Bright

SUMMER SUMMER EDITION EDITION

CHALK THE WALK IOWA CITY WEST HIGH SCHOOL

2901 MELROSE AVENUE, IOWA CITY, IA 52246

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1

MAY 26, 2017

2

CO N T E N TS MAY 26, 2017

CONTENTS

03 04 06 10 12 14 16

COVER DESIGN BY FRANCES DAI

PROFILE FRIEND CRUSH

PROFILE

FASHION FORWARD Q&A

FEATURE COVER STORY CHALK THE WALK

ENTERTAINMENT FRUIT ICE CUBES

ENTERTAINMENT QUICK MEALS IN A MUG

OPINION

FREEDOM AND BOSSINESS FOR ALL TO TRY OR NOT TO TRY

ENTERTAINMENT BUTTERFLY ORIGAMI

03

PROFILE

MAY 26, 2017

FRIEND CRUSH

BY MORGAN HAWKINS

T

here are hundreds of questionable pairings in the world, such as emojis through Androids, or pineapple on pizza. Angie Zirbes ’18 and Emily Buck ’19 also began as one of those pairings. “I am a total extrovert,” Zirbes said, “And she is an introvert, it seems like it shouldn’t work, but it does.” As friends of over 5 years, these girls show that opposites do in fact attract, and an uncomparable friendship can emerge.

Buck’s mother, Beth Oakes, can confirm this, “Angie is very lively and energetic and Emily is more introverted and quiet,” Oakes said, “they provide a nice balance for each other.”

A shared thread between the two is a love for art. During their eighth grade and freshman year, they wound up in the same art class. Nothing out of the usual, right? Except they were the only ones in the class, two people. “We were kind of forced to bond during that [art class],” Buck said, “but we were both good artists so it wasn’t that bad.” Through looking at each other’s work with a critical eye and sharing materials, the pair’s friendship progressed even more.

Despite their age gap and changing lives, they managed

to stay in touch. “She is a year younger, so when I went to highschool and she was in junior high was kind of a bump.” Zirbes said. Although they refused to let the barrier of age get in their way.

They continued to hangout and experience unforgettable memories that will be irreplaceable till the end of time.

Flashing forward to their sophomore and junior year, Buck and Zirbes still share their love for art, but now pranks as well. “This one time we put googly eyes on all the Victoria’s Secret mannequins,” Buck said. As artistic - ANGIE ZIRBES ‘18 these vandalizers left the googly

“IT SEEMS LIKE IT SHOULDN’T WORK, BUT IT DOES.”

crime scene, their friendship grew stronger than the glue that held their prank together. These pranks continued into their chemistry class and don’t show any signs of stopping soon.

All jokes aside, Zirbes and Buck have a genuine appreciation for each other that creates an added foundation in the creation of a one-of-akind friendship. “Emily is just so unique,” Zirbes said, “she is the funniest and most artistic person you’ll ever meet.”

With memories in mind and a close friend at her side Buck agrees. “[Zirbes] is just an A plus person,” she said, “A plus plus plus.”

PHOTOS BY MADDI SHINALL DESIGN BY LYDIA GUO

04

PROFILE

MAY 26, 2017

FASHION Q&A FORWARD

05

PROFILE

MAY 26, 2017

BY MADDI SHINALL

H

ow would you describe your style? cute little animals and I wear them with my gold Classy but comfortable.

Birkenstocks because they’re fun and they’re What are your favorite stores? comfortable. Then I love Costco yoga pants beTarget because everything is really cause they do not stretch out. Then I like Target nice and in style and it’s fun. I like t-shirts because they’re comfortable and casual.

Francesca’s because if you buy something there, Then, probably a sweater from American Eagle. you probably won’t see somebody else with it, it’s What’s your favorite season for fashion? Why? unique. Forever 21 is really cheap for jeans and I like all the seasons but if I had to chose one, I plus they tend to be long enough for me, which I think it would have to be spring because you get struggle with. Old Navy, I love Old Navy because to wear some winter clothing still, like pants, but they’re comfortable and their stuff is reasonably you can also pull out bright colors and get some priced. warmer weather. So you can do everything from What’s your pants to shorts, favorite type of short sleeves and clothing? tank tops to long Birkenstocks sleeves and dresses, are my favorite I love dresses. because they are How has your just really comstyle changed over fortable and you time?

