b&w
BLACK AND WHITE MAY 2019 VOLUME 27 ISSUE 7
LIBERATION Liberation is a concept we learn at a young age, even if we don’t know it. In elementary school, history teaches us about the civil rights movement, math shows us that X can represent anything, and in science we learn that there are endless options for element combinations. In this issue, we try and show some of our everyday forms of liberation. Graduation is a new form of liberation, and all students are ready for it. Women are standing up against the oppressive system that is the pink tax. People are calling an end to ‘thoughts and prayers,’ and are demanding real action. -Andrew Maresca Editor-in-chief
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.
Say Hello
MAY
When Jay Rice ‘94 brainstormed the name of our paper in 1991, it was not because of the ink color. For the last 26 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.
Editorial Board
Editor-in-chief Andrew Maresca Print Editor Obsee Abbajabal Online Editor Ada Basic Design Editor Taylor Siebert Story Editor Brooklyn Dilley Sports Editor Evan Newcomb
Staff Writers
Cecilia Allemagne Parker Anderson Riley Anderson Payton Blahut Duncan Christakos Caroline Christensen Annie Culbert Cameron DeRoos Kylie Emery Kara Green Paul Heggen Elizabeth Jones Joel Kellar Jacob Kim Akshaya Kumar Erina Lee Sophia Longo Karla Lopez Siri Mandava Marandah Mangra-Dutcher Ashley Marsh Jacob Marren JD Norris Jenna Olson Charlie Pattinson Ben Pegg Julia Richards Colt Smallwood Ethan Ung Ben Williams
Instagram: @jhsblackandwhite Twitter: @jhsnewspaper Facebook: JHS Black and White
INSIDE LOOK
12 Born in Between
News
4 Prom & After Prom Cancer Walk NHS Induction Ceremony
Feature
6 Living by New Rules 8 World According to... Tim Brickley 10 Outlook on Others 12 Burnt
Editorial 18 Thoughts and Prayers
Opinion Spring Band Concert Senior Challenge Drake Relays Best Buddies Picnic
20 Putting Up with the Pink Tax
Profile
16 1/1700: Sarah Rasavanh
Sports
22 Cari Naanep & Joe Schaefer
4 | news
BRIEFLY words & layout | Cecilia Allemagne
PROM & AFTER PROM Obsee Abbajabal ‘19 and Rappa Arrington ‘19 were announced as the 2019 Prom Queen and Prom King at the dance on May 4. After students left the dance at Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, they then went to the high school gym for a night of games, hypnotism and prizes. Among these prizes were computers, AirPods and a few Apple Watches. Rylee Matthews ‘19 reaches for the ball during a game of nine-square at After Prom. Photo by Sophia Blondino
CANCER WALK The high school’s first-ever cancer walk happened on April 28. Five different raffles were held at the event. Participants bought tickets or earned them by walking laps. Games were played in the large and small gym. Proceeds went to Pennies for Patients, which is a local organization that supports Iowa cancer patients. The event was put on by the Student Council. Anna Janni ‘20 takes a receipt from Kathryn Christy ‘21 while they take care of the registration table. Photo by Andrew Maresca
NHS INDUCTION CEREMONY
On May 6, students were inducted into the National Honor Society. Angela Cai ‘19 was the 2018-2019 year’s president and passed on the title to Matthew Kliegl ‘20. This involved passing a candle to the new president. Each member of last year’s executive board read an excerpt regarding the values of being a member. Teachers Jason Jauron and Jennifer Palmer both spoke at the ceremony. Matthew Kliegl ‘20 speaks to the NHS members about being the new president. Photo by Andrew Maresca
SPRING BAND CONCERT May 13 was the last band concert of the 2018-2019 school year. Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony all played their selected pieces. Following Symphonic Band’s performance, the senior class was recognized, with each senior having their name and plans for next year read aloud. Numerous seniors received awards as well. Ryan Walker ‘21 plays his trumpet with the rest of the section. Photo by Cecilia Allemagne
SENIOR CHALLENGE Senior Challenge, an event similar to Rock Around the Clock, took place on May 1. This event allowed seniors only, and celebrated the seniors’ last year. Teams of 12, along with a teacher sponsor, competed in various physical and mental games and challenges. The three teams with the highest point totals went on to compete for the championship. All of the proceeds went to Project Silence No More. Morgan Alaimo ‘19 and Lauren Gabby ‘19 cheer on their teammates at Senior Challenge. Photo by Anne Culbert
DRAKE RELAYS Both the girls and the boys placed at the 2019 Drake Relays. The girls’ final score was 1, tying them with Waterloo East for 20th place. The 4x800 girls’ team placed 8th, earning them that point. The boys’ final score was 10, tying them with Urbandale for fifth place. The 4x800 boys team placed first, earning them all of their 10 points. Joe Schaefer ‘19 placed first in the 800, the 1600, and was part of the 4x800 team. Joe Schaefer ‘19 wins 1st place in the Boys 1600 meter. Photo by Joel Kellar
BEST BUDDIES PICNIC Best Buddies wrapped up the year with a picnic in the high school cafeteria. There was a small Easter egg hunt and a potluck to celebrate another year. This was the first event put on by the new board.
Evan Gjoraas ‘21 grabs a snack during the Best Buddies Picnic. Photo by Andrew Maresca
6 | Feature
LIVING BY NEW RULES words | Siri Mandava design | Erina Lee
A
s time passes, new circumstances
“The school should understand that they
and check out the rooms. This allowed the
begin to show themselves as
do not have to constantly nag us about our
administration, as well as the students, to see
schools
clothing because we are self aware of what
what they liked. “ We noticed that students
to and what not to wear.” Chander said.
reached out more to the room that had a
evolve.
