The
Tiger HI-LINE
Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012
Volume 53 Edition 11
Laptop Invasion Students bring their laptops to school to get work done/page 3 Follow us on Twitter @ tigerhiline, Facebook at TigerHilineOnline and on our website at www.hiline.cfschools.org
Student survey displays what is most important, future employees According to a recent survey of 117 students, 60 percent of CFHS students consider personal interest the most important thing when about to choose a career. “I just rather [would] do something I really like. I don’t really care if I am not going to make a huge movie, and I will never make a lot of money. I just want to get my movies and my ideas out there to the world. And scare people,” junior Carrsan Morrissey said. He intends to go to college to help him prepare for a career in the horror films industry. Senior Cody Bredman agreed. “I’d rather have fun at work and be poor than hate my job and be rich,” he said. Junior Baily Chekal said he thinks that having time for her personal life is also a deciding factor. “I eventually want kids, and I want to be able to spend time with them, do fun things and go on vacation.” She also said that her family’s opinion counts. “It doesn’t bother me as much, but I would like them
to approve what I am going to do,” Chekal said. 53 percent of students indicated that they care less than 5, in a scale from 0 to 10 (10 being the highest), for their family’s opinion. “My family’s opinion doesn’t really influence me, but they support me, which helps out,” junior Dilyn McDermott said. He wants to be involved in culinary arts and said that at the same time he wants to enjoy his job and make a good living as well. Opportunity for growth is another point that students care about. “If you can’t improve your job, make more money and work your way up, you probably are not choosing a good job. You probably won’t enjoy your job, and it is not how an American goes through on choosing a job and making a living,” junior Zach Worthington said. To make it easier to figure out a pathway, Cedar Falls High School offers help to its students through “I Have A Plan Iowa.” It is a website with
Sophomores Juniors Personal Interest 8.7 8.8 Salary 7.9 8.2 Location 5.9 6.5 Family’s Opinion 4.6 5.1 Growth 6.5 7.4 Personal Time 7.0 7.5
Seniors 8.5 9.0 6.5 4.4 6.9 6.9
On a zero through 10 scale (10 being the highest), students were asked how important each of the following factors were in deciding on a career. The averages are listed above. lots of information about different careers, what they are about, where professional areas fit, how profitable they are and more. Having an account there allows students to take quizzes that determine their interests and goals and gather all the information they need. It gives options of careers that match their personalities. Susan Langan, counselor at
Cedar Falls High School, believes that career exploring is very important, not only for the students, but also to the counselors. “We try to be proactive, working with the students in a guide way to give them some foundation,” Langan said. She agreed that it is crucial for the students to know themselves, so they can be involved in things related to what they
like, what they are good at and what kind of life they want to have. “We don’t expect kids to know exactly what they want to do after high school, but we expect that they at least do some exploring and have ideas about what areas they want to go into,” Langan said. By Staff Writer Ana
CUNHA
CD of student composed music in the making Leaders’ goal: have as many students participate as possible When looking at ALPHA projects in the springtime, a wide variety of creativity is spread throughout the ALPHA fair. From science research to students displaying their newfound instrumental abilities: there’s something for everyone. This year, seniors Jessie Hoffman and McKenzie Sesterhenn are creating a project that will involve students from throughout the whole school. Hoffman is enthusiastic about her project, but she is eagerly looking for more students to participate. “We, CF students, are making an album of songs composed, written and performed by CFHS students. The main leaders are me and McKenzie Sesterhenn. We have a good group so far, but we definitely need more
people,” Hoffman said. Sesterhenn brings years of musical experience and talent to the table for this unique project. “I wrote a song called one step forward, two steps back. It’s about how we are moving so fast in life and how it all goes by so fast. What we really need to do is take a couple steps back so we don’t miss what’s going on around us,” Sesterhenn said. Sesterhenn has been writing music for years, and with this song, she’ll be able to add to her collection of original com-
positions. “I’ve written about 15 songs, but this is my most recent. I’m also working on a song right now. I don’t know what it will be called. It’s based off of the Bible verse Proverbs 3:6, ‘Trust in the Lord with all Senior Jessie your heart … and he will make your path straight.’ I’m writing it on my acoustic guitar, and I’m really excited. I wrote two different guitar parts so when they’re put together it sounds really cool,” Sesterhenn said. While Sesterhenn has lots
“A lot of ALPHA students are participating, but we are looking for more people.”
