The
Home Setback
Tiger HI-LINE
Friday, Dec. 19, 2014
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Volume 55 Edition 12
Record number preparing for early graduation
Photos by Annebeth Ahrenholz
Participants such as sophomore Miranda Rokes, at top, and senior Maria Garcia, at right, helped to deliver approximately 2,333 gifts on Saturday, Dec. 13, in the annual Christmas in Walnut, an event in which local churches work together to create an affordable shopping opportunity for some Cedar Valley parents to complete their Christmas shopping lists while their children enjoy holiday-themed activities.
Many CFHS students assist Christmas in Walnut Many people, including CFHS students, volunteered on Saturday, Dec. 13, and helped show the true meaning of Christmas: giving. At Christmas in Walnut, for the fifth year in a row, Orchard Hill partnered with the boys and girls club and Harvest Vineyard Church in order to offer extremely discounted gifts to low-income families. The mission of this event is to develop community and capacity, so the Cedar Valley might become a different kind of community moving forward. Volunteers of Christmas in Walnut wanted to give those who shop in the store an opportunity to volunteer throughout the day if they would like so they feel more like they are giving back. The gifts sold at the event were around $2 to $5, normally 75 percent off of retail price. The organizers do it that way so the parents buying the gifts can still have the satisfaction of paying for the gifts they are buying. While the parents are busy in the Christmas in Walnut Store, they have the opportunity to send their children up to do crafts with volunteers. This year at the craft workshop
upstairs, 195 children made gifts and experienced the joy of giving them to their family members. At one moment, a mother of a child began to cry as she saw the photo craft gift this year. It had her child’s face imprinted on a glass vase with the glow of a candle inside. There are many stories of how students and volunteers gave back throughout the day at Christmas in Walnut. One way was that Orchard Hill Kids gave $960 that purchased 64 of the Action Bibles given to families at the Christmas Store. The six-person prayer team prayed for many of the shoppers, including a woman who recently moved here to support her brother who is testifying in a murder trial, a woman who recently lost her job and a person who recently separated from her marriage. Senior Maria Garcia is a member of the prayer team and said, “Something that was super-influential in spreading God’s love and truth is being a prayer warrior. Not everyone feels comfortable praying for themselves, especially if they don’t feel connected to God …
sending up prayers for someone is a huge way to support them in their walk with Christ.” A total of 2,333 gifts were donated to this year’s store. “I watched so many families help their little ones deposit toys they brought to the big wrapped box at church. People generously gave finances to help fund the event yesterday. Christmas in Walnut is witness to so many cheerful, sacrificial givers,” the coordinator of Christmas in Walnut, Laura Hoy, posted on her blog Sunday after the event. Overall, the day was very eventful with 345 volunteers who gave time and talents to the day. “This effort could not be done without the outstanding team leaders and volunteers who own their part in the day. Amazing to see that in acton,” Hoy said. Many lives were touched and hearts were made happy on last Saturday at Christmas in Walnut. Volunteers and a lot of CFHS students got to truly experience the gift of giving, in this giving holiday season. By Copy Editor Annebeth
AHRENHOLZ
The first semester of the school year is finally winding down, which for most means two weeks of relaxing and not having a worry about school at all; however, for some students, it marks the ends of their high school careers. Around 40 seniors are planning to graduate early this year as soon as finals are over, which is about 10 more students graduating compared to last year. Students interested in leaving early filled out forms with their parents’ or guardians’ signatures by Oct. 1. They are also days away from passing the final courses for the 45 credits that are required for graduation by the end of the first semester. According to counselor Susan Langan, the reasons to graduate early are incredibly varied, ranging from starting college the second semester to working second semester for college money in the fall. “We always stress to them to make sure and take advantage of college credits here,” she said. “but a lot of times, for whatever reason, they feel like this is a better decision for them.” According to Langan many factors contribute to students’ choices. “It’s really a case by case thing, but they may have family changes, and it might be something that benefits them to get it done and leave in January.” One of the early graduates
