ECHOES
Issue 2 September 2013
The Independent Voice of Abraham Lincoln High School | Council Bluffs, Iowa | ALechoes.com
Sharing schools for different classes Enrollment for TJ students increases at AL
Photo and graphic by Alex Snipes
By Tiffany Ferrer Reporter
W
alking through the halls, anyone could
tell that Abraham Lincoln is a school filled up with a lot of students. However, there are also several other students coming to AL to take classes. A lot of CE (college credit) or AP (advanced placement) classes are shared with Thomas Jefferson. “This trimester about 79 students are coming in from Thomas Jefferson to our school,” according to guidance administrative assistance
Bobbie LeRette. A lot of the kids had something interesting to say about school. The rumors spread about the school through Thomas Jefferson may include how AL is not the best. However some students have something different to say. “It’s an overall amazing school with a lot to offer and many opportunities for students of not only AL but TJ as well. It’s a really nice
school, and it’s much bigger than TJ. I almost wish I had more classes there,” Tori Lestz ‘15 said. Students for TJ come to AL to take classes that are offered here that TJ doesn’t offer. Some students here at AL also go over to TJ to takes classes as well. “We want to give students every oppourtunity we can to explore all of their interest,” assistant principal, Bridgette Bellows
said. Even though some students feel like the school is a great place, there are some that feel like they are outsiders. Some say they feel like they are either from a different planet when they walk through the halls here. “I don’t really know my way around. I just know how to get to my class and back. The people that I know from my class are nice. But the rest of the school acts like us
TJ kids are foreign,” Abbey Life ‘15 said. With Thomas Jefferson students coming to AL it makes it easier for the schools’ budgets, not only that but unites the schools. Also it gives the students time to connect with each other. A lot of the Thomas Jefferson students say that AL isn’t what the rumors say. They like the school, some even wish that they had more classes here.
AL, TJ students sound off on sharing classrooms
“I feel that it’s a great way for AL and TJ students to get along with each other, but at the same time there are rivalries.” - Thomas Reed ‘15, TJ student.
“I don’t notice a difference between them and other kids coming into class, I mean we are all learning the same thing.” - Maddy Petry ‘15, AL student.
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“It’s time consuming, but there are a lot of better classes here, but I have to drive back for my fourth hour class.” -Ruthie Eikenberry ‘14, TJ students.
Homecoming Court
“It doesn’t bother me at all, they are just here to learn.” - Chris Lavy ‘14
Jakson Cole Colton Tracy Jared Thompson Brandon Colpitts Dylan Garner Grayson Harvey
I like it, but sometimes I feel like I’m treated differently because I’m from TJ.” -Abbey Life ‘14, TJ student.
Mackenzie Flenker Delaney Bolton Victoria Krohn Lexie Nadler Jaidlyn Bookout Emma Preston
“I enjoy it because I went to Wilson, so I get to see some old friends from middle school. It also gives competition in classes, it let’s you meet people you wouldn’t meet otherwise, as well.” - Daniel Cano Pargas ‘15, AL student.
Photo by Scott Brown
News 2 Government debates plan of action regarding Syria chemical weaponry Jessie Adkins & Katie Hiers | News Co-Editors
By Jessie Adkins News Co-Editor
On August 21, 2:30 am, Syrian citizens awoke to the sound of numerous explosions, followed by a mass of poisonous gas. More than 1,400 men, women and children suffocated to death. Evidence has been found that Syrian President Bashar alAssad is responsible for the attack on his own citizens. The US and Russia have come to an agreement to give Syria an ultimatum; to provide full details of its chemical arsenal stockpile, and to
eliminate said stockpile by mid-2014. “If Assad fails to comply ... we are all agreed, and that includes Russia, that there will be consequences,” Secretary of State John Kerry said in a story posted by arabnews.com. If Syria does not comply, Congress may take a vote to see whether or not to pursue military action. According to telegraph. co.uk, the Middle East is a “powder keg” whose “fuse is getting shorter”, and Assad warned it would “explode” if Western forces struck Syria.
“Nobody knows what will happen (after such strikes). Everyone will lose control of the situation when the powder keg explodes. Chaos and extremism will spread. The risk of a regional war exists,” he warned. Assad, denying being a part of the attack on Syria, would not confirm nor deny the existence of chemical weapons in syria. Though the general American public doesn’t seem to support the idea of military action, ultimately, the decision lies in the hands of President Obama.
Photos courtesy of MTC campus
Echoes
What is your opinion on the US’s involvement in Syria?
“It’s kinda messed up, the US should stay out of it.” - Dallas Tomasello ‘17
“The US is doing it right, because if they keep doing it, it may spread to other countries.” -Cassie Strietbeck ‘17
“I think we should just leave them alone.” - Eric Cavanaugh ‘14
“I figure if it’s not our war, we shouldn’t get involved in it.” - Alex Widick ‘14
Students monitored on whole new level BY Tiffany Ferrer
Nathan Vorce
Journalism Staff
Hey, there. Better watch what you’re doing on that chrome you got there, the administration can see it. Yeah, not a thing that anyone really wants to hear. However, it’s true students aren’t always doing what they are supposed to. Teachers this year have full control to see what is “going on” in your computer. Some would say that this action is “creepy” or an invasion of privacy, while
some are completely fine with it. “I don’t really mind,” Hayden Matuszeski ‘15 said “it keeps kids in check with what the are doing on them.” The program is called Hapara, and is causing quite the controversy among the students regarding their privacy with the chromes. Hapara is a computer program, that is letting teachers and administrators to see what tabs and windows students have open. Allowing them to send messages from their computer straight to the students, and shares google document folders making it
easier to focus on classes. According to School Administrative Manager Tom Lowndes, “(Hapara) is a new program we are beta testing, meaning let’s see if it works. The way I understand it, it allows the teachers to see what the students are doing. For example, if the students are supposed to be doing history, but they are on Facebook, we (as teachers) can see what tabs the students are on. It’s a way of monitoring the students correctly. We haven’t bought the product yet, we are only testing it at the moment. However, if the school decides to keep the program
it will cost 4 dollars a student.” Many students were unaware that the program would be used at the beginning of the year. One of those unaware students is Emma Seilstad ‘17. “I find that creepy, because the stuff you do at school might be embarrassing.” The students at AL ought to be mindful of what they look at on their computer. The school will still beta test the program despite the student body input regarding the situation. Those students might want to x out of that tab on the far left.
Bryan Pregan observes the screens of students while taking a test. Photo taken by Francisco Franco
School officials cracking down with demerits By Taylor Crinklaw Reporter In the past years AL has never had a formal demerit system district wide, until this ‘13-14 school year. In previous years it’s been known for only freshmen to receive these demerits, but now they’re being given out to every grade A teacher that is particularly strict on giving out
demerits is Ruth Dowell, a freshman english teacher. All around the school is word of her on the prowl to find problems that may be demerit worthy. “We have a whole list of things that students can do to get one, and you have to break a rule to receive one.” Dowell said. One student with an extreme amount of demerits is Shelby Wetzel. “I had 80-90 demerits my
freshmen year,” Shelby Wetzel ‘15. “(Besides freshmen year) I’ve gotten one demerit for leaving class early, but most of the freshmen teachers are handing them out like candy.” The punishments for getting a demerit, for Wetzel, varied from teacher to teacher, some would have her clean desks while others would have her do extra work that went along with their class.
The reasons of getting the demerit varied as well, whether it be for back-sassing, arguing, or just simply not having supplies. This year we are starting fresh on everything, assistant principal Mike McLaughlin said. “It’s new (this system), in the past demerits were more general, this year they’re very focused on the classrooms. Teachers will not give them out to random kid
in the hallways, they will be given to their students in the classroom only.” The purpose of this new system is mainly to help resolve minor altercations, McLaughlin said, “We hope that the teacher take possession of this and make it their’s, this is designed for minor infractions, this is an attempt to take care of the little disruptions. This is a way to keep teachers in control of their classrooms.
