November 14, 2013 Volume 16, Issue 5
e h T
t o Road e h t
DOME
Xavier High School 6300 42nd St. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52411 www.xaviersaints.org www.issuu.com/xpressnewspaper/docs Follow us: @xpressnewspaper Cover Designed by: Meghan Gerke
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2 Index
News Opinion Student Life Mini-Feature Feature Health & Lifestyle A&E Sports Backpage
2 4 6 7 8 10 11 14 16
Editor-In-Chief Quinlan Moran
Copy Editor
Katherine Bauer
Photo Editor
Meghan Gerke Photographer Maddie Bailey
News Editor
Maria Efting News Assistant Amy Boe News Writers Erin Drahozal Jeff Frieden
Opinion Editor Morgan Noonan Opinion Assistant Nic Ekland Opinion Writers Maddy Bailey Tory Brown Brennan Graeve Chloe Streif Ben Valentine
Student Life Editor Brady Hoffman Student Life Assistant Julie Woods
Mini-Feature Editors Rachel Brady Molly Vipond
Feature Editors Jenna Fenske Anna White Feature Assistant Colette Miller Feature Writer Lizzy Bailey
Health and Lifestyle Editor Hannah Chute Health and Lifestyle Assistants Erin Drahozal Jeff Frieden
Arts and Entertainment Editor
News Xavier High School Xavier hosts International Round Table Forty-five students from around the world gathered at Xavier High School on Friday, November 8 for the school’s 16th Annual International Round Table. The Xavier International Round Table is a tradition that dates back to 1984 when it started at Regis High School in Cedar Rapids. The main objective of the event is to bring together foreign exchange students from surrounding high schools to exchange points of view on national and international issues. Student Senate coordinates the event, which is led by moderator Jacqui Goertz. “International Round Table gives Xavier students a chance to learn about new perspectives and witness the diversity of our world,” student senator Alea Challenger said. The day began with a welcome speech from student body President Ben Valentine. Next, the foreign exchange students broke into three groups to attend different sessions where they could share about themselves and their culture. The sessions
Foreign exchange student Teresa López describes her life in Spain for Xavier students. Meghan Gerke Photo. included the actual round table discussion which took place in the Regis LaSalle Theater, a small group discussion in the Library and Media Center, and a visit to various foreign language classrooms to interact with Xavier students. At all three sessions, student senate members and student journalists had an opportunity to pose questions to the exchange students. Topics discussed throughout the day included everything from the typical school day to the attractiveness of teens in America versus the exchange
students’ home countries. The students shared their traditions and customs, as well as what they like to do for fun back home. A common theme throughout the day was the exchange students’ perspectives on Americans. “The people here are so nice. I really enjoy the school spirit,” Spain native and LinnMar student Teresa López said. “Everyone here is so proud of their school and of their country.”
increasing classroom space, and establishing a new media center attached to the library. St. Matthew has updated its security features, and the newly acquired technology has helped the learning environment become more modern. The school has become completely wireless and has invested in interactive white boards in every classroom. “It’s great to see that St. Matthew is renovating and renewing an already great school,” junior Delany
Breitbach said. “Seeing your school grow and improve makes me want to donate my time and money and help in any way that I can.” Phase three, which is underway right now, is to renew the church. One of the biggest changes is “flipping” the church. The back of the church will be the front of the church, and vice versa. The goal is for the church to have a new meeting center for all of its parishioners. St. Matthew hopes to also build a walkway which will make it easier for anyone to walk from the school to the early childhood center and the church. The third phase is the most expensive, costing about $6.1 million dollars. “Growing up and going to school there was a great experience,” junior Katy Ropp said. “Knowing that the school and church are trying to improve the learning and worshiping environments makes me excited for the future.”
Maria Efting News Editor
St. Matthew undergoes renovations In 2007, St. Matthew parish began a three phase process to renovate and renew the Catholic school and church. The first phase was to build an early childhood center, providing a feeder system to the elementary school. In addition, it brings in more than $100,000 for the school and church. The second phase was to renovate the elementary school. The renovation included adding additional learning spaces,
Emma Hunt Arts and Entertainment Assistant Ashley Pudil Arts and Entertainment Writers Kayla Thompson Julie Woods Ben Valentine Daniel Vega
Sports Editor Shannon Mulcahey Sports Assistant Morgan Brietbach Sports Writers Katherine Bauer Nic Ekland Daniel Vega
Backpage Editors Jenna Fenske Anna White Backpage Assistant Mary Esker
Business Tory Brown
Distribution Brennan Graeve
Advertising Olivia Rochford
The Xpress Bi-weekly Xavier High School 6300 42nd St. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52411 Volume 16 Issue 5
St. Matthew begins the fiinal stages of the Renovate and Renew project. Photo Submitted.
Erin Drahozal News Writer
November 14, 2013
News
Valentine organizes Xavier welcomes Ireland as new food drive As a part of Respect Life Week, Campus Ministry held a food and supplies drive to benefit the Catherine McAuley Center. The drive was planned and coordinated by senior Ben Valentine. “We worked with them in middle school, by organizing their food pantry,” Valentine said. “So that’s when I was introduced to the organization. It was one of the first organizations that I thought of to help out.” Valentine had originally intended to have a service opportunity as well as a food drive. He is working with the Catherine McAuley Center to arrange an opportunity for Xavier students and the Key Club to help at the center. “I am in the process of setting up a volunteer opportunity which would include completing yard work or organizing the
food pantry,” Valentine said. The Catherine McAuley Center provides transitional housing for women with mental and emotional health issues, relationship issues, and drug addictions among other things. Educational opportunities and tutoring are also available for those without high school diplomas or who do not speak English. The items the Catherine McAuley Center needs right now are toilet paper, pasta, dried beans, and rice. Although tutors must be older than 18 and have a high school diploma or equivalent, other volunteer opportunities are available for interested students. More information can be found at www.cmc-cr.org.
