Waukee Arrowhead

THE ARROWHEAD

Waukee High School, 555 SE University Avenue Waukee, IA 50263 Volume 21 Graduation Edition May, 2016

A letter from the editors

Whenever something comes to a close, be it a good book, a relationship or high school, people remain to look back on the experience and to cherish the memories that come with it. Some will remember friendships; others, hardships. However, all will remember the adventure that is high school.

Since it began, when the 2016 graduates were still young and impressionable sophomores, high school has been one great big learning experience. Three years later, seniors blossomed into shiny new adults and now prepare to move on to greater pastures. Each and every graduate has wonderful opportunities before them, and it’s up to them to utilize these prospects in their favor.

While some of us have just begun our high school journey, most of what we’ve learned has come from the wisdom of the 2016 seniors. Thank you for the memories. We will treasure them forever. Thank you for teaching us who we want to become as we travel through the next two years, and thank you for pushing us to be more than just clueless kids.

After you all cross the stage and embark on your newest adventures, remember to look back and remember the people who helped you get to the place you are now. We’ll be behind you, every step of the way. Good luck and congratulations!

Anna Nelson (Print Editor) and Kaitlyn Redman (Web Editor)

A final thank you to The 2015-2016 Arrowhead Staff Ana Hernandez

Claire Simmons

Grace Culbertson

Kyndal Lindsay

Kent Peterson - Advisor

Analese Hauber*

Cole Wilson

Griffin Wright

Leah Doyle

*Editors

Andrea Munford

Ellie Drees*

Kaitlyn Brewton

Sam Cox*

Anna Nelson*

Ellie Everitt

Kaitlyn Redman*

Vivian Le*

Claire Baudler

Genesis Ramos

Kurt Lavastida

Zoey Clark

Tweets of the month

Mady adams

Mr. Peterson frequently tells the story of a timid sophomore Mady Adams, who wasn’t really sure Publications was for her. The tale ends with a beautiful senior Mady, who has blossomed into a true force to be reckoned with. Mady, your beauty and confidence are inspirational, and your kindness and compassion are traits that should belong to an angel. The yearbook soared in your care, and your friends in publications wish only the best for you in your future endeavors.

Zoey clark

Though you can be as quiet as a mouse, you’re kind, compassionate, and a great classmate. As many of us have gotten to know you throughout the years, we’ve come to know your undeniable warmth and encouragement towards us. Your work during the past two years has been appreciated, and we are lucky to have met you. Congratulations on your commitment to “Be Orange” at Wartburg next fall!

Sam cox

Sammy, we will miss you. You have brought a new perspective to the Web. With an even temper and an insatiable desire to help staffers grow, you’ve made yourself into an unforgettable and entirely vital part of the team. This year you’ve adopted a parrot, stepped out of your comfort zone, and gained a forever family. Room 602 will always be open to you. Good luck in everything you do.

Ellie Drees

We’re so sorry to see you go. You’ll be thoroughly missed in Room 602, as will your constant apologizing. You’re a friend to everybody, showering those you love with affection, all the while never expecting a single thing in return. Your smile is infectious and your laughter is contagious. Your publications family will always remember this about you, and will aspire to show the same kindness to each and every person we meet.

Senior Send-off

“Always remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think” jordan fisher

- Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh

Your last two years in Publications have brought comfort to many members of this family. Your optimism, friendly attitude and laughter will be missed, but we know that your diligence and relentless kindness for people will shape you into an incredible medical professional as you move forward to the University of Iowa. Thanks for the many Parks & Recreation references and smiles. Never forget to treat yoself.

analese hauber

Analese, (or shall we say Mom) we will miss your calming presence and daily words of wisdom. Though you are stressed out 90% of the time, we understand it is because you care for each and every one of us and for The Arrowhead on a deeper level. Always remember that wherever you are, you will thrive and grace those around you. Visit us often.

Kurt lavastida

“A picture is worth a thousand words,” and while you often weren’t as talkative as a number of our classmates, your photography spoke volumes for you. You brought incredible talent to the class and we’ll miss your creativity and style. There is not a doubt in our minds; you will become a famous photographer.

Remember us some day, alright? Good luck at Iowa State.

