The Talented Among Us
December 5, 2007 Issue 3 ire Lewis Central High School 3504 Harry Langdon Blvd. Council Bluffs, IA 51503 the The TalentedW Among Us
Above: Senior Stephen Bond, junior Ben Rausch and freshman Blake De- forest rock out at the talent show. Left: First Place winners and mem- bers of Lewis Central’s own “Blue Man Group,” seniors Rick DeVoss, Goodmond Danielsen and Zane Brugenhemke perform at Titans Got Talent. Photos by Hayley Perrin Your Next Bite Of Food Could Be Your Last
chance that the hamburger will Do not swallow lake or pool water while you are swimming. be undercooked. Although, when STOP Don’t spread bacteria in your kitchen. Keep raw meat away from other you order stakes well done there foods. Wash your hands, cutting board, counter, dishes, and knives and forks is a chance that could get over the with hot soapy water after they touch raw meat, spinach, greens, or sprouts. cooked. In that case you could always send your plate back and During an outbreak: Sarah Waldron ask for it to be cooked medium Carefully follow instruc- Never put cooked hamburgers or meat Reporter S well. tions provided by public health on the plate they were on before cook- “I usually order my steak me- officials on what foods to avoid ing. Wash the meat thermometer after use. Is there anything in your food If a restau dium done that way it won’t be in order to protect yourself and that could make you very sick or P rant serves over cooked,” said sophomore your family from infection. Drink only pasteurized milk, even kill you? Surprisingly, it lives you an undercooked Alexis Grgurich. juice, or cider. Frozen juice or inside your intestines and helps Drink water from safe hamburger, send it There are various solutions R juice sold in boxes and glass jars at room your body break down and digest sources that have been back for more cook- to the vegetable problem. In fact, temperature has been pasteurized, al- the food that you eat. Certain treated with chlorine, wells that ing. Ask for a new bun according to www.kidshealth. though it may not say so on the label. strains of it can travel from the in- E have been tested, or bottled water. and a clean plate, too. org, experts recommend wash- testines into the blood which can Cook ground beef to 160° F. Test the ing and scrubbing vegetables be- cause a rare but serious infection. meat by putting a food thermometer Cook all ground beef thoroughly. During fore eating them. But others say If you are still clueless as to, what A in the thickest part of the meat. Do not eat an outbreak of E. coli vegetables should be E. coli is hard to remove once it bacteria I am referring to the ab- ground beef that is still pink in the middle. boiled for at least one minute before serving. has contaminated produce such breviated name for the bacteria is D as spinach, lettuce, or onions. The E. coli or Escherichia coli. solution, they say, is to take steps There have been various “I feel that E. coli is a threat progressed and she developed at the child care center. in the process to ensure that E. outbreaks of E. coli recently. For because it is found in many foods, hemolytic uremic syndrome. This It is of key importance to coli doesn’t come in contact with example Totino’s and Jeno’s made and also because some peo- means that the illness had begun realize that E. coli can be spread crops. voluntary recalls of frozen pizzas ple don’t cook their food long shutting down her kidneys. She from undercooked hamburgers, E. coli is a real threat in our with pepperoni toppings because enough,” said junior Jacob Harrill. ended up dying from E. coli. How vegetables grown in cow manure society that needs to be taken se- of possible contamination of the The skeptics will surely be Kayla got this illness is unknown or washed in contaminated water, riously. If you or a family member pepperoni topping. According to surprised to hear about Kayla. but a sixteenth-month-old girl or from drinking unpasteurized experience bad stomach cramps www.generalmills.com, this in- According to www.nonparielon- and a seventeenth-month-old boy juices. and belly pain, vomiting, or diar- cludes about 414,000 cases of line.com, fourteen-year-old, Kayla who attended the same child care One solution to the ham- rhea lasting for longer than a few pizza products currently in stores Boner, from Monroe, Iowa, expe- center got the same strain of E. burger problem is asking for your days, seek medical attention im- and all similar pizza products in rienced flu-like symptoms for two coli but there is no way to deter- hamburger to be cooked well mediately. It could mean the dif- consumers’ freezers. weeks. Each day her symptoms mine if the children were infected done so that there is virtually no ference between life and death.
Splish splash... What’s So The Inevitable What would In This Time for Great About Parenting Babies you make out Boys Swimming Each Year? of snow? Issue: -page 4 -pages 6 and 7 -page 8 -page 10 [december 2007] Staph Infection Scares Nation Gretna Royalty Must Be Crime Free at any time or those under the supervision of the courts. “I think the policy is an okay idea, except for some people; they did not intentionally do it. The policy is kind of stupid. I mean, if Athena Burns they have a good reason, like al- Reporter cohol or drugs, that I can really understand. But for certain traffic When Matthew Robinson violations they might have to talk was voted prom king, it was a to the person,” said junior Jacob community wide outrage. Earlier Harrell. that year, Robinson had been in- The policy only applies to volved in a crash that resulted in homecoming and prom for the two counts of felony motor ve- moment, but some school offi- hicle homicide charges. Kyle Lavi- cials would like to see it applied gne and Jacob Hurd were both to positions for things such as close friends of Robinson, and the Student Council. unfortunate victims of this crash. “It would affect Student In December of 2006, Mat- Council because there are certain thew Robinson and his friends people you don’t want on Student were cruising along 180th and Council,” said Harrell. Platteview Road in Gretna. James This policy may sound like Martin Davis, Robinson’s defense a new idea, but we’ve had it for attorney, claims that his inexpe- quite a while. rience and a jogger on the road “Iowa’s different than Ne- were primarily to blame. How- braska in reporting crimes to Staying healthy, senior Pat Schafer bench presses in Personal Development. Al- ever, Robinson had a blood alco- schools. In Nebraska, if a student though staph infection has not been reported in Lewis Central, there are ac- hol level of .024 percent and was is caught breaking laws, they don’t counts of it in high school weight rooms across the metro. Photo by Shelby Klepfer driving 101 mph. have to report it to the school,” Needless to say, both families said Principal Chuck Story. “I don’t medication and is considered extra measures to prevent staph. were insulted when they discov- think we need a new law for that dangerous. Staph is spread by According to Chuck Skokan, head ered the boy’s killer had been because of the activities policy.” contact with infected body fluids of the maintenance department, elected prom king. The Superin- The Lewis Central activities and skin contact with others. “We’ve been stepping up the tendent of Gretna schools says code of conduct covers basi- Staph can affect anyone, from program to prevent staph. We that no harm was meant however, cally the same things as the new newborn babies to senior citizens. met with somebody who works because of this, Gretna schools Gretna policy. The only difference Staph can be picked up anywhere, with chemicals to make sure we’re Shelby Klepfer have since instituted a new policy. is there’s nothing against traffic such as the mall or school. Athletes cleaning right, and fortunately we Reporter This new policy immediately violations. are more prone to catching the have been.” disqualifies students who have Matthew Robinson was un- disease. Also, the locker rooms are If you’ve been watching the been cited, convicted of, or have der the influence of alcohol when “It’s really gross. I’ve had it getting cleaned with an approved news, you may have caught a glimpse pending charges for: any misde- he killed two of his best friends. twice, and it hurts really badly,” chemical that kills the staph of staph infection outbreaks all meanor or traffic citation with That one decision not only affect- said freshman Tommy Grimes. infection every night. The weight over the nation. As the news gets a penalty of six points or more ed his entire life, but the lives of The event that sparked the room also gets a nightly cleaning, more frightening, how can you within twelve months of the cor- many other people. Robinson was staph scare was the death of a along with the mat room. Around make sense of this all? onation date, any alcohol, drug, or stripped of one of the greatest seventeen-year-old athlete from the building, you may have seen the A staph infection is bacteria tobacco-related infraction within high school honors, being voted Virginia. Since then, schools have sanitizers too. that can cause serious infections. twelve months of coronation, and prom king. If you’re not careful, shut down to clean in an effort “The sanitizer is a great idea, About 25%-30% of Americans any student convicted of a felony have staph within the nose, but it to stop the spread the school of since mostly athletes get it,” said you could be too. usually does not cause an infection the contagious infection. More sophomore Ryan Goeser. according to medicinenet.com. students are being diagnosed. Now that you have an idea of In Memory of John Hollesen Staph has many forms, but the “It’s nothing new. It’s always what staph infection is, try to be form you hear about in the news is been around,” said senior Josh proactive and prevent getting it. The tragic news came as a shock to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Coffman. One easy ways to avoid contracting all. Though some may have known Aureus, or MRSA, which resists Lewis Central has been taking it