Jeff Frieden News Writer
Donated food and other household products sit in the main entrance of Xavier. Maria Efting Photo.
3
Director of Marketing
Many supporters of Xavier look to Xavier’s Facebook page or Twitter account to keep up to date with everything going on in and around school, but not many people know who is actually in charge of keeping them informed. This person is Nick Ireland, the new Director of Marketing for Xavier High School and the Xavier Foundation. He started this position after taking over for Jessica Schneider this October. Ireland does much more for Xavier than simply manage the school’s social media. His overall goal is to help protect and advance the Xavier brand. According to Ireland, his specific tasks include, “designing and disseminating various communication pieces (email, print, web), engaging on social media, assisting with fundraising efforts, being an active member of the alumni association board, and identifying further opportunities on how we can get the word out about Xavier.” Taking the job with Xavier was not just a business decision. It was, as Ireland describes it, a calling. He is new to Xavier as an employee this year, however, this is not his first time being around all things Xavier. He is an alum of the class of 2001. Ireland attributes his call to work at Xavier due to what Xavier does to develop the total person. “Xavier has a great story to be told and I intend to tell it,” Ireland said. Promoting Xavier’s brand may
seem like a daunting task, but Ireland is handling the transition into his new position well. “Nick came to us with a great understanding and commitment to Xavier and our community,” Xavier Foundation Director Jody Ruff said. “In the short time he has been on board he has used his marketing expertise to create strategies that are just the right fit for Xavier’s current and prospective students, parents, and alumni. As a former Xavier student, I think he has a great perspective on how to highlight all of the best features of Xavier.” As a marketing professional, it was easy for Ireland to get behind Xavier’s mission and to support something he believes in and something he experienced firsthand as a student.
Amy Boe News Assistant Editor
4
Opinion
Xavier High School
A time to be thankful for blessings
leave their class. Tell your family thank you for being so supportive and loving. Thank a friend for being there. During the season of Thanksgiving and into the new year, look at the glass half full. “In the middle of your little mess, thank God for how big you’re blessed.”
I like to listen to Life 101.9 as I drive to school in the morning. Now, I live approx imately two minutes away from Xavier, so being able to listen to an entire song is a rare occurrence. However, a couple of days ago, the lyrics to the song “This is the Stuff” stuck out to me. The singer says, “In the middle of my little mess, I forget how big I’m blessed.” And as I was pulling into the XPL, it hit me: I forget how much God has blessed me. I’m thankful I attend a school where Coach Schulte can say “Praise God” multiple times a class period, and where I have a teacher like Mr. Walker who asks me how my day is going. I’m thankful for parents who day after day make my lunch and wave to me as I
The Moran family poses for a photo-op. Patricia Sima Photo. leave for school and that I have in a puddle, or get bad news from a little brother who will make me a family member or friend. Bad tea when I’m sick just because. things happen; this is inevitable. I’m thankful for a Newspaper However, as a society, we tend to let Staff who greets me with a “Good the bad things outweigh the good Morning!” even when it’s 9:30 a.m. and look at the glass half empty. and half of them are still asleep. My challenge to you, Xavier Don’t get me wrong, not every High School, is to realize how single day goes my way. Sometimes I blessed each and every one of you do poorly on a quiz, drench my foot are. Tell a teacher thank you as you
“Okay, put your iPads down and get ready for morning prayer.” Do we need to hear this every morning? I know that’s exactly what the majority of people are thinking, because I thought it too. I thought it was repetitive and at first, deemed it unnecessary. Now, fast forward to your fourth hour class. For those lucky enough to have A lunch you are moments away from the best part of your day. Wait. Before you can leave for class, we have meal time prayer. Most people simply go through the motions, rush through the sign of the cross, or quietly try to pack up their bag without making too much noise. I know this because I did it too, and we are all guilty of doing it at some point.
Now, fast forward again. Lunch is over and before you know it, it’s the end of the day. For me and many other seniors, it means senior release. I have been guilty of trying to get out of the building before I’m supposed to stop and wait for prayer. Many classrooms at this time are full of people mumbling through the prayers placed in the front of their room. I’ve always tried to remind myself to try to be active in prayer and pay attention, but in Father Vu’s homily on Sunday night at Mt. Mercy, it struck me how important prayer is. He emphasized being thankful for what God has done in our lives. God gives you everything and you can’t give him a little bit of your time? Is packing up early or finishing one more game on your iPad actually going to be more satisfying than listening and participating in the prayers? It’s important to actually think
about what we are praying instead of just simply saying the words. We live in a society where everything happens instantly. With technology increasing, we are always on the go and trying to fit as much activity as possible into a 24 hour day. We need to slow down and breathe, to come up for air from our busy lives. I encourage you all to take time out of your day to stop, sit down, and pray. I promise you it will alleviate stress and calm you. If you listen to daily prayer, you might hear exactly what you need. This goes hand-in-hand with going to Mass on the weekends. You get out of it what you put in, so participate as fully as you can. God gave you 168 hours each week. I think the least we can do is give one back to Him.
