May 7, 2015

Volume 17, Issue 14 May 7, 2015

Ladies

Gentlemen

(from left)

(from left)

Anne Scherrman

Louis Hasley

Morgan Breitbach

AJ Brems

Michaela Brown

Mason Hoxie

Morgan Brown

Nolan Arp

Lizzy Bailey

John Hovda

Jennifer Sigmon

Adam McDermott

PROM 2015:

WHO WILL TAKE THE CROWN?

Xavi e r H i g h S c h o o l 6300 42nd St. NE C ed a r R a p i d s , I A 5 2 41 1 w w w. xavi e r s a i n t s. o rg w w w. xavi e rx p re s s. c o m Fo l l o w u s : @ x p re s sn e wspa p e r

Photos and Page Design

by Kathleen Parrish

News

2 Index

News.. 2 | Opinion.. 4 Student Life.. 6 | Mini-Feature.. 7 Feature.. 8 Health & Lifestyle.. 10 | A & E.. 11 Sports.. 14 | Backpage.. 16

Xpress Staff Editor-In-Chief Katherine Bauer

Photo Editor

Kathleen Parrish Photographers Jessica Fenske Ellie Detweiler Maddy Bailey

Business

Tory Brown

Distribution

Donavin Wenger

Online Editor Jeff Frieden

News Editor Tyler Testin News Writers Kathleen Parrish Tory Brown Erin Drahozal

Opinion Editor Amy Boe

Opinion Assistant Abby Willey Opinion Writers Nic Ekland Erin Drahozal Erin Foley Brooke Alexander Adrienne Hayes

Student Life Editor Jenny Dickes

Student Life Assistant Morgan Ross Student Life Writer Stephanie Wehr

Mini-Feature Editors

Faith Bohrer & Mikayla Noonan Mini-Feature Assistant Hadley Shriver

Feature Editors

Brady Hoffman & Jessica Driscoll Feature Writer Brylee Bastian

Health and Lifestyle Editor Samantha Valenta

Health and Lifestyle Assistant Maddy Bailey Health and Lifestyle Writer Hailey Justice

Arts & Entertainment Editor

Kayla Thompson & Rachel Lampe Arts and Entertainment Writers Catie Locher Donavin Wenger Nic Ekland

Sports Editor

Daniel Richardson Sports Assistant KJ Giles Sports Writers Luke Koechner Grant Gibney

Xavier students, faculty assist with Girls on the Run Girls on the Run is a worldwide organization that encourages young girls to embrace their inner self, gain confidence, and see their full potential. The Girls on the Run mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident by using a fun, experiencebased curriculum which creatively integrates running.

The motto for Girls on the Run is, “We believe that every girl can embrace who she is, can define who she wants to be, can rise to any challenge, can change the world. Can.” The Xavier community got involved in this 10 week program, which started on February 18.

Xavier seniors Claire Bouchard, Jeanne Bouchard, and Allison Jasper have all coached throughout this program. Xavier faculty Mrs. Victoria Hoffmann, Mrs. Erica Kearns, and Mrs. Jaclyn Richmond were also coaches. These individuals helped run practices with the girls twice a week.

“I think Girls on the Run is an important program to be able to empower girls at a younger age to think for themselves and gain self-confidence and self-understanding before they enter middle school when peers start to become more influential,” Mrs. Richmond said.

The girls’ practices usually

consisted of a fun and encouraging game dealing with a certain topic following a lesson book for Girls on the Run. This discussion activity was followed by a warm up, and each day finished with a run. Every week, the girls received energy awards based on nominations from the other girls or coaches.

“It’s cool to see the girls improve through the weeks,” Jeanne Bouchard said. “Not only in their running ability but also in their confidence.”

Xavier hosted a practice 5K for the girls involved in this program on April 18. The Cedar Rapids community then held their Girls on the Run 5K on May 2 at the College Community School District campus. The race started at Prairie High School.

Xavier seniors Delany Breitbach and Tory Brown and Xavier teacher Mrs. Bridget Lemker were “running buddies.”

All Saints Elementary School, St. Matthew’s Elementary School, and

Habitat for Humanity home completed by community The Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity (CVHFH) has completed its most recent house.

Special guests Kurt and Brenda Warner dedicated the house to the family after applying the finishing touches, such as small detail work and cleaning. The house dedication was held on May 1.

CVHFH is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities, and hope.

Mrs. Shea Francis, Xavier Controller, has been a member of the Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors for almost a year. When she is not budgeting Xavier’s departments, she plays a huge roll in helping Xavier students get involved with Habitat.

Hundreds of Xavier students have volunteered their time at Habitat.

“Habitat for Humanity’s mission for affordable housing is so important,” Mrs. Francis said. “You don’t realize how one

Regis High School graduate and former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner reminisces on times past with his old high school coaches after the Habitat for Humanity dedication ceremony. Nick Ireland Photo.

house can impact people’s entire lives. Everyone deserves an affordable, clean, and safe house.”

Since 1988, CVHFH has built over 130 houses and renovated countless others. Their mission is simple; to provide affordable housing options to people who need it. CVHFH benefits from Xavier and other high school students throughout the city donating their time and money.

