October 16, 2014 by Xavier High School Newspaper

Volume 17, Issue 3 October 16, 2014

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Xavier High School 6300 42nd St. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52411 www.xaviersaints.org www.issuu.com/xpressnewspaper/docs Follow us: @xpressnewspaper Page Design by Parrish and Fenske, Photo by Wehr

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 Amy Boe KJ Giles

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

Xavier High School

Xavier participates in Respect Life Month When the fall weather cools and the days get shorter, it signals an event recognized at Xavier in the month of October. Across the nation it is Respect Life Month. Humans young and old face an assault on the dignity of life in the world today. Many people are taking a stand, including the Xavier Saints. The Stations of the Cross commemorate the death of Jesus Christ. In Xavier’s courtyard, near the Stations, stands a memorial to the lives lost to abortion. These 400 white crosses span the front lawn and represent roughly 4000 children in the United States murdered each day at abortion clinics. The crosses are part of an annual tradition that began five years ago. Theology teacher Mrs. Sue May and her husband, Tony, were inspired to display the crosses by a Catholic Church in Dubuque. Crosses had previously been displayed at Xavier by former campus minister Fr. Steve O’Brien. This year, the white crosses were installed by volunteer students at 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 27. The crosses were constructed by Mr. May and his friends. The large sign in front of the crosses was built by Nesper Sign. Students who participate in Xavier’s respect life events are part of a club known as the Lifesavers. The Lifesavers will march to Washington D.C. on January 22 as part of the National March for Life. Xavier’s trip to the

nation’s capital was snowed out last year, but no winter blizzard can cool the Saint’s passion for protecting unborn children. “The issue of respecting life is so important in a culture that discards and disrespects life as having no meaning,” Mrs. May said. “As Christians we are called to uphold the respect and dignity of life from conception until natural death.” The high point of Respect Life Month is Respect Life Week. The week began on October 13 and will continue through Friday, October 17. Events spread throughout the week show respect for life through prayer and donations. The week kicked off in all Theology classes on Monday. The Archdiocese of Dubuque has chosen the elderly to be in focus for Respect Life Month 2014. Xavier students responded by composing letters to their grandparents. The week of awareness continued when students dressed in black and refused to speak to anyone on Tuesday. These Saints personified unborn children who are not given the chance to talk before their lives are snuffed out by abortion. “It was challenging, but I thought it was a good way to show solidarity to those who cannot speak for themselves,” junior Sam Pisney said. Pisney participated in Dress in Black Day last year. Wednesday and Thursday were collection days for student donations to Northbrook

On September 19, the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center made its 49th trip to the balcony of Ron Thillen Gymnasium. The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center makes three visits to Xavier every year and has said that the Xavier contribution to the blood bank is one of their biggest donations. The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center (MVRBC) is the exclusive provider of blood products and services to 88 hospitals in Illinois,

Catie Locher Donavin Wenger Nic Ekland

Sports Editor

Daniel Richardson Sports Assistant KJ Giles Sports Writers Luke Koechner

with 18 new student donors. All the blood donations that come through the MVRBC stay fairly close to where the donations came from, going only to Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Along with the great feeling of donations, helping out another person that lives close to home can give one a great sense of community. "Blood donation means a lot to me and my family," senior Madison Nelson said. "Having a cousin who regularly needs blood transfusions, I can firsthandedly see the impact that regular donations can have on her and the community." For more information and details about how to donate, visit www.bloodcenter.org.

Senior Reagan Rokos donates blood at the Xavier Blood Drive. Stephanie Wehr Photo.

Erin Drahozal News Writer

Grant Gibney

Jessica Fenske

N: SOO ING ROAD COMGEWOOD INS NTA ! FOU ATION LOC

Enroll Today!

Backpage Assistant Ellie Detweiler Backpage Writer Anna Christianson The Xpress Bi-weekly Xavier High School 6300 42nd St. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52411 Volume 17 Issue 3

400 white crosses line the grounds of Xavier to commerate lives lost to abortion. Stephanie Wehr Photo.

Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. The Blood Center is based in Davenport, where MVRBC’s testing, processing, and primary distribution center handles more than 250,000 units of blood components each year. MVRBC is a non-profit organization. Their mission is to provide the best quality and care to its patients and make their experience donating blood as easy as possible. "There is always a great demand for blood," Xavier nurse Kris Naeve said. "It is a simple process that takes just a little of one's time to donate. You are literally giving a little of yourself to potentially save someone's life." 36 Xavier students contributed to the most recent blood drive,

Ryan Williams

Backpage Editors

Tyler Testin News Editor

Student donations pump up Blood Drive

Arts and Entertainment Writers

Mark Wardlaw

Nursing Home, Birthright, and Bridgeheaven. These are charitable groups who support the elderly, pregnant women, and unborn children of the community. On Friday, the 7 a.m. Mass will be offered in respect for life. Theology classes will each pray the rosary in the chapel. “Because we are made in the very image and likeness of God, how could we ever propose that a life is not sacred?” Mrs. May said. Respect Life Month highlights many conflicts between society’s and Catholic’s ideas about respecting or disrespecting life. The month’s goal is to remind everyone that through prayer and peaceful protest, a world can be achieved where all life is treated with respect.

