WSS Update: Features

INTRODUCTION TO NEWSPAPER 2012-2013

1 That

Kid

As Asperger’s Syndrome becomes a more common diagnosis, high bullying rates of students with the disorder isn’t a well-kept secret anymore.

BY KRISTEN LINEBACK

A

sperger’s Syndrome is a high functioning Autism Spectrum disorder, often characterized by difficulty with social interactions, heightened sensitivity to stimulation, and repetitive behaviors and interests. The CDC estimates just over 1% of the population has the disorder, but diagnosis rates have been on a steep rise in recent years, having doubled since 1992. A 2006 study calculated that 90% of children with Asperger’s had reported being bullied to their parents within a year, and other studies have indicated that Autistic students are at least three times more likely to be bullied than neurotypical students.

“I believe it,” was the response David*, a West High student with Asperger’s gave when he heard the statistics.

David defines Autism as a spectrum; no two people have the same level, and it effects everyone differently.

David has had his own difficulties with Asperger’s in the past couple years, from dealing with being picked on, to trying to explain the disorder to his friends.

“I would try to explain to people [that I had Asperger’s], but back then they didn’t seem to understand as well what it meant. There was this one kid who would really pick on me because I had Asperger’s. He would make fun of my mental condition, at times he would make fun of my appearance. It was a really unpleasant experience.”

David explains that having Asperger’s has made it harder for him to pick up on social cues such as sarcasm, which has made him an easy target for being tricked in the past.

“One time [a group of boys] had told me that I should ask out this one girl, and so I said ‘how do I ask her out,’ and once they told me what to say, I did. So then they said I should ask another girl out, and so I did. At this point I didn’t know what asking someone out even meant.”

Although David was at first very upset and embarrassed when he found out how he had been tricked, he eventually was able to acknowledge one positive outcome. “I’ve decided to forgive and forget. I’m thankful in a way,” David explains, “I did learn a very important lesson from that, which is what other people say you should do, [sometimes] is what you should not do.”

Students with Asperger’s also often face social difficulties in the classroom. English teacher Jeff Finn recalls a specific instance in which a student with Asperger’s Syndrome was picked on regularly during class.

“He didn’t know when to talk at the right time or when to stop talking, the class would get kind of angry [...] The kids treat them negatively, and attribute [their behavior] to poor social skills,” Finn said.

The student eventually agreed to allow Finn to explain that he had Asperger’s to the class in order to stop the issue.

“As soon as I discussed that with the class, it was like a complete 180,” said Finn. “[His classmates] understood he wasn’t choosing to do that.”

Finn expressed that problems in class often stem from a lack of awareness of Asperger’s Syndrome.

“I don’t think the kids know [when a classmate has Asperger’s Syndrome],” said Finn. “They just quickly assume that the kid is weird--they don’t try or really care to figure out why they’re weird.”

Government and psychology teacher Gary Neuzil has recognized that students with Asperger’s Syndrome often face difficulties in the classroom due to being “deemed as different, or an outsider,” which is caused by a combination of things. “I think it’s a two-way street,” Neuzil said. “Their comfort level is more inward, but as a result they may find themselves socially isolated.”

Neuzil also expresses that a higher level of awareness can help students with Asperger’s be more successful socially.

“It’s the acceptance of the classmates that don’t have an understanding that can sometimes be the issue [...]

Educating the students can lead to a higher level of respect,” said Neuzil.

Stephanie Higgins spends part of her day working with students with Asperger’s Syndrome. According to Higgins, symptoms associated with Asperger’s cause many students to label that person as weird or quirky.

“People don’t know that there’s a real reason why a student behaves a certain way,” Higgins said. “[Students with Asperger’s] just don’t always have those social skills.” Along with facing challenges of being picked on, people with Asperger’s may have issues maintaining long-term friendships. “Friends, I’d say, is always a challenge,” said Higgins.

June*, a student at West who shows symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome, has also had trouble in the past with bullying.

“One of them slapped me, and one of them punched

“

me in the arm,” June describes a time when she was beat up on the bus by a group of students. “I told them to stop [...] I don’t really know [why they did it].”

June also faced verbal harassment during lunch at school. “There were boys at lunch saying sexual things to me. They end up being mean when they’re trying to be funny.”

June’s mother believes that June’s naivete -David* makes her an easy target, since some of her symptoms cause her to have a narrow vocabulary as well as difficulty deriving meaning from conversations.

“Sometimes she would come home and ask me, ‘mom what does this mean?’ She doesn’t know a lot of cuss words,” June’s mother explained. “It did bother her. I would walk by and hear her crying in her room at night.”

David has had a much easier time at West High since he started being open about having Asperger’s.

“I think it’s very important to raise awareness. A lot of people are scared to say they have Autism, because they might get made fun of like I did [...] but it’s amazing how quickly peoples’ attitudes can change when they understand where you’re coming from.”

David addresses West High, “Even though our behavior may seem a little out of place at first-- we’re actually pretty nice people. All it takes is seeing through the Autism.”

A lot of people are scared to say they have Autism, because they might get made fun of like I did.”

*name has been changed

COMMON SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME Difficulty with social interactions, such as trouble picking up on physical and verbal social cues, as well as expressing thoughts while communicating with others. This may include difficulty understanding sarcasm, making eye contact, or showing emotion.

Unusual physical movement, which may include clumsiness at an early age, as well as repetetive body movements and ticks (rocking, tensing, and hand flapping are common).

Excessive focus on one topic, which may be described as an obsession on one area of interest. When exhibited, the person is often very knowledgable on the subject, and may constantly talk about it without being able to tell when to stop.

Skilled or talented in a particular academic subject or any other skill. Many savants are believed to have had an Autism spectrum disorder, including composer Amadeus Mozart, President Thomas Jefferson, and creator of Pokémon

Sleepless students at West A look into why students aren’t getting enough sleep- and why they need more.

By Matthew Murry

S

chool. Work. Study. Sleep. Repeat. These are the steps that many high schoolers take every day. All people don’t enjoy not getting enough sleep, yet still trudge through their grueling schedules anyway. As more and more teenagers adopt this rigorous regimen, the consequences of sleep deprivation are becoming more and more apparent.

Like many students, Nicole Miller ‘13, has a job. Unlike most, she works around 30 hours a week.

This demanding work schedule, combined with the additional demands of academics, doesn’t allow for much sleep. Since starting work at Chick-Fil-A in August of 2011, she has quickly moved up in the ranks, becoming a manager. These increased responsibilities come with increased hours.

“Usually I start at four, so I’ll change in the bathrooms at school, and then I go to work straight from [school],“ said Miller. “I’ll work there until close”.

However the word ‘close’ can have different meanings.

“The mall says we’re supposed to be out by 9:30, but we’re usually not,” Miller said. “Usually, we’re out by 10:30.” Although this already sounds tough, it can get worse. “Sometimes we can have a truck order with all of our fresh produce. On nights like that, I can be there until 11:30,” Miller said.

But after school, after work, when does the homework get done?

“I go home and start on my homework. Usually it’s only about an hour or two, but I’m on the computer for a bit too, because I have to catch up on, you know, life”, she said.

But starting homework at such a late hour leads to a later bedtime.

“My limit is 2,” she said. “I’ll definitely go to bed by then, because I have to get up at 7.” The consequences of losing that much sleep:

“I’ll usually make up for it in class” Miller said.

“I don’t actually sleep in class, but I’m just not focused.

I’ll find myself more focused on how tired I am rather than what’s going on [...] I’ll just be like, ‘I don’t really want to do the homework in class right now, I’ll do it later.’ Well, later is at 1:00 in the morning. It’s like a cycle.”

According toDr. Mark Dyken of the University of Iowa Hospitals, that cycle of sleep deprivation

“On nights like that, I

can [work] until 11:30”

-Nicole Miller ‘13

can be caused by multiple things.

“One of [the causes of sleep deprivation in teenagers] is, [teenagers] trying to follow adult schedules” said Dyken.“They tend to be what we call ‘phasedelayed’, that is, young adults tend to get sleepier later in the day, so they often go to sleep later. And as such, they still need their 7-9 hours of sleep, so they often wake up later.”

This is in stark contrast to some students’ sleep schedules. Often going to bed well past midnight, the desired 7-9 hours of sleep now becomes unattainable, given that school can start as early as 7:10 for students in early-bird classes.

“Us adults tend to make kids go to school a bit earlier than they are genetically, circadianly, biologicaly, clock ready,” Dyken said.

Subsequently, this can have devastating after-effects.

Grades can fall, social bonds may be broken, and driving drowsy can be extremely dangerous. A simple solution to that? Later starting time in school.

“If you let [students] sleep, they have full restoration during the day, they may drive safer, they may learn more. No one, as we can all empathize, is going to learn much if they’re falling asleep in class,” Dyken said.

Although suffering grades and drowsiness in class can be negative consequences of sleep deprivation, none can be worse than endangering others’ lives.

Driving while drowsy poses a major threat to the driver and everyone on the road. Driving drowsy is comparable to driving drunk. A study was conducted by the British journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, and the results are alarming. Researchers found that after being awake for 17-19, drivers performed more poorly than those with a BAC of .05 According to Dr. Dyken, there are “Billions [of dollars] lost per year to sleep related illness, injury and death”.

The consequences of sleep deprivation can be horrific. The things that require us to lose sleep are demanding. But what can we do about it? Try not to overload yourself. In high school, we are pushed to succeed. Be it from taking challenging classes, rigorous work schedules, or intensive after school activities, high school life can be a bit much, but when you think about it, nothing is more important than our health and well being. Stay organized, keep a regular sleep schedule, and do your best to get that daily 7-9 hours, because when you are well rested, everything else tends to fall into place.

Sleep fast facts: Loss of sleep: • Decresed focus • Suffering grades Ways to get more: • Stay organized!

• Do assignments far before they’re due

DAVID RYU: THE NEXT YO-YO MA

by CeeCee Sheng

T

he bell signaling the end of the period

chimes throughout West High’s empty hallways. The effect of this simple sound is immediate as students from every which way come pouring into the once-deserted corridors, bearing heavy backpacks and clunky textbooks, pencil cases and binders, and...a cello?

When David Ryu ’15 goes to school, pencils and books aren’t the only thing he’s carrying. Alongside a burstingfull black backpack, the shiny white cello case with a MY KID’S AN ALL-STATER! sticker is clearly visible in his arms as he marches down the hallways and climbs up the stairs to reach his classes. He and his cello are literally joined at the hip, and have been since the wee age of six years old. Born into a musical family with a piano-playing mother and a violinist sister, it wasn’t long before Ryu decided he wanted to make music as well.

“After I heard my sister playing the violin, I immediately knew that [playing an instrument] was what I wanted to do,” said Ryu. Rather than opting for a tiny little vio-

lin, Ryu chose the cello.

“The violin was too small, the bass was too big. The cello was just right,” Ryu explained. It seems improbable that any instrument wouldn’t be right for Ryu, though, when one witnesses his incredible prowess at this one. Nobody watching him play can deny his love of music, as he dances along to the cello’s low melody using extravagant gestures and foot-tapping. Still, even with such obvious talent, Ryu has some favorite cellists that he really looks up to.

“I really love Mstislav Rostropovich,” said Ryu. “He died three years ago, but I definitely still consider him the greatest cellist to have ever lived.” Ryu’s next favorite is the world-famous Yo-Yo Ma and there is even a page on Facebook titled “David Ryu- the next Yo Yo Ma,” which has amassed 170 likes.

“He’s a talented young man,” said Wayne Thelander, the orchestra conductor. “[He] practices probably more than any other freshman or sophomore I’ve had for a few years.”

Along with being very committed to his instrument, Ryu possesses that quality of a fantastic musician of being able to shut off everything else when he plays the cello. He acts as if he is away from reality when playing, letting go of all stress and just letting the music take over. He has been known for excessive swaying and staring at something apparently very captivating in the distance while he plays, the former of which sometimes causes his glasses to I think the go askew. greatest “Seeing [David Ryu] achievement [in play is entertaining,” David Wu ’16, a music] is learning. said violinist in concert orchestra. “It’s like watch-David Ryu ing TV. It’s hilarious, but it’s also really, really good at the same time, so I don’t feel bad if I chuckle every now and then.”

Despite being such a virtuoso cellist, Ryu is humble about his accomplishments. “I think the greatest achievement [in music] is learning,” said Ryu. “You don’t learn anything from competitions; you don’t gain any more knowledge.”

Someday, Ryu hopes to become a composer/performer for cello. Until then, the world will be watching...or at least, all of West High.

“

Ladoos:

Ingredients: 1 ½ cup chickpea flour ¼ cup course semolina ½ cup ghee or butter, plus 1 tbsp ¾ cup sugar 1 tsp cardamom ¼ cup chopped almonds 1 tbsp raisins Directions: Combine coarse semolina and chickpea flour.Gently heat ½ cup ghee or butter until soft. Mix in with flour mixture. Combine well and roast for 10-15 minutes, but do not overheat. Meanwhile, add raisins to the remaining tablespoon of ghee or butter. Stir in chopped almonds. Remove both items heat, mix together, and shape the dough into balls the size of a golf ball.

Makes about 20.

Quarkspeise (Quark cream): 1 ½ cup quark or yogurt cheese 2 tbsp milk ⅓ cup sugar ½ cup whipped cream 1 oz grated chocolate fresh berries (opt)

Mix quark, milk, and sugar together. Fold in whipped cream and chocolate. Refrigerate until cold. Top with berries.

Serves 2-4.

8

Bibimbap:

Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice large bunch raw of spinach 1 cup of bean sprouts 1 large carrot, shredded 2 eggs ⅓ cup cooked ground beef (opt) soy sauce hot pepper paste minced garlic sesame oil vegetable oil.

Stir-fry carrots and bean sprouts seperatley. Blanch spinach, then mix with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic, to taste. Mix hot pepper paste and sesame oil to taste. Fry eggs. Place rice in bowls, place vegetables and beef on rice, top with egg, and drizzle with sauce.

Serves 2.

The cold will find its way. Rushing in as the front door swings open, seeping through tiny cracks in the window, it snakes around and around until it finally rests on fingertips and toes. As winter comes along, so do comfort foods: macaroni and cheese, shortbread, apple crisp, and for Apoorva Raikwar ‘14, samosas.

Comfort food can be any type of food that evokes a feeling of nostalgia of brings back comforting thoughts of the past.

“For some reason, I feel really good when I eat [comfort food] even though I know that they are horrible for my body,” Raikwar said.

It turns out, comfort food does actually have a psychological ‘feel good’ effect. A study in the Journal of Psychological Science has labeled it a “social surrogate,” anything nonhuman that creates a feeling of connection. Even the thought of comfort foods can

International Comfort Foods:

From Europe to Asia to the Americas, there is a common thread connecting all people: food. Although the ingredients, spices, and cooking methods may be different, comfort foods around the world tend to have great similarities.

Raikwar, who grew up eating indian food, finds foods like naan, a soft flat bread traditionally baked in a clay oven, samosas, vegetables or meat wrapped in dough and deep fried, and ladoos, sweet rounds of bread, comforting.

Comfort Cravings

By Rebecca Wen

evoke the feeling of closeness with others.

But why is it always the salty, sweet, and fat, that people yearn for? Salt spurs oxytocin, the “cuddle chemical,” while sugars and starches boost serotonin, a neurotransmitter known to increase the sense of well-being. A study at Duke University Medical Center noted that rats who could not taste the difference between fat and lean foods chose the fat food, which could suggest people prefer fatty food simply because it is fattening.

“Anything with a significant amount of sugar, carbs, or fat [is comfort food],” Raikwar said.

Chaein Jung ‘13, from South Korea, likes “pretty much anything with rice.” She mentions some dishes like kimchi fried rice and bibimbap. Bibimbap is a rice dish mixed with stir-fried vegetables, ground beef, hot pepper paste, sesame, oil, and is often topped with a fried egg.

Laura Willman ‘13 craves comfort foods from her hometown in Fockbek, Germany. WIllman moved in with a host family this year, but she still yearns for homemade German dishes.

“I constantly want to eat spätzle,” Willmann said.

Willmann describes Spätzle as a noodle dish with cheese or gravy. She’s also hooked on German sweets like Quarkspeise, a sweet cream made of quark, a yogurt cheese combination, sugar, milk, and whipped cream.

