world.” she said. “So I’ve done research on hunger and food insecurity before.” Lubecki-Wilde has gone to this conference for two years, but has never traveled abroad to pursue her research further. “Im looking forward to learning a lot.” she said. “With college coming up I just really want a different perspective and I want to see the world. I’m also looking forward to hopefully being able to actually make an impact with my research, to do something that’s beneficial.”
She will be working to educate girls on the importance of education, especially in science and technology. Also on getting radio broadcasts to rural areas and helping people become more aware of disease. “The nice thing about my project is that it’s really creative,” she said. “so hopefully I can start programs at the place I’m working that could be continued in future years by other interns.” Lubecki-Wilde will also be trying out a new program called People’s Theatre and introducing it to the organization she’s working with. “It’s when representatives go into rural villages and trane villagers there to act, and write scripts, but the things that the villagers are acting out are things that help assist in the development of the village.” She will be attempting to do this in the villages she works in. “For example, the one that I
watched online was a play on sexual harassment, and how to identify signs and how to react to it.” She said. “It’s really beneficial because thats kind of the point of theatre in general; to help bring about positive change by helping people identify things they see in themselves. It would be cool to take it to the level where it affects positive change more obviously.” While Lubecki-Wilde will be enduring a 24 hour flight, going to an unknown place where she doesnt know the language she says that it’s more than worth it. “Food insecurity and hunger is one of those big issues, that’s just sort of like oh, world peace, world hunger, blah blah blah,” Lubecki-Wilde said. “The thing that I realized is that it’s not going to change unless one person takes an initiative and I feel like going there and seeing what the real issues and obstacles are allow
New turf in the works by Oli Peters
olipeters@thelittlehawk.com
Renovating the City High lower practice field has brought controversy among the ICCSD school district. However, last Tuesday the School Board approved a plan to install artificial turf on the field. “West high had to do a fundraising campaign to build their new soccer complex,” Principal John Bacon said. “Some people think it would be unfair to build us a new field or fix the old one because they had to fundraise
for it.” The instalment is an estimated $700,000 which will funded through the School Infrastructure Local Option tax funds. The synthetic turf is expected to cost almost $500,000 more than natural grass. “We’ve learned from experts that it’s a superior product because we can use it year round and there’s much less maintenance involved compared to grass fields,” Bacon said. “Initially the cost is more but in the long run it will cost less.”
Molly’s Cupcakes comes to IC olipeters@thelittlehawk.com
Junior to spend summer in India ellencarman@thelittlehawk.com
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#voteryan
Iowa City is getting a little sweeter this summer with a new cupcake store to open downtown in late July. Molly’s Cupcakes is a well-known bakery with locations in New York and Chicago. The store will be located at 14 S. Clinton St., the former location of Liberty Bank’s downtown branch, and will be open until midnight on weekends as an alternative to bars for late-night socializing. “Molly’s Cupcakes sounds like it will do really well in Iowa City,” Emma Greimann ‘14 said. “I’ve been to one of the bakeries before and the decor is really inviting. They had board games and swings that you can sit on by the counter. Plus, the cupcakes are delicious.” Molly’s Cupcakes founder John Nicolaides named the bakery after his third-grade teacher, who baked cupcakes for her students on their birthdays. The bakery also gives back to the community, with an outreach program called “Molly’s Mission.” This program donates a portion of the bakery’s profits to schools in the community that don’t have sufficient funding, as well as donating cupcakes to school functions and fundraisers. The bakery’s first location was in New York City and, due to the success of the store, a new one was opened in Chicago shortly after. Molly’s offers 15 varieties of cupcakes, including center-filled versions with fillings like cake batter, cookie dough, and peach cobbler. Customers can choose cupcakes off the rack or specify the toppings and frostings of their choice. The store also includes a sprinkle station, where people can decorate their cupcakes however they like. The bakery will also offer dessert cakes and ice cream.
Orchestra concert preview by Gabe Basille gabebrasille@thelittlehawk.com
As the end of the year approaches, a wave of enchanting strings flows throughout the music hallways of City High. With the final orchestra concert quickly comes closer and closer, the orchestra students have mastered their songs. “It’s a warm fuzzy feeling,” violist Sophia Opitz ‘13 said. “It’s nice to know all the effort we put in is coming back.” The orchestra concert will feature all City High orchestra groups. They will be performing on May 24 in Opstad Auditorium. “I’m really excited, but it will be sad to see the seniors leave,” Opitz said. “It will be interesting to see where they’ll be going in the future, but I’ll miss them a lot.”
NEWS May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
GlobalExposure
Lengthened school year? by Kieran Green
kierangreen@thelittlehawk.com
Arts Wing in progress by Olivia Hamilton
oliviahamilton@thelittlehawk.com Construction of the new Arts Wing is well underway. “It was part of a long decisionmaking process that we went through during last school year where our high school worked very hard with the district and the school board to get our music addition approved,” principal John Bacon said. This construction is the first step in a major project which will bring City High new band, orchestra, and choir rehearsal spaces, as well as various other aspects. “It’s going to be a really good thing for City High,” said Mr. Leman, whose classes had taken place in the temporary building. “These programs have been toiled in kind of substandard facilities for a long time and this will bring us up to the other schools.” Leman’s classes have been moved out of the library to a temporary home in the south classroom of City High’s library. Both Leman and the students will miss the old building. However, they feel in the end it will be a positive. “The old room was really cool, kind of our own kingdom out there, and we kind of made it our own. I will miss that,” Leman said. “But I’ll love to see how beautiful new building adding to the beautiful school, it will make it even better.”
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In the South Indian state of Karnataka, Hindu priests toss babies from the age of three months to two years from the rooftops of temples on to a waiting cloth held by waiting men. Priests believe that this ritual will make the children grow stronger. The tallest man in the U.S., Igor Vovkovinsky, who measures seven feet, eight and one third inches tall, flies across the U.S. to Reebok’s headquarters in Massachusetts for a shoe fitting. Vovkovinsky was measured for size 21 trainers. A 15-foot crocodile that had been terrorising residents and animals of the Daly River community in Northern Australia, was trapped and hauled out of a river. The crocodile is believed to have eaten up to nine pet dogs. An all-white killer whale, now called ‘Iceberg’, was spotted off the coast of Russia. This whale may be the only known all-white adult orca in the world. compiled by DANIELA PERRET
Student elections approach
On May 31st, students will cast their vote for who they want to represent each class. by Lilly Reitz
lillyreitz@thelittlehawk.com On May 23rd is the election for Student Senate for the 2012-13 school year. There are 11 candidates for sophomore, junior and senior executive positions. “All students have to do is fill out a form and turn it into me,” Student Senate supervisor, Nate Hellwig said about the requirements to run in the election. There are a few returning nominees and student senate members
running, such as Eli Shepherd ‘14, running for junior class president. “I was sophomore president this year, and [if elected] I’ll do my best for next year,” Shepherd said. Amel Ali ‘13 is another returning Student Senate member, running for senior class president. “I’ve been really passionate and involved in Student Senate for the last two years,” Ali said. Ashley Dvorsky ‘13 is also running for senior class vice-president, as current vice-president of the junior class and two-year Student Senate member.
Eli Shepherd ‘14
Ryan Young ‘13
Controversy has erupted after Governor Terry Branstad, as part of his plan to reform education in Iowa, issued a proposal that would lengthen the school year in Iowa. The proposed changes would lengthen the school year to around two hundred days Proponents of lengthening the school year cite a correlation between a longer school year and student achievement. However, many students have voiced an opposition to the reforms. “I don’t support it. I definitely need a break from schoolwork,” Juliette Enloe ‘13 said, “and I want to have time off for a lengthy period of time so I can travel, for example, or to spend time with my friends and family.” Employment has also been an issue for students, with many voicing concerns that it would interfere with their ability to make money from work. “I’m not for it, because I make most of my money during the summer and it gets hella hot at school especially in August and July,” Omar Martinez ‘13 said. Many students have also asserted that lengthening the school would not help student achievement. “Students would just end up giving up around the same time each year, no matter how long the school year would be,” Martinez said. Though there is no actual bill to lengthen the school year currently pending in the legislature, Governor Branstad has indicated that he would support such a proposal if it was added on to one of the education bills slated to be debated this fall.
Amel Ali ‘13
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Mohamed Rouabhi ‘13
Brennan Nelson ‘14
Ryan O’Malley ‘13
NEWS May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
Best Buddies wins Chapter of the year City High’s chapter of Best Buddies has been honored again with the prestigious award of Best Chapter of the Year. Recently Best Buddies traveled to Des Moines to participate in the annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk.
ABOVE: Best Buddies recieved Chapter of the year for the second year in a row.
by Daniela Perret
danielaperret@thelittlehawk.com On April 22, 2012, fifteen members of the City High Best Buddies chapter made their way up to Des Moines to participate in the annual Best Buddies Friendship walk, where they received the High School Chapter of the Year award. “Winning Chapter of the Year is a big accomplishment,” Best Buddies coordinator Tom Braverman said. “But the relationships that our buddies and peer buddies have established is by far the biggest accomplishment this year.” The walk/run is the biggest fundraising event for the Iowa Chapter,
raising a total of $24,456 for the chapters of Iowa this year, $800 of which was raised by City High. This was one of the many successes City High Best Buddies achieved this year. “I think [the club] is really successful because I see that it sort of bring our whole school together.” Francesca Crutchfield-Stoker ’12, president of City High Best Buddies said. “I can definitely see all different groups of people represented in our club, more so than other clubs. It’s also really cool seeing the support that our school gives us.” At Best Buddies events, everyone comes together according to Crutchfield-Stoker. Inclusion and acceptance are two of the main goals of
ABOVE: Students from Best Buddies partitipate in activities year round.
Best Buddies. “No one cares, at Best Buddies events, everyone just hangs out together and they’re just super fun,” Crutchfield-Stoker said. “So I just think that [the club] is really good at bringing the diversity in our school together.” With 170 members, the club is continuing to grow and make a difference in the school and the community. “Really, the amount of members isn’t really what’s as important as how Best Buddies has really changed the culture here at City High school,” Braverman said. “I think our special e.d. kids are accepted when they are in public domains, and I think people
have a better understanding of people with disabilities.” To wrap up the year, Best Buddies will be hosting their annual end of the year party at the Harvest Preserve on May 19th from 5:30-8:30 p.m. “Winning the state chapter of the year felt like a really great honor and accomplishment,” Crutchfield-Stoker said. “This year has been stressful, and at times I have wanted a break, and to give up, but seeing the dedication from all of our members, and buddy pairs is so rewarding, and seeing how much fun everyone has together, it is all worth it.”
Students volunteer at IC Arts Fest
City High students have been volunteeing at the Iowa City Arts Fest for years. This summer is no exception. by Claire Jacobson
clairejacobson@thelittlehawk.com A variety of City High students will be participating in Sand in the City this August. “[It will be] not only Interact students, but Student Senate, and maybe Best Buddies,”Interact adviser Carrie Watson said. “We’re trying to make it more of an all-school thing.” Interact students will be involved throughout the summer with Iowa
City’s Summer of the Arts, a series of musical delights and displays of Iowa City resident artists’ work, as well as children’s activities. Students can volunteer at the Arts Festival as artist volunteers, or as a runner. “There’s a slough of different things available,” Watson said. “You can volunteer for one shift or as many shifts as you want.” There are a variety of areas in which people can volunteer. “Things range from working at
hydration stations, to selling apparel, or to working at eco-stations where people are recycling, or working at the art centers or world villages,” Interact co-president Emma Baxter ‘13 said. It’s the same for all summer events: Arts Fest, from June 1-3; Jazz Fest, June 29-July 1; and Sand in the City, August 10-12. “Susie Thurmond is spearheading Sand in the City this year,” Watson said. “The theme is Around the
World. People vote for their choice then there’s a People’s Choice Award.” Students don’t have to be in Interact to volunteer this summer. “It’s not an Interact-sponsored thing,” Baxter said. Students can go to the website and sign up to volunteer in any area. “Anybody can go [to www.summerofthearts.org] and click on the ‘volunteer’ button, and volunteer for themselves.” Watson said.
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Ari Dahlin wins LGBT scholarship As one of eight people in Iowa, Ari Dahlin recieved the Matthew Shepard Schoralship, awarded to LGBT community activists by Naftalia Flatte
naftaliaflatte@thelittlehawk.com Matthew Shepard was a college student who was brutally tortured and horrificly murdered for being gay on October eighth, 1998. To honor him and what he stood for, in his memory, the Matthew Shepard Scholarship was created. It is awarded to openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender students who demonstrate LGBT activism and community service,. They also must have high moral and ethical standards as well as conduct. “I think it’s a fabulous thing to do,” GLOW supervisor Maureen Hill said. “That something this good could have come out of his memory, it’s amazing.” Ari Dahlin was one of the eight people in Iowa to receive the award. Dahlin, a senior at City High, was awarded this prestigious scholarship for her work as the copresident of the GLOW club. She hasbeen extrenmely invlolved in the City High GLOW club and has organized several GLOW events including visiting the governor’s conference twice and walking in parades. Last year, she started the suicide prevention T-shirts because of a story her teacher told her. “My teacher told the class about a college student who committed suicide because his roommate posted a video of him and his partner doing things together on the Internet,” Dahlin said. “The class laughed about it. They thought it was funny that he died. That just made me so angry.” Dahlin says that, although last year people didn’t seem to care about the LGBT community, this year it has changed. City High’s GLOW club is thriving and every year more and more high school students feel safe enough to come out about their sexuality. “I hear ‘that’s so gay’ or ‘you’re so gay’ a lot. I hear ‘fag’ three or four times a week,” Dahlin said. “A lot of transgender students are coming out, and people are getting weirded out. They don’t want people to be weirded out. They’re just being who they are and they can’t really help it so it’s unfair for people to be like that.” To receive the Mathew Shephard scholarship award, candidates must complete an essay stating what they have done and their plans for the future to raise awareness for the LGBT community. Many Iowans submitted essays but Dahlin was one of the few whos got accepted. “My plan for the future is to join the LGBT club at Kirkwood,” Dahlin said, “and then go from there.”
