May 27, 2015

John F. Kennedy High School

Volume 48, Issue 6

the torch the senior issue

May 27, 2015

Letter from the seniors: Our final goodbye John F. Kennedy High School 4545 Wenig Rd. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Volume 48, Issue 6

As we distribute this final Spring 2015 issue, our feelings are bittersweet.

It’s crazy to think us five seniors, Lydia Martin, Maddy Crist, Hannah Bruns, Fatima Elsheikh and Jade Milota, all started working for the Torch at different points in our high school careers. We each made different contributions, yet are all coming together to bring you our final product, The Senior Issue.

We joined the Torch at different times and experienced similar circumstances. The Torch has had many ups and downs for all of us, but through those ups and downs we have learned valuable life lessons that will help prepare us for wherever life takes us. Whether that be here in Cedar Rapids, a little ways away in Cedar Falls, or all the way to New York next year, we each take something we have learned from this organization.

We all took a chance when we became part of the Torch staff. That chance we took taught us some of the most important life lessons, even if we had no idea at the time. We learned how to work with others, leadership skills, communication skills, teamwork and determination.

Along with the lessons learned, we made friendships that will last forever; we were so fortunate to work with everyone who was part of the Torch staff through out our years. Fellow Torch members and advisors will always hold a special place in our hearts.

After all, life is all about the chances we take, the lessons we learn, and the friendships we make along the way. Sometimes even when it gets rough, we have to Just Drew It. So Cougars, wherever life takes you we wish you luck, and Congratulations Seniors, we did it!

Thank you to our Sponsors cover by Hannah Bruns

Lisa Christiansen Ramlo Jan Reiger Mary Ann Kollmorgen Lesly Bornmann Jason & Tiffany Olejniczak Dee & Rob Baird Lon and Kristen Olejniczak

Dan & Karen Kollmorgen Dr. Joel and Shelly Sardzinski JoAnn Henningsen Larry and Duronda Schlue Pete and Meg Alepra Rick and Jane Poell Barry and Gilda Boyer

Contents

Editorial

Photo

04 A final farewell: Senior editorials

22 The grand entrance

08 Censored

24 Staff Throwback

Profile

Health

News

A&E

12 Beyond Best Buddies

28 Eat this, not that

16 The class of 2015’s future

30 Comeback coaches

Feature

08

Sports

30 Torch Staff: Lydia Martin Editor-in-Chief Hannah Bruns Design Editor Maddy Crist Editorial Editor Gabby Olejniczak Business Manager Maddie Herlocker Ad Manager Jade Milota PR Director Emily Sass Photo Editor Brooke Timmerman Photo Editor Xander Riley News Editor Elianna Novitch Profile Editor Macy Anderson Health Editor

Naomi Hofferber A&E Editor Abby Donovan Sports Editor Hugh Banderob Photographer Fatima Elsheikh Writer Hadley Rittgers Writer Madi Beauchamp Writer Joey Riley Writer Luke Martin Writer Caitlyn Fisher Writer Stacy Haynes-Moore Adviser

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EDITORIAL

Maddy Crist Editorial Editor Clanking of metals and polite claps filled the room on senior recognition night. All of our high school achievements were summed up. Part of me was disappointed. Four years of stress and hard work came out to a few metals and some self-satisfaction. But that’s what I’ve learned most during the last few years. I learned that the “big moments” weren’t really so big after all.

Some people will look back on high school and remember graduation or senior recognition night where all their achievements were finally displayed. I thought It was going to be one of them too, but the truth is senior recognition night and all the “big moments” aren’t what they are made out to be. For me, it wasn’t the clanking of the metals. It was the clink the softball made on the bat during the seventh inning with the bases were loaded. It was the shrieks of my teammates when we just won a big game. When I look back, I will envision the five years I spent on the softball team and all the experiences that I’ve shared with my team. We’ve learned to how to win and lose. Those moments filled up my summer days every year during high school.

And sometimes when the clanking of metals and clinking of softball fades, I hear the loud chatter of the computer keyboards during Torch.

Never did I think that when I joined Torch my sophomore year that it would end up how it has. Torch has been chaotic, sometimes stressful, but one of the best learning experiences I’ve ever been a part of.

Looking back, I got caught up in all the “big moments” and did not fully enjoy the little ones, because, all the little moments fly by. The first row at football games will come soon enough, prom will come and go with a blink of an eye, and graduation will slip away after a few hours. My hope is you enjoy every single day because one day all of us will wake up when we’re 40 years old and want to live it all over again.

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Lydia Martin Editor In Chief

Hannah Bruns Design Editor

EDITORIAL

Just like that, in a split second, in the blink of an eye, that final bell will ring, the next day you will put on that green and gold cap and gown and it will all be over. Your childhood, the last 13 years of schooling, over. Done with. You won’t believe it till it happens to you but when it does you will look back and realize your childhood is gone. Time to be an adult, or at least try. Work or college begins soon, and you are no longer a kid. As Grady says, now “all the rules change.”

In a few short months from putting on that cap and gown and walking across that stage as your mom sheds a tear, you will be on our way to the rest of your life. The next chapter, Chapter 13.

But before you get to Chapter 13, you had the prologue or kindergarten, and all the chapters after that, like Chapter 6 when you had braces and your first zits and you carried a trapper around the school, ahh those were the days. Time passed and the awkwardness (or at least some of it) went away, and Chapter 9 began the moment you walked through the doors of Kennedy your first day as a freshmen, scared and intimidated with a knot in your stomach, but so excited for what was to come. Then Chapter 10 came along, and you realized that you had most of high school figured out, yet you were still an underclassmen unsure of a few things. And soon before ever

Looking back on the past four years I’ve realized there are many things I’m thankful for.

1. All the teachers I’ve had that showed up those early mornings to help. They took time out of long days to make sure that I was on track.

2. Every person who has ever given me a ride anywhere.

Enough said.

3. The friends I’ve made, good and bad. Not only have you all taught me multiple lessons without even realizing, but have also helped create memories that I will never be able to forget, even if I tried.

4.My Bed, the real MVP those late nights. You’ve always been a home to my endless amounts of things I own that I have no explanation for, so thank you, bed. I love you.

5.Smart-lunch. Whether I needed a nap or actual help with my schoolwork. Those 90 minutes were very helpful.

6. Anybad grades I’ve ever received. They taught me to work harder.

7. Twitter, for informing me every day what all the people around me were doing. Although I swore I never cared, sometimes I really did.

realizing it, Chapter 11 started. The year that classes get harder and college is thought about with numerous AP exams and ACT attempts. Soon, you are reaching the end of Chapter 11 and you realize you and your friends can call yourselves Seniors.

