April 4, 2014

John F. Kennedy High School

Volume 47, Issue 5

April 4, 2014

Science & Technology

A look at how students are getting involved in STEM subjects outside of the classroom.

page 13

the torch

Letter from the editor

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The Torch publication, website, official social media, and broadcasts serve as a public forum produced by the students in Journalism - Newspaper.

Student editors make content decisions consistent with the Torch Editorial Policy, Iowa law and the ethics of journalism.

Ok, so: I’m terrible at math, science, and technology. It’s just not my strength. I only took the three years required, and now I’m pretty much defenseless at math without a calculator.

All I can remember from science is that the mitochondria is like, the powerhouse of the cell? And as for technology, my knowledge goes as far to help me operate a toaster, and that’s it.

Still, that doesn’t keep me from appreciating the study itself. I have enormous respect for people who pursue their passion in these fields. It’s not often that we recognize the achievements of people in these fields in high school. Part of that has to do with advertising: everyone knows when the next football game is going to be and what show choir competition is going on, but almost nobody knows when our electric car races are and that our robotics team is killing it at competition.

Scientific and technological careers belong to the fastest growing job market right now. At Kennedy, we offer a multitude of science and technology programs, and even allow students to learn at the STEM program at Kirkwood. We have extracurricular activities like Bio Club and Electric Car that help students learn and get involved in these fields. Where is their pep assembly?

I think it’s important to give support to these students and teachers who have dedicated their time and effort into something so important to our generation’s learning development and career growth. So I hope that by covering this sector of our school that is so little discussed, people can understand the importance of what these students are doing, and give support where support is due.

Torch Staff:

Bailey Zaputil Editor-In-Chief Alli Nemecek Managing Editor Amy Brause Photo Editor Ethan Divis Online Editor Norm Althoff Business Manager Michael Abramson News Editor Lydia Martin Profile Editor Hannah Bruns Arts & Entertainment Editor Morgan Schwab Arts & Entertainment Editor Elianna Novitch Health Editor Maddy Crist Sports Editor Katie Wolfe Sports Editor

Isabel Neff Copy Editor Macy Ripley Copy Editor Gabby Olejniczak Writer Zayla Mackrell Writer Abby Donovan Writer Melanie Northland Writer Naomi Hofferber Writer Emily Sass Writer Xander Riley Writer Macy Anderson Writer Madeline Dvorak Writer James Gofton Writer Dylan Siegrist Writer Jordan Lunsford Graphic Designer Stacy Haynes-Moore Adviser cover by Bailey Zaputil

Contents

Editorial

Photo

04

Online drama should 10 not be started and should be avoided

07

Japan to America

Health

News

18

Profile 08

Swishing to state

Michael Kegel’s hard work in school pays off

Weight of school on our shoulders

A&E 20

The hidden hallway

Feature

Sports

13 Getting involved in STEM

22

20

Turning to the trainer: A look into Lynn’s daily routine

22 10

07

Staff editorial: A thank you to those who are there for our school There are many people whose actions are overlooked in our lives, even at Kennedy, from janitors, to the time coaches put in, to cafeteria workers, and many other people. It would take a long time to show how much many people do for us, but in this issue, our sports section profiles Lynn, our Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC).

Many of us go to sporting events and don’t realize that Lynn is there. She does a lot for all 1,335 athletes, according to the activities office, and not everyone realizes that. Most nights her family joins her on

the sideline so she can be there for all of our athletes.

Lynn isn’t the only one that gives up her time to ensure that all of the athletic events run smoothly. Before the basketball games, the custodial staff is there to set everything up and whoever is running the concession stand for that game is also setting up. These are things that we often don’t recognize, but are essential for our school.

Next time you see Lynn, or any of the other people that do so much for our

school that don’t always get recognized, you should thank them because they do even more than we see. It always feels nice to be recognized for something that you do, and we should do more of this.

We have a great school, but most of that wouldn’t happen if we didn’t have such a great staff that does so much for everyone.

Editorial

Online drama should not be started and should be avoided Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t understand why people feel like they should start Twitter fights or call people out over the internet. Is it because you think it is cool or because you want to show off? It confuses me.

