The Wire - Lewis Central High School - 3504 Harry Langdon Blvd. Council Bluffs, IA 51503 Issue 6

Friday, AprilW 23, 2010 ecoLife Inside Look page 10 Expressions Inside Look page 11 Soccer vs. Track Sports page 4 New Football Coach News page 2

Photo by Sam Sutherland Design by Lindsey Lawrence The Wire saving One Life at a Time 123…456…789…10 that is the worst part, but it is actually when they approximate number of pints of blood prick your finger,” junior Spencer Bradley there are in the adult human body. About said. Once that is done it is finally time. a hundred students and teachers donated The time has come, the part most at Lewis Central, each giving about one people dread; the needle being placed pint of blood each. That is a lot of blood in the vein. The nurse will first make sure donated in one day! the donor is comfortable in the chair and When it comes to having the blood adjust the armrest. Next, the nurse will drive at LC, the students are more than place a blood pressure cuff around the eager to donate blood. “Even though I arm and ask you to squeeze a stress ball, hate giving blood, I still do it because it is which needs to be done so the main vein for a good cause,” National Honor Society becomes visual. member Jess Willadsen said. In fact on After doing that for a few minutes March 29, LC had its second blood drive the nurse will mark a place on the donor’s for this year, hosted by NHS. Once again arm. Finally, the big moment. it had a booked schedule from 8:00a.m. Here it comes… poke. Now the to 3:00p.m. student can just relax while their blood The donating process starts off with is being taken. When the bag is full, the the donor reading over health side effects nurse will come over and take out the and checking to see if they weigh enough needle. The donor is finished and now for their height. After that they head back should go sit down and have something into a booth where the donor gets asked to eat and drink. They should wait at least questions, like have they used any drugs five hours before exercising and doing lately, do they have a STD, or are they on other activities. any medications. After that is completed, Whether the donor realizes it or not, the nurse will prick the donor’s finger to they just saved someone’s life. Just think check their iron level, blood pressure, about how many pints were donated…now pulse, and temperature. how many lives were saved. Lewis Central “Everyone thinks that when they put that is a pretty awesome thing that you the needle in your arm is going to be the did, so thank you. Story by Taylor Kuhn Bravely facing a needle, junior Whitney Reimers prepares to donate for a good cause. Photo by Bridget Mulligan Lewis central welcomes new coach Jim Duggan is announced as head football coach Lewis Central is making some Lewis Central opens their season up against for Duggan. After being interviewed, he got experience and he’s done well changes in the football coaching staff. them. was offered and couldn’t have been everywhere he’s been,” assistant coach Dan The new head coach, presumably Jim Duggan had a brief stint at Duncanville more pleased. Miller said. “I’m looking forward to see what Duggan, previously coached at St. Albert, High School in Texas as their offensive “The Lewis Central job opened up, I he can do for our football program.” leading them to nine playoff appearances coordinator, but decided that he should applied for it and was fortunate enough to With many returning starters and a and two state titles. return to Council Bluffs. be offered the job. I’m looking forward to new coach, fans have many reasons to be For the first time in his career, After coach Larry Sterbick stepped down, it,” Duggan said to the Omaha World-Herald optimistic this year when the Titans take the Duggan will be looking at St. Albert Lewis Central had interviews with different in their March 19 issue. field to see Duggan take on his alma mater. from the opposite side of the field when coaches, but seemed to have a certain feel “He’s a proven winner who’s obviously Story by Steven Elonich

Editorial Policy Letters to the Editor Reporters The Wire is the official Lewis Central student newspaper and The Wire strongly encourages responses to articles ire Bianca Zerwas is distributed free of cost to students. The opinions expressed appearing in the newspaper. The letters must be Staff Sanjula Mahathantila the Taylor Kuhn in this publication reflect those of the student writers, not the signed, legible, and concise. The staff reserves Photography Editor Lewis Central administration, faculty, or its advisor. The Wire the right to edit letters for length, grammar, and EditorsW in Chief Bridget Hall Bridget Mulligan Becca McMillen is published seven times throughout the school year by the punctuation. These letters should also be free of Lindsey Lawrence Copy Editor Christopher Jensen Sam Sutherland Suburban Times in Papillion, NE. The purpose of The Wire is profanity, vulgarity, or words with undesirable Sara Rudolph Business Editor Brandon Myers to inform students of current and relevant events, interpret meanings. Letters may be submitted to room 401 or Assistant Editor Kyralin Brown and analyze complex issues that affect students, and serve as emailed to [email protected]. Steven Elonich Taylor Jensen Tim Stokes a forum for discussion of controversial issues. 2 News Page Design Becca McMillen April 23,2010 Students ‘Springerize’ Lawnmowers at Craft Fair

SkillsUSA held their fourth where they have various team and career Sharpening a lawn “springerizing” at the Lew- skill competitions, like carpentry and food mower blade, junior is Central Craft Fair on March 27. service. And if they make it to nationals, Michael Kirchner At the fundraiser people bring which they need to get a certain ranking works on the recent their lawnmowers to the automotive in state to qualify for, made for skills USA project. Ev- shop, and the students in SkillsUSA will this fundraiser will be used for that also. ery year the students sharpen the mower’s blades, give it an “We also do [a fundraiser] in the hold fundraisers for oil change, and clean the mower deck. fall, where we do the driveway paint- different events, this And they do all this for only 20 dol- ings for our community,” Nickman said. one in particular was lars and do it all in a single afternoon. “You might have seen the big LC signs in to send them to state “I really like this fundraiser,” Skill- front of the school. We do those also.” for competition. sUSA advisor Aaron Nickman said. For the driveway painting fund- Photo by Debbie Toms “This year we had about two dozen raiser, the SkillsUSA students will paint [lawnmowers].” He said that is a typi- people’s driveways. People can get their cal amount, but there have been times driveways painted with the LC logo, where they got up to four dozen of them. the and volleyball logo, or The funds help raise money to send musical symbols like the treble cleft. the students in this organization to state, Story by Christopher Jensen

The Museum of Modern Art in Manhat- tan has inducted the “at” symbol (@) into its Department of Architecture and An education came early for some kids in North Design collection, citing the symbol’s “el- Carolina, after Playboy programming ran on egance, economy, intellectual transpar- the Kids on Demand and Preschool on Demand ency, and a sense of the possible future channels of a Time Warner cable station. directions that are embedded in the arts WeirdNews of our time, the essence of modern.”