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SuperNews
May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
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The year in review... 2011-2012 by Max Friedman
The Boot STAYS AT HOME
A new outlook for Education
A close game for Volleyball
Show Choir shines at competitions
The King and Queen crowned
College Green No longer occupied
IC protests Trayon martin upset
Chicago hits Opstad for spring show
Boys team sets new record
New Art Wing in progress
The Little Hawks defeated the Trojans in the Battle for the Boot for the seventh consecutive year with a score of 42 to 24. The Little Hawks had leaders at every position, including two returning all-state players, Amos Lavela and Jeremy Johnson, who led the defensive line and secondary. Other big-time players for the Little Hawks include Jasper Washington, Ronald Thompson, Nile Banks, Cortez Barfield, John Law, and Ryan Kroeze. “It felt good to come out on top after they supposedly ‘beat us’ our sophomore year,” Sam Dennis ’13 said. “I look forward to making it eight years in a row.”
Governor Branstad introduced an education reform plan on October 3, 2011, which includes a new four-tier teacher structure, increased amounts of standardized testing, and a greater spirit of innovation throughout the state.
After losing only three matches in the regular season, the girls volleyball team made it to the State Championship. They won their first two sets against Ankeny and Cedar falls, but lost in the final set to Iowa City West High. In their final set, they won the first two matches 25-23 and 29-27, but lost the last three 16-25, 15-25, and 16-18. “It sucks when you really feel like you had it in your grasp,” head coach Craig Pitcher said. After starting off with an early two set lead, the team fell into a slump in the third set when several errors put them in a seven point hole. The fourth set was similar, but this time City had a three point lead until West came back after having a three and four point run. In the final set, despite staying close the whole game, the Little Hawks gave up five critical points due to service errors.
4th Avenue Jazz Co. took 1st runner-up at the regional Linn-Mar Supernova competition and won Best Band at the Great River competition in Davenport. Michael Gloer ‘13 and David Maize ‘13 won Best Male Soloist at the Davenport North and Davenport Central competinions.
The boys and girls bowling teams took home the King and Queen pins after a victory over Iowa City West High. This was the second year in a row that the girls bowling team had won the Queen Pin, but the boys had not won the King Pin since 2010. “We stayed focused and determined on friday and it paid off,” Sam Dennis ‘13 said. “Everybody feels great right now because it was such a boost in confidence and team morale.” The lady Little Hawks out-scored cross-town rival West High with 2,078 pins to 1,876. They will keep the Queen Pin at City for the second consecutive year. The boys came out victorious with a score of 2,467 pins to 2,404 winning back the King Pin from arch-rival West.
On a blustery February evening, after nearly five months of encampment, Occupy Iowa City began the final stages of its effort to clean up College Green park. The cleanup began following an order by the City Council to vacate their encampment.
On March 26, the one-month anniversary of the Sanford, Florida shooting, a crowd of people gathered in the Pedestrian Mall downtown. They came to protest the lack of legal action that had been taken against shooter George Zimmerman. Zimmerman has since been convicted of 2nd Degree Murder with Life as his maximum sentence.
This year’s musical “Chicago” came to Opstad Auditorium April 19-21. Junior Alex Perez played Roxie Hart in the play, which was one of a few leading roles. “I think the show has the perfect amount of raunch that will get people to see it. It is suggestive, but not completely inappropriate,” Perez said. “I think people were surprised when they realized ‘wow, this isn’t about munchkins or business people, it’s edgy and scandalous and intriguing.’”
City High’s boys and girls track teams headed to the Drake Relays at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, where the City High boys shuttle hurdle team, composed of Mason Greer ‘12, Jeremy Johnson ’12, Jay Duarte ’12, and Dan Roemerman ’12, won the Drake Relays shuttle hurdle relay with a time of 56.75. They also now hold the school record with a time of 56.38, which was achieved at the MVC Divisional Meet. The girls track team also had placing events: Aliyah Gustafson ‘13 placed fifth in the discus with a throw of 131’ 4” and Sarah Plock ‘15 placed sixth in the 400 Hurdles in a time of 64.84.
City High’s well known art and three time GrammyAward winning music programs will be expanding with the construction of a new Fine Arts Wing. Both the orchestra and theatre department have been displaced during the year of construction. Theatre director Troy Peters was forced to move around a lot during the construction. “I’ve had to have a lot of patience and understanding,” Peters said. Once the construction is finished, which should be in about a year and a half, it will include several features; multiple expansions for music and arts programs including larger rehearsal spaces for band, choir, and orchestra, a drama scene shop, more storage space, and a music theory classroom with new and more fitting technology.
Many educators in Iowa are thinking along similar lines, and questioning numerous aspects of this plan, including the move towards greater standardization, a potential lack of student motivation and shortsighted modeling and communication.
Remaining occupiers sit in College Green Park in Iowa City. “Everybody feels disappointed, but this is not unexpected,” Allison Clark, one of the activists who played a large roll in the upkeep of the park, said.
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Opinion TheLittleHawk
May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
AN INACCURATE INDEX y JU art b E NLO TE E LIET
At first glance, Advanced Placement (AP) classes seem to be some of the best educational offerings available to students. In spite of this, serious problems remain with using measures such as the AP index to gauge the quality of a school’s curriculum.
W
hen the Press-Citizen published the list of the top ranking schools on the Iowa Advanced Placement (AP) index, many City High students and parents were shocked to learn of City High’s ranking on that index. City High had scored a measly 27th, as opposed to second and fifth place rankings by Regina and West, respectively. Though City High’s placement on the index was technically correct, this only tells part of the story. This is because, despite the emphasis that is placed upon the AP index, it has little bearing on the actual quality of students’ education. Rather, it is only a measure of how many students take the AP test. Instead of showing how well a school prepares students, it shows how much a school can afford to help their students to take AP tests. Thus, schools that cover the entire cost of taking AP tests, like Cedar
Do you think that City High’s ranking on the index shows the quality as a school?
Rapids Washington and West Branch, have an edge over schools like City High, where students have to pay for each and every one of the tests that they take. Indeed, focusing on one’s ranking on the AP index can actually be detrimental to a school’s ability to provide a good learning environment for its students. Thus, while the Little Hawk staff is not opposed to adding AP classes to the curriculum, we feel that emphasis on those classes should not overshadow City High’s own class offerings. The first thing that we should note when gauging the relevance of the AP index is that a school’s placement on the index has nothing to do with how well the students perform on the test. Instead, it is based entirely on the amount of students that actually took the test. This has some interesting implications. For example,
YES: 2 NO: 7
City community as a whole. When the Press Citizen ran its story on the AP index placing, the tone of the article conveyed the message that “because City High students were not taking as many AP classes, the quality of their curriculum is inferior.” This is simply not the case. Though AP classes are a valuable part of any curriculum, the “honors” level courses that are offered are just as, if not more, valuable. Though AP classes have the reputation of being “college level” courses (and therefore more challenging), they lack the flexibility of honors classes. Instead of allowing students and teachers the freedom to develop their own distinctive courses, it limits them to the material that will be on the AP test. Oftentimes, those teaching advanced classes are some of the best educators in the district, and we
a school could register their entire student body to take AP tests, have them all fail, and still come out on top of the AP index. At that point, the AP index is not a measure of the quality of a school’s curriculum, nor does it gauge the talents of students. Instead, it is just a measure of the relative affluence, or wealth, of those schools’ communities. What is upsetting is not that the AP index is inaccurate, but the way in which it is interpreted by the Iowa
shouldn’t constrain them by placing limits on what they can and cannot teach. Though the Little Hawk staff does not oppose AP testing itself, we feel that it is necessary to strike a balance between AP and Honors courses. At the end of the day, the hype surrounding the AP index is just that: hype. It does not reflect badly on the student body, nor does it show the quality of the school’s teaching staff and curriculum. What it does show, however, is that the public and the media have a hopelessly simplistic view of education as a whole. Instead of obsessing over ways of measuring students’ success, we should be trying to provide them with an environment in which success can occur in the first place. By refusing to give in to the hype and taking a rational approach towards planning the curriculum, we will be well on our way to making that environment a reality.
OPINION May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
VOLUNTEER WOES
Guest writer Liliana Coelho
W
ednesday April 25, 2012 was one of the proudest days in my seventeen years. I walked out of the main office knowing that I had achieved a Silver Cord. For those of you who may not know, Silver Cord is an award given to graduating students who have recorded 400 hours of community service. As a 5’2’’ freshman, new to high school and balancing activities, the task seemed daunting. I knew that I would never log that many hours simply by volunteering haphazardly, so I joined Interact Club. What started as a school project I could put on my resume, soon became something that now defines my high school experience. By the time you begin There’s something inherently reyour junior year in high school, colwarding and meaningful about helplege is like a pesky mosquito, always ing people, without receiving anyvying for your attention. As my own thing tangible junior year comes in return. I don’t to a close, I’m really By the time you be- want to sound grateful that I can cheesy or anycheck a Silver Cord gin your junior year in thing, but knowoff of my to do list, high school, college is ing that I am and put it on my helping someone, college application. like a pesky mosquito, feels pretty darn I completely under- always vying for your good! Finding stand that college the volunteer opattention. recognition for volportunities, folunteer work is a perlowing through fectly good reason and executing them (not to mention to work for a Silver Cord, however, it remembering and turning in the Silshouldn’t be the only reason. ver Cord sheets) takes a great deal of
hard work. If I had taken the easier way out, the way some students do, I wouldn’t have gained the moxie I now have. I know several students who have worked towards Silver Cord by logging hours from summer camps. I know that they’re learning leadership skills that will help the community, as well the camps. Still, it’s a completely different experience from working every weekend with organizations in our own beloved Iowa City. Initially I would have jumped at the idea of logging the larger chunk of hours at one time. As the dust settles, and time passes, I realize how meaningful this work really is.
SUMMERTIME SIMPLICITY
E
ver since I happened upon Kid Rock’s summertime MTV ballad, “All Summer Long”, I noticed myself analyzing my own summer experiences in comparison to the ones glamorized before my eyes on the television screen. As the days of school dwindle, my mind begins to wander, already anticipating what I want to accomplish during my summertime afternoons. Every summer I anticipate to be even better than the last, promising myself to spend more time with my friends and family, make some money, travel, and most importantly, do something awesome that I will remember for a long time. Nonetheless, somehow my summer turns out to be significantly less eventful than I had romanticized. The summer months of sunny afternoons come to an end, the pool pass expires, and I find myself avoiding the thought of school. I don’t want to admit the fact that my summer is over because I haven’t yet accomplished all that I had planned to do. After experiencing this sensation
for the second summer in a row last year, I realized that the reason I felt to unaccomplished was because I was setting my expectations too high and overestimating the length of my summers, which if you do the math, lasts only around 70-80 days, just over the length of a trimester. Over the course of this school year I came across a particular verse in poem that I was studying for an English class. “No price is set on the lavish summer; June may be had by the poorest comer.” -James Russell Lowell I realized that my summer didn’t have to consist of overprocessed ideas, longshot goals, and irrational fantasies to be a memorable experience. I found that some of my most vivid fond memories came from some relaxed conversation with my family on a lazy summer afternoon, a last minute ice cream stop and walk by the river with an old friend, or a campfire and cookout with good
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Making that phone call, e-mail, or just hoping for the best by walking up to a new place or person can be intimidating, but it’s really given me confidence I hadn’t possessed before. I’ve learned new social skills, I’ve been forced to think outside of my comfortable surroundings, and I’ve learned to incorporate change and new elements into my weekly and monthly life. I now appreciate the work that I have done on an educational level. Volunteering around our community helps others, along with helping the volunteer themself. I’m very optimistic for City High students who may not go to summer camps to get Silver Cord, and hey… We’ll have made great connections and gotten better at networking skills. I’ve had several opportunities to learn what I like and dislike doing, and these experiences will help me in my future. I feel confident saying that giving back to my community will continue to be a part of my life. I am just one little part of our City High family, and I’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of volunteering, but I’ve already gained so much. The lessons I’ve learned from volunteering mean more to me, and have a greater impact on my life, than a Silver Cord ever could.
