NSLANCE.COM NORTH SCOTT HIGH SCHOOL 200 SOUTH 1ST. ST. ELDRIDGE, IA
APRIL 26, 2012 VOLUME 58 ISSUE 3
THE LANCE
CONTENTS
Girls Track:McKenna Belk clears the bar in the high jump competition. On the Cover: John Kinney Photo by Drew Grunder
FEATURES Kellen Moss 4 Teen Utopia 5 Allergy Season 9 Sporcle 9 From Homecoming Queen 10 Bullying 11 Fad Diets 20 Hunger Games 26-27 HOT NOT 30-31 2 The Lance 4.26.2012
SPORTS NEWS Baseball 22 Iron Man 23 Girls’ Track 24 Boys’ Soccer 25
HOSA 3 Art Trip 3 Midwest Horse Fair 4 Mock Trial 5
OPINION Not a teen mom 6 Mom at school 7 Self-discovery 10 Supplements 14 Let’s Chill 15 Race 16-17 Trayvon Martin 18-19 Spring Break 20 The Mayans 21 Resident Evil 28
HOSA earns top honors BY CARLIE MULLINS All of the North Scott Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) members have qualified for nationals to be held in Orlando Florida this June. To qualify, HOSA members had to place in the top three for their division at state competition on March 25-27 in Des Moines. Breanna Worrall, Joe Erickson, Anna Marceau, and Rachel Hebblen competed in Creative Problem Solving, with a topic of trying to get children to eat more nutritious foods. Hebblen and Marceau were double entered. Hebblen with Human Growth and Development test and Marceau in a persuasive speech; both took first place. Austin Griebe competed in Extemporaneous Writing and placed third. Kelly Kupris and Rachel Hosch competed in Forensic Analysis taking first place. Jessica Seibel and Kylie Dempsey presented a Career Health Display on Nursing and received third place. Ashley Schabillion took a Nutrition test and placed first place. Eight out of the ten members will be attending the National conference. The team needs to raise $8,000 to attend. In order to raise this money, the team plans on holding a garage sale, bake sale at prom, Gold card sale, and donation requests from local businesses. In addition to competing in various health occupation competitions, the team has also volunteered at Grand Haven and worked at Special Olympics. HOSA is always looking for new members, so if you are interested in joining talk to Dr. Onken or any of the current members. HOSA is a fun way for people who want to get involved in health care to gain experience and make memories. Vice President Breanna Worrall says, “We are excited to go to nationals and excited to get new members.� HOSA is always welcoming any interested people.
Peeters takes class to Chicago for fun, education BY GIANNA SANICOLA As the class walked down the ramp from The Art Institute, taking pictures left and right, they came to Millennium Park. Mr. Peeter's was so excited to show everyone the architectural stage in the middle of the park, and explain why it was made. He then showed the bean, and everyone was extremely excited to see it. Almost everyone had wanted to go see the bean. It looked like a gigantic fun house mirror, and it was so cool that everyone wanted to take pictures. Mr. Bernie Peeters hosts an art field trip to Chicago, Illinois every other year. Anyone can go on the field trip and visit the Field Museum and the Art Institute. The field trip is for one whole day from 5:45 am to 11:30 pm. The bus makes two stops on the way there, one for breakfast at McDonalds and one at the DeKalb Oasis for a pit stop. The Field Museum had exhibits for all ages and games all around. If you went to any exhibit they would have little fact games that students could play while others could take
time and read about the exhibit. The Egyptian exhibit was popular because the unwrapped mummies looked wicked. The Field Museum didn't have a lot of security, so it was quite relaxing. At the Art Institute, however, security guards stood every 15 feet, which was a bit daunting. The constant threat of alarms sounding if anyone got too close to the paintings kept everyone on edge. The trip was planned out perfectly, and we had plenty of time at each museum. Total cost of the trip was twenty dollars, but everyone brought a little extra for food and souvenirs. You don't have to be in an art class to go, but you should take an art class just for the background knowledge. You learn much more about history, and about one of the greatest wonders of the world. The next time this trip is going to occur is the year of 2014 around February or March. Be sure to ask Mr. Peeters about this trip because it was a great experience for students and many plan to go back. 4.26.2012 The Lance 3
FFA Members and students to attend Midwest Horse Fair BY LAKEN RINDLER FFA members and students in an agriculture class at North Scott High School have the option to attend the Midwest Horse Fair. The fair will be held April 20-22 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. FFA is taking 40 students to learn about how to train, feed and ride horses. Not only is this fair about horses, but there are over 500 vendor booths to shop during the fair. During the horse fair there will be exhibits, vendors and a rodeo after the horse fair to enjoy a night out. The fair is very welcoming to anyone, but people who own horses and ride them primarily attend. Attendees learn how horses are treated, trained and fed. They also to learn to brush and wash horses, so they are ready to show. Not only are they groomed for show, but they are also trained for barrel races and other performances. They also show the horses, and there is an opportunity to buy horses along with other animals as well. The rodeo is interesting for people who haven't seen riders get bucked off, because if it is your first time, it's scary since some people risk their lives to show off for the crowd. The North Scott FFA recommends that students take an agriculture class, because not only do you learn about horses but also all other of farm animals and its a really interesting class if you like working with animals in your spare time
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Kellen takes a break from what he loves most, the piano, to smile for the camera.
Moss has talent
Kellen Moss is one of the most well known singers at North Scott. He will go down in history for being the second four-time All-State Choir participant from our school along with Nathan Meyer. That's no small feat. Kellen has put in a tremendous amount of work to get to where he is now; his success is a compliment to his strong work ethic. Kellen's singing career began in sixth grade when he was a part of his church choir. That's when he knew that he had potential. “I realized I had a special talent so I took advantage of it,” Kellen stated. Junior high came around and he participated in the normal choir as a 7th grader and the Ambassadors as an 8th grader. In high school he joined the highest-level choir as a freshman, North Scott Singers. Kellen has sung the National Anthem before basketball games numerous times over the years, as well. Along with being a four-time All-State choir participant, Kellen served as a soloist at the All-State Music Festival his sophomore year. “I felt extremely honored to be chosen from such a great group of singers,” Kellen explained. This past February, Kellen traveled to Madison, Wisconsin to participate in the NCACDA Regional Honor Choir. He sang with 200 other high school students from the Midwest. There is no doubt he is among the elite in the area. “It was a great experience and I got to meet a lot of new people,” Kellen said. This coming fall, Kellen plans on attending Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee just as Nathan Meyer did. However, the acceptance process took a little longer for Kellen. He applied to the school last fall. Then, he had to travel to Belmont for a choral audition where
COLBY SORENSEN he was scored based on his performance. In March, Kellen received a call from the director of the voice department congratulating him on his acceptance into the music program. “It was a relieving feeling to finally get that call,” Kellen noted. It has taken many years of work, but Kellen has made his dream come true. He's a phenomenal musician and deserves every bit of his success. There is no doubt he will go far with his special talent.
Order in the court, Mock Trial is in session BY CARLIE MULLINS Jens Kindarhaz fears returning to his home country because the Knave government has threatened his life. Jens begs for asylum in the United States because he fears persecution by the Knaves. He believes that Freedonia is no longer free for the Spree and the Knave government could possibly kill him. Is his life really in danger or is he just making up an excuse so he can stay in the United States? This was the basic point of this year's mock trial case for North Scott TAG students. Although all the facts in the case are fictional, the case and the characters seem to come alive on competition day. Dan Stutting played the part of Jens Kindarhaz and even went as far as crying on the stand while telling his story. The judges loved how he embodied his character. Mock trial is not theatre, and there's not a script. You interpret your character and come up with what you think s/he would say. Not only is it a good chance to act but you could also be an attorney. An attorney cross-examines witnesses from the other team and defends the case. Heidi Redmond teaches the TAG (Talented and Gifted) class at the high school. She has 14 students that spend the first semester dedicated to working on the mock trial case. Along with Ms. Redmond they have an attorney coach, Ryan Weber. After the students feel comfortable with all of the materials and case facts it is time for them to become lawyers and witnesses. To them the case becomes very real. The passion in the room is extremely noticeable. A normal case runs for about two hours but the time seems to fly by when a courtroom is filled with heated cross-examinations and arguments. There is of course order in the courtroom and everyone is respectful to the judge, but it's very easy to become lost in the moment. If you were thinking about law as a career, mock trial would be extremely helpful. It gives you the experience of an actual case. On competition day students perform in the Scott County courtrooms, and even though the case is fictional, it comes alive and seems very real.