“I helped renovate my first house for CVHFH when I was a sophomore,” senior Morgan Breitbach said. “It helped me realize that I can make a change in the world. The feeling it gave me when I saw the family walk

Backpage Editors Jessica Fenske

Backpage Assistant Ellie Detweiler Anna Christianson

The Xpress Bi-weekly Xavier High School 6300 42nd St. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52411 Volume 17 Issue 14

LaSalle Middle School each had teams in the race that consisted of third through sixth graders.

“I think Girls on the Run is a great program that teaches young girls to have confidence in themselves and gets them running longer than they thought they could,” Jeanne Bouchard said. “It pushes them so that they can see their full potential.”

The Girls on the Run event was a great way for Xavier students and faculty to get involved with the Xavier and the Cedar Rapids communities.

“My favorite part of Girls on the Run is when the girls start to see each other as supporters instead of competition,” Mrs. Richmond said. “They start to build each other up and find the positive intent in each situation.”

May 2 was a great day filled with pink tutus, hairspray, and capes, common costumes worn at the race. The girls who ran truly grew exponentially in their confidence and motivation.

Tory Brown News Writer Xavier Catholic elementary school girls and their Xavier coaches pray before the Girls on the Run 5k race on May 2. Jaclyn Richmond Photo.

Ryan Williams

Backpage Writer

Xavier High School

Construction Materials, Inc.

Dick Galligan 345-49th Avenue Dr. S.W. Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 (319)-366-6446 (800) 747-6401 dgalligan@constructionmaterialsinc.com

into their house for the first time is one I will never forget.”

Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide by constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes. It advocates for fair and just housing policies and provides training and access to resources to help families improve their home conditions.

For more information on Habitat for Humanity or how you can donate, visit cvhabitat.org or contact Mrs. Francis in the business office.

Erin Drahozal News Writer

May 7, 2015

News

3

Importance of voting stressed by Archbishop Michael Jackels Archbishop of Dubuque Michael Jackels has been in Dubuque for just over two years.

He is the leader of the Catholic faith in eastern Iowa, but he also has a strong perspective on the government. Archbishop Jackels shared his political message with Xavier juniors and seniors during a visit to the high school on April 22. His lively talk drew a positive response from the students who listened.

“I think Archbishop Jackels did a very good job explaining some of the positions of the Catholic Church,” junior Brandon Steffensmeier said. “I thought it was very informative.”

The topic of the Archbishop’s discussion was how young Catholics should live in today’s world. According to Archbishop Jackels, an essential part of living the faith is political participation through voting.

“This is a great privilege that we have as citizens,” Archbishop Jackels said. “It has great power because of the authority that we give to other people. We have to take it seriously. We have a moral obligation to vote.”

His message about the responsibility to vote came at an opportune time as the juniors and seniors will fill out their first presidential ballot in the 2016 elections. Two main points to

Every election year brings voters a variety of choices with positive and negative aspects to each one.

The key to telling the difference between candidates, according Archbishop Jackels, is to identify the person who is doing the most to promote common good and human dignity. These qualities are often bipartisan.

“We are not looking for the perfect Catholic candidate, but someone who is going to do the greatest good and the least harm,” Archbishop Jackels said.

The Archbishop cautions against extreme loyalty to either The Archbishop gives the Xaiver juniors and seniors advice the Democrats or Republicans. on voting in the 2016 elections and beyond. Kathleen Each perspective candidate Parrish Photo. should be evaluated individually. take away from the Archbishop’s bouts of homesickness, missing Their merit cannot be judged by talk were the importance of the family, friends, and food he their political party loyalties but by political policies that support had known in the United States. the content of their consciences.

“It’s a hardship to leave behind the common good and how to In the end, the talk came down choose the correct candidate. your family, leave your friends, to the simple fact that voting is When Archbishop Jackels casts leave everything that is familiar an intrinsic part of a democratic his vote, he looks for the person to you,” Archbishop Jackels said. society and the Catholic faith.

The Archbishop’s European Each person is called to place who is going to do the most good for the greatest number of people. escapades relate to immigration a vote for the best candidate The Archbishop cited a number laws in the United States because available and hope they follow Jackels realized through on their campaign of issues where the dignity of the Archbishop human person is put in jeopardy. the sacrifice that immigrants promises. The most important One of the topics most personal to make to find a new home. The thing is to cast an informed Archbishop Jackels is immigration Archbishop wants a system that vote and take an active role in reform. He can relate to the plight allows people to enter the country deciding the future of the nation. of the people who risk their legally with wait times lower than lives to move to a new country. the current average of 20 years.

Tyler Testin Finding the perfect presidential The Archbishop spent 12 News Editor years in Italy where he suffered candidate can be impossible.

mom in critical condition in the University of Iowa hospital for two months. Her mom was unable to speak and had very traumatic head injuries. During this time, Brittany spent every weekend at the hospital with her mom and the rest of her family.

Brittany never let this stop her from doing the best she could at school. She managed to get all of her work done despite having to watch her mother slowly drift away before her eyes. On December 7, 2012, just two short months after the accident, my aunt Kathy passed away. In my opinion, Brittany has dealt with the impossible.

I can never imagine what it would be like to lose my mom.

Brittany was able to pass her first semester even with all of this going on in her life. I think back, and I realize that if it had been me, I would have been so behind and would have had to repeat my first semester. She was also actively involved in her sorority, Alpha Phi, at the time.

Brittany’s hard work ethic has not changed. Despite everything that should have set her back, she has moved two steps further. Brittany was able to remain involved in her sorority, remain the co-editor and founder of the fashion

The vicious rumors have proven true.

