Kennedy Torch, April 26 2013 by Kennedy Torch

John F. Kennedy High School

Volume 46, Issue 8

April 26, 2013

A look into same-sex marriage laws and Kennedyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspective on the issue

Page 17

the torch

Contents

the

Editorial

Feature

04 Getting back to the grind

News

Health

07 Search for the new principal

Profile 10

Is gay okay?

Alternative workouts

A&E

Moving for hockey

Photo

Magic of Midwest music festivals

New uniform regulations in place

Sports

12 Springing into action

torch John F. Kennedy High School 4545 Wenig Rd. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Volume 46, Issue 8

Mission Statement

The student staff and adviser are committed to producing top quality student publications, applying high standards of writing, editing, and production. These media seek to fairly serve the Kennedy High School faculty, students, and staff showing no favoritism to any particular interest, individual, or group. Final decisions about content are the responsibility of the individual editors, and the Editorial Board.

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It is the Torch policy not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (employment only), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socioeconomic status (students/program only) in its educational programs and its employment practices.

Ownership

The Torch publication, website, official social media, and broadcasts serve as a public forum produced by the students in Journalism - Newspaper. Student editors make content decisions consistent with the Torch Editorial Policy, Iowa law and the ethics of journalism.

12 Cover by Tara Mittelberg

Letter from the editor The last pep assembly of my high school career will be one of the most disappointing memories I will carry with me as I leave Kennedy. What should have been one of the best memories because my class was victorious one last time in the spirit stick competition was quickly washed away when I witnessed a form of discrimination to a student with special needs go completely unnoticed. I feel very regretful for not standing up for this student. When it was announced for each class to send down a student that was a skilled soccer player, a very enthusiastic individual from the freshmen section emerged and sprinted straight for the green box on the gym floor. Many other freshmen ran after him and attempted to convince him that their skills may be a better option for their class to win the point. But this young man stood his ground and refused to move. As the countdown approached zero I witnessed another freshmen student walk over to where this young man was, picked him up, and carried him back to the bleachers like a child. Kennedy is an outstanding school with a pretty great student body. Working with the Best Buddies program has shown me just how open and understanding Kennedy is to others. The Spread the Word to End the Word banner hanging above the main staircase is full of signatures of students pledging respect to those with intellectual disabilities. This is the Kennedy that I have come to know and love. A school that is caring and considerate towards others. To the young man who was not allowed to compete in the competition, I encourage you this fall to give it a second try. To the rest of the student body, I encourage you to let everyone have the chance to accomplish what they set out to do. In a short time, the spirit stick competition will mean nothing to many of us, but may mean the world to those who just wanted a chance to compete.

Torch Staff:

Darcey Altschwager Editor-In-Chief Mohammad Cheetany Managing Editor Hanna Krivit Photo Editor Tara Mittelberg Feature Editor Spencer Grekoff Business Editor Amy Brause News Editor Alli Nemecek News Editor Steph Mercer Profile Editor Bailey Zaputil Profile Editor Michael Abramson Arts & Entertainment Editor Sam Nordstrom Arts & Entertainment Editor Grace King Health Editor Rachel Langholz Health Editor Norm Althoff Sports Editor Annie Feltes Sports Editor Zack Goodall Copy Editor

Isabel Neff Online Editor Ethan Divis Online Editor Mary Mathis Photographer Hannah Bruns Writer Maddy Crist Writer Jason Grobstich Writer Terin Kane Writer Lydia Martin Writer Emma Moss Writer Arthur Piret Writer Xander Riley Writer Morgan Schwab Writer David Hynek Writer Jordan Lunsford Podcast Trevor Melsha Podcast Stacy Haynes-Moore Adviser