Dylan Stage using the free wireless internet at the Bookworm
Teen utopia now open in Eldridge BY KAYNE SPEIRS
The Bookworm is a used video game and book store located in Eldridge. The concept is simple, bring in old systems and books, and trade them for store credit. The Bookworm is also a great place to come and hang with friends, and take advantage of free wireless Internet. Two dollars is enough to play games and enjoy the atmosphere. There aren't many places for students to spend time socializing in Eldridge, but this is one place you are sure to come back to. “It's a cool place to hang out and chill with friends,” says Dylan Stage, a customer and student at North Scott High. “They have great games and Internet for me to use.” Parents are encouraged to come in with their kids to see what the store is about. They can sit and talk to Dawn or Scott, the owners of the store. Scott and Dawn opened The Bookworm because they felt there was no true video game or bookstore in town. “We don't really have a bookstore in town except the library,” says
Dawn. “My husband Scott wanted a place for the kids to hang out,” she says. Teens are allowed to play any game they sell in the store for 2 hours for an affordable $2. You can also pay $15 to play for 30 hours and watch movies and TV shows on Netflix. Prices are reasonably priced for purchase; most games are between $15-20. “I use GameStop as a reference,” says Dawn. They are not only limited to video games but also movies and consoles which range from old ones like the Atari to brand new systems like the Xbox 360. Food and drinks are also priced right for student, nothing over $5. “I mostly buy food and a pop when I'm there,” says Stage. They have great food choices with fun names like “The Don Ho” or “The Yellow Submarine”. They even make deliveries or you can call up an order and pick it up and take it home. They also serve ice cream, which is amazing at $1 a scoop. Let’s face it - food, free internet and low-cost video games are all so many of us require to be happy. 4.26.2012 The Lance 5
Adults Assume Female Teenagers with Children are Parents BY KILEY NEUMILLER
Last week I was at the mall with some friends while babysitting my
six month old niece. As I walked past the food court pushing a stroller with a baby, I could instantly feel a multitude of eyes staring at me. People around me automatically assumed I was the mother of my six month old niece. Society saw me as a teen mom, but in reality I was just a sixteen year old babysitting for a few hours. With all the teen pregnancies in the United States today, people jump to the conclusion that a teenager with a baby is a teen parent, and not just a babysitter. What caught my attention most was when one woman had to put her food down in order to stare me down, with disgust on her face. She looked so shocked to see a teenager with a baby. Without even knowing me, this woman automatically assumed my niece was my baby. Now, when I'm in public with my niece, I feel like I have to prove to people that I am only her aunt. I now feel the need to point out that I am only the aunt, when ever people come up to me and say, “Awh, cute baby, how old is she?� I shouldn't have to clarify that I am not the mother of my niece. Adults shouldn't jump to the conclusion that a teen with a baby is a parent, and not just babysitting. I feel like some adults base their opinions on quick judgments. I feel like people view me differently if I'm walking the mall with friends, or if I'm in town with a baby with me. Last year, a high school senior, Gaby Rodriguez, the author of "The 6 The Lance 4.26.2012
Pregnancy Project," tucked a fake baby bump under her shirt and went to school. She not only received stares from her classmates, but also mean gossipy comments were also spread around. She jotted down all of her experiences during her fake pregnancy, and wrote a book about it, show casing the way different people treated her. Her experiment angered a lot of people because she lied to her friends and family about the situation. The only people who knew about her plan were her mother and boyfriend. Rodriguez addressed her teachers and classmates about stereotyping and teen pregnancy during a school assembly. She shocked them all when she ripped of her "baby bump," and revealed to them all that she was never pregnant. Rodriguez's story became so popular, that Lifetime premiered the movie, "The Pregnancy Project," on January 28th, 2012. The movie is based on Gaby Rodriguez's experiment. Alexa Vega (from "Spy Kids") plays the role of the brave eighteen-year-old, high school senior, Gaby Rodriguez. Rodriguez taught society a valuable lesson; that they should treat people fairly. Rodriguez wanted to make known how badly different people were treated while going through the stressful pregnancy. I understand how difficult it is for teen parents when people jump straight to judgmental conclusions, and hopefully her story can continue to help stop the constant criticism.
Would you like your parent to teach at North Scott?
Aubrey Anderson (Freshman) “No, because she’s kind of embarrassing
Dr. and Sarah Onken enjoy working together.
Mom at school, it’s ok
sometimes.”
BY COLBY SORENSEN
Students with parents at North Scott do not experience preferential treatment The question always comes up. “What is it
like having your mom/dad in the high school every day?” Many students that ask always assume that it 'sucks' or 'isn't fun'. In all actuality, it is rather convenient. Students at North Scott that have parents in the building will agree with this. Everyone in the high school knows that my mom, Deana, works in the office. I will admit it isn't unlikely that I make a pit stop to her office once a day or so to touch base on my after- school schedule and such. But for those of you that think I sit in her office all day and skip class are sadly mistaken. Trust me, I have even tried begging her in the morning to let me stay home 'sick' but somehow always end up attending school day in and day out even if I am a little under the weather. Sometimes it may seems that I leave class to go talk to my mom, but in reality I go to her instead of the nurse when I need cough drops or Tylenol. And for the record, I have gotten my phone taken away and just like everyone else, I have had to wait until the end of the day to get it back. You might say I get special treatment, but, surprisingly or not, I have to follow school policies just like everyone else. I'm not the only one with a parent in the building. Scotty and Rachel Edmundson have both taken their mom's health class. “It isn't weird anymore,” Scotty said, “I'm just expected to work harder and not mess around in class.” And that's the expectation for every class, so in reality that isn't too absurd. Rachel agreed with
this as well. They both mentioned that it was actually weird the first day but after that it was just another class. Anna Schneider's mom is an art and Spanish teacher. (Students always forget that her mom teaches both.) Anna usually gets questions from her peers asking her if she wants to teach Spanish when she gets older. She quickly replies, “I don't have an interest to teach Spanish when I get older and many of people think that I do.” “I didn't inherit some sort of knowledge about Spanish from my mom,” Anna stated. She has much more interest in art. There are two other great mother-daughter relationships in the building. Sarah Onken's mom (Dr. Onken) teaches classes such as Anatomy and Physiology and Health Occupations. Dr. Onken has had Sarah in one of her classes and said that, “Sarah has to be a great student and I expect nothing less than an A in my class.” That may seem harsh but that's the truth when you have your mom as a teacher. However, Dr. Onken also said that she really enjoys having Sarah in the building. “I really like it and I'm going to miss her next year,” Dr. Onken explained. Emily Kolwey and her mother are no different. “It was weird having my daughter in class at first but I got used to it because we have a close relationship,” Mrs. Kolwey stated. These few cases exemplify that it isn't necessarily bad having a parent in the building. And there are many situations where it is rather convenient.
Matt Sacia (Freshman) “I don’t think it would matter. It wouldn’t really bother me.”
Ashlee Webster (Sophomore) “Yeah, because my mom’s really cool.” 4.26.2012 The Lance 7
We believe the best people in the world work here!
Why do you give blood?
Lindsay Sandknop (Junior) “So I can eat food...and my mom makes me.”
Part-time and career opportunities available Learn life skills and earn extra money Flexible scheduling in a great work environment
Ty Williams (Sophomore) “It makes me feel good about myself.”
Apply at the restaurant or online at McState.com McDonalds Restaurant 621 E. LeClaire Road Eldridge, IA 52748 (563) 285-6233
Shalynn Eldredge-McMillan (Senior) “Five minutes of discomfort is worth saving three lives.”
