The Little Hawk

LITTLE HAWK THE

Disconnected: School Board Implements Strict Cell Phone Ban

As of January 21, 2025 students will face consequences for phone use during class time

By Kate Meis

After a November 2024 vote by the Iowa City Community School Board ruling that cellphone use during class time would be banned, the approved policy went into effect district-wide on January 21, 2025.

Under this new policy, phones are not to be used during instructional time, or the entire duration of a class period. This new policy mainly targets cell phones, however, headphones and earbuds are no longer allowed to be used during class time and smartwatches are not to be used for communication either.

At the high school level, students are permitted to use personal devices during passing periods, lunch, and open hours. However, at the district’s middle schools, personal devices are only allowed to be out during lunch and passing periods.

Under the new policy, students are given one warning at the beginning of class to secure their phones with ringers off in their backpacks, purses, lockers, or in the phone pockets in each classroom. Following that single warning, using their cell phones without expressed permission from an educator or administration is against the policy. Upon breaching the policy, students will be required to sign a document acknowledging that they broke the outlined rules and have their phones taken by a hall monitor.

The consequences of using a personal de-

vice change based on how many offenses a student has had; they are outlined below as they are listed in the description of the policy posted on the ICCSD’s website:

1st Offense: Loss of phone, earbuds, and/ or headphones for a day; the student will receive their device(s) at the end of their school day.

2nd Offense: Loss of phone, earbuds, and/or headphones for a day; the student will receive their device(s) at the end of their school day; an additional infraction will result in parent/guardian(s) being contacted.

3rd Offense: Loss of phone, earbuds, and/or headphones for a day; Parent/guardian contacted by administration; student will receive their device(s) at the end of their school day. A parent/guardian meeting will be held if another infraction occurs.

4th Offense: Loss of phone, earbuds, and/ or headphones until parent/guardian meeting. Administration contacts parents/guardians.

5th Offense: Technology Plan Implemented. Administration contacts parents/ guardians; technology plan created during the parent/guardian meeting

With this policy now in place, students’ opinions are divided. Some students agree with implementing it, whether because they understand why it may be necessary or be-

cause they feel that not using personal devices during class time is not difficult.

“Why should I be so concerned about using my phone in the first place? I come to school to learn. I think it’s just a distraction anyway, so I don’t mind putting it away just for the 50 minutes I’m in class.” Greta Hayek ‘25 said.

Yet some students feel strongly that this new policy is not good, feeling like it is an unnecessary measure being taken when many students feel that they have no issue with the use of their phones during class time.

“I honestly did not use my phone in class often before this new policy, but the new rules do feel a bit extreme. The few people using their phones, at least that I see in my classes, don’t do it nearly enough for it to be considered this big of an issue.” Leo Partridge ‘25 said.

The results of this new policy and its overall effectiveness will most likely be the deciding factor in whether the current rules will continue in future academic years.

Additionally, according to a press release from the Iowa Governor’s website, as of January 24, 2025, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds released a bill to restrict students’ cell phone use during instructional time; the minimum requirements for phone regulation outlined in this bill will be required for school districts across the state to adopt by July 1, 2025.

Couples of City High:

Climbing the AP Capstone

What the unique program offers upperclassmen during and beyond their time in the classroom

By Kate Meis, Will Meis, & Micah Hartwig

In the library, the printers are continuously outputting posters, consent forms, and tests, while past bookshelves, tables, and librarians’ desks, study rooms are filled with ongoing experiments with City High students as the participants. The buzz is coming from AP Research students spending the month of January collecting data for the final project they must complete as part of the AP Capstone program at City High.

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ChatGPT:

The Man Made Natural Disaster

ChatGPT will kill the environment. The time to act is now.

By Lily Rantanen amd Bella Young

Whether you like it or not, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a major part of modern life, from chatbots to algorithms to self-driving cars. However, the convenience that AI offers comes with an extensive environmental cost.

Every time you talk to an AI chatbot like ChatGPT, your request is processed through large-scale data centers that rely on massive computing power to generate responses. These facilities require extensive cooling systems to prevent overheating, and a significant portion of these systems rely on fresh, clean water—often consuming local resources at an alarming rate.

Generating a short response from AI uses about 500 milliliters of fresh water— about as much as a standard water bottle. Data centers, facilities used to house computer systems and data, are the backbone of AI operations.

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GRAPHIC BY KATE MEIS

Stanley Byerly ‘28 and Willa Jackson ‘27

Mary Peterson and Dan Peterson Skyler Clouse ‘25 and Maya Shannon ‘26

Andrea Lopez ‘25 and Luciano Cardozo-Torres ‘25

LETTER FROM THE

D I T O R S

Happy New Year Little Hawks! It’s been a while, but we hope your 2025 has been great thus far! In this February issue, we have lots of great stories for you to read; We’re holding space for Ben Haines’ Wicked review, recognizing the underclassmen that Estelle has deemed our Freshman to Watch, and shining a spotlight on volleyball player Lila Howe in Amelie’s Unbreakable Profile.

As always, City High has tons of things going on. As the staff of The Little Hawk continues to cover all sorts of events, we hope that our newspaper has a little something for everyone who reads it. That being said, we encourage our readers to take a look at all the sections of our paper, from the front-page news story to the back of our Feature Magazine!

Thank you for your continued support of our publication. We appreciate it and look forward to writing more stories to share with you!

Lots of love, your executives, Tai and Kate

Twins Launch NAMI on Campus at City

High to Support Mental Health Awareness

Maya and Julia Shannon ‘26 introduce the National Alliance on Mental Illness to

By Ramatou Diallo

At City, twins Julia and Maya Shannon ‘26 have taken a significant step toward reducing the stigma surrounding mental health with the creation of the school’s NAMI on Campus club. Their goal is simple yet powerful: to provide a safe and supportive space for students to discuss mental health and connect with resources that can help.

“NAMI stands for National Alliance on Mental Illness,” Julia said. “It’s a nonprofit organization that works to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and advocates for better mental health care. NAMI on Campus is a student-run initiative at high schools and colleges, and our goal is to bring awareness to mental health issues, offer resources, and connect students to the help they need.”

The idea for starting the club came from Julia and Maya’s own experiences growing up and seeing friends and classmates struggle with mental health challenges.

“We’ve both seen the impact mental health struggles can have on people, and we knew that there needed to be a space at City High where students could feel supported and accepted,” Maya said. “There’s still a lot of stigma around mental health, especially in high school, and we wanted to change that by creating a place where students can talk openly and find help.”

NAMI on Campus at City High is all about connecting students to mental health resources and building a supportive community.

“We want to make sure that students don’t feel alone in what they’re going

through,” Maya said. “We’ve both faced our own challenges, and we know how important it is to have a support system. Our main goal is to make sure everyone knows that it’s okay to talk about mental health, and that there are resources and people here to help.”

To spread awareness and make a real impact, Maya and Julia have big plans for the club.

“We’ll be hosting fundraisers, organizing events, and bringing in guest speakers to educate students about mental health,” Julia shared. “We also plan to use social media to share useful websites and resources with students, so they have easy access to support.”

One of the most important aspects of NAMI on Campus is its weekly meetings.

“We’ll have regular meetings where students can come to share their experiences, offer support, and talk about mental health in a safe, non-judgmental space,” Julia explained. “After our weekly presentations, we’ll also have activities that help lighten the mood and give students a chance to unwind.”

Looking ahead, the twins have even more exciting plans.

“We want to host a Mental Health Experience Panel where students and guest speakers can share their stories and insights,” Maya said. “We also hope to collaborate with other clubs at City High and even get involved in community events outside of the school in Iowa City to expand our reach.”

The twins are also excited about the potential to collaborate with NAMI in Johnson County.

“Since NAMI is based here in Johnson County, we can team up with them for larg-

er mental health awareness events,” Maya explained. “It’s a great opportunity to bring the message of mental health awareness beyond City High and into the larger Iowa City community.”

One of the most important aspects of the club is ensuring that students feel comfortable and included in discussions surrounding mental health.

“We’re always here to listen if anyone needs to talk about anything,” said Julia. “We also have support from counselors like Mary Peterson, who comes to our meetings. If a presentation is difficult for some students, we always have activities to help them debrief and process.”

Through NAMI on Campus, Maya and Julia hope to develop not only their

leadership skills but also skills that will help them advocate for mental health awareness in the future.

