westsidestory iowa city west high school
2901 melrose ave.
iowa city, IA 52246
PAGES 22-2 5
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Volume 46 issue 2 October 31, 2014
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Photo by mary mondanaro
profiles |10-11| Familiar faces
|22-25 | Ain-depth Sense of security
Homecoming King Ben Moore ’15 hugs his mother after the homecoming court nominees were recognized before the football game on Oct. 17.
feature |19-21| This I believe
Two students tell their story of how both of their grandfathers went to West High and were friends.
@wsspaper
What do you believe in? This is a question that was asked to multiple students. See what they had to say.
For more coverage visit
ENTERTAINMENT |30-31| meet Big oak
An unexpected incident brings light to security in the school. West Side Story investigates what really happened, how the community reacted and possible reforms at West as a result.
A band consisting of West High students, who refer to themselves as Big Oak, share their experience in music.
wsspaper.com
wss staff
cover Illustration by Brittani LangLand
Aaron Carter Sports Editor Akash Borde Editorials Editor Allie Biscupski Writer Avery Smith Videographer Barbara Badovinac Videographer Benjamin Bliven Ad Representative Brittani Langland Editor-in-chief Cameron Cook Writer Chanel Vidal Photographer Claire Murray Designer Consuelo Mendoza Writer Christina Dai Writer Danetta Dobre Writer Ebony McKeever Writer Eleanor Ho Writer Eugenia Chen Assistant Design Editor Gabby Skopec Sidebar/Sports Editor Hannah Song Artist Isabelle Robles Copy Editor Jaycie Weathers Design Editor Jiung Jung Writer
Kai Gui Web Programmer Katarina Fuhrmeister Designer Katie Peplow Feature Editor Kelsey Keranen Artist, Columns/Copy Editor Lauren Knudson Profiles/Web Editor Layla Hannaford Videographer Leola Eko Writer Lexi Shaffer Writer Lily Westemeyer Designer, Writer Lushia Anson Copy/Web Editor Madie Miller Photo Editor Maggie Terry Writer Mary Mondanaro Photographer McKenna Harris Designer Megumi Kitamoto Managing/Social Media Editor
2 TaBle of contents october 2014 wsspaper.com
Michael Moonjely Entertainment Editor Miriam Perez Photographer Morgan Schmitt-Morris Designer Nick Deerberg Photographer Olivia Read News Editor Ryo Ohashi Designer, Writer Paige Brazina Photographer Sara Whittaker Advisor Schyler Davis Tech support Shanthi Chackalackal Artist, Writer Sharon Xiang Archivist, Circulation Manager Simran Sarin Assistant Design Editor Taylor Libby Designer Yiming Liu Photographer, Writer Zayetzy Luna Ad Designer/ Representative
OCTOBER
NEWS Twitter Talk Compiled by kATIE PEPLOW
Q: If you could have an unlimited supply of any candy, what would it be? @AccuallyIsHarry Man candy, of course. -Harry Manaligod ’15
@NockBailey Mike & Ike’s if they hadn’t broken up. -Bailey Nock ’18 @Roman_Mouse What about that one candy that turns into any kind of candy you want? Which unfortunately does not exist, but it totally should. -Aaditya Deshpande ’17
West side word Compiled by KATIE PEPLOW
Fleek (FLEE-k)
Being fresh, or on point.
WEST STUDENT SHINES in math Recently, seventh through twelfth The process and organization were grade girls from all over the country much different. gathered at the Massachusetts “It was not like most competitions. Institute of Technology in Boston First, before the competition, there to compete at the 6th annual Math was a tour of MIT, which was really Prize for Girls. Held on Sept. 27, cool. And then, the competition the contest brought in 271 girls to itself was only one round and award scholarships and it only had twenty promote opportunities problems, which doesn’t involving STEM sound like a lot but they careers. were really hard with One student from a really long time limit West High, Casey of two and a half hours, Mc C l e n at h a n and it was individual,” ’17, attended the McClenathan said. Casey McClenathan ’17 competition. Overall, McClenathan “Mr. Kirpes told enjoyed meeting new people who did well on the AMC peers at the Math Prize for Girls. that they should apply [for the “I’m really glad I went. There were competition]. So, I applied,” lots of cool people there. It was cool McClenathan said. to see a bunch of girls doing math McClenathan’s experience at this together who liked it.” competition was unique to her previous high school math meets. Compiled by olivia read
“Her eyebrows were on fleek today.”
Student senate GIVES BACK City High and West High are coming together to give back. The Student Senates from both schools are hosting a food drive together starting in early November until mid-December for the Johnson County Crisis Center. Donations will go toward providing healthy food and necessary supplies to hungry families, sponsoring community outreach activities and providing training to crisis center volunteers. Although any non-perishable item is helpful, the ten most urgent items, in descending order, are: financial donations, canned fruit and 100 percent fruit juice, peanut butter and canned meat, pasta and rice, hearty soups and stews, canned vegetables, toilet paper, baby formula, baby diapers and laundry detergent.
DESIGN BY ALLIE BISCUPSKI
As with any donation, the crisis center reminds donors not to give anything they would not want to eat themselves. In addition to donating for the sake of giving back to the community, some teachers may offer extra credit for bringing in cans. Last year, West High literally raised a ton (2,000 lbs) of food. This year, both schools hope to double that. “This year’s food drive will differ from years past because we will be working together with City High, which is a great opportunity for the two schools to come together to help people in our communities,” said Sarah Rinehart ’15, volunteer coordinator for Student Senate. “We are providing Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for those who can’t afford them.” Compiled by akash borde
By the numbers Compiled by sharon XIANG
1016 56 1527
Homecoming tickets sold (approximately)
Students accepted into the All-State music festival
Amount of students who took the Iowa Assessments
wsspaper.com OCTOBER 2014 news 3
NEWS
YOU’VE GOT MAIL Danetta Dobre
thedanadobre@gmail.com Google Drive has taken a big step in becoming an official staple of our education. Over the summer, the ICCSD has created a Google account for every student and teacher in the district. Teachers like Stacey Strief are already beginning to take advantage of Google Drive’s file sharing system and have already witnessed its results, especially among her students. “At first, I think they were very overwhelmed because they had no
idea what the final product was going to look like, but once it started coming together they were like, ‘This is so cool, this is so easy!’” Strief said. “I would say, overwhelmingly, it’s been very positive from my students, especially students that don’t consider themselves to be tech-literate. Even they are like, ‘Hey, I can do this!’ and have that feeling of accomplishment.” Strief can see herself working Google Drive more into her curriculum. “I’ll definitely use it more, espe-
cially more because now I have assigned my students a project using Google Drive. I myself have become more comfortable with using Jennifer Scheivert, Librarian Google Drive and I now see myself assigning more projects that would make use of that technology,” Strief said. “I’m excited to implement the things that I’m learning in the classroom as we progress throughout the year.” There are a few drawbacks, however, according to West librarian
How to activate your school email:
1
Sign into the computer using your login.
2 4 up the login page 3 Open for Gmail. Change the password for your computer account.
Jennifer Scheivert. “The tricky part that we’re trying to work on and that the librarians are trying to push for [is], even though every student has a Gmail account and address, for legality reasons [they] don’t have access to receiving email,” Scheivert said. “The tech department is trying to sort out what we can and can’t do.” Not only that, but the messaging system proved distracting whenever multiple students worked on one file at the same time. “It was fairly new to some students and so they had more fun typing messages to one another [than doing work],” Strief said. “I had some students get easily off-task.”
Use your school login username as your email username (lastname.firstname.XX@icstudents.org, where XX is the last two digits of your graduation year.) For your password, use your new computer account password.
lastname.firstname.graduationyear@icstudents.org
HALFWAY THERE Dominic Iannone. With Republiby Eleanor Ho can Candidate Joni Ernst leading in eleanorcpbw12@gmail.com It seems like these days you can’t the polls, it looks like she may pull catch your favorite show or the out ahead in the election. “[Ernst] supports a strong miliSunday night game without runtary influence in the world,” said ning into one of Kalen McCain ’17. Ernst supthe numerous ports measures such as cutting political ads. federal spending as well as ethaWith midterm nol and biodiesel subsidies. On elections right the other hand, Ernst opposes around the corcontroversial measures like the ner on Nov. 4, Affordable Care Act (Obammany are watchKalen McCain ‘17 acare) and the legalization of gay ing more closely marriage. than ever. However, in this close race, The front and foremost on peoDemocratic candidate Bruce Bralple’s minds and the ballot are the ey shouldn’t be forgotten. U.S. Senate elections. “[I support] Bruce Braley because “There is no presidential candiI tend to be more liberal,” Mcdate on the ticket, but it is important to remember that, as impor- Cain said. Braley contrasts sharply tant as the president may be, it is against Ernst’s beliefs by being procongress that actually creates the abortion and supporting raises laws for our country,” said teacher of the national minimum wage.
4 News October 2014 wsspaper.com
Braley opposes legislation allowing people to divert part of their social security tax to a retirement
“Braley wants more affordable college,” McCain said. Braley introduced a plan called the College Affordability Plan that allows students to more easily access student -Dominic Iannone, loans. MeanTeacher w h i l e , E r n s t believes in the privatization of student loans and would like to eliminate the federal Direct Loan program where students may borrow directly from the government. “Even students at West who won’t be old enough to vote for a couple years should stand up and take notice,” Iannone said, “Do your own research, find that candidates you believe in, and get involved.”
“Do your own research, find the candidates you believe in, and get involved.”
fund and unlimited campaign donations. But why should high school students care? “Even students at West who won’t be old enough to vote for a couple years should stand up and take notice,” Iannone said. Many issues up for debate concern students, including the controversial topic of student debt.
DESIGN BY MAGGIE TERRY
Beijing, China: Chinese security officials searched Manchester, England: As a plane was descending into Man- the feathers of over 10,000 chester Airport, both pilots claimed to pigeons for explosives on Chinese have seen a man fly past them with no National Day and released the birds Tiananmen Square for equipment on. celebrations after confirming they Source: Unexplained Mysteries posed no threat. Source: Unexplained Mysteries
Bakersfield, California: About 20 people a week have been spotted dressed up in evil clown costumes and sporting weapons, trying to spread the trend by uploading their photos to social media. Source: Unexplained Mysteries
Tokyo, Japan: The company Magnus Ferreus created “The Onion Note,” a notebook that releases tear-inducing compounds like that of onion oil when written on, in order to “emotionally move” buyers and make the writing experience more interesting. Source: Oddity Central COMPilED by Olivia read
Debate your fate by maggie terry dmrt98@gmail.com
So far this year the debate team has been success winning many tournaments. One team has already qualified for a national tournament so far and the novices are doing well. While debate may seem pretty confusing to an outsider, what with switching different sides and confusing terms (aff, neg, spreading and topicality are a few), the big idea is simple. “The type of debate that we primarily do here at Iowa City West is called policy debate, which is a form of debate in which teams of two advocate for and against a resolution that calls for the U.S. federal government to do something,” said Megan Johnson, social studies teacher and debate coach. Each year there is a different resolution that all students
top 3 of each. We also have a team, Layla Siddig [‘15] and Kai Trepka [‘16], already qualified for the prestigious national Tournament of Champions which will take place in April,” said Johnson. Siddig joined debate her freshman year and has enjoyed it since. “I like to talk about current events and talking in general and I also like arguing,” said Siddig. One of her favorite things about the debate is the diversity of the team. “Debate is fun -Megan Johnson, because there is Teacher a wide variety of students, band “At competitions, policy debate kids, sports kids; everyone comes duos from West High compete for this and it’s cool because you against teams of two from other meet lots of unlikely people,” said schools in five to six preliminary Siddig. The team is looking forward debates that occur in front of a to successful season. “We’re off to a great start and I am judge who determines a winner of the debate round,” said Johnson. excited to see what these kids can Lately, West has been performing accomplish throughout the rest of the year,” Johnson said. well. “We’ve attended three tournaments and had teams in the participating in policy debate must research and then come up with arguments for and against so they can argue them. The topic the year is resolved: the United States federal government should substantially increase its non-military exploration and/or development of the earth’s oceans.
“I am excited to see what these kids can accomplish throughout the rest of the year.”