In , a man was stabbed with a 10-inch A chase in Cleveland ended when four suspects abandoned a car on the side of the road and Story by Brandon Meyers knife in his skull after apparently cheating on a video game in an internet café. Doctors took off on foot. Three or the men were quickly explained the blade narrowly avoided major caught. A fourth man, managed to scale a 30- arteries despite passing through areas of the foot-chain-link fence topped with barbed wire, brain. and landed in a state prison for women.

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Page Design Sanjula Mahathantila News 3 The Wire

We all play or watch sports, but which sport is the best?track Is it the track team with their strong throwers and quick-on-their-feet runners? Or is it the soccer boys with their extremely advanced foot-eye coordination and gold metal cardio? Let’s start with the track boy’s and head coach, Coach Motes. We have two of the four returning state qualifier for the 4X100 and our 4X200, Denver Lohnes, and Cole John- son. On the field side we have a returning senior thrower that placed 8th in state: Marc Osbourn. Coach Motes has the track team practice everyday out on the track from 3:00 to versus 4:30. During the practices everybody breaks off into there events and practices as a relay team. The season is already underway but they could always use the help of the LC fans. For the soccer boys, head coach Sid Lethyen with his strong work ethics and experi- ence returns varsity boys like Cody Hicks, Mark Richwine, and Zach Shea, the team is looking like a powerhouse for the soccer field. With the previous record of 4-11 and only losing two kids from last year’s program, they will bring a strong team to the field. Both sports have one major factor in them: endurance. The one who can last the longest will Photos by win. Sophomore Cody Hicks believes Soccer has the best endurance, “Our cardio is much Sanjula soccer better than the track boys; Lethyen is the best soccer coach around.” You can support the Mahathantila and soccer team as their season is already at 1-1 record. Story by Tim Stokes Sam Sutherland Cheerleaders Prepare for New Year, New Coach Three days of intense clinics and fifteen minutes in front of judges. Those who try out might ask questions like, did we do the right moves, did we make a mistake or most importantly, did we make it or not? This year for the cheerleaders the tryout was the most important thing. There is more to the tryout than you might think. “To make the squad the girls had to learn motion tech, proper jumps, a cheer, a chant, facials and voice projection,” health teacher and current cheerleading coach Tracy McVey said. More than forty girls tried out on Thursday, March 25 for the cheerleading squad. Most of the girls acted nervous and scared while they were waiting for the results. “I’m super excited but also very nervous to try out,” junior Michaela Suther- land said. “You never know what the end result will be, it’s intense!” Next year there will be a new coach. “We interviewed people for the job, and we hired Liz Higgins,” McVey said. Liz Higgins graduated from Lewis Central in 1997. She was part of the cheerleading squad in high school and college. She coached Iowa Western Community College and University of Nebraska at Omaha. She took her squad to state and national competitions. “She will be a great asset to Lewis Central,” McVey said. That’s not all that’s new, the cheerleaders are also getting new uniforms and possibly new warm ups. “Next year they will have a junior varsity as well as a varsity team instead of just varsity,” freshmen Bailey Shaw said. “I’m really looking forward to having a set coach and all the new girls.” All of these changes are sure to improve and make our cheerleaders better than The cheerleading squad hopefuls perfect their moves at ever. Story by Sam Sutherland cheer tryouts on March 25th. Photo by Bridget Mulligan