“We want to help other students learn how to communicate about mental health and be strong advocates for mental health resources,” Maya said. “We also plan to connect with other clubs and be involved in leadership communications at City High.”

With their shared passion for mental health awareness and creating a supportive community, Julia and Maya Shannon are making a lasting impact at City High. Through their work with NAMI on Campus, they are helping students find the support and resources they need and are showing that no one has to face their mental health challenges alone.

Adeline Newton ‘26, Rowan Maas ‘26, and Maya Shannon ‘26 run a NAMI findraiser during lunch time.

PHOTO BY RAMATOU DIALLO

Dancing into Show Choir Season

4th Ave’s Show Choir competition Season begins with Choirs for a Cause

By Yomi Hemley

The auditorium stage is filled with students who are out of breath. Meeting twice a week for three hours, 4th Ave works tirelessly to practice, clean, and perfect their show.

After learning their choreography in June, they must wait until January to finally perform it for competitions. It is this dedication that is needed for a successful season.

“For myself, I’ve been reviewing dance moves and vocals, and I try to remind people as much as I can about past things we’ve fixed,” Kaitlyn Fields ‘26 said.

Effort must be put into show choir inside and outside of practice. This means that, on top of the hours of practice each week, 4th Ave members must constantly think about what has been changed and what needs to be fixed.

“I’ve been watching the rehearsal videos pretty religiously. I’ve also got these special throat lozenges to clear out my vocal pipes,” Ben Haines ‘27 said.

The 4th Ave show this year is completely different from last year’s. 4th Ave’s theme, Masked Memories, has a dark vibe, with some happier moments towards the end. Instead of going for a typical show choir show, the directors went for a story show, one with a plot and characters.

“I think I’d describe our show as misunderstood. Our main antagonist is very misunderstood, and all she truly wants is a sense of community she wasn’t getting. I’ve never seen a show where their opening song was at a ball. I find it so fun and different, and I really love the style of it,” Fields said.

As she is in her 3rd year in show choir, Fields knows what to expect during competition season. Although the season is long and stressful, it is a great opportunity for people to come together.

“There have been our ups and downs, but I feel every season has that. But what’s important is that we continue to try hard at every rehearsal. I love competitions. I think they’re a great way to talk to more people and to see a bunch of groups with a dancing style you’ve never seen before,” Fields said.

For months, 4th Ave and Charisma have practiced in hopes of a victorious competi-

PHOTO BY MEGAN SWARTZENDRUBER

tion season. But the competition season is a large time commitment, taking up a big chunk of students’ winter.

“Show choir season is such a busy time of the year; it eliminates every Saturday you have, and sometimes, it sucks. But the things you get out of it are great, [such as] stronger connections. I feel pumped during competitions. I love performing, and it’s the whole reason why I do this. Even though I get pretty wiped out by the end of the day, the sleepy bus rides back really let me think about our day and how amazing we are,” Poi Borchardt ‘26 said.

The show choir competition season starts with Choirs for a Cause the weekend before 4th Ave’s first competition. This event features West High, City High, and Liberty coming together to support a different cause each year. The event spreads awareness while also putting on a fun show.

“Choirs for a Cause is an event held to show support for show choir and to raise money for them. It’s an amazing chance to see other show choirs in your area and get a chance to perform on a stage before the competition season begins. It’s important because, one, you’re raising money for the choirs, and two, you get to perform on a stage that’s not your own before competitions,” Fields said.

4th Ave had its first competition last week, attending Muscatine and placing 4th. But their next competition will be Charisma’s first one. This competition will have eight varsity groups with only six spots for finals.

“For me, [the first competition] was a little worrisome. I had SEIBA Honor Band auditions that same day, and I was totally terrified I wouldn’t make it to the competition on time, and I didn’t get to experience that first comp feeling. But performance-wise, I felt great even with our mishap. At the end I was so ready to get into bed,” Borchardt said.

The next competition will be at LinnMar, and it is a hard competition, featuring several Cedar Rapids schools, famous for having great show choirs.

“I’m totally pumped [for the next competition] because Linn-Mar is hosting it, and they’re like a top show choir school.

I haven’t been to this comp since freshman year, so I’m excited to see the memories I’ll build on this year and all the top groups that’ll be there! [But I’m stressed about] not making finals. Finals performance is what really fuels me and not making finals feels like losing a tournament and not even getting a chance,” Borchardt said.

Despite being a competition, show choir competitions are uniquely supportive, encouraging show choir members to watch as many shows as possible and cheer on the competitors.

“You sort of lose interest in thinking about the other groups competitively. You can do that after you perform and assess whether you did your best. I like getting to interact with people from other groups who I’ve never met,” Haines said.

Competition season is more than just a chance to perform. It’s a way to connect with friends and people who are less familiar.

“I love the fact that you spend so much time with people. Whether that be your friends, people you just met, your own group, or just watching groups. It has a great sense of community, and it’s so fun. I also love performing, so I love that I get to

share what I love with other people,” Fields said.

Still, there are obviously some parts of the competition season that may cause stress.

“The thing that stresses me out about competitions is when you know you didn’t do your best when you could’ve and that you might lose. That’s why it’s good to go full out,” Haines said.

Despite the uncertainty about what the upcoming season will be like, both 4th Ave and Charisma have things to look forward to.

“I’m weirdly looking forward to the bus rides. I hate buses usually, but it’s a great space to be in before and after a comp. I’m curious about the next comp. Last year this one was cancelled, so it’ll be interesting to perform in a new environment,” Haines said.

After the long build-up to the competition season, it is satisfying to finally start it.

“Show choir is extremely fun, and I think if you’re interested in singing or dancing, you should give it a try. I’ve met some of my best friends through show choir and music, and everyone should get that chance,” Fields said.

Emma Plumb ‘26 and Cameron Echols ‘26 unveil “The Book of Memories” at the beginning of the show.

Tyler Hagy introduces 4th Ave’s show “Masked Memories.

PHOTO BY MEGAN SWARTZENDRUBER

Addison Johnson ‘25 and Anja Miller ‘25 accept an award for 3rd runner-up. PHOTO BY NOAH COX

Tehila Roseman ‘28 dances in Charisma’s show “Colorful” PHOTO BY MEGAN SWARTZENDRUBER

Student Senate Completes Hunger Drive

The hunger drive ended with a collection of over 1,000 pounds of food

By Ethan Lalumiere

Toe Collins ‘26 arrived at the North Dodge HyVee on Saturday, ready to collect goods from shoppers.

Other volunteers from Student Senate joined him, and just a few blocks away, more Student Senate members were stationed at the First Avenue HyVee. Their purpose? Carrying out a food drive to serve their community.

“We spent weeks previously organizing, with help from a small committee at Student Senate, and then we cleared our sched-

ules for this weekend so that we were able to fill in for any canceled volunteer slots, set up the collection stations, and transport donations,” said Alma Bhandary-Narayanan ‘26.

Student Senate, with the project led by Collins and Bhandary-Narayanan, organized the hunger drive for the local CommUnity Food Bank, an organization that has operated as a crisis center and food bank for decades in the Iowa City area. By giving donations from the food drive to CommUnity, the organization can carry on with their mission of distributing food to

those in need.

The food drive collected 1,655 pounds of food, making it CommUnity’s largest food drive from an outside organization, such as a high school, ever. Other donations beyond non-perishable food included cash and supplies like diapers.

“We wanted to head up this project because it was fun, charitable, and helps people. We’re hoping to be elected co-presidents [of Student Senate] next year, so we want to make sure we have experience taking the lead on important projects at City High,” said Collins.

Climbing the AP Capstone

What the program offers upperclassmen in and out of the classroom

By Kate Meis

In the library, the printers are continuously outputting posters, consent forms, and tests, while past bookshelves, tables, and librarians’ desks, and study rooms are filled with ongoing experiments with City High students as the participants. The buzz is coming from AP Research students spending the month of January collecting data for the final project they must complete as part of the AP Capstone program at City High.

City High’s Capstone program is a two-year course that includes AP Seminar, taken by students in their junior year, and AP Research, taken in their senior year. According to the College Board, the program is different from other classes because rather than teaching a specific subject, students are learning skills like analysis, evidence-based argumentation, and presenting.

When Anora Klauke ‘25 asked her 10th-grade English teacher if she could skip AP Seminar and just take AP Research, the answer was a firm “No,” but after being in both classes, Klauke understood why.