SUMMER Classy prom dresses Sunny and 70 degrees Little Caesar’s $5 pizza Pandora Graduation Whistling while you work Twitter Pancheros at lunchtime Summer musicals Glee Going abroad Sidewalk chalk Seniors leaving (for seniors) Friday night pedmall
Ethan Zierke
the summer months can be some of friends. I hate to use the all too familiar cli- the most memorable of our lives. It’s ché, “the best things in life are free” important, in between planned vacabut I think that such a phrase ap- tions, summer projects, and work, to plies directly to this situation. None take some time out of the day and just of the things I had remembered live it. Watch an old favorite movie with a pretty girl, go vividly come to your favorite resAugust were taurant downtown things I had laand listen to some bored over or Somehow my sum- live music while you dreamed up for hours all sum- mer always turns out can observe the differmer. They were to be significantly less ent people all around. Even taking your things that I eventful that I had mom to lunch can crehappened upon ate a rare and valuable rather than romanticized. memory you may not something I have come across had spent all day you done something looking for. else. Do what is posWith my sights set on bigger and better things, I had sible now before the time is up. Spend overlooked many more opportunities the rest of the time planning the less that were available to me on a daily interesting parts of life because if full advantage is taken of the free time basis. Sometimes it takes a special per- you may have, this summer will be son to make someone realize what something you can appreciate for the they truly have, other times it may rest of your life. be an experience, a relationship, or a conversation. Whatever it may be,
Finals Fake baking Deadlines Summer jobs End of the year projects End of the year parking Biology pigs Seniors leaving ( for underclassmen) Stinky milk English Speeches Owing the school money
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OPINION May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
FRACKING
Christian Kennedy
H
ydraulic Fracturing, also known as “fracking” is the process of injecting high pressure fluids and chemicals into the earth, in order to obtain natural gases. This process has been the center of controversy for many years now. Many countries like Poland and the United States support it, while others like France have outright banned it. In Iowa, proposed fracking has been met with much criticism. While there are no gas wells in Iowa at the moment, politicians have proposed it, and a mining company from Colorado has bought up hundreds of acres in Iowa to mine. The cost of fracking is currently more than traditional methods, and profit from fracking would only leave the state- and would not support local economies. If the financial burden of fracking isn’t bad enough, wells require between one and eight million gallons of water, of which only 30% is reclaimed. Besides the water use, wells use 80 to 300 Tons of chemicals in the process. A U.S. house of representatives investigation found that out of the 750 compounds found in fracking products “More than 650 are known or possible human carcinogens”. Chemicals like Isopropanol, Benzene, Potassium Chloride, Ethylene Glycol, methanol, and boric acid
art by KAIT COFFIN
ends up In the groundwater. Along with a nice mix of gamma-emitting isotopes including Antimony-121, 122, Cobalt-57, Iodine-127, and Krypton-85. And many of the chemicals haven’t been disclosed to the
public yet. Residents in areas around fracking sites have reported being able to set tap water on fire. Not only do they end up in the groundwater, they also pollute the air. Mining companies use a process
MY DoG hustle
I
have had a lot of pets in my life. I have had three toy fox terriers who were old and had to be put down, a beta fish that I got for my birthday and died after a week in my care, and a hamster that lasted about what two months. And now I have a new pet. You’re probably thinking, “Oh Gosh what poor species of animal, and how long before it dies?” Well, it’s a dog and I hope that it lives on forever because I love my new puppy. That’s right, Hustle Up Thompson is his name, he is an old english bulldog, and I am crazy about him. Our family decided on adopting Hustle for the family because we all got sick of each other and needed something else to love and play with. You see, dogs maybe the best pet ever here's why, first of all fish are not a pet but more of a decoration like a plant in fact fish might as well become a plant because all you do is feed it and make sure it has plenty of water. Hamsters, bunnies and other rodents are more of a classroom pet and reptiles are for the rain forest and only the rain forest. And I’m going to be honest with everyone right now: I hate cats. I hate cats so much that I wish they were all extinct. If you ask me, cats are only good for two things: being lazy and stinking up the house with their litter box. I mean they never want to do anything but be EXTREMELY lazy. You can’t even take a cat for a walk because they’ll just run away from you. And what sort of games are you supposed to play with a stinking cat? Fetch? NO! But a dog, you can do so much with a dog. You can pet it, play
where they spray wastewater into the air to evaporate chemicals off. These chemicals can be breathed, and cause serious harm, or seep into the soil. Furthermore, fracking leaves behind a carbon footprint about 20% greater than that of coal use. So no, there are no benefits to the environment. Perhaps, what is even more alarming is that there is significant evidence that links fracking to seismic activity. Why, oh why, would we want to feed America’s absurd addiction to fossil fuels? Sure, this would possibly lessen our dependence on foreign oil, but at a cost greater than money: souls of orphans, and unicorn blood. First off, Hydraulic Fracturing in Iowa would do nothing to help our economy. Not only would money leave the state. Next mines would use up land that is currently used for agricultural purposes. I don’t see the use of the proposed tax cuts Iowa’s education budget; which puts the jobs of teachers, and professors in jeopardy, lessens the quality of education students get, while supporting a process that harms the environment. As always, two wrongs don’t make a right. Instead of wasting money on an out of date method of raping the earth of its natural resources, time and effort should be put into renewable, and more green forms of energy.
Harris Thompson
RIGHT
to remain
silent...
“I’m probably secretly a superhero” -Mrs.Davis on free time -
“Everyone has dreams. Like to be married with 15 kids” -Mr. Rogers on dreams and aspirations
“Sometimes I talk about things that dont make much sense. But I feel that people still understand me for who I am” - Mrs.Wilson on her analogies.
“Most people don’t know it, but i’m a counter tenor” -
Mr.Lestina on his amazingly high voice
“ Aren’t marsupials the ones that have suction cups and kill their young ” - Dr.Grove on biology of animals.
“I’ve learned alot in life. Primarily how to start a fire with nothing but a toothpick” - Mr. Hartwig describes his feelings.
“I’m all up in yo thought bubble”
photo by HARRIS THOMPSON
with it, take it for a walk, and you can cuddle with it too. They will never leave your side... Unless you get up, but other than that they’re perfect. And just because I have Hustle doesn’t mean I’ll become one of those weird pet owners that will dress them up in stupid sweaters because “their cold”. Or will bedazzle their collar so they look
“cute” or “fly”. I will never treat my little bro like that, but I will creat him his own Facebook account, that right we’ve created a facebook for him. Go ahead! Go to facebook and search “Hustle-Up Thompson” to add him as a friend. I don’t know any other pet owner that has created an email, twitter, facebook, or blog for their pets. I have seen
facebooks for babies, but that’s not the same. In conclusion, everyone should do something big for their pet that makes them feel like they're just like everyone else. Why not make a twitter for a rabbit, or make a snake from Australia become pen pals with a mouse in France? Word of advice, love your pets like I love my Hustle puppy.
- Sra. Hall misprounounces the popular dance move.
“Make money, get ladies” - Hall Monitor Chip
explains his dark past. If your teacher says something stupid, silly, or downright wrong, submit a quote to room 2109 to get it published in the next issue.
OPINION May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
Junior Senioritis
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n age old disease is once again hitting the halls of City High this spring: senioritis. Senioritis has been a recurring problem at City High, and other high schools around the country, for decades, and is found primarily in high school seniors during the third trimester before graduation. Though often perceived as a natural senior process and perhaps even a right, senioritis, in a small number of cases, can be debilitating, leading to repercussions ranging from stern talking-tos to revocation of college acceptance (an uncommon but painful consequence). Common and rarely serious symptoms include a lack of effort in scholarly endeavors, excessive procrastination, and general disregard for all things educational. Other more severe side effects, such as plummeting grade-point averages and failed AP exams can also be seen. Contrary to the lazy nature of the symptoms of this condition, the disease appears without warning and spreads alarmingly fast through our senior class each year. This spring, however, senioritis seems to have mutated in an alarming way, a way that allows it to infect a new category of prey. Originally believed to infect solely seniors, experts have identified a new strain: junioritis, which is rapidly spreading through City High’s junior class. Junioritis is far more serious than its parent strain and oftentimes more aggressive due to its victims’ underdeveloped brains and lack of maturity. Senioritis has very few dangerous cases each year, due to its victims ability to develop a certain type of partial immunity called College Acceptance. Without this powerful immunity, ju-
Lily Howard
niors, who are widely believed to be too young to have developed this certain type of natural resistance to the disease, are susceptible to the more serious products of the disease. “I have resorted to having my mom call me out of class so that I can go play piano by myself in the practice rooms,” said junioritis victim, Kara Hartley. “No, I don’t go out to eat or participate in other common junior activities when I skip class, I guess my junioritis is really getting to my head...” Consequences include failure in classes and finals, parental disapproval, and dangerously low GPAs. Such side effects can result in a limitation of summer relaxation in the forms of summer school, forced studying, and parental grounding. Students are advised to stay attentive for symptoms to avoid repercussions of this serious disease. Fortunately, there is a simple treatment for junioritis. Although unpleasant to receive and administer, it has a 95% effectiveness rate, and thus this practice is traditionally prescribed for the condition. Popularly referred to as a “reality check,” it can be administered without the guidance of a doctor. “Reality Checks” can be delivered in many forms, such as: frequent reminders of looming college applications, dirty looks from teachers/parents, failed finals, or newspaper deadlines. Most cases will receive treatment in the final week of school when powerschool is checked, or, in more serious cases, when final report cards are sent out. Once treatment has begun, victims of junioritis require a full three months of sun and absolutely zero school work for a complete recovery.
art by LILY HOWARD
Tweeting punishment
I
have a broken filter. This is the excuse I give myself for allowing odd, insensitive, and occasionally downright embarrassing phrases to slip past my lips. For example, a few weeks ago my prom date and I were having a fine time driving to take pictures, when he mentioned that his neck sort of hurt. In response I blurted out, “H-hey! Wouldn’t itwouldn’t it be funny if I broke your neck tonight??” Don’t ask me why. The worst part of it is I have no idea where these things come from. Since my self-diagnosis of a broken filter, I have begun a highly effective rehabilitation process. It entails the mind blowing solution
ck hly o R ont M with Jesus and the Buddha
of thinking before I speak, instead of after. While my overall improvement has been highly rewarding, I still have my moments of weakness. For this reason, it’s probably a good thing that I don’t have a Twitter account. Tweeting would be highly dangerous for a person with a broken filter, you see. It would inevitably lead to my own, self-inflicted embarrassment, only this time my audience would be quite a bit bigger. Don’t get me wrong; I love hacking onto my friends’ Twitter accounts to read and laugh at the numerous weirdly witty things my classmates have to say. Twitter is just so darned
Hey Buddha! What’s poppin’ my home-dog skillet brutha? Keepin’ it fresh?
I’m pretty good, how are you?
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Sonora Taffa
entertaining! Not to mention its practical uses and the fact that just last year it was used during the rebellions in Egypt and the Middle East in order to spread their message worldwide. Twitter is fun, it allows us to keep in touch with our friends, and it’s a clear indication of our freedom of speech. All of this said, I’d also like to throw this idea out there. Twitter is really misused by kids in our school. I read depressing, vulgar, immature, and mean tweets all the time. I’ve seen horrible tweets, both direct and indirect, about students and teachers. I know all of the people behind these one-liners,
I’m alright, justa little fried from that Last Supper yesterday. But whatever, YOLO!!!
...What does YOLO mean? Jesus Christ, I’m confused.
but I somehow find it difficult to connect the two. I never hear them say anything like that in person, so why are they broadcasting these idiotic things online? It’s an especially bad idea because colleges and employers will eventually start to look at what these students post online, in order to determine what kind of person they are. Twitter, Facebook, and social networking in general are becoming an unofficial resume. At the same time, I can relate to these tweeters when I remember my own filter problems. I know from personal experience that it can be really tempting to say something stupid in the moment.
It means “You only live once.” It’s pretty cool, right? I say it all the time, dawg.
Jesus, you yourself are a living contradiction to that statement. As you know, you died and came back to life after three days.
Still, if I went around spewing every random thought that crossed my mind into the world, I probably wouldn’t have any friends. Nobody would. That’s why everyone realizes how important it is to consider others before speaking. However, when it’s a computer screen staring back at you instead of someone’s face, consideration is often forgotten. I’m not saying that everyone needs to become paranoid and feel uncomfortable saying what they want on Twitter, or in life for that matter. I just want to point out that there is a fine line between joking around, being a little rude, and cyberbullying. #justathought
You’re overthinking it, man. Mo’ YOLO mo’ problems, as I said in the book of Jeezy 1:6.
......
by MAX FRIEDMAN
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May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
HOROSCOPES “Your destiny... revealed.” By Gabriel Basile
A &E City High art show TheLittleHawk
features student artists photos by GABE BASILLE
LEFT: Cassidy Bergeon ‘12 and Jasmine Shamely’s ‘12 Sitting Down to Stand Up. MIDDLE LEFT: Jose Pulido’s ‘15 Los Lideres. MIDDLE RIGHT: Gio Duarte’s ‘12 Key. BOTTOM LEFT: Ortanna Voss’ ‘15 Express Yourself. BOTTOM RIGHT: Various artists made self portraits for the art show. Artists include Jill Swanson ‘15 , Lauren Chapman ‘15, and many more.
Aquarius [Jan 20-Feb 18]
You are clever, sly, hip, interesting, unresitably attractive, and pretty much an amazing person. Or at least you will be if you come down to room 2109 and bring everyone there around... 20 grand.