Senior Blake Hunter has been involved in such sports as football, baseball, cross country, track and all-male and co-ed dance team throughout his four years of high school. Hunter qualified for state track his junior year of high school and state cross country his senior year. Hunter said that if he could have any animal for a pet he would choose a tiger, because no one messes with tigers. His favorite hot Senior beverage is French vanilla hot chocolate because he says it tastes good all while making him feel warm inside. Hunter’s favorite color is purple. If he was given the opportunity to be invincible for a day he said he would choose to run under a four minute mile. When given the choice between Legos or Play Doh, Hunter would choose Legos, just because. The most embarrassing thing that he said had ever happened to him was when he was trying to cover up a fart with a sneeze, but the sneeze of the wasn’t loud enough. If Hunter could be any model figure from the past he would choose to be Abe Lincoln because he had a sweet top hat and beard, and he freed the slaves. Instead of growing up to be a professional motocross rider like he planned on when he was little, Hunter plans to further his education as Iowa Western Community College, where his major is undecided. One piece of advice he would give to underclassmen is this: “Live and learn.” Story by Bridget Hall Issue Photo by Sanjula Mahathantila 4 Sports Page Design Taylor Jensen April 23, 2010 Mr. and Ms. LC A Night Filled with Talent and Surprises With an American Idol style judging featuring Mrs. Frievogel, Mr. Ford, and Mr. Bergman, the Mr. and Ms. LC contest was both exciting and comedic. The talent portion went from Danny Lich beat boxing, Tyler Butler singing with his mom, Courtney Zucca’s amazing voice, to the complex dance routines of Ryan Epper- son, Blake Hunter, Alex Martinez, Catie Geier, and Kendra Forristall. Matt Vang performed a beautiful love song in Korean and Brandon Myers made the audience laugh until they cried. The contestants performances were original and outstanding. After each contestant performed, the judges commented and definitely made the kids sweat. After Geir performed her professional ballet routine with her arms wrapped in a sweater, Bergman said “Your hands were gone, that’s kind of creepy.” Frievogel was never shy about telling each contestant how “amazing” they all looked. Emily Morgan and Brandon Myers won best dressed, Morgan in a beautiful dark blue flower-printed dress and Myers in a stylish black suit and pink under shirt. The people’s choice was Martinez, no doubt for his expressive personality toward the judges and Jami Mundt for her beautiful performance of “Let’s Hear it for the Boys.” Finally the title of Mr. and Ms. LC were awarded to Kendra Forristall and Blake Hunter for their intense and well thought out performances. Forristall, along with five other girls, choreographed a dance routine using miniature versions of themselves. “Cool, I was surprised, I had fun, I thought our act was really original; we worked on it for weeks,” Forristall said after winning the contest. Hunter, with the assistance of his friends did an assortment of classic dances to different music, in outrageous outfits. “[Winning] feels good, but it feels weird because I’ve watched a lot of Mr. LC’s and now I’m a senior; and I’m thankful to have such good friends to help me,” Hunter said. It was an exciting night for all the contestants and their families. During intermission Displaying their well-choreographed talent routines, seniors Blake Hunter and Kendra the kids walked around to collect money in their creatively designed baskets and wagons. All Forristall win Mr. and Ms. LC with a little help from some friends, including Denver Loh- proceeds for this event went toward 500 dollar scholarships for Lewis Central students. nes, Nick Graves, Tyler McGrain, Taylor Turgeon and Emily Morgan. Story by Bridget Mulligan Photos by Bridget Mulligan Shriver said. “Someone came to me once about a The students in Cooking for a Cause will family who just had a [house] fire, their child Students, Teachers Bake think of ideas for places they can go, and died, and a lot of bad things were happening they are all volunteers. It isn’t an activity like around this time to them,” Shriver said. journalism where you earn your spot, or a “They told us they would appreciate a for Our Community sign-up activity like sports. They sometimes meal.” Cooking for a Cause is a group where places they chose to cook for that month. have as little as four volunteers, but other This group isn’t totally biased to only kids can meet once a month to bake foods They try to cook food for other volunteer times may have around fifteen. helping out humans either. They have even for different communities. They meet in the groups, especially kinds that are not A really good cause-worthy thing made food for the dogs at the animal shelter. foods room on the second Wednesday of recognized enough. this group does is help out those in need. “We made them little puppy treats,” Shriver every month. “Other places we have brought food to Whether a family cannot afford a decent said. “They were still edible for humans, The group members will bake the food are Children Square, Risen Sun Retirement meal or they are going through some really but we cut them out in the shape of a dog at school, and then foods teachers Elisa Home, and fire departments, so we can hard times, Cooking for a Cause will help out bone.” Burke and Bev Shriver will deliver it to the show our support for all the firefighters,” if asked. Story by Chris Jensen

