Jan 12, 2010 hi line

e g h iin l Ti er THE

Jan. 12, 2010

Volume 50 Issue 13

1015 Division St. Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613

Senior accepted at military academy Meg Lane Staff Writer

It is that time of the year again. Seniors eagerly await decisions from the colleges of their choice, but for senior Alex Clopton, the wait is over.

Clopton was recently accepted the United States Military Academy, more commonly known as West Point.

The good news came to Clopton on Oct. 24. Clopton’s mom called him and told him he had a rather important looking package in the mail from West Point, so he came home to find a leather bound booklet with his acceptance letter inside.

Clopton was shocked and excited. “I am very honored and excited to receive an appointment because it has been a goal that I have worked hard for throughout high school. I am very grateful that all my hard work has paid off,” he said.

Clopton’s Senior Army Instructor from his JROTC program also shared the same reaction.

“Alex Clopton’s acceptance to the United States Military Academy (West Point) is wonderful news. West Point is the number one university in the nation, and the premier Service

Academy,” Ret. LTC Leonard Stephens said.

And for Clopton this definitely was a major victory.

The process to get into West Point had been a rigorous one.

Clopton had to get nominations from Sen. Tom Harkin, Sen. Charles Grassley and Rep. Bruce Braley. He also got a nomination from Stephens.

Along with his nominations, Clopton had to pass a Candidate Fitness Assessment and then complete the DoDMRERB or the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board physical exam.

The acceptance rate to get into West Point is around 9 percent. They get close to 16,000 applicants a year, and only a 1,000 or so will be accepted.

Clopton also pointed out that only 20 JROTC and ROTC nominations nationwide would be accepted, so his shock is pretty normal.

So what will Clopton be learning and what opportunities will this open for him?

Stephens said, “Alex will receive a world-class education and a clear headed-start in his Army career. He will be taught by some of the best officers in the U.S. Army and by prominent civilian professors.

During the summers he will

have the chance for Airborne or Air Assault schools.”

Clopton also said that upon his graduation he will receive a bachelor’s of science degree.

For this, Clopton has been considering majoring in business administration or environmental science.

He added also that he will be learning extensive leadership skills and what it truly takes to be an officer in the Army.

And from there the opportunities will become endless for Clopton. He will be eligible for commission as an officer in the United States Army and also receive a free education from one of the premier colleges in the nation.

“In Army JROTC, Alex has made important advances in his personal style of leadership. In the Army the most successful officers have a comfortable knowledge of their personal competence. This translates into a relaxed, competent officer who is sure of himself and his mission. Army JROTC gave Alex the opportunity to enhance his leadership while in high school. I believe Alex has a good base for advanced leadership training at West Point,” Stephens said.

Clopton also said that after West Point, he will be serv-

Submitted Photo

Senior Alex Clopton stands on West Point’s beautiful New York campus while visiting last spring. ing his obligated active duty service for five years and then reserve duty for three.

He said that he plans to be a infantry officer while serving and also to obtain a master’s degree, which the Army will pay for.

With all of these plans, Clopton believes that he can credit most of his success to the support and encouragement that his teachers and family gave him.

“I would attribute my appointment to my parents who helped me so much during the application process, to everyone who was kind enough to take the time to write me a

letter of recommendation, to all my teachers and coaches, to my JROTC instructors Lieutenant Colonel Stephens and Master Sergeant Ledbetter, and to my brother for encouraging me throughout the process,” Clopton said.

West Point had been Clopton’s goal since he was a freshman, and he added that if other students are interested in or curious about West Point and want to learn more, they should go to www.usma. edu. The site offers requirements for applying as well as background information about the school and the education it offers.

“I have had some poor sportsmanship. I allow the players to go out when they get hit — play by the honor system. Two years ago we had so many people cheating that I had to have referees there,” Smith said.

Intramural dodgeball is set to start on Jan. 21, and the season lasts right up through March 4.

The teams will play on

Mondays and Thursdays starting at 7:30 p.m. and lasting until 9:00 p.m.

In addition to dodgeball, the school also offers a few other intramural sports throughout the year. “[We offer] ultimate Frisbee and volleyball. Volleyball will take place in the beginning of April, and ultimate frisbee will begin in mid-May,” Smith said.

Intramural dodgeball league to commence Jayne Durnin Staff Writer

The five D’s of dodgeball: dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge; were made popular in the 2004 movie, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, but they are also used by CFHS students as they strive for glory in intramural dodgeball.

The registration deadline is tomorrow, Jan. 13, and there is

a $1 registration fee.

“The $1 registration fee goes towards purchasing intramural championship T-shirts for the championship team,” Jamie Smith, P.E. teacher and intramural adviser, said.

Teams that are registering need to have a minimum of eight players and can have a maximum of 15.

