March 7, 2007 hi line

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1015 Division St. Cedar Falls, IA 50613

http://www.cedar-falls.k12.ia.us

A Break for All

Teachers need a break too!

Teachers share their previous spring break stories while adventuring to new territories during spring break. Also, explore fun getaways close to home for new spins on spring break.

CFHS participates in new book program Library to receive 2,400 books to boost young adult reading choices Alyssa Beckman

whether they enjoyed the titles or not.

“The Young Adult Choice books list is made up of actual teenage votes as opposed to teachers and adults making the choices of what they think of good books for teens. This way we get a more accurate reading on how kids like the books,” CFHS librarian Kelly Stern said.

To get the votes for the books the library will

Staff Writer

Cedar Falls High School was one of the five schools chosen throughout the nation last week to participate in a three-year young adult books program.

The program gives the school about 2,400 books over a three-year Kelly Stern CFHS Librarian period.

Each year, 300 books are chosen as the top reads that are most popular with young adults. The first year, Cedar Falls High School will receive two copies of each chosen book, five copies the next year, and three copies the last year.

“We want to have all of the English teachers throughout the district to use these books in their curriculum, and we’ll pass them around between teachers to get more opinions on whether or not the kids like the books,” Stern said.

The Young Adult Choice program is different than other book lists. Students will get to vote on

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Volume 47 Edition 18

“The Young Adult Choice books list is made up of actual teenage votes as opposed to teachers and adults making the choices of what they think of good books for teens.”

—Kelly Stern

CFHS Librarian have to cast the ballots.

“We are planning on giving each student a slip of paper to rate the book every time they check out one of the books from that list. By the end of the year we are hoping to get 2,000-2,500 votes,” Stern said.

To be able to qualify for the program, a school must have 2,500 students, and although Cedar Falls does not have that many students in the high school or junior highs, they partnered with Waverly-Shell Rock High School to reach the quota for a student population.

The Snow Must Go On!

Students don’t let weather slow them down

Below: Singing and dancing after a day of competiting at State DECA, are seniors Mike DiMarco, Mike Theusen and Stephen Miller. The high school sent 21 students to the DECA State Competition and had four groups and two individual competitors qualify for the National Competition in Orlando, Florida. Groups that qualified included seniors Stephen Miller and Bryce Duchman, juniors Whitney Gerholdt and Natalie Craig, juniors Setphanie Malley and Carie York, and senior DJ Deery and junior Whitney Duhaime.

Individual competitors include seniors Tony Patterson and Jacque Chizewsky.

Andrea Huber Photo Above: After the weekend’s snow storm, resource teacher Dan Hensing and sophomore Zach Barnes help the grouds crew chip away ice leftover on the school’s sidewalk.

Jessica Taylor Photo

CFHS sophomores embark on English semester-long project Torie Jochims Staff Writer

The familiar sight of scrambling students preparing for second semester finals is the opposite of what is seen in Judy Timmins’ LAE class.

The students in this class are already starting their Judy Timmins second semester LAE teacher tests now, because instead of the standard test, LAE students are working on a semester-long project.

The project consists of learning something new on a subject that interests the student with the help of a mentor, and then presenting it at the end of the semester. The goal of this project is to provide students with an opportunity to in-

vestigate or expand their learning on a topic and to teach a variety of skills that couldn’t be taught with a simple multiple-choice test. The project itself can seem like a daunting task, as it does take the entire semester.

“As long as people prioritize, get things done and don’t procrastinate, the problems will be a thing of the past,” sophomore Rhys Talbot said.

The students keep a weekly log to record their progress and prevent procrastination. Timmins chooses this project over a regular test because it allows students to explore a subject that interests them, and requires a variety of skills from writing to time management and presentation.

The students choose a topic or project in January or February, find a mentor and keep a log. This allows Timmins to keep a pulse on what’s going on, and stop her students from procrastinating.

Timmins said choosing a topic is typically the hardest part of the project. It can be unnerving because it’s such an important choice to make.

“Picking the project can be fun. Just choose one you’ll like and go for it,” Talbot said.

Timmins explained their topic choice has to be something they are willing to be attentive to for most of a semester. She also said that students acquire better problem solving skills because of problems that arise early in the semester.

The skills and knowledge many students take from this project translate directly to life, and are skills that will follow students well into their adulthood. Students will get out of this project what they put into it, as with anything. Timmins strives to combine learning with fun.

