Hoover Challenger - Issue 1

Ch a l l e n g e r Herbert Hoover High School

Vol. 48 Issue 1

October 27, 2015

Des Moines, Iowa

HooverChallenger.com

PERSPECTIVES

2

Editor’s Corner

School in Review

Perspective pondering Editor in Chief gives opinion on perspectives - the theme of this issue

By Lily Smith Co-Editor in Chief I’ll maintain my opinions and complain

I can’t lie. I hate having to look at other people’s perspectives when I make decisions that affect more than just me. I’m a relatively self-centered person, even if I don’t come off that way. I probably do, but that’s beside the point.

Recently, I made a decision that required me to look at the situation from another perspective and I didn’t immediately. Because I didn’t want to.

Even now, I still don’t want to.

I want everything in my life to go the exact way I want it to. Don’t we all? But you can’t, and I can’t.

Even after I changed my perspective though, I still think I’m right, even if there is a million reasons why I’m not.

8

when I can.

But while the outside me is moaning and groaning, my conscience actually makes me feel bad for what I’ve done.

I judged a situation too quickly and may have damaged a relationship in the process.

The important thing to learn in my weird and vague story is that perspective is so important because the way you look at things is as important to you as someone else’s perspective is to them. So for you to judge your perspective as the most important one is opening yourself up to conflict with your peers. Which isn’t what you want, unless you just like drama. Then just keep doing what you’re doing and forget I ever said anything.

things I love and hate about fall

Urbina Photo Sophomores Thao Larsen and Ava Torres partner up on twin day during Homecoming Week.

Clark Photo Senior Dominic Marschel moves around a Ankeny Centennial defender.

Editors in chief Ajla Selimovic Lily Smith Managing Editor Emily Davis Sports Editor Colby Williams Online Editor Seherzada Salkanovic Fashion Editor Allison Wilkerson Staff Melonie Chipp Ariadna Delgado Ruiz Rylin Kleese Jonathan Le Brett Norris Emma O’Neal Flor Rodriguez-Torres Jocelyn Rosas Andre Wadsworth Adviser Sarah Hamilton sarah.hamilton@dmschools.org

Principal Cindy Flesh Printer Wilcox Printing

By Ajla Selimovic Co-Editor in Chief

Cute fall dates Snuggling with a loved one is not the only fun fall activity you can do. This is the perfect season to go to pumpkin patches, watch scary movies and go trick-ortreating together!

Sweater weather It’s finally that time of the year to bring out the sweaters, scarves and plaid jackets! Fall fashion is always cute and warm—see page 8 for Allie’s top fashion fads.

Football Friday Nights Fall football season is in full swing…spend your Friday nights cheering for your favorite team with a friend!

No longer bugged All the bugs go back to the underworld where they belong.

Back to school Hopefully we’ve all had a full and fun summer, but now it’s back to waking up early and dealing with classes and homework.

Allergies If you’re a seasonal sufferer, pollen is out to make your fall less fun. Start early with allergy treatments and keep up with good hygiene.

Falling back into daylight savings If you’re an early riser, you’ll enjoy an earlier sunrise and sunset. But for those of us that prefer afternoon activities outside of the house, we’ll have to adjust to this undesired darkness as we head into winter.

Holiday Shopping Halloween season is bracing us for the beginning of Christmas season. This means the annoying holiday shopping craze is spinning into full effect on November 1.

2015-16 ad rates 1/16 page (2.5” x 2.75”) $25 1/8 page (5” x 2.75”) $45 1/4 page (5” x 5.75”) $75 1/2 page (10” x 5.75”) $125 Full page (10” x 11.75”) $250 Smith Photo Senior Jevion Crawford shows off his moves at Freshman Orientation the first day of school.

Challenger

Hoover High School 4800 Aurora Avenue Des Moines, IA 50310 515.242.7313 www.hooverchallenger.com Volume 48, Issue 1 October 27, 2015

2015-16 Publication dates October 27, 2015 November 20, 2015 December 18, 2015 February 6, 2016 March 26, 2016 May 7, 2016

The Challenger is published by the newspaper staff of Herbert Hoover High School, and exists to serve as an open forum for the students, faculty, staff, administration and community.

All state and federal laws regarding the publication of student materials shall apply, and the Challenger will not publish materials which also fall under the guidelines established by the Des Moines Public School system, and are deemed libelous, obscene or a material and substantial disruption to normal classroom activities.

The views expressed are not those of Des Moines Public Schools, faculty, staff or administration.

All articles are researched, written, edited and designed by the staff, and are the result of editorial decisions made by the entire staff.

Any student, faculty, staff, or community member wishing to contribute materials will need to submit copy within deadline restrictions; however, final publication is at the discretion of staff. Letters to the editor are encouraged, and must be 255 words or less in length and signed; letters may be edited for length, grammar, spelling, etc. Every attempt will be made to verify the authenticity of the author, and no anonymous letters will be published.

Advertising will be accepted for all products or services that are legal for minors to possess or utilize. Advertisers wishing to reserve publication space should call 242-7313 and leave a message.

So long, Kirby

Kirby’s career changes

By Melonie Chipp Staff For the past seven years, students could go to Academic Advisor Billy Kirby, but that changed when he switched careers this summer. His absence has been felt by students and staff.

“I am sometimes not aware of the great impact I made but in retrospect I put myself out there and fought to put post-secondary school in every students mind and future,” Kirby said.