Wilmann generally craves foods from her past.

Raikwar and Jung also agree that most of their comfort foods are childhood foods.

Across the globe, people enjoy comfort foods that provide an overdose of sugar, salt, carbs, or fats.

Foods eaten during childhood, foods eaten on a new adventure or during family gathering, these foods are what connect all people.

9

What weight loss method have you heard of?

“Some people go to Mexico and injest worms illegally and spend weeks vomitting and lose weight.” said Rebecca Wen 14’

“People go really far by drinking a blend of lemon juice, cayenne pepper and water called te lemonade cleanse to quickly lose weight.” said Annie Belding 15’

“People will take a bath then put cellulite jelly on where ever they want to lose weight then wrap themselves with saran rap and after that wrap up in a heated blanket and go to sleep.” said Tereck Mosley 14’

*Don’t try these at home

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8 easy ways to shake off the Weight Trying to lose weight fast?

Don’t have time?

Try one of these:

By Jazmyne Truesdale

1

Have to go shopping with your mom?

Make it worthwhile. Speed walking around aisles, pushing a cartful of groceries, or even carrying that gallon of milk can burn up to 144 calories per hour.

4

One hour of texting can burn 132 calories. So get those fingers going and connect with some friends

5

That dreadful basket of laundry you did on Sunday night is still calling for you told fold and put away. Just get up -- lose 100 calories.

2

Winter is coming and so are chapped lips. Apply lip balm 765 times and lose 100 calories.

6 lose 10.

7

Grab a group of friends and watch a scary movie.Watch Paranormal Activity and burn 100 calories, or - if you’re in for a good, vintage scare -watch Jaws and lose 161.

8

Being a high schooler , trying to have a social life and balance it with school can be hard.

That’s why you need at least 7.5 hours of sleep.

This will ensure that you eat less, lose more fat and have more energy throughout the day.

Walking regularly usually burns 8 calories. Try something new and walk backward and

3

With school comes reading.

Walk around while reading and lose seven calories per paragraph.

11

S

omebody Else

by Kaden Smidt

Shannon Skinner, a highschool student from ou could be Kearney, Nebraska, bea murderer. Perhaps This theory basically states lieves that people choose not intentionally, but that each of us thinks the not to help because of how by omission. If an indiother will help a person they may appear to others. vidual were in trouble in need, and therefore “They’re afraid, I 10 feet from you, and no action is taken at all. think.” she says, “Afraid you were surrounded According to to be judged, because by other people doGary Neuzil, a psycholmaybe somebody will ing nothing about it, it ogy teacher at West High perceive their help as is most likely that you School since 1986, people the wrong thing to do in would also do nothtake no action to assist oththe situation. it’s uncoming- thinking to yourself ers because it takes them fortable to step outside “They’ll be fine. Someout of their comfort zone. of that circle and show one else will help them.”

“People don’t that you actually have a Did you also want to upset their rouheart. They’re just stuck know that the chanctine, so they want clariin their comfort zone.” es of somebody being fication.” says Neuzil.

The consequences of bythat ‘someone else’ who “If it’s not clear enough stander apathy can often comes along are slim that someone needs be fatal, and the most to nonexistent? And help, 99.9% of the time prominent proof of this that the reason for that they’ll avoid the conflict.” is the murder and rape is that those people are of a 26 year old woman, counting on you, to Catherine Susan be the ‘someone else’?

“People don’t want to upset Ms. “Kitty” Genovese. Mr. The idea that I’m their routine.”

Neuzil provided his dedescribing to you is scription of the events. called bystander apaGary Neuzil “In March of 1964 thy- or if you prefer, in New York City, there the bystander effect.

Y

was a woman working a late shift who was walking home from her car. She was attacked by [a man named] Winston Mosely.

She actually screamed ‘He’s stabbing me!’ Eventually, someone yells [at Moseley] from an apartment building window, and Moseley runs away.

No one comes to assist this bleeding womanso Moseley comes back, rapes her, then kills her.”

According to Neuzil, it took about a half hour before somebody called the police to the scene.

The police arrived quickly- in about 2 minutes- but by then it was far too late.

This event happened in public, and was witnessed by 37 people in the surrounding apartment buildings, but no one came to her aid.

Some believe that physical attraction plays into

people’s desire to assist. This is known as the Halo effect.

The Halo Effect is defined by Webster as a “generalization from the perception of one outstanding personality trait to an overly favorable evaluation of the whole personality.”

Simply, it means ‘pretty’ people are more likely to be assisted in their time of need because the person assisting thinks that they will be considered more socially pronounced if seen with someone attractive.

‘

The Outgoing Be yourself Be spontaneous

The Quiet Be known Go for it Step out

The Shy

Be Strong Become a go getter Shine bright

Those little annoying lines that guys tend to drop to try and get girl’s attention!

Don’t let me be the one that got away!

If you were a new hamburger at McDonald’s, you would be McGorgeous.

achh te two t a s am I’m ne plu you d O a er. ls me n a u q e

That cutie you but don’t know if that cutie notices you! Well then you are in luck, because this will tell you what you need to approach them!

When hitting on somebody there are the do’s and there are the don’ts! You should never just go and approach someone rudely, and you shouldn’t act like anyone but yourself. You should be nice and make yourself known, don’t do anything that would get you in trouble just to impress someone that you like.

From a strong willed boy who will go after whatever girl he wants here’s how he would help you get the girl you have a crush on. “ You should be passive and you would want to get to know her before you just come out and say you like her, you should not be too aggressive because most women do not like that, you shouldn’t be rude and you shouldn’t be so thirsty because that is a turnoff for women.” said CJ Megan Barkalow a girl who is shy when it comes to approaching someone herself but great when the approaching is for someone else. “I wouldn’t, I would send somebody else to do it.” So then it got changed and she then came up with this is the way she would approach someone “ I wouldn’t approach them because I am shy when it comes to things like that, but if I had to do I would laugh loudly to get their attention

and then take it from there, but you should always be yourself, and just go for it or you can always send somebody up there for you.”

There is always the person that is shy when it comes to a certain crush and bold when it comes to another. This is how Jasmine Woodson would approach someone.

“You make yourself known by the person that you like maybe by hanging out with some of their friends. After you are known by them you should befriend the person so you can find out what they are about, then make sure you get to know them very well. Find out what they like and what they don’t. You should then tell them how you feel about them, ou should never just approach them and say I like you because then they will consider you either creepy or think its kinda cute.” said Jasmine Woodson.

Jazmyne Truesdale considers herself bold when it comes to approaching someone that she likes. Being loud and getting to know the friends of the person you like and being known by all are a few things that Truesdale thinks are good ways to go about approaching someone.

By:TerekMosley

Did it hurt?

When you fell form Heaven

er mb s? u n ur my e yo t v s a o I l nIh ca Are y you’v ou tired e b ee cause n throu gh m runningg y m day? ind all

had you ody, d i a b s it If I reat g hold u o a e? ld y wou ainst m g a That’s a nice shirt.

Can I talk you out of it?

Live Like Line

16

Line's Legacy

By Madie Miller madiemllr@gmail.com

L

ive Like Line. We’ve all heard it.

We’ve all seen it. We’ve heard it in laughter and encouraging words from our peers. We’ve seen it at sports games in the flood of blue and orange shirts in the student section. We’ve seen it on the backs of our classmates’ t-shirts in the halls. We’ve seen it on the wrists of our peers, in the form of purple bracelets, and on the windows of the cars in the crowded West High parking lots. Student and staff cannot

escape the reminders to Live Like Line. But what does it really mean?

More than a year after we lost Caroline Found to a moped accident, students and staff reflect on how they are still paying tribute to her legacy.

Inspired by Found, her friends make it their mission to live the same way Line did, by spreading positivity and love around our community and school.

Fidgeting with her Spider-Man

folder, McKenzie Fairfeild ‘15 describes how she tries to emulate Found’s actions in her daily life.

“At dance I noticed a new girl to our studio was sitting by herself during break. I invited her to come sit with me and my friends,” she said, “I knew Caroline would want me to make sure everyone felt included.”

Alli Peterson ‘13 is reminded of her friend every time she hears the tune “Sweet Caroline” and ev-

Photos used with permission from: Adrienne Jensen, Jeremiah Anthony, Kathy Bresnahan, and Kathleen Bowman

17

Live Like Line ery day as she passes “Line’s tree” on her way to school. When it comes to living like Line, many things reminded her of Found. Being yourself, trying something new, and learning from mistakes are all things Found did.

“Most importantly, be thankful for the life you live,” Peterson said.

When it comes to being thankful, Adam Klein ‘15 lives her legacy by helping strangers in need. Klein held the door open for a kid who was struggling with his books.

“She taught me that small things can make a big difference in someone’s life,” he said.

Trying new things is a nerve wracking experience for most everyone. To help, Adrienne Jensen ‘14 remembers something Found always told her.

“Ader LIVE a little, would ya?!”

This piece of advice encourages her to live her life to the fullest, and try new things.

Peterson had a similar experience when auditioning for a choir solo.

Even though she was hesitant at first, someone told her to “live a little” and she tried out.

“I decided to Live Like Line by living to the fullest,” she said, “even though I didn’t get in, I overcame my fear and tried something new.”

Social studies teacher, Scott Jespersen, knew Found through her junior high years. He thinks about her every day.

“Last year was really hard for me; it was my first year at West. Sometimes thinking of her made me picture her here, giving me a lecture about feeling

sorry for myself,” he said with a smile.

Jeremiah Anthony ‘13 organized a group of “bros” to anonymously message people via social networking sites. Their account is called the West High Bros, and their positive messages are inspired by Found’s personality.

“Caroline was always about being positive to everyone,” Anthony said, “and West High Bros tries to continue that by posting and tweeting compliments to people.”

In addition to uplifting messages the Bros update the student body on what’s going on at West.

“Caroline was also very big on the concept of Trojan Nation and cheered on a lot of West High teams and clubs,” he said.

One doesn’t need to go far to spread encouragement and love, and make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.

Taking ice cream to a sick friend, Jessica Bowman ‘14 says she replicates Found’s behavior when she tries to cheer people up.

“Caroline would want me to show them that we missed them and want them to get better.” she said, “She was so spontaneous, it cheered everyone up.”

The legacy Line left behind is being executed by her friends to help make West High a better place.

The reminders the Trojan Nation sees everyday remind us to spread love and positivity to our peers.

“I take her advice with me everywhere I go,” Jensen said, “everyone is fighting his or her own battles, and everyone deserves a friend.”

“Every night, I ask myself..

‘Was I the best person I could be today?’

If the answer is no, then I remind myself to Live Like Line and make every day count.”

-Alli Peterson‘12

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- but o “It’s no e every test way,” she sa eshman at Io reotypes, bu t’s a great co no-hazing p ste tak me ng t fr te. I . wait to es feel the sa tt, a curren the negative at Iowa Sta is a very stro it to be e le t f t r a e o r e r a m e h e pected m high s s B h a x t u e lt a a d e c d clas d n e n a D a b a yh ma nd ity t fro Mir hat the i Gam ey sou fratern ifferen Javier actly w ompletely d join a pledge in Ph etch than th x o e t t t o o n sk id. k that, as or n ge c ly a ay less ,” he sa to thin t llege w e colle urrent d ir e w “I’m c Parties are w th oriented und that co gs that mad and ge it was … row s fo hin t first, ould just go later in A viduals e, fun, and g the graduate und a few t … lot Ic ege fo , af in coll ungry, et to sleep a life is s lly speaking ptions, they ou get and I was h g y a e u r c o e m n y n o o Ge om prec r est.”

“Also freed my ro f the b ly the was he ersity. s their efinite oing work in rown Univ 0. It’s kind o differences Beside d is e 1 d nc tB st riends school. iggest differe rning, I was a freshman a ke up before of the bigge up of f she o e a , o n r w n o g a o t t t a m s “The b :30 in the m e oth p,” had los aid th s1 Dan R h since I’ve rt grou t. My c rsity, s if it wa pizza,” said nt at Wes ther’s suppo Unive o d id r m d o a f I a r n ol han ach o myself It’s been ove more at Sta h scho ct as e iends t . ho een hig p of fr ether, and a u w t o r e college tting, a sop g b tog nce erse e . st differe Lilli O d social life ch more div er, eat meals rk is ju major u h n e t a m e h t s g a mewo , d o t e o n v a h e a v e ig h frien li h h I ic of t that e. We ity of M : most “I find y family her nivers g scale U in e m d h a e t r k he g are li ore at a day e, it’s t ers.” phom inutes es or only of tim cts, like pap e, a so t m r . n said. g k 0 u e r 3 o S o t ew am oje ica leas class For Er e is the hom load or the nd major pr end at ur between p s ld e g a s u e s ll ur sho n ho and co t just the co are all exam struchave a ns you sroom k mea ou probably s des r a la r o c g w “It’s no e e d ar th n hom g… an t, but y grees. issimil studyin a-Bartlett a rs rarely assig em like a lo other how d s a e d e w s bs and the n h y d lu c a e c a e ic s m t t Mira t t lu o n r, p ks in ss. Tha act tha arshall in des imeste “The f for each cla in a day.” that M one tr time sitting spend a lot . s E e c P g s n e d e in s r bir t of ay. I ctive review or two clas iggest diffe s early amoun eets every d h more effe b ne c sses plu lly obscene u m la nc m have o the first and ig m s n e is s e rea sev ink all a of th f taking dded up to a d only one One o ich I th so many sm llege. p h o u w c , d k e n in or in ha nd sa as ture w h school, I e school whic e four classe dependent w lass, turning ol and h scho erent ig h e “In hig tivities after e, I only hav ore doing in ch time in c k diff g li mu lleg tm s ac nothin completely sions variou ilding. In co om and a lo spending so aid. e was g is g e in m ll v d a o o a s c u h lr same b in the class f high schoo rnt out,” she agreed that They are all meticulous e d . ll u o ll a n b e e a i im t r t , d ers less uctu to ge lumn not so as w love an -night the str y easy High a d ple to y true,” ing, all o t s e I think akes it reall s, the West ppealing an e p t d d ll ea a su l fin dize -m that’s r e-you’l ments neral consen ts that were the standar c t et ther you. I think g u o y In a ge various aspe ut agree tha or as place f eb ad s soon each h ces in colleg place a ere will be a t h ig r n h t e . experie ere worth it p will be th etween, but u b w essays ever you end erything in v “Wher u hate and e o y le peop . all said Marsh

Words o f Wisdom from West Hig h Gradu ates

Pictured Below: RIGHT: Lilli Oetting and Elizabeth UPPER LEFT: Izaak Sunleaf and Ashleigh Robinson LOWER LEFT: Celia Ettinger, Erica Segre, and Sarah Waxman

“Teachers don’t wal k things w you so st it ep by ste p anymore h you want if to know h ow you’re doing in a class you usually hav to go the e extra mile to figure out. ” it -Ashleigh Robinson ‘11 Sophomore at Kirkwo od

“This is the las t time in your life that you an d the people who made you who you are wi ll be together in the same place as the same people you are right now. Enjoy ever y second of it.”

-Dan Rothman ‘12 Freshman at Brown University

help. k for s a o id t rating e afra and frust just be b t ’ “Don confusing u to ts yo e with no Life is one expec n it alo o and n out into n throw e.” c more n a guid Sopho 1 1 ‘ n obinso igh R -Ashle wood k at Kir

o d t g an le who n i g chan h peop s and to it n end at e op iends w old fri h e B r gs t f “ r ing ke you or thin if you k a m ’t li f he up even ause t aaren igning sting c e v b e it e s for d inter erience will in ration t o p soun no ex onmen o expl ost t r m have ge envi open s for a e e r l w l o l co be m h schoo bly ig h man t resh tha le”F p l ‘12 peo shal y r a M ersit nor iv Elea ale Un Y at

“College is expensive, even if you have a large scholarship. Make it worth it by really studying. If you don’t know how to study, there are courses you can take designed to help with that. Often, tutors are free or incredibly cheap for first-semester students.”

-Javier Miranda-Bartlett ‘12 Freshman at Iowa State University

fish in e a big “If you’r llege o c ool, in high sch ably be surob you’ll pr d bigger y big an nt b d e d n rou orta it’s imp fish. So .” le umb to be h reshman en ‘12 F W n h o J y Universit at Yale

as y new friends “Make as man s! ek we w fe first possible in the g in ad re e th th And keep up wi ” and homework!