Nate Rheingans (Sophomore) 8 The Lance 4.26.2012
“To save lives.”
Sporcle: An Educational Game BY RYAN SCHELIN
M
Sneezing, coughing, scratching, it must be allergy season - already BY JUSTIN KREITER
T
his winter has been unusually warm and lacked the snow that many people were looking forward to. This could make this allergy season one of the worst we've seen in a long time. This year's allergy season is starting a lot earlier than normal. Plants are blooming early because of the short and mild winter. This is causing the pollen counts to spike, leaving people very uncomfortable. The pollen causes allergies from many kinds trees, flowers shrubs and grasses. Iowa is one of the worst states for allergies as it is home to many of the highest pollen producing plants. For example, the oak tree and the pine tree are a couple of the worst and both grow in Iowa. People have many different symptoms at different severities. Some mild symptoms include
a rash and congestion while some people can get symptoms as severe as mental confusion and trouble breathing. Symptoms can start out mild but quickly become severe spreading to other parts of the body. There are many options for allergy treatment. The most popular over-the-counter drugs are Claritin and Allegra. You can see a doctor for your allergies and they can prescribe you medication like Clarinex to help with symptoms. To help with itchy eye you can buy eye drops and there are nasal sprays to help with congestion. Nobody can say exactly how this season will play out, but many can predict by looking back at history. In history, the earlier the season starts, the worse the season is. All we can do is prepare for the worst.
any people have not heard of Sporcle, but once they begin to play it, it can become a very addicting game. Sporcle is an online game that quizzes you on certain categories that range from Entertainment to Geography. Any certain category that someone is interested in they could type in on Sporcle and there would most likely be a quiz on it. Sporcle allows a person to test their knowledge on what they think they know best and it can also prove a point to one of your friends that you are smarter than them. A man named Matt Ramme founded Sporcle in July 2007. The main reason he actually wanted to start the website is because he could not find a website where he could learn trivia. Ramme then decided to create a website where someone could take certain quizzes on trivia of different categories, this is how his first idea of Sporcle came to him. When Ramme started the website he chose to create fifteen different categories ranging from Sports to Literature. Also, when he created the website he decided that the name should sound something like “oracle”, and this is how he thought of a name like Sporcle. The trivia website he made in 2007 has slowly gained attention to many people and even has gained popularity in North Scott. Other websites have grown interest in using Sporcle on their websites. ESPN's website recently had a quiz on dunk contest winners that was verified by Sporcle. Sporcle can be a good tool to bring attention or interest to a certain company or business. A long with that, Sporcle could be used to achieve many other things too. It could be a useful way for a teacher to entertain students and get them to interact in trivia on something they have recently been studying. Maybe once Sporcle gets some more recognition teachers will decide to start using it in classrooms. Although Sporcle can be used for learning, it can also be used to just do something when you are bored. It is a game that helps educate yourself, and also a game that can be fun along with the learning. “Often when I have nothing to do I will get on Sporcle to play a trivia game usually on either Sports or Entertainment,” said Junior Noah Gumpert from North Scott High School. Lately, students at North Scott have grown interest in this fun trivia game and the game has begun to spread to other students. 4.26.2012 The Lance 9
From Homecoming Queen to recruit, Dennison commits to military service BY DEVIN NISTICO Senior Kasey Dennison has had many achievements during her four years at North Scott; two of these include cheer captain and homecoming queen. On March 6 with Navall recruiter Alex Erlenson by her side, Dennison signed on to begin two months of basic Naval training in Chicago, Illinois. Her actual training will begin Sept. 4 in Florida. Kasey plans to become an Aviation Ordnance man. Her course of study will take five years. Aviation Ordnance duties include making sure that
all planes are in working order before going on missions. She will be dealing with bombs, missals, aircraft carriers, and many other types of military readiness issues. Dennison says that ultimately she is trying to gain experience in cultural diversity, through seeing the world. The Navy offers life skills unavailable in other post high school choices. She hopes this will also help her develop as a well-rounded person. For Dennison, the Navy will help her develop resilience; she says that she has been ready to leave for a while…she just didn't know it.
High school can be a journey of self discovery BY ANNA SCHNEIDER
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” It seems only yesterday I walked through these halls as a freshman. I was anxious to make new friends, and determined to succeed in choir and theatre. Now four years later, I am just as excited to be leaving. Earlier this year the thought of moving on was terrifying, but I've found reasons to accept this. High school is what you make it. It may sound cliché, but being popular doesn't matter. It seems that so many strain for it, and pray to be on homecoming court. I'll admit, like many of the other senior girls, I secretly hoped to make it too, but twelve places are not enough for all the truly great and deserving people. Also, in elementary I dreamed of being a silver shaker and wanted to date the captain of the football team. I looked up to silver shakers because their talent was a sign of power. However, in these four years, I've learned that that was not my destiny. Along the way I've collected many geodes. To me, some of the most valuable stones are those ignored by the populous. The most genuine people are geodes, their exterior isn't superficial, and it's their inner core
that is a beautiful crystal. The most important lesson of high school is not to just find friends, but to find you. This too may sound sappy, but looking back at my prior self, it's very true. I wasn't very self confident, but now I know my passions, and performing in Lancer Productions and Choir helped me develop these talents. Anywhere in life, you will meet those you like, and those who are narcissistic. The only solution to this is to be true to you. Do not overexert yourself. Those who are worth being companions will value your presence. When you believe in yourself, others will too. Having self confidence is to have success. It was not till last year that I realized ones self power. It was then that I started looking up to inspirational women such as Eleanor Roosevelt. One of the most important lessons to be learned, I read in her notorious quote. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Do you see bullying happening, and if so, what do you do about it?
Colton Carlton (Freshman) “I recognize bullying happening. I feel like I don't do anything about it, because it's not my business.” The emotional impact of bullying is rarely seen, but has a lasting impact on students.
Bullying has
reached epic proportions in highs schools, and students must do more to stop it
BY STEPHANIE PETE AND LEXI ANDERSON “I didn't realize how serious it was until it started happening to me,” Mrs. Nikolopoulous explains a recent case of bullying. Cases of bullying can vary anywhere from once every few weeks to a a daily occurrence. “We get a lot of cyber bullying at North Scott, like Facebook and text messaging, but not very often do we get a lot of the “horsing around in the hallways” type of thing,” she explains. Most bullying is under the radar, which means the only person who understands the hurtful actions is the person being victimized. Students often do not do enough to stop bullying. Mrs. Nikolopoulos said, “I don't think kids recognize it as much as they could.” Doing nothing is only contributing to the problem. Most teens don't do anything to stop the bullying simply because they don't want to be the next target. Although, it isn't as bad as the “henchmen” as Nikolopoulos calls them. Henchmen are the ones who follow along.
They may not be doing the direct bullying, but they're contributing in a way that is unacceptable. There are three main types of bullying: physical, cyber, and verbal. Physical bullying is typically the most obvious and usually deals with fighting to make the victim scared. Cyber is on the Internet, and is most common because it's easier to harass people especially with the ways of doing it anonymously and without the fear of getting in trouble. Verbal is when someone uses words to tear down someone else's self image. No matter how you look at it, bullying happens and students need to be more aware of ways to stop it. As Elie Wiesel says, “The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference.” So, take a stand to help put a stop to the madness once and for all.
David Long (Sophomore) “Yes I see bullying happening a lot, when I see it I yell at the person or tell an adult.”