Editorial

Getting back to the grind So, it’s time to sit down and have the talk again. Teachers, Administrators, and our parents would like to say that we need to take the frisky footwork off the dance floor. They use words like dirty, amoral, and inappropriate to describe an activity that many teens are rather fond of: grinding. In response, I must ask them to understand that we are aware that what we are doing is all of those things, and that we still choose to do it. We are just trying to enjoy ourselves in the simplest way possible, and that happens to be rubbing up all over each other. We come to the few dances we do have so we can be in a judgment free zone and cut loose, and shed some of the rules of everyday drudgery. Couples have been using dance as a form of emotional communication for ages, and I see grinding as just a physical style of dance used to gain a sense of intimacy with a partner. Don’t get me wrong, dances should be for dancing. And grinding, while technically a form of dance at it’s most carnal, I

find it gets boring after awhile. Watching an entire class grind for a few hours would be one of the dullest jobs I can think of. And while grinding is “fun” for a while, the variety it clearly lacks becomes noticeable. There are several other things to do at a dance and, surprisingly, actually dancing is one of them. Nothing is more impressive than showing up to a dance and actually knowing how to dance. It is also kind of difficult to actually talk to your date if they are facing away from you the entire time. So a compromise is needed somewhere. To the naysayers of grinding, I ask that you understand that we understand more than you think. We are aware of our actions to a decent extent, and I believe that you should have a little faith in us, and the decisions we make. And to the participants, it’s okay if you do, just try mixing it up a little. It is okay to diversify the content your evening’s escapades. Don’t just grind because everyone else is either; make the night yours, and you will have fun .

Zack Goodall

Safety needs more practice at schools

Isabel Neff 4

July 2012, 13 innocent movie goers killed by a gunman in Aurora. December 2012, 26 children and teachers killed by a gunman in Sandy Hook. April 2013, 3 unsuspecting marathon spectators killed in a bombing in Boston. In between these events, countless other school shootings and threats made to innocent people. You can tell there is something wrong with today’s society when the things that scare us the most are making headlines daily about shootings, bombings, and threats to people’s safety. On the internet the past few weeks there were jokes and pictures of North Korea and how they can’t bomb America, because nothing can hurt America. Now just about a week after that, a bombing at a public event has got people on their toes, trying to crackdown on what’s wrong with today’s society. Maybe the something wrong with today’s society is that we don’t take things as seriously as we should until it directly

affects us in the one place that will cause problems. Our hearts. Until something, like a shooting, can make us cry and hurt, we don’t take threats as seriously as we should. I think that the last thing we should joke about is safety. In fact, safety should be the main thing we should focus on. Earlier this year we had one lock down drill, with talk for more. As the issue of gun control started to die down, however, the idea of lock down safety disappeared with it. School should be the place where safety is practiced and preached. We need to start taking things more seriously than we do, even if it means doing more fire, tornado, or lock down drills. What compels people to hurt others is their own problem, but we can be prepared if we take these drills seriously. I’m sure I speak for many people when I say that the safety of ourselves and others is one of our main concerns, and we can’t be safe unless we’re aware and ready for what could possibly happen.

Editorial

Make a difference for others Over spring break, I was given the opportunity to travel to El Salvador on a work and witness trip with my church. After months and months of preparation, I was more ready for it to be over than I was excited for the trip to begin. On March 14, I found myself in Chalchuapa, El Salvador. A little village filled with love and hate alike. Gangs flourish in this part of Central America, but my team and I, we were on a mission to serve everyone and anyone who would listen. We flew down to Chalchuapa to help the local Nazarene Church with construction, medical clinics, and reaching out to the needy in their community. We did several medical clinics while we were down there. My job became entertaining the children. They grabbed at the deck of UNO cards I showed them, and as I tried to teach them the game, I realized they hadn’t learned their colors. So we took turns saying amarillo, verde, azul, and rojo. Children ages five to 11 joined the chorus of those hungry to learn. I asked Salvador, a boy who’s smile never left his face, why he was able to

