Journalism Fall 2016 Special Edition

Th eS Jou pec r n ia l ali Ed s 20 m itio 17 Fa n ll

Getting to Know Mr. Johnson By: Brandon Gordon

5 things you might not know academics are good, all more and I still want to about Mr.Johnson around North is just a great school,” Johnson said.

One of Johnson’s closest coworkers is Mr. Chad Ryan and he had nothing but good things to say about him. “Mr.Johnson is a great guy with a unique personality, he always has a smile on his face and is always fun to be around.

All-in-all he’s a really great guy,” he said.

Another one of Johnson’s friends is Ms. Michelle Harwood and she too had nothing but good

coach football. I also want to be able to have one-onone conversations with all the students and I feel that I can’t do all that in a big school,” he said.

Here is a peace of closing advice from Johnson about how to succeed in your life. “Never drop out of High School, and get involved in a activity you love. Go to college and get a degree in something you love, and pursue that passion. But most importantly, have fun with your life,” he said.

• He loves wood Johnson is a intervenburning fires tionist at North High School, has three kids and ,big plans for the future.

• He burnt his He is also the head coach right armwhen of our North JV football he was youngteam. er Johnson wasn’t always an interventionist, he started off as an English • He was home teacher at Hiatt Middle coming king in School. The person who high school. influenced him to become an English teacher was the • He turtors kids same person who influin reading enced him to become an interventionist.“I would have to say that the “ Go to college and get a degree in some• He was the person that influ- thing you love and pursue that passion, starting center enced me the most but most importanly have fun with your in college. would have to be life.”

Mr. McDonald my Johnson English teacher my senior year. It was things to say about him.” just how he handled the He always has funky perkids that made me want to be like him,” he said. sonality and makes my Johnson got bored at his day better every time I see old job at Hiatt two years him. He’s a really fun guy ago and decided to come to be around,” she said. to North and has loved Johnson wants to move every minute of it. “Two up the ranks of Des Moines years ago I got board at my Public Schools and evenold job at Hiatt and came tually become a principal to North and I haven’t re- for a small school. “I don’t gretted my decision at all,” just want to be an interhe said. ventionist the rest of my Johnson likes his job life, I want to move up for many reasons but one the ranks and eventually reason is because his job become a principal for a is easy. There’s only a few small school,” he said. The kids he has to correct and reason he wants to be a even those are few. “ North principal at a small school Mr.Johnson talking to Mr.Barring in the cafeteria. Photo Credit: is a very good school Its is this. “I want to be able Brandon Gordon behavior is good and its to interact with the kids

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Coach Chad Ryan: Mor By: Vanessa Vorasith Coach Chad Ryan is more than just a coach at North High School.

Ryan, also known as Coach Ryan has been coaching at North for about 10 years, but when he first started coaching, he had no idea how much the life of being a coach would impact him.

“My boys mean the world to me,” says Coach Ryan as he talks about North’s basketball team. Coach Ryan has always wanted to be a high school basketball coach, and has always loved the game of basketball, but this basketball team means much more to him than “just a basketball team”.

Many of the boys on the basketball team look up to Coach Ryan as an older brother or another father figure. He’s been there for all them all throughout everything.

F r o m having struggles at home, and him coming to them as a father figure to make sure they’re okay, or even when they needed a place to crash for the night or needed to be taken to the emergency room.

Many of the players describe Coach Ryan as a tough, strong, father-like figure with tough love. He always makes sure to let those boys know that he cares and loves each and every one of them. “Coach Ryan, he’s tough on us, you know? But he only does that because he loves us, and he tells us that every time. You can see it in his eyes, how the way

Coach Chad Ryan with varsity point guard, Tyreke Locure. Photo Credit: Vanessa Vorasith he treats us, he really thinks of us as boys have faced their own personal his sons, and that’s what drives us struggles, a whole-team struggle is forward,” Lino Malual, a sophomore always the hardest to deal with. The varsity player at North, said. team lost a very close teammate, “Win The Day” is the basketball Kendall Foster, on April 27. Coach team’s motto which means to have Ryan and the team have always rethe best day possible, and to make membered Foster with a great smile today better than yesterday. These and tons of potential. Losing a close boys have made such a huge im- teammate last year was the toughest pact on thing the team has dealt with. It was C o a c h hard on everyone personally, but R y a n this has brought the team closer and that they made the team realize that they’re give him more than just a team, they’re a famthe mo- ily. tivation Everybody has always acknowlto make each day a good day. Those edged the impact Coach Ryan has boys have given him the inspira- had on the team, but the players tion to believe that everyone can do have had a huge impact on him something great with their life. throughout his life as well. He had Coach Ryan has been through no idea how much these boys would many struggles in life, but after see- impact him. When Coach Ryan first ing the boys’ struggles and other started teaching, his main focus was people’s struggles, it has made him the game of basketball, but as the become more patient and under- years have added up, when coaching standing of people’s own struggle. at North High, it became so much Coach Ryan says, “I’m a strong be- more than a game. liever that everybody has a story and everybody’s story has a worth to it, has importance to it.”

Although Coach Ryan and the

“I’m a strong believer that everybody has a story and everybody’s story has a worth to it, has importance to it.”

re Than just a Coach fun facts:

• born in des moines, iowa • gradated from central college in 1996 • grew up with a single mom • 2 sisters • been a coach for north for 10 years

Coach Ryan, he’s tough on us you know? but he only does that because he loves us, and he tells us that every time.

-Lino malual

he’s a cool dude, you know. if you’re down for something, he’ll be down with you every step of the way. -tyreke locure

Coach Chad Ryan takes pride in his basketball team. Photo Credit: Vanessa Vorasith

“win The Day”

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Breaking Out Of

always made happiness”, said Baring. Growing up kids made fun of him because he didn’t have the nice Cold. Dark. The sound of the whis- clothes other kids had. Baring had tling brisk wind from the cracked anger issues as a child. He didn’t window of the house you lived in. know how to handle his issues.

No heat. No light. The sound of Looking at him now you wouldn’t sleep from the gentle souls snoring even know this about him because beside you. he got out. Baring goes on about The man people know today as Ric how “getting into sports and joking Baring, the spirited, Up beat, Positive, Always giving highfives, Coach of multiple sports didn’t grow up with a lot.