- Madeleine Slattery ‘19 can switch them So, first of all, up and wear when I was little, them all year it was Gymboree, round. Like you all matchy-matchy, can wear them matching socks with socks if you want people to see your socks, with hairbands. My mom dressed me, I had braids which I love Bath and Body Works socks, so like everyday because I had super long hair. Then that’s perfect. I really like Target t-shirts because I started dressing myself and I wore a ton of Aerothey’re really flowy and comfortable and when postale and it was like the Dark Ages because I you pull on them or something, they don’t get was like a noodle, I was tall and I was thin and I all stretched out, which I love. And, I always get was just really leggy and wore a lot of Aeropostthem on sale for like $5, so I’m like, ‘Yes! If I get ale tight shirts with the pants and it was really paint on this or something it’s fine.’ bad. So then I evolved and I started wearing When you’re shopping for clothes, what do more sweaters and I learned more you look for? how to dress, and what my First of all, it cannot be dry cleaned. It has to style [is]. be something cute and it has to be comfortable.

Favorite Where do you get your style inspiration from? and least Pinterest. Whenever I don’t know what I’m go- f av or i te ing to wear, I search ‘cute outfits’ and then the trends? temperature like ‘70 degree outfits.’ I do that and My fathen I’m like ‘They’re wearing a leather jacket, oh vor it e that’s cute, I want a leather jacket, maybe I should wear that.’

What’s your go-to outfit and why?

Oh that’s easy. In the winter, I like to wear Bath and Body Works socks with the

“CLASSY BUT COMFORTABLE.”

ADVICE

FOR FINDING YOUR STYLE

trend is socks and sandals because I know people are like ‘Oh, don’t wear socks and sandals, you’re a total tourist,’ but if you do it right, it’s incredibly comfortable and they can look cute.

Opinions on Crocs?

I’m split, when I was little, I loved Crocs, but now I’m like ‘Why did that happen?’

Online shopping or in-store shopping?

I like in-store shopping because I’m tall and when I find shirts, it’s really hard for me not to show my belly and pants are impossible because if I get them to fit around my waist and hips and everything then they’re going to be way too short.

So I have to try them on in-person, otherwise it doesn’t work.

“Try out new things. Do online shopping but don’t buy anything, go onto online stores and be like ‘Oh, this is cute! What if I try on this with this?’ and then go to the mall and try stuff on.”

PHOTOS BY MADDI SHINALL DESIGN BY LYDIA GUO

6

F E AT U R E

MAY 26, 2017

THE CHALK THE

WALK Hundreds of people, both artists and observers, came to Mount Vernon on May 5th and 6th to gawk at and create the unforgettable visual display of art.

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F E AT U R E

MAY 26, 2017

P

BY MORGAN HAWKINS

astel residue kisses your skin leaving a sea of color across your hands, children giggle and pass with the wind. Your masterpiece lays at your feet in an array of beauty on the street. You rise to your feet and the blood begins to flow back through your lower legs, your piece for Chalk the Walk is complete.

Chalk the Walk is a yearly event in Mt. Vernon that has been an Iowan commodity for years. Now, celebrating its 12th anniversary this year, it is only getting bigger and better.

With over 500 artists, chalk drawings can be seen on street upon street of varying subjects and styles. In following years, the committee behind Chalk the Walk has planned themes to create a more cohesive look. However, artists are also encouraged to do their own thing in order to create a beautiful, unique mosaic of art. Piece by piece, artist by artist, Chalk the Walk unites hundreds of creations for an unforgettable experience.

One of those artists has enjoyed adding to that experience and loves helping others enjoy it, too. Yvette Jury, the owner of Maroger Fine Art Classes, has been attending Chalk the Walk with members of her art studio, including many West students, for five years. “The first year we were all creating one main piece.

Everyone was given a part and the [drawing] was completed within an hour. Meaning if you were to come in the afternoon, there would be nothing to [complete],” Jury said. In contrast to that first year, the most recent event contained over 150 squares allowing for more artists and more variation. “One of the best things [for the artists] is to see all the different styles and all the different things that are done,” Jury said.

Jury has enjoyed seeing the drastic changes over the years to be more inclusive and show a wider spectrum of art. A larger spectrum means more people, resulting in a growing celebration for people of all ages and artistic abilities.