is to wash your hands. him better than others, it is hard to swallow such dire news. John was a seventeen-year-old junior Seven-Year-Old Boy Commits Suicide who was capable of making anyone laugh. John was his own kind of were home at the time when the explained that a child from school person; a unique individual. May boy took his own life. The family died and that parents should be his memories live on in the halls of discovered the boy hanging in his encouraged to talk with their the high school. Also, keep Logan room after he didn’t respond to children about death and how Snell in your thoughts. several calls to dinner. to cope. Nine counselors came Freshman Jessie Safarik said, from other districts to speak to Kaitlin Carlson “When I was seven, I was more any students that may not fully Reporter concerned about what cartoons understand the depth of the Editorial Policy were on. Death wasn’t an situation. Faculty meetings were The age of seven holds much understood concept.” also held after school to allow happiness for most, not a thought At times realizing the reality teachers and students to speak We the people ... of despair comes across when that is outside of our own world freely and grieve as a group. Of The Wire (official Lewis Central student newspaper) will distrib- running out to recess. However, can come as a quick shock. As “When we think of suicide, ute to any and all students free of charge. The opinions expressed in the story of sand and slides doesn’t for junior Jocelyn Schupp, this we first think of teenagers. this publication reflect those of the student writers, not Lewis Cen- always aide the disappointment topic hit close to home, she said, People were worried about them tral administration, faculty, or its advisor. The Wire is published seven from a poor grade given in a “I would cry if my cousin, who mostly, we were never concerned times throughout the school year by the Suburban Times in Papillion, seven-year-old’s world. is seven years old, ever did such about younger kids, but anything Nebraska. On October 31, a seven- a thing. I wouldn’t know what I is possible in today’s society,” said The purpose of The Wire is to: inform students of current and year-old boy hanged himself would think of his parents, I don’t freshman Erica Frain. relevant events, interpret and analyze complex events and issues that successfully in a bedroom of think I would see them the same Parents are now coming to affect students, and serve as a forum for discussion of controversial his parents’ New Jersey home. way again, how could they not realize that scraped knees on the issues. According to neighbors, the child be aware of something that was playground aren’t the only things Letters to the Editor: was a very pleasant and well- bothering their child?” they should be concerned about. The Wire strongly encourages responses to articles appearing in the mannered young boy. It was The school in New Jersey According to sources stress newspaper. Letters may be submitted to room 401 or e-mailed to ago- assumed that his choice to end his addressed the issue by sending played as a major factor in this [email protected]. The letters must be signed, legible, and life was over the matter of a bad home a note with the students boy’s demise. concise. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for length, grammar, grade he received earlier that day declaring that their children “may All information found at and punctuation. These letters should also be free of profanity, vulgarity, at school. Several family members come home sad.” The letter also http://www.thedailyjournal.com or words with undesirable meanings. [page two - news] [the wire] A m a n d a ’ s The Pro-Choice Movement Give Me A
choice about her body and to make a woman feel like far along in their pregnancy; Break personal well-being. she was committing murder. adoption is always a healthy The Pro-Choice I give credit to pro-lifers for alternative and you are then Movement has been a difficult their strong and undying quest aiding a family which longs path for the followers to head towards. I don’t give credit to for a child but are physically down. The first restrictions hypocrites, however. Pro-life unable to have one. However, Kaitlin Carlson on reproductive freedom followers have been known to adoption isn’t as easy as it Reporter occurred in the 1820s, when become violent at pro-choice may appear to the naked eye. it became forbidden to have marches; yet they expect pro- Adoption is a difficult task Amanda Goeser It’s difficult to find a passion, an abortion past the fourth choicers to respect their rights that people need to decide Editor-In-Chief something to strive and stand month of pregnancy. to hold a protest rally. whether they are ready to up for. The Pro-Choice Anti-abortion laws quickly One thing that I resent make such sacrifices in their One thing that I have figured out Movement just happens to be ensued that were laid down the most is when I pass by life to where they can hand is that you can do a thousand things one of the several subjects I in most of the United States. the local Planned Parenthood over a part of themselves. right and perfect, but it is the one have wanted people to deem However, that stance was and see a group of men The lack of options affects thing you mess up that people will important. challenged in the 1973 court waving their protest signs the lower economic classes remember. Let’s be honest, we are Pro-choice followers case of Roe v. Wade where a about. It isn’t the fact they the most because they only high school students; we are going to stand for a variety of things. woman loathed the Texas laws are protesting that upsets had a few options to begin make a mistake or two throughout Some of the things are access against abortion and the other me, it’s the fact that they are with. The end result is that these four roller coaster-like years. The to sexual education, safe and individual liberties concerning men; men who sometimes a woman is forced to have a important part, it seems, is to minimize legal abortions, contraception reproduction. This was when don’t take responsibility for child (along with the other the number of mistakes you make, yet and fertility treatments, the choice of abortion became the situations they created. several she may already have) maximize what you take from them. and the legal protection a matter of the United States Now this intervenes she can’t provide basic needs That can be a hard balance to strike. from forced abortions. The Constitution and federal law. with a woman’s personal for. There is also that chance Take the story of a group of supporters of these beliefs Now a movement isn’t decision. Contraceptive that she’ll endanger her life to Norris High School Cheer Squad make up the Pro-Choice a movement without some choices are that of a have a back-alley coat hanger from Lincoln, Nebraska. En route to a Movement. obstacles. Pro-lifers just woman to make, she is the abortion in hopes of causing football game that they were to cheer Pro-choice is often happen to be alternative one that is pregnant and less strain on her finances and at, the girls were reportedly asking an interpreted as “woohoo thinkers when it comes to the one who will be mostly family. SUV in a different lane about alcohol. abortions,” but that isn’t the reproductive rights. Pro-lifers affected by it. I will always be Perhaps it’s time that we The boys in the other car offered the truth at all. Several of the have been known to “scare” bothered by men declaring it’s as a society take hold to what girls a can of beer. followers see abortion as a people out of fertility options not a woman’s place to decide we find matters most because The parent volunteer driver last resort and a necessary and to get them to think whether or not to have an our opinions will guide the actually drove closer to the other car option for those who have poorly of any situation abortion, have the morning future. We have the drive and to allow her daughter to reach out run out of alternatives, such relating. They’ve been known after pill, or use other form of the ideas we just need the and grab the beer. Some of the girls as when a woman was raped to show graphic photos contraceptive. opportunity to speak up and even consumed the alcohol before the or her health was at risk. along with using sensitive People also need to keep take action. The time is now, game. However, the choice of having words, such as “unborn in mind the other choices that fear is only in the eye of the I have numerous problems with a child is a woman’s intimate baby” and “pre-born infant” someone has if they are too beholder. this little situation. First, “Hello!” Don’t do stupid things before a school event that you will be participating in. Silly me, I thought that one was common sense. Secondly, what was that mother thinking? “Sure, I will drive closer to Once Forgotten, Now Held Dear that car so you guys can drink before the game.” Thirdly, school activity or Remember when we were would mind sitting a little closer at it. And then I asked, “Gram? not, we’re all minors! Just so you can’t little and teachers would ask us and reading to her. What does cuff mean?” To which say no one ever told you, drinking is what we were thankful for? The This surprised me. She didn’t she reached out, grabbed my illegal if you are under twenty-one. responses were always the same, expect me to sit right next to her, book, and bopped me one on the It is lapses in judgment like these oftentimes a mother, father, or just close enough that she could head with it. “Do you understand that shed negative light on teens. Let’s friend. But as we grow, the things hear. I moved a little bit closer and now?” She asked kindly. “Yes Gram.” face it; do-gooder stories just aren’t Athena Burns we’re thankful for change and we began to read. As I read I found And I did. as compelling as those that conclude Reporter are less and less thankful for the myself inching closer until I was I miss her so much and it makes with a rap sheet. families we have, the only people perched on the chair next