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October 16, 2014

News

Saints walk for breast cancer awareness New Xpress Website hits the internet The 24th annual Especially for You Race took place on October 5. This event had over 14,500 participants who walked or ran to fight breast cancer, including 586 cancer survivors. By participating in the walk, racers helped to support mammograms and other breast-care services for individuals in the Cedar Rapids area. This year raised more than $400,000 in registration donations to go to the Especially for You Fund. The Especially for You Race was founded by Mercy Medical Center and General Mills. The race is in memory of Sandy Knight, a worker at General Mills who died fighting breast cancer. She wanted less fortunate women to have the opportunity to cover the cost of mammograms. Knight was a big part of generating a successful screening program at the General Mills plant in Cedar Rapids. Breast cancer takes an estimated 40,430 lives per year. With early detection through clinical breast exams and mammograms, this number could be significantly reduced. Shari O’Rourke, mother of Xavier senior Katie O’Rourke, is a breast cancer survivor who has participated in the race for over 15 years with support of family and friends. “As a cancer survivor, this

event means hope,” O’Rourke said. “Hope for those who have family members that have gone through cancer, hope for those who are going through cancer themselves, and hope for the next generation so that some day researchers may find a cure.” This is not only an event for those who have been touched or affected by cancer, but also an important community event. “By participating in the race, it helps increase the awareness of the community for women to regularly have their health care service visits,” O’Rourke said. The Xavier community got involved with multiple students and families participating in the race. The freshman cheer squad also participated by cheering on the racers. “I love for the Xavier cheerleaders to show support for such a great cause at the Especially for You Walk,” Xavier cheerleading coach Melissa Dostal said.

The Xpress has always been delivered to patrons across the continental United States. Now, the Xavier Newspaper is going worldwide with their new website: xavierxpress.org. Designed and managed by senior Jeff Frieden, the new Xpress website is powered by Google Sites. “It’s going to make it a lot easier for people to read the Xpress,” Frieden said. The website features all of the articles and photos of the printed version of the Xpress in a layout tailored to

computers and mobile devices. Xavierxpress.org is going live in conjunction with the release of the third issue of the Xpress, but all previous articles for this year are also available for reading on the website. It is a great way to relive great moments in Saints athletics, reread favorite opinion articles, and stay up to date with all the Xavier news.

Tyler Testin News Editor

Xpress.or r e i v g Xa

Tory Brown News Writer

Below: A group of students raise breast cancer awareness at the Especially for You Race held October 5. Jenny Dickes Photo.

Xpress Articles On-Demand

4 Respect All Life

Opinion

capabilities: a heartbeat, brainwaves, etc. Every junior in the state of Iowa is trained in The debate CPR. They are trained to save about the soa person without a heartbeat. called “life We cannot use a heartbeat as issues” does the standard. We are bringing not center people out of brain death. around life, Modern medicine has the ability since all sides to return brain activity to those agree that who had none. (And yes, they people have a were the same person. They right to life. It centers around the did have some recollection of definition of personhood, and I their life before they entered offer one simple point in favor into brain death.) Brain of this definition to include all activity can’t be the standard. humans, from conception So what is left? When you to natural death. go past the moment of my I think we can agree that I am conception, I was two things: the same person now that I was the part contained within my one second ago. And if I am the father and the part contained same person I was one second within my mother. And since ago, I am the same person I was I, one thing, cannot be two two seconds ago.This pattern will things, I did not exist before continue infinitely if we allow it my conception. From womb to to go on, but we do not. We have tomb, I exist. And as long as I these certain standards we set exist, I deserve the same basic for life, and as we go backwards human rights as everyone else. from who I am now, the first standard is viability or the ability Jeff Frieden to live without being attached Online Editor to something else. However, if you go to any hospital, you will find it is full of people who could not survive without being hooked up to a machine. In short, they are people who are not viable, but they are still people. The next standards are a menagerie of physical

Embrace your Inner Nerd

Xavier High School

Penalty for Prayer In the last few months, the NFL has been in a state of pandemonium. There have been many allegations about the NFL players, and now the league and its referee staff are the ones under fire. In a recent NFL game, Kansas City safety Husain Abdullah returned a touchdown against the Patriots in the fourth quarter and was then penalized for kneeling on both knees and praying. Abdullah, a devout Muslim, wasn’t trying to be flashy, but rather was just praying. What makes this a big deal is that praying is not supposed to be penalized in the games. For example, Tebowing was a big deal

in the media a couple of years ago. This was Tim Tebow’s signature move after a good play consisted of him kneeling down and putting his hand on his head and reverently saying a quick prayer. While this may not be a big deal to most NFL fans, as a Catholic school student, I’ve been taught to not be afraid to show my faith. The NFL not allowing praying is a big deal. All my teachers throughout my four years have said to be humble in faith because it is a relationship between you and God, but at the same time, don’t be frightened to stand up for what you believe in. The NFL rule book from the previous years states that you should not be penalized for any form of religious action or for praise, yet a player got a 15 yard penalty for it. This is an issue because either the rule book has been unjustly changed recently or the referees don’t have a clue what they are doing. In retrospect, praise is a good form of love for God. If the NFL takes that away, there could be big issues between many fans, teams, and players. Luke Koechner Sports Writer