After years and years of listening to students’ gossip I can tell you the two things we fight over the most: relationships and our “BFFS.” So whenever I see a person take that fighting or arguing to Twitter or Facebook, I literally (and yes I mean literally) stare at my phone laughing at the fact that the person who is calling someone else out can do it on social media, but avoid confronting them when it comes to seeing them in person. To me, you’re just a crazy social media freak ranting about how you don’t like someone or something.

I have very, very easy pieces of advice for the people who start talking about others over the internet. 1. Man up. 2. Talk to them in person, because it is easier to fix the problem when you’re talking face to face. 3. If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say it all.

Look around at your class. Whether it is directly by “@ing” someone or “sub tweeting” as us teens call it most people have come across it. People take their problems to the internet rather than to the person themselves because they think it is easier. The Do Something website says that 81 percent of teens think that bullying or talking about someone online is easier to get away with than doing it in person.

I guess some people may see it differently than I; they may believe it makes them look cooler to argue or criticize over the internet.

They may just do it to be funny and to show off. I think people say stuff about their peers over the internet because they are upset with someone so they want to tweet it just to be a jerk and make them mad.

Just take a moment. Think about if no one ever called people out over the internet. There would be no drama. Nothing to argue about.

Nothing to get mad over. Call me crazy, but I think that if you start fights over social media you are simply all talk.

Abby Donovan

Being nice to another person is an easy way to make someone’s day

Melanie Northland 4

I was watching a movie a while back where a little boy went to a birthday party. He was all by himself and asked the girl he liked to dance with him. The only problem was she didn’t like him the way he liked her. But she danced with him; she took it upon herself to be nice to this little boy even though all of her friends made fun of her for it.

The point I’m trying to make is that someone went out of their way to do something so small for someone else. Yet it made such a difference. So try and do something nice for someone, even if it’s as small as smiling at them in the hallway.

You never know what someone is going through outside of school, so do everything in your power to add some sunshine to their day.

Just give them a little something that

will show them that someone cares about them. It will make you into a better person too, I promise. So invite the kid you always see sitting alone to eat lunch with your group, volunteer for Best Buddies, or ask the new kid to join your pick-up game.

Even though you’ve heard it a hundred times before, never judge a book by its cover. Everyone has something to offer beneath what you see on the outside. So over the next few weeks make a challenge to yourself to try and make a difference in someone’s day. And always remember: nice matters.

Editorial

Compliments can go a long way for another person “I like your sweater!”

“Congratulations on your game last night!”

“You are so nice!”

I’ve come to learn that one single compliment can brighten a person’s day. Often, it is so easy to look at the negative in a person, and I’ll admit, I’m guilty of it. But believe me when I say that compliments are much more rewarding than gossip.

Compliments don’t have to be huge to make an impact. Something as simple as someone saying they like your shoes can make a difference. On a day when it feels like nothing is going right, those tiny words of positivity can change things around. People enjoy compliments no matter who they are and no matter how big the compliment.

Not only do compliments make the “complimentee” feel better, but also the

person giving the compliment. Pointing out the positive qualities in another person makes it easier to find the positive qualities in everything else. Knowing that you were able to bring a little bit of happiness to someone’s day is a pretty powerful thing.

As many have seen with the Twitter account @kenncompliments, complimenting is contagious. When someone compliments you and you know how good it feels, it motivates you to continue the chain. One statement of kindness can spark a change. So stop gossiping, start complimenting!

Amy Brause

Respecting others is important in life

Naomi Hofferber

Telling your boss you think he’s stupid is a certain way to get fired, fast. In the working world, disrespecting others will get you nowhere, that’s fact. So why do we put up with it here and now?

Try to remember the last time you sat in class, listening to a student go off on a teacher, disrupting the lesson and everyone’s learning. Nobody speaks up, so minutes start to tick by as the teacher tries to get the student to listen, rather than succeeding in leading the class through a lesson. Eventually, the teacher will just send the kid out, for the day, only for the to return the next day or be sent on to another teacher. Do teachers, parents, or students deserve to have to put up with other student’s misbehavior?

Now, reimagine the same scene, but this time, someone calls out the student on his or her actions. The entire mood changes, suddenly making the student feel a bit uncomfortable doing what they’re doing.

Trust me, I’ve sat in enough classes to know, when other students start to speak out against poor behavior, the rude student gets very quiet, very quickly.

Speak up, because rude kids aren’t just holding up their learning, they’re hurting yours too. If students learn now that disrespect only earns an awkward silence, they’ll know at the workplace that disrespect to their boss will earn them nothing but a pink slip and an adiós.