Then Chapter 12 begins and all the lasts start; your last first day of school with your mom taking pictures of you and your siblings, your last homecoming dance, your last high school football game cheering on the Cougars with your friends, time passes.... then your last pep assembly, and then before you know it you’ve written your first 10 page paper, you’ve survived Grady’s hot seat and made it through senior prom and now it’s graduation.

When you reach the end of Chapter 13, there is no telling what comes next. Up until now, your whole story has been written or planned out with little control on your part. Now Chapter 14 is your message. Are you ready?

Let the beginning of the book be your guide. Live with no regrets. High school is over, your childhood is over, now it’s time for you to write your own story.

High school shaped you, guided you, forced you to make some choices but there was still structure, still rules.

Now, all the rules change, but let the story be yours.

8.Seminole Valley. I could always count on that park when I needed somewhere to go to do ANYTHING. 9. Every part time job I’ve held. Whether I was making sandwiches or hosting at a restaurant late hours, it taught me the key reasons I was getting an education and pushing myself to do better. Plus the extra money was always nice.

10. My older brothers. They never failed to provide advice or a laugh.

11. Yoga Pants and Hooded sweatshirts for being my entire wardrobe of my senior year.

12. COFFEE. Whether it was a late night study session or an early bird class, you always got me going.

13. My Pets. My favorite little guys on the planet that have always given me unconditional love, even when my pride made me act like I didn’t need it.

14. My Parents. Dad, thank you for your advice even when it made no sense. Mom, thank you for everything. I pretty much owe myself to you.

15. Lastly, thank you Kennedy High School for everything you’ve given me the past 4 years.

PAGES BY MADDY CRIST 5

EDITORIAL

My sophomore year, the quote “2 teach is 2 touch 4 ever,” was engraved onto a wooden block in one of my math teacher’s rooms.

It sat on the front of her desk and every day I would look at it. No matter how much I hated math itself and the homework that came with the class it reminded me that my teacher was there for me.

Kennedy has some of the best teachers. I am so grateful to have been in amazing teachers’ classes.

AP Psychology, U.S. History, AP European History and AP Environmental Science were some of my favorite social studies and science classes. I will always remember performing brain surgery on an orange and having orange juice splash everywhere with Mrs. Melone as well as Mr. Young’s 15 to 20 minute rants on how soil should never be called dirt because it does not give soil justice when called dirt. I will miss Mrs. Zwanziger giving me crazy pencils every week and telling the class history jokes. And of course, I will never forget all the laughing, yelling and nonsense that happened in Mr. Benedict’s when playing basketball.

During my underclassmen years, I hated to speak in front of the class. I was one of those students that when a teacher asked a question I would look away to avoid being called on. Unfortunately, that tactic didn’t work with Mrs. Haynes Moore and Dr. Ayers- they still saw me. In Language Arts 10 we had to give a presentation, when it was my turn to go up, I froze. I had to have everyone turn around as I talked. I’m glad that Dr. Ayers and Mrs. Haynes Moore made me do the things I didnt want to, because now I am able to speak publicly and feel good about it.

I will never forget that terrifying first day of high school when I was sitting in Spanish and Senora Jauhiainen came in talking super fast. My instant thought was “I’m screwed.” As the year went on I found myself to like Spanish quite a bit. I went on to Spanish 2 and eventually 3. I really didn’t want a new teacher; I liked Senora Jauhiainen. But I’m glad I did because I got to meet one of the funniest teachers, Senora Perkins. She made learning fun every day.

This year I got another new Spanish teacher, Senora Bruce, one of the nicest teachers I have ever had. I will miss seeing her next school year.

I would like to say thank you to all of the great teachers I have had during my four years at Kennedy. Without all of you I wouldn’t be walking across the stage this May. I heard that “high school is going to be some of the best years of your life.” I can say that statement is true. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’m taking away more knowledge and experience than I ever thought I would.

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Jade Milota Writer

I’ve reached the end. But before I sign out, let me end on a few words.

First off, high school is something we complete, life is something we experience. Don’t worry about grades, or the results, or success. Success is defined in myriad of ways, and as we grow older, the definition of success changes. However, we will find life and people will no longer be grading you.

A grade is just a letter, but your high school experience lasts a lifetime. Though your grades do matter, your time is limited. I can tell you that it seems like yesterday the Class of 2015 walked into Kennedy High School for the very first time as freshmen - nervous and excited that we were all finally going to be with the “big” kids. But that was four years ago - four years ago when I stepped into what is now the strangest, most memorable experience of my life.

I say forget trying to maintain that 4.0, because while we’re too busy doing that, we’re missing out on getting to know who we actually are; simply wasting time living someone else’s life. I did just that, but unfortunately it took up until my senior year to realize it.

For years, society has placed a disgustingly large stigma on bad grades and an overwhelming importance on good grades. There’s a predisposed instinct to strive for As and cast anything lower to the side, to deem as unworthy and never successful. Well, it’s time to say it’s okay not to be an A student. It’s okay to fail. Because here’s a little secret the older generations are unwilling to divulge this: it doesn’t matter.

What matters is enjoying the time that you will soon never have. After all, even the most intellectual people in the world had poor grades, because grades are solely a reflection of ones work ethic rather than intellect.

Enjoy Kennedy, and remember - the unfortunate, yet truly exciting thing about your life, is that there is no core curriculum. The entire place is an elective.

Fatima Elsheikh Writer PAGE BY MADDY CRIST

NEWS

New law in Indiana allows refusal of service based on religious principles

I

ndiana Governor Mike Pence signed the Religious Freedom “The Supreme Court won’t go there; I think that the country is Restoration Act into law on March 30. The law, better known moving forward in the direction of equal rights for all people,” as Senate Bill 101, will give businesses the right to act in Asmussen said. protection of their religious beliefs.

A handful of Indiana cities have ratified nondiscrimination orThough the law does not come into effect until July 1, the ap- dinances that protect Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender proval of this bill has caused a commotion among people beyond (LGBT) people. If the owners of a wedding venue refuse to rent Indiana. On April 17, Kennedy’s Gay their space for a same-sex ceremony Straight Alliance club held a day of siand end up in a lawsuit, they could cite “This bill arms private citizens with lence in support of homosexual rights. the right to segregate freely under the the RFRA law to insist that such local Many of the Kennedy students and nondiscrimination requirements do staff interviewed by Torch believe that protection of the law, and that’s some- not apply. thing we cannot allow.” business owners should not be able to Depending on how courts rule in decline services based on sexual oriensuch disputes, legal protections could -Austin Henderson, sr. tation, including teacher Dan Carrell. be eroded or strengthened.