Kirby went to the I Have A Dream Foundation. But it was not an easy choice for him.

“It honestly was a very tough decision but my job at Hoover was not permanent, and I got the call for the job just a few weeks before school and I could not take up the offer for the job.

I don’t know if I will but I would love to come back to Hoover. But then, this new job helps low income students get to go into post-secondary schooling,” Kirby said.

I Have A Dream Foundation is a foundation aimed to motivate and empower children from low-income communities to reach their education and career goals by providing a longterm program of mentoring, tutoring and enrichment.

Students miss Kirby ever since he left because he was a strong advocate for them.

“He was always there to make us laugh and smile. And, he did help the students with lots of college information, and that is what seniors really need,” Senior Nyamach Kak said.

Kirby still thinks about all the students.

“I was lucky to work at Hoover,

3 Welcome to Hoover News

Foreign exchange students looking forward to their experiences By Emily Davis Being here is a great opportunity Managing Editor

Werth Photo Former Academic Advisor Billy Kirby has a new position with I Have a Dream Foundation which helps elementary students set goals for their future. and I also think of Hoover students and staff a lot. I hope that everyone hopes high and takes advantage of the opportunity that they can get,” Kirby said.

Kirby suggets students seek out advocates if they have questions about post-secondary options.

“My advice would be go to the counselors, go to specific teachers that you know that would help you. Go visit colleges but just mostly be proactive on your education. Just mainly have high expectations and dream big,” Kirby said.

He has one more important piece of advice for everyone.

“Keep on challenging yourself, but when you can not challenge yourself anymore go where the challenges takes you,” Kirby said.

13 again

to learn new things and make lasting friendships. The changes that could Five foreign exchanage students happen will last a lifetime. are experiencing the “The more social I diversity Hoover has to Smith photo am the better attitude offer. Ihor Mykytenko I have. I’d have from Ukraine, Sobia more social skills,” Ayub from Pakistan, Mykytenko said. “Here Ubaidah Hassan from I’m communicating Nigeria, Antonia with a lot of people and Netteshiem from sharing myself, building Germany, and Annika self-confidence. I wasn’t Schilling from Germany communitive before I are the newest editions came here and now I to Hoover and Claudia am.”

Sbaffi from Italy has Finding new friends returned for the second can be one new way year. of forgetting distance.

The majority of Ayub and Hassan are people have experienced staying at the same host the state of utter house, and rely on one homesickness. Being far Junior Ubaidah Hassan another when they’re walks with Hoover Drama away from home can down. At the same in the Beaverdale Parade on feel freeing at first, but time though, making September 19, 2015. eventually can make new friends can be a your stomach turn. The distraction in itself. littlest things can upset “I like finding people their mood and it can bring them down to talk to,” Mykytenko said when asked for the rest of the day. But as the new how he copes. ”I have other reasons foreign exchange students have found, to be upset, especially since I’m taking there are ways to cope. calc.”

“I sometimes cry with Sobia It’s not difficult to start up [Ayub],” junior Ubaidah Hassan said. conversations with peers or the faculty “We like to go out and take walks at Hoover since it is one of the most when we are homesick.” diverse schools in the state. But it might They may have left their homes, be difficult to imagine leaving your but they still have the support of their school, your family, and your culture families and friends. They just stop to behind. take the time to remember why they “I miss people who think like I do; I came, and what’s waiting for them miss people who get me,” Mykytenko back home. said. “I miss my reputation. When “I wanted to challenge myself,” you come here it’s like cutting off Ayub said. “I think I’ll learn a lot here from everything, all of your social that I’d never learn there. I think I’ll get connections are dead. You have to start homesick when I go back, I’ll miss my all over. And then it happens all over host family.” again when you go back.”

Ha photo

A school play that brings back our childhood past

By Emily Davis Managing Editor Everyone remembers that awkward stage back in middle school when most kids felt unsure about their place in the world.

The musical ‘13’ explores those moments and touches on real life issues such as divorce and wanting to be popular. The play is touching and realistically portrayed. This rendition will come with its own additions and surprises that will be sure to capture the audience’s hearts and keep them laughing.

“It’s a different kind of show,” junior J.C. Collier said. “It’s not super chipper. It’s real middle school/high school humor.”

The lead, Evan Goldman, portrayed by junior Max Tensen, is living with his parents in New York, when his parents decide they are getting

divorced. Evan is then sent to live in Appleton, Indiana, “the lamest place in the world” where he struggles with his popularity and tries to get in with the “cool crowd.”

“How do I portray a 13 year-old Jewish boy?” Tensen said. “I’m 16 and 6’2” and 180 lbs.”

The real kicker is one of Goldman’s best friends in the show is Archie, a boy, played by senior and very female Ella Kreyling.

“Since I’m a girl and he is a boy, I had to convince everyone to let me read the guy lines and do the music,” Kreyling said. “I’m excited it’s really different for me to be able to do this.

It lets me step out of my comfort zone because it’s not the same as the roles I’m used to. He’s a boy who’s disabled and I’m excited to try and take those roles on.”

This play is diversely casted and is sure to entertain the audience and give

The cast of 13 picks up junior Max Tensen in ‘All Hail The Brain’ during rehearsal. an interesting look at the real lives of 13 year-olds.

“At Hoover drama we’re really good at getting into roles and taking them seriously,” Tensen said. “It goes beyond reading lines and singing music, so it’ll and it will be accurate to real life.”

