New Season, New Strengths by Ben Graeber

Features A&E Sports

Y. Lee

Where did the Gala money go?

Avoiding Procrastination: A student guide

Coffeeology: Espressily for you

6-7

Family time or Black Friday?

Volume 112, Issue 2 Nov. 2016

Our_Staff:

Opinions News

The_Oracle:_New_Season,_New_Strengths

K. Tran

M. Carmenatte/B. Petersen A. Primrose/T. Brown B. Petersen

Thanksgiving Traditions

New Culture at North: C.P.R.

C.O.R.E.: Community of Racial Equity

Meet the Wellmark Interns

M. Roark G. Hernandez D. Avila

12-13

As the curtain goes up: Fall play Geezers

14-15

Shooting for the Scholarships

16-17

Adventures of North Athletes

18-19

Rising to the Top: Varsity Cheer

J. Inthabounh

H. Nguyen/D. Avila K. Schnathorst/M. Alexander L.Christensen/A. Campos

Credit:

Cover: Mya Alexander Back cover: Kenxie Schnathorst & Megan Bohall Table of Contents

Design: C. Neades

$$$

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Yer Lee, Editor Earlier in the year, North hosted their very first Polar Bear Gala where numerous items were auctioned from various donors. All money raised were used to fund activities at North. Now, another school year has started and its time to see some new improvements. But wait! Where’s the money in action? First of all, the gala raised a little over $30,000 which was very impressive for their first showcase. However, we must keep in mind that North h a s many a c t iv i ties that h a v e d i f fe re nt needs,

News

”

some more than others, that will cost more or less. In addition, an activity must be actively trying to improve what they’re doing and how they’re getting their student involved in what they do to get funded. Each activities director was sent an application where they could list all the things their activities needed, and from that, it would be determined how much money they would receive. $30,000 may seem like a lot but considering the many activities and clubs at north, it is not enough to see immediate change. This is where the needs of certain activities will weigh in. A great example, which some may have already seen, is the wrestling room next to the gym which has recently finished its renovation. Money from the gala helped pay for only part of the expenses, but if the renovation was paid in full from the gala, it would take out a large sum. It was decided that only a portion of the expenses would be paid for with the gala money rather than all of it. This is true for all the other activities too. Rather than cover what all activities need en-

tirely, which the gala money doesn’t have enough money to do, it can at least make a dent in their expenses. As for the other end of the expenses for the wrestling room, it was paid for by a grant from Polk County. Keep in mind that the gala happened in March of this year and not all of our sports or activities have begun their season or have yet performed. There is still money left over to cover for those who haven’t started. Should a need for something arise, there is money leftover to use. Although the Gala held earlier this years raised a lot of money, it is still not enough to pay everything every activity needs, it can however help reduce expenses. Hopefully next year, North’s upcoming gala in March 2017 will help raise enough money to help cover the needs of all activities.

Program Funds: Program

Vocal Music

Description 4 - court volleyball system Grand View Football Camp Wrestling room renovation Iowa Central Cheer Competition Dance uniforms/pompoms Music risers

Drama

Make-up

Volleyball Football Wrestling Cheer Dance

Design: Y. Lee

A student guide

Kathleen Tran, Reporter

If you find yourself constantly putting things off until last minute, you’re not alone. Many students procrastinate, whether it be to finish an assignment or complete a task. The thought of studying is a lot of stress on some so they choose not to do it. Sometimes it could be outside activities like sports or work that make them put other responsibilities aside.Though procrastinating doesn’t seem like a bad idea now, developing good habits early will benefit you in the future.

If you catch yourself getting distracted, ask yourself why that’s the case. If it’s because the task is difficult and postponing it until later is much easier rather than doing it. Remind yourself finishing it earlier means more leisure time because if you finish it now you don’t have to worry about it later.

Once you’ve evaluated with why you’re finding it hard to focus, build a habit where when faced with a difficult or tiring task, you don’t automatically give up resorting to giving up or choosing delaying it. Instead continue to do it or ask for help. Photo Credit: Kathleen Tran

Use your time wisely. Plan out your day. If you’re more spontaneous, map it out in your head. Tell yourself what’s important ahead of time so you can start thinking about how you’re going to accomplish them. Make goals and commit to them. Opinions

Don’t forget to take mental breaks. If you’re putting effort to finish an assignment for an extended period of time, you should also have time to relax.Taking breaks in between study sessions will motivate you to continue. Design: K.Tran