A little respect towards others, especially those who are trying to help you, goes a long way. In elementary school, the golden rule was etched into our brains: “Treat others they way you want them to treat you,” and it unsurprisingly still applies today. In the wise words of Aretha Franklin, “R-E-S-P-E-C-T.” That’s what it means to me.

PAGES BY Alli Nemecek

5

News

Scholarships:

The new way to pay for college Many students apply for scholarships, but not everyone gets them. Scholarships are additional financial aid to help students pay for college.

“You really want to focus on local scholarships,” PACT Coordinator Syndy Richey said, “with the large national scholarships, thousands and thousands of students are going to be applying and they are going to be harder to get.”

Many scholarships are available from being left handed, to prepping for a zombie don’t come back and tell us if they get them because they are required to,” Richey apocalypse, to being a cancer survivor.

“If you wait until last minute to write said.

“There are some scholarships that we your essay, it is kind of a waste of time call the “outside” scholarships. Every one and you are probably not likely to get the is different.

For some of them there are actual scholarship,” Tianyi Han, jr. said. applications, sometimes there is an essay, If you are interested in learning more sometimes they ask for a list or resume about different available scholarships of activities that have been or résumé of you can text the number 319-774-3057. activities that have been The message you send should say @ “If you are applying for a schol- accomplished,” Wessels mswessels and you arship make sure you do it said.

There are some will get a message ahead of time and not wait last scholarships that are back confirming you are signed up. minute and come up with a ran- available to Kennedy students only and the dom essay,” “No one can get scholarship committee your number from -Tianyi Han at Kennedy decides who Message101. No gets those scholarships. one can respond to the messages, you “For the scholarships at Kennedy, we can only receive messages,” Counselor will need to know where the student is Elizabeth Wessels said. planning to go and what their intentions Another way to get scholarship are,” Wessels said. information is to follow @JFKScholarships It is possible to get a scholarship in on Twitter. Syndy Richey runs that account athletics and academics. The academics and puts out different information on is based mostly upon your GPA and ACT different available scholarships. scores.

Athletic scholarships are mostly “Majority of the scholarships being based upon your athletic ability in that given to Kennedy students are local particular sport.

scholarships,” Richey said.

“It depends on the scholarship when There are a lot of unique scholarships seeing what the application consists of,” you can get. Many Kennedy students have Wessels said. applied for scholarships that consist of “If you are applying for a scholarship being over six foot tall if you are a female, make sure you do it ahead of time and and over six feet two inches if you are a not wait last minute and come up with a male. random essay,” Han said.

“I don’t know how many of my students emily sass actually get those kinds of scholarships because some majority of the students

6 PAGES BY Michael Abramson

Scholarship List FIRST Scholarship - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Provided by : FIRST

Award: $7500 Deadline: May 15, 2014

The FIRST Scholarship is available to high school juniors planning to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. You must be taking college bound math and science courses to be eligible for this award.

Ventures Scholars Program Provided by : Ventures in Education, Inc.

Award: $10000 Deadline: Varies

The Ventures Scholars Program is open to underrepresented and first - generation college - bound students. You must be pursuing a math - or science - based career to be considered for this award.

American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest Provided by : The American Legion

Award: $18000 Deadline: Varies

The National High School Oratorical Contest is open to junior high and high school students who are under the age of 20 and citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States. You must prepare an oration on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with some emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. A complete list of topics are available on the Legion’s Web site.

Each individual state winner certified into and participating in the first round of the national contest receives an additional $1,500 scholarship.

‘A Team’ Scholarship Provided by : Blackhawk Bank

Award: $1000 Deadline: Varies

The ‘A Team’ Scholarship is available to elementary and high school students residing in an area served by Blackhawk Bank.

To enter, you must take your report card to your local Blackhawk Bank office within two weeks of the most recent grading period. For each ‘A’ earned on your report card, you will receive an entry into a scholarship drawing. Scholarship recipients are chosen through a random drawing in July. information provided by fastwebs

News

Dance. Japanese students from Kennedy’s sister school, Narita Kokusai in Chiba, Japan, perform a traditional fisherman’s dance with a modern twist at the Academic assembly.

photo by Melanie Northland

Japan to America Fifteen Japanese exchange students come to Iowa

A

fter eight years of its existence, one-hour English lesson every day, they the Narita Kokusai exchange also visit all of the Japanese classes on program is still going strong. a rotating basis to help the Japanese The program is an exchange language students and Kennedy with student program with Kennedy’s Japanese Japanese. Exchange student Asami Tamura, jr., has been sister school, Narita Kokusai, located in “Kennedy has become the mostvery pleased with all of the opportunities Chiba, Japan. popular destination for theirfor her to practice The exchange program started in exchange program. They reallyher English here.