Timmins said she thinks that making the most of this project is a series of simple steps that can make the difference between a phenomenal success and a catastrophic disaster. Her first step of advice lies in choosing a topic you enjoy.

“Well, I really like writing, so I decided that it would be interesting to write a story for school instead of doing it for fun,” sophomore Liz Tracey said.

Secondly, don’t settle for what seems easiest. It could bore you in the long run.

“I know I have to challenge myself in my writ-

ing since I lose focus and motivation,” sophomore Emily Keinzle said.

Be flexible and prepare for the unexpected.

Don’t procrastinate.

“Look, don’t make the same mistakes I did.

You’ve got your whole lives ahead of you. As for me, I’m looking at three weeks of daunting project work plus two days of retracing my bibliography sources,” Talbot said.

Make the most of the opportunity.

Last but not least, don’t get frustrated. Students should ask for help if they need it. However, if they use your time wisely, they should find it a nice alternative to the standard semester test.

“I’m so glad we have one less exam to freak out over at the end of the year when life becomes so hectic,” sophomore Elise Berry said.

At the very least, this doesn’t take weeks of cramming and sleepless nights preparing.

“I’ve tried to cram my writing. I’ve failed miserably every time, so I’ve learned to spend lots of daytime hours planning details and writing nonstop,” Keinzle said.

Tiger

HI LINE The

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Our View

OPINION

All schools should discontinue usage of race-specific mascots Two weeks ago, the University of Illinois announced that it would be removing its performing mascot, “Chief Illiniwek.”

Though the mascot had become a central figure in the school’s collective spirit, the university also recognized the dangers of indirectly endorsing stereotypes about an entire race.

The Hi-Line editors fully support the University of Illinois’ decision to remove its mascot. We also think that other schools with race-specific mascots or names should consider doing the same.

The most obvious argument against cultural mascots is the often inaccurate or offensive implications associated with them. When using one figure as a representative for an entire heritage, misrepresentations are virtually inevitable. The worst is when these representations carry negative connotation. Too often, a comedic alteration is made to mascots. When mascots represent an entire demographic, the resulting effect can be offensive and derogatory.

Many who support retaining a school’s name or mascot argue that this self-assigned identity has already become inscribed in the school’s history. Many are concerned that to change either would be to alter the school’s personality or collective heritage. The problem is, those who support this argument are forgetting that it is not their heritage. In fact, it’s someone else’s. Realizing this, it seems wholly inappropriate to alter another’s heritage to fit a certain perspective.

This holds particularly true when those concerned (Native Americans) find these alterations offensive.

So, even without any blatantly derogatory content, even when the name and mascot appear wholly unoffensive, sensitivity should be directed toward those being represented. After all, if a mascot can become so fully ingrained in a school’s “heritage” that they are unwilling to give it up, we can only imagine how much it means to the Native Americans themselves.

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 Wednesdays 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 HiLine 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 Editors-in-Chief-Sheila Moussavi & Kirstin Riggs News Editors-Kelsey Ihde & Audrey Kittrell Opinion Editors-Andrea Huber & Robb Klassen Sports Editors-Josh Betts & Katy Schult Feature Editors-Briana McGeough & Willa Simmet On-Line Editors-David Jacobson & Olivia Schares

Raise in cigarette tax necessary in Iowa Smoking is a topic that makes its way into politics and lawmaking nearly every year, and this year Iowa is taking a bold step in this area.

It has been proposed that Iowa’s smoking tax be raised from 36 cents per pack to $1.36.

An entire dollar extra per pack has gotten people on both sides of the argument fired up, although the tax has not been raised since 1991 and is currently the eighth- lowest in the nation.

This increase is just what our state needs to dig into the issue hard and get the message across that tobacco is not an addiction worth getting into, both in life and financial aspects.

Those against the increase wonder why alcohol has not been targeted when it takes lives of the innocent as well, or worry that it may cause damage to local bars and restaurants where many of the regular customers are often smokers.

Yet, arguments of those for the increase are valid on more levels, however. Money gained from the dollar per pack rise would go to health care, which would in turn help cover the cost of the many illnesses smokers bring upon themselves, illnesses that are, as of now, being paid mostly by those who do not smoke.

Hopes are also high that the new tax would help turn people off the idea of smoking, since paying an extra dollar a pack shouldn’t appeal to someone who has not yet started, especially in teens.

The extra dollar given to fuel an already strong addiction may help some current smokers drop their addiction, or at least start to try a little harder.

