One Copy Free

johnston high school blackAUGUST 2008 VOLUME 18 ISSUE 1 515.278.0449& 6501white NW 62ND AVE JOHNSTON, IA

BullerBRITTANY DEAL runs for board editor in chief

Former student Tyler Buller, 20, added his name to the list of candidates for the one-year term for school board. “I guess my interest first started when I was in high school and I covered school board sophomore, junior, and senior year,” Buller said. Buller, who is currently focusing on communications at Drake University, had planned to run for a one-year term before, however chose not to when he heard Karen Coaldrake was running in 2006. “I sort of had the idea floating around that maybe after I graduated high school I would run,” Buller said. “But Karen ran in ’06, and obviously she’s not someone I wanted to run against. I had tremendous respect for her. She was just phenomenal. And, quite frankly, she would do a better job than anyone else I’ve ever met, including myself.” Then, in 2007, according to Buller, Coaldrake moti- vated him to run. “She said something to the effect of if you don’t run for school board, I’m going to kick your (butt),” Buller said. “Then after talking to a lot of students I still know, and some kids my age that still graduated, I kind of wanted to stay involved and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to bring something new to the table.” School board member Jill Morrill points out that this Brittany Deal / BW “something new” is Buller’s point of view. In an interview with Amy Lovejoy, school board candidate Tyler Buller discusses the absentee ballot system. Buller “He has that perspective of what helped him, of what hosted Greet at the Gazebo Aug. 12. he was lacking,” Morrill said. “He has an understanding of what the graduates need to go on.” people “engaging”. herself.” Buller agrees that he has an advantage of being a re- “I think if people get engaged with something, no Morrill, John Dutcher, and Jackie Heiser are running cent graduate. matter what they’re going to be successful,” Buller for the three-year term. “If you have a question about if school policy is work- said. “And that means you get students engaged with “I think it’s really important to come to the board ing, hello, I can answer. I just went through that,” Buller the board, you get parents engaged, you get teachers with the willingness and commitment to look at all sides said “If you want to know if our math requirements are engaged, but it’s two ways. You have to get the board of the issue and make a decision that is based on our preparing people for college, obviously I wasn’t prepared engaged with students, the board engaged with parents, policy and our commitment to student achievement for at all when I went into my math class, and I took four and so on.” all learners,” Morrill said. years of math at Johnston. So just those kinds of ques- Buller chose to run for the one-year term because Dutcher agrees with Buller about the improvement tions that someone who’s 35, 40, 50, 60 on the school he graduates in May and doesn’t know what he will be of communication. board, how would they know that? You couldn’t possibly doing next. “We have a really good school district here, but we expect them to.” Vicki Selinger and Julie Walter are also running for have some holes and some opportunities to improve on One of Buller’s goals for the school board is to im- the one-year term. here,” Dutcher said. prove communication within the district. “I am a parent of four students and a taxpayer. I Heiser emphasizes the importance of voting for “It seems very foreign to me that someone could have a lot at stake,” Walter said. “I want the best for my school board. think that they can determine all kinds of these academ- children and all children.” “The most important thing is for people to get out ic policies, curriculum, things like that without asking Selinger, who ran last year for the three-year term, and vote in these elections and I guess we’ll see what kids if what they’re learning is what they’re supposed considers her philosophy similar to Coaldrake’s. they decide,” Heiser said. to,” Buller said. “I don’t think anyone can fill Karen’s shoes. I will try The school board elections will be held Sept. 9 be- He calls his plan of starting the communication of very hard,” Selinger said. “Karen was in a class all by tween 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. The big move, unloading behind schedule CHELSEA NELSON for the students and their notebooks, staff writer textbooks, and calculators and the tools the students need for their daily work.” For several teachers, the long moving process was tiresome. Johnston High School is welcoming “Moving is like having an ulcer and back its students with 17 new classrooms a heart attack and a stroke at the same and an unfurnished fitness center to time,” Schillerstrom said. serve as the lunchroom. Construction is Pippert feels that the result of process still being done on the new cafeteria, de- did not have a profound negative affect. spite having passed its expected comple- “I can’t say anything bad about how it tion date. all turned out,” Pippert said. “The teach- According to associate principle Ran- ers had to have a lot of patience.” dy Klein, the building project is almost While the teachers have begun to set- finished. tle in, students will have to remain eating The only thing that hasn’t been com- in the fitness center, the temporary caf- pleted is the cafeteria,” Klein said. “All eteria. According to Bob Lindner, Super- the classrooms are done; they just need intendent for Harold Pike Construction, the little bits and pieces.” and Johnston’s current contractor, the Some teachers, including math teach- cafeteria was expected to be completed er Danielle Pippert, moved into their new by the first day of school. classrooms with extra upholstery such as Chelsea Nelson / BW “Weather was the biggest factor for couches. Shoving terrazzo into the crack, construction worker Mike Janning sweeps the (the completion delay),” Lindner said. “It’s nice, a little hard to get used to, trowel to level the new cafeteria floor while J Willenborg surveys his work. “Weather delay for a few days can add up mainly because a lot of us have more to a week. Not only that, the schedules furniture now,” Pippert said. “It’s a little for his classroom. that the renovation of materials, includ- are quite short, and workers had to go do hard to play interior decorator, but it’s “The good thing is that (moving) gives ing furniture, has some drawbacks. something else during the delay. Some- nice to have all new things.” you a chance to go through and discard “I miss having student tables instead times it’s hard to get them back.” English teacher Mark Schillerstrom things,” Schillerstrom said. of having individual desks,” Retzlaff said. The cafeteria is now expected to be also had the chance to get newer material Math teacher Adam Retzlaff believes “I just think the tables offer more room done by the end of September. August 2008 B&W 2 news Heidbreder leaves, Brimeyer steps up Shawna Polen review editor Jessica Heidbreder, co-band director of the high school band, diminished her contract and left her spot open to vocal director Ted Brimeyer. On June 9, Heidbreder and her hus-