“As a public business you are obligated “You can take your business someto provide services to the public,” Carrell said. where else,” Asmussen said. “I can buy pizza somewhere else. I “As the law is meant to be secular and protect the civil liberties can shop somewhere else. I have that purchasing power.” of all,” Austin Henderson, sr., said. “I find the businesses being alAs a comparison to the African American Civil Rights movelowed to deny service due to sexual orientation an atrocity.” ment, Asmussen says that this is another movement forward.

The purpose of the act is to protect citizens from being subHenderson predicts that many problems will arise on July 1 jected to lifestyles that do not coincide with their religious be- when the law goes into effect. liefs, meaning once the bill becomes law, business owners will be “For one thing, a store owner cannot decide whether or not a able to terminate employees as well as refuse services to anyone customer is homosexual, however, this bill arms private citizens whose actions do not align with their religious beliefs. with the right to segregate freely under the protection of the law, “I think that people are using religion as a means to mask latent and that’s something we cannot allow,” Henderson said. homophobia,” Henderson said. “The law legalizes discrimination Fatima Elsheikh and and has no place in the 21st century legal system.”

Caitlyn Fisher Kennedy teacher Kara Asmussen predicts that the law won’t last very long.

Religious Freedom Restoration Act, Section 8:

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a governmental entity may not substantially burden a person’s exercise of religion, even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability. (b) A governmental entity may substantially burden a person’s exercise of religion only if the governmental entity demonstrates that application of the burden to the person: (1) is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and (2) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.

PAGE BY XANDER RILEY 7

Graphics by Xander Riley and Maddie Herlocker.

Religion vs. Lifestyle

News

d e r o s n Ce

R-rated films considered inappropriate for school

Posters from Universal Studios (top) and iMDB (bottom).

The debate over what to teach the new generation in schools has ranged all across the United States. Conflict emerges when teachers, school boards, politicians, and parents disagree on what has educational value.

In teacher Dan Carrell’s Perspectives class, students view and analyze post World War II material in effort to understand different viewpoints and how to portray them.

Two films viewed in the class caused some complaints from some parents and students: The Wall and Inglourious Basterds, both rated R. Pink Floyd’s The Wall is a conceptual album and a film about the life of Pink, a boy who lost his father to the war and faced the challenges of growing up with a controlling mother. He lived a rockstar lifestyle, struggling through poor relationships, and

Photo by Xander Riley.

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isolation. Due to complaints and to a lack of an official permission slip, the film and the unit on The Wall was stopped.

“I see a value in many films that are rated R. When I was a teacher I showed films that are rated R.” -Jason Kline, principal Inglourious Basterds, a film by Quentin Tarantino, was analyzed for its cinematography. The film revolves around a plot to assassinate Hitler during World War II and is known for being particularly graphic.

Due to complaints and an issue with the permission slips, the viewing of the film was temporarily halted, but eventually the film was viewed in full.

“We’ve had books of controversy and issues with controversy

that we’ve covered in classrooms and when we get to a certain generation that has never heard about something being taught in a classroom before, the new generation with the new material is always going to struggle with that,” Carrell said.

Carrell offered an alternative assignment for those uncomfortable with the material, however complaints still arose.

Both Carrell and Kennedy’s principal Jason Kline see certain rated R films as beneficial to be studied in the classroom.

“I see a value in many films that are rated R,” Kline said. “When I was a teacher I showed films that are rated R.” Naomi Hofferber

News

Kennedy is number one school three years in a row

how well prepared students at Kennedy are for college,” Runels said.

Most schools ranked in the top 500 are exclusively magnet schools, schools that choose who they let in and who they don’t. This consists of the most talented students, so their Advanced Placement scores are likely to be higher.

“I’d like to couple this accomplishment with the traveling cup that we won last year, the travel cup focused on arts, academics and athletics, basically saying we have the strongest athletic program, the strongest arts program and our students who participated in those programs were the best academically in our division,” Kline said.

Three of the four high schools within the Cedar Rapids Community School District were ranked in the top 15 of the state. Washington High School was ranked 5th and Jefferson High School was ranked 14th.

“A lot of times schools get bashed in the media, but people don’t realize how excellent the schools are here, and I think this is a good way of saying ‘hey, this is an outsider looking at the totality of Cedar Rapids programs,’” Kline said.

Kennedy’s reading proficiency is 93 percent and the mathematics proficiency is 89 percent.

“I think that if we boil it down to one simple concept we just need to stay focused on academics, if we stay focused on academics everything should fall into place,” Kline said.

Naomi Hofferber

Abby Donovan

Last year in Jefferson County, Colorado, the school board proposed a change to the AP United States History course.

This change would make it so materials taught would “promote citizenship, patriotism, essentials and benefits of the free enterprise system, respect for authority and respect for individual rights.” The legislation also stated that “Materials should not encourage or condone civil disorder, social strife or disregard of the law. Instructional materials should present positive aspects of the United States and its heritage.”

This change would mean that aspects of United States history that portrayed the U.S. in a “bad way,” such as slavery, poor treatment of Native Americans, institutionalized racism during the civil rights movement, or the dropping of nuclear bombs “Every person, every country, has its blemishes and during World War II, would they’re part of what makes not be taught in us what we are today.” full, or would be -Joe Benedict, teacher taught from a perspective that doesn’t make the U.S. look bad.

“I think that diminishes US History for everyone,” Joe Benedict, AP United States History teacher said. “Every person, every country, has its blemishes and they’re part of what makes us what we are today.”

Jefferson County is not the only school district banning the full teaching of United States history. This February, Oklahoma’s legislative committee on education voted to pass a bill prohibiting the teaching of AP United States History after accusations that the course was not patriotic enough.

In 2010, the Texas State Board of Education changed standards for social studies textbooks, accusing them of supporting a liberal agenda. Changes include referring to the United States as a “constitutional republic” rather than a “democratic republic.”

These changes to the curriculum can affect students’ perception and understanding on history and society as a whole, according to Carrell.

“Mature experiences, mature conversations, controversial material, we need to have controlled exposure, not controlled blocking from that so people can understand,” Carrell said.

John F. Kennedy High School was ranked number one in Iowa this year for the third year in a row, according to US News and World Report.