A total of $1.36 is a lot of money to pay in taxes for a single pack of

Do you think raising the tax on a pack of cigarettes by $1 would deter students from smoking?

Yes: No: 60% of seniors 40% of seniors 58% of juniors 42% of juniors 63% of sophomores 37% of sophomores Torie Jochims

Staff Writer cigarettes, so one of the goals is to raise awareness in the areas of damage smoking affects such as health issues, secondhand smoke dangers and even the costliness of such an addicting habit.

We care deeply about money, and most of us like to save our pennies. The notion of another 100 pennies in one’s pocket could be the boost some need to stop them from buying a pack.

Alcohol abuse among teens continues to be a problem in our society, but there are laws that prohibit alcohol where similar laws do not exist to prohibit smoking.

It is illegal to drink under the age of 21 and drink and drive, whereas it is not illegal to smoke while driving.

Likewise, it is illegal to drink in public, and it is not illegal to smoke in public.

This is why alcohol is not being targeted, because laws have already been enacted to prevent abusing the substance, where not as many laws have been passed to prevent such abuse with smoking.

Raising the tax could inevitably stop people from smoking, which is one of the best things we can do for this world.

Smoking does not only endanger the

Hi-Line Poll represents 10 percent of the student body

lives of those who smoke, but also the lives of those surrounding them.

Second hand smoke kills nearly as many people a year as smoking alone.

Secondhand smoke causes approximately 3,400 lung cancer deaths and 22,700 to 69,600 heart disease deaths in adult nonsmokers in the United States every year.

Secondhand smoke is also responsible for 7,500 to 15,000 hospitalizations each year, 1,900 to 2,700 sudden infant death syndrome deaths in the United States and aggravates the symptoms of 400,000 to 1 million children with asthma.

Raising the tax on a pack of cigarettes a single dollar seems like nothing compared to those numbers, and the numbers of lives that could potentially be saved.

So it’s only logical to update nearly the only tax that is long overdue and should have been updated long ago. It’s time that the issue is raised to higher awareness, and if it takes taxing smokers, then I say do it.

Any step toward decreasing the smoke-related health issues for both smokers and nonsmokers everywhere is a step in the right direction.

Should the cigarette tax be raised in Iowa?

“I support raising it because it might put a damper on people quitting, but, realistically, I don’t see it changing anything.”

Senior Mike Thuesen

“No, because people are going to buy them anyway and it’s not the state’s job to determine whether or not people can smoke.”

Junior Jen Jacobson

“I support the raise because I’m against cigarettes and pollution. People may still buy them, but there may still be a lower amount bought.”

Sophomore Hassan Elahi

Tiger

H I-LINE Rolling into history The

SPORTS

Athleteeek W

Messerschmidt bowls 300 to lead men’s bowlers Josh Betts Sports Editor

A perfect game, the cycle, hitting .400 and a hat trick are all rare things in sports, but to bowl a 300, that’s even rarer.

But don’t tell that to Tiger senior men’s bowler Zach Messerschmidt.

In a meet on Dec. 15, 2006, against Dubuque Wahlert, Messerschmidt recorded the first 300 game in Tiger bowling history.

Messerschmidt, who has been a part of the Tiger men’s bowling team since his freshman year, averaged 195 per game this season, while leading the Tiger men’s bowlers to two victories.

Messerschmidt talked about his historic game.

“I made about two bad shots,” Messerschmidt said. “I didn’t get too many lucky breaks. Once I got to seven (strikes) in a row, I got a little nervous and antsy. I don’t remember much after that. It was really nerveracking.”

In each meet, there are a total of six bowlers — five bowlers (starters) who actually bowl and one alternate.

The five starters first bowl two games

individually. Then there are five games where each of the five starters bowl two frames, which is called Baker’s.

Messerschmidt said that the thought of a 300 game didn’t creep into his mind until the later parts of the match.

“The sixth frame it (the thought of the 300) creeped into my head, and I kind of got the idea of it,” Messerschmidt said.

Messerschimdt talked about what goes through his mind as he approaches the lane.

“The most important thing is to keep your speed and timing down,” Messerschmidt said. “(Also), to keep your eye on your target, keep your focus and have a good follow through.”

Messerschimdt attributes a lot of his personal success to his coach.

“I care, and I put lots of time and work in,” Messerschmidt said. “(Our coach) Diana Sidler, she loves the team and coaching. She does it for us, and

that’s important.”

Messerschmidt talked about what bowling the 300 meant to him, and

was a good time.”

Messerschmidt talked about the season.