Senior Lauren Petri has been involved in such things as Express, Lewis Corporation, Drama, Chamber Choir, Speech, Pottawattamie Youth Council and National Honor Society throughout her four years at Lewis Central High School. Petri says her favorite color is purple, but it changes daily so don’t hold her to it. Her favorite cereal is Cinnamon Life and her favorite season is spring because of the Senior thunderstorms and she finally gets to start wearing skirts again. Petri says if she was given the choice between being an Eskimo or a circus act, she would choose to be part of a circus act because she thinks she would “look really pretty with a beard.” If Petri was given the opportunity to be any teacher in the school for a day she would choose to be Mrs. McLaughlin, because she says her cunning comments cut right at the heart of every student. She says the best thing about being a red head of the is all the “awesome” nicknames, and when given the choice between Gatorade or Powerade, Petri chose grape juice. Instead of growing up to be a Siren (a woman who woos men with singing) like she planned on when she was little, Petri plans on furthering her education at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. A piece of advice she would give underclassmen is this: “Your decisions are going to change on a daily basis so just go with the flow.” Issue Photo by Sanjula Mahathantila Story by Bridget Hall Page Design Taylor Jensen Activities 5 New Opportunities Victoria A Freivogel has Unique Classes influenced Ecology - Ecology is all about is.” many in her learning about how living things AP American History- This Instructing c six years at interact with the world around brand new class will be a challenge, a class of first Lewis Central. them. Sure, it’s a great class to but if history is a subject you’re year Spanish Freivogel is the take to get one of those lovely two good at, this class is perfect for students, senior class extra science credits the class of you. The difference between Marilyn sponsor and 2011 and on has to get; and sure an AP class and a college credit Wandersee has taught it’s a great class to take if you’re class is that with an AP class, divides the freshman a person who is really into the you take an AP exam at the end kids up for a English, British environment. But the best part of the trimester. If you pass that competition Literature, about this class? You actually get test, then you earn the credits. with candy as a and English to escape from the fluorescent Previously, this class was taught reward. Composition. lights and the concrete walls of only at IWCC. Next year it will Photo by Photo by the school and go outside. Almost be taught here for the first time, Bridget Mulligan Sanjula like going on a nature walk, but saving students driving time and Mahathantila you actually learn and get a credit freeing up space in their schedule. for it. “The students get a wide It is a fast paced class, covering variety of experiences inside and American history from 1877 to the outside of the classroom. We try present. History teacher Roxanne to spend as much time outside as Wiles, who will be teaching this we can,” said science teacher Brett class next year, said the best part b Ford. about this class is that “It will give Web Page Design- A recent students the experience of taking d study claimed that the average a college course at a tiny fraction student spends about 20 hours of the cost of a college course. Goodbye Frei a week on the internet, so why And, it’s American History, which not get a dual high school/college rocks.” Not everyone knows that her new job, Freivogel will be However, as hard as it may credit while doing so? In web page Humanities – Humanities is Mrs. Freivogel, aka: Frei, is leaving teaching English 11 and English be to leave LC, she is also looking design you spend your class period a seminar class, mostly discussion Lewis Central to go to teach at Composition. forward to her new job. “I’m on the internet, creating your own based. Students study rebellion and another English job at Millard. She has many memorable nervous; it’s hard to start over website using Adobe Dreamweaver. conformity and how each effects There is no Place Like…Outside! Her six years of working here are moments but she says that from something new.” The class isn’t meant to be too civilization through literature, art, Teachers are you tired of students falling some room numbers and on the walls by the band, full of many great memories and the most memorable was the Even though her job at LC challenging, but you will learn a music and film. Humanities is a asleep in class or just not paying attention? What choir, and drama rooms. What about the actual wonderful times. homecoming skit she was involved is winding down to an end, she very useful skill. “Every company, great class to prepare students for about interrupting and getting the whole class classrooms, which the students spend a hour in Some of you may remember in a couple of years back. will have more memories and even the small companies, have discussion-based college classes. off subject? Well it sounds like the class has been everyday? There could be more posters, pictures, her working on her homework “We dressed up as gangsters experiences from her new job. web-sites. Knowing how to design “The best part about this class is infected with spring fever. and colorful decorations in the classrooms, instead during class, trying to finish and it was pretty fun,” Freivogel “I’m going to miss the kids and and build a web-site is a valuable that it is largely student driven,” Since the students are stuck inside all day, of the few here and there. everything up before her next said. the people on staff. They have all skill in today’s world,” said math said English teacher Marilyn maybe the outside can be brought to them. How Speaking of classes and the outdoors, what exam. And even though she has been good friends,” she said. teacher Joe Ankenbauer. “Seeing Wandersee. “Students interests could that happen? First, the students would love about putting the two together? Lewis Central All that extra work has helped many great memories so do other Of course Mrs. Freivogel, you how websites are designed and and curiosity should guide to some if there were benches or picnic tables outside, so has a few classes that go outside, like in P.E. and her. As of last year, Freivogel has students that have been in class know we will all miss you and your how they work just makes you extent the direction that the class that when it is nice out they can eat lunch outside. ecology. Or what if students could actually go on gotten her master’s degree in with her. irreplaceable sense of humor. appreciate how great the internet takes.” Story by Taylor Jensen Right now all that is available during lunch is a little field trips? Everyone knows that students are not “I’ll always remember our But all the students here at Lewis English. The job that she is going paved spot for hacky sack and a little picnic table allowed to pay for field trips, but I bet teachers fist-pumping in class,” said senior Central wish you good luck on your to take allows her to teach more that no one even knows about. If eating outside would be surprised how many kids would donate Ryan Epperson. new teaching job and to come classes where students can get was possible, students would get a break from money, just so they can leave the school for a few But, she will still miss all of back anytime to visit. college credit. being stuck inside all day. Also, a lot of them might hours. us here at LC. “This has been one “She will be dearly missed,” “The school is also half-time have a better attitude during classes. Teachers if you do just a few of these things of the hardest transitions I have said junior Dylan Gunter. “She and alternative and I like working What else could be done? Teachers could add the students would probably pay more attention made. The staff has been one of was a fun teacher and fun to with that kind of population,” color to the walls. Every classroom in the whole and not be so annoying during class. Think about the best I’ve worked with,” Frei be around.” Story by Sanjula Freivogel said school is the same dull gray color, not one ounce this: if the class is happier so is the teacher. So why Her kids also live in the same said. “The kids and families I’ve Mahathantila of color. Yes, there are the cool little murals around not add a little color in your classroom? district, so now she and her kids met have been wonderful.” Story by Taylor Kuhn will have the same schedule. For