Along
with
these changes come new rules and policies. Mark Schillerstrom, an English Teacher, has
A lot people do not know the thought
worked in the Johnston School District for
and discussion that goes into the dress
The administration and designers noticed
many years and seen the changes the school
code policy every year. “We are currently
that students liked having a variety of seating
has made. “So much has changed since the
working on the dress code policy for next
to choose from instead of one type of seating.
technology has advanced this much, it is
year, and looking particularly at are policy
“ I really like the variety of the new seating,
nothing like it used to be,” Schillerstrom said.
on hats.” Woods said.
it gives me more options,” Amarui Butts ‘21
variety of seating.” Woods said.
Over the years, the dress code policy has
When it comes to hats, many students
not changed very much and teachers have
have expressed their concern on them. “The
While the new seating gives students more
mentioned having to deal with the same
no hats rule, I’m not sure why we cannot
options it, it takes time to adapt. “It takes time
problem in relation to dress codes each
have hats in school,” Chander said.
to get used to, everybody has a preference if
said.
year. “Back when I was teaching in the ‘80s,
The reason why the school has the ‘no
they like their chair high or low, spinning or
I remember how big of a problem spaghetti
hats’ policy is because it makes it harder
not, rocking or not,” Chander said. “It’s fun to
straps were,” Schillerstrom said.
for staff to identify students, which can be
be the first people to try them out.”
Many students feel strongly about the
a security concern. The administration is
Instead of having one piece units for each
dress code. Specifically, students believe that
currently working on how to change that
student now we have multiple piece furniture
the dress code is stricter for females, than it
policy for next year. “A big thing we are
and couches. This has made it harder for
is for males. “The way the dress code is right
working on and discussing about is the hat
teachers to utilize their room to the fullest.
now, when you look at the language, it is no
policy,” Woods said. “I am aware that [there
“It’s much harder now to move things around
way targeted towards females more that it is
are] religious reasons for some things... we
the room because of the multiple pieces,”
for men,” Woods said. “The dress code is set
want to clear a line between them so that
Schillerstrom said. “The pieces also take up
in such a way that it is inclusive of students
students can respect their religion and not
a lot room.”
want to were but still appropriate.”
breach the school dress code.”
A major issue that has been rising with
Right now the dress code policy focuses
Just as the dress code policy has changed,
the use of technology, the cell phone policy.
on two major things; students should not be
so has the seating in the high school in the
“ I have had to tell more people to put there
promoting any illegal activity or items and
past few years. We have shifted away from
phone away now than I have had to in
students’ clothing should not be disturbing
traditional seating to couches and more
previous years,” Schillerstrom said. Fabiola
to other fellow students or staff. “People
collaborative pieces. “We wanted to make
Gamboa ‘20 specifically had an encounter
would like to express themselves in many
sure the new furniture at the high school
with this; she had her phone taken away in
ways and one way is dressing but those ways
was different than it was in the past,” Woods
class. “I had it taken away from my hands and
can be uncomfortable to others and there are
said. “And so we decided to see what the
the teacher had it in their desk. The teacher
different ways to show people who you are,”
students thought about it.”
said to me if I don’t pay attention, I’ll have it
Ragavi Chander ’20 said.
When deciding the furniture for the
back by the end of the day.” Gamboa said.
Students, throughout the years, also feel
new high school, administration set up four
With schools evolving and changing the
like the school has been enforcing the dress
different rooms, all with different types of
rules, the people within have to agree and
code more than it has, arguably, done before.
seating. Then they had some students go
change with it.
8 | feature
THE
WORLD ACCORDING TO...
Tim Brickley TOTAL FOODIE Tim Brickley: I like to cook. I cook. I like finding recipes and I like cooking. I make a majority of what we eat at home. Kayla Bousum: He’s such a foodie, and I am the pickiest eater on the face of the planet, so when he starts talking I just drown him out, I don’t pay any attention. Princess Pate ‘20: When Brickley does come to class, he is 15 minutes late and eating yogurt and granola. Rod Wiebers: We went on a trip this past March for school, we went to an entrepreneurship conference in Austin, Texas. I ate crawfish for the first time with him, I never would’ve eaten crawfish. He’ll look up the most obscure restaurants, places you’ve never heard of. He’ll get on the internet when we’re going somewhere, and he’ll be like, “Hey, we need to go eat at this place.” Or if I’m going on vacation, he’ll look up all these restaurants and tell me where I need to go. It’s really cool, he’ll challenge me to do stuff that I never would’ve.
words | Brooklyn Dilley design | Karla Lopez
Bousum: Every single week he has this form that he prints off and fills out, sometimes he has it here at work. It’s like organized by the aisles at Fareway. He knows where everything is and what aisle it would be in. He lists the meals he’s going to make for the whole week, and they hardly go out to eat so it’s a lot. And then he lists what things he needs for each meal and what aisle it’s in, it’s so over the top. And he does all the grocery shopping and almost all the cooking for his family. He talks about food a lot, he’ll be warming something up in the microwave and I’m just like, “Oh that smells.” And he’s like, “It’s this, this, and this.” It’s a bit much. Total foodie. Wiebers: I wish I had that same passion and drive because I’m horrible at cooking. There’s times I want to be better at that, and it’s cool listening to him talk about the different
foods he makes. He’ll come into lunch with this food that looks awesome. I wish I could do that.
SO SARCASTIC Bousum: He is so sarcastic. He hardly ever says anything that is that serious. I swear he taught his children sarcasm before they left the womb. He just yelled sarcastic things at his wife’s belly so they would get used to his sarcasm. Wiebers: He’s a guy that will lay sarcasm on you pretty thick, and hopefully you can get it. If you do, you really understand his sarcasm and how it works. He does it in a good way sometimes. People can use sarcasm in not the greatest way, but he seems to use it in a way that students understand. Pate: He’s very sarcastic and tells a lot of jokes. When I’m in his class it’s like a breath of fresh air because I know I’m going to smile or laugh at least once in his room. Bousum: We’re also both kind of gossips. So any gossip going on, like this teacher is leaving, this teacher got in trouble, or this student did this. We talk about other teachers and students, it’s terrible. But that’s what makes our jobs fun.