Kansas City Chief Husain Abdullah kneels to pray after a touchdown. AP Images Photo.

one day, and geeking out over no iPhones, no internet, and no Harry Potter are all examples of Netflix. That’s right, no Netflix. how I embrace my inner nerd. Who is making fun of nerds now? Like I said earlier, being a John Green, author of The I never thought nerd is a good thing. When I Fault in Our Stars, is one of that I would be hear the word nerd, I think of America’s most beloved nerds. able to tell you someone who is passionate He once said, “Why is being the difference about something. A nerd a nerd bad? Saying, ‘I notice between a is someone who refuses to you’re a nerd,’ is like saying, goblin and an conform to society’s view on ‘Hey, I notice that you’d rather Orc. Nor did I how they should think and be intelligent than be stupid, ever believe act. Instead, they march to the that you’d rather be thoughtful that I would beat of their own drum and than be vapid, that you believe have a secret obsession with do amazing things as a result. that there are things that matter Batman. And never, in my wildest Nerds are the people we need more than the arrest record of dreams, did I ever think I would to thank for the great things Lindsey Lohan.’ Why is that?” have a whole board on Pinterest in our lives. Just think about it. I can completely relate to Mr. dedicated to Harry Potter. Without nerds there would be Green’s train of thought. Why However, it has happened; I have become a nerd. Instead of crying into my pillow at night about my socially doomed fate, I decided to take my nerdiness in stride. I realized that if I couldn’t accept myself as I am, then no one would ever be able to. Being a nerd is a GOOD thing! Yes, I know being nerdy isn’t the cool or popular thing. People like to wear thick glasses and button downs to look like a nerd, but no one ever wants to truly be a nerd. Contrary to popular belief, I’ve actually discovered that being a nerd is a lot of fun. Having intellectual conversations, watching The Junior Adrienne Hayes shows off her inner nerd by Lord of The Rings trilogy in reading her favorite Harry Potter book. Wagner Photo.

is being a nerd looked down on so much in our society? Why is it considered abnormal for a person to prefer Animal Planet’s “River Monsters” over E!’s “Keeping Up With the Kardashians”? I have no idea why society is like this. However, I am my own person with my own thoughts; society doesn’t rule me.Therefore,I believe whatever I want and I choose to believe that the nerd life is the best life. All in all, everyone has a little bit of nerdiness. Some people gladly embrace it and others refuse to let others know about it. Nerdiness can be anything from obsessing over a band to having crushes on the entire cast of The Avengers. Your nerdiness makes you unique and different. My advice: embrace it. Adrienne Hayes Opinion Writer

October 16, 2014 Let go of HS misconceptions I recall walking into Xavier for the first time my freshman year at orientation. I remember all the nerves of trying to figure out what the heck high school was going to be like. Sitting in the theatre, listening to Mr. Keating speak to us, I tried to identify different people. Who were the “popular kids”? Who were the people who were “losers”? Who were the people who had no friends? I felt I fell into this last category. I had come from the lovely St. Joseph’s middle school and a class of 19. I quickly came to the (incorrect) conclusion that athletes were popular and the star athletes ruled Xavier. I also had the idea that band was lame. Band members had no friends and were looked down upon. I was set on quitting band. I am so glad my preconceived ideas about Xavier were all wrong. I would like to bust several myths people may have about high school and encourage you to let go of them. Seniors bully freshmen: false. The seniors generally loved freshmen because they saw us as innocent and in need of help. Did they ever help me! I recall sitting in the XPL at 10 p.m. after musical rehearsals and all the seniors who

Opinion would stay with me as I waited for my mommy to pick me up. They never hesitated to offer me a ride or take me to get food. Some students have told me that they felt bullied by seniors. I cannot attest to this because it didn’t happen to me. Hopefully, Xavier has continued to outgrow this flaw. Popularity is everything: false. I quickly learned it was more important to do what I loved and make my friends that way. I admit, it took me a very long time to warm up to my classmates. It wasn’t that I didn’t like them. I was just afraid the cool kids would find out I was not popular and make fun of me. But through my activities, I found that there were others like me. In reality, none of the upperclassmen cared if others thought I was cool. They thought I was cool and liked me for who I was. In the end, it turned out my class didn’t really care that much about how popular I was. They just wanted to have someone to talk to. Teachers are rude; classes are impossible: false. Going into high school, I thought I was going to fail every single class. I assumed biology would end in a D. I thought Mrs. Moses would assign a giant research paper the first week and not tell me at all how to write it. I was also terrified of Ms. Swehla and tried to wiggle my way out of band. But Mr. Kadlec reviewed basics for the first week. Mrs. Moses didn’t assign a research paper right away, and when she did, she helped me through every step. Eventually, I was no longer afraid of Ms. Swehla. Classes in high school

