December growl

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The Bettendorf High School

G

rowl Vol. 50 Issue 3

Friday, Dec. 13, 2013

3333 18th St. Bettendorf, IA 52722

Hidden places in the Quad Cities By Quentin Yarolem Staff Reporter

Too often people complain about not having anything to do in the Quad Cities. “I just feel like there are no options,” said junior Sydney Wientjes. This is far from the truth, though. There are so many places to go and people to see right here in the Quad Cities. There are tons of cafes and coffee shops to go and hang out at. The Rozz-Tox in Rock Island is the perfect example of this. The Rozz-Tox is a cafe/hangout space/ concert venue/art museum. It is probably the only place where you can listen to hardcore punk-rock and then have the very next song be just calming bongo drums. The Rozz-Toxx is on 2108 3rd Avenue in Rock Island. The name “Rozz-Tox” comes from a manifesto written in the late 1970s by Gary Panter. Panter’s idea was to “embrace capitalism,” and to get a person’s artwork or music out into the public. Benjamin Fawks, owner of the Rozz-

Tox, took that idea and made it into a living Ragged Records sells different types space. of vinyl and CDs. The owner of Ragged “The space [The Rozz-Tox] is a living Records, Bob Herington, used to own three ecosystem. It grows and changes with CO-OP record stores in central Illinois. every month that passes. If there is a month Herington helps spread the love of music that has really dark art on by buying, selling display, I tend to try to and trading vinyl book more upbeat music records. shows and vice versa,” said “I can relate Fawks. music to everyone The Rozz-Tox has local I have grown up art on display. In order to with and love,” get art on the walls of the said Herington. Rozz-Tox, all artists need Ragged Records to do is contact Fawks. He has more than a can be contacted through The Rozz-Tox hosts interesting quarter of a million email on his website www. lightning fixtures, like this lamp albums on sale. created out of scraps of other Rozztox.com. “We sell rare “I do like to see a items. and hard to find physical copy or a photo records, so we of the art before I commit to anything,” get people from all over the world. I have Fawks said. regulars from the UK and Japan and from Other things that one can do in the Quad all around,” said Herington. Cities is go shopping. Trash Can Annie’s is a vintage clothing There are multiple really cool, hole- store in the same building as Ragged in-the-wall places to go shopping, like Records. It has everything from wedding Ragged Records in Davenport. dresses to army jackets. Trash Can Annie’s

and Ragged Records are on 418 East 2nd Street in Davenport. Eating food is a crucial part of life. There are many unique restaurants, including multiple gyro joints in the Quad Cities. Gyros are a traditional Greek dish. “Gyros are literally my favorite food, and my favorite gyro place is Olympic Gyro in Davenport,” said senior Charlie Coffey. Olympic Gyro has Chicago-style hot dogs, along with delicious gyros. Olympic Gyro is at 205 W. 53rd St, next to Menards. There are also several Indian restaurants in the Quad Cities. The Great Indian Restaurant is one of the few places in the Quad Cities that serves authentic Indian food. You can order your food at a variety of different spice levels, but the hottest is called Indian Hot. Indian Hot is extremely spicy and can result in runny noses and sweaty faces. The Great Indian Restaurant is on 4400 Avenue of the Cities in Moline. The Quad Cities is only boring if you don’t seek out places to go and things to do.

Valley Track Club (MVTC) as a marketing project. “MVTC was a good match on the academic end,” Pisel said. “They were really open to the idea of our students rebranding their club.” A nonprofit track and field organization, MVTC caters to both competitive athletes and kids looking to take part in recreational activities. The club attends various competitions, including AAU

organizations to get the taste of what it takes to make it in the real world. “I think the real value from this specific project comes from the ‘soft skills’ that students are required to use in order to be successful,” Pisel said. “By ‘soft skills,’ I mean things like collaboration, listening, decision making, understanding how to use a variety of resources to solve a problem [and] failure recovery.” Applying the knowledge from the class will not be a difficult concept for students. “Understanding the parts of the marketing plan and conducting market research are certainly a big part of the class, but 10 years from now, those other skills we work on are going to be much more valuable to most students,” Pisel said. The project with MVTC has proved to be a great learning tool for students. Child has learned how to create a website, as well as various marketing strategies that relate directly to working with real world businesses. “I told them… in five [years], this club will still be using one of the websites they build. The project takes on a new life when it has that kind of meaning to it,” Pisel said. “I hope that students can use this project as a reference in a college or job interview. I also hope they can make connections with people in the business world and community that can mentor them now and later in life.” The project will not end with the semester, however. “Next quarter we will start working with a band, Great Divide, out of Chicago, to create a social media campaign for them. We worked with them last year and had a lot of success, so we are looking forward to working with them again,” Pisel said.

Real world business practice in school By Jordan Raso Co-Editor Using classroom knowledge in the “real” world is not always apparent immediately. However, the situation is the opposite for students in Entertainment Marketing. Mark Pisel, business teacher, is provideing his students with hands-on experience by teaming with the Mississippi

What’s all ‘The Hub’ about? By Dana Waterman Yearbook Editor Walking through the halls after lunch, it’s common to see upperclassmen wielding styrofoam cups, buzzing about a place called “The Healthy Hub.” The main attraction of “The Hub” is its protein shakes, containing 24 grams of protein per shake. One ingredient, aloe water, supports healthy digestion and maintains a healthy immune system. The aloe also benefits hair, skin and nails. Shakes contain 23 vitamins and minerals that promote a focused mind, helping students feel more awake and engaged. A shake offers the maximum benefit directly after a workout because it prolongs the high metabolism burn from exercise. Senior Olivia Drexler started frequenting the store over the summer, after workouts and running practices. “I like going because it’s fast and easy, but it’s not like fast food,” Drexler said. Employee Tracy Paxton joined Healthy

Hub when it opened last January, looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. She says the products are “guilt-free pigging out.” Students can expect to pay $6.75 for The Hub’s three part system consisting of a shot of aloe water, hot or cold tea, and a protein shake. People can also purchase a “membership card,” which contains 10 shakes for $60. If students are interested in buying the Herbalife products used to make their own shakes, the cost equates to about $3.15 per shake. One allure of the Hub is the positive environment, with happy team members and customers all around. “I love talking to the students,” Paxton said. “The environment is where I love to be.” The company even brought the volleyball team individual shakes before the girls left for the state tournament. “They brought one [shake] for everyone including the coaches, and it really made everyone excited and feel good because we each had our own,” Drexler said.