Vivian Le

You are an inspiration to us all. As Publisher, you have overseen the complete renovation of The Arrowhead, and simultaneously guided the entire class in all of their progress. The staff will not be the same without you. We’re deeply saddened to say goodbye, but it’s been awhile since you’ve been able to do what you love, and we’re ecstatic that you’ll have the opportunity to write again in college. Good luck at The Daily Iowan, Viv. You deserve it.

Claire simmons

You are energetic, dynamic and vibrant. During the past two years in 602, you have grown into an incredibly bright young woman. We know you plan on studying communications at Iowa State University, and we know how successful you will be after you leave Waukee. We will miss you greatly, and we look forward to the day you return as Pam. Layout by Kaitlyn Redman & Anna Nelson

Foreign farewells Grace Culbertson

Christian HougaardEnevoldsen

Amanda Steffen

Oliver HeinzMattmann

Q: What is your favorite part of Waukee High School?

A: “I really like that you can take different classes. For example, I’m enrolled in APEX, which I will never in a million years get to do back home.

It’s an awesome experience for me to actually get out and meet new people and get to do all sorts of things like that.”

Q: What are some differences between Brazil and Waukee?

A: “School in Brazil is just from 7:00 to 12:30, so we don’t have lunch at school. We don’t get to choose our classes so you have to take whatever they say you’re going to take. You never change classes. You always have that same people. Like, the teacher goes around.”

Q: Who helped you adjust to Waukee High School?

A: “I would say there is a lot of people who have helped me, I cannot name a specific individual. It’s not just one person who can do that for a foreign exchange student. It’s got to be all of you.”

Q: What is the best memory from your stay?

A: “Probably seeing snow for the first time.”

Q: What is one thing you’ve learned from your stay in Waukee?

A: “Being open-minded and going out of your comfort zone can get you far.”

Q: What are some major differences between Switzerland and Waukee?

A: “Here in Iowa, I feel like you are kind of stuck, without a car. In Switzerland, there is a lot of public transportation. But [in] America, [people] are also way more open, and are willing to help or give you a ride so it’s no big deal. And you don’t have any mountains here in Iowa.”

NO

Q: What are some differences between Waukee and your home [Germany]?

A: “When I came to America the first thing I noticed was that everything was just a lot bigger than in Germany, like all the supermarkets, streets and the school. Also there were more people.”

Q: What was the best memory?

A: “I don’t think that there is just one best memory, because at the end, I like to remember all things I did during my stay, even things that seemed boring to me like riding the bus. I guess I especially like memories of places where I met cool people.”

Layout by Anna Nelson Layout by Kaitlyn Redman

ADVENTURE CHILL OR LIVELY?

Lara-Sophie Mokosch

IS OUT THERE Which Direction will you choose?

LAND OR WATER?

CONCERTS OR ESCAPADE?

FOOD?

LAKE OR STREAMS?

YES

Restaurant Alert If you haven’t indulged yourself in Firebirds Steak and Seafood specialities, or Jethros new restraunt in Altoona, “Jethroni Pepperoni,” treat yourself, and enjoy some of the best restaurants in Iowa.

Iowa State Fair The Iowa State Fair is full of things to do, from food, to rides, as well as concerts.

Concerts featured this year will showcase artists such as Jason Derulo, Meghan Trainor, Newsboys, and KISS.

Adventureland Everyone has been to Adventureland by now, but this summer Adventureland is opening, “The Monster.” This new steel roller coaster will have five inversions and a 101 degree first drop hill. This attraction will be open in June of 2016.

Lake Red Rock Ledges State Park Forget Saylorville. Take a trip Ledges is a wonderful to Lake Red Rock! LRR is nature filled opportunity Iowa’s largest lake with more right outside of Boone. than 15,000 acres of water and This beautiful state park is 35,000 acres of land for your full of camping opportunienjoyment. Other lake area ties, time to cool down in benefits include recreational op- the stream, and awesome portunities surrounding public sights. lands.

SAVE $100** Limited time offer. Call now!

FREE ORIENTATION

THIRD TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH 6:30pm Dr. Wes Nyberg

CHIROPRACTIC s EXERCISE MASSAGE s MEDITATION NUTRITION WAUKEE WELLNESS & CHIROPRACTIC

Iowa Assessment

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710 ALICES ROAD s WAUKEE s 978.6661 www.waukeewellness.com s www.8ww.com Start on the path to higher scores today!

