STRONGER TOGETHER
b&w
BLACK AND WHITE APRIL/MAY 2020 VOLUME 28 ISSUE 6
EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Print Editor Design Editor Online Editor Copy Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Content Manager Content Manager Ad Manager
Ada Basic Brooklyn Dilley Taylor Siebert Kylie Emery Marandah Mangra-Dutcher Joel Kellar Cameron Deroos Liz Jones Caroline Christensen Ethan Burgett
APRIL/MAY When Jay Rice ‘94 brainstormed the name of our paper in 1991, it was not because of the ink color. For the last 28 years, our mission has been to bring our audience stories from the school, community and nation, told clearly and without exaggeration--in black and white.
STAFF WRITERS Nolan Akins Parker Anderson Riley Anderson Payton Blahut Savannah Dennis Noah Gilbert Nitin Gupta London Heim Alex Heron Matthew Hickman Teja Jetty Ramayana Kazazic Akshaya Kumar Zachary Kehoe Tate Larsen Ethan Le Hank Lucas Define Mansour
Sabrina Mcguire Nathan Metzger Collin Minear TJ Olson Charlie Pattinson Ben Pegg Leven Petersen Charles Pruett Ainsley Proctor Ciaran Rigby Cadee Siebert Lily Simpson Aidan Topolinski Ethan Ung Allyah Van Wyk Kaya Young Stella Zeng
STRONGER, TOGETHER This one goes out to the seniors on our staff. A few months ago, COVID-19 entered our lives and forever changed them, especially for our seniors who missed out on so many lasts. However, while we may seem ever so isolated in this time, COVID-19 is making us stronger, together. From the small businesses that work to keep going, to all the students living it up in quarantine. To the class of 2020 who has so much to say. To the toilet paper hoarders- you know who you are. And all the brave frontline workers. May we know that we are not alone in our battle against COVID-19, but stronger together. - Taylor Siebert Design Editor
CONTENT Photo by Marandah Mangra-Dutcher
Feature
4 College Cut Short 6 20 People, 1 Question: What Are You Doing During Quarantine? 8 College Search Goes Virtual 10 Covid-19: Stronger Together 14 Small Businesses Struggle to Survive
Opinion
16 Frontline Family
Editorial
PAGE 10 Teachers participated in a drive-by parade for their elementary students after school ended on March 13th.
18 Dear Toilet Paper Hoarders
Open Letter
20 Sincerely, the Class of 2020
Sports
22 Spring Sports Cancelled
Scan me for more stories
FINE PRINT Black & White is published solely by the Johnston High School newspaper staff. It is an open forum. In accordance with Iowa law, students assign, edit material and make all decisions of content. Editorials represent the opinion of a majority of the editorial board. Editorial and opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the advisor, school officials or the district. Letters to the editor must be signed. Like all material, letters may not be libelous, obscene or an invasion of privacy. To write a letter to the editor, or report an error in the issue, please contact the editors at jhsblackandwhite@gmail.com.
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4 | Feature VIRTUAL CLASS
The first U.S. college to shift entirely to online courses was the
College Cut Short
University of Washington.
Words | Brooklyn Dilley Layout | Akshaya Kumar
O
n Friday, March 6, the University
the only ones to struggle with the sudden
semester, I was loving it. I had adjusted and was
of Washington announced they
end to the school year - the situation has been
feeling like I was figuring out my life. And then
would make the switch to all online
hard on all other classes. College freshmen
just like that – it was over.”
classes for the remainder of the semester. Later
had their year cut short, causing them to miss
Every college has at least a few traditions,
that day, Stanford University made the same
out on many of the typical first year college
often split between the two semesters.
announcement. Over the next few weeks,
experiences.
Johnston graduate Jacob Kim was a freshman
300m meeting participants use daily. daily Zoom users
statistic via Edmit and Inside Higher Ed
300m
statistic via ZoomBlog
Freshman year is a turning point. For many
at Iowa State, and joined the fraternity Delta
decision to stop classes from meeting in person,
young adults, it is their first opportunity to
Chi. “I missed out on a lot of really cool things
and eventually asked students to leave campus
live life without a parent watching over their
that happen in the back half of the spring
and return home. High schools, elementary
shoulder. They are truly allowed to make their
semester at ISU,” Kim said. “The fraternities and
schools, and others were soon to follow.
own decisions, good or bad. “First semester was
sororities have a Lip Sync Battle in the spring.
a big change,” Johnston graduate Olivia Arnold
It’s a super big deal, and a huge competition
Another shock for many college freshmen is
between the houses. We had been practicing
the importance of time management. Classes
for eight weeks, just for it to be cancelled
and homework are often harder and more
when we had to leave campus. That was
time consuming in college than they are in
Due to the shutdown of schools, students’
said. “Just getting used to college life
college and high school, were left without a
and exploring the new freedom
proper send off or a goodbye to the last four
that comes with not living in
years of their lives. However, seniors were not
your parents’ house. By second
a huge disappointment.”