National Jr. Olympics, USATF State Jr. Olympics, AAU Qualifiers and USATF Developmental meets. In the past, Pisel has used his connections to locate organizations, but the opportunity to work with the MVTC came to him. “One of the volunteers for the club is a Bettendorf grad and has a daughter that is currently enrolled at BHS,” Pisel said. “When they called and said they wanted a new website, I knew our students would be able to put together a professional site that would meet their needs.” Student pairs must work together to produce a product that satisfies the ideas of both students collectively. Though it is a group effort, each student is responsible for a marketing plan and objectives. “The partners are given quite a bit of class time to work. Just like a real company, there is a lot of individual work that the students do to make the group work effective,” Pisel said. One task for freshmen Katelyn Child and Gabrielle Valdez is to create a website for MVTC. “We have been working to create a website to present to the MVTC since they are looking to revamp their current website,” Child said. Students work on creating a relationship between the customer and the product, as well as understanding how organizations not only gain customers, but keep them coming back. “There is no ‘golden ticket’ in marketing,” Pisel said. “Students learn to gather data from a variety of sources and use that data to create a product that the customer will want.” The MVTC project is rare in that students are able to work closely with real


Opinion

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The Growl Editorial

The

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College tuition dimishishes students’ choices

NARL

We narrow down college choices depending on anything from its acclaimed undergraduate programs to the new smoothie machine at its fitness facility. One major factor in our college decisionmaking is cost. No matter who is paying, whether it be you or your parents, the amount of money you want to invest into the next step on your education path is critical when deciding on a college. The rising cost of tuition is hindering our choice as students to choose the college that we truly want to attend. Any senior can relate to college preparation dealing with essays, scholarships and roommates, which are already pesky nuisances lurking in our subconscious, but tossing in the need to finance everything down to the last crumb of a cookie you will eat, just adds to the stress and complication of the situation. As if students, especially seniors, did not already have enough to worry about, the cost of tuition is rising every year. According to Forbes, there is a 7 percent increase in college tuition per year. Now, that may not seem like much, but let us assume that your total tuition

is roughly $35,000 for your freshman year. Theoretically, your sophomore year tuition will be 7 percent higher, or in this case, $2,450. Imagine that increase for two more years. By your senior year, your tuition will be approximately $42,877; that is a difference of almost $7,877 from the original $35,000, and you are roughly $155,398 in the hole from all four years of college. Interestingly, college tuition has changed drastically over the past 40 years. For example, according to the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) Library, in 1970, a semester of tuition was only $300 for a resident graduate. In 2012, tuition for a semester at UNI was $3,917, a difference of almost $3,600 in just 40 years. Some may argue, however, that inflation is to blame for the increase and that the rising cost of tuition now is equal to what it was in the 1970’s. This assumption is false because it does not take into consideration that household income rates are not rising parallel to college tuition. According to Median Household Income in the United States, the median household income for 1982 was $19,032, but with inflation, it is equivalent to roughly

$46,082. The median household income for 2012 was $50,099, so there has been a very small increase of less than $4,000 in a 30-year timespan. College tuition, however, has increased by rates of 217 percent since 1982, according to Forbes. When household income and college tuition are so out of balance, paying for college can be a struggle for students and their families. The financial burden of college can be a deciding factor in a student’s decision to chose a smaller school or bypass college all together. Students should not have to give up attending their dream schools, or college at all, just because of high tuition. Though we cannot change the tuition rates directly, there are ways that we, as students, can help ease the pain for our bank accounts. One of the easiest ways to receive money for college is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Almost all colleges use FAFSA, an application used to determine the amount you or your family will be expected to pay towards college, as the basis for their own financial aid awards. This process includes tax forms and bank statements, so make sure to have an adult and all documents already with you when starting the application process. A very popular option, scholarships, can be one of the most challenging aspects of receiving college aid, but also one of

WISE WORDS FROM GG: By GG Yearbook Editor

Dec. 13, 2013

United States, according to TechCrunch Magazine. Also, Netflix reported to CNN that it had 29.2 million users as of last month. Many of those users are like me, a proud Netflix addict. The summer of 2012 was where it all went downhill for me. Who needs to hang out with friends when she can be friends with the characters on the screen? In reality, friends are people you can laugh, cry and sympathize with. I laugh with

Dependency is possibly the darkest phase of the addiction. If you’re going to lie to your friends, make up really good Let me start off by saying, excuses as to why you can’t hangout and if you don’t know what have to stay home. My personal favorite Netflix is, please crawl out from under the is making up an illness; therefore, they rock you’ve been living under. won’t want to come over (because you’re Back in the old days of 1997, when “contagious”) and you can continue in your Netflix was born, the only service they solitude. Other winners include “I have to provided was movie rentals by mail. It was work really early tomorrow so I’m going to a revolutionary idea, possibly the greatest go to bed early,” “I have homework” and “I invention since delivery pizza, that can’t--I have to write appealed to the upbringing of our my newspaper article lazy generation. on Netflix.” All you had to do was build up Far past my denial your list of shows and movies you stage, I’ve learned to wanted to see and they would appear embrace this disease. in your queue. Being a Netflix user My friends tell me for about 10 years now, I remember I have a “problem”; waiting for the mail carrier, to see however, I see it if he was going to bring me a new as a lifestyle episode of “Fraggle Rock.” The red choice. So what envelopes became a major success, if I’ve seen appealing to couch potatoes and Netflix continues to be the unchallenged leader for Internet every single movie junkies everywhere, further traffic, accounting for 31.6 per cent of downstream traffic during episode of over making way into the era of Netflix peak period. 40 shows, it’s Instant. compensation Netflix Instant, a way to stream television Shawn and Gus, cry for Michael Scoffield for my lack of a social life. shows and movies, is compatible with and sympathize for Ted Mosby. To anyone who says this addiction After all, your friends shape who you is a waste of time, let me enlighten devices made by Sony, Microsoft, Apple, Roku and Nintendo. User friendly with a are. If this is true, then thanks to Michael you on all the things I’ve learned variety of selections, Netflix is now the Westen and Fiona, I should be pretty crafty from the things I’ve watched on number one source of Internet traffic in the with some C-4. Netflix. “One Tree Hill” taught me that you shouldn’t kill your brother or fall out of windows, “H20” taught me that being a mermaid is pretty cool but The Growl accepts all signed Letters to the Editor Editors: Jordan Raso and Allie Weis it comes with complications, and by the student body. Letters may be edited for length, Reporters and Photographers: Brianna grammar, and clarity. “Lost” taught me that you shouldn’t Klabunde, Alex Connor, Brett Gaydos, Dana Letters may be dropped off in D100, journalism lab or ever ride on a plane. Waterman, Aimee Plante, GG, Quentin Yarolem. emailed to bhsgrowl@gmail.com. Columnist: GG Netflix has a wide variety of very bettgrowl.com Editor: Aimee Plante educational documentaries. I once Use your Adviser: Connie King watched one on kangaroos, and smart phone Mascot: Newsie or iPad now my Australian accent is much to visit our The Growl is a member of the Iowa High School Press Association improved. It also taught me that (IHSPA) and the Journalism Education Association. website! I have absolutely no self control. Visit us at bettgrowl.com. There is no such thing as only one “Like” us on Facebook (bettmedia). more episode.

