Kennedy Torch, January 2013

John F. Kennedy High School

Volume 46, Issue 5

January 25, 2013

A look into the talents and hobbies of Kennedy’s most interesting teachers

page 12

the torch

Contents

the

Editorial

Photo

04 Be healthy for yourself

16

A&E

News

18 19

06 It’s all about security

20 Weighing the difference

The world of reality TV

Sports

Feature 12

Instagram etiquette Marching to Ireland

Health

Profile 08

Twinning, literally

Teachers: more than meets the eye

23

Two schools, one pool Cover by Tara Mittelberg

torch John F. Kennedy High School 4545 Wenig Rd. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Volume 46, Issue 5

Mission Statement

The student staff and adviser are committed to producing top quality student publications, applying high standards of writing, editing, and production. These media seek to fairly serve the Kennedy High School faculty, students, and staff showing no favoritism to any particular interest, individual, or group. Final decisions about content are the responsibility of the individual editors, and the Editorial Board.

Non-Discrimination policy

It is the Torch policy not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (employment only), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socioeconomic status (students/program only) in its educational programs and its employment practices.

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Ownership

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.

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Letter from the editor “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Many people use this song as inspiration because of its meaning that when something becomes too difficult, those who are strong will fight through it. As the generation of my peers continues to age, I have noticed a trending pattern that many instead live by “when the going gets tough, just give up.”

Sitting in any of my AP classes when tests are given back, the groans of a poor grade are quickly followed by the statement: “I can’t do this. I am just going to drop.” But what good are you really doing yourself if you just give up the second an obstacle is placed on your path?

When I was little my parents told me that I could become involved in any activity that I desired, but I had to promise them that I would stick with it all the way to the end. I tried basketball, dance, soccer, piano, biking, and running. Some things I discovered that I really enjoy like running and biking. But I also learned that I do not have the cordination it takes to play soccer and basketball.

When I came to the realization that I was not very good at various activities, I wanted to quit immediatly. But my parents told me that I had to finish what I started. And I did. I am glad my parents had me finish because I discovered things about myself along the way and met some pretty interesting people too.

If an obstacle is placed on your path, don’t try to find ways to avoid. We are faced with big and small obstacles every day of our lives.

Many of us around Kennedy are making prepartions to take the next step of our lives and enroll in college. After that, we are shoved into the real world. Once there, we won’t be able to give up things if they become a little difficult. So when the going gets tough, just keep going.

Torch Staff: Darcey Altschwager Editor-In-Chief

Mohammad Cheetany Managing Editor Hanna Krivit Photo Editor Tara Mittelberg Feature Editor Spencer Grekoff Business Editor Amy Brause News Editor Alli Nemecek News Editor Steph Mercer Profile Editor Bailey Zaputil Profile Editor Michael Abramson Arts & Entertainment Editor Sam Nordstrom Arts & Entertainment Editor Grace King Health Editor Rachel Langholz Health Editor Norm Althoff Sports Editor Annie Feltes Sports Editor Zack Goodall Copy Editor

Isabel Neff Online Editor Ethan Divis Online Editor Mary Mathis Photographer Hannah Bruns Writer Jason Grobstich Writer Terin Kane Writer Lydia Martin Writer Emma Moss Writer Summer Thompson Writer Xander Riley Writer Maddy Crist Writer Morgan Schwab Writer David Hynek Podcast Jordan Lunsford Podcast Trevor Melsha Podcast Stacy Haynes-Moore Adviser

Editorial

Be healthy for yourself It’s no secret that the number one New Year’s resolution is related to health. Hitting the gym, giving up that second cookie, or getting those rock hard abs are the goals of many people at the beginning of each year, 2013 being no exception.

Walking into my local YMCA and seeing all the new faces shining with sweat never ceases to motivate me to get my butt on the nearest treadmill and try to one-up everyone.

To be quite honest, any professional gym member would think I was a rookie.

My willingness to stay in shape has slowly dwindled over the course of six months.

But no more! It’s a new year, and to each and every American that means punishing ourselves for the pounds of turkey we consumed over the course of the multitudes of holidays in November and December.

There’s one sad thing about getting into or back into shape. I’m not an athletic person, but health is something that I strive for. It’s not like I have to lose 10 pounds in two weeks to reach my fitness goal. Let’s be

honest, that isn’t even healthy. And maybe losing weight isn’t even the ultimate goal.

If we want to feel really good about our “new” bodies here’s where we should start to get healthy and fit: 1. Eat those fruits and vegetables.

If you’re still hungry, but feel like you shouldn’t eat anything else, the natural sugars are the way to go. Five servings is the recommended amount.

2. Drink water. When you’re dehydrated your brain can mix up thirst for hunger.

Drink a glass of water before you eat and stay hydrated throughout the day.

3. Regular exercise. Give yourself a weekly goal for getting to the gym. Don’t limit yourself, but it isn’t the end of the world if you miss a workout either.