Melanie Carmenatte & Breana Petersen, Reporters Coffee, Coffee, Coffee. Mochas, cap- especially coffee! Downtown farmers menus, that include sandwiches, salpuccinos, lattes, frappes. Iced or hot, of market at 4th and Court and their tent ads, and soups. It is a locally owned course hot. Decaf and non decaf. With on Court & 2nd. Prices are $1.75 for a artisan coffee shop and they take pride creamer or just plain black. Coffee is small, $2.00 for a medium, and $2.50 in it. known everywhere, unless you’re a tea for a large! Stop by to enjoy a hot cup Ritual Café, on 13th St. between lover, then you are the most formal of joe and listen to some live entertain- Grand and Locust, is an all vegetarperson I have ever met. Yet what some ment in their connected theatre space. ian menu with food and coffee of all people don’t know about coffee, be- Save me a spot!! kinds, including hemp nut smoothies. sides that it is a delicious drink, “Come in for breakfast and stay is that drinking it can help you for lunch”, is one of their popuburn fat. It also contains imporlar sayings because that’s what tant nutrients you need to surpeople do! If you are looking for vive, and coffee is actually a red organic coffee and vegan food, berry before it is a bean, which is while enjoying performances by great because I need my dose of artists, this is the place for you. espresso at least once a day. Their coffee prices are $1.50, Where would you go to get $1.95, $2.10. This café has a stage your coffee? Here are some placwhere artists can perform and es to think about in your everywhere there’s an open mic and day life’s; Smokey Row, Java Joes, spoken word monthly. Mas Café, Ritual Café, and/or Friedrichs Coffee has six loFriedrichs Coffee. cations to serve you best. They Smokey Row Coffee, 1910 Cotare a coffee brand as well as coftage Grove, is known as one of fee shops, but either one still the greatest coffee shop in Des has the unique trademark that Moines. They have their own only Friedrichs Coffee can give house blend with over forty flavors. Smokey Row, Ritual Cafe, Java Joes, Friedrichs Coffee, you. Their roasters hand-roast small For specialty drinks, a small is $3.75, and Mars Cafe, going from left and right. Photos from batches on gas-fired European drum their websites. a medium is $4.25, and lastly the style roasters. They provide freshly Mars Café is located on Univer- roasted whole bean coffees to all cusone you want, is a large which is $4.50. Smokey Row serves breakfast and sity Avenue right by Drake Univer- tomers. Now about the coffee, all types lunch with dessert. The staff are a huge sity. They have all the coffee your little of coffees can be found here and they family, having a whole page dedicated heart desires, from hot to cold, regu- all will be roasted, to whatever roast to their “cool people”. Which is perfect lar to espresso, creams to sugars, cap- level you would like; light, dark, or debecause coffee needs to be made with puccinos to americanos. Coffee prices caf. If you would like to enjoy this coflove in order for it to taste great, not anywhere from $1.50 to $2.25. They fee you only have to pay a small price get their coffee from Kickapoo Coffee, of $1.50, $I.75, or $1.95. that it doesn’t already. Java Joes has three locations that where the beans are handcrafted and So if you are deciding to go on a cofserve homemade breakfast, vegetar- roasted. Along with coffee they also fee run, or a run in downtown, stop by ian specialties, sandwiches and drinks, offer tea and full lunch and breakfast and taste the freshness of a cup of joe. Design: B. Petersen/M. Carmenatte

Abbie Primrose & Tasha Brown, Reporters Do you go black Friday shopping? Well, maybe you shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. How many times have you seen somebody get hurt while you were waiting in line and having the police called? When you could be with your family and enjoying being together while being thankful for the things you already have instead of waiting in line for 12 hours trying to get half off on a television or a bike. Many horrible things have happened on Black Fridays around the nation. There have been over 98 people injured and sent to the hospital and some even killed. One person had a TV fall

on her, another person was hit by a car while trying to walk into a store. Another instance was someone got stabbed because two people were fighting over the same thing. Someone else also got shot and killed when they were walking out of a store because someone wanted the TV they were carrying. Many stores are closing on Thanksgiving such as Barnes and Noble, Staples, Menards, Von Maur, Costco, Pet Smart, and many more including Mall of America. Most of these establishments are closing to hopefully prevent some of these tragedies from happening

Primrose and Lowe family. Photo Credit: A. Primrose

Opinions

again. Also, so the employees who work at these stores can stay home and spend time with their families, and encouraging the people who shop at these stores to also stay home with their families. We have asked many people if they had the choice between staying home on Thanksgiving with their families or going black Friday shopping, which would they rather do. Some people said they wanted to go black Friday shopping, such as Amber Ives, and Gina James, but many more people said they would rather stay home with

their families such as, Jessica Vrieze and Gage Akes. So it seems like the majority of people would rather enjoy spending time with their families than going out on Black Friday and risk the possibility of getting hurt or even killed. We feel people should stay home, spend time with their families, and be thankful for the things they have, instead of participating in black Friday, missing out on family time to wait in really long lines, and risking your safety. You could still be at home spending time with the ones you love the most, but its up to you.