Students at Kennedy High School are able to take Advanced Placement classes, which are classes that are based off college level courses. This makes the work more challenging than normal classes. The Advanced Placement participation rate at Kennedy is 58 percent and the participant passing rate is 77 percent.

“This ranking shows that students at Kennedy have an opportunity to take advantage of learning from great teachers who have had students score well in past years,” Linden Runels jr., said.

Another accomplishment Kennedy has made is its national rank. Currently Kennedy’s national rank is 638, which is in the top three percent of the nation.

“The one thing I want to always give people the understanding of would be that you can’t stay in that number one position forever,” principal Jason Kline said. “What our teachers can do is continue to push our students to get to the next level, and that means also for our freshman and sophomore’s, especially those non AP classes so that students feel more confident about taking AP.” When US News ranks schools by state they not only look at how many people are taking the Advanced Placement tests, but they also look at how well students do on the tests, unlike the Washington Post. They use formulas to determine how the school’s index becomes rated.

“I think that since our number one ranking is based on AP scores it shows

No negative history

PAGES BY Xander Riley 9

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Profile

Be yo n

Ferreter Brothers Brendon and Nathan Ferreter, sr., have always had each other growing up. They’ve been through high school together, and now they plan to continue their lives together at Kirkwood Community College. During the summer they will be working at the Oakland Hy-Vee, where they have worked for two years. Once school starts Brendon plans to study animal biology and Nathan will study the culinary arts.

“I am going to work at the Hotel Kirkwood. My dad used to be a chef and I thought, why not be a chef? I mean, it’s creative, it’s fun, and you get to cook anything that you ever wanted,” Nathan said.

Brendon and Nathan have been a part of Best Buddies since their sophomore year. It’s been the most important part of their high school careers, and they’ve made a lot of friends because of it.

“Best buddies helped me to become social; it’s a great experience to join best buddies and to interact with a person that has a disability,” Brendon said.

Thinking about leaving Kennedy is a bittersweet moment for the Ferreter twins. They will miss their friends, teachers, and classmates, but they’re excited to see what the future has in store. College is a big step but, Brendon put it this way, “The only way to get ahead is to get started.”

Nathan added, “You don’t know what the future is like because life can be full of surprises. I’m excited to do what’s best for me out there but, there are also going to be challenges in my life.”

Despite the difficulties the future may hold, Brendon and Nathan have each other. Brendon said, “It’s like your sibling is your best friend.”

Growing up together and having their family and friends by their side has meant the world to the Ferreter brothers.

“Thank God for my mom, my dad, and my brother.

I just want to say to Kennedy; thank you for everything that has been given to me after the last four years,” Nathan said.

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Harrison Smith When Harrison Smith, sr., graduates he will be going to the Transition Center downtown along with another Kennedy student and his best friend Aaron Steinke. At the Transition Center they will work on life skills such as cooking, riding the city bus, and other daily tasks.

Smith is excited to start something new, but he will miss his teachers at Kennedy. “They taught me how to do math and science,” Smith said.

His time involved in Best Buddies has meant a lot to him. It has helped him make friends like Aaron, and has taught him social skills. “I like socializing,” Smith said.

Smith attended Kennedy all four years of high school. He doesn’t drive, so either his parents drive him or he rides the bus, where he has made friends with the drivers, “Ron and Mike.”

Throughout high school his parents have been right by his side. Smith said, “They [his parents] helped me do my homework.”

The Best Buddies program has been a great part of Smith’s life. He’s made a lot of friends, learned many skills, and is ready for the next phase of his life. As he goes off to the Transition Center he will be able to meet new people, and impact their lives, the way Kennedy has impacted his.

PROFILE

B

s e i d d

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Daniel Canfeild

Daniel Canfield, sr., has been a part of Best Buddies program for four years, and it’s the one thing he will miss most about Kennedy. After graduation he will be headed to the Transition Center, where he will learn valuable life skills.

“I’m going to go to the Transition Center and then going to the Department of the Blind,” Canfield said.

Canfield feels that Kennedy has prepared him for the future by giving him more confidence. Best Buddies has made him feel better about facing the future and having confidence in himself.

Friends are a big part of Canfield’s life. He was able to make a lot of them through Best Buddies, and said that when he graduates he would especially miss the Ferreter twins.

Even though he is leaving Kennedy, Canfield is excited and ready for summer. He is also excited for the new experiences to be made at the Transition Center. It is a big change for Canfield. “I’m a little nervous,” Canfield said.

A couple other students in Best Buddies program are going to the Transition Center as well, so he will know some friendly faces when he gets there.

Leaving Kennedy and the Best Buddies program is hard to do but Canfield is prepared. Best Buddies has made Canfeild more confident and he’s excited to see what the next chapter in his life has to offer.

Graphic by Xander Riley

Ted Then

Graduation is bittersweet for senior Ted Then, sr. While he is excited for the opportunity to work more at his job at Sparkling Image and make more money and move out of his parent’s house, he is not excited to part ways from friends.

“I am going to miss my friends and Best Buddies majorly,” Then said, whose favorite part of high school is having fun with his friends, as well as gym and lunch.

“My favorite memory from high school is when I went to my first jobshadow,” Then said. “I got to package parts of electronics and stuff like that.”

Then is really looking forward to hanging out at home this summer and is planning on saving up his money to buy a new bike with big tires and maybe a phone. He is hoping in the future that he can pursue his passion of working on cars.

“I really want to be able to have a job where I can detail cars to make them cooler. I keep trying to get my mom to let me work on her car but I havent had any luck yet,” Then said.

Then isn’t 100 percent sure of what his plans for schooling are next year, and is just hoping to figure things out as he goes along. “I think I am going to go to the austism school next year and just see how things go. I’m really excited, but nervous as well,” Then said.

And even though Then will miss his friends, he is confident that they will stay in touch. Then’s parting words of advice for current and future students was to “try to live your life to the fullest, have fun, and don’t get into any trouble.”

PAGES BY ELIANNA NOVITCH

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Profile

Derek Brenner

Derek Brenner, sr., plans to attend the Cedar Rapids Transition Center after graduating this spring.

“I’m just hoping to be able to find a job, a future,” Brenner said.

The Cedar Rapids Transition Center is an educational center based through the Cedar Rapids Community School district that works with students ages 18 to 21 with mental disabilities or autism. Their mission is to assist students in increasing their level of independence within the community.

Though Brenner is excited to see what the future has for him, he is sad he has to leave his friends and teachers in Best Buddies.

“I’m excited about my future,” Brenner said. “I know that I will always remember the memories I’ve made here, and the friendships I’ve made being in Best Buddies.”

