THE
Hunger Games, page
VOLUME 52 ISSUE 23
1015 Division St. Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
Students experience real world engineering Chandal Geerdes News Editor
Over 100 students currently enrolled in PLTW (Project Lead The Way) courses observed National Engineer’s Week during the third full week in February with PLTW teacher, Dirk Homewood. “The purpose of National Engineers Week is to call attention to the contributions to society that engineers make. It is also a time for engineers to emphasize the importance of learning math, science and technical skill,” Homewood said. PLTW classes are projectbased, intending to supplement the curriculum taught in mathematics and science with a hands-on approach, and a majority of the learning is done in class. “The expectations for these courses are the same as others at Cedar Falls High School — you get out of the class what you put into it,” Homewood said. During the last week in February the entry level class focused on the design process using Computer-AidedDesign (CAD) to create many different designs such
as a puzzle cube, miniature train, train cars and other student-generated ideas. The other PLTW course explored simple machines, trusses, robotics, hydraulics, computer programming, projectiles and other engineering related topics. One four-person group created a pneumatic arm which uses compressed gas (in their case air) to extend and kick a ball into a goal. Students who participated in National Engineer’s Week got the feel of how engineers work in everyday situations instead of just in the classroom atmosphere. “The hands-on part really showed me how there is more to engineering than just what is on the computer. It was altogether a different experience from the normal,” junior Julie Doyle said. Students like senior Patrick Sesker really enjoyed being a part of National Engineer’s Week. “The best part of engineering week was having UNI professors bring out their portable ‘power tower.’ The power tower consists of multiple renewable energy sources. The tower is located on the NW side of the por-
table at CFHS and has both a wind turbine and a solar panel that create and send power to large batteries,” Sesker said. The professors came and explained how they utilize the power from the portable towers, all the possible careers in renewable energy, and what UNI has to offer in their engineering department. A lot of knowledge came out during this week for the students who participated. “I learned that the field of renewable energy is rapidly growing, and at the front of that growth are engineers. The pneumatic arm taught me that even basic pneumatics can be difficult to get to work together properly. If one part of the system didn’t release at the right time the function and performance of the arm was greatly affected,” Sesker said. The supplies for these projects were supported by the Cedar Falls School District, but since the PLTW classes have expanded there has been more involvement from the university, community college and local companies. The projects made during National Engineer’s Week will remain at the high school until other opportunities arise to utilize their resources.
Taylor Kainz Photo
PLTW teacher Dirk Homewood was interviewed by KWWL about CFHS involvement in National Engineer’s Week.
Seniors react to proposed UNI budget cuts Maya Amjadi News Editor
On Wednesday, March 21, the Iowa Board of Regents approved proposed cuts to the University of Northern Iowa’s academic programs. These included 22 majors, 20 minors and five graduate programs. Some of these degree programs were German, French, geology and geography. Also 10 additional graduate programs are being restructured. The cuts collectively take away the $800,000
budget deficit for all academic programs that was calculated for next year. For senior Samantha Gaffney, the ridding of German degrees at the University came as a surprise. “I was thinking of minoring in German, but [the cut] is not enough to make me switch colleges because I am thinking of going into business, and their business department is still strong,” Gaffney said. Although the cuts in education worry Gaffney because
they were unexpected, she understands the need for them. “Since the ones that were cut have a smaller percentage of students than other majors, it makes sense,” Gaffney said. The physics major was cut as well, completely changing senior Austin Schaub’s plans for higher education. “I was going to do their pre-engineering program in the physics department,” Schaub said. This three-two year program would have allowed him to complete three years at UNI,
two years at the University of Iowa and finish with a double major in mechanical engineering and physics. “Now if I went to UNI I couldn’t even dabble in engineering because they are cutting that,” Schaub said. He is likely to settle on the University of Iowa due the cuts. Schaub said he was talking with a professor at UNI whose major was cut and found out that they are keeping all but two required classes for the major. “How much money
can you save by canceling two classes? They (UNI) are ruining their own image. If you go to the UNI Facebook page, it is all hate comments.” Schaub also worries about which department will take the next hit. Senior Michaela Oehler is hoping it won’t be the theater department, which scarcely escaped the recent cuts. “I’m worried about future budget cuts. I’m planning to major in
Continued page 2
Mar. 27, 2012
News
hiline.co.nr
Six students advance to All State Speech Katherine Mayhew Staff Writer
From the CFHS speech team, six students performed at the Individual All State Speech Festival at UNI on March 26. Each performer received oral and written comments from one of the critics who are noted speakers, performers and professionals from across the Midwest. Speech team coach Rebecca Kauten explained the honor of a student from speech team advancing to the Individual All State Speech Festival. “We’re all very proud of the CF students who perform for both large group and individual event speech. It’s an honor to yet again have their efforts recognized as some of the best in Iowa. It speaks well of our program and the quality of work our students present,” Kauten said. Another CFHS speech team coach, Nick Chizek, was happy with how this year’s individual competitions turned out. “This year was quite fun. We had a great time creatively putting together some interesting pieces, and I am quite pleased with all the results,” Chizek said.