“I would say the biggest difference is seminar is teaching you the skills to look

at essays and write essays differently than you’re taught in English classes. Seminar is preparing [you with] the skills that you need for AP research. I would say that AP Seminar was harder for me than AP Research, just because you’re unlearning and then relearning.” Klauke said.

But once in AP Research, and the relearning is complete, students have the opportunity to take their learning into their own hands, from choosing a research topic to creating their own proposal and way of collecting data, whether it’s experimentation, content analysis, or another method.

“I think [AP Research] is a lot more intense this year compared to AP Seminar, but that being said, I think it’s a lot more fun having full control of your own schedule, guidelines, and topic.” Eli Foster ‘25 said.

What the students interviewed liked about AP Research and the AP Capstone program is the freedom and independence the class allows its students. Comparatively, AP Capstone is much more freeform than other classes with a set curriculum needing to be followed, while in AP Capstone, students get much more say in their learning experience. This could be in the form of

Debate Team Wins State in Policy

Two policy teams won their sides of the bracket at state

By Martha Willard

On January 10th, City High’s debate team traveled to DMACC in Ankeny to compete in the state debate tournament. They returned as state champions of policy debate. Toe Collins ‘26 and Lily Rantanen ‘26 were runner-ups and Kaj Larsen ‘25 and Ethan Lalumiere ‘25 were awarded first.

“It was pretty amazing. They’ll start off the decision by saying congratulations to both sides then they’ll say this team won, they did not do that,” Kaj Larsen ‘25 said. “Ethan and I were sitting in our chairs looking at each other, sweating, like what the heck happened? We felt good but I think as soon as we heard that second judge chime in and say we were for you it was a big sigh of relief.”

In debate, there is a panel of three judges and each one votes for who they think won. When the second judge voted for them Lalumiere and Larsen knew they had the majority. The debate teams have worked toward the state championship since the season started in September.

“We have been practicing and competing since September, so it’s been a long season,” Coach Drew Gartner said. “We really tried to familiarize ourselves with the opponents that were going to be there and what arguments they liked to make.”

However, winning a state does not qualify a team for nationals. There will be a separate district qualifier in February.

“We’ll be facing a lot of the same opponents, but now we know some of the new tricks they’ve broken out,” Larsen ‘25 said. “I think our goal is to just further flesh out answers to the new things they started using at state.”

choosing your group’s presentation topic in AP Seminar or choosing your individual year-long topic in AP Research.

“I’m always going to enjoy some part of it. With a class like math, I may get bored of a unit that I don’t enjoy, but with research, because I picked the topic even if we’re doing something difficult like writing our research proposal, it’s always something I’m at least interested in. It makes me want to come to class.” Klauke said.

However, besides what students experience in the AP Capstone class, is what they take away from it. The course teaches students skills that will help them if they choose to pursue higher education, a reason for participating in the program for many students.

“The reason that I joined the AP Capstone program was because of the great opportunities that it gave me to prepare you for college and higher-level learning. Things like the independence students have in the program but also large-effort group projects.” Foster said.

Now, as registration for classes for the 2025-26 school year is ongoing, AP Research students are taking part in the recruitment process for the program. By vis-

iting classes and sharing information about AP Seminar and AP Research, the students and their advisors are aiming high for the number of students they hope will enroll in the program next year.

“One of the main ways that we recruit is the same way I was recruited: we are going around to different 10th-grade classrooms. We’re just giving them a little speech about what the class is and why they should take it. We really emphasize the aspects that we enjoy about it, like the teamwork in seminar and independence in research. I would love to recommend [AP Capstone] to anyone wanting to join; it’s a great grade boost, experience with peers, and a way to be a step ahead in college.” Foster said.

Scan to Watch Will Meis and Micah Hartwig’s AP Research Video Interviews!

Alma Bhandary-Narayanan ‘26 poses with donations from the food drive. PHOTO BY ETHAN LALUMIERE

Freshmen To Watch

Auggie Dickerson, August Sander, Max Tchernoraenko, and Thomas Hand have already made waves in the City High Music Department despite just being freshmen

Tchernoraenko

Thomas Hand Max

By Martha Willard

Mmax Tchernoraenko ‘28 began playing clarinet in 5th grade and has continued for five years.

“It looked fun. I mean, it’s just a sort of interesting instrument,” Tchernoraenko said. “My favorite part would be the high notes. It’s really fun just to see how high it can be. But also, when everything puts together, it sounds really good.”

This year, he was one of three freshmen accepted into wind ensemble as fourth clarinet, City High’s top concert band.

“[I’m most proud of] getting into wind ensemble as a freshman, hoping next year I get into All-State, all of that stuff. But currently, that’s probably the best,” Tchernoraenko said. “I learned the music, and I also did a bunch of scales, articulation practices, everything, in the world basically.”

Last year, Wind Ensemble was selected as the best 4A concert band in Iowa, so its musical standards are high and the music is typical of professional level ensembles.

“[My favorite thing is] the music, because Mr. Kowbel can find lots of really cool music,” Tchernoraenko said. “That’s probably my favorite thing, to just hear it all together.”

Tchernoraenko also got into SEIBA in 7th and 8th grade, a regional honor band. When he was accepted in 7th grade, it changed his perspective.

“Getting into SEIBA as a 7th grader, because that kind of showed me that I can actually do this well,” Tchernoraenko said. “I panicked [before]

auditioning because I didn’t learn the music for some reason until the last two weeks, and then I requested, like, three lessons with my teacher, learned it all in two weeks, and then just auditioned [with] whatever I had.”

TBy Martha Willard

homas Hand ‘28 has been playing saxophone since fifth grade. He chose it because it challenged him.

“I didn’t know how to make a sound on a reed instrument, and I wanted to learn how,” Hand said.

Flash forward four years, Hand was chosen as an alternate for the All-State music festival, but hopes to make it in over the next four years.

“I just worked really hard because I had a lot of pressure, like before, pre-auditions, like I didn’t have a lot of time to practice over the summer,” Hand said, describing his preparation experience.

While Hand isn’t in Wind Ensemble, due to a very competitive saxophone section this year, he is in Combo, the second highest jazz band, where he is surrounded mostly by upperclassmen.

“I know some of the upperclassmen, some are section leaders, and they’ve all been really nice,” Hand said.

Hand has continued getting better on the saxophone because he enjoys the process.

“I like seeing improvements. When I’m learning a new song, I see it’s really hard. Then after good practice, I can get good at it,” Hand said.band. When he was accepted in 7th grade, it changed his perspective.

Music Department Edition

Auggie Dickerson, August Sander, Max Tchernoraenko, and Thomas Hand have already made waves in the City High Music Department despite just being freshmen

Auggie Dickerson August Sander

By Martha Willard

Auggie Dickerson ‘28 was selected as a lead for Diary of the Wimpy Kid, the fall musical this year. He will be playing Rowley Jefferson.

“It was really major. I was actually, like, really surprised, since I’m a freshman, and all the other people in major roles are a lot older than me, so I was pretty honored,” Dickerson said. “They’re all really cool and nice and welcoming, but it’s kind of intimidating to talk to them.”

Auggie has only been in choir since seventh grade, but he has always enjoyed singing.

“I really like to sing, and I’ve really liked to sing ever since I was a little kid,” Dickerson said.

Although he has been in choir for three years, this is one of his first experiences with theater, other than the City High camp over the summer, so audition preparation was a new experience.

“I practiced the material for like a week beforehand–well, the singing stuff anyway, like I played it on my Chromebook, and then I tried to sing what it was. And I also practiced the dance a couple times the week prior,” Dickerson said. “But also I already kind of knew the dance, because we did it at a theater

ABy Martha Willard

ugust Sander ‘28 was one of two freshmen selected to go to All-State. He has been playing cello for seven years.

“I listened to some pretty inspiring performances from various famous groups and musicians like Yo-Yo Ma, for example, and I decided I wanted to play cello myself, so my parents signed me up for lessons at [the] Preucil [School of Music],” Sander said.

The level required to be an All-State musician is very high, so it takes a lot of hard work to get there. Sander finds inspiration from his teacher.

“I’ve always been really inspired by my teacher,” Sander said. “She’s really good. Really tries to make me work hard. She’s really inspired me a lot.”

Sander also continues playing cello for other reasons.

“It really sounds nice. It’s an easy way to decrease stress, and I feel like I’m pretty good at it.” Sander said.

Currently, Sander is in the freshmen concert orchestra, but the Orchestra Director, Ms. Stucky, has plans to move him up to the Philharmonic Orchestra next trimester, which is composed mostly of sophomores and juniors.