One thing Brenner is especially going to miss about Best Buddies is the feild trips they took as a group. Some trips included going to Camp Courageous, and recreation centers. “[At Camp Courageous] We went swimming, played different activites, and had lunch,” Brenner said.

Outside of Best Buddies, students such as Brenner grocery shop weekly, practice for the Special Olympics, and work on their community service job. All of which help build skills, but most importantly memories.

Aside from the memories, after graduating Brenner only hopes for great things.

“I want to be a great hope for the country, a great hope for the people, and a great hope for me,” Brenner said. “Always have hope, and always have a dream because they can always come true.”

Aaron Steinke

Other Best Buddies who will be graduating this year include Annie Haser and Jake Hefflefinger.

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Aaron Steinke, sr., was all smiles as he shared his post-graduation plans. Steinke is currently enrolled in the special education program at Kennedy. Following graduation, he plans to attend the Cedar Rapids Transition Center until the age of 21.

His friends Harrison and Daniel will also be enrolling at the Transition Center.

Steinke has been an active member of the Best Buddies club during his four years in high school and has enjoyed the diverse opportunities that Best Buddies has been able to offer him.

“I liked the Special Olympics, and doing track and field and bowling,” Steinke said. He did exceptionally well at the Special Olympics and was able to qualify for state which took place on May 2.

Among his activities, Steinke’s favorites include PE class, going to work jobs in the community, and hanging out with all his friends in Best Buddies.

“I’ll miss Best Buddies the most and all the friends I’ve made,” Steinke said.

While Steinke is going to miss Kennedy he is eager to see what the Transition Center has to offer for him.

At the Transition Center, Steinke and his fellow students will work in the community every afternoon and learn to ride the city bus as part of the school’s initiative to teach students skills that will allow them to be more independent.

“I am most excited about learning to ride the bus and meet new people,” Steinke said. Steinke’s teacher Mary Gibney, who assisted Steinke during the interview, said that she is going to miss Aaron’s smile and his sense of style.

“He has a great laugh and always has different shoes to go with all of his outfits,” Gibney said. “He will definitely be missed.”

PAGE BY ELIANNA NOVITCH

Hadley Rittgers, Gabby Olejniczak, & Fatima Elsheikh

FEATURE NEWS

2015

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BY Lydia Martin 15 PAGE BY XANDER RILEY

FEATURE

ALL THE RULES CHANGE Kirkwood CC

A look at the Class of 2015’s future

Larkyn Aldrich Samuel Averkamp Kamal Basnet Shelbi Benion Drew Beuhner Ramesh Bista Jay Blank Hannah Bruns Brianna Burns Jensen Cantu Nichole Casey Connor Christiansen Kyle Collins Matthew Cook Thomas Cook Jessica Cooper Rachel Couser William Kobi Cowen Raven Davies Jordan DeBurger Hayley Denny Riley Deputy Dontae Diggins Grant Donnan Douglas Duke Alyssa Dunham Jonathon Eastman Ashley Easton Elijah Eberly Logan Ekstrand Dylan Elsbury Alex Evans Kyler Every

Arizona State University Kendall Dooley Jordan Schwab

Augustana College Melette DeVore

Austin CC

Enya Savchenko Hannah Meyer

Riley Faurot Brian Feld Nathan Ferreter Brendon Ferreter Kristen Fisher Morgan Fitzgerald Jacob Garner Marcis Gauvin Samantha Gladson Aiden Glessner Vianey Gonzalez Nicole Goodman Ashley Gould Brady Grimm Frankie Gusta Andrew Hanson Caleb Hanson Samuel Hanzelka Keegan Haugen Grant Helle Alexandria Hertle Nicole Hoffman Mason Holub Nick Honken Tava Hopkins Kaleb Horak Jacob Houk Calli Howard Sawyer Hunt Raley Hyde Garrett Jackson Jalen Jackson Derek James

Case Western Reserve University Abhinaya Gunasekar

Cedar Rapids Transition Center Derek Brenner Daniel Canfield Harrison Smith Aaron Steinke

Capri College

Colorado School of Mines

Alysha Gould Poe’nay O’Neal

Adria Brown

Alexis Kennedy Christopher Kovar Devon Kregel Hunter Kremenak Justin Krieg Chelsea Lantz Spencer Leach Franklin Lisk Austin Lytle Amara Manuel Erica Martin Tyler Matus Lauren McVay Kirsten Meyer Jade Milota Jonah Moes John Monahan Haley Montoya Anna Moody Elizabeth Moore Erin Morgan Aaron Mullherin Mitchell Murphy Sawyer Neuhaus Keiondra Newman Jenny Ni Elektra Noble Maddy Norem Melanie Northland Gabrielle Onarheim Logan Osterhaus Breanna Osterkamp Allison Payne

Coe College Reyez Bell Katelyn Dye Terrence Hall Daheun Grace Kim Kayla Sickles Jessica Wagner

University of Colorado Nikolas Newcamp

Colorado State University

Shelby Pickering

Kelsey Pfranger Laney Phillips Neina Postley Zachery Price Chris Prull Cameron Roehlk Adam Roper Dylan Ruble Taylor Sauser Jessica Schaeffer Sarah Scott Ben Seiler Taylor Selck Christopher Slaton Katie Slota Megan Smith Steven Suchomel Doug Svoboda Ryan Takes DaKaylah Thomas Spencer Tigges Aaron Unash Alexis Victor Tam Vo Kara Weber Logan Wedo Brady Weldon Coleton Whitmore Tyler Wilcox Sally Young Lucas Younke

Columbia University Fatima Elsheikh

Creighton University Samantha Jacobsen

DMACC

Morgan Hahn

Drake University Jenna Hendrickson

University of Dubuque TJ Ross Skylar Showalter-Castorena

University of Iowa Ahmed Abdalla Ian Anderson Molly Beer Brenna Beer Megan Berst Todd Beyer Christopher Black Kathleen Brown Nick Dallege Zach Daniels Kari Dummermuth Carlee Ellsworth Maleigha Flint Addison Furry Tyler Gates Madison Gordon Jason Grobstich Jake Grovert Danielle Guarino Jameela Habhab Brooke Harris Alicia Hayes-Kerr Carter Hedgecoth James Hefel Sydney Henderson Abby Hill Elaine Irvine Austin Isaacs Morgan Jeffrey Sarah Langholz Jordan Lauderdale Joshua Lyman Samantha Mackin Taylor Middendorf Nicholas Middlekauff Bryce Miller Michele Miller Jennifer Moulton Brooke Nunemaker Landon Phelps George Qi Logan Reed Tiffany Schoulte Joshua Skaar Emily Smith Sean Susmerano Shelby Sweeney Michael Thompson Victoria Thrash Christine Tygart Erica Vavricek Emily Wiese