briefs band received the call that they had been

news waiting months for. They could now trav- Corrections Clarifications el to China to adopt a new addition to the & family, 19-month-old Grace Heidbreder. nThe Black andb White strives “I felt that by to be both accurate and fair. continuing with Readers who believe the the high school ac- paper has printed an error tivities like march- should call 515-278-0449. ing band and jazz band, I was not giv- ing Grace my all as a mom,” Heidbred- er said. “So I made State adopts new Heidbreder the tough choice to decrease my contract with the high school playoff system to only one period a day, and still teach ninth grade band at the middle school.” A change has been made to the Iowa Working with the high school band State High School Football Playoff sys- for 15 years, Heidbreder finds herself al- tem. Beginning in 2008 twice the num- ready missing it. ber of teams will be included in the state “The thing I’m going to miss the most tournament. is seeing the kids grow,” Heidbreder said. Coach Brian Lutter said that the “Teaching the ninth grade band is fun, change in class 4A will mean 32 teams but I only get to keep them one year. will play in the opening round of the tour- With the high school, I get to watch them nament. This implement of the new sys- grow over the four years.” tem is intended to cut down the amount However, Heidbreder has plans to of debate and controversy of who makes take on more responsibility with the high the tournament. school again in the future. “I’m looking at some juncture, coming back in the future when Grace gets old- er,” Heidbreder said. Until then though, Fall Leadership I’m going to be the band’s biggest fan in the stands.” Photo by/Shawna Polen Retreat Between the administration, and Vocal director Ted Brimeyer conducts the band during the “Star Spangled Banner”, Heidbreder, it was decided that current filling in for co-band director Jessica Heidbreder. vocal teacher Ted Brimeyer would be re- Scheduled placing Heidbreder for the duration of the upcoming school year. dents already.” sic and drill. This years S.A.I.L. leadership retreat “It was a convenient solution to a dif- Students feel indifferent about the “It is a new challenge and I am defi- will be held Oct. 3 - 5. This is the week- ficult problem,” Brimeyer said. “Mrs. change of teacher. nitely out of my comfort zone, it’s a lot of end in which the retreat is traditionally Heidbreder was a phenomenal, very pas- “I love (Heidbreder). I think the tran- work, but I am excited,” Brimeyer said. held at the Y Camp in Boone. sionate teacher. I am happy to step in and sition will bee good for both (Heidbred- Brimeyer will not be taking the band It will conflict with other school sanc- attempt to fill her huge shoes.” er) and Brimeyer. That way, Brimeyer can on his shoulders alone. tioned events such as Marching Band Brimeyer will still be a vocal director; get more experience outside the vocal de- “Mr. Brimeyer will be an asset to the competitions and Cross Country. The he is just adding band to his schedule. partment, and (Heidbreder) can still be band,” band director Patrick Kearney event is not however expected to conflict “Its a great solution for both of us. Mr. part of the band program,” senior drum said. “He will be co-directing with me, with State football. Brimeyer is a French horn player and a major Lindsay Fredrickson said. helping with lessons and directing the “We try to plan it so everyone can come former ISU (Iowa State University) drum Brimeyer began working with the second band. Change makes things work but it’s difficult to avoid all conflicts,” major,” Heidbreder said. “He has a great marching band Aug. 11, on the field and differently, but with a new person comes SA.I.L. leader Alicia Rollison said. credibility and relationship with the stu- in the practice room, perfecting the mu- new energy.” Borders hosts party for the opening of Breaking Dawn New year notes: Shawna Polen from the mini café within Borders. Later in the evening, Twilight fans schedule changes review editor competed in a contest for best dressed. Borders and other book stores all over The fans dressed as Bella, prom atten- The final day for stu- the country hosted parties dedicated to dants, vampires and werewolves. They dents to add a class to Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series newest lined up and pretended to walk down a their schedule is Thurs- book Breaking Dawn. catwalk, showing off their costumes. day August 28. Walking through the doors, custom- The voting was based on claps. Who- Guidance counselor ers first eyed the display on their right, ever got the loudest or the most applause Stephanie Guthrie said holding the Twilight series collection and would continue to the next round. that if students want to other related items from the upcoming At the end of three rounds, the winner Guthrie drop a class, they must Twilight movie. This included posters, was Chelsea Nelson, a senior at JHS, and do it by Oct 3. Drop calendars and stuffed wolf toys. her costume of Victoria, a nomad vam- slips require a parent or Matt Forbes, book seller at Borders pire with leaves sticking out of her crazy guardian signature. All classes dropped and master of ceremonies for the party red hair. after this date will go down in the grade said, “The party went well, we got double “I was psyched because my friends and book as an F. what we were expecting.” sister dressed me up for it,” said Nelson. Everyone there for the book signed “Their work made me look creepy, that is in on a list and received a paper bracelet what made us win.” Homeroom for detailing a number that The balancing reserved a copy of the Who among the characters in New Moon says this? contest proved to start of year book for them later. “You are so bizarre even for a human.” be harder for the In the far back left Answer: Alice fans. Based on The homeroom schedule for the begin- corner, trivia games In Eclipse, Bella is released from grounding on what Bella’s wedding in ning of the year has been different than took place. One game condition? Answer: Balance test Breaking Dawn, Photo by/Shawna Polen the typical week. The first three days of quizzed Twilight read- What is the name of the girl Jasper is thinking of kill- fans were given a school were homeroom days and the usu- ers about Meyer’s three ing in the first chapter of Midnight Sun? book to balance Chelsea