Sophomore Carrsan Morrissey described his thoughts before the festival. “I was very excited. It’s my second year going, and for the same thing.” Morrissey went to the Individual All State Speech Festival for his improv both this year and his freshman year. This year is sophomore Noah Miller’s first year to go to All-State. “I was really excited. I went last year as a spectator, and it’s completely worth missing a day,” Miller said. Morrissey described the average individual speech festival. “Awesome. it’s super-crazy. There’s a ton of kids there. And you learn a lot because there’s a lot of kids with more experience than you,” Morrissey said. Kauten described the value of speech team. “We may be one of the smaller programs when considering the host of other activities CF students can choose to do, but the experiences gained from both large group and individual performance last a lifetime, especially for those who perform as individuals. These are some of tomorrow’s greatest communicators,” Kauten said.
Budget Cuts Continued theater, so the fact that it was almost cut is frightening,” Oehler said. She briefly considered Iowa State University when she heard about the budget cuts, until
“
she recognized it would not immediately impact her own field of study. Although disgruntled with the changes, she spoke to the aspects she likes most about UNI including its in-state tuition and closeness to home. “I moved around a lot as a child. Now that I’m finally settled here, I’m not keen on moving again anytime soon,” Oehler said. She also said that UNI should have balanced its cuts between academics and sports. “A major is what you want to do for the rest of your life. A sport is just in college,” Oehler said. Senior Joshua Schoon acknowledged that UNI is doing a good job spreading out the effects of the financial shortcomings. “UNI is mak-
doesn’t believe any future cuts will damage her desired major of elementary education because UNI is known for this department, creating what she calls a “safe zone.” Although Keiser is certain her major will go With only a few untouched, she is concerned for select departthe school as a ments getting at- whole. “I read that cutting the specific tention, you lose departments will the diversity that benefit the school it will make the students look in a as existing programs school. stronger, but I —Erin Keiser honestly think that could possibly hurt the school,” less than 10 students,” Keiser said. “With Schoon said. “Unlike other only a few select universities who wouldn’t departments getting dare touch their sports and attention, you lose the diverathletic programs, UNI is sity that students look for in also making cuts to some a school.” UNI had to cut of the programs involving departments because they the Wellness Center. Even are losing tuition money. UNI’s largest majors such “This is since most of their as education and business students are from in-state, are affected.” Schoon still but if they limit the majors admits to feeling upset, but and minors available, that because the money isn’t isn’t going to make a lot of there, he has accepted that out-of-state students want to some programs had to go. “I look at UNI.” agree with UNI’s decisions Knowing that the Educato spread out the load instead tion Department would not of completely getting rid of a make the list of cuts, Keiser few large programs,” Schoon never had to consider any said. other college. “I’ve pretty One of these large promuch decided that UNI is grams, education, has senior the school for me, budget Erin Keiser set on UNI. She cuts or not.” ing cuts in just about every area of the university, instead of pounding on a select few. What a lot of people don’t know is that a lot of those majors [that were cut] hold
”
Students anticipate physics competition results Katherine Mayhew Staff Writer
CFHS students competed in the Physics Competition at UNI last Wednesday, March 21. Although not all of the competition’s results have been formulated, CFHS has place well so far. “We won first, second and third place for the toothpick bridge competition and the soda arm,” senior Emily Duval said. Seniors Ian Ab-
bott and Nathaniel Welshons also won first place for both events. Competitors should get the rest of the results early this week. All students in physics and college physics classes were required to make a project, and the best were chosen to compete against other schools. Junior Katie McClintock described the competition.