Institutions at high risk of closure within six years spiked in number by 47%. (345 institutions are now at high risk, 110 more than in pre-pandemic projections.)
colleges all over the United States made the
years were abruptly cut short. Seniors, in both
statistic via New York Times
high school, making it easy for students to fall behind or get overwhelmed. “Academic wise, I was taking a lot of classes this semester so it was pretty exhausting managing 18 credits and a job,” Arnold said. “It was kind of nice being online, but I was just getting the hang of my busy schedule and starting to like it. I had developed a routine, and it’ll be hard to jump right back into that in the fall.” No matter what grade they are in, not being able to say goodbye to seniors has been a struggle for almost all students. The confusion surrounding COVID-19 left many unaware that the last time they saw their senior friends would be the last. “Especially being in a frat, you develop relationships and bonds with
“By second semester, I was starting to make those connections. I made some great friends and we were growing closer – I can’t believe that we are all in different parts of the state right now, when we should be together, celebrating that we made it through the first year.” -Olivia Arnold
upperclassmen,” Kim said. “It’s really hard to know you just might never see them again.” For all grades, college is often considered the time for new experiences. It is the time to experiment, to make some not-so-great decisions, and to try to figure out what one wants to do with their life. For seniors, the hope would be that they made the most of their college years, and have memories to look back on despite the abrupt ending. For underclassmen, even though this year may not have gone as planned, they can look forward to going back in the fall and making up for this lost time. “I feel like I really missed out on a lot of spontaneous nights and fun weekends,” Arnold said. “But at least I have three more years to soak it all in.”
2 0 20 PEOPLE 1 QUESTION
7 | Entertainment
What are you doing during quarantine? Words & Layout | Payton Blahut & Noah Gilbert
“I’ve been hanging with the people that matter to me.”-Jeffery House ‘20
“Quarantine sucks. Just been chilling at home Waiting to get my diploma” -Hope Sherwood ‘20 “I’ve been binging tv shows and I’ve been cooking a lot!” - Riya Sharma ‘22
“I started a photo editing business.” -Marquita Norwood ‘20
“I have been cooking and exercising” -Aleah Tenpas ‘22
“Tons of puzzles, and taking pictures for friends!” -Mckinzie Horton ‘20
“I’ve been “studying for AP’s” (not really) and doing a lot of drawing.” -Joanne Wu ‘20
“I am still living life to the fullest.” - Ajdin Hasanic ‘21
“I’ve been social distancing from everyone but my cat.” -Emma Renaud, ‘20
“I’m doing my best! I’m trying to be productive and stay sane!” -Emma Erdoes ‘21
“I’ve been perfecting my baking skills!” -Adna Palic ‘21
“I’m watching ‘The Outer Banks’.” -Izet Dzinic ‘21
“Bike rides, Netflix, messing up my sleep schedule, and Working” -Isaac Kronberg ‘22
“I’ve been baking/cooking with my mom and puppy.” -Autumn Wolter ‘21
“I’ve been driving around a lot!” -Mia Mattingly ‘22
“A lot of self-care and watching Netflix and Disney Plus” Lynzie Dixson ‘22
“I’m reading, listening to music, and rewatching my favorite shows” -Aidan Weyer ‘21
“I’ve been learning Japanese and editing my book.” -Kara Green ‘20
“Since you can’t leave I’ve been doing makeup to the point where I run out” -Demerie Correy ‘22
“I’ve been playing video games, and getting outside as much as I can.” -Jarrett Rotter ‘21
9 | Feature
College Search Goes Virtual Words | Ramayana Kazazic
“Not being able to see colleges and visit them definitely changes a lot of things and creates a lot of uncertainty for me. Most importantly it doesn’t allow me to be on different campuses to figure if I feel at home there or not.”
Layout | Taylor Siebert
As the world changes with the introduction of COVID-19, so does the process of searching and applying for colleges.