Growl Staff

the easiest. There are scholarships for practically anything from heritage based essays to duck calling contests. Applications vary depending on the individual scholarship. You may be required to write an essay, a story or even create plans for a new invention. Using the Internet and your counselor are great ways to find scholarships that pertain to you, further strengthening your fight against college loan debt. Getting a job to save up money is also very helpful with paying for college. To make saving money easy, you can take a certain percentage out of each check and put it into savings and you will have a nice little money pile started before you know it. Even though colleges are ripping us off with the high tuition costs, we can take steps to help soften the blow once the fall semester of college freshman year rolls around. Sure, the situation may not be fair, but, to put it bluntly, life is not fair. We will all have times in our lives when we wonder why everything cannot just be simple, but we have to remember that there is a reason for everything. Do not let a dollar sign and a few digits rule your future. You are in control, you have the power to take responsibility and plan for what is ahead. So go ahead; take the extra shift or spend the weekend writing scholarship essays. “College you” will thank you for it.

>Life

Netflix also showed me that “patience is a virtue,” “good things come to those who wait,” and that “screaming at your TV for new episodes of ‘HIMYM’ doesn’t always work.” Post Series Depression. A very serious and dangerous state of mind, PSD occurs after the series finale and should never be handled alone. The only cure is to start a new show. Rewatching of the show that caused your PSD can only lead to enhanced side effects. The sidebar below is a list of shows, approved by yours truly, that should suffice as a healthy cure. If you’re battling Post Season Depression, where you have watched all the episodes on Netflix but need to see the new season, contact me and I can share some resources to lead to a fast recovery. There is hope for all you users out there.


Dec. 13, 2013

Feature

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Theatre students prepare for festival one-acts by Aimee Plante Online Editor

Nickles, freshman Molly Seybert, junior what your individual character feels.” sense of humor the show had, so it made “In the Tank” stars sophomore Abbie me want to direct one by him as well.” Kennedy Knight, sophomore Nate Walczyk and junior Sarah and junior Ellie Stamper, illustrates another Carpenter A quirky one-act starring freshman Each year, the Drama man’s plan to run away with money from Francisco as Liz and Angela, two Emily Baker, Department hosts a the bank he manages along with the woman lobsters suck in a seafood restaurant freshman Olivia festival of one-acts to next door; however, trouble arises when he with contrasting existential views: is Gasper and senior showcase the talents of is not the only one in search of some extra it better to play “dead” or accept a predisposed fate? Nathan Perk, “One student drama enthusiasts. Seniors are cash and a fast getaway. “Our script is so different from Directors Abby Davidson, Matt Tennis Shoe” granted the opportunity to direct their anything I've tells the story of shows throughout the month of November McFate and Megan Moon ever done, and Sylvia, who may in preparation for their casts’ debut in the are optimistic for the cast’s that gives me upcoming performance. or may not be a Fine Arts Room on Dec. 14. and Abbie the “We have all seen them bag lady based on This year’s festival is comprised of five opportunity to try the evidence of comedies, including “Armed Robbery perform and we knew that new things every a picture frame, for Dummies,” “Betrayal,” “Controlling they would mesh well as a time we run the couch cushion and Interests,” “In the Tank” and “One Tennis group and that they [will] all show,” Francisco make us proud,” McFate said. single tennis shoe. Shoe.” said. “[Plus], we “Controlling Interests,” “Both Emily “Armed Robbery for Dummies,” starring have some quality and Olivia are freshman Chad Behal, sophomore Ty Lane, following businessmen with Francisco and Carpenter freshman, so I lobster claws!” senior Kaleb Rorbakken and sophomore “kiddish” charms who must Seniors Isaac meet as lobsters in the deal with workplace think that, for them, Frederick “Fritzy” Bries, Max one-act “In the Tank.” issues such as eating doing the one-act Swearingen, is a dark McInnis and boogers and liking festival is a good comedy portraying Aimee Plante proudly opportunity to experience what theatre is girls, stars freshman Frank, who quits execute their roles as like a BHS,” Hoffman said. Cole Harksen, junior Robnett and Romano of living the “safe” directors of the nautical Max Robnett, freshman “Controlling Interests” “I like having the ability to get up on life by deciding to Zach Malchodi, determine “where babies one-act. stage, supporting role or not,” Gasper rob a bank. After he “I already did the said. “I think this will be fun to watch, too, sophomore Anna Baker come from.” seeks the advice of a acting side of [theatre] because there are so many great actors and and junior Amanda parolee, however, the and thought it would be actresses in the one-acts.” Romano. outcome of his heist Senior directors Jordan Raso and interesting on the other side of the stage,” Through the collaboration of directors is not the “change” Tyler Reedy are excited to see the Bries said. and actors alike, one-acts provide an he so desires. “One Tennis Shoe,” written by the famed opportunity for students to demonstrate cast’s progress in such a limited Seniors Megan Shel Silverstein, is directed by seniors their talents in a casual environment. amount of time. Beck, Madison “GG” “Our actors are really starting to Haley Hoffman, Nate Midey and Hannah “One-acts are a lot more relaxed and Glanz-Guessford understand how we want them to say Montgomery. familiar,” Francisco said. “The audience and Jason Nankivell Nickles deals with his “When I was a freshman, the one act I is closer, which makes it easier to connect discipline the cast complicated relationship certain things and why,” Raso said. “It is really interesting being in the was cast in was also by Shel Silverstein,” with them and make sure they understand with “memorization in “Betrayal.” director's position because you see Hoffman said. “I liked the dry and odd your [show]. It's quick and fun.” and lots and lots of the show in the big picture from every push ups,” Beck said. “Betrayal,” starring sophomore Grant character's point of view instead of just