Baring tells an eye-opening story about his journey from being homeless and around is how... I’m such a fun nabullied to getting his life together ture now.” Joking is his way of sayand working at North High. ing you don’t have to be angry all the As a child, Baring tells about his time. How about laughing more. struggles he went through. His In high school, Baring said his mother was a single parent raising grades were trash. He was so focused him and two sisters. They went from on playing sports, being the center home to home or stayed with their of attention, making friends and begrandmother. coming more and more popular. He “My mother always had the cre- didn’t care about his education. He ativity about the struggle. We never even tried bullying someone else to knew we was in poverty because she make himself feel better. “D’s are for By: Tyana Settles

dummies” is what Baring’s dad told him.

Baring goes on about how a kid he tried to bully said he’s so popular but yet so dumb. This made him change and realize going down the road he was on wasn’t a good choice. His junior year is when things were starting to come together.

Baring went to college but then decided what he went for wasn’t him. His passion was kids. He wanted to help coach kids.

Baring ended up working at Tiny Tots, Childrens Daycare, shortly after getting out of college. He then moved to Blue Cross Shield Insurance. From there he realized that’s still not what he wanted to do.

Baring got an offer to come work for East or North High School. He chose north because he said “I saw potential and culture here.” He loves the diversity and feeling he gets after walking through the front door at North High School.

In between those few obstacles in Baring’s life, he decided to start

“I saw potential and culture here.”

Ric Baring, Coach and Campus Monitor, from the view of one who’s seen it all. Photo Credit: Tyana Settles

A Hollow Shell a new chapter. Baring had three children, One boy and two girls.

The mother of his children is someone he says he can trust.

She understands him and she’s his best friend. He enjoys his family. He loves being there to see his kids grow up and move along in life. His kids are all grown up now but that doesn’t stop him from calling them his babies.

Baring enjoys creating new relationships with the people around him. Giving out highfives is his way of showing consistency with a person. “I bring in more then what I can count” baring said. He loves the vibes he gets from being so positive.

The toughest kids open up to him because he shows he cares and he’s been in the position they’re in too.

He’s someone people can trust because he can connect with everyone so well. “Coach Baring isn’t judgmental. He speaks some real stuff to me and he treats me as if I was one of his own” said Diante Rhone, a senior varsity football player at North High School. He’s been through so much, but it’s relatable to what kids are going through now, for example rela- Baring shakes hands with a student Jeremy, Freshman, Private. Photo Credit: Tyana Settles tionship problems and family struggle. Baring is understanding, a helpful ear, and accepting.

The Baring North knows broke out his hollow shell.

Baring takes picture with Montez Anderson camous monitor, and Janelle Hill Senior North High student. Photo Credit: Tyana Settles

Facts About Baring

• Name: Ric Baring • Birthday: June 25 “sum-

mer baby” • Family: Three children: 2 boys 1 girl

• Started At North: • Favorite Food: everything. “I love food!”

• Favorite Color: Purple and Blue • One Place He Wants To Travel To: East Coast • Favorite Place He Has Traveled To: Jamaica • Favorite Memorie: Going on a cruise • Worst Memorie: Watching his mother cry • Favorite Holiday: ALL HOLIDAYS!

• Favorite Candy: Kit Kats.

He also loves cookies.

• “I want all my students to be successful and graduate!”

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Anderson: “the monitor”

Montez Anderson, campus monitor at North, demonstrates how he calls other staff members on his radio. Photo Credit: Briana Phillips

By: Briana Phillips Montez Anderson, a campus monitor at North High School has been at North for only two years and according to Mone Ordonez a sophmore,”he is much loved and really nice.”

He likes to play sports and collect Carnivorous plants.

Anderson attended Ellsworth College and then transferred to the University of Iowa . He has his degree in elementary education and other education.

After college he worked at Merrill Middle School and East High School.

In 1997, he moved to Washington D.C .for 17 years.

Mr.Anderson grew up in Des Moines on 18th street,“a block away from Goods Park.”

Growing up he had a very stable home and that in his opinion was to his advantage because the people he grew up around he is still friends with today.

Mr. Anderson always having that time for anything,” he said. positive energy around him helps him have the good heart he has today and Fun Facts To Know about also helps him have the courage he has Mr. Anderson: to work with these students at North • He collects plants. (carHigh School. nivorous) When Anderson first works with a kid he builds a bond. He lets them • He doesnt have any know he is not against them and that kids. he’s with them. Not only because most students always think every teacher in • He is not married. the building is against them but also • He lived in D.C. for 17 because sometimes it is good for a years. child to know that. He wants the students to feel comfortable with him.

• He’s 48 years old.

Kassia Lee is a senior at North High School she said, “Mr.Anderson is al- • He graduated from ways really helpful to me , when I get Roosevelt High School sent out of class he is the only person I in ‘87. want to go with and if I was to go with somebody else I would get irritated . • He taught at the S.dwell He’s the one of the people that can realFriends Schools. (that is ly encourage me to do good. He always a schools president kids tells me that I am here to graduate and nothing less than that.” went to.)

His parents and the community were very positive. “I would not trade that

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“Good morning.” (he approaches every student this way in the morning)

“I don’t really know Mr.Anderson but he always has an smile on his face.”-Jaquetta Galbreath

“I thought that I could help the students in this area realize that there are opprotunities readily available to help them achieve their goals. All they have to do is stay positive during challenging times and put forth the effort needed to succeed.”

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Vanessa Brady

“I been a singer ever since I was a tiny tiny tot.”

The North Choir sang at Drake last year for a festival, and it was one of those moments that she’ll never forget. The students’ voices became so powerful, everybody gave their best and started working together in the middle of the song. At the end, the audience would not stop clapping.

“That’s what I love about my job the most. It’s when I get those little ‘glimpses’. I call it the ‘little slice of heaven’ moments,” she said.

When Brady was in high school, Vanessa Brady playing the piano for her male students to sing in preparation for the Veteran she didn’t know what she wanted to Day assembly at North High School. Photo Credit: Nguyetanh Deo That was difficult moment for her do. She considered being a church By: Nguyetanh Deo and required perseverance on her musician or a music minister at a church. She also considered broadWho doesn’t love singing? We’ve part. all been in that one music class since Brady’s mother was a teacher, she cast journalism. When she was in elementary. Vanessa Brady, a choir was very supportive. But, before junior high she wanted to be a counteacher at North High School in Des Brady went to college her mother try singer.