List of 2014 Early Graduates (pending all final obligations are completed)
Alexys Abbas Kaleb Bengston Chase Buckingham Madison Corwin Ashley Draeger Austin Fernau David Frederick Hannah Hanson Madeline Heath Hunter Heiselman Jacob Juhl Paige Jungweber Alec Larsen Alex Leytem Caleb Lovell Nicole Loy Claire Matson Hannah Mattingly London Moore Dillon O’Neil
Colton Petersen Katherine Pitzenberger Shyann Reichert Alexander Rodriguez Silvia Rodriguez Diana Rojas Brianna Sankey Tayben Sankey Sustin Smith Tristan Smoot Shelby SouhradaRogers Noah Terrell Joseph Thrall Daniel Wilkens Jaime Wilson Jordan Wilson Rachel Wilson Yuzhe Zhuang
is senior Hannah Mattingly, who said, “I don’t like high school very much, and I don’t need to be in it anymore.” Mattingly plans to work right after school and make money for when she’s going to college in August. Another students who is planning to graduate is senior Chase Buckingham. Similar to Mattingly, Buckingham wants to leave because she doesn’t really like high school either. “I just really want to get out of here and out of Iowa.” As soon as she leaves, Buckingham says that she really wants to pursue her tattooing career that she has wanted to begin for about three years. By Staff Writer Sarah
STORTZ
Chess club makes opening moves There is a new club at CFHS that students can join: the Chess Club. The club’s first meeting was on Dec.11 in math teacher Rich Strike’s room. The group plans to meet after school every Thursday, and the meetings will run until 4 p.m. Junior Sam Ponnada helped to form the group. “Sam [Zhang] and I both had chess clubs at the schools we were at before we came to Cedar Falls High School,” Ponnada said. “We both like chess, and we realized that there was no chess club here, and we thought it would be cool.” Ponnada said he hopes the the club will help its members. “I hope that the club can increase interest in chess at CFHS
as well as provide a place to play and learn chess,” Ponnada said. “Playing chess can also give the player peace of mind and helps you to think clearly.” Co-founder Sam Zhang agreed with Ponnada.“We have seen many people play chess in school,” Zhang said. “We wanted to give them a place to assemble as one group.” At their last meeting, there were a total of 10 players, but Ponnada would like to remind students that the doors will be open. “Anyone can join, even if they haven’t played chess before,” Ponnada said. “The doors will be open.” By Online Editor Zuhayr
ALAM
2 2014: Hi-Line staff’s year in review The
OPINION
What was your favorite song of 2014?
What was your favorite movie of 2014?
Kaleb Bengston- Song “Hold On” by Artist (hed) P.E., on their new album “Evolution.” Because it’s a song about keeping your head up when times are tough.
Kaleb Bengston- Interstellar, it was entertaining to watch and try to keep up.
Sarah Stortz- “I Wanna Get Better” by Bleachers. I think it’s the perfect song to listen to whenever you’re feeling down and you really want to feel pumped up. It’s also the song that introduced me to the band, and I’ve been hooked on their music ever since.
Zuhayr Alam- My favorite movie was Interstellar. It had me hooked from the start to finish, and it resonated well with me. It was an experience.
Annebeth Ahrenholz- “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift. It really gets me jammin’.
T.S. 1989
What was your favorite app of 2014? Sarah Stortz-Trivia Crack. It’s unbelievably addicting to play, but it’s even more fun when you’re playing against friends to test each other’s knowledge. I also feel like I learn a little bit more whenever I play a round. Zuhayr Alam- Crossy Road. It is a fun way to kill time as well as being very fun as well.
Annebeth Ahrenholz- TFIOS
Annebeth Ahrenholz- Trivia Crack. It was fun. Austin Anderson- I have dabbled in the Trivia Crack game, but I have found out that too many use the 30 seconds of allotted time to look up the answers on the Internet. However, I do love Madden Mobile and welcome any challenger.