“ONE OF THE BEST THINGS IS TO SEE ALL THE DIFFERENT STYLES AND ALL THE DIFFERENT THINGS THAT ARE DONE.” -YVETTE JURY

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F E AT U R E

MAY 26, 2017

Erica Ly ’19 is one of those people. Ly, a sophomore from Linn-Mar, began her love for Chalk the Walk three years ago, and looks forward to it in years to come. “[What motivates me to come every year is] that it’s fun drawing and using pastels,” Ly said, “Also, you can meet a bunch of cool people and it’s a great, fun environment.” A typical Chalk the Walk through the eyes of Ly would begin like this: After applications have been taken, Ly and her friends are assigned an 8 foot by 10 foot square to fill with their art. Once they arrive at their squares, they get to work on their themed (or unthemed) piece. This year, Ly and her companions drew Moana, a popular Disney princess. Once their piece was complete, they wandered through the rivers of colorful streets and admired the wide variety of work by others. Despite Ly’s school ties in comparison to some of her fellow artists, these women were able to bond and share an incredible memory with pastel kissed fingers and artwork at their feet.

One of Ly’s companions is Sophia Chen ’19. Chen has been attending for two years and has remembered every second.

Although, she can’t credit her love for Chalk the Walk to her own findings. “Yvette first introduced me, she loves introducing her students to art stuff like that,” Chen said. She doesn’t regret a thing and is thankful Jury gave her the opportunity to experience and learn more about the event. “[My favorite part] is watching it all come together,” Chen said. The pieces that resulted left her in awe

and seeing the changes between the years hooked her to return. “Last year’s pieces were really politically charged, because of the election and everything,” Chen said, “[but this year] it was really bright and

A nontraditional participant in the festival is Nick Silva ’19. His family has lived in Mt. Vernon since he was born, so he has grown up alongside the event. “It gets more and more advanced [every year] and that’s cool to watch,” Silva said. Although he has never contributed to a piece, he volunteered at this past festival with his grandmother for the duration of the event. The pair were in charge of traveling around the making sure the trash LY ’19 festival and recycling bins were being used properly. By moving from bin to bin, Silva got to experience the exuberant pieces from all across the event. “[Chalk the Walk] brings so much diversity,” he said, “and not just the people, the artwork, too.”

Hopefully, that diversity will continue to grow throughout the years to create an even better event to come.

“YOU CAN MEET A BUNCH OF COOL PEOPLE AND IT’S A GREAT, FUN ENVIRONMENT.” -ERICA

positive.” The different trends are just one of the many things Chen enjoys about visiting. She looks forward to the event in the future and can’t wait to see next year’s contributions.

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F E AT U R E

MAY 26, 2017

ADVICE PARTICIPANTS

“IT GETS MORE AND MORE ADVANCED AND THAT’S COOL TO WATCH.” -NICK SILVA ’19

FROM THE

If Chalk the Walk intrigues you but art isn’t your forte nor do you live near the event, being a spectator is perfect for you. Chad Johnson ’18 and his family have made travelling to the festival a yearly practice.

“It’s kind of a tradition of mine,” Johnson said, “this year the event was on my birthday, and that was pretty cool.” Throughout the years, Johnson has participated in the large community squares in the center of the event. In these squares, visitors can take their pick of design and let their creativity run, even if that creativity isn’t in the same realm as Picasso. When Johnson isn’t participating, he is walking through the streets in awe of the jaw dropping visuals. Typically, the pieces with bright, bold colors are his favorite; but this year a new design caught his eye. “This one artist had created this illusion of a hole in the ground, and then she drew herself climbing out of the hole. It just really stood out to me and was really cool.” Johnson believes that picking a piece isn’t an easy task. Year after year, streets have been added to the festival creating an even larger atmosphere and choices of chalk art to favoritize.

Whether a spectator, volunteer or participant, everyone who has visited this colorful event can unanimously agree that it is necessary to attend.

If you want to attend Chalk the Walk but don’t know where to start; use this simple advice by some Chalk the Walk veterans. Also, if you are hungry for more knowledge about next year’s event, visit http://visitmvl.com/events/ and search “Chalk the Walk.”

NICK SILVA “Take the opportunity to go outside when the weather is nice and appreciate the local art and businesses.”

