2011-09-23

westsidestory

[PAGES 3-7]

IOWA CITY WEST HIGH SCHOOL

2901 MELROSE AVE.

IOWA CITY,IA 52246

VOLUME 43, ISSUE 1

SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

WSSPAPER.COM

REMEMBERING OUR LOSSES

^^

ART BY//OLIVE CARROLLHACH

West High honors the lives of two unforgettable students.Their memories will remain with us.

EQUITY STATEMENT It is the policy of the Iowa City Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or socioeconomic status in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices. If you believe you have (or your child has) been discriminated against or treated unjustly at school, please contact the Equity Director, Ross Wilburn, at 509 Dubuque Street, 319-688-1000.

COVER ILLUSTRATION BY//FRANK WEIRICH AND ADAM CANADY

OF

You know that awkward moment when you realize you should have been addressing your history teacher as your highness? Find out which of your teachers was on their homecoming court.

[In-depth 6-7]

ROYAL PASTS

The West Side Story heads across town for an inside look at City High.

[A&E 14]

CITY LIFE

West High gives a special tribute to Caroline Found ’12.

REMEMBER RAYMONE THE KEYS TO SUCCESS

West High gives a special tribute to Raymone Bryant ’15.

World class piano player and arts aficionado Brittany Todd ’13 shines in this arts profile.

[Health 21]

[In-depth 4-5]

LIVE LIKE LINE

[News 11]

CONTENTS

[Feature 18-19 ]

SEPTEMBER

TABLE

5-6-7-8 West High students get their workout fix with dance moves and high kicks.

Check out page 21 for the lowdown on zumba.

WSS STAFF MEMBERS EDITORIAL POLICY ELEANOR MARSHALL [Editor-in-Chief] ANNA EGELAND [Design Editor, In-Depth Editor] CAROLINE VAN VOORHIS [Managing Editor] JULIANN SKARDA [Copy Editor] POMBIE SILVERMAN [Copy Editor, A&E Editor] QUENTIN MISIAG [Business Editor, Circulation Manager] BRENNA DEERBERG [News Editor] AMELIA MOSER [News Editor] BLAKE OETTING [Feature Editor] SHIRLEY WANG [Feature Editor] OLIVIA LOFGREN [Profiles Editor] ASHTON DUNCAN [Columns Editor, Social Media Editor, Web Staff] DAN ROTHMAN [Editorial Editor] LEELA SATHYAPUTRI [Comics Editor, Artist] ABBIE SKEMP [Photographer] FRANK WEIRICH [Photographer] ASHLYNN YOKOM [Artist] OLIVE CARROLLHACH [Artist, Designer] ANSEL LANDINI [Writer, Designer, Web Staff] KATIE MONS [Designer] LEAH MURRAY [Designer] TYLER VOSS [Designer] ADAM CANADY [Webmaster, Photographer] HANNAH RUBLAITUS [Web Manager] ZORA HURST [Web Manager, Artist] GRANT LEONARD [Video Editor, Web Staff] SHAMIS MCGILLIN [Photo Editor for the Web] FATIMA JAYOMA [Web Staff] NATHAN PETERSON [Staff] SARA JANE WHITTAKER [Adviser]

A full copy of the Editorial Policy is available in room 111.

The West Side Story reflects the views of the staff and does not represent the school administration, faculty, or student body. Guest articles may be accepted to represent an additional point of view or as part of a collection of reader contributions. The staff will carefully scrutinize all reader submissions.

All ads are subject to approval by the business staff. Those that are libelous, obscene or plainly offensive may be rejected. The West Side Story attempts to publish all letters, which must be signed, to the Editors, but may reject submissions due to space limitations, inaccuracy or poor quality. It is the responsibility of the opinion editor to verify authorship. Editors can make minor edits for the sake of clarity, length and grammatical correctness.

The West Side Story staff would like to dedicate Volume 43 to former Sports Editor Caroline Found.

Remembering

OUR LOSSES

There are two fewer students walking the hallways of West High School. Two empty desks in an emptier building. One less volleyball player on the court, one less runner on the track. The deaths of students Caroline Found and Raymone Bryant are felt in the overwhelming grief of an entire community. But their lives are felt in the uniting of a student body, in the support we offer and the understanding we show, in the smiles that break through the sadness, the laughter that penetrates the tears. They are with us in the unforgettable memories they shared with us. They are with us in the way we live just a little bit better, because we knew them and they taught us. They are with us.

LIVE LIKE LINE

BY OLIVIA LOFGREN olivia.lofgren@wsspaper.com

A note from the writer: This was the toughest article ever assigned to me. For those of you who did not know Caroline, she was one of my closest friends since kindergarden. I interviewed Caroline’s family, and although I could have interviewed endless students who Caroline impacted as well, I tried to convey her influence in my own words.

K

nowing Caroline Found was about knowing someone really special. Not just special because she was a good athlete, or special because she’s from West High, or special because she gave the word “fun” a whole new meaning.

Caroline was special because she connected with people, all people, no matter who they were or where they came from. Caroline had no prejudices, no biases, no age limit, no special requirements. She accepted people for who they were, despite any or all faults.

And let’s face it, we all have our faults.

Caroline had that unique gift that made people feel good about themselves, and gave people permission to be just that: themselves.

There were no boundaries in Caroline’s world. No cliques, no dress code, no sport inclusion, no age limit. There were no requirements to being a friend of Caroline’s. Those who she knew

loved her. Parents loved her, kids loved her, teachers loved her, even her competitors loved her. And if love is too strong a word, they appreciated her.

Caroline defined acceptance and made people smile.

“She taught me that no matter what the circumstances, that there is always a good reason to smile. And that no matter what, smiling can always make you, and other people around you, feel better,” said Ernie Found when describing his daughter’s perspective on life.

One of Caroline’s strongest attributes was the connection she had with her family. That strong connection with her own family – a demonstration of abundant and unconditional love - allowed her to invite others into a family she defined in her own way. That was another unique quality about Caroline. Family was

something she thought everyone should have.

“She was so expressive and it ALL SENIOR PORTRAITS BY// COUNTRY OAKS PHOTOGRAPHY

The West Side Story asked the volleyball and softball teams and the newspaper staff to write joint statements about how they will Live Like Line and work to honor and emulate their former teammate, Caroline Found.

Volleyball team statement Caroline was like the heart of our team, she was always the one we looked to in tough situations. She brought so much positive energy on the court and was the leader of our team. When someone made an error, Caroline was always the first one to be giving that person a high five and telling them not to worry, they’d get the next ball. Line gave other people confidence. We know that no one person can replace all of Line’s attributes to

the team. This season, we have asked everyone to try and pull away their favorite attribute of Line, so that she’s still a part of us in every way. This season, we are more inspired than ever, and everyone is trying to play with as much passion as Line did. We have more energy, work harder and are a lot closer as a team on and off the court. We are not only trying to Live Like Line, but Play Like Line.

was always so clear and easy to see how happy she was. I think she innately understood how to seize moments.

And most of all, she really just cared about the people she knew - they were the most important thing in her life,” said Gregg Found when describing his sister.

After someone dies, we realize how important they are because they are no longer here doing what they do every day. When talking with Catharine Found, Caroline’s sister, she described the memories as not just one single moment, but instead as memories that flow through her mind as she goes throughout her day and sees things, hears things or does things that remind her of something crazy that they did together. “When I’m just g o i n g through m y

everyday life, and I see something that makes me think of Caroline…It’s things like that, that just spur up memories and leave a smile on my face,” Catharine said.

Who knew that one person could affect so many students in one high school, so many people in one city, so many residents in one state, and so many citizens across the country? Anyone who knew somebody who knew her, or knew of her, or knew about the kind of person she was, has been touched by her and the way she chose to live her life.

“The times I spent with her were the best times in high school.Whenever I was sad or mad, I started talking to her, and all of a sudden I got happy - just because of her. I started talking to her about a month before she left us, and I honestly thought s h e was my best friend,” said Billy Jensen ’14.

I am not sure we all knew how much a simple accepting smile could touch the lives of so many.

So go about your days, but LIVE L I K E LINE.

Caroline Found, pictured to the left and far right, was a member of the varsity softball and volleyball teams as well as sports editor for the West Side Story.

Softball team statement

Newspaper staff statement

Live well, laugh often, love much, that was how she lived. She was always positive, and had a smile on her face whether times were good or bad.

Also, Caroline was there for anybody and everybody who needed it. She would make friends with anybody she came across, whether it was the most popular person at school or someone who didn’t have any friends, she’d be sure to make their day. She taught us how to look at life on the positive side instead of the negative. She proved to us that when you think you are having the worst day of your life that it’s really not that bad after all and that it could be a hundred times worse.

Caroline fell right into the newspaper family. She made everyone feel comfortable by doing funny things. She once attempted to pierce her ears with safety pins in the newsroom. She made up a rap to “Black and Yellow” to sing to the seniors on staff when they graduated last year. She had a daily pull-up competition on the door frame with herself. Basically, she brought fun and excitement to our staff. Not only did she add craziness to class and worknights, she was also extremely dedicated. When the girls

Even when you didn’t think she could make time for all of her friends in one day, she of course managed to do that. She is one of the few people that we know who would make time in the day for a friend over herself, she always put us first. Even though Caroline was not an everyday player on the softball team, it sure felt like she was. She was just a really lively player who made sure the team was always motivated. When we needed a laugh, she’d be the one we turn to. There is no doubt about it that we will miss her on the softball team next year, but she will always be in our hearts with us for every game.

Each of Caroline Found’s family members shared a favorite memory with the West Side Story.

Ernie Found, Father “I have ten thousand favorite memories with Caroline. One of my most favorite is when she went on the barn swing for the first time, she was about five and was very apprehensive about going, (on the swing) and I encouraged her to finally just go for it. Convinced, she let go, and she had the biggest

smile on her face. She stayed on the swing for an hour [that day], and I kept walking up the stairs then going again and again and again. Finally, Ellyn called them inside and as they were walking in she said Caroline looked at me and said ‘That was so much fun…that was the best ride ever.’”

Catherine Found, Sister “There are too many memories to count with my little sister, nor do I want to only count a few in the midst of all others. To be honest I do not have only one vivid memory with her. The memories flow as I go throughout my day and see things, hear things, do things that remind me of something we did. For example, the other day I was walking through the airport (on my way back from a volleyball trip) and was admiring the cool tile patterns on the floor. I then remembered the time that Line and I were coming back from a family vacation with our parents and we decided to act like we had

a serious case of OCD (like the man in the show MONK-one of Line’s all-time favorite shows), and Line and I would walk through the airport, only stepping on certain tiles and only touching certain poles. We eventually got so into it that we were walking and I ran all the way back to the women’s bathroom and touched the sign and then kept running again. Line did the same. It was hilarious, and you can imagine how embarrassed my parents were. But its things like that, that just spur up memories and leave a smile on my face.”

Gregg Found, Brother “I have thousands of favorite memories with Caroline, and I can’t pick one that’s better than the others. But here’s one of them: our family climbs a mountain in New Hampshire every year; it’s near the cathedral where my parents were married and has always been special to us. This year Caroline, Catharine and I climbed, the first time it had only been the three of us climbing. We chatted the whole way up and down during the climb, and we all wore purple shirts at the top for

Mom. We talked about being scared and unsure of the future and we talked about how lucky our lives were. Line was both so mature and so youthful that day. We all probably were. I think we each gained a little bit of an extra appreciation for family and for blessings that day. And we continued a tradition that our parents had started.

I’ll always value the pictures we took at the top and I’ll always remember that climb.”

made it to state the day before pages were due, Caroline stepped in and wrote the article because she wanted to recognize the team’s accomplishment. As a newspaper staff we want to Live Like Line by never getting too stressed out over deadlines, but instead learning to find the fun in every situation. We want to bring Caroline’s enthusiasm for life and zest into our classroom. We want to be committed to the newspaper, but also know when to step back and just do something crazy for the fun of it.

REMEMBER RAYMONE

BY ELEANOR MARSHALL

T

eleanor.marshall@wsspaper.com

ALL PHOTOS USED WITH PERMISSION FROM// TYSHIKA BRYANT

here are no words to describe the loss of Raymone Bryant, but so many to describe the beautiful life he lived.

Raymone passed away on Sept. 4 as the result of a house fire, but he is with us in the smiles we share, the hard work we do and the kindness we show.

Raymone, who was a freshman this year at West, loved being a kid, according to his brother Richard Bryant ’12.

The two would watch cartoons together all the time. Raymone particularly loved The Lion King.

“He could sing every song and act out every part. He would sing the songs all the time,” Richard said.

Raymone’s close friend Ali Ali ’15 describes him as a kid that was interested in everything.

“He was an explorer – a guy that wanted to know everything about life and wanted to do anything he could do,” Ali said.

According to Ali, Raymone was a popular kid that was a friend to everyone.

“He never left anyone out of anything. Like, if there wasn’t room in the car he would make room because he wanted to have fun with you, too, and he wouldn’t let you just stay home. … What I will never, ever forget about Raymone is how he was and that he always liked meeting new people and he would always stand out and everyone liked him,” Ali said.

Raymone’s cousin and close friend Tyshika Bryant ’15 agreed. One of her favorite memories with Raymone is when they were downtown with her sisters and missed the last bus. When they called a cab there wasn’t room for

all of them.