are challenging, but they aren’t impossible. Teachers are rarely as intimidating as they seem. Lastly, and most personally, band is for losers: false! My freshman year, many of my classmates made fun of band. They made fun of band camp, how poorly we competed, and the small size of our band. “It’s halftime, Katherine! It’s time for your favorite part of the game!” They weren’t trying to put me down personally. They were just joking. But it still hurt having the feeling that band was dumb. It took me all of freshman year to let go of this idea. I was going to quit because band was so uncool and I would never have a social status if I stayed in it. I remember long conversations with Ms. Swehla about quitting. She persuaded me to stick with it. I am so grateful she never gave up on me because one day, I realized band wasn’t that bad. I enjoyed the music. I actually had friends in band. Because of Bryan Banowetz, I wanted to be a drum major. Really, I didn’t care at all what anybody else thought of me or what I participated in. It might seem odd that this was the biggest misconception I had about high school, but it really held me back until I let it go. Now, as a Xavier senior, my classmates respect band more. Most people enjoy our performances at halftime and our music at basketball games. I am sure many of you, especially underclassmen, still have ideas about Xavier that you haven’t realized aren’t true. Don’t wait to let go of these misconceptions. Popularity seems so childish now.

Unfortunate cookies

fellow). It was at this point that he unleashed wisdom on me that I’ll never forget: “I create my own fortune, bro. The message on that A recent little piece is probably perfect dinner table for people that don’t want the r e v e l a t i o n ball in their hands with the clock changed the winding down when the game course of my is tied. Me? I want the ball.” Ever since witnessing my life, and I feel anti-fortune-cookie it’s my duty brother’s to serve you attitude, it has come as a shock to up a slice of me to realize how many people the epiphany. So, my siblings take these fortune cookie are all in town, and we’re messages to heart. No one having ourselves a nice family readily admits to buying into the supper of takeout (American) fortune, but to hang it on your Chinese food. I watch my older mirror or carry it around in your brother eat a fortune cookie wallet as if it’s not just a piece of without reading the little slip of garbage (recyclable rubbish) paper containing his fortune. says enough. I understand At first, I didn’t think much of how scary an uncertain future this, but upon being questioned may seem with the twists and about the contents of his fortune, turns that life throws at us, I realized that my brother flat out but to calm that fear with a refused to read his fortune. He trivial destiny is beyond me. You can tell yourself it’s all fun acted as if his cookie contained a slip of paper by mistake, and games and that you don’t comparable to the typical hair- really believe the fortune within in-your-food scenario (when your cookie. You can even tell you most certainly know there’s yourself that you only participate a hair in your food, but by because you like the texture drawing attention to it you must and the flavor of the fried piece either surrender consumption or of cardboard mislabeled as a proceed as the “food-contains- cookie. But at the end of the day, a-hair-don’t-care” type of even if you can look yourself in

5 I know that we are all talented people. No activity is any better than another, regardless of what other students think. Your activity is as good as you make it. So please. Let go of your stereotypes about Xavier. Accept this high school for what it is, because I think you’ll find it is better than you expected.

Katherine Bauer Editor-in-Cheif

Senior Katherine Bauer is ready to perform with the Marching Saints. Read Photography Photo.

Senior Nic Ekland refuses to let a fortune cookie determine his future. iClipart Photo.

the mirror (that may or may not have a fortune taped on it) and tell yourself you don’t believe in a single word of those cookie messages,I’d rather just avoid that battle altogether because I’m in the driver’s seat to determining my future success or failure. As Robert Frost suggests, there are two roads that diverge in a yellow wood, and I cannot travel both, so I will be taking the high road of refusing to read another fortune. Good

news may be coming soon, the woman I desire may feel the same about me, and/or a dream I have may come true. Thanks, but no thanks, cookie with paper inside. I’ll leave the job of semiaccurate, somewhat obvious predictions to the weather man. Nic Ekland Opinion Writer

Xavier High School

A Day in the Life of Sean Murphy Sean Murphy is a junior and is involved in varsity football, track, baseball, Xhilaration show choir, and as a Student Ambassador.

Daily Schedule 6:30 Wake Up 7:20 Get to School 7:50-2:45 School Classes: Psychology, AP Language, Theology, Choir, Spanish IV, AP Biology, US History, Pre-Calc 3:00-6:15 Football Practice 6:30-9:00 Show Choir Practice 9:30-10:30 Homework 11:00 Go to Sleep

Student Life

Class Comparisons

Everyone has to deal with time management in high school. Take a look at how the 93 students surveyed from different grades compare in hours of sleep, homework, and activities they have daily.

Hours of Sleep Freshmen

7.2

Juniors

6.8

6.3

6.1 Seniors

Sophomores

Caroline Richardson ‘18

Hours of Homework Seniors

Sophomores

1.5 1.1 1.2 2.9

Sydney Oakley ‘16

Freshmen

Juniors

Hours Spent on Activities Freshmen

1.7

Juniors

1.8 1.7 1.7

Sophomores Sean Murphy ‘16 Page Design by: Jenny Dickes and Morgan Ross. Information collected by: Stephanie Wehr

Seniors

Nic Ekland ‘15

Mini-Feature

October 16, 2014

Which Season are You?