YVETTE JURY “Have a design in mind… and bring something for your knees!”

CHAD JOHNSON “Walk the whole way, some of the best pieces are at the very end.”

SOPHIA CHEN “Have fun and wear sunscreen!”

ERICA LY “Don’t be afraid to enjoy the fun as well. Just vecause you’re not Picasso doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hace fun. Nobody’s judging you.”

PHOTOS BY MADDI SHINALL DESIGN BY FRANCES DAI

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FRUIT

E N T E R TA I N M E N T MAY 26, 2017

ICE CUBES

BY LYDIA GUO AND MORGAN HAWKINS

Bland summer? Bland drinks? Well, these simple additions can put a delicious spin on a drabby day.

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REFRESHING CUCUMBER + CITRUS

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

MAY 26, 2017

These lemon infused ice cubes will help you achieve that refreshing citrus taste without spending your precious summer cash on an 8pack of lemonade. Not only is this a win for your wallet, but the vitamin C and citric acid will help boost your immune system. Want to be as cool as a cucumber? Then add some to your ice cubes! These vegetables naturally keep your drink colder than your teachers’ hearts during finals week AND is fun to say. It is a total win win, but not only that, they can also fight cancer. What’s not to love?

1. Thinly slice a cucumber, and then cut each slice into fourths 2. Repeat with the lemon 3. Place the cut fruit into an ice tray, add water, freeze, and enjoy!

BERRY FUSION Looking for more blue in your summer lifestyle than just the pool? Add some blueberries in your ice cubes for a colorful splash in your poolside drink. Adding color and antioxidants in as simple as a sip. Ah strawberries, their color may remind you of that irrecoverable sunburn last summer, but that’s not the point! Adding these sweet treats to your water boosts your metabolism and can boost your summer day too.

1. Rinse strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries 2. Cut the strawberries into halves after removing the stems 3. Organize and place the fruit into the ice tray, add water, and freeze

PHOTOS BY MADDI SHINALL DESIGN BY LYDIA GUO

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E N T E R TA I N M E N T MAY 26, 2017

QUICK

MEALS IN A MUG

BY MORGAN HAWKINS

Ah FRENCH TOAST, the toast that isn’t even from France.

Anyways, don’t get too caught up in the gene pool of this mouth watering breakfast food, just appreciate this art of the culinary world in the same serving size as your cup of joe.

OMELET vs. omelette, this savory dish doesn’t care what you call it. It’s just here for your taste bud’s satisfaction. So instead of swallowing your words in this debate of spelling, swallow this delicious bite of eggs & peppers.

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E N T E R TA I N M E N T

MAY 26, 2017

FRENCH

TOAST IN A MUG

2 slices of bread (cubed) 1 egg 1 tbsp of butter (melted) ½ tsp of sugar (optional) 2 tbsp of milk 1 tsp of cinnamon Ÿ tsp vanilla extract

Microwave the butter for 30 seconds, then coat the cup to prevent sticking. In the cup, whisk the egg then add the milk, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla, mix well.

Then add the cubed bread and microwave for a minute and a half or so, check every 30 sec till the egg is cooked, then add syrup and powdered sugar.

OMELET IN A MUG

2 eggs 2 tbsp milk 1 green onion (chopped) 1 pinch of salt & pepper

Inside a mug, whisk eggs together with a fork. After the whisking, add scallions, milk, salt, and pepper. Whisk again until well mixed. Once mixed, microwave the mug for one minute. If large chunks of eggs are present, stir to break them up. If necessary, place the mug back in the microwave for 45-60 seconds to set the eggs. Add a sprinkle of scallions, salt or pepper to complete your masterpiece in a mug.

