May 2015
New drinking fountain
Volume 90
Issue 9
Pottawattamie Promise
Buzzing For More News? Follow #TJPride Check out more of our stories and ‘like’ our Facebook page at cbjacketjournalism.com Or follow us on twitter @TJHSJournalism
Kaylin Skillett Reporter
Last month, The Iowa West Foundation fulfilled their “Pottawattamie Promise” and presented multiple $30,000 New fountain photo by scholarships. Which are Alejandro Vieyra. given out by Iowa Western On April 28th, TJ put Community College to in a new water founseniors from schools all tain that seems to be around Iowa. There was a different than the total of 30 finalists and 20 of others. What makes the fountain so special them were chosen to receive the scholarship from each is that it is designed to make filling water school. bottles faster and more TJ counselor Carla efficient. Some of the Hartenhoff and Ben old fountains were Thorpe spent a lot of time being damaged by supporting and helping the students who wanted seniors that received the to fill their bottles so scholarship. TJ ordered three new “The point was to help fountains. One has students who wouldn’t been put in now as a be able to go to college trial and the others otherwise,” said Hartenhoff. will be put in later if the students do not “There is going to be cause damage to it.
Some of the TJ students who have recieved the Pottawattamie Promise scholarship. Photo by Derrick Jonhson.
more Pottawattamie Promise scholarships offered in 2017 and 2018 with a lot more requirements.” During the press conference, president and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation, Pete Tulipana expressed why he thought this education initiative is the start to something special in Council Bluffs. “Research shows that students who graduate from community colleges stay in their communities and we hope these graduates will begin their careers as members of our region’s workforce,” said Tulipana. “The goal is to gradually grow the program, beginning with just 45 students and meet the full need in five years.” Senior Clair Yale, one of the winners of the $30,000 scholarship, is looking to use the most of this opportunity. “I was excited and a lot less stressed. I’m more excited for college now than I was
2015 Hall of Fame
Education First
Derrick Johnson Editor-in-Chief
Recently, TJ had their annual Hall of Fame ceremony which celebrated four people who have played big roles at TJ. This year, TJ alumni Jack Holder, Brian Poldberg, Ralph Wright and current staff member Bob Nielsen were inducted and honored by given plaques. Class of 1964 graduate, Jack Holder, was a prominent athlete at TJ all four years he went here and became an educator in the school district for 33 years after he graduated. Currently, his photography studio, Jack Holder Photography, takes many senior pictures for TJ students and also helps the journalism department. Current staff member Bob Nielsen has been working at TJ for 45 years, and has played a role in the school for even longer. Coach Nielsen has coached a variety of sports,
Coach Bob Nielsen giving his acceptance speach at the 2015 hall of fame. Photo by Rob Linquist.
including track and football and acts as a great role model and teacher to TJ students around him. Brian Poldberg went on to have a very successful future in baseball after graduating from TJ. He played four years in college, played a total of six years of professional baseball and later went on to be a coach and win multiple league championships. Ralph Wright, class of 1955 graduate, took his passion and musical skill that came while attending TJ, and used it to help out the community. After his
career in teaching music, he went on to work at numerous theatres and volunteer at places like the historic Dodge House and Union Pacific Museum. Each of the inductees have done terrific things for TJ that helps them stand above the rest. Their commitment to the school and surrounding communities is greatly appreciated. With successful impacts these four men have had, there is only hope that TJ can produce more great alumni and staff members like them.
Page 1
Education First logo.
Elizabeth Lamb Reporter
countries. The EF students coming to TJ will add a new sense of diversity and can open our eyes to new ways of living. Next year, two EF students named Leo and Julie will join TJ for their senior year of high school. Leo, who is from Taiwan and wants to learn how to play football. Julie is from Norway and enjoys music and sports, she is also able to play the clarinet.