Junior year is one of the hardest years you will have to work through. Junior year is filled with late nights, hard tests, loads of homework, and don’t forget to “be involved!” As I sit up until almost 2 a.m. most of the time, I usually begin to think that all of this is impossible. I often want to give up on all of my work and put it off because it’s all too hard. All of these negative thoughts lead me to think of a sort of inspiration for myself to get me through the “impossible” weeks. My thoughts immediately lead me to think of my cousin Brittany.

When Brittany was starting her freshman year of college at UNI, she was starting to work at her major, textiles and apparel.

On October 4, 2012, Brittany’s parents and older brother were driving home from dinner and got into a terrible car accident. Junior Hailey Justice and her cousin Brittany Wright This car accident left Brittany’s enjoy a Xavier football game. Nancy Justice Photo.

Discovering yourself “Life is a beautiful mystery that God only knows the answer to.”

This April, I was chosen to be a leader on a retreat for seventh graders at LaSalle Middle School. This retreat is called Discovery. It is designed to help you discover yourself: your talents, interests, hobbies, morals, and where you are with God. While at this retreat I learned a few things.

1. Life is like a scavenger hunt. Everyone starts at the same line. Then we all take off and choose different paths to try to get to the end.

While taking different paths, we run into others at the intersections.

When you run into them, you share, show, and give things to others, and you take stuff from them in return.

2. Just because someone looks like they have it all together does not mean that they actually do. The leaders I went with were some of the people I looked up to when I was in seventh grade. Hearing their

hardships made me hurt because these people were so extrodianary. The problem with them though is some of them could not see the beauty and sparkle they actually have.

3. You have one life on this earth. You can either throw it away or use it to the best of your ability.

We are all given the same 24 hours in a day, and only you get to choose what you do with that time. A mistake is a human error, which means it is common. With a mistake, however, you either get worse or better.

Only you can decide. I have made many mistakes, and I think with most of my mistakes I have learned and become a better person because of it. I decide to spend my time with others because I love to be with people.

4. Whatever God gives you, He knows you can handle it. “God gives His hardest battles to His strongest soldiers.” Everyone has bad days. I know when this happens to me, I ask myself, “Can this day get any worse?” It can. We were born into this life because we can handle it all. So next time you feel like you are having a horrible day, remember God knows you can handle it.

5. Lastly remember this: “You are so incredibly, extraordinarily wonderful, beautiful, and strong, and no one can ever take that away from you.”

If you take all of these things with you on your journey throughout life, you will be happy and successful.

The road to discovering yourself is incredibly hard.

Luckily, you are surrounded with people who love you and want the best for you! We all get the same amount of time in a day, but some of us get different opportunities in life. Make yours one to be remembered.

Good luck on your journey!

Stephanie Wehr Student Life Runner

Xavier High School magazine Uprising, and remain a student in the TAP association.

She also successfully coordinated and displayed her work in many fashion shows.

Brittany is now graduating a whole year early from college.

This summer she will be moving to California to start her amazing job opportunity as an intern for BCBG in LA. When I think about Brittany, it truly inspires me to work my hardest to be successful. She is the living example that you can make it through anything and you just have to hold your head high and work your hardest. I believe that Brittany has done “the impossible.”

As you muster through these last few weeks of the school year, just remember that you can do anything that you set your mind to. One day, I hope to be as successful as Brittany.

Hailey Justice Health & Lifestyle Runner

Saintly

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Doing the impossible

Opinion

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Opinion

May 7, 2015 Appreciate your grandparents

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fishing trip with my grandpa.

Through all the pizza nights, decorating too many sugar cookies to count, and trying to catch flying toast, it’s clear that all my grandparents have a special place in my heart.

I’m sure you have memories like this with your own grandparents or anyone you love, so I challenge you to tell them. Tell them how much those memories mean to you and exactly why you love them.

Obviously, I can’t challenge everyone to something like this without doing it myself.

So, to my own grandparents, I say this: you have inspired me to be a better person. I realize

that those shakes you have are from how ardently you live your life. Those annoying aches are from the hard work you’ve done. They’re proof of your determination and courage to keep going in the face of struggles. Lastly, those pesky wrinkles you complain about are from the joy and laughter you have given your family.

day, you make choices that shape you into the person you are. Do you want to show up at your class reunion and be identified as the kid who partied their high school years away? Do you want your classmates to flip open their yearbook someday and think of you as the kid who never reached out or made an effort to get to know anyone other than their small group of friends? Or do you have higher standards for yourself?

That being said, I’m in no position to tell you whether your actions are right or wrong. If one of the above situations applies to you and you are content with your potential legacy, more power to you. For those who are unhappy

with their reputations, however, the good news is that everyday is a new opportunity to change yourself for the better.

I’ve always found it hard to follow the advice, “don’t care what others think of you.” I think we can all confess that we’ve made a decision or two based on how somebody else will react. I’m not saying we should live to satisfy others, but keep in mind what impact your actions can have. People will forget what you said, and people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. So Saints, how do you want to be remembered?

As you may recall, a while back we had Grandparent’s Day Mass.

After sitting down with my own Samantha Valenta family, I looked around and Health & Lifestyle Editor was astonished by how many faces lit up when seeing their grandparents. It made me realize that while most of us love and appreciate them, we don’t really talk about it. Sure, it’s easy to say “I love you,” but why is it difficult to tell them how much they are appreciated?

