THE
Feature, Page 4 1015 Division St. Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
VOLUME 52 ISSUE 14
Bike Tech offers classes Sarah Church Staff Writer
Bike Tech is now offering free classes to high school students as a method to get CFHS students involved in cycling. “Bicycling is a lifelong sport, and it is important to start teaching young,” Brent Johnson, the owner of Bike Tech said. He is offering two classes: Bicycling 101, a four week class that focues on the basics of cycling and Bicycling 201, a 12 week class that expands on the teaching in 101. He is waiting to set a definitive date and time until he gets a sense of student interest. Interested students can contact Johnson at (319)-266-5979 or brent@biketechcf.com
Tutoring:
Peer tutoring now offered for students in need of assistance Rhydian Talbot Staff Writer
Collaboration Community, co-created by juniors Hannah Mallaro and Maya Amjadi, is a student tutoring group that aims to provide classwork assistance to peers by peers. Meeting Mondays and Thursdays after school in the library, select juniors and seniors provide their skills and insights to any fellow students seeking assistance in a variety of subjects. The peer-assistance program is a product of an observation made in many different classroom settings. “We created it as a place to learn and collaborate because [Maya and I have] had people in classes that have needed help, so we thought it’d be good place for students to come together to help each other,” Mallaro said.
Chandal Geerdes Photo
Junior Hanno Fenech assists students Monday and Thursday after school in the peer tutoring program.
As a novel experience, the sessions place emphasis on allowing students to collaborate with their peers to foster a low-key learning environment. If unable to fully grasp a concept when first presented in the classroom, one-on-one assistance with a trusted classmate provides
the same concepts in laymen terms, translating a difficult lesson into more manageable pieces. “It’s less intimidating for students to approach other students for help, and peers might be able to explain it in terms that are different from their teachers in order to provide another angle for
understanding the material,” Mallaro said. Student communication serves as a springboard for students seeking classroom help, giving them the confidence to approach teachers directly for further assistance if needed. All students are welcome to approach one of the student tutors for homework help in a variety of categories. At each session, four-to-six peer collaborators are available to answer questions in conceptual subjects like science and math as well as edit and provide immediate feedback on papers. Collaboration Community meets until 4:30 every Monday and Thursday in the library. Refreshments are provided. For further information, please contact Hannah Mallaro, Maya Amjadi, or the counseling office.
Students reflect on the ending of Iraq war Maya Amjadi News Editor
Obama declared the end of a nearly nine year war in Iraq a “historic moment” on Wednesday, Dec. 14 as he addressed the soldiers at Fort Bragg. The concluding act by the United States took place Saturday evening when the last of the war troops left Iraq. Accounts of soldiers and pilots, when told their mission was over, reveal that they didn’t fully believe the news. Students at Cedar Falls High School were just as surprised as the soldiers. “I think it is fantastic [that the war is over]. I didn’t actually believe my sister at first when she told me,” junior Shelby Snell said. Senior Maria Dropps is also happy the war is officially over. “It is kind of like a sigh of relief in some way,” Dropps said. For some students, the
news was shocking because they hadn’t heard about it for so long. “At first when I found out the Iraqi war officially ended, I realized I forgot it was still going on. Then I was glad to have American troops come back, but I was still slightly concerned about whether or not Iraq’s violence would rise again once all the troops were out,” junior Brianna King said. Regardless of students’ opinions on the war, they agree it is time to end it. Senior Nate Hua said, “I’m glad the war is over finally. I thought it was unnecessary in the first place.” Junior Gregory Power said, “At the beginning of the war, I was neutral due to a lack of information available. However, following the death of Saddam Hussein in 2006, I could not understand why we were staying in Iraq
and became opposed to the war.” Some students noticed a lack of awareness. “When I mentioned the Iraqi war ending to some of my friends, they didn’t even know that it had ended,” King said. Dropps thought the announcement that the war had ended was very low key. “Really I only remember seeing it on one or two TV stations. Either people just haven’t really heard about it or some just don’t care, but personally it’s a good feeling to know that we’re not fighting anymore,” she said. All student comments revealed the anticlamactic progression of the war. “In WWII we clearly won the war. Here, there is no victory. Many Americans have died, and we have gained little additional security as a result of their deaths,” Power said. The war was far removed
from American sociDo you think the U.S. War ety, and Snell thinks that may be why in Iraq was a successful other students are involvement for our not concerned about country? it. “I don’t know why people aren’t celebrating. This war seemed as if it was going on forever. Perhaps because it didn’t personally affect us?” Snell asked. Yes No But senior John Paul Sevick was 66% 34% personally affected Hi-Line Poll represents 10 percent repby the war because he knew people serv- resenative sample of students. ing in Iraq. His uncle, Dropps didn’t know anycousin and friends’ parents one in the war personally, but all served among the soldiers. she remembers doing service “Whether we were going over projects and buying things to there to remove a dictator who give to families affected by was doing terrible things to the war. “Seeing how thankful his people or for something they were when we recogconcerning oil prices, I feel nized them is enough to show we ended up doing some good that they really care about the over there, so I’m fine with war ending,” Dropps said. it,” Sevick said.