JHS College & Career Resources
S
tay-at-home orders, schools closing,
jumped on the virtual campus visits and
and millions of people being laid
admissions offices are all working remotely
off or furloughed. The COVID-19
which makes them very accessible for
pandemic has spread internationally and
With Kindergarten through twelfth grade
this, the college admissions process has been
schools closing as well, many question the
seriously interrupted.
role that academics can play in the admissions
As colleges close, some college visits for
process. “Students are struggling with grades
high school students across the country are
and how schools will transfer letter grades
is still scheduled. The SAT has been
In order to offer further assistance,
vs Pass/No Mark,” Guidance Counselor Brian
cancelled through May. “Colleges are also
Johnston has started a comprehensive google
have been accepted to a college but have
Frick said. “We are working with students to
aware that ACT/SAT may not be offered
site for college and career planning. On that
not yet made a decision, a closed campus
make sure they are finishing up and passing
over the summer when some students
site, administration has added a section for
has made choosing a college much harder.
classes to graduate. Making sure students are
were going to take them and apply for
COVID-19, and resources directly related to
For students that have not yet been accepted,
aware of how a letter grade or Pass/No Mark
early admission. The schools are still
the pandemic.
college visits once posed as an opportunity to
impacts where they are headed for college.
encouraging early admissions and then
The school has been sending newsletters
show demonstrated interest. Demonstrated
We are working with students to help on
students take the tests later. More schools
pertaining to mental health and sharing
interest is when admissions officers look at
getting official transcripts and things sent to
are considering making tests optional
opportunities with students that include Des
the proper locations.”
for a short period of time,” Guidance
Moines Area Community College career
Counselor Susan Baker said.
opportunities, virtual learning options, and
the college admissions process in order to predict if the student will enroll if admitted. Now, such visits can not be done and have
All colleges in Iowa and most outside of the state are accepting Pass/No Mark grades.
For students struggling during this
resources for virtual campus visits. The
If a student has an out-of-state school in
admissions process, look online as that is
counselors offer zoom meetings and email
hindered students in their search for what
mind it is important they check with those
the new way most colleges have decided
conversations with students and families.
colleges they want to attend. .
school websites and contact their guidance
to share information to the public. “There
The counselors encourage all students
counselor in order to guarantee what is
have been fantastic opportunities for
to reach out to their counselor. “We are still
needed for their admission.
online virtual learning sessions including
here to help, even though we are not at the school in our offices, counselors are working
However, many colleges are going online as a solution. “The key concerns we are hearing about is the inability to do an in
Another concern for students are the
tips for admission, writing admission
person campus visit,” Guidance Counselor
ACT and SAT. The April and May ACT
essay opportunities, etc.” Woods-Schmitz
with students to finish up the school year and
were postponed. The ACT in June and July
said.
assist with questions,” Baker said.
Erica Woods-Schmitz said. “Colleges have
JHS College & Career Resources
Documents
Campus
Financial Aid
GPA
Majors
Class Size
Student Life
Scholarships
Naviance
FAFSA
Common App
- Siri Mandava ‘21
indefinitely postponed. For students that
a student’s enthusiasm about a school during Scan the QR Code above to access a google site created by JHS counselors. The website includes information from scholarships to alternative options to college. Students can also learn about important changes due to Covid-19.
students.”
affected millions around the world. Due to
ACT Prep
ZOOM
MAY
15
COVI D-19:
ST R ONGER _
T OGE T HER _
On the Front Line, Student Workers
13 | Feature
that never get to graduate and it makes me
Photos | Noah Gilbert, Brooklyn Dilley, Marandah Mangra-Dutcher, Jordyn Cimmiyotti, & Taylor Siebert Words | Ada Basic Layout | Taylor Siebert
O
A Fareway employee works on the frontline, as she checks out a customer. Many grocery stores and other businesses have added barriers between customers and employees as a necessary precaution. Photo by Noah Gilbert
6 Feet
happy that I got a chance to have so many
senior year moments at all. Plus Barack and Michelle Obama are gonna give us a graduation speech.” Essential businesses have remained open,
“My appreciation for people in the grocery industry and also in the health industry is that these people are true heroes.” - Special Education Teacher Patrick Mattingly
n January 21 the Centers for
but a business cannot function without
Disease Control confirmed the
employees there to work. The internet has
first case of COVID-19 in the
deemed the essential workers “Frontline
United States. 10 days later President Donald
Workers” and several social media campaigns
Trump declared the coronavirus outbreak a
have been started to show appreciation for
public health emergency. Six days later the
these workers. In New York City at 7 p.m.,
first fatality in the U.S. was confirmed. On
people step out onto their balconies and clap
March 11, the World Health Organization
and cheer for medical workers. In Orlando,
declared pandemic. Two days later, on March
Florida fighter jets flew over the city as a way
13, President Trump declared the pandemic a
to honor frontline workers. Businesses such
national emergency. Although unknown at
as McDonald’s and Starbucks are offering
the time, March 13 was also the last day that
free thank you meals or coffees to healthcare
people have been understanding and some
being, it has provided an opportunity for other
Johnston students would be in school.
workers as a token of appreciation. At the
outright thank you for working and putting
workers to join it. Special education teacher
Since then, schools have let out for the
start of the quarantine period, some people
ourselves in the ‘Frontlines’.”
