Tiger Hi-Line The
Volume 48 Edition 19
http://hi-lineonline.shorturl.com 1015 Division Street, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
Congratulations to Mrs. Hand and Family! The Tiger Hi-Line would like to congratulate science teacher Marcy Hand and her family on the birth of their new baby boy. Turn to the Feature page to read a story about the Hand family’s new arrival. Also on the Feature page read about the experiences of motherhood of a CFHS senior, and the life lessons it has taught her.
Debate for marriage equality continues Outcome of marriage licenses for Iowa same-sex couples still unknown Briana McGeough Editor-in-Chief
As Iowa State University senior Sean Fritz read the controversial ruling of Polk County District Judge Robert Hanson, the prospect of marriage appeared within reach. As he reached the end of the statement, the words, “same-sex couples who are otherwise qualified to marry one another may not be denied licenses to marry” confirmed his hopes. He could legally wed his partner, Tim McQuillan; gay marriage was legal in the state of Iowa. “Tim and I were just living our lives, and we found out Hanson had made his ruling. I read the whole document, and at the very end, I found out we could get married in Polk County,” Fritz said. The coming hours were chaotic as Fritz worked to plan an impromptu engagement. “I had a few hours on Friday morning to get through everything. A neighbor and I went out and bought rings. When I proposed to Tim, he was shocked.” Fritz said. Though the engagement came as a surprise, marriage had been part of this couple’s plans for quite some time. “Marriage was something we had talked about before. But it was something we had discussed doing next summer or the summer after that. We just couldn’t put our lives on hold to move somewhere else to say that we are married,” Fritz said. Their less than 24-hour engagement was frantic. In the rush, a judge granted them a waiver exempting them from the threeday waiting period for marriage license processing. “We got all of the documents prepared and the papers signed. There was quite a bit of running around toward the end,” Fritz said. As the couple said their vows on the front lawn of the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, they believed that they were one of many same-sex Iowa couples tying the knot that day. “We had heard that 17 couples had gotten married. Then a New York
Times reporter told us that we were the only ones,” Fritz said. Just four hours after making his ruling, Hanson placed a stay on his decision, preventing another 27 same-sex couples from receiving legal marriage status. The legal battle originated when
intermediate scrutiny and will be only upheld if it substantially related to an important state interest.’” Hanson’s ruling states that failing to recognize same-sex marriage is discrimination because excluding samesex couples from marriage does not substantially benefit the state of Iowa.
pass a Constitutional amendment banning gay marriage in light of Judge Hanson’s ruling,” Iowa Senator Matthew McCoy said. Presently, there is no guarantee of a vote on such an amendment. However, most legislators have already publicized their opinions on this controver-
Status of Same-Sex Unions Across the Nation
six same-sex couples sued the state of Iowa; they sought the same legal protections as opposite-sex couples. Hanson’s ruling on the case declared that Iowa’s 1998 Defense of Marriage Act, which defined marriage as between one man and one woman, was unconstitutional on the basis that it violates the rights of equal protection and due process. Hanson’s ruling reads, “The plaintiffs own sex precludes them from marrying an individual of their choosing. Such a classification is sex-based … A statute which classifies individuals upon their sex or gender is ‘subject to
The Iowa Supreme Court will reexamine the case, and a final ruling is expected in 2009. While gay rights advocates rejoice at the recent developments, opponents describe Hanson’s decision as the work of an activist judge. The ruling raises a sense of urgency among legislators who hope to add an amendment to the Iowa Constitution banning gay marriage. An increased enthusiasm over the amendment has surfaced since the Iowa legislature resumed session last month. “There is an effort in the Senate to
sial issue. “I am opposed to the amendment. I support gay marriage. I don’t think that you can legislate love and commitment. Same-sex couples should not be discriminated against,” McCoy said. Overall, 21 of the 50 Iowa senators have come out in support of a Constitutional amendment. Repeated attempts to reach democratic Senator Dennis Black and House Republican Leader Christopher Rants, two supporters of the Constitutional ban, were unsuccssful. In order for the amendment to be added to the Iowa Constitution, a sim-
ple majority of members of the Iowa House of Representatives and the Iowa Senate must approve the bill in two consecutive sessions. If the legislature approves the measure in 2008 and 2009, the people of Iowa will vote on the issue in the November 2010 general election. If, at that time, the majority of voters approve the measure, the amendment will be added to the state Constitution. For some Iowa students, a Constitutional ban would be a great disappointment. Michelle Bamber, a senior at Cedar Falls High School, has worked to prevent a Constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. Bamber, along with several other members of the CFHS Gay-Straight Alliance, has lobbied in hopes of defeating the legislation. According to a list by the U.S. General Accounting Office, under current law, same-sex partners are excluded from over 1,100 governmental benefits reserved for married couples. These include insurance, custody, visitation and burial rights. “I want the legal rights that everyone else has. I don’t want to infringe on anyone else’s rights,” Bamber said. Although Bamber has no plans of marrying anytime soon, she believes that Iowa’s current exclusive marriage policies contribute to the problem that educators refer to as the “Brain Drain.” “I love Iowa, but if I can’t get married here, I’ll go somewhere I can get married,” Bamber said. Other CFHS students do not see same-sex marriage as a civil rights issue and approve of a Constitutional ban. “I’m against marriage because I believe that the sanctity of marriage is and always should be between a man and a woman,” senior Alana Schneider said. As events continue to unfold within the legislative and judicial branches of the Iowa government, the legal future of McQuillan and Fritz’ marriage remains a mystery. For now, however, Fritz said, “We still have a marriage certificate.”