Bisenius, Christie Sitzer, Heidi Bi- al Tuesday was not a homeroom day. previous books in the Answer: Whittany on their head and bler, Chelsea Nelson dress in costume. Guidance counselor Stephanie Guth- series: Twilight, New The trivia questions above, were asked by Forbes. walk to the end of rie said that this is to acclimate students Moon and Eclipse. The a book shelf and number and counted down till they could with the building and rules in the new prizes were stickers and T-shirts for an- back without dropping or touching it. perches their copy of the book. year. The homeroom schedule will return swering a question right. Being to easy, Boarders workers raised Breaking Dawn sold for $22.99. to normal following labor day. “The trivia really heated up with peo- the number of books. It went from two, Boarder’s members received forty per- ple trying to win,” Forbes said. three, four, and five. The winner was to cent off, paying only $13.79 for the new While waiting, Borders workers float- be first in line. hardback book. ed around with trays filled with cups of Finally as the clocked ticked closer to Breaking Dawn landed in the hands of Compiled by Nels Engblom, staff writer smoothies and treats for the eager fans 12 p.m. Readers lined up according to customers on August 2 at 12 a.m. August 2008 B&W Opinion 3 New perspective needed for board As school board elections near, the In addition to Buller, there are two other candidates Black & White has decided to endorse running for the one-year term: Julie Walter, a stay-at- a candidate with a plan to make a difference, home mom with children in the district, including senior a young person who we feel we can relate to Eric, and Vicki Selinger. and seek advice from. This person would Both women are heavily involved in the community know how effective certain school board and would make fine additions to the school board, but polices are, after spending an they lack the personal experience that Buller has had as a student. entire childhood under some current rules. Their view of the district’ curriculums, students, and As a recent graduate, Tyler Buller, 20, is a staff may be slightly warped because they have not per- youthful, fresh-faced candidate with a mission sonally experienced it, but are instead hearing it from to engage every student and provide an their children. excellent education to every child. It is also doubtful that either woman will have the same kind of relationships that Buller can have with the students and faculty, simply because of the generation Buller, a three-and-a-half year member of the Black gap. and White, reported on a variety of topics involving ath- While still able to maintain a sense of authority, letics and academics throughout his career as a staff Buller is also able to befriend students because of the writer and editor-in-chief. age factor. As a senior, and editor of the Black and White, he He shares many of the same interests as students, reported on the election of superintendent Clay Guth- such as a similar taste in music and movies, or the in- miller. This reporting sparked his interest in the school nate ability to write a long text message in under 30 board. Buller became interested in how the board ran, Provided / Buller for Board seconds. the topics they covered, and ultimately how he could Buller still has a strong connection to the district, es- contribute to the board as a future member. Tyler Buller, a 2006 graduate, is running for the pecially with the high school. As a recent graduate, he As the youngest potential member of the school one-year term in the school board election on Sept. 9. has taken classes from teachers that are still employed, board, Buller, 20, will help lend a new perspective on played soccer with the current soccer coach, and even the district, not only as a young person going through “I took four years of math in high school, all the way attended school with some of the current students. He the same issues as many of the students, but as a person through (pre-calculus) and still didn’t feel prepared in also captained his mock trial team for six years, and re- who spent 12 years under many current school board college,” Buller said. “Even though that was two more turns every season as a coach and mentor. policies. than the required number of courses.” Buller has volunteered to help with numerous projects Buller, a junior at Drake University, has seen a stu- Another common problem that Buller has seen around the building, including help to Sarah Wessling’s dent’s transition from high school to college first-hand. among his peers is lack of writing skills, and the inability Advanced Placement English class. He feels confident that he can help to better prepare to write a lengthy, college-level paper. A young person as a member of the school board, students for life outside of high school. Buller’s age will also make him more approachable, especially a recent graduate, will aid the district in its If elected, he will be one of only two board members aiding him in his main campaign goal, engagement with most important goal: an excellent education for every who actually attended school in the district, along with students, faculty, and parents throughout the district. student, every day. Tracey Orman, who graduated over a decade ago. He Students will feel less intimidated to talk to him, be- Buller can help engage young people by being ap- will know how effective some current policies are be- cause he is much closer to their own age than the other proachable, relatable, and knowledgeable about issues cause he has experienced them as a student. board members. many student are facing now or may have to face soon. Credit for Batman belongs to Ledger Scott Monroe staff Brittany Deal staff writer staff editor in chief We’re done mourning over his death. We’re through conjuring up theories about how he passed away. Some Jeremy Mullen Steph Ivankovich people have even abandoned the R.I.P. Heath Ledger news editor group on “Facebook.” But no one has stopped celebrat- managing editor ing the celeb. That was confirmed the day The Dark Knight hit the- Caroline Byrd Shawna Polen atres. The film set a box office record for best open- opinion editor review editor ing weekend with $155.34 million dollars in sales. That topped Spider-Man 3, which clocked in at $151.1 mil- lion. Kallen Kramer Haley Johnson But who deserves the credit? Christian Bale, “Bat- double truck editor backpage editor man?” Christopher Nolan, Director? Whether you want to accept or continue denying the truth, Heath Ledger provided not only the 4 million needed to top “Spidey,” Julia Manning Kiera Morrill but also much more. sports editor photo editor I spent 152 minutes of my life viewing this movie, merely because of Ledger’s tragic yet convenient death. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan, but there’s some- Staff Writers: thing fishy about the sudden overdose. Whether it was Catherine Caracci, Nels Engblom, Jonathan somehow crazily planned or just flat out beneficial for Houp, Kelsey Kruse, Amy Lovejoy, Dwight the movie, it worked. Normal people who agree with the Lykins, Scott Monroe, Philip Mortens, Chel- world that cinema tickets are far too expensive flocked sea Nelson, Eric Oatts, Ben Vander Ploeg, to see the bat in action yet again. Brennan Winget One theory states that Ledger was actually so en- grossed in his part that he became afraid of his own character. He couldn’t sleep, and accidentally took one Provided / Warner Bros. MG The Black and White is a publication produced solely by the too many sleeping pills. performance, sure, but the movie starts with every soul newspaper staff. Its goal is to inform, enlighten and entertain the Still the questions arise. Did Ledger win the award by in the room feeling sorry for him. That is one significant Johnston students, faculty and community. It is an open forum. acting, or overdosing? Don’t kid yourself. It was a great advantage right there. In accordance with Iowa law, students assign and edit material. Publications are released monthly during the school year. The paper will print nothing libelous, obscene or an invasion of privacy. The law does not require parental permission to use student quotes. Ethically, we believe students can speak for them- that we care selves. about this month Staff editorials represent the opinion of a majority of the things editorial board. Editorial and opinion pieces do not necessarily 2 reflect the opinions of the adviser, school officials or the district. New gym lockers Papa John’s pizza Letters to the editor must be signed. Grammatical and spell- Last year, due to The construction ing errors may be corrected and length edited. Like all material, construction in the throughout the high letters may not be libelous, obscene or an invasion of privacy. cafeteria, students had school has brought Bring letters to room 413 within one week after publication to be to attend lunch in the many great new things, considered for the next issue. fitness center. There one of them being ex- The Black and White strives to report accurate and timely were many downsides cellent gym lockers. No information. If you believe that an error has been printed, please to eating lunch in the longer do PE students contact the Editor at [email protected] or contact the school fitness center. Howev- have to undergo a rat via phone at 515-278-0449. er, one perk stood out: Papa John’s pizza on Fridays. race to get the large, The Black and White is a member of CSPA, NSPA, Quill & The construction in the cafeteria is still not complet- spacious lockers as opposed to the small lockers that Scroll, and IHSPA. Recent issues of the Black and White earned ed, so students will have to continue to attend lunch could barely hold a good pair of sneakers. these honors: Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Med- in the fitness center. Luckily, the perk from last year is Now, all of the lockers are spacious and large. Al- alist, National Scholastic Press Association All-American, Quill back. Papa John’s pizza will assist the students through though some of the lockers are larger than the others, & Scroll Gallup Award, IHSPA State Champion, IHSPA First the difficult times of migrating to the other side of the they all provide enough space. Not to mention, students Place Photography Second Place Layout/Design and Honorable school to eat. Thanks to the nutrition department for do not have to put up with the nasty yellow color of last Mention Writing. making this happen, again. year, for the lockers are now painted a vivid purple. May 2008 10&11 doubletruck B&W

Baseball team goes 40-0, and wins the Perfect.state title for the first time in 31 years.

All photos provided by Deena B

Troy DuBay

Team Chemistry Catching the last strike and winning state Flash Ryan Torgerson Playing ball in the backyard with dad at age 3 Flash Winning numerous AAU games by age 9 Flash State baseball team (from left to right)- Coach Tony Kruse, Coach Keith Lippincott, Keaton Schuck, Coach Randy Wee, Ryan Torgerson, Troy Dubay, Reid Jewell, Ryan McCauley, Beating Valley first game of the season Trevor Haden, Austin Hartsook, Shaun Miller, Nathan DePenning, Manager Ryan Bole, Darin Davis, Eric Walter, Chris Soroka, Josh Camos, Charlie Dick, James Stone, Greg Larpenter, Flash Bryan Lippincott. Winning sub-state SHOUTOUT: Flash Troy DuBay saw his whole baseball career flash before his “I just want to say thanks to all the players I’ve been eyes, just like a scene from a movie; he had to blink to make sure able to work with throughout the years, and all the State Tournament this was real. Before he had time to think, he was running to- players I’ve worked with at Johnston, and the stu - Going into the state tournament the boys were as optimistic and fo- cused as ever, wards Larpenter and before they knew it they were at the bot- dents I was able to work with and the support they tom of the state championship dog pile. “If I could move right now, “We all knew we had a pretty good shot at state, but last year when we I would kiss you!” Larpenter shouted as the two teammates em- gave us at the state tournament. Its been a once and lost at sub state it left a sour taste in my mouth, it gave me that chip on braced one of the most defining victories of their athletic careers. a lifetime opportunity and its been wonderful for me my shoulder to play with and to really go after it,” Lippincott said. They Rewind about 14 years and take a trip around town, you can find and my family so thank you for that.” defeated Dubuque Hempstead 5-2 in their quarterfinal match. They most the boys playing ball in the backyard with their dads. Justin Hoel- then outplayed sixth-ranked Ankeny 7-5 in front of a crowd of 5,119 lein, for example, could be found playing with a giant plastic red bat his people at Principal Park. The guys wanted to make sure Coach Randy dad bought him. Ryan Torgerson was doing the same, begging his dad to -Mr. Wee Wee’s last game was a good one, “We wanted to win for him, we wanted keep playing whiffle ball with him. For Josh Camos and Keaton Schuck to do something to make people remember him more than they already it was the first ball they picked up, between the ages of 2 and 3. Most of would,” Shuck said. the boys started playing on AAU teams at the age of 7, and that is when “Walking out of the locker room and onto the field with all of the fans their brotherly bonds began. Mark Camos, Larry Larpenter, Mark was huge, I just couldn’t hold my adrenaline back,” Shuck said. Being DuBay, and Bruce McCauley, all dad’s of the boys,coached AAU teams. on the mound in front of the 5,279 spectators that day, is an