“I usually have four to six teams that have 10-15 people

on them,” Smith said.

The rules of the game are simple: the two teams start at the end-line of the court, and at the whistle, two players from each team run to get as many of the four foam balls as they can.

The teams play to win the best of seven five-minute games. The team with the most people left standing at the end wins.

2 opinion

THE

tiger hi-line Jan. 12, 2009

our view New Year: New You! Year brings needed changes

This year, Cedar Falls High School has initiated several new projects in and around the school. Now nearly a semester in, let’s reflect upon the new systems.

First is the complete renovation of the school’s security system. The improvements seem to have paid off — evidenced by the tamest Hell Week since any of us have been here. At this point, it seems to have been a wise purchase.

As students have school off for professional development days this year, the teachers are literally learning life saving skills. This is part of a new push for emergency training, which aims to better prepare the staff for crises such as a school shooting or a severe storm.

The jump from junior high to high school can be a tumultuous one, and we applaud the school’s efforts in easing this transition through their sophomore orientation. The event familiarized incoming sophomores with the school and its facilities. We hope to see this event continue in the coming years as it undoubtedly buffered the shock of entering a new, unfamiliar school.

Dialogue between the school, students and teachers has also greatly improved this year. First, the new phone and email messaging system has greatly reduced confusion and improved communication. Now, parents are immediately informed of any schedule changes. Additionally, the new Infinite Campus grading system has not only made parents more aware of their children’s performances, it has also allowed students to more immediately assess their own performances.

Art Sale Our View Correction On another note, we would like to correct an article recently published regarding the Craft Sale right before holiday break. Although the Art Club contributed projects, the sale was actually run by Tammy Frahm and her special needs class. We thank the Art Club for their contributions but would especially like to applaud Frahm and her students for their hard work on this wonderful event.

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 DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) classes.

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: Maggie Devine and Vincent Stigliani News Editors: Vincent Stigliani and Ben Sadkowski Opinion Editor: Monica Clark Sports Editor: Ben Olson Feature Editor: Aubrey Caruso On-Line Editors: Vincent Stigliani and Maggie Devine Entertainment Editor: Maggie Devine Senior Writer: Alex Entz Photo Editor: Ben Sadkowski

Buy cheap products for noticeable differences Kaylee Micu Staff Writer

Every day I see a new add for some "miracle" product that can clear your skin in just four hours. I can't say that I've never fallen for one of these ads, but now I know better.

I've found some skin products that work for a lot less money than what is advertised on T.V.

Proactiv Solutions

If you have about 10 minuets in the morning, then you could use Proactiv solutions. I've used this product for about six months now, and I love it. I have noticed a drastic change in my skin. I have less acne and my skin is hydrated more than before. I recommend Proactiv for those with dry skin and lots of acne.

Clearasil Face Wipes

If you don't have a lot of time in the morning, like I do, Clearasil face wipes work just as well as Proactive and takes less than a minute to cover your entire face. I've been using Clearasil for about two years, and it works wonders for those with oily skin.

Both of these products should be used once in the morning when you wake up and before you go to bed. If you take a shower in the morning, don't use these products for it will dry out your skin.

Biore Pore Strips

If you want really clean pores, I suggest Biore pore strips. They come in packs of six, eight and 14. All you do is get your nose or some part of your face really wet and let the strip sit there for about 15 minutes. After pulling it off, you can really see how much dirt was pulled from your pores. Anyone can use this product as long as you don't have sensitive skin. You should also use this product when you're relaxing or aren't being active. Also, you should only use these once every three days to avoid skin irritation.

Clean and Clear Absorbing Sheets

Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets are a must if you are tired of oily skin. It only takes one sheet and about a minute to remove excess oils from your face. These sheets don't smear makeup and come in a package of about 50. You can use these throughout the entire day if you want to.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover

Neutrogena makeup remover sheets are great when you want to get rid of your makeup quickly. These sheets come in a pack of 25 and freshen skin while removing your makeup with ease.

All of these products can be bought for under $15 at Target.

Beauty doesn't have to be expensive, it just has to work.

Photos courtesy of product websites

THE

tiger hi-line Jan. 12, 2010

SPORTS 3

small in size, but GIANTS IN HEART

Men’s BB team cashes in tough training for 7-0 start Alex Entz Senior Writer

With the Cedar Falls men’s basketball team out to a 7-0 start, a big win versus West behind them and a crucial test at Cedar Rapids Jefferson coming up, Tigers head coach Tom Bardal is keeping the team focused.

“We’re continuing to stress shot selection, defensive rebounding and playing at a faster pace,” Bardal said. “We just need to continue progressing and getting better. ... (Against West) we didn’t shoot the ball well, and so we need to make sure we do a better job of making shots and free throws.”