HIPPIES TO COUNTRY TO BEYONCÉ Wiebers: He knows more about music than anybody I’ve ever met. He knows the most obscure bands out of any genre, he’ll all of a sudden pull up some rap artist that most of the high school students know, and I have no idea. He’ll pull out songs, and students will be like, “How do you know this?” Brickley: I’m definitely more of a rock ‘n’ roll person. Hippie music, I listen to a lot of that. I was a drummer growing up and so anybody who has a good drummer, I listen to a lot of that stuff. But I’ll listen to a lot of different things. I watched that new Beyoncé “Homecoming”, it was amazing and I’ve been listening to that almost every day. But then also like Shipp and I just bought tickets go to Kenny Chesney. So like we’re talking hippies to country to Beyoncé. It all can be in there.
to this dude that looked like my grandpa playing music. When you first walk in and see this guy, he has huge sideburns. And the Elvis hair, but it was white. I was like, “What are we listening to?” But it was really cool.
NO MORE TEXTING BECAUSE I’M WATCHING BEYONCÉ Brickley to Leslie Shipp’s class: Did you watch the Beyoncé thing yet? It’s so good! The production value is unbelievable, what she did. Shipp: He wouldn’t even let me text him when he was watching “Homecoming”. He said, “No more texting because I’m watching Beyoncé.” And I said some obnoxious thing about how she married Jay-Z for the money. She wouldn’t be near as famous if she didn’t marry Jay-Z. We had a huge talk about this the other night, and then he went off. I said she was not worth as much as he is, and that got us in a fight then, and then we went and looked it up. He’s worth a lot more.
Brickley: I still have a drum set, I haven’t played for a couple of years with anybody. But I have been in bands on and off. I played in college. Bousum: Who is in a polka band? That’s such a dorky thing to do. He was a drummer, he can still drum, although I don’t know if he does it very often. But yeah in college, at UNI, he was in a polka band and he drummed. I think it was called the Polka Dots or something. It just sounds like he was such a dork. I don’t even know why I’m friends with him. Shipp: When he was a bachelor, he had this big drum right in his living room. There was a couch and then here was his drum. And then as soon as he got married, that went away. I make fun of that all the time. Women take things away.
TOAD, NOT A FROG *Shipp and Brickley walking from journalism room to courtyard*
Brickley: Quit wasting your time with that conversation, it’s like talking to her about the Beatles. She hates the Beatles, and she hates Beyoncé.
Shipp: It’s not gonna be there anymore
DOESN’T LOOK LIKE A YOGI
Shipp: Toads dig into the earth and hide when it gets hot.
Brickley: My wife first started doing yoga, she does yoga two or three days a week. She’s the one who got me doing yoga. She really thought it would be a good stress reliever for me, and good for my flexibility, and all these different things. And then Shipp and I started talking about it so Shipp started doing it. 2017 is when I started doing it and, yeah, I do it two or three times a week. Shipp: Siewert and I run circles around him with yoga. He doesn’t even go.
Brickley: Where would it go? Toads can’t fly! He’s still gotta be there.
Brickley: But how did he even get in there? Shipp: Someone let him go, Burns let him go in there. Brickley: The only person I’ve ever seen out in these common spaces would be Tammy Andrews. Was it the French? *reaches courtyard doors, goes outside*
Bousum: I’ve never done yoga with him, but I can’t even imagine. He doesn’t look like a yogi to me, but he loves it so that’s good. It’s good exercise, right? One of these days I’ll have to do yoga with them.
Shipp: So where is this thing? *looks around* We should come out here more often. Don’t step on the toad. Toads dig in the ground. They get into holes, they bury themselves in holes.
Wiebers: Him and Ms. Shipp constantly say I need to come to yoga, but I find ways to get out of it.
Brickley: There he is! Right there, in the hole.
Wiebers: He used my wedding as basically tailgating for a Bruce Springsteen concert. He went to my wedding and the reception, left to go to the concert at Wells Fargo, then came back afterwards. He’s a man on the move.
Brickley: I’m the king of free yoga. I don’t pay. Either I find the free classes that Powerlife Yoga has, or my wife has a membership and she can have a guest at anytime, so I’ll guest with her. I don’t pay for yoga very often.
Brickley: Look at her! She’s just gonna touch the toad!
Wiebers: [In Texas,] we also went and listened
THE POLKA DOTS OR SOMETHING
*Shipp reaches down, picks up toad*
Shipp: He’s not gonna be happy. Sometime they pee on you. He’s cold. And pretty big. That’s a toad, Brickley. Not a frog.
10 | feature
words | Obsee Abbajabal design | Marandah Mangra-Dutcher photos | Andrew Maresca, Sierrah Mangra-Dutcher & Evan Newcomb
O
O N K O O T O H L E T R U
S
are you going to add to our college campus?
to college in proportion to the Asian kids in
Are you going to add leadership? Are you
America, this is kinda playing in your favor a
s a sophomore, Jackie Liang ‘20
going to be a part of groups and clubs and
majority of the time. So whether or not your
was attracted to the Advanced
activities, and bring something that brings
kid gets into Harvard, I could care less.”
Placement offerings the high
more value to us?’” Woods-Schmitz said.
