2015-05-20

westsidestory iowa city west high school

2901 melrose ave.

iowa city, IA 52246

wsspaper.com

Volume 46 issue 6

May 20, 2015

THE IOWA CITY BUBBLE

Is Iowa City’s accepting environment preparing West students for the real world?

PAGES 13-15

SPRING IN FULL After another extremely long winter, we were beginning to worry that spring would never come. Finally, temperatures warmed up and nature responded. The grass turned green

Photos by Paige Brazina

and flowers began to bloom. West Side Story photographer Paige Brazina captured the emergence of flowers in Iowa City and Coralville from behind her camera lens. designed by Gabby skopec

TABLE OF CONTENTS

photo by MAdie Miller

wss

For more coverage, go to wsspaper.com

NEWS

| 4 | SET STRAIGHT When Dowling Catholic High School denied a substitute teacher a position because of his sexual orientation, West students took action.

COVER ART BY SHANTHI CHACKALACKAL

|10-11| FEATURE

sweet and savory summer

Follow us

@wsspaper

West Side Story’s most seasoned culinary experts share some of their favorite recipes for the summer season.

OPINION FEATURE | 22 | FAREWELL 18-19| entertainment | | 8 | REMEMBERING DR. A FLASH YOUR INNER MEME

wss staff

West students recollect their favorite memories with Austin “Flash” Schroeder.

Aaron Carter Sports Editor Akash Borde Editorials Editor Allie Biscupski Writer Avery Smith Videographer Barbara Badovinac Videographer Benjamin Bliven Writer Braedyn Dochterman Artist Brittani Langland Editor-in-chief Cameron Cook Writer Chanel Vidal Photographer Claire Murray Designer Consuelo Mendoza Writer Christina Dai Writer Danetta Dobre Writer Ebony McKeever Writer

MAY

Find out which internet craze of 2014-15 you are with this tell-all quiz.

Eleanor Ho Writer Eugenia Chen Assistant Design Editor Gabby Skopec Sidebar/Sports Editor Hannah Song Artist Isabelle Robles Copy Editor Jaycie Weathers Design Editor Jiung Jung Writer Kai Gui Web Programmer Katarina Fuhrmeister Designer Katie Peplow Feature Editor Kelsey Keranen Artist, Columns/Copy Editor Lauren Knudson Profiles/Web Editor Layla Hannaford Videographer Leola Eko Writer Lexi Shaffer Writer

Dr. Arganbright thanks the people of West High for 31 years of memories.

Lily Westemeyer Designer, Writer Lushia Anson Copy/Web Editor Madie Miller Photo Editor Maggie Terry Writer Mary Mondanaro Photographer McKenna Harris Designer Megumi Kitamoto Managing/Social Media Editor Michael Moonjely Entertainment Editor Miriam Perez Photographer Morgan Schmitt-Morris Designer Nick Deerberg Photographer Olivia Read News Editor Ryo Ohashi Designer, Writer Paige Brazina Photographer Sara Whittaker Adviser Schyler Davis Tech support Shanthi Chackalackal Artist, Writer Sharon Xiang Archivist, Circulation Manager Simran Sarin Assistant Design Editor Taylor Libby Designer Zayetzy Luna Business Editor

wsspaper.com mAY 2015 TABLE OF CONTENTS 3

NEWS

SET STRAIGHT It is the policy of the Iowa City Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability or socioeconomic status in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices.”

by Allie Biscupski AND mAGGIE tERRY

albiscupski@gmail.com dmrt98@gmail.com

WHAT HAPPENED

Tyler McCubbin, a former substitute teacher and volunteer track coach for Dowling Catholic in Des Moines was offered a full time job in March. However, after a traditional background check and social media sweep, the school decided not to hire McCubbin due to his openly homosexual relationship.

Support for both the school’s decision and McCubbin has been widespread. Students and staff in support of McCubbin held a solidarity walk out on April 11 that involved over 200 people.

WEST REACTS

The COLORS club saw an injustice in the event, and took pen to paper to voice their disapproval.

“Colors has created a petition ... basically just standing with the students that planned the walkout and any students that feel they’re forced into the closet because of this, especially in religious families where it can be difficult to come out. It’s just to tell them that they are supported, even if it’s not in their own high school. ” said COLORS member Aileen Norris ’15.

“We also want to stand in solidarity with all students who feel ostracized whether they’re a part of the LGBTQ community or just allies

4 News May 2015 wsspaper.com

because it can be a very uncomfortable situation for them,” she said.

Due to these events, there has been more discussion about LGBTQA rights at Dowling high school. There is also talk about students starting a Gay-Straight alliance.

“There has got to be a lot of confusion for the students who are now told that they can form a GSA, but cannot have an openly gay teacher.

The school might be making an effort to support their students, but they are sending mixed messages and doing more harm to student identities, senses of well-being and confidence in their faith,” said Cyndy Woodhouse, a English teacher at West.

Tanner Rohweder ’15, who formerly attended Dowling Catholic, says McCubbin’s rejection came as no surprise to him.

“Dowling’s extremely strict and you can’t get away with anything there. There’s a ton of things that get shoved under the rug because it is a private school, so there’s a lot of things they can do that doesn’t get out,” Rohweder said.

However, he says that in this case, thnigs were brought up.

“It was definitely wasn’t a surprise to me that [McCubbin’s job offer was revoked]. It was just more or less ‘the big one’ that got out.”

“It wasn’t much of a surprise to me that they wouldn’t hire an openly gay individual,” Woodhouse said.

Norris explained the complications that arose in the specific way Dowling decided to revoke their offer for the teaching job.

“He really was the most qualified teacher for

the job. He had been working with the students and had developed a [relationship] with them so I think that takes precedence over any sexual orientation or gender identity issues,” she said.

Rohweder agrees.

“They already said [he is] qualified enough to have this job, and then to take it away is more abusing power than it is about learning,” he said.

Woodhouse says while she doesn’t agree with the decision, she thinks the school has a right to do what it did.

“As a private religious institution, they have the right to run their school according to their beliefs and, so long as they are a separate entity from the state and don’t receive state funding, make hiring and curriculum decisions based on those beliefs.”

Despite protests and a petition, Dowling Catholic has stuck with their decision to not to hire McCubbin. School officials have said their refusal to hire him is not due to his sexual orientation, but instead his openness about it.

THE FUTURE

There has also been discussion about changing Iowa law to prevent schools from discriminating against teachers on the basis of sexual orientation. Dowling Catholic is a private school and religious institution and is exempted from a civil rights act that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Governor Branstad has said he would not support changing this law.

DESIGN BY RYO OHASHI

EDWARD YAO AS A PRESIDENTAL SCHOLAR sxxiang16@gmail.com

SB/BB games

this summer.