Opinion
Dec. 20, 2011 hiline.nr.co
Synthetic drugs deadly, damaging, dangerous United States. What’s worse, these drugs are the culprits of more than 6,000 calls to poison control centers this year, doubling last year’s number, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Startling? Yes. Worrisome? Even more so. On Nov. 30, Des Moines
Rozga of Indianola High Karl Sadkowski School committed suicide afOpinion Editor ter smoking K2 with friends. Of all the illegal drugs Lawmakers continually bought and sold by teenagstruggle to outlaw synthetic ers in the United States, drugs, but drug companies marijuana is easily the most must only slightly change common. At a record 30-year the makeup of their chemipeak, it beats the steady decal creations in order to keep cline of alcohol, cigarettes and them on the shelves. Like an cocaine. According to a recent evolving virus, survey of the synthetic all U.S. They continue to entice teen- drug cannot be students, about agers for their legality, though caught. As a fellow one in high school as horrifying as they are. 15 high school senior myself, students smokes I commend on a daily basis, those who do teenager J.C. Holmes fell but while the legalization of not partake in marijuana continues to remain victim to a synthetic drug using synthetic drugs. As for entitled “100% Pure Evil.” a hotly debated issue, a new those who do, let me say this: After buying it from a local member of the drug scene I have no power in stopping liquor store, he smoked the should have no right to speak. you, nor clearly do many Synthetic drugs are the lat- marijuana-looking substance others. You have learned how and soon began choking on est addition to tobacco outlets to avoid discovery by your and gas stations. These chemi- his own vomit. After being family, your school and your rushed to the Mercy Medical cal concoctions, unfortunately friends. You can buy your Center emergency room by legal, intend to imitate the his terrified mother, he slipped pleasure drug at numerous effects of illegal drugs and convenience stores. You even into a coma. induce extreme reactions have your own favorite place Clearly, synthetic drugs including seizures, aggresto go to get your mind-ripping can pose even greater risks sion and paranoia. Raging in high, but be wary of when you than their illegal counterparts. popularity among high school catch yourself starting to snap, Sometimes called “spice,” seniors, a new study reveals because your hours may be “K2,” “herbal incense,” and that one in nine has smoked numbered. “bath salts,” they continue synthetic marijuana in the last Quite literally, in America, to entice teenagers for their year, adding up to about 11 the synthetic drug smokes legality, though as horrifying percent of 18-year-olds in the you. as they are. Last year, David
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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
Adventure games fighting back with new releases Lucas Hamilton Entertainment Editor
When modern gaming guns down the market of blood and gore, regular adventure games seem to get sent out the back door. Firstperson shooters like Call of Duty or Medal of Honor are blowing up the gaming scene. There are slight glimmers of hope spread out in between the high definition graphics. With Skyrim winning the game of the year award, adventure games could be making a comeback. One game that dusts off old legends and recreates a familiar world is Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. For anyone that doesn’t know what the game series, Legend of Zelda, centers around, here is a quick overview. Three goddesses came down to the land of Hyrule to create order and life. Din, goddess of power, Nayru, goddess of Wisdom, and Farore, goddess of Courage, used the powers to create the world as it is. They left what is known as the Triforce, a sacred artifact that would grant the beholder’s any wish. Because the three could not judge between good and evil, they created a “Sacred Realm”
to house the Triforce, where they hoped one day, a worthy candidate would seek it. This one epic back story has plenty of successful games to showcase. The first Legend of Zelda game released in February of 1986 and simply entitled, The Legend of Zelda, followed by 17 other games. The most recent game, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, was released in November of this year as a 25 year anniversary of the series. The game won best motion game and best Wii game this year, securing its spot as astounding and play-worthy. Although the most recent game in the series, Skyward Sword is considered to be the first game in the chronological order of events between all of the games. Who would have thought that a game series would have people devoted to figuring out what happened when? Clearly, someone figured out the key to making a perplexing game that people actually like to play. Nevertheless, adventure video games will plan their uprising and overthrow the reigning superpower of firstperson shooters. The beloved adventuring hero will regain all of the pixelated glory.