A
Others see the drawbacks with
A major indicator for colleges is how
holistic admissions. “Admission officers can
about college and understanding how credits
involved students are in their community.
use that to discriminate against certain types
work, she is no longer charmed by these types
“Becoming more involved in activities was
of people. Not saying they do, but it’s a certain
of classes. “The clout isn’t there anymore for
probably subconsciously fueled by [trying to
possibility,” Yao said.
me,” Liang said. “DMACC credit that you
get into college], but overall I’ve been willing
The consideration of race in holistic
would get from one class or the experiences
to have a good time in high school,” Liang
admissions is known as affirmative action.
you would get from another activity kind of
said.
“I think it’s a double-edge sword,” Anjali
outweigh any head start you would get from
school provided. After researching more
After understanding the college
Dhawan ‘19 said. “I understand why it’s not
an AP [course]. Also, I realized that some
process, Yao believes holistic review puts an
good to pick one applicant over another
people will only count that as an elective
increased focus on extracurriculars. “The way
because of their race because it could
and I would rather take the fun courses in
that college admissions are right now, with
disqualify a qualified candidate. At the same
college.”
the focus on the individual, it’s important to
time, I understand where the issue came from
have very good extracurriculars and essays,”
and were it could lead to if we got rid of it.”
Typically, colleges have used standardized test scores, GPA and class rigor as a measure on how well a student will do in their freshman year. However, with the increased amount
of
students
pursuing
higher
education, top colleges have turned to other indicators that show a student will thrive at their campus. This process of holistic review factors in extracurriculars, work, talent, and personality, among other things than only focusing on standardized test scores and GPA. School guidance counselor Erica WoodsSchmitz recognizes the increased pressure set on students. “Some of [the colleges] are going to this idea that they can basically use anything to review a student,” Woods-Schmitz
“Becoming more involved in activities was probably subconsciously fueled by [trying to get into college], but overall I’ve been willing to have a good time in high school.”
said. “The unfortunate part with it is that they holistic review.”
affirmative action has provided. “I think it’s great that it has definitely allowed [underrepresented] people that wouldn’t get into college the opportunity to do so.” Liang said. Those that support affirmative action fear that if it were to become unconstitutional, higher education would become difficult to access for underrepresented groups, such as African-Americans and Latinos. “In the past, places like Harvard and those kind of places were dominated by white males and allowing more people of other races to have more of an advantage made those kinds of places more cultured,” Dhawan said. “Those
Jackie Liang ‘20
are pretty secretive about what they can call
Liang has noticed the benefits that
universities do better with a more diverse student population.”
Many out-of-state colleges require
Yao said. “Those factors can make up for
Dhawan argues that race is not the biggest
or have an optional writing portion in their
scores that are not incredible. But, if your
decision when it comes to being accepted
application. “Most of my applications had
extracurriculars and your essays are less
into a college. “How many other variables
extensive writing portions,” Anjali Dhawan
good and your scores are exceptional, it’s not
are there in the college admission process?”
‘19 said.
as good.”
Dhawan said. “I would think it’s unfair if
Recently, top institutions such as
there are two applicants that are far apart in
essays expressed his goals and personality. “I
Harvard University have come under fire
test scores and one makes it over the other for
tried to be genuine, I didn’t want to be fake,”
for allegedly using holistic admissions to
a reason unrelated to their intelligence. But, I
Yao said. “My admission officer wrote me a
discriminate against race. According to NPR,
don’t think it happens as often as people want
handwritten note after I was accepted and
a group called Students for Fair Admissions
to believe. College admissions are tough
they were like, ‘I really liked reading your
filed
for
enough as there are, I think there are other
application. You seemed very genuine about
considering race too much when reviewing
reasons why a candidate gets disqualified in
your passion for learning. You seem like a
applicants. “I know a lot of Chinese people
the first place. I think blaming it all on race
true leader.’”
or East Asian people, I guess Asian people
is unnecessary.”
For Chris Yao ‘19, a majority of his college
a
lawsuit
against
Harvard
Looking at the student as a whole
in general are like, ‘This is discriminating
Although holistic review comes with some
is the main purpose of holistic review. “Their
against us’” Liang said. “But then, when you
controversy, many agree that it allows the
bottom line is that they want to know, ‘What
look at the statistics, how many Asian kids go
college to know more about the applicant.
12 | in-depth
BURNT As the year comes to a close, students and teachers are experiencing the effects of burnout words | Taylor Siebert & Kylie Emery design | Andrew Maresca
14 | in-depth
C
‘20 believes that one reason is the school’s grading
stay motivated when the people around them are
hris Yao ‘19 is one of many students
policy. “Maybe it’s because a lot of classes now are
not,” Oldham said. “So, if you have a teacher who
experiencing burnout as the school
having optional homework, optional assignments,
is doing their best to teach the material, and half
year comes to a close. “I’m in an
you can reassess how much you want, and turn it
of the students are not motivated, then it’s difficult
econ class,” Yao said. “I have 17 assignments that
in when you want,” Smith said. “I think that that
for that teacher to maintain the motivation that
are overdue and the class ends in three days, so I
is to the detriment of the student body. I think
they have at the beginning of the year. Conversely,
should probably finish that soon. But I just don’t
that the school’s policies they are implementing
if the teacher loses motivation, then how can one
feel like doing it.”
will not help the student body and I think that is a
expect the students to have motivation?”
According to the Florida National University, student burnout is defined as an emotional, physical, or mental state of fatigue due to an
major contributing factor to why student burnout exists.” However,
Burnout is not unique to students, as teachers also feel a lack of motivation towards the end of
Mark
the year. Psychology teacher Jesse Dowell is one
overwhelming workload contributing to stress.
