THE Feature, Page 3
1015 Division St. Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
VOLUME 52 ISSUE 7
Fall play offers play on emotions (Left): Senior Rhydian Talbot counsels senior Nate Hua. (Below): Junior Amanda Harwood provides comic relief to contrast with the seriousness of the rest of the play.
Katherine Mayhew Staff Writer
With a mere 10 days before the premiere of this year’s fall play, the cast and crew are preparing for another exciting show. This year’s production consists of three one acts, including two comedic and a one drama. One of the comedies, “Depart Mental,” is running first, followed by the drama, “The Why,” then the final comedy, “Bob, I want you.” Play director Michelle Rathe said, “Sandwiching the tragic comedy between the comedies allows the audience to be moved and yet still leave laughing.” Junior Jesse Hoffman agreed. “The one acts are a good contrast between the intensity of ‘The Why.’ I also really like how they act like bookends to the show,” Hoffman said. “Depart Mental” explores the difference between what people say and what they actually think. The play takes place in a department store where workers and customers say what politeness demands them to say, but also reveal what they are thinking. “It’s a perfect mix of witty humor and crazy surprises,” sophomore Madison Lang said.
Katherine Mayhew Photos One-act drama “The Why” takes an episodic approach to tell its story. “This play is tragic because it delves into why a school shooting happens, but it is also humorous because it takes a satirical, tongue-incheek poke at the media, the gun activists and others like those who try to ignore the problems in society. Blending humor, drama, live music performances and an issue that involves teens and adults, this play allows an audience to truly experience a gamut of emotions, to feel a true catharsis,” Rathe said.
Senior Dakota Abel said that “The Why,” “Puts something serious in a new perspective.” Another senior play participant Nate Hua said, “I think it’s going to be fantabulous this year because it’s a drama.” Both the plays in last year’s fall production were also dramas. “I think dramas let people act critically and use introspection. And it’s a good cast.” Hua said. Sophomore Anna Hubbard
said, “It’s a really touching story. It’s heart-ripping but has comedy at the same time.” In the final play “Bob, I want you,“ the characters all want Bob, but only if he
changes to fit each of their expectations. “The audience is reminded that we should just accept people for who they are.”said Rathe. Bob, I want you subtly conveys this message behind its comedy. “I think the one acts are really comical and will bring the audience a good laugh.” junior Alea Dabis said. “People should come to see this play because it is one of the few theater experiences that will allow them to laugh, cry and question just how much of themselves is portrayed on the stage. Many of the performances will leave a powerful, lasting impression on the audience. I promise, no person will leave the performance without laughter, tears or both.” Rathe said. “I think it’s amazing. I think the actors are amazing. See it once; see it twice; see it three times. It isn’t showing three times, so see it twice.” sophomore Carrsan Morissey said. The plays will run Thursday, Nov. 10 and Saturday, Nov. 12 at 5:30 in the high school auditorium.
40 CFHS students make All-State ensembles Choir
Sarah Welter (3rd year) McKenzie Sesterhenn (2nd year) Erin Keiser (1st year) Amanda Harwood (1st year) Makaela Burke (1st year) Kaitlyn Smith (1st year) Alexandra Stewart (1st year) Jackson Nichols (1st year) Zach Souhrada-Rogers (1st year) James Stortz (1st year) Jacob Sund (1st year) Devon Mettlin (1st year) Spencer Betts (1st year) Katelyn Hahn (Alternate)
Orchestra
Gwen Farber (4th year) Erik Olsen (4th year) Ann Fienup (3rd year) Katie Yang (2nd year) Kristen DeSerano (2nd year) Hanno Fenech (1st year) Andrea Anderson (1st year) Abi Rowland (1st year) Rex Ju (1st year) Aaron Jepsen (1st year) Anton Oelmann (Alternate)
Ian Abbot (3rd year) Band Justin Marshall (3rd year)
The All-State festival will be held on Nov. 17-19 at the Hilton Colosseum in Ames.