Tiger Hi-Line The
OPIn n IO OPI IOnn
our view our view Strike agreement promotes fair wages
In November of last year, writers set down their pencils and headed to the streets in protest of entertainment industry policy. After more than three months of picket lines and reruns, the strike of the Writers Guild of America has come to an end. Contract negotiations are currently in progress, and writers have returned to work. Although the WGA demanded an increase in income from DVD sales, the primary focus of the strike was to receive a share of studio profits from television shows broadcast over the Internet. In the previous policy, writers were paid 2.5 percent of the profits that networks received from their content played on television; however, writers received none of the $1.5 billion that networks annually received from content played over the Internet. We, The Tiger Hi-Line editorial staff believe that the demands of the Writers Guild of America were entirely reasonable. We wholeheartedly feel that the writers behind the television shows that Americans enjoy deserve a share of the income that their work generates. Entertainment industry profits have doubled in recent years, and contrary to the principles of capitalism, writers’ salaries have remained stagnant. Although many writers receive millions of dollars annually, there are countless others who barely earn $50,000 each year. When the 48 percent unemployment rate of writers, the high costs of living on the east and west coasts and the outrageously large salaries of other people in the entertainment business are taken into account, the truth remains that a majority of writers are not receiving the financial compensation that they deserve. We commend both the Writers Guild of America and every studio involved in working toward a compromise. As American consumers continue to turn away from traditional media and toward the Internet, writers have legitimate reason to be concerned. If agreements, such as the contract currently in progress, are not adopted, current policy would provide writers no payment for writers’ work. The negotiations currently underway would offer writers 1.2 percent of studio profits from shows broadcast over the Internet. While we do not believe that the compromise offers writers sufficient compensation, the contract sets a critical precedent for fair payment of the masterminds behind our mass media.
Write 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. Each edition is published on Wenesdays during the school year in The Insider and Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier, 501 Commercial St., Waterloo, Iowa 50701. 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 Wednesday. Letters may not exceed 300 words and may be edited to meet space limitations. Include address and phone number for verification.
Editorial Staff
Editor-in-Chief: Briana McGeough News Editors: Olivia Schares and Kellie Petersen Opinion Editor: Torie Jochims and Jacqueline Jordan Sports Editor: Jakob Zierer Feature Editors: Honor Heindl and Briana McGeough On-Line Editor: Ellen Wrede Entertainment Editor: Kristen Hammer
Playing with
Communal flames drive away winters’chills It seems to be that we have reached the final and roughest stage of winter. Spirits are almost as low as the temperatures. If you look close enough, people actually appear to be trembling with anticipation for warmer temperatures. The word summer is so beautiful it nearly brings tears to Donnie Simmet ones eyes. All Staff Writer day, the only place I want to be is back under the heavy, warm covers of my bed. Yes, the winter blues have clearly spread like the common cold, and in an effort to alleviate them I have decided to use this space to expound upon the wonder of fires. When I say fires, I am referring to the contained variety such as campfires, recreational fires, or bonfires.