“We did several different stations where you went to depending on what section you were in. I did bridgebuilding. Then we went to the awards ceremony in the center of the McCloud Center,” McClintock said. Physics teacher Kenton Swartley said he thinks CFHS students’ results were admirable in this year’s competition; “I would say the students were very suc-
cessful this year. Even the groups that did not place in the top three did a nice job,” Swartley said. Senior and second place winner for the soda straw arm competition Beth Kosmicki was almost as happy with the competition. “It was really exciting and fun, and I only wish everyone in all the physics classes could have gone,” Kosmicki said.
Swartley explained the importance of the physics competition. “I think it is important for students to participate in events like this because it helps them to see how physics concepts can be applied to real challenges similar to ones that some of them will be faced with in future careers,” Swartley said.
Opinion
March 27, 2012
hiline.co.nr
Invisible Children receives unexpected publicity Karl Sadkowski Opinion Editor
The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) first developed in Uganda in 1987. Joseph Kony, its first and present leader, intended to take over the government there and transform it into a Christian theocracy. After failing, however, he and his illegitimate army left Uganda and began invading and terrorizing neighboring countries, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Congo. The LRA has survived for approximately 26 years, forcing children into fighting by using brutal methods to ensure against army defectors. Children may be forced to kill their own parents in order to have no one to return to after joining the LRA. It is infamous for its grotesque mutilations of countless victims, including cutting off people’s noses, lips, ears and
various limbs. Invisible Children (IC) is a nonprofit organization intended to end the existence of the LRA and bring justice to Joseph Kony, freeing the LRA’s child soldiers from forced combat. On March 5, IC posted a video on Youtube intended to publicize the horrors of the LRA and its leader. In the video, it introduces an awareness campaign called Kony2012 and asks viewers to “make Kony famous.” Since Saturday, this video has attracted more than 85 million views, a hugely popular hit. Unfortunately for Invisible Children, a growing amount of the attention it is receiving is not the kind it wants. Upon digging deeper into the workings of IC, some have discovered that of the $13 million it receives annually, only $2.8 million actually goes into work in Uganda. That means a hefty chunk of the leftover money funds IC’s advertising (such as fliers, posters, action kits, apparel, etc.), worker salaries and maintenance. Also, its board of directors includes no one from Uganda, or anyone of color, for that matter. Two moves some people call questionable. Speaking of advertising, the makers of the Kony2012
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
campaign video really succeeded in appealing to the masses. The issue of the LRA and Joseph Kony has been simplified in order to reach as many people as possible, which some people criticize. They say IC is not taking a serious topic seriously enough, portraying it instead as some feel-good campaign to buy cool Kony2012 bracelets and t-shirts. The Kony2012 video relies largely on sensationalism, using emotional footage with little factual evidence to describe a very complicated situation in Sub-Saharan Africa. Some critics also see Kony2012 as demeaning to Uganda, claiming that it is just another white American plan to tramp around in others’ problems and become the hero that saves everyone in Africa—again. Many watchers of the Kony2012 video believe Kony is making the news for the first time, which angers the various governments and other organizations that already have been working to capture him for decades. Who is IC to say,
“
with the backing of millions of riled-up ignorant high school and college students, that it will stop Kony? The world of media is
possible that because of the high stress and many hours of work placed on him since IC’s news eruption, he experienced a major meltdown. IC is encouraging people to focus instead on bringing justice to the LRA, thanking many for their support of Russell. So much unexpected criticism has knocked the wind out of Invisible Children as a whole; it didn’t expect the intense popularity (positive or negative) of its Kony2012 video. But despite some of the disapproval it has received, people should keep in mind its good intentions. Thanks to IC’s Youtube sensation, millions of people are learning about a very attention-worthy issue in Africa. Maybe, in accordance with its yearlong goal, the elusive Kony will actually be stopped in 2012. But keep in mind that the end of the LRA is the goal in all of this, not thinking you’re part of the solution by buying T-shirts and bracelets and “liking” a popular online video. Endorse Kony2012 for the sake of humanitarianism.