13 runs in the Denis Hildrith Auditorium November 3, 4, and 5 at 7 p.m.

4 Paw Prints Profile

An ongoing series of profiles written about the staff, students and community

Black girl chronicles

Students turn pain into power through poetry

“It’s something that’s touched

By Lily Smith on, but it’s not touched on in the Co-Editor in Chief perspective we bring it from. We For decades, people of color have been the victims of police brutality, systematic prejudice and institutionalized racism. To combat this, many art forms have risen. Seniors Linda Brown and Courtnei Caldwell came together after finding similarities in two poems they wrote with Movement 515, both about violence in the black community.

“We were emailing each other back and forth and we were like ‘We can really turn this into something’ and that’s what we did,” Caldwell said.

Soon after, they defined the joint poem’s meaning.

“Black Boy Chronicles is an art depiction of what is going on in today’s society, which is the injustice and death of black males in this country,” Brown said.

With poetry becoming a more popular mode of expression, all kinds of themes get written about sooner or later. Violence in the black community, police brutality and racism are not spared by this. Even with the possible plethora of poems on the subjects, Brown and Caldwell know how they stand out in the growing crowd.

bring it from the mother’s perspective, the family’s perspective, the friend’s perspective,” Caldwell said. “And we have a way of saying it. We don’t sugar coat it, we say it with raw emotion and talent. We speak the truth in these pieces.”

Speaking came easy to them when the idea of doing a video came up within their team. The video, shot at several notable places to the poets, like Hoover’s library, Des Moines’ Capitol building and the block where the late Terry Harris lived, was posted on Facebook in June.

“I think that the different locations gave different kinds of qualities that the video and that the poem couldn’t do by itself,” Brown said.

Harris’ death became a real life black boy chronicle for the poets and the students.

“It kind of woke us up a little bit. Being as how Terry was close to everyone, and how he knew everyone, it motivates you… He didn’t know he was going to affect so many people after his death, so when it was time for him to go, I feel like his potential dispersed into everybody else around him,” Brown said.

It’s not that we speak for the movement, it’s that the movement speaks for us,” Brown said.

Musa Photo Seniors Linda Brown and Courtnei Caldwell perform an emotional piece at Movement 515.

Through his death, Caldwell and things to Caldwell and Brown.

Brown found light in this darkness.

“I never want it to die down. Even “I feel like his (Harris’) potential when we’re grown, I still want to be helped us with our writing. It’s helping able to give back to the community our writing change. Our writing style through Black Boy Chronicles. I want has totally changed since his death, to be able to send African American being that we knew him. I feel like it’s males to school, that’s just something I helping us want to protect everyone, want to do,” Caldwell said. but we both realize you can’t protect Speaking up was the thing that everyone. But we can help bring brought them together and is the thing awareness to how they went, why that will lead them to the future and they’re going like this,” Brown said. keep them going for as long as possible.

Bringing awareness and being able to “It’s not that we speak for the speak for the community around them movement, it’s that the movement are a couple of the most important speaks for us,” Brown said.

A walk through Boston

Counselor connections

Physical education teacher shares his motivation

By Jonathan Le Staff Born in a family with 15 brothers and 10 sisters, Physical Education teacher Haywood Boston Jr’s, early life wasn’t very pleasant. Poor and with little food, he attended Plymouth High School in North Carolina, where he met Mr. Phiefer, a teacher who changed his entire life.

Phiefer’s influence stayed with Boston his entire life, pushing him forward to many different colleges, Southern California, College of Alabama, Southwest Minnesota State and Mankato State.

Since Boston had children, he knew he had to work hard.

“No choice but to succeed.” Boston said. “I was so scared.”

Being one of the first in his family to have a real chance at succeeding and receiving a degree, Boston juggled family obligations and student loans

to get his degree with a major in Sports Psychology. After college, he played professional basketball in Europe for five years, won two state championships and taught in North Carolina. He sold stocks and became a district manager for Burger King before returning to teaching.

“If you cease to learn, you cease to live, that’s what my aunt always told me,” Boston said.

This ideal was carried throughout his entire life, pushing him forward to being the only person to receive a degree in his family to pushing his own family to being more successful than him.

Boston is a proud father of Cassandra, a forensics accountant for Price Waterhouse, Chad, a research scientist for DuPont and Olivia, currently in school.

Boston developed cancer and was unable to return to playing professional sports instead he returned to teaching.

He has taught at Hoover since 1989, and after all that time he said, “It’s a job you come to work because new

“No choice but to succeed,” Boston said.

Davis Photo

Physical Education Teacher Haywood Boston Jr. things happen every day, it’s never boring.”

He taught while fighting off cancer, working and exercising to promote his health and ignoring his doctor’s opinions on his lifespan.

“Being around kids helped me, lead me to a cure. [It’s been] a rollercoaster but I am the best man right now from meeting the right people and doing the right things,” Boston said.

Once again proving his resilience and unwillingness to allow for life to stop his momentum, Boston continues against all odds.

By Jocelyn Rosas Staff

“I love Hoover. It’s diverse and I love it because no day is the same but yet it’s small enough where you can get to know everybody.”

New counselor Janet Stribling said. “I love my job.

I wouldn’t change it for a thing.”

Read the complete profile and more at hooverchallenger.com.

5 Paw Prints Profile

Check out the full profiles on HooverChallenger.com

Nydle Knows All Teacher discuss his previous career and current perspective

Asking Alexandria Student shares the hard story of losing her father

Salkanovic Photo Davis Photo

By Brett Norris Staff Perhaps teaching was a blessing for second year social studies teacher Joseph Nydle, who, if not teaching, could see himself “working in the black market for the mafia… maybe as a getaway driver.”

