May 14, 2008 hi line

Tiger Hi-Line

Giving Back

The

Sophomores Brianna Glenn and Andy Weld smile and wave from a rooftop in Nuevo Progresso, Mexico, while building houses on a mission trip. For more examples of students bettering their communities and world through volunteering, see the story on the Feature page.

Volume 48 Edition 28 http://hi-lineonline.shorturl.com 1015 Division Street, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613

Select students will travel globe after recent efforts Writing workshop chooses sophomore “I’ve been writing short stories for years and years now, but the story plans far outSophomore Ben number the actual Sadkowski has been writings. My most selected to go to the recent writing is the Iowa Young Writer’s first chapter or so that Studio. This is a huge I had to write for the honor for only 60 out Young Writer’s Stuof hundreds of applidio. I’d been planning cants were selected to this book in my head join the session. for roughly two years, Gifted writers gathand I finally had the er from all around the perfect excuse to just world, creating a great go ahead and start Ben Sadkowski opportunity to share IYWS participant writing,” Sadkowski their work, practice the said. craft of writing and improve for their According to Sadkowski, writers bright futures. do not just write to entertain but beTo get accepted Sadkowski, who cause they love it. has been writing stories since he “I write because I love it! Writing could hold a pencil, had to write 10 has influenced people to do amazing pages of prose and submit the first things in history. Writing certainly chapter in his novel he is to work inspires me. Books can also strike on. deep emotional chords, and I find

Omeed Kashef Staff Writer

that really appealing. Writing for me is a form of something called flow. An activity that stretches your abilities and makes you happiest,” Sadkowski said.

However, just because writing brings joy to Sadkowski’s life does not mean all his stories end happily.

“I have a more noir style of writing. I’m not really into happy-golucky kinds of stories or teen dramas or any of that stuff. Try placing the movie Michael Clayton in a high school setting, and you’ve come closer. I like writing about kids close to my age because it’s easier to relate,” Sadkowski said.

So far the future looks good for the young writer’s quest to make it big in the innovative world of literature.

“Being a novel writer would be simply fantastic. The market can be pretty difficult at times, but I’m not going to let that stop me.”

World Food Prize selects CFHS senior biofuels in a country or region of my choice. In my paper, I proposed that the African country of Mali turn Senior Sarah Anto Jatropha seeds as a derson is leaving for an source of biofuel so internship to do agrithat the production of cultural research with fuel would not interBorlaug-Ruan in Beifere with the already jing, China, as a part limited food supply. of the Word Food Prize At the symposium, I Foundation. Anderson presented my paper in will leave June 6 and front of top researchwill not be returning ers in agriculture inuntil Aug. 4. She will cluding Nobel Peace conduct her research Prize Laureate Dr. Sarah Anderson at the Chinese AcadNorman Borlaug. On World Food Prize emy of Agricultural Scithe last day of the symrecipient ences (CAAS) Graduate posium, we listened to School. former interns describe their sumAnderson first heard about the mers and received applications if World Food Prize Foundation from we were interested. I had to fill out science teacher Jeff Hartman. the application, which included an She quickly found there was a lot essay, letters of recommendations of work with becoming an intern for and a transcript. Next, the top apthe organization. plicants were interviewed, and the “To qualify for this internship, I interns were selected from there,” had to participate in the World Food Anderson said.

Prize Youth Institute Oct. 18-20. For Anderson excited for her trip and the Institute, I had to write a paper has been ever since she heard about discussing the global challenges of her good news.

Arlene Freudenberg Staff Writer

“I have already had one vaccine, and I will need at least one more before I leave. The whole time I’m gone, I will take pills to prevent Malaria. I filed for a visa to China and received that a few days ago, so I can officially go there now. I have read lots of literature about China and Beijing, and I’ve read all the papers written by the past interns at CAAS at www.worldfoodprize.org.

I have attempted to learn Mandarin, but I haven’t had much success this far. I have orientation for the internship on May 8, so I will learn of all the other ways I need to prepare,” Anderson said.