2006. Since then, like coming here....because the The aim of the program is not only Kennedy students people are awesome,” have visited Narita -Japanese Teacher Dan Carolin to learn the English language, but also to Kokusai four times experience American and Narita Kokusai students just finished their fourth visit, culture. The students experienced many bringing about fifteen of their students new activities and places during their stay. who study English. “Kennedy has become The exchange students are visiting major the most popular destination for their Midwest cities, including Chicago and exchange program. They really like coming Des Moines. “Yesterday I went to Jordan here, probably not because of the weather, Creek Mall, and then I went shopping,” but because the people are so awesome Tamura said. In addition, Tamura’s host here,” Kennedy Japanese teacher and family also took her to St. Louis. W h i l e Japanese exchange program coordinator the exchange students were here they Dan Carolin said. also shared their culture with our student While the exchange students were body. At the March 18 academic assembly, here they were immersed in the English they had surprise debut and performed language, even having a designated a Japanese fisherman’s dance for which

they received much applause.

T h e host families and students also play a major role in the program. Many students will host the Japanese exchange students so they can experience what an American household is like. Additionally, the exchange students will go to their host student’s classes to experience American class rooms. This is a challenging and fun experience for the hosts as well as the exchange students. “Communication is kind of difficult sometimes, but we get around it,” Tamura’s exchange host, Tyler Gates, jr., said.

Next year, Kennedy Japanese students et to look forward to visiting Narita Kokusai in Japan. Some may even be hosted by the same people they hosted this year.

michael abramson

7

“Extreme curiosity, a burning desire, and determination”

Michael Kegel’s hard work in school pays off

8

Preparation. Michael Kegel, sr., poses with a few math equations he has done in preparation for attending the University of Iowa next year with a triple major in biochemistry, math and music performance. photo by Xander Riley

S

uccess comes from your performance. own drive to do something.

In preparation for this vigorous college The Torch talked to Michael course load, Kegel isn’t slacking his senior Kegel, sr., about his academic year. Kegel is enrolled in AP Literature, AP achievements. Even Kegel, Economics, band, and choir at Kennedy, as who has a 4.643 cumulative grade point well as a math and a physics class at Coe average, thinks his success comes from his College. hard work.

“The key to being really smart is extreme “I think intelligence is 10 percent God- curiosity, a burning desire for knowledge, given, and the rest is developed through and pushing yourself past your limits, hard work,” Kegel said, “The thing that always determined to be the very best,” really separates very successful people Kegel said. from everyone else is their willingness to Kegel received a 34 out of 36 possible work until they get what they want.” points on the ACT college entrance exam Kegel is a hard working student who has as well as the Presidential Scholarship, the drive to be the National Merit most successful he “I don’t quit until I Scholar and a few can be. But Kegel is other scholarships. also just like any other completely understand The Presidential student, “I do projects the material, and if I Scholarship is a at the last minute, scholarship specific and tell myself every can’t, I find someone to the University of time I will never let else who can help me, Iowa that was given it happen again, but to 20 students who we all know how that or some dusty sixty- with this scholarship turns out.” year-old textbook, or will receive $10,000 What’s one thing for each of their four the internet.” that sets Kegel a part years of attendance at from many other Iowa.

-Michael Kegel students? He always “I also hope to get turns in everything a music scholarship, on time and refuses to give up. which altogether will add up to a full-ride, “I don’t quit until I completely or very close,” Kegel said. understand the material, and if I can’t, While maintaining a 4.6 grade point I find someone else who can help me, or average, Kegel still finds the time to be some dusty sixty-year-old textbook, or the involved in the things he loves like music, internet,” Kegel said. studying Chinese, and playing basketball.