Other artists not featured included Jenny Teets ‘12, Lucy VanGorder ‘14, Braxton Bell ‘14, and many more.
Pisces [Feb 19-March 20]
Try and avoid eating too many Zingers. You never want to look *too* attractive.
Aries [March 21-April 19]
School’s almost out, so remember to stock up on your Danimals.
Taurus
Band & orchestra wrap up
As the school year comes to a close, the musicians of City High wrap up their music seasons with one final show each.
[April 20-May 18]
Once summer hits, you’ll look stupid if you don’t shave your eyebrows. Everyone’s doin’ it these days.
by Christian Kennedy & Gabriel Basile
Gemini*
christiankennedy@thelittlehawk.com gabrielbasile@thelittlehawk.com
[May 21-June 20]
If one of your friends is a Cancer, follow them for a couple hours. Trust me.
Cancer [June 21-July 22]
Watch your back.
Leo [July 23-Aug 22]
Wake up. You’re in a coma. None of this is real. WAKE UP!
The concert season for City High’s band and orchestra is drawing to an end. Yes, it is that magical time of year where the weather gets better, and the end of the year concerts start piling on! The Symphony Orchestra will be playing a selection of music to help recognize the graduating seniors. “We will be playing a nice piece of Dvorak,” Henry Wright ‘14 said. “In addition, the orchestra will have solos performed by Sara Mildenstein, and then Francesca Crutch-
field. As well as the Symphony orchestra, the concert orchestra will perform as well. They will play a selection by Boyce, as well as Vivaldi. It is sure to be decent evening.” Violist Sophia Opitz ‘13 has bittersweet feelings about the upcoming concert. “It’s the seniors’ last concert and it can get pretty emotional,” Opitz said. “I will miss all of the seniors a lot. They are a great group of kids and It will be interesting to see where they’ll be going in the future.” The concert is on May 24, at 7:30 in Opstad Auditorium. The final band concert took place on May 9. One of the most challenging songs was one named An Irish Tune from
Virgo [Aug 23-Sept 22]
Пробудитесь. Now any Russian sleeper agents should be awake. You’re welcome.
Libra [Sept 23-Oct 22]
Things are not as they seem. The Hanukkah Snail is fake...
Scorpio [Oct 23-Nov21]
http://pleaserobme.com (Yup, this time it’s a real website. No joke.)
Sagittarius [Nov 22-Dec 21]
May 25th is National Tap Dance Day. You know what to do.
Capricorn [Dec 22-Jan 19]
Try something new this Summer. Like curling.
Acne? If so, we are right down the street!
Iowa City Dermatology Susan Wall, MD and Erica Colleran, MD Located on First Ave. midway between City High and Regina 269 N1st Ave Ste 100 Call today for an appointment! 319-339-3827
www.iowacitydermatology.com
the County Derry. Trombonist Ethan Zeirke recalls how the band approached the challenge. “It was a really hard song because it was really slow and had weird intonations,” Zierke said. “We all broke into different sections and worked on just the scales to really get the song down.” Despite the emotional moments of saying goodbye to the seniors, many members are still looking forward to band next year. “I’m really looking forward to marching band next year,” Zierke said. “We’re going to be playing Billy Joel songs and it’s always fun to play music with your friends.”
A&E May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
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HANCHER EVENTS AT OPSTAD
After Hancher Auditorium was submerged in water in the 2008 flood, many events had to be put on hold. Now several Hancher events will be performed in City High’s own Opstad Auditorium. by Nat Alder
natalder@thelittlehawk.com
This summer, amidst the numerous renovations the school has under its belt, including the fine arts wing and the freshly announced practice field fix-ups, City high has undertaken the task of using Opstad Auditorium to house certain Hancher events. Hancher is the University of Iowa’s theater group and since its original location was essentially destroyed in the flood of 2008, the group has had to perform in various locations such as the Englert or Riverside Theater. The flood hurt Hancher economical-
ly, renovations were recently budgeted at 187 million dollars for the auditorium alone. The flood hurt Hancher from a technical standpoint as well, as renovations were stalled due to the enormous size of the complex (the projected date of completion for a Hancher replacement is currently 2015). Higher profile events were put on hold because of the inability to use the large theater.Hancher’s events range from musical performances to stand up comedy acts. Some of Hancher’s events provide acts from around the globe, the 2011-2012 season included British Daily Show veteran/comedian
B.J. Novak
John Oliver, the National Chamber Choir of Ireland and Latin American music group Bomba Estereo. Opstad’s capacity of approximately 720 people matches the Englert’s capacity of 725, yet doesn’t quite measure up to the original Hancher auditorium’s capacity of 1,500. Opstad housed a number of City High events this year, including the fall adaptation of Peter Pan and the spring musical Chicago, as well as most recently City High Film Fest. Principal John Bacon believes that having Opstad host Hancher events is a good thing. “Hancher has branched out and has
been having performances in various venues,” Bacon said. “So it certainly makes sense that the historic, beautiful Opstad is good for Hancher to use.” Bacon thinks that hosting the community at City High over the summer could prove rewarding. “City High is one of the most beautiful high school campuses in the midwest, maybe even the country,” Bacon said. “So when we have the opportunity to host the public and have Hancher take advantage of this facility it’s definitely a positive thing.” One thing Bacon likes about having Hancher occupy Opstad is a certain
10 things
visits Iowa City
by Gabriel Basile
gabrielbrasile@thelittlehawk.com
It was a crowded night at the IMU Ballroom as laughter and happy listeners filled the entire area. Up on stage were a total of three comedians; Tom Garland and another local comedian, along with the renowned B.J. Novak from the TV show “The Office.” This was one of the best comedy routines ever to come to Iowa City and exceeded any audience expectations by far. Performing a stand up routine with wit and humor unmatched by other comedy acts yet to visit Iowa City, B.J. Novak had an amazing bit of variety that contributed greatly to his humor. The latest comedy act to grace Iowa City was Judah Friedlander and although he had an amazing act, all of his jokes followed the same formula, which Novak consciously avoids. To do this, he split his act into four sections. His first “section” was an introduction section of formulaic jokes which he he cuts off at just the right moment, letting the audience laugh without letting the pattern become
too stale. Here were Novak’s most generic jokes, which is saying something considering they were very creative compared to others’ stand up routines. The second was a ventriloquism act with a green hand puppet aptly named Shy Puppet. Novak brought out his “friend” Shy Puppet from his suitcase, but Shy Puppet refused to tell his joke, he only made odd faces of shyness. It sounds stupid just hearing about it, but Novak does such a good job of pretending to talk to Shy Puppet that it’s impossible not to laugh. The third act was the meat of the performance. Novak read jokes off of index cards that he said he was considering using in future performances. A very simple idea executed very well. These 20 second jokes never sounded too much like each other and were all very creative. Even the failed jokes were funny. The final act was the questions section, and much like Daniel Radcliffe “is” Harry Potter, B.J. Novak “is” Ryan Howard, so many questions pertaining “The Office” came
special act. “We’ve got jugglers,” Bacon stated. “Professional jugglers! Now that’s a bonus!” The aforementioned event is The Gizmo Guys, a theatrical, world-touring juggling duo routine which premiered Sunday, May 20th as Opstad’s first Hancher event of the Summer. Prices for Hancher events are often in the range of 10 to 25 dollars, and the age range for the events often vary. While the schedule for the events still hasn’t fully formed, hancher.uiowa.edu will be updating information on Hancher events as the summer progresses.
better than
tanning by Nat Alder
natalder@thelittlehawk.com
ABOVE: B.J. Novak wowed audiences with his amazing wit and style on May 4 at the IMU.
up. One thing Novak does perfectly is improv. As questions came up, he was great at making up jokes on the spot, something he learned from being on screen so much.
Iowa City has seen a large increase of high quality stand up comedians recently, and Novak serves to follow this trend bringing the biggest and arguably best routine yet.
1. Lucky Penny Day (May 23) 2. Tongue waxing 3. Windows Vista 4. Craigslist.com 5. Rhubarb pie 6. Ubuntu 7. Brussel sprouts 8. Gnomeo and Juliet 9. The 4th Amendment 10. Using sun screen
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A&E May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
Congressional Art Competition This year, two City High students, Lucy VanGorder and Kelli Schneider, were honored in the Congressional Art Competition. by Lilly Reitz
lillyreitz@thelittlehawk.com
photos courtety of Lucy VanGorder ABOVE: Lucy VanGorder won third place for photography. She has found a calling to photography since coming to City High.
Each spring, thousands of high school students from around the country enter their artwork into the Congressional Art Competition, a Congressional Institute-sponsored art contest in which students can submit their work for review to potentially gain national recognition as an artist and symbolize the importance of art among students in America. This year, two students here at City High received acknowledgement for the art they entered into the competition. Lucy Van Gorder ‘14, won third place in the country for the photography she entered, her art now being displayed in Cedar Rapids, and Kelli Schneider ‘14 won Honorable Mention for her stained glass entry, her entry displayed in Dave Loebsack’s
office. Van Gorder’s art is her life. She’s had a focus on photography since sixth grade, and Van Gorder now does photo shoots primarily with models, with themes such as ballet/ dance, or grunge, all with lots of added fashion statements. Van Gorder intends to pursue a career in photography later in life, and she’s entering many art competitions as a high school student to have more to put on her resume for when she applies to an art school in the future. Van Gorder is, like any other artist, trying to send a message,“I want to show people not just the fairy beautiful magical things, which is important, but the dark side is important and is just as relevant, if not more relevant than the fairy, beautiful side.” Schneider could not be reached for comment.
A Letter from the A&E Editor
Resident Arts and Entertainment editor Gabriel Basile explains his thoughts on this year’s Film Festival. In his opinion, this year’s festival was “nothing to be proud of.” This is solely the opinion of Mr. Basile. by Gabriel Basile
gabrielbrasile@thelittlehawk.com
Disclaimer: The following is the opinion of me, myself and I (Gabriel Basile). Not of The Little Hawk as a publication. With that in mind, please Gabriel Basile ‘13 send all hatemail (or lovemail) to the email above. Once again, the City High Film Festival has attracted many high school students, their parents, and
film fanatics. Being a huge fan of cinema and a high schooler, Film Fest would seem to be the perfect event for a person like me, and in the past it has been an enjoyable experience, even though it seemed as if some things were a little off. This year however, the things that were off were much more numerous. Any master of arts such as myself and others who attended felt the same. From the MCs to the judging to the allowance of some films over others, this year’s Film Fest was not something to be proud of. Let us first address the core problem with Film Fest, the only constant from year to year; Art Club. First off, I have nothing against art club. Being
the Arts and Entertainment editor, I often feature members of Art Club. That being said, the fact of the matter is that they do not represent the entirety of our school. Other students should judge and admit films, perhaps a random selection of students or members of the drama department could take over. The point is, all of the Art Club members are coming from the same direction and diversity of viewpoints is desperately needed here. This was clear during this year’s festival when the best picture award was given. A roar of displeased audience members overwhelmed Opstad with shouts of anger as “El Libro Perfecto” was
awarded the best picture trophy. What about “Deshi Basara,” the incredible Batman film that took a year to create, or “Teenagers in Love?” These deserved much more credit but got snuffed and the only reason I can think of is due to poor decisions from the judges, again looping back to Art Club. Okay, next topic. Spanish movies. They need to go. This closely ties in to the acceptance of some films into the festival; if there were diverse judges the poorly made Spanish films wouldn’t make it in, which is for the better. I’m not saying all Spanish class made films are bad, but the mix of business and pleasure often makes
for unsucessful films. There is conflict with making a movie for an assignment and just for fun. There are always requirements for the Spanish classes to use a certain number of this type of verb and so forth. Film Fest’s movies should be for fun and shouldn’t be restricted like this. Because of these restrictions, many Spanish films seem to be much less entertaining, so why were they allowed in the festival in the first place? Unfortunately, the paper version of this letter has to end here, but if you want to read the rest including my opinion on the MCs, head on over to thelittlehawk.com.
