GRATATA

AMERICA’S FAVORITE PUBLICATION

AL

L F PA IRE GE D 11 UP!

T T R A A A G IOWA CITY WEST HIGH SCHOOL

2901 MELROSE AVE.

IOWA CITY, IA 52246

WSSPAPER.COM

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1

JUNE 4TH, 2014

AD DERALL GRATATA EXPLORES THE STUDY-DRUG TREND AMONG TEENAGERS ACCROSS THE COUNTRY PAGE 7

PHOTO BY//CREATIVE COMMONS

HERKY’S ON PARADE

10 years ago the Iowa City area put up 50 professionally decorated Herky’s, scattered around the area, many went on a hunt to find every single one. This phenomenon became known as Herky’s On Parade. 10 years later the Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty areas are at it again with a whopping 83 decorated Herky’s scattered about. Here are just few of the many, amazing, Herkys.

DESIGN BY// CLAIRE MURRAY

COMPILED BY//CLAIRE MURRAY JUNE 2014 FEATURE 03

DOES

BY EMMA FOWLER

fowler480@gmail.com

SIZE

MATTER?

There’s many places in the Iowa City area to stop and grab a bite, but which ones outshine it’s competitors? What sets a restaraunt from its competitors, does size really matter? If the restaraunt is local, does it make it better, or does the daunting size of large chain food coorperations outshine the underdogs? We asked one-hundred West High students who wins when two places competing for business are put head to head.

CHIPOTLE

Chipotle started in California, and although they started small too, the company quickly grew to over five hundred locations world wide. Chipotle rakes pride in their ingredients, having more USDA organic materials in their food than any other chain-food company.

PANCHEROS

Pancheros was started here in Iowa City, and has recently expanded to a solid sixty-two restaraunts strong throughout the Unites States. It‛s local twist on Mexican Cuisine makes it a common favorite from anyone in the area. Panchers prides themselves on their homemade tortillas made in house.

92%

Pancheros wins! With over 90% of the votes supporting Pacheros‛ burritos it brings in a victory for the small scale businesses!

04 REVIEW JUNE 2014

NOODLES

Z’MARIKS

Z‛mariks was started in 2002 in Iowa city. The company has stayed small, but still has several locations throughout the Iowa City and South Dakota area. Z‛mariks prides themsleves in their ability to serve their tasty food quickly, always trying to keep the customer happy.

DANE’S DAIRY

Noodles and Company was started in 1995, near Denver, Colorado. The concept flopped at first but now has over threehundred and thirty nine locations. They‛re known for their worldy concepts on food dishesespecially of the noodle variety.

82% Nood;es wins! Noodles brings in a victory for the large scale Food companies wth 82% of students‛ votes.

Dane‛s Dairy was started in Iowa City, over fifty years ago.

Despite it‛s large, long lasting success it has kept it small with just one location. They‛re known around town for their “twisters”, a cool mixture of soft serve amd your candy of choice.

DAIRY QUEEN

Dairy queen was started in 1934, in small town Illiois. The ice cream store caught on quickly and is now one of the largest fast-food comanies in the world with over six-thousand locations in eighteen countries. They‛re known for their “blizzards”, a thick mixture of candy and ice cream.

67%

Dane‛s wins! With a closer matgain for vistory, WEst High students prefer their local ice cream to the big guys‛.

REVIEW JUNE 2014 05

What does DETERMINATON mean to you?

Gratata West High asks what determination means to students with a wide range of intrests , here’s what they have to say.

{DESIGN BY CLAIRE MURRAY

“Not giving up.” -Adam Rose ’17

“Determination is one of the greatest assets we can posses, determination can bring out the best in us, determination is a tool we use to defeat discouragement, determination is the tool we use to overcome temporary failure from becoming permanent.” -Akar Akarjani ’16

06 FEATURE JUNE 2014

“The will to make it work.” -Peggy Steva Study Hall Advisor

“Determination means pushing yourself to the limit and striving for excellence. It means not giving up and pushing through the obstacles you face.

Determination menas success, litteralli or methaphorically.”

-Jaya Blanchard ‘17

UPPERS. SNAP. BLACK MOLLY. MARATHONS. ROAD DOPE. WAKE UPS. UPPERS.SNAP. MARATHONS. ADDERALL.

The study drug that is taking over the nation.

STUDYING ...HIGH?

With course loads getting harder and activities ending later and later, some high school students are turing to ADHD medications to get their schoolwork done.

BY MICHAEL MOONJELY

michael.moonjely@gmail.com

As freshmen, we are all required to take a trimester long health class (minus those of us whose parents sign a waiver to take us out).

Over the course of the trimester, we learn about all aspects of personal health. From fad diets to alcohol abuse we are constantly reminded the do’s and don’ts of health. One topic that is heavily covered is drug abuse. The unit is focused primarily on marijuna, mostly because it is the most commonly abused recreational drug among teenagers. However, if you look further down the list you will see synthetic marijuana coming in at second(a designer drug that mimics the extreme effects of regular cannibis) and then...adderall?