Maile Saterly (Freshman) “I don't see it happening often, but I don't do anything to stop it.” 4.26.2012 The Lance 11
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT DEVIN
JOHNSON
Siblings: Courtney - 11 and Kaci - 6 Favorite Song:”Starships” Nicki Minaj Favorite Quote: “If you ain’t first ... you’re last” - Ricky Bobby Why do you deserve to be known at North Scott?: Because I’m a really (insert adjective here) person. How would you stereotype yourself?: A one man wolf pack... Your peak moment at North Scott? Homecoming Court Your pit moment?NA. Activities at NS?: football, soccer, underwater basket weaving Most Embarrassing moments at NS? Too many to remember. Your first high school crush?: Tori McCoy Your most admired person? Pat Tillman Last Saturday night I was... Literally doing nothing. Favorite Movie: “Top Gun” Little known fact about yourself?: I have had three concussions that I know of. Favorite restaurant in the QC?: Texas Roadhouse How many questions did you lie on?: Maybe one or two
LINDSAY HEINEN Siblings: Logan, 17 (twin) and Kaitlin, 20 Favorite Song: “Good Riddance” by Green Day Favorite Quote: “Never louder than beautiful.” Why do you deserve to be know at North Scott?: For always sticking up for what I believe in - no matter what. How would you stereotype yourself?: Giant choir geek Your peak moment at North Scott? All-State 2011 Your pit moment? Blowing my knee out while winning the 1-mile at the Lance Invite. Activities at NS?: Choir, Band, 200 South, LP, Cross-country, NHS Most Embarrassing moments at NS? Andy tripping in the pit during pep band. Your first high school crush?: Eric Gansemer Your most admired person? My dad Last Saturday night I was... Performing in Swing Show Favorite Movie: “Tangled” Little known fact about yourself?: I know how to salsa dance and love it. Favorite restaurant in the QC?: Mongolian Grill How many questions did you lie on?: 0
Andrew Lamfers Siblings: Noah Favorite Song: Somethin’ about a truck Favorite Quote: “I’m lovin it” Why do you deserve to be known at North Scott?: Doing wheelies down the hall. How would you stereotype yourself?: N/A Your peak moment at North Scott? Doing wheelies down the hall. Your pit moment? IDK Activities at NS?:Literally Nothing Most Embarrassing moments at NS? Eating **** on my crutches. Your first high school crush?:Current GF Your most admired person? Parents Last Saturday night I was... Working Favorite Movie: “Joe Dirt” Little known fact about yourself?: 10 plates, 10 screws and doner bone in ankle Favorite restaurant in the QC?: Argo How many questions did you lie on?: None
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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT Juan Esqueria Siblings: 2 Favorite Song: “Mi Hermano Y Yo” Favorite Quote: “Life is too short to be a serious man.” Why do you deserve to be known at North Scott?: The Columbian Your peak moment at North Scott? Soccer moments Your pit moment? Basketball game Activities at NS?: Soccer and Foreign Exchange Most Embarrassing moments at NS? Confuse words and speak about other topics Your first high school crush?: Your most admired person? My mother Last Saturday night I was... Sick, sleeping and skyping with Colombian friends Favorite Movie: “Pena Maxima” Favorite restaurant in the QC?: Buffalo Wild Wings How many questions did you lie on?: any one
Sam
Hawley Siblings: Three Favorite Song: “Where Are You?” - B.O.B Favorite Quote: “Would you like some OJ with that mayo?.” Your peak moment at North Scott? Senior Night for basketball Your pit moment? Contusion in basketball Activities at NS?: Basketball, band, tennis, cross country, and jazz band Most Embarrassing moments at NS? Dropping my instrument in marching band. Your first high school crush?: Ellen Jelinske Your most admired person? Kurt Warner Last Saturday night I was... Playing 2K with my friends Favorite Movie: “Coach Carter” Little known fact about yourself?: I’m a Canadian Favorite restaurant in the QC?: Pancheros How many questions did you lie on?: One
Brittany Uitermarkt Siblings: Bryce (20) Favorite Song: “Turning Tables” by Adele Favorite Quote: “I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 Why do you deserve to be known at North Scott?: Because I’m fun and outgoing! Your peak moment at North Scott? Winning MAC Champs in soccer my sophomore year for the first time ever! Your pit moment? Losing in the 2nd round of playoffs this year.. Activities at NS?: Volleyball, track, soccer, FCA Most Embarrassing moments at NS? Falling off a box in lifting and having Scott Wood catch me before falling to the ground. Your first high school crush?: Ethan Rus Your most admired person? My mom, she is always strong for me when I’m not. Last Saturday night I was... At Iowa State with Raegan and Lauren Favorite Movie: “Something Borrowed” Little known fact about yourself?: I am going to Africa this summer to build a school. Favorite restaurant in the QC?: Johnny’s Steakhouse How many questions did you lie on?: Zero
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The skinny on supplemental nutrition BY BRIAN SPEER
Sports are very competitive at North Scott and always have been.
Having experienced both success and failure, we as a school know what it takes to win and we know we must stay on top of the best training and conditioning programs if we want to keep pulling championships. But now-a-days, it takes more than strenuous workouts to beat out our competition. Being at the top now means 100% dedication to proper diet, appropriate sleep habits, massive water intake, and the one we all wonder about: supplements. What are supplements? The name pretty much explains them. Supplements are intended to take the place of specific aspects of one's diet. However, most athletes use them not to take the place of nutrients that aren't provided in their food, but to stack on additional amounts of specific nutrients, including specific vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and other substances based on what the recipient is seeking. We've all seen them; athletes downing pre-workout shakes before their workout or mixing them up and keeping them cold until the end of their workout. But one must ask the ques14 The Lance 4.26.2012
tion: what are these supplements really doing? Are they effective and healthy? During a recent visit to the doctor's office, I got curious and decided to pop the question: “What are your views on supplements that promote muscle increase?” With little to say, he handed me a white piece of paper titled “Sports Nutrition.” As I made my way back to school, I skimmed through the sheet at each stop light and was utterly amazed. On it were a series of columns that included the name of supplement, what people generally think it does, what it really does, and harmful effects. As I continued reading, I came to find that the sheet contradicted everything that not only our training program promotes, but the views of a number of professionals in the field of athletic training. So who is to believe...the doctor or the athletic trainers? As for me, reading the blatant lie proposing that increased protein intake is in no way linked to muscle gain was enough for me to discredit the entire sheet completely. It would make sense that a doctor's office would promote proper diet and exercise rather than supplemental nutrients, but there are clearly two separate views on the case.
What do you do to relax?
Rashad McClinton(Junior) “Go shopping for new shoes”
Ashley Raleigh takes time to “chill” before and after class.
Let`s Chill School, work, sports, all make life seem too
crazy; however, there are ways to sit and feel relaxed even though it seems like an overly crazy day. Simple things like listening to your favorite music or just talking about your day can help make your day feel a little bit less stressful One great way to relax is by listening to a calming radio station like Pandora. This is an internet radio station that selects relaxing music for you. This soothing music will put you in the right frame of mind to try meditation. Anyone who hasn't tried meditation might think it is a very long and stupid thing to do, but it is neither difficult nor idiotic. First, sit cross-legged and straighten your back, then think of a phrase of encouragement and repeat it in your head over and over. You can also get a group together and have someone say the words out loud while everyone imagines something serene. This process takes only about 15 minutes. You need to repeat the words 25 times, so find something with 25 beads on it or a lanyard with 25 pop can tabs to help keep track.
BY KAYNE SPEIRS Another way you can help relax is to just simply take some time to watch something funny on YouTube right before bed. This is a great way to just relax your head after a long day, and you can do this with your siblings or friends. This way you will have something to talk about at the lunch table. YouTube is one recommended site because it is constantly updated and is most popular for its millions of viewers worldwide. Some other sites that you can look for some videos are upload videos online, Tw i t t e r, video blog, and even Facebook. These are just some examples, but there are tons more websites out there so look for them and help your friends and family members unwind after a stressful day. Even though life may seem like someone just handed you the football and said run 50 yards without getting hit; try these relaxation techniques and you may just find life is a whole lot easier.