If you’re like me, then you have amazing grandparents with whom you’ve shared many great memories. I can still vividly remember my cousins and I blaring Johnny Cash’s music in the car and singing right along with my grandpa who knew every word. I remember all the summers my sister and I spent making crafts and learning to cook with my grandma.

Where others got excited for water parks in the summer, More than 400 grandparents joined Xavier students for my sister and I counted down the seventh annual Grandparents Mass. Kellie Wagner the days for our farm pond Photo.

How do you want to be remembered?

“When you die, what type of person do you want to be remembered as?” This is a question each of us has probably heard at some point in our lives, but how much thought have we really put into it? And what are we doing during our precious time on earth to make sure we leave our desired impact? A question this heavy may seem a bit daunting to some, but it can easily be altered to relate to the lives of students. Once your four years in these halls of Xavier are over, how do ou want to be remembered?

Many people say that you have no control over what others think of you. I only agree with this statement to a certain extent. People judge you based on your actions, whether good or bad. Since you have full control of your actions, I do believe that you have the power to influence other people’s opinions of you.

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“ Y o u can’t please society.” Many people repeat this phrase as some sort of deep philosophical d i s c o v e r y, or as an intensely profound statement, or as a complaint when society backlashes against something. But the concept of an unpleasable culture isn’t a shocking revelation filled with insight; it’s obvious. Society was not meant to be pleased, and further more, it is impossible to please society. Regardless of what you do as a person to contribute to society, people will attack it, defend it, and critique it.

American society includes everyone in the United States, so is it really possible to please everyone? Over 300 million people live in America. How can you expect to have the entire population support your choices? Whether it’s the things that define your identity like your lifestyle, clothes, or your personal contribution to society through your job or through art, people will judge you, disagree with you, and possibly try to shame you for those things.

So now that we are aware of society and how it constantly frowns upon each and every single decision whether it’s good or bad, significant or trivial, what can we do? Deal with it. Accept that you can’t please society and stop trying to. This is not saying throw in the towel and be lazy for the rest of your life, but don’t worry about being judged for how you express yourself and what you create. If people don’t like how you dress, who cares?

There are plenty of people that give your attire the silent nod of approval. If someone thinks your music is awful like nails on a chalkboard, don’t worry.

There is a portion of society that loves your favorite song just as much you do. Trying to please society will cause you anguish, and no one wants that. So relax, don’t worry, and be happy.

Mark Wardlaw Opinion Writer

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How do you want to be remembered?

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Make yourself happy, not society

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Holy

Funny

Mini-Feature

May 7, 2015

What it the criteria for an MLA works cited pages?

You list the information on this page from sources you used to construct a scholarly paper. this way you can effectively locate and read the sources. (SS)

Ms. Molly Larkin (Religion)

Ella (correct) Charlie Esker ‘17

YO (correct)

What is the oxidation number of O2?

Mrs. Anna Scholl (Math)

0 (incorrect) Katie Janney

X

Solve the following Equations.

(22 ) (22 ) = X 16 (EM) 336 (AO)

X |2x-3|=17 x=4 (EM) X x=17 (AO) X

What are the primary colors?

Red, yellow, and blue.

However, since we live in Iowa they should be called the caucus colors.

(MG) Red, Yellow, and Blue (JH)

r s GET Q e z z i ui Qu eThe average Xavier Studentzze Th takes six plus classes and participate in extra circular activities!

d

Name a subject pronoun in Spanish?

Mr. Michael Goldsmith (History) & Jamie Hunstad ‘16

Mrs. Emily Moses (English) & Alexa O’ Shea ‘18

Mr. Scott Schaub (Science) & Aaron Bartles ‘18

I’m not sure, I use easy bib. (AB)

6

The Xpress set out to quiz teachers in a subject they don’t teach. Students were also quizzed for comparison and Xavier students were given the same Quiz.

Name a blood type.

Blood Type O (EK) Blood Type AB (KT) Name a Chamber of the heart.

Right Ventricle (EK) Right Atrium (KT)

‘15

-2 (correct)

What day lives in infamy?

Mr. Tommy Lage (Spanish)

Pearl Harbor (correct) Megan D’Mello 16’ 9/11(correct)

Mrs. Erica Kearns (History) & Kylie Tritle ‘15

Who is the patron saint of our diocese?

Archangel Raphael (SW) I honestly have no Idea, Saint Francis?

(BW) X Name an work of Mercy. (Corporal or Spiritual) Feed the hungry (SW) Almsgiving (BW) Mrs. Stephanie Wendt (art) & Blake Welter ‘15

Page Design By Faith Bohrer and Mikayla NoonanPhotos and Information By Stephanie Wehr and Tory Brown

Xavier High School

Student Life

GRANDPARENTS’ DAY MASS This year at Xavier, over 400 grandparents came to celebrate the annual Grandparents’ Day Mass on April 22. The Mass was celebrated by Father Vu and

Father Reasoner.

Page design by: Jenny Dickes, Morgan Ross, and Stephanie Wehr. Photos taken by: Nick Ireland and Kellie Wagner.

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8

May 7, 2015

Blue Zone Project

Feat

The mission of the Blue Zone Project is to help everyone live a happy and healthy lifestyle.