Anderson plans on studying genetics at Iowa State, and the projects for her internship will help her because they are related to genetics.

“The neat thing about this internship is that I will not only be able to see the problems with agriculture in China, but I will also be able to do something to change things. Most other study abroad opportunities do not provide this kind of opportunity to work with graduate students and do actual research,” Anderson said.

Junior’s essay earns European trip Arlene Freudenberg Staff Writer

Junior Honor Heindl plans to leave for Europe this summer in the beginning of July for winning an essay contest.

Over 400 students submitted entries, but only 12 were picked.

“EF Tours, an organization for traveling students and teachers, had this essay contest where juniors and sophomores all over the U.S. and Canada could apply by writing a paper on a certain topic that they choose. They read through all the essays and pick their favorite 10 from the U.S. and two from Canada. Those students win a free 12-day tour trip to Europe,” Heindl said.

For the winning students, the educational tour will not just reward them for writing an excellent piece, but it is also a chance for the students to continue to lead by example as global citizens.

“I will be meeting everyone (going on the trip) in New York City, then we’ll travel on a 12-day trip touring Lucerne, Switzerland; Paris, France; Rome and Florence, Italy,” Heindl said.

Every year the organization picks a new topic. Fortunately for Heindl this year’s topic—describe how a shared experience with someone with another cultural background influenced both of you as global citizens—fit her perfectly.

“I was born and raised in Nepal where my parents were missionaries, and so I’ve been exposed to completely different cultures. My family absolutely loves to travel as well, so I’ve been (to) a lot of random places like Guatemala, England and Thailand. Growing up in Nepal, we were able to meet a lot of other missionary families who had come from all over the globe, so it’s really cool to have friends in Denmark, Canada, Australia, England, Ireland, etc. We became super close with one family in particular, the Lehanes, who live in England, and when we parted ways we were lucky enough to stay in close contact with each other throughout the years and have had the opportunity to visit them numerous times and vise versa. Their daughter, Jess Lehane, is one of my closest and oldest friends; our friendship was the focus of the essay I wrote because we really have influenced each other a great deal throughout the years,” Heindl said.

Submitted Photo

Avoiding England’s weather, junior Honor Heindl (on right) poses with her life-long friend who also served as inspiration for an essay that won Heindl a free trip to Europe this summer.

Like every other great piece, Heindl’s inspiration came from an experience that she will never forget.

“Last summer I got to travel to England for two weeks, and I spent one of them at this International Christian Bible Camp called Capernwray with Jess. It was one of those unforgettable, life-changing experiences to say the least. Not only was I completely surrounded by amazing British and Irish accents the entire week, but I also formed a lot of friendships with people I’ve been able to stay in contact with,” Heindl said.

Because of her first hand experience, Heindl found writing for the contest very exciting. “(It took me) a few nights (to write the paper) if you include proofreading and what not, I suppose. I was way stoked to write the paper, so it kind of flowed out of my fingertips and onto the keyboard; it was nice to take a little trip down memory lane,” Heindl said.

In the end, Heindl would like to give credit to her mom for making this contest known to her.

“My mom’s been a pretty amazing supporter and encourager as I’ve grown up.

As I begin to approach the end of my high school career, she’s gone kind of gung-ho on the whole college searching, scholarship opportunities, and other random contests, so I give her all the props for making this whole experience possible,” Heindl said.

Tiger Hi-Line The

OPIn n IO OPI IOnn

our view our view

Potential new cell phone regulations place unfare restrictions on students There is a plan being weighed by department heads that calls for strict guidelines surrounding cell phone use in school. If all goes according to plan, it will likely be passed sometime before school’s end, perhaps even within the next week.

The plan has a four-strikes-you’re-out policy. After a student is caught the first time, the phone is taken and returned at the end of the day. The second and third steps involve taking the phone to the office and contacting the parents/returning the phone to the parents.

The fourth incident, however, is much more dire. Students may be suspended or dropped from that class. Is that really the proper way to address this issue?