Cortez Seales (Freshman) “Play basketball”
Muriel Francis Hoyle and Annie DeVries (Sophomores) “Listen to music” 4.26.2012 The Lance 15
C
Is it a question of race? Racism is a war our world has been fighting for thousands of years. To believe one is superior due to a difference of melanin in their skin is ignorant. Unfortunately, this is a problem at North Scott. Here are some testimonies and views of fellow students. BY ANNA SCHNEIDER Darian, 17 came here in fifth grade. I immediately felt unwelcomed because everyone was white. My one connection was Hispanic; he and I were friends because we could relate from our skin and dialect. In elementary, the kids knew I was different but in junior high the ignorance began. My friends started stereo typing me as their “little black friend.” Girls are always seen as easy targets; that's why we're treated differently than black boys. Last year, one boy would on a daily basis make racial jokes. He said, “My grandpa was racist, so I guess I am too.” I'm not harassed for being mixed, but in Spanish, another boy suggested that I should already know the language because I'm part Cuban. I'm proud of being tri-racial. I was raised a little bi-lingual.
I
16 The Lance 4.26.2012
The prejudice of how the other minority students are treated here is based upon athletic involvement, what clothes you wear, and how we
I don't feel any different because we're all human. I focus on personalshould style our hair.
ities, not color.
Cortez, 14 I'm new this year. My old school was very different than here. The black population was about seventy percent, and the whites only made
I don't see any prejudice of how we're treated here. I don't feel any different than
about thirty. I haven't faced any harassment here, or in my life.
anyone else. Brandon, 15 I came here in fifth grade. My old school in Rock Island was the polar opposite. There was also a high population of Hispanics. I've never had any problems here. The only time I hear the “n” word, is
I'm happy with the way I am. I don't view myself as being different.
when my friends are joking around. I don't mind that.
Taylor, 17 I'm new this semester from Yermo, California. My school was smaller than this one, but it was very multi-cultural. No race outbalanced the other. It had White, Black, and Hispanics of all kinds (Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Mexico, ect.) all different types of Islanders. There were no race wars. Some students were even first generation immigrants. To become closer with my Puerto Rican friends, I wanted to learn their language and culture. I love it!
At my old school, all the cultures were open to each other, but people here stay with their own colors. I think black girls are treated differently than guys. There's the stereoEverything seems socially different here.
type that we have bad attitude and are ignorant. Everyone keeps a distance from us, but they want to be friends with the boys. The only time in my life that I've been harassed was by a darker girl. She picked on me for being lighter skinned. I've never had problems with being part Korean. I've grown to love who I am, and I love all my characteristics that make me stand out in the crowd. Being different has helped me experience other parts of culture. I embrace diversity in all ways. Dasia, 16
to try being friends with me. I've lived here for nine years, so I don't
Black guys get more attention because of the popularity they get from being athletic. It's dumb how white girls play up how
feel different from the other students. I don't look at my arm and think,
cool black guys are. Why aren't they like that with us? They don't try
Brittany, 16 I arrived at this school in second grade. The ethnicity population at my old school was more balanced. I've felt left out in elementary because I was new and different. Over the years, people decided not
No one thinks of me being mixed, they only see me as black.
“Oh, I'm black.”
I'm proud but I don't feel like I'm a different race. Rashad, 17 I was new here, February of last year. At my Chicago school, there weren't many Caucasians. I've never had any problems with racism
I've been here since second semester of last year.
being our friends. I didn't have trouble at my old school, Davenport Central. Here I've heard every derogatory word. In class, the teacher turned off the lights, and someone asked, “Where'd Raynesha go?” I laughed because I knew she gets really offended by this. One of the times we were going to the busses after school, and we overheard students saying that they needed to, “get rid of us.”
I'm proud. I know I'm different but it doesn't bother me.
Deedee, 17 I used to let it get to me. Hallways and classrooms are where we get the most harassment. We usually work by ourselves in class, unless our friends are there. One time I was all by myself because everyone paired up without me. I know the teacher could see that I literally sat by myself in the middle, but they didn't say anything. Teachers don't know what to do, so they don't usually try.
Dante, 15
Supposedly all black girls have attitude, weaves, and “nappy” hair.
here or in my life. Racial jokes from my friends don't bother me.
We didn't hear anything about Black make racial jokes. Sometimes I feel out of Month in any of our classplace here, sometimes I don't. I haven't History es. faced any harassment. I've been here a while so I don't notice any difI was new here in the fourth grade. My old school was a total reverse;
People don't think we can run a hair brush through our hair!
there were more black students than white. Only my friends like to
ference in how I'm treated from anyone else, or how the other black students are treated from me. 4.26.2012 The Lance 17
MY TURN
Will there be justice for Trayvon Martin?
On February 26th, seventeen-year-old Trayvon Martin lost his life. Trayvon was walking home on a rainy evening when he crossed paths with George Zimmerman, age twenty-eight. Zimmerman was a neighborhood watchman for the Retreat at Twins Lake community. Trayvon was walking from a seven eleven store with only his phone, an Arizona Iced tea, and a bag of skittles. BY ANNA SCHNEIDER
Background
Zimmerman called the police that night due to Martin's supposed suspicious behavior. He claimed that Martin looked drugged and was prowling around looking in windows. While listening to the dispatch call on UTube, it seemed evident to me that Zimmerman was the one under some sort of influence. It was very easy to detect in his slow slurred speech. Against the order of the 991 dispatcher, he decided to pursue the teenager. “These a-holes always get away,” he told the dispatcher. Stand Your Ground Law 18 The Lance 4.26.2012
According to Wikipedia, “A stand-your-ground law states that a person may use deadly force in self-defense when there is a reasonable belief of a threat, without an obligation to retreat first. In some cases, a person may use deadly force in public areas without a duty to retreat.” However, this law does not permit a duty to pursue. Florida and thirty other states in America have some form of this law. Due to loopholes Sanford Police tried to make for Zimmerman, there needs to be an amendment. Shooting Trayvon was on the phone with a female friend during the time he was being stalked. He was aware that Zimmerman was following, but he refused to run, so he threw his hood up and walked away quickly. She heard Trayvon ask the man, “What are you following me for?”
Zimmerman asked, “What are you doing here?” The witness says there was then a struggle but she lost contact with the boy when his headset fell. Several residents of the community were eye witnesses to this fight. Zimmerman claims that Trayvon jumped him, but the neighbors' say that it was Trayvon crying for help. There is audio evidence in several of the 911 calls. Sybrina Fulton, Trayvon's mother, told the Miami Herald, “I listened to the tapes and it just broke my heart again to hear him screaming out for help and pleading for his life, and he was still murdered. There is no question in my mind that it is his voice.” Police What's more disgusting about this case is how the Sanford Police tried to hide the evidence. Due to Florida's Stand Your Ground, the police accepted Zimmerman's plea of self-defense, and he was sent home that very night. He was never arrested, nor was he tested for drugs. That is the very most standard test performed in an investigation! Instead, they tested Trayvon's body. They also claim that there is lack of substantial evidence to arrest Zimmerman. It is not standard procedure for neighborhood watchmen to carry weapons. Zimmerman claims that he felt endangered… When he was sitting in a car, with a Kel TecPF-9 gun. Trayvon never approached this man who was eleven years older, and estimated 100 pounds larger. He decided to pursue Trayvon, Zimmerman was the only threat that night. Reaction The Zimmerman family states that since their son is part Hispanic, and not just white, it's impossible for him to be guilty of racial profiling. However, between January 1, 2011 and February 26, 2012, Zimmerman called police 46 times while on patrol. Many of the calls reported sightings of black males in the predominately white gated community. Leonard Pitts, a columnist with the QuadCity Times, states in his article, “Race is a cruel fraud that plagues America”, that “Hispanic' is not a race, but an ethnicity.” He also noted that in 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau Overview of Race and Hispanic Origin states, “People who identify their origin as Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish may be any race.” According to him, race is a term that can be used to “organize our biases, and fears.” Pitts says that Zimmerman is “white”, for American Immigrants learned, “white' [is] the identity that conferred status and privilege and that it was defined by distance from, and antipathy toward, black.” Due to Zimmerman's obvious show or racial profiling, I concur with Pitts' viewpoint. Justice Trayvon’s death is not the first case of racial tension within the department. The former Police Chief, Brian Tooley, resigned in 2011 after a video of his twenty-one-year old son was leaked on UTube. His son was shown beating up a homeless black man. In 2005,
another son of a police officer fatally shot Travares McGill. The African boy was sixteen years old, and the police's son fired in “self-defense.” Supposedly Travares was threateningly driving towards the officer’s son. He defended himself after Travares drove in the opposite direction! Obviously their fathers demonstrate the ignorance these sons practice. George Zimmerman was being held in protective custody in the Seminole County Jail, but he was released on a $150,000 bail. His new lawyer was also Casey Anthoney’s. He's been charged with second-degree murder. His formal arraignment is set for May 29th. The judge will either condemn or dismiss this as a case of self-defense. George Zimmerman will testify as “not guilty,” however if he is found guilty, he may potentially serve a life sentence. Impact Trayvon will never be forgotten. In NYC, the Million Hoodie March was held on March 21st in protest for justice. Across the nation there have been candle vigils placed in his honor. The African Methodist Episcopal church held service in hoodies, and Baltimore's Empowerment Temple has a staircase by their altar that was filled with skittles and iced tea. There, Pastor JamalHarrison Bryant declared that any of the youth in the congregation, “Could've been gunned down on their way home from school or on their way home from a friend's house.” Trayvon Martin was only a teenager! Imagine going to school tomorrow, to learn that one of your friends was shot in the chest for walking late at night in a hoodie. I don't care if North Scott is a predominately white community, or that this happened in Florida. Florida is part of America. America is supposed to be the land of the free and equal justice for all. Trayvon was one of us. The only difference is that he'll never turn eighteen, and he won't be going to prom this year. Because of Zimmerman, Trayvon was unjustly given a death sentence. I may only be a teenager, and even though my race is white, that does not grant me the right of ignorance. Nor should you turn your back on our fellow citizens. Coe-existence is vital for the future of America. When I go to UNI next year, I plan on joining their African Unite club. On a campus visit, I met Vincent from Nigeria, and he explained what a rich experience I could gain from the acceptance and diversity shown in this cultural club. Nevertheless, even though this is only a high school paper, I hope telling Trayvon's story has made some of you realize that there are greater goals that need to be achieved.
