Feb. 12, 2013 by CFHS journalism

The

Valentines Day

Tiger HI-LINE

Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013

Different places you can go to take your sweetheart Follow us on Twitter @tigerhiline, Facebook at TigerHilineOnline and on our website at www.hiline.cfschools.org

Volume 53 Edition 18

Hi-Line staff invites new members There is one class at the high school that teaches students to write, communicate, manage deadlines, work as a team and boosts self confidence — journalism. The students in the class have learned skills that they will take with them for jobs or higher education. Sophomore staff writer Alyssa Jensen said this class has taught her writing skills, feeling comfortable meeting new people and learning how to interview people. Junior staff writer Martha Hall agreed that her ability to write really well comes from weekly writing assignments in the journalism class. “Journalism has improved my writing and research skills greatly. I learned to look at both sides of an issue to really understand it. It helped me not be hesitant to ask questions about things I don’t know much about,” Hall said. The most valuable skill senior sports editor Jared Hylton has learned from the journalism class is how to create graphic designs and photo editing on the computer. “I feel the most important skills are the ability to work with programs such as InDesign and Photoshop. These programs are likely what I’ll be using in college and for years to come. I really

have a leg up on others. Journalism has also helped my ability to work within a team. It’s really challenging to work with each other to put out a final product. It’s a work-type environment, so it really feels like the real world,” Hylton said. Senior staff writer Amanda Harwood is really glad she has taken this journalism class in high school. “Journalism has helped me be a more creative thinker. It’s challenged me to come up with new ideas and look for what’s going on around me. Before taking this class, I often didn’t make time to pay attention to the news or find out more about what’s going on around school. It’s been a blast interviewing my peers and finding out more about the people I go to school with every day,” Harwood said. Hall is just as enthusiastic about having taken the class. “It’s provided me with many valuable experiences. I’ve gotten to use really nice cameras to take pictures for various events, and I’ve learned about things I wouldn’t have known about,” Hall said. Journalism has enabled her to write about things she cares about and share them with the world. “[This] is a really special thing,” Hall said. “My questioning, research and writing skills have improved. It also

gave me the chance to talk to people I might not have talked to otherwise, and I’ve met a lot of cool people because of it.” Senior entertainment editor Lindsey Davis thanks journalism for the strength it has given her. Davis is much more comfortable voicing her opinions and hunting down facts for an article after having been on the Tiger Hi-Line staff for two years. “I’m glad I’ve taken this class because it’s given me the opportunity to write something for publishing every week. I get to practice my writing skills nearly every day,” Davis said. Many different types of people would thrive in the environment that this journalism class provides. As a huge sports fan, Hylton chooses to write sports articles every week. “I would encourage anybody who enjoys sports to take this class. You’re literally getting English credits for covering sports,” Hylton said. Senior feature editor Sandra OmariBoateng has advice for students looking to learn certain skills. “I would encourage students to take advantage of having the chance to take this class because you improve your skills as a writer but also learn skills like time manage-

ment. This class has taught me about using my time properly and gave me an example of real world deadlines,” Omari-Boateng said. And additional perfect candidates for this class, according to Harwood, are any students who are interested in what is going on in the world around them and are interested in improving their writing skills. “It’s fun and refreshing to write articles that are much different than your standard English paper. I also love the freedom this class has given me. There isn’t too much homework because you have all the class time to get your work done. If you use your time effectively, you can get most of the work done in a relaxed classroom,” Harwood said. Hall encourages her peers to sign up and benefit from this class because of the long term benefits each student will gain. “It helps you understand how media and newspapers work, and your improved writing skills will help you in whatever you do after high school. It’s a really fun learning experience,” Another positive feedback about this class is the amount of freedom each writer has,” Hall said. Editor-in-Chief Maya