Page Design by Lindsey Lawrence Chalkboard from Google.com The Wire In Ten Years Opposing Views Graduating Early Against In Favor As we start down the homestretch of the school year, everyone starts to get a little Our basic connotation of the words gradu- bit antsy—whether it is about finals, graduation, or the anticipation of the summer to ating early would be “for smart people.” And come. Seniors are glad to be done and the last thing anyone wants to do is spend an- don’t deny that, it’s true. Most of us know that other year in high school, but the four years we spend here are valuable and should not in order to graduate early, one must have got- be taken for granted. While graduating early may appeal to some students in one way or ten credit for all the required classes and have another, it is not always the best choice. at least 55 credits in order to graduate. And Most of the students graduating early believe that they are getting a head start that’s true, but most of us also don’t realize the on a college education, but believe it or not, staying in high school may be more benefi- benefit that graduating early could do for us. cial. Lewis Central offers dual-credit enrollment and the opportunity to take classes at One example is would be that students Christopher Jensen Iowa Western and Tucker Center, and will also soon offer advanced classes like history could get done with school a lot faster, than Editor in Chief and Spanish. This sounds like enough to fuel every student’s passion for knowledge. say, they regularly would. And that could come It is hard to believe that I, along with The classes offered through Iowa Western not only allow students to challenge in handy for those who plan on going to college the other college-bound seniors, will themselves, but they are considered dual-credit, thus counting as both high school and for more than four years. And think about it, be freshmen all over again in just a few college credit. So a high school senior taking advantage of the dual-credit program and no one wants to be a months. This time, though, I’m not going classes at Iowa Western can technically enter college the following fall as a sophomore, single thirty-four year old still looking to to concentrate on petty things like making because they got all the college credits required for freshman while they were still in find a boyfriend. a good impression on the upperclassmen, high school. Another benefit for graduating early or trying to be first in the lunch line. Dual-credit classes cost virtually nothing—students pay a one-time enrollment fee would be planning ahead for what they want I wil be focused on more important of only 25 dollars and are allowed to take a wide variety of college classes either at or to do. This includes taking some time off from things, like where I see myself in ten through Iowa Western while still in high school. According to Mr. Heckman, a class such studying and schoolwork before starting school years; something my teachers have al- as advanced chemistry is basically an easy scholarship. It is worth ten credit hours for again. Another benefit would be more focus on ways told me to think about, even since college, which may not sound very appealing, but many colleges charge over 500 dollars your job which in turns provides more moola elementary. for one single credit hour. Advanced chemistry is the equivalent of a five thousand dol- for those who are worried about their financ- With exactly one month until gradua- lar scholarship. Classes like this, and similar, are the better alternatives to spending all es, and spending more time with the people tion, I have spent so much of my time this that money later. around them. year thinking of my college and post-col- Graduating early also forces students to kiss their childhood goodbye earlier Stress could be a big part of a student’s life lege plans. My first two years of college than they sometimes wish. After high school, the standard for behavior raises drasti- in high school. Stress to do everything right, will be spent at Iowa Western, and I will cally. Immaturity is not likely to be tolerated and students are expected to have their act stress from working long hours during the spend the next four years at the University together in order to really focus on their education. It seems like college students spend school week, and also stress from studying. of Nebraska in Kearney. And hopefully by their free time finishing homework and working to pay for the homework they will get Graduating early could provide less stress for the time I’m finished, I will have been able tomorrow, and of course, the occasional party with their friends. those of us who worry about it. Think about to study abroad in Spain or Colombia. Some students who graduate early do not know what they are getting themselves it. They wouldn’t have to worry about all those In ten years, I hope to hold a master’s into until it is too late, and the traditional four years spent in high school really allow stu- high school classes and they’d have a nice degree in social work and a bachelor’s dents to fully mature into adults; the value of the extra time may actually help students break, if they wanted, before college starts. in journalism. I would love to be a social in the long run. There could be more time for students to have worker, but since I know how stressful of Whether or not you plan to graduate early is entirely your decision. Only you more “free time” to do whatever they want- a job it can be, I want a bachelor’s so that can know what will be right and produce the best results to help you reach your goals. ed. There are also many students interested if I decide to change careers, I can teach Think carefully before you make your decision though, because it might possibly be the in a work field that high school does not teach journalism. one of the biggest ones you will make in your lifetime. them all about. Alongside educational plans, I want Story by Sara Rudolph Story by Sanjula Mahathantila to be a novelist; I want to be a published author before I’m 25, but I hope to be at least a somewhat famous writer in ten years. I want to write books about teen is- sues and nonfiction books about animals, Teens Still Struggle to Find Jobs politics, and religion. As the school year comes to a close and pany…and suddenly he gets carelessly laid real world. People use their connections to Because philanthropy is very impor- the weather warms up, teens begin to long off by his employer without so much as get jobs all the time. Junior Dylan Kenney is tant to me, I want to donate the profits of for the beautiful summer days. They work an apologetic gesture in his direction. He a true advocate for this. In his opinion, find- my nonfiction books to organizations that by day and party by night, without a care in then has no other option but to search for ing a job was “nearly impossible” until he pertain to the book’s subject; for example, the world, so it seems. From babysitting to a job anywhere he sees one…and there used his connections. “My dad is a talkative if I wrote about animal abuse, I would do- waitressing, summer jobs are very common are lots of easy-to-get minimum wage guy and he was just talking to the manager nate the money to an animal shelter. for teens and the idea of money is as appeal- jobs available. at a restaurant…he mentioned needing a Eventually, maybe not in ten years, ing as ever. However, the typical “summer People like this man are the reason why busboy on Sundays so my dad called me and I would also like to have learned how to job” is becoming very hard to come by. teens have a hard time getting jobs, espe- I interviewed and was hired that same day,” speak French, and maybe even Danish The recession has forced local compa- cially if they are looking for their first job. So Kenney said. Those connections can either since my family is from Denmark. I have no nies to lay off large numbers of employees, how can teens get a job now? It all starts do something as simple as serving as a refer- idea whether I will stick to making these and even forced some businesses to close. with one word: networking. Knowing peo- ence, or something more complex like actu- dreams and goals a reality. However, the Imagine a sixty-year-old man, working the ple—the right people—can really pay off in ally getting a job for the teen. According to one thing I am certain about is my writing same job for nearly forty years, almost the job hunt. It may sound like cheating, but Kenney, “It’s all in who you know.” career, because I love doing it and know it ready to collect his pension from his com- everything is considered “free game” in the Continued/pg. 9 will be big in my future. 8 Opinion Page Design Chris Jensen April 23, 2010 ‘Healthy Kids Act’ Price of Reality Iowa’s new law is ‘inconvenient for students’ who do more What is the “Healthy Kids Act?” At first someone might than just participate in school assume it is some student held organization attempting to get other students to exercise more often. The idea of this “Act” activities and are in a sport isn’t a bad one, it’s just inconvenient for those students who have more responsibilities than just school and sports. The act is more than just that, though, it is a new state re- quirement for some schools, telling us students that we all have to fulfill a certain amount of activity each trimester or season. Lindsey Lawrence Summer is not included in this contract though, even as active Editor in Chief as some people are, playing the occasional street football and It’s weird thinking I am going to basketball with their friends, and getting out of the house to go graduate this year. I not only have a play competitive baseball and softball with their team. And then problem picturing myself this old, I there’s always the popular, swimming to get out of the heat! have a problem picturing my class For some students this doesn’t really apply to them be- this old. To me we all look the same cause they don’t have to worry about filling out those activi- and act the same, and imagining ties on that piece of paper because they’re already so busy with that this year some of us will be go- sports or other activities. Others end up stressing about how ing to college, getting real jobs, and they will accomplish this activity requirement. With those who starting our lives outside of these have part-time jobs, they can end up working from when school four walls is kind of impossible to ends until late at night. accept. For those who have the burden of helping their own fami- Even though I am counting the lies with financial situations or deciding whether or not they can days to the end of this high school pay their car insurance payment that month. A part-time job thing we have done for four years, doesn’t count as a school activity, so they must find time out of I can’t help but worry about what their consistent busy schedule to make sure they complete this happens when the count down state goal. ends. It has been hard enough to The school is required to have students accomplish these prepare for college, keeping up with goals for the state. Therefore it isn’t necessarily the schools the senior handbook and filling out fault on putting this extra burden on our already everyday busy scholarships. The reality of putting lives. This healthy act isn’t just about how we should stay active, a price on continuing my education but also what we eat at school too. Instead of unhealthy school has finally hit me. Thousands of dol- food, our lunches are being switched to have more nutrition in lars didn’t seem like so much until I our diets. thought about it in a different per- If someone hears another student complaining about how spective. Four years at the Univer- they can’t achieve these new state goals, make sure and give sity of Nebraska at Omaha is going Pushing her limits for the next day’s meet, sophomores Alyssa Hudson them a good slap in the face for a reality check. It is not a hard to cost 80 thousand dollars. That is a and Carrie Fuerst race their teammates around the LC track. goal to accomplish, because first of all, students always walk lot of money. Photo by Sanjula Mahathantila around. That can be the first step. Story by Bianca Zerwas With less than a month left of school, I also came to the realization that I will be on my own. I am so Continued/pg. 8: ‘Try your hardest, don’t stutter, don’t suck up, and you’ll get the job.’ excited to move out of my parents’ house and live in a dorm, but it also It is a whole new ball game out there, hired. According to the zoo, the age range lawns, do some landscaping and paint- marks the start of my independent so get ready to battle. A summer job is a for hiring was a little larger than normal; ing. These small summer jobs will help to life. After college, the real world hard thing to come by, so jump on any op- they hired more adults than expected, but start a foundation and form a reputation will start turning for me. I have less portunity that arises. This will only help to a lot of the jobs were still filled by teen- as an employee. Use these “employers” then four years to get a grip on my prepare teens for the real world. agers, including sophomore Jake Clark. “I as references and list those tasks as for- future. I’m scared to death, as much Job fairs are also a great place to start; just tried to be myself. Try your hardest, mer jobs. It will put teens ahead of the as I have grown up since my fresh- companies usually hire large numbers don’t stutter, don’t suck up, and you’ll get curve and help showcase responsibility man year, I feel like I haven’t grown of employees for the summer, primar- [the job,]” Clark said. and commitment. Believe it or not, just enough to be handed the reins of ily teens. The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo, Getting a summer job this year may one reference can make or break your my life and be able to keep it under for example, held a a few months be hard, but it is still possible. Experi- chances at getting a job. control. ago. They were hiring for 250-300 sum- ence is like gold; the more you have, the It is a whole new ball game out there, I plan on majoring in Education mer jobs, which usually go to teenagers more opportunities you will get. Scoring so get ready to battle. A summer job is a and History, two things I have also looking for some extra cash. a dream job your first time up at bat is hard thing to come by, so jump on any op- had an interest in. I have applied This year, over 1100 potential employ- basically unheard of right now, so start portunity that arises. This will only help to for at least twenty scholarships; ees showed up waiting for a chance to get small; build up a résumé. Babysit, mow prepare teens for the real world. the hardest part is waiting for a re- Story by Sara Rudolph sponse. How I will pay for college is unjustified, I just know I am going.