Many TJ students are aware of the foreign exchange students that attend our school. However, they are not aware of the process Education First (EF) students go through to be a part of the program. According to the Education First’s website, their goal is to raise a better cultural awareness about people from other (Continued on page 4)
Work submitted from a current intro student for the first time in four years:
Paralyzed but positive Jenna Dieatrick Intro Reporter
A paralyzed woman does not let her obstacles define her. After a car accident involving a drunk driver and a friend, Gina Springhower became paralyzed from the waist down. Ever since that day, Gina has dedicated her life to giving speeches and motivating people around her. After the accident, Gina struggled with walking and was not able to play the sports she did before, however, it did not stop her from living her life. Gina now plays her sports by rolling, and coaches at a gymnastic center. She has played wheelchair basketball, plays catch, spotted people in tumbling
and even started to do basic tumbling. She is determined to make the best of every day. “Live now, not tomorrow. Because you never know what lies ahead of you,” said Gina. Gina sets goals and tries her best to accomplish them, no matter if she is told that she cannot. Gina wanted to be the stunter, even though she could not move her legs. She asked one of her tumbling students if they could stunt her, and the student agreed. Gina said that she has been teaching her for a few years now. After Gina spent nine months in therapy, she was able to accomplish one of her biggest goals, walking down the aisle at
News Some of those many people included the TJ soccer girls. The girls were inspired by her future and how optimistic she is. “Gina has motivated me to work hard, and play like there is no tomorrow,” said freshman soccer player Schuylar Ridder. “They [soccer girls] TJ Girls soccer team with Gina Springhower. Photo provided by Adriana worked their butts off Ibarra. her wedding. Walking down dream is sky diving, even because they know they are the aisle was a surprise to though she will break both not guaranteed tomorrow,” everyone but her dad, who of her legs. said Girls Varsity soccer accompanied her. “My doctor said if you’re coach, Mark Royer. “I wasn’t going to take going to skydive then wait Gina’s positivity and that away from my dad, until after your wedding, stories continue to inspire just because I’m paralyzed,” because you will break everyone she talks to. said Gina when giving her both legs and I followed Her past just goes to speech to high schoolers. his rules. After I skydive, I show that hardwork and She is very hopeful and will have to learn how to be perseverance can lead to optimistic about her future. paralyzed and have broken a positive outcome. You Her husband bought her legs.” can find out more about a horse for her birthday, She has inspired a variety Gina on her website www. and she is determined to of people from those who perfectlyimperfectgina. learn how to ride a horse have been in an accident to com and on Twitter @ paralyzed. Another hopeful those just having a bad day. GinaSpringHower.
Dress code discrepancy April showers bring May flowers
Michael Hiers Reporter
As all may know, spring is well on its way here in Council Bluffs and with A comic by temperatures getting close Kaylin Skillett to record highs, pants are being put away and people are starting to bring out short-shorts and tank tops. The problem TJ had during the first trimester with the excess showing of skin may become a big issue again. Many school Alejandro Vieyra the requirements and are officials are cracking down looking to advance their Copy Editor hard on the school dress future plans. code. Preparing for college is “If you feel that you Part of the dress code is a big step for all students would benefit from the class to stop distraction that is attending high school, at definitely try it out,” said caused from teens that are TJ there is a particular Brownlee, “AP classes are class that can be taken to very helpful if you are going wearing revealing clothes. help students act upon to continue your education The fairness of the dress code is in question because their preparation. These into college...” varying body types are classes are known as AP These courses may be a allowed to wear things (Advanced Placement) helpful hand in the future, classes. however there is a standard. others are not. Also, they claim that students need Year round, these classes In order to get the college help focusing in school are offered and the teachers credit students will need when really the dress code here may recommend these to pass the course with the is enforced to help promote classes, such as Micro AP grade of an A or B. self-respect among the Economics teacher Mrs. According to Mrs. students. Johanna Ross. Ross, “...testing is a higher Assistant Principal Tanya “AP classes take caliber. With higher stakes, Windham is the one in expectations, difficulty and students are forced to structure and bump them learn how to study and not charge of keeping students here dressed appropriately. up to college level,” said just get by on their sheer “My hope is that students Ross, “It gives students a memory and fate.” chance to experience such If students feel confident will dress better and dress for success,” said Windham. a bump in a supportive and to take on the challenge of “We want to improve the familiar atmosphere before college courses, they have culture here, we want TJ to they have to actually pay for full advantages here at TJ. be the best high school in it!” It is never too late to sign the area.” Sophomore Autumn up for these classes, and Another problem with Brownlee thinks AP classes it could be beneficial for can help students who fit students’ futures.