Accredited by

52% Dress

The American Musical and Dramatic Academy Ashley Cokinis

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY Owen Topliff

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Brigham Young University Ashley Giles Emily Rundall

Broward College Florida Hadley Couch

Buena Vista University Nikolas Brimeyer

Central College

Emily Anderson Luke Berry Brittney Latcham Susanne Lupkes Natalie Parker Anna Shapiro

Brooks Thompson Ryan Young Mitchell Rossmann Joshua Wandera Michael Whene Dale Whitlock Dalton Wolford

DRAKE University

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Grandview University Nalini Bhramdat Aldijana Dizdarevic Adam Rose Grace McKeon Emra Omeragic

Hastings College

COE COLLEGE

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College of St. Benidict

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Columbia College

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DMACC

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IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

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Iowa Western CC

Nicholas Anderson

FUTUR

Kansas University

Tanner Garrington David Smith Darrin Ternes Shauna Erickson Grace Gulbranson Kaci Nuehring

Kirkwood CC

Brett Dively Brett Hauck Quinton Hicks Jarrod Martin Tess Parker Jacob Wolf Kayde Penn

Marshalltown CC Carter Eldridge

Mercy College

Isabel McDanel

Minneapolis College of Art and Design Brandon Krantz

Missouri Western State

Oregan Community College

Benjamin Ferkin

Kaylee Knittel

Morning Side College

Pittsburg State University

Anna Shapiro

Max Urban

Soufiana Kaba

Loras College

Moody Bible Institute

Cole Jensen Anna Ruble Paige Yontz

Alec Rickabaugh

North West Missouri State Elizabeth Drees Kaitlyn Keirsey Benjamin DeMouth

Moberly Area CC

Luther College

Paige Seiser

Northwestern College

Minnesota State

Katelyn Weyers

lehigh university Seth Anderson James Reese

Northern Illinois

Madeline Yates

Musicians Institute of LA Timothy Taylor III

North Dakota State Reilly Jacobson

Alexander Myers Drake Wick

Purdue University Madison Anderson Simpson College Payton Atwood Kate Derrick Colton Nickell Rachel Shapiro Amir Suljic

RE PLANS

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University of Missouri Sheridan Powell

university of Montana

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University of Delaware South Dakota State

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David Whitsell Rachael Adkins Sri Akina Blake Aldridge Jason Anderson Alesia Archer Dominic Baccam-LemVan Stephanie Baeth Madeline Bazan Brandon Beall Grant Brown Olivia Bruner Anna Bunn Talia Buss Shriver Caluzzi Lindey Carlson Kelsey Chebuhar Caroline Chelsvig Devonte Chism Samuel Cox William Davis

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Connor Hohn

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MILITARY

Nathaniel Belvo Chaney Lounsbury Anna Riley Jonathan Weaver

Work

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When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you were...

What are you gonna be now that you’re...

All Grown up?

Ellie Everitt

Travel Journalist Jordan Allen: Professional Skate boarder Athletic Coach Rachel Brush: Elementary School Teacher Savannah Burlkle: Actress Actress Communications Major Ian Coon: Part of CSI Miami Katie Derrick: Writer Lawyer High School Choir Director Josh Fett: Professional Lego Builder Alex Goodenow: Zookeeper entrepreneur Betsy Morrison: Teacher Occupation Therapist Adam Rose: firefighter or police Officer Athletic Director

Kid Wisdom Ana Hernandez

Maple Grove Elementary School overflows with shouts, laughs, and the sound of rubber tennis shoe soles hitting the pavement with an urgency reserved for winning a game of tag. Around 12 years ago, the 538 seniors at Waukee High School were stomping their feet in the same manner, possibly on the same playground. Woodchips flying from below their feet, the sun beating down on their shoulders as they swing at the oncoming tether ball. Minds devoid of thoughts of finals, jobs, or how to save their money; they spoke from a basis of finding joy.

Filling the halls of elementary schools today, the kids have some thoughts of advice for those seniors that will soon find themselves starting as the newest faces in school once again.

“Seek first to be understood.”