Adderall is a drug that is used to treat the

08 COVER JUNE 2014

11% of school aged children who have been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (more commonly known by its acronym-ADHD). When prescribed, adderall can lessen the symptoms of ADHD. However many students are turning to this ADHD medication as a ‘study drug.’

To the abuser, adderall is very appealing. Its effects last 8-12 hours, and its generic equivalent is less expensive than similar drugs such as Vyvanse. Many abusers choose to either snort it or consume the drug orally. When adderall enters the bloodstream, dopamine levels are increased and sleep patterns are altered.

BY THE NUMBERS 2.4 million Americans have abused

Adderall for the first time in the past year

6,000 initiates per day More than 50% are female 1/3 are between the ages of 12 and 17 Which is about

PHOTO BY//CREATIVE COMMONS {DESIGN BY MICHAEL MOONJELY

We sat down with Christopher Yukon* , test results. This is one of the most common a freshman here at west high. Christopher misconceptions of ‘study drugs.’ took adderall a couple weeks ago without being prescribed the medication.

“I ended up getting a C on the test, which is definitely lower than my expectations. I don’t “ I had four test that day, I was really stressed plan on taking any ‘addys’ any time soon.” out and felt like I need an extra boost. I got Yukon said. the adderall from my sister, who actually is prescribed adderall.” Yukon said. This pracStudy hall teacher, Maya Echols, is contice is common among teen abusers. Many cerned about the accessability of Adderall. teens use close family members and friends “ I think the biggest problem is how readily as their source for the drug. available Adderall is,” she said.

“I definitely felt more focused, but I had One thing is certain. Adderall is a scary a big crash at the end of the day. My brain drug when abused. was so tired.” Yukon said. However, being focused doesn’t necessarily translate into good

JUNE 2014 COVER 09

Keeping

{DESIGN BY TAYLOR LIBBY

Up with the

Athletes

Gratata interviewed Leah Rhodes ’17 as she deals with being a track star and also comepting in two other sports.

GTT: When did you start running track?

Leah Rhodes: In the 5th grade.

GTT: What other sports do you participate in?

LR: Basketball and Soccer.

GTT: How do you manage your time?

LR: I use my study hall to get homework done.

GTT: Who is your biggest influence and why?

LR: My team and My coaches because they push you so you can do your best in practice and in meets.

GTT: What are your biggest accomplishments?

LR: Running 1 minute in indoor.

GTT: What is the hardest part of track?

LR: The hardest thing about track is being able to push yourself. It takes a lot of focus and great mentality to run your best.

GTT: What events do you run?

LR: 100s, 200s, 400s.

GTT: What is your biggest strength?

LR: MY SPEED! GTT: What is your biggest weakness?

LR: Endurance.

GTT: What is your favorite part about track?

LR: My favorite part about track is making new friends and great mentality to run your best.

10 SPORT JUNE 2014 } COMPLIED BY// TAYLOR LIBBY

ALL

FIRED UP

BY MICHAEL MOONJELY

michael.moonjely@gmail.com

If you are looking for a fun summer activity for all ages, come to Fired Up in Iowa City. Fired Up is a doit-yourself ceramics studio that has been in Iowa City since 1998. Owners Michael Burt and Nancy Westvig are passionate about their store and their customers.

“Its fun to be creative, we don’t give grades for it you like you did in school. It is a fun social activity to do. A great place for a date or something to do with your mom and dad. It is also great for the shy person, because since you are preoccupied with painting, there isn’t a lot of talking involved” Burt jokes.

When you first walk into the studio, you are led into the bisque room. Bisques are unglazed porcelain ceramics that come in a variety of shapes. Most guests choose standard items such as bowls and coffee mugs, but some opt for more unique objects such as buttons and napkin holders. After you choose your bisque, you choose a couple of colors to paint with. There are over a hundred colors to choose from, but you are encouraged to start with four. Then you can choose from a variety of tables inside or or on the veranda outside.

After dusting off your ceramic, you can begin painting. There is no studio fee, so you are allowed to stay as long as you would like. The only cost you pay is that of your ceramic, which ranges from $4-$75). After you are done painting, your bisque is place in a kiln for 12 hours where it reaches temperatures of up to 1960 degrees. The ceramics are then taken out of the kiln to cool down and are ready in one week.

The Iowa City business relocated from 112 S Linn Street to 520 E Washington Street in May 2011. According to Burt there were problems with the previous location. “We had a lot of problems with [intoxicated] people breaking windows and vomiting over the store” Burt said. The new studio has a party room and plenty of parking which the old business lacked. “The new location is a lot airier and has a lot more space for natural light. We also have a porch that guests like to sit and paint on” Fired Up has a charming local feel, and its peaceful environment makes it perfect for a hot summer afternoon.