Nydle, a student favorite who strives to provide the younger generation with the tools necessary to be successful, is the second year government, AP government, and AP human geography teacher here.

However teaching though, is not Nydle’s first rodeo. He worked as a manager for political campaigns for all levels of government, worked in public relations and as a lobbyist at the state level in his years prior to teaching. So one could safely say he knows what he’s doing. He decided he wanted to take his knowledge and start teaching about five years ago. Yet he did not always see himself as a teacher, though.

“I actually hated school, except for English and social studies,” Nydle said.

He thought he may work in promotions or production for music or band tours. His high school social studies teachers along with his college sociology and criminology professor were the ones who sparked his interest

in teaching.

He attended college at Cleveland State University as well as Drake University, majoring in sociology and criminology and getting a master’s degree in education. He admires educators for their hours spent outside of the classroom preparing and learning new material along with different ways to help their students.

“That’s admirable of any educator,” Nydle said.

He too undoubtedly puts in many hours in order to assist his students to the best of his ability.

Despite the amount of work it takes to be a teacher, he still has time to enjoy himself.

Nydle said his favorite part of a typical day is “when I get to go home and take a nap,” but when awake, he is passionate about learner’s success and he challenges himself to find ways to reach all different levels of students and help them with their problems.

Nydle likes to see his students reach their potential.

“My biggest pet peeve is when students don’t prepare themselves, then blame me” Nydle said.

Yet the effort he puts into educating paired with the cooperation of his students can go a long way toward reaching his goal of preparing the next generation for the future.

By Seherzada Salkanovic Online Editor August 5, 2014. That day changed senior Alexandria Turner’s life. August 5th was the day her father lost his battle with cancer.

“I knew he was going to die, I just wasn’t prepared for it at all because I don’t like to prepare myself for things.”

Turner said.

When her father was first diagnosed.

Turner said, “I was really young, obviously I knew what cancer was, but I didn’t really think much of it because it was like ‘oh he’ll get through it, it’s whatever’.” But as time went on, and Turner’s father became more ill, she knew he was going to die.

Turner distracted herself and coped with his death by trying not to think

Coney’s Collection

Senior is obsessed with shoes

Coney Photo

Senior Keshawn Coney shows one of his many pairs of Jordan’s™.

By Andre Wadsworth Staff

Davis Photo

Freshman Adventure

More than a Teacher

Freshman Sofia Lopez said, “My personality has changed. I used to be short tempered but now I’m more down to Earth.”

“I always worked with kids, now I get paid for what I wanted to do,” English teacher Leah Mertz said.

By Emma O`Neal Staff

By Melonie Chipp Staff

Read the complete profiles at hooverchallenger.com.

about it. “Basically I put myself in a lot of activities or planned a lot of stuff kind of take my mind off of it. And I guess just time helped heal.” Turner said.

Turner has struggled for the past year with dealing with her father’s death. “I didn’t tell many of my friends about it,” Turner said. “My family kind of just left me alone because they know I don’t really cope well with death so they didn’t know what to do.”

A year later, Turner is still coming to terms with her father’s death.

“I definitely do still get sad when I think about it. But I know obviously he’s not in pain anymore. It’s still hard and every day is hard and every day I do miss him and every day I do think about him.”Turner said.

Turner said her advice for others who might be in a similar situation is “talk to somebody because I didn’t really talk to anybody and it was a lot harder, because when you just shut down, it’s hard on yourself and your family and the people that do care.”

$5,000. On Shoes. That’s how much money senior Keshawn Coney estimates he has spent on Jordan’s™ since he was 10. “My cousin had all the Jordans so I wanted a bigger and better, collection,” Coney said. He is what you would call a “Sneaker Head” because he knows every Jordan but “it’s not all about Jordan’s. It’s about a variety of shoes I want to add to my massive collection” Coney said.

The first pair that Coney received was the Chicago Bulls 1’s of The Jordan Retro Series. “My total collection contains 75 pairs of shoes” Coney said. On average most people

can’t even get more than six pairs of shoes through a year.

“I want my collection to be so full that when you come to my basement, you can’t walk because there’s so many shoes,” Coney said.

Coney works 40 hours a week to buy his Jordan’s.

“I only work because I know when I get my pay check I can grow my collection of shoes,” Coney said.

His total spent on shoes is $5,000 not including supplies and accessories such as shirts to match and shoe strings, etc.

“Out of all the shoes, the Jordan’s 5’s and 11’s are my favorite, the color combination are sick,” Coney said.

Coney’s favorite hobby is collecting Jordan’s shoes. They range from $180 to $340 per pair. Keshawn contains 75 pairs of shoes and he is still looking to grow his collection bigger and even different variety of ways.

“Collecting and wearing sneakers is an art, It’s more than just, ‘oh I got the new Jordan’s just because everyone else has them.’ It’s about the life these shoes bring to the table. It’s about the story each one of these shoes brings to my collection,” Coney said, “And that’s why I love collecting.”

6T u r n t o Opinion

trigger fingers

National school shooting count continues to rise due to loose gun control policy

By Ajla Selimovic Co-Editor in Chief By now, most of us should be familiar with the saying “guns don’t kill people, people kill people,” told often by gun advocates. This second Amendment to the Constitution that guarantees citizens the right to bear arms has brought great debate regarding the regulation of firearms into our society.