Emory University

Iowa State University Michael Abramson Jacob Aspinall Jenna Averhoff Madeline Bany Grant Barton Leah Beman Louis Brigl Diymell Candia Margaret Curry Jennifer Dabler Corey Duncan Lindsey Eades Courtney Fisher Kaitlyn Gibbs Kylie Goldberg Isaac Gunnufson Calvin Hall Emiline Hanscel Jacob Hazlett Bryton Heisler Andrew Henderson Austin Henderson Jacob Hoefer Douglas Hopper Matthew Jontz Conner Koberg Emily Leaverton Myah McCoy Michael McCune Andrea McEachran Lauren Meyer Kylie Nagel Jordana Olson Star Partee Mallory Schatz Riley Schneekloth Andrew Sheeley Carolyn Simon Ethan Williams Alexandrea Wenndt

University of Illinois Springfield Tanner Stewart

Indian Hills CC

University of Northern Iowa Kiyah Allers Zach Beauregard Kyle Brewer Madeline Crist Treasure Divis Lexi Forstrom Andrew Freeze Mitchell Gaffey Alex Goldsmith Carter Hedgecoth Matthew Hutchison Amber Lawrence Megan Lensing Lydia Martin Hayley McCoy Amelia Miller Matthew Morrow Cole Murdock Noah Nosley Abbigail Pereboom Erin Pins McKenna Schares Olivia Schmidt Hunter Schoenauer Riley Schultejans Casey Steciw Rylee Steinke Jill Wagemester

Mt. Mercy University Jonathan Anderson Kelsey Bills Yik Polly Chan Hannah Skow Amy Wacker Jessica Zinser

North West CC Ryan Pedersen

Northwestern College Kendra Burmester

University of Oklahoma Jacob Greer

Davis Sutton

Oklahoma Nazarene University

Seth Nutt

Kyle Butler Cody Heaton

Indiana University Iowa Central CC

Oral Roberts University

Qiuzhuo Liao

Ross Grekoff Elkay Mooney

Jordan Castro

Joshua Warder

Purdue University

Michael Leventhal

Santa Monica College

Full Sail University Grinnell College Abigail Hellweg

Johnson County CC Lake Forest College

Harvard University

Loras College

Tianyi Han

Taylor Fox Garrett Hammond

Hawkeye CC Matthew Martin

Heavilin Beauty

Loyola University Ryan Walker

Morgan Hein

MidAmerican Nazarene University

Logan Ruzicka

Jordan Drinovsky

Illinois Central Illinois Institute of Art Morgan Schwab

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Tech

Jessica Gribble

Brandon Jaquis Sydney Green

Jenna Iben

Simpson College Peyton Bourgeouis Jacob Winter

University of South Dakota Kaleigh McLaughlin

South Dakota State University Dustin Prouty

Southeastern CC Blake Hargens

Spelman College Tamiia Ingram

St. Ambrose University Emily Pecinovsky

SLU

Derrick Ray

University of Texas Vivica Maina

Tulane University Adam Burstain

Upper Iowa University Caleb Robbins

Valparaiso University Timothy Zange

Virginia Wesleyan College Emilee Caldbeck

Wabash Valley CC Sammy Lizarraga

Washington Univeristy in St. Louis Stephanie Botkin Annie Castelluccio

University of Wisconson La-Crosse Brendon Manning

Military

Tyler Barber Alex Bedell Michael Betz Brady Christensen Caleb Hansen Spencer Kiley Quentin Maynard Brianna McPherson Sydney Oberfell Emerson Potts Jordan Rasmussen JP Grissel Jessica Viner Erik Wenger Brianna Winfey

Workforce

Nyah Blanchett Brandon Boebel Richard Booker Travis Burnett Mariah Davis Willow Evans Lucia Haser Jacob Hauschild Jacob Hefflefinger Gregory Lang Cahil Madson Kalpana Magar Erica Martin Hunter Matthews Sydney Miller Mia Monetatchi Hunter Newman Curtis Odom William Rhoads Rachael Sellers Ted Then

Feature

According to oursocialtime.com

73% of teens are on social networks

88% of parents know that their teens typically use the internet to communicate with people they don’t know in the offline world

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Two side

Feature

ided generation Pointing out the positives In the past few years people have taken the opportunity to recreate themselves through social media. Using their own profiles as well as fake ones. Social Media Outlets such as Twitter and Instagram have been the main sources for the expression of many teens and young adults seeking an outlet.

For example, teens that normally have trouble interacting in person can now form friendships online and speak their mind without fear of the face to face contact they would receive in person. “It’s not that they are a ‘different person’ it’s just easy for them to express themselves when not face to face,” Erin Pins, sr., said. Pins says she sees a regular amount of expression happening when on social media and believes it serves as a positive more than a negative.

T.V. shows like Catfish on MTV show the down side of fake profiles.

Catfish is a show based on couples that have met online going behind the scenes showing that profiles that people post aren’t always who they are in real life. Many of the Catfish stories end up with someone coming out admitting to creating a fake profile.

Teachers who have created social media accounts to reach out to students about school related things such as homework reminders, etc., have noticed the difference in students online versus in class. “I know a student who is pretty 1-demensional in class, I know the same person on Instagram as a dynamic, energetic person with a vision,” Alex Neff, math teacher, said.

Hannah Bruns

PAGES BY Hannah Bruns 19

No pain,

PHOTO

Rami Hemaidan, fr., advances to the state singles tournament on May 29, 2015.

Alyssa Drewelow, sr., shows off her footwork to pass the ball to a teammate.

Tianna Drahn, jr., and Hannah Borsay, so., hand off the baton in the 4x100 relay.

Jay Blank, sr., hurdles to the finish line.

Ryan Walker, sr., protects the ball from defenders.

20

Photos by Fatima Elsheikh, Hadley Rittgers, Maddie Herlocker, and The Cedar Rapids Gazette

no gain.

PHOTO

Alexis Hull, so., goes into a battle with a Washington player.

Jacob Sarasin, sr., lines up to head the ball for Kennedy.

Sam Hanzelka, sr., keeps his eye on the ball.

PAGES BY EMILY SASS AND BROOKE TIMMERMAN 21

PHOTO

The grand entrance Left. Seniors Prom king, Kendall Dooley, and prom queen, Fatima Elsheikh, pose at Grand March on May 2, 2015.

