WELTON GRADUATES — PAGE 3 Box 110 425 East 11th Street DeWitt, IA 52742
CHRISTMAS FEATURES
— PAGE 4, 5 CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
Serving 550 students of DeWitt, Grand Mound, Low Moor, and Welton, Iowa
December 28, 2011 Vol. 25, No. 3
Student Survey:
If you could have anything you wanted for Christmas, what would it be? “My daughter.” (Nya Rose born Dec. 11!) Mr. Josh Greubel
“Footsie pajamas.” Diana Tabor
“For my son to get his two front teeth.”
Runway ready. Mr. Saber contestants Anthony Green, Nicholas Green, Connor Murphy, Thomas Peterson, Joeseph Slapnicka and Alex Daniels watch their talent and interview videos dressed in their runway apparel at the Dec. 2 winter spirit week assembly, a new event for winter organized by student council and their adviser, Mrs. Denise McAleer.
Mr. George Pickup
“An elephant.”
winter sports kick-off in grand style LYDIA AHRENS
Joe Peña
STAFF WRITER
“To win the lottery to help the homeless.” Mary Landau
“College tution.” Joe Slapnicka
“The Taylor Swift CD.” Aaron Tarchinski
PHOTOS BY AMBER HAACK SURVEY BY JOLENE SANGER More Christmas Wishes on Pages 4, 5
Teenage boys participating in pageants is almost unheard of, but during the week of Nov. 28-Dec. 2, six seniors took part in a winter sports pride week “pageant.” To gain recognition for the winter sports, student council hosted a Mr. Saber competition, similar to that of homecoming king, but instead of being nominated by peers, candidates signed up to be part of the competition and were assigned sponsors. The sponsor assigned to each candidate is an extracurricular group at the high school. Alex Daniels was sponsored by the jazz band; Anthony Green by wrestling team; Nick Green by FCCLA; Connor Murphy by the girls’ basketball team; Tommy Peterson by the bowling team; Joe Slapnicka by Chamber Singers. The Mr. Saber candidates had four categories in which they were judged: interview, photo shoot, talent and runway. picked out for me,” said Anthony Green. For the candidates’ runway debut, their model in front of the judges and student body on Friday, Dec. 2, at the assembly held in honor of the spirit week. The jazz band chose a tasteful deep purple blazer, black dress pants and a beige fedora for Daniels to model. Anthony Green, sponsored by the
wrestling team, sported a purple Saber wrestling singlet, yellow head gear, and a wrestling warm-up jacket. FCCLA members dressed Nick Green with a yellow sequined hat, a baby doll harnessed to his back, a white sweater with purple and yellow designs, yellow shorts and a bowl of cookies to toss to the audience. Murphy was suited up for a game of basketball in a purple Sabers ’70s style basketball uniform in which he stepped onto a fellow classmate’s back to score a basket. The attire chosen for Peterson by the bowling team was the bowling uniform shirt, white shorts, purple-sprayed hair, and a white “snow” cape. Slapnicka was covered in an array of clothing. The chamber singers dressed him in a red Santa’s hat, a Mardi Gras mask, a white beard, a red Christmas sweater that looked like Santa’s coat, a yellow fringe scarf, a purple and yellow cheerleader’s Skirt. He carried a purple pompon. Along with the runway show at the assembly, the taped interview session and talent performances were played in a slide show with some if the pictures taken at the photo shoot on Wednesday morning. The video went in sequence with the contestant who was walking the runway, and it showed some of the questions they answered at the interview, their talent, and a select few pictures from the shoot. Some of the responses played were
Daniels’ answer to being asked to wear a dress as in a real pageant, and Peterson’s explanation as to what set him apart from the other contestants. “My favorite part of the whole Mr. Saber thing was probably my dance for the talent portion,” said Anthony Green. Contestants Peterson and Nick Green both agreed with Anthony Green that the talent portion was their favorite part of the competition, whether it was performing or watching others put their talent on display. Daniels showcased his trombone playing abilities with a combination of several short pieces of a select few songs. Anthony Green chose to display his hidden talent for dance in a routine to “Some Say Love.” Nick Green performed a ribbon twirling routine for his portion of the talent competition. Murphy decided on stand-up comedy and told a few jokes for his ability. Peterson exhibited a skill for jumping rope in his segment of the talent video. Slapnicka resolved to show his talent of creating an awkward silence. “Nick’s ribbon twirling routine was the greatest,” said Peterson. Most candidates admitted they participated to help out the student winter spirit week assembly. Anthony said he agreed to participate to help Mrs. Denise McAleer and Maggie Dolan, vice
MR. SABER —CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Laments over a season-ender
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ALEX DANIELS STAFF WRITER