4. Don’t push it. If you’re new to the workout routine, give your body some time to get used to all the new equipment.

5. Have fun with it. Give yourself something to look forward to. If you REALLY don’t want to work out, tell yourself that if you do this, then you’ll go try that crazy

Grace King new fruit at the grocery store. Or maybe you’ll buy those chocolate covered almonds you’ve been craving. It’s the little things that can make 2013 the best for our health.

Overcome stress, be happier

Zack Goodall 4

Let’s face it, every single high school student has to face a large amount of stress.

Whether it’s classes, relationships, a job (maybe two), or all of these at once, stress can affect you in harmful ways. It can cause a whole mess of mental problems.

Learning to fight off stress can be essential to a happier, and healthier, you. These suggestions might be just what you’re looking for to help you chill out.

Everyone has a creative side, and they know how to use it. Picking up a hobby that gets a mind racing will do wonders for a person’s stress levels. Whether it’s writing, drawing, singing, dancing, writing or playing music, being a Game Master in a tabletop game, or building computers, there is a whole lot out there that can relieve stress.

Taking care of the roots of your problems in a systematic way is another alternate, but effective, way to beat down the

stress in life. To do this, the first course of action is to clean up and get organized.

Once you are aware of everything that you have to do, it will make it easier to decide what to do first. From this stage and on, it’s all about perseverance and trying to move forward, one task at a time. Eventually, you will get to a point where your stress is at a more manageable level.

If you’ve tried to fight the stress and it just doesn’t seem to work, it’s okay to ask people for help. Every now and then, we just need somebody to lean on. Friends will often be more than willing to lend a hand if you’re in distress. If you’re having trouble with homework and it’s stressing you out, don’t hesitate to ask a teacher for some guidance. I’m sure they would love to help you out. Every day, we are surrounded by people who we can use for support if we need it.

Editorial

Trending: cuts for Bieber One night when procrastination took the best of me, I looked through my shattered phone on my Twitter feed. I noticed that a weird hashtag was trending.

It wasn’t the usual trend of #2012memories or #tired, it was about one of my favorite men. Yes, you guess correctly, my boy Justin Bieber. The tag was #cutforBieber.

As you read that last line you probably were just as confused as I was. As the journalist that I am, I decided to investigate.

Apparently, Justin Bieber was caught smoking marijuana and some of his fans weren’t happy.

So they decided to cut themselves, take a picture, tweet it, and it will make him stop smoking marijuana.

Welcome to America; when a celebrity does stupid things, we all like to follow their actions.������������������� And because Americans are obsessed with status we think it makes sense. I think not. First, da Biebz, is his own person and can do whatever he wants. Yes, he is an idol for some so

Hanna Krivit For more editorials visit kennedytorch.org

he should listen to those fans. But he’s a young adult, and do you think he would listen to what people are criticizing him about? No. Next, people are willing to scar themselves for life just because they were mad at their favorite superstar? Yeah, okay.

Have fun? No, STOP. Seriously though, some people have intense issues that need to be dealt with, and fans are going to hurt themselves for no intention. The reason, for my point of view, is kind of like a cry for help. The fans want him to stop, but will cutting himself or herself really do the justice? Probably not, the fans should have just cut Bieber a piece of cake because he’s feeling sad that he disappointed some fans. Cake will make people feel better, always, I mean especially if you’re high.

Personally, I’m just feeling bad for the fella; he’s getting so much hate for something that many famous people do any ways. Justin Bieber is a good guy, the worst I’ve heard about him is that he needs a haircut. I’m here for you Justin, just holla at me.

Staff editorial: Corncerns about safety promotes more precautions taken at Kennedy On Dec. 14, 2012 a mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut’s Sandy Hook elementary school broke out. Killing a total of 28 people, amongst many of them children, the Newtown tragedy was the second-deadliest school shooting in United States history. The shooting not only raised a nationwide debate about guns but it also sparked questions of safety in schools.

For the past several years, Kennedy has taken more safety precautions to prevent any sort of incidents. Among the safety precautions, a new lock system has been in place district-wide to only allow people

with key cards through the doors as well as locking them during most hours of the day.

Along with the new lock systems, student resource officers have been on staff at Kennedy in the past year and a half to keep safety at its highest. Alongside the officers, Kennedy also has various security staff around the school.

Kennedy has also been practicing different lockdown procedures and teachers have talked to students about different options if any incident were to happen.

Even though new limitations on the door may be a hassle every once in a while,

the priorities of the school are to keep it safest for everybody attending, which may mean you have to walk a little farther to get to your classes.

Kennedy has taken many precautions to make the school as safe as it could possibly be. We as the Torch staff, feel that the school has taken the best precautions possible to make the school safer. We are grateful for our security staff, and - as much of a hassle they are on late-night Torch work sessions - the locked doors.

Pages by Darcey Altschwager 5

News

l l a s ’ It

t u o b a

Secure: A look into Kennedy’s security policies School security increased this year due to a district decision. Additionally, because of the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, a lockdown was practiced Jan. 10.

Dr. Mary Wilcynski, principal, said that more lockdowns will be practiced.

Practicing a lockdown was planned in the fall, but was set to happen after the Dec. 14 Connecticut shooting. “We haven’t had one for quite a while, and we had decided this fall,” Wilcynski said. “I said that I thought we need to practice that just so we kind of keep it in our heads, even though it gives you a pit in your stomach when you think about having to do that.”