Augspurger argues that standards based grading
instructional
coach
of these teachers. “I’m burned out right now,”
For high schoolers, burnout creates a lack of
does not contribute to burnout and is actually
he said. “If you talk to most teachers during the
motivation to complete assignments. Many
better at preparing students for a college
school year, they are probably putting in 50/60
“The end of March, when college decisions came back, and I basically knew what I was going to be doing and that my grades didn’t really matter at all, everything kind of fell apart after that.” Chris Yao ‘19 people refer to burnout as “senioritis,” as the
environment. “To some, it may seem not as strict,
hour weeks or more during the school year, so you
majority of students who experience burnout are
but that’s honestly more like college,” Augspurger
just naturally run out of energy at some point.”
seniors. However, students of all grade levels are
said. “It depends on what type of student you are.
Teachers have various strategies as to how they
experiencing the effects of burnout.
If you were the student that never needed practice
try to combat this burnout. Oldham’s strategy is
Julia Chen ‘21 is only a sophomore, yet she
and homework was busy work for you, I think it’s
simply with his attitude. “If students are ever more
is already feeling burned out with summer
going to be an improved system for you. If you are
excited to be here than I am, I’m doing something
approaching.
a student that needs the practice, now it’s on you
wrong,” Oldham said. “Every day I try to approach
to keep doing that and practice.”
the day and be excited about the material I’m
“I
really
can’t
hold
myself
responsible to do [assignments] because there are so many other things I have to do at the end
Shreya Shrestha ‘20 believes burnout is not
of the year,” Chen said. “But also there is only a
a result of the grading system but rather caused
teaching. I try to foster an atmosphere of being
month left of school so I really just don’t have the
by students being expected to plan out their
However, keeping that motivation can be
motivation to do anything.”
high school years early on. “Looking back at the
harder as the end comes closer, for school
excited about learning.”
Despite the inherent inevitability of student
eighth grade ‘I Have A Plan’ where we mapped
therapist Amy Ziegenhorn feels that one of the
burnout, there are many possible factors that
everything out, to be honest that was probably the
reasons for burnout is that students and teachers
contribute to the loss of motivation. Owen Smith
stupidest thing I have ever done,” Shrestha said.
are constantly searching for the last day. “We
87.5%
“Nobody should have cared about it, but until the end of this semester, I had always planned
of
students believe in senioritis
on finishing all this math. The fact that if I don’t do Calc BC, does that mean I am failing my plan or something? I feel that we focus so heavily on becoming this one certain person that by the end of high school, it ends up creating this underlying resentment.” Regardless of what classes students do end up taking, Chemistry teacher Dave Oldham says that the environment that students and teachers are in might be a reason for the lack of motivation. “I think it’s hard for teachers or anybody in general to
91.1%
of students have experienced burnout at some point
By the Numbers know that there’s an end to [the school year],”
they kind of stop and are already asking about
Ziegenhorn said. “So, like anything else, you look
finals.”
to that end. For most people, school isn’t the most
Although many people experience burnout,
fun ever, and so the closer you get to the end, the
there are ways to ease the effects. Ziegenhorn
more you’re ready to be done.”
wants students and teachers to make sure they
Ziegenhorn says that concept could be why
are finding activities that they enjoy to relieve
seniors appear to be the most burnt out. “People
stress. “Make sure you take time for yourself,”
talk about senioritis, but there is some truth to
Ziegenhorn said. “Have things that you can do
that,” she said. “They’ve been doing it this long,
that make you feel good, that rejuvenate you,
[school has] been their whole life, and you can see
that renew you, that allow you to relax. If you are
[the end], and it’s almost unreal.”
constantly doing something, you run out of focus,
Ziegenhorn also feels burnout is a result of
and you run out of fuel. When you come back,
students and teachers working hard for a long
you will feel a little more refueled, and that goes
period. “I think there’s an exhaustion factor,”
for the adults too.”
she said. “I think it’s the same for teachers. They
Ziegenhorn also encourages students to not
know that the end is coming, and they have put
schedule a stressful senior year. “When it comes
so much into putting the classes together, having
time to schedule your senior year, don’t fill every
a curriculum ready to go, and grading everything.
class period,” she said. “Save some of your electives
It’s almost like a sprint. They’re going and going
for your senior year because if you have four AP
and going, and they know it’s going to be done
classes and no open periods during your senior
soon, so they do the same thing that you guys do.
year, it’s going to contribute to that burnout.
I think that everybody kind of plays off of one
Go a little light, shoot for having some fun stuff
another. I think that you just run out of gas.”
your senior year so that you’re not under tons of
Dowell believes that a lack of student
10.5%
20.6%
27.6%
22%
19.3%
How students rate their sophomore year burnout
pressure.”
motivation is related to the goals that students
Shrestha is one student who has felt the impact
set for themselves and why they choose to
of an overwhelming schedule. “It was a lot of late
accomplish them. He says that there are two types
nights and just me crying at like 12 in the morning
of motivation. One type is extrinsic motivation,
trying to get all these projects and homework and
which refers to a physical reward, such as a grade
all these after-school activities done,” Shrestha
or getting into college. The other type is intrinsic,
said. “I wasn’t realizing how much of a toll I was
which refers to the student actually being interested
putting on myself.”
in the topics that they are learning about. “I
Similar to Shrestha, Yao also found himself
think you have to tap into more [of] the intrinsic
trying to manage a tough course load. Looking
motivation than the extrinsic motivation.” Dowell
back, Yao realizes he missed out on some of the
said. “Cause what has happened is [if] they’ve
social aspects of high school and urges students to
gotten the college acceptance letter, then they’ve
balance school work with having fun. “You really
gotten their extrinsic reward. They’ve gotten the
only get to experience high school once, so it’s
thing they needed to get, so now you have to play
important to work hard and do your best but it’s
into what is intrinsically motivating.”
also important to find a balance between having
Yao is one of many students who has already
fun and hanging with friends, or else you will get
received his extrinsic reward. “The end of March,
super burned out and you’ll want to do literally
when college decisions came back, and I basically
nothing,” Yao said.
knew what I was going to be doing and that my
Even if it is becoming tough, Oldham
grades didn’t really matter at all, everything kind
encourages students to keep working hard. “For
of fell apart after that,” Yao said.
students, they just have to understand that hard
Spanish teacher Kari Gray has noticed that in
work pays off, and the more disciplined you are
her classes seniors do tend to show more signs of
now, the more freedom you have later,” he said. “I
burnout before graduation. “It’s funny, for most of
tell my kids ‘You pay for it now or you pay for it
the school year, I have no idea if my students are
later, but everybody pays.’ It’s much better to pay
sophomores, juniors, or seniors. But, right now, I
for it now and get after it. No excuses, be early, and
absolutely know who all of my seniors are because
hold yourself accountable.”