Crowd of people waiting for store to open duing Black Friday.

Black Friday Shopping? Make A Choice

Black Friday

Teresa Montoya: Shops at Target during Black Friday.

Black Friday

vs.

Family

Faith Bosteder: Stays home during the holidays.

Family

Gage Akes: Stays home to spend time with his family.

Colby Jensen: Likes to spend time with family but would rather go shopping instead.

Colby Jensen, sophmore, sides with Black Friday shopping and Gage Akes, freshman, sides with time with family. Photo Credit: Tasha Brown

Injuries per Store/Location Wal-Mart

3.4%

Not Applicable ( On the Road)

3.4%

Del Amo Fashion Center Toys ‘R’ Us

- Black Friday Death Count website

Kohl’s

11.2%

Over 90 reported injuries due to Black Friday shopping events.

Target Fashion Place Mall

300

Carlsbad Mall

250

Best Buy

11.2%

Trampling Bone Fracture

200

66.3%

Concussion Lead Poisoning

150

Pepper Spray Stabbing

100

Gunshot Narcotic Overdose

Why We Stayed Home on Black Friday 2015

Black Friday Crowds, Long lines 29% 24%

We plan to ahop online instead Financially, were not ready to shop

18%

Meh, we didn’t need anything

16%

In-Store deals were not compelling

16% 13%

A life event changed how we shop

Learned our lesson last year

Medical Emergencies 2013

44%

This year, we just didnt have time

Parking is way too big of a hassle We’re done shopping already

Sexual Assault

10% 5% 3%

Seven reported deaths

due to Black Friday shopping. - Black Friday Death Count website Design: A. Primrose and T. Brown

Breana Petersen, Reporter Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated by many, with different ways to celebrate. Overall it means spending time with family/friends and giving thanks. So how do North high families celebrate this holiday? Maria Wray, North’s new history teacher, celebrates her Thanksgiving a little differently from most. When she was about eleven her mom passed away on Thanksgiving and they started a tradition where they celebrate her mom’s life on Thanksgiving. “My family would get together in Okeechobee, which is where I was born. All my mom’s brothers, her sister, her mom, and of course me; I’m one of 6 girls and we would all get together. We would just do Thanksgiving and basically it was kind of a celebration of my mom’s life.” Wray explained. She also spends some Thanksgivings with her husband’s family where they have a different tradition as well. “They do lasagna. It’s strange, it’s different. My mother-in-law does lasagna, she does salad, bread, and then we do the different pies, apple, pecan, pumpkin and then we go shopping,” Wary said. A sophomore student, Maurtica Williams, has a more “traditional” kind of T h an k s g iv i ng . She spends it with family, enjoying Features

the day. “We have turkey, macaroni, green beans, pumpkin pie. We say our thanks. I go to my grandmas and we just get together with family. We play games like Bingo and stuff, and like Pictureka,” Williams explained. Hilario Callejas, a junior, spends Thanksgiving with his family, helping them cook. “Me and my family help my mom cook some tamales, and pupusas, with my grandma too. We make a whole bunch of tamales. I guess we just stay home. And then we have some leftovers and we eat it,” said Callejas. A junior student Emily McGurder, loves Thanksgiving because of the food. She has T h an k s g iv ing at her grandma’s house with her family. “We go over to my grandmothers house. And its everybody in my family. We’re really big on traditions and we all make a bunch of food. There’s ham, turkey, crab salad, mashed potatoes, potato salad, banana pudding , stuffing. I love food. I love Thanksgiving. And we all just talk.” said McGurder. Chris Bern, a teacher, celebrates Thanksgiving with friends differently than most. They don’t stay in,

they go out and enjoy downtown Des Moines. “The tradition started about 8 years ago, that we started going to the Des Moines club. Which is at the top of the Ruan Building in Downtown Des Moines. And there’s a group of about 8 of us, all friends that get together. The Des Moines club has a huge buffet, it starts with appetizers and they have a whole table covered with cooked shrimp. You just go help yourself. Then they have the traditional buffet with turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, vegetables, and then also all kinds of desserts. So it’s a very relaxing, very enjoyable, time to spend with friends.” said Bern.