3 Sophomore at -Erica Segre ‘1 ichigan M University of

“Ask for recom mendation letters early! Te achers who are quick to pu t test scores on PowerSchool will be quick to write your re commendations.”

-Javier MirandaBartlett ‘12 Freshman at Iowa State University

“Don’t get fre don’t immed aked out if you iately you did do a be rea in high schoo s well as lly har l-colleg d!” e can -Lilli O et Stanfo ting ‘13 Sop rd Univ homor e at ersity

Rolling Through T

Top: The Iowa City skatepark sees lots of local skateboarders every day.

Middle: Davon Bell, 15’ ollies over a stair set at Burge Hall.

Bottom: Skate stoppers have been placed on leddges all over downtown Iowa City to keep skaters off the streets

The Law Chase Duerlinger, 16’ Kickflips a stair set

Written by Nick Deerberg

Skateboarding has always been a ‘rebel’ sport, but from the eyes of a skateboarder, it is a lifestyle.

Skateboarding began as an alternative for surfers in the early 1960’s, but in more recent years, has become more and more of a ‘negative activity’ in the eyes of society. Skateboarders are yelled at, or kicked out of private property every day, because they are doing what they love.

Skateboarding is illegal on University of Iowa property, and is looked down upon on most other private property around town. But despite the law, people still do it. Others say skateboarding is not a crime, and is merely another sport.

So why do people skateboard, even when it offends others? When examined more closely, there are lots of reasons why people skateboard.

“I skate because it keeps me occupied and keeps me out of trouble,” said Davon Bell, ‘15. Bell started skateboarding two years ago after seeing a lot of his friends take up the sport. He has been skateboarding daily ever since.

“People think skaters are punks, or trouble makers,” said Mitch Dettman, founder of Full Kit Skateshop. Mitch started skateboarding 25 years ago, when his friend showed him how to ride a board. Now the owner of Iowa City’s only local skateboard shop, Mitch sees the positive side of skateboarding. “[Skateboarding] is a good activity for kids to do. There’s a lot worse things [they] could do.”

But even with the positive side some see in skateboarding, there are laws that have been put into place to limit where skaters can skate.

“You get a few guys trying to go fast down the sidewalk and it causes a safety hazard,” said Officer Allan Mebus, 23 year veteran of the Iowa City Police Department. Damage to public property and liability for injuries are two predominant reasons why skateboarding is prohibited in many public areas and on private property.

Often times, skate stoppers (little metal hinges) are placed on ledges and rails to keep them from being skated on.

When skate stoppers and other preventive measures don’t work to curb illegal skating, the authorities often resort to ticketing skateboarders. These tickets can range from 75 to 100 dollars.

Despite the risk of a fine, Chase Duerlinger ‘16, still believes he has the right to skateboard.

“Skateboarding is a sport, and I don’t think we are hurting anyone. We should be able to skate where we want,” said Duerlinger. Duerlinger, a West High freshman, has been skateboarding for four years.

Skateboarding first showed up as an organized sport in 1963 at Pier Avenue Junior High in Hermosa Beach, California, where 100 skateboarders came to skate and cheer on their peers. After the first contest, other small contests began popping up all over the United States, to the point in 1964 when the first International Skateboarding Competition was held in Anaheim, California.

Nowadays, a lot of cities are reacting to skateboarding’s increasing popularity in recent years, and public and private parks are being put in specifically for skateboarders to practice their sport legally and away from private property where they could damage and disturb. These skateparks are used often by local skateboarders, like Chase and Davon, but skateparks don’t erase the desire many skateboarders have to skate the streets.

Skateboarding is known as a ‘rebel’ sport, that will most likely always be looked down upon. But it is enough to get some through the day.

“I love the feeling of being able to wake up every morning and know that I’m gonna have a good day because I’m gonna skate,” said Bell.

Jacquan Rouson, 16’ sets up for a trick

College Admissions

By Meredith Cullen

A whirlwind of college visits, applications, and resumes are a reality for many upperclassmen preparing their transition to college. Iowa City West High was named the top Iowa school, and 462nd in the nation last year according to Newsweek’s “America’s Best High Schools.” Because West is such a successful school, many feel the competitiveness and desire to stand out amongst their peers to increase their chances of being admitted by a good college in the fall.

860 AP exams taken at West High in 2012

West High Guidance Counselor Amy Kanellis says that many students at West stress themselves too much with their academic workload.

Because of West’s rankings across the nation Kanellis said, “West High has an unbelieveable reputation.” She feels like these standards pressure high schoolers to take on more academically in pursuit of their college dreams.

Savannah Butler ’13 agrees that many high schoolers feel pressured to do well academically to get into a good college.

“I’d like to be able to say that universities like Harvard and Stanford care more about outside activities than academics, but it isn’t true. Academics are very important to me in getting into the schools I am looking at,” Butler said.

As a National Merit Semi Finalist, Butler challenges herself academically. She is enrolled in three AP classes and four

21 National Merit Scholarship SemiFinalists 2011

25.8 West High average ACT 2012

college classes this year, and spends five to six hours per night on homework. Butler’s academic situation and busy schedule is typical for many students at West.

“Everyone

that applies has good grades and high test scores,” -Kerri Barnhouse West High English teacher Stephen Bork ’14 tries to balance his busy life between extracurriculars, music, volunteering and heavy course load with four AP classes. He agrees there is a

1944 West High average SAT 2012

lot of pressure to do well academically but only because, “a good deal of that comes from the student body,” he said.

This competitiveness at West is something Kanellis recognizes. She discourages students who trade sleep for good grades.

“There’s no reason to be unhealthy in your pursuit of knowledge,” is the message Kanellis stresses to all her students. “It’s not worth it.”

Bork thinks he isn’t too extreme with lack of sleep to make up for his homework time. In comparison, Vikramin Aravamudhan ’14 only gets about 4 hours of sleep a night. He is enrolled in three college classes this semester and agrees he feels stressed about his academic performance even though he said, “I think if you get stressed you’ll do worse [in school].”

West High English teacher Kerri Barnhouse writes about 15-20 letters of recommendations for various stu-

83 West High alumni at the University of Iowa 2012

dents each year. She agrees that students stress themselves out too much during the college admissions process.

“I think they have their own ideas of what is needed to get into college, but that’s not always the truth,” Barnhouse said. Many students always focus on maintaining a perfect GPA, but Barnhouse thinks students distinguish themselves more by their character.

Butler knows her strength has always been in her athletic ability.

“Swimming for college will definitely help with admissions,” Butler said, “I want to go somewhere that is challenging both academically and athletically. I don’t want to give up one for the other.” She has been on numerous recruiting trips, while trying to find the college that suits her in both areas.

Bork says his strengths in college admissions are his good test scores and his ability to write good, descriptive essays.

He says his studying outside of school, and attendance at a summer school at Stanford helped him become a better student. Overall, he thinks his GPA is the most important for college admissions.

“GPA is a lot more accumulative,” Bork said, compared to one ACT or SAT score, while Aravamudhan disagrees.

3.62 University of Iowa average GPA 2012

25 University of Iowa average ACT 2012

“[ACT and SAT] is more important because almost everyone who goes to an Ivy [League] school has a 4.0,” Aravamudhan said.

Butler’s desire to swim in college might have influenced her focus on extracurriculars. She believes the most important part in a college resume are the things done outside of the classroom.

“Most kids that apply to certain schools have similar classes, grades and even ACT/SAT scores. Extracurriculars show the colleges what sets you apart from everyone else and they give an insight to who you are and what you like to do.”

With all this speculation of the importance of test scores versus grades versus extracurriculars, it’s hard to know which one schools look at most. Of course, every school is different, but Kanellis tends to agree with Butler’s argument. She says the ACT and SAT tests are good predictors, but they are not all. She thinks students need to “just have a couple things on [their] resume that [they] really like.” She believes having a good attendance, doing all assignments, having a balance of classes and being passionate are the most influential things in the college admissions process.

“Everyone that applies has good grades and high test scores,” Barnhouse said. In her letters of recommendation, she points out students that have

1175 University of Iowa ave. SAT 2012

integrity, responsibility, self-awareness, react well to setbacks in life, and a willingness to learn instead of being forced to put in work in the classroom.

Whatever students focus on to be admitted into their school of choice, stress fills the halls of West High around deadlines for application each year. Butler said she isn’t too stressed as she tries to cram recruiting trips and applications in before deciding on the best fit for her.

“I know that there isn’t one specific school that will work the best for me, I would be happy in quite a few schools. I’m just trying to have fun with the process,” Butler said.

Butler has advice for juniors preparing for the whirlwind of decisions she herself is currently facing.

“Get started early. There are tons of scholarships out there, if you just look.

Be on top of admission deadlines.”

Keep up the good academics, but keep in mind advice from teachers and counselors and don’t trade college admissions for health.

The Power of Vitamins

Vitamins have many benefits but some may just be better than others

By Annie Belding

T

hese days, foods stripped of vitamins and nutrients dominate diets. Most people continue to reach for the cookies even if they know what vitamins can do for their internal health. We have all heard nagging about vitamins, but normally we place these comments as afterthoughts. But what if you knew what vitamins could do for your appearance? It may just get you to turn the shopping cart around and head towards the produce aisles. Certain vitamins can improve the health of our skin, hair and nails.

“You would be surprised with what vitamins can do,” said personal trainer Nicole Silmon.

Many processed foods lack the vitamins we need, mixing up your diet might just be the way to go.

“Eating a variety of foods can be a great way to make sure you are getting the vitamins you need,” Silmon said. Each vitamin plays a specific role in your health.

For example B vitamins improve the strength and growth of your hair and are key components to having healthy hair.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the B vitamin Biotin is important for maintaining healthy skin and nails. Biotin can be found in foods such as carrots, almonds, walnuts, raspberries, and strawberries.

If you want longer stronger hair try vitamin E Foods: vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables., Avocados, wheat germ, and whole grains.

26

Reduce hangnails and get strong nails with vitamin C. Foods: kiwi, red and green bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, and oranges.

What do Vitamins do For You? “When I eat healtheir foods I feel more energized and I feel refreshed.” Rebcca Wen 14’

“When I eat healthier foods I notice that my skin is smoother.” Jazmyne Trusedale 15’

Foods rich in vitamins C and E include kiwi, mango,watermelon, pineapple, and asparagus, they can also destroy chemicals that can potentially harm your skin.These vitamins are also known for improving your complexion.

“Upping your vitamin intake can contribute to a better overall appearance,” Silmon said. Instead of spending loads of money at the cosmetic counter you may just consider going to your local grocery store. It may turn out that a vitamin makeover is just what you need.

If you want to improve your skin or clear it up try vitamin A. Foods: cantaloupe, apricots, peaches, papayas, and mangos.

27

Not just a sport, a gymnastics life ByConsuelo Mendoza ‘16

H

er feet gripping the edge, fighting with all her might, she tries to stay on. This very moment will decide who will be the champion of the balance beam.

For these girls flying is not just a dream, it’s reality. Rachel David ‘16, Rachel Weeks ’16, and Kylie Smith ’15 spend many hours every week dedicating their time and effort to following their dreams of one day becoming a world famous gymnast.

Getting Started

When David was just 18 months old, she started doing forward rolls at her house. Her mom put her in gymnastics because she had so much energy. Since then, she has continued in gymnastics and has reached the highest level in gymnastics (level 10) at Iowa Gym- Nest, in Coralville, Iowa. She spends a total of five days a week, and 20 hours, at the gym learning new and more advanced skills.

“Gymnastics is my life, it’s my everything, and I wouldn’t change it for any other sport,” said David.

Weeks on the other hand started gymnastics at age five. She spends five days a week, and 20 hours training at Synergy in North Liberty, Iowa. She is a level six /seven gymnast and is currently competing at this time.

“I like gymnastics because it gives me a new challenge everyday, and I like making new friends,” said Weeks.

Smith was two years old when her mom enrolled her in gymnastics and she has stuck to it ever since. She is a level nine gymnast at Synergy in North Liberty Iowa, where she spends

Picture by Consuelo Mendoza five days a week and a total of 19 hours. She believes gymnastics has taught her many important life lessons and has impacted her life.

“Gymnastics means so much to me; I don’t think I could imagine my life without it.” I would just be bored all the time and I would probably still do flips around my house,” said Smith.

Staying Motivated

These three girls each have their own gymnastics stories that they want to share with others to inspire them to never give up.

David has gone through countless number of injuries during her gymnastics years.

“Gymnastics is more of a mental than physical sport because it takes a lot of work to flip, but it takes way more courage and bravery to flip on a four inch wide beam,” said David. Her favorite part of doing gymnastics is being able to do cool skills, learn life lessons, and being a good role model for for younger gymnast.

David tells us that it has impacted her life so much and she has learned many things beside skills. The highest score she has ever gotten is a 9.625/ 10 on the bars in level 8.

Week’s favorite part about doing gymnastics is making new friends and working hard. According to her she is not a competitive person in everyday life , but when it comes to competition she is.

“I think gymnastics is more of a team sport that depends on your individual work and work ethic.” The more you work the more the team benefits from it,” said Weeks.

Getting her skills back after breaking her an-

kle last year was the most memorable moment for her, she said it made her feel like she was achieving something again. Whenever Weeks is devastated or frustrated she reads this magnet at her gym that reads, “Do one thing everyday that scares you.” The magnet motivates her to never give up. The highest score she has ever gotten is a 9.85/10 on beam in level 6 last year.

Smith is a huge part of her team at Synergy.

She thinks gymnastics is definitely a team sport because she knows she probably wouldn’t throw half her skills if she didn’t have her teammates to cheer her on. Smith has an older sister who is also involved in gymnastics and is part of the Iowa Gymnastics Team.

“Having an older sister on the Iowa team is exciting, I can’t wait to see her compete with the team.” We don’t talk much with her because of her busy college schedule, but she has helped me a lot in the past. I used to get jealous of her a lot when I was little because she was better at floor and vault. But then I realized she’s a powerful gymnast and I was good at bars and beam,” said Smith. The best score she has ever gotten is a 9.7/10 on bars as a level 8. Gymnastics has impacted Smith’s life in so many ways.

“

Gymnastics has always been a part of me, and it will always be.”

Kylie Smith

Future Plan

Smith and David plan to continue their experience in gymnastics through college.

David would like to go to UCLA (University of California Los Angeles) and Smith maybe wants to follow her sister’s footsteps and go to Iowa with hopefully a scholarship. As for Weeks she just wants to enjoy her time in gymnastics for now and maybe consider college gymnastics later in high school.

Balancing a gymnastics and high school life is not the easiest thing in the world, but with their dedication and team spirit, these three girls reach their goals in the gym and elsewhere.

28

photo used with permission from Kylie Smith

Rachel David ‘ 16 Gymnast at Iowa Gymn-Nest

photo used with permission from Rachel David

picture by Consuelo Mendoza

Rachel Weeks ‘ 16 Gymnast at Synergy

picture by Consuelo Mendoza

picture by Consuelo Mendoza

Top left: Rachel David doing a leap at a competition, Top right: Kylie Smith doing a handstand on floor at a competition, Bottom left: Rachel Weeks doing a dismount of bars at a competition, Bottom right: Balance beam Middle picture:: Grips used for the uneven bars

What exactly is Gymnastics?! . Gymnastics is a worldwide sport for both males and females. USA Gymnastics owns all the gymnastics clubs in the United States and they are involved in the Junior Olympics and Olympics.Gymnastics has a total of ten levels. Level 4-6 is called compulsory, where every girl competes the same skills and routines on the four events ( vault,bars, beam, and floor.) Levels 7-10 are called optional levels and it’s where each individual gymnast has their own routines. Skills are rated by their difficulty, A being the easiest and F being the hardest ( also includes letters in between.) For the optional level you need a certain amount of A’s or B’s etc.

Kylie Smith ‘ 15 Gymnast at Synergy

29

West High Alumni Commit Homicide Introducing Lipstick Homicide

T

by Valerie Hsieh

hough many may not have heard their music, Lipstick Homicide has been getting a lot of attention lately for recently opening for Green Day on Sept. 15, with a brief 25-minute set at Irving Plaza in New York City. Hailing from the Iowa City/Coralville region, the members of Lipstick Homicide are all West High graduates. Kate Kane and Luke Ferguson are 2007 alumni, while Rachel Feldmann graduated in 2008.