The guidelines themselves are strict, as well. The only places where cell phones will be allowed will be in the cafeteria and in the halls during passing time. From 8 to 3, the phones are fair game, and they will not be allowed at all in the library, ERC, MRC, locker rooms or restrooms. Students in release can use the phones in designated areas. The staff will not be liable for the phones after they are confiscated.

Now that the story is out in the open, let us start asking questions. The first: how will the rules be enforced? Teachers, as they should be, are far more occupied with educating us than playing phone police. Not to mention the undeniable fact that simply having this plan won’t help teachers find these phones.It is next to impossible to enforce this classroom ban.

Only in extremely rare cases do students get careless. If there are major repercussions, students will work harder to keep their phones concealed.

Teachers are hoping that this plan will be a deterrent; if anything, it has the potential to increase cell phone use.

There are a plethora of other reasons, as well. Parents who want to contact their kids during the day will not be able to. In order for the plan to be viable, exceptions will need to be built in, but they are noticeably absent at this time. How is it that some of our teachers can talk on their cell phones during class, but we can’t text during the day? This is a double standard that is not only unreasonable but also outrageous. Do teachers really have the right to exempt themselves from these rules?

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

Websites provide advice for college matchmaking The class of 2009 is beginning to look at colleges and technology today has some new resources that will help them out. There are multiple college match finders Maggie Devine available Staff Writer on the Internet, and I’ve picked the most helpful.

Collegeboard.com has a very pro-

ficient “College MatchMaker.” It uses several types of criteria: Type of School, Location, Majors, Cost & Financial Aid, Admissions, Sports & Activities, Housing & Programs and Specialized Options.

Although you have to become a member to see your options, it gives several colleges that match what you want and gives you access to find more about them.

Collegedata.com does the same thing as Collegeboard.com except faster and without membership. Although the criteria/preferences aren’t as in-depth, you still get many accurate colleges that you can easily find more about.

Princetonreview.com’s “CounselorO-Matic” is set up more like a quiz,

Many of the memories that I can still recall from preschool are those of Kindermusik, a program committed to bringing music to the lives of young children. I can still muster up magical scenes involving homemade instruments and bizarre listening exercises.

My comrades and I poured ourselves Donnie Simmet into the Staff Writer activities of Kindermusik with a complete absence of discretion.

Then, when I was about seven, I started piano lessons. Kindermusik contrasted sharply with my new musical experience. While I found the piano interesting, I fell short on the focus necessary to maintain practice.I played the trombone for the school band from fifth to seventh grade, but once again lack of discipline ended my musical endeavors.

The ennui that flowed from band practice was surely enough to drown out any sort of decent music. I learned

some basic guitar, but my motivation quickly faded. About this time, I started tickling the ivory on my own terms.

This was the beginning of a crescendo in my musical life.

Now, I sit down and the music flows out. I find myself completely immersed in whatever I am playing. Sometimes I do not even hear my mother when she calls my name to come eat supper or to help. I’ll be fixated on some fourchord swing sequence or perfecting the syncopation on a rhythm I just crafted.

Whatever I am creating, I am enjoying.

This is music in its most honest form, a moment of inspiration transformed into a style all of its own.

The local music scene has presented me with a wide range of decibels capturing this concept of honest music. Throughout my adolescence I attended small shows in basements, clubs, bars, and houses. By far, the most memorable venue was that of the FSU garage, lined with old mattresses, spray-painted foam, and dusty pillows it was a flammable exercise in soundproofing. Many bands passed through the FSU garage, a good many already aware of its reputation for mayhem. In the summer, bodies jam-packed the garage, people pouring sweat simply from standing in that unventilated inferno.

A majority of the bands were aligned more towards the raw, intense, loud

with a lot more in-depth questions and criteria.

You can get pretty nit-picky on this one, and it gives you really closely specified results, down to what instrument you may or may not play.

You can get your results without signing up, but if you want to save them, you have to join. P.S.: This one takes awhile.