Micky Roark, Reporter

Seniors show school spirit at the first pep-rally of the year. Photo Credit: Micky Roark

“Courageous, Passionate, Relentless”, this is our school motto and the motto that I’ve come to live by. I’ve learned that if you utilize these in your everyday lives then you can accomplish the most daunting challenges. We’ve all heard it before but what does it really mean? The Polar Bear Senate came up with the new motto at the end of last school year, in hopes of shaping the school population into a more spirited community and they gave us these basic guidelines to achieve these goals. First you must live your life courageously, when you live your life courageously then passion and determination will follow. However this can be the most difficult of the three, because you have to self criticize, to see where you stand and where you need improvement the most. As Albert Einstein said “Success comes from, curiosity, concentration, perseverance and self-criticism.”

Once you improve the areas that you find are your weakest, you will find yourself doing a variety of things that you haven’t done before, leading you to find something you enjoy doing. This will become your passion. Once you find your passion you will find other people who are also passionate about it, causing competition. Constantly doing the same things you will become determined to be the best. Finding other people who are passionate about the same thing will create great friendships. They will encourage you to do the very best you can. In a friendly competition you can prepare each other for the real event, where you compete to show who is the very best. La Ka Bru is a North High senior who plays on the varsity football team. Born in Thailand, his family moved to America to better his future. “I was born in a refugee camp. I lived there for seven years.What made [my parents] want to come over here [is] because we were struggling I guess financial wise and they wanted me to go to a good school and good college and stuff.” However they didn’t have those options in Thailand so they decided to move to the U.S. He explains the difficulties that he faced when he arrived in the U.S. and what he did to get past them.“When I first came here I wasn’t very old and I didn’t understand english well enough to know what I was doing so I had to learn everything on my own. Trans-

ferring from one country to another country you have to learn everything all over again from the basic [principles], so it took alot of courage.” From there he got into sports within his school. “In middle school in the 8th grade I joined the football team, I didn’t really get into the football team to play football, [beacuse of] the situation that I was in. I was obese and was overweight and I didn’t really like that, I just wanted to change myself. When I got into football I just wanted to lose weight but when I [really] got into football it meant more to me than just that, I found what I love to do.” I have learned that what you’ve been through doesn’t determine who you can become.

Lah Ka Bru in the middle of half-time huddle. Photo Credit: Micky Roark

Design: M. Roark

C.O.R.E. is the new student-led group at North set to increase awareness of issues people of color face on a daily basis.

C.O.R.E. meets Wednesdays with adviser Charles Mercer. Student members work toward incorporating more students into schoool advancedment process. Photo Courtsey: Nyamal Gatluck.

Gabby Hernandez, Reporter At North, the school offers many clubs and activities that students can participate in; Anime club, Robotics, Debate, you name it. C.O.R.E. stands for “Community of Racial Equity”. The group has multiple purposes; they want to increase the amount of people of color taking Advanced Placement courses, and to increase awareness of the issues the under represented and marginalized groups face on a daily basis. Despite being in classes at Central, Science Bound and Track in the spring, Robert Nishimwe, a junior who balances his busy school life with his personal life, came up to Charles Mercer, adviser for C.O.R.E., with the idea of starting C.O.R.E. at North. “I try to just put my education first in whatFeaatures

ever I do because to me, if I can get my homework done on time or maybe even get it done early, I will have the time to spend time with friends or just have my own time,” Nishimwe said. C.O.R.E. was started two years ago at Roosevelt. As a result of C.O.R.E., there was a symposium at Drake in the summer and Nishimwe participated in it. A former teacher of Nishimwe was at the symposium and talked to him about possibly starting C.O.R.E. at North. “At first, I said no because I was like ‘I’m not sure that’s going to work at North.’ But she kept talking to me and finally convinced me to do it,” Nishimwe said. Unlike the other clubs and activities at North, C.O.R.E. is student-led with adult sponsors. The adult sponsors have the opportunity to lead conversa-

tions and discuss ideas. “This group is open to all students. All voices can be shared and all students are welcomed. This is a group for advocacy and building relationships between students,” said Mercer. C.O.R.E.’s purpose is to unite strong leaders and support students of color in AP courses and college level exams. C.O.R.E.’s end goal is a team summit along with creating a community with strong leaders to collaborate and support people of color through school advancement. “I believe this group can achieve quite a bit in its first year. Most importantly, this group can help spread awareness for issues that students face. This group can also allow students the space for empowerment and personal growth while discussing issues of race and inequality in society,” said Mercer. Design: G.Hernandez