Spending the holidays By Brianna Klabunde Staff Reporter The holidays are here marking the return of old traditions and opportunities for new experiences. With shopping and cooking creating a hectic atmosphere, it is a wonder there is anytime left for family. Nevertheless, family is the point of the holidays after all, and everyone has his or her own unique way of celebrating them. “I love winter break. I get to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s while enjoying extra sleep and hot cocoa,” Michelle La, a junior, said. “Thanksgiving is the best too. You get to eat all day and hang out with family.” It does not really matter whether the holidays are elaborate or just a simple get together. Senior Ryan Lundy is taking an exciting approach for her holiday break. “On Thanksgiving, I am going to Denver, Colo., and for winter break I will be in Chile. For Thanksgiving my whole family is doing a 5K and we are going to rent out a facility to play laser tag together. On winter break, in Chile, I will hopefully be going hang gliding and hiking,” Lundy said. Some holidays are busier than others. La celebrates four birthdays along with Christmas and Thanksgiving. With family members spread all over

the country, some families have to be flexible during this season. “My family always eats dinner together on Thanksgiving and we do a mini Christmas celebration because it’s the only time our family can get together since they live all across the United States,” Melissa Trepa, junior, said. This time of the year leads to some unforgettable moments. “Every year my grandma throws a big Thanksgiving party. We have had 25 people to 40 people over, resulting in some interesting stories over the years,” junior Ryan Berg said. “[Christmas] is a lazy day where we enjoy each other’ s company. The day after Christmas we shop with our gift cards. It's a magical time in my house, and I love every minute of it!” Trepa said. “[This Christmas], I will be hanging out with family and friends, watch some movies, and go shopping, shopping and more shopping,” La said. “My least favorite part is going to be taking down the Christmas tree.” The holidays provide a well deserved break for families everywhere to spend quality time with each other. “It is a great time to enjoy the company of family and keep one's priorities in line. It can really change your perspective and help to focus on what is really important in life, whether that be family, friends, athletics and so on,” Berg said.

Recent record releases By Quentin Yarolem Staff Reporter

Rapper’s music is not like most rap. It is extremely jazzy and melody based. It is rap for those who don’t like rap. Chance Deep in the depths of is best known for his strange noises and music, there are talented his signature “AHG.” Chance’s second artists coming up with their own original mixtape “Acid Rap” was 63 on the music. Unfortunately, these artists are Billboard Top 100 R&B/ Hip Hop albums. continuously overshadowed by mainstream Aimee Plante, senior, said, “I don’t artists. even especially like rap, but I like this One band that deserves more attention [Chance].” is the horror punk band Radkey. Radkey The next band, Saint Rich, is a mix is made up of a group of teenage brothers between the Black Keys and Foster The that might be enough to spark the return of People. Saint Rich has a nice West Coast rock and roll. The sound. Whether lead guitarist and you are going for vocalist Dee Radke a cruise on your has a low voice that longboard or just is very similar to hanging out, Saint Jim Morrison of The Rich has a song Doors. The song for you. The song “Cat and Mouse” “Officer” on the really shows what Iain Cook, Lauren Mayberry and album “Beyond the Radkey is all about: Martin Doherty make up the new Drone” is a very killer guitar solos electro-pop band CHVRCHES. Photo catchy song, filled and catchy choruses. Credit: Pitchfork Media. with teenage angst. Mckenna Earnest, Modern Baseball junior, said, “Radkey is a super rad, new is an indie punk band from Philadelphia. punk band.” Modern Baseball has a certain out-ofCHVRCHES is a Scottish electro-pop tuneness that is fun to sing along with. group whose sound is extremely similar Modern Baseball sing songs about being to Vampire Weekends’. The group was on second best and not being as cool as BBC’s 2013 list of most promising talent. someone else. For everyone who has CHVRCHES likes to balance the mood of experienced this, it is extremely relatable. their songs by having either really upbeat In the album “Sports”, every song is worth rhythms with really sad lyrics, or having a listen to. Some of the better ones on the really slow rhythms with really happy album are “Tears over Beers” and “Relyrics. done.” Their debut album “The Bones of What These artists are coming up with You Believe” is full of songs that are worth creative, original material, but are not listening to, such as “The Mother We being recognized for it. Share” and “Gun.” Earnest said, “There’s a lot of good music Chance the Rapper is an independent out there and people should acknowledge rapper from the Chicago area. Chance the all of it.”


Features

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Dec. 13, 2012

Do something good for your body By Brianna Klabunde Staff Reporter “Set your base, work your core!” There is no question about who students are quoting when the familiar phrase is heard among the chatter in the hallways. Although there is never much conversation about the man behind the catch phrase. Randy Scott, also known as Coach Scott, has a story of his own. “Mr. Scott is a great role model for our department. He keeps himself physically fit, he encourages and motivates students to push themselves each day, he is reliable, dependable, well prepared for class, and is extremely helpful with the care and upkeep of our facilities and equipment,” gym teacher, Diane Lichtenberg said. Scott’s first job, and dream job, was to

be a gym teacher at a high school level. He square dancing and any activity that we can achieved this goal in 1976 after graduating do outside--I’m just an outdoor person,” from UNI when he started working at BHS. Scott said. Scott was a football “I like to exercise, coach for many years, it is something in the even taking the team to education field that I state. think is important,” “My favorite thing Scott said. “I try to is to be around this work out 30 to 60 age group to teach and minutes every day or coach,” Scott said. at least every other Scott’s hobbies are day.” hunting, fishing, and Coach Scott speed walks through Scott is not the exercise. A normal day the fitness room during third block. only one involved in for him includes waking physical education. up at 6:45 for Early His daughter, Bird PE and teaching three blocks of gym Montana, is fitness instructor at Gold’s during the school day. Gym in North Carolina. His son, Garrett, is “I think the fact that he gets up earlier an assistant football coach at UNI. Clearly, than other teachers to go hang out Scott feels strongly about PE. He hopes with teenagers is amazing. He is very his message gets through to the kids he committed,” Francisco said. teaches. “My favorite indoor activity would be

Scott has a number of memorable experiences since getting his job at BHS. “Graduating from high school, college, graduate school, birth of my son Garrett, daughter Montana, being named Scott County Teacher of the Year, Iowa Assistant Football Coach of the Year, Iowa Head Coach of the year, elected to Iowa Football Coaches Hall of Fame, coaching and winning 7/10 state championship games, including the last one with my son, Garrett who was on the team, coaching a number of shot put and discus throwers that placed in the state track meet,” Scott said. “I think he is great at what he does, and he pushes us all to do the very best that we can do,” Francisco said. Clearly Coach Scott has made a significant impact on the people he has taught throughout his years at BHS. “Remember,” Scott said, “do something good for your body.”