Sure, fires are useful. They provide heat and a way to cook food. Big deal. I wish to delve a bit deeper than the immensely valuable utilitarian facets of fire. There is some sort of force, which radiates from a good fire. It draws people in and holds them there like glue. I have gone to large and small fires in fields, forests, backyards, etc. and I have always been impressed at the way they bring eclectic groups of people together. Some might argue that this force is evolutionary in that it provides survival assistance, others might say it is spiritual in that it offers a mystical glimpse into the oneness of all. Maybe you could go as far to say that this serves to remind us that we are all equal beings with the same basic needs. Perhaps people are drawn to fires simply because of their great beauty and perceptual pleasure. I often find myself staring into the rich hues of the flames for long periods of time. Only those truly committed get to experience the final stage and most beautiful part of a fire, the intensely hot, glowing embers. The subtle crack-
Treasure Trove? H a v ing gone to the library numerous times, I was surprised and a little bit confused on why I hadn’t found this Katie Dexter hidden treaStaff Writer sure months before. I was shocked that nobody had spoke to me about it before. Books. Casettes. DVDs. Puzzles. Books on Tape. Records. Book Bags. Sheet Music and more. All of these wonderful items can be found at the Cedar Falls Public Library Book Nook. Located right inside of the library doors downtown, a little shop with huge character waits for readers of all ages to stop in.
les and soothing roar lend to the ears. Depending on what kind of wood is being burnt, there is a potential olfactory feast. Fires make excellent social arenas. Talking and storytelling are much more satisfying around a fire. When the weather becomes suitable I hope that all will transfer from the synthetic, blue glow of the television to the thick, natural, orange glow of fire. It is quite easy to have a fire. Once a location is chosen, one must only bear in mind what amounts to a sort of fire trinity. Fuel is usually acquired in the form of wood. Trees are made of wood, so I would suggest searching near them. It is good to start the fire small with kindling (twigs, wood shavings, dried weeds, etc.) and work up from there. Heat can be found in the form of matches or a lighter and once the fire gets going it will supply itself. Oxygen is probably the trickiest of the three ingredients, but I have faith that when the time is right you will know where to look.
CF Library’s Book Nook offers affordable items
Book Nook Hours Monday 10-7 Wednesday 10-4 Saturday 10-4
From poetry to politics, from history to horror, and from kids to classics, nearly everything can be found at the Book Nook. Beverly Lundy and Beverly Miller are two of the fifty or more volunteers the nook employs. These women admit to their love of reading and dedication to the library. “I love the library” Lundy and Miller both say bluntly. “It’s also great to check up on new books.” Miller says when talking about the advantages of being a volunteer. Each volunteer works a three hour shift about once a month because there are so many people that are eager to work. The ladies seem as if they are hard-
core readers and love the experience of chatting with the customers. “Everyone who comes in is a reader.” Miller says. Since the entire Nook is packed with used items, which I think gives the nook even more character, everything from puzzles to paperbacks are cheap, cheap, cheap. All items range from ten cents to $2.00 but nothing beyond that. All proceeds from the items bought at the nook go to the library to fund for new eqiupment and new books. There are even great sales on VHS tapes, hardcover books, and more. Gift Cards are also popular at the Nook. If your friend is a reader, gift cards serve as a perfect gift because with only a small amount of money can go along way at The Book Nook. Miller and Lundy hope to get the word out and have more bookworms aware of the special store. The quiet and welcoming atmosphere is one that is not to be missed.
Tiger Hi-Line The
SPORTS SPORTS
With a 16-game win streak,
Women’s basketball makes first State trip since 2001 Kristen Counsell Staff Writer
The No. 7 CF women’s Tiger basketball team defeated No. 2 Ankeny, 47-40 at the 4A regional on Tuesday, Feb. 19 in the McLeod Center. The Tigers gave it all they had, and by the end of the game they were exhausted and emotionally relieved with their success. “This has not only been one of the more fun teams that I have been with, but one of the hardest working and most exciting. We have had a lot of close games against a lot of rated (ranked) teams, and they had a really nice string going,” List said. Overall, the girls have had an amazing season. They have had a 16-game streak, which has not happened since the last CF girl’s basketball team went on to become state champions. The Tigers have not attended the