HOFFMAN
of experience under her belt, as far as talent goes, students do not necessarily have to be musically talented to participate with this project. “Even if you aren’t musically inclined, but you are a writer, you can do something with that,” Hoffman said. Hoffman is looking for more diversity and people to be involved within the school. “A lot of ALPHA students are participating, but we are looking for more people.” Among the students already planning on participating is a junior from band. “Kelli Dekutowski is in our group,” Hoffman said. Many people may recognize Dekutowski as a French horn player in the symphonic band at the high school. This project isn’t just last-
ing a few weeks or months, but it is a long-term project over the course of this school year. “We are going to be having periodic meetings throughout the year to collaborate ideas, help each other out, and it’s also supposed to be a bonding experience so people from all over the school can come together and get to know each other better,” Hoffman said. CFHS choir teacher Eliott Kranz is also involved, as a mentor, if participants need help. If students are interested, they should contact Jessie Hoffman via email at jessie_ hoffman@ymail.com. The first meeting is on Dec. 3. By Staff Writer Amanda
HARWOOD
2
The
OPINION Our View
Producing time Fire up for second Tiger Film Festival
Last year was the first ever Tiger Film Festival. Over a dozen films were displayed to an excited audience. The setup was complete with dazzling emcees, sparkling decorations, sleek awards and a successful balloon drop. This year, the second Tiger Film Festival will be held April 15. Films must be submitted by March 25 to a panel of judges who will select the best ones for display at the event. So, directors, actors, aspiring cameramen and women, there are just four short months until deadline. There are scripts to be written and auditions to be held. Films must be a minimum of 30 seconds in length to a maximum of 15 minutes. They will be judged on the delivery of the message, use of technology, creativity and approach in delivering the message and overall impression. Last year’s submissions ranged from a documentary on training a beloved dog to perform tricks, to a foreign film produced by a German class, to creative music videos. Even if you aren’t interested in submitting a video, the Film Festival Committee would love to have you help plan the event. You can contact Anna Love, Maya Amjadi or social studies teacher Chad Van Cleve to find out about meeting times. Whether you are interested in helping behind the scenes or participating by appearing on screen, your involvement will be appreciated in the spring when audience members will be in for quite the thrill. The Tiger Film Festival is a really neat experience because it is something everyone can participate in, despite their different talents. In movie making and producing, there is something for everyone. Last year, many students were featured and many even highlighted their hard work or unbelievable commitment. It is a night where people are brought together through laughs and tears. Make sure to mark the date and get started on putting a film together with friends.
Contact Us The Tiger Hi-Line is a weekly publication of the journalism classes at Cedar Falls High School, 1015 Division Street, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613. Our website is www.hiline.cfschools.org. The Hi-Line is distributed to CFHS students on Tuesdays to read during their RCTs fourth period. Columns and letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hi-Line staff or Cedar Falls Schools. The Hi-Line editorial is presented weekly in the editorial labeled Our View, and it is the view of the majority of the editors listed below. 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 in the following Tuesday edition. Letters may not exceed 300 words and may be edited to meet space limitations. Writers should include their contact information for verification. Editor-in-Chief: Maya Amjadi News Editor: Katherine Mayhew Opinion Editor: Maya Amjadi Sports Editor: Jared Hylton Feature Editor: Sandra Omari-Boateng Entertainment Editor: Lindsey Davis Hi-Line Online Editor: Martha Hall Staff Writers: Ana Cunha, Amanda Harwood, Linne Hoofnagle, Karley Izer, Alyssa Jensen, Maddie Kemp, Lauren Nickerson, Quinn Stabenow, Liam Tate
Tiger
Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012
HI-LINE
Give Thanksgiving a chance November holiday deserves just as much attention as the other commercialized celebrations On the first day of Thanksgiving my true love gave to me ... Hold up, that’s not exactly right, is it? In a year, there’s exactly five commercialized, wonderfully excitable holidays: Halloween, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Easter and the Fourth of July. If one has two eyes that are working up to par, one will realize that I left out the holiday of Thanksgiving. However, that’s perfectly acceptable since nearly everyone leaves this holiday out. First is a holiday that many find excitement in, children especially, although teenagers and college kids do tend to enjoy the costumes and parties that come with it. Just watch Mean Girls, and you’ll get what I mean. This