According to the Gun Violence Archive, 9,956 people have been killed by firearms so far this year and more than 20,000 have been injured.

One particular great suffrage of loose gun policies in the United States is frequent school shootings. According to Everytown for Gun Safety, there have been 142 school shootings in the United States since 2013, an average of one per week.

The U.S., by far, is the only industrialized country with this great

60% 40% By the numbers:

of students are mildly to severely stressed of teens feel irritable or angry when stressed about school of high school students feel sad or hopeless every day for two weeks or more during the school year

29%

gun control issue. A Harvard Politics study found that between 1991 and 2013, the U.S. had 55 school shootings with at least one fatality and more than one intended victim, while no other country in the world had more than three.

Now, everyone asks why there are so many shootings in the U.S. Not only are the loose gun control laws an important factor to analyze, but also the consideration of mental illnesses, culture and poverty. With the help of our lax gun laws, individuals with a history of violence, substance abuse, or serious mental illness can access firearms, leading to lethal violence in this country.

“A school shooter could be someone who had been brutally abused by the world or someone who imagined that the world brutally abused him or someone who wanted to brutally abuse the world himself,” journalist Malcom Gladwell said in a New Yorker article.

The 47 school shootings we’ve seen so far this year have brought in great grief and pointless injuries and lives lost due to those sick individuals. Honestly,

how mad do you have to be to wake up one day and decide to shoot your classmates and teachers?

We have yet to implement a meaningful gun control policy at the federal level. Over the course of his presidency, Barack Obama has attempted to make an act of mass gun violence and the laws that allowed it to happen. Unfortunately, all that’s been accomplished is the weakening of our already-weak gun control laws, thanks to Congress.

According to a New Republic article, comprehensive gun sale regulations that set stricter rules for who can own a gun, establish more comprehensive background checks and require permits would reduce the diversion of gun sales to criminals.

Guns don’t kill people. People do.

Shallow, disturbed, firearm-ready individuals do. And the increasing number of school shootings won’t drop until we improve gun regulation, until we reform the mental health system, until we fix our economy. Until then, innocent lives lost from meaningless violence will remain.

47 51

By the numbers:

school shootings in 2015

mass shootings (more than four people killed) since 1997

33,636

US deaths by gun in 2013 compared to

3,380

US deaths by terrorism

The saber-tooth tiger reaction Balancing heavy school workload with other responsibilities causes a lot of stress on sports editor

By Colby Williams Sports Editor

It always starts off small, I get assigned homework from my AP Environmental Science class. Then as my day continues, I receive homework from AP Government, and then from newspaper. I get a start on my assignments after school, but then my time gets cut short because I have to go to volleyball practice at 5:30 p.m.

When I get home at 8:30 p.m., I get a little more of my homework done, but not all of it.

The next day, I receive an assignment for College Accounting, then for AP Literature I have an essay, and then I get 30 homework problems for AP Calculus. That night, I have no time for homework because I have a volleyball game, and I do not get home until 9:30 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. I know I have to finish my assignments for the next day, but I can’t even start on the homework I received that day. At this point I feel like I am trying to run forward but there is something holding on to my ankles, so I can’t move.

The next morning I go to AP Environmental Science and Ms. Leverich tells us to clear our desks and

Williams Photo Sports editor Colby Williams relaxes in the fresh air. get out a pencil. My face fills with severely stressed. confusion, our assignment sheet did not Trying to juggle too many activities, say we had a quiz today, but then I look moving from activity to activity too at the sheet again. It turns out I did quickly, and being overwhelmed with the homework and reading for the next life overall, are all factors that cause block I had her, not the one I was in. stress.

She hands out the quiz and I only know Humans are not designed to escape the answer to one of the questions, I from predators for 8 to 10 hours at a leave the rest blank. time, which is essentially what stress My body will react to this poor test makes our bodies do. Stress can score the same way my body would be relieved in many ways, the most react to being attacked by a saberpreferred ways by the student body toothed tiger. The nerve and hormone were listening to music, playing sports patterns are the same, according to Dr. or exercising.

Henry Emmons, of the Penny George No matter what you do to Institute for Health and Healing in relieve stress, the next time you feel Minneapolis. Much of my life is lived overwhelmed, think to yourself, it’s this under this great amount of stress. As or being attacked by a saber-toothed are many of the student body’s lives. tiger, maybe that will make you realize According to a recent poll, more than that you may not have it as bad as you 60% of the student body is mildly to think you do.

Do you feel you get adequate time to eat during lunch (off-campus) compared to previous years?

Selimovic photos

Senior Mamoon Koko

Junior Emma Burriola

Junior Nick Lockin

I don’t like this shorter lunch because it’s all rushed. The students either don’t go out for lunch because they won’t make it back on time, or they go and not enjoy it because they’re rushed.

No, I think it’s too short. We’re not given the opportunity to take the break we deserve between classes.

Teacher employment consistency has changed a lot over time. Back in my day, you’d be considfered crazy if you were to switch your major.

Today, it’s completely fine if you have four to five careers in your lifetime. Students will be students. It’s just hard figuring out where you belong.

Retired teacher Steve Koch

The problem is not the school. If you haven’t student taught or gotten familiar to an environment you’re going to be teaching in, you won’t do well. If I worked at Dowling Catholic (High School), it’d be a rough transition and I’d do a bad job.