Counseling Center UAY counselors are available to assist teenagers or parents of teens who are facing challenges. On call 24 hours 338-7518 410 Iowa Avenue, Iowa City
Features TheLittleHawk
May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
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LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. FOR YOU MAY BE SURE OF THIS, THAT EVERYONE WHO IS SEXUALLY IMMORAL OR IMPURE, OR WHO IS COVETOUS (THAT IS, AN IDOLATER), HAS NO INHERITANCE IN THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST AND GOD. LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. FOR YOU MAY BE SURE OF THIS, THAT EVERYONE WHO IS SEXUALLY IMMORAL OR IMPURE, OR WHO IS COVETOUS (THAT IS, AN IDOLATER), HAS NO INHERITANCE IN THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST AND GOD. LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. FOR YOU MAY BE SURE OF THIS, THAT EVERYONE WHO IS SEXUALLY IMMORAL OR IMPURE, OR WHO IS COVETOUS (THAT IS, AN IDOLATER), HAS NO INHERITANCE IN THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST AND GOD. LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. FOR YOU MAY BE SURE OF THIS, THAT EVERYONE WHO IS SEXUALLY IMMORAL OR IMPURE, OR WHO IS COVETOUS (THAT IS, AN IDOLATER), HAS NO INHERITANCE IN THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST AND GOD. LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. FOR YOU MAY BE SURE OF THIS, THAT EVERYONE WHO IS SEXUALLY IMMORAL OR IMPURE, OR WHO IS COVETOUS (THAT IS, AN IDOLATER), HAS NO INHERITANCE IN THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST AND GOD. LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. FOR YOU MAY BE SURE OF THIS, THAT EVERYONE WHO IS SEXUALLY IMMORAL OR IMPURE, OR WHO IS COVETOUS (THAT IS, AN IDOLATER), HAS NO INHERITANCE IN THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST AND GOD. LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. FOR YOU MAY BE SURE OF THIS, THAT EVERYONE WHO IS SEXUALLY IMMORAL OR IMPURE, OR WHO IS COVETOUS (THAT IS, AN IDOLATER), HAS NO INHERITANCE IN THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST AND GOD. LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. FOR YOU MAY BE SURE OF THIS, THAT EVERYONE WHO IS SEXUALLY IMMORAL OR IMPURE, OR WHO IS COVETOUS (THAT IS, AN IDOLATER), HAS NO INHERITANCE IN THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST AND GOD. LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. FOR YOU MAY BE SURE OF THIS, THAT EVERYONE WHO IS SEXUALLY IMMORAL OR IMPURE, OR WHO IS COVETOUS (THAT IS, AN IDOLATER), HAS NO INHERITANCE IN THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST AND GOD. LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. LET MARRIAGE BE HELD IN HONOR AMONG ALL, AND LET THE MARIAGE BED BE UNDEFILED, FOR GOD WILL JUDGE THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL AND ADULTEROUS. FOR YOU MAY BE SURE OF THIS, THAT EVERYONE WHO IS SEXUALLY IMMORAL
& RELIGION
If it’s not with someone you love, is it wrong? City High students have very diverse personal positions on sexual activity, and, for many students, religion plays a large part in these beliefs. <see pageB6>
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FEATURE May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
“
I started the TV show [Education Exchange] because not enough good things are said about our school district. Iowa City has some of the best schools in the nation, and we don’t really focus enough on that.
“
John Carhoff by Renata Stewart
renatastewart@thelittlehawk.com
C
lad in tan slacks, a dark red dress shirt, and wire-framed glasses, John Carhoff looks like your typical high school math teacher. But behind the seemingly ordinary facade lies an intricate mosaic of stories and experiences. From teaching children of royalty in Bahrain to working at the BP Gas Station on the weekends, Carhoff has a wealth of knowledge and skill. His teaching career started right out of college at the University of Iowa. “I was really gifted in math, so I took a lot of math courses,” said Carhoff. “I ended up having enough to have a major, so I went into teaching.” After teaching elementary and middle school math for over 20 years in the Phoenix and South East Iowa area, and getting a divorce, he decided to make a change and attended an international job fair. Carhoff was placed in a school in Scotland, and jetted off. “I taught in a school for delinquents and juveniles. It was sort of like a detention center here,” he explained. “It was a really interesting, different adventure working with those kids. And Scotland is such a beautiful country.” After completing his work in Great Britain, he continued his overseas teaching in a very different environment. “I went to Bahrain during the time of Desert Storm in the early mid 90’s,” he said. “Contrary to what people might think, there was absolutely no hostility. I was treated with the highest respect.” This attitude came as a surprise to Carhoff, as well. “I didn’t know too much about the culture of the arab world. A lot of people think that they are a nasty people. And that’s so untrue,” he said. “They treated me with a ‘your home is my home’ attitude. The news sensationalizes things, and they focus on the things that will get attention.”
This respect he was treated with could have been due to the fact that Carhoff was teaching children of Arab royalty and high ranking officials. “The kids really wanted to learn,” he said. “And that’s what made me really want to teach high school math back home.” He followed this passion, and came back to the United States looking for a job in Iowa City, where he wanted to be, and where he went to college. There weren’t any positions available, however, so he took a job as a paraeducator at West High. While in the teaching in Iowa City, he decided to start a TV show, called Education Exchange, in order to highlight positive things about the school district. “I started the TV show because not enough good things are said about our school district,” Carhoff explained. “Iowa City has some of the best schools in the nation, and we don’t really focus enough on that. My effort in getting the show going was to spotlight individuals who are doing wonderful things.” Once his year teaching at West High came to a close, and no other job opportunities were available in the district, he took a job offer in California. The atmosphere as a teacher there was quite different. “I went to California, and it just wasn’t my cup of tea,” he said. “There was a lot of violence. In the year I was there, three students in my school were killed. I wasn’t comfortable living there.” Since Carhoff had had such positive experiences teaching abroad, he decided to try it again. This time, he decided to move halfway across the world to Japan. “The Japanese are a beautiful people,” he said. “They’re so technically advanced. I had a cell phone long before anyone else, and the kids there were playing with PlayStation 4 when kids here were playing with the second version. It was really incredible.” After the three years in Japan, he again returned to the US in hopes of finding a job teach-
A teacher profile
ing math. “I wanted to come back to Iowa City, and this time I was lucky enough to get a job here at City High,” he said. Working as a math teacher, however, his salary didn’t quite cover all of his financial needs. “I started my job at the BP gas station about 3 years ago, simply because I was short of cash,” he said. His 21 year old son came to live him, moving from the Phoenix area, which added further complications to his financial situation. “When my son came to live with me, I said ‘you’re gonna need a job, you’re gonna need a car, let’s get you started.’ So I got him a car,” he explained. “But the first night he totaled it. He was taking drugs at the time, which I didn’t know, so that’s why the accident happened. So I had to pay for that.” His son moved back to Arizona soon thereafter. One day, Carhoff was googling the name out of curiosity, and to his surprise, a name came up in the obituaries section. The unthinkable happened; the name was that of his son. Confused at first, thinking it was his cancer-ridden brother-in-law, Carhoff tried to face the facts. “I learned that my son had committed suicide,” he said. “It just really hurt to hear that over the internet. That was hard.” While dealing with the pain of this loss, Carhoff continued to struggle financially, constantly striving to make ends meet. Without warning he was forced, through the government, to pay for a new sidewalk in front of his house as part of a road-building initiative. “That [along with the car] was 36,000 dollars that I just didn’t have,” he said. “I either had to get a job, or sell out. I wasn’t ready to give up my house, so the only other option was to get an extra job.” He now works at the gas station a few nights a week to help out with the monthly bills. But, in spite of the adversity he faced and the financial problems he ran into again and again, Carhoff consistently remained positive about his job. “I actually feel really lucky to be teaching in
Iowa City. It’s one of the best school districts in the state and the nation,” he said. “Of course I’m not making the money I want to, but if we compare our salary to others around the state, we’re really lucky. Sure, we would all love to make more, but I can’t complain.” Despite Carhoff ’s contentment, he recently had to make a tough decision to treat a colon problem he had long known about before it got any worse. “My colon was doing some ugly things to my body,” he said. “It was going to lead to cancer if I didn’t take care of it. I had maybe one or two years left to deal with it, so I went ahead and did the surgery.” Luckily, thanks to the school’s health insurance policy, the financial consequences weren’t a huge burden on him. They covered the majority of his hospital fees, which, as he describes it, would have put him ‘in the hole’. “Compared to what it could’ve been, I’m extremely lucky,” he said. “And I got to use my paid sick leave, so I was also very thankful for that.” Carhoff is now back to solving equations and writing proofs in his Algebra and Geometry classes. He says the surgery hasn’t much affected how he runs his classes, and he has made an almost full recovery, although the healing process will continue for a long time. “The brain’s still firing up,” he said. “I just have to move a little slower sometimes.” But recently, As Carhoff puts it, his story has a ‘very happy ending’. “I got back together with my first girlfriend ever after 35 years,” he said. “We got married just 6 months ago, and we live happily together now.” As a teacher in the City High community, Carhoff now carries with him all of these experiences. His story has not been without its share of pain and hardship. But, in the end, his life has spanned continents and cultures, has been rich with adventure and memories, and has led, ultimately, to contentment.
FEATURES May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
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Story by E m
ma Baxte r
I
It happens in every class. A teacher stands changes forever. You know that that student cheats, and students what’s on the test, or copying someone’s workat the front of the room, while students look from then on everything they do is a little bit suspect.” sheet. Technology has made the world of cheating even down, feverishly trying to determine the Most students though, don’t think about the the long more advanced. answer. But as soon as the teacher turns his term consequences cheating brings. They just think about “Phones have made it super easy to communicate with back, eyes dart to a neighbor’s paper, at a the grade. one another,” Tyler said. “Communication can be hidcheat sheet hidden up a sleeve, or a picture on a phone. “I feel like a lot of people would not be den. People can For many students at City High, cheating is becoming an passing classes if cheating didn’t exist,” Kelly take photos of accepted norm. said. “There have been many times when I test questions “It’s so easy to cheat, it is normal to cheat. People don’t copied homework, and I don’t go back and and send it to even think about it. Cheating has become part of how we try to learn it. Cheating allows me to get by, their friends. work,” Kelly* said. “I feel like I cheat about once a day, and but I don’t really learn anything.” I’ve seen kids that’s horrible, but I don’t feel bad about it at all.” The problem of cheating may be the retext each other Cheating used to be considered risky business, with sult of pressures our society puts on getting answers and consequences of expulsion. Now clammy hands and dis- good grades in order to be accepted at a presquestions they tressed eyes aren’t a state cheaters are in for long. tigious college. don’t know.” “It’s sad because it is the normal thing to do, cheating “We focus so much on having a high Catchis not that big a deal,” Tyler* said. “People overload them- GPA. People are willing to cheat to get the ing students in selves, when it gets time for tests people stress out. Why grade,” Tyler said. “It’s society’s fault. No matthe act is bewould someone study for three hours each for five tests, ter how hard you pay attention or do your coming more when they could study for one and rely on someone else homework, there is going to be something challenging for the answers on the other you can forget. It’s not with the use of -Bonnie Hall, Spanish teacher tests?” always a lack of prepcell phones and When other students see aration.” clever tricks cheating happening in their Teachers, on the students devise. class they don’t care enough other hand, believe that a student Most teachers at City High try to minimize cheating by to say something. should be responsible by going in having different test copies and arranging the class so as to “It’s really sad to me to ask for help if they don’t know prevent wandering eyes. because I don’t care. It has the material. “I have a routine. Usually the classroom is in a horsebecome a part of our soci“I think it’s probably because of shoe, but I put them in rows so they can’t look off of each ety, it’s just cheating, and no a lot of laziness, and the easiness,” other’s paper,” Hall said. “We even have a silly ritual where one feels bad and turns othHall said. “Sometimes they’re just students have to show me their palms to make sure they ers in,” Kelly said. “Whether struggling with the material or on haven’t written anything on their hands. This just estabyou’ve taken their workoverload, and don’t have time to lishes a serious environment for a test. “ sheets, copied an answer on understand and do all the studySenora Hall says that she has caught students who were a test, you’ve at least taken a ing. It’s just easier to copy some- using cheat sheets, writing on desktops, and peaking at peek at their test, everyone one’s paper.” the desk next to them. She thinks teachers should teach cheats.” This thought is also shared with a “work ethic and develop ideas of honesty and integrity Teachers have a very math teacher, John Carhoff, who that permeate your life forever.” This idea is why she has -Kelly, an anonymous student different view on cheating has caught students before. such strong feeling about cheating. from students. As educators “Everyone wants to have fast “If you’re copying then you’re not learning and that’s with high expectations, the notion that everyone cheats is answers. Working for something is difficult. People want what teachers are here for. Students have to see that if they very disheartening. to know the correct answer fast,” he said. “I think that has cheat and a teacher notices, it does make a difference,” “When I catch a student it makes me feel extremely transferred to cheating, too. People don’t want to work for Hall said. “A little bit of embarrassment and humiliation disappointed, because the second you catch a student the answer when they can get it fast.” maybe isn’t a bad thing if it teaches them how to manage cheating they’ve lost your trust. That’s it,” Bonnie Hall, Students are always sneaky about cheating. Whether their life with more honesty and integrity.” a Spanish teacher at City High said. “The relationship it’s by writing answers between their fingers, asking other
If you’re copying, then you’re not learning, and that’s what teachers are here for.
[Cheating] has become a part of our society, no one feels bad or turns others in.
*names have been changed to protect privacy
photo and graphics by RENATA STEWART
t e r c e S y Cit
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SuperFeature
May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
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We all have skeletons in the closet, secrets we want to get off our backs. The Little Hawk went in depth to find out what City High students have kept hidden.
COMMUNITY
by Alex Perez
My dad’s family doesn’t like me.
cutting myself gets me through the week.
WHY WE KEEP SECRETS
“
We keep secrets to keep life interesting. We’re afraid of being judged.
We’d rather be isolated than embarrassed. I don’t trust anyone enough.
I steal from my sister.
I wish my mom didn’t have a boyfriend.
I’m not that innocent. I’m afraid of...
I want to be a hardcore partier in college.
I think I’m Bipolar
everything. Sometimes I wish my parents would get divorced.
I’m a girl. I like other girls.
We don’t want people to spread rumors about me.
We keep secrets to keep control.