What was your book of 2014? Kaleb Bengston- “Deeply Odd.” It is the sixth book in the series, and it was released earlier this year. I’ve been hooked on those books for a while. Annebeth Ahrenholz- I don’t read. Austin Anderson- I haven’t had to read books for school this year, which has allowed me to read for fun on my free time. I have loved Derek Jeter’s first book ‘The Life You Imagine.” Over break I’m excited to read his newest book “The Contract.”
Contact Us
The Tiger Hi-Line is a weekly publication of the journalism classes at Cedar Falls High School, 1015 Division Street, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613. Our website is www.hiline.cfschools.org. The Hi-Line is distributed to CFHS students on Fridays to read during their fifth period classes. Columns and letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the 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 majority of the editors listed below. 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 Monday for publication in the following Friday edition. Letters may not exceed 300 words and may be edited to meet space limitations. Writers should include their contact information for verification. Editor-in-Chief: Austin Anderson Online Editor: Zuhayr Alam Copy Editor: Annebeth Ahrenholz Staff: Kaela Avila, Kaleb Bengsten, Dino Odobasic and Sarah Stortz
HI-LINE
Friday, Dec. 19, 2014
Austin Anderson- 22 Jump Street was the most hysterical movie of the year.
Skylar Starbeck- G Eazy’s music in general is great. He is very talented and is gradually becoming famous, which is pretty cool. His new stuff from this past year is pretty great, and it is fun to listen to. When listening to G Eazy, it is like an immediate party starter. Austin Anderson- My favorite song of the year was “Loyal” by Chris Brown because although it is very explicit, there is a good message very deep down hidden behind the overused inappropriate references. I also love “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift because I have always thought she was psycho, and this song confirms that.
Tiger
What changes would you like to see in our school in 2015?
Sarah Stortz- I’d like for the school to decide on having a new building in the future since our current one has so many problems.
Zuhayr Alam- I wouldn’t like to see changes in this school, but a new school entirely. Dino Odobasic- I would like to see this school get new materials and equipment but also a new school entirely Annebeth Ahrenholz- More parking. Austin Anderson- I love our school and would love to see people appreciate it more. Yes, we need more parking and air conditioning, but I still love it. I also would like more people to read the Tiger Hi-Line. Skylar Starbeck- I would like to see change with school lunches and parking. Both seem to arouse issues that could be fixed.
What changes would you like to see in the United States in 2015?
Kaleb Bengston- I’d like to see social reform in regards to racial profiling and police accountability. Also, marijuana legalization, as we are headed that way. Sarah Stortz- I’d really like to see marriage equality being legal in all 50 states since we’re getting so close to it. I’d also like to see something done about the problem on police brutality and how much it racially profiles. Austin Anderson- I would like to see more inspirational tweets on Twitter.
What changes would you to see in the world in 2015? Dino Odobasic- I would like to see people trying to protect the environment more. Kaleb Bengston- I would like to see more worldly involvement in human suffering and more humanitarian values by world leaders. Zuhayr Alam- I would like to see more world leaders try to connect with their people and their environment. Skylar Starbeck- I would like to see more people reaching out to help others by starting small in the community then take it step by step to help those in our world in the much larger picture. Annebeth Ahrenholz- I would like to see world peace. Austin Anderson- Instead of riots and wars, I would like to see people who disagree face off in a dance battle so they could end up having fun and get out of their comfort zone in order to realize that killing people isn’t going to solve anything. An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind.
Our View
Time to remember the true meaning of holliday season Many students of Cedar Falls High School are choosing to give back this holiday season. Many families in the Cedar Valley are stuck in poverty and do not have the money to buy presents for their kids or loved ones, and by donating toys, we could make the Christmas season so much better to those who are less fortunate. Junior Megan Bradford has dedicated her time to giving back to the community this season. The Bradford family donated toys to the Marines office, who donate to those in need. “It breaks my heart how many kids wake up on Christmas morning with no presents to open. I am beyond appreciative that my family is able to make a difference in how some kids feel when they wake up on such a special day.” Many students have been dedicating their time to giving back. There was the robotics team who had a toy drive, the swim team putting together a blanket drive, today’s ugly sweater fundraiser organized by Senior Leadership and Christmas on Walnut and many students have put together care packages for homeless individuals. Giving back to the community is so easy to do. It does not matter how little or how much one gives back. It is about the thought of sharing some of what one has to put a smile on someone’s face this holiday season.