As we get ready for Thanksgiving, a lot of us forget to actually soak up the holiday. We get so wrapped up in losing weight, getting ready for Black Friday, and worrying about Christmas, which is still roughly a month away. I know people are convinced they need to lose a ton of weight. I say ignore that thought and eat until you are in a food coma! What other day can you eat a whole
turkey, three trash cans of mashed potatoes, have some of each of the 400 casseroles your aunt has made, and eat three Earth-sized pies! It all makes sense if you think about it logically. We need food and fat to keep us warm during the winter. We also need more food to store up in our bodies so that when it comes time to hibernate, we can enjoy our three months of sleep! If you’re not like me, think of it this way. You’re going to need all the energy you can get to fight the hoard of angry shoppers during your Black Friday escapades! Use the time you have to hang out with
your family and maybe watch some football or just relax. This day only comes once so you better milk it. This day is more than just giving thanks and eating to your heart’s content. This day is a day of relaxation and community. Spend time with your family, but also take the time to relax. This is a day that gives you the freedom to be a pig-don’t waste it! Eat until the button on your pants is about to pop off!
Quinlan Moran Editor-in-Chief
Saintly
The importance of prayer
Hannah Chute Health & Lifestyle Editor
Pig-out this Thanksgiving
Brennan Graeve Opinion Writer
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Satanly
November 14, 2013
Opinion
5
Popularity should not make a border
‘
It’s a Sunday night, and I’m home alone with my dog, Oscar. I look at myself in the mirror and think, “Huh...my face is looking pretty good!” So I pick up my dog, take a selfie, post it on Instagram, and wait. And wait some more. Within two hours, I get a total of 30 likes. For me, that’s quite an accomplishment! But then as I scroll through the other pictures, I notice that another girl has 156 likes on her selfie. And then my heart sinks. How many of you know how I feel? A teenage girl’s life is a constant battle between popularity and social Siberia. Popular girls get the cute guys, all of the teachers love them, they get invited to all of the right parties, and they wear expensive, trendy clothes. Then there are girls like me: the
A comparison between likes on Instagram. Kliks Photography and Envisage photos. average ones. We get the nice guys (sometimes), are known as a “joy to have in class,” are only invited to our friends’ get-togethers, and wear clothes from places like American Eagle. My question is, “What makes us any different from those popular girls?” Absolutely nothing. Cliques form because we are interested in the same things, such as
my group of friends, which consists mainly of people who are involved in show choir. I understand that part of cliques, but the fact that our cliques then define how popular we are really bothers me. Just because I’m not a cheerleader doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t be friends with the football players. It’s a rarity to find a girl who can be a part of
multiple friend groups at once, and I applaud those girls and their efforts. Molly Vipond, for example, is a great girl, and I often look up to her for style tips and advice. She sits next to me in Newspaper, and we talk about regular things, like how her weekend was or how Xhilaration is going for me. I would consider Molly a popular girl, but that hasn’t stopped me from being nice to her. So I’m telling you: forget the status quo. Just because you aren’t “popular” doesn’t mean you can’t talk to those girls. Go ahead and follow whoever you want on Twitter. Friend whoever on Facebook you want to. Favorite some tweets and like some pictures. Let’s make a new normal. Make some new friends, and you never know. You might just find your next best friend. I’ll be looking on Instagram next Sunday, ladies, and I hope to see the likes skyrocket!
Emma Hunt A&E Editor
Parents can be pretty cool friends As a senior, I hear many of my classmates say they cannot wait to go to college. It is the next big step on a student’s life journey, and some students feel the need to branch away from home. Some of us end up occupying more of our time with friends, because we are afraid we may not see them again when we go to college. Just as we are spending a lot of time with our friends, we can’t forget to spend time with the people who raised us. Our parents are the first
people we should set time aside for. Many teenagers don’t realize it, but going away to college is just as hard and strenuous for the parents as the student. A good way to have a close relationship with your parents is to sit down and really talk to them. Every night my family and I sit down for a family dinner, and my brother will not let anyone eat until we are all seated and have said prayer together. I will miss this next year. Instead of a weekend with your friends, take your parents out for an informal lunch or fancy dinner. Ask for advice on tactics they used in college or crazy adventures they had in high school. It’s a great idea
At many schools, football is a huge part of students’ Friday nights. Most students (not all, but most) attend every game, home or away, every Friday. They go to enjoy football and have some fun with their friends. However, just as any other high school, students are tempted. They are tempted to go out and get a quick “fix” before sporting events. Students at Xavier also have this problem. Although we can not fix other schools’ problems with drinking and doing drugs before and during games, we can fix Xavier. We can stop this. No one can make you put down the bottle or can, but as a whole, we should try to get away from illegal activities. As a football player, the team and I thrive on the crowds roaring
cheers. The crowd may sometimes help keep us in a game or give us that extra lift we need to pull ahead of a team. The crowd is crucial. But as a player, I do not feel supported when students come to games absolutely blasted out of their mind or higher than a kite. I actually feel embarrassed when I hear about the kids who smoke weed and drink before games. Those who come to the games under the influence embarrass themselves by how they act when they are “turnt up.” Why do that? Why risk your health? Why risk your schooling on something stupid? Do you people who drink and smoke ever think about how many people see you at the games? Many teachers, babysitters, parents, and coaches you have had in the past are at the games, and they all see what you are doing and see how you act. You are putting them down too by the things you do. They have all tried to help you
to sit down and hear what they have to say. They’ve lived longer than you and have gone through the same things you are experiencing. Once in college, it’s even harder to remember to keep in contact with your parents. Many new things will be happening, and you’ll forget to phone home and update them. Technology has advanced immensely, so it should be easier now more than ever to send them a quick update. A text message or email every other day would let your parents know you are still alive. Sending a picture or even Skyping would allow them to see your face. My parents and family are a
major part of my life, and they are the ones who brighten up my day and let me know I am loved. I am going to miss the comfort and love from my sister who gives me a huge hug after school every day. Just because college will give teenagers a new beginning doesn’t mean we should forget the past. Schedule a weekend home every month or maybe even surprise them. Don’t use the holidays as the only way to drag yourself back home to see them. Keep in touch with your family. You won’t regret it.