Nobody wants to hear those words. “Sorry, you probably wont be able to play for the rest of this year.” No matter how they are said, those words hurt. It’s hard to stay positive, I was never very good. I started every game through eighth grade and freshman year, don’t get me wrong, I just wasn’t super amazing, or had hundreds of yards, or dozens of touchdowns. Still, I was proud to play football, happy to play it. It was my life during the fall. And football will always be special to me, even if I did miss the last season and a half. Sophomore year was the year it went sour. We had just beaten Marion, and I was feeling pretty good when it happened. I woke up one morning, and the pain was just there, like the worst stomach cramp of my life. I couldn’t get up. I just lay there, curled up in a ball, crying my eyes out. Until then, I hadn’t noticed anything. It had crept up on me. When I could
Hard work pays off. -
National Honor Society inducts 20
the next day. That little appointment was the beginning of the next several hours in the hospital where I underwent multiple tests,
ALEXANDREA KIMES
I’ll skip all the boring details and get to the point. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.
For many years, students have been involved in the National Honor Society, an organization that values students who work hard. Present members include Caleb Beer, Logan Brundage, Erin Dorpinghaus, Darcie Farrell, Nicholas Green, Kaitlyn Ketelsen, Danaka Knudson, Alex Leudtke, Nicole Mooc, Connor Murphy, Alexandria Necker, Kaitlyn O’Leary, Ellen Reynolds and Anna Winkler. “Even as a freshman, start having a list of activities and services,” said Ms. LeAnn DePue, NHS sponsor. National Honor Society looks for certain qualities in each person initiated. They look at one’s character, leadership, service and scholarship, the four pillars. Each is represented with a candle. The oldest and most common induction ceremony is the candle-lighting service.
wasn’t allowed to play for the rest of the year. At the time, that was all right with me. I still had two more years of football, and I still went to all of the games. It wasn’t so bad. I still saw all the guys and had fun messing around. Next year was what I expected, the backup spot, behind a pair of seniors. And again that was all right with me. They had earned their spot. They were older and more experienced. And I still had one more year. Little did I know next year would be so short. Senior year started off great. Right up And in another grand twist of fate, I broke my right collarbone and displaced it by an inch. Just like that, my senior season was over. It was that quick, and that small. One little bone was all it took. I’m not telling you this as a sob story or to get some pity or something like that. I’m just using myself as an example to all of you athletes out there. Because even though I missed so much, I wouldn’t change my decisions for anything. Enjoy every minute you get to play, and every second could be the difference between your moment, or your failure. Work hard at all times, and don’t take anything for granted. When you get your chance, don’t sit back; take it head on and knock its teeth out. Because you never know when the sniper might jump up and get you.
STAFF WRITER
On the stage is a lighted candle, which represents the society’s torch and the eternal light of knowledge. Flanked around the candle are four more, each one representing one of the four qualities. “You rather meet, or don’t meet scholarship,” DePue said. Scholarship is your commitment to learning. NHS believes that knowledge is one great element in life. That knowledge leads to the highest success. Diligence and effort, the two ways knowledge can be acquired. “National Honor Society promotes community service,” DePue said. Service is another pillar that is looked at when considering applicants. Service is one’s others. It is also being able to do service without expecting recognition or monetary compensation. Being a part of NHS means you are committed to the idea of volunteering your time and talents to the creation of a better tomorrow. The third pillar is leadership. Leadership is demonstrated by one’s striving
to train and aid others to attain the same objective. Being a good leader is being willing to to yield one’s personal interests for the interest of others. NHS views leadership as a substantial charge that each member should be willing to take. is what makes each and every person their own unique individual. Character is something that guides us through life and, when it is fully developed, it steadily grows. It is the product of constant action, striving daily to make the right choices. The four pillars are the basis of each person who is initiated into NHS. The students who were inducted this year include Elyse Arensdorf, Drew Dieckmann, Jolynn Dohrmann, Maggie Dolan, Cameron Donovan, Maggie Gehlsen, Anthony Green, Maggie Grell, Aubrey Lasche, Jaden Miskowiec, Meghan McClimon, Cameron O’Neil, Dylan Petersen, Cori Peterzalek, Jordan Porth, Lucas Sheppard, AJ Smith, Aaron Tarchinski, Emalee Thul, and Erin Weirup.