holiday is the chilling festival of Halloween. Outside, you’ll see ghosts hanging in the trees (usually just torn sheets), scarecrows that seem to be straight out of Children of the Corn and I’ve even seen fog machines spraying silvery white fog all over the trimmed lawns. People hand candy out to children (don’t worry, this candy is usually safe and won’t lure children into a kidnapper’s van), and costume parties that erupt throughout streets. Then it’s the season of merry wishes and good tidings. (Though now it’s all about the gifts and iPhones that everyone must have to complete their lives.) This deep, giving season is Christmas, nearly everyone’s favorite of them all. On this holiday, one will see cheesy decorations filling lawns. There’s dogs and cats reluctantly dressed in red fabric with a white trim coat and reindeer ears placed atop their furry little heads. “Jingle Bell Rock” plays during a school’s talent show (another Mean Girls reference) and kids scour their houses to get a super special sneak peek at their Christmas gifts. The next holiday is New Year’s Eve. One has to wonder what this holiday even is. All I know is that people throw parties. It’s a national holiday, a ball drops when the clock strikes twelve (like Cinderella except for no one turns back into a poor peasant girl) and people eat each other’s faces
the holiday everyone seems to forget as it’s never commercialized, is the lonely holiday of Thanksgiving. It’s a tragedy, really, as Thanksgiving is something that anyone can celebrate. There’s no religion attached, no giving necessary (thank goodness for that) and rarely any money spent except for on food. Thanksgiving also has a fascinating history behind it (though that might just be me that thinks so). In 1863, after the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln declared that Thanksgiving should be a national holiday, so it could sew the torn Katherine Mayhew Cartoon country together once more. It was in 1941 Turkminista, the new when Congress proThanksgiving mascot, aims to claimed that Thanksbring the commercial potential of giving would fall on Thanksgiving up to par with the others. the fourth Thursday in November each year. Thus Thanksgiving bein what they think is a romancame a national holiday. tic gesture. If you ask me, this This holiday used to be very holiday is rather pointless. It important to American culture appears to be important to (however, so did the value of some people, though. Another holiday is Easter. children only speaking when being spoken to and women This holiday holds importance to nearly every family every- being the “perfect housewives.”) Children would get where. Children bounce with school off (though only two joy for this holiday. After all, it days), and families would gathcelebrates the resurrection of er round the huge dining room Jesus. That’s not what they’re table with steaming turkey, excited for though. No, they’re stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumped for a giant bunny (kind of creepy if one thinks an assortment of other foods. about it too much) to sneak One mustn’t forget the apple pie, an American delicacy, of into their home (how does the bunny even get into some- course. This lovely picture of a nice one’s home?) and place eggs Thanksgiving is quite ruined by all throughout the house. It’s Black Friday that very night, in funny that children don’t even which people forget all about realize the eggs are plastic and that bunnies don’t lay plastic Thanksgiving and raid stores, finding Christmas gifts for their eggs. The last main holiday is the loved ones. Now, with stomFourth of July. This actually has achs full of food and lazy talk flittering around the room, some history behind it relating your Aunt Petunia, along with to America’s freedom in 1776. your other family members, Fireworks burst across the throw away the lazy talk, hastily night sky, scaring children and romancing a couple’s night. grab their wallets and dash out While most single, nonsocial the door. Once again, Thanksgiving folk, however, sit in a car, eatis put on the front burner (as ing comfort food, all the while dressed in comfortable sweat- stuffing is already put on the pants. If they’re feeling espe- back burner) for another holiday. cially cozy, though, they might Staff Writer Alyssa even wear their pajamas. JENSEN And the sixth holiday,
The
Tiger
HI-LINE
Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012
FEATURE
3
Students make a switch from paper
More and more students start to utilize oppurtunities to bring and use their laptops during school day