Amjadi

Scouts address national controversy For over a century, the Boy Scouts of America has provided a learning experience for boys to be better leaders, positive role models and caring individuals. However, despite these core values of kindness, caring and respect, the organization has not accepted open gays into their club from the beginning. Sophomore James Bamber, juniors Erik Mueterthies and Zach Worthington, and senior Josh Carlo are grateful for the years they’ve had in Boy Scouts, but are surprised at the dissonance between the Boy Scouts’ positive teachings and the anti-gay message the organization is sending by keeping a ban on gay participation in the group. “I have been involved with scouts since I was in first grade,” Mueterthies said. “I believe that same-sex couples should have every right heterosexual couples have. The ban on openly-gay scouts doesn’t line up with my values. Tolerance and acceptance are values taught to people in the scouting program. It’s a shame that the organization itself doesn’t practice them.” Carlo actively participated in Scouts

until he was 14 and did not realize a ban was in place until recently. “This ban does not line up with my views on gay marriage. I did not even know this was a real thing until I was asked to answer questions about it,” Carlo said. Bamber also has participated in Boy Scouts for many years and disagrees with the ban as well. “This ban on open gays in Boy Scouts doesn’t line up with my values because it doesn’t matter what their sexual orientation is. Scouting is a program to develop young leaders and teach boys valuable life lessons and skills. Accepting open gays wouldn’t be a problem in my mind. It would just be giving more people the opportunity to join scouts and benefit from it,” Bamber said. For Bamber, this issue hits close to home. “My brother is transgender and used to be a lesbian. So, when he was in high school, he worked with GSA and had many friends that were gay, lesbian, transgender or bisexual, so I grew up not seeing a difference and not having a handicap that others have,” Bamber said. “They are people too, and are in a lot of cases even cooler and more tal-

ented than straight people. We are all one people and should treat each other as one equal people.”Worthington also strongly believes that Boy Scouts should be there for any boy who wants to be involved, regardless of his sexual orientation. “I feel that every boy should be able to join Boy Scouts. Boy Scouts is an amazing thing: it teaches you leadership, teamwork, responsibility. A lot of people think it’s just camping outdoors, but it goes way beyond that,” Worthington said, “There’s financial merit badges that teach you how to manage money, how to run businesses, all sorts of things. So I think if you can let guys get involved that is great. It helps them. It sets a foundation so they can become great men in the world in their future lives.” However, on this issue, Worthington also acknowledges the religious aspect of the Boy Scout’s decision and offers an explanation of why the ban remains in effect. “What it really boils down to is most people take it the wrong way. They do not understand the whole background of Boy Scouts themselves,” Worthington said. “First off, Boy Scouts

is a religious-based organization. I want to set that straight. It’s across the world, but in the U.S., it’s quite commonly a Christian organization. Some churches frown upon or do not accept same-sex relationships. Quite often the groups are sponsored by churches. That church is the one that most of the Boy Scouts have their religion based in.” While he recognizes religious concerns, Worthington firmly believes it is important for every man to have access to Boy Scouts. “I don’t think that society should be looking down on Boy Scouts because we don’t accept gays as the ruling is. I feel that if we did, the society, the world would be better off because we would have gentleman of any kind, any sexuality, that are prepared, that are ready and willing to take on a challenge and lead a group of people to get something done,” Worthington said. “Why should we hinder the American society itself when we can supply so many great guys that would be willing to work and lead?” Staff Writer Amanda

Harwood

The

Tiger

OPINION

HI-LINE

Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013

Our View

Iowa’s death penalty must remain void Advocating to kill someone because they killed someone is fighting violence with violence; it’s not the message that should be spreading within a society that has become more civilized. The death penalty is an injustice. Studies show it does not deter crime. However, it is a crime for people to be wrongly accused and killed whether from lack of substantial evidence or discrimination. Over 100 people have been released from death row in recent years because there was finally enough supporting evidence to prove their innocence — not every “felon” has been so lucky. Capital punishment does discriminate against minorities in particular. Those individuals are more likely to, in disproportionate measures, receive the death penalty. Iowa’s death penalty was abolished in 1965 by former Governor Harold Hughes. There have only ever been 46 executions in the state of Iowa since 1834, and the prejudices that exist today were no less prevalent while the death sentence was intact, meaning innocent people may have been killed. In 1845, two Mormon brothers were hanged for murder, repeatedly voicing their innocence. They blamed their verdicts on religious prejudice. Currently in Iowa, murderers are sentenced to life in prison. And every single one of those life sentences will die in a cell for the acts they have committed. They can repent in jail or they can not. And either way, if the convicted are sorry or indifferent, it is not for us to decide when their lives should end. Killing is against the law. So it would be unlawful to reinstate the death penalty in Iowa. It shouldn’t be allowed for our government and our leaders to kill other humans where they see appropriate.