Patrick Mattingly, like every other educator
year, non-essential businesses have shut
chose to stop working in order to quarantine,
down, toilet paper has become scarce, and
others chose to continue to go to work. “It was
entering
often
short. Mattingly saw this as an opportunity to
many people are living in self-quarantine,
a pretty easy decision to continue working,”
overwhelming the employees that try to
join the efforts in caring for the community
or in certain states, under mandatory stay at
Amber Altman ‘20 said. Altman is a part time
serve them. “Regardless of the thanks we get,
and got a job at a grocery store helping with
home orders.
checker/stocker at a chain grocery store.
sometimes, and the small increases in pay or
online grocery orders. “I am a relatively
Panic buying has led to more people stores
more
often,
during these times, had his school year cut
COVID-19 has a large impact on the class
Others are starting to worry. “When all
whatever, everyone has considered quitting,
healthy 51 year old who has been given so
of 2020. Most second semester senior activities
of this first started I wasn’t nervous about
whether it’s the health risk or just the stress of
many great opportunities in life,” Mattingly
have either been cancelled or turned into
working and kinda thought it would just
dealing with the amount of people that comes
said. “I thought it would be good to give back
virtual events.The original graduation date
blow over, honestly,” Jackson Ramaekers ‘20
in everyday,” Ramaekers said.
to the community by helping, staying busy
of May 26 has been postponed until possibly
said. “When you hear about how it affects the
Due to some high risk employees making
late June. “I’m actually okay with it, and I
world it all seems so distant, but now that
the decision to stop working for the time
Although some people have been able to
don’t know if it’s cause I don’t know what I’m
it’s here I’ve started to question if I should
being in an effort to protect themselves
continue to work during this time, COVID-19
missing with graduation or if I genuinely am
be working right now.” Ramaekers works
and others, businesses are understaffed
has required some critical changes for
alright with this ending, but I don’t have a
part time in the meat department of a chain
and the employees that chose to stay are
procedures in the workforce. Most stores are
lot of sadness or regret.” Heather Debruin
grocery store.
overworked, often doing the job of more than
now, weeks after the start of the pandemic,
The mass panic that came with the
one person. “We’ve had to take more hours
starting to require and provide face masks for
beginning of the pandemic led to an increase
due to parents pulling some people from
employees to wear during store hours. “The
in panic buying. The shortages of disinfectants
working and we are tired,” Ramaekers said.
biggest thing that I have learned is that I have
and toilet paper are the more noticeable signs
“My manager came up to me and said ‘This
a total appreciation for the hard work and
of this, but shortages on food are starting to
sucks.” and I said ‘What does?’ and he replied
dedication that I have for all grocery industry
appear as well. “We’re running out of a lot of
with ‘Everything.’ That really showed me the
workers,” Mattingly said. “Regardless of
different things because people panicked and
stress this is putting on some of the people
the pandemic or not, the amount of hours,
bought more than they needed, which leads
I work with, especially the people who work
hard work and dedication these people have
to some people giving us some sass for not
full time back there.”
toward their customers and their store is
‘20 said. “I just think about all of the people
“There hasn’t really been a change in my coworkers. We have precautions but we still act normal. “ - Amber Altman ‘20
having their ribeyes or New York strip steaks,”
While circumstances have forced some
Ramaekers said. “For the most part however
workers to leave the frontline for the time
and working with others.”
overwhelming! These people are true heroes in my book!”
Small Businesses
Struggle to Survive Layout | Taylor Siebert
Words | Marandah Mangra-Dutcher
S
mall businesses across Iowa have
Businesses who have been required to
capability to do that on their own. “I was
been hit hard due to the recent
close or are struggling, have grants and
slightly worried, however, simply because
spread of the Coronavirus. With the
relief programs they could apply for, whether
our store is a local nonprofit and almost all
threat of the virus looming over the state,
it is through the government or other
of our proceeds go to Haiti,” Longo said.