Right. Seniors Katelyn Dye, and Willie Rhoads, make a grand entrance at Grand March.

Left. Seniors Melette DeVore, Samantha Mackin, and Qiuzhuo Liao, show off their sparkling dresses and sparkling personalities while they walk across the floor.

Right. Kyle Brewer, sr., shares his senior prom with Carly Langhurst, jr.

Photos by Hadley Rittgers 22

PAGE BY EMILY SASS AND BROOKE TIMMERMAN

NEWS

Web Connection: Find this story and others at kennedytorch.org.

International Intern The once in a lifetime opportunity to intern abroad among elite researchers and farmers has been given to Junior Sweta Sudhir, who will be leaving June 13 and spending eight weeks in Turkey for an internship through World Food Enterprise.

Sudhir was selected by World Food Enterprise for the Borlaug-Ruan International Internship after she participated in the World Food Enterprise Global Youth Institute. Kennedy has had other students in the past who were also be selected for the internship.

“When I was in middle school two of my brother’s friends got the internship. Stephanie went to Kenya and Tara went to Brazil.

Both of them shared their phenomenal experiences researching abroad and got me really interested,” Sudhir said about where her interest in the internship began.

After hearing about the internship again in high school, Sudhir began to explore how she might too apply for it herself. Before she applied however, Sudhir had to participate in other events with World Food Enterprises.

“I got involved last April under the advisement of Mr. Horton. I wrote a paper in which I analyzed and found the solution to water scarcity in India. Then I attended the Iowa Youth Institute where we had panel discussions about food security,” Sudhir said.

Of the 260 students who also attended the Iowa Youth Institute less than half were selected to go to the Global Youth Institute.

This took place at the end of World Food Prize week last October. Sudhir was among the students who were selected for the Global Youth Institute.

“During that entire week well renowned

farmers and scientist from around the world came to Des Moines. We got the opportunity to listen to many key note speakers and we learned about how we can make an impact in the global fight for food security,” Sudhir said.

Interns from the previous year talked to the students attending the institute about their experiences abroad and encouraged students like Sudhir to apply for the internship. Sudhir of course took their advice and applied herself.

“Last December 70 other students and I applied for this internship. I was selected for the interview process and I recently found out that 23 of us were selected for the actual internship,” Sudhir said.

Each student will be going to different work sites located all around the globe. Sudhir will be going to the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in Ankara, Turkey.

“I will be doing research there under the guidance of Dr. Amir and Dr. Gull for 60 days,” Sudhir said.

“I can’t tell you how thrilled I am for this once in a lifetime opportunity,” Sudhir said.

“Not only will I have the opportunity to make an impact in the fight for food security, I’ll also be able to guide my passion for science and explore new culture. I hope this experience will help me be more globally minded and will give me a better idea of what I want to do in the field of science.”

Check out the Torch on the web:

issuu.com/kennedytorch

kennedytorch.org

@kennedytorch

Elianna Novitch

Video for seniors

Grand March photos

The stress of school

March for Selma

The graduating class creates a tributary video for the graduation ceremony.

One Torch member’s advice on how to deal with the pressure of the end of the school year.

@JFKtorch

See if you can find yourself in the pictures from prom’s Grand March.

How CR students remembered the anniversary of the march from Selma to Montgomery.

PAGE BY XANDER RILEY 23

The staff

Arts and Entertainment

A look at Kennedy administrators, then and now On his hair“That’s when I met my wife.

She liked it. That’s about the year we got married. She liked my long hair.”

Jay Goodlove Assistant Coach Kennedy ‘89 Profile

On Kennedy“The differences are really physical types of things, but the spirit of Kennedy is very much the same.”

Deb Aldrich Student Kennedy ‘68 Profile

On student attitudes“I think kids nowadays are a lot more empathetic to people’s situations. I think the kids nowadays are a lot less judgemental.”

Dennis Hynek Teacher Kennedy ‘95 Profile 24

Present-day photos by Hugh Banderob

Throwback

Arts and Entertainment

On Kennedy athletics-

Bret Hoyer Teacher Kennedy ‘95 Profile

“The ’93 teams, this year’s teams and all the teams in between are very similar; very committed, very dedicated, and continue the tradition that was established long before I ever came here.”

On advice to his former self“If you think you might want to try something, do it. Don’t wait till you’re old when it’s harder to do.”

Joe Benedict, Student Kennedy ‘76 Profile

On the school social groups“We kind of had our cheerleader squad, our jocks...but it seems like you guys are kind of all one.”

Brighid Richards (Smith) Student Kennedy ‘85 Profile PAGES BY Naomi Hofferber 25

HEALTH

Daily dangers 26

Photo by Macy Anderson

HEALTH

Things we do every day could cause cancer More than 100 different types; around 1.6 million burns and tissue damage. It can cause DNA cells to be new cases each year; 7.6 million deaths around the damaged, which eventually could cause cancer. world per year; a 40 percent chance of being diagnosed Genetics play a major role in cancer patients. Certain throughout your life. genes that people inherit can be linked to cancer cells Many people are diagnosed with some form of Can- from generations before. Small portions of cancers are cer every single day, but what really causes it? inherited from family to family but it is a known fac“Too much of anything isn’t good for someone,” Mi- tor. chelle Frye said.

Smoking is one of the largest causes of cancer, yet it Frye, a language arts teacher at Kennedy, was diag- is the most preventable. nosed with breast cancer in August of 2012, about two According to the United States General Surgeon, weeks before the 2012-2013 school year.

“Cigarette smoking is the major single cause of cancer There are several different things that people think mortality [death] in the United States.” could cause cancer.

Whether it’s cigarette smoking, cigar smoking, secOne thing doctors know that could ond-hand smoke or smokeless tobacco, harm you is Facebook. Some believe it affects the body greatly. Mainstream “Too much of that it reduces the amount of face-toand side stream smoking are both face contact a person makes in a day. anything isn’t good harmful and dangerous as well. Most Instead of meeting up with a friend of the harm caused by smoking goes for someone.” to talk, they do it over the computer. to the lungs, stomach, kidneys, and -Michelle Frye, According to psychologist Aric Sigmouth. Sores can occur, and so can language arts man, Facebook could have biological many different cancers. effects. The increase in isolation may “It [cancer] was almost like a blessteacher alter the way genes work and bother ing,” Frye said. “Everyone was so sweet certain immune responses. It can and I witnessed a lot of generosity.” also affect hormone levels and the function of arteries.