The Lampost located on Seerley Blvd. in Cedar Falls will host a Valentine’s Day dance .

Valentine’s plans you and your sweetheart will enjoy this holiday

Holding hands, long walks on the beach and watching Titanic are all good and fun, but when it comes to Valentines Day, a little variation wouldn’t hurt. There are so many things you could do on Valentines Day, especially if you’re in a relationship. First, we have swing dancing. At the Lampost, they’re having an adorable, fun Valentine’s Dance where people actually dance. Swing dancing, fox trot, the waltz and the tango are the dances you and your partner could definitely look forward to. The tickets to the Lampost are $10, which includes delicious foods and beverages. Even if you aren’t in a relationship and still want The Tiger Hi-Line is a weekly publication of the journalism classes at to go, do it. What Cedar Falls High School, 1015 Division Street, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613. could be more Our website is www.hiline.cfschools.org. The Hi-Line is distributed to fun than meeting CFHS students on Tuesdays to read during their RCTs fourth period. new people? And Columns and letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the you never know, Hi-Line staff or Cedar Falls Schools. The Hi-Line editorial is presented weekly in the editorial labeled Our View, and it is the view of the majormaybe a certain ity of the editors listed below. someone is also Reader opinions on any topic are welcome and should be sent to single and is goThe Tiger Hi-Line staff or delivered to room 208. All letters must be ing to be there for signed. Letters must be submitted by 3 p.m. on Thursday for publithe fun. cation in the following Tuesday edition. Letters may not exceed 300 If you aren’t a words and may be edited to meet space limitations. Writers should dancer, and you’d rather include their contact information for verification. Editor-in-Chief: Maya Amjadi not go out that night, News Editor: Katherine Mayhew who’s to say that staying Opinion Editor: Maya Amjadi home for Valentines Day Sports Editor: Jared Hylton can’t be fun either? Feature Editor: Sandra Omari-Boateng Maybe a game night Entertainment Editor: Lindsey Davis would be something Hi-Line Online Editor: Martha Hall you’re interested in. A Staff Writers: Ana Cunha, Amanda Harwood, Alyssa Jensen, Lauren Nickerson, Kaleb Bengston little game of Twister or Apples to Apples are

something that’s exciting and hilarious. People generally do lean toward the funny types of games. If you’re single, why not invite your other single friends? You can get all the barrells of chocolate on sale, gripe about your feelings and play some fun games. You’d have a blast and your friends would too. Maybe you don’t even want

extremely special for your loved one on Valentines Day, there are still plenty of options. First, I’d like to By Staff Writer Alyssa p r o p o s e JENSEN a picnic. They’re always fun and cheap. Just get some great chocolate from Target or Walmart, maybe some delicious strawberries and set a picnic up inside your home. Just add lamps or candles for that extra glowing light and some soft, gentle music from your iPod, and you’ll impress your date for sure. Another romantic thing you and your partner might be interested in, is dining out at a restaurant downSophomore Alysssa fancy town. The food is good, the staff is good and the atmosphere is even better. After that, you could to be with just drive around and star friends. That’s OK too! There are gaze, or make snow angels in the many different things you could do snow. by yourself. Why not go out to eat There are tons of things you at a place you’ve never been becould do for Valentines Day that fore downtown? Or how about goare original, interesting and roing to the movies? Then, you don’t mantic. Just do what Spongebob even have to share your popcorn! would do and pull from your imagNow, if you’re a romantic (like ination. me) and you want to do something

“Now, if you’re a romantic (like me) and you want to do something extremely special for your loved one on Valentines Day, there are still plenty of options.”