Page Design Chris Jensen Opinion 9 The Wire Other Fun Ideas: Spring Cheep • Side Walk Chalk Fun • Run through the for Cheep sprinklers Finally it is warmer, and flowers are begin- ets ranging from eight to twenty-five dollars. With that why not bring back rollerblading? • Plant a garden ning to blossom. Now our only question is The Auditorium usually has more well know We all probably still have them, given some • Go on a scavenger hunt what is there to do? We have been stuck in- bands where as Underground has more new of us might not still fit in them. side all winter with very restricted things to bands and local bands. In the spring it is quite windy so grab a • Jump rope do; now we are ready to get outside. “I like to go on walks when it is nice out, couple of friends and go fly a kite. • Hopscotch During the spring there are a lot of things or even jump on my trampoline,” junior Alli When we were younger we enjoyed the that you can do that do not cost very much O’Brien said. Here in Council Bluffs we have simple things that did not require a lot of • Bonfires or do not cost anything at all. many places where we could go walking. For money such as blowing bubbles, going to • Give your pet a bath If you are short on money go and sup- those of us who enjoy more of a nature walk the park, and going on picnics. Find your in- port your school sports teams. To get into there are places like the Wabash, and even ner kid and start trying some of the things a soccer game or to watch a track meet it Lewis and Clark monument. Both are very we used to do when we were younger and only costs three dollars. If you are really into nice trails and go on for quite a while. just have fun without spending a lot of mon- music Sokol Auditorium, and Sokol Under- This time of the year is usually when kids ey if any at all. ground are always having concerts with tick- decide to get out their bikes and go for a ride. Story By Becca McMillen