to her me sad that we had so little time Believe it or not, you really can on earth who accept us and love bed. together. The only other memories have fun without putting yourself, us as we are. of her I have are her funeral and her your friends, you future, or your The Wire Staff One of the people I’m graduation. family’s reputation on the line. When Editor-In-Chief most thankful for, my Grandma My Grandmother’s only regret you aren’t around and people are Amanda Goeser Thomas, has been gone for a was that she had never graduated talking about you all you have is your Design Editor long time. Sadly, because we college. For her 100th birthday, reputation. Maria Jones lived so far apart I rarely my uncle spent weeks working It has been said that for one Photography Editors got to see her, and so I with the Dean of UNO and bad experience with a person, fifteen have very few memories the teaching department, good ones are necessary to change Sara Grimes of her. trying to get her the diploma perception. The fact is that sometimes Hayley Perrin My fondest memory she wanted so much. it doesn’t even have to been an Business Editors of her started as a When she finally had experience. It can be merely gossip or Lindsey Lawrence horrible day. My mother her diploma, she was so rumors that circulate. It is interesting Shaley McKeever had a job interview and pleased she cried. how much is talked about in one lunch had asked if she could The point I’m trying hour. Reporters baby-sit me. Gram said to make is that often we Burning bridges is the easy part. Taylor Basch sure, not a problem. So forget the things we should Rebuilding those bridges is where it Amanda Berg I spent the day in the be thankful for. My Grandma gets difficult. Even somewhat minimal Athena Burns nursing home, helping her Thomas was the kindest habits like slacking off in class or Kaitlin Carlson from place to place and and wisest woman I knew. She cancelling on a friend burn bridges spending time with her. At affected my life in ways I’m just with people most valued in life. Baily Clevenger first I thought it was terrible, beginning to understand. In some cases, it can be hard to Damien Croghan because, as a ten year old girl, We sometimes lose sight see possible outcomes, but oftentimes Jake Ferguson the idea of helping a 99 year old of what’s truly important. While a person knows exactly what could or Savannah Greening woman was simply unbearable. we may forget to be grateful for will happen as a result of the choice. “Grandma” Myrtle Thomas Shelby Klepfer In order to ignore the these things, that doesn’t mean A person’s reputation and others’ awfulness of the situation, I No sooner had I moved they’re not still important to us. perceptions are hard to change for the Sara Marshall curled up in a chair on the far onto her bed then I came And sometimes, all it takes is a fond better. Don’t put yourself in a situation Josh Stroeher end of the room and began across a word I didn’t know. I memory to make you remember that would compromise either. Sarah Waldron to read. And she asked me if I stopped, I studied it. I glared how truly thankful you are. The power is in your hands; what are you going to do with it? [page three - face off ] [december 2007] Freestyling Into a New Season swimming. So it should be an interesting year.” Swimmers need to keep themselves in good shape. The boys describe their practices as being a great work out. Sara Marshall “We get in and warm up Reporter by swimming about a 500 with different drills,” said Matt Wolf. How can you tell when the And that’s not all. They also Lewis Central boys swim team is swim 200s, 800s, and do sprints. about to start up? Wet boys in skin “The workouts are going to tight spandex shorts of course. be a lot better this year because And this year they’re all stoked to he’s trying to get us to improve as dive into the new season. a team, not just a few great guys,” With last season’s record at said Nate Black. “We work out 5-3, the Titan boy swimmers plan muscles you’d never know you to have a great season. have!” “It will be better than last Make sure to get support year because we have a really good your fellow Titan swimmers at the freshman who is going to bring meets. The next home swim meet us to state,” said senior Doung is on December 14th at 4:30. The Pham. Senior Duong Pham swims down the lane using the butterfly stroke. Pham ex- boys are pretty confident about That freshman is Matt Hew. cels in the butterfly. Photo by Bridget Hall this year. “I’m totally pumped for He is kind of known as the swim the season!” said Nate Black. team’s secret weapon this year. he has been working with the Lewis Matt Hew is really excited of inexperienced kids, so we’re In fact, maybe they’re a little “Except for he’s not a secret Central High School team, this is to start this season. “I’d say we’ll going to be replacing about five too confident. because everyone knows how his first year swimming for them. improve a lot on our times, and I’m good varsity kids who graduated, “We practice harder and good he is,” said junior Nate And the team’s general opinion of pumped to swim the 500 fly.” with new kids who have never better than any other sport,” says Black. him seems to be a good one. The swim team coach for the swam competitively. So I’ll have Matt Wolf. “We’re basically the Matt has been swimming “He’s basically fantastic,” said last 33 years, Bruce Schomburg, to coach…teach and coach. And best winter sport ever! And only competitively for 5 years. Although Matt Wolf. said, “This season we’ll have a lot we’re very competitive as far as real men swim!” Go Big Blue
The freshmen boys basketball team takes on A. L. Photo by Maria Jones
Junior Pat Gillespie, senior Joey Jerkovich, and freshman Klint Foristall Dribbling down the court, freshman Helping each other train for the up- condition during wrestling practce. Brett Vanderpool, looks to make a fast coming season, senior Josh Coffman Photo by Taylor Basch break in the first freshmen game of and junior Bret Baumbach wrestle. the season. Photo by Maria Jones Photo by Taylor Basch a DAY Are you hungry? Do you feel like some BBQ? I plan on joining the above person in Well if you decide to come to Famous Dave’s and get making it to state basketball, except I will be something to go, I’ll be there. Try to in the You will also see me on the basketball court this on the other LC team. I am a senior and will season, where we are hoping to repeat as Hawkeye 10 guess be on the starting squad. We have practice champs. We are also setting a goal to be city champs. five times a week, which include practicing I’ll be the one posting up, grabbing all of the rebounds, this plays, conditioning and scrimmaging. and scoring most of the points in the paint. ... I will also be playing goalie for the soccer team month’s While off of the basketball court, I am this year. Last year I was all-city, all Hawkeye 10 and taking English Comp and Spanish IV B. ife Honorable Mention for the state team. This year I plan I am also on the varsity golf team. My l on repeating last year’s performances and hope to featured Athletes featured receive a scholarship to play soccer at the next level. goal this past season was to shoot under a in the last While at LC I am in English Comp and go to winter 70. I am glad to say that I accomplished this issue were... IWCC for Public Speaking. I love to hang out with my goal while having a successful season. friends and have a good time on and of the court/field. sports Who am I? *Stephanie Davids I am a big supporter of the blue and white, so GO Jake Ferguson *Joe Jerkovich TITANS!!! athletes Reporter
[page four - athletics] [the wire] “Thieves” Moves Into LC Left: Sophomore Mark Hamilton limps through the doorway.
Right: Sophomore Mark Hamilton, senior Kendall Prine, and fresh- man Blake Defor- est play off each other around the food cart. Seniors Jessica Formanek and Ca- leb Housely get caught up in the Photos by Lindsey moment during the drama depart- Lawrence ment’s production of “Thieves.” Band Reveals Its Secrets depths of Lewis Central’s halls: had a student whose Mom was in fun and games in band. The mem- “Colorguard has a lot of Band. the military, [so] we went to a lot bers still know how to buckle drama,” said sophomore Patrick “Band’s just this family,” says of military graduations. The band down and get the music played. Diggs. “But they bounce back re- junior Kelsey Moore. “No matter sang my airplane flies sideways, “Getting your part to fit in ally great.” where you go [in band] you’re your airplane flies upside down [is hard],” said sophomore Mark Band just works like that, accepted.” to the tune of For Pomp and Cir- Hamilton. “It’s teamwork; that’s tackling all the obstacles they Taylor Basch A lot of people seem to feel cumstance, the graduation song.” why it’s hard.” come across, and it looks like Reporter the same way about band by Mr. Walters has changed When over 90 students are there were none from the begin- hanging out in the band room schools since then, now teach- trying to make different parts of ning. They are an intense group, during free time, whether or not ing at Lewis Central, but the joke music blend together, tensions The band will be playing at pouring over their material ev- they are actually in band. There “my airplane flies sideways, your are bound to rise. On top of that, the auditorium on December 3 eryday. They are mysterious, nev- are also plenty of jokes laughed airplane flies upside down” still band works with Colorgaurd at 7 pm, with the middle school er divulging the secrets of their about during practice. makes band members crack up too, that many students in one band. If you’d like to see the band trade to outsiders. They are part “At a former school,” said with laughter. room might not help the tension at the top of their game, come of a secret society hidden in the band director Andy Walters. “I But that doesn’t mean it is all much. check it out. NHS Raises the Bar
Birthday Party for Jesus Saturday December 15th, 2007 1:00-3:00 P.M. Dress casual. Children ages twelve and under are welcome. It’s a lot of fun!