For Brady, every year at North is Moines, Iowa, had been into music said, “If you’re going to be a teacher the best year. ever since she was a “tiny tot”. you’ll have to love teaching.”

Brady went to college to major in “It’s not just the subject you love, music. She got a scholarship for the but you also love the teaching asmusic program, that was a motivat- pect,” Brady said. ing factor to study music in college.

Brady got to North by an opening Students’ Inputs She went to a couple of events on her through a friend, Alyssa McDonald, •“I feel like she is very passioncollege campus that were about edu- also a teacher at North. McDonald ate about teaching music, and she cation. Brady encouraged her to really gives time and effort into “Students are my motiva- apply. visited a school thinking about songs and techas part of her tion for everything that I do.” Last year, Brady niques for us to learn,” Natalie college choir was able to graduJackson, freshman at North High -Brady experience, and ate 11 students School. sang with some that have been in high school students. choir at North for several years. She •“I love her. She’s the best teacher “I believed that was a transforma- is impacted by every student. you can have. She helps you when tional moment for me,” said Brady.

“Students are my motivation for you need help. She pushes you to Brady is currently in grad school. everything that I do,” she said. do the things that you can’t do but She has been doing her grad school She had changed how she does she knows you can do it,” Ngoc as a summer program. things because of students, go on to Deo, sophomore at North High “[I] have studied from the time I get more education because of stu- School. get up in the morning to the time I dents, everything she does is motigo to sleep,” she said. vated by students.

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North high school teacher changes lives for students

Rosewall talks with a student about what the group cooked.

Photo Credit: Kiera Sanderman

cares for the students at North High and how they help her get through “Well when I Heather Rosewall the tough times. started working is a teacher at North “My favorite High School, she’s with my little sister, part is the kids. I been teaching for five love the kids here. and started introyears and the inspiraThey’re funny, tion comes from her ducing her to new they always make life experiences. me laugh. They Rosewall tells about things and watching always know how helping her little sis- her grow up I was to pull me out of ter. She says it made the funk too. So if a difference in her life like, ‘wow if I can I’m having a bad and she feels she can make a difference day there’s always make a difference in somebody that’s in people’s lives I going to make me other people’s lives.

“Well when I started thought I could do laugh,” she said. working with my little Rosewall shares sister, and started in- it on a bigger scale.’” what her first job troducing her to new was before she bethings and watching her grow up I came a teacher. was like, ‘wow if I can make a dif“My first job was at Mr. Bulky’s at ference in people’s lives I thought I the mall. It was the only place that could do it on a bigger scale.’” would hire me. It was my very first Rosewall explains how much she job,” Rosewall said.

By: Kiera Sanderman

Rosewall shares where she got her bachelors and where she is planning on getting her masters degree.

“I got my bachelors at Grandview University for teaching. Right now I am working on my masters at Drake,” she said.

Jamie Hernandez is a senior at North High School and she tells how she feels about Rosewall and her classes.

“She makes them fun,” she says.

Hernandez also explains what she likes about Rosewall.

“She has a good relationship with the students and cares about them.”

Denine Taylor is a teacher at North High School and she also gives her input on Rosewall and what she thinks of working with her.

“She’s fun to be around and is nice,” she explains.

She also explains what she likes about Rosewall.

“She’s easy going, pleasant personality.”

Short fun facts -Five years of teaching.

-Inspiration from helping little sister.

-North High is like home.

-Students love her classes.

-Moved a lot during childhood.

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KAYLA HOPPER’S LIFE EXPER

Kayla Hopper’s globe represents her love for traveling.

By Gabriela Meas

Kayla Hopper is a Spanish teacher and it is her first year at North High School. Hopper started working at North High School on the year of 2016-2017. Hopper had recently switched schools.

From East High School to North High School.

“North had two openings and Ms. Dryden and I are best friends and she told me how great it is at North and I went for this amazing opportunity. I interviewed and got lucky.”

So far Hopper states: “I really like it, I like that the population’s smaller, which makes me feel as if I could get to know more students, the staff is really friendly, and we have so many fun events together.

It’s a very inclusive environment. Everyone tries really hard to make sure

everyone’s included and I feel really welcomed.”

Making decisions are hard. The people who helped guide her through these decisions were her family and friends. “My family and friends are supportive, they trust me. I usually don’t make decisions quickly. Moving is something that I’ve thought about for a very long time. I would say my colleagues were as well, they understood my reasonings. Overall, many were supportive!”

Hopper always loved cheerleading. She has been coaching for many years at East, then she had decided to coach the North High cheerleaders.

“I love cheer, I was coaching at East for three years.

When I moved I thought I wouldn’t have time in my

schedule to coach, but I found out there was an assistant position. I talked to Brackemeyer to find out information and I just had to do it. I’ve always loved cheer. I couldn’t imagine not doing it. Also I wanted to get to know the students before I entered a new building. I knew that being able to meet cheerleaders before the school year would give me a certain level of comfort by just knowing some faces in a new place.”

Hopper saids “I was hesitant at first because I am currently getting my Masters degree and I’m teaching 3 preps: Spanish 2, Spanish 3, and AP 4. This summer we redid everything, everything is brand new. So I didn’t know if I really had the time to be a coach, I was really hesitant. But after talking to Brackemeyer, I felt much better.”

Hopper had always wanted to be a Spanish teacher. “When growing up as a little kid, I’d always knew I wanted to be a teacher. From the earliest age I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. My little brothers would sit there and play school with me, i’d have a little marker board and asked them questions.

It wasn’t until high school

that I knew that I wanted to teach Spanish. I knew then that Spanish was my path, it came naturally to me, it was very easy. I was in Upward Bound for Math and Science and because I’m a girl they were really pushing me to do those subjects, but I just always liked Spanish better. I thought to myself, ‘If I’m going to work everyday, I should enjoy what I do.’ ” What also inspired her was her Spanish teacher.

“She inspires me every day to be better, she’s super supportive!”