We wanted to design a system for the teacher to use however they want.” Demerits can also add up to larger punishments, 5 demerits is equal to a call home, 10 is an office referral, and 15 is a sit down meeting with parents and superintendents. It seems that this new school year has a lot of new changes for us and we will have to see if they’re for the better.
3 Students balance AL, UNMC classes Echoes
Jessie Adkins & Katie Hiers | News Co-Editors
By Megan Figueroa Executive Reporter
In high school, teachers always give advice to try and get students ahead of the game and to try to earn as many college credits before actually graduating, and making the best of your high school experience. The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) offers opportunities for students to earn more credits that qualify to take their college classes. As Hope Philbrick ‘14 explains, the UNMC classes are all part of an alliance program with the UNMC and high schools around the Omaha area. In order to even
begin to qualify students must be a junior or senior in high school. In these classes it is possible to have a teacher from the college or some other high school teachers on campus. “The UNMC High School Alliance is a partnership between the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and public school districts in the greater Omaha area, designed to offer unique and innovative science classes to high school juniors and seniors. The Alliance offers courses that are not available in the traditional high school setting,” Philbrick said. This year there are only four students who attend UNMC who are in this program: Philbrick, Jessica
Valdez ‘14, Thomas Black ‘15, and Scott Brown ‘15. All of the four students plan on going into the medical field of some sort after they graduate. In order to actually be apart of this alliance program students have to do an application process that may not be for everyone.Black explains that it wasn’t all that easy to get into the program but for him it must be worth it. “The application process was pretty long. I had to fill out a multiple page application, write an essay, and get at least two letters of recommendation,” Black said. Moving on from grade to grade throughout the years there are many
differences from elementary to junior high and junior high to high school, the same goes for high school to college. High school teachers try to prepare us for college as best they can but Brown mentions that in those college classes people actually care to listen to the lecture that the instructor may be giving as opposed to the classes at AL or any high school for that matter. “Obviously, UNMC is much bigger than AL. The student atmosphere is a lot more professional than at AL. When you are in a class over there, you are with other people who actually care about what the professor/ teacher is saying. At AL it can be kinda iffy,” Brown said.
Taking advantage of credit opportunities in high school has always been pressured on students. For the UNMC students they
have opened a whole new door for themselves to be ahead when they are ready to take the next step in life after high school.
Stuents Scott Brown ‘13, Jessica Valdez ‘14, Hope Philbrick ‘14, and Thomas Black ‘14 take advantage the UNMC opportuntities Photo courtesy of Scott Brown
Advisement sessions New safety regulation changing schedules affecting Tucker Center By Britteny Johnson Co-Editor in Chief
The new school year has brought both new students and new teachers, but along with that has brought a change to the daily schedule. One change that many have noticed is the change to the length of lunch. “I think it’s not fair to the people at Tucker Center who have to get here quicker. They don’t have enough time to eat. I don’t have a Tucker Center class and I feel like I have five or ten minutes to eat,” Hailey Hallagan ‘15 said. Many may not know that along with the shortened lunches, a few minutes have been cut from every class period as well. These few minutes are being put into the lengthened Lynx Read. Every Friday, students are also using Lynx Read time to meet with advisors. This new advisement program was created because of the answers students gave for the
By Alex Snipes Photographer
Photo illustration by Francisco Franco
Iowa Safe and Supportive Schools (IS3) survey. “Students felt like they didn’t have an adult advocate in the building, so one reason(for the change) was for advisement,” Principal Todd Barnett said. IS3 is the survey that students took at the end of the year aimed towards finding out if students think they are safe in school, if they have someone they can turn to, or talk to at school. There are mixed opinions about the new
advisor program, but one firstyear teacher believes it to be a good thing. “I think it’s really important building a relationship as a teacher to students, so students feel they can talk to a teacher. I’m happy it was started, I’m fortunate to be apart of something really great for AL,” art teacher Brittany Ridenour said. The year has brought many changes, though some are not one hundred percent supported, they are here to stay.
With student safety as a priority, Cyle Forney, Tucker Career and College Center’s principal, saw it fit that they revised their security policy. “The new procedure revision involves locking the main entrance door during instructional time only,” Forney said. “So that any admittance of an individual into the building must first activate the intercom/camera system.” The new policy enhances student safety by requiring anyone wishing to enter the building after class to state their name and reason for being there. The short time frame between classes is the only time that the doors of Tucker Center will be open, which will be watched by teachers and staff of the school building to ensure their safety at all times.
“All of Council Bluffs Community School District’s buildings were asked to review security procedures last year, just as many schools did across the country in light of the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy,” Forney said. Student safety is a huge concern of the Council Bluffs Community School District, and to show how big of a priority it is, they are continuing to enforce safety policies throughout all of the schools. A.L.H.S is not the only school affected by the safety policy of the Tucker Center, but T.J.H.S students as well. Logan Thompson, a senior at Thomas Jefferson, feels more comfortable when entering and exiting the Tucker Center now that the locks are so strict. “Yes because of all of the tragedies that have happened, you just never know when something could happen,” Thompson said. Though some students may be unaware of the new locks, they will always be
safe when attending T.C.C.C. “I haven’t heard anything about the new security policy at the Tucker Center,” Libby Burgher ‘14 stated. With Forney as a big supporter of the district’s rules, he did all that he could in order to continue keeping the student body and faculty safe by taking drastic measures, as requested at the Tucker Center. “It brings an additional measure of comfort in security for our students while they are inside the building during instructional time to know that a system is in place to guard against unknown entry of anyone outside the building,” Forney said. The goal of this new system is to assure the safety of the students and faculty and to bring a sense of security to the building. From now on, students of Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and Lewis Central High School will be reassured of their safety when attending the Tucker Career and College Center.
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Victoria Holcomb | Opinion Editor
Opinion
Echoes
Teachers controlling chromes, students argue privacy Faculty should have access to Chromebooks By Jazmine Orellana Video Production Assistant
As our school district is becoming more advanced in technology, the students are just a few steps ahead of teachers and staff. Lately most students have smartphones, iPads, tablets and any sort of device that can easily link to Wi-Fi. While most technology in this day and age is suppose to help in communicating and business, others would much rather use it for listening to music and playing games. Well, our Chromes that were generously supplied by the Google company with a massive discount to the district, are used to help with completing assignments or even to connect to our teachers with any sort of help that we need. Yet, others like to abuse their privilege of having these chromes by checking social media, playing games and watching YouTube videos. Our school staff do not want the Chromes to be a procrastination tool and would much rather have the students to use them for their purpose. Perhaps the district started to raise some aware-
ness after noticing some students around school using their Chromes as “iPods” connecting their headphones to listen to music or maybe when some students space off and visit some gaming websites and even more popular watching full movies on the Chromes by visiting some websites that host pirated movies. When students take advantage of their privileges with their Chromes, it’s time for the teachers to step in. Now there is a new feature with the Chromes where your teacher can block you off your computer and they can even look through your chromes. Some students might call this an invasion of privacy but, the Chromes are the district’s property and if necessary advisors and Tech Supports staff can stop you from abusing the district policy to internet access. This feature is not used to look through your emails for fun but to make sure students stay safe from any harmful websites and to make sure students are using them responsibly. These chromes are not gaming laptops or should you
be using them to update or check to any social media sites. We could be going old school with just pen and paper and even be carrying around a few heavy textbooks but instead we have been given these really helpful laptops and the district has even trusted us enough to take it home. So next time you try to goof
Computer access invades students privacy By Tanner Hochstetler Reporter The Constitution of the United States does not guarantee the right to privacy, but rather implies it. The Fourth Amendment is the privacy of the person and of possessions. Allowing teachers to control what you
New policy on chrome books. Photo by Fransico Franco off and watch movies, play games or even check your Twitter on the Chromes, just remember you are violating your privileges and you can get caught doing so.