DESIGN BY LEXI SHAFFER
current events
quiz
OCTOBER
1
Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius was sentenced to how many years of jail time in South Africa for killing his girlfriend? a) 10 b) 20 c) 5 d) life
Which Major League Baseball team did Oscar Taveras, 22, play for before he died in a car crash in the Dominican Republic? a) Cubs b) Royals c) Red Sox d) Cardinals
3
2
Who is running against incumbent Terry Branstad for Governor of Iowa? a) Joni Ernst b) Jack Hatch c) Bruce Braley d) Tom Harkin
Apple and Google recently made the news for offering what health care service to their workers? a) egg freezing b) cosmetic plastic surgery c) abortions d) teeth whitening
4
Answers: 1.C 2.D 3.B 4.A
in what the world?
COMPilED by Lauren knudson
wsspaper.com october 2014 news 5
PROFILES
Stefan SCHMIDT heardit through
the
grapevine West High’s literary magazine managing editor tells all
by Isabelle Robles isabeller99@gmail.com
Stefan Schmidt ’16 has always
considered himself to be a “literature person.” His love for literature has lead him to be the new head for West’s literary magazine, The Grapevine, a magazine that features students’ poetry, artwork and short stories. It was previously called Favonius and, according to Schmidt, wasn’t known by most of West’s population. Now, with Schmidt’s guidance, the magazine is revamping to something greater. “My sort of impression was that not a lot of people knew about it. I’m someone that loves poetry and yet I didn’t really know what it was about,” Schmidt said. “I don’t remember ever reading one of their publications so that is kind of what drove me to be on the staff...I wanted to make it available to more people [other than the] AP or honors very elite niche group of kids.” Schmidt got involved with The Grapevine this year thanks to word-of-mouth news that it was being updated. “I had Mr. Lindsey sophomore year and so I think someone said that he
mit … there are like 30 to 50 kids that will submit no matter what publicity work to do because they are really dedicated, really good and are really involved,” he said. “What we want to get is a bigger diversity of submitters and more casual submitters and people whose part of their core identity isn’t ‘poet’ but they are still good at [writing] got more repoetry.” sponsibility Doing this will help than I anticiensure that pated, but I My sort of impression was think I’m up that not a lot of people knew the matefor it and it rial in the helps to give about it. I’m someone that magazine will be as me an op- loves poetry and yet I didn’t diverse as portunity to really know what it was possible. bring Favonius back, so about” -Stefan Schmidt, ‘16 “Iratherwould to speak.” have In order to four decent renew the publication, Schmidt poems that are each unique and a and the staff are currently work- unique experience to read rather ing on many enhancements such than four really awesome poems as new logos, posters, a website and that are a reiteration of each other,” the addition of contests. Schmidt is Schmidt said. hopeful that this will lead to an in- Diversity of poetry is something Schmidt has embraced himself. crease in audience. “The biggest challenge we’ll have He has read “the classics,” but finds this year is getting people beyond that more contemporary forms of the usual base of submitters to sub- poetry is where he can draw the wanted to make it a thing this year, that he sort of wanted to revitalize it,” he said. “So I was like ‘Hey, maybe I could tag on the bandwagon’ and so I picked up a staff application from him and turned it in and he liked it and he decided like okay, you’re actually senior managing editor. So I
6 profiles october 2014 wsspaper.com
“
most inspiration. “I would say most of my exposure to poetry mostly comes from the music I listen to which is mostly rap and hip-hop stuff. So if I had to name a favorite poet, I guess if I were honest, it would be Chance the Rapper … I think there actually is some amount of learning you can do by listening to the lyrics and not writing yourself or studying [poetry].” Schmidt also writes stories on his own and, over time, has concluded that poetry is his favorite. “Originally I wrote short stories, but my attention span was too short for that, so I started writing poetry and that fits me a lot better. I think when I was writing prose, I sort of started putting in more and more rhymes and assonance and consonance and literary devices, and it sort of occurred to me that my writing was sort of becoming poetry, even though it was supposed to be prose,” he said. “Plus, it’s a lot more casual and easy to do because if I’m in class and I’m bored I can just rip off a piece of paper and continue some poem that I had been writing earlier.” Design by katarina fuhrmeister
MAth King:
Junhee Lee ‘18
As a freshman at West, Junhee Lee ’18 has won a state math competition, joined a selective 6-student math team for a math competition in Beijing and is taking math at the University of Iowa.
by ShARON XIANG sxxiang16@gmail.com
Lee is currently taking math classes at the University of Iowa. This past spring, as an eighth grader, he placed first at the Iowa State Math Championship, beating out high schoolers five years older than he was. He is also part of the U.S. team for an international math competition. Lee has participated in high school math competitions, such as MATHCOUNTS in junior high, and has participated in the American Math Competition (AMC). Since he did well on the AMC, he was invited to take the American International Mathematics Examination (AIME) which qualified him for United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO). Due to his success at the national MATHCOUNTS competition and the USAMO, Lee was invited to join the U.S. team for World Mathematics Team Championship (WMTC) held in Beijing, which he accepted. Despite his strong mathematical
skills, Lee wasn’t entirely confident that he would do well. “I’d been doing really on and off over the years [at math competitions] and it was one of the biggest ones. I was surprised I did well.” Lee was first introduced to math around the age of four when his sister, Jae-Hee, began school. However, he wasn’t extremely engaged in math until three years ago, when his sister qualified for the national MATHCOUNTS competition and he wished to do the same. “I set goals and became really competitive, all of which pushed me to where I am today,” he said. “I spent lots of time learning from different books and doing competitions, which easily became second nature and really fun for me. And after years passed, I eventually got better at each competition.” He also continues to have an appreciation for math. “I think one of the most appealing things about [math] is that there isn’t a standard procedure for solving the questions,” he said. “In a lot of other classes such as English
and science, there’s a procedure and a format to follow. In math, there’s a lot less of that. Although there are a lot of certain formulas you use, there are a lot of different ways you can go about thinking about it.” In the future, Lee wishes to pursue math in college. Mark Norton, his former math teacher at Northwest Junior High and mentor has confidence that Lee will succeed. “If [Lee] chooses, he could certainly become a professor and do research in pure mat hemat ics,” Norton said. “He has the ability to capture the essence of a complex problem and express it in an elegant manner.”
TRY ONE OF JUNHEE’S MATH PROBLEMS: The eight eyelets for the lace of a sneaker all lie on a rectangle, four equally spaced on each of the longer sides. The rectangle has a width of 50 mm and a length of 80 mm. There is one eyelet at each vertex of the rectangle. The lace itself must pass between the vertex eyelets along a width side of the rectangle and then crisscross
between successive eyelets until it reaches the two eyelets at the other width side of the rectangle. After passing through these final eyelets, each of the ends of the lace must extend at least 200 mm farther to allow a knot to be tied. Find the minimum length of the lace in millimeters. (AIME 1 2014 Problem 1)
Answer: 790mm
COMPilED by Sharon Xiang PHOTO BY MIRIAM PEREZ DESIGN BY CLAIRE MURRAY
wsspaper.com OCTOBER 2014 PROFILES 07
1
PROFILES
2000
in
Everyone has a story to tell. West Side Story randomly chose three students to find the source behind the things that define them.
SHAY RAFFENSPERGER ‘17 BY Christina Dai
christina.dai18@gmail.com City High is a place most West students aren’t readily familiar with. Despite this, there is one place on the City campus that many have been to at least once: the football/track field. Maybe you remember the fifth and sixth grade track meets that would alternate between City and West, or maybe you’ve cheered on our football team at a Battle for the Boot game. While attending one of these events, you may have noticed a name displayed on the track: John Raffensperger. You may have even gone so far as to wonder who this man was. Well, wonder no more, because his granddaughter is Shay Raffensperger ’17, a current sophomore here at West. “My grandpa coached track at City High for 36 years. Ten of those years he won state championships,
which is the most track state championships won by any coach in Iowa. That’s why the City High track is named after him,” Raffensperger said. Raffensperger has participated in a variety of sports, including basketball, volleyball, softball and track. Besides softball, track was her earliest sport, starting when she
my runs,” Raffensperger said. “In junior high he helped me with my hurdles and showed me the correct form.” At Northwest Junior High, Raffensperger usually ran the 100 meter hurdle, the shuttle hurdle relay and on occasion, the 100 meter dash. Both years, she was one of those selected to participate in the state track meet. Northwest finished first in her seventh grade year and second in her eighth grade year. However, sports isn’t the only thing Raffensperger’s grandfather has been an influence in. “His success ‘17 has always made me strive to do my best in every sport I did,” she said. “He pushes me to do my best in whatever I do, whether it’s sports or academics. He makes me want to be an overall good person, and his success inspires me to be as successful as he was.”
“His success has always made me strive to do my best in every sport I did. He pushes me to do my best in whatever I do, whether it’s sports or academics.” -Shay Raffensperger ran in the fifth and sixth grade track meets. Even from that very young age, Raffensperger’s grandfather was a factor in her performance, continuing into junior high. “Leading up to the sixth grade track and field meet he would take me to the school yard behind his house and would time my runs and give advice on how I could improve
8 profiles October 2014 wsspaper.com
M o by Phot
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ADAM WEIS ‘15
pho to by pa i
by Benjamin Bliven
g e
benjamin.blivenWSS@gmail.com
Br
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Weis’s goals include going to state and having his team place in the top five. He trains year-round in hopes of achieving these goals. “This is my first year on varsity, and it’s more serious, and the competition is harder, but it’s more fun in the competition aspect,” Weis said. Weis looks up to Akash Borde ’15, a fellow varsity runner, because of his kindness, leadership and running skills. Weis is ready to start track, and can’t wait to finish his final year of being involved in West crosscountry and track.
ASHA IRANI ‘17 Hypothetically, if someone assigned every student at West to wear the color blue, you could definitely expect to see one sophomore with a big smile on her face wearing purple. Asha Irani ’17 not only brings an enthusiastic attitude to West, but also a desire to be as distinct as she can. “I don’t like fitting in. I like to stand out,” Irani said. Irani arrived in Iowa City from Pittsburgh, Pa. last year. Despite the difficulties of relocating, she still emits positivity and happiness. One of the most important things to Irani is being different from everyone else. Her mentality also consists of not wanting to hang out with the same types of people that all have the same interests and participate in the same activities. Irani’s openmindedness is shown through her eagerness to branch out and explore whatever vicinities she
be awesome. Maybe I could take Nick Cannon’s job in 20 years? Probably not.”
de
leolaeko@gmail.com
encounters. “Being a part of the crowd really bothers me for some reason,” Irani said. “It makes me feel bland and unimportant, so I try to do everything I can to stand out. I try to make friends with all sorts of people, and [try] many different activities.” Because Irani wants to experiment with a variety of extracurriculars and interests, she admits to being very indecisive about some things. “I don’t understand how people
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by Leola Eko
phot ob yn
At West, the wide variety of sports ensures that any athlete with any sports background can take their pick. However, Adam Weis ’15 has narrowed his focus on two: crosscountry and track. Weis has been running since junior high, and has stuck with the sport ever since. “I enjoy the physical exercise. I usually run a 5k for cross country, and for track I do the mile or two mile. During the meets, I think about my surroundings and how I can get to the front. At practice, I like to think about random things to get my mind off the pain,” Weis said.
“I don’t like fitting in.
I like to stand
DESIGN BY RYO OHASHI
out.”
-Asha Irani ‘17 my age already know their future occupation and college and what they’ll be doing in 10 years,” she said. “I honestly don’t even know what I’m having for dinner tonight. Whatever I do I want to somehow be influential. Maybe something with animals or something in the performing arts? Being a game show host or TV presenter would wsspaper.com OCTOBER 2014 PROFILES 9
PROFILES
FOUR PEAS IN A POD Rodney Hanson and Rodney Courtney entered West High’s halls the year it opened as best friends. Forty-six years later, history repeated itself and their grandsons now walk the same halls.
by jiung jung
jjjiung@gmail.com
R
odney Hanson and Rodney Courtney are two typical best friends. They met in the 8th grade, where they both went to South East Junior High and then entered West High in 1968, the first year it opened. “We actually met because another close friend lived right next door and Courtney always came over to hang out. We had an upstairs room
in the neighbor’s garage where we all got together and slept over. The time we spent [together was] by far [one of] the best times of my life,” Rodney Hanson said. Rodney Courtney graduated from West in 1971 and Hanson the year after. Although they went their separate ways, the two friends kept in touch and met at several social gatherings throughout the years.