Hopper has always stuck to Spanish. Spanish has always been her major.

“I started in Spanish, I was hesitant about teaching because it was a very strenuous program. I just wasn’t sure it was the right choice. I had to make sure if that was really what I wanted. I never changed my major, I just added to it. I added education to it.

It’s not an addition major, it’s a license. I had waited to call myself a teacher until I studied abroad. When I studied abroad that’s when I knew.”

Hopper has been to Costa Rica with students and she is also going with students this summer.

She had brought this ex-

RIENCES AND ADVENTURES Advice from Hopper: “Professors aren’t going to make their ways to you. Professors love when you go to them, shake their hand, let them know who you are and what you need help with. So sit in the front row, never skip class and get to know your professor!”

Fun fact: If Hopper could relive any moment, it would be the day that she had took her students to an orphanage. It was an emotional experience, for everyone and herself.

Hopper holds a fan she personally got from Spain perience to North High School. She is also going to Peru in June. She had contacted all DM public schools and got many confirmations. She also plans to go to Germany this summer, she had studied abroad in Spain. Hopper has been to many places around the world, but her favorite place was Spain. “ “It was very relaxing, connected, very friendly and beautiful weather.”

Other places Hopper desires to go is Denmark.

“Denmark is where my ancestors are from, my

cousins live there and I just want to know my heritage.” Hopper’s goal is to travel everywhere.

Listening to music and being with Oden makes her happy. “I’m in love with my puppy. His name is Oden and he is a Danish dog. He is two and a half years old. We snuggle and he likes cottage cheese. He makes me really happy.

Also I love listening to all types of music and also I grew up on a farm and if I’m ever missing my family or sad, I will listen to country music. Country

Hopper helped set up the Costa Rica trip music makes me feel like I’m at home, like I’m in the truck or tractor. My gift is being able to sing along to any song.”

College is another step into a good future. “Going to college is definitely going to be challenging, harder than high school.

No doubt about that.

But if you go to school for something you like, something you’re good at, pursue your strength.

Hopper strived through success. She has accomplished many things. Everything depends on her.

“I was most definitely motivated by myself and my parents more than my teachers. My parents had really high expectations for me. My expectations for myself were even higher. I was definitely the student who asked a lot of questions, who from the most part done her homework, I wasn’t a kid who teachers worried about.

I tried hard, worked really hard, always paid attention, and participated.

I graduated on the top of my class,” she said.

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New teacher tries to save dying elective at North

Ms. Hoseman helping students get their work done Photo credit: Arlene Lozano

By: Arlene Lozano

Science because she loves baking Abigail Houseman, a new sewand sewing.“I feel like electives is ing teacher at North High School something kids need it’s kind of is trying to save a dying elective their break throughout the day. It’s here at North. There has been kind of their safe place to be and many times in her life where she they are able to create there own has struggled. Houseman said things”she said. Houseman has al“Right now I feel like I am ways wanted to struggling as a new teachbe a teacher, even er, this is my first year and if people told I feel like electives is I am trying to understand her she couldn’t. everything and get it done.” something kids need Her high school Houseman hardest experi- its kind of there break counselors said ences at North is trying to throughout the day. she was too quiet get her class under control. to be a teacher, -Houseman She said that “In sewing that she would you have many things going on never succeed doing that. Houseat once, trying to keep every kid man experimented different things doing what they are suppose to be in college and took marketing doing.” This is a fun and stressful classes.”My mom is a nurse and I challenge that Houseman is willconsidered that, but its not for me. ing to take on.

I changed my mind about teaching Houseman has had some posibut my mind went back to it”she tive experiences too. She is very said. Houseman is very happy to happy when students create things be at North teaching and interactin her class. Girls are trying to creing with students.“I teach because I ate their own clothing and guys love it, I cannot have a desk job and are also wanting to learn how not work with people, I don’t think to sew. Houseman has always I will survive”she said. wanted to do Family Consumer Houseman’s parents grew up in

Iowa so coming back was a cool thing. She traveled a lot when she was younger. One of their travels was when they moved from Turkey to Texas to find a care for her sister. Her sister was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. Turkey did not have the medical facilities or technology to care for her.“We have faced many challenges, but always are there for each other which makes us have a stronger bond” she said.

In college she thrived with high school sports like bowling and golf.

Even if she struggled, she had good experiences. She is very happy to be at north and happy to help students make there own stuff.

Ms. Houseman did her practicum with me.

She worked really well with the kids, I like how she interacted and showed how she cared”.

-Rosewall

Mr. Bannikatti’s life and opinions

By: Josh Sheldon

students, he doesn’t just like interacting with them about schoolwork Praveen Bannikatti, 20th cenbut also about what they think and tury world history teacher, is a first maybe their lives and just to have a generation Indian American who’s nice little chat. been working on his Phd. BanniWhen asked about politics he said katti says he likes teaching because he’d be voting this year but it probit connects him to people. ably wasn’t going to be either of the Mr.Bannikatti has a wife and a main candidates. He was also asked daughter and they also have anabout Donald Trumps sexual asother on the way. He’s been with sault accusations and Hillary Clinhis wife for eight years and been ton’s email scandal. He said that married for three of those years, his grown people shouldn’t act that way wife is also a graduate student in towards other people and also rethe counseling program at Drake ally shouldn’t brag about it. He said University and Bannikatti and his his opinions on that are all negative. wife’s first daughter is two years old.

About HillWhen asked, “One of my hardest experiences ary he said it’s Bannikatti said as a teacher is really under- also a negative something opinion, like unique about standing where the students are what haphim is that coming from and understand- pened and he is a first ing their background and what why’d she degeneration lete them and Indian Ameri- they face when they come to that she tells can which is class, and understanding and one story and interesting, esother people having to adapt to that.” pecially when tell another. more questions were asked about his culture because he said “food is a big part, Indian food is very different from American food. It tastes different and has very different ingredients.”

His father gave him the name Praveen because it means conquerer. Bannikatti says one of his hardest experiences as a teacher is “really understanding where the students are coming from and un- Praveen Bannikatti, 20th century world history teacher, wraps up his lesson at the end of class. derstanding their background and Photo Credit: Josh Sheldon what they face when they come to class and understanding and having to adapt to that”, he also doesn’t think adults give youth as much credit as they should. Its visible that Mr.Bannikatti truly cares about his

Mr. Bannikatti poses for a picture after a great class period.