Technology is already a big part of most of students’ lives, but now we’re bringing it to the classrooms. Most colleges already allow computers and tablets in their classrooms, but lately CFHS students are starting to catch up and get prepared for college life by bringing their laptops to school too. There are many different reasons people are beginning to bring laptops to school, not just because of their convenience, but for many practical reasons. “I started bringing my laptop to school last year so I could work on a program called Autodesk for my Intro to Engineering class. It was just easier and faster on my computer, and I didn’t have to keep all my files on a flash drive or the school server, which can only hold so much,” senior Michael Bowden said. “It’s more convenient and always available so I can use it wherever I want. I have a writing class this year, so I need it to type a lot,” senior Margarita Meza said. Students with their own computers in class is very recent, so not many have caught on, and it’s also a new thing for teachers, but they are showing up more when students have down time to actually study and have free time. “I haven’t pulled my laptop out during a class during an assignment time yet because laptops are still new and awkward because of their size. Things like an iPads and laptops would be a great tool. You can use them to look up important information without even going to the library. You can start typing papers in class instead of waiting to go home and do it. It would be cool if some day everyone in class could take notes
Photo by Sandra Omari-Boateng
Sophomore Malcolm Musoni and senior Margarita Meza use their laptops in class instead of using paper to take traditional notes on a computer or an iPad. I haven’t asked to use it in class yet, but I think that would be really nice for big note taking days. I could save all my files for a certain class to a folder and print out the notes at my house then put it in my binder for that class. Plus it wouldn’t get thrown out or misplaced since it would be saved on my computer,” Bowden said. With every helpful thing there are always cons, especially if it’s something new that hasn’t entirely been accommodated for. “Laptops are big, and mine usually
takes up most of my desk, so I don’t really have room for my papers or anything,” senior Amity Beiner said. Some are hoping that one day, technology tools will be part of the curriculum. “I think they should be provided because we are living in a world where technology is the latest trend. Kids wouldn’t resort to cell phones and such, and there would be ways to monitor them if the school could provide them. Problem is that we are a huge school, and it is hard to get grants for 1,200 kids,” Meza said.
No matter what the downsides are, there seems to be a consensus on the usefulness of more technology at school. “I think students should use laptops more because I think it’s easier to take notes with and everyone’s already used to them. An iPad/tablet would be a good choice too. It’s really nice if you need something right away. It’s more convenient than going somewhere else to use a computer,” Beiner said. “It’s beneficial because it allows me to use it as I please, and I don’t have to use the school’s slow computer, and it already has all of my files there available for me,” Meza said. “During my free time, I like to make music on the computer, so when I find free time I usually just do that to keep myself busy,” Bowden said. As this trend escalates, everyone is getting more accustomed to them and more and more people are starting to realize their usefulness. “There a great tool for students and can definitely help them but could serve as a distraction for some students. I think students should bring bring laptops/iPads to school. I would encourage it for class use,” Bowden said. “Yes, I’ll continue to bring mine all year long. I think kids who have them should also bring theirs. It would be very beneficial for them,” Meza said. “I think it’s a good idea because it’s so much easier to have whenever you need it and also because it’s easier and faster than writing notes on a piece of paper. I definitely encourage more students to bring them,” Beiner said. Feature Editor Sandra
OMARI-BOATENG
Sculptures grasp school’s attention Inspiration to create something with a powerful message can come from all different angles. Through sculpting, students have been able to share their messages through strange and slightly creepy human-like figures. Sculpting teacher Andrew McCormick’s main goal is to get people to appreciate contemporary art. As he had put it, “People need to know that not all great artists are old dead guys.” Mark Jemkems is one of these contemporary artists that made McCormick want to teach his students. He is known for his random human sculptures placed in peculiar places. By using actual dimensions of the student’s own bodies, McCormick’s proteges used plastic wrap to create their masterpieces. By wrapping the wrap around a certain body part and taping it with clear tape, they were able to create realistic
body sizes. Then, proceeding to cut off the piece with scissors and taping it back together, the students were able to slowly and gradually put together their person. Student artist Marissa Nunez said, “It is really time consuming, but in the end it’s pretty sweet and awesome. We are really excited to see it come all together.” She said she hopes the product will be worth it. “It is really satisfying to see how this body can come together from just using plastic. After the students have finished their projects, they will be placing them around the school. A group has already set theirs up in the guidance hallway. Screams were heard up and down the hallway when this girl with pigtails and sweats was discovered hanging from the duct work upside down, fooling many people that she was a real human.