Governor Kim Reynolds ordered the closure
“We don’t necessarily have the resources
of nonessential businesses like bookstores,
to remain closed for a long period of time,
boutiques, jewelry stores, and cosmetic stores.
as our store and our store’s mission rely on
Reynolds also limited the capabilities of restaurants to drive-thru, take out or delivery. Due to these decisions local businesses have begun to struggle. Sophie Longo ‘21 works at a local thrift store called Many Hands For Hati Thrift Market, which had to temporarily close its doors. “I wasn’t very surprised, because lots of places (specifically retail stores) had been closing at this point,” Longo said in an email interview. However, prior to closing, Many Hands For Hati Thrift Market had to change how it operated, just as other businesses had to as well. “Prior to our closing, lots of changes had to be made,” Longo said. “For example, we rely entirely on donations for our product,
“I think America has woken up to realize small business drives the American economy.”
customers coming in and purchasing items.” One of the loans that a small business can apply for is called the Paycheck Protection Program, “The PPP focuses on covering expenses such as payroll, rent and utilities over a two month period,” Jayne Armstrong, Iowa’s District Director from the Small Business Association said in an email interview. Curt Gorsch, Owner of Peak Distributing, a small business which is still open, applied for the PPP. “I haven’t heard anything money due to the high traffic the loans have received. “During the initial two week period of the program SBA funded more loans than in the past 14 years combind,” Armstrong said.
the virus in Iowa, we had to stop accepting
Coronavirus bill which would provide an
could potentially be spread from a donator
-Jayne Armstrong
or their donation. We also limited our store
However, the Senate has passed a
additional $310 billion to the PPP. Even though some small businesses are still open because they are considered
hours and took extra precautions in making
organizations. Many of these funds were
essential to everyday life, it does not mean
sure the store was thoroughly cleaned.” Many
designed specifically for a situation like the
that things for those businesses are going well.
Hands For Haiti Thrift Market is set to reopen
closure of stores for a long period of time,
“On the financial spectrum of it obviously the
soon.
as many small businesses do not have the
business and commerce in general are way
Theaters
Gaming Facilities
Barbershops
Performance Venues
Health Spas
Senior Citizen Centers
Salons Casinos Gyms
y r r WE’RE o S CLOSED
Shopping Malls
Fitness Centers Aquatic Centers Bars Restaurants
Health Clubs
down. It obviously has affected sales and
presence related to sales and marketing.”
will take a couple years for things to get back
receivables and it’s just affected the general
Many other owners have taken this time to
to normal,” Gorsch said.
economic workflow,” Gorsch said.
do renovations and remodeling, rather than
While small businesses fight to get
trying to run the business from closed doors.
through this time many people have begun
However, some small business owners, whether they stayed open or not, have tried
is
to note their importance to the social and
to make the most of what they can do. “Many
not expected to come through this time
economic growth of the United States
of the businesses took advantage of the down
unscathed, “Unfortunately, there will be a
economy. “Not only are small business
time to strategize and rethink their business
large number of businesses that won’t make
owners are our friends, family members and
models,” Armstrong said. “For example, a lot
it,” Armstrong said. And for the businesses
neighbors, they are the backbone of our local
of retailers and restaurants identified new
who make it through this period, it will take
communities and they won’t be taken for
revenue streams by developing an online
awhile for things to be as they were. “I think it
granted anymore,” Armstrong said.
back,” Gorsch said. The PPP has run low on
but with the beginning of the spread of donations entirely, for fear that the virus
15 | feature
$68.8 Million
was distributed to small businesses in Iowa through the Small Business Relief Program, April 7-29
The
small
business
community
3,643
small businesses were offered grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 and the opportunity to defer sales and use or withold taxes due and waive penalty and interest.
Infortmation provided by Iowa Economic Development and coronavirus.iowa.gov
May 15, 2020
is the date in which some businesses will be allowed to reopen for the first time under certain restrictions such as limited occupancy in restaurants.
Frontline Family
16 | opinion
Over...
Words | Kylie Emery Layout | Payton Blahut
bringing home dinner from somewhere for my family or taking our dogs for a walk
16,000,000
people are frontline health care workers.
before she settled in for the night as a way to relax or de-stress. However, since COVID-19 is a concern, my mom is afraid to do any of offices, law enforcement, fire departments,
those things because she does not want to
hospitals, and others. The employees of plac-
expose the rest of us to the virus since she
Q
es like these cannot work from home and
uarantine and social distancing.
was potentially exposed at work. My mom
must take the risk of going out every day in
These are two things that everyone
comes home, immediately decontaminates
order to do their jobs. As a result of this, life
is probably familiar with by now
in the garage, puts her scrubs in the laundry
looks different for these employees and their
since we are living in the midst of a global
and showers before greeting my family and
families compared to people who are able to
pandemic. On just about every news channel
me.
stay home most of the time.
people are constantly reminded that they
Despite my mom trying to be as careful and
For example, both of my parents are in
need to stay home unless it is absolutely
hygienic as possible, there is always a little
the medical field. My dad is a firefighter
necessary to go out. Schools and sports are
bit of worry within my family. My mom or
and a paramedic and my mom is a nurse.