Chloe Streif Opinion Writer
Keep it classy in the stands, Saints get on the right path. By drinking and smoking, you are basically slapping them in the face by doing these things. You are disrespecting all those who have helped your parents mesh you into young adults. The famous phrase we all know, “Think before you act,” is ever present with this topic. Do you think about your actions when you are getting stoned or drinking alcohol? Do you ever think about the people you are hurting when doing these activities, especially when you do it in front of an environment with little children? You make our school, and all of our community look bad. It only takes one bad apple to ruin the bunch. When someone pukes in the stands, it ruins the whole game for all those who are sober and LEGALLY watching the game. Quit being selfish. Think about others. In turn, be yourself and have fun within the laws of our school and state. No one thinks being so
wasted that you have to be escorted out by your boyfriend or girlfriend because you can not stand up with your own power is cool. It is not cute, it is not funny, it is not up to the standard of a Xavier Saint. It’s highly inappropriate and not acceptable. Being a sloppy mess is not what Xavier is about. You’re making a fool out of yourself and Xavier. Football games can be fun without illegal substances. Participate. Cheer the football team on. Lose your voice after games. Just do not be “that guy.” Be smart. God speed.
Daniel Vega Sports Writer
Student Life
Xavier High School
6
HOMEWORK:
Harmful or Helpful
the main purposes of homework: to build rote memorization and automaticity; to provide time to deepen understanding through elaboration and to increase readiness for new information.
Statistics...
Stress is very unhealthy for growing teens and statistics show 29% of 13-year-old students report spending two hours or more on homework daily in the U.S.
Homework gives students the chance for practice, prepare, to have peer interactions and growth in personal development.
Xavier Students think... “It is harmful because some of the homework is useless for the test.” Parris McMahon, Freshman
“If the homework helps you get a better understanding of the material I’m all for it.” Callie Howard, Sophomore
A group of sophomore boys doing homework on their IPads.
Xavier Teachers think... “My hope for homework is that it is seen as practice that will pay off for the performance, to get a better understanding of the material. It is important to practice the skills and vocabulary learned in class.” Mrs. Constant, French/Spanish “The homework I usually assign is to go and live the faith outside the four walls of my classroom. Be Christ to someone.” Ms. Larkin, Theology
Senior boys getting help from Mrs. Constant.
A school in Arizona...
A school in Arizona called Kino School has a no homework policy. They believe learning should be a joy for students. “If children have no choice in the matter of homework, they’re not really exercising judgment and are instead losing their sense of autonomy.” They often see students wanting to bring their school work home to continue working on it or to show their parents. A senior boy writing a paper on his IPad.
What would Xavier students would want? Less homework/harder test or more homework/easier test
How much homework do parents think is assigned? 100
54% 46%
50
0
Polls
out of 28 people
More homework
Less homework
Page Design and Information Collected by Brady Hoffman Information Collected by Julie Woods
Percentage
Percentage
100
57% 50
23% 17%
0
From an AOL poll
assigned right amount
too little
too much
Sources: www. education.com, www.cesdp.nmhu.edu, http://www.teenink.com
November 14, 2013
Mini-Feature
7 Add + About
The Xpress
Thanksgiving Essentials The Xpress
Edit Board
215 Followers, 7 Pins
12 repins, 5 likes
2 repins “I remember drawing turkeys by tracing my hand in elementary school. This year I am excited to try a new Thanksgiving craft.” -Taylor Deutmeyer ‘16
There is always
They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
Psalm 145: 7 14 repins
7 repins, 2 likes
always
something to be thankful for “I’m thankful to see my sisters at Thanksgiving, because we don’t get to see each other often.” -Chad Eichler ‘14
“Stuffing is my favorite dish because it feeds the soul.” -Jeff Daubitz ‘17
9 repins Page Design: Molly Vipond and Rachel Brady Photos by: Pinterest and Rachel Brady
8
Feat
November 14, 2013
B : n o i t a r e p O Did you know? Stats from 2012
225,000,000 people went shopping on Black Friday Total spending for Black Friday weekend was $59.1 billion 28% of shoppers were at the stores by midnight Top five visited stores: 1)Amazon 2)Walmart 3)Best Buy 4)Target 5)JC Penney
“My cousins and I are planning on going to Coral Ridge Mall this year after Thanksgiving dinner. How late we stay out depends on how busy the mall is, but last year we stayed out until 1 a.m. My favorite stores to shop at are Victoria’s Secret, Hollister, and Abercrombie.”
Freshman Ashten Kingsbury
Cyber Monday: December 2 Cyber Monday occurs on the Monday after Black Friday. It is said to be the biggest online shopping day of the year. In 2012, over $1.98 billion was spent on Cyber Monday. Top websites visited last year include: Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, Sears, and Target.
Shopping Etiquette Be respectful to store employees. Don’t push and shove. Be friendly to others in line; they may know of great deals!. Be prepared when checking out. Don’t save spots in line. Keep it classy. Watch where you are going. Take only what you need. Walk efficiently. Be patient. Have fun! Check out these featured items and upcoming sales:
Walmart A Tou pple iPo ch 4 t h Gd fro e m $ Ke 199 n. Bre urig E win g S lite Nik < $1 ystem 09 o S35 n COO 00 LP fro Cam IX m $ era 114
Target Air d a P i New $300 t
e Tabl 7 Nook $79
DS do 3 n e t 99 Nin 149. $ L X
Best Buy Ama z Fir on Ki n e $ 99. dle 99 Jam box Spe ake Wirel e r $ 99. ss Dys 99 on 25% Vacuu off ms
Kohl’
ouc Smart T $19. Gloves
al 40% off toys
of 55-60% jewe silver
ture
Xavier High School
9
y a d i r F k c a Bl Friday, November 29, 2013
Tips for a successful Black Friday:
1
Make a plan:
2
Do some research:
3
Stick to a budget:
4
Match prices:
5
Make a list of what items you want and where to find them. Base your trip itinerary on when the store opens, the popularity of the desired items, lowest prices, and where the stores are located.