our view: You will bawl
Winter formal title changed due to sexual innuendo
When we first heard the Yule Ball was being changed for its inappropriate name, we thought it was a joke. How could one possibly miss a reference to Harry Potter, one of the most defining books of our generation? Furthermore, how could one not possibly distinguish the meaning of the word “ball,” given the proper context? The SNL skit “Schweddy Balls” blatantly played on the misconception of the word “balls.” The man’s last name was Schweddy, and he ran a company selling festive candies. But it was not a joke. According to the administration, the name of the dance had been changed because of continuous complaints from staff members. The phrase “Yule Ball” apparently sounds a lot like “you will ball,” an eighties slang term for “having sex.” This reference slid right over the heads of students, but left many staff members questioning the appropriateness. We understand the necessity for our administration to monitor the school and maintain its image, but this is a case of making something out of nothing; our generation saw the phrase as merely a pop culture reference. If the teachers find the phrase to be a sexual innuendo, doesn’t that make them the ones with their minds in the gutter, not the students? To make matters worse, student senate had already received approval to make posters advertising the winter formal and spent a decent amount of time and money on it. If they had been told to change the name before preparing for it, it would have made their lives a bit easier as well. But because of the teachers’ influence, the dance was renamed to “Snow Ball,” much less enticing of a name for a winter formal that has never succeeded in the past. If people want to go to a dance called the “Yule Ball,” then let them go.
Sports
Dec. 20, 2011 hiline.co.nr
Men’s basketball preps for West Izzie Hayes Staff Writer
After two big wins against the Linn-Mar Lions and Waterloo East Trojans, the expectations of the Tiger men’s basketball team are increasing. The game on Friday, Dec. 16, started off slow for the Tigers. “It was a good game. We started off a little sluggish but came back in the second half with more energy,” junior guard Kalund Brown said. Senior James Harrington led the Tigers in scoring both nights. Harrington recorded 19 against East, and a seasonhigh 24 against Linn-Mar, outscoring North Carolinabound Marcus Paige. Linn-Mar took the Tigers to overtime Tuesday night, but Cedar Falls remained unfazed and won the game on Harrington’s free throws with only a second to play. The next game for the Tigers is Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 7:30 p.m. at Cedar Falls High School against Iowa City West. The Tigers are excited about getting to play a team like the Trojans at home, and are hoping that Cedar Falls
Kayla Gardner photo
Junior Kalund Brown brings the ball down the court against Waterloo East on Dec. 16 at Cedar Falls. will be a hostile environment Tuesday night. Iowa City West is undefeated and ranked first in the state. City West gave Linn-Mar its first loss of the season before the Tigers
got ahold of them. The Tigers haven’t lost since their first game of the season at Dubuque Senior, increasing the pressure to keep the winning streak going.
“We will be working on a game plan for them, and based upon that, we have to work on shutting down [Iowa City West’s] penetration,” Brown said. However with multiple players out on injury and sickness, the team struggles with having size in the posts. Junior Zach Harvey, a 6-foot8-inch post, is out with an elbow injury but hopes to return Tuesday night for the Iowa City West game. Harvey has x-rays Monday night to decide if he can get back to playing. The Tigers have really missed Harvey’s size down low. “I’m really excited to get back on the court,” Harvey said. “It’s hard missing a bunch of guys. We are a little undersized, but we didn’t make any excuses and just went out and played our game,” Brown said. The boys are taking it one game at a time, but their ultimate goal is to get to State and bring home the hardware. “We just need to keep working on team chemistry and so we can get to the championship,” junior forward Ike Boettger said.
Bowling gets its first win
Tori Brandhorst photos The CFHS bowling team notched its first win of the season on Friday, Dec. 16, against Dubuque Wahlert. “The season’s going good. We have some great bowlers, and we picked up our first win Friday. I’m hoping we catch fire and win some more,” junior Jordan Lang said.With the team’s next meet not being until after winter break on Jan. 6 at Valley Park Lanes, the team has plenty of time to polish its skills. “The team is definitely improving. We have some great coaches, and everyone on the team helps each other out,” Lang said. Every team is nothing without proper leadership, and in the case of the bowling team, leadership is prominent in Shane Sears and Devon Metlin. “They really set a good example and help everyone out,” Lang said.
Athlete Week of the
Leon Owusu
. Bowling 1. How has the season started? Really good, we just won our first bowling meet. 2. How has the team been preparing? We’ve been practicing a lot and coach Baker has been making practice really hard. 3.How do you feel about getting your first win? It feels really good. I think we could continue to win the rest of the season.