Technology vs. homework TYLER COYLE STAFF WRITER Technology is everywhere, it demands your attention at all times of the day. Most people couldn’t go a day without technology (I know I couldn’t). That’s why a lot of people bring their phones to class. It something that is a very big part of everyone’s life. With all the technology out nowadays it’s almost impossible to do homework when every time you look somewhere else you see something that looks way more
fun than homework. I mean what isn’t. But even though there are a lot of distracting things about technology while doing homework, it can be helpful and be used to get your homework done. As we get closer to getting laptops, it makes you wonder if they will even be able to help. be a help; it will allow me to do homework wherever and turn it in right then. It makes the homework life a lot easier. Technology is what everything is going to in the future and we might as well embrace it.
Working hard or hardly working? Aidan
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Last of an era.
The few, the proud, and – Why’s the water brown? COLBY PACHA STAFF WRITER Over the past seven years the last of the Welton graduates have made their way through the last remaining years of their school career. Looking at the senior class now you really can’t tell that some others came from a completely separate school from most of the others. The students who went to the Welton school, though, have a very special bond that was forged through the many years that they were at the Welton building. The students who had gone to Welton have their own great memories of the old red brick building, but those who also made an impression on them were the great teachers who provided them with excellent knowledge, and prepared them for the next level. Tyler Coyle was one of the few who went to Welton, but unfortunately he
Mr. Saber
—Continued from Page 1
pageant. McAleer, student council advisor, said the council has been discussing recognizing and kicking off all of the school’s sports seasons with a spirit event for a couple of years now. “Mr. (Brent) Cook, the athletic director, actually gave us the idea for Mr. Saber,” said McAleer. “The council liked it and ran with it.” McAleer admitted that she thought the council could have done a better job with promoting Mr. Saber and the spirit week before it took place. “Like anything
didn’t have the pleasure of going to school there for the entire time. He went to Welhe went there for only one year, he met some great friends and had a wonderful teacher. “When I went to Welton it was a big change from my previous school,” Coyle said. “It was a lot harder, and the water tasted awful.” the best, but the kids toughed it out, and made it through the classes and becoming the best the community could offer. Danaka Knudson is another Welton student who went to Welton for her entire Welton student. “I feel extremely privileged that I went to Welton,” Knudson said. “There was no better place to spend my school days. I was blessed with amazing teachers who laid the groundwork for everything I’ve learned and have yet to learn. We didn’t care if our school was just as big as the
new, it’s hard to rally excitement,” said McAleer. “But the contestants did a great job of taking it seriously and making it work.” Daniels, Nick Green, Murphy, Peterson and Slapnicka, who said he cared more about the fun of the event than winning, all said they thought participating in the pageant would be fun. Daniels thought the pageant would be fun for senior year, a good memory. “Mr. Saber isn’t your typical ‘king’ title,” he said. “Everyone talks about being homecoming king or prom king, but who else is going to get to say they were a candidate for the title of Mr.
classrooms were in trailers. Yes, maybe the school was old and we were a few years behind in technology, but all of these had nothing to do with the excellent education we received. They may have taken the school away, but they can’t take away the memories,” Knudson said. “The thing I miss most is the simplicity of that small town and the people. We way, and a Texaco. We lived in our own little world from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. We were all friends that got along and will always share that bond of where we spent six years learning together,” Knudson said. She is extremely proud that she was able to attend this great school. It might have not looked like much, but it is certain that there was something special about that great Welton school. Caleb Beer is another Welton student who spent his entire elementary career in the Welton school building. “Awesome elementary – very old school but everyone got along and was like a family,” Beer said. Beer made
some great lasting friend ships that were forged in Welton. He is still great friends with Cody Nelson and Brendan Rogge. “Everyone got along so well,” Beer said. “I didn’t have just one favorite teacher,” Beer said. “I got along and enjoyed all of them.” Kelli Olson was another student of Welton, but went there from second to
Saber?” Daniels said.