“I’m not so worried, because I do know a couple of the upperclassmen in Philharmonic and I’m excited to play more advanced challenging music,” Sander said.

OLIVIA VANDEBERG

By Estelle Hartz

Q: When did you start playing the Oboe and do you remember how/why you chose it?

OLIVIA: I started playing oboe in 5th grade. I chose the oboe because I was told it would be the hardest instrument to play. After finding this out I researched the instrument a little more, and decided that I’d give it a try. When having the instrument try-out day for 5th grade band, I walked in and said that I knew I wanted to play oboe.

Q: What are some of your earliest memories, from when you first began playing?

OLIVIA: One of my earliest memories of playing oboe was listening to the London Symphony Orchestra playing the Rite of Spring. This was the first time that I had been exposed to orchestral playing after starting the oboe and I was inspired by all the different elements of the music, the playing. Most of all I was inspired by the idea that someone could turn the music that I was playing at my beginner level into something like Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, or Beethoven’s Symphony No.6, or Vaughan Williams’ Lark Ascending. After listening to the music, I became incredibly interested in orchestral music and wanted to try to achieve the level of playing that the professionals had.

Q: Do you have a favorite or most memorable experience with the oboe?

OLIVIA: My favorite experiences with the oboe always involve playing collaborative music. I especially enjoy anytime that I get to play in an orchestra. This past year at the Iowa All-State Festival I had the privilege to be selected to the Orchestra and to play Ravel’s orchestration of Pictures at an Exhibition. I greatly enjoyed being able to play with the very talented musicians on that piece specifically. There were many moments from the rehearsals and performance of the piece that gave me chills while playing. Anytime that I have the opportunity to play with a group is always super exciting for me, not that playing soloistically isn’t amazing, but working with a group of musicians towards the same goals is always fun and inspiring.

Q: How do you practice?

OLIVIA: I try to practice everyday independently for about 2 hours, on top of the hour in band class. During this time, I focus on fundamentals like tone, intonation on my oboe and with specific reeds, and overall musical fundamentals like scales, modes, and some music theory. I spend the beginnings of my practices on warm ups, which includes long tone scales and arpeggios with drones to help me with finding pitch center and the relations of one pitch to another. I have found that most of the music that I play as an oboist is simply scales, and that continued simple practice at them will greatly improve many elements of playing. Additionally, when practicing with a drone, I am preparing myself for playing in an ensemble and listening to the instruments around me to understand my place in the overall sound, chord, or harmony of the ensemble. Following warm-ups I will move into etude work. I predominantly use the 48 Ferling Etudes, but have been incorporating the Barret Etude books as well, these are two of the most widely taught etude books in the US. The etudes help me to connect the fundamental work that I have been doing into a more melodic setting. After etudes I will usually move to orchestral excerpts. Working on these excerpts helps me to not only get a bit of a headstart for my college classes, but help to prepare for auditions, which center on orchestral excerpts. Through the learning of these excerpts I study the piece as a whole including at least 3 professional recordings, studying the score multiple times, and finding 3 masterclasses in which the excerpt is taught.

All of the research that must be done in preparation for orchestral excerpts helps me to become a more well rounded musician and student because of the level of detail that must be achieved. Finally, I will move to my solo repertoire. I practice this material last because it overall helps me to build my stamina, both mentally and physically, for playing multiple solos that are each over 7 minutes long.

Q: Do you experience performance anxiety and if so, how do you cope with the nerves?

OLIVIA: I have definitely experienced, and honestly still do experience, performance anxiety. For me it mostly comes in the form of questioning my performance afterwards and feeling that I did not play well at all. However, I have greatly improved with my ability to cope with these feelings and the fears that I have going into auditions and performances. I find that remembering why I am playing for an audition or performance is important. If it’s for an audition, I remember that I am trying to showcase my personal musicianship in the hopes that the judges will like my interpretations of the music. If I am performing, I remember that in those moments I am sharing my love of the instrument with others. I am there to present my love and hopefully convey emotions and feelings through the music that I play. I have found that breaking down my performances in that way helps me to cope with nerves. In terms of post-performance/audition feelings, I remember that I performed the best that I could for that day and in that moment, and that I have learned from the experience.

Q: What do you think makes the oboe special in comparison to other instruments?

OLIVIA: There are many special and unique aspects to the oboe compared to other instruments. I think one of the most important aspects of this difference is that we are a double reeded instrument. This means that instead of having one reed that vibrates like a clarinet or saxophone, we have two reeds that vibrate together. This poses a number of unique challenges and advantages. Some of the challenges are that unlike other instruments, we can have too much air. When preparing music, we must plan both places to take breaths in, but also where to release the excess air that we have. If this air were to build up too much, it can create too much pressure behind the reed, negatively affecting our sound. A cool element of having a double reed is that we do not actually need air to play our instrument, but just by applying pressure we can make a sound on our instrument. A very very unique element to our instrument is that as we evolve and become more experienced players we make our own reeds. This is a very helpful process as you become a more experienced player because we can control many different elements of our reeds such as response, tone, and intonation. Oboes and Bassoons are the only instruments that create the material that does that vibrations that makes the sound of the instrument. This allows us to personalize our experience. This process takes months to years to master and involves cane selection, the processing of the cane to be workable, tying the reed to a staple, and then scraping the reed to make it actually playable.

Q: Are there any musicians or people who inspire you? Who?

OLIVIA: There are a lot of musicians who inspire me. I think that some of the most influential musicians are those who kept going. Those who turned their passions into a career, who kept playing as a pastime, or actively try to continue to play music in their life. I think that like with anything, if you enjoy music then you should do everything you can to continue to play it, even if it is not your career. I find it very inspiring to see and meet the people who continue to play music and enjoy it at all different levels.

The Little Hawk

Little Hawk Journalism Staff

Executive Editors

Tai Caputo

Kate Meis

News Editor

Claire Hartwig

Kate Meis

Sports Editors

Ahmed Basheir

Amelie Donovan

Jack Rogers

Rito Perez

Opinion Editors

Lily Rantanen

Isabella Young

A&E Editor

Estelle Hartz

Editors

Culture

Sadie Bodzin

Claire Hartwig

Feature Editors

Tai Caputo

Yomi Hemley

Yearbook Editors

Liz Degner

Megan Swartzendruber

Assistant Editors

Gabe Egland

Ethan LaLumiere

Staff

Bobby Bacon, Hattie Conover, Charlie Firmstone, Jack Lampe, Floris Roorda, Ruby Shulz, Henry Birt, Benjamin Clifton, Liz Degner, Stella Demarest, Alex Donovan, Alex Kihibilo, LaDavion Luckett-Matthews, Estefany Morales, Talina Morgan, Yo Pierpont, Megan Swartzendruber, Audry VandeBerg, Micah Hartwig, Jacob Hills, William Meis, Melvin Murimi, Tessa Driscoll, Ben Klitgaard, Jethro Michaelson, Martha Willard, Olivia Clabaugh-Kroemer, Kaeding Eland, Fisher Fitzpatrick, Owen Raefield, Melody Ross

Advisor

Jonathan Rogers

Mission Statement

The Little Hawk, student journalism newspaper and website of City High School, aims to inform, educate and entertain readers. LH journalists follow the code of the journalist by seeking truth, doing no harm, being independent, and working toward balance in all news stories. All student voices are enouraged to be part of a LH journalism class. To join the class, talk to your guidance counselor today.

Letters to the editor may be submitted to: LittleHawkPage@gmail.com

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Equity Director at:

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AI: The Man Made Natural Disaster

Chat GPT will kill the enviornment. The time to act is now.

Whether you like it or not, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a major part of modern life, from chatbots to algorithms to self-driving cars. AI is revolutionizing industries, optimizing logistics, automating customer service, and even aiding scientific research. However, the convenience that AI offers comes with an extensive environmental cost that often goes unnoticed.

Every time you talk to an AI chatbot like ChatGPT, your request is processed through large-scale data centers that rely on massive computing power to generate responses. These facilities require extensive cooling systems to prevent overheating, and a significant portion of these systems rely on fresh, clean water—often consuming local resources at an alarming rate.

To put this into perspective, generating a short response from AI uses about 500 milliliters of fresh water— about as much as a standard water bottle. While this may seem like a small amount, the cumulative impact is staggering when considering the millions of AI interactions that occur daily across the globe. Data centers, facilities used to house computer systems and data, are the backbone of AI operations.