Puppet show Birthday Cake Helping out local charities, junior Kristen Gerhardt brings back food she and Games other National Honor Society members picked up as part of the Canned Christmas Carols Food Drive. NHS sponsored the event. Photo by Amanda Goeser Crafts Candy Canes plication process was a bit differ- another fifteen students earned ent compared to the past. membership in this elite group. Pin star on the tree “Students had to provide “I felt that it was a worthwhile greater evidence that they met cri- organization and I wanted to find teria in leadership, scholarship, and out about more opportunities to service,” said NHS sponsor and help my community,” said Smith. social studies teacher John Drake. NHS is a highly ranked group Hayley Perrin “[Also] the faculty council met to that is honored for their accom- Photography Editor discuss character and merits of plishments. They must maintain at People who excel in academ- each individual, which is most dif- least a 3.4 GPA and are expected ics as well as participate in commu- ficult to judge.” to complete a minimum of five nity service, and demonstrate good “It took a lot more time this hours of community service each character and leadership skills have year, but I think it was better be- month. Members can be seen a chance to be selected as a part cause the judges knew more about working in and around the school of a nationwide organization called us,” said junior Chloé Smith. as well as the community. This year the National Honor Society. To begin the year, Lewis Cen- Lewis Central National Honor So- In order to be considered, tral had 35 National Honor Soci- ciety has performed group service Merry Christmas from LC FCA applicants are asked to fill out pa- ety members who were previously activities such as Relay for Life, the Please join us at our next meeting: perwork for verification of their elected by an unknown faculty Blood Drive, and the Canned Food Thursday December 6th, 2007 recent activities. This year the ap- council. As of November 5, 2007, Drive. 7:00 P.M. Room 301 [page five - activities] [december 2007]
Graduation! Your senior prank failed, Congratulations, you and was an act of criminal Start! won the game! mischief.Sen Proceed to jail.
(First day of high school!)
Freshmen Sophomores You forgot your gym 2011 2010 clothes... can escape from the freshmeat of the things it has done is give stereotype. them more confidence.” Sophomore year offers new Passing each class becomes classes that freshmen could not quite important as a freshman. It participate in, such as English 10 Lose a turn! is quite a bit different from the ju- A and B, Chemistry, World His- nior high days that these students Maria Jones tory and Geometry. have encountered. It isn’t all too Design Editor Sophomore Cole Templeton Amanda Goeser uncommon for freshman to have a Day dreaming, lunch, school, took British Literature and said Editor-In-Chief rough first term. work, and friends. That’s’ what the “British Literature is pretty awe- “The environment has been majority of high school students some because Mrs. Freivogel is They are the Friday movie- better than what I thought it was think about. Sophomore year. For amazing. We read a ton of awe- watching, biology lab reporting, going to be. People told me fi- some it’s a memory, only a year some dorky stuff.” bus riding, required-class taking, nals and stuff were hard, but they away for others, and to the rest, There is always some excite- awkward feeling, drivers ed. car weren’t,” said freshman Melanie well you’re already there. ment for the next year, it matters driving, locker abusing, friendship Ellis. Before the sophomores ar- not what grade you are in. Some changing ninth grade class. That High school isn’t all study… rived at high school, (the final des- of the sophomores are already is not the class of 2008, nor 2009, study…study, though. A big part tination before life) their thoughts planning junior year classes. Soph- nor 2010, but the class of 2011. of these four years is the social about what high school life would omore Cliff Boese has already This has been their first taste “scene;” everything from friend- be like raced through their heads, figured out his next move. “I’m of the world the rest of us have ships to getting to know upper- filling them with anxiety and wild going to take as many advanced come to know as high school. classmen. anticipation for what was about to classes as I can early to free up Their schedules are filled with “I was scared on the first day. come. my senior year for pottery.” English, American history, biol- It was good once we realized the Sophomore Cliff Boese was With so many classes and ogy, and math classes of all levels. upperclassmen didn’t really care one of the students who thought tight schedules, what really make Among other electives, most work about us,” said freshman Nate that high school would bring de- the difference are the teach- in Spanish, speech and health. They Connealy. spair. “A giant mountain of boring ers. Teachers that make learning may be spending a few evenings a While some ninth graders homework,” he said as he recalled worth while. Roll even: You were week learning all about driving, too. have found the high school to be a his memories. While others didn’t “My favorite teachers would Ninth graders start trying different pleasant change, others have been worry so much and found this new have to be Mr. Cunningham, be- asked to homecoming. classes that they may have always somewhat set back by the differ- life surprising. “I thought it would cause he’s ‘da bomb’. Ms. Jacobs considered interesting, but never ences between themselves and be easier, like middle school,” said is pretty cool, and Mr. Koester,” Advance one spot. knew much about. upperclassmen. For instance, the sophomore Lauren Rathbun. said sophomore Cliff Boese. With “Wood tech is unique, as it driving privileges that most upper- With the surprising facts anticipations and fears behind teaches you a lot,” said freshman classmen engage in at some point, about high school behind them, them, the sophomores have suc- Roll odd: Denied! Stephanie Jensen. “I learned how seem to be a world away from the sophomore class is once again cessfully started their journey to use different machines, measur- freshmen that catch the bus and finding the pros and cons about into the real world. The world Sorry, go back to ing, and different types of tools.” get taxied around by parents. this year. is filled with questions that need The truth is, freshman year is “My car is sitting in the drive- So what exactly is good about to be answered. The sophomores start. about more than just the “great way torturing me. It is egging me this year? “I’m not a freshman any are one of the four classes here move.” But there is no denying to drive it,” said freshman Joe more,” said sophomore Rachel that are considered to be our fu- high school does come with more Stokes. Schrader. The majority of sopho- ture, and all classes will be on the freedom, classes, and homework; Though ninth graders may feel mores feel the same as they now hunt for these answers. the list goes on and on. awkward and not quite sure exact- As many upperclassmen may ly where they fit in on the totem remember, the freshman English pole of high school, some upper- HighHigh School...School... class had transitions sprinkled classmen consider freshman year throughout the year. That was un- to have been the best. Up to four people can play, use your own til this year. In an effort to better “Freshman year was easiest. markers.
F r e s haccommodate m e n students, the transi- Everything was set up for you and tions curriculum is now all in first you only have like one hard class,” Start at square one, it’s your first day as a term. said senior Alex Treager. freshman. “The transitions class was re- Carry on, class of 2011. Soon ally helpful for freshmen,” said Eng- enough, senior year will be knock- Move down through the year and do as each lish instructor Kathy Taylor. “One ing. square says.
You have received your Sorry, you’re stuck in a driver’s license. Take an freshman class! Go to jail. Jail extra turn. S o p h o (Lose a turn.)
[page six - in-depth] [the wire]
You contracted senioritis. You don’t have to be Almost Lose a turn. here at 7:30 on the first there! iors day! Take another turn. One more year...