Daniela Avila, Reporter North High School is the only school that gets the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with Wellmark. Wellmark started working with North High School for the first time last year with the class of 2016. After it was a succcessful year they later returned to offer the opportunity to the class of 2017. Each year the new juniors get the chance to participate in the selection of the internship. However one has to sign up for the program to work as a senior, where there will be a handful of students whom get the chance to get to go through the process of doing the interviews. There is a total of 12 interns working for Wellmark. Martin Reyes, a senior currently working in the internship, said it was beneficial when asked how this opportunity will help him he said, “It’ll benefit me in resumes and also on college transcripts,” as well as how their mentors help them out. Reyes said, “They help me with claims as

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well as education, my mentor is helping me with scholarships and meeting with doctors who majored Biochemistry which happens to be my major.” When asked what it’s like working as an intern, Reyes said “It’s interesting, especially in the corporate world. You’re not viewed as a kid, your obligations are the same as the employee next to you.” Senior Harry Nguyen is also one of the many students whom were chosen for the internship. When asked about his expierince with the internship Nguyen said “I do not want it to end because it’s every real life skill that I want to learn not taught in a regular classroom.” Not only does it allow the interns to experience the working world with a leader at there side. In this case its about their mentors, the ones whom help them out and tutor them. Harry Nguyen said, “My mentor is there to listen, they care what I have to say and will do whatever to help me succeed in and out of school. For example, recently she has been helping me explore carreer opportunities by networking with different departments in and out of Wellmark.” Aside from what their mentors help them accomplish, they still face a few challemges. Therefore they didnt always have them there to help them out, Nguyen said that the main challenge is “finding time to meet with your mentor and building a schedule around the work. Since school is in the way and we can”t work past 5 or the weekends casue they’re closed.” It’s not always going to be a challenge, there are going to be the good and bad days in this case it allows them to create a relationship with the work force. North students continue to improve throughout the year.

www.admissions.grandview.edu 515-263-2810

Design: D. Avila

BEHIND THE SCENES “I wanted this part because I like to have a balance of humor and seriousness when I act, and that was basically one of the characters who truly expressed that.” - Junior, Darrick Burrage as Neil.

“I wanted to be in Geezers because I wanted to do what the character Jack did and break out of my bubble.” - Sophomore, Desiree Phan as Young Kate.

Arts & Entertainment

Caleb Ostermann who played Jack hugs Neil, sad after hearing about the death of Ray.

Cassady Kelly who plays Gina the head caretaker, helps Ray played by Jacob Mentzer to his bed.

Emotion begins to rise when Gina and Jack get in a heated conversation.

As Jack hears the stories of the elderly patients, he is faced with a harsh reality that is more than his own.

Marcos Hernandez plays the role of Young Ray and mourns the death of his late wife while telling the story of her suicide.

Cherry Tran as Kate tells Jack about her life before she was at the nursing home.

Photo credit: Jasmine Inthabounh

By: Jasmine Inthabounh, Managing Editor As the storyline of Geezers unfolds, the students of North High who play the cast get a taste of the life as it matures, to say the least. From November 11-12, 2016 the curtain goes up and the talented actors come out. Shhh.. it’s time for the show to start. The play Geezers is about a writer named Jack who discovers a new outlook on life when he starts a new job at a nursing home. He finds out that his perception of elderly people wasn’t entirely accurate. The play shows the elders of the nursing home in their past life as young adults in comparison to their lives in the present and how their past affected them. Senior, Caleb Ostemann plays the lead role of Jack and depicted all the emotions of anxiety, sadness and releif all in one play. He embodied the character Jack who took care of elderly people with tremendous stories that they told with the help of their younger selves. Not only does he have the job to take care of the patients but he gets the oppurtunity to write a story about them. Jack is faced with challenges that any person may be able to overcome but with anxiety weighing down his shoulders, it makes it difficult for him to experience new things. Senior, Cassady Kelly played Gina, the head caretaker of the nursing home who also struggled from alcohol and drug abuse. Her character dealt with putting others in front of herself and continuously fought the urge to go back to her old habits when things got difficult, especially at her job. The cast really got into the play and put themselves in the shoes of the characters. They didn’t hesitate to bring out their emotions when it came to this idea of death being a prominent event in the nursing home from day to day. They brought out the laughter from the audience and played their parts effortlessly. With the new changes in the theatre department, the fall play “Geezers” was an outstanding success.