If the school were to go into a lockdown, teachers would lock their doors and make sure no one was in the hallway. They would then have their students move away from

6

graphic by

Amy Brause

the doors and windows, as well as e-mail the lock all the doors now,” Wilcynski said. office if a student was missing that should The locked doors was a district be in the room. This would make sure that decision, and Kennedy was one of the every student is last to implement the accounted for if keycards.

Wilcynski they happened to “I don’t know that we need to said that every go into another change [our security plan] beelementary and middle classroom. school has a keycard cause in our situation we have The school system now, and some didn’t change the three security personnel, who schools have had the security plan after are around all the time.” system for two or three the shooting in -Principal Dr. Mary Wilcynski years.

Connecticut.

“I “Kids whine and don’t know that complain about it we need to change [locking the doors], but [our security plan] because in our situation I think after the Connecticut incident you we have three security personnel, who are think ‘Oh, maybe I can walk around the around all the time, plus a uniformed police building,’” Wilcynski said.

alli nemecek officer who is around all the time, and we

Secur

ity

News

Lacina leaves, new officer steps in Kennedy High School was fortunate enough to have Officer Sara Lacina as a student resource officer for the past year and a half on the job; however, Officer Lacina’s time at Kennedy ended Jan. 11.

“It sucks, I don’t want to leave. When I told Dr. W [principal Dr. Mary Wilcynski] I was leaving, actually I was bawling,” Lacina said.

At Kennedy, Lacina will be remembered for work with the students and staff, but most of all for her sense of humor.

“It’s really sad that she is leaving because she connected with the kids, not just as an officer, but as a friend too,” Carlee Ellsworth, so., said. Ellsworth has many fond memories with Lacina, such as riding in her police car during the Homecoming parade.

Lacina had trouble making the decision to leave, but she wants to move forward in her career.

“It makes me really sad because she “People don’t believe me when I tell them has really just become a vital part of our how awesome Kennedy is. It is so positive community and she is just tremendous at around here. The staff is positive, students her job,” Wilcynski said. are positive,” Lacina said. “I’m probably a Lacina joined the fool for leaving.”

“In this job I am a mentor, a teacher, Officer Charity police force almost seven years ago. and you also have law enforcement, Hansel will be She looks forward but that part of it in a school like taking Lacina’s to getting back to Kennedy is about 15 percent so I’m place at Kennedy. police work. “Here really excited to be doing some new “I think it is I have done more wonderful that things.” counseling but I she [Hansel] is -Officer Charity Hansel here because she like to be hands on and people here are is really good too pretty cooperative,” Lacina said. “I kind and has a tremendous background, she will of like the attitude that you get on the bring a different kind of set of knowledge street.” and skills in,” Wilcynski said.

Lacina’s goal is to be involved in the The officers have different backgrounds narcotics division of the Detective Bureau. in law enforcement. Lacina studied social The job Lacina accepted puts her one step work while Hansel studied Police Science closer to her goal. “I had mixed emotions and Psychology. because I don’t want to leave,” Lacina said.

Hansel joined the police force 21 years ago. She recently served on the Detective Bureau where she specialized in investigating sex crimes involving child victims.

“It’s very draining being with kids who are sexually abused every day and dealing with the people who sexually abuse them, so for me this is going to be so much more fun because most people here are happy and smiling,” Hansel said.

Hansel is excited to work at Kennedy because she loves the atmosphere.

“Before I was 100 percent law enforcement,” Hansel said. “In this job I am a mentor, a teacher, and you also have law enforcement, but that part of it in a school like Kennedy is about 15 percent so I’m really excited to be doing some new things.” lydia martin

Partners in crime. Officer Sara Lacina (left) left Kennedy to pursue a career in the narcotics department. She is replaced by Officer Charity Hansel (right).

Photo by Mary Mathis

Page by Alli Nemecek & Amy Brause 7

Profile

Airing on American Idol Alisabeth Von Presley almost didn’t audition. The 26-year-old watched American Idol every year with her mom, who continually pushed her to audition. She didn’t know about the auditions in Iowa City, but after hearing it, she didn’t hesitate.

Von Presley is actively involved in the performing arts at Kennedy. She has choreographed Kennedy’s fall and spring musicals for the past six years, helped with the music and chorography for Playtime Poppy this year, and is the speech coach for Musical Theater. In addition, she owns her own photography company and is the publicity photographer for Theater Cedar Rapids.

Von Presley described the auditions as “the most intense I’ve ever done,” but she managed to stay calm. She performed “Ain’t No Sunshine” in front of judges Nikki Minaj, Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson, and Keith Urban.

“There was a lot of intimidation; some of the most amazing vocalists I’d ever heard,” Von Presley said. “I had to keep reminding myself there is only one Alisabeth, and only one chic here that can bring my style and attitude, and that mindset is the only thing that will get someone through a competition like this.”