The world of media is an incredibly volatile place. Stories, like Kony2012, spring out of nowhere and then disappear just as quickly. an incredibly volatile place. Stories, like Kony2012, spring out of nowhere and then disappear just as quickly. It’s likely that very soon, most of the high school and college students supporting Kony2012 will begin to forget about the LRA altogether and just get back to their homework. Jason Russell is a cofounder of Invisible Children. He also is the narrator of and a main character in the Kony2012 video. On March 15, police officers arrested him in San Diego for allegedly running naked in public, vandalizing cars and masturbating, possibly intoxicated. Now hospitalized and held for psychological evaluation, Russell will spend a number of weeks in recovery. It is
”
our view ‘Hunger Games’ relevant to today’s America In the Hunger Games, there’s something eerie about the portrayal of the capital. Maybe it’s the fact that this small elite group rules the futuristic country of Panem, controlling the surrounding districts and standing by while they starve. Maybe it’s because their greatest concern is new fashion trends, as they modify their bodies according to the latest trend and become utterly absorbed with their own appearance. Maybe it’s because they find it entertaining to watch the televised torture of their own youth as they fight to the death. Or maybe it’s eerie because it’s so familiar. The wealthy of America are becoming more divided from the poor. The few on top having more control than those on bottom. Materialism has also been running rampant in America for quite a while. College students prioritize wealth over job satisfaction, and it seems acquiring “more stuff” is a goal far too many have in mind. And while Americans may not watch their youth fight to the death, our own reality television can be just as painful to watch. Shows like Toddlers in Tiaras, My Super Sweet Sixteen and Teen Mom 2 exemplify reality shows at their finest — or rather, their worst. The Hunger Games is relevant in today’s world — not just in terms of cruel dictatorships halfway around the world but in terms of relativity to what could come.
Sports Photo Finish
March 27, 2012 hiline.co.nr
Tigers place at Dickinson
Athlete Week of the
Mitch Dowell
Jared Hylton Photos
Junior Kalund Brown took 1st place in his heat in the 60 meter high hurdles.
Senior Mitch Dowell won his heat of the 60 meter dash.
Men’s Track & Field 1. How do you feel about the team’s performance this season? We are doing pretty well. There are a lot of underclassmen that are proving themselves. I think we are really pulling together in practice. 2. How do you feel you did at Dickenson? I did better than last year, for sure. 3. How are you planning to repeat as State Champions? [Coach] Homewood knows how to get us into top condition by State. We just need to keep the team eating well and working hard.
Northeast Iowa Special Olympics The Northeast Iowa Special Olympics were held on Sunday, March 25, at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. Athletes from Cedar Falls included Steven Wormser, Travis Zika, Rosa Harris, Michael Zuck, Amanda Bunofske and Andrew Lehman.