Photo Credit: Josh Sheldon

• Working on Phd • First generation Indian American • Food is a big part of his culture • Wants to become a school administrator in the future • Just had his second daughter

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Life isn’t Always Easy

By: Daisy Hernandez We’ve faced struggles and fears, but who could possibly understand us in this wretched time filled with troubles and tears?

Thankfully we aren’t the only ones who have lived through hardships in our lives. Jessica Lambert, a current math teacher at North high school, says, “Who I am by far, all the obstacles I’ve had to overcome with growing up with my family and living on my own, I think has helped me make better connections with the students because I understand what they are going through,” she said.

Throughout her life she had experienced many

Lambert glances at her papers. Photo Credit: Daisy Hernandez

struggles. In 6th to 7th grade her parents had filed for a divorce and her father went to prison. “Mom would start hitting me and locking the kitchen so I couldn’t eat. But the good part was I had a friend (her name was Brooke) that I could lean on,” she said. Lambert was very close to both Brooke and Brooke’s mother, “she’s my adopted mom and I’m her adopted kid,” she joked.

Lambert attended West Liberty High School in Iowa. She was involved in a lot, such as band, track and field, cross country, drama, and had a job at a nursing home. She considered herself as a “band geek”.

High school was a time in which she felt like giving up on both herself and her studies. She wanted to quit. Her math teacher Ms. Harvey was one of her heroines. She helped her get through and even finish high school. She was the math teacher that inspired her to become a math teacher.

Lambert explains that college was probably one of the most frightening experiences in her life.

The second I graduated [high school] I moved out of my mom’s house and I went off on my own to college. Paying my own bills, getting my own food, going to school.

That was scary and hard at the same time.” Of course, more help on the way was a professor at Iowa State University, Dr. Hargrave.

Lambert is also a Science Bound teacher, a program that pays a student’s college tuition at ISU and encourages minorities to go to college by using those scholarships. “Just knowing that students thought they couldn’t succeed then they were given this opportunity of Science Bound and now we have a lot of first generation students going to college, that’s pretty spectacular,” She commented.

According to both Rosy Banda and Nayely

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Lambert talks to her students. Photo Credit: Daisy Hernandez

Velazquez Science Bound students, Lambert is a “wonderful and hardworking teacher,” Velazquez said.

They believe that “there is no better example than her”. “She has helped me manage my time and use it wisely and now I spend my time doing things I probably wouldn’t have done without her!” Banda said.

Now as time goes by she rues the opportunity she missed in college.

I had the chance to study abroad but I regret not doing that.” Regrets from the past that still push her to accomplish her dreams till this day.

Which led her to be very fond of traveling to other places in the world.

Like any other human being, she is filled with big goals. “[I want to travel to] every continent including

Antartica. One of my goals is to visit every state in the United States. I’ve been to about, I would say 29 or so.” Whichever place she winds up in, it doesn’t matter to her because the world is beautiful.

Getting to know different cultures and different people is what makes us, as humans, feel alive. It’s what keeps us open-minded. It keeps our minds busy from feeling down but it helps by keeping us content in its own way and form.

Although not married (yet), she hopes to have only one or two children and decides to have his/her name remain a complete mystery. “I’m gonna keep that a secret until the baby is born.

[But] I’m not pregnant yet!” She

assures, “The reason why is [that] I had a name picked out and I told some friends. My sister had a baby and she took that name. Alexis Marie.” She recalls.

“there is no better example than her”.

Velazquez

said.

A Tough Old Man

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By:Nathaniel Thomas The heart of a coach: Gregory Holland.

Gregory Holland is a very sports minded person. His entire life has been spent playing or coaching sports. His father and his highschool football coach had a huge impact on his life and made him want to play sports. His highschool football coach also had a little bit of an impact into his college decision of where he wanted to go to, eventually choosing Simpson college.

“My high school football coach went from [North] down there [to Simpson]. So the fact that he was [at Simpson] made me feel more comfortable,” he said.

As a coach he has had a lot of quotes to tell his players. It keeps them motivated to stay on the good path in life and achieve their dreams in life.

“You are greater than anything that can happen to you,” he said.

He told himself to never give up and so when he got to the point where he was about to give up he told himself to keep going because that’s what he wanted to do. Sure he did fall and have thoughts about giving up but he still managed to push through.

Top:Coach Holland talks with Sam Grannan, junior, about tips when weightlifting.

Photo Credit:Nathaniel Thomas

“Mans greatest accomplishment is not and never falling but getting up each time you’ve fallen” He also said “The harder you work the harder it is to surrender” This shows that he really believes in himself,players and students he’s taught over the years.The fact that he says as long as he builds good habits with his players and students he gets them in to hardworking mode so they don’t give up.

Even with this past year coaching the freshman/sophomore football team. They lost most of their games this season but instead of beating down on his team, he talked to them and motivated them to play even harder than the played the last game or last quarter.

“Coach Holland is a tough old man,” said Brandon Gordon, Freshman.

He also has been an outside person for most of his life. All the sports he coaches happen outside. He loves nature he is always camping, fishing, and hunting in the forest. If he was given the chance he would go to another country and help out the

“Coach Holland is a tough old man.”

Coach Holland takes a well need break after a weightlift session with some students.

Photo Credit: Nathaniel Thomas

environment. He feels a huge connection to it and feels safe in that enviroment. Which transferred into alove for outdoor sports.