AP preparation
Page 2
Clothes provided to students who are asked to change. Photo by Michael Hiers.
the dress code is that certain clothing is allowed for certain students with certain body types, while others will be reported when wearing it. It adds to the belief of unfairness and favoritism. Junior Lacce Walker is among the many students who disagree with some of the dress code rules at TJ. “Girls should be able to wear tank tops, but I also think people are dramatic when they try to protest,” said Walker. Although students are
given a chance to change and provided clothes to cover up with, some of them still refuse which can result with consequences. “Most kids are responding very responsibly,“ said Windham. “This year we have not had near as much trouble, I have only had one student that responded disrespectfully.” So as it gets hotter, make sure to keep covered and respect the dress code rules.
Sports
Track team qualifies for Drake Derrick Johnson Editor-in-Chief
This year on April 23rd, TJ sent five representatives from both the guys and girls track teams to the Drake Relays. All season, these runners come after school and practice hard everyday to try and get a chance to compete at Drake. To qualify, students need to be one of the best in From left to right: Dylan Nightser, Kenny Foote, Eldon Warner, Kaiden the state, and many runners Werts, Daniel Carey, and Griffen Koletzke. Provided by Eldon Warner from TJ have stepped up. team placed 59th out as we can,” said girls track The girls track of the 80 teams. Eldon coach, Coach Thomas. “ I representatives were senior know we will compete well, Warner also placed 6th and La’Kendra Black for the medaled for the open 800 they are determined” open one hundred, and also Also, the boys track team out of 16 runners. sophomore Hannah Santay, coached by Coach Nielsen “Running at Drake is freshman Anna Larson, and sent senior Eldon Warner something I’ll never forget,” junior Megan Corey who said Carey. “It was a great who ran the open 800 and participated with La’Kendra also the sprint medley relay experience, it was insane.” in the 4x1. Head Coach Every track runner event with sophomore Williams-Thomas and dreams of being able to Kaiden Werts, sophomore Coach Thomas work with run on the prestigious Daniel Carey, and Dylan these girls everyday to help Nightser with junior blue track and these nine them compete and improve alternative Kenny Foote. students represented TJ consistently. fantastically while there. TJ’s boys sprint medley “It’s an honor to get to Hopefully next year even relay team did exceptional compete at Drake, we try more TJ students qualify for and placed 17th in the to qualify as many people Drake and strive for gold. event while our girls 4x1
THE SIGNAL Editor-in-Chief Derrick Johnson
Copy Editors Alejandro Vieyra Paginator Angela Gardner Web Content Hannah-Grace Northam Staff Ana Aguilar Morgan Barth Megan Carroll Jenna Dieatrick Michael Hiers Adriana Ibarra Elizabeth Lamb Tiana Larsen Dylan Montgomery Parker Raes Kaylin Skillett Adviser Rob Lindquist Phone: 712-328-6493 Facebook: CBJacketJournalism Twitter:@TJHSJournalism
The Signal is a school-sponsored publication of Thomas Jefferson High School 2501 W. Broadway Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501. The Signal’s office is located in room C128. The Signal is printed by OH-K FASTPRINT in Omaha, NE. The Signal is a schoolsponsored-publication and therefore recognizes its responsibility to stay within the boundaries that the school administrator sets. The Signal will therefore inform its readers using a high standard of morals and ethics. The Signal encourages readers to respond in the form of letters to the editor, which can be sent to room C128. The Signal’s editorial staff reserves the right to edit the letters for grammatical errors and to remove any profanity. The editors also reserve the right to exclude letters that are false in their statements or accusations. The Signal will not accept advertisements that promote activities illegal to minors. Advertising rates are available upon request.