Will George Zimmerman get a fair trial?
Lizz Barnes (Freshman) “No, because too many people are on Trayvon’s side without knowing all of the facts.”
Brandon McBride (Freshman) “Yes, I do believe he’ll get a fair trial but he’ll most likely be put in prison because its still murder.”
Eric Gansemer (Senior) “He should get a fair trial as long as the judge does his job correctly. 4.26.2012 The Lance 19
Spring break creates more problems BY NICK WARNER
Leaving Iowa for an exotic location for spring break sounds like an awesome time and a terrific idea. But there are some aspects of returning home from the trip that made me slightly regret leaving. When I returned home from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, I realized how much of a dream lifestyle I was living in Cabo. Upon returning to school and the realities of life, I discovered that my week spent in Cabo with eight of my best friends would more than likely end up being the best week of my life. While staying at a five star resort, having all inclusive privileges, and having flawless weather combined with beautiful scenery I realized that nothing in Iowa could duplicate the pure enjoyment of Mexico. The trip made my already severe case of senioritis ten times worse. I dreaded heading back to school more than normal and homework seemed increasingly unimportant. Everyone I have talked to that went somewhere exotic for spring break has had the same reaction. We all experienced the high life and coming back to the reality of Iowa and the hardships of life is quite troubling. Even the people here, the majority, seem much more immature and selfish. While in Mexico, my friends and I met tons of people and all of them seemed so happy because we were all in paradise having the time of our lives. However, back in Iowa, there is drama, fighting, and just being bored. I would still advise people to go on a spring break trip because I have memories with my boys that I will never forget but I would also tell them to realize how bad leaving sucks and the problems it does create. I wouldn't trade my senior spring break memories for the world, unfortunately, living such a perfect life for a week makes everything else seem depressing. 20 The Lance 4.26.2012
Mary Cunningham, Nicole McCombs and Lindsay Puls suffer the consequences of dieting. Photo by Drew Grunder
Fad Diets take toll on health, sanity BY NICOLE MCCOMBS Today Carlee Haigh's diet has consisted of a baked potato, carrots, broccoli, and other vegetables she has chosen. The reason for this strict vegetable only diet? A new way to lose pounds while cleaning out your system called the Cleansing Diet. Many teens throughout North Scott High School are attempting this diet for the idea that they could lose a few pounds before summer. There are a variety of diets and different workout methods all over the media that promise a better looking body and healthier lifestyle. Americans are easily sucked into these advertisements all for the hope of looking like the super models they see on T.V. The Most Popular Fad Diets of 2011-2012 Cleansing Diet also called The Cabbage Soup Diet. This diet last 7 days. Each day consists of different foods you can eat and throughout the whole week (you may eat the cabbage soup as much as you please). The first day is only fruits but (excluding bananas), second is vegetables, third is fruits and vegetables but (excluding bananas), fourth is as many bananas as you please as well as much skim milk, fifth day you may eat 10 to 20 ounces of beef and 6 tomatoes, sixth day you can eat to your hearts content of beef and vegetables and day seven you're limited to brown rice, unsweetened fruit juices and vegetables. After these seven days
experts say that you should have lost up to 10 pounds. “It was a lot harder than I thought and made me realize how much I like real food,” said Lindsay Puls after partaking in the 7 day cleansing diet. “I was hungry..it was awful,” says Marybeth Cunningham who certainly agrees with Puls's opinion. The Atkins Diet is also a very popular fad diet that encourages dieters to focus on eating mainly high protein and high fats and to decrease the intake of carbohydrates. Because the human body's main source of energy is carbohydrates, eating only proteins and fats forces the body to burn off left over fat. The Lemonade Diet has been around for the past 50 years but recently has became increasingly popular. Only fluids may be digested during this diet. According to WBmd.com the lemonade diet will “help you lose up to 20 pounds, look younger, ease chronic pain, cleanse your body of internal waste, and boost your energy levels in 10 days.” The lemonade juice conjunction consists of 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons grade-B organic maple syrup, 1/10 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 10 ounces filtered water. Throughout the diet the lemonade juice, 2 teaspoons salt mixed in a quart of water in the morning, and an herbal laxative tea at night is all you are supposed to ingest.
What did the Mayans know? BY SEAN ALLCHIN
Sean Allchin holds Mr. Peeters’ authentic Mayan pot that has captivated his attention. Maybe the Mayans knew pottery, but not the end times. Photo by Drew Grunder
The Mayan Calendar--and therefore the world itself--ends in 2012. That's right, through the magic of gullibility; mankind has convinced itself that an ancient and primitive tablet is an accurate predictor of such a cataclysmic event. However, if society were to learn the fate of all similar prophecies to date, they wouldn't have bought into this so easily. The Prophecies Prophecies generally fall into two categories: Type A or Type B. Type A prophecies list specific dates, places, and events in their description. One recent example of a Type A prophecy would be Harold Camping's prediction that the world would end on May 21, 2011. After that had failed, he moved the date to October 21, 2011... which again, failed miserably. Due to the fact that everyone is still here, every single Type A prophecy that has ever existed has utterly failed. To buy into these would be like trying to bet on a football team that is 100,000 years old, has played millions of games, but has NEVER won. Type B prophecies, on the other hand, do not give specifics and have the advantage of the reader's subjective interpretation as their defense mechanism. To demonstrate, here is a mock-example of a Type B prophecy made by yours truly: “A bearded giant will kill many descendants of the great nation, raining fire, death, and decay across a large area of land.” Within the example are a lot of different variables that have the potential of being abused. The “bearded giant” could be a name attributed to a tall bearded man, a regular-sized bearded man with a lot of power, a large country, a country with a lot of power, or even a large business. The Issue The prophecy does not give any sort of criteria for determining what exactly a “great nation” is, so it is only subject to the reader's idea of what constitutes such. Fire, death, and decay could be a variety of things including anger, literal fire, a “burning” emotion, literal death, heat death, death of plants, death of social order, decay of material, radioactive decay, or perhaps even symbolizing something worn down by age. Regardless of the interpretation used, this serves to demonstrate that as long as nothing is clearly given, people will find a way to make it fit current or past events. The Media Major contributors to the spreading of this hysteria are media outlets that are somehow still respected as a sort of intellectual authority. The History Channel provides a great example of this because it was originally strictly factual, but over the past few years has become more fictional. The Channel now frequently airs shows about conspiracies (“Conspiracy?”), pseudo-historical opinions (“Ancient Aliens”), irrelevant shows (“Ice Road Truckers”, “Pawn Stars”), and finally… Armageddon (“2012,” “Armageddon,” “Nostradamus”). Given The History Channel's status as being “educational”, some might think shows like Armageddon or Nostradamus actually belong in the nonfiction section. The Sane Albert Einstein had once defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. By this definition, expecting all of these Armageddon prophecies to hold any merit is insane. We live in an age that's supposed to go against superstition, and not endorse it and sell it off as the scare-propaganda it is now. Some people take these things so seriously that they kill themselves thinking Armageddon is coming, which really goes to show the damage superstition can do. Besides, if the Mayans are so correct, then why isn't everyone worshipping Ixchel, Kauil and Qaholom?