HUSKIES SHOUT Do you think the class of 2016 BACK can carry on

upon us and not really with a whole lot of planning. It wasn’t clear to everybody in the beginning and that has caused a lot of headaches. I hear administrators telling some students that they don’t have to Smith photo show up if their grades are good and that English teacher sends a mixed message.

Nicholas Jackson

Senior Olivia Evans

7

Do you feel that teacher employment at Hoover is inconsistent?

There’s really not enough time to go get food and come back in time. I’m always late to my third block because of it. My friend and I have both gotten speeding tickets trying to come back on time.

Do you think Husky Time is I think it can be if it were planned beuseful? forehand, but I think it was kind of thrust

Junior Ha Ho

Perspectives

Math teacher Dawnda Roney

the traditions of the class of 2015?

It shouldn’t be hard to pick up after them.

We’re hoping to set the bar higher in sports this year. Our goal is to go to state for basketball.

Senior Y’vez Quinn

Somewhat. I’m not completely against it. I’ve gotten some homework and work from other classes done in that class. But I know that a lot of students hate it and think it’s a waste of time.

No, it’s not useful at all. We don’t do anything in Husky Time. We just sit there the entire time. I would much rather have a longer lunch time than have that class.

I know it’ll be a lot to pick up after Brock (Larsen) and (Nathan) Roby left; they lead the football team for so long. But this year’s team will surpass last year’s because of our teamwork, talent and speed.

Senior Wilfrid Kouakou

Senior Elizabeth Turner

I think the student section can improve on positivity without the class of 2015. The football student section came together a lot more. I believe that basketball will be hard without them but we can come together and support our Huskies together.

8 Men

Lifestyle

Allie’s fashion alley

Women

Senior Allison Wilkerson ‘s monthly fashion advice to keep you stylish!

Thrifted Sweaters

Why?: Thrifting is so much fun. You can get incredibly adorable sweaters for as little as 50 cents! You will be pleasantly surprised at the wide variety of styles.

Junior Haris Ademovic rocks the man bun

Man Buns Why?: They are so easy. They look great without actually having to put energy into them. When you have no idea what to do with your hair, just bun it.

Where?: Anywhere. Simple tutorials can be found on YouTube.

Where?: Salvation Army, Goodwill or any other local thrift shops.

Why?: They will keep you significantly warm. Being wool, they are so cozy and come in a variety of colors.

Perfect fall color schemes for these coats include: tan, midnight blue and emerald to mention a few.

Wilkerson Photos

Straight Fit Levi’s Why?: A dark blue 100% cotton (or close) pair of these will be the best go-to jeans in your closet.

Comfortable, flattering, and if you snatch them during a sale, pretty inexpensive.

Where?: Levi.com or try Kohl’s.

Leather Bomber Jacket Why?: Leather jackets are a great addition to anyone’s closet. They are so stylish while keeping you warm.

They also give a ‘rugged’ pop to any outfit.

Wool Peacoats

Where?: Macys.com or the Burlington Coat Factory.

Ball Caps Windbreakers Why?: Any type from plain solids to multi-colored to funky patterned, windbreakers are so cute, comfortable and warm. They are always ready for any type of rainy weather fall has to throw at you.

Where?: Vintage windbreakers can possibly be found at a thrift store. If you want new, try Zumiez.com.

Why?: Caps are my personal favorite accessory. Giving off a tomboy vibe, they just effortlessly complete any “Messy hair, don’t care” type of day.

My favorite are ones I get from places or events I go to or vintage ones.

Where?: Caps are really easy to find.

Many neutral clothing stores carry them. If you’re a baseball fan, they can be found at shop.mlb.com.

Where?: ASOS.com

Coffee Crisis

Coffee may be stunting success in students and staff

By Ariadna Delgado-Ruiz Growing up in the Mexican Staff culture, drinking coffee is part of an

Most people would kill for coffee,not literally, but they wait in line and paying overpriced amounts for it.

One of these people include Spanish teacher Fabian Ruiz.

“I normally get my coffee from Starbucks or Caribou,” Ruiz said.

According to Business Insider, Starbucks is the world’s top coffee retailer, with a revenue of $10.7 billion in 2010. However, what is it that gets people to start drinking coffee in the first place?

“When I was little, my mom would make me cafe con leche (coffee with milk),” Ruiz said.

everyday diet, even at a very young age.

However, what if it is not part of some people’s culture?

“I think it’s also a habit. I think that by drinking coffee, you wake up,” Ruiz said.

According to TIME reporter, Michael Lemonick “When you’re sleep-deprived and you take caffeine, pretty much anything you measure will improve: reaction time, vigilance, attention, logical reasoning -- most of the complex functions you associate with intelligence.”

However, although drinking coffee does have many benefits, such as

improving energy levels and making you smarter, there have been several studies that claim coffee can increase the risk of heart attacks among young adults, raise blood pressure and insomnia.

“Research can be contradicting,” Ruiz said. “Those terms change all the time. Who do you believe? Is coffee killing you or is coffee helping you?”

Ruiz said. “At the end of the day drinking coffee in moderation is okay.

Anything that is an addiction is bad.”

Spanish teacher Fabian Ruiz’s coffee energy shows as he teaches class without being tired and with a smile on his face.

Davis Photo

Eating disorders: the mind games

By Emma O’Neal Staff According to the Emily Program Foundation (EPF), eating disorders affect up to 30 million Americans and 70 million individuals worldwide.