Volunteering has been known to boost one’s mood because it focuses on helping others and making their lives better. Actions, big or small, can make a difference in people’s lives around the world and in their community.

“My advice for stu be active, spend t friends and family a purpose by join and activiti Rachel Parr

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Page Design by Jessica Driscoll. Assisted by Brylee Bastian and Katherine Bauer. Kris N

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Xavier High School 9

Blue Zone the Power of 9 Move Naturally

udents is to time with y, and find ning clubs ies.” r ‘15

Eat Less

Eat More Plants

Find Purpose

De-Stress

Loved Ones First

Drink more Liquids Feed Your Soul Healthy Network

Xavier HOSA Club Garden

e Xavier Garden will be used to help the community food ntries and for service portunities. You do t have to be in HOSA Club to volunteer.

Naeve Photos.

Did You Know?

The average person’s life expectancy could increase by 10-12 years by adopting a Blue Zones lifestyle.

The odds of Blue Zone residents reaching 100 years old are up to 10 times greater than the average North American.

Produce Planted

- Potatoes

-Raspberries

-Mixed Lettuce -Cucumbers -Peppers

-Melons

-Tomatoes

-Sugar Snap Peas

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Health & Lifestyle

Xavier High School

Prom TRENDS 50 s 80 s

Prom has always been the event of the year for High School students. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a look at prom trends through the ages.

Prom accessories for guys

Prom in the 50s had full dresses that usually had layers upon layers of tulle.

Bow Tie Today, girls tend to wear slimmer, long dresses with some type of beading or sparkle.

Prom dresses in the 80s were bold with color and ruffles. The bigger, the better.

Today

Top Hat

Tie

All-time favorite trends from the past* Scrunchies (Trend Royalty) Neon (Second Place) Poodle skirts (Third Place) Perms (Fourth Place) Flared Jeans (Last, But Not Least) *150 students surveyed

Page Design: Sam Valenta, Maddy Bailey, and Hailey Justice. Pictures: Clipart.com, https://img0.etsystatic.com, http://farm3.staticflickr.com, http://simplyonelove. com/tag/vintage-dress/, http://dressesgownsnvr.com

A&E Seniors Continuing with Art and Music

May 7, 2015

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The senior class has many talented artists and musicians who have decided to pursue what they love in college.

Anna Zittergruen

Emma Venteicher

Nicole Lengemann

Double Major: Education and Vocal Music

Major: Education Minor: Art

Major: Vocal Music Education

Luther College

Why are you studying music?

Why are you studying art?

I started to like music in fifth grade when we had the opportunity to audition for Opus Honor Choir, and I was fortunate enough to get in.

Ever since elementary school, I have been interested in art.

After college, I would love to sing on the side with opera or something like that. I’ve been in three operas so far!

I want to be an elementary school teacher and maybe teach art.

What are your plans after college?

Why are you studying music?

I’ve always been interested in teaching. So I decided that if I do want to teach, I should teach the thing I love most, which is music.

What are your plans after college?

What are your plans after college?

Dining with Donavin “Never judge a book by its cover” is one phrase we have heard throughout our lives.

The Silver Dragon proved this saying to be true. Upon first glance, Silver Dragon looks like a questionable Chinese restaurant.

This is not the case. This to-go or dine in restaurant completely surpassed my expectations.

First, the atmosphere. As I previously said, the outside looks a little questionable. The inside is not the same. With a small dining area, Silver Dragon almost has a small mom and pop diner feel to it. In the dining area, Silver Dragon also has a large fish tank, which I thought was quite gorgeous. One additional feature I found interesting was that you have a full view of the kitchen from the counter, so you can see the organized mayhem going into the preparation of your dish. Overall, the atmosphere is on the small side, but still good.

The service at Silver Dragon was good. The food was brought out quickly. The waiter was nice and always had a smile on his face.

With nothing to complain about, but at the same time, nothing to really write home about, I would say the service is just average.

Last, but not least, is the food.

With literally over a hundred (133 to be exact) different meal combos to pick from, expect to take a while to chose the one you want. On top of this, these portions are not tiny in any way. These are heaping

University of Northern Iowa

Iowa State University

servings one would expect to see at Thanksgiving. Additionally, the food is cheap! I ordered the Kung Pao Chicken and, for only $7, got a heaping side of fried rice and two rather large egg rolls on top of my already huge serving of chicken.

These large portions are not only inexpensive, it is also delicious.

Overall, Silver Dragon is the perfect place to go if you want quality Chinese food without a steal price tag and with enough left overs to provide you with an additional meal.

I hope to teach at the high school level and then eventually teach at a university.

Rachel Lampe A&E Co-Editor

Pump up for prom playlist Ariana Grande “One Last Time”

lz obin Shu R d n a d Lillywoo n C” “Prayer I

Zedd - “I Want You To Know” featuring Selen a Gomez gar”

Maroon 5 - “Su

Taylor Swift“Style”

Donavin Wenger A&E Writer

Ratings Atmosphere

Bon Jovi - “L

ivin’ On a Pra

yer”

Service Food

-

oon nce” M e Da k th Wal Up and t “Shu

Rihanna - “We Fo und Love featuring ” Calvin H arris

Overall

Sam Smith “Stay With Me”

unk!”