“I think that the students responded really well to this project. From my vantage point I think they definitely did, and getting their reactions was really good. It wasn’t as time consuming as I thought and this project was a good follow up to our next project, which will be full body abstract structures using plaster,” McCormick said. Not only did this project get them ready for the coming project, it gave them the opportunity to indulge in really freaking people out. Like the sculpture from last year that used to hang up in the cafeteria and is currently sitting on top of the pop machines, these current sculptures will be in crazy places. “All of the sculptures have a destination, but we want to keep them hidden so people will have the full effect of discovering them scattered around,” Mc-
Cormick said. Even if the final product is amazing, there are always challenges along the way. “I am satisfied with the results, but the head was a little tricky. Cutting it was a little difficult, and we just ended up using styrofoam after the failed attempts. Also, making the sculptures structualary what they wanted them to look like was hard, but it was a good challenge,” McCormick said. Nunez said making her sculpture her sculpture was challenging, but worth it. “There was a lot of hard things. Getting the right angles for the body parts, getting the correct positions. and taping the body parts too tight was also an issue we had to deal with.” Staff Writer Karly
IZER
4 Fall sports recap SPORTS
Football
The football team was knocked out of the playoffs by Cedar Rapids Xavier in the semifinals. Cedar Falls finished the year with a 11-2 record. Next season the Tigers return key starters in Ross Pierscbacher, Jared Farley and Gabe Clark.
Anna Love photo
Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012
The
Tiger
HI-LINE Athlete of the
Week
Men’s Golf
Volleyball
The volleyball team fell just one game short of qualifying for State. They dropped a game to Johnston in the Roundhouse 3-1. Finishing with a record 28-11, next year’s team looks to build off the momentum from this season. The Tigers return numerous key starters. Including all-stater Kaz Brown, who is looking forward to her fourth year of varsity volleyball.
Cedar Falls’ Jared Deines was the lone golfer to qualify for State under new Head Coach Dan Hensing. This marks the third consecutive year the junior has qualified. The Tigers look forward to returning Deines and a few more to the State tournament next season.
Richard Lam Dance
Senior Richard Lam got fifth place at the State Dance Solo Competition for his routine choreographed to “As Long As You Love Me” by Justin Bieber. He and senior Raud Kashef were one of three guys at the State Solo Competition.
Alex Wiedenbacher photo
Junior Jared Farley doesn’t even need his helmet to record a sack.
Women’s XC
Seniors Allison Gregg and Brianna King backpacked the Tigers to State. After finishing second at the MVC Divisional Meet with 56 team points the Tigers finished 12th overall, scoring 243 points. Gregg has decided to follow in James Harrington’s footsteps and take her talents to Tuscaloosa, Ala., and run for the Crimson Tide next season.
Junior Kaz Brown goes up to record one of her many blocks this season.
Autumn Timm photo
Junior Zach Vonderhaar hopes to be a top contributor to next year’s golf team.
Men’s XC Women’s Swimming
The Tigers took second at the MVC divisional meet, and then turned around and grabbed ninth at State scoring 224 team points. Two runners made second team All-State, including senior Jaime Zarate and junior Timothy Sevcik. “[Jaime] Zarate ran a new school record and Timothy Sevcik set a new junior record. The attitude on the team this year was outstanding and I think we really improved over the season,” coach Don Williams said.
The Tiger swim team had another successful season under the leadershipo of head coach Dick Marcussen. The swim team swept their way through the MVC and Regionals. At State, the Tigers notched themselves a first-place finish, falling just 15.5 points short of West Des Moines Dowling who took fourth place.
What was it like being one of three guys at the Solo Competition? It felt pretty cool. Not a lot of people have the courage to dance and compete against girls. What were you hoping to accomplish going into State? I just wanted to perform and get my name out there. What did the girls from other teams at the Solo Competition think? They thought I did amazing. They’ve never really seen popping in real life. They thought it was strange; they’ve never seen guys like me and Raud Kashef go and dance to hip-hop. If you could be one animal what would it be? A dragon. It respresents my dad.
Tigers in
Action
Men’s Basketball (0-0)
Next up: Decorah on Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. at home
Women’s Basketball (0-0)
Next up: Jamboree on Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Waterloo East
Wrestling (0-0)
Grecia Diaz photo
Junior Catherine Sells finishes third in the 400 meter Free Relay Finals. Costica Hendrickson-Axinte photo
Senior Allison Gregg was ranked in the top 10 throughout the season.
Bowling (0-0)
Next up: CR Kennedy on Nov. 30 at 3:45 p.m. at Valley Park Lanes
Men’s Swimming (0-0)
Costica Hendrickson-Axinte photos
Senior Jaime Zarate’s return was crucial for the Tiger’s success this season.
Next up: Waterloo West and Dubuque Hempstead on Nov. 29 at 5:30 p.m. at Waterloo West
Compiled by staff writer Maddie
KEMP
Next up: Dubuque Hempstead on Nov. 20 at home