Tigers in Action
MEN’S BASKETBALL- Dec. 20 vs. Iowa City West 7:30 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL- Jan. 3 vs. Cedar Rapids Xavier 7:30 MEN’S SWIMMING- Jan. 3 @ Iowa City High WRESTLING- Jan. 5 vs. Dubuque Senior and Cedar Rapids Prairie MEN’S & WOMEN’S BOWLING- Jan. 6 vs Cedar Rapids Xavier 3:45
Feature
Dec. 20, 2011
hiline.co.nr
Last-minute gifts?CFHS has you covered
Mikayla Foland, Staff Writer
If you’re looking for Christmas gifts but don’t want to go through all the crazy holiday shoppers in the stores, you can shop right here in your own high school. Here are a few items you can purchase to help support your school and get some of those names crossed off of your list.
Cookbook- This a great gift for anyone who enjoys cooking because it has a lot of unique recipes in it that come from CFHS staff. It’s also beneficial to the students because the profits go to things needed in the resource classrooms. It’s only $5 and is for sale in resource teachers Bridget Bakula’s room (31) and Katie Walsworth’s room (11).
Yearbook- These can be purchased in room 208 or at the office switchboard. They are $40 now, but after holiday break, they will go up to $45. All checks should be made out to Cedar Falls High School.
Tiger Wear- On the high school’s website, there is a link for Tiger Wear at the top of the page. Shoppers can choose from many different types of sweatshirts, shirts and outerwear. They can also choose what they want the logo to look like on their purchases. All proceeds go to the booster club. Checks should be made out to Cedar Falls High School. Shoppers can also talk to the athletic director’s secretary Jane Carter instead of ordering from online.
Cards- Students in the resource classes are also selling cards for all types of ocassions, not just for the holidays. Shoppers can buy a card individually or save some money when they buy a pack of them. One card sells for 50 cents, and a pack of 10 sells for $4. Shoppers can buy a pack of 10 tags for 50 cents as well.
Addictive websites eat up students’ time Lindsey Davis Staff Writer
Imagine how much homework students could get done in a night’s work if there was no Internet. It’s possible that math assignments would be turned in the actual day they’re due, projects wouldn’t be put off until the last minute and no one would be “sick” the day of a big exam. Yes, this may be entirely wrong, but it’s not a far stretch either. On average, teenagers spend about 16.7 hours online a week according to a study by Yahoo. Adults tend to think most of this time is spent on Facebook, but this is not entirely true. Every day, new websites spring up, with a select few becoming cult favorites. Take Pinterest, a site that sprang up in the spring of 2011. It was just recently sent to the Facebook/Twit-
ter level with heaps of viewers every day. Pinterest, which can actually be connected with these two major social networking sites, is a place for pictures that inspire you. To post a picture on your personal page is called “pinning.” Get it? Pin a picture of something that interests you … Pinterest! It is a huge time consumer because once you get on, it’s hard to tear yourself away. “I love Pinterest because it has a lot of stuff to look at when you’re bored and has cool things to try,” junior Carissa Herkelman said. As you scroll through the page, you will see pictures of weddings, food, clothes, quotes, fitness ideas and funny images. If you want to your own personal page, you must request an invite. From there you can make your own boards to pin pictures to. Make multiple boards for specific categories like “Dream House” or “Things that
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make me laugh,” for example. “Pinterest is the best because it has a lot of awesome ideas and things to make,” junior Beth Keesy said. For those who have Tumblr, you know how time consuming it is. With all the pictures to reblog and quotes to read, time flies by pretty quickly while you’re perusing through everything. If you don’t have a diary, Tumblr is a place to pour out all your thoughts. You can bet that when you’re writing the most thought provoking insight on life, the clock ticks away. Twitter is an obvious time waster. It is not hard to lose track of time as you read your peers ever-so-interesting tweets. Think about how much time you could save if you didn’t have that Twitter app on your phone. What could you possibly do with all that free time? But we are a different type of generation and life wouldn’t be as
exciting without social media. Then we have the whole slew of addicting, random websites. Texts From Last Night is cringe-worthy and funny. BFFs like to post nuggets of wisdom from this site on each other’s Facebook walls. All the back and forth clicking from TFLN and Facebook is a huge time consumer. People of Walmart pokes fun at all the strangely dressed people that roam the aisles of America’s most popular corporation. The pictures posted on this site are sometimes hard to believe, and it’s hard not to feel embarrassed for the people in them. The list goes on and on. Everyone has their own addicting sites, ones that will consume their precious time. The Internet takes time away from family, friends and more importantly school. So get off cyberspace and go do your pre-calc.