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Peeps! Yay or Nah?

Ya y

Do You listen to Christmas music before December?

Would you rather dye Easter eggs or make gingerbread houses?

Do you prefer mistletoe or mums?

Do you prefer rainy days or sunny days?

You are Spring! The trees budding and birds singing warm your heart just like the weather.

is t le to e M

gg rE Ea st e

You are summer! You love lounging around in the warm summer sun and spending your days relaxing.

Winter

You are Winter! You can be found snuggled up with hot cocoa and a warm blanket when the flurries start Design By Faith Bohrer And Mikayla Noonan cutouts by Stephanie Wehr Photos by: Maria Efting falling.

Mums

Spring

d ea br er ng se Gi Hou

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Sunny

Summer

Fall

You are fall! You like the brisk wind, leaves crunching under your feet, and spooky things.

Fea

8 October 16, 2014

Cedar

Rapids East

65%

Cedar Rapids does indeed have things to offer to the average high school student. Page Design by Brady Hoffman and Jessica Driscoll, Information collected by Brylee Bastian Photos by AP Images and Kathleen Parrish.

The average number of Xavier students who live on the East side vs. the West side

2nd

Largest City in Iowa

Parks

Pools

West

35%

130,000 Residents

Golf Courses

Famous people who originated from Cedar Rapids

Ashton Kutcher Actor

Zach Johnson Pro Golfer

Kurt Warner

Pro Football Player

Elijah Wood Actor

ature

Xavier High School

JAVA

“I enjoy going to Java because Caleb and I like to study for ITEDS.” Jeff Vipond, Junior

TING’S

“I live on the East side of town, and I go to Ting’s a lot because the egg drop soup is my favorite.” Luke Duball, Sophomore

LINDALE MALL

“I live on the West side, but I travel to the east for Lindale Mall.” Cassie Himmelsbach, Sophomore

Hot Spots

E A S T S I D E

W E S T S I D E

COFFEESMITHS

“I really like the atmosphere. It’s so homey. Coffeesmiths is love. Coffeesmiths is life.”

Mikayla Sherman, Senior

SUSHI HOUSE

“I love Sushi House. Everything I’ve had was always extremely good. Although it’s a 10-15 minute drive, they always provide fast and friendly service.”

Stephen Jones, Senior

WESTDALE MALL

“I go to what is left of the Westdale Mall to hangout with my brother.” Joseph Zasadny, Freshman

Health & Lifestyle

Xavier High School

C O N T A C T S O N O S S R C P

1. Give a wider field

of view

1. Hard to put in 2. Do not get in

the way for sports

3. Will not clash

2. Cause dry

with your outfit

eyes

3. Require more

care

vs.

P R O S

C O N S

1. More comfortable 2. All ages are able to wear them 3. Protection from wind and debris

1. Some people do not like how they look 2. Can fog up, which blurs vision 3. Bothersome to nose and ears

% of Xavier that wears glasses

% of Xavier that wears contacts

S % of Xavier that wear both * Out of 249 students

Page Design: Sam Valenta and Maddy Bailey, Info: Hailey Justice, allaboutvision.com

October 16, 2014

Nic’s Picks

Jon Bellion

A&E 11 Xavier Prepares for All-State

Favorite Songs:

Dead Man Walking Munny Right Kingdom Come Ooh Twenty-three year old American singer-songwriter Jon Bellion, born of Long Island New York and currently signed with Visionary Music Group, is consistently pumping out solid and refreshing tunes, bridging the gap between hip-hop, pop, and soul. His falsetto voice and skilled song-writing ability make him one of the most enjoyable artists I have ever come across. Strictly a producer at the age of 14, Bellion became more and more fed up with being asked to produce “generic records” and gave singing and rapping a shot at age 19. Releasing three mix tapes (Translations Through Speakers, The Separation) and most recently on September 23, The Definition, Bellion is at the pinnacle of his career after writing the chorus for Eminem

and Rihanna’s number one single The Monster and co-writing and producing Jason Derulo’s single Trumpets. But where Bellion’s artistry is shown is within his own music. His creativity is so varied it is hard to put him under a genre, whether he’s singing in a playful, joyous manner in Dead Man Walking or rapping in Preoccupied, or doing both without the listener even noticing. He soaks up inspiration through his daily life and spits it back out seamlessly. His raw talent is truly amazing. Download The Definition at jonbellion.com and let your infatuation begin.

Nic Ekland A&E Writer

On November 22, 2014 the Iowa All-State concert will be held at Iowa State. Several Xavier band and choir students will be auditioning on October 25 to try and become part of the prestigious All-State ensembles. “I’m happy for them,” Xavier band director Kelli Swehla said. “It’s the highest honor they can get, and many people mistake it with talent, but it’s really those who work the hardest that get to All-State.” On October 25, band begins auditions for All-State Band at West Delaware High School in Manchester. In the All-State Band, there will only be 280 spots available. To prepare for auditions, students practice all 12 scales, including the chromatic scale, two required etudes issued by the Iowa High School Music Association, and one minute of a solo the student chooses. When the students audition, they perform their solo, sections from both etudes which the judges determine the day of, two major scales the judges pick, a scale of choice, and the chromatic scale. If they are selected, the players will go to the All-State Festival at Iowa State, November 20 to November 22.