U.S. Presidental Scholars and will be meeting with President Obama in June

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141

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Trojancast will be broadcasting

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On May 4, Edward Yao ’15 was chosen as one of the 141 students in the country to become a United States Presidential Scholar. Presidential Scholars are chosen by a panel appointed by President Obama. Seniors are nominated for the award in January either through outstanding performance on the SAT or ACT, or they are nominated by Dr. Arganbright. One female and one male are chosen from each state.

Applicants need to submit one teacher recommendation and an essay on a topic they are passionate about. Yao thinks that his essay content was what set him apart from other applicants.

“One of the essays was about fruit flies, which was unique; I wrote about fruit flies because I did a bunch of work [with them] over the summer, so they were a big part of my life for a couple months,” Yao said.

Dr. Arganbright, who was the first informed of Yao’s award, believes that Yao’s varied interests helped him win the award. “[Yao] is multitalented and doesn’t focus on just one area of expertise, which really sets him apart from other young people,” Arganbright said.

Yao and his recommending teacher, English teacher Darci Witthoft, will be recognized for this award in Washington D.C. at the White House in June.

M MO NS

by Sharon xiang

Yao became one of

CREATIVE CO

A NEW OUTLET FOR TROJAN ATHLETICS

Wakefield and Travis Meade.

Trojancast has been very active throughout the basketball season, and hopes to expand during Trojancast is now open for anyone to view summer when baseball and softball begin. It also in order to catch up on missed serves as an outlet to students where they sporting events. can stay up to date even when school “Trojancast is the live isn’t in session. Varsity baseball player broadcasting network of West Zach McLean ’16 comments on the High athletics, which is free on versatility and convience of Trojancast. the internet for anyone to listen “I think it is a good way to get more to,” said Danny Davis, founder coverage for athletes,” McLean said, of Sportscast Media, which is the “Especially during baseball season, Zach McLean ’15 network that Trojancast runs on. when a lot of the students don’t come Former West High graduates to the games because it’s not during will announce all events featured on Trojancast. school.”

Some of the announcers include Cris and Michael Morgan, Justin Swafford, Kegan COMPilED by aaron carter

A NEW PRINCI(PAL) by dANETTA DOBRE AND KATIE FUHRMEISTER

thedanadobre@gmail.com kafuhrmeister@gmail.com

A new principal will be walking the halls of West High next year, and now that the West Side Story knows who has been chosen, we can shed also some light on the process that will have gotten them there.

Dr. Arganbright’s retirement after 31 years of service at West High has left some big shoes to fill. Picking the next principal is a selective process, and it is one where all contributors to life at West were able to participate, from students to teachers to custodians.

“Before we started the [selection] process … we had a student focus group, a staff focus

group and a parent and community focus group,” assistant principal Molly Abraham said.

“We [determined the] qualities people were interested in [for the new principal.]”

These qualities selected by the West High community were an important part of the process of selecting the new principal.

“Mostly what we’re looking for is someone with high school principal experience because this a big job. [West is] a big school; you need someone who’s got some experience,” Abraham said. “We talked about getting someone who’s good at leading, who is visible; there’s a whole list of things that those three focus groups came up with.”

Abraham and the selection board used this information to screen the applicants and set up interviews. However, these were not quiet

affairs, with the selection board consisting of groups of students, staff, parents, community board members, assistant superintendents and the director of equity assessing each candidate.

“Each team will have someone facilitating them and those people will facilitate and get back together and talk through what they thought about the candidates,” Abraham said.

“Then we’ll confer and make a recommendation [for who to hire] to the superintendent, and he has to recommend to the [school] board.”

As of May 11, current North West Junior High principal Gregg Shoultz was recommended as the next West High principal. The school board is set to vote on approving Shoultz as the next principal on May 12. Current developments will be available on wsspaper.com. wsspaper.com May 2015 news 5

PROFLIES

SAYING GOODBYE Seniors won’t be the only ones walking away from the crowded halls to persue other things. Six staff members will be retiring or leaving at the end of this school year.

COMPilED by Jiung Jung, Michael Moonjely and Lexi Shaffer

After 35 years working in schools that started as a faculty secretary, Linda Miller will be retiring . After the end of this year, the smiling face at the back of the library will be held by someone new.

LINDA MILLER

West Side Story: What has been your fondest memory at West?

Linda Miller: I think chaperoning the UN trip to New York City. We stopped in Philadelphia, saw the liberty bell and walking around New york was really fun.

WSS: What is the hardest part of your job?

Margaret Shullaw claims that getting old is the reason for her retirement from the job she has loved for the past 21 years; being an English teacher.

West Side Story: What will you miss the most about West High?

Margaret Shullaw: I was going to say that I will miss everything about West, but that is not totally true. I will not miss having essays to grade and not getting at them. The guilt was always worse than knuckling down and getting the grading done.

WSS: What is your fondest memory?

MS: Coming to school every day thinking that I had the best job in the world. Indeed, Greg Shoultz was observing my classroom one day, and quipped: “So, we really pay you to spend time with these kids?”

I like to think that I never lost sight of how lucky I was.

WSS: What are your plans for retirement?

MS: I want to write a novel, walk with Oliver, my West Highland Terrier, and spend more time with family and friends. We will commence spending the nasty winter months in Arizona starting this year. Oliver is very excited as he loves lizards.

SUE KAUFFMAN

After working in the Iowa City Community School District for twenty 20 years, half of them spent at West, Sue Kauffman has decided to retire from her spot as a paraeducator.

West Side Story: How has west changed since you first came here?

Sue Kauffman: [There have been] add-ons, the whole ninth grade center has changed. Kids change.

Seeing them grow up since they start school here until their senior year graduating. It seems like a lot of them have really accomplished a lot.

WSS: What will you miss most about West?

SK: Playing Trouble with the kids and Kim [Cranston] and Sherry [Miller]. Kim is the teacher and Sherry is the other [paraeducator]. Usually, for

6 PROFILES MAY 2015 wsspaper.com

LM: Definitely at the end of the year when we have to collect and check in around 10000 books. Locker clean out is also difficult.

WSS: What are your plans after retirement?

LM: I am going to throw away my alarm clock. Also, spending more time with my kids and grandkids.

Also I enjoy gardening and reading.

WSS: What are you going to miss most about West High?

LM: I am going to miss a lot of the people, kids, and teachers WSS: Any advice for the class of 2015?

LM: Live your dream

MARGARET SHULLAW

one of our personal skills, for the kids, we always do a game.

WSS: What is your proudest moment?

SK: There’s a lot of memories. But just watching the kids. I think the most important thing with me has been watching the kids accomplish so much over the four years that they’re here.

WSS: What are your plans after retirement?

SK: Probably doing very little. I haven’t decided yet about subbing.