experience They continued to play with one another throughout the sum- Jewell, Torgerson, and Larpenter got to take part it. “It’s just me, the mers building up to their high school seasons. Some played together batter and the catcher, I don’t hear anything else,” Jewell who pitched on different teams, like Bryan Lippincott, James Stone, and Trev- Team Roles the first 4 innings said. or Haden. Some moved to Johnston and joined the team, such as Johnston scored four runs in the top of the third inning on a walk, a Jonathan Nelson. Joining the group did not seem to be a problem. “Baseball is a very disciplined, unselfish, sport, and you have to know sacrifice bunt, a hit batter, two wild pitches and four straight singles hit “They’re a bunch of good guys, they would definite- your roles. On this team, everyone knew their roles, nobody wanted to by DuBay, McCauley, Torgerson and Nelson. Marshalltown then closed ly take you in as a friend and as a teammate,” Nelson said. be the center of it all, and they realized early on it was about the team the gap to 4-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning. For the last inning, Lar- Although the boys had different levels of varsity experi- as a whole.” Byrd said. penter went into pitch, “My adrenaline was going, but I wasn’t nervous, ence, they could tell this team was going to be something special. Torgerson agrees,“The non-starters and those who didn’t play as more excited and confident,” Larpenter said. We then went on to load “We were all really close, and no matter how mad we got at each much, their role was just as important as the people who did.” the bases with two outs in the seventh on a walk and singles by McCau- other we never let it effect us in a game or practice, we just let it go. It was very evident that the boys did indeed know their roles. For Lip- ley and Torgerson, which ended up improving the score to 6-2. Larpen- Anytime someone messed up there was always someone there to pincott, he saw himself as one of the “unofficial captains and leaders.” ter then struck out the last two batters and the game was over and won. help them back up and keep them in the game,” Shuck said. DuBay who was the vocal captain of the team explains his personal Johnston became the first team to ever win a Class 4-A state title with a Deena Byrd, who was in the dugout for all but three games as a photogra- role on the team, “My role is keeping everybody’s mind focused on the perfect record, and it was the schools first championship since 1977. pher, describes the chemistry, “this was the loosiest, goosiest, group of guys game. I harp on them when the need to get harped on, and I will compli- “When Greg struck him out everything in my mind left and I was so that I’ve ever been associated with in the dugout, they just really had fun. “ ment them when they’re doing something right or good.” energized with enjoyment, I cried, I couldn’t have asked for a better last game, “Camos said. “I just got really happy with a sense of excitement, and the next thing Superstitions I knew the team was on top of me, it hurt being on the bottom of the dog pile, but we were happy so it didn’t really matter,” Larpenter said. Along with having fun, as the season progressed and the team stayed “I was just shaking at the end of the game, there’s nothing like undefeated, the guys developed various traditions/ superstitions they this, the team we had was just crazy,” Shuck said. would do before and during the games. For Larpenter, Camos, Shuck, “It was complete euphoria and joy. I was always curious what and Darin Davis, that meant meeting at Larpenter’s house and tak- it was going to feel like. I would put it behind marriage and ing Larpenter’s car, on the exact same route to Jimmy John’s, where kids. It was very emotional, I was so happy for the players who they would order the exact same thing, and sit in the exact same spots. played so hard, the excitement was so neat, and to see them They did this before every single game, and after they would typically with their parents, all those things go through your mind, and to go back to a house and watch 3-4 episodes of Entourage. For pitcher Greg Larpenter see my wife and kids was amazing,” Wee said. Ryan Torgerson he had to play NCCA ’09 on X-box live. Hoellein and a Next Year After the celebration on the field, many went to go see their family group would occasionally go to McCauley’s and watch the Rambo mov- “We’ll try to help incoming juniors understand what it’s going to take members in the crowd. “’You guys did it,’ my dad whispered in my ear ies, Hoellein would also have to have his phone in his cooler before and how hard they have to work and we will try to teach them the whole after the game. All of us players knew the time and support our parents a game. Shuck would have to drink a Mountain Dew. Jewell wore the concept of not being wrapped up in rankings or wins and losses, you just put in, they do everything for us and this was something huge we could same purple undershirt, and had to put his right sock on, then his left. have to play the game now. We’re obviously going to go for another state give back to them.” Camos said. Lippincott would only wear socks that were from the same packaging, championship, 2 is better than 1. “Nelson said. For many it was more than just a game. “Johnston doesn’t get too and Larpenter always left his back pocket out when he was hitting. For Although 9 seniors have left, the remaining members from the team much respect in sports, ever, and this year for volleyball and us to win DuBay, personal hygiene was key, he had to be showered and shaved are ready to step up and lead the team. “We will miss every single senior, state, that was huge for our school, “Nelson said. before each game. The food that was in the dugout during games also but we’re just going to take one game at a time and make sure everyone “I went back on the field after the game and it kind of hit me, ‘we’re became tradition. Joey Gowdy, along with the help of his mom Deena, is working hard,” Shuck said. state champions,’ to go from being so low personally, to winning a state contributed to the ‘pantry’ for the team. Among the dugout food was: “This is the best team I’ve been on or been apart of,” Torgerson said. championship was crazy, that just made my year, there’s just no better shelled peanuts, Swedish fish, pretzel sticks, and milk duds, these foods They made there mark in history. feeling than that. It was such an emotional high, I cried pretty much were in the dugout for the three games at state. “This state championship is not something that’s going away, it’s go- the whole night, and it was tears of joy, and tears of realizing that we Another thing the boys did was in between sub-state and state ing to be there forever,” Nelson said. did it, and I was on the team that won state