PHOTOS BY MADDI SHINALL DESIGN BY FRANCES DAI

14

OPINION MAY 26, 2017

FREEDOM AND

BOSSINESS

FOR ALL

powerful stuff, but why is it that way? Why connotations and overall actions throughout is it that when a male takes control of a centuries have compressed, contracted and situation he spit out thousands is considof ideologies that VS ered an varies from each AGGRESSIVE individual, but one idol, re- RESPECTFUL ferred backbone assumpATTITUDE to as ASSERTIVE tion has always rea boss, STRONG BITCHY mained throughout a n d society. Men and g i v - POWERFUL SASSY women are not seen en an as equal. No, I am COMMANDING not crying wolf, overall INSPIRATIONAL posiand no I am not UNREASONABLE tive vibe? UNDERSTANDING discrediting the exYet when a FIERCE OBNOXIOUS treme progress that woman takes has been made for control the word SUCCESSFUL PUSHY men and women does a full 360 and alike, I am just statdevelops an unexplainable bad vibe. Bossy ing what has been read in textbooks and seen

BY MORGAN HAWKINS isn’t alone, words in languages all across the in nations across the world. I believe these ossy is a word that has been used world are given unnecessary gender affilia- assumptions have resulted in, amongst other for centuries tions or tones. things, the different usage of this adjective. directed at Different inThat is not what women should be bound adults and chilterpretations to, in any case scenario or by any adjecdren alike, but are nothing tive. Women should be able to be leaders, the same can not be said new, howev- to be powerful, or to hold high positions for males and females. er, I feel this throughout their life and not be given a “She is so bossy” and “He m i c r o s c o p - negative label because of it. That applies to is such a boss” carry such ic change of more than just an adjective.That should apdifferent connotations in - MORGAN HAWKINS ‘19 tone has only ply to businesses and minds of the people our society that even simadded to the alike, a bossier woman for a better America. ply reading them on this tsunami effect piece of paper for a school of inequaliproject causes your mind to alter the tones you ty that somehow continues under the radar. use and situation you envision. That is pretty Of course, the piles and piles of gender roles,

BOSS

B

“WORDS...ALL ACROSS THE WORLD ARE GIVEN UNNECESSARY GENDER AFFILIATIONS.“

BOSSY

15

OPINION

MAY 26, 2017

TOTRY be used as a derogative term and accepted as an insult. As high schoolers, we have experienced pressure from our parents and the adults around us. Because of their influence, I’ve always been afraid of failu r e a n d disappointing my parents.

To meet the high standards they have set for me, I’ve constantly been driven to put effort in my tasks. Regardless of how I see it, the phrase is used by others as an insult, a way to describe

BY LYDIA GUO someone as too excessive.

Not only is the term viewed as negative, but was shocked when my little sister came home, telling me she had been called a even the idea of working hard and being diligent is shameful. “try-hard” by In many situathe older 8th tions, I’ve noticed graders.

She students hiding was confused, unthe hours put into able to distinguish /tri härd/ noun studying for a the name as a comtest when revealpliment or an insult. ing their score, The idea that someproudly saying one as young as 12 that they “bareyears old must quesly studied.” Sure, tion her work ethic they may look in school is unbe- - OXFORD DICTIONARIES smart by getting lievable and absurd.

The original meaning of ‘try-hard’ has defi- on a high score on a test that they - supposnitely adopted a negative connotation, despite edly - didn’t study for, but why is that a good its literal meaning - a hard worker. Even though thing? Should one be ashamed of having to I’m someone who has been called an over- study to do well or putting effort in a task to achiever often, I still don’t see how it should get the best result?

OR NOT TO TRY By no means am I criticizing someone’s studying habits. However, for those who do put effort into what they do, I don’t think anyone should be embarrassed for working hard. People should be proud for not procrastinating, for being efficient and for getting their home- LYDIA GUO ‘19 work done.

Being called a try-hard shouldn’t be insulting, because there really isn’t anything bad about putting in effort.

For my fellow try-hards, ignore the negativity. The ones who use such terms to label you are just jealous that you can get your work done and they can’t. If anyone, they should be embarrassed for being petty because of their lack of good work habits. Their manipulation of the word is purely to cover their incompetence, and that they’re simply jealous of how put together your life is. Hard work, not name calling, will result in success in the future.

Though the use of the word cannot be completely eliminated, the stigma around the word can. By accepting and knowing that being called a try-hard is not an insult, the use of the word becomes one to describe someone with a punctilious work ethic. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a try-hard or working hard. And to be frank, I’m proud to be a try-hard.

“HARD WORK, NOT NAME CALLING, WILL RESULT IN SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE.”

I

TRY·HARD

A person who tries very hard; regarded as trying too hard to achieve something

PHOTOS BY MADDI SHINALL DESIGN BY LYDIA GUO

BUTTERFLY

ORIGAMI