Look online for sale information ahead of time and review newspaper ads on Thanksgiving Day. Print any coupons you find online and remember to bring them along.
Set a limit to how much money you are willing to spend. This will help keep you focused and prevent spontaneous spending that could break your budget.
Instead of store hopping for the lowest prices, compare prices ahead of time and see if the store you are in will match a lower price for the given item. This will save you time and money.
Have a good time: Go with a friend or family member so you have someone with which to enjoy the experience. Keep a cell phone handy in order to avoid getting lost or separated.
ey n n e P JC
’s
ch .99
ll
all elry
Dell I nspiro n 15V La ptop $399 Boots for he r $19.99 Luggag e Set $39.99
Sam’s Cl ub S Pl amsu as ma ng 5 TV 1” Can $4 on 78 Pri Wi r nte el r $ ess $10 39 gif 0 iT tca une s r $80 d fo r
Amazon l al f o y % elr 0 6 ew j 0 $1 ies r v de mo Un ay r f ul of th B % 30 etoo s u er bl eak sp
Page Design: Jenna Fenske, Colette Miller, Lizzie Bailey Photos: iClipart
Health & Lifestyle
10
Xavier High School
THANKSGIVING WITH LORRAINE
Not only is Mrs. Lorraine Gaffney busy preparing the traditional Thanksgiving meal for the Xavier Saints, but she is also hard at work celebrating her own family ‘s Thanksgiving traditions.
CAKE BALL RECIPE
“I have a large family Thanksgiving. We have 60 people gather together. We have to have a lot of desserts and pies for that many people. Our meal usually consists of turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and yams. My signature dish is bringing cake balls every year. For Thanksgiving, I bring carrot cake flavored cake balls. Someone in my family brings corn casserole with corn bread and another brings corn cake casserole with macaroni.”-Lorraine Gaffney
Ingredients: 1 cake mix (desired flavor) Ready to spread frosting Wilton candy melts Almond Bark (white or chocolate) *Make cake per directions on package. Cool. Break up cake and add 1/3 to ½ container of ready to spread frosting. *Mix until there is a consistency of play dough and all frosting is worked into cake with no dry crumbs of cake left. *Roll into desired size balls—dip in mixture of melted almond bark and Wilton Candy melts. *Set until coating has hardened.
*** It is best to try to match cake flavor to frosting flavor. For chocolate cake, use chocolate frosting, for red velvet and carrot cake, use cream cheese frosting.
HER THANKSGIVING FAVORITES
Corn Casserole
Sweet potatoes
Traditional Turkey
Page Design by Hannah Chute, Jeff Frieden, and Erin Drahozal. Pictures by: google images.ohmygoodness.com. Information from Lorraine Gaffney.
y
g , e
November 14, 2013
A&E
11
Spotlight: Speech Edition
Closing Soon! Junior Jeanne Bouchard Choral Reading Q: How do you balance all of your activities? A: Being involved in so much makes it hard to get homework done, but I make it work! Q: What is your favorite thing about speech? A: I like all of the people in it, they are what makes it fun.
Senior Jon Peters One Act Play Q: What do you hope to achieve in your senior year for speech? A: I hope to have a good performance, a division one rating, and have fun. Q: Why did you join speech? A: I joined because I enjoy acting and being creative.
Sophomore Cali Worthington TV News, Radio News Q: What is it like having your dad as a coach? A: Having my dad coach is fun because everyone already knows heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weird, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not embarrassing. Q: What would you say to get people to join speech? A: People should join speech to meet new people and have a lot of fun. Julie Woods A&E Writer
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A&E
Xavier High School
The theater is alive with The Sound of Music
The Xavier Drama Department has chosen the popular show, The Sound of Music, for their fall musical. They have been working since the first week of October to get the show ready to perform, and they open tonight, November 14, at 7 p.m. This is the story of Maria, a young woman who is trying to become a nun. Maria is given the job as a governess to the seven troublemaking Von Trapp children. She soon realizes their father, Captain Von Trapp, runs his house as strictly as the naval ship he works on. With some love and a bit of music, she is able to help the Von Trapps mend their family while also falling helplessly in love with the Captain. Captain Von Trapp is portrayed by junior Noah Lauer, and Maria is played by senior Angelica
Director Mike Cervantes chose the show to coincide with the musical’s 50th anniversary this year. He has only directed the show once before and thinks people will really enjoy it. “It’s an American classic; the music is infectious,” Cervantes said. “It has a great message about family and why it’s so important, and it’s just a lot of fun to watch.” The show will take place Director Mike Cervantes watches the chorus of Abbey nuns November 14-16 in the Regissing one of their Latin songs during practice. Meghan Gerke LaSalle Theater, and tickets are Photo. on sale for six dollars per student Elkema. This is Elkema’s first students from different Cedar and eight dollars per adult. lead role in a Xavier production. Rapids elementary schools came The show also features children to perform with the older cast. who are not Xavier students. “I’ve loved getting to know Since a couple of the Von Trapp the kids and seeing how they love Kayla Thompson children would have been music as much as we do,” Elkema A&E Writer hard to portray with teenagers, said. “It’s been a lot of fun.”