Images from Google What Did You Expect? Everyone is entitled to their own both Mesa Arizona Public Schools and what being a Titan is all about, and it unique opinion of LC that you might opinion, and generally everyone has Omaha Public Schools before joining the makes them proud. “I think in general not find elsewhere. “I think my favorite there own opinion, especially about LC teaching staff. that all of the kids are very kind and part about LC is the camaraderie,” vocal school. With students it tends to be Some teachers are surprisingly want to succeed,” Ford said. “I don’t music teacher Rachael Wragge said. a love/ hate relationship, but with adamant when it comes to teaching really think that there is anything I don’t It seems trying our best for a united teachers it tends to remain a mystery. here. “I went to school here,” science like.” front shone through to at least one new LCHS gained a total of four new teachers teacher Brett Ford said. “My wife teaches The students are not the only thing person. in the fall and they all have their own at Titan Hill and my kids go here, so I had the new additions to the staff find All year these new teachers have put point of view. a pretty high opinion. I didn’t want to themselves comfortable with. “[The best up with the antics and have continued to Before coming to LC a couple of work anywhere else.” Before becoming part about LC is] the relationship between prevail. These well rounded people have teachers weren’t sure what to think. “I a teacher, Ford worked in Pottawattamie the teachers and the administration,” shown what they think of life at LC, and didn’t really know much about it,” math County Conservation as a park ranger the business department’s Derek Archer they continue to be the molders of our teacher Maria Melby said. “I thought it for 12 years said. “They’re really supportive, which future so watch out for them and maybe was a higher achieving school than where Throughout the year, many lessons helps out a ton.” ask them how their day is going just to I’ve been [before LC].” Melby taught in are taught and teachers gradually learn Often times teachers may take a let them know you appreciate them. Story by Kyralin Brown

up trash. These bags fill up fast, and sometimes it’s Omaha. This might not help Earth itself, but it will impossible to go down the road completely with just make the buildings look a lot more attractive. Maybe ecoLife one. They should consider grabbing a few trash bags go further than just scrubbing the walls, like cleaning Every year more and more people are continuing so they don’t have to make several trips back home up a park, ridding it of litter, graffiti, everything. to be interested in protecting the environment. But just to finish cleaning one area. Also try cleaning These kinds of things are really appreciated by a lot what is so good about protecting it, anyway? around areas where a garbage dumpster is nearby, of people. There are a lot of good things that can come because even carrying one full trash bag a long “I’ve seen a lot of [graffiti] on trains and bridges, out of becoming more eco-friendly and helping distance can be difficult. and a lot of it is just inappropriate,” Weatherill said. millions of other people save the earth. Even if you “When I was younger I used to go outside and pick “[They city should do something] because it just didn’t participate in Earth Day this year, which was up trash and stuff,” senior Shelby Weatherill said. makes Council Bluffs look more trashy and ghetto.” yesterday, April 22, you can still do your part today “But I don’t do that anymore though.” Most of these Earth Day projects are very time and every day. Earth provides everyone with the Maybe just picking up trash is becoming a dying consuming, so if time is something you just don’t three essential elements to live: oxygen (the trees), practice; a different “green” approach someone could have much of, one thing you could do that only takes water (the ocean), and food (the soil). take is scrubbing graffiti off of walls around their a moment’s thought is to make a vow to yourself To help pay back Mother Earth, people can start community with a bucket of soapy water. If someone that you will recycle and take better care of the by doing common Earth Day activities, like grabbing looks hard enough, they can find that Council Bluffs earth with small steps every day. a trash bag and walking down their streets picking also has its problem areas with graffiti just like Story by Chris Jensen