Although she isn’t able to say much about the judges in risk of spoiling the upcoming season, she mentions that it was stunning to see them in person. Nikki Minaj talked to Von Presley about her Barbie tattoo, Mariah Carey gave her compliments about her voice and Randy Jackson said “congrats, Dawg.”

After getting the ticket to Hollywood, Von Presley ran to greet her family with the news and was surprised to be greeted by Ryan Secrest, who congratulated her as well. “I almost gave him a paper cut while jumping around with my golden ticket [to Hollywood],” Von Presley said.

After getting the ticket, Von Presley found it hard to concentrate on everyday life and found herself daydreaming of audition scenarios to help get rid of nerves.

The decisions about performances weren’t given out until about two days before, which made running a business hard for Von Presley, but the accommodations with scheduling made by the directors and her coworkers helped her tremendously. She was also proud of her Musical Theater groups from Kennedy Speech, because they had been practicing on their own and she feels like they’re ready to compete.

Throughout the process Von Presley learned a lot goes on behind the scenes of a reality TV show, but offers advice to those who are interested in trying reality TV.

SINGER Photo and graphics by Bailey Zaputil

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“Keep an open mind and be yourself. Don’t let others intimidate you and stand strong to who you are and what you bring to the table. There are people out there that are far better singers than you, but it’s what you do with your talent that sets you apart. You have to find your unique qualities and just go for it. Don’t hold anything back.” isabel neff

The world of

reality Two Cedar Rapids share their stories

Profile

Triumphing on Survivor After surviving 39 days out in the rainy tropics of the Philippines, Denise Stapley, of Cedar Rapids swept the votes in the final tribal council, to win Survivor: Philippines, and brought home the grand prize of $1 million.

Survivor is a reality game show that can take place anywhere around the world, in tropical places such as Nicaragua and Thailand. Its pits people of a mix of backgrounds and personalities against each other to compete for the grand prize of $1 million.

Stapley, 42, is a sex therapist who lives in Cedar Rapids with her husband Brad and their daughter. Stapley went through a variety of emotions when she found out she

TV natives

won. “That night was very surreal...I felt elated, excited, happy, overwhelmed...and even a bit sad that the experience had officially come to a close.”

Stapley is an avid viewer of the show, a fan since 2000. Wanting her shot, she first applied to compete in 2010, but never received a call back. She applied again in fall 2011, and this time caught CBS’s attention, making the cut for the show’s 25th season.

Part of the strategy in Survivor is trying to use psychology to help deal with the competition of the game. Being a sex therapist and having a Masters in psychology prepared Stapley for being able to read and connect with people. “This was invaluable as I had to change tribes throughout the game,“ Stapley said. Survivor involves multiple challenges. Stapley’s favorites were the MudBall Challenge and the Weight Challenge where she won Female Individual Immunity, a prize that helps players stay in the game longer, though she didn’t start to believe she could win until later. “I truly only let myself start thinking that I could win the game when I got to the final four. Before then I just looked at it as a project, step by step, no jumping ahead.”

For her own tactics, Stapley used what she felt was natural. Stapley also said that her “Survivor” mentality has lasted with her after the game. “I think the “Survivor” mentality was with me before I ever entered the game and just got amplified. It is still there...just quieter.

I have a much greater appreciation, however, for life in general,” she said. “The game reinforced even more for me that I do not need ‘stuff’ to make me happy.”

Though Stapley is an experienced traveler, being in the Philippines was a completely new experience.

The scenery was beautiful, but she also noted how demoralizing the weather could be to the players, which surprised her.

Though she’s sad the game is over, and would love to compete again if given the chance, Stapley says she’s happy to be home and to be at work again.

Her family is her biggest cheerleaders. “My family was fantastic!” Stapley said. “They tolerated me eating a pint of ice cream daily for a period of about two weeks.”

Stapley is take some time to let her win settle in and said she then may do a bit of traveling. “I do hope to participate in some reality charity events during the year as much as my schedule will allow.“ She feels lucky to have a chance to play the the game.

“Only a small handful of people have gotten that opportunity and I did not take it lightly,” she said. “It is something that no matter when or how you get voted off, it can be life changing on many levels.”

SURVIVOR Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS.

bailey zaputil

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Feature

Teachers: more th

An in-depth look at Kennedy’s hidden boxer,

RACHEL COLLINS Rachel Collins would sometimes teach her YMCA kick boxing class when the instructor wouldn’t show up.

The next year, when a new supervisor banned students from teaching, Collins immediately signed up to be a professional instructor.

“I went from being a student of the class and really enjoying it to teaching the class,” Collins said.

Collins, a counselor at Kennedy, now teaches kick boxing at the Helen G. Nassif YMCA two to three times a month.

Because of people making New Year’s resolutions to be fit, her classes are typically busiest this time of year. She leads hour-long sessions designed to give participants a fun way to do cardio workouts. “I try to keep it 60 percent on the bag and 40 percent off the bag,” Collins said. “[Students] just enjoy making contact with something. For some people that’s a really positive release after a stressful day at work.”

When she’s instructing, Collins demonstrates various kick boxing moves and then walks around the classroom to ensure students perform them properly.

“I leave every class sweating,” she said.