There are many other sites that give you what types of colleges you’re fit for, but not specific colleges, like Sparknotes.com. Although you have to join on some of the sites, it’s usually not a big deal.

College Match quizzes don’t take an extreme amount of time and can be very helpful. College will be the best years of your life, so choose carefully!

Senior credits musical inclination

end of the spectrum. Eventually the police and fire marshal learned of the garage. They were not pleased. Now, a vacant strip mall rests on the site of this past wonder.

These experiences with the local music scene taught a valuable lesson that in music, anything can be done.

I witnessed people making beautiful music through vastly different ways.

As if their music was an extension of themselves, it would simply pour out in synchronization with their emotions and feelings.

I have come to realize that in music and in life it is necessary to transcend the rules, rituals, and frameworks, and to let things flow from within in order to create something that is meaningful and enjoyable.

I frequently find myself sitting down at the piano and immersing myself in music. It may not have the most pleasant sound, but after being exposed to several heavily hyped “noise” bands, I am sure that it must be something!

Sometimes I play when my schoolwork is getting the best of me or I need to sort out some ideas. Occasionally, the piano will say just the right things to orient me in the best direction. It is a reminder that you need not be good at something or have a rational reason to do it. You must have the willingness to pour your whole self into it.

Tiger Hi-Line The

SPORTS SPORTS Athlete Week

Racing to the Top,

of the

Track teams qualify 35 events for State Nadia Honary Staff Writer

Shelby Yokem Photo

Practising for CF Invitational at the C.F. Gun Club is Senior Eddy Coen.

Long trap season coming to an end Matt Hart Staff Writer

Even though the trapshooting team has had deal with the showers this spring, head coach David Grund said he is happy with the way the season has been going.

“The season has been going great. We have placed second and third in a couple of meets, and we’ve had some shooters win as top shooter in some meets,” he said The seniors have been stepping up and showing leadership this year. A couple of juniors and sophomores are stepping up as well.

“I am really enjoying this season.

It’s a great sport because you just go out and shoot,” junior shooter Clay Cornwell said.

Trapshooting is scored by shooting 25 clay targets at 16 yards. After that round, the shooter backs up to 19 yards for another round of 25. The shooters who hits the most targets wins.

The team practices at the C.F. Gun Club on Thursdays and Sundays between the hours of 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

“I really enjoy shooting with these guys. They are some of my good friends, so I really enjoy going to practice every day,” Cornwell said.

The team has had to deal with many different things this year and the length of the season is one of them.

“This is the first time that the season has went to the middle of May, usually it ends in April so this has been an adjustment for the kids and the coaches,” Grund said.

Their next meet is the Cedar Falls Invitational on Thursday, May 15 at the Cedar Falls Gun Club at 4 p.m. The end of the season championship is on Saturday at the same spot starting about noon.

The district meet for the men and women’s track and field was held on Friday, May 9 at the CF track. The men’s track team qualified for State in 17 events Friday, and the women won the District Team Championship for the fourth consecutive year.

Women’s head track coach Troy Becker is ecstatic with the results of the day.

“It was one of the best district meets we have ever had. We qualified 24 girls for the State meet including qualifiers in 18 of 19 events. We also double qualified in the long jump, discus and 100 m. hurdles,” Becker said.

There were very positive surprises during Districts on Friday.

“We had a lot of great performances including all of our field event athletes getting personal records in their events.

Shawn Shaddox set a new school record in the 400 m. hurdles, and Leah Blanchard had two lifetime best performances in her events. It’s a lot of fun to see seniors running their best performances ever in their last year,” Becker said.

Preparation for State will mostly be about having fun and keeping the energy up.

“We are going to try and fine tune a few things and get rested. The training is in the books. Now it’s time to just go out and have fun and see what we can do,” Becker said.

Team unity is a key ingredient for success, and the girls have certainly proved that.

“The district meet was a great example of the girls coming together. We had some key injuries that forced some people to step up for the team. In every case the athletes came through for their teammates and team,” Becker said.