Art Club adds color to the Xavier halls This year, Xavier has had a different, yet colorful, change to its hallways and walls. All of this color can be attributed to Xavier’s Art Club. As seen around the school, the club’s biggest project is the well-known Post-It Note murals of the four administrators at Xavier: Mr. Keating, Father Vu, Ms. Olson, and Mr. Glynn. Art Club is an activity that takes place after school and invites anyone who enjoys creating art to come and help with various projects around the school. Their next project will be working on art for the Catholic School’s Week Mass in January.
Above: Art teacher Mrs. Wendt creates a scar on freshman Belle Canney’s nose with stage makeup at the Art Club Halloween party. Below: Junior Lucy Liu shows off her pumpkin carving during the Art Club Halloween Party. Ms. Finley Photos.
Co-presidents:
Senior Jacob Herndon
Senior Holly Hazelton
“There is no explanation behind the Post-It Note murals. We got them approved by the administration and decided to make them the focus of our project.”
“What I enjoy most about Art Club is that we get to work on large scale projects and work with different mediums we don’t normally use in the classroom.” Ashley Pudil A&E Assistant Editor
Seniors! Turn your senior picture in to Mrs. Wagner in room 226 or kellie.wagner@ xaviersaints.org by December 20!
A&E
November 14, 2013
13
Comics with Keefe
Ponder This... With Ben and Dano What was your favorite toy growing up? Toys were a part of many of our lives when we were young. All of the time spent with these toys leads us to pick a favorite. We surveyed Xavier students and received 288 responses. Here are the results: Army Men/Action Figures Barbie Game Boy Hot Wheels Legos Polly Pockets American Girl Dolls Lincoln Logs “I liked to play with Lincoln logs because my brother always made me play with him and we would always build towns.” -Senior Courtney Colston
100 80 60
Superfan Probs
40 20
Emma Keefe Comic Artist Kermit and Florence Alveshere Alan Anton Joan and Peter Bailey Bryan Banowetz Jim and Judy Bauer Linda Bauer Kenneth and Rosemary Bauer Doug and Char Boe Sandra Boe Dorrance and Shirley Brady Mark and Janice Brady Scott and Tammie Brady Jill Breitbach Lora Breitbach Hannah Brown Lydia and Mike Brown Chris and James Bryant Cassie Busch Larry and Marjory Bushaw Anna Busse Jeff and Michele Busse Monica Busse Colleen Camp Bill Christianson Matt and Tracie Chute Mr and Mrs Robert Chute Mindy and Gary Coleman Jane and Rob Collins Morty and Mona Lisa Cooksey Clark and Kathy Cunningham Carol and Pat Deignan Mike and Karen Delaney Dave and Laura Diebold Dave and Melissa Dostal
Jan and Mike Drahozal Joe and Kelly Drahozal Dave and Polly Draker Nicole Draker Bill and Lu Efting Jim and Liz Efting Ryan Ekland Tom and Terry Ekland Steve and Kay Elliott Carl and Carol Esker Mike and Jody Esker Tracie Fabiano Doug Feltes Jack and Micki Fenske Jim and Linda Fenske Jenny and Jeff Frieden Mike Frieden Dick Galligan Gene and Betty Gerke Julie and Joe Gerke Michael Graeve Tracy Graeve Mike and Kathy Gravel Diane Hansen Paul and Bryn Hayes Tracie and Brian Hazelett Dutch and Ock Herrig Laura M Herrig Mike and Wendy Herrig John and Sasha Hoffman Marvin and Linda Hoffman Mike and Courtney Hoffman Allyson Hovda Dick and Pam Hunt
Virgil and Carlyn Hunt The Janney Family Cindy Jensen Jeanne Joens John and Con Inc. Ray and Beth Kamin Ray and Jan Kamin Katy Karas Kelli Kerton Gene and Sally Kopecky Ann and Tim Kortemeyer Mary Levett Paula and Jim Levett Dave and Sharon Loecher Doris Logel Dan and Donna Lynch Megan Lynch Jeanne and Gerry MacEachern Brennan McAllister Bill and Mary Lou McCartan Kerry McCartan Will McCartan Father Tom McDermott Tom and Mary McGivern Maureen and Jason McHugh Liz Miller Mr and Mrs Duane Miller MobileDemand Leo and Diane Monaghan Ann Moran Julie Moran Regan Moran John and Ruth Neuzil Bob and Mary Tarbox Nicholson
Ben Valentine & Daniel Vega Opinion Writer & Sports Writer Makenzie Noonan Mike Noonan Steve and Janet Noonan Nixie Olderburg Daniel Pape Chris and Roberta Peters Powell Chiropractic Kevin and Denise Pudil Rosie Pudil Ann and Dave Richardson John Richardson Tom and Dianna Richardson Peyton Rosencrants Denny and Karan Ruzicka Mr and Mrs Richard Saunders Joe and Barb Schmall Mr and Mrs Jason Schmidt Colleen and Randy Scholer Mike and Mary Pat Schulte Don and Patricia Sima Maddie Smith Hailey Sojka Mairlynn Sonderman Becky and Brad Stovie Marisa and Richard Sullivan Dave and Karen Thinnes Matthew Thommanna Wilma Thompson Scott Thompson Family Fred and Bev Timko Tom Troester Bev Valant Douger and Amers Valentine Mary Lou Valentine
Patrons
Abbe Vega Carlos and Amy Vega Domingo and Katie Vega Michael and Shelley Waldron Mike and Sue Waldron Jerry and Betty Weiland Jeff and Cheryl Westlund Anne White Terry and Janet Whitney Lynn and Lynn Woellert Corbin Woods Elizabeth Woods Gerald M. Woods Greg and Nancy Wymore James and Elizabeth Zook
If you’re interested in receiving The Xpress at your home, please contact Mrs. Kellie Wagner for more information. kellie.wagner@ xaviersaints.org
14
Sports
A family unity The Saints football team is stronger than ever after beating their last three opponents in shutout games. They have allowed a total of 45 points to be scored against them in 12 games this season. Not only has the team played their best, but the family bond the boys have made this year has been evident. “During the very first week of practice,” senior Chris Ball said, “everyone is working together and encouraging each other to push through. This is when that ‘family’ bond starts and from that week on, during the entire four month season, this sense of family only gets stronger and stronger.” The Saints football team has a literal family aspect. Freshman Bryce Schulte is the head coach’s son and has played as quarterback in several games. The team also has four sets of brothers: juniors Adam Steffensmeier and Andrew Steffensmeier, junior David Sander and senior Matt Sander, junior Thomas Ickes and senior Sean Ickes, and junior Thomas Ball and senior Chris Ball. “I certainly look up to my older brother, Sean,” Thomas Ickes said. “There are many things