- “Uptown F n o s n o R rk Ma no Mars featuring Bru Information from http://top40.about.com, Bing.com Photo

A&E Xavier High School SHOW CHOIR AUDITIONS Concert Band performs

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Any current 8th grade student through current juniors may audition for the 2015-2016 Xhilaration or Xuberance show choirs.

Choreography Sessions (students should come to one, but are welcome to come to both)

Monday, May 18 p.m.

Tuesday, May 19 3-5 p.m.

Audition Days

The concert band at Xavier High School held their spring concert on May 5 in the Regis LaSalle Theatre. The band preformed three different songs. Their set consisted of; España Cañi, Shenandoah, and Into the Clouds.

Their first piece, España Cañi, is a Spanish song with a lot of flare. Shenandoah is a piece they played on their recent tour in Washington D.C. Into the Clouds, their final song, is a piece written

by Richard Saucedo. It is about a pilot flying through the clouds.

“I like how they are all different styles,” senior Nicole Lengemann said. “We get to experiment with different types of music and

express the emotion of the pieces.”

A few days later, on May 8, the concert band will go to the state large group festival held at Independence High School. The band will be aiming for their first division I rating in school history.

Members are confident this year because of the successful year they have had so far.

“We’ve got some great music and we’re working hard,” band director Ms. Kelli Swehla said.

“I think the students understand what it takes to receive a division I more than they ever have before.”

The concert band will finish the year by preforming at the graduation ceremony on May 24.

(students should only attend one)

Catie Locher A&E Writer

Wednesday May 20 3-6 p.m.

(middle school students are suggested to attend this one)

Thursday, May 21 6-8:30 p.m.

Callbacks

Friday, May 22 at 3:15 p.m.

The concert band performs at their last concert, Christmas with Xavier. Kathleen Parrish Photo

Voce Tour

On April 24-26, Xavier’s Voce choir traveled to Minnesota to participate in their annual Voce Tour. There, they sang at various venues and got to enjoy the city. Here is a look at what they did.

24

• Departed from Cedar Rapids.

• Performed at St. Stephen Church at UNI Campus.

• Spent night in Cedar Falls

25

26

• Drove to St. Peter, • Drove to Nativity of Minnesota.

Our Lord Catholic • Arrived and Church to perform. performed at • Spent time at Mall Gustavus Adolphus of America.

College.

• Drove back to • Departed to Cedar Rapids.

Minneapolis, MN.

“Voce was fun for me because we got the incredible opportunity to sing amazing music in some of the most beautiful venues in Minnesota.

There was never a dull moment on the Voce Tour this year!”

“There are a lot of things that make Voce Tour fun; but the best part is getting the opportunity to make music with each other, to be a part of something bigger than yourself.

It is an awesome experience!”

Logan Brown ‘15

Mr. Matt Walker Voce Director

Matt Walker and Connor Miller Photos.

Kayla Thompson A&E Co-Editor

A&E

May 7, 2015

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Dick Alexander Kelli Alexander Nancy Alexander Kermit and Florence Alveshere Peter and Joan Bailey Ryan and Tracy Bastian Jim and Judy Bauer Ken and Rosemary Bauer John Beaird Nancy Bicket Kathy Black Doug and Charla Boe Sandy Boe Daryll and Beth Bohrer Marti Bowman Hannah Brown Heidi Brown Lydia and Mike Brown Christy Bryant Cassie Busch Anna Busse Sheli Christianson Hannah Chute Gary and Mindy Coleman Jane and Rod Collins Sharon Danielson Mr. and Mrs. Mike Delaney Brooke DeWolf John and Darlene Dickes Steve and Pat Dickes Jan and Mike Drahozal Joe and Kelly Drahozal George and Lois Drey Bette Ekland Tom and Terry Ekland Stephen and Kay Elliot Jacob and Theresa Fahnle Jack and Micki Fenske

Jenna Fenske Jim and Linda Fenske Barney and Kathy Foley Jeff and Jenny Frieden Richard Galligan Mike and Mollie Gannon Meghan Gerke Blake Gibney Mary and Jeff Gibney Jeanne Giles Patty and Al Gothe Jack and Walda Gustafson Preston and Janan Hall Nell and Mike Hammel Bob and Lauren Hammerberg Trisha Hart Scott Hassenstab Laura Herrig Tim and Katie Hill Stan and Jeanne Hlas John and Sasha Hoffman Marvin and Linda Hoffman Tom and Jean Hoffman Craig and Mary Hovda Logan and Stephanie Hoxie Sue Jennings Dave Justice Joe Justice Ray and Beth Kamin Ray and Jan Kamin Mary and Ralph Kammermeir Ron Keating Kelli Kerton James and Barb Klein Jenny Koechner Ann and Tim Kortemeyer Larry and Maryetta Lampe Mary and Perry Laures

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14

Sports

Xavier High School

Baseball and softball teams swing for the fences The sweet smell of freshly cut grass mixed with the crack of a bat indicates one of the most loved times of the year for many: baseball and softball season.

Under the command of Head Coach Dave Schemmel, the Xavier baseball team looks to have another successful season on the baseball diamond. They are led by more than ten seniors this season. Senior Nolan Arp proved his leadership by earning a starting spot last year on a competitive team. Catching and playing shortstop, he is a valuable asset defensively for the Saints. While he may have great defensive skills, he is even better at the plate.

Batting .344 last year, Arp has been working on his craft at the plate and

hopes to do produce even better results this year.