For some people it’s a daily struggle just to eat food. Skipping meals, throwing up, playing mind games, and weighing yourself constantly. That’s what their lives are about, a serious illness.

“When I was little, I was bullied because of my body while other girls got compliments. I wanted to be like them,” sophomore Persephone Snyder said.

It’s hard to have people say rude things, especially at a young age, and to not do something about it.

“I was twelve years old and I was eating zero to one meal a day and it went on for two and a half years,” Snyder said. “I would hide food, tell my parents I didn’t feel good, go to my room, and just didn’t take food I was offered.”

Eventually things start to take their toll and can affect a person’s body in extreme measures.

“I was a swimmer but it was difficult because I would almost pass out. I would also get light headed, have blurry vision, and I could literally feel my intestines hurting,” Snyder said.

Snyder had some good friends around her and thankfully they helped her in drastic ways.

“My friend (sophomore) Hailey

Students speak out against eating disorders

O’Neal photo Sophomores Wanessa Cadick and Persephone Snyder discuss the toll eating disorders can take on the body and mind. with Anorexia Nervosa are 15% Conklin convinced me to tell my underweight. Snyder was 13% under parents when I was in 8th grade,” she her normal weight at 101 pounds. said. “I took them into the bathroom and told them what had been going on. “My parents became more cautious and involved in my life. I became more Then I stood on the scale and showed open with my boyfriend (senior) James my parents my weight (103 pounds).

Munoz and that helped our relationship My parents got upset with themselves become stronger and he helped out a but they understood my point.” lot,” she said.

EPF states that typically, people

Athlete

Jerry Ziaty Stats • Rushing Yards: 300 • Tackles: 20 • Touchdowns: 4 Positions • Running Back • Receiver • Safety • Punter • Kick Returner • Punt Returner Goals • Get team to playoffs

of the issue

Lifestyle

9

It can still be hard to get through things even if you have people there for you but you have to take what you can get.

“You can’t completely get through it but I allow and force myself to get better. I still am a lot weaker, I struggle to keep up, I have a weak immune system but I do feel stronger,” she said.

Sometimes it’s hard to be strong because society is pushing you down and it’s hard to get out from that.

“I was 14 years old and society and pressure was in my way. It lasted for a couple of months but I just ate less because of all the stress and pressure. I would tell my parents I already ate and I would just get away from everything,” sophomore Wanessa Cadick said.

It takes a while to get over the harshness of society because it’s constant and everywhere.

“I usually eat 2 two small meals a day but I just eat because I have to, not because I want to,” Cadick said.

Cadick found an outlet that was safer and much more sufficient, having to do with music.

“I just helped myself through it, and music helped me by making me happier,” she said. “I don’t feel stronger but I hope to get there someday.”

Sometimes you just have to let go and be who you are.

“Surprisingly, I love myself more than I ever have before,” Snyder said. “I’m really very happy. This is something that you can get through.

Love life. It’s better to be strong today.”

Stress Relief 3 yoga poses to make you feel renewed Downward Dog Split Pose:

Selimovic Photos

To do this pose go into downward dog, then pick one leg high off the ground and bend at the knee. Hold for 10 seconds.

Switch sides.

Devotional Warrior:

To do this pose go into Warrior I, then clasp hands together then bend body to the side at your hips. Hold for 10 seconds. Switch sides.

Seated Cross Legged Pose with Head Rolls:

Sit in a cross legged position on the ground with hands at knees. Roll head three times to the right then three times to the left. Then nod head three times, then shake head three times.

10 The Democratic Primary Perspective Feature

The Challenger covers the 2016 Presidential Election - this ongoing series will look at the candidates and the issues impacting our generation

By Andre Wadsworth Staff

2016 Democratic Primary As of 10/10-10/12

50% 45%

45%

40% 35%

Marc Nozell credit via Flickr Hillary Clinton Age: 67 Background: Hillary Clinton was born October 26, 1947 in Chicago, IL. She was born in a middle class family. She graduated from Wellesley College then went to Yale Law School to begin her journey.

In 2000, she became the first woman Senator elected for New York.

Future Plans for Our Country: College-“We need to make quality education affordable and available to anyone and everyone who is willing to work for it” Gun Violence- Reduce gun violence Economy- Raise minimum wage and expand young learning Retrieved from: https://www. hillaryclinton.com/

MarylandGovPics credit via Flickr Martin O’Malley Age: 52 Background: Martin O’Malley was born in Washington D.C. in January 18, 1963.

His father is a WWII veteran who flew 33 mission across the Pacific. His mother worked for the government for over 30 years. O’Malley graduated from Catholic University and went on to earn his law degree from the University of Maryland in 1988. He became the Governor of Maryland in 2007.

Future Plans for Our Country: College- Allowing all people to afford college Gun Control- Enforcing more strict rules on guns

Phil Roeder credit via Flicker

30%

Bernie Sanders Age: 74 Background: Bernie Sanders was born September 8, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York. He went to Brooklyn College and the University of Chicago. Sanders was previously a mayor in Vermont.