“Google’s data centers in the U.S. alone consumed an estimated 12.7 billion liters of fresh water in 2021 to keep their servers cool,” the University of California, Riverside found in this study by Bourns College of Engineering.

This number is only a fraction of the total global water consumption from AI-related com-

puting activities, especially in 2024. Training a large AI model can require using millions of liters of water. This process involves running high-powered servers for weeks or months at a time, drastically increasing energy and water consumption. Beyond simple AI interactions, training large AI models significantly amplifies water consumption. This process involves running high-powered servers for weeks or even months, leading to the use of millions of liters of water. The sheer demand for water resources is expected to rise as AI becomes further integrated into various aspects of life, potentially straining local water supplies and contributing to worsening water scarcity.

STAFF EDITORIAL LEAD WRITER

Isabella Young

In regions already facing droughts and water shortages, AI-driven data centers can exacerbate existing problems. Communities that rely on local water supplies for agriculture, drinking water, and industry may find themselves competing with massive tech companies for an increasingly precious resource.

Beyond just water usage, AI also contributes to climate change through its high energy consumption and carbon emissions. AI models rely on specialized hardware like tensor processing units (TPUs) and graphics processing units (GPUs) to handle complex computations.

These processors require immense amounts of power, leading to a significant carbon footprint.

In 2019, researchers from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, found that training a single large AI model could produce as much carbon emissions as five cars over their entire lifetimes. These staggering results highlight the immense amount of energy AI truly consumes. The widespread deployment of AI has only increased this energy burden.

The source of this energy also calls for concern. Many AI data centers still rely on fossil fuel-generated electricity, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating climate change. Although some tech companies are moving towards renewable energy, the process is slow.

Developing more efficient cooling systems that rely on alternative methods, such as liquid or air-based cooling, or renewable energy is extremely important. On the user end, minimizing unnecessary AI usage can also help to reduce overall consumption.

The rapid growth of AI means that addressing its effect on the environment is more important than ever. Without strategic intervention, AI usage could worsen water scarcity, increase carbon emissions, and place additional stress on global energy resources. However, by investing in energy-efficient models and responsible AI development, we can work towards a future where AI innovation does not come at the expense of the planet. Governments, corporations, and researchers must all work together to establish green AI policies, improve resource efficiency, and ensure accountability for the environmental impact of AI systems. The challenge is clear: if AI is to be a force for progress, it must also be a force for sustainability.

We Don’t Care About PrivacyAnymore

By Lily Rantanen

When TikTok left the United States for all of 14 hours, users–Tiktok “Refugees,” as they would call themselves–immediately downloaded the Chinese social media app RedNote.

XiaoHongShu, directly translating into “small red book,” or “RedNote” for English users, is a Chinese social media app that was created as “China’s answer to Instagram” after it and a slew of other social media services were banned in the early 2010s. It was never meant to be used outside of China.

So, when former TikTok users turned to RedNote, they were shocked that the Terms of Service were in Mandarin. No, I can’t believe it either–it’s astounding that a Chinese app wrote its terms of service in Chinese. However, unlike TikTok, which hosts data on servers in the U.S, RedNote’s data is hosted on Chinese servers. These two facts,

coupled with general fear about Chinese data mining (In the CCP’s eyes: “it’s not your data, it’s OUR data”), were quick to raise concerns about data privacy.

The irony is not lost. TikTok was banned by the American government because of concerns that the Chinese government would use data collected from the app and could subtly influence users. But when services went down, TikTok users chose to download the one app that was even more Chinese: RedNote.

I remember talking to my mom about social media once.

“Why do you use TikTok and Instagram? What if they steal your information and use it?” she asked.

“What’s the point? Everyone has all my information anyway. Why should I care? Also, you literally use Facebook,” I responded.

This conversation that may or may not have happened demonstrates the differ-

ence in thinking between generations. Older people who didn’t grow up with the internet–information about everything, everywhere, all at once–aren’t as comfortable with this idea that companies have your data and can do whatever they want with it. But younger generations who have grown up always using social media, always scrolling through TikTok and interacting with videos that they relate to in order to make their For You Page more unique to them, are normalized and numb to the fact that we are not alone in this massive, secular online world; there’s always the elephant in the room–the company that owns our favorite social media sites.

The idea isn’t unique to social media. At-home DNA testing has gone from a multi-billion dollar industry to those same companies at risk for filing for bankruptcy in just a few years. Concerns about privacy have been raised since it first became popular, but now, they are higher than

AI: The Stalker You Hired

By Nicolas Vergara-Vanegas

“Alexa, play Taylor Swift.”

“Hey, Google, what’s 10 to the power of 5?”

Generative AI has been making man’s life easier and easier, so much so that you don’t even have to get up to turn on the radio anymore. Even advertisers know exactly what it is you want. Yep, this is the life. Except no. As AI makes life easier, it also begins to invade your privacy, slowly absorbing information for the money-making purposes of advertisers. AI companies are stealing away your privacy and you are paying them to do so.

From the 1950’s checkers game to ChatGPT, AI’s purpose hasn’t been to make your life easier. AI wasn’t made for the progress of man, but rather for the progress of man’s bank account. It’s all about the money. Remember, every single company in the world is trying to sell you something, and AI makes that job a thousand times easier. When you use YouTube, its suggestions are based on what you watch, because it knows what you watch, at what frequency you watch, what time of day, which YouTuber, etcetera. But it doesn’t stop there. Your ads are also related to what you watch and where you live. If you live in Texas and watch a lot of basketball highlights, an ad

ever–what will happen to my genetic data if 23andMe gets bought by a malicious company?

Why does it matter if someone uses my DNA from a DNA test that I’ve hypothetically taken to make a clone? (They probably wouldn’t; I’m short and that would be kind of a letdown for the world’s first ever human clones.) Why should I care if they use the information to catch criminals? I’ve never committed a felony–but maybe my opinion will change if I do.

But we shed DNA every day. If someone wants to take my genetic information, all they have to do is follow me around until a hair falls off my head.

The problem isn’t that we’re concerned about our privacy. Pull a Ron Swanson and hide out in the woods for all I care. The problem is that we don’t understand how much of our data is already out there and that there’s not much we can do about that.

will pop up about the upcoming Dallas Mavericks game. Every sale, every bit of info, that’s another hundred dollars for the companies.

So YouTube knows what you watch and sells this information to advertisers, who show you ads and try to get you to buy their product. Big deal. You accepted this when you read the Terms and Conditions and made a YouTube or Google account (You did read the Terms and Conditions, right?). But does it stop there? What about Hey, Google? Alexa? Siri? If you keep them on, they can hear your every word. They have

to, so they can pick up your call of “Hey, Google?” or “Alexa.” But are they picking up everything else you say? If they are, what are they doing with that knowledge? Selling it to advertisers? Third parties? The government? Probably not that last one. Yet. With all the advertising being done, it is no surprise that the AI industry makes a cool 200 billion dollars a year.

Furthermore, there’s the limitation of information. In a recent article by ReadWrite, it was shown that ChatGPT shows an error with certain names, as if these names don’t exist, at least for the Chatbot. This has lots

of possible connotations, one of them being that if AI is able to restrict certain information, it could possibly allow some people to delete themselves from the internet. An interesting thought.

Simply speaking, AI’s main purpose is to make money, and it’s a lot easier to make money when advertisers know exactly what it is you need or want. This may seem convenient now, but if you’re not careful, AI and advertisers will continue to peer into your life and your desires, and you will find yourself willingly signing away your privacy.

Graphic by: Isabella Young

Graphic by: Isabella Young

BETTER THAN... SERIOUSLY?

Makeup brands need to stop relying on sexual names.

By Isabella Young

In recent years, more and more makeup brands have relied heavily on sexually suggestive names to stand out. Names like the “Better Than Sex” mascara from Too Faced and NARS’ infamous “Orgasm” blush have raised a lot of eyebrows and started a lot of discussions. These bold names have been undeniably successful in generating buzz and catching customers’ attention. However, as the beauty industry becomes more inclusive and socially conscious, there’s a rising concern that this kind of marketing

may not be as harmless and silly as it seems. Brands using sexuality to spark interest is nothing new, with the makeup industry being no exception. It’s a marketing tactic as old as advertising itself: sex sells (still).

Products like the “Pillow Talk Plumpgasm” lip gloss from Charlotte Tilbury, “Fetish” lipsticks from Milani, and lip glosses named “Pussyhole Pink,” “Yellow Discharge,” and “Coochie Juice” from Northside Princess have become regular features on the shelves of beauty stores worldwide.