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Krantman’s life adventures By: Parker Jarrett

taught at DMACC, East, and Lin- her. Krantman said very emotioncoln, teaching mostly college cours- ally, “She cared enough to make me es like Accounting, Finance, Office see I was smart and could do anyEducation, Marketing, and Interna- thing if I worked hard. She was tough tional Business. on me when I needed it but always Krantman taught these kinds of there for a hug or applause when I classes because her background is needed that too.” This inspired her in the finance industry, which she to be a person who can be there for worked in 20 years prior to becom- people when they need it the most. ing a teacher. She has been teaching She wants all students to achieve for 15 “I made a lot of money but I traveled a greatness y e a r s . lot, it was stressful and did not fill my with hard She has w o r k , heart (only my pocketbook)!” not alconvicways -Krantman tion and been in a posithe finance industry, she was a hair tive attitude. She says the students Mrs. Krantman at North High School, and eye model ,and she took acting here are challenging, caring, full teaching in the morning. Photo Credit: classes and did a commercial. Her of energy and so much more. She Parker Jarrett most recent position in finance was wants to help as many people as Susan Krantman is our Career and an executive at Principal Financial she can so they can realize their Technical Educator here at North. Group. She worked in the business potential. There are days that Great personality and is filled with and insurance division and had her challenge her, she says, but then good vibes. Many would say Krant- series 6, 7 and 63 broker’s licenses she reminds herself that life isn’t man has had a successful life so far. as well as several insurance licenses. always easy and instead of teachKrantman has been dreaming of However Krantman states, “I would teaching “ I wanted to be a teacher not go back...I made a lot of money ing them book smarts she teaches but I trav- them life skills. She says her stusince I was in “I need my students as much eled a lot, it dents need her as much as she junior high was stressful needs them. as they need me.” school.”

Her and did not dream was to -Krantman fill my heart be a gym teach(only my er. “I thought I pocket book)!” would always be a P.E. teacher beKrantman was endorsed to teach cause I was an athlete and that was other subjects but stated clearly she my favorite class.” Krantman was inspired to be a teacher by her sixth would not. Krantman says, “I am grade teacher Mrs. Black “She took very passionate about the need for care of me,” Krantman expressed. students to learn about business.”

Krantman hasn’t always had it good She also stated there are so many so Mrs. Black kept an eye on her. skills you learn in our classes that are Krantman didn’t always teach Busi- transferrable to your life and future. ness classes until she came to North Krantman has had a tough life but three years ago. Krantman has Mrs. Black inspired her, she saved

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SHANNON POWER By:Xiadani Rojas

Shannon Power is teach- I actually had to try at er at North High School school it didn’t just come who teaches AP environ- naturally”.

The first year of college mental science, earth science and chemistry. She was really hard because grew up in Minneapolis. Power had to balance She graduated with over school and being indepen800 students in her class. dent, but by finding that it She grew up with her allowed her to be a much Power helping a student with her i pad. mom, dad and her young- better adult.

Photo Credit: Xiadani Rojas One of the hardest exer brother. she was doing education One thing that impacted periences as a teacher is and maybe she would like attle to learn how to teach trying to motivate kids her is that “my parents it, so Power took a couple her classes better. who don’t care.

A goal she is working were good at motivating of classes and she loved it. me to do my best”. If Pow- “If a kid doesn’t care Power’s first time inter- on is just to be a good about their grade I have er got a grade she didn’t acting with a high school teacher.“There is always a really hard time pushlike her parents would was at North High School times where you can get never get mad at her. It in a math class. She got better and there are arwas the other “There is always times where her first teaching job eas where you can grow”, way around, she in southern Iowa in power said you can get better and there A person Power looks up would get mad at a tiny town, and that are areas where you can grow.” to is to Shwendau because herself. was where Power That shaped learned how to be a she has never met some-Shannon Power one who is so passionate Power to be a teacher. “hard worker But, Power knew about helping kids. ing harder then they are “She’s great; she is always and find success in the willing to get pushed”, she that was not her place forthere for me. Even though little things. A time she said. ever and she also wantthrived was in education. A positive experience of ed to move back to Des I dont have her as a teachShe enjoyed learning be- being a teacher is workMoines during that time er she is always there” said cause Power “found a lot ing with kids every day North put out a position Krystal O’Morrow, Senior ‘When I struggle to help of success in school”. called the science academ,watching people grow a student she is always “If I enjoyed what I was from their freshman year ic interventionist which is doing then I put a lot of to their senior year and helping students that are there to come up with work into it”, which helped see ingthem mature like struggling with science different strategies.” said her be very successful. She adults. “Its amazing”, she .“So I got lucky that North Jordan Sonntag, Science graduated high school said. had a position for me”, she teacher FUN FACTS: with a very high GPA, said.

She went to college to which allowed her to go to be a pediatrician, which is Power best year as a -She describes herself as any college. teacher was the 2015-2016 bubbly. a kids doctor and she was A time in her life where taking pre-med classes but year because she got to do -She loved high school. she struggled was when she realized she didn’t love really great things with her -She went to a huge high she got to college because it as much as she wanted AP class. She got to learn her first year in college to. So a friend of hers in a lot of different states school with up to 3,500 “was the first time were such as California and Se- students. told Power that

Cheryl Thompson From stay-at-home mother to teacher full time

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Here is Ms. Thompsom explaining to a student what he needs to do on his assighnment. photo credit: Ashley Aguilar By: Ashley Aguilar

Cheryl Thompson, a.k.a Ms.Thompson, teaches biology at North High School. She has been married for 20 years. She has two boys , sophomore and senior at Roosevelt High school, she has been a “stay-at-home mom’’ . She has siblings, two younger siblings, one is a ship captain and her other brother takes wildlife pictures the ones that appear on calendars. Something unique about her is that she saves at-risks dogs.

She has them in her home until she finds them a forever home.

Thompson believes that “everyone is shaped by their childhood” Thompson moved alot when she was little. Once she was in the second grade she stayed stable in Des Moines. Once asked what was a time in life when she thrived, “ having my boys was

“I am caring and thoughtful.” awesome and terrifying at the same time,” she said. That was one of the hardest decisions from going to married couple to mother.

Then she was asked , about a time where she struggled, she said she had the struggle to choose to be a teacher or stay -at-home mom.

Thompson did not always want to be a teacher, meaning it wasn’t always her dream, growing up she wanted to be a veterinarian.

She became a teacher because she liked the idea in working with students and adults.

Thompson likes to teach because she likes to teach kids how to think in a scientific way. As a teacher her hardest experiences are “kids who don’t pay attention.” Or “kids who are always on their phones or iPads. Her easiest

experience is when kids are excited to learn, that makes her happy knowing there are kids who want to be at school and love to learn.

She was asked what would you tell a student about achieving their dreams, her response was “to never stop trying.”