The All-State Choir auditions will also be held October 25. For AllState Choir, only 28 students from each school can submit an entry to join the 600 person All- State Choir. For the auditions, the singer will be given seven minutes to sing portions of All-State selections and will be judged on four factors: intonation, rhythm, tone quality, and musicianship. The judges will grade the audition using a ten point scale. “I want to audition for All-State for a chance to perform with the best musicians in the state,” senior Anna Zittergruen said. “It is a great opportunity to get to know and work with other people throughout the state.” If you are interested in attending the concert tickets go on sale for $18 a piece starting October 27.

Donavin Wenger A&E Writer

Outstanding Art Students A.

Xavier has many outstanding artists. Match the art student to their story.

“ I’ve been interested in art ever since I was little, because I liked making things out of silly putty. My dad, who is a graphic designer, inspired me to start. My favorite kind of art is drawing or ceramics because I love to be able to make things out of nothing.” “I signed up for basic art this year. I have been inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, Stevie Wonder, and Dr. Dre. My favorite kind of art is post impression, which is still life and landscape with a lot of shadows.”

“I have loved drawing for as long as I can remember. When I was little, I would find animal pictures in books and try to draw them without tracing. My dad always doodled pictures with me when I was younger. I love drawing with a pencil or charcoal.”

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“I became interested in art around fourth grade. My art teacher, Mrs. Childers, inspired me to start. My favorite kind of art is painting. I entered my art in the Mount Mercy Art Show last year.”

Rachel Lampe A&E Co-Editor

Answers: A. Jamie Hunstad B. Emma Venteicher C. Riley Beck D. Faith Satern

A&E

Xavier High School

Bookshelf: Upcoming Hollywood Hits

Hollywood is known for transforming people’s favorite books to movies. Here is a look at the next books that will hit the big screen.

Rated R

Rated PG-13

In part one of a two part finale, viewers left Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in District 13 after she destroyed the Hunger Games forever. There, she must work under President Coin (Julianne Moore) to save her friend Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a crumbling nation.

Gillian Flynn

The Hobbit

J. R. R. Tolkein

James Dashner

Mary Shelley

Gone Girl

The Maze Runner

Frankenstein

In ron

Miss Penegrie’s Home for Peculiar Children Ransom Riggs

r R su ica

John Green

nt th e g o

Rated PG-13

Another Nicholas Sparks favorite is hitting theaters. After nearly being killed in an oil rig accident, Dawson Cole (James Marsden) returns home after his surrogate father, Tuck Holester, dies. He is surprised to find his high school girlfriend, Amanda (Michelle Monaghan), there, too. They reunite as they fulfill Tuck’s final wishes.

Paper Towns

Nicholas Sparks

The Best of Me

In this much anticipated film, Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike) disappears on their fifth wedding anniversary. Husband Nick (Ben Affleck) is the prime suspect. With the craziness of the media and the pressure of police, Nick slowly pulls back the curtain on what appeared to be the perfect marriage.

Release: November 21

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Judit Viorst

Kayla Thompson A&E Co-Editor

Google Images Photos

Poms kick off the season

Last May, 16 girls from all four grades became a part of the poms squad. The poms have been hard at work perfecting their routines since summer. After losing six of their senior leaders after last season, the two current seniors, Delany Breitbach and Madison Recker, have since stepped up to help lead the squad. Recker is very excited to be on the team for her fourth and final year and intends to make this her best year yet. “I will lead the team by giving 110% all the time,” Recker said. “I have confidence in my team’s abilities.” This is Breitbach’s first year on the poms squad. She plans to bring a lot of spirit and helpful ideas to get the team working together as a group. “I decided to try out for poms this year because I have been dancing for 15 years,” Breitbach said. “Since I love dance so much, I thought, ‘Why haven’t I

tried out for the dance team yet?’ So I tried out, and I made it!” The Xavier poms will be attending five competitions in the Midwest this season. They will kick off the season at their very first competition, Stack the Stands, on October 25 at Prairie High School.

The 2013-14 pom squad performs at a pep rally. Amanda Wymore Photo

Catie Locher A&E Writer

WE HAVE MOVED! UNCLE STANS MILITARY SURPLUS 901 50TH ST MARION.