In 2006, their paths crossed again. The two friends’ grandchildren coincidentally met at Cub Scouts, and eight years later, Mason Hanson ’18 and Clayton Courtney ’18 entered the halls of West High as best friends, just as their grandfathers did 46 years before. Although the boys were aware of their grandfathers’ friendship, they believe it was not a factor in their
Rodney Courtney graduates from West High.
Rodney Hanson and Rodney Courtney first meet.
1967
own relationship. “It kind of just happened. It was a fate-type thing,” Mason Hanson said. Despite the great age difference between the two sets of friends, Mason Hanson and Clayton Courtney tend to spend a significant amount of their time together with their grandfathers. “If we’re at Clayton’s house, we
1968
1971
1972
Rodney Hanson and Rodney Courtney attend West High the first year it opens. 10 PROFILES OCTOBER 2014 wsspaper.com
DESIGN BY SIMRAN SARIN
“Our lives have followed different paths, but we will always be close friends...” -Rodney Hanson
Mason Hanson said. When they are spending time with their grandfathers, Mason Hanson and Clayton Courtney enjoy listening to their grandfathers’ past experiences. “It’s kind of fun to hear them talk about what they did when they were younger. They always talk about what [life] used to be like [at our age],” Mason Hanson said.
might go to his grandparents’ house because [they live] right next to each other,” Mason Hanson said. “We went fishing and hunting and camped out along the Iowa River,” Rodney Hanson said. His grandson and Clayton Courtney enjoy spending their time on Rodney Hanson’s farm. “We shoot guns, and it’s really fun because [you feel] really free,”
For example, Rodney Hanson often speaks of his former times at West. “West was much smaller then and our home football games were played at City High as we didn’t have our own football field … life was a lot simpler overall in those days,” Rodney Hanson said. Though time has passed, the Hanson and Courtney families’
Mayson Hanson and Clayton Courtney graduate from West High.
Mayson Hanson and Clayton Courtney first meet.
2006
Rodney Hanson graduates from West High.
relationship remains strong. “Our lives have followed different paths, but we will always be close friends, and I hope Mason and Clayton can share that as well,” Rodney Hanson said.
2018
2014
Mayson Hanson and Clayton Courtney attended West High. wsspaper.com OCTOBER 2014 PROFILES 11
FEATURE
Halloween H a p p e n i n g s FIELD OF FRIGHT
Open 7-11 p. m. every Friday and Saturday in October. Tickets available for purchase online range from $20 to $35.
3260 69th Street Atkins, Ia 52206
From carnivals to corn mazes, Scream Acres in Atkins is just one of the haunted attractions people go to to make their Halloween truly frightening. Reagan Grieser-Yoder ’17 and her friends are veterans when it comes to being scared by Scream Acres and its staff. “We go there every year around Halloween time,” Grieser-Yoder said. “I also go there just because I love the thrill of it all … the actors did a very good job scaring me and my friends.” Scream Acres has a haunted corn field, a slaughterhouse, and a newly opened carnival for anyone who dares to enter.
WHAT’SYOUR
photo by Madie miller
My favorite Halloween My favorite candy is Snickers candy on because I usually Halloween only get the is candy bite-sized kind, corn because not only does but the houses I live by always it symbolize Halloween, but it give the big kind. It’s also a good represents the flavors of fall. blend of caramel and chocolate Katie Bozer ’17 and stuff. 12 FEATURE OCTOBER 2014 wsspaper.com
Sandra Amouzou ’15
FAVORITE CA N DY? It’s a toss-up between Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Butterfingers.
Brad Wymer, science teacher DESIGN BY JAYCIE WEATHERS
PUMPKIN
PARADISE
photos by Madie miller
No matter where you go in the U.S., jack-o-lanterns and pumpkinflavored everythings are sure signs that October is here to stay and the spooks are on the rise. And what’s better to keep the spooks away and invite in the trick-ortreaters than a pumpkin carved up especially for the occasion? “Last year my sister carved an iron man and I carved a minion (from Despicable Me). Carving pumpkins is very fun, I love to carve pumpkins with my family,” Ariel Roghair ’16 said.
WILSON’S APPLE ORCHARD
With pumpkins, apples and hay rides galore
COSTUME
photo by jaycie weathers
photos CoUrtesy of MORGAN RONNEBAUM
CRAZY
Morgan Ronnebaum ’15 isn’t going to have to spend money on a Halloween costume this year. Between her time making costumes with Theatre West and developing her sewing skills, Ronnebaum has almost three years of sewing, a Pocahontas, a Sleeping Beauty, a mummy and even more costumes under her belt. “My favorite [costume] would have to be the Little Mermaid costume I made and plan on wearing for Halloween,” she said.
wsspaper.com OCTOBER 2014 FEATURE 13
FEATURE Anthrax Cervical Cancer Diptheria Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Haemophilus Influenzae B Human Papillomavirus H1N1 Flu Influenza Japanese Encephalitis Lyme Disease Measles Meningococcal Monkeypox Mumps Pertussis Pneumococcal Poliomyelitis Rabies Rotavirus Rubella Shingles Smallpox Tetanus Tuberculosis Typhoid Fever Varicella Yellow Fever Anthrax Cervical Cancer Diptheria Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Haemophilus Influenzae B Human Papillomavirus H1N1 Flu Influenza Japanese Encephalitis Lyme Disease Measles Meningococcal Monkeypox Mumps Pertussis Pneumococcal Poliomyelitis Rabies Rotavirus Rubella Shingles Smallpox Tetanus Tuberculosis Typhoid Fever Varicella Yellow Fever Anthrax Cervical Cancer Diptheria Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Haemophilus Influenzae B Human Papillomavirus H1N1 Flu Influenza Japanese Encephalitis Lyme Disease Measles Meningococcal Monkeypox Mumps Pertussis Pneumococcal Poliomyelitis Rabies Rotavirus Rubella Shingles Smallpox Tetanus Tuberculosis Typhoid Fever Varicella Yellow Fever Anthrax Cervical Cancer Diptheria Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Haemophilus Influenzae B Human Papillomavirus H1N1 Flu Influenza Japanese Encephalitis Lyme Disease Measles Meningococcal Monkeypox Mumps Pertussis Pneumococcal Poliomyelitis Rabies Rotavirus Rubella Shingles Smallpox Tetanus Tuberculosis Typhoid Fever Varicella Yellow Fever Anthrax Cervical Cancer Diptheria Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Haemophilus Influenzae B Human Papillomavirus H1N1 Flu Influenza Japanese Encephalitis Lyme Disease Measles Meningococcal Monkeypox Mumps Pertussis Pneumococcal Poliomyelitis Rabies Rotavirus Rubella Shingles Smallpox Tetanus Tuberculosis Typhoid Fever Varicella Yellow Fever Anthrax Cervical Cancer Diptheria Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Haemophilus Influenzae B Human Papillomavirus H1N1 Flu Influenza Japanese Encephalitis Lyme Disease Measles Meningococcal Monkeypox Mumps Pertussis Pneumococcal Poliomyelitis Rabies Rotavirus Rubella Shingles Smallpox Tetanus Tuberculosis Typhoid Fever Varicella Yellow Fever Anthrax Cervical Cancer Diptheria Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Haemophilus Influenzae B Human Papillomavirus H1N1 Flu Influenza Japanese Encephalitis Lyme Disease Measles Meningococcal Monkeypox Mumps Pertussis Pneumococcal Poliomyelitis Rabies Rotavirus Rubella Shingles Smallpox Tetanus Tuberculosis Typhoid Fever Varicella Yellow Fever Anthrax Cervical Cancer Diptheria Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Haemophilus Influenzae B Human Papillomavirus H1N1 Flu Influenza Japanese Encephalitis Lyme Disease Measles Meningococcal Monkeypox Mumps Pertussis Pneumococcal Poliomyelitis Rabies Rotavirus Rubella Shingles Smallpox Tetanus Tuberculosis Typhoid Fever Varicella Yellow Fever Anthrax Cervical Cancer Diptheria Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Haemophilus Influenzae B Human Papillomavirus H1N1 Flu Influenza Japanese Encephalitis Lyme Disease Measles Meningococcal Monkeypox Mumps Pertussis Pneumococcal Poliomyelitis Rabies Rotavirus Rubella Shingles Smallpox Tetanus Tuberculosis Typhoid Fever Varicella Yellow Fever Anthrax Cervical Cancer Diptheria Hepatitis yphoid Fever Varicella Yellow Fever Anthrax
EXEMPT
In states such as California, the rise in unvaccinated children is accompanied by rising disease rates, while vaccine rates in Iowa have remained high. The difference lies in a philosophical vaccine exemption, which is not currently available in Iowa. The West Side Story investigates the implications of a philosophical or personal belief exemption on West High students if it becomes reality.
VACCINES THROUGHOUT THE YEARS
The first documented inoculation, when the son of a Chinese statesman blew powdered smallpox scabs up his nose.
14 FEATURE OCTOBER 2014 wsspaper.com
1877
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Edward Jenner successfully completed the first vaccination on an 8-yearold boy using cowpox to vaccinate against smallpox.
Louis Pasteur proposed The Germ Theory of Disease, which stated that infectious diseases are caused by microscopic organisms already in the air. DESIGN BY LILY WESTEMEYER
or philosophical, exemption. The rate of personal belief exemptions albiscupski@gmail.com at California kindergartens with at least 10 students doubled from 1.5 The antiseptic smell. The squeezed percent in 2007 to 3.1 percent in eyes and tensed muscles. The small 2013, according to an LA Times prick. And then it’s over. Many see analysis of California state figures. vaccines as a small nuisance while In 2008, an unvaccinated girl at a doctor’s appointment. Others, brought measles back to San Diego, however, see a bigger problem than where 11 other unvaccinated the short pain the prick brings and people contracted the previously opt out of them completely. eliminated virus. The outbreak “I’ve only ever gotten one. It stemmed from an unvaccinated was a tetanus-diphtheria package child. because I hurt my hand,” said At this point in time, Iowa City Valerie Welch ’17. residents need not worry about a Welch’s inhibitions about vaccines -Valerie Welch ’17 possible outbreak. stem from issues family issues with “I would say [the exemption rate] vaccines. “You mass-immunize expecting is less than 1 percent.” said Shibata. “When my dad was three he had is fear of the vaccine itself,” she Welch points to her personal just gotten all his ... three-year- said. “The presumed link of MMR to have a safe titer [immunity] in old vaccinations, and then he got [combined mumps, measles, and their blood in order to be safe. We experiences in her success in being arthritis and he’s had it ever since,” rubella] vaccine to autism has don’t go back and check. We go on unvaccinated. “My mom didn’t [vaccinate me] she said. “So they decided that was been refuted; it was false research the premise that everybody [has the main link because it made the initially presented. There is distrust immunizations]. So those people and I turned out fine,” she said. most sense, and there’s no evidence of the government requiring an [that don’t] may be a target, and “If somebody doesn’t want to do something, I feel that injection, and now they may develop the that it didn’t cause that.” they should have the that we don’t see most disease,” said Shibata. However, there are option to opt out of it.” of these diseases, the If this amount of risks involved with Skopec acknowledges vaccine is scarier than immunity is not reached forgoing vaccines, says the choice parents the disease.” in a population, concerns local pediatrician Kathy should have in not With the advent of for the unimmunized Skopec. vaccinating their child, those against vaccines, rise significantly. “Risks of not receiving but points to a bigger there has also been a rise “We would be most vaccines are increased Louis Ho ’16 Valerie Welch ’17 moral obligation in people voicing their concerned for those susceptibility to the parents have to the approval of vaccines, who are unimmunized if disease, like pertussis/ there were to ever be even one case. community as a whole. whooping cough, and an increased such as West junior Louis Ho. “While I am not a fan of the “People have the right to act Say, for example, [that] they had risk of spreading the disease to in accordance with their beliefs, no immunizations and they had ‘philosophical exemption,’ I do others,” Skopec said. Welch disagrees, and believes but I feel that it would be better measles, of which there have been understand why some parents the disadvantages outweigh the if everyone took the vaccine, outbreaks on each of the coasts. want to make that decision because then it would increase That person who is unimmunized for themselves regarding their benefits. “There have been studies linking the communal immunity as a would be a target of concern,” said children, and I try to support their choice prior to starting school,” she vaccines to Down syndrome,” she population,” he said. “If some Shibata. This outbreak scare has held said. “Once they start in the school said. “Unless kids are really prone people don’t take the vaccine, to sickness ... you might [not]want then it becomes a danger to others true in California, one of the 13 system, I feel there is a moral because if they get it, then they can states that have a personal belief, obligation to receive the majority to get them vaccinated.” of childhood vaccines.” The Lancet was fully The first polio vaccine, IPV retracted due to Wakefield’s (inactivated poliovirus vaccine) disproven study. Wakefield is licensed. The vaccine put a lost his medical license. halt to the Polio epidemic.
by allie biscupski
Skopec blames the vaccine scare on the elimination of these diseases in our society and the supposed link to autism, which has since been disproven. “I think the biggest concern driving vaccine controversy today
spread it to others.” School nurse Aimee Shibata agrees, and explains the safe titer effect of mass immunization, which is put in place to protect school populations against these infectious diseases.