“He just said he would walk home [so we could all take the cab],” she said.

She remembers his kindness and playful personality.

“If he makes you mad, he’ll find a way to make you happy again,” she said.

Ali said that the two of them never let anything get between them – if something needed to be said, Raymone would just say it and they could both move on.

Another good friend, Shelby CarsonVillhauer ’15 said that not only was Raymone incredibly forgiving, he was always helpful to those that needed it and, above all, he was constantly cheerful and perpetually smiling.

Mateo Oyarzun ’15, a close friend that had many classes with Raymone, didn’t even have to think before saying that he would most miss Raymone’s smile – and remembers the way that smile was contagious, making everyone around him smile at the jokes he was always cracking.

“Every time I’m happy, I think of him, and how this is what he’d want me to do,” Carson-Villhauer said.

Richard said Raymone loved spending time with his many friends and was very close to his family. He loved to sleep in his brothers’ rooms.

“When I was in sixth grade he would’ve been in third or fourth grade and I was at the Iowa basketball camp and he was at the camp for gymnastics and I had another roommate in a twoperson room and he had this three-person room all to himself. …He would come in our room all the time and we made him, like, a poncho to sleep in and it was just really funny. One time he convinced me to sleep there. I don’t know how,” Richard said.

Tyshika said Raymone loved to have fun, but he also knew how to be serious and he worked very hard in school.

[ ] “HE WAS AN

EXPLORER-

The Hood

By Raymone Bryant In Miami at the projects in the park in 2002 at 7:30 p.m. humid and hot

A GUY THAT WANTED TO

cars driving by

KNOW EVERYTHING

kids running around

ABOUT LIFE AND WANTED

TO DO ANYTHING

HE COULD DO.” Ali Ali ’15

He loved to do homework and earned excellent grades.

“One time I came home and all his books, and I mean all his books, were laid out on the floor and he was just doing all his homework. … He was going to have a bright future ahead because he worked so hard and got ready for after high school,” Richard said.

Megan Marquardt, Raymone’s Success Center teacher at Northwest Junior High, said he came to class every day ready to work and to ask questions when he needed help. His Language Arts teacher, Kevin Recknor, described Raymone as a successful student whose caring personality shone in class.

“Once, Raymone wrote an essay about how he would change the world if he could. In the essay, he said, ‘If I could change the world, I would give everyone $50 every year so everyone could buy extra things.’ This made me smile because the quote epitomizes his innocence and his open, giving heart.

That’s the Raymone I know,” Recknor said.

Jess Harris, who is the coordinator for AMP, a UAY mentoring program at Northwest, was also touched by his relentless hard work coupled with deep kindness.

“Last December I took Raymone to complete his service learning project for Personal Development. We went to the mall to wrap presents to raise money for United Action for Youth. Raymone had never really wrapped a present before but he did not let that stop him. He learned to wrap presents and brought smiles to people’s faces as he gave them their gifts. I loved watching him interact with the people. He was so kind, and in true Raymone form, he did it all with a Christmas bow stuck to his sweatshirt,” she said.

Paul Donaldson met Raymone when he was in his fourth grade class at Penn

Elementary and continued his relationship with Raymone through a mentoring program at Parkview Church. He said Raymone was willing to work for five or six hours on his homework and that he was genuinely interested in studying the Bible – and in living it out.

“The thing that I most admired about him is that he was teachable, and by that I mean that if he was dealing with a situation with a teacher at school it wasn’t like he was hardheaded about that. He was willing to grow and willing to change. … I think the most important thing is that he admitted that he wasn’t perfect, and as a result of that when he looked in the Bible and saw that Jesus asked everyone to be in a relationship with Him, and to ask for forgiveness, Raymone knew enough to ask for and receive that gift. He was willing to give up control and just be teachable,” Donaldson said.

Raymone worked hard on more than school work, with heavy involvement in sports. He was a standout track runner.

His track coach in seventh and eighth grade, Gerry Coleman, said Raymone often started relays for the team, leading in the sprint medley relay, distance medley relay and 4x100. Coleman said he was able to count on Raymone to work hard always – no excuses.

“Raymone would be a good role model. If kids were to work like Raymone did at track or at anything at life they would be incredibly successful. …He really brought a positive attitude to our track team. On days when the weather was bad and other kids might have been complaining he just came out and did his job and he got a lot of respect for that,” he said.

Raymone’s hard work and huge heart will be remembered always.

“He loved everybody. He was loved,” Carson-Villhauer said.

and on swings trains, birds, dogs barking, and airplanes it smells like garbage leaves flying off trees me just sitting on my steps looking feeling someday I’m gonna get out of this place

Raymone Bryant, pictured to the far left, above and below, was a standout track runner, an active member of Parkview church and a hardworking student.

Meet the board PAGE DESIGN BY//BRENNA DEERBERG

Get to know the new school board members and their plans for West

BY AMELIA MOSER

moser.amelia@wsspaper.com An important step in deciding what direction our school district is headed in was made early last week. Elections for new school board members were held on Tuesday, September 13th. Patti Fields, Sally Hoelscher, Jeffrey McGinness, Karla Cook and Marla Swesey all earned a spot this year. Their goals for the future of the district, and West High specifically, give us some insight as to how this year will turn out.

Karla Cook Karla Cook chose to join the school board after being a teacher.

“I’d like to help out West High…it looks very busy,” Cook said.

One of her main goals is to increase communication among board members, as well as between the board the public.

“I have a very abiding interest in the students…I want to provide the best quality education we can,” Cook said.

Jeffrey McGinness As a product of the Iowa City Community School District, Jeffrey McGinness decided to come back and join the school board. One of his main concerns is moving forward without negativity. “[Overcrowding] is getting to be an issue…it’s something that needs to be managed in a positive way,” McGinness said.

Overcrowding in schools isn’t his only objective.

“My wife and I value education [here]...I want to ensure...all kids have the same opportunity I had,” McGinness said.

Marla Swesey As a regular attendee of school board meetings, Marla Swesey decided to stop standing on the sidelines and join the board herself. “[My goals are to] make sure we are fiscally responsible and every decision we make needs to be made with the knowledge of how it impacts students and the classrooms,” Swesey said.

Swesey has always been a strong supporter of public schools.

“I want to make sure kids...are getting the best quality education we can give,” Swesey said.

Sally Hoelscher

Sally Hoelscher went from being an avid, long-time volunteer and educator in the public school system to becoming a school board member.

“A friend asked me to consider running,” said Hoelscher.

Some of her goals are to begin long-term planning for finances and staffing, and to see enrollment numbers at West decrease to help with the over-crowding.

“I would...like to see the school board regain the trust of the community. Increased visibility and transparency of district processes is also important,” Hoelscher said.

Patti Fields Of the five members recently elected, Patti Fields is the only one who has served on the board previously. Prior to getting elected this year, Fields had been part of the board for 6 years, according to a statement printed in the Press Citizen.

“Continuing to provide the best education possible in supportive learning environments will require creativity, community partnerships and hard work,” said Fields.

Fields acknowledged that the school board’s moves in the near future will be important.

“We are at a critical point in our long-range planning in the district,” Fields said.

The West Side Story was unable to reach Fields for comment. All quotes were compiled from a statement printed in the Press Citizen.

08 NEWS

THESE STATS FEATURING WEST HIGH PUT THE “TRADITION” IN “EXCELLENCE IS A TRADITION.”

RUMOR BUSTER CAFETERIA REMODEL STILL ON?

Originally, cafeteria renovations were expected to occur last summer, but never happened.

“We’re [still] remodeling the cafeteria to make it more like a food court […] more aesthetically inviting,” Principal Dr. Jerry Arganbright said.

Meanwhile, Arganbright said serving food in the ninth grade commons is helping to relieve some of the overcrowding in the cafeteria.

CONFIRMED

NEW SOCCER FIELD: COMPLETION IN SIGHT?

After all the excitement about building a soccer field and the generous donations put forth, students are anxious to know when it will actually be ready.

They’ll be happy to hear it won’t be long.

“It should be all done […] by the end of October,” said Principal Dr. Jerry Arganbright.

The boys’ and girls’ soccer teams will finally be able to play on their own field during soccer season this spring.

CONFIRMED

BUDGET BATTLE NO. 2?

Round two of the budget cuts difficulty is likely to occur this year.

“I think [budget cuts are] going to be a long process,” said Principal Dr. Jerry Arganbright.

Last year the school board was able to evade cutting teachers’ positions, but the problem has yet to be completely eradicated.

“One thing we don’t want to do is lose programs for students – that’s number one,” Arganbright said.

CONFIRMED

WHAT IN THE WORLD? PAGE DESIGN BY//CAROLINE VAN VOORHIS

[Southern Sweden]

[Colorado]

A man was arrested in southern Sweden for attempting to set up a nuclear reactor in his kitchen. He became worried when his stove experienced a nuclear meltdown and asked the authorities if his little project was legal. A police raid ensued.

A man in Colorado tried to make large fireworks by dissembling smaller ones. He used a coffee grinder to mix the smaller fireworks and was severely burned.

[Michigan]

Police arrested a Michigan man for reckless driving after hitting four cars. When he realized his brakes had failed, he opened his door and attempted to continue driving, using his left foot to brake manually.

[China]

In China, a four-year-old girl was allowed to drive her parents’ car on a highway. After seeing the video her parents took of her driving, the police could do nothing to stop the girl, because tickets can’t be issued to children under the age of 14.

[Austraila]

A man plead guilty of theft in Australia. He was arrested after authorities spotted a store safe hanging precariously out of the back of his car.

COMPILED BY// BRENNA DEERBERG ART BY//ASHLYNN YOKOM

Three students score a perfect on ACT

BY BRENNA DEERBERG brenna.deerberg@wsspaper.com

Patrick Tierney

By the time you’ve finished reading this article, Patrick Tierney ’12 could have read this entire news magazine cover to cover. Tierney achieved the much coveted 36 on his ACT this summer. Tierney accredits his success on his third ACT to his increased reading speed, courtesy of his English classes. Tierney sees reading speed as one of the most important skills for taking the ACT. “[The ACTs are all about] test Patrick Tierney ’12 taking skills and reading fast,” Tierney said.

However, friend Evan McCarthy ’12 thinks Tierney’s success isn’t only thanks to his improved skill set.

“When he really wants something he has a way of focusing incredibly effectively. It’s really impressive to see it happen,” McCarthy said.

Tierney is involved in both math club and physics club, as well as band, but denies that knowledge from any of these activities helped him attain a perfect score.

As far as preparing for the test goes, Tierney finds studying unnecessary.

“I did not study, except for taking [the test] a few times before,” Tierney said.

As for the future…

“I’m working on it,” Tierney said.

Hilah Kohen

Hilah Kohen ’14 is a member of many West High clubs, including: debate, EcoCentric, math club, National History Day, International Affairs Club, West High Democrats and Slow Foods. In April, Kohen added a perfect ACT score to her resume.

Kohen’s method of study was to take the test twice prior to receiving her perfect score, once in seventh grade and again in eighth grade. However, she feels the information she has learned in high school helped to improve her score.

“I feel like a lot of my classes .

Hilah Kohen ’14 . . prepared me for the ACT that year,” Kohen said. “A lot of the clubs [that I am in] are less academically oriented, but still help give you some perspective,” Kohen said.

“She’s a hard worker, and she’s dedicated to what she does,” said fellow International Affairs and National History Day member Joe Henderson ’12.

Although Kohen said her classes helped her succeed, she feels that the ACT is a test of test taking skills more than anything.

“Technically you can know nothing about [the subject] and still get a perfect score on it,” Kohen said.

Being familiar with the format, which Kohen describes as similar to the ITBS tests, is one of the main reasons her scores improved quickly.

After high school, Kohen plans to study either science or law.

Linda Xiong

Everybody’s felt it - the sudden panic the night before a test that drives you to finally study. Linda Xiong ’12, frantically flipped through practice tests the night before her second ACT test, and still managed to ace it.

“The night before I was like, ‘Oh shoot! I have to take a test.

I should probably do something about it,’” Xiong said. “[Xiong] has this ability to ace tests after studying only five minutes before,” said friend Jaja Yang ’12.

While Xiong did cram some study time in the night before, Linda Xiong ’12 she claims that having prior knowledge of the subject matter isn’t as important as having good test taking skills.

“It’s basically about reasoning, so basic stuff you learn in junior high about interpreting what you read. Except for the math. There might be some Algebra II in there, but that’s about it,” Xiong said.

And what about Xiong’s best prep advice for this test?

“Don’t freak out,” Xiong said. “You can always retake it. It’s not a big deal. ... Just know what the questions are asking you.”

Xiong plans to attend medical school in the future, but she isn’t sure what kind of doctor she wants to be just yet.

“I used to think I wanted to be a pediatrician, but then I realized that I can’t stand kids, so that doesn’t work anymore,” Xiong said.

WEST HIGH WAS NAMED ONE OF AMERICA’S BEST HIGH SCHOOLS BY NEWSWEEK MAGAZINE.