“Even when I teach, I’m working out too.”

Collins took interest in kick boxing in the late 1990s through Tae Bo workout videos. Even when she isn’t teaching, Collins kick boxes or works out on her own five to six days a week. Her favorite part of kick boxing is landing a flawless kick. “It’s just perfect,” Collins said. “It doesn’t hurt you, it doesn’t hurt your body, and you hit or kick hard.”

For more teacher hidden talents visit kennedytorch.org

12

Because the kick boxing classes are free to all YMCA members, Collins instructs a wide range of individuals. “I try to keep it fun for the new people so they come back and rigorous enough for the people returning that they want to come to my class,” she said.

Although it is sometimes difficult to cater lessons towards both firsttime students and experienced fitness enthusiasts, Collins finds teaching kick boxing incredibly rewarding. “My favorite part about teaching is when members say, ‘that class was so much fun – you gave me a great workout.’”

K.O. Rachel Collins, guidance counselor, teaches a kick boxing class at the Helen G. Nassif YMCA. Photo by Darcey Altschwager

Feature

han meets the eye

brewer, singer, rock-climber, and collector MARK JENSEN

Physics teacher Mark Jensen uses his scientific background outside of the classroom by practicing the art of zymurgy, more commonly known as beer brewing.

“I have a friend who brews and I went and I did it at his house one time and I thought, ‘Oh my god! This is 50 times easier than I thought it would be.’” Jensen, who has been brewing since November 2011, enjoys crafting beers for his friends and coworkers.

It takes about five hours for Jensen to create a batch of beer and anywhere from 10 days to 18 months for the resulting mixture to ferment. To ensure that the beer does not become contaminated, Jensen sanitizes his equipment very carefully. “It’s five hours of completely geeking out on science to do dishes for an hour,” he said.

Jensen’s favorite part of brewing is the scientific process of creating the perfect concoction. “The production is a lot faster than the consumption,” he said. “I like the science of it. It’s everything – it’s biology, it’s chemistry, it’s physics.”

Science. Science teacher Mark Jensen explains his zymurgy equipment. He enjoys the biology and chemistry involved with zymurgy, more commonly known as brewing. photo by Darcey Altschwager

LEAH GOODMANSON Leah Goodmanson’s talent has literally brought people to tears. Goodmanson, a language arts teacher, has been singing in various choirs since she was in high school.

She has performed over a dozen solos and even sang at the wedding of Kennedy social studies teacher Heather Zwanziger.

“I’ve been asked to sing at a couple of weddings and a couple of funerals,” Goodmanson said. “I like that music can really enhance those milestones in life.”

Goodmanson is a member of the Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale, which she auditioned for approximately six years ago. This group practices two and a half hours most weeks with added rehearsals near concert times. Goodmanson is also a member of her church’s choir and frequently canters services, leading the congregation in song and worship.

Although it is sometimes difficult for Goodmanson to maintain Serenade. Language arts teacher Leah Goodmanson sings the time-commitment required of her choirs, her passion for singing “Amazing Grace my Chains are Gone” and “The Lord’s Prayer” at keeps her going. “I like to move people to music,” she said. “I like it a friend’s wedding. photo provided by Leah Goodmanson when my singing can help others express emotions.”

Pages by tara mittelberg 13

Feature

Teachers beyond the classroom BEN ARP

Although moving from Colorado to Iowa reduced Ben Arp’s ability to easily partake in his hobby, he found ways to climb around the issue.

Arp, science teacher and avid rock climber, has been climbing for approximately three years. Arp’s friends from Colorado Springs, Colo., climbed often and eventually got him to come along.

“I got addicted very quickly,” Arp said. After learning basic techniques in the gym, Arp began climbing large boulders. Bouldering does not require ropes, but there are mats beneath the climber to prevent injuries.

Upon moving to Iowa one and a half years ago, Arp said it was difficult to adjust to the reduced quality and quantity of rockclimbing; however, he visits gyms in Iowa City and Des Moines three to four times per week. In the fall, Arp climbs outdoors once a week in Monticello.

“It’s always really gratifying to work at something,” Arp said. “If it’s a hard problem and it’s in your grasp… by the time you really get it, it’s a really good feeling of accomplishment.”

ALEX NEFF

Neff’s Collection Includes:

100 vintage

toasters

25

100’s of postcards

plastic pumpkins

antique mixers

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While some people scour Ebay for cheap electronics or books, math teacher Alex Neff, checks the site daily looking for something a little different: antique glass bottles.

Neff began collecting antique medicine, perfume, and alcohol bottles when he was 13 years.

“Even as a kid I always used to think about how fascinating it was that this bottle was part of somebody’s life,” Neff said. “It’s like a little relic of history.”

In addition to nearly 400 bottles, Neff also has approximately 100 antique toasters, 25 vintage cake mixers, hundreds of old-fashioned postcards, and 75 plastic pumpkins. Collecting is an integral part of his family – in fact, he met his wife through their mutual toastercollecting hobby.