2010
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“My mom didn’t [vaccinate me] and I turned out fine. If somebody doesn’t want to do something, I feel that they should have the option to opt out of it.”
Andrew Wakefield published his article in the medical journal The Lancet claiming a link between autism and the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. wsspaper.com October 2014 Feature 15
FEATURE
BEFORE THEY WERE TEACHERS
Take a look at odd jobs teachers had before they taught at West High.
KAREN MEYER, MATH: “I worked at Winter Park, Colorado Ski Resort as a lift operator, waitress and tour guide from 1985 to 87. On my list of 100 Things to Do in My Life, I wanted to learn to ski, so the best way seemed to be to completely immerse myself. As a life operator, we got to ski a couple of runs every day, and we worked four day weeks so we were able to ski three days a week from November to April. It was low key and a lot of fun with zero stress and a mountain to conquer everyday. It
was a perfect fit for me at the time and I enjoyed every minute of it. I also worked at the Institute of Civil Engineers in London, England as the assistant to the Events Director. I happened upon this job as I was roaming the streets of London near Parliament Square. My job was to give tours of the building to prospective clients, help with security detail set-up and work with the banquet staff. Memorial events included a joint press conference with Margaret Thatcher and
Helmut Kohl, a luncheon with Prince Charles ,I had to learn to curtsy for the Queen and was told repeatedly that Americans don’t know how to curtsy, and daily other encounters with royals and political figures who used the building regularly. Again, a great job for that time in my life.”
JENNY EUSTICE, SCIENCE: “[My first job was] a dairy farmer. My dad was a
dairy farmer and milked 50-60 cows. My brothers and I started working on the farm as soon as we could walk. My main role was feeding baby calves and feeding the cows hay and their feed. I also helped by cleaning the barns and bedding down the pens. I represented Hennepin County, MN as a dairy princess in 2000 and 2001. Dairy princesses are the ambassadors for the dairy industry in the state of Minnesota. I [also] competed in the Princess of Kay of the Milky Way pageant in 2002 and was selected as runner up. Other [jobs I had] include dance instructor, Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader, and [a dancer for the] Minnesota Swarm Dance Team.”
16 FEATURE OCTOBER 2014 wsspaper.com
DESIGN BY MORGAN SCHMITT-MORRIS
MELISSA NIES, SOCIAL STUDIES:
“My first job was a lifeguard, then I worked as a nanny, a baby sitter and a Hallmark clerk. During college, I worked at the front desk at my college dorm- most of my shifts were in the middle of the night, midnight to 7 a.m. or 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. [I also worked as a] psychology experiment participant. These weren’t regular, but really interesting. After college, I worked as a title clerk at Carousel Motors, kind of crazy for a history and philosophy major to do a job that needed mostly math, a Secretary for Iowa State Extension, University of Iowa Administrative Assistant to Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scientists focusing on Muscular Dystrophy research [like] grant writing, et cetera, a University of Iowa Graduate Assistant to Professor in the College of Education, then a teacher at Bettendorf High School and now a teacher at West.”
NATE FRESE, LANGUAGE ARTS:
“I worked at an Oscar Meyer meat packing plant making Lunchables, I was a pizza delivery driver, a cleaning lady, a custodian for the U of I, an operations manager for a couple of rock/pop concerts in Cedar Rapids, a paper boy, et cetera; I had to dress up in a shark suit for an outdoor festival.”
DOMINIC IANNONE, Social Studies: MARIANNE MCGRANE, SCIENCE:
“When I was in high school I worked at a coffee shop in town. I would have to get up at 3 a.m. on the weekends as a high schooler to make donuts. So Saturday and Sundays I would pour coffee and talk to old guys; it kind of sucked because you would work and these old men would sit there and harass you and then you would leave and you would have like a dime. It was still fun, though.”
“My first [job] was doing all the worst jobs in a cabinet building factory when I was 15. From there, I have worked as a saltwater fishtank maintenance and repair man, a landscaper, an ice-cream maker at Cold Stone Creamery, a receptionist at a Hospice, HVAC for my college, a very brief stint as a telemarketer, the general manager of a Quiznos, a waiter at Red Lobster and a teaching assistant in the history department at Northern Arizona University. I also made extra money in college playing music, though I never got very much...I didn’t go to college planning on becoming a teacher. However, I found that I enjoyed teaching high school, and even junior high! A lot more than I thought I would. I think my job is pretty well suited for me. I get paid to ramble about history all day, which I would probably do no matter what career field I was in, and I have a legally obligated audience that is required to write down what I say. It is like a dream come true.”
ArT BY Kelsey Keranen COMPILED by Shanthi Chackalackal, Leola Eko and consuelo mendoza
wsspaper.com OCTOBER 2014 FEATURE 17
Setting the Stage
Leela Bassuk ’16 and Ashlynn Dale ’16 run through their lines at play rehearsal on Monday, Oct. 27.
by Isabelle robles isabeller99@gmail.com
Theatre West will put on an adaptation of Little Women that will show on Dec. 5th. Thus far, the cast and crew are working on getting the basics for the play down. “In rehearsal so far we have blocked all of the scenes and we are working on memorizing our lines and getting into our characters,” said Shelby Zukin
Students work on the set for Little Women after school on Monday, Oct. 27.
Olivia Sheff ’15 and Morgan Ronnebaum ’15 discuss costumes for Little Women with Becky Dagle.
’16, who plays Mrs. Gardner. Assistant stage manager Jaya Blanchard ’17 helps to ensure that everything runs smoothly during practices. “I just come in and take notes on what [the director] Mrs. Nahra says; lighting, positions, et cetera. If [head stage manager] Jenna [Choi ’15] or Mrs. Nahra needs help with anything else I help her,” Blanchard said. “It’s just great to see how the play works
from the inside and to be able to be a part of something so cool.” According to Blanchard, the crew needs to focus on working together to really piece the show together. “They need to work on being more comfortable with each other because they are supposed to be a family. They need to be able to touch each other and interact smoothly,” she said. All in all, being a part of the play has been a positive experience, and
Student actors participate in warmup exercises during play rehearsal.
everyone in the cast and crew is excited to continue working on it. “The most rewarding thing about being in a play is the feeling you get when you’re performing and you can see the audience really enjoying the show you’re putting on for them,” Zukin said. “And all the talented people you meet are pretty cool, too. Theatre West is just a really awesome thing to be a part of.”
Nicholas Haddy ’18 helps build part of the set after school.
photos by madie miller
18 FEATURE OCTOBER 2014 wsspaper.com
DESIGN BY LAUREN KNUSDON
Jocoa kerschen ’18
mackenzie voigt ’17 irene jara ’15
austin doak ’16
albara kahlil ’17
nisha coney ’16
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“I believe” is a common phrase that is used to prove a point, but sometimes we tend to forget the deeper meaning behind those words. West Side Story asks students what they believe and what shaped those beliefs.
19 Feature october 2014 wsspaper.com
kyle triplett ’15 mckenzie fairfield ’15
DESIGN BY KATIE PEPLOW
FEATURE “My mom used to always tell me to do what you want no matter what and to try your best. It helps me out all the time in day to day life.” -Marisah Richards ’16
“It’s something that’s really important to me and I feel strongly that people should choose their own life. [Believing this helps me most when] going through my everyday life and being who I can instead of letting other people influence me.” -Paul Amrani ’18
20 FEATURE October 2014 wsspaper.com
“Everything you do should have a personal touch on it, otherwise it’s not yours. Every year [on the robotics team] we try to add personal touches for everyone. Everyone has their own nickname just to get it an extra touch of personality.” -Nathan Langel ‘15
“I think that music is a great way to bring people together. Music is a different form of talking to people, it can be a basis for things; if you need to start a conversation, you can bring up music and start talking about it.” -Thomas Wagner ‘18
wsspaper.com october 2014 FEAture 21
a sense of by megumi kitamoto, michael moonjely and eleanor ho DESIGN BY eugenia chen
security
It has been three weeks since principal Dr. Arganbright announced that a student had brought a gun to school. But rumors are floating around about the incident, and the truth has become mixed with inaccurate information. West Side Story investigates the incident and the possible changes that could occur at West as a result.
WEST HIGH SCHOOL “Where Excellence is a Tradition� EST. 1968
what really happened It was a normal school day, but social studies teacher Mitch Gross saw that a student was not his usual self. “In my fifth period class [on Oct. 10], I noticed a student who seemed to be under some type of distress beyond normal teenage angst,” Gross said. “Based on some interactions the student and I had, I decided that further Mitch Gross action needed to be taken. At that point … I called down to the guidance office and [the student] agreed to go speak with a counselor.” According to principal Jerry Arganbright, extra measures were then taken to ensure the safety of the student. “[Assistant principal Colby Miller] decided to make sure the student was not in possession of something harmful to himself or others because he was expressing some intent of hurting himself,” Arganbright said. “Mr. Miller then got [the student’s] book bag when the student was with his counselor. The student jumped up and ran out of the school and ran off-campus on the east side of the
building and Mr. Miller got the book bag and observed a handgun, [and we] immediately contacted the police department given the seriousness of having a weapon on campus. At that time, we knew we had the weapon in our possession and [it] was gone and off-campus. We thought about [securing] the whole building, [but] we did not see [the school] in jeopardy at that point, so everyone went about their activities.” This incident continued to unfold after school hours. “The police department had concerns about locating the student, so they sent out an all-points bulletin to be observant of this student,” Arganbright said. “At about 7:30 that evening he was found in North Liberty. The police department picked him up, and he is currently hospitalized.” But why did Arganbright choose to wait until Monday to tell the student body? “Not being available for follow-up conversation didn’t make me feel very good. I wanted everyone to get the same information at the same time.The weekend kind of complicated things for us. If [the incident] had happened on a regular school day, I certainly would have been much more immediate by communication to you and your parents.” Arganbright’s approach of not telling the community immediately after the incident caused a large conversation at West.
community reactions Maddie Whitehead ’17 took to Twitter to express her feelings. Whitehead thought that the community should have been notified earlier. “It was our right to know when it happened,” she said. “Since the student wasn’t in custody when he left the building, we should have gone into lockdown.” Many parents had their own opinions on the incident. Deborah Walton, a West parent, was not satisfied with how the school handled the situation. “I’ve been through A.L.I.C.E. training. I know that things are going to happen that you don’t expect and mistakes can be made,” Walton said. “However, allowing that student to leave the guidance counselor’s office was where things went terribly wrong.” Not all students shared the same opinion. Jacquelyn Nielson ’17, a member of the mental health support club Behind the Mask, thought that the administrators handled the situation adequately. “I thought it was well-handled, because the administraMariah Weston ’15 tion really took into account the mental state of the student,” Nielson said. “I think it
is great that we have teachers and administrators who can recognize when a student is in emotional distress.” Mariah Weston ’15 understood the delayed notification as well. “I think that [Dr. Arganbright’s protocol] was good to make sure he could give people an informed opinion. I think it would have made people more afraid if he didn’t know the information.” Weston said. Graham Robles ’16 agrees with Weston and believes that no additional emergency procedures were necessary. “I think that administrators did a perfect job. I think a lockdown Graham Robles ’16 [would be] unnecessary especially since all the facts weren’t known at that time.” With a variety of community responses, many are wondering whether there will be security reform.
reform One option that is likely to be brought up again is having a student resource officer (SRO), a police officer armed with a gun, located on campus. According to Dr. Arganbright, the SRO would be able to do more than the average administrator. “The SRO would have been able to physically restrain the kid,” Arganbright said. Legally, teachers, administrators and other school staff members are not allowed to physically restrain students. The option of an SRO with that ability appeals to some students. “I think an [officer] stationed in the school would be a good idea. I think it would be nice to have that option, and then maybe students wouldn’t try to do harmful things knowing that there is an officer,” Whitehead said. However, many people disagree with the need for an SRO, especially because the officer would be armed with a gun. “There’s an element in the school district that’s pretty loud about not wanting that to happen in our schools,” Arganbright said. Many dislike the thought of having a gun on campus everyday. A study done by the University of Wisconsin showed that people will tend to be more aggressive when a gun is present. “I don’t think an officer is necessary because nobody was in danger,” Robles said. Other concerns including the recently cut school budget were raised. “I can promise this discussion will take place among the administration first. We’ll see where it’ll go from there. I don’t know if it will go back to the board,” Arganbright said. With the possibility of added security on campus, students’ privacy rights are up for debate. “Normally, we would not search anyone unless there was suspicion that something illegal or dangerous was going on,” Arganbright
said. He is against the implementation of random searches, and doesn’t see search policy being changed at all. “Your input, your involvement, that’s what this school is about. It’s not just me just saying this will happen. There would be avenues for getting the masses involved.
wss asks dr. arganbright West Side Story: There is a rumor that the student was arrested by police off a school bus. Is this true? I don’t think that’s true at all, I know he wasn’t on a bus. I heard the rumor that the police pulled over a bus and arrested him off a bus. If they [stopped and searched buses], I was not aware of that. WSS: How long did it take to secure the weapon? The actual time from when it was located to when the police were called was nine minutes, according to assistant principal Colby Miller
WSS: Is the school board planning on conducting random searches when felt neccessary? We haven’t done random searches, [and] I don’t know if we want to do random searches, it’s not something I’d be fond of. WSS: Will the students influence future decisions? Of course, it’s your school, your input, your involvement, that’s what this school is about. We go through Student Senate and get student input, and what they would do on something like this, there would be avenues for getting the masses involved, like something in advisory.