“My individual goal is to bat .400 this year,” Arp said.

Although Arp has individual goals, he is more focused on the team part of the game than just himself.

“Our first game is the toughest,” Arp said.

“It’s against Kennedy on Memorial Day and it would be great to get a win.”

Arp also has his expectations set on state this year and hopes the team can perform well if they make it there.

The girls’ softball team, led

by Head Coach Nikki Price, looks to follow up from their MVC conference title last season. The Saints ended up losing in the second round of substate but had a great season, finishing with a record of 33-7. Led by seniors

Senior Morgan Breitbach awaits a pitch during a spring softball game on April 16. Photo by Stephanie Wehr.

Erin Drahozal, Morgan Breitbach, Kylie Oldridge, and Claire Christianson, the girls look to have another memorable season.

“I hope that we can make

state this year after coming up short last postseason,” Breitbach said. “We already have great team chemistry and work very well together.”

Unlike the Xavier baseball team, Coach Price will rely on a plethora of underclassman to contribute to the team. This includes girls from eighth grade all the way through seniors. This rule allows an athlete to play up to five years of high school softball, dependent on the student making the team in eight grade.

The girls open up their season with a doubleheader on May 26 against Iowa City West at Bob Erusha Field.

Luke Koechner Sports Writer

Tennis teams search for identities Olberding eyes a state qualification Spring sports have officially reached midseason. This is a crucial point when teams take stock on how their seasons are going. Teams from around the state who have been tearing it up against everyone who gets in their way are kicking it into high gear as they hope to show off their hard work by qualifying for the state tournament.

Others look to shake off their early season lumps and bruises and will be looking to improve over the second half of the year. For Xavier’s tennis teams, their records would indicate they are still attempting to find their identity.

For the guys, the first half of the season has been a roller coaster.

The team currently sits at 7-5 and has run through a gauntlet of tough competition, including Dubuque Wahlert, Iowa City West, and MVC powerhouse Linn-Mar who is a perfect 100. The team has responded well to adversity, however.

“I feel like we’ve played pretty well so far,” freshman John Lansing said. “We lost to some very good teams, but we’ve shown them we can compete with the bigger schools. My goal

As the girls’ golf season continues, the Saints have continued their strong play with impressive play from junior Amy Olberding. With one state championship under her belt, Olberding is hungry for more.

“My overall goal for this season is to qualify for state as an individual,” Olberding said. “I also have set goals to consistently shoot below 85 for 18 holes.”

Olberding has placed runner-up in two meets, fourth in the triangular and fifth in the CRANDIC. The team is working hard in practice and is hoping to go back to state.

“The team is progressively getting better, and we are working hard in practice to bring our team average down,” Olberding said. “We all know our responsibilities to score our best for the benefit of the team, and there’s a lot of commitment Ryan Williams involved in playing on varsity.”

The Saints had a meet on Sports Writer April 28 at Hunter’s Ridge Golf

for the team is to finish the year strong to give ourselves a chance to make it to state as a team.”

The team has never suffered back-to-back losses, responding to each challenge by coming out ready to face their next opponent. This includes consecutive wins against Dubuque Senior and a solid 8-1 victory over Waterloo Columbus following a close 4-5 loss to Cedar Falls.

For the girls, it appears as though they are starting to figure things out, winning three of their last four with back-to-back 9-0 victories over Cedar Rapids Prairie and Jefferson. Senior Allison Jasper has continued her stellar play, obtaining the team’s lone victory against a talented Washington squad.

She continues to pace the team in wins with an 11-1 record.

The girls competed again on Tuesday, May 5 as they traveled to Waterloo East.

The boys hope to try for their third straight victory as Iowa City High comes to town.

course with 15 other schools.

“I struggled on the front nine, but I started to do a lot better on the back, improving my score by five strokes to take the seventh place spot,” Olberding said. “It was a long 18-hole meet, and I think our team really pushed to get their best scores possible.”

The Saints had an MVC super meet on May 4 and play today at St. Andrews.

Grant Gibney Sports Writer

May 7, 2015

Sports

15

Saints anchored by seniors Torson, Gradoville Leaders can tell others how to do the work or lead by example. Senior captains Evan Gradoville and Kayla Torson lead their respective track teams through their actions.

Gradoville has been the rock of the boys’ distance track team throughout his four years, qualifying for state the past three years, and is looking for a fourth appearance this season. He competes in the

4x800 relay, Distance Medley, 4x400 relay, 400 meter dash, and the 200 meter dash.

“The state meet is not only an incredible opportunity to compete, but a time where I can become closer to my teammates,” Gradoville said.

He will be taking his leadership and talent to Loras College to continue his track career.

Like Gradoville, Torson has

Seniors Kayla Torson (left) and Evan Gradoville (right) finish hard at a Kingston track meet. Emiko Coffey Photos.

competed in track all four years as well. She runs in the 4x200 relay, 4x400 relay, 400 hurdles, and the 200 meter dash. She made state her freshman and sophomore years and has been an alternate participant all four years for the Drake Relays.

Track has also given Torson some long lasting friendships with her teammates.

“It is fun being a captain because all of the captains share the responsibility of being the leader,” Torson said.

When Gradoville and Torson are not competing, they are on the inside of the track cheering on their teammates as they push it to the limit. If there are mistakes, both are willing to help their teammates. The expectations are high for the runners.