Neff likes collecting antique appliances both for their connection to the past and their aesthetic value; however, he claims that 90 percent of the pieces in his collection are in working condition. Neff uses a Chrome 1957 Sunbeam mixer for everyday baking. “And if it blows up, I’ve got another one.”

Tara Mittelberg

Rock it. Ben Arp scales a cliff in Pictured Rocks, Iowa. Arp, who began rock climbing when he lived in Colorado, has adjusted to Iowa’s lack of convenient rock walls. photo provided by Ben Arp

400 antique bottles

graphic by Tara Mittelberg

14 Page by Tara Mittelberg

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Page by Mohammad Cheetany 15

Photography

Twinning, literally The Torch combined the faces of five twins. Similar or not? You decide.

Colton and Jordan Schultz, jr.

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Nick and Seth Dunne, sr.

Photos by Hanna Krivit

Photography

Parker and Meredith Lloyd, so.

Bryce and Amelia Miller, so.

Avery and Madison Haefner, Fr.

Instagram Photo of the Month: User:

@thomasda_train Tommy Schmitt, jr.

“6 feet of air over the quad #firstsessionoftheyear #snowboarding #Burton photo cred: @drewrogers

Want to be the Instagram photo of the month? Use the hashtag #torchphoto.

When the snow storm hit, Schmitt and his friend brought out their snowboards.

Pages by Hanna Krivit 17

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Take picture s of yourself bef ore medical pro cedures.

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18 Graphics by Michael Abramson 18 Page by Mohammad Cheetany & Michael Abramson

Marching to Ireland

Band to play in St. Patrick’s Day Parade The Kennedy High School band will be traveling to Ireland for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17 during Spring Break.

Ninety-one students from Kennedy, Washington, and Jefferson High Schools will fly to Dublin on March 15. Griffin Uthe, sr., Josh Lyman, so., and Laura Fischer, jr., are eager to depart.

Leslie Fleer, the Kennedy High School band director commented on what she liked about the trip, “The thing that is really cool is that students from all three of the high schools are going, so we’re representing the city of Cedar Rapids, not just the high schools.”

The band directors previously had the opportunity to meet the Lord Mayor of Dublin and the parade organizers are very excited about having American groups perform.

The band will march in two separate parades and compete for awards. “It’s a once in a life time experience, not only to be able to be there, but to perform, on St. Patrick’s Day, in Ireland,” Fleer said.

All three schools practiced together for several weeks and will continue to hold more rehearsals until they leave.

The band will be playing a song called “America on Parade,” which is comprised of traditional American songs like “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” “I mean, we’re going to go to Ireland, it’d be kind of nice to play some American songs,” said Fleer.

The Kennedy band had several fundraisers such as selling pasta, fruit, holiday wreaths, and candles. “We’re pretty much done financing the trip,” Lyman, so., said. However, they are still in the process of getting their passports.

In addition, the band still has the critical

step of packing up all of the instruments.

The instruments need to be sent several days before they leave and there are also a number of important packing requirements to ensure they arrive in one piece.

There are many aspects of the trip the students are looking forward to. “We’re going to see really cool things,” Uthe said.

The band will be touring cliffs in Ireland as well as enjoying a completely renovated Irish hotel.

Fischer, who plays the mellophone, said, “I’m looking forward to seeing the beautiful scenery and hearing Irish accents.”

“It will be awesome to perform for millions of people around the world. It’s one last really fun thing to do senior year,” Uthe said.

Rachel Langholz

Artist of the month: A$AP Rocky In an age of hip-hop where the internet is a huge medium to get discovered, A$AP Rocky took advantage releasing his compilation Deep Purple in 2011 and later was discovered and signed to Sony, RCA Records.

Soon after A$AP Rocky was discovered, he released his debut mixtape LiveLoveA$AP in October 2011. With the discovery of his debut single “Pesos”, A$AP started working with bigger artists, such as Drake and Kendrick Lamar.

In 2012, A$AP Rocky began touring with Drake and started performing his hit single, “Goldie.” In Late 2012, A$AP Rocky announced that his debut studio album LongLiveA$AP would be released Jan. 15, 2012.

A$AP Rocky is also the creator of the A$AP Mob, which is a hip-hop group

formed in 2007. In late August 2012, A$AP Rocky and A$AP Mob released their debut group mixtape, Lords Never Worry.

LongLiveA$AP has since received positive critical responses and was among one of the most anticipated hip-hop albums throughout 2012. LongLiveA$AP features many artists including Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Danny Brown, Joey Bada$$, Skrillex, Santigold, and Florence Welsh of Florence + The Machine.

With A$AP Rocky you can expect high quality instrumentals with experimentation with dubstep-inspired instrumentals. Lyrically, A$AP Rocky tends to delve between the lines of serious and more of a rap mentality of experience.

Mohammad Cheetany

Artist: A$AP Rocky Genre: Hip-Hop Hometown: New York, New York Hit Songs: Pesos Purple Swag Goldie F**king Problems

Page by Sam Nordstrom & Michael Abramson 19

Health

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Calorie counting becomes a realistic, healthy lifestyle As the number of the year changes so do many lifestyles, a very popular one being calorie counting. This method of nutrition planning is growing in popularity as many think it’s a simple way to stay fit and healthy without having to understand complex nutrition facts.