ENTERTAINMENT
KENDRA & KIYA LAW FASHION PROFILE
PHOTO AND COMPILED BY PAIGE BRAZINA
West Side Story: How would you
describe your style? Kendra: I think that the way I dress is somewhat different than the typical ‘Abercrombie’ or ‘American Eagle’ look. I like to wear things that some would consider “daring.” Kiya: I would say 90’s/ hipster/ casual. WSS: Where do you like to shop? Kendra: I like to shop at thrift stores mostly. You can find the cutest things there. For example, my Birkenstocks: I found them (new) for $2.75. Another place I like to go is Forever 21 because
they have a lot of cute things in stock. Kiya: My all time favorite store is Urban Outfitters. I love everything they have there, and when I shop online that is where I go. However it is kind of expensive, so I don’t go there as often as I’d like. I also like to go to thrift stores like Goodwill and the Salvation Army because they have really unique things. WSS: What is your go-to outfit? Kendra: Flannel with a backwards hat. Kiya: My go-to outfit usually consists of high-waisted shorts,
26 ENTERTAINMENT OCTOBER 2014 wsspaper.com
thigh high socks, Doc Martens and a plain tee shirt with the sleeves rolled up. I like this because it’s casual but still different. WSS: Do you have a favorite piece of clothing? Kendra: Probably the jacket that Kiya recently bought. It’s a raincoat that’s yellow with boats on the inside of it. Kiya: My favorite piece of clothing is my high-waisted black jeans from Urban Outfitters. I wear them all the time. They are super comfortable and match almost everything.
WSS: How does your style reflect your personality? Kendra: I’d say it’s sort of adventurous in a way. When I’m older I want to travel a lot inexpensively and do things like traveling great distances by bike or hiking or caving and not really falling into the ‘social norm’. I’m just interested in exploring what’s out there and I think my clothes kind if represent that. Kiya: My personality is outgoing and sort of weird, so I guess my style does express my personality.
DESIGN BY MARY MONDANARO
O
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ETHAN TREPKA ’18
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For video coverage, go to wsspaper.com
BY LUSHIA ANSON
lushia.anson@gmail.com He stands before the audience, each hand holding two mallets poised over the wide expanse of notes that makes up the marimba. He plays his first notes not only with precision, but with great care, stepping almost gracefully to the side to position himself over each cluster of notes. His accuracy not only extends to the fast notes and the chords— but follows the music’s nuances meticulously, too. He does this all while making the process look natural rather than measured. Ethan Trepka ’18 described himself as “kind of nervous” when recounting the time he performed at the Music Playathon Fundraiser, a seven-hour performance to raise
ing the marimba. The fact that the layout of the marimba bars is very similar to the layout of piano keys helped him greatly. Trepka describes the marimba as “fun to play” because of its complexity. “I kind of like pieces that have sections with a bunch of notes in them,” he said. -Rob Medd, With a small smile, Trepka claims Teacher modestly that he doesn’t practice different parts” that required dif“that much,” despite the fact that he balances a half hour of practice ferent skills and techniques. As a on weekdays with his other activiresult, the experience of performties, such as cross-country and roing turned out to be “pretty fun.” botics. On weekends, he practices Trepka’s musical ventures beone to two hours a day. Usually he gan seven years ago, when he first learned to play piano. Two years will start with a warm-up and then work on whatever piece he is learnlater, he started to play percussion, ing at the moment. and a year ago he began learnmoney for the Music Auxiliary on Aug. 30. However, he didn’t let his nerves deter him— the secret, for him, was to “focus on the music.” It helped that the piece he performed, “Yellow After the Rain” by Mitchell Peters, was one of his favorites because it had “a bunch of
“[Trepka] is a very serious, dedicated musician.”
PHOTO BY PAIGE BRAZINA DESIGN BY CLAIRE MURRAY
“[Trepka] is a very serious, dedicated musician,” said band teacher Rob Medd. “I think he appears very passionate about what he does in his practice and in rehearsal.” Despite the fact that Trepka and his older brother Kai ’16 both play the same instrument, Trepka says that there is no competition between the two of them, adding that his older brother is very supportive of him, giving him advice for auditions and performances such as “[trying] to think of the music instead of being nervous.” Medd sees a great amount of potential in Trepka. “I would say I’m very excited to see what he does with his music here at West High over the next four years,” he said.
wsspaper.com OCTOBER 2014 ENTERTAINMENT 27
ENTERTAINMENT
iOS 8 REVIEW For more coverage, go to wsspaper.com
PHOTO FROM CREATIVE COMMONS
wss
by SCHYLER DAVIS jsd622@gmail.com
The iPhone 6 is out and people are flocking by the millions to grab one. If you don’t have one, then at least you can get iOS 8, the most recent update to Apple’s popular operating system. When you update your device to iOS 8, you can double click the home button and icons of your contacts appear above your apps. You can click on the icon of the contact and call, text, or Facetime them. Also, when viewing the “Today” section in the Notification Center, you can scroll to the bottom and add custom widgets from your apps.
In Messages, you can now send quick audio or video messages. For audio messages, slide up on the microphone icon and hold down until you are done speaking and it will send. For shorter videos, slide right on the camera icon next to the text field and record a video or take a quick photo. The video or audio messages delete themselves after two minutes unless you tap ‘keep’. Additionally, in the messages or mail app, autocorrect has been replaced with a bar at the top of the keyboard that suggests words as you type. It gives different suggestions based on your behavior with your contacts. Finally, if you get notifications,
you can respond to them by sliding down on the bottom and to be presented with options for what to do or to reply. While iOS 8 doesn’t look much different than iOS 7, it adds long-awaited features as well as some very innovative ideas. You can update if you have an iPhone 4S or newer, an iPod 5th gen or iPad 2 or later. It does take 5.8GB of space, so you may have to delete some photos, videos, songs, or apps. I would recommend not installing it on iPhone 4S or iPad 2 because it slows down the device, but if you want the features and support of the newest iOS, then go for it.
USED WITH PERMISSION FROM EMMA OGLESBY
ARTIST OF THE MONTH
WILL PETERSON ’17 wss
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COMPilED by KATIE FUHRMEISTER
28 Entertainment October 2014 wsspaper.com
COMPilED by NICK DEERBERG
“There is always gonna be someone who’s a critic of your art. As an artist you have to just do what you want to do.”
USEDWITH PERMISSION FROM WILL PETERSON
Emma Oglesby ’17
EMMA OGLESBY ’17
DESIGN BY OLIVIA READ
BOOK CLUB
with
conductor mixtape
Little women
Ryan Person
By Louisa May Alcott
COMPilED and photo by nick deerberg
Empty Me Chris Sligh “The text of the song aligns with my faith and puts things in perspective in my life.” Come Fly With Me Frank Sinatra “An old tune, but anything Sinatra is legendary.”
5
Cry Me A River Michael Bublé “Bublé does a great job of taking old tunes and making them interesting for a contemporary audience.” Man In The Mirror Michael Jackson “Michael Jackson is the greatest pop musician of all time.”
Water Night Eric Whitacre “I have conducted this choral song twice and love the text painting that Whitacre uses.” Tearin’ Up My Heart N SYNC “This song takes me back to my “glory years” in high school.”
SURVIVAL TIPS
From Zombie Club president Cody Reuter ’15 COMPilED and graphic by brittani langland
Water
They might look like family members, but if they have turned into zombies they are just corpses.
You need food, but water is way more important. Find a steady source.
Group up Travel in groups for maximum security.
The undead are dead
Pack and Prep Stock pile food, matches and other basic survival necessities, so you are prepared.
Be honest
If you get bit by a zombie, tell the group you got bit. Don’t be selfish.
Little Women is the beloved story of the March sisters: Jo, the tomboy, Meg, the pretty eldest sister, Beth, the sweet but sickly musician and Amy, the spoiled youngest daughter. Their father is fighting in the Civil War, so Jo, Meg and their mother must work in order to get by. Despite these hardships, the March family is endearing. The novel follows them as they learn to overcome their personal weaknesses, develop their talents and pursue romance. While the plot is slow in comparison to modern literature, Little Women is still loveable due to the developed and very real characters. In a time when women were expected to be quiet and ladylike, Jo March was loud and boyish. She was altogether unlike anything literature had seen before, and girls all over the world can still connect to her. Little Women has delighted readers for over a century, and will continue to do so for West students in this year’s play. “Little Women is a time-honored classic tale that continues to remind us what is truly important in life: family,” said Katy Nahra, English teacher and the co-director of this year’s play. “While the language and costumes depict a distant time, the story’s message and characters are still relevant today. The March women are excellent examples of strong, independent women who never give up on their dreams. This coming of age novel by Louisa May Alcott will be treasured for many generations to come, and we are excited to bring her characters to life in this stage adaptation.” COMPilED by shanthi chackalackal
DESIGN BY BRITTANI LANGLAND
wsspaper.com OCTOBER 2014 ENTERTAINMENT 29
ENTERTAINMENT
BIG OAK Ricky Rodriguez Drums
Thomas Gumpper Guitar, backup vocals, and FX pedals.
by Kelsey Keranen
kelseyjanekeranen@gmail.com There are six of them, all boys, looking somewhat out of place in the ill-lit newsroom, their legs flung haphazardly off the edges of the green rolling chairs that, despite their inviting facade, refuse to be comfortable. The boys do, however, seem immensely comfortable with one another; sideways glances and slightly upturned corners of their mouths hint at unspoken agreements, inside jokes, a connection forged with broken guitar strings and drumsticks. Their names are Joe Feldmann ’16, Thomas
30 Entertainment october 2014 wsspaper.com
Daniel Szmyrgala Guitar and backup vocals.