Juniors 2009sucked,” says senior Jon Gibb, “The only good thing about being a ju- nior, is that you’re one stop away from graduating.” Junior year isn’t all bad. [ ] “We can start taking college credit classes,” said senior Ben Sara Marshall Reporter Moffatt. There are other reasons for excitement. Junior Cory Tate ex- It’s the year that students plained, “We’re closer to gradua-
need to start getting ready for tion.” Juniors Ms. Muta’s English Comp class is full of hard working seniors. Roll even: You had ACT tests, taking trips to the Student’s also talk about the Wait is that Stephen Colbert in the back? Photo by Sara guidance counselor to make sure serious side of junior year. Marshall to appeal for a cred- credits are on track, and visiting Junior Alicia Cozad said, “It’s college. The year that you can the year before your senior year so it. Go back to the actually take real classes and even you’re trying to get things caught have a break in your schedule. up so you can have fun during your Seniors checkpoint. But most importantly, “It’s the senior year.” 2008 first year we’re upperclassman,” Other things to be taken seri- “My biggest fear is going to said junior Nathan Dreager. ously would be what junior Mykay- college and not having enough Roll odd: You never While juniors may have se- la Schoenberger mentioned. It is money for living expenses,” said niority over the freshman and important for students to attend senior Lauren Androy. missed a day. Move sophomore classes, keep in mind the college fair because “You have Although seniors spend a that they still have “juniority” to to really start thinking about what lot of time concerned about the forward 2 spaces. all the seniors. This means they you want to do and plan your fu- future they still have important Hayley Perrin things to keep them busy in the have not yet developed their full ture.” Photography Editor potential to be hardcore. They After all, this is the year for present. Such an incurable illness can’t quite participate in senior students to start looking at col- like senioritis may have the ten- skip day, nor are they allowed to leges more seriously, and for them How do the fears, aspirations, dency to damage a senior’s chance act as immature as most sopho- to start preparing to apply. They and daydreams explain this year’s of attending their ideal university. mores or freshmen. They’re kind have to make sure that all of their senior class… and what is this so- “Seniors think about their fu- of stuck in the middle from being credits are coming along like they called “senioritis?” ture, college, and moving out, but an “unripened” sophomore to a should be, as to not be in a rut Seniors are the top dogs of most of the time they try to fo- full-bloomed senior. their senior year. the school. They have been here cus on the near future, like what’s “I don’t like all the pressure Junior year can have its ups and the longest and are eager to leave happening today or what they are of trying to find what you want downs, and is something that’s got for college and start their new going to do this weekend,” said An- to do in life,” complains junior to be taken seriously. Some stu- lives. Many begin to experience droy. Jessica Roden, “You realize that dents will disagree when it comes symptoms of the mysterious and There are many steps involved you only have one year left to go to liking or disliking junior year, but contagious disease known as “se- in getting ready for college. Seniors until college.” one thing that most all students nioritis” as early as...um...the first visit colleges they are interested in. Others have felt the same will agree on is that it sure beats day of school. Then, fill out college applications, “To me, senioritis is when [se- scholarships and the FAFSA (Free way about junior year. “It freshman year. niors] are ready for college, and Application for Federal Student they just don’t have the patience Aide). Not to mention make deci- TheThe GameGame for high school anymore, not what sions about where to go after high we commonly imagine,” said Eng- school and what to major in. To Roll one die, greatest number goes first. lish Composition teacher Kim top it off, there are those frustrat- You have a date to Muta. ing ACT exams. Why is senioritis such a popu- Soon seniors will fall once your first Prom! Take lar excuse? Even sophomores are more to the bottom of the totem Take first turn, roll die and move the number of spots. attempting to use it. What is it pole as they become college fresh- another turn. anyway? According to a collection men or start a career path. Hope- of senior definitions it is basically fully their high school experience First person to graduate wins the game. a mixture of exhaustion, stress, and education will guide them excitement, and worry about go- through as they learn to cope with ing to college and facing the real the real world. Good luck seniors. world alone. Here’s to the open road. Here’s to the open road...
You passed all of your classes! m o rMove e forward a sspace. Checkpoint You’re stuck in the middle... [page seven - in-depth] [december 2007] Nine Ways Babies Take Over LC don’t stay home at all. It merely and unpredictable and must be depends on the students’ patience met as soon as possible. Parenting To Be and quickness in taking care of the responsibilities would impact an baby. adult or teenager’s lifestyle. “I had my mommy help me “The baby made me realize I sometimes,” said Anderson. Each am definitely not ready to have baby was programmed to have one a baby,” said Anderson. Many Savannah Greening easy, one medium, and one hard students have felt the same way, Gas Happy Reporter day. Friday often seems the hardest proving the baby to be effective. It day because students just get their demonstrates the real parenting Friday afternoons are normally babies and aren’t accustomed to skills a mother or father need. fun and energetic. As students are taking care of the baby. Students are expected to respond running to their buses and cars For Angela, the parenting baby to the baby within two minutes. If they see their peers walking out of made her realize she is not ready the head is dropped it records as the school dreading the next two for a real baby. rough handling or if the baby is days. Those students are carrying “The baby was brought shaken, the record reveals shaken a car seat for a newborn and a to LC so students can view baby syndrome. It is read through Baily Clevenger diaper bag filled with the essentials parenting in a more realistic way,” a computer chip inside the baby. Reporter for the long weekend. What are said parenting and clothing teacher, When the baby is returned, Mrs. they doing? These students are Imagine this: you are driving down the road “riding the Ruth Kreger. She wants students Kreger or the other parenting in a parenting class that requires to consider their current ability teacher, Mrs. Shriver, read the E light” like always, and suddenly your car shuts off. Maybe you them to parent a robotic child for to be a parent. Kreger is also printout from the program. The are lucky enough to be able to coast to the side of the road, but a weekend or take an alternate hoping the students gain greater baby is as realistic as possible. otherwise you are stuck there, blocking traffic. Since gas prices assignment. appreciation for their own parents. The required parenting course are pretty unpredictable these days, here are some tips on gas “I couldn’t leave my house,” Furthermore, she wants students gives each junior or senior conservation. said junior Angela Anderson. Most to know how much trouble a baby enrolled in the class a baby that students have to change their causes for students before they are the student gets to name. During 1. Carpool whenever you get the chance. When you are going weekend plans when it is their done with school. the weekend the only thing to sporting events with friends or maybe just to and from school turn to take the baby. Students Kreger also mentions that each keeping them alive is the thought everyday, car pooling is going to conserve a lot of gas. Only use can’t work as many hours as infant is unique and requires a great of the underclassmen who will normal. Some students choose to your car when you have to. When taking turns driving together, deal of love, time, and attention. have to take the baby home in a stay home all weekend. Others Infants’ demands are spontaneous year or two. rather than separately, everybody saves gas in the long run.
2. Shut off your engine if you are going to sit and wait for more than two minutes. It takes up more gas when idling than it does Finding A Perfect Gift: to restart your vehicle.