either canceled or conducted virtually, many
one of us could get the virus or even have
My mom works at two different hospitals,
people are working from home, big social
it right now without knowing since it is
which thoroughly screen each employee
gatherings have been canceled and many
possible to be asymptomatic with COVID-19.
at designated entry points. At these entry
non-essential businesses are closed in hopes
We have become more focused on boosting
points, everyone’s temperature is checked
of slowing the spread of COVID-19.
our immune systems and preparing for
and then they are provided with hand
Obviously, there are places that need to
when we get it versus trying to hide from
hygiene supplies so they can apply masks
remain open in order for society to function
the virus because that is simply not realis-
before entering. Sometimes she takes care of
such as grocery stores, gas stations, post
tic. We continue to do what the Centers for
actively infected COVID-19 patients who are
Disease Control (CDC) recommends while
in designated areas, and sometimes she takes
realistically preparing for if and when we
care of recovered COVID-19 patients who
show symptoms.
are no longer showing symptoms. In some
Along with normal hand hygiene, exercise,
situations, she has to wear a combination
and eating healthy, we are taking extra
of different Personal Protective Equipment
vitamin and mineral supplements that have
(PPE) which includes a gown, masks, a face
been proven to boost immunity in the body.
shield or hood, gloves, and sometimes has
We also have a designated “quarantine
to go through a decontamination process.
room” for if or when someone shows symp-
Other times, she just wears a normal mask
toms of COVID-19.
and gloves, depending on the severity of
At this point in the global pandemic, every-
each patient’s situation.
one probably knows at least one person who
When my mom would come home from a
has had their life altered somehow by this
long day of work before this pandemic start-
virus whether it be illness, injury, or loss of
ed, she was able to do little things without
a loved one. My heart goes out to each and
thinking much of it such as occasionally
everyone who has already been affected.
Almost...
36.9% Of health care workes have a child at home.
Nearly...
88.9% Of Registerd Nurses are Women. information provided by cepr.net
19 | editorial
D
ear Toilet Paper Hoarders,
Dear Toilet Paper Hoarders The editorial is an opinion held by the editorial board of the newspaper and is a collaboration of the board. It needs a simple majority to pass. This month’s vote was 9-0.
well as those who are medical professionals,
year 1999, people hoarded groceries before
As the novel virus COVID-19
sanitation workers, grocery store workers, and
the world ended and the year 2000 began.
spreads across our communities
people with immunocompromised systems.
Somehow, humanity survived these ordeals,
and upends our normal way of life, you have
People are taking these products away from
and history now looks upon these hoarders as
made it abundantly clear stupidity has not
the people who are effectively holding this
hysterical idiots.
been cancelled.
country together.
Ultimately, toilet paper should not be
This is evident in grocery store aisles,
I have witnessed the impact of shortages
your biggest concern during this pandemic.
where toilet paper is nowhere to be found.
and hoarding first hand. In the senior living
Instead of putting all your energy into
Other items like hand sanitizer, latex gloves,
community where I work, employees are
attacking grocery store workers stocking
and masks are also being picked off the
reusing their specified one medical mask
toilet paper, try to contribute something
shelves faster than Karen the soccer mom
everyday because we simply do not have
positive to society. Like donating food to
can whip up a batch of homemade sanitizer.
enough. Nurses, CNAs, and dining staff are
your local food bank, volunteering at an
Medical masks like N95s are also missing and
forced to wear soiled masks day after day as
animal shelter, or giving blood. The point
pose a significant wait for shipping.
they interact with the most vulnerable group
is, hoarding is not going to solve any of
The scenes from grocery stores are
of people affected by the virus. This is not only
our problems. If anything, it will make this
horrendous. People are mobbing shelves,
horrifying, but unacceptable. People have a
pandemic much harder to deal with if we do
desperately clawing for a pack of toilet paper.
right to have adequate safety equipment as
not all collectively come together and act like
Some people are leaving stores with enough
they are risking their lives to help protect our
reasonable human beings. So let us do just
toilet paper to last for years. Some have tried
loved ones.
that. Come together as one people, with one
to sell their massive amounts of toilet paper
Unfortunately, hoarding food and other
goal. To get through this pandemic, but also
and hand sanitizer on sites like eBay and
products is not a new concept. For example,
treat each other with kindness and empathy
Amazon to make a profit, but these websites
in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis
during a time of unprecedented need and
have quickly taken down the posts, leaving
people stampeded through stores to buy
desperation. And when this is all over, maybe
the hoarders with an excessive amount of TP.
canned foods. In 1972 increasing oil prices
we can all toilet paper each others’ houses in celebration.