are doing on your chrome is an invasion of privacy. Every teenager has at least one thing they do not want someone else to see on their electronic devices. Some
students have important e-mails and documents open. As long as students do not interrupt the learning process there’s no harm in listening to some music while they work, or have a little fun on gaming sites if he or she has some extra free time. Teachers can control every aspect of your chromes now. They can access emails they have sent to students and even exit out of tabs that you have open. Although this might be a good feature for teachers because of some students who abuse the chromebooks; it is also a bad thing. Do you really want a teacher you barely know reading or looking at what you are doing on your chrome without any acknowledgment that they are doing so? Of course the chromebooks are the school’s property but they have no sort of “terms of service” or agreement that you must sign that allows them to “creep” on you. Besides teachers shouldn’t be worried about what students are doing anyways. As long as students get their work done, and don’t disrupt the class there’s no harm done. “Some teachers feel they
need to have the ability to see what students are doing,” said an anonymous teacher to the Echoes. The software available to teachers is currently free for now, but it will later cost $4 per student if the district keeps the program. Chromebooks are a useful tool for students, however the district shouldn’t spend that much per student. It’s just money wasted when we could use that money for more educational purposes. Teachers would be better off strolling around the classroom to see what students have on their chromes. The new software may be a useful tool for teachers, but it’s just another thing we don’t need. It’s not necessary for teachers to look at what students are doing when they could be teaching the class. Our founding fathers came to this country for a reason, and that reason was freedom. Everyone has the privilege to privacy, and no one should take that from you. Allowing teachers to look into our lives is just down right wrong and we shouldn’t allow it. We come to school to be educated not to have our rights stripped away from us.
Students question new style choices
By:Rachel Cattone-Dungan
Kendal Bainbridge
Journalism Staff
The dress code is a bit of a laugh these days. We can honestly say we see things that would make our eyes
burn with horror, especially when walking up the stairs behind some girls who have decided to wear the smallest of shorts made on the market. The thread count is possibly lower than fifteen with most of the clothes we’ve seen people wear, and you shouldn’t assume it is appropriate. Teachers, adults and students all know that you wear these things to follow trends, but it’s undignifying and, well, gross. Another style that is rather bothersome about today’s everyday dress in school is pajama pants.
Many girls here spend a long time either in the morning or the night before school to plan out the outfits they are going to wear the next day. Yet so many people at Abraham Lincoln believe its okay to stay in their sleep wear for school. It is kind of trashy, and not to mention, wouldn’t you want your teachers to take you seriously? What will happen when you get a job and you have to dress nicely everyday? High school is practice for the real world, we should be dressing casually, not like bums. A contradiction upon
opinions placed on our society is the saggy pants that many boys wear. First of all, it is horrible to look at and secondly no one wants to get a sneak preview of what lays within your pants. Not to mention when one walks up the stairs and the people behind you get a face full of unwanted butt crack, there is a thing called leaving it to the imagination. It honestly bugs the heck out of a lot of people, but on the other side, it is considered a “trending” fashion statement amongst the boys of our school, and I don’t know about the rest of
you girls, but I do not find it attractive. The trends within our high school are constantly changing, and sometimes it does seem as if you are considered trendy if you actually wear clothes that cover considerably most of your body. If you have seen the few people who dress like this, they could even be called hipsters, but really, they have a fashion sense and self decency. Not that those who wear the so called scandalous clothing are lacking in this department, it is just portrayed in this way. A
word of advice; imagination is far greater than the reality we live in. Unfortunately for all of those students who seem to like wearing extremely revealing low cut shirts, very small and tight shorts, crop tops, see-through shirts, and baggy pants, are slightly sadistic as they infact are not technically appropriate. Besides, who really wants to see it? Never the less, to all students who read this, please, keep your bits and pieces contained, for we do not wish to see them.
Media transforming students thoughts
By Brooke Criswell Business Manager
Over the past few decades, there have been major changes in how our society thinks and acts. I
think that high standards and morals have kind of been demolished. If you think back to the 1940s and 1950s films that explain the American culture as a whole, we were more about being conservative. It was obviously a different world in many ways compared to today’s day and age. From the way we dress to how we talk and act in certain situations. I think we don’t know exactly where the world has changed or how exactly to pinpoint why, but I do think technology has something to do with it. I love technology
and the resources I am capable of doing when I need it. Although, I sometimes wish our generation wasn’t so dependent on it. I believe we are missing out on a lot that the older generations got to go through and learn from experiences. I also believe what is shown on the internet, television series, and movies is what everyone looks up to, especially the younger crowd. We sometimes try to change who we are and what we look like just to feel a little bit more apart of what society wants us to
be. I am always amazed at how elderly people look at our generation, they are so surprised when they find someone doing something good for others. I think we have become lazier as a society because technology has made us be able to do everything we want to do in a click of a button. One major change I see is that television events allow anything and everything to be done. Recently, in the 2013 VMA awards, Miley Cyrus and previous years Lady Gaga danced in very skimpy outfits that revealed
multiple inappropriate parts of their bodies. They also danced in a sexual way that I believe should not be portrayed in front of millions of people to see. I think that shows a lack of respect for themselves and that image can be carried on to younger minds that see this behaviour. Back in the 1960s in shows such as Gilligan’s Island and Elvis Presley movies, censors banned the belly button from being shown. It had too much sex appeal and they would not allow that to be shown nationally. In 1975 Cher was the first to ever
show her navel on T.V. Beforehand they made women cover up their belly buttons with either high waisted shorts or a jewel. I just believe that if you want to get respect and be successful, every action you partake in reflects your image and you should always portray yourself in the way you want to be treated. If you want to be respected, be a respectable person. I also believe you shouldn’t let the media tell you how you should be or act. Be who you are and embrace it in all your own unique ways.
Opinion
Echoes
Victoria Holcomb | Opinion Editor
Staff Editorial
Students proudly support their Lynx
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ECHOES Editors-in-Chief Britteny Johnson Jaidlyn Bookout Section Editors Jessie Adkins Katie Hiers Krystal Hopkins Victoria Holcomb Business Manager Brooke Criswell
Students showing spirit during football game. Photo by Alex Snipes Throughout the student body and even our staff, school spirit is apparent. On game days the students and staff promote school spirit by wearing or painting themselves in red and blue and coming out to the field or gym to cheer on the team. Students gather around the auditorium stage to watch as their peers act in a play or perform in a talent show. Supporting one’s school, staff and peers goes beyond the typical games and events. These are some of the most
obvious ways to promote school spirit but it doesn’t end there. Being proud of one’s school is also a way to show school spirit. Looking around the community you can see Lynx Pride signs, stickers on cars, and t-shirts which are a way of showing that you are proud of your school. One of the most popular ways to show off school spirit are during pep rallies. Everyone in the school gathers together and feeds off each other’s vibes. Whether
it be for an upcoming dance or an exciting game, this is the way to show school spirit. With Homecoming week, many have an even better opportunity to show their school spirit. Each day of the week students have a different theme to go along with. In the past we have had days such as Ugly Sweater Day, and Twin Day. It seems the majority of the school participates in these special days. Being involved in these Homecoming days is a great way to get involved
and show your school spirit. Homecoming Olympics, the dances and games are other ways to promote school spirit. One may be confused that in order to have school spirit you have to be decked out in your school colors but just being involved in school related activities is a great way to show your school spirit. The new students this year may not want to dress up, for fear that they will be alone, but usually, those who don’t dress up are the ones
left alone. When in doubt, dress out. This year, the spirit feels much more present than in years previous. With the Lynx Legion, and the great start to the sports seasons, it gives many the desire to be more involved with the spirited activities. This year seems like the year of some serious red, white, and blue. Go Lynx! (Staff voted in favor of this column 20 of 20.)