Thompson describes herself “ I am caring and thoughtful” Ms. Thompson believes everyone can make a difference.

Fast facts • Biology teacher • Was a stay-at-home mom • Loves being around people, which is why she chose to become a teacher

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the job. Ever since then she has been working at North.

Teaching high schoolers can For seven years, Des Moines has had one of the most inspirational have some negative and positive teachers there is. Denine Taylor, times. Taylor said one of the toughan English teacher at North High est times she’s had teaching is “when School, has been inspiring everyone a student gives up on something.”

Thankfully, the student normally she meets.

Taylor knew she wanted to work gets back on track eventually. That in a high school environment after brings up the positive times. Taybeing inspired by other teachers. She lor thinks “watching students who struggle grasp onto liked how high school “Watching students things and get back on students had higher goals than other age who struggle grasp track,” is one of the best groups. The fact that onto things and get experiences she can have teaching. high school students back on track.”

One of the people understood adult hu-Taylor who get to work here at mor was also nice.

North with Taylor is AnNorth High School seemed like drew McGee. He has had Taylor as the perfect environment for her to work in. It was a small, diverse ur- a mentor teacher and has co-taught ban school. When a long-term sub- with her. McGee has learned a lot bing opportunity came up, she took of teaching skills from Taylor. The By: Kennedy Stegall

Denine Taylor helping Taylor Sinnwell, a freashman at North High, by pointing at the insructions for a new assignment in class.

Photo Credit: Kennedy Stegall

Fun Facts about Taylor • Grew up in Michigan • Lived next door to a famous rock band named Grand Funk Railroad • Went to Arizona State for college • She has been to about 19 countries • Was a figure skater and ran track in high school most important teaching skill McGee has learned from Taylor is to stay patient. He has “seen Ms. Taylor stay clam and patient in some rough situations,” he said.

Even students are inspired by Taylor. Olivia Alonso and Daisy Hernandez have the pleasure of being in one of Taylor’s freshmen English classes. They are inspired by Taylor’s positivity and how Taylor is “really kind-hearted and optimistic.” Alonso and Hernandez also like how Taylor works one-on-one with her students. It really helps them out.

Although Taylor is a hard working teacher, she still has free time on her hands, even if its not a lot. During that little amount of free time she has, she likes to read. Her favorite book is “The Poisonwood Bible”

by Barbara Kingsolver. Taylor also enjoys going to her three daughters sporting events and performances.

“Ms. Taylor is a continuous source of inspiration,” McGee said.

Her positivity radiates through the room.

Cheyenne Landrith English teacher at North High School

Mrs. Landrith, English teacher, redirects a distracted student. Photo Credit: MaKyla JaMEs

bed everyday. Landrith enjoys most

By MaKyla JaMEs days with her students, but still finds Cheyenne Landrith, English something to appreciate everyday. teacher here at North High School She likes to be proud of them. always knew she was going to be a Landrith said herself, she was teacher.

English born a very long time was always her best “I always knew from an ago. She has two half subject in school. early age, I wanted to be sisters, Christine and When she came Carah. The three a teacher.” of age, she went share the same mom to DMACC and with different dads. Growing up, Drake. After Landrith graduated, Landrith was born and raised in Des she worked at Weeks for six years, Moines, Iowa and she wanted to be and now this being her fourth year an astronaut, but science was NOT here at North. In all her time teach- her best subject. Although she did ing, she has learned something, “The not finish high school, Landrith did hardest part of teaching is, trying get her GED. As a working mom, to get students to understand the she has four sons. Braiden is six, Elitask at hand while they have it hard jah is 14, Noah is 16 and Connor is at home.” She said that, getting to 19. know her students, makes it worth Her favorite book is called, “A her while. Landrith believes that if Heartbreaking Work of Staggering your teacher doesn’t encourage your Genius.” She couldn’t remember future then that teacher shouldn’t be any quotes from it, but she did say teaching at all. It’s harder to teach it was a good novel. She used to do someone if you don’t understand to 515 Fest every year but this year them. The idea that she could be the she doesn’t seem to have time for it. reason someone looks forward to She is part of the Polar Bear Crew learning in her class, gets her out of though.

Facts about Landrithe *She has 4 sons *She’s not a big fan of nonfiction but she’s still good at it *She’s not that good at science *Three half-sisters

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Positivity can turn

Landrith, English teacher, talking to her students. Photo Credit: Iveth Flores

By: Iveth Flores “You’re always so positive, how come?” Many students wonder this about North High’s teacher, Cheyanne Landrith.

She responded with “Well why wouldn’t you be, you know. You can choose to focus on the things you can’t control and you can chose to let them weigh you down or you can just make the choice to see the good always”. Her motto: “Look for the good, and be the good” and “the only two things you can control in your life is your attitude and effort”.

Landrith didn’t finish college, after

she had kids she went back to finish. She said was very difficult since it wasn’t the way you’re supposed to, she basically did everything backwards, but she pursued and she’s very proud of that. Now here she is our English

experience as a teacher is “It’s a daily struggle with apathy, kids just don’t understand how powerful and important education is, and they are so consumed with their technology that they can’t understand how they are ruining their future”.

Landrith didn’t always want to become a teacher, as a young child when she was six she wanted to be an astronaut, “I would study encyclopedias about “Kids just dont space, and then I reI wasn’t very understand how alized teacher, she says she’s strong at science”. always loved English, Landrith used to powerful and reading and writwork at Weeks before ing, and there aren’t important educa- she was excused. She many jobs that allow also had a position to tion is.” you to do that for a work at Callahan, but living. she applied at North She said one of her hardest because she wanted

“The only two things you can control in your life is your attitude and effort.”

Your life around

Landrith, tries to get attention from her students. Photo cedit: Iveth Flores

to try high school, she was just really excited at the things going on at North.

She supports LGBT, she has a funny story, she really really liked a gay boy in high school, but he obviously didn’t love her. And as a young child her mother also had two gay friends so she was introduced to it as a young age. She was taught to be open and respectful and that love is love.

“Never settle for mediocracy. My advice would be to always strive to be better tomorrow than you are today. I think too often we just accept a “no”, we give our self limitations and that makes me sad. So my

advice is to not give your self limitations.” Landrith said.