The elders of the nursing home play a joke on the new worker Jack played by Caleb Ostermann. Pictured: Jacob Mentzer (bottom), Caleb Ostermann (middle), Darrick Burrage (top left) and Cherry Tran (top right). Designed by: J.Inthabounh

Harry Nguyen, Editor & Daniela Avila, Reporter

Tyreke Locure, Sophomore point guard Sports

The strive for college begins Ryan. “He be on me a lot like he with commitment and hard work. In doesn’t let me slack, he takes care of and out of school students will have me, if I need something he got me. to embrace their stories and personal- He’s more than a coach he’s like my ity to take them to new heights. Two second dad.” Locure said. students who take on the game of His teammate could say the basketball to achieve higher education same about their coach. Jal Bijeck, through their skills and commitment. a senior who plays the forward and Tyreke Locure, sophomore, big man position has been active in also known as the varsity point guard, basketball since the 5th grade. “He has been playing since the third grade. opened up the game for me and does Originally from New Orleans, Locure a lot, making me want to give back was forced to find a new place to live to those younger than me with my after the knowledge,” “It’s countless hours, basketeffects of Bijeck said. hurricane His motivation ball everyday, and lifting on Katrina, he to play is that the weekends...” -Jal Bijeck of similar to is now able to call Des Locure, statMoines and North his home. Being ing “It benefits me because it gives me exposed to this sport at a young age, potential to get into any school for his life has revolved around just that. free and I just want to give back to the “When we fist moved out here, my community.” dad’s close friends introduced us to These young men have been the game” said Locure. “Us” being his with each other since the 3rd grade, older brothers and himself. playing for the Amateur Athletic Basketball was his way of Union (AAU) team: Kingdom Hoops coping with the effects of hurricane and looking up to each other while Katrina. When asked what his motiva- calling themselves “brothers”. tion was to play the game everyday, The game has shaped their lifestyle Locure firmly responded “My pops... I up to this day. “It’s countless hours, want to make it easier for him, for us, basketball everyday, and lifting on the for me.” weekends. You give up your social life But he also claims one other to hangout with the same group of person that’s been a father figure in people while practicing through the his life. The boys varsity coach, Chad year,” Bijeck explained.

His teammate, Locure could compare saying that it’s “School, homework, basketball, sleep and it repeats. On weekends I’m playing games with the team or probably a quick workout in the mornings”. All of the work pays off when colleges come in to scout and hand in offers. Bijeck has received offers from South East Missouri State and University of North Dakota and Locure still has yet to receive offers considering that he is still a sophomore. “I don’t have any offers yet but I feel that with Iowa there’s an offer coming soon... but it’s a weird process,” Locure said. In the process of choosing a school, Bijeck explained that “It’s which-ever one feels more comfortable and will improve my skills” while Locure says “I’m not even thinking about it like that yet but right now I’d say Iowa because it was just different when I was there. They make me feel like I’m at home”. In terms of college itself, the two explained their plans on course of study. “To major in, I’d say history just because I like learning about the past,” Locure said. Meanwhile, Jal would like to major in business because “I just like business. I’m a money guy”. North has become a major key for success, here it is found on and off the court starting with two players of the boys basketball team. Their stories, work, and spirit that they put into the game will soon prosper as decision day comes around for their Jal Bijeck plays choice of college and career. the forawrd and big man position

Jal Bijeck a senior on the varsity basketball team

Design: H. Nguyen/ D. Avila

Kenzie Schnathorst, Editor Senior, Kameron Russell was one of few chosen to compete for track in Brisbane, Australia over this past summer. He ran track for what will be four seasons this spring. Russell says every time he finishes a race, whether it went the way he had planned or not, it’s a success. To him being able to say he didn’t quit is also a success. “Down under Sports” had selected a few people from each state to represent a USA track and field team for the conference in Brisbane. Russell had built friendships that will last a lifetime. While in Australia they competed, laughed, and some even cried together. He had also met a number of Australian teens that share some of the same passions as him. This trip has taught Russell to step outside has comfort zone, try new ideas, and meet new people. Ironically, he began this journey thinking he would be ineligible for baseball due to a low grade. Russell then stated, “I joined track with only one goal on my mind, and it just so happened I fell in love with the sport.” Russell isn’t quiet sure why he was chosen, because he’s sure there were people