Senior advice to freshmen class Learning who is who. Whether they are true friends or not. I grew up and honestly I still think of the days back in elementary, and even middle school. I’ve wondered how I’ve survived this long and now I will be graduating soon. High school is that four years of desire, love, dreams, nightmare, hate and so many other feelings it just gets crazy. Trust me, my years here have been a complete rollercoaster. However there are things I have learned from all these years. If I tell you early, maybe we won’t have too many idiots. For all you new freshmen, let me tell you. It gets worse before it gets better. Screw up early and
By Tiffany Ferrer Reporter This year I look around and I see the things I never thought I would. Girls and the new fashion. Guys and their big bad boy modes.
you fall behind fast. There is a difference between “fun” and “stupidity”. The way all freshmen seem to come into high school is what gets them in trouble. You guys can’t be so dumb. Act stupid you get your rights taken away. No one, and I mean no one wants to see you show off, soon you will learn that literally no one gives a flying “birdy” about what you think you got. Fact of the moment though is you know not everything is about drama. Bet you didn’t know that. I’ve never seen so much drama other than coming from everyone’s new change of attitudes and looks their first year in high school. Look, everyone is
gonna start acting different. Everybody changes, don’t make a big deal. If you really think about it, you are just being you. So suck it up. Act mature and leave the drama for the little kids. Quit with the rumors, and lies they make everything worse. Trust me. Just a side note to this drama thing, I have a smart friend who once told me, “Everything in high school is like a trial, Every guy you date is a mistake and vice versa. The past is the past, you just have to keep looking forward.” It’s easy to say this, but seriously don’t mess with your upperclassmen. I promise you, that never gets you in a good place. Make
friends and try not to step on the wrong toes. Not to say I didn’t warn you cause I did, but don’t think you’re big and bad. My suggestion is, keep them (upperclassmen) close they are the ones who truly get you through this place from the classes to the actual life situations. If I may say so, Dude Don’t Be Stupid. Everything I can say without getting in trouble myself is right here. It was said nicer than it ever will be coming from me. Theres no bite to the words. Unless you’re offended. Then right there you should notice something. This is just coming from spoken words by many. Have a fun time in high school. Dream on.
Love can grow dispite distance
Photo Submitted by Joe Vrenick
By Joe Vrenick Multi-Media Specialist For the past some odd years, everybody told me that “Long Distance
Relationships don’t work!” But as many of you know, I’ve been dating Kelsey Rose Beeckman of Saginaw, Michigan for the past nine months, proving that
statement wrong! But is being in a long distance tough to maintain? Answer: Yes! It’s a huge pain in the neck. But it has its moments! When I first met Kelsey online, we met on Instagram by spamming each other’s news feed with likes. We then moved to talking on Kik. (an app thats much like text messaging), then onto regular texting and then Skype. I thought that she was the one for me, but at the same time, I thought we would never end up together. Then after a couple of months of getting to know each other and becoming very close friends, I decided “I have to make this work somehow! We’re compatible. We share the same interests and the same opinions on several
different topics, serious and not so serious. We’d be a perfect couple!” While, yes, I was the first one to ask her out, she was the first one to admit that she had a crush on me! And for the past nine months, we’ve had a very strong relationship. Two months ago, we finally met face to face for the first time. I can not express to you all how much of an amazing feeling it is to finally see the beautiful face of someone you love very much right in front of you in reality, because I could write a book about it. But that is something really worth living for. Every single moment of it. The best moment had to be our first hug. Just her being in my presence was breathtaking enough. But
to finally embrace each other, knowing that “Yes! The other person’s real and is holding me close right now” is really something to experience. It’s really a shame that we had to eventually part and have to go back to the daily routine of texting and planning skype dates. Was it tough? Most definitely. But winter is coming! Got to keep my spirits up till then. Now, to all of you who think that long distance relationships can’t work, I’m calling you out and saying that you’re wrong! It can work! It all depends on how you and your partner are compatible, and if you are willing to wait for that one moment where the two of you can finally be together. And trust me, it’s worth it.
Graphic Design Editor Francisco Franco Reporters/Photographers Alex Snipes Calab Holder Christian Miller Danielle Rambo Hailey Carson Holly Jensen Joesph Vrenick Kendal Bainbridge Nathan Vorce Rachel Cottone-Dungan Tanner Hochstetler Tiffany Ferrer Will Scademann Digital Media Editors Brooke Criswell Kate Hiers Video Production Assistant Jazmine Orellana Cara Ireland Multimedia Specialist Joe Vrenick Adviser Gerry Appel The Echoes is published by the newspaper staff of Abraham Lincoln High School, and exists to serve as an open forum for the students, faculty, administration and community. All state and federal laws regarding the publications of student materials shall apply, and the Echoes will not publish materials which also fall under the guidelines established by the Council Bluffs Public Schools system, and are deemed libelous, obscene, or a material and substantial disruption to normal classroom activities. The views expressed are not those of the Council Bluffs Public Schools, faculty, or administration. Any student, faculty, or staff member wishing to contribute materials will need to submit a letter to the editor within deadline restriction; however, final publications is at the discretion of the staff. Letters to the editor are encouraged, and must be 400 words or less in length and signed; letters will be printed as received. Every attempt will be made to verify the authenticity of the author, and no anonymous letters will be published. Advertising will not be accepted for all products or services that are illegal for minors to possess or utilize. Advertisers wishing to reserve publication space should contact us by :
Phone 712-328-6481 ext. 425 Facebook ALHS Echoes Twitter @ALHSJournalism Website www.ALechoes.com
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Foreign exchange students: seeing the differences, adjusting to change Meet Kristine Buxrud
Meet Merle Stock
• Kristine is an exchange student from Norway. • She really likes to ski, and misses the snow in Norway. • She is on a cheer team in Norway, but it does not consist of cheers, it consists of stunts and tumbling, like gymnastics. • She does international level in horse riding, especially for jumping. • She likes to work out a lot with her friends at multiple gyms.
Meet Lorenza Caetano
• Merle is an exchange student from Germany. • She came to meet new people and for new experiences.
By Kendal Bainbridge Reporter
C
By Danielle
Rambo Reporter
hange within a society is a commonality, and with change comes differences. Around the school many have not noticed that a few students are those who originate from different places. These students are part of an exchange organization from Norway, Germany and Brazil. This creates a diversity in the community called high school. “You give the exchange organization your picture and they send it out to host families who are interested. Then they pair you up with a family and you move to wherever they live,” Tom Paulsen ‘14 said, explaining how he got into the exchange program.
Some of these exchange students have seen some “big” differences between their home country and America. “Everything in America is bigger, and the people here have a different physical appearance,” Another exchange student noticed a difference in the physical appearance of others. “One time on an airplane, I saw a man have to ask for a seat belt extension! I had never seen this before. It surprised me,” Paulsen said. “In American schools, there are more ‘different’ people. There are more choices for classes. In Norway, there is less selection. You get told what classes to take in order to graduate. The school here also has more spirit! It is very nice,” Kristine Buxrud ‘14 said. The exchange students have different opinions on the impending cold weather. “Although it is very pretty; I hate winter and snow, this is because it is like summer all year round
in Brazil,” Caetano said. While Paulsen and Buxrud happen to enjoy the warm weather, because it is so different from the cold weather of Norway. Many things differentiate this school from the schools the foreign exchange students had gone to. These differences include school hours, dress codes, even the types of food served. New experiences happen daily for the new students such as the teachers and the friendliness they portray, and how driven many of the students are to go to college. “In Brazil, many people do not go to college if they do not have money, and only those with sufficient funds are able to go,” Caetano said. The school hours and breaks throughout the year are different than those from their previous schools; “The breaks here are shorter.” Paulsen said. “I’m used to an hour long break.” For Caetano and Buxrud school hours were a shocker as well. “We would got to school
at 7:35 and end at about 1:00,” Caetano said. “So this was very different for me.” “School in Norway starts at 8:00 and ends around 2:30, sometimes 1:30, sometimes even 11:00!” Buxrud said. They still have school five days a week just like Abraham Lincoln high school, but schooling in Brazil is much harder. Studying is very important, if a student fails a class he is stuck with that grade. Since these students came from different countries, things in America were shocking. “I was surprised with how much drug use there is in this country.” Caetano said. “In my country you are considered very bad if you do drugs.” Change within a school is very common, and the difference makes things more interesting. “So many people have wanted to be friends with me now, because they found out that I was from a different country,” Paulsen ’14 said.