5.1%
4.7%
21.9%
32.5%
35.8%
How students rate their junior year burnout
7.4%
3.5%
6.6%
11.7%
70.8%
How students rate their senior year burnout Statistics based off a survey of 751 students
Sarah Rasavanh
16 | profile
words | Jacob Marren design | Andrew Maresca
“Thats the great thing about theater because you can explore so many different things while still kind of staying in familiar territory it’s like playing pretend all the time.” -Sarah Rasavanh ‘19
FROM SOPHOMORE TO SENIOR, ONE STUDENT WAS RANDOMLY CHOSEN TO TELL THEIR STORY
Rasavanh said. “To have a whole dance solo
here at the high school. As of the end of this
to myself, and it was like so weird because
year, Rasavanh has choreographed “Beauty
I had to actually discover more about my
and the Beast” and “Les Miserables.” For her,
character, rather than, ‘Your Bird Girl #3’.”
the challenges and joys that choreographing
One thing that theater taught Rasavanh
brings are equal. “Sometimes, most of the
was how to step out of her comfort zone and
time, I enjoy doing it,” Rasavanh said. “The
explore people other than herself. She has
struggle is getting kids to listen to me and
used the program as a way to become new
respect that I have a job to do, since I’m a peer
people, and see what new perspectives there
and not a teacher. And also since I look like
s a sophomore, Sarah Rasavanh
are. “Just enjoy being yourself, which is kind
I’m 13, so.”
‘19 was just an outsider looking
of contradictory thinking what you know
One of the most rewarding experiences for
A
what I just said about being different people,”
Rasavanh during the musical is seeing how
She took the plunge and joined the cast of the
Rasavanh
people
people enjoy the scenes she choreographs.
musical that year just to try it out; this one
understand a character, it’s like making
However, she doesn’t see herself continuing
choice led her in the direction of community
that character their own, and you can take
working with theater after high school.
productions.
different things from different characters to
“I lived, I learned and now I’m leaving,”
piece together who you really are.”
Rasavanh said.
in on the theater department.
Outside of the school, Rasavanh has been
said.
“Helping
other
Another reason that Rasavanh enjoys
One of the main things that made
years. Her favorite show that she has done
theater is the numerous directions that plays
Rasavanh’s high school career amazing was
was her first, “A Chorus Line” at the Des
can go in. She began with “A Chorus Line”, a
theater, and to her, the moments she had
Moines Community PlayHouse. Rasavanh
very adult oriented show, and then did “The
performing in theater do not compare to the
faced many challenges while doing this,
Little Mermaid” again at the PlayHouse.
rest of high school. Theater gives her the
most of which came from the fact that it was
With switching to a Disney show, there was
best feeling because she thinks that how she
her first time playing a lead role. She played
a large contrast because of the difference in
acts is a lukewarm person. “I don’t have any
the character Connie Wong. “Connie, as a
tone. “That’s the great thing about theater,
particular strong emotions about anything,”
character, it was totally different because it
because you can explore so many different
Rasavanh said. “When it comes to memorable
was only my second musical and in my first
things while still kind of staying in familiar
things, usually there’s nothing that sticks out
theater things, I only maybe had three lines,
territory. It’s like playing pretend all the
because everything’s the same. Which sounds
and when I did have like more than three
time,” Rasavanh said.
really bad but that just means that nothing
participating in community theater for two
lines, I was singing it with other people so it was new to have an entire song to myself,”
While not falling asleep in class, Rasavanh still participates in the theater department
was bad, but nothing was out-of-the-park great either.”
18 | editorial
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 6-0.
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS: A USELESS PHRASE
W
hen it was Earth Day, or when
This does not mean that these are bad
do the very things we are protesting on social
the Notre Dame cathedral
things to voice in times of crisis, but in no way
media, though perhaps on a smaller scale?
caught on fire, the first things
are they the equivalent of the adequate help
According to Angeline Gaylah ‘21 and
that seemingly came into the minds of many
needed in these situations, like physically
Allie Sadowsky ‘21, these posts are simply
people of our generation was not what they
going out and cleaning our environment
for appearances and have nothing to do
physically could do to help. This means
on Earth Day, or making some contribution
with real sympathy for those that are
actions, like donating money to help with
to the reconstruction on the Notre Dame
physically suffering or are in need of help.
the rebuilding of the cathedral, or cleaning
cathedral. Our social media-absorbed society
“It’s now just become a social norm,” Gaylah
our environment, or just doing something
needs to stop pretending that a retweet or
said. “Celebrities, or people with lots of
to be helpful. Rather, it was what their
post on Instagram is the equivalent of action.
followers, they’re just posting about these
social media post would be that day, and (of
If every person simply opted to post
things because it’s expected of them. It’s
course) what their followers would think of it.
something on social media instead of
rarely out of the goodness of their heart.”