Xavier High School
Ending of a season
The Xavier Saints volleyball team ended their year at 28-11 and made it to the regional finals. The Saints have meshed well as a team as they have beaten numerous top five squads. To junior Madsy Richards, that sums up a successful season. “So many teams underestimated us this season, and it was good to get out and upset some of them,” she said. The Saints earned a bye the Senior Britni Scholtes prepares first round of regionals and came for an offensive play. into the Thursday, October 31 Meghan Gerke Photo. game ranked fifth and crowned for Xavier, who was defeated in division champions. They showed four sets 25-21, 21-25, 19-25, 23they earned it, beating Dewitt 25. Richards led the team with Central in three sets, 25-17, 25- 13 kills, followed by senior Kasey 17, 25-19. Xavier had several good Vanden Bosch who added 11, runs and some big hits to put and Torson contributed eight. away the Sabers (10-24). Junior Scholtes recorded 42 assists. Kayla Torson led the team with 12 Xavier came out firing, taking an kills, senior libero Halle Heying early 10-2 lead in the first game. picked up 25 digs and senior Britni The Saints overcame a six point Scholtes contributed 24 assists. surge to win the set. The Hawks “We played pretty solid against came back to win the next three. Shannon Mulcahey Xavier put up a valiant effort Sports Editor Central Dewitt, playing as a team to get the win,” Richards said. in the fourth set, fighting toe to Beating Central Dewitt allowed toe until the very end. Torson the Saints to advance to the notched three kills and saved a regional finals and take on West couple of crucial balls in the last Delaware. “We used that game set, but the Hawks put it away with to prepare for West Delaware.” a block to end the Saints’ season. The third ranked Hawks Morgan Breitbach proved to be a much harder test Sports Assistant Editor
I can learn by watching him. It also helps that we play the same position so he can coach me when I am not doing things correctly.” Xavier played October 30 in the first-round playoffs. Xavier beat Clinton at home by a score of 45-0. The Saints headed to the second-round playoffs to face Iowa City High on Monday, November 4. The Saints won 34-0 to earn them a place in the quarterfinals. The Battle of 42nd Street was held at Saints Field on Friday, November 8 against Kennedy. The Saints won 21-0. Senior Brendan Miller was the first to score in the third quarter to give Xavier a 7-0 lead. Senior Wes Gardner scored the next two touchdowns to secure a semi-finals spot for Xavier. Xavier plays Bettendorf (10-2) on Friday, November 15. Game time is 4 p.m. at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls.
The run to state
The Xavier players celebrate together after the victory against Cedar Rapids Kennedy. Meghan Gerke Photo.
3905 Center Point Rd NE Cedar Rapids (319) 393-3736
The Xavier girls’ cross country team and senior Jacob Schmitt ran on November 2 at the 3A state championship in Fort Dodge. State gave the coaches and runners many new experiences and memories. This was the first time since 2009 that the girls’ team ran at state. It was also the first state meet for head coach Bryan Jones and assistant coach Kyle Mallie. “The most memorable part for me,” coach Jones said, “was running through the throngs of people to multiple areas of the course to try and find a spot to cheer the runners on. The atmosphere was pretty electric.” The girls finished 12th with an average time of 16:33. Sophomore Jenny Dickes placed 15th in a time of 15:27,
while freshman Emiko Coffey finished 20th with a time of 15:35. “It was really exciting and totally different than any other meet,” Dickes said. “It was a great experience to run that course.” Schmitt has run at state once before as a member of the team. “Jacob ran really well,” coach Jones said, “nearly running a personal record.” He raced in 16:49 to place 15th. “This year’s experiences will definitely give me a point of reference to work from for next year as far as building better training programs,” coach Jones said. This season has helped to build up the teams, improve individuals, and give the new coaches a lot of experience. Katherine Bauer Copy Editor
Sports
November 14, 2013
15
Winter Sports Preview Girls Basketball Boys Basketball
Bowling
Wrestling
After a successful championship run in 2012, Xavier girls’ basketball team is ready to reload and recharge for the upcoming 2013 season. Even though the Saints lost three starters and key senior leadership, they will be ready at the first tip to battle and get what they earn. “I’m really excited about this season. We are working hard as a team and we understand nothing will be given to us,” senior captain Hayley Deutmeyer said. “It’s going to be fun.” There will be some new faces on the court for the Saints this year. “We did lose some people from last year, but I’m confident that the seniors and the underclassmen will step up and lead,” Deutmeyer said. Veteran coach, Coach Lilly is sure to get the Saints ready. Look for the Saints in Decorah for their first game of the season on November 26.