NSPA Member Publication
Success earned, not given Morgan Barth Reporter
succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful,” said Eric Thomas to his audience. Eric Thomas gave a speech about a young boy who had asked a Guru how to be successful. When the Guru told him to meet him at the beach at four in the morning, the Guru had the boy step out into the water. When the boy was neckdeep the Guru had pushed the boy underwater. He held the boy underwater until he was close to passing out. When the Guru had lifted him from the water he told the boy, when you want to succeed as bad as you wanted to breathe, then you will be successful. “Most of you say that you want to be successful, but you do not want it as bad.” said Thomas Striving for success is as difficult as trying to breathe when you cannot. When you start succeeding, you do not care about the small things. You do not stop until you get that breathe of fresh air, and you do not stop until you are at your goal.
Eric Thomas was one of those people who had nothing. He lived off the very little money he had, and dropped out of school. Thomas knew that if he was going to change his life, he had to do it soon. Eric Thomas chose to support himself, and motivated himself to become successful. He later went on to play in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, and Denver Broncos. Thomas not only chose to inspire himself, but also millions around the world. As the year winds down, students are starting to lack motivation and are losing the desire they once had to do their best in school everyday. The thought of school ending causes them to lose focus, and not pay attention during their classes. When students stop doing work, teachers still continue to give assignments and tests and one big cycle of laziness and (Continued on struggles begin. “When you want to cbjacketjournalism.com)
Page 3
TJ’s 2014-2015 baseball team practiceing. Courtesy of SawrmTV.
Summer sports preview
With Jacket athletes wrapping up their spring sports, summer activities are taking charge. TJ’s baseball and softball teams are striving for this upcoming season to be the best one yet. Jacket’s softball is starting the season with a young team, with one senior and only six juniors, the rest of the team is supported from several eighth graders
and sophomores. The baseball team is also young, having only three seniors. This year, the Anderson/ Midkiff family is taking TJ’s summer sports in their hands, and summer athletes have high expectations. TJ’s baseball team started their season on May 4th, softball started theirs on May 11th. Later this month, both teams will officially begin games on May 26th.
Sports schedules Varsity Boys Soccer Varsity Girls Soccer May 12th @ St. Albert May 16th @ Urbandale May 19th @ Thomas Jefferson May 26th @ Thomas Jefferson Varsity Softball May 26th @ Thomas Jefferson May 28th @ Thomas Jefferson May 29th @ Atlantic Varsity Boys Tennis May 4th @ Harlan May 5th @ Tranquility Tennis - Conference Tournament May 14th @ Johnston Districts Varsity Girls Golf May 12th @ Dodge Riverside May 22nd @ Green Valley Regionals Boys Tennis May 4th @ Harlan May 5th @ Tranquility Tennis - Conference Tournament
May 12th @ Thomas Jefferson May 14th @ Sioux City North May 19th @ Lewis Central May 21st @ Thomas Jefferson Varsity Baseball May 26th @ Missouri Valley May 28th @ Thomas Jefferson May 29th @ Glenwood Varsity Girls Tennis May 12th @ Glenwood May 21st and 23rd - Varsity Regionals (Dates subject to change)
Mental health awarenessor social month interactions. Tiana Larsen Reporter
Mental health has a wide range of conditions that can affect moods, thoughts, and behavior and many Americans deal with the illness everyday. Mental Health is a person’s overall physical and emotional health. There are many different disabilities, but the common charistic is they all affect a person’s personality,
and caring for the people with these disabilities during the month of May. Although the issue should be addressed year-round, 20 percent of people in America suffer from a type this month is a special of mental disorder, and five time that allows people to percent of them suffer from understand the struggles people with the disorder a disorder severe enough face everyday. to affect school, work, or A national event will take other aspects of daily life, place on May 7th, 2015 at according to data from the Lansburgh Theatre in the Substance Abuse and Washington, DC. The event Mental Health Services will highlight strategies, Administration. Mental Health Awareness health care and also educate people on mental health is recognized for the disorders. understanding of different For anyone dealing with illnesses and the helping
Alegent Creighton Clinic. Photo by Angela Gardner.