Gumpper ’16, Ricky Rodriguez ’16, Louis Ho ’16, Daniel Szmyrgala ’16 and Joel Tansey ’16, respectively, and they are Big Oak. There’s a burst of laughter when the first question is asked: how exactly did you come up with the name Big Oak? An “I told you so!” comes from the drummer, Rodriguez, to snorts of appraisal. Feldmann is the first to offer an answer. “Me and Thomas were shuffling around with names,” he begins, “and he presented me with this humongous list of titles—” “Ten Months Pregnant,” Gumpper interjects. “The
Yesterdays, Problem Spice, Cyanide Chuggers, Surefire Candies … ” The list goes on and the laughter escalates. Feldmann continues. “He presented me with Tree Hives, and we kind of agreed on the thought of the tree, and I thought ‘What’s the state tree of Iowa?’ So, I look up the state tree of Iowa and it’s an oak, so I’m like ‘Big Oak.’ It was the only thing we could agree on, so we decided on that.” The band came from humble origins, beginning with only two members. “It started with me and Joe; we photo by Paige Brazina
Joe Feldmann
Louis Ho
Joel Tansey
Writer, vocals, guitar, banjo, mandolin
Violin
String Bass
just jammed around,” Rodriguez explains. “Once we had written all of the songs, we added Thomas, and everyone else just came to fill in parts.” “Joel just joined last week,” Ho adds. Their style, it seems, is a motley assortment of traditional sounds coming together to form their unique voice. “You take some folk, indie, experimental and blues and that’s what you get,” Feldmann affirms. Like any band hoping to find a place in the music world, their sights are set high. They are DESIGN BY TAYLOR LIBBY
asked where they are interested in playing, and the responses tumble out. “Madison Square Gardens.” “Red Rocks.” “The Mill, though, in all reals,” Rodriguez says, and there is a murmur of agreement. Amidst a slew of questions, they address why they chose to begin the band. “[We wanted] to create and to express ourselves and do stuff that we wouldn’t normally have a chance to do in choir or band and orchestra,” Gumpper offers. There are six of them, all boys, and together they form this
band— there are three veterans, two newbies, and one who has just hopped along for the ride, and together they form an evident camaraderie. They are drummer jokes (What do you call a drummer who just broke up with his girlfriend? Homeless.) sarcastic quips, and like minds. Most importantly, they are the band— they are Big Oak.
wsspaper.com october 2014 entertainment 31
FINISH STRONG Remember .
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No classes Nov. 12 due to a teacher work day
32 OCTOBER 2014 wsspaper.com
End of 1st tri
Tuesday, Nov. 11
HEALTH
TO BLEED OR NOT TO BLEED
5 THINGS TO KNOW
BEFORE GIVING BLOOD Increase sodium in your diet prior to donation
art by brittani langland
by CAMERON COOK AND LEXI SHAFFER
cecook1117@gmail.com, Lexi.shaffer.123@gmail.com On Oct. 28, some upperclassmen bled into IV needles, under the supervision of nurses. West’s biannual blood drive used to be run by the special education department, but this year the science club took on the responsibility. “The University of Iowa DeGowin Blood Center has partnerships with several area high schools,” said blood drive coordinator Heather Roman. “The hope is to educate the next generation of donors about the need for blood, and to give them the opportunity to start their journey of being life-long blood donors while they are still in high school.” People have many reasons for giving blood, but most of them are along the same line; to help others. “I decided to donate blood because I feel that it is important to give what you can to those that have less than you,” said Megan Kann ’16. “For me, donating blood
is another way that I can help someone else.” The risks of giving blood aren’t overplayed, but it doesn’t mean they are nonexistent. “If you don’t [replace your blood sugar], you can faint. It’s not too dangerous, but it’s still a risk,” said Cameron Braverman ’15. There are some long term risks too, but even those can be avoided. “Longer-term blood donors can develop low iron and anemia. This is more common with repeat
your temperature and your blood pressure, everything they need to know … it only takes ten minutes,” Braverman said. Age is another important factor to consider. The state standard for donating blood is 16 years, as long as a parent has consented; 17-yearolds can consent for themselves. “We are looking at our policy for how often young people can donate and whether we should offer iron pills or iron testing in addition to testing for anemia,” Knudson said. “Every time a donor gives blood, a new needle and all new tubing are used and then discarded. There is no risk of getting an infectious Kann ‘16 disease such as HIV, AIDS, or Hepatitis,” Roman said. Recently, there has been an overall decline in the number of blood donors. In 2003, 112 students from West donated, compared to 24 in 2013. “Our numbers have actually been pretty meager the past few years,” Braverman said. “We’re really trying to get people psyched about this, like really teach them [that] saving people is easy to do.”
“I feel that it is important to give what you can to those that have less than you.”
DESIGN BY GABBY SKOPEC
-Megan
donations and we recommend you take iron pills or have your iron checked,” said Mike Knudson, an employee at the blood bank and a West parent. “We check for anemia but do not check for low iron at this point.” In addition, not just anyone could give blood. “You’re given a mini-physical before [the procedure]. They take
Avoid heavy exercise after donating
Drink plenty of water
Get a good night’s sleep before donating Eat a full meal after donating
COMPilED by CAMERON COOK
wsspaper.com OCTOBER 2014 HEALTH 33
SPORTS PHOTOS BY PAIGE BRAZINA AND BRITTANI LANGLAND
RISING STAR Maddie Fay ’17: Volleyball
West Side Story: What got you started in volleyball? Maddie Fay: My mom was a volleyball player when she told me I should try out and I did an ended up liking it. I first started playing when I was in sixth grade. WSS: What is your favorite thing about volleyball? MF: I love the atmosphere and the competions because it’s really intense at times, and I like that feeling. WSS: What are your goals for the rest of season? MF: I really want to make it to state and to just keep improving. WSS: What are you hoping to improve by the end of the season? MF: Our team’s atmosphere and how well we work together. WSS: What’s your favorite thing about the team this year? MF: We all really bond together and we’re all really close, which makes working as a team a lot easier, and it pays off in games. WSS: What motivates you when you’re having a bad practice, or when the team isn’t scoring well in a game?
MF: I know that my team and I can do better so I just say to myself in my head, “next ball, next ball,” and I just try to keep a positive attitude. WSS: What’s your favorite thing about volleyball games? MF:I like the pressure and the games are just really exciting. The crowd is always fun and they are always cheering us on. WSS: Are you involved in club volleyball too? If so what club? MF:Yes, for Iowa Rockets and I’ve been on it since sixth grade. WSS: What’s the hardest thing about being a volleyball player? MF:Trying to be the best and get the ball where it needs to be and not making too many mistakes.
STATISTICS Sets: 69 Kills: 33 Serves: 253 Aces: 30
ZA
DO
O EL
N ME
SU
D
LE
I MP
BY
N CO
CO
34 Sports october 2014 wsspaper.com
DESIGN BY McKENNA HARRIS
FALL SPORTS BANQUET West Auditorium Monday, Nov. 10
7:00 p.m.
Homecoming Court Most Spirited
Most Talented
&
&
Emily Hollingworth
Jesse Baum
Done Most
Madison Voigt
Most Athletic
& Layla Siddig
Cameron Braverman
& Akash Borde
Danielle Craig
David DiLeo wsspaper.com OCTOBER 2014 35
SPORTS
VOLLEYBALL
PHOTOS by CHANEL VIDAL
BELOW: Madi Miller ‘15 celebrates with high fives with her teammates.
RIGHT: Emma Norris ’17, Ali Tauchen ’17, and Laney Whitehead ’15 are prepared to spike.
FAR RIGHT: Senior Laney Whitehead congratulates her teammates after a play.
BELOW: The girls volleyball team celebrates after a good play
GIRLS SWIMMING AND DIVING PHOTOS by mCKENNA HARRIS
The girls swimming and diving team is preparing to compete at the state swim and dive meet in Marshalltown on Nov. 7-8. Erica Hsu ‘16 is ranked fifth in the 200 Individual Medley with a time of 2:11.47. Senior diver Jacintha Thomas is ranked fourth for 6 dives and first for 11 dives with Alex Aaberg ranked fourth for 11 dives.
36 SPORTS OCTOBER 2014 wsspaper.com
DESIGN BY MADIE MILLER
FOOTBALL
PHOTOS by MARY MONDANARO
ABOVE: The football team prepares for a play during the homecoming game. RIGHT: Players jog off the field after a play during the Oct. 17 homecoming game where they defeated Davenport North.
GOLF
LEFT: Grant Higgins swings during golf practice.
wss
For more SPORTS coverage, go to wsspaper.com
PHOTO by NICK DEERBURG
CROSSCOUNTRY
PHOTOS by PAIGE BRAZINA
The girls and boys cross-country teams have been praciticing to prepare for the upcoming state meet on Saturday, Nov. 1. Akash Borde ‘15 is the highest ranked runner for the guys and Emmie Skopec ‘15 will lead the girls team heading into the meet. The senior pair won their respective races at the regional meet Oct. 23.
wsspaper.com OCTOBER 2014 SPORTS 37
Homecoming King Ben Moore
&
Queen Sandra Amouzou 38 aDS 2014 wsspaper.com
Column:
Carter’s corner TURF WAR
by aaron carter
Last year, the Iowa football team wasn’t expected to do as well as they did, and this year the expectations are even lower. With four players lost in the draft last year, including all of last year’s starting linebackers, the defense has been depleted. The real decision Ferentz had to make in the offseason and into this year was not on defense, but on offense. Who will be the starting quarterback? C.J. Beathard, last year’s backup, or Jake Rudock, last year’s starter? At the beginning of the season, it was no question who would be the starter in Ferentz’s mind: Rudock. But now that Beathard led the team to road wins against both Purdue and Pittsburgh, a lot of hawkeye nation is campaigning for Beathard to be named the starter. Beathard has almost half as many passing yards as Rudock in two thirds fewer attempts. As of right now, Ferentz has named Rudock the starter, but said Beathard will get snaps. Rudock countered Beathard’s good performance by playing well against Indiana at home. Rudock threw for 210 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions and had a completion percentage of over 70 percent. In my opinion, Ferentz should go with the fiery Texan-raised backup, Beathard. Even though Rudock has experience, he hasn’t shown the fire Beathard has. It is unfair to either to let them get just one or two possessions a game because they come into the game with cold feet. Ferentz can’t expect either of them to produce starter caliber numbers in one or two drives with no feel for the game. Beathard has shown that he can pick up yards both on the ground and through the air. He keeps defenses off balance and keeps them guessing. His addition will not only spice up competition, but will enhance the options Offensive Coordinator Greg Davis has at his disposal. DESIGN BY AARON CARTER
SPORTS
RUNNING FOR THE KIDS running the marathon was hitting the infamous "wall” in the late badovinacbarbara@gmail.com stages of the race,” said Taylor. The marathon ‘wall’ happens Twenty four hours of dancing, close to the end of the run, when 26.2 miles of running, and millions you are almost to the finish line of dreams coming true— Dance but your body starts giving up Marathon is an organization that and it is hard to stay motivated. raises money for the kids fighting In the end, they raised $3,300, against cancer, in hopes that one day for the kids and accomplished all children will be able to dance, something that most people only run and accomplish anything dream about. Each mile was that they put their minds to. dedicated to a Dance Marathon kid On Oct. 12, Chicago hosted its and they had each name written annual marathon. According to on their arms to stay inspired. NBC, nearly 45,000 runners joined “I run together to complete the multi- to put the hour long race through downtown healthy body Chicago, including seniors, Molly I have been Kuehn ’15, Molly Lipman ’15, Madie blessed with Miller ’15 and Maggie Taylor ’15. to good use, “[The marathon] was, without because no a doubt, one of the most kid should incredible, indescribable and have to sit rewarding experiences of my out on their life,” Kuehn said. “Nothing quite c h i l d h o o d prepared me for the excitement due to and atmosphere of Chicago.” c a n c e r , ” The training took about four said Miller. months, but “the hardest part of Kuehn,
by barbara badovinac
Lipman, Miller and Taylor, along with other motivated students at West, are participating in the University of Iowa Dance Marathon in February. These four girls prove that even a small group of teenagers can make a big impact on the lives of others. “We are all fighting, dancing [and] running for one cause,” said Lipman.