09 NEWS

PAGE DESIGN BY//OLIVE CARROLLHACH

New clubs at West Zombie Club

We the People

BY AMELIA MOSER

BY AMELIA MOSER

Lots of organizations conduct research and many discuss future problems the human race will face. Some probably consider themselves to be pretty unique, but none seem to be quite like the Zombie Research Society, one of West’s newest clubs.

“Zombie movies really scare me…but I joined because it’s really interesting and unique,” said Lauren Charles ’14.

Members do, well, just about anything zombie-related. They read zombie books, watch zomART BY// ASHLYNN YOKOM bie movies, discuss zombies they even “zombify” themselves they share what they learn by distorting photos to look like through a blog and a webpage. zombies.

“I just finished my 120th zom- That being said, the safest thing bie book,” said Gary Neuzil, di- to do is probably just go to the meetings on Wednesdays and rector of the club, at a meeting.

All of this is in preparation for learn about these dangerous zombies yourself. Just follow the inevitable zombie apocalypse the students wearing bloodthat is on the horizon, according splattered shirts – you’ll find to the club webpage. Luckily for those not yet part of the club, the club meeting in no time.

While ICCSD students and faculty managed to avoid major cuts due to budget constraints last year, We the People was not so lucky. Starting this year, funding for the We the People program has been cut down, the national competition has been downgraded and is no longer offered as an independent studies course.

Just last year West High’s group of students made it all the way to Washington, D.C. by winning the state competition, led by director Gary Neuzil.

We the People competes in teams of 3-5 high school students who focus on a unit relating to the U.S. Constitution.

During the state competition, held at West on Nov. 19, the team of students will stand before a panel of judges, and

amelia.moser@wsspaper.com

Young Democrats

BY ANSEL LANDINI

ansel.landini@wsspaper.com Politics can be compared to a zoo. Some are elephants, some are donkeys, some are “donkephants,” and some are just monkeys.

But in this colorfully animal world, the donkeys are walking into the elephants’ cages hoping to stir, and educate, everyone looking through the cage walls.

The Young Democrats Club is a new section in the political clubs of West aiming to educate the public on what’s happening in the political world

10 NEWS

amelia.moser@wsspaper.com

and help out President Barack Obama in any way they can.

“We want to give people an idea of what politics really is,” said Kasra Zarei ’13, Young Democrats Club president.

The club started when Zarei and supporters spoke with Matt Beltrami, the Regional Director of the Johnson County Caucus, who encouraged them to make the club and try to help out.

The club hopes to start political debates between the Young Republicans club. Zarei stresses though that these debates would be light-hearted and informational.

will give a four minute oral presentation answering three questions previously given to them. After that there is a six minute question and answer session with the judges.

“It’s an avenue where I can provide students above and beyond what we can accomplish in the classroom…and there’s no such thing as knowing too much about your Constitution,” Neuzil said.

Neuzil’s students seem to agree.

“I’m a citizen of the U.S., so I think it’s important to know exactly what the government’s doing … I really appreciated looking at government from a different point of view,” said Elizabeth Vandenberg ’12, one of last year’s participants.

We the People meets Mondays on a weekly basis and is looking for additional members in room 225.

PHOTO BY// ABBIE SKEMP

We the People members work together at their meeting.

“We’re old enough to help campaign for our candidates and to see what Republicans and Democrats have to say,” Zarei said.

With spirits high and political enthusiasm higher, the Young Democrats plan to have a first year that will get ideas circulating and students excited to learn about the political spectrum and what the candidates out there are saying to them.

“Down the road your political party is going to face these issues and you [students] are going to be important in deciding how they’re solved,” Zarei said.

PHOTO BY// ABBIE SKEMP

The Young Democrats design t-shirts and discuss volunteer opportunities at their meeting.

TWENTY SEVEN WEST HIGH SENIORS WERE NAMED SEMIFINALISTS IN THE 2012 NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, THE MOST IN THE STATE OF IOWA.

PAGE DESIGN BY// TYLER VOSS PAGE DESIGN BY//TYLER VOSS

Students grab their books and head to class during City High’s passing time.

PHOTOS BY// ADAM CANADY

East side story The WSS spends a day at City High

BY ELEANOR MARSHALL eleanor.marshall@wsspaper.com

The school boasts one of the highest ACT scores in the state. Last year, musicians numbering in the teens attended all-state from its bands, choirs and orchestras. It houses active extracurriculars like sports, speech and debate and newspaper.

Which school am I describing?

Elegant wood floors and large windows abound. Some hallways are almost empty during passing time. The students are decked out and face-painted in red and white beads.

Now which one?

The answer is the same: City High, however you describe it. I headed over to spend an entire day at the school that leads. I shadowed City High student Alexandra Perez ’13 and photographer and videographer Zora Hurst ’13 shadowed City High student Jason Arnold ’13 on Sept. 9.

Students are students In first period Chemistry Honors, students chatter quietly and scribble answers as their teacher, Greg Muilenburg, makes the rounds. Muilenburg says he taught at West twenty-something years ago when it was just grades 10, 11 and 12. Back then, Northwest was overcrowded.

“Truly there’s not much difference [between City High and West High].

Students are students, they’re all Iowa City [citizens],” he said.

Philp Lala, formerly a chemistry teacher at West, moved to City for the 2010-2011 school year and is now a comfortable bike ride away from his job as a Foundations of Science teacher.

He, too, had to think for several seconds before he could identify the biggest difference between City and West.

His answer: City High is smaller.

“There’s this perception that City and West are two completely separate schools, but in reality, there isn’t some huge difference. … Iowa City is lucky to have three great high schools, Tate included,” Lala said.

Perhaps the strongest piece of evidence backing this claim was the classes themselves. The Spanish classes chanted the same verb conjugations, Perez was in a hurry to head to play practice after school and throughout the day students studied from the same textbooks and moved according to the same bell schedule.

During fifth period AP Government with Jeanine Redlinger students held a mock Congress to amend the Articles of Confederation. Redlinger, wearing red and white striped toe socks in honor of the big game, smiled in exasperation that the class couldn’t seem to pass a motion. Finally, they agreed to establish a national tribunal of judges.

The We, the People program, offered as an extracurricular at West, is integrated into the AP Government classes at City, and Redlinger announced that

City High students eat lunch in the cafeteria. the class will begin work on their speeches in the coming weeks.

The school that leads That’s not to say there aren’t any differences.

The most obvious one: the building.

City High beats West at stateliness almost as badly as it beats us at football.

Inside, the older classrooms have hardwood floors and wooden wall paneling.

And there are windows everywhere.

The layout is filled with twists from frequent additions to the original frame.

The elegant and expansive auditorium will house Peter Pan later this fall, and Arnold reports that a company from Las Vegas will make “flying” possible using harnesses during the shows Oct. 14-16.

“All my West friends are jealous of our auditorium,” Arnold said, The classrooms, on the other hand, are smaller than West’s.

We struggled to find an unoccupied seat in all the classes we attended, but rooms were filled with class sizes in the mid-to-high twenties, significantly smaller than West High’s rooms that are often populated in the mid-to-high thirties. The stairways feel less jam-packed, the lunch lines are shorter and City High Principal John Bacon says he doesn’t think overcrowding is a problem.

The school currently houses 1,400 students (West carries almost 1,900), though its capacity is estimated at 1,600 and Bacon feels confident that with the upcoming 16-classroom ad-

dition the school could accommodate 1,700 students.

That’s not to say the school is empty.

Arnold says he has noticed a marked increase in the population of the school over the last several years. And Spanish teacher Bonnie Hall started class by asking if every student had “a place to sit that’s not falling apart.”

This year, two of the choirs practice during the same period, putting the chamber choir in the relatively small choir room and putting the freshmen girls’ choir in an even smaller practice room.

Thankfully, said choir director Greg Grove, a two story addition will be completed for the 2013-2014 school year, greatly expanding the facilities.

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm City has undergone some less concrete renovations in recent years. This is Bacon’s second year as principal, a long anticipated return to the school he graduated from in 1992. And according to Chip Hardesty, hall monitor and tennis coach who knows “everything about everyone” according to Arnold, Bacon’s energetic leadership has made a huge impact on the atmosphere.

“Lots of educators preach about customer service and being studentcentered, but he actually believes it,” Hardesty said. continued, pg. 15

WEST’S GIRLS’ BASKETBALL TEAM ADVANCED TO THE FINALS OF THE STATE TOURNAMENT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY LAST SPRING.

11 NEWS

PAGE DESIGN BY//POMBIE SILVERMAN

ON THE ARTS

BRITTANY TODD ’13 PHOTO BY//ZORA HURST

MY FIRST ALBUM Well, my first [album] was the soundtrack to Freaky Friday. But, more relevantly, [I got] Greatest Hits by Mozart. I grew up with classical music and because of that I was immersed in it.

THE FIRST GIG I ATTENDED My brother sang with the children’s choir and he was in a concert, but it was entirely vocal. Later on when I grew up I joined the same choir that he was in.

MY FIRST RECITAL The first “gigs” I played were just regular piano recitals. After that, about one year later, I played in the World Piano Competition and placed third out of everyone. It felt really good, and it inspired me to keep playing.

FIRST SONG I FELL IN LOVE WITH “Nocturnes” [by] Chopin. It’s a collection of pieces. I like it because he’s a romantic artist. The music is lenient and emotional, just as a style in general. It’s a very non-strict style and he’s been my favorite composer ever since then.

FAVORITE KEY My favorite key is B-flat minor. I don’t really know why I like it. It’s a very melancholy key. I don’t know why, it just reminds me of a rainy day and the music that would be playing during one.

FAVORITE BOOK The 13 Half-lives of Captain Bluebear by Walter Moers. It’s a really long novel and the first time you take it pretty literally. It’s lighthearted I guess but it’s easy to re-read and each [time] affects how you take the inner meaning of the

ALL-STATE SINGER AND GOODTIME MEMBER DISCUSSES B-FLAT MINOR SCALES, THE DIVERSITY OF NEW YORK CITY, AND THE 13 HALF-LIVES OF CAPTAIN BLUEBEAR 12 A&E

WEST HIGH STUDENT’S AVERAGE ACT SCORE WAS THE HIGHEST IN THE STATE.

book - how the trials early in life lead to the life you live. Kind of like how my early experiences when playing piano have affected my playing now.

MUSIC I’M INTO Mostly classical. But I also like Sarah McLachlan and Adele. I listen to a wide variety, really. One time at a volleyball tournament a girl wanted to borrow my iPod before the game.

And she gave it back to me saying their was nothing good on it because it was all classical music and it didn’t pump her up.

FAVORITE MOVIE “The Ultimate Gift” because it’s so sappy and sad. It has a lot of re-watch value too. And it’s melancholy, like the tone of music I like to listen to [and] play.

FAVORITE PLACE I’VE BEEN New York City. It’s just the wide variety of diverse people. You might see one guy totally casual, or some business man in his suit and tie versus someone who’s just crazy.

FAVORITE PLACE When I’m feeling creative or just want to be alone I go to a tree in my backyard. I can sit under this tree and just feel creative. I like being outside and in nature. I sometimes go here when I’m thinking about writing music. It’s less stuffy, it’s just more natural and peaceful.

COMPILED BY// ANSEL LANDINI

PAGE DESIGN BY//POMBIE SILVERMAN

P.O.S.

September upcoming events

Of the month

COMPILED BY// ASHTON DUNCAN

P OW D E R P U F F / M A N - B A L L @ WEST Monday, September 26 Powderpuff 3:30-5 p.m., Man-ball 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

INSANE CLOWN POSSE @ VAL AIR BALLROOM (DES MOINES) Tuesday September 27 at 7p.m.

Doors open at 6 p.m. to Insane Clown Posse’s 2011 American Psycho Tour.

Advance tickets are $20, $35 day of show.

PLAIN WHITE T’S @ BLUE MOOSE TAP HOUSE Tuesday September 27 at 6 p.m.

Doors open at 5 p.m. to this all-ages show in downtown Iowa City. The Plain White T’s (along with the Summer Set, Allison Park and the Downtown Fiction) will be performing, tickets are on sale for $18-20.

JOE RAIOLA @ ENGLERT Friday, September 23 at 8 p.m.

The senior editor of MAD magazine is performing American Heretic, a oneman satirical comedy at the Englert.

Admission is $20 to the general public, $15 for students.

COMPLETE THE

LYRICS

with Carolyn Walling

ALLOY ORCHESTRA @ ENGLERT Friday, September 30 at 8 p.m.

The Alloy orchestra writes and performs accompaniments to silent films. At the Englert, they will be reconstructing “Metropolis” with their of strange mixture instruments and objects, both mundane and unique.

Admission is $15 reserved, $12 for students.

WEST HIGH HOMECOMING DANCE @ MARRIOT Saturday October 1 at 7:30 p.m.

- 10:30 p.m.

Dance the night away at the Marriott as a lucky dancing queen and king are chosen to live the teenage dream. Or at least just bust a move.

DIVERSITY DINNER AND LANGUAGE OPEN HOUSE @ RMS 208 AND 211 Thursday, October 6 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

West is having the annual language open house, where parents and students alike can partake in the food and culture of Germany, France and Spain, sponsored by the World Language classes.

WSS: Take me by the tongue, and I’ll know you/ Kiss me till you’re _____ (Moves Like Jagger, Maroon 5) WALLING: “Done with your homework.”