10 Inside Look Page Design Taylor Kuhn April 23, 2010

ExpressionsIn-Depth Shoveling our way to Spring The birds chirping, the sun shining and the sky is visible (and not gray anymore), roaming wherever the wind might take you rusted over cars. These are the sounds, students are feeling a little less stressed has been a drastic change not only for high smells and sights of spring. and a little more free to do what they want. school students, but the younger genera- After a winter that most people can “I feel a lot less stressed out now that tions as well. agree took five million years to get past, it is nice out. I wear short-sleeved shirts “Now that it is spring, kids are crazily we can finally see the ground, and it is not opposed to sweatshirts all the time,” senior running around everywhere and you have Showcasing his talent, senior Ryan pretty. The excessive amount of snow took Molly Cox said. to watch where you are driving. They think Penney practices giving his speech. an effect not only on our lawns, but our What about all those mounds of water they can just run around in the middle of Penney participated in both sanity also. bottles and clothes piling up in each stu- the street,” senior Brittney Coon said. individual and large group speech, “It feels amazing that there is no more dent’s car? The term spring cleaning may As spring flowers begin to blossom and and made All-State for large group. snow and I can wear shorts. I’m thinking apply to some, but to others it just does not the animals come out to play, sidewalk salt Photo by Bianca Zerwas about burning all of my winter clothes,” seem worth the hassle. and shovels are locked up into their right- Speech. A topic most students cringe junior Kimmi Ryan said. “I don’t do spring cleaning,” senior ful places until Mother Nature decides to from at the very mention, but not students Winter and its mood swings have Colette Berding said. “I live on a dirt road so release her wrath on us again. like senior Ryan Penny, who has been on been proven to have an effect on people’s there is no point in cleaning my car.” Story by Bridget Hall the speech team for four years. “I met a lot behaviors throughout the season. Now that From stuck inside, to the freedom of of friends, that I probably wouldn’t have met, it just a lot of fun,” Penny said. It is made apparent that as long as we are in school or the business world we will they included trans fats with saturated. oils also has an impact on it. So even have to get up in front of others and inform Saturated fats come from animals, which is though meat does cause heart disease, as them with a speech. We practice speech in tied with meat, and trans fats come from proven with studies, trans fats should not Being a Carnivore vegetable oils when it has been turned into be put in the same study with saturated, as high school in order to have some clue as to the mystery of speech giving. “Just being a solid or hydrogenised. they are not the same thing and can mix up in front of a crowd, acting in front of people is a Heart Sore This means that although saturated the results. [will help with future careers],” Penny said. Meat is often thought to be the one fats cause the disease, fats from vegetable Story by Chris Jensen Not psyching yourself up before a thing you need to eat to gain muscle, get speech is very important, “I just tell myself protein, and keep you alive. But even I’m going to do a good job, and I don’t though it can help someone get stronger worry about messing up because there is and manage their daily protein intake, it nothing I can do about it,” Penny said. More has also been linked to a few of the biggest than a class, students meet regularly after causes of death in America. THOMCYN’S school with Mrs. Nielson to practice and Heart disease is the biggest health perfect their speeches and performances. problem in the United States and is the FORMAL Individual and group are the two basic leading cause of death. Meat is linked with kinds of speeches for these courageous this disease because it is very high in cho- ATTIRE kids. “Some friends talked me into it [join- lesterol and saturated fats. These substanc- ing speech],”Penny said. Though not work- es build up in people’s arteries overtime Tuxedos - Gowns ing on any specific projects at the moment, and cause arthrosclerosis, and from this, Accessories Penny still enjoys reader’s theater, which is not enough blood will go throughout the a form of group speech. “Basically [reader’s body. Because of this the immune system theater] is a short story acted out,” Penny can be impaired, which then leads to the Mall of the Bluffs said. body getting a disease. 1751 Madison Ave #700 “Speech is really fun, you just get to Studies have proven that when people do whatever,” Penny said. Though he is with this disease quit eating meat, it Council Bluffs, IA 51503 not pursuing a career in speaking, Penny stopped the disease from getting worse and Phone (712) 325-0766 believes speech will help him in his future even reversed it. But even though a veg- career as a Computer Engineer. etarian diet can cure heart disease, some www.Thomcyns.com Story by Bridget Mulligan still aren’t so sure if it is meat that causes it in the first place. In many of these studies,

Page Design Sara Rudolph Inside Look 11 Disclaimer: The following questions are real situations asked about by random people in our school. Questions by Bianca Zerwas are serious Dear B Team, responses, while Becca McMillen”s responses are only meant to amuse.

Dear B Team, Dear B Team, I think my boyfriend expects me to have sex with him for the first time after When I get home at night I have a hard time of remembering what homework I prom. The only thing is I do not think I am ready but I want to make him happy. What have. How do I remember without having to text my friends all the time? should I do? --Forgetful Student -- Hopelessly Devoted Dear Hopeless, Dear Forgetful,

Just talk to him and tell him wassup. Just say, “Boy you crazy if you think I am At the beginning of each year we get these things that look like little notebooks going to have sex with you when I am not ready, I do not want a baby at this age.” I am on the second or third day of school. These things are called planners. We use them to pretty sure he will get the hint, and if he breaks up with you then he didn’t really care keep track of our assignments, that is why there is some space for every day to write about you. down what you have to do. Therefore just use your planner it is not that hard. -Becca -Becca

First of all, you are not hopeless, and if he expects that much of a commitment after prom, then what about after the fact that prom is over? What do you think he If you are that forgetful about your homework, you need to write it down in will expect of you then? If he does not respect the fact that you are not ready, then he some kind of organizer. May it be your iPod, cell phone, notebook or folder. If you start to probably doesn’t respect you. Don’t feel pressured to do anything you will regret in the be more organized, then it will help you after you graduate high school. That is, if you plan long run. on graduating with your class. -Bianca -Bianca

Dear B Team, I am involved in the underwater basket weaving team, soccer, baseball, Dear B Team, drama, chess, debate, NHs, StuCo, art club, band, yarn rolling, book club, track, My boyfriend has already graduated, but I want him to go to prom tennis, math team, and turtle racing at school. I feel as if I am involved in too much with me. He makes more money than I do, but it is my school dance. Who and every director wants me to commit 100% to their activity. On top of all that I should get stuck with the bill? have a job I work 3 nights a week and also homework I never seem to finish. Be- --Short on Change sides dropping all of my activities what should I do? Dear Short, -- Busy Body Dear Busy, Girl, (or boy) I am not sure how you swing, it should be a 50/50 thing no matter what, but since you are the one still in school you buy the tickets. Have You are just involved in way too many things. It is your own fault for being him buy the meals. With prom there is more than one meal, well usually, just roll this committed. These activities are all in the same season. You reap what you sow. with that. Make sure to pick all the expensive places and have fun. -Becca --Becca How are you surviving? I know you don’t want to drop all of your activi- It shouldn’t matter who makes more money. It should be about whether ties, but you should seriously consider dropping a few. How will turtle racing help or not you know you will have fun! So don’t worry about it. If it comes down to it, you out in the future? Just get your priorities together and you will find things will offer to pay for everything, because it is your prom. But if he offers, don’t argue. be a lot more easier for you. He is obviously trying to be a gentleman about it. -Bianca -Bianca

Photos by Bianca Zerwas and Bridget Mulligan