Kegel has been fortunate to always So what’s his secret? have his family standing behind him and “Honestly, my secret is that I don’t give supporting him. up until I totally understand what I need “I have had great parents and to know. Get help from your teacher, if grandparents growing up, who did you can’t, get help from your friends, everything they could to give me every look for help online, go to other teachers, opportunity to develop my mind and feed anything,” Kegel said. my curiosity. They don’t push me, because Kegel pushes himself in order to be I do that enough myself, but they are successful. always there to support me and remind me “You’ve gotten this far, so don’t quit. how proud they are,” Kegel said.

Keep pressing on until you really know With big plans to continue to develop his what is going on, and even better, get mind like his parents and grandparents to the point that you could explain it to taught him, Kegel plans to attend the someone else and they would understand,” University of Iowa next fall with a triple Kegel said, “Once you reach that point major in biochemistry, math and music it’s a great feeling, and you will be wildly successful.”

LYDIA MARTIN

PAGES BY Lydia Martin

Profile

9

Photo

g n i h s i Sw state to

Both of the Cougar Basketball teams fought hard this season and ended their seasons at the state quarterfinals with a record of 16-8 for the women and 18-6 for the men.

To the well (below): The women’s basketball team is all smiles following their win against Muscatine to earn their spot at the state tournament

Dribble (above): Paige Hendrickson runs the ball up the court during a midseason game

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Move (above): Stephanie Botkin, jr., ducks around another player to get to the hoop

Men’s photos by Melanie Northland Women’s photos provided by Paige Hendrickson

Think fast (below): Mariah Vis, sr., looks to pass the ball during a midseason home game

Photo

Aim (left): Carly Langhurst, so., aims for a free throw

Refocus (above): Bryton Heisler, jr., takes a breatherduring the game to gather himself

Team (above): The men’s basketball awaits the beginning of their state quarterfinal game.

Anticipation (above): Drew Heitland, sr., awaits the ball during mens state quarterfinal game

Tension (above): Zach Daniels, jr., prepares himself to take a shot Swish (left): John Bardsley, sr., aims for a free throw Bittersweet (right): A.j. Carter, sr., raises the team trophy following the loss to Sioux City North

PAGES BY Amy Brause

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12

PAGE By Norm Althoff

Feature

Science

“Look away now if you don’t want to look.” Josh Skaar, jr., is one of the many Kennedy students who donates blood each year. Kennedy has two major blood drives a year. photos by Bailey Zaputil

Getting involved in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

Grinding them gears. Robotics has two teams, CougarBytes and CougarBots. Each has their own robot. Their names are Stephen and Kenny.

Technology

PAGE BY Bailey Zaputil

13

Feature

Science Brain matter. Since pictures of cadavers are unallowed for privacy reasons, Laura Fischer, sr., shows off the remnants of the cadavers brains on her gloves. photo by Bailey Zaputil

Blood drives and cadaver labs

Students may be required at least three years of science at Kennedy, but many students are getting involved with science outside of the classroom.

One such way is the blood drive. Biology teacher Kris Hellweg is in charge of organizing the two major blood drives Kennedy participates in with St. Luke’s Hospital each year.

The first one is most commonly known as the Battle of 42nd Street Blood Drive, structured as a competition between Xavier High School and Kennedy to see who can donate the most blood. Last fall Hellweg said they had about 200 donations from the drive.

“So we saved quite a few lives with [the donations],” Hellweg said.

According to America’s Blood Centers, nearly 39,000 people receive blood transfusions every day. Of that number, 17% is used to treat cancer patients and another 8% is used to treat heart disease. One blood donation goes on to help as many as three people.

There are a few restrictions on who can donate blood. Students must be over age 16 and have their blood tested before they donate. The blood donation process takes about 8-12 minutes, and donors must stay for some time after to eat get hydrated and eat a snack to make sure they don’t pass out after donating.

One senior, Aria Polglaze-Carter, has already donated thirteen pints of blood, and is considered a “Gallon Graduate”, which will earn her a cord at graduation. Polglaze-Carter has severe anemia, which prevents her from donating often, but despite the challenge she continues to participate in their reward program, called IMPACT. “I donate to help the com-

14

1 pint of blood can go to as many as 3 people

munity and earn loyalty points in their reward program,” she said.

Another event during the school year is a field trip to Kirkwood’s cadaver lab.