WSS: How would you like West High to remember you?

SK: Probably my personality, I’m always joking about things and joking with the kids. Probably more than I should. photos by Nick Deerburg

The familiar face of Ryan Person that has been helping students perfect singing skills for the past seven years will be taking his talents to Texas to pursue a master’s degree.

RYAN PERSON

West Side Story: What will you miss most?

RP: I will miss the fantastic students that I work with. I will miss the terrific colleagues and administration. In short, the people are what make your job what it is, they make it an experience that’s worth it.

WSS: What are your plans after West High?

RP: I am pursuing a DMA, which is a doctoral or musical arts degree, at Texas Tech University. I will be a graduate teacher assistant with the choirs at Texas Tech. I will also be a full time student pursuing my doctorate degree. After that point I hope to have

the opportunity to get back into being a full time choir director, perhaps at the collegiate level.

WSS: How would you like your students to remember you?

RP: I want our students to remember me, and this program, as being committed and compassionate.

That is one thing that our program has prided itself on, is having that commitment to excellence, but also the compassion to reach out to one another. I want to be remembered as a person who laid the groundwork and enhanced the program, but more so somebody who cared about the students.

photo by creative commons

Monster cookies have become a staple for the lunches here, and after this year, the main archictect behind these creations will be leaving. Richard Fischer, will be taking his baking talents elsewhere.

WSS: What is your fondest memory?

Richard Fischer: Being the head baker, I will always remember one time when I was making wacky cake.

The batter overflowed the mixer and ran all over the floor, it was a real mess. It also always makes me happy to see everyone enjoy the monster cookies we make.

WSS: What is some advice you would give to new

staff?

RF: Some advice for new staff is to have a lot of patience with the students. They are going through a tough time in their lives.

WSS: What is something that no one knows about you?

RF: Not many people know that I like to play a lot of video games. Racing games are my favorite.

WSS: What are your plans for retirement?

RF: I plan on still working part time after West and doing a lot of fishing. I hope I will be remembered for trying to always have a smile for everyone who comes through for lunch.

RICHARD FISCHER

photo by creative commons

PATTY BURGER

DESIGN BY MORGAN SCHMITT-MORRIS

Saying goodbye, Patty Burger will retire from her position as math teacher after teaching hundreds of students in classes from Math Skills to Pre-Calculus for the past 24 years.

West Side Story: Any advice for the class of 2015?

Patty Burger: Don’t limit yourself. Last week I gave some advice to a girl I was mentoring, who was becoming certified to teach K-3. I told her [to go back] and tell them you want to be certified K-12.

Because you don’t know what you want to do in 10 years. Keep your options open, and make as many friends as possible.

WSS: What are your plans for retirement?

PB: I will get the chance to read a book for more

than 15 minutes a day. I have grandchildren in Des Moines, Kansas City, and San Diego so I can spend time with them, as much as my children will allow me to. Also, teachers never get to go out to lunch, so now I can do that.

WSS: What’s been one of your fondest memories at West?

PB: There was a student in my consumer class who I found out could not read. So I worked with the student’s special education teacher, who happens to be one of my best friends, to privately teach the student how to read. I get goosebumps just thinking about it.

wsspaper.com MAY 2015 PROFILES 7

“Austin was the bravest kid I’ve ever known. He showed all of us the true meanings of faith and love. He brought an entire community together. I was so blessed to have him in my life. He was not only a great friend, but a GREAT BROTHER. “You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.”

Stuart Scott “Austin did beat cancer; he won the day.” Carter Johnson ’18 “Flash taught me how to be a better person, brother and friend. I had the honor to know Austin and am blessed to be able to call him a friend. He showed me that no matter how bad of a situation you’re in that you just have to fight to win the day. I know that Austin did not lose the battle with cancer because he did everything he could to win every day he had on this earth.

He may not know it, but he has really made a huge impact all over the world. I would do anything to see him smile one more time, he lit up every room he went into and always had a positive attitude even when faced with adversity.

I pray that the Schroeder family stays strong during this time and everyone continues to win the day.” Carter Parker ’15 “Flash was a little brother to me. We hit together, I coached his team and if he ever needed anything he came to me. The kid had the biggest heart and dreams anyone could ever imagine. He fought every single day and knew he could do anything he put his mind to. Love you, Austin.” Tyus Adkins ’14 “Getting to know Austin and his family over the past year made me realize how important compassion and love is. They care so much for everyone around them and you can’t help but smile when with them.” Eva Mysnyk ’15 “I will always remember how Austin was POSITIVE even when things weren’t going his way.” Ben Cupp ’18 “Flash was easily the most ENJOYABLE friend I had. I’m fortunate to have had the chance to be close with Austin and to be able to share my faith with him.

I miss him just like everyone else and that hurts but I thank the Lord that his pain is over and that he’s in paradise.

I will see him again someday.” Jake Anderson ’18 “He always had the BIGGEST SMILE on his face and never complained about anything. I remember after every baseball practice he would always want to have a race with our team to prove he was the fastest on the team.” Izaya Fullard ’17 “I used to go to Lost Island with Austin every summer and it was always a really good time, he was such a fun guy and HIS LAUGH WAS CONTAGIOUS.” Zach Logsden ’17 “My favorite part about Flash was his laugh and how he could light up any room with his smile, also how he never took anything too seriously. And this season he will inspire me to work harder than I’ve ever worked before. This baseball season is dedicated to him and we really hope to bring home a state championship for him.”

Nate Disterhoft ’17 “He was the TOUGHEST KID I’VE EVER MET.” Connor McCaffery ’17 “I got bullied very badly in elementary school and I remember one time specifically when he came up to me and asked me if I wanted to play basketball with him. I just remember the kind gesture and how much it truly meant to me. It made me feel like someone cared. I will always remember him.” Mackenzie Dawkins ’15 “From 8U baseball, to making it through fourth grade puberty class together, Austin and I always had each other’s back. Love you Flash.” Austin Geasland ’18 “Flash was someone that you could go to for great advice, someone to make you smile, to make you laugh, or just about anything. ONE OF A KIND.” Belle Parker ‘18 “In October I was diagnosed with a chronic stomach disease and at first I didn’t handle it well at all, but Flash inspired me to stay positive, be thankful because it could be worse and to win the day everyday even when it gets tough.” Anna Mabry ’16 “Flash was a great friend that I could rely on for anything and could change my mood instantly, he will be forever missed.” Colby Greene ’18 “Flash had the laugh and smile to light up any room he walked into. HE SHOWED US HOW TO WIN THE DAY 8

PHotos courtesy of anne johnson

design and COMPilED by mckenna harris

Coming together, students share memories of their friend Austin “Flash” Schroeder and how he inspired them.