On their website, they tag their music as “punk, butt rock, iowa, iowa city, pop punk, riot grrrl, Coralville,” although Ferguson thinks their music has changed a bit from their high school days. “We’re still the same, goofy kids we were back then. I feel that all things evolve to an extent and so has our music.” Feldmann said their music settled from ‘grungy’ to a more pop-punk sound, but doesn’t think the mood of their music has changed much. “We’ve definitely gotten better ... Our songs are a bit faster and we can sing better now.”

Originally meeting in 2006, Feldmann and Kane met and started a band with the name The Whoopsie Daisies. They soon decided they needed a drummer, at which time they found Ferguson. “Luke was just the best drummer we knew and he could play fast and loud so we asked him to be in the band. Luke definitely helped us rock harder and made us feel more like a real band,” said Feldmann.

Eventually, they decided to come up with a cooler band name, so they modeled theirs after Bikini Kill, combining a violent and a feminine word together. “We have the cheesiest sounding band name of all time,” said Feldmann.

Before becoming recognized by an extremely famous band and being asked to open for them, Lipstick Homicide’s humble roots started at a free recording booth at the UAY in downtown Iowa City. They recorded the 16 or so songs that they had and released them in an album called Dandelion Disease in 2007, on burned CDs handed out for free to friends at concerts. Although littlerecognized, Lipstick Homicide continued to perform at locations around the Iowa City/Coralville area, and kept day jobs at the same time to earn money for touring, equipment and van repairs.

However, soon, their hard work paid off. Feldmann said that getting to open for Green Day made them realize that they needed to keep sticking with the hard work that comes with being a musician because “awesome random things can happen.”

According to Kane, the crowd went wild during their set with Green Day, especially during the song Calling in Dead.

“I remember wondering why all the little girls started screaming and then I looked over and Billy Joe was taking a picture of me. I’m surprised I didn’t pee my pants,” said Kane.

Though few at West may recognize who Lipstick Homicide are, they have at least one devoted fan. Joe Feldmann ‘16, the sister of lead singer Rachel, is inspired and awed by the band’s success. “I’m proud of my sis’s progress. When my mom got the call that they were going to open for Green Day, I was like, wow [...] Rachel is doing that? [...] It’s something I wish I could do.”

Although they don’t plan on signing with any fancy record labels yet, Lipstick Homicide is still riding their recent success with Green Day. As of right now, none of the members of Lipstick Homicide want the band to end. “We’ll keep playing until we’re too old probably. None of us are pursuing any other professional careers at the moment,” said Feldmann.

Caption about the picture: Awesome coolness band Lipstick Band, performing with other awesome band Green Day

Who has helped you stay grounded this entire time?

Luke: Coolzey, Sam and Grace L.W. really helped us start getting shows and they taught me a whole lot about [music]. My Nana, Mom, Pop, and brothers always helped keep me grounded.

Kate: My kitty cats.

Rachel: We keep ourselves pretty grounded I guess.

How has growing up in Iowa City changed your perspective of performing in front of big crowds and being a super popular band? Do you think it would have been different, had you grown up in a big city?

Luke: I think in a big city the pieces might not have fallen as they did. We would have had a rented practice space, with set hours for rocking and I don’t think it would have been as natural of a start.

Rachel: Well, I think growing up in the Iowa City area made us realize that we wanted to play shows in other cities and got us motivated to book our own tours. It probably would have been really different if we lived in a big city. We probably would have never found each other and started a band.

How long can you envision playing music as a band?

Luke: I wanna play till I can’t play no more. I don’t see any reason not to play, and there’s no one else in the whole world I’d rather play with than those two [Kate Kane and Rachel Feldmann]. They’re my best friends and they’re crazy good rockers.

Kate: I always want to play music, but I don’t really think of it like a career. It’s just something that I like to do that’s mostly unrelated to having a job, and paying the bills, etc.

Lipstick Homicide/Billy Raygun Split LP Album Review

From far left: Kate Kane, Luke Ferguson (behind the drumset), Rachel Feldmann Photo courtesy of Bambi Guthrie

How do you hope to be remembered at West?

Luke: [I want to be remembered as] the kid who played blink182’s carousel on drums in the middle of the commons.

What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?

Kate: I’d say don’t be afraid to learn a new instrument, start a band, and play shows. It’s not hard to do, and it’s really fun! Also check out the Iowa City high school bands, “Other Band” and “Conetrauma”, if you haven’t already.

Rachel: Have fun and be yourself. You kids should try listening to punk rock; it’s fun. Start a band. Check out a band called the Muffs. Shout out to Mrs. Whittaker. Sorry for my run on sentences and poor puntuation and whatnot... Also someone say, “Hey, what’s up?” to Bres for me!

What can we expect from Lipstick Homicide in the future?

Rachel: We’ll have a brand new full length album out soon! We’re recording it next month. We’ll probably go on tour some more.

Luke: More of us being us. Three Iowa friends making music together and having a good time doing it. We’re gonna record a new album in a month and it’s gonna be a pretty high quality so be on the lookout for that.

Kate: An all ages punk rock show on Sunday, November 18th at Public Space One (129 E Washington St, Iowa City) at 8pm You can download free Lipstick Homicide albums on their website, www.lipstickhomicide.bandcamp.com

Although Feldmann claims Lipstick Homicide’s sound is strongly influenced by bands such as Green Day and Blink-182, Lipstick Homicide’s sound is incomparably more genuine than the tame, ‘for-radio’ music of common pop culture bands. Billy Raygun (a two-person band from New Hampshire) is a good fit on this full-length album, and the duo only adds to the already powerful sound of this small-town band. This album is more mature and sophisticated than previous albums from Lipstick Homicide, evidenced by the more powerful vocals and more confident guitar riffs. Here is a track-by-track breakdown of all seven songs on Lipstick Homicide’s Split LP with Billy Raygun.

Annexation of Puerto Rico – Feels a bit syncopated at some times, which is odd, but the song comes together beautifully with the echoed lyrics. “I really love the drum part I wrote for our song ‘The Annexation of Puerto Rico’ on the Lipstick Homicide/ Billy Ray Gun split album we released last year,” said Luke Ferguson.

Moody’s Point - Relatable lines, although studded with a bunch of expletives. Some parts of the guitar seem to stand out a bit too much, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The drum solo is very fast-paced, and the lyrics are humorous, although very genuine.

Everything = a Lie – Swingy guitar riffs; Feldmann’s voice is really powerful when she hits the high parts. Interspersed bass solos and drum solos are really strong. Backup vocals are pretty good. I think the song changes key somewhere in the middle; this is probably my favorite song on the album. Some of the guitar riffs sound really mainstream, especially when the guitar goes high, but the amazing background/ supporting sound makes up for it all.

Calling In Dead – Fast drum beat and furious guitar sound very energized. Rachel’s fast-paced lyrics set the tone of the song very well. To me, this song sounds more pop rock than punk riot.

Great harmonies and dynamic between the entire band is present on this track. Joe Feldmann ’16, younger brother of Rachel Feldmann, said “Calling In Dead would have to be my favorite song, and sometimes it’s something I wish I could do.”

Bite My Tongue – Catchy guitar riffs, the entire thing sounds very raw and angry, set especially well by Rachel’s vocals; the backup vocals help accentuate the important lyrics. The guitar riff in the breakdown is really glorious. This is a really short and sweet track. The bass is really simple, but very clear and distinguishable. This track is another one of my favorites.

In Your Place – A bit slower and melodic than the other songs on this album. The melody might sound a bit more mainstream, but the lyrics are anything but. The guitar plays a more prominent part in this song.

Prom – Probably the most teenage/angst-filled song. This is a bit less sophisticated than the other tracks, but the rapid-fire lyrics convey the message of the song well, and the instrumental and vocal backgrounds are well constructed.

by Riley Finer

Hidden Gems of Iowa Iowa is full of good restaurants that sometimes are not as prominent as others, yet are worth every penny. From an elegant crêperie to a rural pizzeria, here is a guide to some of the best local food the Iowa City area has to offer.

Her Soup Kitchen

Location: 625 S. Dubuque Street, Iowa City, Iowa Hours: Monday- Friday 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

This family business serves lunch every day but Saturday, and both breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Although known for their soups and their home-cured and smoked meats, they have developed a strong vegetarian following. This group loves the wide range of meatless soups and sandwiches Her Soup Kitchen offers, not to mention salads. A selfdescribed “lifelong foodie,” owner Barb Farnsworth states that the kitchen uses local, fresh ingredients in all of their dishes.

Nodo

Location: 600 North Dodge Street, Iowa City, Iowa Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Named “Nodo” for its location on North Dodge Street, this small sandwich store serves a variety of unexpected yet surprisingly delicious sandwiches and wraps such as the grilled ham & mango sandwich or the turkey & cranberry wrap. It is also one of the few places I have come across in Iowa City that serves sweet potato fries. Owner Bryan Asklof mentions that the C & P sandwich (corned beef and pastrami) is not only the most popular item on the menu, but his personal favorite. Nodo gives the appearance of being a small warehouse, yet the pictures on the walls of family and friends give it a personal touch.

Crêpes de Luxe Café

Location: 309 E. College Street, Iowa City, Iowa Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

This little shop nestled in downtown Iowa City is worth the challenge of finding a decent parking place. It offers both sweet and savory crêpes including delicacies like La Belle, a sweet crêpe made with lemon, blueberries, and sugar, and La Dinde, a savory crêpe of turkey, aioli, and swiss. The crêpes are excellent and the charming decor could trick you into thinking you were really in France.

Geyer’s Pizza

Location: 1259 Rohret Road SW, Oxford, Iowa Hours: Second and fourth Thursdays of each month, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

Geyer’s Pizza is an entirely new experience to any customer willing to venture out a little ways into the country. The Geyer family opens their home to complete strangers two Thursdays a month to serve pizza made with a home-built outdoor pizza oven.

Every pizza that comes out of the oven has a unique combination of ingredients, such as the bacon, corn and caramelized onion pizza. Not only are the pizzas terrific, but the owners are friendly, encouraging customers to simply pay what they can rather than a set price.

Karen Peterson, the owner and operator of the haunted ouse and corn maze Scream Acres recalls on most nights people get so scared they leave their forgotten underwear across the property.

“Too much pee,”said Peterson . Cleaning these messes are just the start of the maintenance.

Scream Acres scares many, from local Iowans to International students.

Graham Bly’13 recently had ventured into Scream Acres, “It was an accurate portrayal [of a slaughterhouse.]” Bly said. He remembers being terrified, and just wanting to leave the place, [Scream Acres.]

“It’s always something [someone] new!” Peterson recalls. They began terrifying people in 2005. Advertising is key to having a successful haunt.Scream Acres spends thousands of dollars a year on a radio show, commercials, and clothing.

The biggest challenge of having an outdoor haunted Corn Maze is weather, It is unpredictable, and the money is usually made based on if the weather is warm and sunny or cold and windy.

Maintenance

Light, at the end of the Tunnel.

A Haunting Experience By. Lucy Blair

The cost of maintenance and repairs to the haunting equipment is usually under-appreciated. The lights can reach up to $900. The light bulbs can cost up to $30 each, which adds up quickly. The walls have to be inforced, rewebbed, and sound reboosted. A room is dedicated to the a webroom, and it falls on people as they pass.The haunts have to be cleaned constantly, and people throw their trash everywhere. Scream Acres pays bills that you wouldn’t even think of.

The haunt manager, Joe Rolsten, thinks being Haunt Manager is the best job he has ever had, and scoffed when asked if he enjoyed it. “[I have] great job, the best!” said Rolsten.

Rolsten looms over the actors with sharps eyes, prepared to jump for a misdeed. has had this job for four years, has learned the haunts inside and out, and has to prepare for anything.

“A lot of the fog machines need to be fixed, light line control, it has to be different,” Rolsten said with a hard face.

The tiring job of getting the actors prepared for the night,every night the actors choose from racks of costumes and piles of masks.. They spray on heavy makeup with a sort of paint gun that takes 20 minutes to apply properly. Some actors have hot, sticky, rubber masks that they keep on for hours.

“They sweat, [in cold weather] after chasing for hours” said Rolsten.

Each actor has a special talent, whether it be their scary laugh or their creepy demeanor. They have to audition, and see if they have what it takes to be apart of the haunt.

LifeAfterDeath

Carrying on after the death of a loved one It’s been said that one of the hardest parts of life is letting go of the ones you love most, and West High students are no exception.

Death is ultimately inevitable, unfortunately, and often times death greets us before we’d like it to. Some residents of Iowa City, and students of West High have shared some of their stories with me For Thomas Burrill ‘13 dealing with the loss of his father was not unexpected, due to his father’s old age Four years ago, Burrill lost hishis 80 year old father to Alzheimer’s, a degenerative brain disease that slowly destroys a person’s memory.

Burrill describesAlzheimers as “Losing your family member before they’re actually dead.” Bur-

rill continues, “At first [losing him] wasn’t too difficult, but has become more difficult since the summer.” Burrill has only again just started playing piano, since his temporary break following his fathers passing. However, Burrill has found music to be the most effective coping mechanism.

Often times one loses their loved one unexpectedly, and this was the case with Ben Neustrom ‘14. Three months ago, Neustrom’s mother chose to end her life at the age of 53, Neustrom recalls on one of his fondest memories, of he and his mother

cooking brownies and cookies in their kitchen. Neustrom urges those who may be grieving also, to seek out help in form of therapy, either by way of a therapist or a friend. “Don’t try and forget about the death, because that’s impossible. You have to try and be as positive as you can,” says Neustrom, “If you think negatively, you’re not going to be happy.”

Julie Hammer of Iowa City has also lost a loved one due to Alzheimer’s. At the age of 83 Audrey Hammer passed around New Years of 2012. Hammer describes her passing as “Relief, for her, and for me.” Hammer had also been expecting her mother’s passing, yet remembers the many teachings her smother had given her, as well as the simple joys in life she found. Hammer elaborates, “It’s always nice when people who have passed on still make a difference in your life.”

- Graham Bly

“

Your loved one is still in there,

What do you miss most about your loved one?

Ben Neustrom

“Her voice” Julie Hammer

even the smallest connection is still a

“Her wisdom” Thomas Burrill

connection.”

- Julie Hammer

“His smile”

Well Won, West Logan “Morph� Zhang

GET GAMEY

Currently playing high-level Starcraft II for Team Donic, he balances practice and a 4.0 GPA at West High School in Iowa City.

As winter is appraching, people are going to be spending a lot more time inside. And what do tons of teens like? Video games. But Here are some fast facts to keep you inside, staying warm and toasty.

GAME ON

Courtesy TeamDonic.webs.com

Learning Lingo

High- intensity aming increses your brain activity - by a lot.

According to a lot of new studies, gaming stimulates your dicision-making by up to 25%. -->

A couple of sayings that can help (or hurt) - your game.

GG - Good Game GL HF - Good Luck, Have Fun WW/WP - Well Won/Well Played

GO LOCAL Iowa place local spots

Gamers Online is a great to gather and sign up for and Midwestern events... for every player, spectator, and caster.

Next Tournament: LAN Starcraft 2 Open Lincoln, NE

Top 5 Franchises 1 -Mario

2-Pokemon

3 - Tetris

4 - The Sims

5 - Need for Speed

FOODS THAT CHANGE YOUR MOODS

By Sidney Petitgout

Want to get good grades? It’s possible if you start your day off with a healthy breakfast. Registered Dietitian, Joan Dolezal, from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics stated, a typical healthy breakfast for a student consists of whole grain cereal with skim milk, bagel, english muffin or wheat toast with peanut butter.

“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” Dolezal said.

Tired? Not anymore!

Most students sleep in and unfortunately don’t take the time for a healthy breakfast; some on the go choices recommended by Dolezal consist of: fruit smoothie with milk or yogurt (make the night before and put in the freezer), protein bar, snack mix with nuts/dried fruits/dry cereal, breakfast sandwich (egg on bagel or muffin) or

Smile!

yogurt and fruit.

+

=

If you make a bad choice for breakfast such as a donut, you may not score well on your test exam. Abby Burgess, ‘14, thinks before taking the ACTs a smart choice is a healthy breakfast.