PHOTOS BY//MICHAEL MOONJELY

DESIGN BY MICHAEL MOONJELY } JUNE 2014 FEATURE 11

The “Big” City

BY TAYLOR LIBBY

12 OPINION JUNE 2014

Were You a...Mistake?

BY CLAIRE MURRAY

taylor.libby.2016@gmail.com

Big brown boxes line the dining room floor.

Stacks of clothes thrown carelessly around in a mad rush to leave. A child crawls through the kitchen for the last time.

Fast forward 16 hours and I’m finally here. My new home is Iowa City, Iowa where the winters are harsh and the summers are scorching. A big differance from the constant heat of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Also the accents here are starnge. I’ve never seen a city look so clean before, I’m used to sewers filled to the top with trash and streets smelling of alcohol and food from all over the world. It’s different but a good differnet. (I hope) While I may not remember very much from the move all of 13 years ago it marked the start of my life in a permanent spot. Minus the move I had six years later a whole whopping seven houses down the street. But besides that I have not left my quiet

{DESIGN BY TAYLOR LIBBY

claire.cl.murray@gmail.com

neighborhood of Galway hills. I’ve watched many families leave this town growing up. but while I say that in two years when I graduate I’m getting out of this town as fast as I can and not looking back, I’m going to miss the familiarity of knowing at least one person anywhere I go. So while I’m packing my bags once again to leave for my new adventure I can look back and remember that little child crawling through the kitchen knowing nothing about what is to come, and be able to calmly look back one final time and say “peace out IC its been real.”

Anna, Grace, Leah and Claire. Claire. Me. The youngest of four. It’s always been that way, and it always will be. (Except for one time where I thought my parents were thinking of adopting, but I was like 7, so I may be making things up.) People always told me being the youngest was the best, but I did not think so. I’m the youngest in my family by six years. My oldest sister, Anna, is 10 years older than me (and to clear the elephant in the room, NO, I was not a mistake.) I was always told by family and freinds “Oh you’ll be so spoiled when you grow up.” and “I bet you’ll miss your sisters so much when they leave for college!” At the time I just nodded and smiled politely, not agreeing with a single word they said. What was the fun of being the youngest? There was no one to play with, no one to boss around, and your sisters ALWAYS got to go to bed later than you (which I now regret complaining about be-

cause going to bed early is amazing.)

Now, I agree with every word that they said. I’ll admit, I am a touch more spoiled than my sisters (I got the 64 box of crayons), and I miss them a lot when I’m not with them.

It didn’t hit me until about seventh grade when it was my sister Leah’s last year at home (the one closest in age to me) how much it was going to suck to be home alone with no one but my mom and dad. I remember the first time coming home after we dropped Leah off at college and it felt so strange with only three people in our house when I was so used to having six. Now, I cherish every moment I get to have with my sisters, it’s the best when they’re all home and we can all talk together. If you’re the youngest, and you think it sucks, you might not agree with me now, but take my word for it, being the youngest is the best!

EDITORIAL:

{DESIGN BY MICHAEL MOONJELY

THE GETTING

GRADE

It’s no secret that students across the United States are unhappy with the way their understanding of educational material is reflected, the letter grade system. Students everywhere complain that it doesn’t properly represent how well they understand the material and that it is unfair in how it’s compiled. The letter grade system uses a GPA based system in which all current class grades give a specific grade point which is averaged out throughout the high school career. The students’ main complaints are that the system does not properly factor in the difficulty of the classes, rewards cheating and represents a student’s ability to complete their homework more than it does their understanding of the material.

I disagree greatly with the students who attack the letter grading system, because each grade given represents how well you do on tests, your ability to do your homework, and your ability to rely on yourself for success. If you do well on a test you clearly understand the material. If you do well on homework and not so well on tests, it is clear that you did not complete the homework, but rather you copied it from somewhere and it affected your grade negatively, you did not practice the skill on the homework that would later be on that test. Because the grade system includes completing your homework is included in the GPA it gives a way to reflect your work ethic. How willing are you to apply yourself and

do your homework, to study for tests? Your grade also reflects that. Taking responsibility for what you accomplish and how you accomplish it is a skill that you will need for the rest of your life.

Although the letter grade system has its flaws, just as any system does I believe it gives an accurate representation not only of how well you understand the material but also how willing you are to hold yourself accountable to your own success. For this reason I believe that it is a fairly well rounded system that accurately portrays a student’s level to succeed.

Is the grading system at West High flawed?

3-1 The WSS editorial board voted against a system change

COMPILED BY EMMA FOWLER } JUNE 2014 OPINION 13

SUMMERTIME

F E V E R

As the school year is coming to an end, and summer is right at our fingertips, it’s hard for some West High students to keep motivated. Here are some fun games to make summer come faster, and school fly by.

PHOTO BY//CREATIVE COMMONS

DESIGN BY// CLAIRE MURRAY