Schroeder passed away on April 28 after battling a form of brain cancer. The West High Athletic Department awarded Schroeder the “Pursuing Victory” award and a varsity letter at the Winter Sports Awards ceremony. The student body shared a moment of silence on April 29 that lasted 22 seconds, the same number that Schroeder sported on his athletic jerseys. Below, students react to the impact that “Flash” had on their lives.

EVERY DAY. Flash is truly an inspiration to me and has changed my life forever, but he is in a better place now and I know he will be just as popular in Heaven as he is here.” John Milani ’15 “Flash was such an amazing person. I have only had a couple conversations with him, but each one we had, he never failed to make me laugh. He had such a great attitude about life and win the day is my favorite motto.” Allye Boardman ’15 “Having Flash as a friend has truly been an honor. He was an OUTSTANDING FIFTEEN YEAR OLD with a beautiful, contagious smile.

His strength and PERSERVERANCE has inspired so many, and he was indeed a superhero. We will continue to win the day for Austin.” Rylee Villhauer ’15 “When I think of Flash I think of someone whose smile could light up the room, someone who would always give there best effort, a GREAT ROLE MODEL to everyone, someone who had open arms to being ANYONE’S FRIEND and someone who won the day each and every day.” Logan Trumbull ’15 “Flash was not only an amazing person, but A SYMBOL OF COURAGE. He fought his battle with the kind of courage that takes a life time to posses and he had only 15 years. I can only hope our class continues to take his courage with us wherever we go.” Meg Moreland ’15 “I love how Austin didn’t care what other people thought of him. Once at a friends party there was a dance floor but no one was dancing so he ran out and just started going crazy until people joined in.” Madi Barta ’18 “My favorite memory was around Halloween when we were all terrified walking through the haunted corn maze and Austin started singing songs like ‘Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer’ and ‘You’ve Got a Friend In Me,’ making everyone laugh even in the midst of being scared. Austin could bring us all to laughter at any time and place.” Elle Bode ’18 “As very little kids we would spend so much time together that we thought we were actual brothers. Every July fourth weekend we would spend five days straight at our cabin and both of our families got unbelievably close. I always knew Austin was STRONG, but throughout his whole fight with cancer he continued to amaze. He will always be an inspiration for me and a brother from another mother.” Gabe Huinker ’16 “Growing up with Austin was the best thing I’ve ever gotten to do. We believed we were actually siblings because we spent so much time together and told other people we were even though we aren’t related. I’ll never forget any of the amazing, HILARIOUS memories with him and how strong he fought this past year. He will always be a huge part of my life and I will continue to love him like a brother forever.” Maddie Huinker ’17 “Flash was the sweetest person he always knew how to make everyone smile and laugh. He was AN AMAZING KID. I’m so glad I got to know him during our junior high years. The best memory I had with him was that on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school he always walked with my friend and I to our gymnastics coach’s house.”

Laudia Martinez ’17 “Flash is one of the strongest kids. Flash had a smile and laugh that affected everyone around him. Flash will be loved and remembered forever.” Xavier Koch ’15 “Flash was an AMAZING BASEBALL PLAYER, teammate and friend. He was the guy you didn’t want to go against. His laugh was contagious, and I’ll never forget it.” Connor Greer ’18 “He brought our whole community together. He will always be in our hearts to remember and cherish the great times we all had with him. We will never forget that smile he had on his face every hour of everyday.” Rylee Petitgout ’18 “My favorite memory with Austin was playing sports with him. He was a great competitor and in everything he did he always had a positive attitude.”Clay Warren ’18 “I’ll never forget chasing Flash around the house, telling him I was going to marry him while he was doing that goofy laugh. I’m still holding onto that dream and can’t and wait to see him again one day and see that A MILLION DOLOR SMILE.” Lyndsey Dahm ’16 “Flash is an INSPIRATION and the one I play for on the field.What an amazing kid. So proud to call him my friend.” Spencer Wiskus ’16 “Rest up buddy, we were nest freinds in pre-school and weve been freinds ever since. WE’RE ALL GOING TO MISS YOU and remember you and your legacy, to win the day, every day for the rest of my life.” Brennon Keen ’18 9

FOOD

FEATURE

(NOT) FOR THOUGHT These simple summer recipes are easy to make and even easier to eat. Besides, who wants to think during the summer? Our compilers wrote quick reviews of these refreshing treats, but check out the website for video tutorials and the recipes.

COMPilED by ELEANOR HO, CLAIRE MURRAY AND ISABELLE ROBLES pHOTOS BY eUGENIA cHEN

10 FEATURE MAY 2015 wsspaper.com

DESIGN BY LILY WESTEMEYER

A

t its most basic, this recipe only needs three ingredients: naan flat bread to act as the crust, pizza sauce and cheese on top. Like any other pizza, you can put virtually anything on top. For this one, we used

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pepperoni and red bell peppers. We put a layer of cheese on top of the sauce before adding a bit more cheese on top to get the delicious looking toasted cheese look.

NAAN PIZZA

his fizzy beverage is very simple to make, with only three ingredients: equal parts lemonade, Naked Berry Blast juice and Sprite, which you can alter to your taste, of course. We added a little bit more berry juice for color. We also garnished it with some lemon slices and added frozen blueberries, though you can substitute those with any other frozen berry of your choice. The extras added a splash of color and the blueberries were a great way to keep the drink cold without diluting it like ice would while it was out of the fridge.

BERRY LEMONADE RECIPES

Two heirloom tomatoes One ball mozzarella Basil Olive oil to taste Balsamic vinegar to taste

Slice the tomatoes, bread, avocado and mozzarella. Toast the bread,and layer the tomatoes, mozzarella and avocado. Top with a drizzle of olive and balsamic oil.

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Lemonade, ½ cup per serving Berry Juice (Naked Berry Blast), ½ cup per serving Sprite, ½ cup per serving Ice Blueberries to freeze Lemon garnish Combine lemonade, juice and sprite in a large pitcher with ice and the frozen blueberries and stir until combined. Pour into a glass and garnish with a lemon.

For more RECIPES, go to wsspaper.com

CAPRESE SALAD

he caprese salad is very simple and super easy. You only need four ingredients to make a healthy summer snack. The name may seem intimidating but the taste is one you can’t pass up. To make this salad you first slice up tomatoes; for the best results use heirloom

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wss

tomatoes. Second, slice a ball of mozzarella, and lastly, clean and cut fresh basil leaves. Layer the three ingredients on top of each other and drizzle balsamic dressing on top. Finally - the best part - grab a fork and enjoy this easy and delicious snack.