Jason Geisler (3rd year) Joshua Carlo (2nd year) Kelsey Umthun (2nd year) Betsy Solon (2nd year) Rhydian Talbot (2nd year) Luke Zahari (2nd year) Roy Ju (2nd year) Jesse Streicher (2nd year) Catherine Isley (2nd year) Jenna Veenstra (1st year) Nathaniel Welshons (1st year) Emily Schroeder (Alternate) Rachel Rose (Alternate)
Opinion Pursuit of Happiness: Maya Amjadi News Editor
“Gay people don’t have tentacles or horns. There’s nothing to be afraid of,” said Zach Wahls, University of Iowa engineering student. Monday he gave a talk sponsored by the high school groups, Harmony and PRISM. Wahls and his younger sister were raised by two moms, and he appeared in front of the Iowa State Legislature in February to give testimony against passing an Iowa constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage and civil unions. He has been traveling all over the country, talking to people and sharing his story since then. But really this issue isn’t about gay marriage. It is about marriage. “They don’t have a gay marriage license. They have a marriage license. We don’t have a gay house or drive a gay car, and we don’t have a gay dog,” Wahls said speaking about his own mothers. There is no reason to not allow same-sex couples the right to marry; it is discrimination. Marriage is an inalienable right provided in the Declaration of Independence. All other rights detailed in the Constitution are secondary to
“life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” to which marriage uncompromisingly falls under. There are 1084 benefits married couples receive, however, Wahls’ moms are not eligible for most of them at the federal level. “If something would have happened to my tall mom, Jackie, my shorter mom, Terry, wouldn’t have the biological rights to us. We [would have gone] to our crazy uncles,” Wahls said. When Wahls woke up the morning after he appeared in front of the Iowa Legislature, he had over 300 emails, 500 friend requests and 20,000 hits on the Youtube posting. “As I’m pouring coffee, the phone rings and it’s CBS. They want to know if I can come on their live show [to talk],” Wahls said. He also appeared on the Ellen Degeneres show, which he said was more intimidating than the entire Iowa Legislature. “It’s always the thing that happens to someone else, but to everybody else, you are somebody else,” Wahls said. The response over the Internet to Wahls’ speech was exciting, even reassuring, but there is still a long way to go. Wahls said, “You cannot underestimate the power that each person in this room has.
Contact the Tiger Hi-Line
The Tiger Hi-Line is a weekly publication of the journalism classes of Cedar Falls High School, 1015 Division St., Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613. Our website is www.hiline.co.nr. The Hi-Line is distributed to CFHS students on Tuesdays to read in their free time. Columns and letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Hi-Line or Cedar Falls Schools. The Hi-Line editorial staff view is presented weekly in the editorial labeled as Our View. Reader opinions on any topic are welcome and should be sent to the Tiger Hi-Line staff or delivered to room 208. All letters must be signed. Letters must be submitted by 3 p.m. on Thursday for publication the following Tuesday. Letters may not exceed 300 words and may be edited to meet space limitations. Include address and phone number for verification.