state championships since 2001. Ankeny lost only two games previous to this. They have been a basketball power house for years, appearing at state 21 times and having won nine state titles. At the end of the first quarter, the Tigers’ were in the lead 14-8 and 21-16 at the end of the first half. Ankeny was staying constant on their points each quarter until the fourth when they finally bumped up their game from averaging eight to doubling it to 16 points. In the last minute and seconds of the game, the Hawkettes’ came close to gaining the lead when it came down to 41-40, and in that same time the Tigers’ bumped up their game and started making key plays offensively and defensively. Ankeny didn’t score anything in the last minute, and with consistency of scoring, the Tigers’ came out on top with a win of 47-40. Now the Tigers (19-4) move on to play No. 8 Iowa City High (19-3) in
the 1st round at the Wells Fargo Arena, 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27. “If people come out and watch, it really does make it much more fun to play,” sophomore varsity player Laura Johnson said. In the semi-finals the Tigers’ beat the Waterloo West Wahawks, 41-37. Head coach List was pretty comfortable going into the game. “We have played the team, West, twice already. Just last Friday, in fact, so it’s not like it’s a new team that we are going to be playing. We are pretty familiar with each other,” List said. To help the Tigers chances on winning state, they brought up Courtney Dreyer from the sophomore CF girls basketball team and put her on varsity. “They had a really good year, and they really took strides and made improvements throughout the year,” said List about the women’s sophomore team. “We are looking for a number of
them to help us next year.” The girls have been lucky on injuries overall. Only two of their teammates have been injured. Caitlin Hagarty became injured in the 3rd quarter of the Xavier game when she landed on a girl’s foot. She missed the rest of the Xavier game and a few games afterwards. Just before Jillian Zapitul was going to be eligible for transferring to CF, she had also come down on another girl’s foot and was out for the rest of the season. Other than those two occurrences, the Lady Tigers have been healthy. For List, the seniors have been an invaluable asset to this year’s team. “This has been a super group to work with. They are very competitive and hardworking. These seniors are really a coach’s dream. They make coaching fun and exciting. I’m really happy for the girls because they have worked so hard and have done such a good job.”
Harsh winter, no excuse for avoiding XC trails Soaring through the woods, I fly around a corner and a large, muscular deer lunges across the path. I may have skipped a heartbeat, but I keep going. Donnie Simmet Shooting down Staff Writer a hill, I lose my balance and tumble hard into the soft, sparkling snow. I don’t mind the cold powder. I am already sweating and ditched my coat long ago. A flock of geese fly overhead, honking wildly. I pull myself up and move on. The contrast of the thick, knotty, brown timber with the fresh, immaculately white snow is beautiful and at times almost surreal. Everything shimmers and sparkles. An owl hoots in the distance and a rabbit scrambles through the thicket. The forest is still very much alive. I decide to take advantage of a particularly slick straight away. Full speed ahead, my skis slap the ground and propel me onward. The sun melts into the horizon and I decide to head for the parking lot.
Sports Opinion I have read several small articles this winter about local cross country skiing opportunities, but none of them seem to touch on anything past the logistics, such as the immense joy and wonder to be had from these two thin boards. For me, the idea of cross-country skiing never really entered my mind until the first snowfall of this long winter. One day, it crept in from the subconscious and like a snowflake that gently floats onto your nose; it would not leave until I actively pursued it. Luckily, I was able to find a pair of properly sized skis in the basement. Although my first attempts were a bit awkward, I was hooked. I quickly improved and Mother Nature provided ample opportunities to continue. Cross country skiing, as well as all other enjoyable winter activities, provide a reason to look forward to snow. They inject this bitter and uncomfortable season with a bit of much needed optimism. Also, exercise is a bit more of a challenge in the winter with its extreme cold and lack of options. I can assure you that cross country skiing is
an excellent and fun workout. Kathleen Janz, professor of Health and Sports Studies at the University of Iowa, said in an Iowa DNR article that, “For heart health, you would be hard pressed finding any activity better than cross country skiing.” Besides the cardiovascular excellence, it also builds muscle. It is most definitely a worthwhile endeavor. In order to properly outfit yourself for cross country skiing, you will need skis, bindings, boots, and poles. These basics can be acquired for less than $300. This is basically a one-time purchase because this equipment will get you anywhere you want to go. Used equipment may be available through classifieds, swap-sheets, garage sales, used sporting goods stores, or perhaps the closets and basements of friends and relatives. Those who fear commitment but would like to give the sport a try can rent skis for a day from the likes of Europa Cycle and Ski in Cedar Falls or Crawdaddy Outdoors in Waverly. If you are wondering where to ski, let it be known that any surface with snow will do! You can blaze a trail through parks, Caitlin Lattimer Photo prairies, fields, or woods. George Wyth State Park has excellent trails, which Enjoying his favorite Winter sport, Donnie Simmet is hitting the XC trail are groomed after every snowfall.