FRUIT TARTS

hese clean and fresh fruit tarts are fun to personalize and make your own! Take premade pie crusts and fill with lemon filling (equal parts lemon pudding, vanilla pudding and whipped cream with a few splashes of lemon juice to taste) and add as much or as little

sliced fruit as you would like. We recommend using colorful fruit that is in season and slicing them into fun and unique shapes. We tried to emulate flowers to add to the fresh summer theme. This dessert is best served cold to keep the fruits’ shape and taste at its best.

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COMING SOON! Next to Mormon Trek Java House www.heirloomsaladco.com

12 MAY 2015 WSSPAPER.COM

THE IOWA CITY B B L U E B

by CHRISTINA DAI & EBONY MCKEEVER

christina.dai18@gmail.com, ebonyamckeever@gmail.com

PHOTO BY CHANEL VIDAL DESIGN BY SIMRAN SARIN

When one thinks of Iowa City, images of tree cozies and unapologetic hipsters are at the forefront of the mind. Whatever is brought up cannot escape the truth that we are utterly unique from our surroundings, a bustling liberal microcosm in the midst of a staunchly traditional sea.The stark contrast between social and religious conflicts elsewhere when compared to the mostly accepting and kind environment of Iowa City makes this very clear. Our

little distinct universe is the Iowa City Bubble, and much like our fragile, more soapy counterparts, it doesn’t take much to rupture the balance and cause it to burst. But not all who grow up in this bubble will stay forever, and when they leave they must face the harsh reality that every bubble (even those of the metaphorical variety) will eventually pop.

who are less wealthy don’t have the time or education, among political progressivism and energy to worry about. economic stability, is yet another factor that The idea surrounding the Iowa City Bubble is “[In] places where people struggle characterizes the liberal bubble. that the environment we live in is vastly more economically, they’re less engaged with social politically, economically and educationally issues because they’re more worried about LIFE ELSEWHERE Believe it or not, there is life outside of The liberal and progressive than the majority of day to day paying of their bills and finding Bubble. There are forty-nine other the rest of Iowa. In general, the mass majority employment,” Iannone said, “So states, many of which hold opposing of Iowa Citians are liberals (it has been named that sort of social consciousness and opinions to many of the issues one of the most liberal places in the country concern for social issues is in some we champion here. Iannone, who several times), with a smattering of moderate ways kind of a luxury that, unless it’s grew up in the very conservative conservatives distributed around the city, and something that directly affects you, Lake Havasu City, AZ, has had, in West High is no exception. According to social engaging with is kind of an upper some ways, a radically different studies teacher Dominic Iannone, the political middle class phenomenon.” upbringing than those of us who spectrum that describes West High is a fair Another aspect of The Bubble Riko Ohashi ’12 have spent our whole lives in such amount more to the left than many other cities is that as residents of Iowa City, a liberal environment as Iowa City. in the country. students are offered many outstanding “Most of the people who consider opportunities, which is in part due One such variant is the ownership of guns for themselves conservative at West to the fact that many of the families leisure.

“I don’t own a gun now, but I did when I was in High are probably pretty moderate that reside here are a part of the conservative compared to what’s out upper-middle class. In fact, Iowa high school because everyone had guns, and on there in the world, whereas most people City is tied with Stamford, CT for Saturday, for fun, you’d go out in the desert … who consider themselves liberal in my largest percentage of adults holding and blast things on Saturday, and that’s how you hometown are considered conservative a bachelor’s degree or higher - a entertain yourself,” Iannone said.

For Riko Ohashi ’12, life elsewhere consists of here,” Iannone said. whopping 44 percent, as compared Dominic Iannone, Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. While The Bubble is caused by a numerous to the national average of 28.8 social studies amount of factors, but Iannone has percent. Since a large percentage of Ohashi still considers Northwestern to be more teacher concluded that there is one reason students who attend West High have or less just as liberal as Iowa City, moving away in particular that has produced our pocket highly educated parents, this warrants dozens of has allowed her to meet others who did not grow of progressivism - the fact that Iowa City is special opportunities being thrown at them on up in such an environment. “[M]y current roommate is Korean American, relatively better off financially than the majority a daily basis, such as AP classes, scholarships of towns in Iowa. and even costly facilities. What students tend to and she went to a high school that was almost 99 “I think that Iowa City - I mean, we certainly forget is that in many places, these chances are percent white. She was one of the very few nonwhite students at her high school and I know have diversity - but in general Iowa City is more considered very rare. affluent. The University’s the biggest employer, “A lot of Iowa City kids don’t understand why she went through a really tough time feeling but then you have some of the tech companies some kids don’t try in school. I think there’s a comfortable and included. I also have friends … these are jobs that require a high level of lot of students at West that don’t get that, and who are gay and grew up very unaccepted in the education, and generally pay above average,” I think that it’s because their experience with deep south,” Ohashi said.

Though life outside The Bubble may seem Iannone said. Iannone believes that this, in turn, the education system has been very different,” leads to a sense of social awareness that those Iannone said. It seems that distinguished somewhat harsh, Iannone notes that life inside

THE IOWA CITY BUBBLE

“We think of diversity in terms of people’s opinions, but a lot of it has to do with life experience.”

-Dominic Iannone, social studies teacher

“I feel like there’s a difference between accepting someone else’s ideas and tolerating them.”

-Anoushka Divekar ‘16

The Bubble isn’t all peace and acceptance. “I Artur Wolniak ’17, who moved to Iowa City think you’d be amazed at how many students at from Poland in September of 2014, said, “I think West High will be happy to leave because they that Iowa City is very accepting to people from other countries. I have always felt welcome and don’t agree with the predominant I am an immigrant.” Wolniak then opinion, like they feel trapped here … stated, “Iowa City is a pretty positive I know there are conservative students place.” here, and I know that a lot of the With the University drawing in time they don’t share their opinions people from all over the world we because they know a majority of their are more or less forced (in the best classmates don’t agree with them,” way possible) to become tolerant Iannone said.

There is also to say that places with Anoushka Divekar ’16 and accepting to people who are different. a more conservative background are With the plethora of different generally nice places, contrary to what people may think. “I grew up in a very cultures and ethnicities all around us it is easy to Republican, conservative city, and it still is. I forget that there are different ways that diversity think that what you find is that most people are may appear, like income levels.

“What percentage of students qualified for free pretty nice,” Iannone said. and reduced lunch? At West High it’s under 30 ARE WE REALLY THAT percent . . . [but] the school district feels like DIFFERENT? they need help paying for lunch. That means While it’s hard to deny that we are atypically that they’re struggling. But they’re kind of a liberal in Iowa City, that characteristic does not minority group in the population, so it’s kind always walk hand in hand with acceptance and of easy to overlook them, because it’s not the kindness. Anoushka Divekar ’16, who lived out normative experience of students at West High,” her early days in Canada before moving to Iowa Iannone said. Economically, the large majority City at age nine, said,“I feel like ideologically we of us, being upper-middle class, are not aware of are really liberal, but at the same time it’s like, the struggles that people may face in day to day do we not accept conservative ideals? As soon as life. If no efforts are made to understand and someone comes up with a mildly conservative accept this aspect of life, simple obliviousness idea they are bashed,” Divekar said. “I feel like has the potential to branch into ignorance. there’s a difference between accepting someone THE EFFECTS OF THE BUBBLE else’s ideas and tolerating them,” she continued.