Students make choice to graduate early By Brianna Klabunde Staff Reporter On average, 12,960 hours are spent in school from kindergarten to graduation day. Although some people make the decision to cut their high school experience short. “After spending a semester abroad, I decided I was ready for something greater than high school. I feel like I have gotten all I wanted out of it,” senior Dana Ontiveros said.

“I want to move on with my education and start something new,” junior Laura Justis said. “I did not want to be in high school anymore. I started thinking about it beginning of my sophomore year. I talked with my parents about it a little bit and then asked the school for more information on it.” While the decision to leave may seem simple at times, there is a lot to be left behind. Memories made with classmates will be sacrificed to make bigger choices about the futures. Devan Porter, a senior, will be graduating at the end of first semester to start classes

early at University of Georgia, where she will be playing volleyball. “It feels bittersweet,” Porter said. “I am excited to start a new chapter in my life, but I am really going to miss everyone I have become close with here.” However, Porter does not let these feelings bring her down. “I am also super excited because I will be independent, and I will be playing college volleyball. It will be a whole new experience for me, and I will meet so many new people while I am there,” Porter said. Justis, on the other hand, could not be more ready.

“I just want to leave already! I am excited to be able to live on my own and have more freedom and responsibility,” Justis said. Graduating early can be a great opportunity for the right person. “I think it is a better option for students that do not enjoy high school as much as others. It is not widely known about in our school, and I think more students should look into it,” Justis said. “I'm going to miss having my parents there to help me out with anything when I need it!” Porter said.

Taking on new challenges across the world By Alex Connor Staff Reporter “When they [the organization involved in foreign exchange students] first came to my school, they said they needed people to take to America, and I love challenges,” said Idah Muriithi, junior foreign exchange student from Kenya. Only knowing what America was like from movies, Muriithi was ready to see another part of the world that was thousands of miles away from her own home. “Because of the movies I saw, I thought America was really cool, and in Kenya it is a big thing if you come to America, so that is mainly why I came,” Muriithi said. “l also heard that when you come to America there is no homework and you are given laptops, and I thought it would be one year of leisure, luxury, and sleeping in all the time.” Within her first three months in America, Muriithi got to experience things that Iowans take for granted, like snow and visiting Chicago for a Red Sox game. Making the adjustment from the Kenyan to American lifestyle, Muriithi has had a supportive host family behind her. Originally staying with the Westerkamp family, Muriithi now lives with the McClains. Muriithi also has a foreign exchange student at her home from Germany named Sonja. Muriithi has developed interests in American foods such as french fries

from McDonald’s and steak from Texas 12:40 until two and then study until 4:15. Roadhouse. After we would have few minutes break “I like the people here, they are very where we could clean and wash clothes. nice,” Muriithi said. “They are not so And finally we would have evening lessons interested in what you wear and what you between 6:15 till 9:30.” do. In Kenya, I would not walk around in The biggest contrast between Kenya what I am wearing now because I would and America to Muriithi, however, is the be made fun of the moment I walk out of weather. From the hot Kenyan sun to a cold my door.” Iowan winter, any newcomer to the states A Kenyan school and BHS widely would find the adjustment hard. contrast. “Here it is so cold. There was this “I lived in one time when the boarding it reached -7 school, but degrees celsius every time and my host there was a mom said, ‘Oh, school break it is nothing’ I would and I was like, go home,” ‘Negative Muriithi said. seven!’ That is At her the temperature boarding we put in our s c h o o l , freezers back Muriithi home,” Muriithi had to abide said. by a strict Muriithi wants Muriithi was greeted by the Westerkamp host schedule. to return to study “We would family when she arrived. at John Hopkins have to be in University to class by 5:30 a.m., but I would wake up at become a neurosurgeon. After 15 years 5:25 when the bell ringer would announce of medical school, Muriithi would be five minutes until class,” Muriithi said. able to join the exclusive right to become “We would have a lesson or study alone till one of the next neurosurgeons in Kenya. 5:45. We then had porridge for breakfast Currently, there are only four. and occasionally Kenyan tea and bread. With her future mapped out, Muriithi has Every meal was horrible. We then would short term goals too. study until 9:20 and have a 10 minute “I am trying to persuade my family to break. Then we had a lunch from about take me to Minneapolis,” Muriithi said.

Along with the trip to the Twin Cities, Muriithi and other foreign exchange students are thinking about suggesting a multicultural dance club, which combines dances from different cultures. Muriithi is also involved in RSVP. “When I was growing up, I did not have the best childhood because I was not in the best relationship with my mom. We had hurts, but now we are a lot closer than we used to be,” Muriithi said, “but I had grown up longing for that motherly love. A week after moving into my new home, I fell off my bike into a creek and got really hurt, and I really loved how my host mom was there for me. She told me to not worry and that I would be fine. She made me feel like I was her own daughter.” Muriithi was selected from among 200 students at her boarding school. “From the 200, the selection was then narrowed down to 10. They said they wanted someone with charisma, someone with brains, someone who is not afraid to talk to anyone; and every time they were describing the kind of person they wanted, I felt like they were talking about me. I strived to be a better student, and I was the only one from my school to get selected,” Muriithi said. Along with other exchange students, Muriithi is one of the select few who can submerge herself in an entirely different culture at the height of her youth and meet plenty of new people along with adventuring to foreign places. “Americans are cool,” Muriithi said. “All you guys should come to Kenya one day. It would be fun.”


Features

Dec. 13, 2012

5

Fighting social norms: going barefoot By Alex Connor Staff Reporter

Walking outside barefoot, the hot sun reflects off of the concrete in the summer and the cold crisp air of winter chills the bottom of feet. Texture surrounds everything and for certain BHS students, they like to make sure that they do not miss out on every piece of earth we have. Walking barefoot, or nearly barefoot, is a lifestyle chosen that defines and breaks social norms. Most could not imagine leaving the house without their favorite tennis shoes, UGGs, or flip flops, but for juniors Alex Flax and Eli Modjeska, flip flops are left in the car as they walk around barefoot. “I do not like it [wearing shoes], my feet feel trapped inside. I like feeling the ground, and being as you could say, grounded,” Flax said.

Flax began not wearing shoes in the summer of 2012. He started wearing shoes less and less until he did not wear them at all. By winter, Flax had not quite adapted to the ideology of the whole thing yet, but practically fully submerged in spring of 2013. Modjeska, on the other hand, has been avoiding shoes since eighth grade. With his homemade Modjeska shows his shoes almost homemade shoes. always on his feet, Modjeska goes as barefoot as he possibly can when the time is right. “I do wear shoes for gym because they get mad at me if I do not,” Modjeska said. Other than that, Modjeska goes barefoot or wears shoes made out of rubber and rope that he handcrafts.