Students go after school to study a cadaver and other donated organs. This year the body was of a white male, 76 years old, who died of pneumonia. All cadavers come from people who have chosen to donate their body to science after they died. Students were allowed to study the body and even pass around the brain of the cadaver. The instructor, Nick Sagan, is a professor of anatomy and physiology at Kirkwood. Sagan explained that while the cadaver was leased for only a year to Kirkwood, the body itself can last almost forever as long as they’re kept in the correct preservatives.

Laura Fischer, sr., who participated in the activity, was surprised by how different the small intestine looked compared to the diagrams. “It’s not a squiggly mess of tubes than can slide around,” Fischer said. Fischer said she would recommend it because she learned a lot about the human body, and, “our instructor was also very understanding about how seeing a cadaver makes some people feel sick, so it was no big deal if you wanted to step out and sit down for a moment.”

graphic by Jordan Lunsford

Feature

Technology

Electric cars and robots

Speed. An electric car can run on power less than that of a household hairdryer. photo by Bailey Zaputil Kennedy’s technology activities are some of the lesser known which both have their own robot. CougarBots focuses more on programs here. What may surprise some people is the diversity of marketing and presentation, while CougarBytes focuses more on the program, including the Cougar Electric Car Company and the programming. They compete in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), a competition which annually changes the challenge that teams Robotics Team.

Cougar Electric Car Company is a program where students de- must overcome to succeed. This year the challenge was called Block sign and build one-person battery powered cars. The team has a Party, where the goal of the challenge was for the team’s robots to total of five cars; three racecars and two show cars. One of the car’s put blocks into crates that were hanging by pendulums.

Besides competing in the FTC challenge, the team also particiis painted purple and is called the “Drew” car, named after Drew Wall. They then have the 40 car, which is built for taller people; pates in several community outreach programs, like the recycling the 50, which is for smaller people; the 30 car; and another show program at Kennedy. Another project the team works on is called car. The cars are used for about three years, then are deconstructed the “Helper Bot”, an idea created by Danny Rosenthal. According and rebuilt with at least two major changes. Each team consists of to Nick Dallege, jr., the idea behind the robot is to help people with the crew chief, the driver, the battery manager, and the graphics conditions such as cerebral palsy perform daily activities around person. Connor Wigans, sr., is the main person in charge of the the house. The robot is has omni-wheels, meaning that it can go in any direction it wants to, allowing it to navigate tight corners and battery.

Kaitlyn Gibbs is the driver of the 50 car and the leader of the spaces. It also has a platform that shifts levels on a PVC pipe to acpromotions and graphics team. As a leader, Gibbs finds that elec- complish tasks at different heights. tric car gives her many possibilities to be anything she wants. “My “The idea is just that you can help people who are older or just experience with electric car shows me what I want to be after I had some sort of disability get things around the house,” Dallege graduate high school and college, and that is going to be a graphic said. designer,” Gibbs said.

Both activities require extensive documentation. For electric car, Justin Krieg, jr., who is a crew chief, says that the program has documentation takes up over half the score points in competition, helped him learn teamwork. or about 300. In robotics, the teams are required to submit an en“Without complete trust in your driver and crew chief and every- gineer’s notebook. one else, it wouldn’t be possible,” Krieg said.

Each team also encourages more people to participate. Electric This year, both teams for the Robotics Club qualified for the first car encourages more people to come out to the races, and the rotime for state since the program began last year by para-educator botics team encourages more people to try out for the team.

Cheryl Sheehy. There are two teams: CougarBots and CougarBytes, bailey zaputil

PAGES BY Bailey Zaputil

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17

Health

Weight of school on our shoulders Surveyed students bring home two to three textbooks on average per night.

62% of the surveyed students felt pain because of their backpacks.

Only 40% of the surveyed students use their lockers.

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Information from 125 surveys distributed to Kennedy students. graphic by Bailey Zaputil

Health

Increasing backpack weight causes health issues for students

Y

ou’ve all been there: trying to stuff one more book into your already-overflowing backpack.

Having to fit notebooks, binders, textbooks and more into one bag that has to be carried from class to class is a problem that afflicts many students, but is the heavy weight of backpacks a more pressing issue for student health?

Maddy Megonigle, sr., has a full schedule with six classes, four of which are AP. “I have four textbooks, but my APES and AP Lit [classes] have required readings, which I also have to carry around,” Megonigle said. “So I have three books in my backpack and three textbooks that I have to carry around.”