If you make a bad choice for breakfast such as a donut, you may not score well on your test exam. Abby Burgess, ‘14, thinks before taking the ACTs a smart choice is a healthy breakfast.

“My mom makes me eggs and toast, I think it wakes me up and it is easier to focus when I eat a good breakfast.”

“My mom makes me eggs and toast, I think it wakes me up and it is easier to focus when I eat a good breakfast.”

Dolezal states if a student chooses a donut or a pop tart for breakfast, they are quickly digested causing a spike in blood sugar and then a sudden drop which can make a student feel less alert. Whole grain carbohydrates (whole wheat breads and cereals) take longer to digest with a result of your blood sugar staying more constant.

Dolezal states if a student chooses a donut or a pop tart for breakfast, they are quickly digested causing a spike in blood sugar and then a sudden drop which can make a student feel less alert. Whole grain carbohydrates (whole wheat breads and cereals) take longer to digest with a result of your blood sugar staying more constant.

People Eat That?

Top ten things you wouldnt expect people to eat:

1. Spiders

3. Dog

5. Rat

7. Ants

9. Gorilla

2. Turtles

4. Horse

6. Puffer Fish

8. Silk Worms

10. Elephant

ns e weapo The thre cing. From n used in fe ee, and p e , il fo : left saber.

Adam Rains duels Krystal Titus at a local ICFC tournament

Rains sports a lst place medal after winning the tournament

Rains prepares to take down Titus

A fervor for fencing

How fencing is gaining ground in Iowa City, including students at West High. By Julia Shriver

T

he average American would cite football as the preeminent sport in of fencing-related activities. In addition to standard fencing lessons and competithe United States. It manifests a piece of American culture with the tions, his training regime consists of strength and balance exercises, powermetamount of fervor it involves–the awaited tradition of tailgating, the zealrics, and even mental training. ous hoards of fans filling the stadium, the sounds of cheers and abrupt “One of the reasons fencing is so misunderstood is that people don’t appreciate whistles blaring throughout households–but a more unusual sport is brewing in the fact that fencing is every bit the sport and the athletic competition that tennis, the background, and it’s sprouting roots in Iowa City. Though fencing has minimal football, baseball [are]” Rains said. fellowship in the midwest, the Iowa City Fencing Center, established in 2010, is the “It’s almost harder to be an elite fencer than an elite, professional athlete because only complete fencing center in the state of Iowa. in addition to doing all of the training that it takes to become an elite fencer, you The ICFC was founded by its president and chief coach, Judy O’Donnell, who have to find a way to provide for yourself...Tim Morehouse and Keeth Smart, who has 25 years of experience in coaching fencing, beginning with her work at the both went to the Olympics in 2008...held down full-time jobs in addition to trainrenowned Boston Fencing Club. She has also participated in numerous internaing for fencing.” tional competitions for the United States, including the World Cup. After retiring Indeed, fencing is not as well-known or popular as most of today’s sports, parfrom her days of fierce competition, she now focuses more on ticularly in the Midwest. Though she is confident that the sport coaching, mainly through private and group lessons at the ICFC. is gaining popularity, O’Donnell believes that “the number of Originally a small organization, the athletic facility’s numbers One of the reasons coaches are holding it back,” especially considering that decent have grown. It now holds a group of about 50-100 regulars, rangcoaches “need a lot of knowledge and skill.” The sport is also fencing is so misunder- mostly confined to the East coast, which, according to Rains, coning in age from as young as 5 to as old as 80.

“Fencing is a true lifetime sport,” O’Donnell explained, which stood is that people don’t tributes to the common conception as it being “an elitist sport” accounts for the center having “quite a wide variety” of different appreciate the fact that in the United States. There is, of course, the Olympics, but even ages. One appeal of fencing is that it can be started at virtually with the extra attention it receives during Olympic years, Rains any age. O’Donnell didn’t truly get into the sport until her college fencing is every bit the admits that it can be uninteresting to watch since it “requires a lot years, though she had wanted to fence for “as long as [she] can sport and the athletic of knowledge of the rules.” remember.”

Nonetheless, the sport is showing signs of growth. Many colcompetition...

The fundamental goal of fencing is to hit the opponent with one leges have their own fencing clubs, including several colleges in of three weapons known as foil, epee, and saber, each with its own Iowa, and there have been numerous local and national tournaset of rules for what touches are considered a valid move. A pair ments throughout the country, one of which was recently held of fencers duel in a straight line along a 14-meter-long strip until the official calls this month in St. Louis. time or a winning number of points has been scored, depending on which weapon Fencing is even becoming a phenomenon at West High. An official fencing club is used. is in the works of establishment after Adam Rains made the suggestion. Alec “Fencing is a lot of fun. It’s challenging in a mental and physical way. It’s fast and Zamora ‘14, one of the club’s earliest members, says that the club is “still being set exciting, and it’s never the same thing twice,” O’Donnell said. One aspect of coachup,” but it usually meets on Saturday at the ICFC. Though Alec considered setting ing fencing that she has most enjoyed is seeing her students succeed. The amount up a club, the main student behind the project is Nadav Kohen ‘16. of focused attention the sport requires allows its participants to “get a lot out of it” “I’m glad that he set one up,” said Zamora, since the club probably would not and “learn about life,” she said. have developed without Kohen’s efforts.

“I’ve had students tell me that I’ve changed their lives, and that’s very meaningful Fencing may not have the same fellowship as major sports like football or baseto me,” O’Donnell said. ball, but for those whose lives it touches, it sticks with them. For some, fencing is One such student is Adam Rains, 24, of Iowa City. He has wanted to fence since merely a passing hobby. For others, it represents an entire lifestyle. Whatever the he was little, but didn’t have an opportunity to do so until he joined the University case, fencing is as real a sport as any, and requires just as much commitment to of Iowa’s fencing club and started fencing at the ICFC. He has become a very comachieve Olympic greatness. mitted athlete with daily training that typically consists of up to four hours worth As Rains states,“You have to have dedication...it has to be a priority in your life, and not just a priority but probably the priority.”

“

”

Keon Hunt

On It's a Wonderful Life

by Alec Zamora

Keon’s Favorites: Color: Blue Food: Salmon Movie: Inception Drink: Lemonade Song: Let Me Love You by Mario

A snapshot of the fareway Keon works at.

H

Above Hunt prepares to practice his scene with his makeup.

ow wonderful is it to be in a play for the third time? Keon Hunt, a junior from West High manages to accomplish this feat.

“It helps express feeling through a character,” Hunt said when asked why he does school plays.

He certainly does seem to have passion for doing theatre. After performing in Almost Maine his sophomore year he went ahead and made the decision to continue performing after such a fun experience. He tried out for the Great Goblin in The Hobbit for City Circle.

“Almost Maine was my favorite play I have been in only because it kind of built my experience,” Hunt said.

Between his job at Fareway and play practice for both It’s A Wonderful Life and The Hobbit accounted for 20 hours of dedicated practice a week.

“It was a lot of hard work but you get what you put out.

It can be hectic but it is also a good learning experience and it brings out who I am as a person on stage and it shows how hard working and persevering I am.”

As It’s A Wonderful Life begins November 29, Hunt

will still be putting in twenty hours into one of his favorite activities as Clarence Odbody, one of the main characters. He is the guardian angel of George Bailey, another main character.

Preparation is the main element everything has to be ready on time. The day before the play a teaser is showed to third and sixth periods.

“We start off one scene at a time and then we build, build, build. It’s called blocking.” Said Mrs. Nahra, this years play director.

The decision for this play instead of more modern play comes with a little tip from Mrs. Rocarek along with other key themes.

“They wanted to stick to [a classic] since it’s coming close to the holidays,” Hunt said when asked why they chose It’s A Wonderful Life.

“Its choice is the time of year and that it’s just a good family show,” adds Nahra “I expect the play to be very good and very entertaining! From the ones I’ve seen they have been lots of fun to watch!” comments Jillian Haas, a sophomore.

After high school Hunt says he would continue to do plays or even movies or tv shows if he had the opportunity. But for right now he is focused on getting his busi-

Hold On to Your Heads

By Kelsey Keranen

Zombie [ZOM-bee]: 1. a. the body of a dead person given the semblance of life, but mute and will-less, by a supernatural force, usually for some evil purpose.

Y

ou’ve certainly heard of them before; the lurching, groaning figures that hunger for nothing but the grey matter wallowing between your ears that you so lovingly covet. These living dead, addressed as zombies by most of today’s pop culture, have been growing more and more popular over the years. Many young people of this generation are beginning to believe that an apocalypse of the zombie variety might not be as miserable as it sounds.

“Zombies be stylin’ and they have a funny way of grunting,” said CeeCee Sheng ‘16, when asked why she thought zombies are so popular. Hannah Song ‘16 agreed; “Zombies are cool because you can go around shooting them and being a bad grass ninja person.”

All over the world, zombie fever is spreading and evolving constantly. From the AMC series, The Walking Dead, to the bestselling book by Max Brooks, The Zombie Survival Guide, this craze shows no imminent signs of stopping. Even here in Iowa, hordes of the blood-covered animated corpses wander the downtown streets during the annual Des Moines and Iowa City zombie walks. Our very own West High also happens to have a zombie club, the members of which play zombie video games, dress up as zombies, and plan for when - not if - the apocalypse occurs.

“I think people today like zombies because they are such an interesting topic.” Begins Shelby Maxwell ‘13, zombie club member. “The idea that humans could be brought back from the dead seems impossible, making it interesting. People also like to be scared and the thought of a zombie apocalypse is pretty terrifying. It lets our imagination run wild with the possibility of what could happen, which is what makes it fun and appealing.”

So many young people in this age are somehow willing to accept an apocalypse of the zombie variety. In an interview with Iowa Public Radio, author of The Zombie Survival Guide Max Brooks says; “...You can fantasize about what you would do in a zombie apocalypse [...] When something is really real, it’s too scary. Psychologically, we want to turn away from it. But when the catalyst is something that’s fake, well then it’s fun.” Brooks says that being a young person can sometimes be overwhelming; there are fears that you can’t really control. That’s how the zombie apocalypse is different, appealing. “It is the apocalypse, but it’s a controllable apocalypse.” Brooks concludes.

Zombies, it seems, are truly a phenomenon. It certainly appears as though these maggoty, brain-hungering grave dwellers are here to stay.

art by Kelsey Keranen

If you could choose anyone to be your zombie hunting partner, fictional or otherwise, who would it be and why?

“I would choose Finnick Odair because he’s sexy and he’d be able to gut zombies well.” Ebony McKeever ‘16 “Katniss Everdeen.”

Apoorva Raikwar, ‘14 How long would you last in the zombie apocalypse?

“Like, two seconds. I’d probably trip and die.”

Minsu Song ‘15 What would be in your zombie apocalypse survival kit?

“A zombie-reflectingforce-field-emitting-belt and and a bow and lots of arrows. I could just walk around and shoot them [the zombies] when I’m bored.” Joseph Kim ‘16 What would be your weapon of choice in the zombie apocalypse?

“A Nuclear bomb.” -Rebecca Wen, ‘14 “A semi-automatic rifle with a silencer.” Nick Deerberg, ‘16

THE NEXT GENERATION OF GREAT WRITERS Living in a city of literature, it’s no surprise the extent of great writers produced by the University of Iowa and surrounding schools. West High’s freshmen class this year is no exception. Filled with plenty of strong writers, the class of 2016 already has several writing awards under its belt and is ready to take on high school.

By Sharon Xiang ’16 Illustration by Kelsey Keranen ’16

Cultivate, bloom, prosper. Sounds like a plant, right? With the proper amount of nutrients, sunlight and tender care, plants flourish. Writers are like this, too.

When given the right skills, encouragement and aid, they thrive as well.

THE WRITERS

Writers come in all shapes and sizes.

This 2012-2013 school year’s freshmen class isn’t any different. Maria Shriver ’16 won the Annual Riverside Theater Will Power Poetry Contest earlier this year. She noticed her potential for writing when she started enjoying writing around 5th grade, and when she showed her teacher a piece of work and was complimented on it. Natalie Shoultz ’16, who is also an avid swimmer and violist, won a gold key from the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers.

She noticed her potential in elementary school when “[the teachers] made us do creative writing, and my teacher told me I did really well on a story, and when I won the award.” Devon Eberl ’16 also won a gold key from the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, as well as another Scholastic contest over the summer. He believes that he noticed his potential when he won the gold key.

fears, weather, scenes I’ve seen out the window, people sitting around,” Shriver said.

Shoultz, however, just likes to describe a certain object in great detail, and then she can usually get a story idea from that. She also gets ideas from personal experiences and sometimes from people that she meets. Eberl says he mostly gets his ideas from his surroundings that he is currently in.

a really good writer and encourages and inspires her. Eberl says he receives lots of support from his eighth grade Language Arts teacher at Northwest Junior High, Ms. Keech (who is now retired), his parents, and “my friends from summer camp.”

Writers write about many different things. Scintillating comedy, luscious food, lyrical poetry, blood-sucking attractive vampires, macabre dystopia.

Shriver enjoys writing poetry because she can express her thoughts and feelings through words. Shoultz likes to write science fiction and fantasy. However, she feels that when she writes, she should write believable stories.

“I don’t like to write about dragons. Or princesses, definitely not princesses,” Shoultz ’16 said.

Eberl writes poetry because it’s “what I know best and first started writing.”

THE FUTURE

THEIR GENRES

Maria Shriver ’16

Natalie Shoultz’ 16

THEIR INSPIRATION

Inspiration can come anywhere. In the car, at the mall, or even in the bathroom.

However, Shriver gets her inspiration from nature.

“One thing particularly inspiringrain, rainy days... usually from desires,

Devon Eberl ’16

THEIR SUPPORT

Shriver says that her friends Andie Lynch ’16 and Jamie Liu ’16 are “really nice and encourage me by reading my poems and giving me honest feedback.”

Shoultz says that her mother and sister really support her. Her mother’s an English teacher and “she helps me get more better with grammar, wait, better with grammar.” Also, she thinks her sister is

Since preschool, people have always wanted to have different occupations.

A zestful princess, heroic firefighter, strutting model, hardcore lawyer. People all have different dreams and with these writers, some may want to pursue writing as a career and others may not.

Shriver says she hopes to attend the highly-ranked Iowa Writer’s Workshop in the future and become an author or poet. Shoultz wants to go to a university outside of Iowa and isn’t sure what she wants to major in. Nevertheless, she says she would love to major in something to do with English or writing. She enjoys swimming but “I don’t know about going pro.” Eberl said he still hasn’t decided what he wants to major in down the road.

“He flies like a bird, you want him but, he’s always out of reach.”

-Maria Shriver ’16

Writers are all different and they excel at different types of writing genres, but Maria Shriver, Natalie Shoultz, and Devon Eberl have two things in common: they all love writing, and they are the next generation of great writers.

too

Mainstream?

The term “hipster,” originally used to express individuality, has become a common stereotype used and misused by students at West High

By Julia Truszkowski juliatruszkowski@gmail.com

T

here’s more to the story than an oversized flannel shirt paired with tight jeans and tattered shoes. The story lies in the pointer finger jabbed in their direction accompanied by the retort: “What a hipster.”

It’s a word muttered in the hallways and commons, hashtagged on Twitter, and directed at individuals sporting unique, trendy clothes. It’s a compliment, an eyeroll, a lifestyle, a big void of undefined “huh?” to anyone over the age of 30, and something West High students can’t escape.

“Over the past couple of years it’s become a big topic,” said Olive Carrollhach ’13, who frequently falls victim to the stereotype. “It’s been taken by high school students to mean anyone who follows certain trends with clothing or music.”

So, is there a distinct hipster recipe? If you add a Bon Iver record and some thick-rimmed glasses and subtract Justin Bieber, Abercrombie, or anything else deemed “mainstream,” can you stick it in the oven and expect it to come out hipster? Graham Bly ’13 thinks there’s more to it.

“I feel like ‘hipster’ is a broad term [with] a lot of subcategories to it,” he said. “It encompasses a lot of different styles so it’s hard to pinpoint.”

However, many feel they can distinguish hipsters from non-hipsters as easily as if it were green from gold. A trendy ensemble of second hand sweaters and tight-fitting jeans alludes to independent film festivals and a pretentious attitude.