Winter is here and that means Xavier boys’ basketball. Coach Ryan Luehrsmann looks to start out his second season with the Xavier Saints as they enter their 2013-2014 campaign. The team is ranked seventh by rivals.com. Entering their first season in 3A since moving to 4A in 2007, the Saints look to get back on track this year. With three of five starters returning, the Saints are loaded with experience. Senior Matt Nelson, junior Adam McDermott, and junior Calvin Winker all return. The team will also have some talented newcomers such as sophomore Mitch Burger, and juniors Matt Downey, Tim Otting, Joe Welsch, and Connor Ramlo. The team will step out onto the court for their first game on November 26 for the Basketball Jamboree held at Jefferson High School. The first official game will take place December 3 at Mount Pleasant.
In 2012, the Saints bowling team placed 2nd overall in class 1A as a team and had individual Caleb Miller, a Xavier junior, place first in the state in class 1A. The Saints are looking for much of the same. “Last year was a lot of fun,” Miller said. “We accomplished a lot as a team, but this is a new year with new people.” Xavier girls’ bowling lost six varsity starters, two very important from last season, Tara Trcka and Abbey Konzen. Trcka went to state four years in a row, winning the 2011 state title in class 1A. Konzen was also a key contributor to the team. This year, the girls’ bowling has managed to find five girls in order to fill all the required varsity spots. The team includes seniors Ashley Pudil, Katie Burke, and Ellie Burke, junior Kayla Thompson, and freshman MeLeah Grubb. The Saints will have a lot of new faces this year and will begin their bowling season on November 26.
It is that time of year again, the endless hours of constant sweating to make weight. The 2013-2014 wrestling season is approaching quickly. The Saints return with great talent from all classes. Senior Sean Ickes will return with state experience at the 170 weight class. Senior Nick Drahozal weighs in at 145. Sophomore Clint Lembeck returns after competing in state last year at the 132 weight class. Sophomore Jeff Vipond weighs at the 106 class, while freshman new comer Josh Gerke comes in at 120. With so much talent returning, the team looks to have high expectations for the year. “We expect to field a strong starting lineup this year,” Ickes said. “We have good returners and a solid group of incoming freshmen.” The Saints will hit the mat for the first time December 5 at Cedar Rapids Washington.
Nic Ekland Sports Writer
Daniel Vega Sports Writer
Nic Ekland Sports Writer
Daniel Vega Sports Writer
Who knows Coach Schulte best? Coach Ekland and Coach Schulte have known each other for 26 years. They attended the same high school and reunited in 1997 when they both began coaching football at LaSalle. Bryce Schulte is Coach Schulte’s son and is 15 years old. They spend a lot of time together at home and on the field. Will family ties prevail or friendship reign supreme? *Disclaimer: Coach Ekland did phone a friend, Sherry Schulte (Coach Schulte’s wife).
Coach Ekland Friend of Coach Schulte
Bryce Schulte (‘18) Coach Schulte’s son
Coach Schulte Head football coach
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
Working out, reading, and watching tv, sometimes all at the same time
What is Coach Schulte’s favorite NFL team? Who is Coach Schulte’s favorite athlete? What is Coach Schulte’s favorite leisure activity?
Brett Favre
Minnesota Vikings Rod Carew
He enjoys getting a “lather” on the air-O-dyne (bicycle workout machine)
Throwing to his kids at batting practice, watching tv, and reading
What is Coach Schulte’s favorite movie?
“The Good, the bad and the Ugly”
“Airplane”
“Airplane”
What is Coach Schulte’s favorite food?
Judging by the pizza stains on his white tank-top t-shirt, I’m going to have to say pizza
Steak
Steak
2
4
Points:
Information gathered by Nic Ekland and Shannon Mulcahey
John Stockton
Possible Points 5
16
November 14, 2013
Thanksgiving Break Bucket List r skating e l l o r o G g Ro ug h Go ice skatin a h c t a W e illag es taurant Visit Czech V r e u iq n u a Go to ay, or Ri ders game w a e d i H ’s l i m se, E f leaves o (The Lig htho u e l i p a in Jump Beta’s Cafe) e an SFl v a H y a d l l a Go t n e Watch Netflix m a n r u o League) t l l a b t o o F t e a nature e r o (Str f o G shopping Go to Black Fri day s d r a c f o e Play a gam o ur PJs y walk in y a t S o lonies the Amana C ave a mo vie H o B w e N Go to now) s ’s e r e h all day t if ( o sle dd ing G n o h t a r Spend ma ns io t a c i l p p a e a new e k Finish co lleg a M t s e y on Pinter a d e ir t n Donate e n t i a is v e g e l l o Go on a c letter to a e f riend t i r W c o Catho li Take l a t i p fo o d to Metr s o h a lunteer at o V e n o e m tch up w ith a so C t f a r c Do a DIY g iving s k n a a selfie h T e k a Help m d n ie r f d l o Iowa n a in l l a M d e P to the family t i is d inner Go V t u c ir Get a new ha o ot into f e r a City b o G W heels Crash Do Meals on k r o w e m Do yo ur ho Go a s tore are d r o h t u r t y Pla Have an a we dd ing s l a n fi r o f Stu dy roadtrip a hottubbing n o o G ee day electronic-f r
“I’m going to Kansas City to visit family. We go fishing together and eat lots of food. My favorite part of break is when I get to cut the turkey.” -Peter Deegan ‘17
“I’m going on NCYC (National Catholic Youth Conference) and the rest of break I stay with family in Dubuque. My family and I go Black Friday shopping all night long.” -Melanie Wertzberger ‘15
Page Editor: Anna White. Pictures and Information: Mary Esker/ Background: CLIPART