JENSEN

The

Tiger

HI-LINE

Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013

FEATURE

Student director delights in horror Junior busy with writing, filming and producing original works At first glance, junior Carrsan Morrissey might seem like your typical well-rounded, friendly high school student, involved with drama and speech team. But Morrissey is more than meets the eye: he’s a dedicated 17-year-old horror film director. Morrissey is wrapping up production on his newest short horror film, “Horrible Things.” The film focuses on three demons, Nazzrack, Yessromm and Sammoht (played by senior Josh Ochoa and juniors Maddie Laing and Luke Wheeler) that terrorize a teen —Mary Blackwell (played by sophomore Lexy Abbas) — with unknown psychic powers. The plot is a culmination of an idea that Morrissey had driving to speech districts in 9th grade, two years ago. “I was listening to the song ‘Dracula’ by Rob Zombie, and I had this idea of these three demons walking through this field,” Morrissey said. The idea evolved the film’s eerie plotline, which follows Mary Blackwell as she fights to survive with the help of two demon hunters, played by seniors Evan Fairbanks and Zach Souhrada-Rodgers. Inspired by the horror genre as a whole, Morrissey felt like he wasn’t directly influenced by a singular movie. A big movie watcher, Morrissey enjoys watching dark movies that feature big, climactic music and tight camera angles. “I'm really, really into movies that feature a lot of huge music,” he said. He said he hopes his film delivers a dark intensity that leaves viewers on the edges of their seats. “I’m trying to use a style of horror where I’m not depending on jump scares. I want it to be scary in what’s happening, too,” Morrissey said. “Horrible Things” was filmed in the span of one night with the help of makeup artist Mija Bean (’12) and a cast comprised of CFHS students. The set is filled with fun, but the cast is as hardworking as Morrissey himself. “I’ve spent about eight hours editing the first part of the movie, which is long, but not that bad. Overall, about 12, 15 hours total,” he said. Sophomore Lucia McNeal took photos documenting the production, seen on Morrissey’s Facebook page, facebook.com/ThreeDemonsProductions. Morrissey produced “Horrible Things” himself, working on lighting techniques taught to him by his dad, Sean, owner of Ultimate Entertainment, a local DJ service. “That's his technology, so he showed me how to use it, and I came up with the the color,” he said. Filmed using a Canon Rebel T3i, Morrissey also utilized a Steadicam to keep the shots from being too wobbly, as well as a boom microphone. He uses Adobe Premiere Elements 11 to edit. Equipment is expensive, so Morrissey used birthday and Christmas money to purchase it. “My parents and my family realize that I’m really really into this, so I get a lot of support from them,” Morrissey said. He plans to submit the film to the Tiger Film Festival, which takes place on April 29. “Assuming it makes it — debatable, considering the content, but assuming it makes it, I’ll release it at the Film Festival first,” Morrissey said. From his view, his film would be around PG-13 if it had an MPAA rating. “I wouldn’t let a fiveyear-old watch it,” he said. About a week after the film festival, Morrissey will release his movie to the public. This isn’t Morrissey’s first film, either. Last year he directed and starred in a film with Mija Bean, Hannah Dailey (’12) and Michaela Oehler (’12), called “Movie Night.” “It’s not nearly on as big of a scale as this movie because I didn’t have many of the things that I have now, but it’s still a good movie,” he said.

Lucia McNeal Photo Morrissey sees a future filled with the things he loves: the horror genre and films. He plans to attend film school after graduating college, hoping to secure a spot at the Columbia Film School in Chicago. “It’s a great school,” he said. Until then, Morrissey will continue to direct and produce films with Three Demon Productions. He’s brainstorming a “Horrible Things” sequel to be released next year, with more movies coming this summer. Fans can follow his work at his Facebook page where he welcomes input and creative ideas. Expect big things from the budding director. “I’ve got a lot of big plans,” Morrissey said.

Sophomore Lexy Abbas and senior Josh Ochoa get in character to film “Horrible Things.”