WSS: There’s a pounding in my head / Glitter all over the room, pink flamingos in _____ (Last Friday Night, Katy Perry) WALLING: “The Zoo.” WSS: And we gonna make you lose your mind/We just wanna see you shake that/Every day I’m ____ (Party Rock Anthem, LMFAO) WALLING: “Working on conversation.”

JANELLE MONAE & FUN. @ IMU Wednesday, October 12 at 6:30p.m.

Janelle Monae, two-time Grammy nominated R&B singer performs at the Iowa Memorial Union Wednesday October 12th. Monae will perform from her debut album, The ArchAndroid.

Monae is well-rounded in the music industry, having having toured with big names like of Montreal, Prince, and Katy Perry.

UNIVERSITY OF IOWA HOMECOMING WEEK Week of October 15 - 22 Festivities for Homecoming Week start Oct. 15 and don’t end until gameday Oct. 22, Hawkeyes vs. Indiana. The Homecoming parade is Oct. 21 at 5:45 p.m. in downtown Iowa City, featuring West’s marching band and starting at Iowa Avenue.

1997 Chevrolet Cavalier RS (two-door)

Shelby Craig ’12

• Cost $500 • Cost $500 • Cost $500

“The driver side seat-belt doesn’t click in so I literally have to sit on it.”

See video & more @ wsspaper.com!

WSS: I got some pictures on the phone/New names and numbers that I don’t know/ Addresses to places like____ (Good Life, One Republic) WALLING: “Panchero’s and McDonald’s.”

WSS: I really got a thing for American guys/I mean, sigh, sickenin’ eyes/I can tell that you’re in touch with _____ (Super Bass, Nicki Minaj) WALLING: “All your significant figure rules.”

COMPILED BY// ANSEL LANDINI

• “When I bought it, there were no hubcaps so I had to buy some myself and put them on. Also, my passenger side window was broken by my sister during the summer. A couple days before it happened, the window started acting ‘weird’ and then when my little sister Heather tried rolling it down and it wouldn’t go down and back up completely.”

COMPILED BY// QUENTIN MISIAG

FOR FIVE OF THE PAST SIX YEARS, WEST HAS HAD MORE ALL-STATE SINGERS THAN ANY OTHER SCHOOL IN THE STATE.

13

A&E

PAGE DESIGN BY//POMBIE SILVERMAN

SEPTEMBER STAFF PICKS

PHOTO BY//DAN ROTHMAN

THE RIP TIDE

BEIRUT

3

Z’MARIKS NOODLE CAFÉ

1

Think mac & cheese is just for kids?

Z’Mariks Noodle Café is out to change that perception. The local favorite offers a wide variety of quality dishes, but the Mac ’N’ Cheese Bowls are undeniably the standouts. All the pasta tastes very fresh, and the noodles come smothered in delicious cheese. Plus, with four different

varieties of Mac ’N’ Cheese, there are plenty of opportunities to get adventurous. Although the recent opening of Noodles & Company has created a new battle for Iowa City noodle supremacy, Z’Mariks is definitely the suprerior choice.

With a combination of delicious dishes and local feel, Z’Mariks offers everything you could want in a Noodle resteraunt. Make sure to check out their special Mac Mon-

DRIVE

NICOLAS WINDING REFN, RYAN GOSLING

2

Every so often a film comes along that transcends its subject matter. Drive is exactly such a movie. The plot contains its fair share of crime movie clichés, but these tropes are surrounded by a film that is at once incredibly violent and yet incredibly beautiful.

Indeed, the direction by Nicolas Winding Refn (Bronson, Valhalla Rising) is one of the best parts of the film. The world of Drive is a 14 A&E

gorgeous one, a throwback to the films of the 1970’s. This nostalgic feel extends all the way to the plot about a getaway driver, played fantastically by Ryan Gosling (The Notebook, Half Nelson) fighting for his life. The film is very violent, but that action is juxtaposed by a strongplot and fantastic acting, making Drive one of the best movies of the year so far.

COMPILED BY// DAN ROTHMAN

day deal to get a bowl of delicious Mac ’N’ Cheese for just four dollars, and feel free to try spicing up your meal with a wide variety of surprising yet delicious toppings including shrimp and chicken.

Beirut is back with all the nostalgia of an antique circus…and maybe some music, too. The Rip Tide is short and to the point, with nine distinct tracks remniscent of the 1900’s. The album is layered with clunky brass melodies that graze everything from polka to mariachi. Fortunately, melancholy songs like “Goshen” with its simple piano and snare drum accents add diversity, deterring that eternal band-concert vibe. The Rip Tide seems to have what Beirut’s past albums have been lacking; it’s a little bit experimental without straying too far from their signature sound.

The mournful whine of the horns carries Zach Condon’s sappy tenor gloriously through the very last track. “Santa Fe” is clearly the standout track, with its upbeat baseline and catchy vocal hooks. This album is a wild ride, but it is not for the motion-sick and should be listened to in brief intervals; after a while it starts to feel like a merry-go-round in an old-fashioned circus that just won’t stop.

COMPILED BY// ANNA EGELAND

COMPILED BY// DAN ROTHMAN

4

PANDORA RADIO APP

Pandora is where people turn to when they realize they’ve spent all of their iTunes money at Panchero’s.

There are two sides to this app: Pandora One, which you pay for, and Pandora, which you don’t. Both are a feasible option for all of your music listening needs, with the free version being slightly more cramped with less allowed listening time, lower music quality and ads. Both apps generate playlists of music you’ll want to listen to from bands you may or may not have even heard of, basing their choices on your preferences, gathered from your thumbs up or thumbs down on songs.

While it takes some time for Pandora to settle on your individual tastes, it’s worth adding their freebies to your musical repertoire without the stress on your wallet.

COMPILED BY// ASHTON DUNCAN

WEST HIGH WAS RANKED FOURTH OUT OF 50 IOWA SCHOOLS AS A PROVIDER OF AP CLASSES BY THE BELIN-BLANK CENTER’S IOWA AP INDEX.

Tennis star returns to West

PAGE DESIGN BY//SHIRLEY WANG

BY JULIANN SKARDA

juliann.skarda@wsspaper.com Paint a picture of family, a mother and a father with three daughters, established in their Adrienne Jensen ’14 c o m munity and school district. Then pluck the mother and the daughter from their home and drop them into a new city in a new state and surround them with new people. In this case, don’t forget to place the daughter in a morning home schooling program and keep her occupied with a strict tennis regimen each night. Two years later, put

everyone back where they started.

This is real life for Adrienne Jensen ’14. Jensen and her mother, Martha Jensen, moved to Kansas City, Kansas two years ago to pursue her goal of becoming a top, nationally-ranked tennis player.

“My daily routine changed drastically.

I did school in the morning, and from 1 to 6:30 at night, I was on the tennis court, working individually with a coach and with other players. It was a very competitive environment,” Jensen said.

Despite leaving behind a close-knit group of friends, Jensen’s time in Kansas City proved worthwhile. She has returned to West as a nationallyranked tennis player in the top 50, an impressive climb from an already noteworthy ranking between 400-500.

Jensen’s commitment to tennis has allowed her to travel and

to compete all over the country.

“Tennis has allowed me to visit cities that I wouldn’t have, and I am appreciative of that. I travel to California quite often for national tournaments, along with Las Vegas, Texas and Florida for similar events,” Jensen said.

Her training paid off when she qualified for the 16’s National Tennis Tournament in San Diego, CA, one of the most competitive junior tournaments according to her sister Lauren Jensen ’04. She then played in a regional tournament in Oklahoma, but was forced to pull out after the death of her close friend Caroline Found.

Jensen’s talent on the court is not limited to tennis skill as she has also won numerous sportsmanship awards.

“One trait of which I’m particularly proud is her integrity on and off the tennis court. [It] has been recognized

at many different regional and national tournaments . . .and she has received a large number of sportsmanship awards.

She is competitive but always fair, and she has a heart of gold,” Lauren said.

Jensen made the decision to return to Iowa City based on her desire to return to public school. Now she is rediscovering the balance between tennis, friends and academics.

“Now that I am back in Iowa City, I am trying to piece together a program for myself, which consists of playing matches, off court training [and] a little bit of soccer with my friends to keep it fun and to keep my footwork up,” Jensen said.

While Jensen does not plan on becoming a professional tennis player, she feels that she in now one step closer to her dream of playing division one tennis in college.

East side story continued from pg. 11 The students would seem to agree.

Perez and Arnold both said Bacon is popular around school.

“There’s no question: I love our school,” Bacon said, decked out in the red and white City High gear he wears every Friday.

Bacon said he is guided by a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson he has framed in his office: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”

Bacon has focused his energy on the greatness of involving every student in something positive – and works to foster academic and extracurricular excellence along with strong school spirit, which he said is a City High tradition.

Bacon works hard to make students feel like they have a voice in the operation of their school. He attends student senate meetings monthly – offering students a forum with him, and he emphasized his pride in their thoughtfulness and the sense of community they create.

His school pride is more obviously manifested in the motto found everywhere – from doormats to the secretaries’ telephone greetings – City High: the school that leads. According to Bacon, the saying has been special to him since his own City High principal Howard Vernon used it frequently during Bacon’s high school years.

“I don’t want it to sound competitive or arrogant. … It’s not saying we’re the best, or we’re the only school that leads, that’s not what leadership is about – putting people down. …Great leadership inspires other people to be great also,” he said.

In fact, Bacon had some inspiring words for West High principal Jerry Arganbright.

“I want Dr. Arganbright to know that he has a standing invitation to be the speaker of honor at one of our spirit assemblies,” he joked. And then more seriously, “His career is a model for a new high school principal like me. …I want West to know that we have tremendous respect for your great high school,” he said.

A demilitarizing line Bacon said that the City-West rivalry is better than it has been for a long time. And that such civility should be an expectation.

“Both high schools have great kids. …I cannot imagine why someone would not like someone who goes to another school. That doesn’t make sense,” he said.

According to Hardesty, it isn’t the kids drawing boundaries.

“The [community’s perception of City High] is so completely off-centered.

Five years ago we had one day with a series of scuffles and there was publicity about the scuffles and it colors people’s view. … I would guess it’s more adults

and it’s completely not fact-based. It’s sort of like cocktail rumor. But [moving from West to City is] as if you’re crossing a demilitarizing line in Beirut,” he said.

This sentiment was seconded by City High student Ellen Kealey ’12, who feels that although West High students know that City High students are similar, City High is looked down upon by the community because local newspapers provide unequal coverage of the schools’ achievements.

Kealey, Hardestly and Bacon all agreed that City High’s academics are far from lagging. Bacon emphasized that the course offerings are virtually the same at both high schools. In 2011, City’s average ACT score was 25.1, among the top five in the state, and West’s was 25.7, top in the state, compared to the statewide average of 22.3.

Hardesty said that not only is City academically on par with West, too much is made of assumed racial and socioeconomic differences between the two schools. According to the 2010-2011 ICCSD Enrollment Report, 21.11% West High students were eligible for free and reduced lunch last school year, compared to 28.60% of City High students. According to the same study, West High was composed of 29.84% minority students, compared to City High’s 29.65% minority students.

“It bothers me that skin pigmentation is the only thing we look at [to deter-

mine diversity]. Tell me, which African American student are you talking about when you generalize?” Hardesty said.

He said both schools are immeasurably diverse in ways that aren’t captured by the traditional categories studied.

He and Bacon each emphasized the respect they have for both comprehensive high schools.

Because of West’s inflated numbers and City’s operation under capacity, Bacon is a proponent of redistricting to bring formerly West side students to City.

“I realize it’s difficult because loyalties and allegiances develop to schools. …

[But] as communities grow, boundaries need to be adjusted,” he said.

Students attending Lincoln and Hills Elementary Schools were scheduled to shift to City High starting this school year, but the school board renegotiated the agreement. Now, the shift will start with the current class of seventh graders. Bacon said it’s important that this arrangement “stand up.”

As far as building a third high school, according to Bacon, the numbers don’t add up.

“It is the best use of scarce resources to fully use the capacities we have already,” he said.

And, according to many, what quality capacities they both are.

FOR FIVE OF THE PAST SIX YEARS, WEST HIGH HAS HAD MORE SINGERS IN THE ALL STATE CHOIR THAN ANY OTHER SCHOOL IN THE STATE.

15 PROFILES

West welcomes new staff PAGE DESIGN BY//OLIVIA LOFGREN

What is your favorite holiday?

Why?

If you won the lottery, how would you spend the money?

Thanksgiving, because I love stuffing. Stuffing is one of my favorite foods in the history of the world.

I would probably see what charities were most in need in my area. Just kind of divvy it up and see how many people I can help with it.

Christmas, because I love watching my kids open presents and seeing family.

I would take vacations, but I’d still Frogs, I dont know teach. I would bring why because I my students wont touch them. awesome treats.

Jamie Sandhu World Language

Erika Mundt P.E.

Sara Klosterboer Special Ed

Scott Kahler Science

Question Teacher Maureen Head Science

PHOTOS BY// ADAM CANADY

Scott Jesperson Social Studies

COMPILED BY// OLIVIA LOFGREN, BLAKE OETTING & SHIRLEY WANG

16 PROFILES

Christmas, I love the season and being with family.

New years.

Christmas, I like the decorations and it makes everybody happy.