Features

Kameron Russell, shopping with new friends in Brisbane Australia. Photo Courtesey: Kameron Russell

Kameron Russell was chosen by a program called, Down under Sports to go and compete for track in Brisbane Australia. more qualified to go rather than himself. Russell says, “Many people resort to giving up when things don’t go their way, but in track I’ve learned that no matter what, you should always finish the race”. He stated that his favorite part about being in Australia would have been competing, although he loved traveling around with his newfound friends. If he could do it all again, he would. Russell says, “It’s not everyday you get to say you raced along side teenagers from Australia and New Zealand. They had a hotel in Brisbane that had over 70 floors; a sauna and spa, a strip mall, and a block completely dedicated to food tourists cannot get back home. He said the hotel was five out of five, one of the best he’s been to. Russell then stated, “Living lavish never felt so real. This experience made me ever so grateful for everything I have. It also showed me how you can impact someone’s life just by saying hello”. When asked

if he would be running track after he graduates high school, Russell replied with, “I plan to run track after high school. Catch me in Tokyo 2020 olympics”.

Kameron Russell, taking a selfie with a Kangaroo in Australia. Photo Courtesy: Kameron Russell

17 North high junior, Musa Kipendo gets the chance of a lietime to go to Europe and play soccer with his team Mya Alexander, Editor N o r t h high polar bear Musa K i p e n d o, is on one of the few teams invited to go to Europe for a full week. His team, Iowa Rush, will travel to Germany, Austria, and Czech Republic. He has been practicing for this opportunity for 11 years.

Start- ing at the age of 5 he knew he wanted to play soccer and go into the professional league. Playing a sport that long makes you realize the benefits of it too. “I love the sports and soccer makes me feel better about myself,” Kipendo said. If you love a sport so much, you tend to try and be the best at it and that is exactly what Musa has done. Playing for a different team

at the start, his friend told he earned a scholarship to way I play. We all play soccer him about the team Iowa play. To be able to go on this but we [all] have a different Rush and convinced him to trip there isn’t a scholarship way of playing… and if I apat least go and try out. fund, only self-fundraising. ply that to the way I play it “I just went there to try out He plans on starting a Go- will probably make me look and the coach there liked me FundMe page to boost his different from other playand emailed me and said ‘I earnings and show how ers,” Kipendo said. have you on the roster’… he great this opportunity is. Not only is he looking fortold me I’m gonna be play“I think it’s good ‘cause it’s ward to the trip but also to ing on a scholarship, so I my own opportunity I have, the end product. He hopes play for free,” Kipendo said. due to like my income and that after this trip he can Iowa Rush is one of few where I’m from,” Kipendo come back and get many teams involved in the pro- said. scholarships, go to college gram that made them eliEven though coming up and play soccer, then begible to travel to Europe. with the money might be come a professional. From They have a record of 7-2 a struggle right now, the the bottom and reaching all currently, and hope to gain thought of the outcome of the way to the top, his jourmore wins before they pack going to Europe means so ney leads him right to Eutheir bags. Going to a dif- much more. Traveling across rope; and the polar bears are ferent state is a vacation, the world could be the an- cheering him on the whole but going to a whole differ- swer to becoming scouted way. ent country is a dream. As a by colleges for Musa. teenager, Musa already has a “I think by going to Euplan as to what to do when rope it’s gonna change the they land. “We’re gonna play games against the national teams there… and then we’re gonna taste the food,” Kipendo said. While the plan may be simple, it is still a goal. Joining the Iowa Rush team alone cost about $1,000 but Musa clearing the ball up to his fellow forwards at a game against Mengot that waived when Musa Kipendo, number 87, seenace. Photo Credit: Mya Alexander Design: K. Schnathorst, M. Alexander

18 On October 30, 2016, the North High Cheerleading Team entered their first stunting competition. Varsity members traveled to Fort Dodge, Iowa, with their coaches Michelle Brackemyer, Kayla Hopper, and Emily Garman. Laura Christensen, Editor As soon as you entered the gym you were hit with the fumes of hairspray, high bows in all the cheerleaders’ hair, the stands filled with their families and friends, and the room so packed with fans and athletes sitting on the floor. That was the atmosphere of the very first cheerleading competition the team has entered in years. Michelle Brackemyer, who is the head coach of the North Cheerleading team started out as an assistant cheer coach last year and has moved up to be head coach. This year they have made a lot of changes to the program, including adding stunting and entering their very first competition. The competition was at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa. A lot of people know Brackemyer as a math teacher, but she is also a part of how the cheerleading team has gotten to where they are today. Over the last two years the program has definitely progressed. “From this year to last year, our team has learned many new skills (specifically stunting) and our overall participates have also grown,” Brackemyer said. Although Brackemyer was never a cheerleader when she was younger, she was chosen to be the coach because of her upbeat personality and spirit for North High School. “I accepted the offer because I wanted an opportunity to be more involved at North outside of my classroom, and I’m so glad I made that decision. I love Sports