Athlete Week of the
Kevin Hancock Wrestling Kevin Hancock got second at State on Feb. 16. All of the five state qualifiers reached the podium. 1.) What is your favorite part about wrestling? I love going out on the mat and competing one on one to see who can beat who. I also love the discipline the sport teaches. I like working hard and leaving it all out on the mat. 2.) Overall, how do you feel about State? I was very excited to go to State as a senior. I had to beat No. 4-ranked wrestler Nick Sand to get there. This was one of my most memorable moments in my life. I wanted to go to the finals really bad and knew I had to make it happen. I ended up pinning Johnny Coleman in overtime. This was the most exciting moment at State. Being in the finals is something I will never forget, and I was very satisfied with how I ended my senior year. 3.) If you could change one thing about wrestling, what would it be? I feel wrestling is the perfect sport. Many men want nothing more than to prove they can beat someone else in a wrestling match. 4.) What are your goals for next year? I plan on going to Iowa State for engineering next year. I am not planning on wrestling, but who knows. 5.)What is your favorite memory from the team this year? My favorite memory was beating my long time rival Nick Sand when it mattered the most.
Tigers in Action
Men’s Basketball 2/23 lost against Linn Mar 52-65 Women’s Basketball 2/19 beat Ankeny 47-40 Next Up: 2/25-3/1 State
Tiger Hi-Line The
FEATURE FEATURE
Student learns life lessons through nurturing a child Justine Dencklau Staff Writer
In just over a month, senior Emily Cleveland will celebrate the first birthday of her son, Aiden Charles Cleveland. Cleveland gave birth to Aiden in March of her junior year. When she discovered that she was pregnant, she considered adoption, but in the end, she decided to keep the baby. One year later, she is pleased with her decision. Her parents were disappointed when they first heard the news. Her father did not speak to her for two days; her mother was also angry. However, as a family they have gotten through the difficult times and celebrated the good times. Although Aiden’s father and Cleveland are no longer together, he has been very supportive. After the separation, Cleveland found a supportive boyfriend who has helped to care for Aiden. “He has been really helpful,” Cleveland said. Despite some social difficulties,
up faster. You can’t just go out and do stuff, not even spend the night at a friend’s house. You’re always worried if the baby will wake up your friend or your parents,” Cleveland said. Even with a hectic schedule, Cleveland keeps her education a top priority. “It is really hard to have a baby in high school. In the beginning, he woke up every two to four hours. It is also very difficult to keep up with my schoolwork,” Cleveland said. According the Cleveland’s Spanish teacher, Linda McCor—Emily Cleveland mack, Cleveland is up to the CFHS Graduate challenge. “Sometimes her baby affects her attendance, but he doesn’t affect her grades. She is a very dedicated student,” McCormack said. me because of my hormonal changes, Cleveland has found that although but my true friends stuck by my side,” raising a child in high school is diffiCleveland said. cult, with the right support system, it The major changes in Cleveland’s is possible. life result from her demanding schedCleveland recognizes, however, that ule. With a full class schedule, a job not everyone has the network of supand the commitment of raising a child, port that she does. Cleveland has little time for social ac“If you have the support, keep the tivities. baby,” Cleveland said, “If you don’t “It changed my life completely. I go have the support, give the baby up for to school, to work, then come home to adoption.” take care of Aiden. This made me grow Cleveland has maintained a core group of friends. “Some people stopped talking to me. They reacted as if I were harder to talk to. Some of my friends ditched
Some people stopped talking to me... but my true friends stuck by my side.
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Arlene Freudenberg Staff Writer
After nine months of anticipation, science teacher Marcey Hand and her husband Chris Hand gave birth to a baby boy on Feb. 11, a week earlier than expected. Baby Hand was born at Covenant Hospital, weighing 9 lb 4 oz and measuring 20” long. Prior to his birth, the sex and name
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of the child were mysteries. “I have a feeling it’s a boy,” Hand correctly predicted to her fifth hour class before his birth. This makes four sons now for the Hands. The Hands had a list of baby names to choose from and waited a couple of days to decide on a name, to make sure they chose a fitting one. They eventually settled on John Dennis (JD). Hand will return to work following
Science teacher gives y to birth fourth son
Spring Break. Although she will be missed, two qualified substitute teachers have stepped in. John Black will teach Social Issues in Biology and Kari Fernholz will teach the rest of Hand’s classes until her return. Though students are pleased with the replacements, Hand will be missed during her five-week absence. “No one can replace her style of teaching,” senior Peter Marshall said.
Top: Holding Aiden on his half birthday, senior Emily Cleveland celebrates six months of motherhood Bottom: Showing off his newly developed standing abilities, nearly one-year-old Aiden peeks out of his play pen. Submitted Photos
Below: Glowing with pride, Chris & Marcey Hand cradle the newest member to the family, John Dennis, named in honor of his grandfather.
Submitted Photo