Along these same lines, Iannone said, “In Living in the Iowa City Bubble, especially when terms of tolerance and things like that, I think growing up, makes an impact on us whether or it’s more that people who live in different not it is realized. Even though it may be perfect parts of the country have different issues that for raising families due to the fact that Iowa City they are primarily concerned with, so in some is accepting of all types of people, this very asset cases it’s not always tolerance so much as it is is the root of any issues that arise within this indifference.” Bringing to light the point that extremely tolerant bubble. as you move from place to place the ideals and “We are raised in an accepting society, whereas concerns will change just like the environment in other places where they’re not so accepting, and the people. and even though that’s the way that they live, it’s So while our bubble may not be as accepting just not the way that we were brought up and it’s on a political front, looking at it through a hard for us to see that,” said Divekar. different lense changes the perspective greatly.

When living in Iowa City it can be easy to Particularly when it comes to diversity “I can forget that we are not, in fact, your average walk down the hall and different skin colors Midwestern town, and the open-mindedness are exploding everywhere, there are so many of this city only enhances the fact that we are different kinds of people here,” Divekar said. different. Sometimes it doesn’t cross our minds This diversity is a way of life in college towns that there could be problems we are poorly and, for the most part, seems to help us when suited to address. it comes to differences that are just skin deep.

“We think of diversity in terms of people’s

opinions, but a lot of it has to do with life experience,” said Iannone.

But that’s not to say that this environment isn’t beneficial; in reality, the pros far outweigh the cons and our tolerance is by far our greatest tool.

“I was brought up knowing that you should have certain things because you’re a human being and that’s all that matters, and that in all the ways that we’re different there are so many ways that we’re the same. I feel like this is the Iowa City mentality, and that has insanely impacted me. I feel like when I go to other places especially, or even just to a different state, the effects that that mentality has are huge,” Divekar said.

This goes to show how the Iowa City Bubble that we’ve grown up in can stay with us even after we leave the city, and that the effects that it has can shape us into what we become in the future.

31%

69%

of Iowans are Democratic

of Iowans are Republican or do not support a party

6%

of Democratic Iowans are from Johnson County

Source: sos.iowa.gov

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16 aDS MAY 2015 wsspaper.com

ENTERTAINMENT

TEACHER

FASHIONKaty COMPilED by Olivia read and cameron cook

Nahra

HOW DOES YOUR OUTFIT REFLECT YOUR STYLE? “It’s simple, it’s an attempt at being modern, it’s classy and my wife picked it out and she likes it.”

WHAT INFLUENCES WHAT YOU WEAR? “I look at people I respect in the teaching position, look at how they compose themselves, how they carry themselves and how they dress. I think your dress goes a long way to your voice and your level of professionalism.”

Garrett

Hartwig

HOW DOES YOUR OUTFIT REFLECT YOUR STYLE? “I’m all about finding cool, unique stuff that’s inexpensive. I tend to like classic things. A lot of my stuff isn’t really trendy, it’s just stuff that’s kind of classic, that lasts.”

WHAT INFLUENCES WHAT YOU WEAR? “I’ve traveled a lot, and I see fashion or what people are wearing from different cultures, and I tend to be drawn towards different things based on places that I’ve been.”

Havilah

Peters

PHOTOS BY MIRIAM PEREZ DESIGN BY KATIE FUHRMEISTER

HOW DOES YOUR OUTFIT REFLECT YOUR STYLE? “It’s sort of fun colors; I like blues and greens the best.”

WHAT INFLUENCES WHAT YOU WEAR? “I would say everybody has their style based on their personality, so I would say I have my individual style. But what influences that is probably my career and people around me; I like to look at the fashion magazines and I usually don’t go with [what is in style]. Certainly people around me are a big influence.”

David

Haas

HOW DOES YOUR OUTFIT REFLECT YOUR STYLE? “The outfit is colorful to show the enthusiasm in my personality. Fitness trackers show that I enjoy staying active, and the bicycle socks show the fun in my personality behind my professionalism.”

WHAT INFLUENCES WHAT YOU WEAR? “I think it’s important for teachers to dress as if they’re in uniform.

It’s important that I wear my uniform, that it reflects my profession when I come to school every day.”

wsspaper.com may 2015 entertainment 17

Pepe the Frog

Blank Space

BF/GF?

TOO SCARED

Kendall or Kylie?

IT’S A METAPHOR

???????

VERY

How mainstream are you? against the current

fOOD iS fOOD

YES

SHAKE IT OFF

Home Alone?

EW

ALL THE TIME

Blank Space or Shake it Off?

so done

5 Second Rule?

How done are you with school?

NO

ENTERTAINMENT

Have you ever used a bath bomb?

PIZZA

Who is bae?

Social Media Site

DOGS

Cats or Dogs?

I MAKE THEM

What 2014-15 meme are you?

Do you take Buzzfeed quizzes seriously?

GOTTA KEEP UP

Trends?

YES

OBVIOUSLY

COMPilED by Schyler Davis, Avery Smith, Kelsey Keranen and lushia anson

THE DRESS

IN ME MUM’S CAR

WHEN MOM ISNT HOME

MEGHAN WHO?

YES

STARTER PACKS

IGGY AZALEA RAPPING

Are you all about that bass?

NO

Can you drive?

KYLIE

ANACONDA

CATS

ACTUAL CANNIBAL SHIA LABEOUF

ARE YOU KIDDING ME

DESIGNED BY TAYLOR LIBBY

STRAIGHT WHITE BOYS TEXTING

Heck ya

Man Buns?

How do you feel about Shia Labeouf?

ALWAYS

THE WORST DECISION OF THIS GENERA- spooky as SEEMS LIKE A heck TION NEAT DUDE

SCALDING

How do you like your tea?

BATH BOMB MEME

THATS NONE OF MY BUSINESS

KIM K CAN I LIVE?

NO :^/

ICED

HOT

Can you live ????

KENDALL

YES

SPORTS A NEW ERA FOR IOWA CITY BASKETBALL had a lot of fun.”

The league is a mix of varsity aaroncarter51298@gmail.com athletes with regular students he Iowa City Outdoor wanted to be involved insports.