Bernie Sander’s Future Plans Racial Justice- To be Americans, we need equal justice not based on color but based on dignity Living Wage- Raise minimum wage for all families Climate/ Environment changeProvide more parks and more safe and clean environments

25%

Retrieved from: https://martinomalley. com/

Retrieved from: https://berniesanders. com/

25%

20% 15% 10% 5% 0%

1% Clinton

Sanders

O'Malley

Poll information from: Huffpost Pollster. http://elections. huffingtonpost.com/ pollster/2016-nationaldemocratic-primary#!selecte d=Clinton,O’Malley,Sanders

Food for Thought

The World Food Prize: Iowa and Global Youth Institute page paper, “They get to interact

By Jonathan Le five with leaders in the areas of food and Staff agriculture. These leaders include the

Imagine walking in with your Governor, President of Iowa State Sunday finest, a few other classmates University, Iowa business leaders, behind you and the teacher who researchers, non-profit leaders, and guided you in the right direction for legislators,” Jacob Hunter, the lead this very moment. You walk right into coordinator of the IYI, said. a building, straight into a maelstrom Last school year our own STEM of ideas, students and adults. Months program participated in the IYI. Some of work to prepare for this single day of these students include current hit you with the nervous tension in seniors Jill Tang, Eric Chambers and the air. Pictures are taken as you walk into a room where you finally defend your work against the masses. This is the Iowa Youth Institute.

The Iowa Youth Institute (IYI) hosted by the World Food Prize is a daylong event where students within Iowa present their research on ways to aide or even save a country that they have chosen. By Students spend a day at Iowa State presenting World Food Prize writing a three to papers to students and judges.

Nejla Memic. Academic Decathlon the months of preparation time.

Coach Eric Hall, School Improvement According to Hunter, more than Leader Maureen Griffin and science 123 schools and 251 students across teacher Michael “251 students across Iowa Iowa participated Blair attended as in the 2015 Iowa participated in the Iowa Youth Youth Institute, “I well. Memic, who wrote her paper really think it was Insitute,” Hunter said. on women’s rights a glowing success,” in Kenya said, “It [The IYI] is an Hunter said. However, the Iowa Youth opportunity to get a taste of college.”

Institute is just the beginning. Of the Memic estimates that she spent 251 students, 80 will be competitively nearly 20 hours on her paper through selected to represent Iowa as delegates Iowa Youth Institute photos at the Global Youth Institute in midOctober for a three day program.

According to worldfoodprize.org, they will be joined by 300 students from around the world and 1,000 global leaders from 65 countries.

Photo taken from The World Food Prize Iowa Youth Institute at Iowa State University with seniors Eric Chambers and Ajla Selimovic completeting an activity.

3

Feature

places to go Downtown Edition

By Brett Norris Staff

Vaudeville Mews 212 4th Street Vaudeville Mews, located in the historic Court Avenue district, is a hot spot for live entertainment as it offers a wide variety of acts to appeal to many different interests. Vaudeville, as known to its regulars, offers something for all kinds of fans from rock to hip hop to country, as well as appealing to fans of comedy and even burlesque for a more mature audience.

Java Joe’s 214 4th Street This coffee shop, which is a next door neighbor to Vaudeville Mews, has some of the highest rated house-roasted coffee in Des Moines. They also have a variety of delicious sandwiches to choose from and an assortment of homemade pastries which pair nicely with the coffee. Java Joe’s features live music along with poetry nights, all in an artsy cafe style space.

Fong’s Pizza 223 4th Street This funky pizza joint is the best of both worlds combining Asian and Italian style restaurants.

Located just across the street from both Vaudeville Mews and Java Joe’s, Fong’s features Asian inspired pizzas, appetizers, sandwiches, salads, desserts and even gluten free and vegan options. Run out of a former Chinese restaurant, Fong’s gives an authentic vibe that adds to the unique, delicious experience.

Norris Photos

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#STUCOGoals

Want to know what your fellow student council committee members plan to achieve this year? STUCO officers and representatives share their goals exclusively with The Challenger!

Hamilton Photo The Student Council Committee dreams big for their planned activities.

Ms. Feuerbach Position: Advisor Purpose: To help make Hoover feel more like a community. To create events, moments, assemblies, volunteering opportunities, etc. that help provide school spirit.

Shandra Gillson Grade: 11th Position: President Purpose: To give the student body a voice, and to make something of the school.

Ty Chestnut Grade: 12th Position: Vice President Purpose: To make Hoover a better environment for kids and teachers to be in.

Ha Ho Grade: 11th Position: Secretary Purpose: To represent the student body and voices. We create events and get the school involved. We also go out into the community and represent Hoover.

Nejla Memic Grade: 12th Position: Treasurer Purpose: To coordinate and organize student events.

Kale Nichols Grade: 11th Position: Junior Representative Purpose: Try to get what our classes want. To come together to do dances and make Hoover better as a whole.

Get people more involved.

Van Puii Grade: 10th Position: Sophomore Representative Purpose: To make the school look more interesting and to communicate and be risk takers.

Ava Torres Grade: 10th Position: Sophomore Representative Purpose: To organize dances, assemblies, blood drives and other activities for the student body.

Mala Cho Grade: 10th Position: Sophomore Representative Purpose: To provide leadership and to serve the school and the community.

Sydney Fisher Grade: 10th Position: Sophomore Representative Purpose: To make the school better and get more involvement by the students.

Breazi Preston Grade: 10th Position: Sophomore Representative Purpose: To make the students more excited and proud of their school and to get them involved.

Dino Kapic Grade: 9th Position: Freshman Representative Purpose: To help the school and students Katie Burns Grade: 9th Position: Freshman Representative Purpose: To help the community of our school.

The back page Caption this photo

Create the best caption and drop it off in Room 2030. The best caption will be featured in the next issue!

Smith Photo

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