Cedar Falls beat West 40-35 just a few days after beating Cedar Rapids Xavier 59-51.

“We had a very good defensive game against West,” Bardal said. “Our defense

was able to take away what they like to do.”

Senior Dylan Deery broke down the team’s success.

“We shoot the ball well,” Deery said. “We’re really short, so to win we have to make shots, and we have done that well so far.”

A lack of height has set this year’s team apart from other years. The tallest players on the team are 6’3’’.

Bardal noted that the lack of height has not hindered the team thus far.

“They’ve always found ways to win, and it’s always someone different coming through at key times. They have especially stepped it up when on the road,” he said.

To that extent, Deery spoke on his job within the team.

“Personally, I just want to bring to the table whatever is needed. I need to

play hard defense and be a leader,” Deery said.

With a strong start under the team’s belt, both Deery and Bardal are optimistic for the future.

“We believe we can go as far as we take ourselves.

If we play hard and smart, we can play with about anyone, so I guess the sky is the limit,” Deery said.

Bardal agreed.

“At 7-0 they feel good about themselves, and they should. They work hard in practice and games and they deserve this,” he said. “Their effort is being rewarded,” After the hard work of preparation, Bardal is confident in the team. “Our goals are to stay healthy and to make our shots, and from there we’ll be willing to let the chips fall.”

Deery talked about the team’s practice habits.

“We do a lot of running,”

Deery said. “We check our assignments, make sure we have the game plan down, and then we also put in stuff for the teams we’re playing next, and then we run some more.”

Cedar Rapids Jefferson, figured by Bardal to be one of the top few teams in the conference, could pose a big challenge to the undefeated Tigers.

“It’s a very important game for substate and for the conference race,” Bardal said of the game. “I think that we match up well, other than Jefferson’s 6’8’’ player.

We need to stop him and take away what he likes to do.”

Bardal added, “There is something special and something different about this team that just keeps finding ways to win.”

The next game comes tomorrow at Cedar Rapids Jefferson at 6 p.m.

Warrior hockey anticipates another state title Ali Miller Staff Writer

Head coach Shawn Weinke of the Warrior hockey team is expecting yet another state title this year, and with the team being in fourth place and having a record of 10-4-1-3, it looks like a pretty strong possibility.

This year, the team consists of 35 players for both JV and varsity, and that’s a little over what the past years numbers have been.

The season started Oct. 1 and continues through the second week in March.

With the boys practicing for two hours every day on the ice, plus the Varsity doing dry land training for

another hour after that two days a week, it’s easy to see where their skills for success begin. Most of the boys focus on their hockey strength during the off season, too. They lift weights and go to summer hockey camps.

“We use the regular season to prepare individuals to be their best helping the whole team be sucessful,” Weinke said.

Overall, there are eight area schools involved in the hockey contests, including two from Cedar Rapids. The farthest the Warriors have to travel ranges from Kansas City to Lincoln to Omaha to Sioux City, and this year there’s a new team in Sioux Falls. Out of all their games

and competitors, Weinke said playing the Des Moines Capitals is not only their biggest competition, but their favorite game of the season. “All of the games are tough, but we love playing them. This was the team we beat in the championship last year,” Weinke said.

This year there are three returning varsity state champs and letterwinners from Cedar Falls. All of the CF boys play a very big role on the team whether it be on the varsity or JV teams.

In order to get on the team, all need to try out.

Tryouts are held during the summer, and a lot of the kids come through the Jr. Hawk program, the “feeder program.” They range in

age from 4 to 15 years old.

Strength is not the only factor in the players, Weinke explained, “They must be very dedicated because it is such a long year. We have very high expectations for our organization. With that being said, it is also very rewarding for the players who make the decision to give 110 percent.”

With extremely high expectations clearly stated, the head coach said he feels confident about not only the rest of the season, but also the state championships. “We always want to be peaking and playing our best team hockey at the end of the year. And this year is no different. We expect to be in the championship.”

Athlete Week of the

Brandon Nelson Bowling Junior

1. What are the team’s strengths this year?

We have four returning varsity bowlers and some new freshmen.

2. What are your team goals for the season?

Mainly just to keep winning meets, and it would be nice to get some bowlers to State.

3. Who are the toughest teams this year?

Dubuque Hempstead and Wahlert have been tough on us.

4. What are your individual goals?

I would like to improve my scores and go to State.

5. How long have you been bowling?

Since fifth grade.

Tigers in Action Men’s Basketball Away 1/12 vs. CR Jefferson, 6 p.m.

Away 1/15 vs. Dub. Senior, 6 p.m.

Women’s Basketball Home 1/12 vs. CR Jefferson 6 p.m.