“The season was dissapointing record wise,” Messerschimdt said.

“Coach (Sidler) was impressed how we did. Brad Bakula was a huge bowler; he was good all year long. Mike Huisman averaged about 185, and that was huge.

He’s one of the quickest improved bowlers I’ve ever seen.”

Messerschimdt talked about his historic final shot.

“I was extremely nervous,” Messerschmidt said of the final shot. “My whole team crowded around me.”

“That was a great feeling, and it kind of put a spark into us. When I released the ball, my nerves calmed immediately. When I released it, I was 99 percent sure it was a strike. It was one of the best shots I threw all game.”

“That was a great feeling, and it kind of put a spark into us. When I released the ball, my nerves calmed immediately. When I released it, I was 99 percent sure it was a strike. It was one of the best shots I threw all game.”

—Zach Messerschmidt Men’s bowler on his final strike in his 300 game how his team reacted when the last strike went down.

“It was huge,” Messerschmidt said of bowling the 300. “I had one last year in practice. It proved to me that I was good and could do it again.”

“It was an eruption like I’ve never seen before,” Messerschmidt said of his team’s reaction.

“I got mobbed on the approach. It

Team players: More than just scoring points Coach List shares characteristics of student athletes who are team-oriented Kristen Hammer Staff Writer

In the midst of a competitive, get ahead, success-oriented world, it is hard to find those people who are doing what they do for the good of everyone else. These people are critical to the victories of our high school sports teams.

“It is hard to be a team player today because so many people put emphasis on who is the leading scorer or rebounder, and there are many more essential factors that go in to being a team player and a well-rounded player.

Team players are more valuable than just a pure scorer because they do all the little things that make a team suc-

success of the team. It makes the team a winner,” List said.

The characteristics of a team player are valuable not only to the team they play for, but for that athlete on and off the court. Over and over again in life these virtues will bring prosperity. “ S o many things in athletics over —Dan List carry into the Women’s Basketball Coach real world; effort, intensity, hard work, but players often don’t get recognized.

Even though the fame and glory repeat- especially the concepts of putting the edly looks right over them, without success of a business or team ahead of your own individual statistics. If you these athletes, teams could not thrive.

“All successful teams will have do not have teamwork in a business, I more than one player who cares more do not think it will grow or be as sucabout the success of the team than his cessful as if you have all the individuor her own individual statistics. These als working for the common goal,” List players sacrifice personal glory for the said. cessful: rebounding, passing, ball handling, playing defense, etc.,” women’s basketball coach Dan List said.

When the fans are all cheering for the leading scorer and college drafts are focused on the team hot shots, team

“It is hard to be a team player today because so many people put emphasis on who is the leading scorer.”

Many athletes out for the good of their high school teams have gone on to the big leagues and can be found playing professional sports.

“Peyton Manning is not only a great role model but a team player. He would do whatever is necessary for his team to be successful. Jason Kidd leads the NBA in triple doubles, 10 or more points, rebounds, steals, blocks or assists. Albert Pujols for the St. Louis Cardinals is a power hitter who hits for high percentage, walks a lot, does not strike out and won a Gold Glove for defense,” List said.

As shown by the examples of our larger scale models, it is necessary to teams to have those players whose main priority is the success of the team as a whole. They may not be the athletes who scored the winning goal right as the buzzer went off, but they’d be the player who passed it to him.

“Remember, Ben Franklin said of the colonies during the fight for independence, ‘United we stand, departed we fall,” List said.

of the

Libby Schmadeke Women’s Bowling

Senior Libby Schmadeke has been a part of the women’s bowling team for two years now. To prepare for her meets, she rides the bus and relaxes while listening to music on her iPod. After high school, she plans to go to UNI and form an intramural bowling team.

1. How do you see the season going compared to last year?

The season went a lot better.

We had a lot better team, with key strong players on both girls and boys teams.

2. How do you celebrate after a win?

We eat at Culver’s!

3. What is your favorite part of bowling?

My favorite part is the team.

4. What Cedar Falls bowler do you look up to?

Rae Sires!

Tigers

Action

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Mens Basketball (13-9) lost against Waterloo East in Substate 3/1 @ Waterloo East Women’s Bowling competed at state meet 3/3 @ Des Moines Intramurals Volleyball tonight in the gym Next up: Volleyball 3/14 in the gym Dance Team All State Rehearsal @ Des Moines 3/93/10 Men’s Track ISU Indoor @ Ames 3/13 Women’s Track ISU Indoor @ Ames 3/12

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FEATURE Hit the road

Piggy Bank Pointers

to spring break fun within 200 miles of Cedar Falls

Teachers “spring into break” with fun ideas for the cash conscious student Nine days. No school. A student’s dream week, right?