By Online Editor Martha

Hall

The

SPORTS

Tiger

Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013

Senior’s CFHS sports announcing leads to experience for UNI softball Making ice cream at Coldstone or saving people’s lives at the Falls are endearing parttime jobs in their own ways, but you must admit that announcing for sports events at UNI is a pretty fantastic side gig, especially if the announcer is only a high school student. For senior Jared Hylton (aka Nacho), a part-time job means more than washing dishes; it means using a voice that sports fans rely on. Hylton got his start announcing during his sophomore year. After a football team meal, he stuck around to watch a ninth grade football game at the high school. Senior Bennett Ford was working the microphone when Hylton asked to borrow it. Athletic Director Gary Koenen was sitting in the bleachers as Hylton messed around on the mic, and a few days later, Hylton got pulled out of class. Though he was terrified about what he could possibly be getting in trouble for, Nacho simply got pulled aside by Koenen to be asked to announce for the high school girl’s volleyball games. Hylton

accepted the offer and was excited, but couldn’t help feeling some nerves. Until this point, he had only announced for junior high/elementary events and little league hockey. That night, Hylton announced for his first high school game and immediately fell in love with it. He now announces at the high school for all volleyball games, some basketball and various varsity baseball games. Hylton cites one of his biggest influences as Josh Paulson. Paulson began his announcing career at Cedar Falls as well, and now he announces full-time for the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Hylton met Paulson during a CFHS men’s basketball game when he was working the scoreboard as Paulson was announcing. Since this initial meeting, the two men have bonded through sports announcing. “Josh has really taken me under his wing. He offers me press passes to Kernels games and lets me sit up in the press box with him. Josh has shown me the ropes in announcing and has been a

huge influence. I’ve taken from his style, but I like to have my own twist on things. I like to make games fun but professional. Most athletes, besides a couple at UNI, aren’t going pro, but I like to make it feel professional because people enjoy that. It makes it more fun for everyone,” Hylton said. Hylton didn’t start announcing for money or real games until his sophomore year, and in the summer of 2012, he got an offer that would become a stepping stone to greater opportunities. “Josh Paulson does some announcing for UNI, and someone called him to ask if he knew anyone that would be interested in picking up an announcing gig. He ended up giving them my number, and soon after, the UNI Athletic Director called me. He wanted me to send in clips of my announcing, and he must have liked them enough to call me back and offer me the job,” Hylton said. During the summer of 2012, Hylton began announcing for UNI softball at Robinson Dress-

er. He now helps out with the softball Classic Dome Tournament as well. Craig Laue, radio broadcaster for 105.7 and the voice of the Waterloo Black Hawks, has also served as inspiration to Hylton. Nacho has been a Black Hawks fan since a young age and fell in love with Laue’s voice. Last baseball season, Laue announced for some CFHS baseball games where he met Hylton. “He’s definitely had an influence on me. He’s really cool, and I love listening to him. I’ve got a lot of flavor from him,” Hylton said. Ultimately, Hylton’s goal is to rise up the ranks and announce for professional sports. He hopes to be promoted to announcing men’s basketball games at UNI as well. “I wouldn’t want it to be a full-time thing, but just a side gig. I’m thinking about going into radio or media broadcasting, so I could use my broadcast communications skills to do sports,” Hylton said.

HI-LINE Athlete of the

Week

Dan Kelly Wrestling

What are your goals for State? To place and get in the final tournament. How have you improved this season? I kept working on the basics and I’ve been eating better and have better weight control. How do you prepare yourself before a meet? I get focused and ready to compete. What food do you eat before a meet? Gatorade and subway.

By Entertainment Editor Lindsey

Davis

Tigers in

Action

Men’s Basketball (16-3)

Next up: Cedar Rapids Kennedy on Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. away

Women’s Basketball (6-15)

Next up: Mason Ciy on Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. at Mason City

Wrestling

Next up: State on Feb. 14 at Wells Fargo Arena

Bowling (3-15)

Next up: Dubuque Hempstead on Feb. 12 at 3:45 p.m. away

Seniors Kalund Brown and Ike Boettger drive the lane in a home game vs. Cedar Rapids Prairie on Feb. 5 at home. The Tigers won 55-37.