Grace King work with us every day if he goes to school. But he doesn’t go to school. His mother forced him to quit when he was eight in order for him to get a job. Because of that, Salvador will never get an education past second grade. Chaos broke out, and I laughed as the kids fought over who got to sit closer to me. An old man caught my eye as he bent over to dip his bowl into the mountain wa-

ter, unsanitary from flowing through the dirt roads. In that moment, I felt such humility. My mission going into El Salvador was to experience a new culture, make some friends along the way, and serve those around me, but I was given so much more than that. When we go into life with the mindset of service, we see the needs of those around us so clearly. Now that I’m home, it’s hard to hang onto the focus of others when everything turns us back to ourselves. I have a challenge for you: we should all make it our mission to serve, to love, and to embrace life. We have such great opportunities here, but if we sit around and complain about how “awful” school is, or how difficult and ridiculous our friends are being, we miss some of the greatest opportunities our world has to offer. Don’t let life pass you by. Take every opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Staff editorial: celebrating the love of music In this issue our Arts & Entertainment section takes an in-depth look into Midwest music festivals. The Torch has always felt open to representing all types of music tastes throughout Kennedy. In a school full of such musical talent, we feel that music should be represented throughout the Torch fairly. With awardwinning programs in music at Kennedy, we want to give the best view of music at Kennedy that we can. In this issue of the Torch we look indepth at the music festivals in the Midwest. Of the three music festivals we decided to look at we decided to show

the ever-popular Lollapalooza festival in Chicago, Illinois, a developing festival in Michigan of Electric Forest, and the Iowa native festival 80/35. As the school days wind down, the excitement for summer increases as many Kennedy students will make their way to some of the exciting music festivals across the Midwest. For some, these music festivals will be a last hurrah with friends before going off to college and for others a simple way to enjoy traveling and music with family and friends. As music plays an important role in a lot of our lives, we feel the need as the Torch

to cover music fairly at Kennedy. Whether it’d be giving a view of the most important album reviews, coverage of our awardwinning programs, or segments such as our artist of the month we hope to give a representation of music at Kennedy. Music can be a way of unifying people and opening up people to different things. As a Torch staff we feel that music is such an important aspect to cover, because it does play a large part in a lot of our lives and can be a unifying subject to bring us together as a whole.

Pages by Darcey Altschwager 5

College Application News

Planning for college, the right way graphic by Jordan Lunsford Planning for college at any time can be stressful. But with the rising cost of tuition, fees, and school supplies, and other college expenses, students now must prepare for college with considerable more planning. A resource students can refer to is the Iowa College Access Network (ICAN). Families can make appointments to sit down and discuss their students’ plan for higher education, be helped with financial forms, and learn what other financial aid students may be eligible for. Lupe Hernandez, Site Coordinator for the ICAN in Cedar Rapids, said that while applying for financial aid, the most common mistake she sees from students is missing deadlines for scholarships and financial aid. “Another one is not following directions,” Hernandez said. “Whether it be on an admissions application or scholarship applications, a lot of students don’t read through the application. When it gets to the admissions counselor, or that scholarship committee, [they ask], ‘what are they doing?’” Another method of effective planning is to talk to one’s high school counselor. Lori Clore, a counselor at Kennedy, said that what colleges look at from you is not

just your ACT and GPA, but the rigor of munity service. Junior year is the time the courses you have taken. “At Kennedy for students to start taking the ACT and High School, where we offer 27 AP cours- SAT, college visits, and looking at financial es, rigor is a really big component in their planning. By senior year, students should decision.” at least have three to five schools narrowed Student involvement is another com- down and should start applying for finanponent in the admissions cial aid, like the decision. “Colleges want to “Colleges want to know Free Application for know what you have done what you have done for your Federal Student Aid for your school,” Clore school,” Clore said. “What (FAFSA), or the Pell said. “What have you conhave you contributed? What Grant. tributed? What have you Hernandez said been able to provide? Have have you been able to prothe best thing to do you been giving back? Has vide? Have you been giving is apply to as many it been in the form of a back?” private scholarships sports team, music group, -Lori Clore, Counselor . as you can. “It’s not publication, or in the form the most fun thing of community service?” Clore said. to do, but with the cost of college now, you Hernandez said that the main reasons need to apply for scholarships,” Hernanstudents are rejected from their school of dez said. “There are scholarships out there choice is because of grades and their ACT. for anything and anyone.” Hernandez recommends that freshmen Clore said that counselors want to help year is the best place to start a good foun- students make the best possible decision dation academically for the future. If col- for their education. “We have all these releges see progress in later years, they may sources here at Kennedy,” Clore said. “We still consider them as a possible student. want kids to absolutely tap them to the Every year has recommended places max.” Bailey Zaputil where students should be at. Freshmen and sophomore years are the time to get a good start academically and student involvement in clubs, sports, and com-