Molly Kuehn ’15, Molly Lipman ’15, Madie Miller ’15 and Maggie Taylor ’15 show off their Dance Marathon attire.
photo by chanel vidal
SPIKING FOR STATE by CHRISTINA DAI
christina.dai18@gmail.com Beginning in August, the gym begins to fill up with sounds of leather against cement, marking the beginning of a new season for volleyball. This volleyball season has, in Emily Halverson ’17’s opinion, been going smoothly. “I think we’re doing pretty well. We’re working really well together and we’re pushing each other well and practices are really fun,” she said. Coach Randy Dolson also has high hopes for the rest of the regular season and beyond. “We stand at 21-9 and are looking to finish the last couple of the weeks of the regular season strong. We have two regular season matches left and we have the MVC Tournament this Saturday… We had a good
tournament last Saturday as we state. According to Halverson, finished 21st in the Westside one of the most important Invitation Silver Bracket with a components of a successful 5-1 record for the day,” he said. performance is the perfect lineup. Being new to both West and the “We’re focusing on getting one volleyball team this year, Dolson lineup down that’s going to work believes a strong really well — having the team bond and skills best setter aligned with all that are applicable the right hitters and having to the way the team our best passing rotations in plays is what he has at the right times,” she said. brought to the team. Dolson said that state is an “I like to practice opportunity that can lead a the way we play, team to endless possibilities. which means good, Emily Halverson ‘17 “[Making state is] a goal hard practices for all teams I coach. I where players can believe it is what every team learn, grow and come to trust one should strive for. Once you can another and know that when things make it to state, you never know.” get tough, we are there for each other and can persevere,” he said. The team has also been working hard at preparing for wsspaper.com October 2014 sports 39
SPORTS the
trojan nation
This month’s sports updates
pinboard RACING TO VICTORY
SPORTS By the numbers Compiled by Aaron carter
2
Qualified for the Olympic Trials (swimming: Aidan Keen ’16, Ruby Martin ’18)
Underclassmen on the volleyball team this year
4
7
On All-State cross country teams. First: Akash Borde ’15; Second team: Nick Feeley ’16, Matt Schneider ’16, and Abdalla Ali ’15
With her recent wins in cross country, finishing first and qualifying for state in the Class 4A meet at Birdsall Park, Emmie Skopec ’15 is at the top of her game. The West Side Story takes an inside look at her running career. West Side Story: How did you first get into cross-country and track? Emmie Skopec: My dad was a competitive runner here at West High and college and now he still [runs] marathons, so he was the one who first got me into [track]. WSS: So did you actually want to do track and cross-country competitively or was it something your dad made you do? ES: At first I didn’t want to, but after going and spectating I really started to think it was cool and it was something that I wanted to do. WSS: What are some of the things that you most enjoy about these sports the most? ES: It’s really relaxing for me at the end of the day, even if it’s stressful, to just go
to practice and know that I’m going to run with my teammates and friends. Its a stress reliever, and I also really like the team environment. WSS: What are some of your long term goals for track and cross-country? ES: I definitely want to continue running in the future, as far as this season goes, I’m ranked in the top 10, but I would like to place in the top three at state. I’m also doing two big post season races; the Nike regional and the Foot Locker regional both to hopefully qualify for nationals or just to get some recruiting attention. WSS: What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment so far in either cross country or track? ES: Well for cross country I won the Rim Rock Classic a couple weeks ago and that was a big meet in Kansas and so it was really surprising and is something I’m really proud of.
FOOTBALL TIMELINE
AUG. 29 Head coach Garrett Hartwig’s first win was accomplished in the Gold Out game v. Cedar Rapids Kennedy
EMMIE SKOPEC
SEPT. 19 West defeats City 30-6
40 Sports October 2014 wsspaper.com
COMPilED by Ebony mckeever
Compiled by Aaron carter
OCT. 3 OCT. 3 26 completions by Aaron Bleil ’15 ties the school record set by Paul Burmeister in 1998
12 receptions by Oliver Martin ’17 broke the previous school record set by Dave Osborne in 1988
DESIGN BY BARBARA BADOVINAC
OPINION Bursting the bubble Remember in elementary school when the Iowa Test of Basic Skills was actually a week of fun? There was no homework and someone brought chocolate, string cheese and juice boxes. Those were the days, but no more. Now at West, the Iowa Assessments are administered over a span of two half-days and there usually aren’t even snacks. So why do we suffer through this torture? By the time we get in high school we rarely even see our scores, let alone care about them; we are too busy focusing on our ACT or SAT (more on those later) to care about our score on the Iowa Assessment math test. The only possible reason our state forces us through these
wonderful tests must be to test our knowledge and the success of our school. Wait: back up, that can’t be right. There is no way our school is judged based on how well it does on standardized tests. There is some legitimacy to that hope. In the No Child Left Behind requirements, only six of the eight are based on standardized tests. This means only 75 percent of our examination is based off of standardized tests, 12.5 percent based on how much we come to school/graduate and 12.5 percent based on if our teachers are actually qualified, according to the Iowa Department of Education. Our private sector is at least a little bit better. In the U.S. News
rankings for high schools, the reviewers include data from things such as how minorities perform or AP and IB (International Baccalaureate) participation. So why does our country rely so heavily on standardized tests? The answer is: because they are easy. Standardized tests are easy to control, easy to teach for and easy to administer so everyone in the whole country can take the same test on the same day in the same general area. No one can say an individual had an advantage or disadvantage, but what are the costs of standardization? Every school has a different curriculum, every student takes different classes, every student learns differently. These tests do
not measure how well we have mastered the content we have been taught or even how well we will be able to apply it in the future. They measure one thing: how well you take a test. So what is the alternative to the dreaded standardized testing model that our education system is so in love with? There is no single solution to this problem, since replacing these easy methods of examination would require some thoughtful work. However, that does not mean there are not alternatives. Educators have found many alternatives to this model such as the portfolio method, or performance-based testing. So how much does that #1 ACT average score really mean for West? We simply have the highest proportion of students in the state who study well for a standardized test.
Do you believe that standardized tests should continue to play the role they do in high school students’ educations?
2-12 The WSS editorial board voted against the idea. Art by kelsey keranen
Editorial Board members
Equity Statement
Aaron Carter
Isabelle Robles
Madie Miller
Akash Borde
Jaycie Weathers
Megumi Kitamoto
Brittani Langland
Katie Peplow
Michael Moonjely
Consuelo Mendoza
Kelsey Keranen
Nick Deerberg
Lauren Knudson
Sharon Xiang
Chanel Vidal Designed by akash Borde
Lushia Anson
It is the policy of the Iowa City Community School not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, martial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, socioeconomic programs, activities or employment practices. If you believe you have (or your child has) been discriminated against or treated unjustly at your school, please contact the Equity Director at 509 Dubuque Street, 319-688-1000.
Editorial Policy
The West Side Story reflects the views of the staff and does not represent the school administration, faculty or student body. Guest articles may be accepted to represent an additional point of view or as a part of a collection of reader contributions. The staff will carefully scrutinize all reader submissions. All ads are subject to approval by the business staff. Those that are libelous, obscene or plainly offensive may be rejected. The West Side Story attempts to publish all letters, which must be signed, to the Editors, but may reject submissions due to space limitations, inaccuracy or poor quality. It is the responsibility of the opinion editor to verify authorship. Editors can make minor edits for the sake of clarity, length and grammatical correctness.
wsspaper.com October 2014 opinion 41
OPINION
quality
Securing our school with a student resource officer The ICCSD should implement student resource officers in high schools. Incidents of students bringing firearms to school have been in the national news very frequently these past couple of years. Just three weeks ago, this topic came unnervingly close to home when administrators discovered a handgun and ammunition in the backpack of a student that went to West High.
SAFE AND SOUND
First and foremost, it is very important to stress that no one was in danger on Oct. 10. The teachers, administrators and police who were involved responded quickly and wisely to make sure the no one was in danger. They followed the protocol, and the system worked to keep everyone safe. We are very thankful to have these leaders in our school district and community. Though we are very fortunate that no one was in real danger that day, this incident brings to light a possible issue in our schools’ security. The student who brought the firearm turned himself in to the North Liberty Police Department four hours after he fled from campus. Administrators were unable to restrain him.
WHAT IS A STUDENT RESOURCE OFFICER?
One proposal to deal with dangerous situations in schools is to hire a Student Resource Officer (SRO) as a full-time employee in our high schools. An SRO is a sworn law enforcement officer who works closely with administrators to create a more safe environment for students and staff. They are similar to police officers in the sense that they are armed, can respond to calls for service, and make arrests. However, they also interact with and mentor students. Hiring SROs in our area high schools would make the schools safer. A law enforcement officer
would be able to restrain students who are dangerous to themselves and others. If the use of force is absolutely necessary, an officer who has specific training would be able to handle situations much more safely and efficiently than a school faculty member whose primary objective is to educate students. In particular, an SRO who is trained to give guidance to high school students would help diffuse, not escalate, potentially threatening situations. Teachers are not supposed to break up fights, so the presence of the officer would deter and reduce the frequency and intensity of physical fights that
Should area high schools have SROs?
12-2 The WSS editorial board in favor of having SROs.
happen at school. The SRO would be able to address incidents on campus much more rapidly than a police officer who has many responsibilities aside from keeping a high school secure.
GUNS IN SCHOOLS
Many people object to the presence of any weapons at school, and subsequently object to hiring an armed officer. However, it is important to remember that SROs are sworn law enforcement officers that are specifically trained to deal with dangerous situations. Avoiding the topic of guns in schools altogether will not make guns disappear, nor will it deter potential threats from bringing
42 opinion october 2014 wsspaper.com
guns to school. Given the impossibility of removing weapons from all households in or near the ICCSD, one cannot disregard the possibility that weapons could be brought to campus. An SRO would be the best possible individual to entrust with firearms. West High School houses over 2,000 students and faculty during the day without a single security officer. Many colleges with smaller enrollments have hired staff to ensure the campus is safe. Grinnell College, for example, is home to 1,900 individuals and has at least 20 security staff. Granted, this is the first incident in over 20 years that someone has brought a firearm to campus, but it should not take a big incident to start a serious conversation about hiring more security.
STUDENT OFFICER, SERGEANT
RESOURCE NOT DRILL
In the words of Randi Weingarten, head of the American Federation of Teachers, “schools must be safe sanctuaries, not armed fortresses.” In no way should an SRO bring to West High a tense environment, but rather, reassure students and faculty they are safe in the incident that a dangerous situation comes onto campus. It is very important the SRO would not take minor behavioral violations directly to the juvenile court, but instead, help teach young adults how to correct their behavior. SROs absolutely should not punish minor infractions any more harshly than the school would otherwise handle the situation. Properly chosen SROs at City and West would provide the schools with the experienced personnel needed to promote a peaceful environment.
of life
index:
trig or treat edition sin
Unless you have short-term memory, the new sin on the front lawn is only useful the first time you see it. Still looks cool though.
+π/2
cos The congressional midterm elections are the cos why I can’t look at any electronic screen without a message about Bruce Braley or Joni Ernst. Thank goodness they’re almost over.
+π/2
tan There were too many artificial ones at homecoming. Using tanning beds before the age of 30 increases your risk of getting skin cancer by 75%*.
-3π/4
sec If you’re going trick or treating tonight, sec out those houses that leave bowls out with a “take one”. Best rate of return.
+2π
cot As it gets colder out, it’s time to dig out those winter cots! Brrrrr.
-5π/4
2π We’ve really come full circle this issue. COMPILED BY AKASH BORDE DESIGN BY AKASH BORDE
*Source: Skin Cancer Foundation
SPEECHLESS
by KAI GUI
kaigui1997@gmail.com
I
swear, I’m not THAT awkward. It just so happens that for an hour a day, I completely forget how to speak. You’d think that after fifteen years with the language, I’d be comfortable enough throwing out a few comments and racking up those coveted AP English participation points. Instead, I’m 10 minutes behind the flow of conversation. Especially when discussing sensitive topics like racism
and sexism, I find myself excessively cautious to not offend anybody. The obvious solution would be to stop being such an ignorant prick, but the fact of the matter is that potentially offensive language is deeply ingrained in our vernacular. Take gendered language for example. We say “man up” to discourage others from backing down. We say “you guys” when referring to a not-exclusively-male group of friends. These are such common phrases that we may not give them a second thought, but they clearly define men as the primary gender. Furthermore, in language, “feminine” has become synonymous with “weak.” People “hit like girls” and so on. The result being, according to countless internet bloggers, implicitly misogynistic language reinforcing already skewed societal views on gender. In a similar fashion, we use implicitly racist language in common phrases like “no can do” or “long
time no see.” They have roots in Chinese Pidgin English, a dialect originally intended to coordinate business between Chinese and western traders. It seems ridiculous that a language designed for cooperation could possibly be racist. People are working together. Utopia, rainbows, flowers and stuff. Somewhat unsurprisingly however, people found a way to disrupt the peace. Pidgin devolved into caricatures and America had that one “really-racist” era. I haven’t read them myself, but Harvard doctoral candidate Devin Fitzgerald quotes the once popular works “Pidgin-English Sing-Song” and “A Chanson for Canton” as evidence that a “really-racist” era did, in fact, occur. (Devin Fitzgerald writes more on this topic online in The Ultimate History Project) I don’t usually intend to disregard entire cultures or assert my male dominance in my speech, but even if I don’t intend it, people can still
find it inappropriate and offensive. Of course people find just about everything offensive these days, and one could argue that the language we use isn’t a big deal. After all, as office manager and world’s best boss Ricky Gervais once ranted on Twitter, “Just because you’re offended, doesn’t mean you’re right...” It is a big deal, however, because the language we use influences society’s views. By cutting another one of these phrases from our vocabulary, we’ll be phasing out another stereotype. Nowadays, I try to be a bit more sensitive towards the words I use, but I still face a challenge I’m extremely ignorant when it comes to word origins. I probably insult countless cultures and peoples on a day to day basis. Becoming learned, however, requires dedication, and I’m pretty lazy. It’s infinitely easier simply not speaking. After all, participation only makes up, like, 10 percent of my grade.
