The
TEAM CHEMISTRY
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Volume 58 Edition 10
Cedar Falls develops historic downtown Cedar Falls Main Street’s development has remained pretty stagnant throughout the years but has recently come to fruition with the new hotel and apartments, but this development has caused some debate, especially the decision to build the new hotel. Some citizens voiced their concerns at the city council meeting, but the vote went through anyways with the votes 6-0. Those people were concerned the look of the hotel won’t go with the historic downtown. Council member Mark Miller asked if the project could be tabled when he said, “I don’t want to see this project go away in any way, shape or form because I think it is critical for downtown. It’s eight years, 10 years in the making, but the ‘turret’ is throwing me off up top, and I’ve heard that from some people. I think we can do more.” But council member Tom Blanford said, “I think this building, even as it is, is a significant improvement
Sabine Martin Photo
In downtown Cedar Falls, several new buildings are going up in front of the river. over what’s there currently. I understand we can’t make something look 150 years old, building it today.” The developers of the hotel did attempt to mimic the historic look, but the council members weren’t satis-
fied, so they returned to the more modern style since they were already over budget at $10 million. Om Patel, the director of development for Hawkeye Hotels, said about the project after the meeting to continue development, “I
think we’ve done our best job and really put our best foot forward in coming up with this design. We hope you’re able to see it through our eyes as well.” The construction is supposed to take about a year
to complete.There’s also a $4.5 million residentialcommercial development that is being proposed along West First Street between Washington and Clay streets downtown, which is supposed to take the place of the former Iowa Sports Supply that relocated to the industrial park. This project is meant to develop downtown further and bring more business to the downtown. The proposal is still subject to review by city staff and approval by the planning and zoning commission and city council. Developer Jim Sulentic said about the project, “We know Main Street and always wanted to do a project like this. We have the opportunity to transform First Street and to extend the heart of downtown.” Cedar Falls Community Main Street’s design committee already has reviewed the project and approved it. By Staff Writer Grace
BOEZINGER
Three students qualify for National Merit Scholarship
The National Merit Scholarship is offered to high school students based on their PSAT scores, essays and other submitted information such as school grades, and this year seniors Astoria Chao, Alex Glascock, and William Sims are semi-finalists for this scholarship. Rachel Brodhead was a commended student. Glascock and Chao scored 1510 on the PSAT, and Sims 1460, out of the total score, which is 1520. Upon getting the best scores, it is still not easy to become a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship. “In October, all Semifinalists submitted additional information like their extracurriculars, a personal essay and other information to help guide their decision. We don't find out about who earned Finalist status until sometime in February through mail. After that, about 50 percent of the Finalists will receive a scholarship, which they will be notified of between March and June. If I do make it to becoming a Finalist, I'm not looking forward to that wait,” Glascock said. The National Merit Scholarship doesn’t only help students with their college tuitions, but also gives them recognition, as well as shining bright like a diamond on their resumes.
Saba Aydiner Photo
From left, seniors William Sims, Astoria Chao and Alex Glascock all qualified for the National Merit Scholarship from their total PSAT scores. “The scholarship is another way to demonstrate your academic ability, and a resume booster, Chao said. “It opens up some scholarship opportunities especially ones within specific schools.”
As a result of all the effort spent, the seniors are very excited about their prospects. “My selection as a semifinalist comes as a very nice surprise. I didn’t think my
PSAT score was high enough to make it to this round. It is a very encouraging acknowledgment of the work I’ve done throughout my academic career,” Sims said. All noted that it wouldn’t have been possible for them to come all the way without the support of their family, friends and the guidance of Cedar Falls High School. “I have been supported by my wonderful teachers and school counselors, as well as my family and friends. Mostly, I couldn't have achieved this without the continuing support of my parents,” Glascock said. Sims said the most important thing was to develop love toward learning and joy toward studying, which will eventually bloom. Glascock and Chao stressed the importance of “learning how to take standardized tests.” Another suggestion they stressed is to take the practice tests provided from the companies that prepare the tests. It is also possible to work through older published connections, and it is even more helpful if one takes notes on questions one often misses. By Opinion Editor Saba
AYDINER