Basketball League (ICOBL), “I’ve never been considered an activity where dropping athletic, so I really wanted to buckets is optional, and trash make the league as inclusive and talking is required; such as this welcoming as possible,” Duffy said. bashing: “Conner Greene [’15] “It’s a nice mix of star power and endorses fanny packs and jean average joes.” shorts and competitively recites Despite how succesful Justin Bieber lyrics in his free time,” implementing the league has said by Tommy Duffy ’16. Although gone so far, there is still room for it is mostly fun and games, the improvement according to Doyle.

ICOBL has been successful.

“It’ll be easier when it’s summer, “It’s an outdoor three on three as kids are busy [during school], basketball league made up of but I also wish we could get more basketball players and non- coverage of each game, because competitive athletes,” said Doyle.

Tommy and I can’t come to With 14 teams and over 70 everything.” students who have signed up, Duffy adn Doyle want to continue the anticipation is running high. this league and are hopeful it will Juniors Donovan Doyle and Duffy exist past their high school years. are co-creators of this league and “I’m positive we’ll do this again are enjoying how it is going so far. next year. It’s been a blast so “I think it’s been great; lots of kids far and it’d be a travesty not to have told me they think it’s really continue the fun,” Duffy said. “The cool how we set it up and that they ultimate goal is to get a tradition enjoy the twitter (@icohoops),” started where the league becomes Doyle said. an annual thing. It’ll be up to the “Besides the constant whining underclassmen on whether or not from Greene, I’d say everything has they decide to continue the league gone perfectly so far,” said Duffy. once we’re gone, but I hope it’ll be “The games have gone smoothly around for many more summers to and most importantly, everyone’s come.”

by AARON CARTER

T

PHOTO BY NICK DEERBURG

20 sports may 2015 wsspaper.com

PHOTO BY zach sanderson

IOWA CITY WESTSIDE YOUTH RUGBY CLUB

A

s the Iowa City members of the Iowa City Westside Youth Rugby Club (ICWYRC) run onto the field, the crowd surrounding dims to a quiet whisper. The team huddles, and after a suspenseful silence say aloud, “Day by day, we get better and better, ’till we can’t be beat, won’t be beat!” With that, the team is ready. The seven starters take the field, and soon the first game against Cedar Rapids Jefferson commences.

Thi sis the typical beginning of a ICWYRC rugby game that was established in 2012. That first year the club never won a single game.

Two years later, the team only lost two times and scored a total of 483 points, their opponents only scoring 154 points against them.

The team went on to face Southeast Polk in the State Championship finals, where they lost by a score of 21 to 35.

But 2015 is a new year for ICWYRC. So far this year the team has six wins, one loss and has tied three times. Their lone loss to Cedar Falls on April 3 was avenged when the team tied the Tigers 21-21 two weeks later on April 17.

“We should have beat them, but it was nice to do something no team

for three years has been able to do,” says player Harrison Fairfield ’17.

The club isn’t planning on that being the highlight of the season.

The team is hungry to capture the team title in early May. “The team is excited to get back to the state finals this year and win,” says Assistant Coach, Aydan Wynos ’14.

Although the ICWYRC is not allowed to be affiliated with West, all players agree that being apart of the team is an enjoyable experience in their high school careers.

“I like being out here with the team. I like playing as a team, working together, tackling people, running the ball around,” said Ryan Pals ’15.

After being named state runnerups last year, the team is aiming to win the state title this year, but for know is enjoying the journey. Joe Ranard ’15 appreciates and enjoys the time spent with the team.

“My favorite thing is being out there on the field with the guys, as well as all the team bonding and team dinners; it’s just all a great time,” said Ranard.

COMPilED by LEAH DUSTERHOFT, CHARLIE CODE, HANNAH KRUPP, DILLION CROWELL, ABBY JANS AND CONSUELO MENDOZA DESIGN BY GABBY SKOPEC

SPORTS

PUMPED FOR S

winging into the 2015 Iowa High School Softball season is no joking matter for the girls softball team. Their 2014 7-1 regional semifinal loss to Davenport West was not the ending the Women of Troy expected in their 29-10 season.

“Last year we had the goal of making it to state but we didn’t so this year that’s an important goal,

to have a strong season carry us all the way to state,” said Shea Lewis ’17 Although official high school season games don’t start until May 26, the softball team has already begun the journey to the state title. Most of the girls have come together for a spring season where they can play some of the teams that they will compete against this summer. So far, they have played three weekend tournaments and

are 11-0. “[spring ball] prepares you because you get to play against other teams which helps us get better,” said Skylar Ryan ’17 Despite three graduating seniors from the previous season, the Women of Troy will lose no starters and return a team ready for redemption. Leading the team this season will be the team’s three seniors; Grace Tafolla, Madi Miller, and Laynie Whitehead.

“I am really looking forward to playing my last season with some of the people that made me love the sport, including the two other seniors,” Miller said.

Now five days away from their first games, the Women of Troy will start the road to state against top ranked opponent Cedar Rapids Xavier. The double header will prove to be a defining point in their upcoming season and how they can fare against tough competition.

COMPILED BY TAYLOR LIBBY

“I am really looking forward to playing ... with some of the people that made me love the sport”

-Madi Miller ‘15

PRE-SEASON T

PHOTOS BY MARY MONDANARO

he West High Boys Baseball team is here and ready to fight. With hours of lifting weights and throwing practice, the team was ready for their first practice on May 11, and will be prepared for their first game on May 26. While losing almost all of their starters, the team is still very hopeful and excited to bring in new players for the season.

“We are all new this year. We graduated 7 of the 9 starters. We may be new, but we are optimistic.” said Coach Charlie Stumpff. “[The team] never really stops. Some players are in other sports. But if you’re not, you’re usually lifting.”

With a 90% attendance rate to weights, the team has already been getting ready for the upcoming season.

“The season is looking good so

far. Our team is young, but we can hit the cover off the ball, and we’ve played together for 3 years so the chemistry level is there,” said Austin Miller ‘16.

Last year the team placed second in state, losing 3-0 against Southeast Polk.

“Our team is pretty young and everyone is coming closer and closer to each other and the coaches every practice, but I think we will be pretty good. We have a lot of talent on our squad, so hopefully that will get us back to Des Moines,” said Joe Scott ‘15 The team’s first game on May 26 against Bettendorf will show the team’s new players mixed with the team’s old players and how they can come together and pave the road for the State title.

COMPILED BY BENJAMIN BLIVEN

wsspaper.com MAY 2015 SPORTS 21

OPINION

WALK THE BORDER

by JUNHEE LEE

jheelee28@gmail.com

I moved from South Korea when I was seven years old.

Adjusting to the new country was difficult. The language barrier and the strange people made me homesick, but after spending a year playing in the streets and

cramming English, I finally felt at home in this foreign place.