being a coach,” she said. While Brackemyer is the head coach of the team, an assistant coach that has also had a huge part in the stunting part itself is Kayla Hopper. Brackemyer stated, “I really think that Kayla Hopper was our biggest asset in getting the team to the point of competition. She has much more background knowledge of cheerleading than I do and put in all the time to research our options. She also created and taught the routines that we will be using.” Hopper was a cheerleader herself when she was in school, she stated, “it’s my way of teaching and fantasizing the importance of positive leadership at a young age”. Hopper noticed several of the girls had an interest in competing and she wanted to make it a reality for them. She wants them to start working on their tumbling to improve their scores they get in future competitions. “I’m hoping that we can add a competitive team for students who are looking for a chance to showcase their dance and tumbling skills,” Hopper said. While being the cheer coach there are many advantages such as getting to meet more students, players of different sports, and seeing people in the student section at games. Although their have been many obstacles in getting the team to this point it has also brought them closer together, Brackemyer said, “Getting our team to competition level has been challeng-

ing. We needed to put in extra time and learn many new skills. We also encountered many injuries because of how hard we were pushing ourselves. I would say that at first, competitive team pulled our team apart because many cheerleaders felt like they were competing against each other to be the best. However, over time, it definitely brought us closer together. We spend more time together and helping each other reach big goals, which is always amazing to see”. The team probably won’t be entered in any more competitions this year but in the meantime they will have time to improve their skills and see how far they have progressed since they first started. After the competition the coach believes, “it (the competition) will be a motivation boost. We might not be the best, but the motivation that will come from looking back at how far we have come will be huge. I also think that going to competition and watching other teams will give us an even bigger goal to reach for”. Brackemyer said a phrase that would describe the team is “We believe”. At the competition, the team placed first in Co-Ed stunt groups, twelfth & fourteenth in large stunt groups, third in the jump-off and recieved the competition’s Outstanding Sportsmanship Award.

Photo Credit: Laura Christensen

Q&A on two varsity cheerleaders discussing the North High cheer program

Tina Ho Adrianna Campos, Reporter

Brylie Huddleson

Q: Have there been any changes since you have been cheerleading here? If Tina Ho, senior, and Brylie Huddle- so, do you like those changes? Why son, sophomore, were two of the 11 or why not? cheerleaders to compete at a competi- A: There has been lots of change over tion held in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on Oc- the past few years. It has been rocky, tober 30, 2016. This is Huddleson’s first but this year is really progressing with year on the cheer team, and as a varsity the help of three coaches. So I do like cheerleader, while Ho has been cheer- it. leading for three years on varsity. Q: How has having a new coach affected your team? A: Having new coaches definitely is a big change but it’s not a bad thing. Having different coaches allows us to have different skills and new experiences! Coach Hopper really knows her stuff!

Q: What are some of your favorite experiences that you’ve had while being on the team? A: It’s not always about the cheering, because I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime. It’s all about the relationships I’ve had with these people honestly.

Q: In one word, how would you describe your team as a whole and why? A: Committed. I think this because we all know that others don’t give us as much acknowledgement and appreciation but we still stand and keep our positive attitudes and commit our times into practicing and bringing on the school spirit.

Q: Is there someone who has inspired you to keep cheerleading? A: If there’s anyone really inspiring me to cheer, it’s myself. I really want to just better myself. Always, and cheer makes me a better person.

Q: What made you want to become a cheerleader, and why did you like it? A: I’ve always wanted to be a cheerleader ever since I was a kid and my friend encouraged me to try out one day so I did! I like it because it’s an opportunity for me to get involved with the school and a way for me to spread positive vibes.

Q: Did you do any cheerleading as a child? A: I always just wanted to be those pretty girls at half time at a game. For my first grade talent show, I dressed up as a cheerleader and did a cheer in my talent show. It is cute now, but when it was happening, it was probably a train wreck.

Q: In one word, how would you describe your team as a whole and why? A: Strong. We might not be the best or have the best things, but we’re mentally and physically strong.

Design: L. Christensen/A. Campos