I
t starts off as a fabrication, a fib, a creative piece of fiction it quickly forms into a secret then slander. Lies. 83% of teenagers surveyed by the Josephson Institute of Ethics said they lie on a regular basis to their friends, their teachers and mostly their parents. “Of course I lie,” Anonymous student said. “We all lie, most of the time we don’t even think about it, we don’t even flinch.” Homework, weekend plans, whereabouts. All reasons why teenagers bend the truth. “I mostly lie about little things like where I am and what I’m doing,” Anonymous said. “Not that I’m doing anything really bad or anything, I just don’t think teenagers think their parents need to know what they’re doing every moment of their lives.” Little white lies are natural but when does it get out of hand? After all, 59% of the 43,000 teens surveyed by the Josephson Institute of Ethics said they’d cheated on a test and 27% said they’d stolen from a store. “There’s definitely a grey area with lying,” Anonymous said. “It’s easy to get consumed in lies and get farther and farther away from the truth. There are small innocent lies and than there are way bigger lies like about
drinking and drugs or sex. We tell those lies to protect our parents.” While many lies are told to smooth over awkward situations and protect fragile egos and preserve relationships, some lies damage relationships and destroy trust. “So much drama comes along with couples dating in high school,” Anonymous said. “ It’s easy to get caught in the middle of it. For example, one person in a relationship could be lying to the other person and you’re friends with both of them so you don’t know who to help or who to protect so you end up lying also. It’s a never ending cycle.” Along with lying comes secrets- everyone has them, everyone keeps them for different reasons. Secrecy is often controversial depending on the content of the secret, the group of people keeping the secret and the motivation for secrecy. “We keep secrets purely because we don’t want to be judged.” Anonymous said. “ In high school all everyone does is judge everybody else. No one wants to be judged so we try to keep our lives private and stay out of the spotlight so people have less of an opportunity to scrutinize us.”
If you, a friend or a family member has been harmed by a parent, a stranger, an adult or someone you believed was a friend, there are non-judgmental people available at United Action for Youth, 24 hours a day to help you sort out that experience, answer your questions or just listen.
Call 338-7518.
I lie. A lot.
”
We want to be the best, we want to hide our dark side.
NEED HELP? 1-800-DONTCUT FOR IMFORMATION
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FEATURE May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
Sacred texts & W
SEX
hether or not sex is frowned upon in certain areas, there’s no denial that it has taken on a life of it’s own: it’s ingrained in pop-culture, it’s taken on a public look, and sex appeal is used to sell products daily. “You’re bombarded with images of sex every day - especially of women, they objectify them, act like they’re only there for sex,” Neve Heimer-Lang ‘14 said. Rachel Hittner ‘14 shares HeimerLang’s viewpoint on sex in popular culture. “Ever since advertising was created, they’ve glorified sex, because sex is a temptation, and it’s something people do regularly, like drinking alcohol or eating,” Hittner said. Like many other aspects of students’ lives, students’ sexualities are often shaped by their religious beliefs. Many religious texts include books, rules, and restrictions on the subject. Society and religion often work hand in hand in shaping a societal norm with the expectation that every average person conform to said norm. Sex is no exception. “It doesn’t make sense to have sex with everyone,” Sebastian Surom ‘13 said. “First of all, what does it do to your reputation? Without an emotional component, it can be degrading.” Many different religious organizations and practices exist with a variety of beliefs; some allow sexual activity before marriage while others prohibit it. These different rules on sex influence City High students everyday. Students oftentimes feel criticized because of their views. “The thing that pesters me the most is when people have no respect for the people who don’t believe in premarital sex,” Fatimah Omar ‘13 said. “They’re being very insensitive and disrespectful. I believe America has lost some of its core values and morals and we look at it as if it’s a good thing. We think people who aren’t doing it are abnormal.” The Muslim religion frowns on premarital sex. Omar explained passages from the Muslim sacred text, the Qur’an. “Some of the quotes from the Qur’an include ‘guard your modesty,’ and ‘lower your gaze,’” Omar said. “They mean that you should be modest, dress modestly, respect the opposite gender and stay pure through abstinence.” Omar’s views are popular, not only within her own religion but among other students of faith. Surom is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), which is the largest Lutheran denominations in America. Currently, there are over seven million Lutherans in the US. Surom, like many other Lutherans, has a disapproving view on pre-marital sex. “Reason is the greatest enemy of
by Nathaniel Alder & Gabriel Basile
faith,” Surom said. “What humans perceive tends to be wrong. So, while indulging sexual desires can seem good, it often is not.” While religions sometimes establish pre-marital sex as a sinful behavior, things like masturbation are not always as clear cut. Surom described the standard Lutheran views on the issue. “Lutherans believe that there is nothing special about a sperm by itself, it’s when it’s joined with the egg where it becomes important,” Surom said. Restrictions on sex dictated by certain religions sometimes prove to be problematic. According to a study taken in 2009 on high school teenagers, 46% of high schoolers had had sex, 34% in the last three months of taking the survey. According to the Kinsey reports, a series of studies on sexual behavior taken in the 20th century, 54% of males think about sex every day. Kara Hartley ‘13 is a Mormon. Hartley says that the sexual temptation is evident in teenagers, regardless of religion. “Everybody has the same problems,” Hartley said. “Just because someone is a Mormon doesn’t mean they’re more or less tempted to have sexual relations with someone.” According to Hartley, there are two major sins in the Mormon religion. “As Mormons, we talk about the ‘Words of Wisdom’ problems, which refers to things like drugs,” Hartley said. “Then there are the Sex Problems - porn, pre-marital sex, stuff like that.” Hartley’s religion and belief in the separation of the good and bad in the afterlife keeps her from these temptations. “What keeps me from these sort of temptations is basically the concept of overall happiness. In order to achieve that, we try to avoid as many of these sins as possible.” Hartley believes that although the temptation can be difficult to resist, sometimes the consequences can outweigh the benefits. “It’s easy to say to yourself, ‘the world glorifies it, people talk about it all the time, so pity me,’” Hartley said. “I’m not saying sex is an awful thing, but under certain circumstances it’s not necessarily appropriate.” Students are influenced all the time by their religions. Whether a student is Muslim, Lutheran, or Mormon, they will deal with their own restrictions or guidelines relating to their sexualities. “Paul says that our bodies are temples in which God resides,” Surom said. “Teens really ought to be mindful of that whenever we do anything with our bodies.” In the end, as with many other aspects of life, religious beliefs must walk hand in hand with students’ own thoughts and ideas about their personal desires.
FEATURE
May 22, 2012
www.thelittlehawk.com
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Y OUNGE NTREPRENEURS
High schoolers are entering the workforce early. These two young entrepreneurs have started and run their own businesses, jump-starting their futures. by Olivia Hamilton
ALEX MOEN
jewelry
A
lex Moen ‘13 is one of the few students at City that has taken his career into his own hands, literally. Moen has started running his own business of making and selling his own handcrafted jewelry that stemmed out of what began as a hobby. “At the time I never knew it would become a business,” Moen said. “I started in about fourth grade when Sid and Katherine Van Der Woude and I thought it would be a good idea to sell hemp and macrame woven bracelets and necklaces at our school bazar.’’ Moen has expanded from selling hemp, and works with various techniques and materials. “Now I do chainmail, seed beading, glass work, wirework, and metalsmithing,” Moen said. “I do all of these because of my teenage short attention span.” Making jewelry has been Moen’s passion for a while but recently he realized he could make his hobby into a business. “I have to look at the cost of materials, time, tools, and to what sells,” Moen said. “In 2010 I got a tax I.D.” Between the financial duties and homework, Moen’s business is no easy job.
“I have a hard time finding time to make jewelry between work and homework, especially for Chemistry Honors,” Moen said. “It is also difficult cleaning sterling silver to a perfect shine.” Moen also struggles with finding events to show his items at. However, when he does, he comes out successful. “When I do shows, I do very well. But in between those times I’m usually slow, so I build up my inventory.” In between those times Moen also does custom oders for City High faculty such as Nathan Hellwig, Susan Surom, and Beth Fettweis, and also gets help from professional jewelers. “Ms. Harper, Karen Kubby, and the people at M.C. Ginsberg, where I’m an intern, help me with design ideas and ordering parts that I need while I pay for them at wholesale prices.” There’s a lot of competition in the jewelry business. Moen does what he can to stay ahead of the curve and make his pieces stick out to consumers. “I use quality materials, like sterling silver and gold filled opposed to silver/nickle/gold plated metals,” Moen said. “I try to have or make something that no one else has, like seed beading, glass work, metals/ forging, chainmail, and wirework. I also offer repairs and cleaning to customers.” Moen hopes to continue his work as a side hobby in college and on, despite the lack of his parents’ complete approval.
JACOB PAJUNEN
H
t-shirts
unched over a computer, Jacob Pajuen ‘15 is busy at work managing his online t-shirt company, Mischiefs Apparel. Along with Dustin Gwee ‘14 and Devin Gwee ‘15, the team of young entrepreneurs design and sell t-shirts. The trio have owned Mischiefs Apparel for roughly two years, but have just started selling shirts and publicizing their name in the past six months. “I hadn’t really been interested in creating a t-shirt company, but I’ve been interested in owning a business ever since I can remember,” Pajuen said. “I got Devin and Dustin to work with me because they know a lot about what is trending and what we should sell. I do most of the business side of the company.” Even though Jacob didn’t dream of directing an apparel company, the opportunity came when his father bought Imprinted Sportswear. “Because my dad owns a printing shop, we decided that selling clothing would be the best option,” Jacob said. Mischiefs Apparel set up their store with the website host, Big Cartel. Big Cartel host over 200,000 stores, so standing out is important to Jacob. “We want to eventually be on their top 20 list,” Jacob said. “We’re always looking for ways to expand our company and to cater to trends and different people’s interests.” Jacob didn’t know where to begin. There were so many instrumental behind the scenes actions that had to be done before merchandise could even go on the site. “My mom helped us with all the accounting, and she gave use the loan to start up the website and make the shirts.” Jacob said. “Even though my dad owns the place where we print our shirts, we still have to pay for
them ourselves.” With a limited amount of t-shirts on their site, Jacob, Dustin and Devin feel that being unique is the biggest struggle so far. They are trying to expand their business to include all genres of apparel. “Getting people to come to your company is difficult, especially with an apparel company,” Jacob said. “It’s hard to stand out when you only have 4 shirts, but we hope by the end of the summer that we will have over 20 new shirts and some hats.”Even with the competition, the site is doing better than expected for three high schoolers. They recently made an agreement with YouTuber, thefrugalfilmmaker, Scott Eggleston. Jacob was watching one of Eggleston’s videos when Eggleston inquired about making t-shirts. Jacob jumped at this chance. “I emailed him and he said it would be awesome to work with us,” Jacob said. “He’s going to send us designs and we’ll sell them on our site. He was really excited to work with us.” The Mischiefs Apparel team wants to expand the company and has goals for their future aspirations. Right now they are just happy that they can call themselves businessmen. “I’ve learned so much from running this company,” Jacob said. “It’s also nice to talk to older adults and tell them that I run a online store and see the look on faces.”
photos by EMMA BAXTER & NORA HOLMAN
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FEATURE May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
moving up
by Sarah Lange & Ethan Zierke
sarahlange@thelittlehawk.com ethanzierke@thelittlehawk.com
As the year ends, it is a time to look back from the moment we walked in the City High main door as a terrified freshman.
E
very year, students make the transition from the top of Southeast to the bottom of City High. “It is going to be really scary.” Jami Kendall current 8th grader said. “ I’m not going to know where anything is but I think it will be really fun to move up to the such a big school.” Some students use the move up to high school to try and start over and make new connections. “Hopefully I will find new friends,” Kendall said. “My friends have already started changing and I hope in the end they will change for the better.”
Many freshmen struggle with the increased amount of pressure put on them and the higher level of maturity that is needed to succeed. “The hardest part will be trying to maintain everything and keep it organized.” Kendall said. “ With a full schedule and after school activities, I’m worried that I’ll become super stressed out.” Even though there will be tough times in high school students learn to love them. “I can’t even believe that in a couple of months I will be high schooler,” Conrad Donnelly said. I watched my brothers graduated from City High and I hope I can fill their big shoes.”
T
he transformation from high-schooler to student in the college world can be one of the biggest changes in a person’s life. It’s something that millions of teens deal with across the country every year, and everyone handles it differently. “It’s definitely bittersweet; we all feel way too old for high school, but way too young for college,” Elise Brown ‘12 said. “It doesn’t matter who you think you like or don’t like, I’m going to miss everyone. We’ve been through it all together, all the way back to junior high school.” As if the transition from Southeast to City High wasn’t stressful enough, stories tend to circulate about what high school is like for incoming freshmen. “Coming in from junior high, there are so many rumors that scare you,” Brown said. “The City High ambassadors came and talked to us in junior high and everyone was asking questions about getting beat up and made fun of, but City High has turned out to be an all-around welcoming school.” Elise will be going to the University of Iowa, and she plans remain in close contact with her parents to help her out during the college years. “I’m nervous about meeting new people, and my mom washes all of my clothes.” Brown said. “All of my money is from babysitting so I’m still pretty dependent on my parents. I’m sure they’ll help me out like they did for my brother and a lot of people go home for dinner with their families, but it’ll be different having to do all of my own laundry and stuff.” All in all Elise says she will miss her friends, but she’s looking forward to the chance to begin a new experience in her life. “In high school, you know everyone and everyone knows you. It’s like starting all over, but I still have the safety net of my parents living in town.”
photo by ELI SHEPHARD
Sports TheLittleHawk
May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
Moving Forward
by Lily Howard
lilyhoward@thelittlehawk.com Upperclassmen are not the only ones running Shrader Field this year. City High’s boys soccer team’s four freshmen have been pulling their weight on and off the field. “The freshmen are doing a great job of stepping up and working hard,” Grant Lewis ‘13 said. “Especially Peter and Adam.” Peter Larsen ‘15 and Adam Nicholson ‘15 have been starting consistently throughout the season. Larsen is fourth on the team in goals scored with seven so far. Nicholson has started every game and is a valuable member of the defense. With a record of 14-2 the Little Hawks are going into the substate tournament with confidence. “I think the season has gone very well. It’s better than we expected at the beginning of the season,” Niall Oliver ‘13 said. “We have high hopes of getting to state.”