Easter, because of the religious aspect’ it’s a joyous holiday in the church

Pay off all [my] debts.

What is your favorite animal?

Why? I have cats. I really enjoy cats, and I like dogs too. I like any kind of animal really, I’m an animal person.

Micheal Johnson, the track olympian.

He used to be my boss at my last job.

BB King. He is a Blues Musician.

Dolphins, It’s interesting how they can John Wooden. UCLA communicate with basketball coach. each other. I also like swimming.

I’d give one half to various charities, with the rest I’d travel the world.

Sea turtles, I think it’s cool that they go for years without touching ground.

I would give a lot of it back to my family, buy a house, give some to charity and save some for my kids.

Dogs, because they are loyal. I have a puggle named Comiskey, after the White Sox baseball field.

I’d pay off my house, give to the needy, and go on a long vacation.

Cats, I have two of them.

THE GIRLS’ SOCCER TEAM PLACED SECOND AT STATE LAST SPRING.

What famous people have you met in your lifetime?

Joe Biden.

Pat Summit; she’s the Tennessee women’s basketball coach.

Dr. Arganbright.

homecoming nominees meet the

COMPILED BY//CAROLINE VAN VOORHIS

PAGE DESIGN BY//ELIZABETH LIN AND KATIE MONS

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1 “T a he W 3 4 this e whic 3 4 h pr st Side nd read ovides Story’s est a nd 5 2 W t the W ers.” web sic a rts a sit Inter 1 6 SS t in mu usic, spo f my act C Adam o te e, d e v l m C o ns lub an g vo resp cause out of ry in balancin e onde as the ady 2 of thous e B v “ m f 2 nd LIVE LIKE a “ R n I’ve 1 “I a ood job o ourjaily sc hool a ll and I’m hope t.” - Me onald M Being a nds of o award n B i g g n p f c sti n h l a LINE ul D a in Wes n do a cs.” - Joh usic bot m never thing into t.” - ly left o Klatt 3 onald H rt of 14 e ’ i I m “ nt 40 ou em “ n no my ith raise CJ Dr und 3 I can tur acad ement w ew 4 he facu The pos se Corl d to p e H . itiv lty se of 1 “I tailgated for the City vs. involv la rainf “ Bryn omething ecau oir, and B ores nt over Helping and stu e impac “ ” . l 4 s t an West game four hours before lay the f st, c h lly sc hoo ys doing d ac 200 tre EcoCen dents at t ront eith C ater We 5 “I rea a K t e t r u w s i l a c game time.”

Luke Crimmins 2 “I ” in th a e lawn . i lly p f h “Ha z g u d T n a n I i e Am nd.” - E lant nds meth ent with beth Shir heater a n o dropped $150 on spirit gear in one d s a fi l e o z v t m a w e o a o Ben l nor n ve iz n ou tree W M invol tra.” - El nd musica seen me r s on day.” - Meera Ajam 3 “Going to a girl’s s e ” ate est 6 “ sc hool g arshall a . e v e h a g r to W 5 a swim meet in full spirit gear and trying to form orc oy singin people h omewhe Dan raise ov orking w rden.” enj ing s e really any ce M er $ a one man student section.” - Ben Hartman 4 “I ess m r perform arat 1,00 ith Senu 40 s “I’v g hon o 0f tud th the n 6 wore a penguin suit to a basketball game where I stage Fortman olved wi Caro ents to and ge or v h ott p line happened to meet Roy Williams.” - Danielle Chelf 5 “I’ve - Jos to stay in rama pr lz Van articipa ing a Voo streaked across the field. Oh wait, that’s tonight.” - Grant tried sic and d Tessa W rhis te.” u m s.”

Liden 6 “I’m in band so I have to start in the back of the stugram dent section. By the end of the game, I’m in the front row because people move because I scream too loud.” - Kendra Dawson

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4 3 2 6 1 5 What is the most ridiculous thing you’ve done in the name of spirit?

PHOTO CREDIT//ADAM CANADY ALL FOUR OF WEST HIGH’S CURRICULAR CHOIRS RECEIVED A DIVISION I RATING AT THE IHSMA STATE LARGE GROUP FESTIVAL ON MAY 6. 17 FEATURE

Old School Royalty PAGE DESIGN BY//SHIRLEY WANG

COURTESY OF// SHISHONEE HUGHES

Before they were teaching here at West, these staff members attended high schools of their own. Take a look back at past Homecoming traditions with these kings, queens and court nominees.

COMPILED BY// JULIANN SKARDA

”My [high school style] was very much the 60’s: peace and love.”

Homecoming King

Homecoming Queen

Jon Bach

Jeane Dalton

Mathematics Teacher

Special Programs

Center Point-Urbana High School

Mansen High School

“I miss the activities and the team spirit of high school. I think I enjoy teaching because I get a taste of that every day.”

“I think that by being a teacher, I get to be an eternal teenager. I married my high school sweetheart.”

Homecoming Queen

Homecoming Court

Shishonee Hughes

Diane Fickel

Science Teacher

Business Education Teacher

Dike-New Hartford High School

Marion High School

COURTESY OF// CHRISTIAN AANESTAD

18 FEATURE

“In high school I was awkward, nerdy, friendly and carefree.”

“What I miss [about high school] was being able to buy a meal at Taco Bell for a dollar and a quarter.”

“I was certain that my best friend was going to win, so it was a big surprise when I found out I was Queen.”

Homecoming Court

Homecoming Queen

Christian Aanestad

Holly Robinson

Art teacher

Social Studies Teacher

Iowa City West High School

North Cedar High School

WEST HIGH’S JAZZ ENSEMBLE PLACED SECOND IN THE IOWA JAZZ CHAMPIONSHIPS APRIL 12.

“I was the first Homecoming King in my high school. They didn’t have a crown so I was given a sash instead.”

“Most of the music playing at my homecoming would have been songs by 80’s hairbands. Gems like Motely Crue, Whitesnake, Kiss and Cinderella.”

Homecoming King

Homecoming Court

Gary Neuzil

JP Claussen

Social Studies Teacher

Special Programs

Iowa City City High School

“I remember wondering who had voted for me. I was so suprised!”

Homecoming Court

Jennifer Saylor

COURTESY OF// JP CLAUSSEN

Schleswig High School

“My coach pulled me out of the locker room at halftime and told me that I had won Homecoming King. I still had my pads on and everything when I went to be crowned.”

Homecoming King

Ben Gast

Art Teacher Moleen High School

Business Education Teacher Osage High School

“My high school style was traditional. At the time that included bell-bottoms and tie-dye.”

Homecoming Court

Roxanne Hughes Language Arts Teacher Crestwood High School

For more photos and quotes from faculty royalty, check out wsspaper. com.

COURTESY OF// BEN GAST

COURTESY OF// STACEY STRIEF

“I grew up in a small town so I was also voted most athletic, most outgoing, class clown and most sarcastic.”

Homecoming Queen

Stacey Strief

Social Studies Teacher Maquoketa Valley High School SOPHOMORE JASON UHM’S DESIGN WAS ONE OF THE 40 REGIONAL FINALISTS IN THE DOODLE 4 GOOGLE COMPETITION.

19 FEATURE

Cupcake connoisseur PAGE DESIGN BY//OLIVIA LOFGREN

Lily Huber ’13 started her own cupcake buisness named Lilycakes

BY LEAH MURRAY

leah.murray@wsspaper.com Most people move in steps, taking one thing at a time and working their way to a particular goal. Not Lily Huber’ 13. Huber has already started her own cupcake Lily Huber ’13 business titled Lilycakes without even taking the most basic of cooking classes at West High.

Huber learned to make her gourmet cupcakes after she “got a cupcake book for Easter called Crazy about Cupcakes and I started working my way through the book.” Huber has two base recipes that she starts with, vanilla and chocolate and then “[I] basically add or subtract depending on what kind of cupcake I’m trying to make.” Huber also made a point that PHOTO BY// ABBIE SKEMP every one of her mixes is made form scratch and never a mix used from a box. To keep A batch of Lilycake original cupcakes: mint chocolate chip is displayed above. Other Lilycake flavors range from prices low, Huber buys her material in bulk orange dreamcicle to banana split.

form the small Stringtown grocery in Kalona, Iowa.

Huber is able to make practically any flavor of cupcake one would desire, from banana split to mocha, according to Huber the most popular varieties are chocolate peanut butter and orange dreamcicle.

Lilycakes originated after Huber started bringing cupcakes every Tuesday for her English class during third trimester of this past school year. According to Mrs. Barnhouse, “Jayne Heinrich ’13 declared third tri treat tri.

Every day someone brought, treats and Lily rose to the challenge and said I’ll bring them every Tuesday.” Huber followed through with her plans and each Tuesday the cupcakes “got more decedent and more beautifully decorated,” said Barnhouse. While Huber is the main woman behind the cupcakes she also had some help from Maria Martin and Francisco Pepin with the business aspect of the deal. Huber’s mother helped with the website and Morgan Cook’ 11 helped design the Lilycakes logo.

Fashion statements from Muellerleile Hannah Muellerleile ’14 shows off her style

BY ZORA HURST

zora.hurst@wsspaper.com Hannah Muellerleile ’14 has a personality to match her wardrobe: structured with clean lines and countered by light-heartedness and nostalgia.

“I’ve often been late to school… it’s the winged eyeliner,” Muellerleile laughs to herself.

She has been interested in fashion for a long time, yet found herself discovering her own style as she drifted further from stores that were popular in junior high. Muellerleile frequents Zara, Artifacts and Revival in downtown Iowa City.

Walking into her closest is an experience to remember. Colorful ties and belts hang from the door, and from both sides, items of clothing hang on mismatched hangers, a familiar sight. Vintage cameras on a bookshelf in the back of the space add a nostalgia and coziness to the impressive space.

Muellerlelie has been inspired by many eras and celebrities, ranging from Lauren Conrad and Marilyn Monroe to Emma Stone to ladies of the 1950s who “were demure, but also kind of sexy.” She often looks through catalogues or fashion blogs, recreating looks that catch her eye.

20 FEATURE

“It’s always fun to watch your kids grow up and develop their styles, ” said Jennifer Robinson, Muellerleile’s mother.

Classes at West High have also contributed to Muellerleile’s style. Last year, as a freshman, she took Costume Design and helped to massproduce the 1920s-era clothing for Guys and Dolls. Muellerleile also took Project Runway and recalls making her own pencil skirt from a pair of pants.

“I hadn’t really practiced making my own clothes . . .I wish there were more classes like Project Runway.”

Muellerleile laments not being able to fit more fashion-centered classes in her schedule, and makes a quip about Timeturners adding Earlybird and Latebird to the school day (a reference to Harry Potter delivered in Muellerleile’s dry way). “[A career in fashion] is definitely something I can see myself doing for the rest of my life.

It wouldn’t really be a job, more like a rockin’ hobby” Muellerleile said.

This sophomore is definitely going places, and not just downtown to check out vintage camera sales.

To see more of Hannah Muellerleile’s looks and read more, check out: wsspaper.com.

PHOTO BY// ZORA HURST

Muellerleile’14 shows off her vintage and chic style.

THE WEST SIDE STORY WAS NAMED ONE OF 15 FINALISTS WORLDWIDE FOR THE NSPA PACEMAKER AWARD FOR THEIR WORK DURING THE 2010-11 SCHOOL YEAR.

5-6-7-8

PAGE DESIGN BY//OLIVE CARROLLHACH

THE MOVES: Erika Mundt, Assistant P.E Teacher

West High works out with Zumba

BY LEAH MURRAY

Working out is a hassle, finding time to hang out with friends on weeknights can seem impossible, but having a dance party....now that’s always exciting. Zumba, a type of “dance, aerobic, workout class, with Latin and hip-hop influence,” as described by Zumba instructor Elana Levinson, is a way to mix a workout, hanging out with friends and dancing into one fun, hour long evening.

The class Levinson teaches (Tuesdays and Thursday at 7:45 at the Core Fitness in Iowa City) is a bit unique from other Zumba classes in that it has more hip-hop themed songs when compared to the typical Latin themed music. “I make up ninety percent of stuff and get the rest from YouTube or the actual Zumba brand,” said Levinson.

Seniors Blair Puetsch’12 and Mckenzie Piper ’12 are two West High regulars at Zumba classes around the area. “[I love zumba] because it’s really upbeat and exciting, or at least we make it that way with our high fives,” Piper said.

Puetsch matches Piper’s enthusiasm a bout the class.

“Zumba is fun, but you’re still burning about the same number of calories as other classes [at core fitness],” Puetsch said.

For most dances one may need a date, a dress and some heels, but for this dance all you need is a friend, some shorts and a

Zumba Classes at Core Fitness 7 : 4 5 , Monday through Thursday ART BY//OLIVE CARROLLHACH

WORKOUT WITH MUNDT

leah.murray@wsspaper.com

1.

2.

3.

COMPILED BY// BLAKE OETTING ALL PHOTOS BY// FRANK WEIRICH

JUMPING JACKS

“Jumping Jacks are a full-body cardio activity.”

TRICEP DIPS

“Tricep Dips work your triceps and core. It’s a great strength exercise”

ELEVATED PUSH-UP

“Elevated Push-Ups really work your chest.