All this panic and hoarding of essential
resulted in a mass panic and buying of fuel.
products creates a serious problem for people
In 1985 people hoarded Coca Cola after Pepsi
Sincerely,
who live and work in nursing homes, as
released their “new Coke.” And finally in the
An exasperated citizen
20 | Opinion
Skip Day
Sincerely ,
Class of 2020
The school year is officially over. There
rebel for skipping school on senior skip day.
thank you for livening our days and just
was no prom, no spring sports, probably no
Instead of having the senior challenge, we
being you. Our future relationships will never
graduation ceremony and no more high
played online games with our friends over
be the same because of you, so thank you for
school. Some of us might not even see some
video chat. We have lost the memories we
teaching us how to love for the first time.
of our friends again.
deserve, but we have made ones that will do.
Even when one of us messed up, we would
The spread of the Coronavirus has created
Whether students have been here for all
not change those memories for the world.
a completely unprecedented situation that
four years or merely one, high school has
Thank you for growing with us. Goodbye,
no one ever could have anticipated. The
been such a formative time in our lives. High
and hopefully we never meet again because
effects of COVID-19 have been exceptionally
school has fostered friendships, relationships,
that would be awkward.
destructive and heartbreaking. I know some
mentorships and the passions of every
And now, to our high school career, thank
of you are very close to the effects of this
individual. These years have directly formed
you for helping us become who we were
pandemic. It has separated loved ones, forced
the shapes of our lives from here on out, and
meant to be. This is where we learned how
many back into toxic homes, increased
now we will never get to give high school the
we want to live our lives. Whether we want to
anxiety and depression rates and taken
goodbye it deserved.
live in a city or the country. If we want kids.
the lives of people dear to many. We are experiencing many of these scenarios as well as losing a formative year in our lives.
So here, here is the goodbye we all wanted to have for our senior year. To our teachers and staff, you have
What job we want. We aren’t all the way there yet, but you helped us discover ourselves, thank you. Goodbye.
It is okay to be mourning the loss of a
changed our lives in so many ways. We are
There is no going back to the past. While
senior year. Others are mourning events that
thankful for the friendships we’ve formed
we may be missing out on so many memories,
may seem more life changing, but senior
with you. You have taught us so much, not
there is so much to look forward to in the
year is no small event. Letting myself feel
only the curriculum, but also just how to be
future. The first year of an apprenticeship,
my emotions has always been a hard thing
a good person and have a good life. Goodbye,
the first year of college, the first apartment,
for me to do, and I am here to tell you that
and have a good summer.
the first full-time job. And hey, in the future
all your emotions are okay. It is okay to feel
To our peers and friends, thank you
this will be a great story to tell little kids.
pain over lost memories. It is okay to cry and
for being supportive, kind and fun. The
be angry. These emotions are valid. Your pain
friendships we made here are what we will
This is a time we will survive and hopefully
is not selfish. Do not discount your feelings
pattern the rest of our friendships after.
we will come out on the other end with more
and misfortunes because others might have
Thank you for teaching us how to be good
empathy and more appreciation for those
it worse.
They are never going to believe all of it.
friends. We have weathered so much together,
around us. But, for now, focus on surviving
We did not go to prom with our squad, a
and we could not have done it without you.
this in the best way possible. You don’t need
night full of laughter and close connections,
We love who you are and are so impressed by
to be productive, you don’t need to learn a
so we videochatted our friends in our fancy
everything you have accomplished. Goodbye,
new language, you don’t need to become a
clothes or went to a park for a very distanced
and I hope we will see each other again.
prodigy. Be sad, but also be happy when you
view of each other. We never got to feel like a
To our crushes and significant others,
can. We can do this together, but apart.
Spring Sports Cancelled
Brooke Mckee'20 runs during the Drake Relays. She was only 8 seconds off of the school record in the mile. (Right) Matthew Kliegl '20 runs during the state meet. He won the state championship in the distance medley.