FEMINISTS ARE CRAZY Note: this is a very satirical piece and is not to be taken seriously.
by sHARON XIANG sxxiang16@gmail.com
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he word feminist often times conjures up images of a misandrist who complains about how it sucks to be a woman and who likes to burn stuff while laughing maniacally. This is all very true, and as a feminist, I find it my obligation to confirm some common myths PHOTOS BY KELSEY KERANEN DESIGN BY KELSEY KERANEN
about feminism for those who are wondering if they are a feminist. Feminists hate men: Yes, despite the fact that the definition of feminism is the belief in equality of all genders, feminists are just too disagreeable to understand that “all genders” includes men. Thus they exclude males from being feminists. Feminists believe that men have screwed up the world, and it is up to women to fix men’s mistakes. Feminists can’t be men: Feminism is an elite club only for unattractive lesbians - men aren’t allowed in. According to patriarchal rules, men can’t show emotion, thus they are basically brainless robots and don’t have to capacity to believe in issues such as feminism. Feminists want to take power away from men: Feminists do want to take away power from men so they can rule
the world and truly become “feminazis,” while objectifying men (it might be just me, but I’ve never heard of women being objecti-
“Men are supposed to be the breadwinners and women are supposed to stay at home.” fied.) Feminists want to have the same rights as men, which definitely translates into taking power away from them. Feminists want women to earn as much as men for the same job; this means that women will take money away from men— which is not okay. Men are supposed to be breadwinners
and women are supposed to stay at home or spend their days at the mall. Feminists are all unattractive lesbians: Feminists hate men, so why would they agree to be in relationships with males? Some famous feminists are Emma Watson, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Halle Berry. These women are perfect examples of feminists who are deemed unattractive by society and are suspected by many to be lesbian. There are absolutely no feminists out there that are married to men, and if there are, they are not true feminists. Feminists are irrational: According to male rights activists, feminists want to see men as patriarchal oppressors and women as innocent victims. I hoped I have aided those in deciding whether or not they are feminists.
wsspaper.com october 2014 opinion 43
OPINION OPINION
NOT LIKE THE OTHER GIRLS
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by SCHYLER DAVIS
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jsd622@gmail.com
LISTEN TO YOURSELF
eing the avid lover of art zines and thrifting that I am, it should come as no surprise that I had a “Not Like Other Girls” phase. Probably worse than my psuedo-emo phase but arguably more tame than my weird and random phase, this phase was an unfortunate time; somehow, I had convinced myself that reading books, watching BBC America and my unwillingness to conform to modern capitalist industry were all indicators that I was superior to the bottle-blonde, makeup-caked majority. Of course, with the passing of junior high and the termination of most of my existential teen angst, I realized that the Hollister-wearing carbon copies were not actually real, and I was really just being a deluded asshole. As with all of the phases prior to this one, I grew out of it— my concern, however, lies with the girls who never did. It’s likely you’ve heard this before; a teenage girl who is insistent that she is “not like other girls,” following up with something that typically compares how she and the “other
oo often, parents tell us to “get off your phone/computer and do something productive.” I know when I hear that phrase, I feel frustrated with them and am less willing to actually listen and get off. I can’t be alone in this; after all, surfing the web is our generation’s adapta-
girls” dress, how much makeup they wear, and the suggestion that her choices somehow deem her more intelligent/enlightened/ classy than the women she refuses to identify with. Girls are pushing other girls away, convinced by absurd societal norms that they need to compete in a competition that doesn’t exist. This idea is even further romanticized in TV shows and movies targeting the young female demographic; the male heartthrob with the honey-colored hair, when explaining why he’s so in love with the quirky heroine, will almost always say something along the lines of “you’re not like other girls.” Although the phrase “the other girls” leaves some room for interpretation, there seems to be an unspoken consensus that the “other girls” are the girls who wear makeup, bleach their hair and probably aren’t very good at math. Although seemingly innocent, this concept has permeated an entire generation of young women, convincing them that they need to separate
themselves from one another. The female gender is not divided along a line separating smart girls who don’t wear makeup and dumb girls who do; girls are infinitely more dynamic than society gives them credit for, and these internalized misogynistic sentiments that drive girls apart are excessively detrimental to a girl’s self-image, by KELSEY KERANEN especially during her uncertain kelseyjanekeranen@gmail.com teenage years. The “not like other in the library and watching Kubrick girls” sentiment is an unforgiving films and, just like you, Susie is not void, and to think that I wasted two one-dimensional. years of my life wallowing in this pit That being said, if not wearing of internalized misogyny makes my makeup and dressing modestly skin crawl. makes you feel comfortable, keep To put this into perspective, let’s doing you. What is completely unsay there’s this girl named Susieacceptable is asserting that the way Susie loves shopping, the color you choose to present yourself is pink, and taking mirror selfies. She superior to those who have chosen watches Teen Wolf religiously, buys differently. Women are literally every One Direction album the day all amazing sun goddesses and, in it drops, and for some reason, these the best interest of our collective are the only factors that people use existence, you need to abandon when they take it upon themselves these idiotic dichotomies, find your to define Susie. Susie is not just the chill and accept that maybe you’re color pink and blowing money on more like the other girls than you clothes - Susie also loves visiting thought. museums and spending afternoons
esting to read, and I don’t even remember what board or card games we even have! After they win, what do our parents do? Go on their iPads, phones, or computers and complain to their friends how much time we spend
tion of reading a book. Every generation has its way of spending its free time; from reading to making up games to pestering siblings, it is human nature to not want to be bored. Our parents are slow to accept the Internet as our choice for how to fill free time. When I finally relent to getting off (only to escape parental wrath), I feel annoyed and have no idea what to do with my time: I don’t want to go outside, there’s nothing inter-
44 opinion october 2014 wsspaper.com
“Surfing the web is our generation’s adaptation of reading a book.” on our devices. Some of us use the computer for fun, but sometimes we have to use it for useful things, like homework. Others of us want to have a career in computing, so we need extra time on the
computer in order to learn and refine our talents. They are such hypocrites- those gripes are coming from people who oftentimes spend twice as much time on them as us! This is not fair, because rules are made to be followed. If they are not, then the rule looks silly or useless. If someone gives others a rule or piece of advice and doesn’t follow it, then it does not make me very inclined to listen or follow along. Either our parents should get off when we have to get off or they should be more lenient about our allotted time on electronic devices. Maybe if we have to get off, our parents could even do something with us like a game, exercise or Xbox. They could also be more lenient about time spent on the devices by adding allowed time, or if time runs out, then parents have to get off too.
PHOTOS BY CHANEL VIDAL, COURTESY OF JEREMY HU DESIGN BY KELSEY KERANEN
HUMOR Note: The article and cartoon below are satirical and not meant to be perceived as factual.
PUmpkins in a rough Patch
The (PLF) is trying to gain equality for all pumpkins this October. by Maggie terry dmrt98@gmail.com
art by shanthi chackalacka
Homecoming draining college funds Students decide to prioritize #hoco spending over college saving
complete
the
lyrics
with Andrea Harms, Science teacher
Pumpkins Protest for More Rights this Halloween! “Pumpkins are People, Too!” is the rallying cry of the Pumpkin Liberation Front this fall. Ever since Peter Pumpkin-Eater and Jack O’Lantern engaged in an epic battle many years ago, the voices of the oppressed have been squashed, but no longer. According to a statement released this week by the PLF, “We Cucurbitaceae are tired of conforming to the standards set by humans for the human holiday, Halloween. It is simply an excuse for the discrimination against and objectification of pumpkins. Many of us do not wish to be a part of Halloween.” Not everyone agrees, however. An opposition group has started the hashtag #notallgourds, arguing Halloween is something that makes pumpkins special. The apparent leader of the group, identified so far by their twitter handle @ gourdie23, tweeted yesterday “not all pumpkins hate Halloween. it is
“All About that bass” by Meghan Trainor West side story: Because you know I’m all about that bass, ‘Bout that bass, no treble I’m all ‘bout that: Harms: C, T, A, and G
bases.
Wss: Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top Yeah, my momma she told me don’t worry about: Harms: The length of the chain.
“Amnesia” by 5SOS WSS: I remember the day you told me you were leaving
something that makes us special and unique. #notallgourds” Despite the success of the #notallgourds campaign, multiple complaints have been filed claiming that the group is actually made up of cucumber impostors. @Gourdie23 has not responded to the allegations at the time of printing. While most pumpkins supporting the protests are moderate, there are a few extremists. “You will all see on Halloween! The Great Pumpkin will rise out of the pumpkin patch and reward all the good pumpkins and bring death and destruction to all the humans! I know he’s coming! You will all regret not believing me!” said Pump K. Pi, the leader of a radical pumpkin rights group. The effect this will actually have on Halloween remains to be seen because the pumpkin protests have not received a response from any human government or authority figures.
I remember the makeup running down your face And the dreams you left behind you didn’t need them Like: Harms: You didn’t need my friendship. WSS: I wish that I could wake up with Harms: Cinnamon Rolls. COMPilED by TARYLOR LIBBY
DESIGN BY AVERY SMITH
wsspaper.com OCTOBER 2014 HUMOR 45
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HOMECOMING
Relive homecoming by checking out our coverage online. Start with Spirit Week and build up to the game and dance, all in one post.
Find out how Eowyn Twitchell ’17 left Mr. Iannone’s face in “cuts and bruises.”
Ramen
Gone GIRL
Check out West Side Story’s review of the new film Gone Girl.
46 WEB OCTOBER 2014 wsspaper.com
Volleyball
See what the Asian Check out the detailed Cuisine and Culture Club recap of West’s volleyhave been cooking up. ball game against Cedar Falls.
FASHION TIPS Read a Q&A with Jin Lee ’17 on everything fashion.
DESIGN BY KAI GUI
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HOMECOMING r e c a p Experience the homecoming celebration as trojans came together with school spirit during the week of Oct. 13. Starting the week, students participated in spirit days such as jersey day. Later in the week, seniors defeated the juniors in the powderpuff competition and on Friday students and staff celebrated West during the pep rally. Later that night the Homecoming Court was recognized before the start of the game where the trojans defeated Davenport North 42-14.
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PHOTOS BY MADIE MILLER, CHANEL VIDAL, LEOLA EKO, MARY MONDANARO / DESIGN BY MADIE MILLER
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Participating in spirit week, freshmen Bailey Nock and Brianna Faulkner dress up for jersey day.
The senior girls defeated the junior girls during the annual powederpuff flag football game on Oct. 16.
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Dr. Arganbright looks on with students during the pep rally after school Friday, Oct. 16.
Most talented nominee Timothy Kelly recieves his flower while being recognized at the homecoming football game.
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Candiates for most spirited Griffin Brunk and Kiana Wilson get instructions from Brady Shutt about the rules on the relay druing the pep rally. The football team secured a victory of 42-14 against Davenport North at the homecoming game Oct. 17.
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Kate Gylten, one of the nominees for most talented, hugs her dad.
Sporting their new uniforms, the drumline plays in front of the student section.
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Fright CREATE YOUR OWN STORY BY FILLING IN THE BLANKS. COMPILED BY LAYLA HANNAFORD
Night
It was a full moon when my friends dared me to _______ (verb) into the _______ (adjective) house near the end of _______ (street name) street. The door _______ (verb) open on its own, sending a _______ (verb) down my spine and leaving me _______ (verb) as I walked in. Inside the house it was dark and it smelled of rotting _______ (noun). There was also a doorway at the end of the hallway. As I _______ (adverb) walked towards it, car lights turned into the _______ (noun) and I _______ (verb) the rest of the way to the door. Inside, it was even _______ (adjective) and so I started to _______ (verb) around to find the light switch. I found it, but it was covered in a _______ (adjective) substance, and as I turned on the lights I found that I was face to face with a _______ (adjective) horned _______ (noun). I _______ (verb) as fast as I could out of the house and that was the last time I ever went into the house. DESIGN BY JAYCIE WEATHERS