Home 1/15 vs. Dub. Senior, 6 p.m.

Men’s Swimming Home 1/12 vs. Hempstead, 6 p.m.

Bowling Away 1/15 vs. W’loo East, 3:45 p.m.

Wrestling Home 1/14 vs. Dub. Senior, 6:15 p.m.

Away 1/16 @ WDM Valley Duals, 9 a.m.

tiger hi-line feature 4 THE

Jan. 12, 2010

Pen pal project

Fourth grade writing leads senior to life long commitment Megan Lane Staff Writer

For senior, Jordyn Schrieber what began as a pen pal project in fourth grade has extend into a nineyear friendship with Staff Sergeant Ethan Goodman. Schrieber’s teachers Mrs. Mead and Mrs. Baumgartner introduced the students to enlisted soldiers as a Valentine’s day project, and Schrieber has been learning from this lesson ever since.

“We have been writing since 2002 when I picked up on of the letters they pile in front of us while deployed. When deployed, we get these stacks of letters from students all across the country telling us to be safe, come home soon and words of hope. They are never addressed to any specific soldier or unit, so they are completely random. Jordyn’s just happened to have the address to her school with her teacher’s name on it, so I wrote back to say thank you to each student from her class, and Jordyn wrote back,” Goodman said.

Goodman is a Cavalry Scout Armored Reconaissance expert. In simpler terms, Goodman is apart of the main fighting force. His responsibilities are to keep his men on the safest routes and to give other units support too. According to Goodman, he joined the Army 10 years ago in order to support his wife and to gain maturity from his experiences.

This friendship has offered both

inspiration and encouragement.

Goodman and Jordyn have both learned a lot from each other.

Schrieber said that this friendship has taught her the importance of the military and how much the soldiers sacrifice for their country. “It takes a lot of courage and strength to do his job, most cannot do what he does, “ Schrieber said.

This has been very meaningful for Goodman to know during his numerous deployments.

“Jordyn’s blind faith in soldiers as a child meant a lot. It showed me that her parents had tought her that the fighting men and women of this country are something to be proud to support. She has sent me gifts and letters during all four of my deployments to combat,” Goodman said.

Goodman also said, “A lot of soldiers stand and read the letters and pass them by. Some have pen pals from their hometowns or just have relatives that write them constantly while deployed. I got lucky and have relatives, friends and Jordyn. One thing that I really appreciate about Jordyn’s friendship is that I am not always the best at responding to letters or emails, and she continues to write. To me, that’s amazing because it proves she truly understands.”

This experience has also inspired Schrieber to join the military herself. Schrieber has recently taken the next step and enlisted.

“My dad was in the military, and my cousin was recently in the Air

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Force, so I have lived through the military. I have gone back and forth on whether to join, and Ethan has helped me to make sure I understand my contract and to make sure that I don’t fall through the cracks and get into something I didn’t want to be in,” Schrieber said.

The process for this was long too. Schrieber was required to take the ASVABs as part of her enlistment agreement.

“You get brought into this room and all of the branches have an officer there, who you will pick from from your ASVAB scores and narrow your job options for you,” Schrieber said.

And now Jordyn will be working in Human Resources at Fort Jackson, S.C. Goodman is also very pleased that Jordyn has decided to take the next level in her life.

“Jordyn’s enlistment is amazing.

I think she made the right decision.

Even if she only does one term, the lifetime benefits that she gains from serving are worth it alone,” Goodman said.

Goodman isn’t the only one giving advice, though. Goodman says Schrieber has also taught him a few life lessons.

“Jordyn’s influence on me has honestly prepared me for my daughter. Jordyn has come to me for advice on several situations. Some I helped her on and some needed to be taken to her family instead, but either way, the trust she has in me

to come to me with those issues is a privilege. I just hope my daughter grows up as a mature as Jordyn appears to have become,” Goodman said.

Schrieber has also said that Goodman is like her brother. “I can talk to him about anything, and he can give me the advice I need or even the encouragement,” she said.

Along with good advice and inspiration, there have been tough moments in their friendships. During the recent Fort Hood attacks, Goodman was stationed there.

Goodman said, “During the shooting at Fort Hood, I was concerned about the soldiers I am responsible for. I was actually at the doctor getting my vision checked when the shooting and subsequent lockdown occured. I was on a seperate part of the installation that caused me to be unable to get to my platoon. I knew they were OK, but being locked off the post drove me insane.”

For Jordyn, it was also a stressful time. “I was really worried because I couldn’t get a hold of him. Everything was lockdown, and there was no news on whether not he was OK. I was really worried that something had happen,” she said.

In the end, both Schrieber and Goodman wrestled through this stressful event just as their commitments to not only serve their country but also their long friendship have remained strong ... and stand to grow for more years to come.

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