North Scott Baseball gains talent, expects to win BY RYAN SCHELIN North Scott baseball is just around the corner and the Lancers are looking to have another good season. The team has many experienced players from last year and lots of young players also will help out this year. Along with this talent, North Scott added a new player from Davenport North, Trey Ogden. Ogden will provide good pitching for the Lancers this year, along with other pitchers like: Nick Warner, Jordan Arp, and Eric Huber. The Lancers already have a very good pitching staff and now with the addition of Ogden it will provide the Lancers with a solid rotation of pitchers. “I think I can be a strong addition to the pitching rotation and I will be ready whenever Coach Hanna needs me,” says Ogden on how he will affect the team this year. Also, the Lancers have good defensive players to back up their pitchers. Ogden used to go to school at Davenport North High School and was brought up his freshman year and last year to pitch for them and help out Davenport North's varsity team. However, Ogden could only do so much for the team last year and the team ended the year with a 2-8 conference record, along with an overall record of 13-9. When Ogden's family moved to Park View he had to make the choice between staying at North and making the drive everyday to school, or just transfer to North Scott. “I decided to choose North Scott because I wanted to play baseball for a school that has a winning history and is known for winning,” said Ogden on his decision. Although the Lancers were viewed as a top team this year in the MAC, Ogden now helps their chances even more to win the conference and even possibly head to the State Tournament. There is no doubt that with the new addition to the Lancers they can be targeted as one of the best teams in the MAC.
22 The Lance 4.26.2012
Coly Sorensen waits for the pitch to come in.
Brady Shively sets up to catch an inside pitch. Devin Guererro watches the ball cross the plate.
Distance runners are hard workers BY BEN IHRIG
Drew Wilson strides with strength after receiving the baton.
Ben Ihrig hands off the baton to Drew Wilson.
For those who don't know, an Iron Man is an accomplishment in track when you run 4 specific races, a 2 mile, 1 mile, 800 meter, and a 400 meter run all in the same track meet. Not only are these considered the longest races one can participate in, but also the most physical bearing on one's body. I know for me, it's rough enough to run one 800 meter run during a track meet. I can't imagine running almost 5 times that; many of our track runners can barely stand running a few 200 meter dashes. Most of us complain if we run over 2 races total, that is, if I don't bring the distance runners into the equation. The majority of sprinters workouts are pretty easy compared to a distance workout. We throw a fit if we have to run six 200 meter sprints during a practice, while the distance runners are doing sixteen, or running an Iron Man. Now, in practices these races are obviously a little more laid back but when meet time rolls around we all go “balls to the walls.” As for Drew Wilson and Josh Pestka, “balls to the walls” is an understatement, as they both accomplished the dreadful Iron Man during Friday's Pleasant Valley Track Meet. These runners work extremely hard for the terrible races they have to run, I would trust any of them to participate in any of our sprinter's races for us. A majority of the distance runners could beat a majority of our sprinters in a 100 meter sprint anyways. I try to do a distance workout once a week, and usually those days are the worst. And it just so happens that that day I choose is usually the easiest workout for the distance runners. As I'm complaining and gasping for air, the distance crew is thanking Coach Schroeder for giving them such an easy workout. That just proves how much harder they work.
Pat Cotti keeps a steady pace. 4.26.2012 The Lance 23
Emily Hermiston clears the bar moving on to the next height.
Girls track makes plans for Drake BY NICOLE MCCOMBS The gir ls' track team has been traini ng hard thr ough the beginning and middle of the season in hopes of maki ng a big ban g at the end of the season. Coach NemmersSkarich has hop es of sending seve ral gi rls to State. Coach “Crazy”, as the team call s her, has focused a lot on traini ng each speci fic group of runners. Before each practice the gir ls are put int o groups depending on the distance or spe cial event they will run in upcomi ng meets. Normall y hurdlers, long distance runners, sprint ers, and jumpers all have separat e, spec iall y desi gne d workouts. Start ing t his season, t he team only l ost a few runners due to sen iors graduating, and fortunat el y, thi s year’s fres hmen have almost taken over the team. Freshman runners Katie Conne r, McKenna Belk, Hailey Sal adino, and Abby Gainer have al l sho cked the team wi th t heir 400m and even some 800m times ran at recent meets. This year the team has the golden opp ortuni ty to send relay teams to Drake. The 4X100 team is hopi ng to qualify for a spot at the Drake relays with sprinter s, Abby Saladino, Mckenna Belk, Katie Swobo da, and Sierra Gothard. The team, in fact, is hoping to send multi ple events to State. Wit h only four meets left , the g irls pl an to train hard and hope for the bes t, squeezing in some last minute qualifying ti mes. 24 The Lance 4.26.2012
Abby Saladino leads the way in 100m hurdles
North Scott boys soccer looking towards new direction BY NOAH GUMPERT The past few years have been rough for the North Scott boy's soccer team. They have had both on and off the field controversies that stopped them from reaching their full potential. This year, underneath Coach Mike Harrington, the Lancers are looking to start a new era of North Scott soccer. This will be Coach Harrington's second time coaching the Lancers. He was originally supposed to be the assistant coach until head coach Jeremy Miller stepped down shortly after being hired. Adam Lacey, a former North Scott soccer player, will assist Harrington. There are few seniors on this very young and talented Lancer squad. Kellen Moss will return after taking two years off to focus on baseball. He is expected to play outside midfielder most of the time. Also, Danny Percuoco looks to bring leadership to the team. Foreign exchange students Juan Essguerra and Mmiguel Bardajilzard have also decided to play. Harrington will have the pleasure of dealing with a young and experienced group of juniors. Ryan Dreschler, Jacob Haan, Tom Allen, Brett Gallens, and Andrew Larsen are some of the juniors with varsity experience. Unfortunately, Dreschler went down fifteen minutes into their first regular season game with an ankle injury. Dreschler is expected to miss 2-3 weeks with an ankle sprain. Fortunately, there are many strong juniors and underclassmen that will pick up the slack. Andrew Larsen will lead the defense after spending a lot of time back there last season. Haan, Gallens, and Allen will bring all types of skill to the field. These players all have skills that will mesh well together when they take the field April 3, 2012 against Waterloo. The good news is that North Scott is looking to start a new and more successful era of Lancer soccer. The talented juniors have two years to start the trend until a skilled group of underclassmen take over. The Lancers should be a MAC title contender along with Muscatine, Pleasant Valley, and Bettendorf. Lancer fans should be excited about this young squad and what they have to look forward to the next couple of years.
The Lancers break it down before their game against Davenport West. Photo by Abby Kerling
Above: Jacob Haan looks to retain possession. Right: Defenseman Brett Gallens clears the ball. Photos by Abby Kerling
4.26.2012 The Lance 25
Lancer boys basketball receive post season honors BY JUSTIN KREITER Players on the Boys Basketball team are being rewarded for a successful season. Freshmen Cortez Seales and Grant Graham received the highest honors. Seales earned a spot on the second team, while Graham was selected to the third team. The Lancers had a season that many people believed they wouldn't have. The Boys were ranked sixth in the MAC at the beginning of the season, but ended up finishing fourth. Many people thought that the Lancers were too young of a team to have the kind of season they had.