BEHIND THE B.P. STATION

This is Where I Leave You Jonathan Tropper

Release: October 17

Release: October 3

Mockingjay Part 1

Su oc za ki nn ng e C ja oll y ins

Gone Girl

The Best of Me

Dining with Donavin Zins is a romantic restaurant in downtown Cedar Rapids specializing in small portion dishes. This restaurant is perfect for a dinner or lunch out with a significant other. It is best for Zins to remain as an occasional treat because most dishes are fairly pricy with most costing $10 to $15 dollars. Zins is a romantic restaurant with soft background music and dim lights to help create a relaxing atmosphere. The tables have plain white table clothes and candles to help round off the overall atmosphere. Zins almost has a “hole in the wall” feel due to it’s smaller size and appearance. Next is the food. Zins specializes in smaller dishes and they recommend getting multiple courses due to their size. Their menu is always changing because they get all of their ingredients local so it’s hard to say what will be available on any given day. When I went, I got Mahi-Mahi. With a price of $13 I had high expectations for this dish, and they did not disappoint.The fish came wrapped in parchment paper to lock in the flavor, which it did very well. Just like any dining experience, service is key and Zins certainly excels.The waiting staff was always prompt and quick to help with any questions I had. When it came to dessert, my waiter was very helpful and even went as far as to provide

multiple recommendations to help me decide. Overall, Zins is a smaller romantic restaurant in downtown Cedar Rapids that has a continuously changing menu and provides new and exotic dishes. I highly recommend dining at what has become my favorite restaurant.

Ratings Atmosphere

Food

Service

Overall

Donavin Wenger A&E Writer

A&E

October 16, 2014

1330 Elmhurst Drive NE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 319-368-6460

www.mtmercy.edu

Be valued. The values upon which the Sisters of Mercy founded this institution remain as relevant today as they were when we welcomed our first students more than 85 years ago. We remain dedicated to service, driven to leadership and grounded in the pursuit of knowledge. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a legacy Mount Mercy University was born to uphold, a legacy we want you to be a part of. Go to www.mtmercy.edu/visit today, to schedule a visit and see what Mount Mercy can offer you.

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

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Patrons

Sports

Xavier High School

Saints’ Iversen commits time to sports, music Halftime provides an opportunity for players and fans to take a break and regroup before the second half begins. Senior football player and marching band member Brian Iversen does not get to enjoy this luxury, deciding instead to show off his musical talents. Playing the game of football is challenging enough. While toughness, tenacity, and intelligence are important, practice time is crucial to success on the field. Each and every week provides a new challenge for the coaches and players, requiring great team chemistry during hours of practice, weight lifting, and film review. Practicing and preparing for a marching band performance is also difficult in its own unique way with a significant amount of hours needed before school to synchronize the notes and movements to perfection. During halftime of home football games, Iversen has the unique opportunity to

Brian Iversen plays during the halftime show after the at a home football game. Kathleen Parrish photo.

demonstrate his talents in a whole new way: through the power of song. This commitment to music began at an early age, dating all the way back to elementary school. “I’ve been involved in band since the 5th grade and have been playing the trumpet ever since,” Iversen said.

This year, Iversen is the only varsity football player who also participates in the marching band. This requires discipline and time management in order to balance both of these activities. In addition to attending football practice in the afternoons, he attends morning marching band practice. On Friday nights, he takes off his shoulder pads during intermission of every home game and joins his fellow band members as they recreate the tale of “West Side Story.” “Brian is so impressive because he does his job well and does not complain,” band director Ms. Kelli Swehla. “He’s dedicated, organized, and is always ready to improve. It’s awesome when students decide to take advantage of the activities here at Xavier, and it’s great when students commit to both things fully.” Iversen is primarily a scout team wide receiver and rover for the Saints on the football field. Like many of the football

Double trouble on the volleyball court It is not always easy to get along with siblings. They have the ability to get under one’s skin the way no one else can.But for freshman volleyball player Charlotte Richards and her senior sister Madsy Richards, sibling squabbles must be left at the door when it comes time to practice their craft. “At home, we might fight, but it’s not hard to leave that at home when practice starts,” Charlotte said. “She’s been through a lot of the situations already so it has been very helpful having her around to learn from.” And how does the elder of the two feel about sharing the court with her younger but extremely talented sister? Apparently, the feelings are mutual. The two have spent lots of time in the summer playing volleyball in their house and backyard, helping to forge a new bond between them. “Volleyball has definitely brought us closer together,”

senior Madsy Richards said. “I just wish we could play together longer.” Both sisters are key players for the Saints this year and often times are both starters on the varsity squad. Although it will be Madsy’s last season suiting up for the blue and silver, she is hopeful to continue her career at the collegiate level.

“I definitely want to continue playing.” Madsy said. If she does continue to play at the next level, her sister will be there supporting her every step of the way.

Ryan Williams Sports Writer

players, he embraces his role to help prepare his teammates for the upcoming game, while also spending time with his friends. Similarly, as a senior member of the marching band, he knows the importance of leading by example and helping the younger members to improve. He is proud of his participation in these two extra-curricular activities and has taken very valuable lessons away from them. “I think that it shows that you can be involved in both activities and be equally committed to them,” Iversen said. “The younger kids watching know that they can be involved in both when they see me marching in my football uniform.” Iversen plans on going into an ROTC program when he attends college next year. Daniel Richardson Sports Editor

Upcoming Sports Events

Football • Oct. 10 at Dubuque Wahlert (Loras) • Oct. 17 home vs. Iowa City Regina • Oct. 24 home vs. Marion Cross Country • Oct. 16 in Waterloo, MVC Divisional meet • Oct. 23 in Fort Dodge, state qualifying meet Volleyball • Oct. 18 @ Linn-Mar MVC Tournament • Oct. 21 @ Linn-Mar • Oct. 30 home, Regional Semifinal

Senior Madsy Richards (11) and freshman sister Charlotte (14) give signals to teammates in front of the net. Photo submitted.