mental health problems, the Crisis Call Center’s 24-hour hotline offers help, support, and information to anyone looking for someone to talk to. The need for emotional support is something most
Continued Pottawattamie Education First Elizabeth Lamb Promise Reporter Kaylin Skillett Reporter before,” said Yale. “I’m looking forward to living more on my own. I wasn’t expecting to get the scholarship.” Senior Dylan Montgomery also received the scholarship and now has a big weight lifted from his shoulders. “It felt good to get this scholarship because then I don’t have to worry about paying back the money. I am going for Journalism for the whole two years and maybe moving up to working for a radio station.” said Montgomery. With the help of the Aksarben Foundation and
Peter Kiewit Foundation, the Iowa West Foundation hopes to expand the number of recipients to 400 students by 2020 and also stretch to more high schools in the county. The stress levels were high before these students have received this scholarship, but now they do not have to worry about any payments. For the next two years their classes, dorms, food, and books will be paid for. The privilege has inspired these students to become independent and strive for a successful future.
TJ Senior and current EF student Margherita Pani knows the hardships that foreign exchange students face when transitioning to a new country. One of her multiple problems was saying goodbye to her family, and finding a new host family for her to stay with. In the end, it was all worth it. “It is a dream being a part of this community, I had the opportunity to meet a lot of people, make new friends and being involved in different activities,” said Margherita. “All of these activities gave me a sense of belonging in this school and this is something I am really grateful for.”
Race toward Presidency Ana Aguilar Reporter
A host family is a family that takes care of these students while they stay in America, many times it takes months to find a host family. Senior Lindsay Blackford is looking to help these new EF students find a host family to stay with and is looking for anybody that is willing to undergo the process of becoming a host family With the arrival of Julie and Leo, it will be TJ’s job to make this transition easy for them, possibly helping the two around to their classes or anything else they may need. With students like Hunter Gibson and senior Lindsay Blackford supporting the EF program, TJ is more than prepared to help these two students and even more in the future.
individuals encounter at some point in their lives. If anyone would like help or learn more about mental health, they can call the toll-free hotline at 1-800273-8255.
On May 1st and 2nd, TJ students Jenna Voster, Lindsay McGinnisHurt, Tyler West, and Jennifer Madison had their various styles of artwork displayed for the Kent Bellows mentoring program. On May 1st, traditional artwork such as paintings or drawings were shown at the Kent Bellows studio in Omaha and performance art such as fashion and poetry were shown at the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha on May 2nd.
Birthright 427 E Kanesville Blvd #303, Council Bluffs, IA 51503 (712) 322-2100
begins, which will put candidates from the same party against each other to fully be nominated to run for president. Out of all of the candidates, Clinton has already started making appearances here in Iowa. Her first stop was Monticello, Iowa on April 12th, followed by other Iowa towns. She also went to New Hampshire on April 21st, where she talked about her beliefs of helping everyday Americans. “What’s important to me is what the candidates are going to do to help people and what their plan is if they do win,” said junior Sydnee Neff.
Politicians are now starting the process of promoting their political campaigns to run for the 2016 presidential race. The official candidates who have announced that they are running is former Democratic Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, and Republican senators Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, and Marco Rubio. For the most part, this year the candidates will travel throughout early voting states making speeches and sharing their core ideas, getting voters on their side and raise money for their campaigns. Next (Continued on year in January, the 2016 Primary and Caucus season cbjacketjournalism.com)
Page 4