They’re another great workout for your core.”

PATRICK TIERNEY ‘12 WON FIRST PLACE AND THE WEST HIGH TEAM PLACED SECOND OVERALL IN THE SPRING 2011 AAPT REGIONAL PHYSICS BOWL 21 HEALTH

Rising stars

Laynie Whitehead

Michelle Wise

caroline.vanvoorhis@wsspaper.com

blake.oetting@wsspaper.com

BY CAROLINE VAN VOORHIS

The ball goes straight down and hits the ground on the opponent’s side. It’s a kill. The crowd goes wild while the team cheers their way into a huddle. It makes sense that the enthusiasm of the game is what makes volleyball freshman Laynie Whitehead’s favorite sport. “[Laynie] is always smiling on the court and always stays positive,” said middle hitter Olivia Fairfield ’12.

Outside hitter Shelly Stumpff ’12 agrees, noting Whitehead is “really positive on and off the court.”

Whitehead plays volleyball, basketball and softball competitively, but didn’t hesitate for a second stating that volleyball is her favorite sport.

Although Whitehead is only a freshman, she has been getting a substantial amount of playing time on the varsity team. She is a right side hitter and plays front row for defensive specialist Olivia Mekies ’12.

Whitehead admits that she was a nervous for playing on the varsity team before the summer team camp. But by the time the first game rolled around, she wasn’t nervous at all due to the encouraging nature of her team.

The team gives her tips about what to do in game situations, as well as advice about “how to respond to Bres,” added Whitehead, laughing.

Not only does Whitehead appreciate the guidance from her older teammates, but they also value the skills and up-beat attitude that she brings to the court.

“Laynie is a great addition to the team because she is a lefty and she stays really calm in stressful situations. I just love having her on the team,” Stumpff said. “[My teammates] are all really nice. They call me ‘the freshman’ and try to make me do funny things, but it’s all for fun,” Whitehead said, giving a example of an instance at a team dinner. “I had to go last in line to get food and then they all smashed me with cupcakes.”

Volleyball isn’t Whitehead’s first experience on a varsity team. During the softball season after her eith grade year, she “floated” with the varsity and freshman/sophomore teams. Whitehead said she was more of a “cheerleader” for the varsity softball team, but she practiced with varsity and played first base or pitched when they needed extra players.

No matter what team she’s playing on, Whitehead always brings a smile and a positive attitude to the game.

PHOTOS BY// ABBIE SKEMP

Laynie Whitehead ’15 22 SPORTS

PAGE DESIGN BY//TYLER VOSS

BY BLAKE OETTING

Balancing school, show choir and varsity cross country practices may sound daunting to most freshmen. But for Michelle Wise ’15, the challenge is not only met, but welcomed.

“For me, it’s busy, because I’m in show choir and normal choir. And the classes seem a lot longer. But it is nice to stay involved and meet new people,” Wise said.

Wise started running in seventh grade at North Central Junior High and immediately fell in love with the sport.

“It is de-stressing; the team feels like a family, they are always positive.

The girls don’t like negativity, you’ll hear ,good job, every five minutes.

They boost you up,” Wise said.

The transition from junior high to high school was a successful endeavor for Wise, who is the only freshman to make the varsity line-up this year. But Wise hasn’t let her age get in the way of her performance or her relationship with the other members of the team.

“The girls on the team are very welcoming and nice. But at times I feel like I don’t know what I’m doing in practice, just inexperienced,” Wise said.

This “inexperience” doesn’t affect her running abilities however, according to Wise, her strengths as a runner are her endurance on long races and hills. In contrast, hot weather and sprints are things she wants to work on.

If she improves these aspects of her running and the team works hard, Wise expects girls cross country to have a great season.

“I’d like the team to do better then last year, and at least get fifth in state,” Wise said.

Through all the meets, traveling, and practices, the thing Wise is looking forward to most is a certain meet later on in the season.

“I’d really like to make varsity for most of meets so I can travel with the team to the Rim Rock Invitational in Kansas City,” Wise said.

If Wise continues on this upward trajectory, it would be smart to expect a lot from this young running phenom.

PHOTOS BY// FRANK WEIRICH

Pump up song: “All I Do is Win” by DJ Khaled Favorite food: Mexican food (tacos and enchiladas) Something that annoys her: When people complain; when they aren’t happy Favorite sports drink: Kiwi Strawberry Propel Favorite class: Science Funniest moment from this volleyball season: Watching Bres flirt with Kelley [Fliehler ’12] Nicknames: Bambi, Laynus COMPILED BY// CAROLINE VAN VOORHIS

Pump up Song: “Second Chance” by Shinedown Pre-Meet snack: Oatmeal and raisin granola bar with blue Gatorade When did you start: The spring of seventh grade is when I started running daily, but I’ve been running since fourth grade.

Favorite memory: Running a track workout in the rain, and then running through the sprinklers on Michelle Wise ’15 the football field.

COMPILED BY//BLAKE OETTING

SSIKE WAS AWARDED THE STUDENT TEAM/GROUP EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD BY THE IOWA CITY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE APRIL 20.

Sizzlin’ summer sports PAGE DESIGN BY//LEAH MURRAY

BY LEAH MURRAY

leah.murray@wsspaper.com

Catch up with the results of West High’s summer sports

Girls Soccer After finishing second in the state tournament for the second time in three years, the Women of Troys soccer team hopes to continue their luck next year by moving up the ranks and nabbing a first place finish, the second time this will have ever happened since 2001.

After losing five seniors the team is still in decent shape, especially after the recent freshman class which boasts three starters for the team: Alli Peterson ’14, Anna Hausler ’14 and Eleni Katz ’14.

“We had a very succesful year last year by placing first in

MVC conference and second in state, so this year my goal is to take it to the next step and win state,” Peterson said.

managed a third place finish in the state tournament.

“The season went well, but I think I speak for my teammates when I say that the semi-final game was a disappointment.

We controlled the game and couldn’t finish, but it was good to end the season with a win,” said Alex Troester ’12, one of

the team’s starting players.

Overall the team only allowed fourteen goals, scored sixty-one and had a nine game shut-out (meaning they allowed no goals to be scored on them) streak.

“We had an outstanding year,” head coach Jeff Kelley said.

“This is the second year in a row that we’ve won 32 games.”

The team was able to fight through the season even after injuries affected pitcher Mackenzie Haight ’12 and first baseman Tatum Klein ’12. The team is hoping for a comeback year

especially after the death of former teammate Caroline Found. “[Our goals are]to make it to state and to just come together after everything that’s happened and to try our best,” Klein said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF// WEST SIDE STORY ARCHIVE

Boys Soccer After a two-year legacy established by winning state tournament upon state tournament, it was time for the Trojan soccer team to step down and let another team experience the glory of winning it all.The Trojans, however, after losing 16 seniors (five of whom were All-State selections the year before) still PHOTO COURTESY OF// ALEX TROESTER

Softball While the statistics on paper may show an outstanding season, West High’s softball team did not make it as far as they would have liked after losing their second regional game.

This is the second year in a row the team lost in the regional finals, while the season was cut short overall it went well.

PHOTO COURTESY OF// DANIELLE CHELF

Baseball

PHOTO BY// ERIN MANFULL

Losing is never fun, but one aspect that takes the burn out of the sting is losing in to theeventual state championships for the third year in a row. Overall coach Charlie Stumpff believed the tournament was quite “exciting and very memorable.”

While each year the same aspect of the West High baseball team is different, there is one

common theme.

“First we have to have a good off-season and lift well to achieve the goals we want, like going to state for the fourth year in a row,” relieving pitcher Luke Crimmins ’12 said. With ten seniors from the team leaving, the incoming seniors will have a lot to catch up on. But the team is still as confident in

their abilities as ever. “Anytime you change that many people you never know what the team will be like. Our goals remain the same; we would like to be able to compete for a conference title and then do well in the post season,” said Stumpff.

THE GIRLS’ TENNIS TEAM WON THE REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP LAST SPRING.

23 SPORTS

TRI ,TRI, AGAIN PAGE DESIGN BY//OLIVE CARROLLHACH

PHOTO BY// ABBIE SKEMP

ART BY// OLIVE CARROLLHACH

ABOVE: Jenny Saylor and Brady Shutt take a bike ride in training for their next triathlon. tributors share information about upcoming local triathlons and training tips, for now. Dowling plans to offer daily ost of us try hard at some- workouts such as group runs and spinthing – school or music classes after the swimming and crossor friendships. But few country seasons end. She said the club among us are tri-hard: strong and dedi- is intended to provide an alternative cated enough to accomplish a triathlon. to track winter conditioning and club swimA triathlon is m i n g. a race made A l up of three though parts: swimi t ’ s ming, biking geared and running. toward and one time, a 70 year old The Ironman aspiring is the most triathrecognized letes, triathlon, Dowling composed says it’s of a 3.8 km open to swim, a 180 anyone km bike interride and a ested in 42.2 km -Jenny saylor, art teacher working (marathonout with length) run. a group and taking advantage of nice Although most West High triathletes do sprint triathlons, swimming 750 m, weather.

“I’m not motivated enough to work biking 20 km and running 5 km, their out alone. … [The club is] a relaxed, sterling accomplishments are anything fun way of staying in shape and knockbut little.

Jackie Dowling ’13 recently estab- ing something off your bucket list by lished Triclub, a combined West and doing a triathlon,” she said.

Dowling said triathletes run in her City High group that mostly takes the form of a Facebook group where con- family. Her dad has run six marathons,

BY ELEANOR MARSHALL eleanor.marshall@wsspaper.com

M

] ] “I’m always like

‘go, go, go’

lady stopped and

said ‘you go ahead, I’m not

in any hurry.’”

24 SPORTS

THE BOYS SOCCER TEAM PLACED THIRD AT STATE LAST YEAR.

and her family often bikes to dinner, runs together and used to swim together every Sunday.

“Instead of church, we’d go to Mercer [pool],” she said.

Dowling’s family spends its summers in Boulder, Co., where fitness is the norm and triathlons are extremely popular, she said. She hopes her club will help make triathlons big among young people in Iowa City as well.

“In Colorado there are tiny kids doing [triathlons]. … Boulder is crazy fit.

In all the magazines people are like, ‘I made a life decision to move to Boulder and get healthy.’ You just go outside and climb a mountain and it’s like your entertainment,” she said.

Art teacher Jenny Saylor is Triclub’s adviser. Saylor is also co-sponsoring a running and walking group that meets on Mondays to train for the Run for the Schools race Oct. 9 with her husband, government teacher Brady Shutt.

Shutt said he was attracted to triathlons because they require cross-training, which promotes overall wellness. And during races he has come to appreciate the atmosphere of encouragement.

“Everyone starts at different times, so you can’t tell who is ahead or behind.

You just don’t know, so you cheer on everybody,” he said.

Support is key - Saylor and Shutt do virtually all of their training, for triathlons and otherwise, together, which Saylor said helps keep both of them motivated. In fact, one of Saylor’s favorite triathlon memories comes from the half-Ironman she and Shutt ran last year.

“For the first time ever, we got to start together and then he caught me at mile 10 and we ran the last 3 miles in together,” he said.

Saylor said she often gets nervous that she hasn’t trained enough for a big race, although her results would suggest otherwise. Saylor placed first among wom-

en in the Bluff Creek Triathlon on May 20, 2011, and placed second and fifth at other triathlons over the summer.

Saylor and Shutt recently teamed up on a second half-Ironman – with Saylor on bike and Shutt on foot – recruiting Leah DeMatta ’13 for the swimming portion. DeMatta, a member of the West High swim team who has run three triathlons individually, was attracted to triathlons for both the challenge and the diversity.

Saylor, Shutt, DeMatta and Dowling all participated in the local TriHawk race Sept. 18.

“In individual events people are elite and really good, but triathlons have a broader range. Some people go really fast and are training for worlds and others are just out to have fun,” DeMatta said.

Saylor seconded these sentiments.

“One thing I love is that you truly see every body type and every age out there... I’m always like ‘go,go,go’ and one time a 70 year old lady stopped and said, ‘You go ahead, I’m not in any hurry.’ And she powerwalked to the finish,” Saylor said.

PHOTO BY// FRANK WEIRICH

LEFT:Leah DeMatta ‘12 starts her event at the West swim meet on Sept.13.

PowderPuff

bB

Need Silver Cord Hours?

Volunteer at Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s

Light the Night Walk Oct. 2-Kinnick Stadium

Kick the year off with a...

Juniors Vs. Seniors West High Football Field Sept. 26 3:30-5 p.m.

Homecoming Football game Sept. 30 At 5:00 p.m.

Against C.R. Xavier

Man Ball-Little Gym

Juniors vs. Seniors Sept. 26 7:30-9p.m.

M

Homecoming Dance 7:30 to 10:30 P.M. October 1, 2011 Coralville Marriot Hotel and Conference Center

PAGE DESIGN BY//DANIEL ROTHMAN

PHOTO COURTESY OF// CINDY LEVEILLE

TOP LEFT: The West volleyball team continued to defend their state title with a 3-0 victory over Prarie on Sept. 8. The team is now 12-2.

PHOTO BY// ADAM CANADY

BOTTOM LEFT: The West High student section was even more spirited than usual at the Sept.