• She likes all kinds of sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies. • In Germany she meets her friends and here she likes to play tennis and play with her host family’s daughter, or as she calls her, “sister”. • She leaves Iowa on the 15th of either June or July.
Meet Tom Paulsen
• Lorenza is an exchange student from Brazil.
• Tom is an exchange student from Norway.
• She hates winter because of the cold, but thinks it is very pretty, from the indoors.
• He has been to the US on three occasions for vacation- once to Miami and New York twice.
• When she was fifteen she came here on vacation to Walt Disney World.
• Does not like Norwegian food and his favorite American food is Mac’n’Cheese.
• She can speak fluent Portuguese and can understand Spanish.
• His favorite class is biology.
• In Brazil she goes to a private school and has to wear school uniforms.
Student photos by Fransisco Franco and Alex Snipes
• He is staying here until June with his host family. • They have no children and are interested in modern art.
Flag photos courtesy of MCT Campus
Echoes News 8 2013-14 brings new staff members Britteny Johnson | Feature Page Editor
14 new staff members appearing in AL
the school has been very welcoming. 2008 AL graduate Brittany Ridenour is a first time teacher in the art department. “This is my first By Megan Figueroa year teaching. As a new teacher, there are challenges Executive Reporter that are hard sometimes but, Abraham Lincoln has been Welcoming new people very supportive.” Ridenour into the school will always be says. apart of the system whether This 2013-14 it’s teachers or students. school year with be Elena With a new school year Sampalis’ first year teaching. beginning Abraham Lincoln She graduated from Ball will be welcoming 14 new State University and student teachers to be apart of the taught at nearby Muncie (Ind.) Southside High School. This year, Sampalis is teaching four different elective classes and getting involved with Link Crew. “Having four different classes my first year teaching is crazy,” Sampalis said. “It helps that I love the classes I’m teaching and the students are super cool, but outside of school it’s a lot of work.” Kelly Boyle, World History Teacher, recently moved to Omaha and got Carrie Nepple, Curriculum and Kerry Newman, Mathematics curriculum a teaching job here at AL. After switching here from his coach instructions coach previous school, Sioux City “They seem to took advantage of an open West High School, Boyle staff. Though the school has know how most things work opportunity. No matter has observed that Abraham lost some previous teachers, here. The newer teachers what the reason, new staff Lincoln has more school Todd Barnett, principal, tend to have a more positive at Abraham Lincoln say spirit. believes that all of the new
By Hailey Carson Reporter
teachers this year will offer new energy and ideas. “Its always good to have new ideas and new energy and different outlook on things but it’s also tough to lose experience and people that have been here for years,” Barnett said. “It’s a blessing to have the new teachers here.” Some students think that the new teachers are adjusting well, Christa Miller ‘16 believes the teachers are fitting in and bringing a new outlook on learning.
attitude towards learning,” Miller said. “They are more hands on.” However, Miller thinks a little more one on one student interaction, like greeting students in the hall more often, would benefit both students and teachers at getting to know each other on a personal level and getting more comfortable with the class. For some staff, this is their first year teaching their own class, but others have taught elsewhere and
C a r r i e B o o m s - Ry a n transferred here after teaching five years at Wilson and three at Thomas Jefferson. She has noticed that the hallways are a lot more crowded from more students. There are lots of changes to a new comer Carrie Booms-Ryan, English teacher at any school, like the staff and students that they have to get acquainted with and an overall different s c h o o l culture, with its own traditions, procedures, a n d expectations. The new teachers this Jeana Russ, ROTC instructor year have e m b r a c e d Photos by Krystal Hopkins and Francisco the change Franco. and made become apart of the Lynx themselves at home in a family. new environment and have
CAP helping students prepare for futures By Jessi Borwick Reporter
Every year there are students talking about CAP, but most don’t even know what it is. CAP stands for College Access Program, a program for students who have both parents that have less than four years of college at the time when they apply. ”It is a simple program to get in and this program has many benefits throughout your high school career,” Logan Erwin ‘16 said.
This program isn’t just during the school year. CAP also has camps during the summer to get additional scholarship money. These camps are done through the AIM summer academy. “We are allowed to do three camps per summer and they do not cost us anything,” Cody Rupp ‘16 said. With these camps the students get $50 stipend checks. A stipend check is a periodic payment, especially a scholarship or fellowship allowance granted to a student. This allows a student to get $150 in stipend checks each summer. “The students are
paid stipend checks each trimester. It is based on their participation and their GPA. The higher that each is, the more their stipend check,” Phil Hofreiter, college and career coordinator said. CAP is everyday except Friday during the school week. Tuesday through Thursday is from 3:00-4:00. On Mondays, it is from 1:152:15. Students mainly get caught up in their studies during this time and/or seek extra help. “During the school year, I attend College Prep Hour everyday after school. I just do my homework and get caught up on my studies. I
also participate in the book discussions every Thursday.” Addie McClain ‘16 said The requirements for this program is that each trimester you have to have at minimum two hours of volunteer work in the community. Students also have to have a certain amount of participation hours in the program each trimester. The seniors are required to apply for a minimum of 25 scholarships. The Seniors take a class for four days in the summer called Making the CASE for college. In class they learn how to write effective essays to apply for scholarships. They then use these essays
and tweak them for different for different scholarships they apply for. “The students are given a $1000 scholarship upon graduation from high school if they have fulfilled all of the requirements, they are eligible and given priority for the IWF Opportunity Scholarship which pays $4000 per year renewable over four years,” Hofreiter said. Students are taught skills in organization, study skills, and tutoring if they need it. Students are monitored through the entire college preparation experience. This involves writing essays for
scholarships and college admissions, applications for scholarships, filling out the FAFSA, offering college visits (at least 4-6 are offered per year). They are also helped to prepare and apply for the ACT. Leadership activities are offered at places like Gallup, The Strike Zone, etc. Students grades are monitored by their assigned teacher mentor. The mentor works with them to make sure academic progress is maintained. CAP is a one way for students to prepare for the future and get help along the way.
seek to abolish this issue. School rivalries have been major concerns in the past, and most students feel they are not disruptive at other school’s events, and shouldn’t be “punished” for the few student behavior problems from previous dances. This causes difficulty between opposing school relationships by not allowing their students to go to certain dances and forcing them to choose between the two, and creating a choice between school dances. However, those who are planning to go to one or both of Abraham Lincoln and/
or Thomas Jefferson High School’s Homecoming have it easy, as there is no conflict between dates, but two busy weekends in a row. “None of the three schools talk about scheduling homecoming with one another. The things that go into our decision is basically our school calendar and the events that are going on at ALHS,” said Jeff Novotny, assistant principal and activities director. This year it was luck of the draw that all three schools had the same homecoming, but students will continue to have to plan accordingly.