similar spirit week in the spring to recognize the spring and summer sports “It will be especially important to recognize our spring and summer sports, for we don’t hear much about them until the next year,” said McAleer. “They deserve to be recognized, too.” Mr. Saber and the winter sports spirit week were introduced to the community on Friday, Dec. 2, at the cake auction. The “crowning” of Mr. Saber took place between the girls’ varsity basketball game and the cake auction before the boys’ varsity basketball game.
asked to be a candidate for Mr. Saber he laughed at the idea of dressing up in front of everyone. Nick Green and Anthony Green agreed when they said that when they were didate for Mr. Saber “no way.” Daniels had a different mindset, why not? I go to a lot of the basketball games in the winter so my ‘spirit’ is there,” Daniels said. “We are certainly hoping to hold Mr. Saber again next year as well,” said McAleer. There has even been talk of a
were in the trailers out back and it felt like we were all alone out there,” Olson said, “like we were the cool kids.” She made a lot of friendships in Welton which still exist today. A lot of the parents that had students that went to Welton didn’t really like the shape that the school was in, but the kids were happy, and they were all clearly getting a good education by very motivated and caring teachers. The spirit of Welton will live on in each of the few and proud career in the three-story, old red brick building.
Mr. Saber, with Nick Green as runnerup. Murphy admits to being very surprised at being crowned the winner. “It was such a close competition,” Murphy said. “Everyone was within about a point of each other.”
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The Purple Onion Vol. 25 No. 3 December 28, 2011
Student Survey continued from Page 1
If you could have anything you wanted for Christmas, what would it be? “Cowboy boots.” Ashlee Liphardt
“Stompeez.” It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas. Chamber singers Joseph Carber, Darcie Farrell, Austin Smith, Megan Salyars, Joseph Slapnicka, Nicole Mooc, Thomas Peterson and Tyler Miller perform a medley of Christmas music in the new auditorium for director Mrs. Jeannie Dean’s holiday program. Photo contributed by Darcie Farrell. Andrea Weiss
“Season collection of Rugrats.”
MAKAYLA SHORES STAFF WRITER
so far the best part has been the Christmas show,” Duffy said. Dean said the best part of chamber singers is seeing and hearing students
A.J. Smith
“A tummy tuck and a face lift.” Mr. Stephen Butler
“A gift card to Victoria’s Secret.” Cam Donovan
“Money.”
Caulin Klaas
The holiday season is a big part of many people’s lives, from shopping to spending time with family to singing songs about the holidays. A major component of the holiday season is the chamber singers. Yes, they bring even more joy to the holidays. But what are they really like? The group is led by Mrs. Jeannie Dean, vocal music instructor. Only upperclassmen can participate in chamber singers. Many students sing because it’s fun, or they want to do something different in their school lives. There are other commitments that you have to learn and grow up to when in this group. It takes guts. “It was stressful trying out and getting into chamber singers, because so many people tried for sports and learning their ways of doing things,” Krista Duffy said. “As we perform more and more it gets easier,” Duffy said. There are many great things about the group. “I’ve made a lot of friends and I just love singing in general, so I enjoy it and
musically and with enthusiasm,” Dean said. The chamber singers perform at the Middle School, St. Joseph’s, and Ekstrand, but where do they prefer to perform the most?
“When the group performs its numerous Christmas shows, each audience has a different perspective, and each performing space has a different challenge,” Dean said. “Some are small and the kids have to adapt the movements “I am just very proud of this group,” Dean said. “The kids have adapted to each space and audience and have given consistently good performances. They deserve a vacation.”
Ready, set, sing. Chamber Choir members sing and dance at their holiday performance to get the community into the Christmas spirit: Thomas Peterson, Carly Bauman, Austin Smith, Darcie Farrell, Kaitlyn Ketelsen and Joseph Slapnicka. Photo contributed by Darcie Farrell.