8 Prarie game, as it was the volleyball team’s first home game since the loss of Caroline Found.

The game was declared a “Live Like Line Out” in her honor, and students were encourage to wear Live Like Line shirts.

26 SPORTS

Play by play COMPILED BY// DAN ROTHMAN

West High is the school where excellence is tradition, and the sports teams are no exception.

Check out some of this year’s highlights.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Anthonty Lehnertz ’12 lines up to take a swing at a meet against City High on Aug. 17.

PHOTO COURTESY OF// DREW HAAS

PHOTO BY// ADAM CANADY

TOP RIGHT: West’s girls’ cross country team ran its way to a third place finish at the Cedar Rapids invitational with standout runners like Brett Guerra ’12.

WEST HIGH’S SPEECH AND DEBATE TEAM PLACED FIRST IN THE STATE, INCLUDING FIVE INDIVIDUAL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

PHOTO BY// FRANK WEIRICH

PAGE DESIGN BY//DANIEL ROTHMAN

PHOTO BY// FRANK WEIRICH

TOP LEFT: The West High swim team swam ahead of the pack at a Sept. 6 meet. The Trojans easily dispatched City High, winning the meet by a score of 135-43.

BOTTOM LEFT: As the sun set on the horizon, the West High Football team lined up for this series against chief rival City High. The Sept.

9 game ended in a 42-24 loss, but West demonstrated a playmaking ability that will make them a dangerous opponent. The loss has been the sole blemish on their 3-1 record.

TOP RIGHT: Dondre Alexander ’13 prepares to make a catch, leading to one of six touchdowns in a 41-17 beatdown of Hempstead on Sept. 2. It was sweet revenge for the Trojans, who lost the same game 21-17 last year.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Mentality is a large part of performance, and the West High boys’ cross country team firmly embraced a mindset of excellence by getting motivated for their Sept. 8 race at the Cedar Rapids Invitational. This excitement paid off, as the Trojans ran their way to third place.

PHOTO BY// ADAM CANADY

PHOTO BY// FRANK WEIRICH PHOTO BY// FRANK WEIRICH

DEBATERS DAVID HUANG ’11 AND JEFFREY DING ’12 PLACED FOURTH AT THE NATIONAL TOURNAMENT IN JUNE.

27 SPORTS

PAGE DESIGN BY//LEELA SATHYAPUTRI

ART BY//LEELA SATHYAPUTRI

Mmmm... Excellent

Side Stories Written and drawn by West High students

ART BY//PHOEBE LOW

ART BY//REBECCA ANSON Three Approaches to Not Doing Homework

ART BY//LEELA SATHYAPUTRI 28 COMICS

BASED ON AN IDEA BY//MAX GRANFIELD

PAGE DESIGN BY//ANSEL LANDINI

THE

Note: all Radish content is satirical and not meant to be perceived as factual.

What Peeve Surly lost

L

ast year, the halls of Best High rose in anger under a shortterm notice against the crisis that crippled the budget. This year, an unexpected gift has fallen, as if from the heavens, into the laps of those who had worried so strenuously last year.

Joy has spread through the previously rioting hallways and the clambering courtyard of Best High.

Ten dollars had gone missing from the school budget, and no one quite understood why. How had the money gone missing? Those ten dollars meant the livelihoods of six teachers. Documentaries, chants and t-shirts were

in the pocket. If you don’t show up and take these pants I’m just going to keep it and your pants,” Ita M. Atters, owner of Best City Dry Cleaners, said.

“He showed up the next day with a whole bunch of reporters.”

Meanwhile, the school board is rejoicing.

“We hadn’t expected this truly serendipitous occurrence. With this welcome surprise of surplus income we’re thinking of hiring more administrators and replacing the air conditioning in our building,” said one school board member.

“I don’t know, I’m happy. [Mr. Surly] told me I could keep his pants, he doesn’t want them,” Atters said.

ART BY//ASHYLNN YOKOM

THE

GRAPHS

BY

ashton.duncan@wsspaper.com

made on the motto of, “Oh where, oh where did it go?”

“When Mr. Rugge passed the Superintendent suit down to me, those ten dollars were in the pants pocket, I’m sure of it!” Current Superintendent Peeve Surly said last year regarding the missing funds. “Unfortunately, I took that suit in to be tailored and dry cleaned mere days after gaining the position, so I’m not quite sure what happened to it.”

The funds were recently recovered from a local dry cleaner. “I called [Mr. Surly] and told him we’d have his pants dry-cleaned by Friday, he could pick them up by one o’ clock. But he didn’t show up, so finally I called and I told him, ‘look, Bucko, you left ten dollars

Party Rock Anthem vs. shuffle How much I want to shuffle

BY ASHTON DUNCAN

0:00

2:15

End of the world

2:32

4:23

This board isn’t boring

# of End of the # of times world claims world ended

Reason for hallway congestion

Schoo

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do to combat over-crowding, he played T.I.’s “Whatever You Like.” When disciplinary actions for truant students came to the fore, he demonstrated taping headphones to a child’s head and playing NYANCAT until the child either burst into tears or was sedated enough to accept Tosh’s Power of Suggestion (Tosh learned how to hypnotize people via Hypnotizeanyone).

Charlie Sheen has said this, “It is my time, as a time warlock, as a special human being, and a Prince of Epic… I am leading the new generation… teaching them the ways of the Time Warlock… there will be peace and harmony.”

Your Mom declined to comment.

liz

S

eptember 13, 2011.

The date of a new chapter for the Iowa City Community School District will be imprinted upon the minds of young voters statewide.

For the first time ever, a writein has won all five seats on the school board from the Iowa City District.

Baron von Poop, Sir Mick Jagger, Your Mom, Daniel Tosh and Charlie Sheen are now representing the educational prowess of both City and West High.

On winning the election, von Poop, a native of Brownberry, Pennsylvania stated, “[This position] is an unexpected honor.

I will do my best… to keep my

stink to a minimum.” Von Poop has also been endorsed by Febreeze.

Sir Jagger has already dedicated a song to Iowa City called “School’s Out.” “The song’s a ballad, yeah? It’s like, for all the kids who don’t want to be in school. Who wants to be in school?” Jagger said.

On local radio show X104.9, Jagger said, “I’m just so grateful, y’know? I’m really… trying to get my life together. I want to be an example for kids. And example one is going to be how to be a freaking rock star. Rock stars don’t have homework. Just rock.”

Daniel Tosh responded using various Youtube videos instead of issuing a statement.

When asked what he would

cia

zora.hurst@wsspaper.com

So

BY ZORA HURST

COMPILED BY//ANSEL LANDINI

29 OPINION

Alabama recently proposed a law requiring people to report illegal immigrants if affiliated with them. Whether the law should be passed is up for debate. West Side Story reporters battled it out on the issue.

Pro

Con

adam.canady@wsspaper.com

pombie.silverman@wsspaper.com

BY ADAM CANADY

Before Alabama State law HB 56, police couldn’t check the immigration status of those whom they stopped.

Shouldn’t police have the power to check the immigration status people they detain?

Most people could envision a case where this would be reasonable, but that’s not the main gripe with this law. Alabama’s new legislation would make it illegal for businesses to hire illegal aliens and for citizens to willingly give rides to illegals. It’s understandable to have a problem with this part of the law, but let’s think logically. First, let’s pose the question, is illegal immigration a crime? In 1997, the National Academy of Sciences performed a study examining the fiscal cost and effects of immigration on population growth and social policy. This study showed that the costs of large-scale illegal immigration outweigh the benefits of having the extra population fueling our economy. This means that widespread illegal immigrants are actually hurting the economy more than they are helping it. I believe that when an easily controllable factor is hurting our economy, it should be considered a crime and therefore corrected using proper immigration reform. In other words, why should legal U.S. citizens and residents – especially with the current economic status – accept another controllable factor to be left indomitable?

Personally, I think immigration is a wonderful creation that blends culture and promotes a free-thinking atmosphere. When immigration is controlled, it provides for a controlled growth in population, a booming economy and better of quality of life. However, immigration’s current unbounded state causes more harm than good in the nation and laws like HB 56 will help immigration become sustainable for our economy and the nation’s well being.

When combined with laws providing an easier immigration process to foreign nationals, efforts like Alabama’s HB 56 will bolster the economy and general welfare of U.S. citizens and residents while providing a fair opportunity to people who wish to attain U.S. citizenship, thus a favorable outcome for all is achieved.

BY POMBIE SILVERMAN In early March, the Alabama Legislature proposed the cruelest immigration law written since the Jim Crowe laws of the 19th century. This law is essentially a presentday Jim Crowe law, denying inalienable rights to undocumented immigrants. It prohibits illegal immigrants to drive, to go to school, to essentially live an everyday life.

It is unlawful for any medical personnel or clergymen to aid an undocumented person. Any person who knows of an illegal immigrant must immediately report their status to the state or face charges otherwise. The harsh law, formally known as the Beason-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act, details how Alabama plans to curtail illegal immigration. The law planned to go into affect September first, but has been blocked for another month for further review. Many federal officials find the law extremely discriminatory, since the law essentially prevents an undocumented citizen from performing the everyday acts of living.

The law deprives undocumented immigrants of basic public benefits, including the right to search for jobs, to attend public elementary and secondary schools and to apply for or renew a business or driver’s license. Furthermore, those who knowingly “employ, harbor or transport” illegal immigrants can face felony charges.

So, let’s put this into perspective: you are an illegal immigrant living in Alabama. You can’t get a job. You can’t drive your kids to school, let alone allow them to attend school. Someone in the family has a medical emergency?

Forget it. That doctor doesn’t want to go to jail for treating you.

This law is incredibly inhumane because it denies a person any of the assistances that society provides to their citizens. It denies them the status of being a citizen in the society or for that matter living as a human being within the society.

PAGE DESIGN BY//DANIEL ROTHMAN

QUALITY OF LIFE INDEX SEPTEMBER New School Year Awesome if you’re a senior. Not so much for everyone else. Guess which category I fall into.

Plus 3

West High Football The Trojans are beginning their annual quest to try and be good enough that students at the game will actually pay attention to the football being played.

So much for that.

Minus 1

Harry Potter 7 We went in with impossibly high expectations. And you know what? It met just about every single one. It might not be the best movie of the year, but it was definitely the most important.

Plus 4

Homecoming Is there a quicker way to ruin the dance than to host it in the Mariott’s warehouse where the fire code demands that we keep the lights on? We’ve tried it before. I’m just going to go ahead and call right now that we will all be disappointed.

Minus 3

LMFAO

Party Rock Anthem has been ridiculously overplayed, but if a better getup-and-start-dancing song has come out all year, I have yet to hear it. Armed with little more than an infectious beat and simple, catchy chorus, LMFAO has created what will remain the go-to impromptu dance party song for months.

Plus 1 Total: Plus 4 COMPILED BY// DANIEL ROTHMAN

30 OPINION

PAGE DESIGN BY//DANIEL ROTHMAN

The status of Facebook

BY DAN ROTHMAN

daniel.rothman@wsspaper.com If The Social Network taught us anything, it’s that Facebook has become one of the predominant aspects of modern culture. Whether it’s contacting friends, discussing issues or organizing events, modern high school social life revolves around Mark Zuckerberg’s grand creation. Yet, the website’s growing influence happens in spite of constant tinkering on the part of its administrators. Facebook has changed immeasurably from the format that originally gained prominence, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. However, whether it’s the removal of the default “is” from user’s status messages or forcing users to search for individual friends to chat

with, most of these changes haven’t altered the way users fundamentally interact with the website, just the format that they use to do it. In this regard, the social network’s latest changes have been an exception.

For those of you whose lives do not revolve around Facebook (full disclosure, I’m on Facebook as I write this), they recently gave users the ability to limit who can and cannot see individual posts. Before this, users could only set setting for general types of content.

For example, if I did not want a friend to see a particular status or picture, I would need to block them from viewing every status or picture. Now, though, before anyone posts a new status, they can easily pick exactly who they do or don’t want them to see it.

The effects of this change may not be immediately obvious, but for most high schoolers, this opens up a whole new world of online opportunities.

Students with satellite moms no longer have to worry about posting anything even slightly racy on their page, as they can simply stop any authority figures from seeing it. While most students will generally consider this a positive development, the move raises large one problem. The ability to prevent individual people from seeing what you post will make Facebook a potent tool that, in the wrong hands, could be used for exclusion and bullying. Statuses that target specific students in a hurtful way will now be easy to hide, as the poster can basically guarantee that the target of their comments will have no idea

what they are sharing with the world.

Users are now free to post offensive and damaging comments to a carefully controlled audience.

This new feature can be a powerful tool, but it can also be abused. By granting users the ability to dictate their audience, Facebook is granting them both great power and great responsibility. Users can create what amounts to multiple different profiles, customizing the content for each group of friends. Regardless of whether this is good or bad, it is at the very least significant. Facebook has yet again altered the way we communicate. Only time will tell whether we can earn that responsibility.

nior highs to 7-9 grade. Because didn’t junior high end just a little too soon?