Homecoming causing planning problems ByRachel Cattone-Dungan
Reporter
By Alex Snipes Photographer
Homecoming season is at its peak of plans being made, people finding dates, and coordinating their nights for the maximum amount of fun, this year the students also face another challenge. This Homecoming season Abraham Lincoln, St. Albert, and Lewis Central High School have decided to host all Homecoming games and dances on the same dates,
providing a challenge for those looking to go to not only their own dance but another school’s. With all of the games and dances being on the same days, students are now struggling to decide between schools and couples are facing the brunt of the confusion. As a student from the only school that isn’t having their Homecoming on the 28th, Logan Thompson ‘14 has an idea of why they would choose to plan all the high schools dances and games on the same nights. “Each school always tries to avoid rival school’s students attending other
school’s events because of issues that have happened in the past,” Thompson stated, “I don’t think T.J. is on the same day too because A.L. and T.J. share Council Bluffs Stadium and wouldn’t be able to host two homecoming games in one night.” Before the chaos of the Clash of the Homecomings, Thomas Jefferson High School’s Homecoming on Sept 21, the weekend before the madness, giving them most of the choice of venues for Homecoming dinners free of opposing schools or other students seeking a sanctuary for food. The mad
rush for Homecoming is lost on them while the other students continue frantically planning their events. Some students have their own ideas on why the Homecomings were planned this way. “Because it is just going to cause problems. I think that the sports director really didn’t want kids from other schools going to each other’s.” Lewis Central student Jake Ives ‘14 said. Having students go to other school’s dances to cause a disruption was a common problem in the past, so the directors would
Entertainment 9 Art department brings in new teacher Echoes
Jaidlyn Bookout | Entertainment Editor
Ridenour works with students on line drawings. Photo by Francisco Franco one of her students. She really wants students By Danielle Rambo
Reporter
This year Abraham Lincoln welcomes Brittany Ridenour, the new art teacher. Taking on her first year of teaching art she wants to challenge and inspire every
Being new to a building can be scary, but for Ridenour not a chance. She actually graduated from Abraham Lincoln high school in 2008. “It’s nice to be back,” Ridenour said, “but it feels way different.”
looking at art in a different way. Plus she is all for having chromebooks in art. “I want the students to use their computers because graphic design is a type of art.” Ridenour said. “So of course I’m going to let them
Taking an inside look of Omaha fashion week
use computers.” Students had a say on the new art teacher as well. “The best thing about the new art teacher is she’s younger and easier to talk to,” Wendy Dang ‘17 said. “She also teaches art in a fun way.” Ridenour always had a passion for art and dabbles a little in every type of art. Since there is a new curriculum, new ideas are being prepared for the students to work on. “I like how she’s all hands on with art.” Zach Self ‘17 said. “And I like that she shows us what to do.” She is also very excited to get started and work with her students. “I enjoy it,” Ridenour said, “It’s like a new thing everyday.” As for the art cases in the halls right now. They are set
up with some creative work done by Ridenour, but are soon going to be filled with student artwork as the year progresses on. “I want it full of student artwork,” Ridenour said, “that’s why I want to get started on projects.” Now that we have two art teachers, they are still teaching the same amount of classes. The only difference is one teacher offers twice as many classes to choose from. The class sizes are much small than from last year. Classes last year would run up into the mid 30’s, as for this year classes are approximately 25-30 kids. As for Ridenour and Heather Mauer their friendship is already growing. “Even though we just met this year, I see a strong friendship.” Mauer said. “It will definitely build more
throughout the year.” Both Mauer and Ridenour teach art but different art classes. Ridenour teaches Sculpture, art foundations, ceramics and 3-D mixed media while Mauer teaches drawing, painting, 2-D mixed media, art foundations, 2-D and 3-D art portfolio. “I think it’s very important that students have access to more than one style of teaching, this will only improve our art department.” Mauer said. “I feel Ms. Ridenour’s strength is relating to the students and this will help engage students. Most of the school body may already know this but she is also head volleyball coach. “We are very fortunate to not only have a great art teacher, but also a very talented head volleyball coach.” Mauer said.
Classes Crossword
(Left) Lynlee Bauman models Kate Waltz Winter Collection of 2013 (Center) Katie Hiers models attire from The Shop Around The Corner boutique (Right) -Kayla Parker models Jeff Hanson’s Winter Collection of 2013 Photos submitted by Katie Hiers By Kate Hiers
News Co-Editor Omaha Fashion Week host two shows each year, but work year round. Designers from all over come to one of the two shows and present their work. Typically designers compete for a grand prize of 20,000 dollars. For the 2013 fall show, designer Dan Richters took home the grand prize with his powerful, sci-fi themed looks. Richters’ win wasn’t expected. “I really was not expecting to win. In the midst of preparing my collection over the past months and all the work during the show week, I was not thinking of it at all.” Richters feels like winning Omaha Fashion Week will help him further his career. “I feel super honored that the panel voted for me. Being
voted for is encouraging to me, and this encouragement is one of the most important things in furthering my career in design.” This year the fall show was hosted outdoors on 11th and Capitol. Omaha Fashion Week has various sponsors for every show. Themes of their fall show included Children’s wear, Avant Garde (wearable art), Ready to Wear, Evening wear, Swimwear/Menswear, Finale. Every night of the week I followed the themes and was clothed by The Shop Around the Corner boutique. Starting at 3:30 each day I’d arrive at The Shop Around The Corner on Howard street in the Old Market. I’d pick an outfit to match the theme of that night, and from there I’d go to a photoshoot. Photographer Jim Lamb from Blacksheep Photography ran
each shoot. I personally love my picture taken, and it was great working with Lamb. Shoots took place at various locations in the Old Market, as well as the Magnolia hotel. After the photoshoot I’d head over to Omaha Fashion Week. At OFW I’d spokesmodel The Shop Around The Corner’s clothes, by referring people to their shop if they noted the dress, and taking various pictures on the red carpet. I enjoyed watching looks from Kate Walz’s collection, she’s does wonders with each of her lines. I also really favored the VESSEL show hosted on Friday, it included works of Buf Reynolds and Dan Richters, it was amazing. The only downfall to Omaha Fashion Week is the blisters that develop throughout the week from wearing heels for the duration of each night.