3. Always keep your tires properly inflated. When your tires are under inflated it causes your vehicle to have to work harder, making your car burn more gas. Simplified! at the MAC? On the 4th through 4. Use your air conditioning as little as possible. Running the Transformers movie to go along with it, which is rated PG-13. 6th of January, Monster Jam, air conditioning constantly may feel good, but it also lowers your If you are shopping for a a monster truck rally, will be gas mileage. girlfriend you should just resort to going on. Plenty of guys would buying her a gift card. A lot of girls probably enjoy a night of twelve- 5. When driving, try to ease onto the pedal when stopping or tend to be picky so getting a gift feet tall trucks driving around, going, rather than punching it. Baily Clevenger card is pretty much a guarantee smashing and jumping objects. Reporter they are going to appreciate your And on the 29th of March the 6. Slow down when driving on the interstate or highway and gift. Also, make sure you get one Harlem Globetrotters will be in Searching and searching and use the cruise control. Driving the speed limit is going to save for stores they actually enjoy going town, which is even something I still can’t find that perfect gift for you a lot more gas than speeding. You will save gas and the chance to, because come on now! Lets be wouldn’t mind watching! that special someone? Well kick Now that you have everyone of getting yourself a ticket. Not a bad idea huh? realistic here, nobody likes a gift back and relax, because I’ve got card to a store they don’t even go else taken care of in the present you covered. Here are five perfect to! Top shopping spots for teen girls department, you are down 7. Make sure you read your owner’s manual, and always use the ideas for those gifts you still need are Wetseal, Hollister, Charlotte to finding something for your right type of motor oil for your vehicle. This will improve your to purchase. parents or guardians. gas mileage and engine’s performance. If you are shopping for a Everybody seems to be young girl you should definitely interested in investments 8. Avoid the major traffic periods. Sitting around in traffic for consider getting her the new these days, so how about long periods of time is definitely going to burn some fuel. Hannah Montana Electric buying that older guy Guitar. It comes with a headset in your life a share of and microphone and they get 9. Keep up with your car’s maintenance checks. It will save you stock for their favorite to sing along with their favorite professional sport? Prices gas and keep your car in better shape. Hannah Montana songs. This vary on the sport and are toy costs $29.99 at Toys “R” anywhere from $40 to If these tips don’t help you save on gas then there are only Us, but you should probably $90. And for that special two more options that are going to apply to you: hurry up and buy it before they older woman, how about are all sold out. The number of treating her to a day at the 10. Buy a new car? Getting rid of a gas-hog SUV would be pretty Hannah Montana fanatics is spa or doing all her chores rewarding in the fuel conservation department! A lot of the new growing by the minute. This and cooking dinner for a vehicles being built are specialized in maintaining a better fuel toy is recommended for age’s day? Prices for a day at the three to seven. mileage than cars ever before. Not to mention numerous hybrid spa vary so call around to If you are shopping for a vehicles are now being offered to consumers for purchase. For find out the price and set young boy, how about getting up an appointment. example, the Toyota Prius gets about 55 miles to the gallon! him a Transformers toy? They Russe, Vanity, and Aeropostale. Still aren’t interested in are slightly pricy depending Now for the boys in your life, any of these ideas for gifts? Pretty 11. Invest in a new bike or tennis shoes and get going because on which Transformer you buy if you want to do what most much anything of sentimental I’ve just given you pretty much every tip possible to conserve (between 20 – 90 dollars), but girls are doing, purchase the value is going to be appreciated gas. these toys will keep a young boy usual cologne or CD. No offense, by somebody if you actually busy for hours. The toys transform cologne is a great idea because went out and took the time to into various shapes and forms. who doesn’t want an amazing buy them something. And if you Facts courtesy of www.howtodothing.com and www. Transformers are recommended smelling boyfriend, but how about can’t afford a gift, you can always for children eight and up. And fueleconomy.gov. being original this year and doing make something yourself. So get if you’re feeling really generous something different? How about out there and get those holiday you could always purchase the buying them tickets to an event gifts taken care of! [page eight - inside look] [the wire] The Abandoned Need Your Help Only today, I was going to be brave the room where the cats were I twenty different dogs contributing got out a bigger dog to take on and conquer my fear. got to help them play with the cats to the mass sounds of barking and a walk. They were tame and not I made my name tag and and decide which one they wanted growling. To my dismay the smallest so intimidating once I had them headed to the office to make boxes to take home with them. dog went to my knee; these dogs on the leash and we were away for the cats Animal Shelter Volunteer Information were nothing like from the other dogs! I finally got to go home Tootsie and Sunny. the nerve to take the biggest dog to their new I was quickly out; he looked like a hyena and Shaley McKeever Who: You! Or bring a friend. Reporter families. I assured that once was very strong. We went on the cleaned out What: Community volunteering. they were let out longest walk and it was a work I could hear the barks and the litter pans of their kennels out. When I took him back in I cries of the animals before I had which weren’t When: Anytime! Just call this number in advance they were all very helped one of the workers take even stepped foot inside the as bad as I tame and calm. As pictures of some of the dogs Council Bluffs Animal Shelter. It thought they (712) 328-4656 soon as we let a so they could be advertised for was a beautiful Saturday afternoon; would be. It rat terrier named prospective owners. one of the few that I had off from helped that Where: The Council Bluffs Animal Shelter, located at, Jack out and put I strongly encourage everyone dance practice, and today I was the baby on his red leash to try it out no matter whether going to volunteer. kittens were 2821 S 15th St I found out that I you love animals or are scared of At first I must admit that I so cute. could handle this. them. It is a great way to spend was apprehensive to go volunteer There was Why: To volunteer your free time and help the Jack and I a Saturday afternoon helping at the animal shelter, because I one small headed for the the animals in the Council Bluffs have always had a fear of big dogs. yellow kitten stray animals of Council Bluffs! sidewalk. We Animal Shelter. It was fun and I unfortunately assumed that named Elsa walked for about great exercise, too. Take a friend most of the dogs brought into Marie. Next to her cage was a After conquering the kittens I twenty minutes before I brought or go by yourself like I did! I can’t the animal shelter were probably story of how she had been the only decided I had to take on the big him back to his kennel. I then took wait to go visit the animals and bigger than my two little ten survivor of her litter. As a mother dogs. I followed another volunteer an even bigger dog named Delo. help out again. Best of all, I finally pound poodles, Tootsie and Sunny. and her three children walked into to the kennel room. There were Every time I brought a dog back I overcame my fear of big dogs. Find The Hidden Message that keeps coming back again. These senior Joe Wilson. dreams usually point out a personal For those of you, like weakness, fear, or the inability to Joe, who claim not to dream and Random cope with something. wonder why, you will be surprised “I frequently have a dream to learn that everyone dreams. where I fall off the edge of a cliff,” This is a scientifically proven said junior Kylie Lane. fact. Research has shown that all Sarah Waldron Research has shown that human beings show brain activity Reporter one of the most common recurring during their sleep. Just because you Facts On The ability to be anyone, dreams is about falling. This type of cannot remember your dreams go anywhere, and even do anything dream usually indicates insecurities, does not mean that you don’t have is what makes dreams quite instabilities, and anxieties. People them. Surprisingly, if you would intriguing. In an average dream a that have a recurring dream about like to remember your dreams person can travel the world, fly, falling might be feeling overwhelmed researchers say to use a journal. fall off a cliff, or even become the and out of control in a relationship, Just by jotting down your dream as president. That is what really sets at school, or at work. If you are soon as you wake up you will have dreams apart from reality. experiencing this type of dream it a better chance of remembering Amanda Berg LCHSCartoonist According your dreams. to www.dreammods. Did You Know? O n e “Everything about LC is random,” says Mr. com, the average 1. Blind people dream. Whether visual images are seen may question person has about during their dream depends on whether they where blind why some Massman three to five dreamsat birth or became blind later in life. Vision is not the only people don’t per night. Some sense in a dream. Sounds, touch, and smell become height- r e m e m b e r 1) The original Lewis Central bell was destroyed individuals have up ened in blind individuals and their dreams are based on their dreams. to seven dreams S o m e by vandals and a student who wishes to remain these senses. in one night. The researchers anonymous donated the present bell. dreams tend to last believe that longer as the night 2. Half the content of a dream is forgotten within five min- certain people progresses. During a utes after the end of a dream. After ten minutes, a person have a genetic 2) Lewis Central is NOT built like a prison, just full eight-hour night can only remember 10% of the dream. d i s p o s i t i o n ask Mr. Massman. sleep, two hours of it to forgetting are spent dreaming. 