Aren’t we all brimming with nostalgia for the preteen angst and tiny purses of our junior high years? Julie Van Dyke even said she thought that it would be safer for 9th graders. Ah, yes, because 11th and 12th graders are a bad influence on the precious future of America. Although I forewarn the audience that my opinion should probably be disregarded because I’m part of the menace awaiting innocent freshmen, I believe that 7th graders are a worse influence on 9th graders than upperclassmen. Adding another year to junior high stunts the growth of 9th graders by exposing them to the inevitable immaturity of 12 year-olds for another year, rather than challenging them to assimilate to the higher academic expectations of high school and exposing them to the behavior of near-adults.

I’ll admit that not all high school students are perfect role models, but im-

plication that we are, on the whole, a danger to younger students is just insulting. And further, another year in junior high means one less year of high school. Freshman year is crucial for learning the ropes of a bigger school, trying out a diverse mix of extracurriculars (many of which are not offered in junior high) and picking interesting classes from a broader selection than any of the junior highs can support.

By losing their freshman year, students would miss out on a year’s worth of interesting and autonomously-selected classes, they’d lose a year’s worth of vital beginning experience in sports and clubs and they’d end up one year less prepared to fill leadership positions in the school when their senior years roll around.

Although I would prefer a third high school to expanded junior high, I don’t think either is necessary, at least in the short term. In fact, the real solution to West’s overcrowded halls is pretty

simple – and confirmed when I spent a full day at City High on Sept. 9, the day after the forum (see page 11 for the scoop). I am as chock-full of West High pride as the next Trojan, but I think it’s reasonable to redistrict Lincoln and Hills students to City. I agree with City High Principal John Bacon’s assessment that it’s important for the district’s deal to do so hold up (current seventh graders will start the switch). In my opinion, City is both under-stocked and underestimated by the district, ultimately doing both comprehensive high schools a disservice. I realize that families get attached to schools and that parents really like to develop long and intense algorithms for their child’s best possible education, but City and West are both excellent institutions of learning, and the idea that either would hold a student back from his or her potential strikes me as ridiculous.

The redistricting conflict re-thought

BY ELEANOR MARSHALL

eleanor.marshall@wsspaper.com The Sept. 8 forum for school board candidates was noteworthy for several reasons. The lack of noteworthy responses, for starters. The candidates overall showed little grounding in concrete numbers and specific plans for the future of the district, always a red flag, but particularly in times of turmoil. Many advocated moving resources where they’re needed, without mentioning where, exactly, that might be and who, exactly, the current recipients of too many resources might be.

One candidate, Karla Cook, even said it would be ideal to give more without taking from anyone. Ideal? Yes. Possible? Not particularly…

But what I found most alarming was that, among varied responses about the necessity of a third comprehensive high school, almost every single candidate supported at least further exploration of the option of expanding local ju-

ART BY// LEELA SATHYAPUTRI

31 OPINION

PAGE DESIGN BY//ASHTON DUNCAN

Smell the roses This column is reprinted from volume 42, issue 3 of the West Side Story from Dec. 17 2010. Caroline Found wrote it for that issue and the WSS decided to reprint it in memory of Caroline, our sports editor.

I

It hit me when I was halfway through my sophomore year at West, here at the big, stressful, chaotic building of bricks. As I walked into advisory one Thursday morning, my eyes were searching for the delicious brownies or candy Mrs. Kanellis brought to us every Thursday, but instead I was handed a college guide packet.

A college packet?!?! What!?!? I am a sophomore; I am still a little kid!!! I still have people cut my meat for me; I still believe in Santa Claus, I love Toys R Us,WHAT!? I don’t even think about college.

I never thought this time would come, I try to avoid it every day, but avoiding can only work for so long. I know it’s here, the time has come. I am a big kid now; the “I’m trying to make you more independent for college” remark comes out of my mother’s mouth

more than monthly now. It’s more of a daily thing. Yes mother, I know. But I will always have you there to hold my hand when I take a big step or make a hard decision right? I’ll still give you my Christmas list every year to send to Santa? As much as I hope for this answer to be yes, I know that I am taking my first steps into the “individuality” thing and entering the world of college and my own life. But, as we all stack up on as many honors and AP classes, volunteer hours and college credit opportunities as we can, remember one things: don’t let the facts get in the way of your imagination.

I am often thought of as childish. I prefer to interpret that as child-like. I still get wildly enthusiastic about little thing. I tend to exaggerate and fantasize and think big. I still watch cartoons when I can. I play with leaves. I skip down the street and sing to my-

self. I can’t go outside without getting dirty. I believe in Santa Claus. And that is something I will never, EVER let go of. Often I am told, that “IF Santa were real, he would have to travel to 91 million households in 24 hours blah blah blah blah blah.” SO WHAT!? I mean, it’s the fun and imagination that counts. Just because we don’t understand something and it’s not actually possible, doesn’t mean it ain’t so! Wikipedia believes in Santa. If they didn’t, why would they have a whole page dedicated to Santa Claus?

When I was little I had this idea that life could be perfect. That if you were careful enough, you’d never make a mistake, never be lonely, never be misunderstood, never be frightened, but it doesn’t work that way. Life is big and messy, and you just have to climb in it with your boots on and hope for the best. But we all know that things won’t

always turn out perfectly, and we can’t always take life the easy way. No more bed time stories and naps after lunch time.

So, it is time to grow up, literally, meaning taking the college courses, doing interviews for jobs, and being role models for others. But that doesn’t mean we have to let go of the things we once thought of as a little kid with a big imagination.

Children have neither past nor future, they enjoy the present, which very few of us do. So stop and smell the roses, sing to yourself, and enjoy what we have, while we have it.

A reflection

Caroline and Raymone

BY ZORA HURST

zora.hurst@wsspaper.com This is an opinion column.

But it is also (hopefully) more than that.

I’m here to tell you there is no shame in grieving, or in not grieving.

There is a time for calm, for parading an exterior of cool-headiness and tranquility. But there are also those late nights when everyone else has gone to sleep.

There is a time for tears—the si-

lent ones that make your throat ache, and the ripping, heaving sobs that get snot all over you and give your lungs spasms.

There are people you know will listen and hold you; and there are those who you are convinced won’t understand, because you don’t even understand how you feel about this mortality, these permanent absences.

But you’re not alone.

I say that with a surety, because as long as I am here, as long as faculties as non-judgemental and upstanding as we have are here, as long as our school, which is a community of comfort and sup-

port, is here . . .none of us are alone.

If there is anything I have learned from death, anything I find so moving and profound about humans after such horrific tragedies, it is that we can and will unite.

We can see the brokenness in others that dogs us even in our sleep, and we can beat it back.

How do we do this?

How do we find light in this darkness?

We improve.

We live our lives with dignity and grace and a willingness to try new things.

We are not ashamed of our tears, or the tears of our friends, our acquaintances, our classmates we’ve never had a conversation with.

We go out of our ways to bring joy to someone else, to make them feel all the warmth and sincerity of a grin from Caroline or Raymone.

We live in a way not only to preserve their memories, but to celebrate their lives.

Our time is not infinite, we do not last forever.

Live like Line.

Remember Raymone.

32 OPINION

PAGE DESIGN BY//ASHTON DUNCAN

Compromise In his first inaugural address, Ronald Reagan said: “In this current crisis, gover nGUEST COLUMNIST: ment is STEPHEN BORK not the solution to our problem, government is the problem.” This has always struck me as a weird thing to say as a new chief executive.

More unnervingly, this statement describing an exception to the rule is now being used as an ideology to make rules – often with disastrous consequences.

Upon Reagan’s election, the nation’s economy was failing in the wake of the Vietnam War, the oil crisis, and ineffective measures against inflation. Reagan, like many conservatives today, hoped to solve economic problems by giving businesses more freedom from government regulations. However, Reagan didn’t believe that all government was bad.

He astronomically increased defense spending, and even increased taxes. Unfortunately, some of Reagan’s disciples began taking his rhetoric as gospel. Grover Norquist, creator of the currently influential Republican pledge to never raise taxes, said it best: “I want government so small that I can drown it in my bathtub.”

Norquist-esque views didn’t present serious problems for America until the 1990s, when differing views on the role of taxation and government between Congress and the White House culminated in a brief government shutdown. Worried about its aftermath, President Clinton and House Speaker Gingrich worked together to resolve the crisis, eventually reforming welfare and balancing the Federal budget for the first time in decades. Although the two sides disagreed on many issues, they still wanted to maintain a working government that could continue to benefit America.

Fast-forward to 2011. We have another divided government, with an executive branch 33 OPINION

controlled by a Democrat, but a Congress dominated by a strongly ideological Republican House. This Congress has provoked some of the largest bungles our government’s history. It risked government shutdowns, almost withdrew funding for the FAA, is risking a default of the Postal Service, and worst of all, nearly led our government to an unprecedented default. This summer’s debt ceiling debacle caused the rating agency Standard and Poor’s to downgrade our credit status for the first time ever, from AAA to AA+. Our stock market fluctuated wildly and the dollar lost value as a consequence of this senseless gridlock. Both parties share blame for this impasse. Republicans have adamantly opposed corporate taxation and regulation, while union-backed Democrats have resisted entitlement reform. These disagreements threaten President Obama’s “Jobs for America” bill; although it contains many measures both parties have historically used to boost the economy, such as tax cuts and public works projects, it may be delayed or watered down simply because Obama proposed it.

Our government works imperfectly today, but not because of any grievous flaws in its structure. Our Constitution is the world’s oldest, and it continues to guide America well.

But our government has become dysfunctional because those who operate it are jamming its engine from both sides. The stakes now are too high to let political “debates” stay as they are. We stand to lose a great deal: from strength of the dollar and our armed forces abroad, to the strength of our schools and the vitality of our economy at home. But we can change that. Next year is an election year. It’s time to send a clear and resounding message to our representatives in government that we don’t stand for intransigence in the face of calamity. Some upperclassmen can vote for representatives who will stand up for our real interests, not abstract ideological models. Even if you can’t vote, encourage your parents to vote for someone interested in solutions, not in partisan games. No matter if you support the ideals of Reagan or FDR, our nation needs you to vote for politicians who will maintain government, not rip it apart.

Our war

BY ADAM CANADY

adam.canady@wsspaper.com We’re at war. I’m not talking about our war with other countries or against various governments. Our war isn’t the traditional guns, canons and soldiers war; this is a war of test scores, essays and transcripts. It’s war of quotas, chance, circumstance and particularity.

Anyone applying to college usually has to go through the process of hashing out the most important and appealing details of his or her life so far in order to differentiate him or herself from the rest of the applicants. During this process, the applicant molds an image of him or herself through very few life details typed in all-toosmall boxes on a website. Additionally, he or she may visit the college and land an interview with one of the admissions officers or alumni.

It’s ridiculous, to be perfectly honest. What I mean is, how many of your best friends were your best friends 30 minutes after meeting them? Probably very few, if any. So how can an institution get to know if someone would spend four years successfully with them by spending less than 30 minutes with a few pieces of paper?

Here’s where the war part comes in. Preparing the application is like the pre-war training.

After the training comes deployment to a (usually) foreign land – in this case, an Admissions Office. During the fight, highly skilled assessors comb through each application, searching for the warrior like qualities that will help one prevail over others. At long last, the fight is over and the victors are clear. By the light emitted by their acceptance letters, they glow with pride and joy.

While this may not sound ideal, there really aren’t very many ways to deal with the system as is, aside from education reform legislation or other radical steps to change the selection process. The best most students can do is look to the stars and hope, even pray, for the mailman to bring that glorious letter of admittance.

At the end of the day, someone has to be admitted to each college, so why not give it “the old college try”? Seriously though, how many times do you get to go off to war?

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN WRITING A GUEST COLUMN, CONTACT ASHTON.DUNCAN@WSSPAPER.COM

FIRST TRIMESTER MIDTERMS: Wednesday, September 29

PSAT Wed. Oct. 12 8 a.m. Downtown Iow a City runfortheschools.com

West High Cafeteria Cost: $15 7:30 A.M.

Photo By//adam canady

Above: The student section cheers on the Trojans. Students are always on their feet, decked in green and gold, cheering on West High the entire game.

Friday night lights

BY KATIE MONS

katie.mons@wsspaper.com

F

rom the sea of green and gold in the crowds to the catchy beats of the drums in the marching band, it’s finally time for all the hoopla to start back up again. You can hear from the fans’ cheers that football season has begun. Winning their first two games, it looks like a great year for West High. Experience the excitement of the game that took place on Sept. 3 against Dubuque Hempstead.

PAGE DESIGN BY//KATIE MONS

Photo By//Frank Weirich

Photo By//Frank Weirich

Above: Jacob Frisbie ’13 watches a play from the sideline. Frisbie is a wide reciever, placekicker and punter for the West High varsity team.

Below: The drumline performs during a break in the game. Drumline practices during band and once a week after school to get ready for Friday night.

Left: West High and Dubuque Hempstead get ready for a play. In the end, West High wins 41-17.

Photo By//Frank Weirich

PAGE DESIGN BY//KATIE MONS

Lettuce harvest Can you match up each Slow Foods club member with their favorite vegetable?

COMPILED BY// FRANK WEIRICH

1. Onion

Nick Gerken ’12 and Javier Miranda-Bartlett ’12

Ben West ’12

2. Tomato

3. Pepper

Bennett Thompson ’12

4.

Zinnia

1. Nick and Javier, 2. Kate, 3. Ben, 4. Bennet

Kate Anstreicher ’14