“I hope I’m not that pretentious,” Bly said of these assumptions. “If someone saw me and had a previous hatred towards hipsters then they might think, ‘Oh, he’s just one of those people and they all suck.’

But I’m a nice guy, so don’t hate.”

Judge a book by its cover and you might miss out on potential friendships, according to Carrollhach.

“I think [people] assume that I’m only going to be interested in hanging out with a certain type of person,” she said. “Just because I’m wearing a Cosby sweater doesn’t mean I’m not a person you can relate to.”

Erin Weathers ‘13 tries to eschew this hipster label as well.

“

Just because I’m wearing a Cosby sweater doesn’t mean I’m not someone you can relate to.”

-Olive Carrollhach ‘13

“-Erin Weathers ‘13

I’m hip, I’m cool. I’m a ‘coolster,’ but I’m not a hipster.”

“

‘Hipster” is a broad term... It encompasses a lot of different styles so it’s hard to pinpoint.”

-Graham Bly ‘13

what first comes to mind when you hear the word “hipster?”

Isn’t a hipster someone who doesn’t like what everybody else likes? I don’t like football. Does that make me a hipster?

-Lilian Zhu ‘14

Trendsetters- the iconic Raybans, beanies, and vintage floral dresses.

-Eveline Dowling ‘15

If I ever wanted to be a hipster, I’d go to Erin Weathers’ closet and steal her clothes.

-Joey Abreu ‘13

“I dress the way I want… I don’t go out of my way to listen to obscure music just because it’s obscure,” Weathers said. “I don’t force myself to do something because people will think I’m a hipster for doing it.”

Similarly, when Carrollhach wears a sweater she jokingly refers to as “grandfather chic,” there are no ulterior motives lying beneath it.

“It really just comes down to what I find fashionable,” Carrollhach said. “I think it’s important that your clothes and your overall persona broadcast who you are as a person.”

Weathers agrees. “The way I dress definitely defines me,” she said.

And, just as she grew older, her taste evolved with her. “[People I’ve gone to school with] saw me go through my horse phase in third grade and they saw me with braces in junior high, when I thought I could express myself through graphic tees and graphic tees alone… Now that I’m older, I guess you could say I found myself.

I’m confident and I stay true to myself.”

Bly shows his true colors by playing in a band, which he considers “expression at its finest.”

“I play ukulele and synthesizer, sometimes drums,” he said. “I guess you could call our style independent or alternative.”

“Indie” music is another key ingredient in the hipster recipe. Under the radar bands are often thrown in the mix, just like the people who listen to them.

“I guess you could say I have a sort of eclectic

taste, but it’s definitely not all of the stereotypical hipster music,” Carrollhach said of her broad musical spectrum, ranging from German techno to country.

Being the first to discover something can be appealing, but it’s more human nature than wanting to be a part of the hipster crowd, according to Carrollhach.

“I think there’s a certain level of pride in pioneering anything,” she said. “If you don’t want to be one of the crowd, you want everyone to know that you thought of it first.”

Despite the natural desire to be unique, Weathers doesn’t steer clear of mainstream music, from One Direction to Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.”

“You know what? I’ve never changed the radio station when that was on,” she said.

From Carrollhach’s pixie haircut to the lockpicking kit she got for her birthday, she stands out as an individual. But that doesn’t mean she can’t relate to her classmates.

“I like eating ice cream and building pillow forts and watching movies and driving to nowhere,” Carrollhach said. “I do generally the same things as everybody else.”

Forming opinions about someone should be as simple as thinking they’re “super cool or have good taste,” according to Weathers.

“I just want to do away with the phrase ‘hipster,’” she said. “I don’t label anyone as a hipster, especially not myself.”

Committing Early: Junior Athletes Commit to Colleges

By Kiana Wilson | Photo by Kiana Wilson and with permission from Athletes |

When people think of student athletes committing to a college sport they think of them doing it their senior year when they are closer to their college experience. But that was not the case for West High’s Alli Peterson ’14 and Wyatt Lohaus ’14. Peterson committed to the University of Nebraska on September 23rd, 2012. Lohaus committed to the University of Northern Iowa in August.

Fun Facts

Peterson started playing soccer in kindergarten on her schools Kickers team. Peterson has loved soccer from the very start.

“It is something that has always been exciting and I have enjoyed a lot.” Peterson said.

It has been a goal for Peterson, ever since she was five years old to play at the college

Favorite food-

level and dreams of playing on an Olympic team. Peterson was not only looking for a particular place to be a student athlete but a place to receive a great education that will prepare her for her future.

“Nebraska is also known to have a strong tradition of sports and has very loyal fans which

Ice cream, Any flavor, Anytime!

Favorite music-

Alli Peterson

Florence + Machine and Phillips Phillips

Favorite movie-

I think is very cool.” Peterson said. The coaches “I am just looking forward to representing 13 going on 30 and players at Nebraska were good people Nebraska and can not wait to be a HuskWhat I do in my which influenced Peterson on her decision. er!” Peterson said.

Peterson is extremely excited on her decision free timeand feels like a huge weight has been lifted off Spend time with family her shoulders.

and friends

athlete you have to put in extra hours in the weight room/gym and that is exactly what Lohaus did.

“Wyatt is very dedicated to improving his athletic ability and his basketball skills. He wants to improve as much as any other player I have coached.” Coach Bergman said. It has always been a goal for Lohaus to play in college and he was excited to know that he finally made his goal happen. Lohaus was not only looking for a college to play basketball but a college that has good academics. Lohaus had several options for college but UNI was the perfect fit for him because it fell into all the categories he wanted.

Wyatt Lohaus Lohaus has had a basketball in his hands his whole life. Around 3rd grade Lohaus was ready to take the next step by joining organized leagues for basketball. It was not until 5th grade when Lohaus developed love for basketball.

“During those years I started to practice hard for the first time and I could tell it was making me better.

I loved it and it made me start to appreciate all the hard work and dedication it takes to become a great player.” Lohaus said. To show you are a dedicated

“My style of play fits very well into their system. Academically its a good school too and the coaches care about you just as much off the court as on it.” Lohaus said. All the hard work Lohaus has been putting in over the years is finally starting to pay off. Lohaus felt that committing early was the right thing for him especially since his knew the coaches well and had the same similarities as the players on the team.

“As his coach, I trust that Wyatt put a lot of thought into that decision and he made it for good reasons.”

Coach Bergman said. Lohaus is happy with the decision he made on committing his junior year and can’t wait to be a UNI panther. “It also takes some of the pressure off now that I’ve committed and I can just focus on getting better.” Lohaus said.

Favorite foodIce cream

Favorite musicRap/R&B

Favorite movie-

Tie between Remember the Titans and Space Jam

What I do in my free time-

I like to hang out with my friends and just relax

The exercise fad

Yoga is a growing trend among high school students looking to balance their school work and life. Story and photos by Katie Peplow |

YOGA POSES

Chandler Hames ‘14 does a yoga sequence

You can do yoga too! Practice these yoga moves when you’re feeling stressed to relieve tension.

Lay down with knees bent and reach arms out with palms facing the ground.

lifestyle

high school and yoga There are many places in the Iowa City area where students can take yoga classes. Above: some yoga studios in Iowa City.

Seven classes, work, friends, sports, school events, activities. It’s no doubt that high school students are busy, but still, most students find a way to keep everything balanced.

Yoga is a type of exercise that has been

around for decades but has grown increasingly popular in recent years among youth, and more specifically, high schoolers.

The exercise is known for it’s ability to calm and relieve stress, but when people think

Strech body out facing the stomach to the ground. Keep arms and legs straight.

Bend body into a V shape with rear as the highest point. Keep arms and legs straight.

about yoga, they think about middle-aged vegan skin-and-bones women, a quite unfair stereotype. In reality, students at West High do yoga on a regular basis.

“I started yoga years ago when one of my friends invited me to go with her and her mom,” says Gabby Foreman ’14. Foreman says yoga helps her see things clearer and “does wonders to relieve stress.” Chandler Hames ’14 agrees, “[Yoga] is a good way to clear my mind and I find myself less stressed after a [yoga] class.”

Yoga is more than just breathing and stretching. Yoga workouts can be challenging: “A lot of [high school students] come to yoga thinking it will be really easy—like it is just a bunch of stretching. And then they start doing it and realize that because it is really challenging they have to slow down, focus and be in the moment” says West High teacher Brady Shutt who has also been a yoga teacher for eight years.

Yoga also encourages some to live a healthier lifestyle in general and can help prevent injuries. Hames says since doing yoga she is encouraged to eat and live healthier. Shutt says he is benefitted in his cross-training program because of the physical benefits of yoga such as a better range of motion and better functional strength.

Students can get involved with yoga by attending classes at Core Fitness (where Brady Shutt teaches), Hot House Yoga, and other local yoga studios in the Iowa City area. There are even some classes designed especially for teens.

Whether you’re just doing it to make your friend happy or you’re genuinely interested in the benefits yoga has, Foreman thinks her peers should try it out. “Yoga definitely helps me balance my body and my life ... I would 100% recommend yoga to others.”

Reach one leg out with the knee bent at a 90 degree angle while the other leg is streched backwards behind the body.

Freshmen Frenzies

Written by: Megan Stewart

High is the best way to go to with just may not realize it at first. Evhelp in need. By Those with experieryone has to face harder classes, ence know the best way around the bigger school, and also new faces. school and they have been through “Every year you find the simimany situations that the incoming larities between new freshman, freshman may go through. They all having the same problems; would be able to give the best routes adjusting to a new school and of the school and give advice about surroundings” said Amerieach class. It depends, there could can Studies teacher Stacy Strief. be a type of There are person who many mixed took lonemotions on ger to adjust the first day, Plummer felt didn’t know what to expect, rather than a person who mostly nervous.

I just heard rumors. ” didn’t take “I was nerlong and just vous I wouldn’t fit in right fit in, that upperclassmen would away. Like Plummer, it did not make fun of me and call me names take long to adjust because she like ‘fresh meat’, just things like that.“ got used to her schedule right Most freshman like Spencer away, and got used to the fact that Meacham ’16 felt pretty much the there is less time to do things out same but a little bit more relaxed. of school when in high school.

“I was a little nervous at first Homework is a big factor to because I just didn’t know what some. Most won’t agree to how to expect, I just heard rumors.“ hard it is, but they do agree that Illustration by: Skylar Hop said Meacham. He heard many there is more than in Junior High. things about the upperclassmen.

The harder homework is, the Mostly just stereotypes. For exigh school inmore it symbolizes getting older. ample: shoved into lockers and cludes some of “I don’t think the homework is just bullying in general. Any new the best times that much different, but there’s student to a school should just be for different definitely more,” said Meacham. comfortable. Acting natural but people, and for Participating in sports or in other not overconfident is something others, the exact opposite. But in school activities can make anyone good to keep in mind. Having the end, it all starts with freshman feel more a part of the school. Acalready gone through it all, Mayear. Being a freshman can be scary cording to Plummer, being a cheerrissa Marshall ’14 felt differently at times; going to a new and bigger leader and a member of the ninth about the situation on the first day. school and adjusting to it. There grade choir really helps her feel like “I was lost and felt crowded, but at are many things that most incomshe really belongs in the school. Gothe same time, I was overconfident ing freshman are worrying about, ing to any sporting events, such as in a way, which hurt me.” said Marwhether it’s the scary upperclassmen football games, also helps with feelshall. She thought, when walking or simply getting to class on time. ing more connected to the school. into high school she would rather “When I first walked into West High school is a really big step be overconfident than scared, High, I thought ‘holy crap this place is in life and it can be stressful. Now and that’s exactly what she did. huge!’” Samantha Plummer ’16 said. that all the new freshmen got Everyone has their own way of Everyone has to go through the over that huge bump in the road, adjusting to high school. Having an same thing, so if you think you’re the rest should be a smooth ride. upperclassman or alumni of West the only one, you’re wrong. You

“I was a little nervous at first because I just

H

Tips

9

To Survive

Freshmen Year

1

“Just enjoy being a Freshmen.” Bridget Moy ’16

4 7

“Don’t annoy anyone, especially upperclassmen.” Chris Hunt ’16

Enjoy yourself, but don’t let the size of West intimidate you.” Stacy Strief

2

“Do homework, otherwise you’ll get behind.” Nick Deerberg ’16

5

“Start homework early, ask questions often, and prepare for exams.” American Studies Teacher Stacy Strief

8

“Don’t slack on homework, projects, tests, or anything.” Sammy Plummer ’16

3

6 9

“Act mature, we’re in high school now.”

Sammy Plummer ’16

“Don’t disrespect the school or the teachers.”

Marissa Marshall ’14

“When a teacher gives a big assignment, do it sooner than later.” Marissa Marshall’ 14

I

BASS CHOIR THE All-Boys’ Choir at West High

f you have ever walked by the choir room during sixth period, you’ve probably heard the rich, energetic sound of Bass Choir. “I love it. It’s my escape,” said Zane Larson ‘15.

Bass Choir is West High’s 48 member all male non-audition choral choir consisting of mostly

freshmen and sophomores with a few upperclassmen sprinkled in.

Bass Choir is led by Music teacher Ryan Person, who has been teaching at West since the fall of 2008. It is one of the highlights of Person’s day.

“I get to work with terrific students and create a musical product that is memorable for the students and gives them life skills that they can take with them for the rest of their lives,” said Person.

Students who join Bass Choir have a range of experience. Matthew Harper ‘16 has been singing since he started in church choir at age three. Noah Tiegs ‘16 sang in choir at Northwest Junior High. Bass Choir is a place where students can feel comfortable just being themselves. They gather together in a group full of men who love to sing.

By Micah Otterbein.

“I really have a great sense of community. I really like to sing stuff and sometimes I get weird looks when I just sing randomly.

This is a place where I can sing and not get weird looks,” said Ryan Hansen ‘15.

A performance by Bass Choir is never what you expect it to be.

What’s your favorite bass choir song?

Ryan Hansen: “In the Still of the Night” Josh Reid: “Teddy Bear” Zane Larson :“Jingalaia” Noah Tiegs :“Rainbow ‘Round My Shoulder” Matthew Harper: “Rocky Top”

They walk on stage looking like a normal group of rowdy, teenage boys. But then Person starts directing, the choir starts singing, and all your previous expectations go away. Everyone enjoys the choir’s singing, but when they start to dance the crowd comes alive. Each Bass Choir performance includes fun choreography that gets the crowd laughing and having a good time. It is a regular occurrence at Bass Choir concerts for the crowd to begin to clap and scream when Bass Choir sings and dances. This was Tiegs’s biggest surprise.

“They love us! It’s cool! said Tiegs, who loves performing before the crowd. “You wanna be out there, you want to be that presence, and you want to leave an impression on the audience.”

Person reports that the men in Bass Choir enjoy the singing and the performing. But he says it is more than a place to have fun. Person knows that freshman and sophomore boys are often going through the challenge of voice changes that make singing difficult. Without Bass Choir many boys would give up and stop singing before they reached their full potential. Person says

that because they are surrounded by other guys who have gone through the same experience, they have the encouragement to make it through.

“It’s such a weird time for your voices at that particular time [in your life] that it is good to see that the younger guys can see an

older guy and say, ‘Oh, this guy who is a year older than me and his voice is developed a little bit more...I can be that guy,’” said Person. He continued by saying that being in bass choir encourages qualities like hard work, dedication, and discipline. But in the end, bass choir is still a lot of fun, even for Person.

Bass Choir does a variety of songs which range from South African songs like “Lizela” to American folk tunes like “Rocky Top.” In the past Bass Choir has included English loves songs, pirate tunes, and hits by Elvis Presley.

“I like the songs I choose,” said Person with a laugh. “I like it too when we can really get after it and still have fun. We throw in the choreography and stuff...it’s just a new element that is fun for the audience.” The boys in bass choir agree.

“I really like singing with a group of guys who like to be there and can make an awesome sound and make choir not sound wimpy like a lot of people this it is,” said Tiegs. Other students must agree because West High will add around 15 more men second trimester to its growing Bass Choir.

You can too!

Drawing and painting like a pro doesn’t require talent. In fact, it’s quite easy.

By Alena Mueller How old do you think the person was who did this piece of artwork? Ten? Fifteen? Surprisingly, the artist who created this work was only six years old.