“Our goals for the season are to increasingly drop time

and take as many events to state as possible,” Torson said.

The boys’ and girls’ 4x100 teams battled the weather at the Drake Relays falling short of qualifying for the finals.

Senior night was Tuesday, April 28 at Xavier and 11 Seniors were recognized.

The state track meet will take place May 21-23.

Jacob Miller Sports Writer

Girls’ soccer recovers after slow start, senior boys continue to lead The Xavier girls’ soccer team has finally found their stride, winning three out of their last four games after starting a disappointing 0-3.

The Saints were able to get their first win of the season against Cedar Rapids Jefferson on April 21. Sophomore Addy Hoffman scored the only goal of the game on an assist from sophomore Josie Fuhrman.

Xavier took their momentum from the Jefferson game and carried it into their match against 3A number two ranked Iowa City High. The Little Hawks were credited with 10 shots on goal, but sophomore goal keeper Melody Snow was able to keep them off the board.

Xavier could not manage to find the net in regulation, and the game was sent to overtime. Senior forward Lizzy Bailey was able to score off a corner kick from senior Katie Ives to give the Saints a victory in a thrilling overtime game.

The Saints were able to extend their winning streak from two games to three with

a 5-0 shutout versus Cedar Rapids Washington.

Ives scored two goals and freshmen Paige Diebold and Elena Minor, along with Hoffman, added additional goals.

Snow recorded five saves on goal to shutout the Warriors.

The Xavier boys’ soccer team started the year 5-0 but have now dropped two of the last three to fall to 6-2. The Saints blew out Jefferson 5-1 at Xavier and set their sights on 3A number-two ranked Iowa City High. The Little Hawks struck early in the game, giving them a 1-0 lead. Neither team scored again until the middle of the second half when Xavier senior Camden Stovie was able to tie the game at one. Eighty minutes was not enough to decide a winner so the teams had to battle it out in overtime. Iowa City High scored to give the Little Hawks an exhilarating victory, handing Xavier their first loss of the season.

Xavier was able to recover from their first loss of the

Seniors Stephen Jones (left) and Lizzy Bailey (right) line up for kicks in a varsity doubleheader against North Scott at Xavier. Kathleen Parrish Photo.

season and beat Cedar Rapids Washington 3-2.

Seniors Connor Ramlo, Josh Hoffman, and junior Nolan Armstrong each had a goal in the victory. Senior Stephen Jones collected two assists.

Xavier then traveled to Iowa City West to take on the 3A defending state champion Trojans. Xavier fell 2-1 for their second loss of the season.

Senior Luke Koechner scored the only goal for the Saints.

Ramlo is leading the Saints in goals with six and total points with 21.

“To achieve our goal of a state title the veteran guys on the team need to be leaders,” Ramlo said. “We need to play as a unit and play to our experience.”

Xavier is getting key production from Koechner, who has five goals and 13 points. Jones is the team leader with 5 assists.

“The captains are the glue and everyday we challenge one another to make sure we better ourselves and our teammates,” Jones said. “I personally make sure my teammates don’t lose focus.”

The girls’ team played again at Xavier on May 4 against Muscatine. The boys and girls both played May 5 against Dubuque Wahlert.

K.J. Giles Assistant Sports Editor

Backpage

16

Promposals

May 7, 2015

2015

Alea Challenger (‘15) and Matt Downey (‘15) --“Help me dance in the rain at PROM”--

Lizzy Bailey (‘15) and Sanders Ferring (‘15)

Sarah Burke (‘16) and Gabe Smith (‘16)

Isabel Frisch (‘15) and Joshua Hoffmann (‘15)

Abbey Potter (‘15) and Connor Ramlo (‘15)

Stephanie Wehr (‘16) and Riley Shey (‘16)

Kaylee Watson (‘16) and Luke Winker (‘16)

Michaela Brown (‘15) and John Hovda (‘15) --“Will you be the Turk to my Carla and SCRUB the way to PROM with me?”-Page Design by: Jessica Fenske and Ellie Detweiler

Jane Hill (‘17) and Colin Scott (‘15)

Katie Maloney (‘17) and Iman Juenger (‘16) --“5678 will you be my prom date?”--

Meghan Joens (‘16) and Jamie Hunstad (‘16)

Anna Weih (‘17) and Sam Hiserote (‘15)

Lydia Brown (‘16) and Andy Globokar (‘16)

Tory Brown (‘15) and Nick Lang (‘15)

Ellen Jasper (‘15) and Matthew Kirpes (‘15)

Morgan Brown (‘15) and Mitchell Burger (‘16)

Maddie Feltman (‘16) and Noah Terfler (‘16) --“I hear you like mangos. Will you manGO to prom with me?”--

Faith Bohrer (‘16) and Jacob Miller (‘16)

Maddy Bailey (‘15) and Stephen Jones (‘15) --”One more dance, Madeline Joan will you go to Senior Prom with me?”--

Regan Shey (‘16) and Grant Gibney (‘16)

Jenny Dickes (‘16) and Michael Fettkether (‘16)

Angela Hunt (‘16) and Jonah Scallon (‘16)

Emma Lessman (‘16) and Jake Salter (‘16) --“It may be raining on my parade right now, but I’m sure it’ll be a bright and sunny day on May 9th if you go to PROM with me.”--

Ashley Hannen (‘15) and Connor Miller (‘17)