Owen Smith ‘20 was ready to help take the boys tennis team to
up in front of thousands of fans to run in the state meet. He
Caroline Christenson'20 poses for a photo with her doubles partner Laura Paul '20. Christianson was on the brink of varsity last year. (Right) Owen Smith '20 waits for the serve in a tennis match. This photo was provided by Smith. Caroline Christenson is a senior girls tennis player. Last
From May 20-22 senior Matthew Kliegl was supposed to line
their first state appearance in many years. He had already spent a year and a half playing varsity with his doubles partner, Kyle Geerts, and was focused on playing singles this season. This is a
was supposed to have the chance to defend his state title in the
season she was on the brink of playing varsity and this year
big feat because only the top 6 players on the team get to play
the rest of her senior track career. She was going to compete at
distance medley with his teammates Zach Abbey ‘20, Phavian
was supposed to be the year she finally was able to play.
singles.
the Drake Relays and at State and hoped to win each. After that
Johnston senior Brooke McKee had everything planned for
Moorer’20, and most likely Karson Kleve’20. Kliegl, like a few
Christenson played doubles her sophomore year with Emma
Smith was looking forward to the competition he would get
she would continue her running career at the University of Iowa
hundred thousand other senior track athletes across the US won’t
Christenson and played doubles last year with Laura Paul ‘20.
to face while playing varsity. He was ready to embrace the
and run cross country and track. Her senior track season was
get the chance to do any of this as the last season of his high
In those two years her partner and her only lost one match in
challenge as one of his biggest goals was to take the team to
set to be special as it would be her last in a Johnston uniform,
school career came to an abrupt stop on April 17, because of the
JV.
state. Smith said, “I would’ve loved to go to state and play against
unfortunately her season got canceled because of the COVID-19
COVID-19 pandemic.
This past winter Christenson and Paul really focused in on
some of the best kids in Iowa.”
being their best for their senior season. “[One] of my biggest
Smith throughout his career was known to be very consistent.
at Johnston. This class had amazing depth to it and played a
goals of the season was to play varsity and varsity doubles with
This is something that he takes pride in and believes that his
huge role in the changing of the culture when the coaching
my partner Laura Paul. We had been practicing all winter and
consistency is one of the reasons he played on varsity for a year
country team. McKee helped lead the girls cross country team to change happened a few years ago. Kliegl had blossomed into second place at state (2018) and three state championships (2016, one of the leaders of the track team constantly putting in work.
really had been looking forward to kicking some serious butt.”
and a half. He is also proud of his ability to not get down in
Christenson said.
the dumps when he was struggling or lost a match. Smith said,
2017, 2019). At the state cross country meets she placed third
pandemic. McKee ran varsity for Johnston cross country and track all four years and is one of the best to ever do it for the girls cross
Kliegl is part of one of the biggest classes in boys track history
Kliegl said “When I’m the last one in the weight room it makes
The majority spring sport athletes were surprised when they
“We [Geerts and Smith] would laugh and tell jokes, and were
twice, fourth, and 30th. She made all-state three seasons in a row
me feel really good.”
found out their sport was canceled and not postponed to
generally lighthearted, as opposed to some other teammates who
(2016-2018).
This mentality he had the winter of his junior year turned out to
the summer. Christenson was part of the minority. Like the
may have gotten down in the dumps when things weren’t going
McKee placed fifth at state last year in the 1500 meter run. She
be the best thing he could’ve done for track. He was on track to
rest of the spring athletes though, she was still incredibly
so well.
ran a team best 4:43.47. This was only 8 seconds off of a new
become one of the better 400 meter hurdle runners in Johnston
disappointed when she found out.
Smith and Geerts had a special bond on and off the court and
school record. She was poised to attempt to set a new school
history until he broke his wrist at a practice early in the outdoor
Christenson will not only miss competing during her senior
that led to them playing good most matches. They played every
record in the 1500 meter run before her season got canceled.
season. He was able to persevere through this and won the
season, but it’s not being able to play and practice with
single meet last year together. Smith said, “We played well,
state title in the distance medley. He ran the 400 meter leg in
her teammates and coaches. At their last meet last year
always had fun, and never lost sight of the fact that tennis is just
this race and ran with legendary Joe Schaefer ‘19, Zach Abbey Hiekes’21 and Aleah Tenpas ‘22 both get to being all-state runners ’20, and Phavian Moorer ‘20. Matthew Kliegl was set to have a this year in cross country. special track season his senior year and have the chance to earn
Christenson unknowingly played in her last tennis meet of
a game to be enjoyed.”
her Johnston career. Christenson said, “I will never get to play
For Smith tennis at the end of every school day was a great way
with my amazing teammates, partners, and coaches who really
to end his day. It was a great stress reliever and he was able to
McKee will represent Johnston well in years to come as she
scholarships from many schools if he could improve to what he
shaped the player I am today. For me, that is what hurts the
have fun and play with his teammates, whom he has developed
competes at the University of Iowa.
thought he was able to do.
most about not having an opportunity to play.”
lasting friendships with.
McKee was a great leader for the girls cross country and track and field teams has she has played a role in helping Bella
Tennis
Tr a c k A n d Fi e l d
Layout: Joel Kellar Text: Joel Kellar
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