The
Tiger
HI-LINE
Trimmings Tales
Friday, Dec. 19, 2014
FEATURES
3
This tree is my favorite because these are pictures of all of my students. I love the Christmas tree, and all of my students. I think this tree is so cool, and it represents all of my students. -Spanish teacher Patricia Black
It’s the stories behind the traditions that make the holiday season special, so these staff and students volunteered to share their selfie stories of special ornaments they will be hanging this year.
This was one of the first ornaments I made and wrote on. But I wrote the two and three backwards. I ended up writing 20003. -Junior Ry Martinson
I got this ornament 10 years ago in Disney World, but I still remember picking it out and asking for my full name “Annalisa” on it instead of my nickname. I thought it was the coolest thing ever, and I hang it on my tree every year. - Junior Anna Stillman
This ornament brings me great cheer in times of lonliness. He’s almost like my best friend. I love his perservearance to work on the same shoe for over 15 years and never give up even though the shoe never gets finished. He’s definitely one of my biggest role models. - Sophomore Nathan Hoy
My grandma made all seven of my family members and I these stockings when our families blended. She hand made each strand, so it means a lot for how much effort she put in and how amazing she is with it. -Sophomore Lauren Baker
This is my favorite ornament because it has been passed on through many generations of our family. -Junior Madison Hall
This is one of my favorite ornaments because it is my dream to visit Paris, and I think it is the most romantic place. -Junior Megan Bradford
This is my favorite ornament because Louisville is cool, and it was the only interesting one on my tree. -Junior Jacob Hovanec
This is my favorite ornament because I love the color red, and “A” is my favorite letter of the alphabet. -Junior Kate Moody
By Copy Editor Annebeth
AHRENHOLZ
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The
SPORTS
Tiger
HI-LINE
Friday, Dec. 19, 2014
Athleteof
the
Week
Blake Halstead Wrestling
Senior Blake Halstead is on an early season tear, going 9-3 through his first 12 matches. He finished fourth at the Keith Young Invite and lost to the eventual champion by just a single point. The 126 pounder is able to overcome challenges like cutting weight as well as a motorcross injury in eighth grade that still affects him today.
When was the last time you weighed 126 pounds outside of wrestling? I probably weighed 126 pounds regularly my sophomore year. How is it cutting weight? This week there are a lot of tests and finals coming up, so it’s hard to stay focused for that. How hard was it to come back from the motorcross injury? It’s actually been really difficult still. I went to physical therapy this summer to get the right treatment in my joints and my hip and my ankle because it’s all messed, up but it’s getting there Are you going to State? I’m planning on it. I’m working really hard for it. That’s my main goal this year.
Tigers in
Action
Men’s Basketball Next up: Dec. 19 at IC High at 6 p.m.
Women’s Basketball
Home Setback
Olivia Mickey Photo
Starting top left and going clockwise: The cheerleaders lead a chant during a time out. The student section follows the cheerleader’s instructions to “and we’re ... marching.” Senior Durrell Jackson breaks through for a lay-up. Junior Taylen Alexander shoots a three over a Dubuque Hempstead defender. Freshman A.J. Green rises up for a midrange jumper.
Next up: Dec. 19 Home vs IC High at 6 p.m.
Wrestling
Next up: Dec. 19-20 Battle of Waterloo
Men’s Swimming
Next up: Dec. 20 Iowa City Mercer Invite Away at 11 a.m.
Bowling
Next up: Dec. 19 Away at CR Wash 4 p.m.