With the rise of social media in the past few
actually providing help in areas that need
Most of these posts amount to little (if any)
years, and the expectations and obligations
it, nothing meaningful or genuinely helpful
action as well, which Sadowsky remarks on.
many people feel come with it, the hundreds
would get done. Of course, social media does
“People love to say ‘thoughts and prayers’ and
and thousands of posts that can be seen on
wield a lot of influence, but when the most
tell people that they care so much, but they
one’s feed voicing their support for the
influential people in the world only offer
really don’t care and they’re too lazy to do
betterment of the environment or “thoughts
a tweet in times of crisis, it is only natural
anything about it,” Sadowsky said. “Thoughts
and prayers” when a tragedy occurs really do
that people (especially young people) will
and prayers aren’t going to amount to
little in terms of actual help and support for
follow the example presented to them.
anything in real life, and 99% of the people
those in need of it. They also call into question
On Earth Day, for example, many
who say these things won’t actually pray.”
the true motivation behind these posts.
celebrities and influencers shared photos
Social media has desensitized much of
of the tremendous amount of garbage in
the world, especially young people, to the
our oceans, or posted shocking statistics
realness of tragedies. Sure, thoughts and
about the amount of plastic thrown away
prayers are shared worldwide at nearly
or used worldwide. And, many people saw,
each and every devastating event to occur
posted, or re-posted these tweets and photos.
within society, and worldwide support for
so
the betterment of the environment was
environmentally conscious, and the young
However,
if
our
society
is
generated on Earth Day this year. But how
people in it are aware or have even posted about
many of those people actually went outside
the damage plastic items cause, it clearly has
and cleaned their environment on Earth
not provoked as much action physically as it
Day? And how many people actually prayed
has socially. In the parking lot of this school,
after sharing their thoughts and prayers
for example, or even the cafeteria, or the
on social media after some tragic event?
halls, the amount of garbage that gets used
It may be a cliche, but the old saying
or left behind is abundant. And the amount
still rings true in these situations: actions
of plastic water bottles and Starbucks plastic
speak
straws has seemingly not decreased very
always prevail over a simple like, post or
much, despite everyone’s efforts to post about
retweet in times of crisis. And, in these
protecting our environment on social media.
situations,
So, really, what meaning do these posts have? What purpose do they serve if we continue to
louder
real
than
words.
action
is
Action
necessary
will
in
order to help those that are suffering, whether it be people or planets.
20 | opinion
PUTTING UP WITH THE PINK TAX
After years of paying extra for female targeted products, women are calling for a cut on the pink tax words | Ada Basic design | Andrew Maresca
W
omen
are
done
putting
up with the pink tax. The pink tax refers to gender
discriminated pricing, which women have been forced to deal with since the inception of the sales tax system in the 1930s. It is called the pink tax because it is the color typically marketed towards women. According to axthepinktax.com, a woman pays $1,351 every year just for being a woman, without having a say. Even gender neutral toys such as bikes, helmets, and backpacks marketed towards girls cost more. Items
THE AVERAGE WOMAN IS CHARGED AN EXTRA
$1,351
EVERY YEAR
such as prescription drugs are exempt from
Marquita Norwood ‘20 said. “And it’s things
state sales tax, but there are still 36 states that
I can’t control, like you want me to shave
Some women may not even be aware of
charge a luxury tax on women’s menstrual
my legs, society tells me to shave my legs,
the problem that is directly affecting them
products, commonly referred to as the
but you’re going to charge me more for it?
and their wallets. “Even some girls that you
“tampon tax”. There are currently only 10
Or I have a period that I can’t control and
talk to don’t know the actual name of it, but
states that do not have a tampon tax, Iowa is
I’m paying a lot for it. Like how do you get
when you just say women’s things are more
not one of them.
around that?”
expensive than men’s things, they’re like ‘Oh
cheaper option,” Schneider said.
One of the excuses retailers have made
Men do not have to deal with pricing
yeah, it is’,” Schneider said. “Women all know
for the pink tax is that the tariffs placed
discrimination and unless told otherwise,
that but guys, I don’t think many guys really
on women’s clothing is higher than that of
they may not even be aware of their privilege.
pay attention to that or care enough to pay
men’s. Another excuse is that it costs more
“I do think it’s kind of fraud because why are
attention to that either. And I think if we just
to market women’s goods to consumers. “It’s
women paying more for almost the same
tried teaching people about what is going on
become an accepted norm in society that
thing?” Schneider said.
it would help everyone.”
people just have to pay more than other
Even being willing to acknowledge what
The blame for the lack of action about
people for the same thing, it’s kind of messed
women have to go through is better than
the tax is not solely on men. “Sometimes I
up,” Kyle Schneider ‘19 said.
nothing. “I don’t hate men,” Norwood said.
have to put myself in their shoes, and I’m like
On average, women pay seven percent
“It’s just that you don’t even realize, first
well if I didn’t have to deal with it, would I
more for gender specific goods than men.
you have this amazing advantage, most men
do anything about it?” Norwood said. “And I
“Price discrimination adds another layer to
aren’t really doing anything to help women
don’t know if I would because my life could
the wage inequality women face, making it
with it, and then you don’t even acknowledge
be so easy. It’s so much easier to live in a
harder sometimes for women to make ends
the fact that we’re going through this. “
bubble. Because you don’t have to deal with
meet,” Surina Khan, CEO of the Women’s Foundation of California, said.