What does all of this mean for student health? According to Dr. Kevin Eck, an orthopedic spine surgeon at Physicians of Iowa, PC, heavy weight of backpacks is a huge problem for students.

“Carrying an excessive load that is poorly distributed will strain the back, shoulder and neck muscles,” Eck said. He also explained that any damage to muscles or joints isn’t permanent.

Eck, who has taken care of patients with back pain caused by their backpacks, said, “There are some studies that suggest lifting no more than 10-15% of body weight.”

Lower classmen aren’t immune to this Heavy Backpack Syndrome. On the other end of the spectrum, freshman Claire Hauser’s backpack also carries quite the load. Including independent reading for LA and a textbook for Geometry, Hauser has to carry two textbooks for AP Human Geography only.

Science teacher Craig Mallicoat admits that heavy backpacks are a problem for students. “When you see a kid carrying around four or five different textbooks along with everything else, you can tell that their backpacks are a little heavy.”

Some teachers at Kennedy have tried measures to lighten students’ book loads. One method being used is online textbooks.

Mallicoat says he encourages the use of an online textbook for his Biology students, replacing the infamously thick textbooks, although he doesn’t think many students use it.

Another alternative method to carrying these bulky books to and from home every day is textbooks given specifically for keeping at students’ houses.

Teachers may then offer a class set of books during lessons. The problem with this method is that funding often doesn’t allow for extra books.

“I’d like to [offer a class set], but with the influx of students we have...we just don’t have the textbooks to have class sets like we used to,” Mallicoat said.

Maddy Megonigle, sr.

Claire Hauser, fr.

How can students make their backpack easier to carry without leaving the books at home? “Start by choosing backpacks that are of lighter weight and with a padded back compartment,” Eck advised. “Using two straps is helpful to avoid over-stressing the muscles.”

But it’s not just about how heavy students think the backpacks are. The more a bag holds, the quicker it could wear out, rip, or break.

Senior Bailey Ovenshire’s backpack, which carries a total of five books, several notebooks and countless papers, doesn’t look like it will hold together for much longer. “I got [this backpack]...last year and it’s destroyed,” she said. It’s the third backpack she’s had since ninth grade.

Backpacks can cost anywhere from $20150. Certain brands can go for even more. Spending that much a year on something that will wear out by summer can really add up.

So why not just get rid of textbooks altogether? Well, heavy or not, they’re unsubstitutable. “Textbooks are necessary because they do play a major role when you go to college.” Mallicoat commented. “[But] I do think that something needs to be done.” macy ripley

The average weight of a bowling ball can range from 6 to 16 pounds. When Maddy Megonigle’s backpack was weighed, it weighed 19 pounds.

PAGES BY Elianna Novitch 19

Arts and Entertainment

The Hidden Hallway A look at the culture inside the KHS art wing The art of teaching It’s hard to teach a skill, but the three art teachers of Kennedy are willing to rise to the challenge.

Erin Ennis, teacher of AP Art History, AP Studio Art, Ceramics 1, 2, and 3, and Drawing 1, has been teaching since 1989.

“It’s really a thrill to see students excited about their own art and their own abilities,” Ennis said.

Dennis Schmuecker, teacher of Web Design 1 and 2, Computer Graphics 1 and 2, Multimedia, AP Computer Science, Sculpture, and Painting 1, 2, and 3, has been teaching since 1987.

“Art encourages creative thinking and nonvertical thinking,” Schmuecker said.

Patty Walsh is the teacher of all the photography and drawing classes and has been teaching at Kennedy for 22 years.

“Art is very creative and hands on,” Walsh said, “We see all different kind of kids, I hope we see some students that actually want to take art and are not just trying to fill their schedule.”

Kennedy offers many different art courses from photography, to drawing, to ceramics and more.

“Art is different from other classes because you are learning technical skills and drawing skills, but you are hopefully expanding your ability to be creative and think outside the box,” Ennis said.

Besides the classes that are offered, the classrooms themselves offer a unique experience for students.

“The atmosphere in class is very relaxed,” Walsh said, “I hope people leave our class with an appreciation for art, but I want them to have fun.”

Emily Sass

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Patty Walsh

Erin Ennis

Dennis Schmuecker

Arts and Entertainment

Imagine. A view of the art hallway rarely empty, commonly filled with students and faculty.

The art of skill Different types of art have found their way into three students lives at Kennedy.

Sydney Green, jr., found time for art classes between swimming, basketball, and other schoolwork too.