3. Men commonly dream more about other men, while their dreams In an average lifetime, women dream equally about men and women. as they come 3) In August of 1999, the old high school (the you will spend a out of their present middle school) flooded. There was 59 total of about six 4. According to a poll on dreammods.com, 67% of Amer- sleep. Other years dreaming. researchers icans have experienced deja vu in their dreams. This oc- inches of water in the art rooms and the water That is more than note that was nine inches above the stage. The overall 2,100 days spent in a currs more often in females than males. c e r t a i n different realm. antibiotics, amount of damage was roughly $1.2 million. Lewis “I have one 5. The word dream comes from the Middle English word, s i c k n e s s , Central is now insured against floods. dream per night,” dreme which means “joy” and “music.” lack of sleep, said sophomore high levels of Matilde Vargas. might be an indication that you can stress, or unconscious fears about 4) The first class to graduate from Lewis Central Have you ever had the not keep up with the hustle and the content of your dreams can was the class of 1962. same dream multiple times a year, bustle of daily life. Falling dreams be reasons that dreams are not month, or even week? If you have can also reflect a sense of failure remembered. you are probably wondering why or inferiority. It may be the fear of Research supports that and what it means. Is there really failing at your job or school, loss of everyone dreams and dreams are a meaning to dreams or are they status, or failure in love. a way for our minds to cope with just fragments of our imagination? If you take a closer look unresolved situations. So don’t be Is it really normal to have recurring at your dreams, you will probably afraid to remember your dreams dreams or not have dreams at all? realize that the messages in your or look for their messages. Dreams If a dream recurs time dreams, as silly as they may present are an essential portion of our sleep and time again, the message in themselves, serve a unique purpose. pattern that help to recharge the the dream is quite important. Your dreams are your subconscious mind while revitalizing the body. Recurring dreams are rather mind trying to help you cope with common and are triggered by an issue in your life. certain life situation or a problem “I don’t have dreams,” said [page nine - inside look] [december 2007] From Shoe Factory to Ninja
Sticky Kung Fu is an ability attained through Note practice and energy, both in and outside of the body. “I try to follow the Three Jewels of Tao- Secrets! ism,” he says. The Three Jewels of Taosim is like a set of guidelines people who practice Taoism Have a secret? Lindsey Lawrence base their lives on, the first being compassion, Bring it to Business Editor the second moderation, and the third humility. room 401! Jerrod practices from the Shan Tao, or Moun- “I was born in a Chinese shoe factory,” tain Way, system of Kung Fu. It was created by says junior Jerrod Scheffel. Strange? Not when Laoshi, or teacher, Cornell T. Garrett over ten you’re talking about this kid. To him and his years ago. “He says he’s a ninja, and I believe friends, outbursts like this are totally normal. him!” says sophomore Courtney Zucca. I have a During the production of this year’s fall Jerrod started taking lessons in the begin- play, Theives, Jerrod could be found lending a ning of his eighth grade year at Dragon Arts helping hand on set, “I just did a lot of the little in Omaha. “Shan Tao has influenced everything huge things,” he says, “I went where I was needed.” from the way I eat to the way I think,” he says, crush on a He also played the supporting role of Silent “I don’t drink pop and try to stay away from Bob, “I’m not an on-stage kind of guy,” he says, candy.” This is one way Jerrod stay in good so this part fit him perfectly. physical condition, along with practicing ten teacher If you open last year’s edition of “The to fifteen hours each week. “In today’s Mighty Pen,” you will find some of Jerrod’s best With a focused and artful chop, society, people do not necessarily have the art work. He draws everything from comic time or discipline to train eight hours a day strips to the guy who sits in the front of math junior Jerrod Scheffel shows off his to totally devote themselves to the practice,” class and is known widely by his classmates by Kung Fu skills. Photo By Maria Jones Jerrod says. his sense of humor he incorporates into his So ends the story of Jerrod Scheffel, the work. He says drawing just came naturally to thing from funk to rock. He takes lessons from Kung Fu master, guitar playing prodigy, artful him when he was a little kid, “I have been draw- Lewis Central Alumnus, Derek Christiansen genius, and one of the greatest phenomena to ing for as long as I can remember,” he says. and listens to music like Coheed and Cambria. hit Lewis Central High School. Who would I’m dating Jerrod also plays the guitar; he has been Out of everything Jerrod does, his favorite have thought that all this could come from a playing for about a year and likes to play every- pass-time remains the same, Kung Fu. Chinese shoe factory? my best What would you build in snow, knowing it would melt in an hour? friends ex! “An igloo, so I could be “A working car, since protected from snowball anything is better than fights.” my car.” I still Sophomore Dalton Campbell Senior Zach Mailahn suck my Freshman Taylor Hughes Junior Matt Wolf thumb! “A castle, it would be “A snowman sword like a sanctuary.” fight, since it would be amazing to see.”
I’m not as funny Close Encounter with the Interesting Kind as I seem... at the school then with NHS and CS: Ha ha, yeah, I steal all my with Corp? huh? CS: Yeah, definitely and-- AB: Now you jokes from the have a lot of AB: And Chamber choir… acquaintances, and internet all of them tend to Amanda Berg CS: Oh yes! Chamber choir… have a unique quirk Cartoonist Kudos to the vocal music! Yeah, about them, I have Amanda Berg: So, Carly, what there have been a lot of late nights noticed this… You all have you been involved in spent at the high school. are friends with a throughout your entire high school lot of weird people, AB: And then on top of all your career? including myself. I peed my pants extracurricular stuff you are taking college classes! at school Carly Sinn: Freshman and CS: Haha. Yeah! sophomore year I was on student Well that’s the CS: I am! Two, well, three college my council, and just last year I was thing; people who classes, English Comp., American inducted onto National Honor are different are just National Government, and Survey Society. more interesting. junior year of the Arts at Iowa Western. AB: Well, that’s nice. AB: Haha. Yes, but AB: Wow. Next question, you’re a you’re like a weird dancer correct? CS: Yeah, yep, you know it! And magnet… uh, let’s see, freshman year I did Carefree and fancy senior Carly Sinn CS: Yes, I’ve been dancing for over Express and show choir-- Yeah. Normal shows her impromptu dance skills. My mom 15 years. CS: people, I usually try Photo By Sara Marshall doesn’t know AB: Uh-huh, with the jazz hands to stay away from normal people, and all? AB: Wow, so most of your life. Do AB: They live with Santa and the you just do ballet? ‘cause they scare me! Haha, they’re Easter bunny on the island of misfit that my just like not real, you know? CS: Yes, even more so jazz hands toys-- tongue is CS: No, I do all kinds of dancing. in Corp, sophomore till present. I AB: Mythological creatures. did two plays my freshman year, did CS: Misfit toys! Yeah! pierced. AB: So NHS, Chamber Choir, the musical sophomore year and CS: Haha! Yes! They are! They’re a Corp., dancing, plays, and college AB: With their pocket last year I did the fall play. myth. Normal people, they’re not classes, quite the overachiever, eh? real. protectors… AB: So, you put in a lot of hours [page ten - faces] [the wire]
Born Confused A Review Grunge It Up having parents that strongly believe dot, Gwyn squeezes her way in and store. If you don’t feel like the in the customs and traditions of tries to claim the victory of Karsh’s clothes go with your current their native land of India. affection, making Dimple feel used look, just glance at the shoes and One of the traditions that and as if she had failed her own various accessories. They com- Dimple’s family firmly believes in is heart. pliment many things, giving not- the fact that she should have an ar- This is a story of self discovery, so remarkable outfits an edge. Kaitlin Carlson ranged marriage, though Dimple is the message that things do break Damien Croghan Also, the stationery is hi- Reporter only a senior in high school. Dim- but there is always a possibility that Reporter larious. Post-It Notes with crude ple can only hope that her parents they can be mended. Even if you remarks could make any situa- Have you ever had the feeling will never be able to find a “suitable only make the attempt you will It’s where you go broke to tion entertaining. And the book that you were losing control of your boy” by the time she is to graduate, have learned something from the perfect that “grunge” look, but section in the front of the store life and have no chance of regaining but that quickly changes after Dim- experience of trying to fix life and can find something priced as appeals to many tastes. Every- the reins you once had a tight grip ple’s mother meets with a college the components it’s made of. That low as $1.90. Where you can thing from the minimalist writ- on? Have you ever thought that friend who happens to have a boy no matter how terrifying it