Editorial Staff
Editors-in-Chief: Sara Gabriele, Ellen Gustavson, Meg Lane News Editors: Maya Amjadi, Sara Gabriele, Chandal Geerdes Opinion Editors: Meg Lane, Karl Sadkowski Sports Editor: Jared Hylton Feature Editors: Ellen Gustavson, Sandra Omari-Boateng Entertainment Editor: Lucas Hamilton Hi-Line Online Editor: Martha Hall Staff Writers: Sarah Church, Lindsey Davis, Chase Eremieff, Mikayla Foland, Isabelle Hayes, Trevor Johnson, Kathrine Mayhew, Diamond Spann, Rhydian Talbot
Raud Kashef Photo
University of Iowa student Zach Wahls spoke to the CFHS PRISM and Harmony groups last Monday, Oct. 17. He gave testimony in front of the Iowa legislature last February that now has almost 1.9 million hits on Youtube. Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=FSQQK2Vuf9Q There is supreme strength in each of us to change the world around us.” The definition of marriage has changed over time. Tradi-
Oct. 25, 2011
hiline.nr.co
We all deserve the same rights, regardless of sexual orientation tional marriage was instigated as a way of sealing deals and gaining land. It was an arranged way to confirm property and power. Only a few centuries ago did marriage stand on a new foundation of love for a partner rather than an organized interest of the parents. By the 1940s and 1950s, state courts were repealing laws that prevented certain cases of marriage. In 1967 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled it was unconstitutional for states to prohibit interracial marriage, and in 1987, it defended the right of prison inmates to marry. When striking down California’s Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage, Judge Vaughn said, “Gender no longer forms an essential part of marriage; marriage under law is a union of equals.” Many people argue that they should be allowed to vote on the same-sex marriage proposal. However, judges are cloaked because they have studied the Constitution, and it is their duty to uphold its laws. Never in history would a minority ever survive if put to a vote by the general public. If blacks’ freedom would have been put to a general vote, there would still to this
our view
day be slaves. Alabama was the last state to finally except that people of different races did have the right to marry, and that was in 2000. Even in that election, over 40 percent voted to keep the ban. As Wahls stated, we do not live in a theocracy. “I would appreciate if you didn’t use my God to justify your intolerance,” Wahls said. He is religious and believes the highest love is loving others, as is stated in the Bible. If God didn’t like gay people, why would he keep making so many of them? Wahls took off time from school because this is a very important cause. “If you’re not willing to meet someone where he is, there is no way for both of you to move forward,” Wahls said. Wahls’ extremely effective speaking skills surely had an impact on this audience in the classroom. He has shown legislators and students alike that marriage isn’t about being gay or being straight. It’s about being human and having equal rights under the law. Even as a part of the majority, it is important to stand up for the rights of everyone no matter their color, shape, size, gender or sexual orientation.
The End of Power Even brutal leaders deserve rule of law Col. Muammar Gadaffi is dead. The former dictator of Libya, who ruled the country for an overdue 42 years, was the epitome of instability. Though an extremely intelligent man, though unpredictable as his emotions teetered precariously, casting Libya into decades of economic hardship and oppressive militarized control. In February, outraged Libyans rebelled against Gadaffi’s regime, the beginning of an eight-month-long civil war that led to his death by a highway connecting Benghazi and Sirte. Gadaffi was found hiding in a drainage pipe after his convoy was attacked by a NATO warplane. Frantic rebels held him arguing over whether to kill him or keep him alive for trial after wounding his legs to prevent further escape. Beaten and heaving, the former despot repeatedly asked them not to shoot until someone fired a bullet into his head. Various videos litter the Internet displaying Gadaffi moments before his death. Although Libyans widely despised him, was justice truly served in the way the rebels killed Gadaffi? His grisly murder seemed just the kind of behavior they protested, though it is understandable that no one was thinking rationally at the time of his capture. Eyes for eyes leaves everyone blind.