Landrith thinks she does have a positive outlook, and she’s a magnet for naughty kids. Last words she had was “go to school, go to your class, be on time. Go to all your classes especially the ones you don’t like cause otherwise you’re just going to have to repeat it.”

“Be open and repectful... love is love.”

Landrith, talks to a group of her students.

Photo Credit: Iveth Flores

“You can choose to focus on the things you can’t control and you can choose to let them weigh you down or you can just make the choice to see the good always.”

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LGBT Teacher at North Shares About Her Experience Fast Facts

• More than 1 in 4 get thrown out of their homes after coming out.

• LGBT individuals account for 30% of all suicides per year.

• Same-sex marriage is legal in the United States, Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland, and Argentina.

• LGBT youth are even more vulnurable to victimization, unsafe sexual practices and mental health issues than non-LGBT. • Approximately 1 million children in the U.S. are being raised by same-sex couples.

Sources: Factretriever.com, Truecolorsfund.org & Endabusewi.org The Oracle newspaper and the year Dryden herself started teaching the On average, an LGBT high school class.

“She’s very driven, I think that’s a student will hear 26 anti-LGBT slurs per day, Jennifer Dryden wishes to rare quality in people because I feel change this. Being an LGBT mem- like some people have the goals and ber herself, she helps run North the mindset but it’s just that lack of drive that doesn’t get them anyHigh’s GSA meetings.

Dryden has been teaching for four where. I think that Dryden builds a years now, after being a reporter for lot of that and she motivates me to her college for two years and doing do better every day.”

Maluhkai Van De Boe is a junior book publishing in New York for a at North and a reportyear. She spent a year at East “Stay true to er for The Oracle. He before spending the rest of her time at North. She teach- who you are.” is a big supporter of the LGBT community, es English and journalism.

-Dryden making him another “I love that, now in our whole country, that LGBT people ally of Dryden’s. “I think that they’re can get married,” said Dryden, doing a good thing,” He stated. He pointing out the fairly new law that also mentioned how he likes that allows same -sex marriage. This law North is a great supporter of the was a huge accomplishment for the community itself.

Dryden also enjoys being an LGBT LGBT community, giving them the teacher at North. “I always tell peoright to marry whomever they want.

Cheyann Neades, a senior at North ple that I wouldn’t be as comfortable High and editor in chief of The Ora- or be as open with my students or cle is a student close to Dryden. She fellow staff members if it wasn’t an met Dryden her sophomore year atmosphere like North,” She said beat North, the same year she joined fore adding that she wished she had

By Olivia Vorel

gone to a school like North as a kid.

“Everyone is just kind of welcomed here.”

As far as bullying goes, Dryden claims that she doesn’t get any backlash from having the sexuality that she does. “No, what I struggle with the most is just a majority group opinion of me when they don’t know me at all,” referring to Donald Trump, the 2016 Republican presidential nominee, saying he was going to hire a Supreme Court justice that doesn’t support LGBT people and has threatened to repeal same sex marriage.

“I hope that we can live like everyone else one day,” Dryden said, referring to what she hopes the LGBT community will achieve. She wants being gay, bisexual, or any other identity to be considered a normal thing.

She had this advice for the community, “Stay true to who you are,” She wants the LGBT community to know that life is so much more than what people think of you in high school or middle school.

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Up above is Ms.Dryden and Nick listening as Krystal O’Morrow explains how to be a Trans ally at the weekly GSA meeting. Photo Credit: Olivia Vorel

Up above is Ms.Riordan listening as the GSA leaders explain Trans allyship. Photo Credit: Olivia Vorel

Down below is part of the GSA group as they call everyone together. Photo Credit: Olivia Vorel

To the left is Ms.Dryden, one of the teacher leaders for GSA. Photo Credit: Olivia Vorel

Down below is Krystal O’Morrow and Ms.Dryden introducing themselves to the GSA group. Photo Credit: Olivia Vorel.

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Why become a teacher?

Suzanna Sieren

Fun quote

Her least favorite subject is math.

By: Shei Shoe The reason she became a teacher Pa bleh: “I like this class beinstead of becoming a baker was Suzanna Sieren was born in Mur- that she wanted to help student cause of different people, ray, Iowa. She has a husband, a two learn and achieve their dreams. background and language,” month old baby and two dogs. Her Her parents are important to her hobbies are singing, baking and because whenever she is down, she Danielle Huntley: “The energy learning languages. She teaches be- would look up to them. of her. Every day it’s always cause she wants students to succeed.

The hardest thing in her life was been exciting,” “I like her because whether she wanted to be a teacher or a baker. She likes to bake. It the energy of her. Evwas her childhood dream. She also ery day it’s always been wanted to be a teacher because she want ed students to be successful. exciting. She never ran “Being a teacher isn’t just about out of energy and she getting paid, it’s about helping a students be successful and achieve makes me happy.” their dreams,’’ she said. ~Danielle Huntley She likes to teach fast. She want students to think and have fun at the same time. She teaches this way because she doesn’t want students to get bored. She is fun. “I like her because the energy of her. Every day it’s always been exciting,” Ms. Danielle Huntley said. She has a lot of energy and the energy never runs out.

“I like to push students to their limits,” she said. She teaches like this so student can learn, It’s hard for her to create a fun lessen for students because she needs a lot of time to think of one. She is good at encouraging students because she wants students to be successful.

A senor student from her class said, “She inspired me because she is a encouraging teacher”. Sieren likes to come and work at North because people at North make her happy and make her a better person.

She is really passion about reading, writing and other interesting stuff.

She wants to learn new languages and meet new people from different Suzanna Sieren, English and ELL teacher, helping student with a writing assignment countries.

Photo Credit: Shei Shoe

How well do you know your teachers?

1 Across: I teach you how to draw 2 Down: You might see me when you’re out 3 Across: I’m a 20th century world history running. teacher.

4 Down: I’m an English teacher who likes to 6 Across: I’m a war veteran travel.

7 Across: I might help you with your behavior. 5 Down: I’ve been a family consumer science 8 Across: I’m part of the LGBT community. teacher for five years now.

10 Across: I might be your counselor.

9 Down: I’m a Spanish teacher and cheer assistant coach.