Green has attended painting, Drawing and Drawing 2, along with ceramics. She is currently in Drawing 3.

Green started drawing at a young age and has kept it as a hobby, until high school where she decided to take it seriously. Drawing has always been apart of her life.

Art is a family affair for Kelsey Bills, jr., “My grandpa taught me how to draw, so it’s always been something that we’ve done as a family. We’ve always been into art or music or stuff like that.“ Bills is currently involved in AP Studio Art, just one of the sixteen art classes Kennedy High School has to offer, and has been showcased at the KCCK Jazz Corridor art show and at the New Bo Market in downtown Cedar Rapids.

“I like painting, but I also like multimedia because I get to use different things and make odd art and stuff,” Bills said. Bills said she is most proud of a pin-up girl project she completed for her class.

photo by Naomi Hofferber

“I feel like it’s a talent: either you have it or you don’t. I just decided to pursue it.,” Bills said.

Bills’s passion runs deep for what she does.

“When do you not find time to do art?” With an acceptance letter to the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design in Wisconsin, and a set of skills to match, Jess Drees, sr., is just one of Kennedy’s many talented artists.

“This year I’m in AP Studio art, just because I’ve taken almost every other art class there is,” Drees said.

Drees began her art career as a small child, starting with coloring books, or copying designs off of VCR covers.

“Right now for AP art, my concentration is on nature,” Drees said, “ I’ve done a lot of nature this year, but usually it’s whatever I feel like drawing.” Drees has received a $8000 scholarship, renewable every year, after having her portfolio reviewed by the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, and was accepted to attend the Institute in the fall.

Naomi Hofferber

PAGES BY Hannah Bruns 21

Sports

Turning to the trainer: A loo

Helping hand. Groth started working at Kennedy in 2001.

Lynn Groth waits patiently in the training room for the rush of athletes after school. Taping ankles and wrists, stretching shoulders and legs, and assisting anyone who needs the help.

Groth started working as an Athletic Trainer at Kennedy 13 years ago. She does everything from first-aid to injury evaluation and rehab.

“I do emergency procedures as needed, taping, bracing, wound care, first aid, along with concussion testing and post injury testing,” Groth said.

Groth graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Iowa. Groth is licensed by the board of certification of the National Athletic Trainers Association and by the State of Iowa.

“Before I came to Kennedy I worked in a physical therapy clinic as an athletic trainer doing rehab and was the ATC [Athletic Trainer Certified] at Kirkwood. I did that the first year after I graduated form Iowa,” Groth said.

Being a trainer at Kennedy requires odd hours to work around all the activities. Groth is usually at the school from 2-5 p.m. on weekdays, but often stays later than that. On game nights it could be 9-10 p.m. before she is done. Her work hours depend on the season and the practice times of the athletes.

Groth also comes in during the weekends if there is a game, or if an athlete needs an evaluation or a treatment.

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Photo by Katie Wolfe

With a big pool of athletes at Kennedy, Groth has to juggle all the athletes in the school. “I enjoy working with athletes and watching sports. The best part is the feeling when an athlete returns to playing their sport after an injury I helped them with,” Groth said.

The athletes helped by Groth appreciate all the hard work and dedication she puts into getting them back into their sport.

“Lynn prevents injuries for athletes around the school and helps them recover faster when they do get hurt,” Kyle Brewer, jr., said. Brewer participates in football and baseball at Kennedy.

Every sport requires different exercises and training, but there are common injuries that Groth deals with for every sport. “Injuries depend on the sport, but overall I see a lot of ankle sprains, knee pain, and shoulder pain with various causes.”

Groth is a vital part to the athletic programs at Kennedy.

“Lynn’s always there for the athletes when we need her. She’s a great person to have around,” Derek Jacobus, sr., said.

MADDY CRIST

Sports Sports

ok into Lynn’s daily routine Lynn’s Guide to Preventing Injuries: 1. Play multiple sports and do not specialize in one sport 2. Take a break from each sport after the season 3. Practicing proper nutrition 4. Exercise proper strengthening and conditioning

Photos by Katie Wolfe

Easing the Pain Throughout the school year 1,335 athletes participate in sports Source Kennedy Activities Office

PAGES BY Maddy Crist and Katie Wolfe

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John F. Kennedy High School 4545 Wenig Rd. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

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