Senior Faith Burt, who qualified for State in four events, said she is happy about the days’ results.

“I felt good about the results that I got at Districts. They let me know where I stand in order to reach my goals at State,” Burt said.

Burt ran strong on Friday, beating a personal best at Districts.

“In the 4x200. I split a 24.1, beating my split of a 24.3 last year at State. I’m very excited about that. I’m ready to

Jasmine Singh Junior Tennis

Junior Jasmine Singh, who is still battling for the number one spot on the varsity spot has been playing tennis for seven years continuously.

Jasmine will be playing a lot of United States Tennis League tournaments this summer and will continue to take lessons all year around.

1

2 Mercedes Larson Photos

1. In a qualifying effort for State, sophomore Carrie Panther is tossing the discus in the district track meet that was hosted by Cedar Falls on Friday, May 9. 2. Sophomore Jacob Tayloe brought in his share of the state-qualifying 4x800 team on Friday too. Other 4x800 members including alternates are junior Jay Brummel, senior Drew Poland, junior Jordan Velasquez, senior Tim Scholle and senior Alex Mark. run fast at State now,” Burt said.

This year, Burt faced Gretchen Lamar of Des Moines Hoover.

“This year at Drake, I beat her. She got fifth. It feels really good since she beat me last year,” Burt said.

Burt has set strong goals for herself at the state meet.

“My goal is to get four golds—the 100, 200, 4x100 and 4x200. I want to run an 11-something F.A.T in the 100 and a low 24 or high 23 in the 200 open,” Burt said.

Senior Shawn Shaddox also qualified for State in four events.

One of Shaddox’s events is the 400 meter hurdles, an event she has not done before this year.

“I’m excited to do something different, but it was really nerve racking.

I just wanted to see where I stood in

the State. The more I did it, the more I became comfortable with it, and it turned out to be a really fun race for me,” Shaddox said.

Senior Michael Streicher, who qualified for State in the 3,200 meters, said the meet went well for him.

“I’m pleased with how I did. I got out strong and asserted myself the rest of the way. The strong start made the rest of the race easy. My time was 9:59, and my personal best is 9:51. Hopefully at State, I’ll run faster,” Streicher said.

Streicher has a few goals for himself at State.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to score a point at State. I want to get at least 8th at State,” Streicher said.

The coed state track meet will be from Thursday, May 15 through May 17 at Des Moines.

1.) What is your favorite memory about tennis?

My favorite memory about tennis is going to the Luther tennis camp two summers ago. I played for eight hours in a row for five days straight. Even though I had a bajillion blisters on my foot and got really sore, it was worth it because I got a lot better and met a lot of great tennis players.

2.) What is the hardest part about tennis?

The hardest part about tennis is keeping your endurance going through the matches. Matches during meets are 10 game pro sets, which means you play until someone gets 10 first.

3.) What are your college plans for tennis?

Yes, I do want to play in college.

Tigers in Action

Women’s Track Next up: Coed State Track Meet 5/15-17 (Des Moines @ TBA) Men’s Track Next up: Coed State Track Meet 5/15-17 (Des Moines @ TBA) Women’s Soccer Next up: Waterloo East 5/15 (Home @ 6 p.m.)

Men’s Soccer Next up: Sub State 5/20 & 22 (Home @ TBA) Women’s Tennis Next up: Regionals 5/15 (TBA @ TBA) Men’s Tennis Next up: Team Substate 5/17 (TBA @ TBA) Women’s Golf Next up: 4A Regional Meet 5/19 (TBA @ TBA) Trap Shooting Next up: CF Invitational 5/15 (CF Gun Club @ 4 p.m.)

Tiger Hi-Line The

FEATURE FEATURE

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead

Working for

Students feel the impact of their volunteerism feeding the birds because they are always happy to see him,” Jones said.