and went 40-0. It’s going they watched the movie the Perfect Season, where they take dirt from to go down in history and when I look back someday when I’m a grown their home field and place in on the field at state. Byrd had also saw the man, when I look in that state book and it says 2008 State Champions- movie, and at the banquet she gave each boy a vile of dirt from our field --Johnston Dragons, that’s something special. There’s no feeling that labeled “It’s a kind of magic.” There was also a bag of dirt from our field could ever compare to the feeling I had that night.” Shuck said. at the state games, and before each inning McCauley would throw some out by his base. < compiled by: julia manning (sports editor), caroline byrd (opinion editor) & haley johnson (backpage editor) August 2008 6 Review/ Entertainment B&W J. Benjamin’s delectable dishes Kiera Morrill The BookWorm photo editor A Simon’s J. Benjamin’s is a hole-in-the- wall family style restaurant. Walk in the doors some evening Monday thru Sat- urday to find a classic Italian style menu with everyday specials. J. Benjamin’s offers a delectable list of dishes and appetizers to please any ap- BY: Shawna Polen petite. The bar hosts a variety of experi- mental wines and classy drinks. Start the meal with complementary bread and butter and an order of drinks. Then take a look at the diverse Italian Breaking Dawn plates. Their various fresh garden salads com- A- pletely fill the plate, for $6 to $8, and no doubt your stomach. There are half salads to fit your preference, for half the price of a regular. Also offered is their “soup de jour”, seafood bisque, in a cup or bowl, as well as soup of the day, $3 to $5. The pasta dishes are traditionally Stephenie Meyer picked but originally prepared. Grazia- WARNING: Readers if you have not no sausage in the layered lasagna, and Kiera Morrill / BW read Breaking Dawn, sorry about the stuffed manicotti have made themselves Simon’s J.Benjamin’s is located at 5800 Franklin Avenue in Urbandale across the spoilers that lie ahead. famous among friends of mine. Last time street from Video Warehouse. Stephenie Meyer threw all Twilight a group of us went out to dinner there, I readers a curve ball with Breaking Dawn. had the pasta Aioli. This savory combina- olate cake and on top. tiny bulbs are strung along the window. My jaw was glued to the floor within the tion includes angel hair, olive oil, olives, This cake even beats the chocolate Several local artists have performed first half of the book. and a variety of spices. Prices range from Mafioso torta al cioccolato I ate in the contemporized and classic jazz pieces for Breaking Dawn starts off with Bella $9 to $15 for pasta. Italian North End of Boston and in New customers to enjoy. Due to of the assort- getting ready for her wedding that Ed- J.Benjamin’s is famous for gourmet York’s Little Italy. ment one is never quite certain what to ward has conned her into. Past readers pizzas, which come in a variety of com- The service at J Benjamin’s is charm- expect, though some favorites make their think back to Eclipse. binations from “Hawaiian” to “Beane”, a ing. Simon, the owner of the restaurant, way back into the spotlight from time to Shock! But wait, there is more. vegetable and spice blend with marinara not only provides a comfortable seat, but time. I have heard incredible covers of Bella has not one but two cars! A Mer- sauce. The dough is sweet and crusty. It a warm smile and cheerful conversation songs like “Take Five,” originally by Dave cedes Guardian before the wedding and a is sure to flatter any taste you choose for to top it off. Brubeck Quartet. Ferrari for the after gift. your pizza. The prices are easy and also Now, if your lucky, you’ll make it to J. This neighborhood kitchen is a good On Bella’s and Edwards honeymoon very affordable Benjamin’s on a Live Jazz night. excuse to dress up or the perfect spot for on Isle Esme, they receive some shocking My all time favorite item on the menu The atmosphere sets the mood for your jeans and T-shirt. Come for the mu- news. Bella’s pregnant! is Chocolate Cloud Cake. Creamy choc- something creative and smoky like jazz. sic and food. Bring friends and family, Four words come to mind; shocking, olate icing smothered in between two Small candles light up each table, cran- take out a date, or come solo and meet amazing, holy cow! decadent layers of rich, dark, moist choc- berry splashes of color in the room, and someone new. Not even I, a Twilight freak saw that coming. I did not think vampires could reproduce, being suspended in time and all. Meyer found a way, and used it well. The even weirder thing is that what should be happening in nine months is happening in one. With the child being half vampire, it is killing Bella slowly. During the birth, in an emergency cesarean section , Bella breaks her spine and is starring death in the face. Meyer had to think a lot about the pregnancy, not only did she speed up the process, but she kept in mind that the child would not be fully human and incor- porated the inhuman changes. Brilliant. Acting quick to save her life, Edward injects Bella with his venom to make her a vampire. Three days of blinding pain and Bella’s Ben Stiller’s new action comedy Tropic Thunder is at the center of worlds of controversy, turned, and has a strong baby girl named from both the homosexual community as well as the mental handicapped. Provided / Dreamworks Renesmee to show for it. In turning, Bella has gained the ability to make herself act like a mature vampire rather then a blood-sucking monster, sav- “Tropic Thunder” or a tropic blunder? ing her years of training. dwight Lykins Satan’s Alley featuring Robert Downey, jungle to fend for themselves; yet, they As with the other three books; Twilight, staff writer Jr.’s character Kirk Lazarus as a homo- think they are still filming the movie New Moon and Eclipse, Meyer keeps us- D sexual monk whose partner is Tobey and keep acting. They run across a gang ing great detail, drawing a crystal clear Maguire obviously a spoof on Brokeback known as the Flaming Dragons who are picture of everything that happens. Ben Stiller’s latest action comedy Trop- Mountain. The trailer, while supposed to huge in the drug trade. Army fatigues are When everything seems to settle down, ic Thunder hit theaters Aug. 15 amongst be a spoof, rightly offended some in the the last thing the gang wants to see. the Volturi plan to show up to dispatch of a swarm of controversy over some of the homosexual community. The movie has a few good twists and the Cullen coven. movie’s subject matter and word choice. So as the movie starts I suddenly real- one liners, but the plot and the charac- They must now band together with al- The movie is the story of a group of ized why this movie has its R rating; it ters get old. lies from afar to