Student Survey: What are your Christmas favorites? Songs
1. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer-34% 2. Jingle Bells-22% 3. Feliz Davidad-14% 4. Silent night-12% 5. Frosty the Snowman-9% 6. O Holy Night-4%
Movies
1. Elf-61% 2. White Christmas-21% 3. The Santa Claus Movies-12% 4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas-11% 5. It’s a Wonderful Life7% 6. A Christmas Carol-3%
Sledding
1. Springbrook Golf Course-34% 2. Your own home-28% 3. Westbrook Park-18% 4. Scott County Part-12% 5. Eagle Point Park- 6% 6. Grace Camp-6%
Cookies
1. Peanut Butter Blossom with Hershey Kiss-32% 2. Chocolate Chip-21% 3. Snickerdoodles-21% 4. Festive Sugar Cookies-13% 5. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip-10% 6. Gingerbread-3
The Purple Onion Vol. 25 No. 3 December 28, 2011
HOLIDAY CHEER
Student Survey continued from Page 1
If you could have anything you wanted for Christmas, what would it be?
Central joins the Marine Corps Reserve
Alternative class helps Toys for Tots program
“One of Santa’s elves.”
AMBER HAACK STAFF WRITER
Mikayla Coyle
“A hippopotamus.” Logan Brundage
“A Dora backpack. Ryan Burke
“A bounce house.” Justine Kagemann
“A pegasus.”
Logan Sheppard
“Money.”
5
For the 2011 holidays, Mrs. Renee Green’s Alternative class is helping the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves to brighten the faces of children throughout the Clinton County community. class has helped with Toys for Tots, and Green says it has been a good project for her students. “Service projects are a great experience for the kids to help other people in our community,” Green said. For this service project, Larry Villa, Toys for Tots coordinator for Clinton County, made a $2,000 donation from the Toys for Tots foundation. The $2,000 went toward toys for children of every age, both boys and girls. Villa encouraged the students to shop mainly for teenage boys ages 13-17. Alternative students Jon Gautreaux, Mitch Jebson, Kyle Hamilton, Brittney Hess, Dakota Russell, Kyia Bailey and Nate King also held fundraisers to raise some extra money. The school district held a “Staff Jeans Day” Nov. 23. Any teacher or staff member in the district could donate either a toy or money to Toys for Tots. Doing this allowed them to wear jeans to work for that day. Not only has the class raised money for a good cause, they have been learning along the way. The students are working toward their high school credits; 18 hours of community service is equal to one school credit. “The Alternative class does a lot of packet work, but we are trying to move into more project-based learning,” Green said. “My students were very busy writing
community members and school personnel.” “I could go without the emails and formal thank-yous,” Bailey said. “It required thinking.” Green said, “I think the writing part was good for the students.” Green and the Alternative class volunteered to help spend the $2,000 donation to shop for toys at the Davenport Toys R Us. “We spent $2,000 at Toys R Us in about 45 minutes,” Green said, “using Bailey said, “At Wal-Mart we spent around $269 on toys for mostly upperaged kids.” By the end of the shopping, the group had collected nearly 170 toys to be distrib-
uted in two sessions Dec. 16 at the DeWitt Community Center. Drop boxes were also placed all over DeWitt including at the school, Dollar General, Scott Drug, Theisen’s and True Value Hardware for public donations. All of the toys were distributed Dec. 16 to local families who need a little help for the holidays. “That’s what’s so great about Toys for Tots,” Green said. “Toys donated in the Quad Cities stay in the Quad Cities, and toys donated in Clinton County stay in Clinton County.” Students said they wanted to help families in need during the holiday season. They were well aquainted with the Toys for Tots program and felt they were helping a wide range of people. “Helping out the community was the most fun,” Bailey said.
Shop until you — run out of money. Alternative students Mitch Jebson and Nate King shop for toys for children of all ages with instructor Mrs. Renee Green. Photo contributed by Larry Villa.
Shelby Carlson
“A trampoline.”
Eric Kohl
“A better second semester.” Aidan Connolly
PHOTOS BY AMBER HAACK SURVEY BY JOLENE SANGER
Smiles for the holidays. Collecting toys for little ones at holiday times are instructor Mrs. Renee Green, and students Nate King, Mitch Jebson, Brittney Hess, Dakota Russell, Kyia Bailey, and Jon Gautreaux. “Helping out the community was the most fun,” Bailey said, “But the whole thing was a memory.” Photo contributed by Mrs. Renee Green.