One might say, “Why not wear was Guitar Center,” Modjeska said. barefoot shoes instead of going Flax has been kicked completely barefoot then?” out of Walmart before. For Flax, even that is a stretch. Along with shoes, socks are “The barefoot shoes another enemy of barefoot lovers. still constrict my “I hate socks about the same toes,” Flax said. amount as I hate shoes,” Flax said. This winter, Flax Modjeska sighed at the will be wearing winter thought of wearing socks. boots that have no “Another reason I do not heel or toe drop along wear shoes is because my with the height of the feet sweat all day long and sole being consistent stink too,” Modjeska said. so that it feels as if he Walking barefoot is not just is wearing no shoes a point to prove or a choice, all the while keeping but a lifestyle for those who his feet warm and insulated. like to be comfortable and Flax and Modjeska have feel the world around them. had to endure some struggles “If you are going to try Modjeska to keep their barefoot style going barefoot, just do it,” shows off his going, which means getting Flax said. “Before you do, you homemade kicked out of several stores. have preconceived notions, shoes. “I have only been kicked and the best way to get out of a store once and it started is to just try it slowly.”

Winter sport athletes prepare for season By Allie Weis Co-Editor

Name: Katie Walker Grade: 12 Favorite part: The practice is actually enjoyable. I’ve never left practice thinking, “wow, that was the hardest practice of my life.” I like that it is a sport that is fun, yet still competitive. Favorite memory: Last year, during substate, our coach kept giving us things like crazy socks and fake glasses that were supposed to help us win. Although it didn’t do much good, it was still fun. Biggest accomplishment: We have gone from losing every single match to being third in the MAC last year. Best advice received: Strikes are nice, spares are a must. Pre-game ritual: Before every match we have a “stretching circle” where we do stretches, and then the boys do Bulldog push ups. The other teams get really confused.

Name: Luke Ketelaar Grade: 12 Sport: Swimming Favorite part: Our team, we’re with each other for so many hours during the season that you can’t help but to get close to your teammates. I think of my team as my family. Favorite memory: When we invite the alumni swimmers back to play a huge game of water basketball. There are only two teams, three dodge balls, two buckets that we use for hoops, and one hour to score as many points as we can. Biggest accomplishment: Making it to state in the 200 freestyle Goals for the season: If I could podium at state this year I would be happy with that in either the 100 or 50 freestyle. Best advice received: My off season coach, Demian Werner, told me you have to put in all the hard work during practice, but once it’s time to race you just let it happen and swim exactly how you’ve trained. Whatever happens, happens. Pre-meet ritual: Before meets we always have a sort of pre-meet talk with the whole team. The captains will all say something about the other team, their strengths and weaknesses, and a quick speech to pump everyone up. Then when the other team comes on deck, we do our traditional yell to pump everyone up and hopefully intimidate the other team too.

Name: Logan Patrick Ryan Grade: 12 Sport: Wrestling How long have you wrestled? I have been involved since the age of three. I got involved by going to my older brothers practices and just rolling around. Also my father got us started because he wrestled in college. Favorite part: That it is an individual sport, there is nobody to blame for your mistakes but yourself. Biggest accomplishment: Winning the state tournament in overtime, the feeling was indescribable. Plans past high school: Wrestle for the University of Iowa Goals for the season: I want to be undefeated, win a team and individual state title, and be a national champion Best advice received: Put in the extra time, everybody goes through the everyday workout. Find a time to get something extra in, and do what nobody else is doing, that’s how you create an edge on your opponents. Pre-match ritual: I usually bounce around, get loose, and picture in my head what I am about to go do to my opponent.

Name: Ashton Glaus Grade: 11 How long have you been playing? I’ve been playing since preschool. I first played for the YMCA, and then I played with the River City Rams who then became the Bettendorf Bruins for AAU until high school. Favorite part: I think the best part isn’t necessarily winning, but those few moments where you know you did something well. Or times when the team works together really well, like a second family. Biggest accomplishment: I don’t have one yet. I hope that season will reveal one. Plans past high school: I want to play in college, so I’m working for a scholarship. Goals for the season: To have good team unity, keep my head straight, play my hardest, encourage the team, and of course get some W’s. Best advice received: Do not worry about past mistakes. Pre-game rituals: I pray before each game, giving it all to God because that’s where what talent I have comes from.

Name: Michelle Larsen Grade: 12 How long have you been cheering? This is my first season cheering for basketball, but have cheered for wrestling, football, and I have been cheering competitively for 10 years. I got involved through an organization called Eastern Iowa All Stars. Favorite part: The best part of being a basketball cheerleader is having the opportunity to cheer the Bulldogs on in amazing games and getting closer with my team. Favorite memory: Going to cheerleading state this year because our team grew together so much over the season, and we competed very well. Biggest accomplishment: Receiving “Top All-American Cheerleader” at camp sophomore year. Best advice received: It’s better to try and fail than to never try at all. Pre-game rituals: We have many backstage rituals for competition, but when it comes to basketball cheer we go out to dinner as a team before games. Best part: Getting to cheer the basketball players on in their victories all season long. Name: Nicholas Baer Grade: 12 Sport: Basketball How long have you been playing? I have been playing basketball since I was in second grade. Favorite part: The best part is my teammates. Favorite memory: Mikey Lintzo’s bus ride raps are legendary. Biggest accomplishment: Getting second place at the state tournament last year. Goals for the season: My goal for the season is to be a state championshipcaliber team in March. Best advice received: According to Coach Clark “Adversity will happen in your life. It is how you react that defines your character.” Pre-game ritual: I read the same section of “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” before I leave for a game. It reminds me of leadership, bravery, and passion. Expectation of fans: Get loud at the games and make the “Dog Pound” unbearable for opponents!