And in the blink of an eye, I forgot all about Korea. No longer was I plagued by the cars passing at lightning speed, the possibility of getting kidnapped by the strangers on the streets or the high-stress, high-stakes school system. I was free from all of the dangers that I knew overseas.

Well, everything but the Korean military. Because of the conscription laws in South Korea, I can be drafted and shipped back to my home country any time between the ages of 18 and 35. Although the training is temporary and there is only a slim chance of actually being called into a war, the thought of being drafted made me cringe.

Who knew? In 20 years, I could be dressed in uniform, looking into a stranger’s eyes while shooting him straight through the heart. From the bottom of my heart, I wished and prayed for that day to never come.

Fortunately, there was a solution

to all of this. I simply had to become a citizen of the United States. I just had to sign my name on some forms, answer some basic questions in an interview and pledge my allegiance to the United States. Easy peasy.

And for a long time, it was an easy decision. I’d lived here half of my life. I called my small house in the suburbs my home. And honestly, I didn’t ever want to get drafted into the military. After all, I can’t fight to the death for a country that I don’t even live in, right?

But at some point, it stopped being so simple. I thought to myself, ‘If I’m an American, I should be able to name the Iowan representatives in Congress.’ But I can’t. I should cheer for the American athletes during the Olympics. But I don’t.

Eventually, this self-doubt evolved into self-hate, and I felt disloyal for using citizenship as a loophole to escape the draft. How could I call myself a Korean after abandoning my culture, my childhood and my nation to become a

citizen of the United States?

Even after a hair pulling struggle over my citizenship, I came to no conclusion. But at some point, I stopped worrying about the color of my passport and started rebuilding the culture I had lost.

While learning about the United States in school, I spent time alone relearning Korean history, language and music. The food at home became a fusion cuisine of rice, kimchi and sandwiches. Soon, I was neither exclusively Asian nor exclusively American, but rather a mix of the two. I found a way to balance the lifestyles of two very different countries, and I was happier than I’d ever been before.

So now the answer to the big question: which country do I choose? Well, neither. No matter what my legal documents say, they won’t be what determine who I am. And in a world where people live inside the borders of their countries, I’m glad to know that I’m walking on that border. I’m free.

THIS COLUMN HAS BEEN BANNED only reason that I object to book

by Shanthi chackalackal banning; I believe that attempting shanthichackalackal@gmail.com

As anybody who has experience babysitting will know, there is no better way to ensure that a kid does something than by telling them not to. And as much as I like to consider myself superior to all those obnoxious five-year-olds, I do the same thing (and so do youhence the title. I have tricked you into reading my column. Ha ha.)

The point is, banning things is ineffective. But this isn’t the

to prevent people from accessing stories or information is morally wrong. Humans have a right to read what they want. There are some exceptions, in the case of young children--for example, Fifty Shades of Grey should not be present in an elementary school library. But at the high school and junior high level, students have already lost their “innocence;” parents are kidding themselves if they think that mature literature will be opening their kids’ eyes.

Nonetheless, the school district in Waterloo, Iowa has recently issued a ban on Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. After receiving a parent complaint, the curriculum director decided that the book was inappropriate for middle schoolers because of its discussion of masturbation. I can understand

22 opinion May 2015 wsspaper.com

a parent of a seventh grade perhaps feeling that their child should wait a while before reading this book, but no parent has a right to impose this regulation on an entire district. And The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a wonderful book that deals with serious and important issues such as poverty, the state of Native American reservations, disappointment and coming of age. It is a book that should be encouraged, not prohibited.

Some of the most widely banned books, such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and To Kill a Mockingbird are disapproved of because they discuss controversial subjects or use language that has now become unacceptable.

But these are simply accurate depictions of their times; both novels serve to make one aware of a problem, not to encourage hate.

If book banning is allowed,

where do you draw the line? Isn’t banning books somewhat similar to censoring the press and filtering information? If banning books is now allowed in Iowa, how long till this turns into book burnings?

A totalitarian dictator? Fascism?!?

Okay, that may be an exaggeration. But the sentiment behind banning books and burning books is the same: certain people feel that the book is subversive, and access to it must be denied.

There will always be controversial topics, and there will always be books that discuss them. And despite the fact that banning is ineffective and goes against our basic rights, there will always be people who advocate censoring the material we can read. But we should do our best to make sure that there are always people who fight for their right to read what they want, to access information and to form their own opinions.

DESIGN BY ELEANOR HO

OPINION

arganbright’s parting thoughts As his days of being principal are quickly coming to an end, Dr. Arganbright reflects over his 31 years. Dr. Arganbright would like to share the incredible impact that his postition had on his life.

When I joined West High I never dreamed a school could become such an important part of my life.

Once my two daughters entered elementary school at Horn, my wife Glenda accepted a teaching position at Horn Elementary, and I discovered where all the doors were, I saw what great potential was embedded in the West High community and found it impossible to leave.

When I arrived, West High presented a strong educational program with unfinished facilities. It is difficult today to imagine our students and parents driving across town to play “home” football games at City High, working for 25 years without an auditorium (I remember a district official telling me we had an auditorium; it just happens to be at City High,) outdated science labs, playing soccer on a junior high football field, playing softball on whatever field was open at the University campus, and our track athletes running on a six-lane asphalt track with no bleacher seating or press box. There is still work remaining to bring our campus facilities to the level we expect, but the progress has been rewarding to observe. Thank you to the many community members, staff, district officials, and board members who over the years helped us complete and improve our high school facilities. A special thanks goes to Ed Barker and Tom Lepic whose generous financial contributions were significant in helping us complete soccer and football fields on our campus. Without their help, and the support and contributions of many parents and community pa-

PHOTO BY MADIE MILLER DESIGN BY BARBARA BADOVINAC

trons, these needed enhancements to our campus would have been long delayed.

Thank you to the many outstanding West teachers and staff with whom I have enjoyed working with over the years. One of the most important obligations for any principal is to ensure there are top quality adults working with our students.

Through your hard work, you have helped establish our high school as a top academic setting with a strong student centered culture.

West High’s reputation as a school that challenges all students with rigorous course offerings while also attending to the personal needs of each student is a testament to our outstanding faculty and staff.

Most importantly, thank you, students. The most difficult part of leaving West High is not being around you each and every day.

Over the years you have made me laugh, cringe, cheer in emotional highs, and work through grief together. We truly have a special high school due to you students with your many talents, personalities, interests, and wide range of diversity at all levels. I will very much miss walking through the halls with you and seeing your work in the classroom. I will miss watching your performances at the many athletic events, music performances and musicals, speech and debate events, math team exams, reading the WSS, and the list goes on!!

Those are the many memories I will never lose. I look forward to following all that goes on at West next year, and wish you the very best.

Thank you, West High!

Sincerely,

wsspaper.com may 2015 opinion 23

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