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The Purple Onion Vol. 25 No. 3 December 28, 2011
Poetry competition set for Jan. 12 SIERRA MOORE STAFF WRITER Poetry Out Loud, a national completion sponsored by the Iowa Fine Arts Council, will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Central Performing Arts Center.Admission is free. There are three judges from outside the district.The winner goes to state contest in Des Moines in March.The winners of the state contest get a free trip to Washington, D.C., for the completion.The national winner gets a $20,000 scholarship. The Iowa Fine Arts Council sponsors Poetry Out Loud. “I enjoy poetry and I wanted to improve my performance skills and my poetic voice,”Brigitta Meyers said. “I did this just to have fun,” Thomas Peterson said. “I don’t count it as a competition.I feel like it’s story time.” Students competing for our school are Thomas Peterson, Kris Alexander, Bailey Peyton, Cheyenne Forman, Melissa Huseman, Sierra Moore, Heidi Stofer, Brigitta Meyer and Natalie Smith. There are many steps to getting ready for this competition. “I memorize my poems, obviously,” Meyers said.“I record myself, practicing different ways of saying things, trying out what way I can deliver the poems best.”she said. Peterson said he is practicing how to say his lines and mostly get poems memorized.” For more practice, some of the students
went to a Poetry Out Loud workshop on Dec. 3. For better preparation, the students recited their poems in front of two professional poets and got feedback and help. The poets were Yvette Hermann and Daron Richardson. Hermann is an actor, poet and spoken word artist.The power of poetry, she believes, is increased by thoughtful oral interpretation. Hermann is a huge fan of Iowa’s Poetry Out Loud national recitation contest because, she says, it provides a powerful and visceral experience that converts “reluctant” readers and writers into Richardson is a visual artist by training and uses performance poetry as an alternate means of expression and connection. Richardson has been a long-time Say What! poetry contributor and appeared recently in a charity performance with the Say What! The poems represent who the person is and it shows through the person presenting the poems, even though the poems were not written by the students themselves, but picked off of the Poetry Out Loud web cite. “I think all the other participants have all worked really hard and it’s cool how said. Meyers said the competition won’t be easy. “There’s a lot of different people and a lot of different styles.” Meyers said. For further information about the competition, go to the web cite www.poetryoutloud.org or www. iowaartscouncil.org.
It’s done like this. Teaching a Poetry Out Loud workshop is Yvette Hermann, poet and actress, who helps students like Heidi Stofer, Natalie Smith and Sierra Moore prepare their own poetry. Photo by Ms. Liz Dague.
Recitation in the new auditorium. A group of Poetry Out Loud students of Ms. Liz Dague, left, take their turns at the microphone practicing famous poems they have to memorize. Brigitta Meyer, Natalie Smith, Tommy Peterson, Sierra Moore, Bailey Peyton, share a laugh with, on right, professional poets Yvette Hermann and Daron Richardson. Contributed photo.
Cake auction good way to show spirit SARAH RISINGER STAFF WRITER
A cake auction is held during halftime of one of the girls’ or boys’ basketball games. Anyone can make a cake that represents the theme. This year the theme
was “Let me hear your Saber spirit.” The girls’ soccer team was one of the many teams that participated in the cake auction. “We spent two hours just standing there trying to think of an idea that we all liked but it was hard,” Colleen Gannon said. “We had a hard time thinking of ideas for are cake but it was fun being with each other and having team bonding time,” Emily Burke said.
Sweet win. Soccer players Haley Rusk, Kaitlyn O’Leary and Hailey Franzen celebrate the second place their cake took at the cake auction. Contributed photo.
The cake auction is not just a competition for people to see who can make the better cake it is also a good way for friends, teammates and other people to have fun and get along with each other. “We thought of different ways that the team could do some team bonding and one of them was to have a secret Santa or we could have a buddy system with each other,” Gannon said. When a group of people get together to do something it’s more than likely that you will have a good time and make a few memories that you won’t forget. “When we were making the cake my blender started to smoke and we ended up breaking it,” Kayla Lancaster said “I remember when Kayla put two drops of green food coloring on her tongue and it turned it all green,” Kaitlyn O’Leary said. The cake auction was able to raise a lot of money thanks to the people who made cakes and the people who bought them. “I was surprised when we found out that Dewitt Bank andTrust had bought our cake for $400,” O’Leary said. “Overall it was just fun to be able to hang out with each other and make a cake as a team,” Burke said.