Stories like this one, Jones now Good grades. Check. Class presishares with his friends and family. Stodent. Check. Varsity athlete. Check. ries like these are what move students You’re applying for colleges, and to keep volunteering. Whether or not you think you’ve got everything you students begin with the sole purpose need to make admission officers send of having something to write on an apyou an acceptance letter without a secplication, the stories, the moments that ond glance. Check again. touch hearts, in a way that Admission to college only selfless service is becoming increasingly can, quickly replace I always feel happy that I have potentially competitive, and not only helped to better someone’s life and that I am any other motive. is traditional academic Petersen found helping a worthy cause to operate. criteria considered, but that in helping out involvement in a comat World’s Window, munity throughout high —Kellie Petersen she got just as much school carries a heavy Junior emotional satisfacweight. tion as she was trying Volunteer work shows to give in a more subcompassion and generosity and sticks a predominantly white, middle class stantial way to those around the world. out like hot pink print amidst a sea of neighborhood to the sketchiest, highly “I always feel happy that I have poblack and white applications. diversified area of San Francisco no- tentially helped to better someone’s life Many CFHS students are getting torious for drug sales, homelessness, and that I am helping a worthy cause the message and signing up for mission crime and prostitution. to operate. I also think it helps me aptrips, working without pay at non-profit Jones handed out sack lunches and preciate all that I have more,” Petersen businesses and giving their time to soup ate with the homeless during the day, said. kitchens, homeless shelters, etc.

Jones found that serving the homeand when the sun went down and the One junior, Kellie Petersen, has infamous night life erupted, he took to less didn’t just meet the needs of the been working since she was a sopho- handing out hot chocolate to passer- people he encountered on the street, more at Main Street’s World’s Window, by. but it was a powerful way for him to a fair trade shop that sells the arts and On one particular day, he and his connect spiritually in an atmosphere crafts of men and women trying to sup- fellow volunteers had to be “home- focused on spreading God’s love. port families in developing nations.

“I was feeling like my God cup was less.” They were awakened early in the Shoppers buy the various jewelry, morning and kicked out of the building empty, and this trip filled it up and even pottery, baskets and sculptures, and the by their staff and told not to return till made it overflow. I loved it,” Jones majority of the profit returns to the ar- the following evening. said. tisans.

Jones and Petersen realized the say“We were only given enough money “I usually volunteer one or two Sat- for a bus fair and had to survive on that ing “What goes around comes around” urdays a month. I help customers and for the day. For breakfast we went to the is true. run the cash register, but sometimes I farmers’ market and ate samples. Then In helping the homeless and the clean too,” Petersen said. we walked around a lot. For lunch we impoverished around the world, they As many students as there are who had to stand in line at the soup kitchen experienced a natural high and discovvolunteer locally, just as many give for an hour and a half.” ered that people are capable of thriving their time to humanitarian projects Free from the tight schedule that in an atmosphere of selfless service. around the nation. Recently, in fact, money often binds them to, Jones’s With so many opportunities to better kids were flown or bused over spring group spent their afternoon of “home- one self that could easily overshadow break to New Orleans; Philadelphia; lessness” with a man they met at the any fragment of generosity, the fact God’s Mountain’s, Mo; Dallas and soup kitchen. that students and the adults they evenSan Francisco to serve in a variety of “We met a guy named Mike, and we tually become have an instinct to give ways. spent the rest of the day with him. He is, quite possibly, a miracle of the huTeams of kids pulled together to told us his favorite part of each day was man race.

Kristen Hammer Opinion Editor

build homes, bag groceries, aid in the Katrina relief and reach out to the homeless populations emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Sam Jones, a junior, was one of those who spent the week in the Tenderloin of San Francisco.

Being born and raised in Cedar Falls, within hours Jones went from

Courtesy Photos Clockwise starting top left: Brianna Glenn, Andy Weld, Jenny Rogers, Ellen Wrede, Cady Trask, Kevin Hancock, Arthur Burle, Sam Jones, Mark Iehl, Elsa Jehle, Haley Patterson, Kara Fisher, Sara Thompson, Moslina and Erin Hagen