Across: 1) You’re reading it now 3)The study of living organisms 4)An advanced math with concepts that can be applied to future math and engineering 6) Picasso, Van Gogh, and Da Vinci were all famous in this profession 8) French people speak this language 11) A class where you lift weights 13) This class is composed of language arts, reading, writing and a bit of speech 14) This class tends to perform in halftime shows at home football games 15) This involves reading, whether American or British _____ 17) If you manage to make it taste good you can eat this in class 20) Ten hut! Students in this class learn discipline, and many other things including flag and line form 21) This form of physical education will have you work together to win a game 22) Plays and shows are forms of this, and there is no lack of it in high school 24) Democracy, communism, monarchy are all forms of this which is also a class offered here Down: 2) Bill Nye the _____ guy 5) Compatible with physics, this class was formerly divded into 2 parts 7) The past tales of countries and individuals 9) The application of science and mathmatics to products, improving things for the common good 10) A commonly taken class for a foreign language credit 12) The class where people sing in harmoney 16) Buy your _____today. These are full of pictures and events from the school year. 18) Divided in two parts, this class was replaced by integrated math 19) This math class is divided into 3 years 23) Strings including cello, violin, viola and bass make up this class Need the correct answers? Check out the Echoes Website: ALECHOES.com
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Jaidlyn Bookout | Entertainment Editor
Entertainment
Echoes
New movie review: Insidious 2 By Joe Vrenick Multi-Media Specialist
Rating: 3 out of 4 Director: James Wan James Wan (Saw) deserves a medal! Not only was he able to make a huge, critically acclaimed, box-office hit out of “The Conjuring” this previous summer, but he successfully manages to make a horror sequel that is just as good as the original out of “Insidious: Chapter 2.” I wouldn’t call it “The Empire Strikes Back” of horror sequels (that spot is in a tie between the origian “Dawn of the Dead” and “Aliens” for me), but it is an awesome sequel. And that’s really saying something since most horror sequels
are all rushed, unintelligent, pieces of junk that aren’t scary (I’m looking at you, “Paranormal Activity.” You too, “Nightmare on Elm Street”). The movie takes place right after the events of the first “Insidious.” Josh and Renai Lambert, played again by Patrick Wilson (“Watchmen”) and Rose Byrne (“Bridesmaids,”) have gotten their son Dalton (Ty Simpkins, the kid who helped ruin “Iron Man 3”) back from a demon’s possession. Little does the family know they’re still being followed by the ghosts since Josh has now been possessed and the hauntings still continue. The best part about the movie is that it all holds up in the end. There are places where it feels like things go nowhere (especially in
its first ten minutes), but you need to be patient. It’ll all be resolved later. The only thing that they didn’t really resolve is “What was that black “Freddy Kruger” demon from the first movie, and what happened to it?” Maybe that’ll be saved for Chapter 3! Insidious: Chapter 2 doesn’t exactly live up to the scare factor the original one had, but there are scares to be found. It just seems to jump right into the scares rather than take its sweet time and build up to something truly terrifying like in the first movie (no, I’m not counting the movies opening title card with the scary loud violins playing as jumping right into the scares. But I will admit that I jumped when the title card came up!). And most of the scare scenes seem to rely
on CGI as well. But thats ok because it’s nothing over the top, and it looks realistic. The cast gives some pretty good performances as well. I think Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne are both really good actors, and it’s nice to see some actual acting in a horror sequel! When Rose Byrne is supposed to be scared and Patrick Wilson is supposed to be demonic, she’s scared and he’s demonic. Now, it’s not Best Actor/Actress quality acting, but it’s still really well done. In the end, this movie is actually worth the price of admission. This is not your typical horror sequel. This is a horror movie that mostly lives up to its predecessor, legitimately scares you in places, and has a cast that helps really create the mood. Prepare to be wowed!
Popular application, sensitive content By Christian Miller Reporter
Just as often as teens like to use the Internet, they like to use their phones, and through their phones, they have instant access to multiple sites via phone applications, or apps. This year, on January 23, a new app called “Vine” was released that has become increasingly popular. “Vine is an app where you
can post or watch 6-7 second videos that are usually hilarious” Savannah Bradford ‘15 said. Vine is an app that allows users to create a 7 second Video and then upload it for anyone who “follows” that person to view. Many times these videos are not a constant stream, but are multiple short segments put together, and most of the time are suppose to be funny. A few Famous “Viners”
Include Brandon Calvillo, Christian Delgrosso, Brittany Furlan, and Josh Peck. Along with these people, Vine has become quite the community within the past year, but something that strikes out is that a large portion of the members on vine are under the age of 17. When downloading the Vine app in the app store, it states in the information tab “You must be at least 17 years old to download this app”
as it also prompts the user, and asks if they are over the age of 17, even though the phone cannot tell whether or not you truly meet the age requirement or not. So a question is then asked, should most teens really have access to this app? Of course even with the 17 year old “restriction” most content is truly appropriate for teenagers, but there are a rare few that tend to go a bit far in terms of decency.
Upon scrolling the videos, most start automatically, but when approaching videos that can be disturbing to many viewers. The screen of the video will be black, the word “Warning” Will be at the top in orange letters, and below that text in white will state “This post may contain sensitive content. Tap to view.” And then after tapping the screen the video then plays, usually depicting that of nudity or other
obscene imagery. “I think that it is safe enough” Avery Thomas ’17 Said “ as long as it has the warning sign”. Yet not everyone is so quick to write this off. “I feel that they can’t control what we see on Vine because there are so many people posting videos, but even with the warning sign, we’re curious human beings and we will watch it regardless,” Raven Maine ‘16 said.
Students most anticipated upcoming movies “I’m excited to see
“I’m excited to see
“I’m excited to see it
it because I saw
it because I liked
because it looks like
the trailer for it at
the original and I
a fun, action packed
Insidious Chapter
think a modernized
movie!”
2 and it looks
version will be just
- Savannah Bradford
hilarious!”
as great!”
‘15
-Kelsey Johnson ‘15
-Emily Wingfield ‘14
In theaters on October 25
In theaters on October 18
In theaters on October 11
11 Sports Echoes Lynx fall season off to a sizzlin’ start Krystal Hopkins | Sports Editor
By Will Schademenn
• Heatwaves
Reporter
are one of the most dangerous natural disasters • Men are more susceptible to heat related illnesses • In hot conditions you can sweat Photo Illustration by Alex Snipes facts from dosomething.org and texasheart.org
When fall season comes around in Iowa, many think of crisp weather, but this year is different. But what about the sweltering heat that can affect the schedule of sports in the fall? From cross country to football, schedules have been affected by the heat and coaches have been advised from the Iowa High School Athletic Association to take it easy on their student athletes. Joel Nelson, assistant football coach, commented on how the heat had an impact on his players. “The biggest impact the heat has had on the football players is cramping. Play-
ers begin to cramp up which does not allow them to get reps and practice/playing time. Also it causes players to have a lack of focus.” The, football coaches have had to have precautions on the heat affects your body both mentally and physically. “Players have been given extra water breaks and time throughout practice. Players were allowed to wear shoulder pads and helmets, this is just less equipment players have to wear to help try and keep them cool,” Nelson said. Due to all of the equipment needed for football, Nelson believes they have a higher risk in the heat than other sports. “I think football players have a high chance to getting heat related illnesses due to the extra equipment, and weight players have to wear.” Other sports are also feeling the effects of the heat. Alex Brewer ‘15 said that
his cross country coaches and teammates have helped him get through the heat. “Our coach has only made us run in the morning a few times to avoid the heat of the afternoon. He also he tell us to drink a lot of water and make sure to get a lot of water during the day to be prepared for that day’s practice.” Brewer believes that cross country runners are subjected to the heat more because of a lack of shade. “We are affected a lot by the heat because most of the area we run do not have shade or very little shade. But a benefit that we have to other sports is that we can go run shirtless to keep us cool in the hot heat.” However, Michaela Jones ‘15, believes that the heat hasn’t impacted her activity, which is cheer. “In all honesty, the heat hasn’t impacted cheer too much. We’ve always had our practices in the mornings during the summer, and we’ve only had a few prac-
tices since school started where it’s been hot out. So really, not a lot has changed. We would’ve been inside for practices anyway, whether it was hot or not, once school started. I will say that occasionally at our morning practices it was a little humid though. One time it was so humid out we could hardly breath after we got done with our everyday laps.” With no heat problems, Michaela’s coach has not had to do anything for them with the heat. “Considering heat hasn’t done much impact on cheer and our practices, it’s hard to say what Lisa’s had to do for us because of the heat. She lets us get drinks when need be, and she never makes us run more than we have to.”, Jones said. Many sports are affected by the heat in various ways. This fall in Iowa will described as a sweltering, hot fall instead of, the typical cool weather with sports and school starting up again.