defeat a common enemy actors who go to Vietnam to film vet- is full of vulgarities which only caused With the controversy surrounding the to saves their lives. Or is it deaths? eran “Four Leaf” Tayback’s (Nick Nolte) more problems for the writers. movie, Robert Downey, Jr.’s character is Meyer gave readers a lot to chew on, memoir. The cast of the movie is action The movie uses the word “retarded” interesting. Downey plays a successful my brain is still reeling. But that is not a star Tugg Speedman (Ben Stiller), five- because a character played a mentally actor who changes his skin color to play bad thing, even when the book went into time Academy Award-winner Kirk La- handicapped person. They chose to use the role of the black sergeant. Yet, the a direction I did not like, I could not put zarus (Robert Downey Jr.), rap star Alpa the r-word instead of the excepted ver- black community has not voiced much of it down. Chino (Brandon T. Jackson), comedian nacular. Obviously, it didn’t fly with the a outrage. Of all things to garnish anger, If you have not read the Twilight se- Jeff Portnoy (Jack Black), and character mentally disabled community or their little to nothing has been said about this ries yet, what are you waiting for? If you actor Kevin Sadusky (Jay Baruchel). supporters, who chose to boycott the issue which would have been the center have, keep your eyes and ears open for One of the controversial parts of the film amidst the private screenings they of controversy 20 years ago. Midnight Sun AKA Twilight in Edwards movie happens in the trailers so it is not were offered by Dreamwork executives. Out of Stiller’s repertoire of movies version, coming out in the fall of 2009. even part of the movie, but there are fic- The boycott did not work. Tropic Thunder this is not one of the better attempts. tional trailers, the first few are funny in opened at number one knocking Batman It’s no Zoolander. If you want to have a Starting in this issue,~ as you see above, all reviews there own rights each focusing on a char- out of its perch at top. few good laughs and be able to throw out will be accompanied by a letter grade. The range from A+ to F will be giving the writers overall acter and their style of movie they usu- The movie centers around the group a few good one liners after you see it opinion of what they were reviewing. ally play, Stiller’s action character hav- of fictitious actor. They wreck what is — go. If your looking for a great movie ing one and Blacks having a bad comedy supposed to be the filming of the movie try something else. And don’t take your spoof, then they reach the last. by blowing up $4 million worth of equip- grandmother. She definitely won’t like For questions, comments~ or feedback, The final trailer, is for a movie called ment. Then they are left in the Vietnam the language. e-mail me at [email protected] August 2008 B&W Feature 7 Senior’s relatives survive tornado Philip Mortens Staff Writer Sixty-nine thousands deaths, 400,000 homeless. When people hear of extreme weather conditions oc- curring all around the world, like the recent May earth- quake in Sichuan, China, they think that it will never affect them at home. But the recent EF5 tornado that struck a small town in northeastern Iowa hit much clos- er to home with one senior and her family. Senior Kate Nielsen was safe at a friend’s graduation party on May 25 when an EF5, the strongest class of tornado, stormed through northeast Iowa almost com- pletely destroying the entire town of Parkersburg and many other towns along its path. Over 222 homes and 21 businesses were complete- ly destroyed in Parkersburg. Included in the destruc- tion were Nielsen’s aunt and uncle, Linette and Loren Spree’s home. Nielson also had three other relatives liv- ing in Parkersburg at the time but they lived a few miles out side of town and were not seriously affected by the storm. For Nielsen and her family, her aunt and uncle were out of town when the storm hit. “They were out in Williamsburg at their daughter’s house when their she received a text from a neighbor that their street was gone,” Nielsen said. Not really understanding the extent of what had hap- pened, the family drove home to see the damage. Provided / Nielsen family “My aunt and uncle’s house that live in town wasn’t totally gone, their was one wall still standing up,” Niels- en said. The day after the tornado hit Nielsen went to Park- ersburg to help their family with the reconstruction. Her older brother Troy Nielsen was on his way to Clear Lake, Iowa, when the tornado hit. “I was on my way to Clear Lake when it hit, and so I jumped in line with all the volunteer firefighters and made it to Parkersburg going 90 miles per hour the en- tire way in like 18 minutes,” said Troy Nielsen. “We went at 1 p.m. and drove to my aunt’s house who lived out of town, and then we drove a four wheeler into (Parkersburg). To find the streets they had to put up cardboard signs with the streets’ names because the originals were destroyed.” Nielsen said. “When we got to my aunt’s house their was like 30 people helping in- cluding the Williamsburg Fire Department because their nephew worked there.” Provided / Nielsen family Fortunately for the entire town of Parkersburg, city employees had decided to install another severe weather (Above) Aftermath of the EF5 tornado that hit Parkersburg, Iowa. The storm picked up this camper and tore the warning siren in the southern part of the town just ten frame from the camper and threw it against a brick building, wrapping the frame around the buildings frame. days prior to the massive tornado according to Gover- nor Chet Culver. So while the town of Parkersburg is (Below) The effect of 205 miles per hour winds are devastating to any place on our earth. The winds that pounded slowly rebuilding itself to its former glory, Nielson is just Parkersburg left a wave of destruction where ever it hit. The view was taken from the Spree’s house after the day after grateful that no one in her family was hurt. the EF5 struck the town. Of the destruction, the Spree’s faired better than most, some houses were reduced to lumber. Jayatilleka jumps in at U of I Jeremy Mullen way was a priority. However, for her PE class, she had more options and decided to take ballet, which she used Managing Editor to do when she was little. In addition to her required High fives, hugs, and other greetings flow through high school courses, she also has the opportunity to get the hallway. Seniors feel the pull of senioritis as they a jump-start on her college career by taking an advanced enter their final year of high school. The same cannot be chemistry class, which mostly consists of labs. said for senior Senuri Jayatilleka. As she enters her se- Another departure from high school is Jayatilleka’s nior year she’ll attend classes of fifty