Those that are aware of their privilege
it so why would you care?”
want to take action to help stop gender
One thing consumers can do to start
Seven percent may not seem like a lot of
discriminated pricing. “I think just bringing
fighting the pink tax is start spending their
money, but it adds up over time. “That’s a
awareness, that’s what guys can do, because
money on products produced by companies
lot of money to be spending on something
they’re not going to buy razors that are
who reject the it. For example, Harry’s,
just because it’s geared towards women,”
more expensive, they’re going to go with the
a
subscription
based
shaving
product
company, has taken measures to ensure that
ON AVERAGE,
men and women’s products are charged the
MORE 10% THAN MEN
the Pink Tax, aim to educate people about
WOMEN’S JEANS COST
same. Contacting state representatives can help push legislation to remove the pink and tampon tax. Organizations, such as Ax gender discriminated pricing and what they can do so that it becomes impossible to miss. The pink tax is real and affects every woman, but it is avoidable if they know how to look for it. As far as using the power of capitalism to their advantage, boycotting products made for women may be the way to go.
22 | sports
singles
273:16 games won
games lost
CariNaanep “I didn’t let having the title of state champ get to my head because I knew if I let it get into my head that I would think it was going to come easy and I’m fighting to win my second state title and not just expecting it to be given to me”
N
aanep carved her name into
school because in the hallways other students
tennis history last year when
and teachers will go up to me and say that I
she won the state tennis title
better win state again,” Naanep said. “It really
that she was not expected to win. “Going into
begins to add up when everyone is saying it to
the tournament, I was the third seed and I
you, but I know my parents and my coaches
expected to do well, but I was surprised that
are behind me.”
I did as well as I did,” Naanep said. “I didn’t
Naanep deals with this pressure by
expect to win the state title last year, I was
focusing on earning another state title. “I
undefeated but I hadn’t played any great
didn’t let having the title of state champ get
competition until the state tournament.”
to my head because I knew if I let it get into
She cruised to the final of the tournament
my head that I would think it was going to
where she hit her first roadblock of the season,
come easy and I’m fighting to win my second
Davi Patterson ‘19 of Boone High School. “I
state title and not just expecting it to be given
lost the first set in the championship match
to me,” Naanep said.
and for a moment in time I thought to
This season Naanep has played well with a
myself that second place was good for me
game record of 174-15 and a set record of 24-1
as a junior,” Naanep said. She did not let her
with her only set loss coming to Arunadee
first set loss deter her for long, though. “At
Fernando ‘21 of Ames. She is 15-0 in the year in
the start of the second set I went up 3-0 and I
matches and recently won her fourth straight
truly bought into the idea that losing wasn’t
district title. Naanep has played a golden
an option.”
match this year, not losing a single point
Winning the state tournament was a
across two sets. This is an incredibly hard
moment that Naanep will never forget. “After
thing to achieve and all of her achievements
I won, I screamed really loud and I think it
show that Naanep is a talent that has never
was just super relieving that I worked so hard
been seen before at this school and might
and finally had it,” Naanep said. “It was really
never see again.
hard to comprehend winning it all and it was really surreal.”
-Cari Naanep ‘19
Being
a
Naanep has found it extremely humbling to represent Johnston. “I feel it’s really cool
state
champion
as
an
that I got to represent Johnston and that I’m
underclassman can lead to a lot of pressure
leaving my legacy at this school,” Naanep
to earn your state title again the next year. “I
said.
feel the greatest pressure from people in the
JoeSchaefer
800 1600 meter
1:54.1 3 1:54.13
F
meter
4:21.3 3 4:21.33
or a good amount of Joe Schaefer’s
elite athlete that attended this high school.
‘19 2018 state 800 meter run, it
“When I was a sophomore Patty (Patrick Bose
looked like he was going to be a
‘17) really motivated me to become an elite
state champion. He led the pack for a good
athlete because I saw him work and have
chunk of the race. He was not able to come
great success when he won cross country
out with the win, though, finishing in fourth
state title. I really wanted to be at the level he
place only one second behind winner and
was at,” Schaefer said. “I knew that if I wanted
teammate Grant Lair ‘18 who ran a 1:53:54.
to do that I would have to be like no other
Schaefer accepted his position in the race
athlete at Johnston before.”
but did not particularly enjoy it. “Last year
This season Schaefer has made his name
finishing fourth was fine, but I wanted to win
known running the fastest 800 in the state
that race pretty bad. And I’m happy for Grant,
with a 1:54.13, he also ran the fastest 1600
but there is always a little part of me that
meter run in the state with a time of 4:21.33
really wanted to win that race,” Schaefer said.
and 4x800 meter relay at the Drake Relays.
After his loss at state, Schaefer wanted to
Schaefer became the first athlete in this
make sure he won at the Drake Relays and
school’s history to win three events at the
state this season. “I’ve always kept that in my
Drake Relays and won the most outstanding
head,” Schaefer said. “The mistake I made in
high school boys athlete at the event.
that race and this year at Drake. I made sure I didn’t make that mistake again.”
Winning at the Drake Relays was an experience
Schaefer
will
never
forget
Schaefer began working as soon as
however, he has a bigger goal. “It feels good
possible to get to the level he needed to be
to win at Drake but it isn’t my end goal and
at to achieve what he wanted. “Coach (Matt)
I just think it’s awesome that all the guys on
Jaschen and I put together a plan after cross
my team helped me get there and I hope I
country season for how we wanted this track
can do it again at state,” Schaefer said.
season to look like,” Schaefer said. “He gave
Schaefer is not pressured with being a
me detailed training guide that I needed to
Drake Relays champion going into the final
follow in order to get to the next level.”
meet of his high school career. “I don’t feel
The physical aspect of his running was
any more pressure going into state. I just
not the only thing he wanted to train on his
want to win as many points for the team as
offseason, he wanted to obtain the mentality
possible and keep trying to better myself
of a champion. He was motivated by another
and help the team place top three at state,”
“Coach Jaschen and I put together a plan after cross country season for how we wanted this track season to look like. He gave me detailed training guide that I needed to follow in order to get to the next level” -Joe Schaefer ‘19
5627 NW 86th St #200 Johnston, IA 50131
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