Brenna McConnell, sr., began calorie counting in June 2012.

“I kind of hit a point, a point where I just felt disgusting. I looked at myself and it wasn’t me,” she said.

McConnell tried different diets on different days, but nothing ever permanently worked, and she soon felt she needed to do something about it. After reaching 220 pounds, McConnell decided to act. “It was really heartbreaking for me to step onto a scale and see that.”

After a friend recommended

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her the “MyFitnessPal” app, she quickly took to calorie counting, and it was the big breakthrough McConnell had been waiting for. “I just really caught onto it; I didn’t give up.”

Although McConnell remembers being hungry for the first three or four weeks, she immediately began seeing improvements, but the social aspect of it was still difficult.

“At sleepovers my friends were eating their chips, hamburgers, and hot dogs, and then there’s me with my veggie patty,” McConnell said.

Another calorie counter, Johnny Webb, sr., began because he wanted a healthier lifestyle.

“I really like fruits and vegetables, so it wasn’t too difficult for me, but I can imagine for some people it might,” he said.

Webb noted that calorie

counting didn’t make him appropriate [to count calories]. slimmer or give him more If someone is obsessive about stamina, and he counted their calories it can be a little calories in his head so it wasn’t unhealthy,” Beckett said. perfect. Webb did additional Calorie counting proved to be exercise along with the new incredibly beneficial for both diet plan, which included a lot Webb and McConnell. Even of running. though Webb stopped calorie Beth Beckett, St. Luke’s counting in order to focus on dietician sees counting calories muscle building, McConnell as a good “I kind of hit a point, a is still way for continuing point where I just felt with her people who are disgusting. I looked at counting. overweight myself and it wasn’t me.”

After six to get -Brenna McConnell m o n t h s , healthy. “People who are she has lost 40 pounds, and is overweight can often decrease working to reach her goal of their weight by counting weighing 140 pounds. calories. It is one of the best As 2013 begins, calorie ways to manage weight,” she counting seems to be an said. effective way to be healthy.

Beckett also suggests using If you’ve been looking for a websites such as myfitnesspal. new health plan, give calorie com and sparkpeople.com to counting a try. Right now it’s track your calories. “There are as simple as ever.

Jason Grobstich times when it’s maybe not

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Nutrition Facts Serving Size 1 cup (228 g) Servings Per Container 2 Amount Per Serving

Calories 260

Calories from Fat 120

Total Fat 13g

% Daily Value* 20% 25%

Saturated Fat 13g Trans Fat 2g Cholesterol 30mg

10%

Sodium 680mg Total Carbohydrate 31g

28% 10% 0%

Sugars 5g

Protein 5g

Vitamin A 4% Calcium 10%

Vitamin C 2% Iron 4%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your Daily Values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Total Fat Sat Fat Cholestorol Sodium Total Carbohydrate Dietary Fiber

Calories: Less than Less than Less than Less than

Information gathered from Harvard School of Public Health

2,000 85g 20g 300mg 2,400mg 300g 25g

2,500 80g 26g 300mg 2,400mg 375g 30g

Graphic by Tara Mittelberg

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Serving Size: It’s important to pay attention to how many servings you’re eating - especially when it comes to packaged food. For instance, if you eat the entire package of this food product, you’re doubling the calories from 260 to 520.

Calories: Half the calories in one serving come from fat. If you look to the right of the “calories” bar you will find the amount of fat per serving.

Total Fat: Fat comes in two forms: saturated fat and trans fat. Saturated fats are thought to cause heart disease and have the most cholesterol.

Trans fat is also linked to increased cholesterol. Your total fat intake should be between 25 percent to 35 percent per day.

Cholesterol: Too much cholesterol can lead to heart problems. Limit your consumption to 200 mg a day.

Sodium: Sodium is necessary for a balanced diet, but too much sodium can be a bad thing. Limit your sodium to less than 2,000 mg per day.

Carbohydrates: Your body uses carbohydrates to make glucose which gives you energy. Extra glucose is stored in your liver and muscles.

Protein: Protein is what our bodies use to level out our blood sugar. Ten percent to 35 percent of calories are recommend to come from protein.

Pages by Rachel Langholz & Grace King

21

Sports

Runners brave wintery outdoor conditions Snow and ice force many athletes into the gym, but for runners bracing the cold is a change of scenery. Running in the cold requires layers of clothing, the proper shoes to ward against slipping on the ice, and the motivation to step into the cold, dry air. For Kennedy students Carolyn Stone, jr., and Ethan Williams, so., running is more than a summer time hobby.

Stone began running at a young age.

Beginning in fifth grade, she now averages an eight-mile pace during her practice runs. “I’m scared. I don’t want to get out of shape for track. I’ve been trying to run but it’s hard,” Stone said.

Keeping up with 15 miles a week, Stone makes sure to stay warm when she goes out.

“It’s cold. I wear lots and lots [of clothes]. I went out with my dad’s ski masks on and I

probably looked like a bank robber,” she said.