One of the toughest things for her throughout her Facebook is also known to impair mental performance sickness was trying to keep things as normal as posas well. sible for everyone around her, such as her students Deodorant is also seen as having potential to cause and kids. cancer. Some reports say that some antiperspirants Although Frye does not have cancer anymore, she is contain very harmful substances. Those substances not declared “cancer free” quite yet. can be absorbed through the skin into the body. An“Doctor Ghosh doesn’t use the term ‘cancer free,’” other reason why deodorant can be thought of as Frye said. harmful is because it is applied near the breasts, and She will continue to take medicine for the next three some believe that it has something to do with getting years to help her body. She will be trying to avoid breast cancer. things that could potentially cause her cancer to come Some people also think that microwaves are harmful. back.

The radiation that is given off by microwaves is dangerAlthough scientists can’t say for sure if some of the ous for the body. If certain radiation enters the body in rumors are true, they can confirm that certain things large amounts, it can produce heat, which can lead to such as smoke do cause cancer.

Jade Milota

PAGES BY MACY ANDERSON 27

HEALTH

Eat this not

There are relatively 150 calories in one piece of Za’s cheese pizza.

It costs $2.29 for one slice of pizza at Za’s.

Za’s pizza is only 4 minutes away from Kennedy.

There are 580 calories in a Wendy’s Quarter Pounder.

One Wendy’s Quarter Pounder, fries, and a drink cost $6.19.

The closest Wendy’s is right down the street, 4 minutes away.

that

Vs. Closer to school

There are 220 calories in one piece of Hy-Vee Italian Sting pizza.

It costs $1.89 for one piece of pizza at Hyvee.

The closest Hyvee is 6 minutes away.

There are 530 calories in a McDonalds Big Mac .

One Big Mac, fries, and a drink cost $6.57.

The closest McDonalds is 6 minutes away.

Vs. Cheaper and closer

There are 410 calories in an Italian BMT sandwich.

A six inch Italian BMT, chips, and a drink would cost $6.

The closest Subway is 7 minutes away.

Vs.

100 more calories

There are 510 calories in a Jimmy John’s Slim One sandwich.

A Slim One, chips, and a drink would cost $6.55.

The closest Jimmy John’s is 8 minutes away.

Photos by Xander Riley

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PAGE BY MACY ANDERSON

SPORTS

The switch from one sport to another

Sierra Hargens makes the decsion to play golf after years of playing softball For most high school students throughout their schooling career, making decisions is a big part of that. For junior Sierra Hargens her decision to quit softball and pursue Golf was a decision that she was glad she made.

“I started going golfing that summer with my dad and it came really easy to me. I decided to switch from softball because it wasn’t going well and golf seemed like a better option.”

Hargens has been working on her goal to eventually win state for the past three years. She mainly golfs at Ellis, but also spends time at Twin Pines. She practices every day after school and on the weekends, as well as takes private lessons from Brian Johnson, a golf professional at Elmcrest.

Although she dedicates a lot of time to gold she wouldn’t change it.

“When I am golfing I get to spend a lot of time with my dad. That bonding time we get is irreplaceable and I really enjoy it. I also get to hangout with my friends while we are golfing and it makes it really fun.”

Last year she qualified for state and she placed 7th at the city meet. This season Hargens has placed well at all of her meets. She is looking forward to state. The first regional game is on Tuesday, May 26.

For Hargens the time commitment of every day practicing for two to three feels like nothing, because she enjoys golfing and she gets to spend time doing what she loves with her friends. She hopes to get a scholarship so she can continue to play the sport she loves in college. Since joining the golf team at Kennedy, Hargens has improved. Hargens shot a 44, tying for runner-up honors in a quadrangular in Dubuque on April 7. “Looking back I am so glad I made the choice to switch. Golfing allows me to spend time with my dad and my friends, and challenges me every day. I really enjoy it.”

Maddie Herlocker

photos by Stephen Mally, The Cedar Rapids Gazette

PAGE BY ABBY DONOVAN 29

T H E COM E BAC K COAC H ES Returning to continue their passion

photo provided by Drew Heitland

photo by Lydia Martin

Parker Fifield: Baseball Parker Fifield graduated in 2014 from Kennedy and he played second base on the Kennedy varsity baseball team. Fifield decided to continue his passion in baseball by coaching the Kennedy freshman baseball team this year. Fifield is currently attending the University of Northern Iowa and he is a double mjor in finance and management information systems Q: What kind of impact do you hope to leave on the athletes that you are coaching?

A: “I hope to leave an everlasting impact on them, like my coaches left on me. I hope to represent a good model to them on and off the field. Being a part of Cougar baseball is special, and I hope I can teach these kids they are apart of a special program.”

Q: Why did you want to come back and coach baseball?

A: “I choose to come back and coach, because I missed the game so much. I have been playing baseball every summer since I was seven years old. When Coach Hoyer called me and asked me to come back it was an easy answer. I don’t quite know what I would do in the summer without baseball.”

Drew Heitland: Basketball

SPORTS

Drew Heitland is a former Kennedy basketball player and he graduated in May of 2014. Heitland returned this past basketball season to coach the men’s freshman team. He is currently attending Coe College, where he plays football and is majoring in strength and conditioning.

Q: Do you plan on continuing this coaching job or any coaching job in the future?

A: “I plan to continue coaching for the rest of my career. Hopefully I’ll be able to move on to high levels of coaching as I get older and more experienced. I will continue to coach Kennedy basketball as long as I can, until Coach decides to fire me.”

Q: How committed do you have to be to coach a team?

A: “The commitment level at the freshman level is not as much as varsity. You still have to put in a lot of work outside of practice and games. You have to get the kids ready to play at the next level and use to the system.”

Ethan Divis: Baseball Ethan Divis graduated from Kennedy last year. He was a catcher for the Kennedy baseball team.

Divis decided to stay involved with baseball by coaching the Kennedy sophomore team as an assistant this season. He is currently attending Kirkwood Community College where he is an education major.

Q: What is it like coaching a team that you used to be a part of?

A: “It’s definitely weird because I still get to work with the varsity guys (especially since I was on their team last year). It’s not as different when I go to the sophomore level, but it’s definitely different having to coach some of my former teammates.”

Q: How far do you plan on taking your coaching career?

A: “I plan on coaching as long as I possibly can through out the rest of my life. I want to work my way up through the ranks and be able to be a varsity head coach some day whether that’s in baseball or girl’s basketball, it’s something I definitely want to do for the rest of my life and I am

PAGES BY ABBY DONOVAN 31