Sports
Oct. 25, 2011 hiline.co.nr
Cross country teams place 1st at Districts, on to State
Athlete Week of the
Ethan Weichman Powder Puff Volleyball Staff
1. Where did you get your superior volleyball skills from? My master sensi kiraly and my wife.
Erin Keiser photo
Lindsey Davis Staff Writer
After three months of hard work every day, it’s time again for boys and girls state cross country. Both are some of the top teams in Iowa, and as they look forward to State, girls coach Don Williams notes what is needed for a title. “To win State, we need to have five girls running under 15:00, with the top two running around 14:10,” he said. Clearly, this is a very specific goal. As the girls train for State, they are doing some of the hardest workouts of the year. Fortunately, the team is taking care of their bodies and staying healthy. It’s important for them to learn how to deal with exhaustion. “When you train as hard as we do, you are always on the verge of injury, but fortunately we have been pretty lucky with sickness and injury. The girls are eating healthy and getting rest to stay on top of their game,” Williams said. Williams credits the success of his team to their solid efforts and experience. He
Andrew Holloran, Matthew Adrian, Adam Streicher, Jaime Zarate and Mitch Hammer lead the pack at Districts on Oct. 20. also said that depth is a quality that makes them stronger. “Our top JV girls have been pushing the pace and would make varsity on most teams in the state. This team cares about each other and the success of the team. That makes them special,” Williams said. The team as a whole has an admirable work ethic. Training every day causes for wear and tear on the body, but it only makes the runner stronger. “To win State, it’s going to take determination, hard work and most of all a strong race as a team,” top runner Allison Gregg said. She says that the team has been working very hard at practice and are working on their mental toughness, which is just as important as physical performance. Just as the women’s team is working towards State, the men’s team is as well. “To win a title, we need to get healthy, run our best and hope that we get a few breaks
to go our way,” coach Troy Becker said. Becker also said he believes the team will peak at the right time, which will improve their chances of winning. Recently, the boys have won the Metro meet, Super meet and Conference. Very impressive considering one of their top runners, Andrew Halloran, has been out the past few weeks. The team is hoping he will be back at full strength for State. “I’m running less than usual while still getting in quality workouts, taking iron supplements and making sure to eat healthy and get more sleep than usual to get my iron and thyroid level back to normal, which will hopefully get me running 100 percent at State,” Halloran said. Becker also said he thinks the team has the guts to improve their chances of winning. ”Determined, hard working, character, pride and competitive come to mind
when I think of this group. They will do whatever they can to achieve their goals,” Becker said. Both teams have been training hard all year to get to this point of the season. They know what it will take to achieve their goals and are working towards it every day. “It’s going to take an incredible effort from the whole team, and everyone is going to have to run so fast they puke their guts out,” junior runner Jaime Zarate said. Both teams placed first at Districts on Oct. 20. Gregg finished first with Brianna King following up for a second place finish. Cassy Herkelman and Katie Halloran also finished top 10. The men’s team took five of the top 10 places. Matthew Adrian came in for third, Adam Streicher with a fourth and Zarate with fifth. Mitch Hammer and Timothy Sevcik followed close behind. Look for the CFHS cross country teams at State in Fort Dodge on Oct. 29.
2. What can you say to everyone about the powder puff volleyball experience? It’s fun to do these things, but any time you can get a group of people together to support a good cause, it’s always great. 3. What is the importance of the last weeks of the food drive? It doesn’t matter how you start it, it’s how you finish it. Let’s make sure to finish strong. We’ve got a goal to meet.
Tigers in Action
FOOTBALL- 10/26 vs Muscatine 8:45 VOLLEYBALL- 10/27 vs winner of Mason City and Boone 7 p.m. WOMEN’S SWIMMING- 10/27 @ Waterloo Central MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY- 10/29 @ Fort Dodge WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY- 10/29 @ Fort Dodge
Feature EXTREME
MAKEOVER
Locker EDITION
Rhydian Talbot Staff Writer
Oct. 25, 2011
hiline.co.nr
Students take locker decorating to next level
personal space combines a love of vintage-chic imaging with her favorite television show, Glee. Self-made and personally edited collages from picnik.com showcase the program’s characters amongst similarly themed bookmarks and magnets. “There is no life without Glee. I love it so much, and I picked this theme for my locker because it fills me with so much glee. I look at it on a bad day, and I feel happy again,” Izer said. Izer also shares an instrumental locker with Farber and fellow senior Abby Rolinger. The three string players were assigned a closet-sized locker
in the orchestra wing to simply house their instruments, but Farber took it upon herself to transform their space into a life-sized scrapbook. The walls are adorned with collages of vacations, handdrawn comics, ticket stubs from concerts, movie posters, college banners, random magnets, inspirational quotes, celebrity obsessions and pictures upon pictures upon pictures. “It’s an
explosion of my personality. I like being able to look in and see all the pictures. It just makes me happy,” Farber said. Stemming from an “obnoxiously” colorful bedroom, Farber’s creativity and passion for visuals spilled over into her locker junior year, a veritable home away from home.