While this strategy has been effective in grabbing attention, the use of sex-related

Water Bottles Aren’t a Fashion Statement

By Martha Willard

Nalgene. S’well. Hydroflask. Stanley. Owala.

The cycle of trendy water bottles goes on, and we follow it, buying a new water bottle every year even though your Nalgene from six years ago probably still works just fine. Adding water bottles to the list of trending things you have to stay on top of is a waste of money and terrible for the environment. It defeats the purpose of a reusable bottle to reduce waste from single use plastics and fuels overconsumption. I will admit I have also fallen victim to overconsumption. Since 2020, I have gone through four water bottles due to two being lost, one being run over by a car, and one that I realized had a graphic of two people kissing on it after several months of use. But hey, I’m on a two year streak of the same bottle, a purple Nalgene.

Last spring, Owalas took over, transitioning from Stanleys as the new king of water bottles. This was nowhere near the first time this had happened. Recently, water bottle trends have become more widespread because of the internet, so even more bottles are being purchased. According to a study conducted by the Washington Post, after ten uses of an aluminum, steel, or plastic reusable water bottle the amount of CO2 emissions is equivalent to a disposable plastic bottle. It becomes significantly less at 30 uses. This means that buying multiple bottles that you don’t need or replacing your water bottle every few months isn’t as beneficial

product names may no longer align with modern values surrounding self-image and empowerment. These titles contribute to the stigma that makeup is inherently sexual, alienating a lot of customers, especially teens who are uncomfortable with the sexy titles. Makeup shouldn’t be making you feel like you’re conforming to a stereotype. Instead, it should inspire confidence, offering a broader way to express yourself.

On one hand, these names do have their place in an industry that thrives on attention-grabbing tactics. On the other hand, in an industry so broad there is a sense of responsibility to be had for what you are promoting to your customers.

Instead of relying on sexual innuendo, some brands are already exploring a middle ground. These brands are opting for names that better evoke empowerment and character, aiming to reflect modern values.

For example, BK Beauty recently rebranded its products to focus on radiance and self-love rather than seductive themes. Lipsticks named “Temptation” and “Desire” were rebranded to become “Confidence” and “Golden Hour.” This shift was met with a positive reception from customers.

Above all, there’s a lot of room to create engaging and memorable names without reducing beauty to something sexual. The conversation surrounding sexually charged product names invites questions about what the beauty industry stands for and how it wants to shape the way people view themselves. Hopefully, this encourages more thoughtful branding strategies.

for the environment as using the same one for the duration of its lifetime. So, following water bottle microtrends defeats the purpose of reusable water bottles.

The patterns of trending water bottles is not only bad for the environment but also increases materialism. According to National Geographic, consumers are constantly being bombarded with ads using pathos. The person in the video is happy and their hair is shiny and so the products they have must be the reason for that, causing the consumer to buy more. This leads to a connection between social status and how one hydrates. If your water bottle is connected to your quality of life (it’s not) then the people who don’t have the newest one must have something

wrong in their life. This may not be a conscious thought one has, but the connection between your things and social status is internalized through everyone.

To combat these negative effects of following microtrends, specifically water bottles, you should pay more attention to why you’re buying things. Before you buy or ask for a new bottle, think about why you want it: is it because it’s what other people have, and will you continue using it for its entire lifespan? And, do you already have something that would work just as well? Overconsumption and materialism is a plight facing consumers, and reusable water bottles are especially sensitive because of the greenwashing that comes with it.

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Names like “Better Than Sex” mascara should be a red flag. But sex sells–especially in the makeup industry. PHOTO BY ISABELLA YOUNG

MUSIC PROHIBITED

A new phone policy is neccesary, but banning headphones goes too far.

As I am typing this, Noah Kahan is playing in my headphones. I enjoy listening to his music–the piano, the drums, the guitar, his voice. But as I am writing, I don’t hear the words he is saying. They fade into the background as I zero in on the words I am typing onto the page. Without music, I find it difficult to focus on my writing. I often get distracted by little things like a classmate tapping on their desk, or someone typing on their keyboard. When I’m working, I prefer to be in my own world, surrounded by music. Nonetheless, I still manage to focus with these distractions. I do well in school, and I perform well on tests I am required to take in silent classrooms. After an assessment, I enjoy escaping into my world, turning on my favorite playlist, and reading a book.

That world is being taken away from me. Since January 21st, if a student in an ICCSD secondary school is seen with headphones on during “instructional time,” the headphones are to be confiscated. “Instructional time” starts when the tardy bell rings and ends when students are dismissed from class. This new policy means that if I am asked to write an essay and wish to listen to music during work time, I am prohibited from doing so.

I recognize the issue of phones in schools. I understand why the district has become more strict on their policy involving phone usage. There has been an abundance of evidence showing how phones can negatively impact students’ learning. A survey by Pew Research was conducted this year that reported that 70 percent of high school teachers say that students being distracted by their phones is a “major problem.” I agree with these teachers. Phones are, without a doubt, a distraction. But they are not the only distraction in the classroom. As I previously mentioned, there are plenty of distractions we as students are exposed to every time we step foot into a classroom.

I simply want the right to escape a few of the distractions. Listening to music helps me focus, and during the school day, music helps relieve the stress, pressure, and expectations of school. Oftentimes, all I need is one song. I put on my headphones and three minutes and 45 seconds later, I can breathe normally again. I believe that our district’s new policy is unreasonable, and although it has already been implemented in our schools, it should be revised.

Tessa Driscoll

WHY I WOULD NEVER WATCH XO, KITTY

By Claire Hartwig

As 2025 began, many fans of one of Netflix’s biggest shows waited in anticipation for the release of season two. ‘Xo, Kitty’ is a spin off of the popular book turned movie trilogy ‘To All The Boys I’ve Learned Before.’

Jennie Han the author of these books wanted to make a fun coming of age romance drama for the youngest of the Covey sisters, Kitty. (The Covey sisters are Margot, Lara Jean, and Kitty. Lara Jean was the main character throughout the three books while the other two sisters played supporting roles.)

Season one starts off the plotline with Kitty getting a scholarship to attend a well known international school ‘Korean Independent School (KISS)’.

While the main reason for the move is to be closer to her long distance boyfriend, Dae, it’s the same school her late mother attended as a teenager. Soon after arriving she finds herself in various difficult relationships, including breaking up with her boyfriend, but worst of all she’s accidentally been put into the boy’s dormitory.

Now she must live with Minho a stuck up rich boy whose had it out for her since their first meeting. But during her time at KISS she discovers family secrets and navigates life in a new country.

Season one abruptly ends with two major plot points. Kitty is expelled from school after it’s found out she has been living in the boy’s dorms and Minho confessing his feelings for her.

Season two continues the theme of confusing relationships as Kitty goes on various dates. First with Praveena a Desi-American girl but she soon realizes that she’s still not over her former

crush, Yuri. Additionally Kitty’s new roommate Stella seems nice at first everyone suspects her of holding some secrets. She also visits the Korean country-side and learns more overall about her mother. In the end Kitty decides that she wants Minho and is going to join going on tour with him and his father. Unfortunately for Han I think this series lacks a plot line and a

solid script. It’s clear she wanted a K-drama inspired teen show but most lines come off cringey and immature making the episodes a hard watch.

The times the show imitates well known K-drama moments like falling and being caught by the male lead are usually out of place and unnecessary. As for the plot line the show tends to jump around a lot without finishing

LH BOOK REVIEW: INTERMEZZO

By Sadie Bodzin

Sally Rooney has already established herself as an extremely talented author with her previous novels, but with “Intermezzo”, she’s proven her talents as a writer have only strengthened since “Normal People”. Despite criticism that her work is too trivial, and focused on romance, “Intermezzo” proves that her ability to dissect the complexities of connection doesn’t only lie in romantic relationships, familial might even be her strong suit.

The novel revolves around two brothers, Peter and Ivan, who are forced to confront their strained relationship after their father’s death. Peter, a successful barrister in Dublin, has a long and complicated history with Sylvia, his ex-girlfriend, and a more carefree, physically charged relationship with Naomi, a much younger lover. Ivan, awkward and more reserved, is embroiled in a romantic affair with Margaret, a woman much older than he is.