Sports

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Dec. 13, 2013

Students sign letters of intent excited for Ryan will also be joining his brother, this new former BHS wrestler Connor Ryan, on the By Brett Gaydos chapter [in team. In Logan’s successful career at BHS, Staff Reporter my] career,” he already holds a state title and is looking B u r n h a m for a repeat this year. National Letter of Intent signing said. Jacks grew a relationship with the is a day for high school athletes to Six out coaches at Wayne State that could not be chose what college they will be of the nine broken. Upper Iowa coaches recruited attending the next fall in athletics. a t h l e t e s Jacks to play basketball, and when those The signing day took place on signed to coaches left for Wayne State, Jacks Nov. 20 in the commons. a division followed. Playing basketball at the next Nine student athletes signed one school. level was always on his mind. their letters of intent to continue Burnham is “It has always been a goal of mine, and I their schooling and individual excited to am glad I was able to accomplish it,” Jacks Logan Ryan talks to the media sports at the next level. take on the said. Volleyball players included about his future at Iowa. c h a l l e n g e That goal became official when he signed Georgia commit Devan Porter, of being his letter of intent in front of family, media UNLV commit Catlin Wernentin, and successful in the pool at UCLA. and friends. Liberty (Va.) commit Anna Wiley. “It is a really big honor, and “I was not Boys basketball players include expecting that Missouri Western commit Cole Clearmen I know I have to prove to my many people and Wayne State (Neb.) commit Kendall new coaches that they made the to show up, Jacks. Elizabeth Finn signed to Northwest right choice by choosing me,” but I love the Missouri State for girls basketball, and Burnham said. Growing up a Hawkeye support that wrestler Logan Ryan committed to Iowa. everyone has For rowing, Haley Zapolski will be fan, being able to wrestle for given me,” attending Michigan, and Maddy Burnham such a historic program at the University of Iowa was Ryan’s Jacks said. will be attending UCLA for swimming. That special Burnham had the most impressive high dream. “It has always been a dream moment of school swim career in BHS history. She signing their holds almost every record time at BHS to become a wrestler for Iowa, commitment and several in the state, but her biggest so I could not be more pumped will be accomplishment came in the state meet this for my future there,” Ryan said, “I could not be happier with my remembered year when she won the state title. by each of Maddy Burnham talks to the “It is sad to have to leave behind my decision.” the athletes media about UCLA. teammates and coaches, but I am really forever.

Haley Zapolski laughs with the media before her interveiw.

Kendall Jacks and Cole Clearman talk about what college they will be attending.

Staying focused in the pool By Brett Gaydos Staff Reporter After going 6-1 in the MAC and a 6-2 overall record last year, the boys swim team only looks to improve. With senior captain leadership from Jacob Hovey, Cole Bunn, and Luke Ketelaar, the team will be focused all year. Last year’s season ended with a 13th place finish at the state meet. “Our biggest goal is to go undefeated in our dual meets this year. We all strive to improve individually and as a team from Junior Richard Turner looks past years,” senior captain Jacob Hovey to have an impressive said. season. He swims the 100 The team has 10 practices a week before freestyle and 100 backstroke. and after school, which creates a lot of time together. Along with practices, the team With a long season of grueling practices, will be required to lift as well. Aside from it is important to stay motivated. As all the physical training, the team does the team enters this season with a high many things outside of the pool and gym. confidence level, they hope to prove their “Besides the workouts, we have pasta dominance in the pool. parties where we all just cook together and “It is a long season, but we have a strong chill,” junior Richard Turner said. team. I have confidence that we will get When it is time for practice, however, through it with as much focus as we begin there is no room for messing around. Even with,” Hovey said. though swimming is looked at as more The boys have of an individual four home meets sport, practice is throughout the a time to push one season and 10 away another. Each time meets. The 2013the swimmers 2014 season will get in the pool or finish at the state the weight room, meet on Feb. 15, in it is a chance to Marshalltown. The improve. team is in action “Every practice Tuesday, Dec. 17 at is extremely BHS. intense. There is no room for messing around, and every athlete is pushed to their Charlie Cox prepares at practice before max,” Hovey an upcoming meet. said.

Dogs look to impress MAC By Brett Gaydos Staff Reporter The boys basketball team is looking stronger than ever this season. The Dogs have high hopes going into the season after last years 25-1 record. Last season’s final game ended with a loss in the state title game to Iowa City West. With only losing a handful of seniors, key players and leaders still remain on the team from last year, hungry for redemption after losing in the State Championship game. “As a team, we all want to win badly,” senior Kyle Buhman said. Just like most athletic teams, a lot of time is spent together in the weight room and in practice. To the players, each person is more than a teammate. “The best part of basketball is working hard with everyone. Bettendorf is more

than a team, we are a brotherhood,” junior Kevin Schulting said. As a team, no game will ever be overlooked. But the ultimate goal throughout the season will be to win a state title. The boys will be back in action tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tonight’s game will be against cross town rival Pleasant Valley at PV. The team will then be at Davenport Central on Dec. 17.

Junior Kevin Schulting looks to have an impressive season at center.

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Dec. 13, 2013

Feature

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Diversity during holiday season By Alex Connor Staff Reporter

Diversity is a major part of the high school culture. Students are separated through age, gender, race and religion. Students become more accepting of change, however, and most contrasts are overlooked. During the holiday season, students contrast in that some celebrate Christmas, some celebrate Hanukkah, some celebrate Kwanzaa, and then other students celebrate no holiday at all. The most commonly celebrated holiday around wintertime is Christmas, but that does not mean that the other holidays do not compare. “I like that the traditions that we observe usually mean spending time with lots of family,” junior Melissa Weinstein said. Weinstein is Jewish, but she also celebrates Christmas with her mom’s side of the family. Beginning at sundown on Nov. 27 this year, Hanukkah is celebrated over eight days as families come together to make new memories and follow old traditions. “My family lights the candles every night of Hanukkah, and they make latkes, which are basically potato pancakes,” Weinstein said. Hanukkah is also referred to as the “Festival of Lights.” Holding nine candles, the Menorah uses the center candle, the Shamash, to light the other eight candles over a period of eight nights. On the first night, one candle is lit, on the second, two, on the third, three, and so on. “You let them burn until the flame goes out,” Weinstein said. Hanukkah is the Jewish celebration commemorating a rebellion hundreds of

years B.C.. The rebellion pivoted after enough oil that was supposed to keep a temple lit for one night miraculously lasted over the period of eight nights during a important moment in the rebellion. Other Jewish holidays include Rosh Hashanah, which is the Jewish new year, Shabbat (the Sabbath) and Sukkot, which is the holiday that celebrates the harvest. Christmas, celebrated on Dec. 25, is another winter holiday celebrated by many. Kids across the country run downstairs on Christmas morning to open presents and to see what “Santa” had left them. For most, Christmas begins with the baking of Christmas cookies, the decorating of the tree, and the hanging of Christmas lights outside. These are all traditions that may or may not seem like it but are common to most families. Christmas Eve is also a crucial part of the Christmas season. Even though it is celebrated by non-Christians, Christmas is meant to serve as the annual celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. On Christmas Eve, one could find families out celebrating at a church for a candlelight service or celebrating other traditions the family could have. “We would watch cheesy Hallmark movies because we absolutely love them at my house. On the first Christmas my family had in America, we all lied in the living room on mattresses and ate Christmas cookies and watched movies,” Sarah Francisco, junior, said about Christmas traditions and one of her favorite Christmas memories. “Santa” became a part of Christmas in America through a tradition practiced by Dutch settlers in New York. “Santa” was once a bishop in the fourth century church who had once helped a nobleman and his