Allie Harris Photos
Feature 3.141592653589793238462 March 27, 2012
hiline.co.nr
643383279502884197169399375105 82 Easy as Pi: Memorizing digits of Pi for 097 494 230 640 6 2 986 348 421 798 086 823 709 609 822 535
recreation and extra credit
Rhydian Talbot Staff Writer
Mar. 14, 1:59 p.m.: the most wonderful time of the year for mathletes and number-enthusiasts everywhere. Pi, the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, takes center stage on this day as its calendar date (3/14) mimics the famed first three digits, 3.14. This math class staple extends far, far beyond the famous trio, however: irrational number Pi contains an infinite number of non-repeating digits. So far, mathematicians assisted by technology have calculated over 10 trillion digits in the never-ending sequence. Memorizing every one of those digits defies human logic. And yet, it didn’t stop junior Sam Jamison and sophomore Jenna Veenstra from trying. In a school record-breaking feat, the two AP calculus students memorized Pi to the 314th and 315th digit, respectively. “I wanted to beat the school record, which was 272, and then I heard Sam Jamison got up to 314 in his math class, and I was at the 280th digit around 5th hour on Fri-
day of that same day. It was just a work day during that class period, so I crammed in the last 35 digits,” Veenstra said. Such numerical dedication took root after subtle urgings from math teacher Richard Strike, a proponent of Pi Day. “It starts as an extra points incentive — for every 10 decimals, they can earn a point (up to 10 maximum). Any digits memorized after 100 are for personal pride.” Besides the two record breakers, several of Strike’s students rose to his challenge and memorized over 100 digits, celebrating their achievement in class on the Friday before Spring Break as the actual Pi Day fell in the middle of the school vacation. Embracing and redefining “personal pride,” Veenstra began the daunting process of memorizing nothing but numbers, experiencing a surge of intellectual strength near the end of the week-long challenge. “Monday through Thursday I memorized 62 digits, and then from Thursday to Friday I was able to memorize the remaining 250.” Cramming in so many numerical sequences in 24 hours
didn’t daunt the ambitious sophomore, who found clever tips and tricks to keeping dozens upon dozens of digits locked away in memory. “I’d memorize 10 at a time and then repeat it and repeat it, adding on more numbers after every set, just repeating them in my mind everywhere I went,” recalled Veenstra. One such memorization location was during the band pops concert, where the flute player mentally rehearsed throughout other ensembles’ sets. “I make a pattern in the way I say them, remembering them either by the tone or by sticking them in groups of three and four and saying those chunks of numbers.” Certain chunks of digits proved easier to file away than others, easing the strain of memorization slightly. “My favorite string of digits was 2535 because they’re the last four digits of my phone number, so they were the easiest to remember.” Veenstra decided to call it quits after reaching the 315th number because the final chunk of three was just that — numbers three, one and five. Success to this degree doesn’t come without con-
troversy, however. In order to prove their accomplishment, Jamison and Veenstra recited the hundreds of digits to their classmates. Jamison breezed through the challenge, arriving at the 314th digit with ease. Veenstra, however, faltered around the 180th digit and couldn’t continue the verbal recitation. Starting back from the beginning, she furiously recounted the digits on the whiteboard and hit a mental roadblock once more around the same numerical location. As record-breaking glory seemed to disintegrate behind strings of unspoken numbers, Veenstra was granted a reprieve after school when Strike encouraged her to recite the daunting list once last time; she succeeded, edging past Jamison’s short-lived record by a mere digit. Thankfully, the underclassmen have one more year at the high school, one more Pi Day, one more opportunity to smash their already smashing record. Perhaps a grudge match between the two digit deviants will rock the math wing, forcing the loser to taste a heaping bite of humble pi. Who said math is boring?
459 781 628 089 280 253 1706
2148 5132 0664 3844 5505 3172 94081
28481 117450 2841027019385211055596446229489549303819644288109756659334461284756482
33 786783165271201909145648566923460348610454326648213393607260249141273724587006 6063155
88174881520920962829254091715364367892590360011330530548820466521384146 951941511609433057270365759591 953092186117381932611793105118548074462379962749 56735188575272489122793818301194912983367336244065664308602139 4946395224737190 702179860943702770539217176293176752384674818467669405132000568127145263560827 7857713427577896091736371787
21468440901224953430146549585371050792279689258923 54201995611212902196086403441815981362977477130996051870721134999999837297804995105973
1732816096318595024459455346908302642522308253344685035261931188171010 003137838752886587533208381420617177669147303598253490428755468731159562863882 3 53787593751957781857780532171226806613001927876611195909216420198938095257201 065485863278865936153381827968230301952035301852968995773622599413891249721775 2834791315155748572424541506
95950829533116861727855889075098381754637464939319 255060400927701671139009848824012858361603563707660104710181942955596198946767 837449448255379774726847104047534646208046684259069491293313677028989152104752 16205696602405803815019351125 3382430035587640247496473263914199272604269922796 782354781636009341721641219924586315030286182974555706749838505494588586926995 690927210797509302955321165344987202755960236480665499119881834797753566369807 426542527862551818417574672890977772793800081647060016145249192173217214772350 14144197356