Snow time is go time TYLER COYLE STAFF WRITER Snow brings out the kid in all of us. It can be creativity in making snowmen or snow forts or just all out war. It’s something that can’t quite be explained. One of the more popular things to do in the winter times is sledding. It’s fun for all ages, and something that can be done in many different ways. Joe Slapnicka’s favorite place to sled is Eagle Point Park. “I just got on my saucer sled and started spinning then I pushed myself down the hill,” Slapnicka said. “As I got closer to the bottom I hit a ramp. It was my funnest time sledding ever.” People love to sled out in the country iwith a rope, sled and a 4-wheeler and truck. That is not really recommended, though, since it would be easy to get injured. Slapnicka said, “It’s fun except when you hit a bump wrong and fall off the sled going too fast.” Never forget the white of the clean hill, creating a path to follow later and increase your speed. Nothing else can compare to that in winter.
The Purple Onion Vol. 25 No. 3 December 28, 2011
SPORTS
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Freshman starts on varsity: Meland ‘scared’ at
JOLENE SANGER STAFF WRITER Being a freshman is never easy, but being a freshman and starting off your high school basketball career playing on the varsity team is probably as scary as it gets.
when she was in fourth grade. She said that it is her favorite sport and she plans to continue playing all through high school and maybe then go on to playing college basketball.
was, Oh man, this is going to be nerve
Focusing on the basket. Meland looks to the basket before she takes her shot. Photo by Amber Haack.
the girls on the team get along well.
games. They really get into it and have themes for it. “They push me to keep going and to
The student body is supportive of the
Sabers on three, 1, 2, 3. The team huddles together one last time before their game, preparing to defeat the opponent. Sabers won 51-47 against Clear Creek Amana Photo by Kaitlyn O’Leary.
team needs to work on handling the ball and rebounding, and they say they have improved a lot.
backwards. We have high hopes for this
Coaches look past adversity to focus on team goals SARAH RISINGER STAFF WRITER
“Wrestling teaches people that they Balance, eyes, elbow, follow through. Cody Block takes a shot during the game against Clear Creek Amana, showing perfect form. Photo by Kaitlyn O’Leary.
Despite setbacks, team continues to play aggressively on all points ALEX DANIELS STAFF WRITER The Saber basketball team is in a unique situation this year. They have no one overly tall, yet their whole team hovers around 6 feet tall. Most coaches would be concerned by their lack of height, but Coach Frick is not. “We have good all around the team athleticism,” Frick said, “it’s a good group of kids who work extra hard on and off the court.” The team took a step backward, though,
after senior guard Cody Block landed funny on his ankle during the Maquokota game earlier this week. Block has led the team for the start of the season with 17.3 points a game. When asked about it, Coach Frick remained calm. “We are taking it game by game. We were lucky it wasn’t too bad.” Frick said. Nevertheless, the Saber team will have to make some serious adjustments. “We want to get up and down the floor, and we have a good inside-outside game.” Frick said, “ On defense, we are looking to get after teams and play more aggressive.” The Saber Boys’ next game is Tuesday, Jan. 3 at Mt. Vernon
“I have been coaching for three years and I wrestled all four years of high low number of wrestlers this year, all the “Yes we are low on wrestlers this year but they are showing how comitted they “For me, wrestling builds character and can make someone a better person letter winner and state place winner Creighton Fox said. “All of the guys here have a lot of experience in this sport and they never Kagemann said. In every sport the coaches have expec tations for the players, some more than others. “We have a lot of guys wrestling in the offseason so they improve a lot and
Victory. Cameron Donovan’s arm is raised by the referree Dec. 15 after he defeated a West Dubuque opponent. Donovan was 2-0 on the night. Photo by Sarah Risinger. Vance said, “We expect our upperclass men to model leadership on and off the
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The Purple Onion Vol. 25 No. 3 December 28, 2011
Ag class farmer’s market may expand MAKAYLA SHORES STAFF WRITER It all started with a simple request from the Central FFA managers last spring. “Mrs. Valarie Betz was asked by managers to make signs for the farmer’s market around the same time I was for the planting,” said Mr. James Kline, vocational agriculture instructor. “I saw it as a great opportunity for students to sell their SAE (Supervised Agriculture Experience) projects.” The start of this project wasn’t as easy as it sounds. They had to schedule times what and how much to plant, and who was going to sell at the stand. Jacob Reistroffer was up to selling at the stand. “The stand was paid for by our FFA to sell produce I grow for my FFA project,” he said. Another thing Kline and his classes
had to worry about was customers, but not only did they have customers, they had regulars. “One elderly woman would come every time and buy either jalapeno peppers or tomatoes,” Reistroffer said. “When I had green beans I always saved some for a lady that worked with my dad.” Along with those worries of who would buy from the market, there were a few bad days with the weather. Those bad days were just terrible. “A couple of times it rained and everything got wet and ruined,” Reistroffer said. “Another time it was so windy my table blew over and we just decided to quit for the day.” With winter approaching, plans for next summer’s farmer’s market are in the planning stages. “We do hope this will extend and more students will become involved,” Kline said. “We hope that students next year can do sweet corn. We are hoping for an acre,” Kline said.