‘Tis the season to be SAD by Aimee Plante Online Editor Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year, but, for many, winter is accompanied with more melancholy than holiday joy. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Foundation, six of every 100 people in America suffer from the winter doldrums known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The condition is suspected to be caused by the increased lack of exposure to direct sunlight during cooler seasons, especially among teenagers. Those affected typically exhibit symptoms such as fatigue, moodiness, weight gain, feelings of ostracism and lack of interaction; however, there are quick pick-me-ups which help manage these afflictions. Soak up some sunlight! The best solution for a condition triggered by a lack of sunlight is, obviously, access to more sunlight. Take advantage of Iowa’s bright winters by sitting next to a window and opening the blinds while doing homework. While sitting under an artificial lamp light for hours on end becomes exhausting, exposure to natural light is an easy way to

obtain the energy busy students crave. Find time to exercise! During the season of glazed ham and cranberry sauce, exercise is often set on the back-burner; however, according to Mayo Clinic specialists, those who exercise regularly are less likely to suffer from symptoms of SAD. Depression of any variety tends to intensify the body’s cravings for carbs and other fatty foods, yet, when students consume these empty calories, they are less likely to find the motivation to go to the gym. Exercise will not only boost your endorphins throughout winter, but, bonus, it will give you a head start on that “beach bod” you love come springtime. Relax! As students approach the heart of the school year, tensions run high in order to maintain an acceptable GPA. Stress, however, only perpetuates symptoms of depression. In order to avoid further mood disturbances, students who are susceptible to SAD should make time to relax. Reading, painting and meditation are extremely therapeutic approaches which can limit the effects of stress and seasonal depression. If moods do not improve through these recommendations, contact your doctor to explore the more advanced options of light therapy and medicine.

daughters anonymously. After that, any anonymous gift was associated with Saint Nicholas’ name. Throughout the years, the name has developed into “Santa.” Another holiday celebrated around this time of year is Kwanzaa. This year, Kwanzaa will be celebrated from Dec. 26 until Jan. 1, and it will be the 47th anniversary of the holiday. Unlike the other winter holidays, Kwanzaa is not religious and not meant to replace Christmas. Celebrated by mostly African Americans, Kwanzaa is meant to honor the year-end harvest festivals that have taken place in Africa throughout the years. The name “Kwanzaa” originates from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya Kwanza,” which translates to “first fruits of the harvest.” Kwanzaa, the Pan-African holiday, is celebrated over seven days. “Seven” is a significant number in Kwanzaa because there are seven principles to Kwanzaa. On each day, a candle is lit to commemorate each principle. The principles are meant to stand for the value of family, community

and culture. The principles include Umoja, which translates to unity: the joining together as a family, community, and race. Kujichagulia, or self determination, which is the responsibility for one’s own future. Ujima, which translates to collective work and responsibility, meaning to build the community together and solve problems as a group. Ujamaa, or cooperative economics, in which the community builds and profits from it’s own businesses. Nia, or the purpose, in which the goal is to work together to build a community and further the African culture. Kuumba, which means creativity, stands for using new ideas to create a better community. And finally, Imani, means faith. Faith is supposed to honor African ancestors, traditions and leaders, celebrating the triumphs over adversity. Finally, over the winter break, or just in general, a religion that does not celebrate holidays. They are the Jehovah’s Witnesses. A Christian denomination, Jehovah Witnesses do not celebrate any holidays, for fear that they are either celebrating a false religious holiday, a political holiday or a holiday that honors anyone or a human organization other than God. So whether it is opening up presents, lighting candles, or doing nothing at all, our diversity in cultures is what separates America from the rest during this holiday season.

Slacking to live; living to slack makes it harder to slack off in class. Junior Colin Malin said, “I sit in the back of class and play on my phone. I also just sort of space out.” Blake Bodenschatz, junior, said, “I just With finals coming just play on my iPad.” around the corner, students Others prefer to pay attention in class but are looking for do their homework at the quick tips to last possible second. improve their Malin said, “I do all grades. of my homework, but The obvious always at the last minute.” way to get better Junior Sarah Francisco grades would be said, “Sometimes I don’t to study, but why do my homework at would you study home, but [I do it] in when you could other classes. It worked take a nap? Why Coffey studies at the last minute for really well in eighth do extra credit his pre-calculus test. grade!” assignments when Other slackers like to you could do no assignments? Why do a just skip class. review worksheet when you could review “I just don’t even go to class,” said junior what’s on Netflix? Chris Jerson. Junior Colin Malin said, “I’ve been able These slackers have been accumulating to get by pretty well without really trying.” and sharing their “tips” for quite some Some students have their own unique time. The tips have also been transforming tips that help get them through high school. into sort of mottos. “I just don’t do any homework, and then Coffey’s motto is, “Don’t try too hard, it I do awesome on the tests,” says senior will stress you out!” Charlie Coffey. Malin’s motto is, “You can’t come out of The new hands on method of teaching life alive, so why worry about the trivial is getting students more involved. This things? The grades will buff out.” by Quentin Yarolem Staff Reporter


Celebrating 50 years

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Dec. 13, 2013

Bulldog pride stays same for 50 years By Allie Weis Co-Editor

While there are many differences between 1963 and 2013, several aspects of the high school experience stay the same. Even though the world we live in drastically changed over the span of 50 years, one

1963...

constant is Bulldog pride. When comparing pictures from the 1963 yearbook to photographs taken this year, these similarities between the times become strikingly obvious.

One huge difference from 1963 to 2013 is the school itself. The building where the high school was located in 1963 is now The Missisppi Bend Area Education Agency building.

One thing that hasn’t changed is how the Bulldogs can bring an entire town together on a Friday night to cheer on their team.

Although now the student section dresses unified in a theme, the roar of the student body still overpowers all other noises in the stadium come game time.

Over the span of fifty years, students still work hard to put on a half time show complete with dancing and the marching band.

The costume may have changed, but the students’ love for their favorite mascot and the enthusiasm the Bulldog shows every game has not.

2013...


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