The alternating narratives of Peter and Ivan are written in two en-

tirely different styles. While Ivan’s chapters are more matter-of-fact, and how Rooney normally writes, Peter’s are like their own book entirely, written in the convoluted manner of Peter’s thoughts. Peter’s narration, though often fragmented and difficult to follow at first, offers an intimate glimpse into a man struggling to reconcile his desires and disappointments. Ivan’s sections, in contrast, are more composed, a calm counterpoint to Peter’s erratic thoughts. It’s this contrast that captures the novel’s central theme: despite the deep connection the brothers share, their astute differences cause an inability for them to truly communicate their feelings.

“Intermezzo” is, at its core, a story about love, both romantic and familial. The brothers’ relationship is layered with years of complicated resentment, affection, and guilt, and Rooney’s exploration of this is as compelling as the romantic entanglements that unfold around them. The love stories in “Intermezzo” are messy, and outside the realm of today’s social

former scenes. But the show isn’t meant to be Emmy or Golden Globes winning, it’s written for preteen girls who probably haven’t watched a real K-drama before. (No, not even if you’ve watched Squid Games before.) However, as someone who is an avid K-drama watcher and has seen a lot of them. I will likely never watch or recommend ‘Xo, Kitty.’

norms, but they are also achingly real. With these romances, Rooney shows that love doesn’t always fit into the binary they’re expected to fit into.

While the content of the book can get heavy at times, especially when Rooney writes about Ivan and Peter’s complicated relationship, but the romantic relationships in the book can be a nice breath of fresh

air at times. Ivan’s and Margaret’s relationship especially was quite charming, and a big contrast from the almost overwhelmingly sad sections where Peter would talk about his innermost thoughts. While Ivan could be immature and act quite impulsively at times, his sections were for the most part more lighthearted and focused around his fast growing feelings for Margaret.

“Intermezzo” may not be a book for everyone, but for those who appreciate Rooney’s sharp, reflective style, this might be her best book yet. She was able to perfectly capture complicated sibling and romantic relationships, write two completely different characters in two different writing styles, and once again break her readers’ hearts and put them back together again.

GRAPHIC BY CLAIRE HARTWIG

GRAPHIC BY CLAIRE HARTWIG

SQUID GAME OPENS DOORS

By Yomi Hemley

‘Squid Game’ was released in 2021 as a Netflix original. This series immediately became a hit, gaining millions of international fans, many of whom were American. The cast featured lovable, smart, and complex characters with which the audience could easily fall in love with and then later easily sob about after watching their deaths. ‘Squid Game’ is about a man Gi Hun, played by Lee Jungjae, a man who has gambled to the point of no return. In his desperation, he joins a series of games. The winner of the games would be awarded 456 billion won, approximately 313 million US dollars. The games turn out to be dangerous and many characters die throughout the show. The show is filled with social commentary about class in Korea. But what about this show appeals to such a wide audience? And is season 2 just as good as the first season?

Well to answer these questions, we must look at the beginning of season 2. It starts off with Gi Hun and the police officer, Jun Ho, trying to track down the games again with the goal of stopping the games forever. Gi Hun and Jun Ho are two of the few returning characters from season 1 as many of them died. After Gi Hun witnessed all these deaths, he is desperate to find a way to stop any more people from being hurt by the games. Eventually, he is brought back to the games and is forced to play them again.

Almost everything about this season is new. It is very hard for a show as popular as Squid Game to practically start fresh with an almost entirely new cast. Thankful-

ly, the new cast adds even more to the show. The cast features famous Korean Actors such as Lee ByungHun and Im Si-Wan, to K-Pop

Idols such as Jo Yuri and T.O.P. By adding even more famous people, it keeps the audience engaged and brings in more new fans.

Something else that was new were the games. Aside from the first game, Red Light Green Light, the second season featured different games. It was a great choice to keep a familiar game while also changing the other games because it gives the audience a breath of fresh air while still keeping a staple of the show.

The thing that appeals to the foreign audience the most is the interesting concept, the characters, and the social commentary.

‘Squid Game’ is simply a unique premise. To think that there may be death games responsible for the disappearance of several poor people is a crazy thing to think about.

Also, the fact that these games are children’s games adds to the juxtaposition of having such innocent games be the cause of so many people’s deaths. The characters are also so well written that they are very easy to become attached to.

The audience knows that the characters are playing death games and have a low chance of survival, yet they can’t help but fall in love with these sweet characters with heartbreaking backstories. The complex characters make the audience even more sad when the characters die.

This emotional element also adds to the likeability of the show. If a show is memorably sad, more people will talk about it. The commentary is also very interesting.

The audience is shown a diverse range of characters, each with their

own stories as to why they got so desperate that they joined the games in the first place. It makes it even more sad when you realize that many of them rather stay in the games with the possibility of death, than go back to the real world. ‘Squid Game’ shows the reality of poor people in Korea and how hard it is to get out of debt. In season 2, there are people from old men to pregnant young women playing in these games in a desperate attempt to get a second chance. In one scene, half of the players want to go home while the other half wants to continue playing for a chance to win money. One player argues that even if he gets out of there, there is nothing left for him. He will die either way so he might as well gamble his life and see if he gets the money.

This show also brings up the extreme lengths people will go to for money. Some players in season 2 encourage the deaths of other players, saying that the living characters will get more money the more other people die. People are willing to risk their lives and kill others for this money. However, the interesting part about this commentary is that it is done in a sympathetic way. The show creator is not blaming the people or saying “look, poor people are desperate monsters.” Instead, he is looking at the bigger issue, seeing why they are so desperate in the first place. These people are only desperate because without money, they will either be miserable or die, neither of which is something that anyone wants. The show talks about how it’s unfair to blame lower class people for being desperate when there’s no other option for them because the system is unfair. The show instead paints

The Plunders of Disliking ‘Wicked’

By Ben Haines

the upper class as the monsters, as they are the ones orchestrating the death games and watching them die for their entertainment.

Korean media has grown popular in America for the past few years. Movies like Parasite have won multiple awards and become loved by many across the world.

And ‘Parasite’ also talked about the class issue in Korea. So what makes ‘Squid Game’ important? Well, it is very important representation.

We’ve seen an increase in movies and shows featuring a predominantly Asian cast, such as ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once ‘and ‘Beef’, but the lack of Asian representation in Hollywood still remains. ‘Squid Game’ is authentic Korean representation. The show keeps audiences entertained while simultaneously educating them about Korean culture. The fact that Korean culture is so rich but so different for a majority of Americans makes the show fun to watch because the audience learns new things about an interesting culture.

‘Squid Game’ marks a milestone in Asian media.

‘Squid Game’’s global success has sparked a greater conversation about the increasing influence of Korean entertainment worldwide. As asian media gains momentum internationally, ‘Squid Game’ has helped to highlight the immense talent in this media. This cultural shift is not only beneficial for Korean media but also opens the door for other countries to share their unique stories on a global platform. These stories of survival, human nature, and the pursuit of wealth can resonate with audiences around the world, leading to a more diverse entertainment industry.

Well, over the last two months my theater and show choir friends have worn me to the bone, not only with the music (‘Wicked’ might have permanently ruined karaoke), but with the incessant grilling of me about what I didn’t like about it. At the end of the day, art is subjective and it’s cool that different people feel differently about things. Although the film’s finale rang false for me, I can’t count on both hands the number of people I know who were driven to tears by it. I truly do enjoy seeing people going to movies and having an emotional response to them. What I don’t enjoy is when the general public’s consciousness seems so focused on one movie, especially when it’s one I feel the way I do about ‘Wicked’ about. So what’s the solution to this? Well, when confronted with a problem about movies, the solution usually lies in other movies.

Over the last couple of days I’ve been thinking quite a lot about the 1985 film, ‘Return to Oz’ which I first watched when I was about seven (it really scared me). I hadn’t \ since then, until I decided to revisit it last year during a testing period in American Studies.

Time and time again I have found myself enjoying a film more or less than I did the first time (Michael Mann’s ‘Ferrari’ last year is a fantastic example of a film that grew exponentially for me with a rewatch). I have a joke that I’ll sometimes utilize when in an argument with a friend over a movie that goes along the lines of “I just like good movies. It’s other people that like some good movies and some bad ones.” That is, of course, a somewhat ridiculous thing to say, but it remains true to my belief that was stated at the beginning of the paragraph.