As Daniel Xiang will proudly tell you, “Figuring out how the beak should look was a lot of fun.” Looking at his work, some may say that Daniel has a gift, however, this isn’t necessarily the case. The Maroger (pronounced Mare-oh-zhay) Fine Art Classes in Coralville make it their mission to help every student excel creatively with the help of a ground-breaking system called the Gluck Method.

The Gluck Method is a method of teaching art that allows everyone- from five to 95- to learn. There are separate courses for kids, teens, and adults, but the basics are the same- work from large to small, relate parts to other parts and the whole, and cycle through the whole thing. Instead of talking about creativity and expression, the Gluck Method is the only fine art instruction method that first teaches all the basic principles and then slowly builds on them.

Naomi Lee ’16 takes lessons at the studio. ”It’s pretty easy surprisingly,” she said about learning art.

H

istory

“As I was growing up, drawing, especially making pencil portraits of my parents friends, was great fun and an activity from which I’ve very fond memories.” said Larry Gluck, inventor of the Gluck Method.

As a boy, Gluck had a natural ability to draw portraits. By the time he was 13, he was an apprentice to Giuseppe Trotta, an Italian artist who studied with Picasso. After high school, Gluck went to an art school to pursue a career in the arts, only to find that the abstract and modern were favored over the more realistic fine arts.

He became a well know artist while in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and later moved to Los Angeles to teach art when he was in his mid-forties. His home became his art studio, and he named it Mission: Renaissance because its mission was to teach fine art as it wasn’t taught at the prestigious art schools.

There was one student at the studio who stood out to Gluck. This student wanted to learn, but continuously made mistakes.

Finally Gluck found the problem: the man didn’t look at where a line began and ended before drawing it. It seemed simple and obvious, but this careful process of observation unlocked the student’s ability. Gluck saw that art schools were not teaching the basics, and designed a step-by-step program that could allow anyone, no matter what talent they had before to paint and draw. And with this, the Gluck Method was created.

“Once I realized that anyone can learn anything, I decided I could discover a method to teach people to draw, one that really worked. With the decision made, the most basic fundamentals of The Gluck Method came to me within the first year or so,” said Gluck. He continued refining the process for the next ten years.

Currently, the only studios using the Gluck Method are found in California, Canada, North Carolina, Texas, and of course, Iowa.

H

ere and Now

Yvette Jury teaches the Gluck Method at Maroger Fine Art Classes, which are located across from the Coralville Public Library.

“As a child I always enjoyed drawing and painting, I loved drawing portraits but never had a style or felt that I had any control of my drawings. If it came out right, then great! But if it looked wrong, I wouldn’t know what to do or make it better. After learning the Gluck Method, I had much more control and knowledge as I created my pieces.” Jury said.

The first thing one might notice about Jury’s studio is the strange wooden benches with giant clip boards propped against them. Children use these art benches for making art with pastel or watercolor. The four or five facing the low wooden tables covered with different cloths are for people sketching or doing oil paints; anything that requires a still life. Above those is a shelf with different vases, bottles, and small

sculptures to use when making still lifes. The opposite shelf displays finished work.

“My biggest thrill about teaching art is seeing all those students achieve a level of art that they have never believed they could reach,” said Jury. Indeed, many of the pictures hung around the room look almost professional.

When Abby Grier’s friends see her artwork, “they said it was cool.” Grier is 10 and comes to class on Thursdays and is currently working with with oil paints. She says that before she came to class, she couldn’t draw that well, but now she’s learned all kinds of stuff.

C

lasses

At Maroger, the first lesson is always free. Lessons begin simply, using the Gluck Method in the most basic way. A kid would

start with step drawings- instructions that show how to turn basic shapes into animals or objects. Once the drawing is done they add colors, and are taught about tone- the lights and darks that come from where the sun hits objects.

A teenager or adult usually starts with sketching, so their natural skill level can be assessed.

But no matter how old you are, before you can do anything, you must learn how to hold a pencil. Keeping lines light is important so that they’re easy to erase, and

“ A f t e r learning the Gluck Method, I had much more control and knowledg” -Jury

holding the pencil in a different way can help that. “I learned how to draw more freely and not press down as hard with the pencil. It was really hard at first. I almost threw down my pencil and walked out of the studio.“ said Lee. Kids and teens often learn how to use materials in this order: charcoal pencil, pastels (they’re a little like chalk, and made out of dry paint), watercolors, and then oil paints. Students can choose how in-depth they get into different materials or subjects.

Teen and adult classes are offered on Tuesday and Friday nights. For a complete list of classes, and how to sign up, go to www.marogerarts.com, or visit the facebook page.

How to draw Anything 1. Clip your piece of paper to a clipboard, or improvise something like it. Tilt it so it is almost vertical, with the bottom resting on your legs and the back leaning against the table. Hold the pencil in an underhand grip- simply pick it up with the tips of your fingers, like you would a drum stick, but with your thumb facing towards you.

2. Observe your subject. Without looking at the paper, lightly- barely with pencil touching paper- draw the biggest shapes.

This could mean the person’s head, a vase and some fruit, etc. But keep it simple circles and ovals.

3. Look at what you’ve done compared to the actual and change the shapes so they match better. Remember to draw THEN erase, and keep it light. You can also start adding nose shapes, leaves, or whatever it might be. Also add where the shadows and highlights should be.

4. Once you have blocked out all the basic shapes look again, comparing the size and placement of various parts. If something is wrong, fix it. If you need to, it can help to physically take a step back from your work. You can also try drawing lines of symmetry to make it go easier. Look at angles and line lengths.

5. Get in more and more little details, looking more at your subject than you do at your paper. It’s ok to start going a little darker at this point, but keep looking back at what you’ve done and making it better.

Never focus on one area too long.

6. Once you’ve done your line drawing, add shading. There are many ways to do this: strippling (lots of little dots), cross hatching (make lines one way and then the other), and blending (lightly draw in the general area you want and then smear with your finger), to name a few. Notice how the light hits your subject. Your brightest, where the light reflects, will be the color of the paper, so everything else should be slightly darker than that. Add the final details and sign it!

Personhood Plan B

IUD

Fertilized Egg =Person?

Personhood Bills in many states would define a By:Lauren Knudson fertilized egg as a person.

The Pill

“I think it would affect a lot of people (at West High School) because a lot of people take the pill not for birth control reasons but for other reasons too.”

Molly Lipman ‘15

The Effects of a Fertilized Egg as a Person “I would have to read the bill to make a decision on whether or not I support it, [but] banning birth control is not okay.”

Clarissa Hird ‘13 Personhood Bills that are up for vote in many states define “person” in a new way. Personhood USA is an organization sponsoring these bills, and their purpose is to give rights to a fertilized egg. This would effectively ban forms of popular birth control such as the IUD (intrauterine device), the pill, and Plan B. Proposed Iowa House File 153 states “The sovereign state of Iowa recognizes that life is valued and protected from the moment of conception, and each life, from that moment, is accorded the same rights and protections guaranteed to all persons by the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Iowa, and the laws of this state.”

Giving rights to a fertilized egg can have many different effects. Supporters of the bill view this as a way to make abortion illegal, a goal of pro-life advocates ever since the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision.

Though the bill has yet to be passed and approved by the court in any state.

The trade-offs this bill would have on birth control are debated and each state’s bill is a little different. Some scientists say the wording of a bill similar to the one proposed in Mississippi would outlaw many forms of popular birth control such as the birth control pill, Plan B and an IUD, because they prevent the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterine wall. Walter Hoye, a representative of Personhood USA said in a National Public Radio Diane Rehm show interview that the pill would be put in the same category as Plan B and the IUD therefore it would be outlawed. Others say these bills would not make the pill illegal. Since the bills do not specifically say what they would outlaw it is hard to say what the effects would be. Either way, the use of some birth control could be in jeopardy in many states including Iowa. Iowa House File 153, which gives rights to a fertilized egg, was passed in a sub-committee of the Iowa Legislature in 2011.

Support for the bill at West High School varies. Shabrina Johnson ’14

said she did not support the bill and found it ironic that most people pushing for the bill were males.

Clarissa Hird ’13, a member of the West High Republicans, said, “I would have to read the bill to make a decision on whether or not I support it, [but] banning birth control is not okay.” Molly Lipman ’15, a member of the West High Democrats, said she did not support Personhood legislation as “It totally restricts the woman’s rights to do what she wants with her own body.”

“I think it would affect a lot of people (at West High School) because a lot of people take the pill not for birth control reasons but for other reasons to like regulate your period,” said Lipman.

Kathy Bresnahan, a Health Teacher at West High said that she thought this legislation would affect the quality of life for young women. However, she noted that other birth control options may be a good alternative and can provide other benefits. For instance, many don’t realize the pill does not protect from things like STDs. There are also downsides to using the pill.

“I think those kids would find other, safer ways to deal with those problems,” said Hird. “People don’t know that the pill can increase your chance of heart attack and strokes, which makes it kind of ridiculous to use for something to for example clear up some acne problems.”

Banning the pill would prevent teenage girls from having these problems. Johnson agreed with Hird and said students at West “could also use the birth control that isn’t banned. It would just be a lot more limited.”

Most people don’t know what the Personhood Bill is, but Bresnahan pointed out that there are many bills that we do not know of that can affect us; and the Personhood Bill is something we should be more educated about. It could affect many students; according to a study

by Thomson Reuters about 50% of high school girls are on the birth control pill.

.. .. .. .. .. .. . . . .

Evolving . ............

Fashion . .. .. 2009-2013 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .... ...... ...........

By Brooke Lofgren

Chelsea Berry

Moving to Iowa City sophomore year wasn’t the only thing that made Chelsea Barry ’13 stand out. Barry likes to dress uniquely to define herself as a person.

“Chelsea has a unique style and I love seeing what she is wearing everyday.

She’s an inspiration and I love her jean jacket and sweater layers.” says classmate Shirley Wang ’14 Her sense of style is “all about looking classy and comfortable,” Barry said.

When Barry wakes up in the morning and feels a little groggy from a late night of studying, she frequently adds a splash of color to her outfit to brighten her outlook of her day. If she could choose more of one item, Barry admits to wanting every color of Converse shoes.

Barry began to take an interest in fashion at the end of her Junior year.Before then, she would wear Uggs, jeans, and shirts from Hollister everyday. But now she has a whole new grasp on style. Barry’s closet is not filled with various individual clothing pieces from Forever 21, American Eagle, Express, Delias, Stuff and her mother’s closet.

First impressions are important to Barry, although she doesn’t always have much time to pick out her clothes in the morning.

While Barry likes to window shop at little boutiques in the Ped Mall. as an

everyday hobby, she does most of her shopping online. If she had an unlimited amount of money, Barry says her sense of style would stay the same but she would buy better quality of clothing.

“Don’t go with the grain of what everybody else is wearing, wear something thats you,” Barry said.

Jonah Pouleson “Seeing Jonah Pouleson today compared to last year, you wouldn’t recognize him,” said Abby Burgess ’14, friend of Jonah Pouleson ’13. Pouleson went from wearing sweats and athletic shorts everyday freshman year to adopting a preppier edge in the spring of his Junior year.

Pouleson gets help with looking great everyday from shopping online at stores like Polo, Brooks Brothers, and Kohl’s.

If he had an unlimited amount of money, Pouleson would only change the number of suits in his closet. Pouleson doesn’t go shopping a lot, but when he does get the chance to go, he gets everything he needs at once. Pouleson likes to give off the impression that he cares what he looks like and that he is well put together through his clothes.

“Dressing nice to [go to] school is important because it shows that you care about being there, plus, everyone is going to see you so you might as well be looking sharp.”

When he wakes up in the morning, Pouleson tries to find outfits that make him look presentable.

Pouleson, leaving with the final witty fashion advice of, “Cargo shorts don’t go with anything. Ever.”

Aside from a suit this blue and white shirt is Pouleson’s favorite item in his closet.

Barry’s favorite item in her closet is a dress she got to wear on Easter last year.

Barry likes the dress becuase of its flowy style and 40’s look.

Behind 2)

1)

“Without set, the actors would be mute, naked, and in the dark.”

B

By Megan Kann

ehind each play there is a small army of paint spattered, sawdust coated volunteers. For the audience, the performance is an hour or so of entertainment, but for the actors and those that they don’t see on stage it is the climax of months of hard labor. West’s winter play is It’s a Wonderful Life, a classic holiday story about a man, George Bailey, learning his true worth in the world with the help of Clarence Odbody, an Angel Second Class.

On a typical day the workers come in and there are a few minutes of chatter, then down to business. Well, not really, the chatter never stops. Laughter and music mix with the sound of drills and saws. Shaky hands draw walls and doors on the rolly, reversible chalkboard, the building crew stands in a half circle, studying the diagram.

After they discuss the build they collect the supplies, plywood, skews, and drills. Katie Klopp ’16 takes a break

3)

the

Curtain

from painting and watches the builders, “They all joke and tell stories while they work and it’s a really fun environment to work in,” she says, “It’s really relaxed. You can come in anytime after school and work for however long you want. It’s really nice.” After the builder are done the painter step in and give it a base coat and then they make it look old with dry brushing. Thomas Barker ’16 acts young George in the play, he understands how set helps him as an actor, he says, “Having a good set makes you feel like you are actually in the time where the play is taking place.”

To dress and beautify the actors, the ladies of costumes and makeup are the ones to look to. Their small rooms with racks of clothes along one wall, and mirrors pasted with pictures from the play. Actors in their costumes stand awkwardly as head of costumes Olivia Sheff ’15 looks them up and down. “I like working on costumes because it

1) The 850 seat in the auditorium. 2) Suitcases used in the play. 3) The walls of one of the finished sets.

doesn’t have to be perfect, the audience can’t tell from where they are sitting the dress isn’t perfectly hemmed.”

In makeup the ladies apply deep lines and extreme shadowing to make it easy for the audience members in the back to see their expressions.

The actor’s voice echos around the auditorium, bouncing off the back wall, reaching the ears of all 850 audience members. From the sound booth the few members control who is heard and when. They hook up the actors with mics before the show and then they are ready to fill the theater with the sounds of the play.

From high above the audience the pools light spill down on the actors heads, setting the mood. Before the play the busy workers hang the lights from the catwalks above the audience’s head, huge lights with 800 watt bulbs flood the stage. While the play is going workers follow the actors across the stage with the tracking spotlight.

(Left) The sound booth that control everything heard oh stage.

(Right) Costumes member makes hat.

(Left) The makeup neatly stored away.

(Right) The sandwich bord advertising the play.

(Left) Costumes on a rack to be tried on.

(Right) Paint brushes in the building shops.

OFFENSIVE

ONLINE

HAVE YOU EVER STOPPED USING SOCIAL MEDIA BECAUSE OF OFFESNIVE POSTS?

Have you ever seen offensive posts?

Y

By Lydia Hinman WSS Intern

ou go home from school after a long day and need a break from the stress. You have tons of algebra and chemistry homework, but like any normal teenager, you decide to wait for tomorrow and log onto Facebook and check your Twitter feed to relieve the stress. As you scour through the latest posts and tweets, you see one that catches your eye. Suddenly, your

more power when People feel

they aren’t face to face with someone, giving them the thought that they

can say whatever

they want.

62

heart beat picks up and anger rises in you. Maybe it’s a picture, a post, or an article. Maybe it’s about your friend or your sister. Maybe it’s about you.

Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter are prone to offensive posts. Even though West High seems to be a place free of social media problems with accounts like Westhigh Bros who complement their unsuspecting peers, offensive tweets and posts haven’t disappeared.

Facebook and Twitter are commonly used as places to express what people believe in. But sometimes what we believe in can be offensive to our peers.

In the height of political season, Facebook and Twitter have become political madhouses, especially after the debates and the upcoming election night.

“Politics is something that shows up very often,” Katie Mons ‘14 said. “I’ve hidden so many posts on Facebook because they make me really angry.

When you leave a social media website, you shouldn’t leave it feeling angry.”

Lizzy Klemme ‘14 agrees with Mons, saying that she has seen several Tweets about the candidate and party that they prefer. Klemme adds that many

YES YES NO

55% SAID YES

I HAVE OFTEN SEE OFFENSIVE POSTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA SITES I HAVE SEEN OFFENSIVE POSTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA SITES, BUT NOT OFTEN

I HAVE NEVER SEEN OFFESIVE POSTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA SITES

political tweets make fun of or insult the opposing party or candidate.