-Duke Taylor (2024)

“Sunday afternoon, play video games.”

-Ethan Keller (2024)

“Do things you like and find people who do the same things.”

-Colin Keller (2026)

“Always have a positive attitude, not a negative attitude.”

-Karson Johnson (2024) “Talk to your mom.”

-Amiah JOhnson (2026)

“Nap a lot.”

-Marley Hill (2027)

‘Kee to Success Kyndal Lindsay & Genesis Ramos

CAMERON GREEN

“Some of your biggest screwups and accomplishments will be made in high school. However, this is just a tiny chapter in our lives, high school flies so enjoy it while it lasts.”

ANNA RHODES

“As much as you hate it, these are the last few years of being a kid. It’s all debt and stale coffee after this.”

GRANT BROWN

“Work hard at everything you do and always give your best. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and get out of your comfort zone.”

MICKEY SUNDERMAN, class of 2013

“College is crazy, stressful, and hard work. You will pull an all nighter. You will survive on only coffee and pizza for days. Be sure to take time to actually breathe. You got this!”

DAVIS BARNES, class of 2013

“It’s important to accept failure because in life it happens a lot and you just have to move past it. Push through all the struggles that come your way.”

EDGIE TWAGIRUMUKIZA, class of 2013

MADDIE DARVEAU

“As someone once told me, if you’re not uncomfortable, you’re not growing. So take chances. Make yourself uncomfortable.”

TOM MCLAUGHLIN

“Grades aren’t all that matter. A lot goes into having a good high school experience. Don’t be afraid to branch out and try something new.”

BEN FERKIN

“Don’t take Waukee for granted. They have great resources and the teachers really want to see you succeed beyond high school.”

ELLI LENZ

“Always work as hard as you can because even if you don’t meet your goal, you gain so much and there’s the satisfaction of knowing you tried your hardest.”

SHAYE WITTE

“Be yourself. People are going to love you for who you are. Put yourself out there, meet new people, and have fun; it’s high school.”

DEVONTE CHISM

“Push through every year, put forth your best effort.

But also, take time for yourself and have a good time.

The memories will forever be there for you.”

IAN COON

“High school isn’t the end of your life journey, it’s just the beginning. As long as you keep moving forward and attempting to get better, you’re on the right track.”

“Keep it simple. I think the most important advice I can give is to have fun; it’s only a short amount of time before it’s all over.”

CAMILLE GRIFFITH, class of 2014

“Don’t stress about the little things! Enjoy every moment of this time! Time goes by so fast. It’s scary and exciting to know that the world is waiting for you.”

ALLEN ROBLES, class of 2014

“Just have fun. Time seems to go by faster as you age, so enjoy it! But remember to always make time for family. Good luck and enjoy the ride.”

EMILY BLACK, class of 2015

“Just because you are a senior doesn’t mean you have to have everything figured out. Enjoy this time and find yourself!”

ANDREA POPPINGA, class of 2015

“No matter how cliché it sounds to be yourself, that is an understatement in college. You want to surround yourself with people who appreciate your unique self. You get four years of your life to have a ton of fun.”

TREVOR ALLEN, class of 2015

“You can’t please everyone. Meet new people and stay away from 8:00 AM [classes] if you can.”

OLIVIA LACONA, class of 2015

“Prepare yourself for one heck of a time. It’s about to be the busiest and most fun time of your life! College can seem big but through niche groups it will seem so much more like a home.”

8%

Ticket

16% Corsage

17% After Prom 17% Dinner 42% Tux

8% Nails 10% Boutonniere 13% Hair & Makeup 17% Shoes

52% Dress Total Cost: $350

Hairspray

175 cans of hairspray used by the showchoir

125 threads per tassel

78 different sets in the Marching Band show Starry Night

538 Students in the senior class

Total Cost: $570

WAUKEE BY THE NUMBERS

Information collected by Claire Simmons

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE:

WAUKEEARROWHEAD.COM Dearly Beloved Anna Nelson Burnt Out Cole Wilson Drumming with the Monkey Pictures, Video and Story Kaitlyn Redman and Andrea Munford PDA; How much is too much?

Genesis Ramos The State of the Universe Claire Baudler

d n A t x e n e h t o s e r u t n e v ad egins b Layout by Andi Munford