Volleyball players working hard to reach state By Jaidlyn Bookout Co-Editor in Chief
As the season starts, the Lady Lynx have begin to put their focus towards making this season the best it can be. Looking back to this last season, the girls ended with a record of 31-17. Although the team accomplished numerous wins they did not make it to state due to a loss in the regional final against Ankeny. This year, with a completely
new coaching staff, Victoria Krohn ‘14 says a new coach changes everything about their volleyball program. The team now practices every day after school for two hours. Last year, the volleyball team would practice longer than two hours at most practices. “We have new drills we do during practice, a different atmosphere in the gym and a fresh perspective on how AL volleyball should be compared to how things were in the past,” Krohn said. During practice the team works on different coopera-
tive drills which helps them work on their communication. The atmosphere in the gym is a lot more positive than the year before according to a member of the team. “Our team is more of a family and our coach is very fun but knows when it’s time for us to be serious and focus on our drills,” Lauren Colpitts ‘15 said. “I love having a new coach. At first it kind of made me nervous but it has been a very good change and I’m very impressed with the way things are going. She’s a very positive person and that was something our old coach
was lacking,” Colpitts said. Art teacher Brittany Ridenour is the new head varsity coach. After graduating here and growing up in Council Bluffs she has come to lead the volleyball team. “I hope to teach them new things that they can build on physically and mentally as volleyball players, that they can improve on,” Ridenour said. The first varsity invitational was August 31 where the Lady Lynx won against three different opponents, Winterset, Underwood and, Eastsac. While beating three
teams the Lynx also played two other games in which they both lost against Class 4A number one team, Harlan. This invitational left the team with a record of 3-2. On Sept. 6 the girls played in another invitational against Beatrice where the team left with a score of 2-1 the first day and 2-1 the second day. At this specific invitational, coach Ridenour says it was a good turnout and the team did better than last year. Members of the varsity team say their goal is to focus on working as a team and improving communica-
tion amongst each other. On top of improving the way the team works together they want to make it to state. “As long as we’re improving every day and we’re at our peak on Oct. 28 that’s what we’re ultimately working for which is regionals,” Ridenour said. “Our ultimate goal is to get to state and not just get there but do well and be competitive.” The Lady Lynx have several games ahead of them yet Oct. 28 will be the time when every practice, game, and the teams performance will be put to the test.
Lynx Legion returning to this years football crowd By Tanner Hochstetler Reporter
The Lynx Legion has become more and more popular over the years. The Legion is a fan based group that was established in 2007 by graduates Mitchell Nolan, P. J. Tekippe, Jordan Thompson, and Richard Mathiesen. If you don’t know what the Legion is just look over at the student section. The group had originally cheered for Volleyball, but later spread to every sport. “We started dressing up crazy for every game and made it a ritual to bring everyone and get the crowd rowdy, and we had a theme for every game,” Mitchell Nolan ‘08 said. The original Lynx Le-
gion consisted of only a select few, but now it offers a hand to anyone who wants to paint up or cheer. The number of students in the student section has progressively increased compared to previous years. “A lot of people want to support our athletes and people see how fun it is and want to join,” Alex Mcgee ‘15 said. Some of the many cheers performed are ‘I Believe That We Can Win’, ‘Lets Go Lynx’, and ‘First and Ten Do it Again’. Not only has the student section grown, but the spirit of the crowd is considerably higher. “I like that everyone comes together as a school, and there’s just so much spirit especially since it’s bigger,” Lucy Villarreal ‘15 said. Students enjoy exerting
Lynx Legion cheering on the football team; alongside the dance team. Photo by Alex Snipes lots of energy for their fellow players. “I like that everyone is involved and that we are behind our team yelling and showing school spirit.” Alex Mcgee ‘15 said.
The latest Legion highlight was at the A.L. and L.C. game. The entire student section rushed onto the field to congratulate our victory over L.C. The A.L. crowd screamed out “I believe that
we just won!”. “My favorite experience is last year when Conor Dean did the roller coaster,” Alex Mcgee ‘15 said. The Legion has been around for many years and
has changed immensely. From a change in moral to the integration of Freshman this year. One thing’s for sure; if you happen to hear a “Go Lynx” from the crowd you know who it is.
Sports
Echoes
Krystal Hopkins | Sports editor
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Football team off to a winning start Long days of summer training, & after school practices paying off By Victoria Holcomb & Krystal Hopkins
Journalism Staff
Baseball was America’s original pastime, however, at the high school level it has been surpassed by football. Granted, baseball season is during the summer, when most students are too excited to be out of school to come cheer on their school’s team, and too busy to attend all the baseball games, so football has all the buzz. Every Friday whether its home or away the halls are full of red and blue. With almost everyone excited to go to the game that the players have been practicing all summer for. The season started with the Lynx winning a close game against Lewis Central. With last year being the first time AL had played LC in years, the end results were not quite what the team was hoping for. However, this year the crowd was screaming, in the last few minutes
of the game, the focus was on Brandon Colpitts ‘14, and Jared Thompson ‘14. Thompson threw a game winning pass to Colpitts, who got the final touchdown that won them the game. “It was a wild night,” Colpitts ‘14 said. “Jared (Thompson) and I have a good connection. We have been playing together for so long now it’s finally starting to click between both of us. He hit me nine different times for 145 yards, that shows connection right there.” Although the crowd’s focus is on the field, the players rely on the coaches on the sidelines. Leading the coaching team is head coach Justin Kammrad. Kammrad played football in both high school and college, then coached at T.J. and with the Iowa Blackhawks. However being on the sidelines can be much different than being on the field. “Its exciting to be apart of the football game,” Kammrad said. “I don’t think there would be any other place I would want to be... although it’s a little different, because I don’t have a direct impact on what goes on dur-
ing the game.” With some of the sophomores stepping up this year they have a chance for a bigger impact. They are still fairly new to the atmosphere of high school football. With most the school watching, as well as parents, staff and the opposing team; it can be a lot to take in. “It can be nerve racking sometimes,” Josh Krabbe ‘15 said. However, as the season has progressed the Lynx have won two of their three gamesafter their recent win against TJ. Before the first half was complete, the Lynx were ahead 50-7, and the crowd’s cheers showed how well the team was doing. After half time, the clock continued running due to the major lead by AL. The game concluded 63-14, with an expected win from the Lynx. Some of the upcoming home games one may want to attend include the Homecoming Game vs. Sioux City West on Sept. 27 as well as the pink out vs. Des Moines Roosevelt on October 11 where the fans are encouraged to wear pink to the game to show support for breast cancer awareness.
AL takes on TJ, Photo by Scott Brown, Crimson & Blue Yearbook
The Lynx defend the ball against TJ, Photo by Scott Brown, Crimson & Blue Yearbook
Swinging into fall season By Holly Jensen Reporter
Golf team tees off new year
Golf, a sport descendant of fifteenth century Scotland and the Dutch game of ‘kolf’ has become a daily pastime, even in our very own high school. From famous golf athletes to everyday people golf has become a frequent hobby for anyone to enjoy. Golf has earned its own team here on AL’s sports roster and currently the boys team has started its busy season with a shaky start. “We’ve had four meets and the first two weren’t as good as we wanted them to be,” Ryan Edmondson ‘15 said. Their season may have
started out rough but the team is still working hard to become a better team as practice goes on and the new players learn from the veterans. Even though they lost five seniors they still show promise. The golf team continues to learn that practice makes perfect and their practices have been routine and thorough. “We have practice every school day and it’s about as hard as golf can be,” Sam Wilder ‘15 said. Most practices are about two hours long every school day, giving each golfer the time needed to learn the ways of the green. Practice takes place at Dodge Park, a course in Council Bluffs near Harrah’s Casino with a full eighteen holes and with challenges that may help to train the golfers.
“You have to have a good mind to play or you won’t play at all,” Edmundson said. Spending every day at the course, always practicing and working to make not only yourself, but your team better. The diligence needed to not only keep coming back after every challenging practice but to enjoy it is impressive. “Golf is actually more fun than people think,” Tommy Rocha ‘14 said. The golf team’s next meet is Sept. 26, at Fox Run Golf Course. At this meet they will be playing against Bishop Heelan, Sioux City North, East, and West, as well as TJ, Lewis Central and Sergeant BluffLuton.
Photo by Krystal Hopkins