Girls’ Soccer goes for the win
The loss to Dubuque Senior was not the way the team wanted the season to end. The Lancers would have moved on to the state tournament with the win. Just getting to that point was a great accomplishment for a team nobody thought could do it. Eric Huber, Ben Wilson, Jordan Arp, Creighton Claussen were all named honorable mention this season. All of the players that received post-season awards will be back next season. With only one senior graduating and all of the starters returning, the Lancers could have a great season. Arp said “The team got a lot better as the season went on and I am looking forward to next season.” The pick for MAC coach of the year went to Head Coach Joe Barrer of Assumption. Assumption was undefeated in the MAC this season. Player of the year went to Joe Scott of Davenport West and Billy Daniel of Assumption. The Sophomore MAC title went to Bettendorf. 26 The Lance 4.26.2012
Photos by Abby Kerling
2011-2012
Lance
Staff Editor: Brian Speer Assistant Editor Nicole McCombs Photographer:
New books to check out New books to our library include; Beneath a Meth Moon- Jacqueline Woodson, Open an Autobiography- Andre Agassi, The Lemon Tree- Sandy Tolan, Unbroken- Laura
Drew Grunder General Staff: Alexis Anderson Darian Bade Leigh Cawiezell Patrick Costello
Hillenbrand, Don’t Put Me In, Coach- Mark Titus, The Final Four- Paul Volponi.
Noah Gumpert Ben Ihrig
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Justin Kreiter Mitchell McCombs Erik Melchert Carlie Mullins Kevin Nelson Kiley Neumiller Devin Nistico Stephanie Pete Sohvi Pihlajamaki Laken Rindler Lauren Salas Gianna Sanicola Ryan Schelin Anna Schneider Colby Sorensen Kayne Speirs Nick Warner 4.26.2012 The Lance 27
Do you prefer the book or the movie better?
Trent Dailey- “I thought the book was better because it has more details and more interesting parts along with some different parts that weren't”
Taylor Lilly and Kaci Yost- “The book was better in my opinion because you could put your own imagination into it.”
Let the ‘Hunger Games” begin BY LEXI ANDERSON AND STEPHANIE PETE
Katie Jelinski- “The movie was better in my mind because it came to life and that was a dream come true.”
“Happy Hunger Games and may the odds be ever in your favor!” The movie the Hunger Games, starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark was an action-packed thriller with a twist of love. This movie was based on a series of novels written by Suzanne Collins. It started by the Nation of Panem. They force a boy and girl from each of the twelve districts to participate in The Hunger Games as a punishment for an ongoing government tactic. Only one person or one district can survive.
Katniss Everdeen a brave young woman, volunteered as tribute to save her sister Prim. The director, Gary Ross, did a great job with character development. The Hunger Games brought in $155 million with its debut weekend, whereas Twilight brought in only 69.6 million with its debut weekend. Although long, this movie was definitely worth it and we recommend it to everyone.
Maddy Ion prefers “Hunger Games.”
Check out ‘Hunger Games,’ a thrilling story of survival BY SOHVI PIHLAJAMAKI
It has been a good while since the last time I picked up a book and read it from cover to cover. Most of the time I find a book, but a mediocre plot is a quick turn off and halfway through the book I realize that the story holds no real interest to me. Finally I became across a book called “The Hunger Games”. It is written by Suzanne Collins and it is the first part of a trilogy. I had seen it often in library, but truly, until it became a movie the book held no interest to me; I hadn't even bothered to pick it up. What a surprise did I have coming… After constant nagging from friends and family to read “The Hunger Games”, I finally picked up the book and began to read it. The more I read the more I began to love it. Following the journey of Katniss Everdeen, through an thrilling journey to survive kept me glued to the book. Katniss is a 16 year old girl who lives in district 12. In her world (called Panam) there are 12 districts, each specializing in a different trait. Some mine, some handle agriculture, etc. Every year, something called the hunger games is held. Hunger games are a simple concept, every district puts their children's names in a bowl, (12-18yrs old) and then they draw one boy
name and one girl name. After all districts have chosen their boy and girl tribute, they are taken to place called the capitol. Capitol takes care of everything and runs the country. These children are dressed up, fed well (food is often scarce, especially in district 8 and up) and then they are evaluated and interviewed. Then these children are put into an arena with only one thought. Survive or die. The point of the games is for the children to kill each other until only one is left. Through these games the children are followed on T.V. and people take bets on who will survive. The story is breath taking and completely grabs the readers mind. One can almost feel as if they were watching the games, flinching, swearing, crying, laughing…and most importantly hoping the best for the lovable characters. It has been considered that this book should be banned from school but I don't think so at all. People should read this, it is a fantastic burst of imagination and creativity, the plot is entertaining and keeps the reader on their toes, holding their breath even. It is not too graphic in terms of violence, at least not any more than what is shown of T.V. every day. I truly recommend reading this book to anyone who just can read, and most importantly… Let the hunger games begin! 4.26.2012 The Lance 29
Resident Evil increases Umbrellas BY KAYNE SPEIRS “Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City” is the newest installment in the “Resident Evil” video game series. This game features a brand new type of game where sneaking isn't the only way to get the job done and ammunition is plentiful. Operation Raccoon City (or ORC) is a big shoot-em-up type of game with a “Left 4 Dead” game play style instead of the series standard over the shoulder aim-fire gaming system the series is famous for. In this game, you play as one of 6 different characters, all with their own special abilities and customizable weapon selection and upgrade system. The player goes into the game with a squad of 4 characters who get to choose who computers are and their own character and weapons as well. The game tells the story of Umbrella Medical Co.'s “clean-up crew” who is sent in right before the events that led up to the first movie. As you finish the first mission you learn that the Tvirus has been let out of Raccoon City and you must get rid of all evidence of Umbrella's involvement in the virus that has spread throughout Raccoon City. With the game playing in straight-forward paths and easy to follow instructions, you may find the game to be fairly easy since the game tells you exactly where to go. However, the enemies are tough and you may find yourself overwhelmed constantly. The game comes up with many ways to challenge the player into figuring out whether they should stay and fight or run to the end (which is a very rare option so get used to being a sharpshooter). ORC also brings in a co-op mode which was never brought up in any of the other games. You may now have up to 4 players in a co-op game. They also bring in a new versus mode that has up to 8 players in one game, an unheard of amount for a “Resident Evil” game. In this mode, you and a team must try to survive 28 The Lance 4.26.2012
a free-for-all match. However, only for the Xbox 360, there is a Nemesis mode which allows one person to become Nemesis, which is basically a super soldier, and Nemesis' goal is to eliminate everyone else while all the other players' team up to take him down. You and your group must clear almost every room in order to proceed to the next, but there are many different ways of doing it. You can just run in and shoot everything or you can try to take an easier approach with trying to avoid the enemies entirely. Unfortunately, this does not work very well, because the computer AI (or Artificial Intelligence) is pretty bad. The computer players always choose to run at the enemy and attack, regardless the situation, but they will always heal you or use an anti-viral spray on you if they have one and you need it. “Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City” may have its glitches with AI but makes up for it a little with class customization. After the completion of each mission, you get experience points which can be used to either upgrade class stats or unlock weapons to start out with. The game allows you to share the experience points with all the selectable characters and every weapon you buy is able to be used for any class/character you choose. You cannot, however, select your computer counterparts' weapons or special abilities so you will get computer players with random weapon sets. The game may have its faults, but don't let them make you think that this game isn't worth playing. It's upgrade system and varying modes definitely make up for the slightly off computer AI and computer customization. “Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City” may not be the best designed game on the market but I can assure you it's a fun one to just sit and play for a while.
Yoga Pants or Short Shorts?
Temple run or Draw Something?
iPhone or Droid? 4.26.2012 The Lance 31