But what can students do during spring break while keeping their piggy banks intact? Several CFHS teachers share their ideas of a fun, yet inexpensive spring break.

Most of English teacher Teresa Martin’s inexpensive spring break ideas include staying at home. “My girlfriends and I get together and have a tea party,” Martin said. “I’ll have the tea and sandwiches, and a friend brings chocolates. It’s a lot cheaper than going out.”

Martin also celebrates her birthday on March 13. “Every year I’ve been here I’ve had my birthday off since it’s during spring break,” Martin said.

Social studies teacher Charles Blair-Broeker enjoys leaving town for break. “We almost always leave town.

Last year we drove our 25-year-old son

This year, she and her husband will be staying closer to home. “Since we are expecting a child in July, we don’t want to travel too far!”

Locally, Jarchowsaid she enjoys the coffeeshops and recommends students check them out for a cheap thrill. “The coffee houses around here are great for a little break from everyday life,” Jarchow said.

“Cotonwood Canyon and Cup of Joe have live entertainment on several weeknights.”

Jarchow also suggests volunteering at a local church or shelter. “Altruism is a good thing!” Jarchow said.

Other inexpensive, local ideas teachers provided include renting movies, window-shopping in nearby towns, eating at a cheap restaurant you’ve never been to before or catching a matinee.

“Make sure you have some down time for yourselves,” math teacher Rich Strike added. “Rent some good movies that you have always wanted to see and just relax.”

March 15- Dope, A New Revolution, Silence Is Broken, A.D.D., & Kill the Witness (Reverb, 9 p.m., $15)

In Cedar Falls: March 9- Eddie Buzzard, Killpact, Leven, and Induced Coma (Reverb, 10 p.m., $6)

March 15- Antique Show (UNIDome, 4 p.m.)

March 11- Sports Show (UNI-Dome, 2 p.m.)

March 10- Every Other Thursday and The Atomic Blue (Reverb, 10 p.m., $5)

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Editor-in-Chief

to Georgia so he could start hiking the Appalachian Trail. He made it almost 2,000 miles before he gave up in Connecticut. Two years ago we went to Washington, DC.,” Blair-Broeker said.

This year, however, he and his wife will be staying in town working on their new house.

“We will spend most of the break staining woodwork,” Blair-Broeker said.

Back when Blair-Broeker was in high school, spring break wasn’t as big of a deal. “I think we only got a couple days, and since my dad didn’t have days off, I don’t think we went anywhere. By the time I was in high school, I probably just worked extra hours. Pretty boring, huh?”

Foreign language teacher Monica Jarchow enjoyed visiting large cites when she was in high school. We would visit larger cities like Minneapolis, Milwauke, Chicago or Omaha.

“Great museums and zoos!” Jarchow said.

March 11- Lenton Lunches (Orchard Hill Church, 11:45 a.m.

-12:30 p.m.)

In Ce d

Kirstin Riggs

In Cedar Falls:

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March 14- Battle of the Bands Olivia Schares Photo Round 2 (Reverb, 10 p.m., $5)

March 16- Kittie, Walls of Jericho, 36 Crazyfists, Dead to Fall, In This Moment (Reverb, 8 p.m., $25)

In Waterloo March 16- Waterloo Blackhawks vs. Ohio (7 p.m.- Young Arena)

In Dubuque:

March 12-17- Cedar Falls Mens Basketball Tournament

In Ames: March 13- Cedar Falls Mens Track Meet (ISU Indoor, 4:30 p.m.

In Sioux City March 11- Last Comic Standing- Ty Barnett, Chris Porter, and Josh Blue (Orpheum Theatre, 7p.m.)

March 17- Waterloo Blackhawks vs. Sioux Falls (7 p.m.Young Arena)

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March 9- Plain White T’s (House Of Bricks, 5 p.m., $15.50)

ate

In Des Moines:

March 16- Waterloo Center For The Arts- The Saddest Music In The World (Movie, 7 p.m.)

In W

March 18Thunderbirds Playoffs hockey game (2:05 p.m.- Five Flags Center)

March 9- Monster Truck Nationals (McElroy Auditorium, 7p.m.)

March 16- IOMA Pool Tournament- Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center

Information compiled by Alyssa Beckman