maybe buy a book on graffiti artwork, ings of Chuck Palahniuk (author you were born confused? just a few years older than Dimple. to dive into the dark waters of the a Christmas tree, and “Nothing” of Fight Club) to the PostSecret American-born Dimple Lala When Dimple first met Karsh, unknown, you’ll benefit from the (it’s the gift for those who have series, makes finding a quick but felt exactly like that. Dimple isn’t the “suitable boy,” she came to the exposure to reality. The reality that everything; a container filled with good read easy. your average heroine; she is battling quick conclusion that he is nothing there is no ideal person; the only air). Where am I talking about? Then there are the random low self-esteem, the fact that she but a drab, boring boy and wish- ideal person is the one you create Urban Outfitters, of course. gift ideas like George W. Bush is slightly overweight, and having es to wash her hands of him. As as your own, because everyone’s The new Omaha location voodoo dolls, Hello Kitty piggy “perfect” Gwyn as her best friend. time passes, Dimple begins to see expectation is always different. opened its doors on October banks, ready-to-bake cakes, and As If dealing with the awkward more of Karsh than what she first Make sure the mold fits you, not 4th at 737 N. 14th Street in the alarm clocks that run away to teenage years weren’t enough, try judged him as. Then right on the that you fit the mold. Saddle Creek complex near the prevent you from pressing the Qwest Center. Very different snooze button. from other clothing stores in The store is so out of the the metro area, it deserves to at ordinary that everyone at LC Britney Sells 290,000 in First Week least be walked through. It’s not should at least give it a try. would be the only supporters She says her friends warned her preppy like Hollister or Aber- Worse case scenario, you buy and some of her biggest fans and she didn’t listen. This song in crombie, nor is it emo/punk/goth random novelties like I did. I left even forgot about her and moved particular shows the most growth like Hot Topic. It’s a truly unique with a prescription-writing note- on. But the fans who stayed and and maturity with Britney Spears. boutique containing all things in- pad, enabling me to write rec- stuck by her side helped make her Looking through the teresting. ommendations for chill pills and newest album, Blackout. booklet you will notice not one Like the name implies, it has a good cry. I also purchased fake Savannah Greening Her new CD just makes you picture shows her belly button; an urban or street feel to it. You parking tickets, which will be fun Reporter want to dance. Her past albums she is fully dressed in all photos. walk in and feel like you stepped for getting angry reactions from have been decent, but you could She’s wearing pretty dresses, into a fashionista underground, friends. Check it out, because “We can get down, like barely understand the words in high heeled shoes, and pretty complete with turntables and you will find something cool to there’s no one around, we keep some of the most recent songs. necklaces. indie music blasting through the buy, guaranteed. on rocking, we keep on rocking. Now she has songs like “Toy Britney Spears gave everyone Cameras are flashing, while we’re Soldier,” “Radar,” and the song the impression that her career dirty dancing, they keep watching, that hit #1 on the charts less than was over with “My Perogative” in Keep watching. Feels like the a week before it was released, November 2004. And now three crowd is saying; gimme gimme “Gimme More.” years later she has come back into more.” Each song is filled with dancing, Hollywood and the hearts of all These are the lyrics to singing, heartfelt words and her truest fans. At this exact time, Britney Spears’ hit song, “Gimme meanings. “Why Should I Be Sad” 290,000 fans are jamming out to More.” After the beginning of is said to about Britney and Kevin her latest CD. What do you think her downfall in 2004, everyone Federline. Why should she be sad? you are going to do right after Urban Outfitters is the new hot spot in Omaha. This seemed to believe Britney Spears’ She sings that they exchanged reading this article? Go buy the bargin spot will definitely bring a smile to all of its vows and he disappointed her. CD? Good choice! career was over. Her biggest fans shoppers. Photo by Sara Marshall. Myths Busted By the Mythbusters
lab for a geek, its M5, the same lab and Nike. finished (and the explosions are they’ve tested each season. Note: where various experiments have Adam and Jamie, along with done), everyone involved in the These myths were tested in con- been performed for the past six their Build Team, find myths, ru- experiment gets back together trolled circumstances by trained seasons of MythBusters. mors, and urban legends to per- to make their conclusions on professionals. Please do not at- The original MythBusters are form controlled experiments on. the myths. The myth is busted if tempt to recreate these results, Adam Savage and Jamie Hyne- These “controlled experiments” it can’t be recreated, plausible if or any others, on your own time. Taylor Basch man. Combined, they have over start out the same way our ex- it was performed by exaggerating Mythbusters are certainly Reporter 30 years of experience with spe- periments in science class do: by the terms of the myth, and con- doing us a favor by tackling these cial effects. Adam has built a lot asking a question, forming a hy- firmed if the myth was recreated myths with experience and train- The lab is filled with mysteri- of things, designing props for pothesis, and isolating variables to successfully. Plausible and con- ing. While some of us may still ous props of all shapes and sizes, Coca-Cola, Hershey’s, and Lexus, conduct the experiment. But the firmed are also used for myths want to see the M5 lab in person including a hovercraft and jetpack. and working on movies like The MythBusters do this on a much with documented evidence. (I know I do!), I guess we will just Explosions go off at random in- Matrix sequels. But if Adam has bigger scale, and the experiments So, like most shows on the have to settle for second-best: tervals, but no one is fazed by it. built a lot of stuff, Jamie has had a often result in really big explo- Discovery Channel, MythBusters watching MythBusters. For more In fact, people set explosions off lot of jobs. He’s worked on over sions. educates in a very entertaining information, see http://myth- on purpose. This is no ordinary 800 commercials, including 7-Up When the experiments are way. Here are some of the myths bustersresults.com/.
Season 1: Season 2: Season 3: Season 4: Season 5: Daddy long-legs spiders have the Driving while talking on a cell Fire can be started using ice. A bullet can be shot into the emp- A piece of paper can not be folded in strongest venom of all spiders, but phone is just as dangerous as driv- Confirmed: ty chamber of another revolver. half more than seven times, regard- are unable to pierce our skin. ing while intoxicated. One of the members of the Build Confirmed: less of its size. Busted: Confirmed: Team, Kari, used a globe of specially The MythBusters fired a bullet Busted: A Daddy long legs actually bit Adam and Kari took a driving test created clear ice that was roughly down the chamber of a test re- It was impossible to fold a standard through the skin of Adam’s arm. while on talking on a cell phone, half the size of a bowling ball to volver. The bullet lodged itself piece of paper in halves more than He said there was only a mild and then again when drunk. They recreate the myth. She used it as inside the chamber, matching the seven times. The thickness of the pa- burning sensation, and it didn’t failed both times, and with the cell a magnifying glass and produced photo the MythBusters had. per grew impossibly with each fold, and after the seventh fold, it was last long. The venom of the spider phones by a wider margin. first smoke, and laterfire. was also analyzed, and wasn’t that simply too thick. So the MythBusters strong. laid out a piece of interconnected paper the size of a football field and successfully folded it eleven times. [page eleven - entertain me] [december 2007] SolveSolve thethe UA J MB ER E EmbE &JAn ry UnscrambleU all the Lwords and d c R use all the circled letters for a 9 SUN 10 MON 11 TUES 12 WED 13 THURS 14 FRI 15 SAT special message from The Wire! Cheer @ Bluffs Boys JV/V BB, Financial Aid Boys Swimming, Cheer Classic Home @6:15 Presentation, Titan Hill Pool TNIEWR 6:30pm @ 4:30 All Girls BB, RHECE Home @ 5:45 IRSNEO 17 18 19 20 16 Boys Swimming,21 22 ENACD AEMT Vocal Concert, Boys Swimming, Last Day of Early Out Titan Hill Pool 7:30 pm, Aud. Titan Hill Pool Classes in @ 4:30 LTEKSBBAAL @ 4:30 2007 Show Choir NUIROJ All Boys BB, Opener, Girls JV/ V BB, Home @ 5:45 7:30pm, Aud. Home @ 6:15 GTLWENSIR 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 EHSPEC ... Winter Break... Winter Break... Winter Break... Winter Break... Winter Break... Winter Break... ASEFNRHM 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 EYLAR TOU Winter Break... Winter Break... Winter Break... Back to Class! All Boys BB, 2008 Home @ 5:45 TENIWR RABEK 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 WNSO All Girls BB, Early Out All Boys BB, Snoball Dance OPEOSORHM Home @ 5:45 Home @ 5:45 NRROCPATIO PSEPXSE NDBA 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 No School All Girls BB, Senior Photos All Girls BB, OCIRH Home @ 5:45 Due to Home @ 5:45 Yearbook MIWSNGIM It’s our problem-free philoshophy... “ !” Unjumble the words and decode the secret message, then bring it to Mrs. Langille in room 401 for a prize. ...A Guaranteed Laugh...
Q: Where is the pirate’s favorite place to eat? A: AAAARRRRRbys Two peanuts walked into a bar One was a salted Q: What did one penny say to the other? A: We make perfect sense Two Snowmen were out in the cold when one of them says to the other, “You know, I smell carrots too!” Q: What do you get when you cross an elephant and a rhino? A: An el-if-i-no [page twelve]