So what does any of that have to do with ‘Wicked’? The 2024 film directed by Jon M. Chu, thats sequel film, ‘Wicked: For Good’ comes out in less than a year. I saw ‘Wicked’ opening night last November, and I cannot say I wasn’t skeptical. Despite being a fan of Chu’s previous work, the incessant marketing and the odd choice to split it into two parts had somewhat turned me off. However, I

Read the rest of the story here:

GRAPHIC BY CLAIRE HARTWIG

GRAPHIC BY BEN HAINES

SENIOR DYNAMIC DUO ON THE COURT

By Jack Rogers

Two multi-sport athletes that were somewhat last minute decisions to play basketball this season have made a dynamic duo on the court. Jaxton Schroeder ‘25 and Parker Sutherland ‘25 are both bigs on the City High basketball team both being 6 ‘6 and above.

Sutherland played for the team last season and was a starter the entire season. Schroeder, on the other hand, took a year off basketball last year after transferring from Washington High School last year. Schroeder transferred for baseball as he is playing baseball in college. Sutherland is going to the University of Northern Iowa for football after a very decorated high school football career. Both decided within the last week before the basketball season started that they were going to play basket-

ball for the Little Hawks.

“It’s taken some time to get back into basketball shape, but we’ve had some good games and we’ve made some big improvements. We’re looking for some big wins towards the end of the season and a run into the playoffs,” Schroeder said.

After coming back from an injury early in the season, Schroeder is averaging a double-double with 12 points per game and 10 rebounds leading the team in both categories. Sutherland on the other hand averages five points per game and six rebounds per game. Sutherland also has 15 blocks on the year and leads the team in blocks per game.

“After football I was going to not play basketball and focus on getting bigger and stronger and when Jax didn’t think he was going to play and some of the other seniors were on the fence about it, I wasn’t going to either,” Sutherland said.

Before coming to City High Schroeder helped his team at Washington High School make it to the second round of the playoffs before narrowly losing to Waterloo West. Schroeder transferred to be on a better baseball team with more of the players that he plays with in club baseball. The City High baseball team last season lost in the semi-finals of the state tournament, but are one of the favorites to win the state championship this year.

“I’ve always loved baseball and coming to City was definitely because of baseball. It’s what I’m doing in college in I’m very excited for that. Our team this year is very good and if we do the right things we can have a great season. Basketball has been a little bit of break from baseball and it’s been really fun,” Schroeder said.

After first committing to Pitt State, Sutherland recently flipped his college com-

mitment to UNI. He had lots of college interest being one of the best tight ends in the state. Sutherland is also a tri-sport athlete. He has played football, basketball, and baseball all of his high school career. Not only are the two teammates in basketball, they are also a dynamic duo on the diamond. They have helped the Little Hawks make deep runs in the playoffs the past two years and are working to do the same this year.

“I’m super excited about going to UNI, it’s in state so I’ll be kind of close to home as well as being in Iowa which is a plus. I know a lot of commits and have made friends with them already and looking forward to seeing the whole team. On the topic of Baseball it’s always fun to play a different sport with a bunch of my friends and this year we have a good chance at making a run at a state championship,” Sutherland said.

ABOVE: TOP LEFT: Sutherland ‘25 looks over to the bench in rivalry game against West High. The team ended up losing the game 57-53. TOP RIGHT: Schroeder ‘25 blocks a shot in second match-up between City and West. The team ended up losing after being tied at half time. BOTTOM LEFT: Schroeder ‘25 takes a contested layup in double header game against Praire. The team ended up losing in overtime. BOTTOM RIGHT: Sutherland ‘25 catches the ball in the post in game against Ames. The team ended up losing 49-40. PHOTOS BY MEGAN SWARTZENDRUBER

PLAYMAKER PROFILE

DAVION LUCKETT

By Rito

As Davion Lucket ‘26 ends his junior year of football at City High, and enters his junior year of basketball at City High he reflects and vocalizes some of his goals for the rest of this year, and next year.

Davion started playing basketball when he was five, at Venom Sports, being coached by former NBA player Acie Earl. Then in third grade, Luckett started play ing for Team Iowa for one year, and going to Iowa Elite the next year. A few years later, he started playing for Dream Chasers. Now Luckett plays AAU for Murray Elite (formerly Iowa Barnstormers) during the summer and fall.

During fifth grade, Luckett started playing tackle football for West High’s fifth and sixth grade YSF (Youth Sports Foundation). He planned to play football at North West Junior High during seventh grade, but missed a year

olic. Then in his junior year campaign, Luckett started all ten games the football team played this season, from Joliet to Ankeny Centennial. In that frame he proved himself to be one of the most worthy assets on defense. He recorded 47.5 tackles and 28 of those being solo tackles. He played both safety and cornerback during his sophomore and junior years, and plans to do the same for his next and final season as a Little Hawk. Luckett earned First Team All-Conference in the MVC, and district honorable mention during his junior year.

“I feel like everyone really comes together at City High. In the West, everybody is really individualized, and there is a spotlight on just a couple of different people. But at City, I feel like everyone gets a fair shot, and everybody does get a chance for any position.” Davion Luckett ‘26 said.

has a new head coach, along with some new assistants after a disappointing 2023-2024 season. There have been challenges this year even with the new staff, but Luckett thinks the dynamic is better nevertheless.

“We’ve been coming out flat. And once we do find our groove it’s seems too late because we’re down by double digits,” Luckett said.

So far into his junior year, under an entirely new coaching staff, Luckett has started all six games. He’s averaging 7.6 points per game, which is the second on the team, 32 % from three, three and a half assists per game, and 12 steals on the season. Throughout the season, Luckett has been proving himself by the stats and by his leadership skills to be one of the most mature and advanced players on the team.

“I feel like we could have a better plan going into games and better preparation during the week, but I like the new coaches, it seems like it’s going to be turned around going forward. Hopefully by the end of this year, but if not this year

UNBREAKABLE PROFILE

ELIZA MITCHELL

Sophomore Eliza Mitchell, a state qualifying wrestler talks about her experience with girls wrestling on the uprise

By Amelie Donovan & Tessa Driscoll

Eliza Mitchell, a 5”2, 118-pound wrestler, is a force to be reckoned with on the mat. Last year, Mitchell qualified for state as a freshman, and is on track to do so again during her sophomore season. Mitchell is known around City High as an unbreakable female athlete, as she plays three different sports at the Varsity level at the age of 15.

Mitchell has been around City High for her entire life. Her father, Brian Mitchell, has been coaching City High baseball since 2012, just three years after she was born. As a result, Mitchell has always been surrounded by sports. Raised with her two brothers who are also competitive athletes, wrestling and baseball were a huge part of her childhood. Both of her brothers wrestled throughout their youth, so when girl’s wrestling was introduced to Iowa during Mitchell’s seventh-grade year at South East Junior High, she decided to try it.

“My grandpa wrestled and coached at Iowa, and my brothers wrestled, so it kind of runs in the family,” Mitchell said.

“It runs in the family” is not an understatement when it comes to the Mitchells. Mitchell’s grandpa, Dan Gable, is an Olympic gold Medalist in wrestling, and is regarded as the most successful wrestler

and wrestling coach at The University of Iowa. Mitchell’s dad played baseball for the Hawkeyes, and Mitchell’s brothers, Gable and Jake, currently play baseball for the Hawkeyes as well.

Mitchell says that her grandpa and brothers are her biggest role models. She says that even though she gets “beat up a little bit”, they still teach her new stuff every day.

Entering her 3rd year of wrestling, Mitchell says her sport “takes grind.” Wrestlers have to put in an immense amount of work daily, as they need to stay in their weight class and also take care of their bodies so that they stay healthy. But, wrestling is also a very mentally challenging sport, especially for females new to the sport.

Mitchell is unfazed by these difficulties, though. After growing up around the sport, she doesn’t see a difference in male and female wrestlers.

“I feel like the sports just feel the same.” Mitchell says.

When asked what advice to a female athlete who does feel the stress of playing a male-dominated sport, Mitchell would advise them to “get your friends to do it too, and just have fun with it.” She believes that you can have lots of fun with wrestling, and that “you don’t have to be great right now, because everyone’s new to it.”

Eliza Mitchell ‘27 shoots for a blast double at the Solon Corridor Duals vs Liberty High wrestler Naoni Davisson. Eliza won by fall.

PHOTO BY Megan Swartzendruber

‘‘She can out tough any of the girls she wrestles, and once she sharpens up the basics she can compete with any top girl in the state She made good strides this season but I know her goals for next year are bigger” Older brother Jake Mitchell said.

PHOTO BY Martha Willard