The Little Hawks’ two losses this season came against West High and West Des Moines Dowling Catholic. Coming into the game against the Trojans, neither team was favored over the other. The score was tied at halftime, but Larsen made a goal to put the Little Hawks on top 2-1 with 28 minutes to play. Ten minutes later West scored back to back goals to make the score 3-2. In the final minutes the Trojans scored one last time and the team’s hope for a win against their crosstown rivals slipped from their grasp. “The game against West was a heartbreaker,” Oliver said. “I think we worked hard enough to win, but then just didn’t in the end.” The players believe that if they meet West again this season the game will be different. “If we play them again it will be in state somewhere,” captain, Luke Mennen ‘13 said. “It will definitely be a different game, if we do meet them again and hopefully the outcome would be better.”
The Little Hawks have had many big wins this season against teams such as Cedar Rapids Xavier and Waterloo West. They also blew several teams out of the water like in their 14-0 win against Waterloo East. These and the rest of their wins this season earned them a first round bye in substate play and will face the winner of the Burlington vs. West Davenport for their first substate game. “Everyone should come out and watch us play at substate.” Oliver said. The team is anxious to prevent a repeat of last year’s last minute loss against Bettendorf. “We got a bracket we like, at least we aren’t playing Bettendorf like we have for the past two years,” Mennen said. “Last year we lost to them in the substate finals when we shouldn’t have. We were a better team.” Without a game against Bettendorf looming in their near future, the Little Hawks begin their substate journey confidently tomorrow at Shrader Field at 5:00 PM.
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SPORTS
May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
Rec League volleyball in full swing at City
Created by the Iowa City Rec Center and Senior Jeremy Johnson, Rec League volleyball is a huge hit for City High students who want to express their volleyball skills. by Ryan Young
ryanyoung@thelittlehawk.com
On Monday nights at the Grant Wood Elementary School gym, students come to show off their volleyball skills. Rec League volleyball has been very popular in its first season this year. With the teams split into two leagues of four, teams play every team in their pool, and then enter a single elimination playoff. With the playoffs in full swing, teams hope to play their best with everything on the line. Check out the teams in the league below who hope to win a championship this spring.
I’d Hit That
Captains: Ryan Young & Tilly Kuenster Info: A team full of juniors with great potential, but lacks some communication skills. Don’t count them out come playoff time.
Pube
Captains: Jack Frakes & Mickey Hansche Info: They play well together, but only when everyone can show up. By the end of the season, they hope to shed the name pube. “Were going to be called team bush.” Said a teammember.
Down to Pound
Captains: Lauren Coffey & Ellen Molini Info: After winning the west side of the league, team captain Lauren
Coffey had only one thing to say. “We are, by far, the best looking team in the league.”
Newer Era
Captains: Erin Muir & Jordyn Theisen Info: A parody of Nu Era, this team is full of former and current City volleyball players. They won the east side of the league, and are going strong into the playoffs.
Hit It and Quit It
Captain: Hailey Klabo Info: This team has one goal, and one goal only. Get in and get out.
Blackout
(Big Black Ball...ers)
Captain: Jeremy Johnson Info: Their main goal this season was to distract opposing teams with their outfits and use their athletic abilities to win.
Oh Gee Mudbones
Captain: Sam Fosse Info: A continuation from rec league basketball, this team hopes to scare their opponents away with their wild play style.
Getting It Up
Captains: Donovan Mikelson Info: Every member brings a special talent to this team, but they can’t seem to get it together. Their team motto is “We always get it up.”
TOP: Blackout hold a pregame huddle BOTTOM LEFT: Jasper Washington ‘12 serves the ball BOTTOM RIGHT: Dustin Gwee ‘14 returns the ball
BY thenumbers Softball prepares for fresh start
210
With practices in full swing, the girls hope to make great improvements from last season by Olivia Hamilton
oliviahamilton@thelittlehawk.com
depth of centerfield for softball
66
length from home to first base.
11
is the number of ways for a batter to reach first base.
photo by RYAN YOUNG
Bri Hightshoe ‘13 slides into third base during practice
City High’s girls’ softball team is swinging into action to prepare for their season this coming summer with their eye on the ball. “We want to be the most fundamentally sound softball team in the state of Iowa,” said Coach Fickel, “ Our players know what is in front of them as far as practices and what it takes.” The team is preparing every day at practice out on the field, working hard on their fundamentals and hustling. Placing fourth in 4A for stolen bases they are also striving to maintain their speed and a strong base path. “We’re a very fast team,” said Erin Weno 11, “Last year’s accomplishments makes us expect a lot from those girls.”
This season their main focus is simple, they hope to play at the level they have thought about in their past softball experiences. “Our players believe in each other and they should,” said Fickel, “Our coaches have all the confidence in the world in our players.” The confidence in their players has been wonderfully infectious for the team. “I’m not nervous for the season,” said Wilburn, “We have great pitching, solid defense, and quick bats.” Along tournaments around the state, the players are looking forward to spending time together, and bonding as a team. “I’m excited for how well our team is going to get along this year,” said Weno, “ It’ll make the hours we spend at practice a lot more fun.”
SPORTS May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
New baseball coaches looks for change by Kris Kindl
kriskindl@thelittlehawk.com
Red gravel dust, whizzing baseballs, and the cling of baseball bats around the baseball diamond means it’s baseball season at Mercer Park. The Little Hawk baseball team is looking to start their season off on a positive note. “I’m very excited for the season to start mostly just because I love baseball but also to see how much our team’s hard work in the offseason will pay off,” Sam Mrstik ‘13 said. All winter the baseball team has been improving for this coming summer. From weight room, pool, and track workouts, to jogging around town, City’s baseball team has been working hard to achieve their goals. “Our goals are really based upon buying into the intensity and commitment that is required to not only to be a great team,” head coach Brian Mitchell said. “Our big picture goal is to create a great environment for our kids and spectators in general at Mercer Park. We are hopeful that the faculty and students get behind what we are trying to accomplish.” With a new head coach, The Little Hawks hope to improve from past years and create a new reputation for Ctiy High baseball amongst the community. “Certainly with change comes excitement but also uncertainty for everyone,” Mitchell said. “As coaches we don’t look so much at the expectation of wins and losses at this point. Our high expectations are based upon teaching our student athletes to play the game the right way with the understanding of why we teach the things we teach.” The Little Hawks have 12 home games this season at Mercer Park. The first game for the Little Hawks is against Davenport West on May 21 at 5pm. “It’ll be a fun environment with lots of traditional ballpark activity but most importantly, great baseball.” Mitchell said.
Girls & Boys Tennis
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Two youth led teams find success on the court. Girls hope for a state tournament berth, while boys prepare for the Nacho Cup finale. by Lily Howard
lilyhoward@thelittlehawk.com
BOYS TENNIS
The boys’ tennis season came to a close for City High’s Varsity team last Saturday with a close 4-5 match against Ottumwa in the first round of State tournament play. City High finished third as a team in districts. “This was the fourth consecutive year that we have qualified as a team for the state tournament,” head coach Chip Hardesty said. “Only half of the state qualifies so we have a good record.” The team finished the season with a record of 4-9 in the conference. “We are in a very strong conference,” Hardesty said. “Saturday’s close loss really showed that. Ottumwa is very high up in their conference, but for us they were one of the easier teams we’ve played.” Despite their losing record, Hardesty remains positive about the season. “I think that we did about as well as we could, that close loss was indicative of the season. We have three experienced players,” (co-captains Wesley Stephen ‘12, Erik McCoy ‘12 and Regina’s Sean Mullan ‘12), “but the rest of the team lacks experience,” Hardesty said. The top half of the varsity team will be graduating this year and the team will lose second team all conference player, Stephen, and honorable mentions Mullan and McCoy along with Stephen and Mullan’s doubles team which placed third in the district. Hardesty predicts that there will be many opportunities for J.V. players to move up in team ranking. “Next year will be tough, we will need several J.V. players to step into varsity spots. It will probably be the most inexperienced team I’ve had since I started coaching. It’s going to be a building year,” Hardesty said. The final event on the boys tennis team’s schedule is the Nacho Cup. “It all started as a stupid joke. Every practice would end with some variation of the joke, ‘What kind of cheese isn’t yours,’ well it’s nacho cheese,” Hardesty said. “So we have a celebration at the end of the season. I buy them nachos and cheese and it’s just a lot of fun.”
Andrew Brown ‘13 returns a serve at Mercer Park. This year the Nacho Cup has expanded to include girls in the tournament and all are invited to attend. “It’s become a little bit of a thing, a goofy way to end a great season.”
by Sarah Lange
sarahlange@thelittlehawk.com
GIRLS TENNIS
The girls tennis team finished a successful season, as three seniors ended their high school tennis careers. Laura Shepard ‘12, Sarah Whitman ‘12 and Lindsay Hall ‘12 lead the team to regionals this year. “I wish I would have started my freshman year, but I really enjoyed my last season.” Shepard said. “Rachel (Rinehart) and I worked really well together. Everytime I missed a ball, Rachel would just volley it back and the people we were playing didn’t expect it.” The double duo team only lost one match this season. Rinehart ‘13 and Shepard were not the only deadly pair. Regina’s Eve Small ‘15 and senior Hall, playing one and two positions, lost only
three matches the entire season. “I think a highlight of my season was winning the match 9-0 on Senior night,” Hall said. Small finished her season 11-1 with the only single loss to a top ranked opponent from West High. “I hope I can play tennis in the future and maybe play for college. I definitely want to play later in life.” Small said. Small is currently ranked No. 1 in the state amongst freshman and
photo by LILY HOWARD
No. 3 for all of highschool players. “This season our team had a lot more accomplishments. I am hoping that our team gets a chance to go to State.” Small said. As the girls look toward the future head coach Fred Peterson is preparing for Regionals. “I hope that they win the next three matches in the next two weeks,” Peterson said. “I see that there is a marvelous improvement in the team and great leadership.”
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SuperSports
o u in w t with ith t the ol he n d
May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
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Don Showalter by Ryan Young
ryanyoung@thelittlehawk.com
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Hiring a new head coach can be a tough job for any athletic director, but D’Anne Kroemer was up to the task. When she first started her search, she knew that she really needed to find the right person. “I look for passion, a hard work ethic, and a real love of working with students.” Kroemer said. “Coach Showalter had all of the qualities I look for.” New head basketball coach Don Showalter will lead the Little Hawks boys basketball team for the 2012-2013 season. “City High is well known across the nation as a great athletic and academic school,” Showalter said. “All the programs are very competitive. It seemed like a great fit for me.” Showalter comes to City High with tons of experience. Over the years, he has been the head coach at Lone Tree, Central Elkader and Mid-Prairie high schools in Iowa. He has six state tournament appearances, and 562 career wins in the state of Iowa. Showalter is also involved with USA Basketball and has coached the Developmental National Team for the past four years
Don Showalter has over 562 career wins, and will take the position as the new City High head basketball coach.
I look for passion, a hard work ethic, and a real love of working with students.
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-D’Anne Kroemer, Athletic Director
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Tw wint o new er. C coa oac ches h Do wil rent n Sho l lead team wal the b s an ter an aske t d le ad td Cory ball and hem Con in su nell hwrestlin cce ope g pro ssfu l seato impr grams son ove t next s. he c ur-
in international competition. This year, he is the head coach for the U17 National Basketball team, and will be taking the team to Lithuania. Showalter hopes to continue to improve from the progress the team has already made. “Coach Loria left the program in great shape,” Showalter said. “The team improved a great deal last year. I have found the players to be willing to work hard, be competitive and have a great desire to improve their skills in basketball. That is exactly what this team needs to be successful.” Showalter is already fitting in with the Little Hawk family. He has been running open gyms for the players, and having home visits with the current varsity players and their families to get to know them better. Showalter’s main goal is to get the program to be able to compete for conference and state titles. by Annika Wasson “Building a competitive team annikawasson@thelittlehawk.com each year is a goal that all coaches strive for with their programs and Coaching at City High has I hope to accomplish this as well always been the ultimate goalat City,” Showalter said. “I’m for Cory Connell. The new head very excited to be a part of City wrestling coach will return to his High.” alma mater to lead the wrestling team beginning in the 2012-2013 season. “I love this town,” Connell said, “I have always considered coming back to City High and teaching and coaching to be my dream job.” Connell is coming to City after a highly successful six year run at Eddyville-Blakesburg where he coached the team to a state runners-up finish in 2010 and top 10 placings in 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012. In 2009 he was named Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association South Central 1A District Coach of the Year, and in 2010 Iowa Coaches and Officials Association 1A District and State Coach of the Year. In the time he’s been at Eddyville-Blakesburg he’s coached the school’s first three state champions and coached the team to their first South Central Conference Championship in 15 years. Prior to his coaching career, Connell was an accomplished
Cory Connell wrestler himself at City and in college. In 1999 he was part of the City State Champion wrestling team as a junior, and was a state champion his senior year with a record of 39-0. Connell later attended Wartburg college where he was a NCAA National Runner-up, All-American, and an Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Champion. According to athletic director D’Anne Kroemer, Connell has all the qualities she looks for when hiring a new coach. “[Connell] is a City grad so he truly understands what it means to be a Little Hawk,” Kroemer said. At City, Connell hopes to “reenergize” the program and get it back to the top in the state and nation. Along with that he hopes the team will give “110 percent both on and off the mat.” “It is going to be a lot of hard work for the wrestlers, coaching staff and me but I am really looking forward to working here,” Connell said.