Open up the locker doors of any given student, and you’d come across an assortment of generic knickknacks: a couple leadless pencils, a tattered assignment, maybe a forgotten candy wrapper or two, but open up the locker doors of seniors Gwen Farber and Kaitlin Izer, and you might get blasted backwards by the organized chaos within. For these two girls, locker decoration goes a lot farther than simply slapping up a picture of friends here or there; their lockers reflect unique interests, experiences and ambitions, all within the confines of a standardissued holding cell. In a corner of an oftforgotten hallway, the inside of Izer’s locker bursts with Ellen Gustavson Photo much needed Seniors Abby Rolinger, Kaitlin Izer and Gwen Farber have transformed their orchestra locker into life. Her a life-sized scrapbook filled with pictures, posters, inspirational quotes and more.
As a senior, she decided to step-up her decoration craze, layering every square inch of locker space with the ephemera of her life. “Last year I decorated my locker, but it wasn’t as crazy, just the Harry Potter posters. This year, I went all out. It’s senior year, and I needed to have a little fun.” This versatile space doubles as a shrine to the unrelated while serving its original purpose by storing scholarly supplies. Foregoing the doldrums of math wing metal lockers, Farber keeps her belongings concentrated into the one storage space. “Besides the random collection, I keep all of my school stuff in here, too. I don’t think I even know my assigned locker combination,” she laughed. Though fit to burst with odds and ends, a bare spot of untouched locker surface peeps through pictures and posters every so often. These unmarked areas currently serve as a sort of blank canvas, allowing Farber the possibility of future decoration expansion. “I still have space, and it’s a project that’s a work in progress. It’s just whatever I feel like adding. No matter what, though, it makes my day every time I look in there.”
Local haunted houses provide wide variety of scares Sarah Church Staff Writer
Looking to get spooked this Halloween season? Check out these facts and reviews for the best haunted houses around the Cedar Valley. The Heart of Darkness (THOD) is located on 5111 Osage Road in Waterloo. It has 22,600 square feet of space for entertaining, and it boasts the longest walkthrough time in the state of
Iowa at 25 minutes. It takes about 25 minutes to get there from the UNI campus. The cost of entering THOD is $13 per person and $20 for a fastpass, meaning you go through the line and right to the front. There are discounts available, like showing your student I.D. or military I.D on Thursdays or Sundays to land $3 off. Harris Haven Funeral Home is located in Evansdale
at 3767 Lafayette Rd. This attraction promises a good scare, claiming, “We bury the competition.” The cost of this haunted house is $12 per person, and $10 if you wear a school spirit shirt, or you can print a $2 off coupon on their website, www.harrishaven. com. Panic Park, located at 5932 N. Union Road in Cedar Falls, offers an indoor lobby with
concessions where you can snack and wait for your turn while sitting down in a heated building. The tickets are $10 per person, and they have a $1 off coupon on their website, www.panicpark.org. They are allowing anyone to volunteer. If you are interested, e-mail Al Weber at aweber@co.blackhawk.ia.us, or call him at 319-433-7275. The Cedar Valley isn’t
all about serious spooks and scares, however. The Waterhawks 14th annual Haunted Hayride offers a familyfriendly attraction for all ages and the faint of heart. This is located in Evansdale at Eagle Lake, and it’s open on Fridays and Saturdays, beginning at sundown to 11 p.m, and on Sundays from sundown to 9 p.m. The cost of the hay ride is $8.