students, a campus residency in Daum hall, which houses 2008 graduate the size of the city of Johnston, and the start of her col- Jenny Pray as well. Jayatilleka said she is excited to lege career. Jayatilleka will be attending the University have Pray and friends Tim Clay and David Zhang at of Iowa this year due to a family move to New Prague, Iowa to help and guide her and also as people she can Minnesota. spend time with right away. When she first learned that she was moving and the Although she is excited for all the new opportunities lack of classes at the New Prague schools, she tried to and activities in college, she will be missing out on tradi- work out a way to stay in Johnston with fellow classmate tional senior activities. and friend, Allison Kane. However that did not work “I’m sad that I won’t be able to do the regular senior out. Luckily, Senuri’s mom, Nimalte, had heard about things like senior breakfast, rock around the clock, and an early entrance programs at college universities from student council,” Jayatilleka said. However, she does a friend. plan to go to prom and she will also be graduating with “My friend had talked to me about early college ad- her class of 2009 in May. mission after staying with the Kane’s could not work Fellow classmates are also sad to see Jayatellika out,” Nimalte said. “I looked into Iowa and Iowa State, move, but excited for her new opportunity at Iowa. Provided/Senuri Jayatilleka and also some schools in Minnesota, but Iowa’s was the “I’m sad that she’s leaving our school but I think it’s a best.” Senior Senuri Jayatilleka holds a snake on a recent great opportunity for her to experience something that The Early entrance program at the University of Iowa trip to Sri Lanka. Senuri will be attending Iowa this fall to not all high schoolers get to. She will be able to handle is called NAASE. According to the University of Iowa, study Biology as well as finishing high school classes. it extremely well,” Kane said. NAASE stands for the National Academy for the Arts, “I’m sad she’s leaving one year early, but I will be Sciences, and Engineering. The program is for high about what classes I needed then I got the recommen- happy to see her get done with school earlier,” Nimalte school students who have completed their junior year of dations the same day from Ms. Beghun and Mr. Larkin, said. I’m really happy about how it turned out and so high school and would like to get a head start on their it all happened very fast,” Jayatilleka said. is Senuri.” college career. According to Jayatilleka, the program re- Once Jayatilleka had been accepted, she had to de- Senuri plans to start taking classes for a major in biol- quired an application and two recommendations from cide which classes she wanted to take. Although she ogy, and also to fulfill Pre-med requirements. “I’m really high school instructors. is enrolled in college, she still has not graduated from excited, I can’t wait, but I’m really nervous at the same “It was very easy to apply, I talked to Mr. Larkin high school, so getting the high school classes out of the time,” Jayatilleka said. August 2008 8 Backpage B&W This year, be a REBEL with a cause ”I think our generation is sick of the world. They’re sick of everything it has to offer. The only rea- son they’re pursuing it is because that’s all they’re given—honestly.”

-Leeland Mooring (Musician)

The Rebelution A teenage rebellion against low expectations While the majority of the teenage generation is worried more about what movie comes out next week than the home- less population in inner city Des Moines, nineteen year-old twins Alex and Brett Harris are crying for revival and a new perspective. These two home-schooled twins from Oregon are pursuing countless teens to re-evaluate what it means to be a “teenager”. To Those Who Don’t Expect Much... The teen years have only recently become a time for slack- ing. In fact, it hasn’t even been a century since the term “teen- ager” came into existence. This movement of the teenage gen- eration today called the Rebelution suggests that everything the world says about teens is twisted to make teens sound as if they are simply consumer-oriented and not competent enough to accomplish much. Thankfully, the labels that the media applies to this generation are not accurate. However, these low expectations are bought by the majority. The ju- nior high and high school years are pivotal. Alex and Brett Harris would say that the years are a “launch pad” for the rest of life, not a time for slacking. Habits and character are acquired during this time and the decisions made have life- long effects. Get Excited! It may be discouraging to realize how our expectations have been lowered, it is exciting to consider the untapped potential. In the Harris brothers’ book, Do Hard Things, they “People say ‘Well, I’m not give advice on how to overcome the low expectations and the a people person’ or ‘I’m culture to do what most people don’t think is possible. Instead of viewing difficult things as fun-suckers, they view them as not a math person’ , I’ve more exciting than going to the mall or seeing a movie ever always said that I’m not a could be. This book is a challenge to change the attitudes and math person but with the actions of teens in the world so that they can find satisfaction right attitude I think I can in real accomplishment. do well this year.” Courtney Sabus Junior Alex and Brett Harris 5Hard Things Stepping out of Over achieving Collaborating Small Things Going against your comfort zone the flow Stepping1 outside of routine or It is time2 to stop wasting There 3 are some things Some4 things may seem Through5 out history many doing something that scares our talents on mediocre that are too difficult to do monotonous and pointless people have stood up you. That could mean signing work and really putting alone, and that can be so we do not even bother against the cultural norm. up for student council, going our all into the things we accomplished better as a doing them. Little things These were the people that out for a new sport or even do. Whether that be your group. We should take ad- like picking trash up off the changed the world and For more info: just talking to someone new. homework, sports, your vantage of the people we ground, doing homework, how it functions. Instead Visit therebelution.com Usually the best experiences job and even your chores have around us so that we or being nice to someone of just going along with are the hardest experiences. around the house. can do more. Things like who is usually ignored. Do- the way things were, they Compiled by Kallen Kramer (double-truck starting a band or raising ing these things by yourself recognized problems and editor), Brennan Winget, Ben Vander Ploeg awareness for something. can make a difference. decided to take a stand.