ABOVE: New wrestling coach Cory Connell attended Wartburg College where he was a NCAA National Runner-Up. BELOW: Cory Connell was awarded the 2010 Iowa Coaches and Officials Association South Central 1A District Coach of the Year.
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SPORTS May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
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SPORTS May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
Artificial turf offers a fresh step for athletes by Kris Kindl
kriskindl@thelittehawk.com At City High there are many different fields used for many different purposes for lots of different teams. There’s Bates Field, Schrader Field, and there’s the numerous practice fields. The quality of Schrader Field over the years has become an issue. Many people want some kind of alternative to this problem and many options are possible for this issue of having quality surfaces for our athletes. One thing people have been talking about is turning the lowest level practice field into an all-purpose artificial turf field. This field would have to accommodate both the size of a soccer field, and a football field. If this were to be the solution it would serve as the new home field for boys and girls soccer, and would be used for the varsity football practice field. Why not Bates Field? One word: nope. The stadium as a whole isn’t big enough for an artificial turf field to accommodate the size of a standard high school soccer field. With the track around the stadium that leaves less room to expand for a new field. Therefore Bates Field is out of the question. From the standpoint of a football player this would be something that would be both good and bad. There are obvious reasons why artificial turf is an advantage. Some of those reasons are because of the enhanced quality of the playing surface; no imperfections, no dimples or holes. Another reason is the versatility of the surface in all weather. One big reason why this could be a good idea is because this renovation is not just for the football team, or just the soccer team but for the whole school. Many PE teachers like to take their students outside to play certain games and having an artificial playing surface would be nice for its durability in all weather. Some disadvantages to this include going from a perfect playing surface to practice on, to a natural surface with expected imperfections to perform on. This isn’t a huge issue but may throw some players off. One big disadvantage is the overall cost over a decade of this project. It’s expected that the cost of maintaining and redoing the turf will cost close to $1,300,000 while the costs associated with a natural field is expected to be only about $570,000. But you have to take into account with natural grass, the field would have to be regulated to make sure the field isn’t permanently damaged and would only be able to be used half as much as an artificial turf field. Many other schools in our conference have artificial playing surfaces including Prairie, Linn-Mar, Kingston, (shared by Cedar Rapids Washington, Cedar Rapids Jefferson, and Cedar Rapids Kennedy) and an addition of an artificial playing surface is a good idea for City High. On Tuesday the ICCSD school board approved the plan to build a new artificial turf playing surface on the lower practice field. This $700,000 project is predicted to start this summer and finish in October. In my opinion this is a good idea for our school because it would eliminate the need for constant maintenance of both our practice fields and soccer field. Not only that but it would provide a reliable surface for many different occasions.
Injuries plague girls season Injuries reduce the number of available players on roster to twelve.
by Annika Wasson annikawasson@thelittehawk.com The popular and frequently heard quote, “history often repeats itself,” proved true for the girls soccer team this year. In a season that started with the bright prospects of a full 20 player roster including 15 returning letterwinners, the Little Hawks have seen a repeat of last year’s plague of injuries, often times reducing the number of available players to 12. Despite this setback the team has shown improvements and still hopes to turn things around in the postseason. “We’ve had a very tough season with some heart breaking losses, but we try to keep working and preparing for substate.” head coach Torsten Opitz said. In addition to the many injuries, the team also faced a heavily loaded schedule at the beginning of the season. The Little Hawks played seven games in the first 10 days followed by tough games against West High (No. 9 Class 3A), Xavier (No. 1 Class 2A), and Kennedy (No. 5 Class 3A) in the following two weeks. Opitz says many losses piling up at the beginning could have brought the team down a little bit, but they focused in practice to learn from their mistakes. “We had lots of power teams coming first [in our schedule], and morale was down a little bit,” he said, “We need to focus on the next game and not think much about disappointing losses.” The Little Hawks were able to break their losing streak by beating Waterloo West 10-1 and Waterloo East 10-0. While these two teams did not have the caliber of play of many other teams in the conference, these two wins gave them a needed confidence boost. “I think the wins did quite a bit for our confidence, you could tell the difference in the way people were acting towards each other,” assistant coach Edgar Arceo said. Against Waterloo East and West, the Little Hawks were able to control the ball
photos by RYAN YOUNG AND SONORA TAFFA
ABOVE: Abby Schroder ‘12 takes a shot in the first half of the Little Hawks’ match up against West. LEFT: Oli Peters ‘14 dribbles the ball around a Waterloo East player. The Little Hawks went on to win the 10-0. This was one of the teams two victories so far this season. for a majority of the game and score goals. The team as a whole has exhibited improved ball control skills this year, but finishing with good shots on goal has been an issue in many previous games. In order to be successful in their final regular season games and the postseason, the team needs to stay healthy, keep scoring, and not let
up defensively at the beginning or end of the half. “If you look at the [opponents] scoring patterns it’s always the first five minutes or the last five minutes that we give the other team an opportunity to score,” Opitz said. “We can’t let our guard down.” The Little Hawks’ first substate game
will be against Cedar Rapids Jefferson on May 30 at Kingston Stadium. Captain Sarah Hichwa ‘13 says the team wants to finish the season strong. “We just need to keep our heads up and learn from our mistakes, then everything else will fall into place,” Hichwa said
Stewart leads girls golf to MVC championship by Ryan Young
ryanyoung@thelittehawk.com The girls golf team is wrapping up a very successful season this spring. After missing qualification for state last year, the girls want to end their season right with a trip to Ankeny for the state meet. “We really had two clear teams this year. We’ve had five girls in place over the past few years on our varsity squad.” Head Coach Gregg Andrews said. The varsity team is currently ranked in the top 10 in the state, and has had a winning season this year. Rachel Stewart ‘12 has really stepped up to help the team this year. Starting off as a freshman, Stewart would be shooting in the 100’s or worse on a 18-hole round. She was selected to the first team all conference last week after shooting an 88 at the MVC divisional meet. “I take practice a lot more seriously now that I’m a senior.” Said Stewart. “I’ve been practicing every day, and its really payed off.” “Rachel has been doing really well this season.” Emily Koepnick ‘13 said. “We were not expecting her to come out as strong as she did, but we are really happy
she’s at the top.” The girls team hopes to play in the state meet this weekend at Otter Creek Golf course in Ankeny. In order for the team to qualify, Coach Andrews wants his girls to work on their damage control. “If we can keep a bad hole from being a horrible hole, we’ll be successful.” Andrews said. “We’re not quite where we need to be yet to qualify, but we can get there.”
photos by RYAN YOUNG
ABOVE: Jordyn Theisen ‘12 takes a tee shot on the 3rd hole at Pleasant Valley GC. ABOVE LEFT: Emily Koepnick ‘13 and Rachel Stewart ‘12 converse about the lie of the ball.
SPORTS
May 22, 2012 www.thelittlehawk.com
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Track teams wrap up seasons
In a MVC dominated state meet, the girls and boys track teams hope to live up to their conference titles. Check thelittlehawk.com for results, photo slide shows, and more from the state meet.
Boys track wins MVC title by Daniela Perret
danielaperret@thelittlehawk.com
With a combination of depth, perseverance, and a little bit of luck, the City High Boys track and field team is ready to make some noise at this year’s state meet. “I think if we perform like we have been all season, and continue to get better and work hard and run our races, we can walk away with a state championship.” Jay Duarte ’12 said. After winning the 2012 MVC meet by one point and placing third at the District meet without full strength, the boys team is filled with hope and poised to do well this weekend at state. “This year the guys really took a step forward in all the event groups and it’s really paying off. The seniors have done a great job of preparing and so have some underclassmen, and that is what sets the best climate for there
to be few disappointments. The attitude, effort, and performances have been very strong throughout.” Head coach Tom Carey said. “Our depth in the sprints group, in the hurdles group, our distance group, our throwers, our jumpers, everyone just really took a big step forward.” Currently ranked No. 3 in the state, the team is pleased with the work they’ve put forth this season. “I’m just really proud of all the people on the team,” Duarte said. “We’ve been working so hard. Unlike many teams who rely on a couple individuals to score points, the Little Hawks are depending on their depth and every single runner to succeed at the state meet. “We don’t really have so many star players like some other schools do, but really, we’re all hard working and we all work together.” Michael Gloer ’13
said. “We show up, pull up our sleeves, and get down to business.” At the state meet, the team will be facing many challenges, especially from the best teams in the state, Linn Mar, Bettendorf, Cedar falls, West Des Moines Valley, West Des Moines Dowling, and Iowa City West High. “[The state meet] is going to be meet filled with challenges for all participants because track and field right now in Iowa, is as good as it has ever been. It’s going to be a very spread-out, with lots of teams having a chance to be in the top three.” Carey said. “We are a relays oriented team this year, and we also have some individuals that could do very well, but it’s really going to depend on a lot of events, especially relays, and in our open events that we’re really strong in we just need to do our best and let the chips fall.”
photos by RYAN YOUNG
Ryan Dorman ‘14, Desmond McCalla ‘12, and Micheal Gloer ‘13 run at the MVC Conference Meet at City High.
photo by RYAN YOUNG
Mason greer ‘12 runs the shuttle hurdle at the District Meet at West High.
Shuttle Hurdle takes home Drake flag by Olivia Hamilton
oliviahamilton@thelittlehawk.com
How did you mentally prepare for the race?
ing and doing what my coaches told me to do. Roemerman: We knew that we could do it. We just had to trust each other.
Greer: We didn’t think too much about it. We just wanted to go out and do our thing. Duarte: We talked a lot to coach about how we need to stay focused. We knew that if we did that, things will turn out the way we want it to. Johnson: We got a great warm up in and we visualized being successful in our race. Roemerman: We were just trying to stay focused all weekend and work together.
What did you struggle with during the race?
How did you stay focused during the race?
How did it feel after you won?
Greer: Before you get in the blocks, you tell yourself that you’re going to be the first one to that hurdle, then the first one to that finish line, and I tried to do that. Duarte: I just focused on me running my race and not worrying about other people and things that I can’t control. Johnson: I just focused on not fall-
Greer: In my leg I ran against a great competitor. I had to not let him rattle me. Duarte: Not hitting hurdles Johnson: I didn’t feel as fast as I could have been over the hurdles. Roemerman: Finishing it out was the hardest part. Those last couple hurdles were tough because I knew I couldn’t fall.
Greer: I was real excited. I sprinted across the field and got our flag. It was an amazing feeling. Duarte: It was a really great feeling because we worked so hard for it. Johnson: It felt good. I didn’t run that great of a time, but we won and that’s all that matters. Roemerman: It was great. I got this tingly sensation. It was awesome.
Girls track aims for repeat at the state meet
The girls track team went to Des Moines this past weekend, with hopes of winning back to back titles. by Daniela Perret
danielaperret@thelittlehawk.com
After winning both the 2012 MVC meet and District meet last week, the City High girls track and field team is determined to win a consecutive state title. “I think considering what happened at Districts, at state we’re going to do amazing. We just had a lot of positive energy and we really came together as a team.” Meg Richardson ’12 said. “Everyone really blossomed, it was incredible. We had so many season’s bests and personal records.” Throughout the season, the team continuously improved as they progressed through all their meets. They plan to continue these improvements through the state meet and to surpass their competition. “Looking at our past big meets, every time we’ve had a big meet we have had our best performance of the year. Whether it was Forwald or at Conference, we performed better than our previous best,” Head coach Terry
Coleman said. “I’m anticipating that this team will continue to do that. ” Coming into the state meet as defending champions, the team is facing the biggest challenge, keeping the state title. “Last year, in some respects was sort of that dream season where everything just kind of comes together and magic happens. I think the kids on the team have found that there are some things that just don’t come as easily the second time around.” Coleman said. “So the saying in sports is that ‘it’s always easier to get on top than to stay on top’ and I think that is probably holding true in this particular season.” Like last year’s team, members of this year’s track and field team are relying on every single event to pull through for another state title. “I don’t really think any team at state really has the depth that we do, we do well in every single event.” Richardson said. “A couple teams have a few superstars but we’re a team and that is how track is meant to be.”
Soumba Traore ‘15 runs at the District Meet at West High.
photo by RYAN YOUNG