FFA meeting. In the new high school atrium, Jacob Reistroffer participates in an FFA rountable discussion. Reistroffer was active in the farmer’s market last summer and plans to expand his activities this summer. Photo by Haley Rusk. Along with the idea of growing sweet campus, other ideas have been thought of. “We’re also looking at what we could do differently in the green house, such as starting early with some varieties like Even with these new plans, students involved with this project have some things they are going to miss for the season. “I’m glad I don’t have to pick vegetables and sit for three hours selling them, but I will miss the interaction
with the public, seeing new faces, having conversations with nice people,” Reistroffer said. “Come late February I will plant baskets to sell,” Reistroffer said. “During December and January I will balance and organize my project’s income and Award in FFA,” he said. “We are happy that it gave the students experience,” Kline said. “The biggest thing is that it’ s locally grown and produced.”
Goodbye, high school; hello, responsibility JOLENE SANGER STAFF WRITER
All of us are excited to leave high school and start a new chapter in our lives. Eleven seniors will start a new chapter in their lives at the end of this semester. According to the high school ofBeer, Jacob Hansen, Bobbie Hughes, Ravin Kilburg, Kaley Lindsay, Alexandria Necker, Cody Nelson, Kevin Noack and Ashley Senske have all made the decision to graduate early. Early graduation is usually only appropriate for students who have outgrown their high schools in more ways than one. They have to be academically prepared and socially mature. There are many pros to early graduation, including getting a head start on taking college courses, job and work opportunities, more time, and no senioritis. The cons are detachment from school activities and from the close friends they’ve accumulated through the years. “There’s lots of other things I want to do,” Necker said. “I have Miss Iowa in June so it will be nice to have some extra time to prepare for that. It will give me a chance to really focus on my platform. I want to take a few college classes, and earn some more money before I leave,” Necker added.
high school and people telling them to not worry because high school will be the best years of your life, but how many people would really agree to that? “I was tired of high school drama,” Ravin Kilburg said. “I was bullied for many years and I was fed up with it because the school was doing nothing about it. I was accepted to the University of Iowa and I had enough credits so I decided to graduate early.” “I’m going to miss the lack of adult responsibilities, and I’ll miss some of my friends,” Alyssa Barnett said. High school is supposed to be the four years that prepares us to go out in the real world and pursue our dreams, whether that be go into the military or go to college. Three of the early graduates would agree that it’s prepared them more emotionally and socially for the real world rather than the academic. “It’s made me a stronger person,” Necker said. “I’ve grown up a lot from the experiences I’ve had over the years and I grew as an individual.” Barnett will also agree that high school made her more responsible and mature. Kilburg added, “I think our school could do better, we don’t know half the stuff other kids from other countries know. I believe we are highly unprepared and people will know once they leave high school.” After leaving high school, these seniors have big dreams for their lives. Kilburg will attend the University of Iowa to major in psychology and pre-med. She also wishes to be a part of the Walk It Out pro-
gram and the Oscar program and anything else the University of Iowa has to offer. Barnett is still undecided about what profession she will go into, but she will begin online college courses. Special education and occupational therapy are two professions she is interested in. Necker will also attend the University
of Iowa. She’s been accepted for early admission into their business program. She will double major in business leadership and marketing. No matter where these seniors are headed, their futures are looking good. Necker said, “I’m excited to start this new chapter in my life.”
—And a new chapter begins. Early graduates take time to smile before their senior year ends. Graduates include, front row, Ravin Kilburg, Alexandria Necker, Caleb Beer and Bobbie Hughes, back row, Shelby Arndt, Alyssa Barnett, Cody Nelson, Kaley Lindsay and Kevin Noack. Not pictured above are graduates, Jacob Hansen and Ashley Senske.