Girls’ Swimming/ Diving • Oct. 16 Kennedy Team home, MVC Diving Championship • Oct. 16 Washington Team @ Kennedy

Sports

October 16, 2014 Boys’ golf falls short at districts Looking back on the boys’ golf season, the Xavier team played well leading up to districts, finishing in the top seven positions in all of their meets. Senior Jordan Even was successful this season by keeping his composure and his scores low. He shot a 74 in the beginning of the year at Hunter’s Ridge golf course, finishing fourth in the meet. Sophomore Sam Martin showed that he is a fierce competitor at the varsity level even though he is still an underclassman. He shot a 63 on September 19 and tied for third with junior Luke Winker at Irv Warren course in Waterloo on September 29. As a team, they posted a score of 295 at Irv Warren course with the conference title on the line. Boys’ golf coach Tim O’Brien was very happy with the way the team played this year. “With a very young team I have been quite pleased overall

McDermott: North Dakota bound

on how we have performed,” O’Brien said. Districts were played October 7 at Hunter’s Ridge in Marion. The favorites for the district were CR Kennedy, CR Xavier, CR Washington, LinnMar, and Ottumwa. The Saints had the final two weeks of the season to prepare for districts. “The team practiced numerous times at Hunter’s Ridge in preparation for the district golf meet in order to compete and be one of the three teams to advance,” Coach O’Brien said. The boys’ golf team finished 4th overall in districts with a total score of 319. Kennedy finished 1st, Linn Mar finished 2nd, and Ottawa finished 3rd. Martin had the lowest score on the team with a score of 77. Even finished close behind with a score of 78.

Senior Adam McDermott is against very elite competition. the newest student to commit to McDermott enters the a Division 1 college program. season with an average of He committed to the University 16.5 points per game and of North Dakota after previously a total of 52 3-point field going on an official visit and goals made last season. He meeting with the coaching staff. also led the team in scoring. “I really liked the campus and Often with an early the atmosphere,” McDermott commitment, many athletes said. “Everything that North are not very motivated for Dakota had to offer from both their last high school season. the school and basketball McDermott is just the opposite. perspective felt right to me.” He has high expectations He will start attending for the team this year. in the fall of 2015. “My goals for this basketball Schools with great athletic season are to win the MVC and programs may not always to win state,” McDermott said.“I be a fit for some students can’t wait to get back in the gym whether it is academically or with all my teammates and get the whole general atmosphere the season going. We have a lot is not right for them. Luckily of work to do though, but I think for McDermott, he was able to this season will be special.” find the perfect school for him. Practice begins November “I really liked the players, 17 with the first game starting coaches, facilities, and two weeks later at home. everything else UND had to Luke Koechner offer,” McDermott said. “North Sports Writer Dakota is going to be very Grant Gibney special in the up and coming Sports Writer seasons, and after the visit, I knew I wanted to be a part of the program so I decided not to wait and verbally commit.” Located in Grand Forks, and finish better than 20th,” North Dakota, McDermott will Coffey said. “I hope each team be able to go to school while member beats their personal playing the sport he loves. With record and we go as a team.” an enrollment of around 15,000, After Dickes and Coffey, he will have a chance to be seen the varsity runners include by many other students and play sophomore Kiana Stanek, juniors Sydney Oakley, Lydia Brown, and Alaina Marti, and senior Maddy Bailey. On October 9, Dickes placed 13th at the MVC supermeet What was Adam McDermott’s average with an official time of 15:27. points per game for the 2013-2014 Upcoming events include the MVC divisional meet at season? Waterloo on October 16 and the state qualifying A. 16.5 meet on October 23.

Dickes, Saints race to state The Xavier girls’ cross country team, led by junior Jenny Dickes, look to make it back to state this season after a successful finish in the 2013 state competition. Dickes and sophomore Emiko Coffey led the 12th place finishing Saints with times of 15:27 and 15:35.4. Hampered by injuries this season, Dickes is trying to get back into her old form. She suffered a broken hand on August 19 and is in the process of recovering from a strained abdomen. “I still do not feel 100%, and some of my injuries have caused me to not be able to participate in practices or meets,” Dickes said. “I have been running inconsistently after my injuries depending on how badly they feel or affect me the day of the race.” She is ranked 24th individually in the state for 3A. Coffey, the second fastest runner on the team, has high expectations this year as well. “My goal is to make it to state

SPORTS TRIVIA!

K.J. Giles Assistant Sports Editor

B.14.6 C. 17.9 D. 8.3

*Email answers to xaviersportstrivia@gmail.com with your answer as the subject to be considered for a prize! Deadline is 3 p.m. on Friday, October 17. By: Grant Gibney and Mark Wardlaw

Above:The 2013 cross

country team poses for a photo after qualifiying for state at Solon. Photo submitted. Left: Junior Jenny Dickes runs hard at the Eastern Iowa Invitational in Dubuque on September 25. Photo submitted.

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

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