Religion is one of the most debated things on Facebook and Twitter.Comments people post about religion can anger people because religion is such a sensitive topic to many people.

“I’ve also seen things about religion too,” Mons said. ‘Religion is extremely important in my life, and in some ways, it makes me even more angry than seeing awful political posts.”

Social media sites make it easy for the user to say controversial things about politics and religion. “People feel more power when they are not face to face with someone giving them the thought that they can say whatever they want on social media,” Klemme said.

Mons offers an explanation for why bashing certain things online is easier than outloud. “Maybe since it’s not directly at someone’s face, people think it’s okay. Or maybe they think that they can get away from saying those things on the internet easier than in person,” said Mons.

While offensive posts can be found anywhere, including Facebook, Klemme says that they are more com-

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON TOPICS OF POLITICS RELIGION POSTS THAT ARE OF- 65% 25% FENSIVE? OTHER 10%

84% 9% 7% monly found on Twitter. “I think Facebook is kind of fading away and people are using Twitter more often,” Klemme said. “Most student’s parents are not on Twitter, so I think people think that they have more freedom with what they say.”

Whether the people who post these comments know what they are saying is offensive is up for debate.

“I think that people don’t always think of the consequences of their actions, or how the other person will be affected. In most cases, I think that people are not being hurtful on purpose, be-

ON

ON WHAT SITE DO YOU SEE OFFENSIVE POSTS MORE? DO YOU THINK PEOPLE SHOULD BE MORE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT THEY POST?

DO YOU THINK PEOPLE KNOW THEY ARE POSTING OFFENSIVE THINGS?

cause they are that passionate about whatever they are talking about, like politics, for example,” Klemme said.

Mons offers another reason for why people post offensive comments, saying that it seems like people are saying “Hey, I’m smarter than you. You’re so dumb to believe this, as a way to get people to support their opinions. No one in their right mind is going to side with someone who’s rude to others and says nasty things about people for hundreds of people to hear and see. At least I wouldn’t,” Mons added.

What we post on sites like Facebook and Twitter is protected

by First Amendment rights. But sometimes, our rights are protecting us to say horrible things.

“I think that people should have the right to post comments about controversial issues as long as they are not hurtful or mean. People should be allowed to express their opinion, and people can have the right to disagree with their opinion,” Klemme said.”

Mons agrees that we should be able to post things about controversial

TW

ITT

62% 38%

96%

ER

K

O BO

ON

CE A F

SAID YES

45% 55%

SAID YES SAID NO issues, but “need to be careful not to offend others.” Mons also said that there are alternatives for how we express ourselves regarding controversial and potentially insulting issues.

“Personally, I never post anything about politics. And if I post something about religion, it’s just like ‘Happy Easter’ or ‘Merry Christmas’ or whatever. I think you should just promote what you believe in, but don’t hate on what you don’t agree with, at least not on [social media],” Mons said.

“If you need to rant about something political or religious, it’s better to talk to a person or group of people who you know believe exactly what you do. That’s what I do. I go to my family or church youth group if I need to rant or talk about politics or whatever. “ “But I definitely think Facebook is not the place for hate,” Mons said.

63

A family trait

Basketball greatness with the Lohaus family Tips on making tryouts for basketball

B

lood type B, B for basketball. The Lohaus family is the definition of success on the court. The father of the family is a former NBA player and has passed down his trait to his kids. Wyatt Lohaus ‘13, plays on the varsity basketball team. Scratch that, he stars on the varsity basketball team.

However, Wyatt isn’t the only heir to the game. His little brother, standing at a staggering 6 foot 1, Tanner Lohaus ‘16, is no stranger to the prime time. Lohaus won two State Championships, one in 6th grade and the other in 8th grade.

“He is,[good under pressure],” said former teammate Nathan Barnes ‘16 about Tanner’s ability, “whenever we need a big shot he makes it happen.” Lohaus is going to try out for West High’s basketball team this year and everyone has high hopes for the freshman forward [ basketball positon]. “I would like to make the sophomore team this year,” Lohaus said, “well, at least that’s my goal.”

Friends, family, and teammates are very praising of Lohaus’ abilities. “Tanner is a hard worker, there is no

1. Don’t be flashy, just show solid skills.

2. Hustle in all drills, no matter how easy they are.

3. So your skills, if you are a gaurd show the coach(s) you can handle the ball, if your a bigger guy show them that you can rebound the ball.

4. Work on your skills in the off-season.

Picture (above) of all the trophies and awards Lohaus has earned. messing around when we go to the gym, it is all 100% effort,” said Wali Parks ‘16, who goes to the gym 3 days a week with Lohaus.

Tanner is striving to make himself an even better basketball player, and better at everything he does. Those trips to the gym help Lohaus not only improve what he does on the court, but everything he does.

“My ball handling and shooting have improved, and I believe that is a result from going to the gym often and putting in real work, not just screwing around,” said Lohaus, “I give most of that credit to my dad who helped me early on and along with my

godfather Larry Bird, who both taught me to strive and to work hard in everything that I do.”

By Aaron Carter

5.Don’t be intimidated by players that are better than you, if practice you can become as good as them.

6. Be confident but not cocky.

7. Communicate on the court, show you can lead.

8. Be a team player, don’t “hog the ball.”

9. Listen when coaches are giving directions to drills, so you don’t look like you don’t know what you’re doing.

10. Have fun, coaches want serious but not to serious, know that you have fun playing the game of basketball.

: S Y A HALLW

Lurking Dangers Danger: PDA PDA stands for public displays of affection, it’s when two students decide to show intimacy in a public fashion and is quite common in the halls. “They stand in the middle of the hallway making out and feeling eachother up, hugging eachother for like 5 min like it’s the last time they’ll see eachother.” said Hayley Ross ‘13

Danger: Crowding

w

bY: kEVIN CHIN

hen you’re walking down the halls make sure to watch your step, because something dangerous like a fight, or something lucky like striking gold... could be just around the corner.

Jordan Wright, a senior at West shares us her story being at the scene of an unexpected fight, “I was minding my own business when I started to hear some commotion then I turned my head and bam! Two girls were swinging at each other, fists were going everywhere. At the end of it all that was left was a weave from one of the girls

{

{

Wild Encounter

“I hate when a ridiculous mob of people are in the hallways and it makes it nearly impossible to get anywhere,, i have to dig my way through them just to get to my locker on most days.” said Matt Feeley ‘13 over crowding is a phenomenae at west that is much too common and is a big issue because theres no way to stop it without being to direct.

on the floor.” said Jordan Wright ‘13 West High is like a zoo, classrooms or cages packed full of hyped up high schoolers waiting to get released by the bell to the hallways. Given the conditions, it’s no surprise that wild things happen in the hallways. After the bell everyone rushes for the halls, where a ton of ambitious teenagers fill the small space. It’s certain to say that tensions rise. The animals are released from their cages in a zoo and mayhem starts to occur.

From this point many things can happen, you can walk a few steps and find treasure, “I dropped my pencil on the

ground and out of the corner of my eye I saw a twenty dollar bill! I went over and grabbed it quickly.” said Jordan Rossen ‘13 Or you can even witness a wild attack, “There was this one tiny little freshman girl that bumped into this other girl, it didn’t seem to be an issue but suddenly this girl flipped and screamed at the freshman girl, the freshman started walking away and the girl catapulted her textbook across the hall at her.” said Alex Jewell ‘13 as you can see the halls of west can have many twists and turns So make sure you be careful and be ready for anything.

Procrastination The good, the bad, the ugly.

If you lay it off now, you will have way more stress later

ATE

STIN W• NOT TO PROCRA HO• Set goals • • • • • • • •

Have a to-do list Create a habit of not procrastinating Do tasks in small intervals Just do it Reward yourself after finishing a task Stay focused Don’t wait until the last second tostart Eat Brain-Healthy foods so your brain can stay focused

{

}

CRASTINATE? O R P E L P O E P O D Y H W • Fear of failure • Fear of success • Trying to be perfect in one task, forgets about other tasks • Being confused or think “I can’t do this” • Little motivation • Little sense of priorities • Thinking “it’s not important.”

By Kevan Patel

“I only get 7 hours of sleep, [I] had like 10 hours in Junior High,” says Tommy Duffy ‘16, a freshman at West High School. Duffy procrastinates, a lot, just like a lot of other people at West.

“I usually just mess around and wait until I get tired to do my homework, or just not do it at all,” said Duffy. He wants to stop procrastinating, but he finds it hard to stop.

“I get home and think to myself, I am going to finish my homework, and I [still] don’t do any.” He plays soccer for the ISC team, so sometimes he doesn’t get home until 10.

“Sometimes I get home late, so then I sleep and try to finish it in study hall.”

Duffy thinks that the school should give out no homework, and just change the school schedule. “I don’t think homework helps me at all,” said Duffy. “West should just make the school day longer and not give out any homework.” Duffy thinks that homework is a waste of time and no teacher should give it out.

There are many other procrastinators like Duffy, an example would be Nick Pitcher, ‘16, another Freshman at West High School. Nick only does the homework he likes to , and leaves the rest to do in school.

“I usually finish some of my homework at home, mostly the bigger assignments,”says Pitcher. “I really

don’t like Math homework [so] I just try to do it in school.” Many may think that putting off assignments for later lowers your grade, but sometimes it doesn’t. “I still have an A in Math, and I don’t even finish the homework in time, a lot of the time.”

Nick procrastinates, but he doesn’t like to. “I hate it when I have to wake up in the morning and it feels like I barely got any sleep,” says Pitcher. “I know when I don’t get enough sleep, I think that it affects how I do in school, I can barely stay awake the first few periods or school.”

Lost in Translation Students speak out against breaking down the

M

language barrier at West High

By Jaycie Weathers

“My dad wanted me to oving to a come here because he new school wanted me to get a betis stresster education.” Gerxhleu ful and said. scary, but have you ever The most shocking thought about moving thing for Gerxhleu to a different country was the extreme Iowa where you must learn to weather. speak a new language?

“In the summer here, A brave group of stuit’s really, really hot and dents have done just in the winter it is really, this. really cold.[In Albania], ELL teacher Anne Schthe summer isn’t really ularick estimates there hot, it’s just warm, and are between 80 and the winter’s not really 100 students from other cold,” she said. countries at West this One of Gerxleu’s favoryear. One of these stuite things about America dents, Omar Al-Momani is the Hot Cheetos. Like ’15, made the move Al-Momani, she knew from Jordan to America only a little bit of Enga year ago. When his lish when she moved dad was given the ophere. It was a big chalportunity to work in lenge learning English America for a few years, while taking her regular courses. Al-Momani said he had an aid his family took the chance and settled in Iowa City.

“At first, I was very nervous [when] people were talking to me to help him in class when he first moved to Iowa City, which is and I didn’t know what they were talking about.” Al-Momani common with a lot of other transfer students. Gerxleu learned English rapidly and could even understand what peosaid. ple were saying within the first few weeks of living here.

Al-Momani noticed that there The struggle for her was learning to speak it herself. Now, was a wide variety of cultures in having lived here for three years, Gerxleu is very fluent in America from language to naEnglish. tionality, and even food.

“At first, I was very Schularick said transfer students always amaze her with “There [are] all kinds of differnervous [when] peohow fast they pick ent foods from different counup a new language. tries [in America],” Al-Momani ple were talking to She sees huge imsaid. me and I didn't know provements even Al-Momani took basic EngVjollca Gerxhleu shares what they were talking over the course lish classes in Jordan but it was some Albanian words to of a few months. nothing like being submerged about” She is inspired by in the constant chatter in Ameruse in everyday life -Omar Al-Momani the courage of the ica. As he gradually broke down students putting the language barrier, he bethemselves out came more comfortable with there. life in Iowa City. “[I felt overwhelmed] in For Vjollca Gerxhleu ’14, West’s size wasn’t what intimidated her. In Albania, her native country, there are smaller schools the beginning. It was just with more people in them, making learning much different. really different, but I finalGerxhleu entered school only knowing one person; her cousin ly got used to it.” Gerxleu said.

(Jenna Pepic, ’15).

Learn the Lingo

tree - Pam Flower - lulu Hello - Tung Boy - Djale

A Somewhat-Handy-Pocket-Hipster-Guide

T

Avoiding social faux pas

“I am NOT a hipster.”

Grace Young, WSS wannabee

he halls of West High were buzzing with excitement, plenty of unique outfits, and mass confusion during Hipster Vs. Bro day, part of homecoming spirit week. If a dollar was donated every time “what’s a hipster?” was asked, we wouldn’t be spammed with presidential ads asking for our money all the time. This conundrum suggests a large majority of West High has no idea what these classy people wear beyond “um...uh...like glasses? I think?” Emma Guthart ’16 said.

For future reference, this pocket handbook will fold right up to squeeze in even the skinniest of skinny jeans and be readily available for all your on-the-spot hipster identifying needs.

If you stumble across someone in the street someday, and cannot seem to determine if they are hip enough to be a hipster, here are three easy steps to assist you.

Warning. Whatever you do, never approach the person in question and flat out ask them. For them to tell you would be breaking Rule of Hipsters number one: never, ever, admit to being a hipster.

The highly-trusted, ultra-reliable Urban Dictionary defines hipsters as “men and women…that value independent thinking, counter-culture,…indie rock, creativity, and witty banter.” To begin, check to make sure they are indeed a human. If you cannot tell, stop reading this immediately and go get help. Once you have established their humanness, try to read their thoughts. This is a very easy way to determine independent thinkers. Things along the lines of “I better go check my Tumblr,” and “Oh, darn. Not my favorite 1980’s Oxfords imported all the way from Chatham,” suggest you just might be dealing with a hipster.

As soon as you have finished probing their mind, step back to examine their clothing. Many people justify their hipster status with the classic hipster look. Skinny jeans are basically a must have commodity, along with the classic justcame-out-of-a-3D-movie glasses. Lilian Zhu ’14 suggests hipsters “wear glasses and dress like it’s Decades Day.” Any hint of nearly-ripped plaid from the 80’s is a promising sign.

Putting a stereotype on the “hipster look” is essentially a paradox though, as Hannah Twitchell ’15 points out. “I feel that how we use ‘hipster’ now is someone who adopts a clothing style that was previously considered unusual but has now become quite mainstream. Thus, the current definition of ‘hipster’ is not hipster at all,” Twitchell said.

A lesser-known aspect of being a hipster is the attitude.

From past personal experience, hipsters have a sort of airy, humorous feel about them. If there was a hipster country, everyone would speak sarcasm, have an outrageously fantastic accent, and drown in an ocean of loose-fitted sweaters and socks covered in kittens.

On the distant, light-years-away other side of the spectrum, you have, well I guess there isn’t even a name for them. Everyone knows who I’m talking about though.

Lift your nose out of this paper and look to the person directly to your left. Any yoga pants, Uggs, and/or Hollister apparel? Some even have those floaty wings that children use to stop them from drowning in the stream of mainstream they are bobbing in. Those are the ones!

Regardless of the side you fall on, there is no need to hate on the other. Your chunky glasses are amazing and everyone loves inflatable pool toys. It’s all good.

The most common hipster feature identifyible to the average joe, are the classic thick-rimmed black glasses. Basically any type of glasses work; the thicker, the better.

Button-up cardigans with collared shirts underneath weighed down by a mass of “WE LOVE CATS” buttons.

Satchels, always satchels.

Would you just look at those skinny jeans.

“Haha I wear combat boots even though I’m not in the army.”CeeCee Sheng 16‘ {artwork by Kelsey Keranen}

Kelsey Keranen is NOT a hipster.

Meet Kelsey Keranen ‘16, who is so not a hipster.

Are you a hipster, Kelsey?

No. I’m just a kelsey. People keep labeling me, man. It’s messing up my vibe.

What do you think of hipsters? {Photo used with permission from Kelsey Keranen}

“Kelsey is so hipster, you have no idea how hipster she is.”

- Valerie Hsieh ‘16

/silence Can you describe one, please? /shakes head confusedly. Valerie [Hsieh, ‘16] is a hipster. She’s 2 kool for skool.

Why do you consider yourself not a hipster?

Beecause I don’t like fringe. Or those really long skirt things. At least not on me. They look bad on me. So bad...So bad. If it looks bad on me it’s not allowed to look good on anyone.