When the weather gets really cold, Stone stays close to her house during her run. “It’s slippery and icy so I try to be careful so I don’t break anything,” she said.

Williams began running in seventh grade for cross-country. “I turned out to be pretty good, and I fell in love with it. I did track and continued on until now,” Williams said.

Even with the snow, Williams makes sure to get his weekly miles crossed off, running 20 miles a week and averaging three miles a day.

“When it gets down below 10 degrees I head for the treadmill,” he said.

When heading out for a cold run, Williams wears running tights under his sweat pants, a t-shirt and a sweatshirt, and a hat and gloves.

“You have to bundle up so you have that extra weight on you. The air is drier so it kind of

hurts your lungs,” he said.

Jim Dwyer, manager at Running Wild, recommends that his customers dress for winter runs as if it’s 10 to 15 degrees warmer.

“If you overdress you’ll overheat. The layer next to your skin should be moisture wicking.

It should transfer moisture from your skin to the outermost layer of the fabric,” he said.

Being a runner himself, Dwyer said that if you’re out running for an extended period of time to wear a protective shoe with weather resistant properties, otherwise you could risk getting frostbite.

“I would say stay inside if it’s below zero degrees. It depends on the individuals threshold to pain. Some people have that breaking point. It’s different for each runner,” Dwyer said.

Grace King

photo by Jordan Lunsford

Stay warm: the best winter running apparel

Saucony Nomad running jacket. $110. This windproof jacket is perfect for layering over a thin moisture-wicking layer on a cold winter day.

Mizuno Breath Thermo Hat. $20. A unisex hat that wicks away moisture and prevents excessive heat-loss through the head.

Mizuno Breath Thermo Nathan Clip Light. $5.

Adidas Supernova Gloves. $25. These gloves Winter means shorter days Sequence Tights. $80. protect hands against the and darker evenings. Attach Ventilation in these elements and have antithis light to clothing to alert slim-fitting tights allows microbial and deodorizing cars of your presence during for carefully controlled properties. nighttime runs. temperature and moisture.

Information gathered by Hanna Krivit and Tara Mittelberg All products available at Running Wild stores

22 Pages by Norm Althoff & Annie Feltes

Two schools, one pool I

that swimming at Kennedy is not only beneficial when it comes to getting better at swimming, but also on a personal level. “It’s a really good opportunity because we only have nine swimmers from Xavier, and on top of us getting better pool time by going to different schools we get to see a different side of Cedar Rapids and get to meet kids that we probably wouldn’t have hung out with if it weren’t for swimming,” Richardson said.

“It’s definitely a good thing, not just for the sports, but for the fact that we get to see meet and make friends with kids from another school. Everybody on the Kennedy swim team is really cool, and that makes this all the more worthwhile,” Nachman said.

Although a rivalry still exists between the two schools, and the swimmers generally like to poke fun at one another when a team from either school beats the Jacob Nachman, so. other, nothing ever gets out of hand.

“It was a unique situation playing football against some of the kids that I would turn around and be on the swim team with, but once I started to become part of the team, none of that really mattered,” Richardson said.

“It’s all in good spirits, and never becomes a problem,” Thomsen said.

All in all, the molding of students from two schools into one team has been successful on many accounts. Although there are minor conflicts between the two school schedules such as events at Xavier happening during practice or Xavier swimmers have their final exams during the middle of swim season, eventually all the pieces have fallen together for Xavier swimmers to feel at home and compete for Kennedy High School. “It’s a balancing act at first but the whole experience is worthwhile. I’ve made a ton of great friends at Kennedy and I would say that this experience has definitely made me a better swimmer,” Richardson said. david hynek

Photo by Annie Feltes

f you were to ask a random individual at Kennedy High School to give you Kennedy’s biggest rival when it comes to extracurricular activities, chances are they would probably put our rivals from just down the street, Xavier High School, on the top of their lists. In most cases, the idea that Xavier is public enemy number one on game day holds up pretty well. But for one organization at Kennedy, the idea that Xavier and Kennedy students don’t get along couldn’t be further from the truth.

Five years ago Kennedy’s men’s swimming program had the daring idea to bring together a group of extraordinary individuals from Xavier to join their swim team since Xavier doesn’t have a pool. Xavier correlated with schools in the Cedar Rapids School District and came to the agreement that any Xavier student who wanted to swim could join the team of the public school that they lived closest.

Currently, Kennedy has six Xavier students ranging from freshmen to seniors on its swim team roster. Bringing together kids from competing schools seems like it might be a recipe for disaster, but according to men’s head swimming coach, Shawn Thomsen, that’s just not the case. “It’s worked out really well for us so far. Once they hit the water, you could never tell who is from Kennedy and who is from Xavier. We’re just one team trying to win swim meets and get everyone better,” Thomsen said.

Senior captain Chandler Heisler John Richardson, sr. agrees with his coach’s view. “We get along great. It honestly seems like they just go to school with us most of the time,” Heisler said.

Xavier swimmers John Richardson, sr., and Jacob Nachman, so., both agree

Sports

Pages by Norm Althoff & Annie Feltes 23

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

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