6 Pages by Alli nemecek & amy brause

Search for the new principal Kennedy “Committee of 10” narrows the search to five candidates Dr. Mary Wilcynski announced her “To be one of the top five candiretirement Feb. 11, leaving the prin- dates left is a pretty humbling thing cipal position open at Kennedy High for me.” Stecker said. However, School. A committee of 12 teachers Stecker’s position on staff doesn’t called the “Committee of 10” nar- necessarily mean he has any adrowed the search for the new princi- vantages. He had to go through the pal and will announce the final deci- same application process as all of the sion May 13. “To be one of the top five other candidates. Several possible Stecker said that candidates applied candidates left is a pretty if he became prinfor the position. The humbling thing for me.” cipal, he wouldn’t applicants had to -Aaron Stecker, Kennedy necessarily want submit an applicaAthletic Director. to change anytion, show their rething. If another sume, and put forth their letters of candidate is selected, Stecker thinks recommendation in order to be con- that they should realize that things sidered a finalist. are going well and they should emThe top five candidates are already brace it. chosen, and will be evaluated by the Wilcynski has worked at Kennedy Cedar Rapids Community School for 17 years, and is not involved in District, teachers from Kennedy, the principal search. “I’m trying reand parents of students. The week of ally hard to stay out of it, because I May 6, the final three candidates will don’t think it’s appropriate for me to come to the school and be evaluated be involved,” Wilcynski said. by staff members of Kennedy. Wilcynski will attend her final One of these candidates is Aaron graduation as principal with the Stecker, current Athletic Director Class of 2013, but hasn’t given at Kennedy. Stecker was confirmed much thought about retiring yet. “I as a finalist earlier this month. “The haven’t thought about retiring much rumors are true, I am one of the ap- because I’ve been so busy keeping plicants to be principal next year,” he this school moving along.” Morgan Schwab said. Stecker has been a member of the Kennedy staff for 14 years.

Meet the Candidates

News

Name: Aaron Stecker Current Position: Athletic Director Current School: Kennedy High School Current School Enrollment: 1,800

Name: Cynthia Schneider Current Position: Principal Current School: World Journalism Preparatory School (New York, NY) Current School Enrollment: 607

Name: Shannon Bucknell Current Postition: Principal Current School: Franklin Middle School (Cedar Rapids, IA) Current School Enrollment: 620

Name: Brian Coppess Current Position: Associate Principal Current School: Urbandale Community High School (Urbandale, IA) Current School Enrollment: 1,202

Name: Jason Kilne Current Position: Assistant Principal Current School: Myers Park High School (Charlotte, North Carolina) Current School Enrollment: 2,948

Profile

Table of Contents

Excerpt from The Mortal Touch by Diana Mejia “My heart pumped heavily and I could practically hear it pounding against my eardrum. “Get away from me!” I screamed. His hands ran down my arms, sending prickly needles down my spine. Why wasn’t my ability doing anything? Out of all the situations in the world, my ability chose not to work now. I pulled my arms away and I tried to push him away against his chest. He still stood straight and firm. I think I only had angered him more. He growled, then pushed me to the concrete floor. I let out a loud yelp as I hit the floor, muddy water splashed around me. My clothes felt heavy and my long, thick hair fell against my face in thick coils. My head hit the ground hard but I wasn’t going to give up.”

“The freedom of not really having to answer to anyone, could let myself move where I wanted to with the next step.” - Dr. Michael Ayers 8

1. Ayers’ novel is about a quarter complete, with around 40,000 words. He promised his daughter she would be able to read the first chapter after he completed 10. 2. Mejia prefers to handwrite her books first while listening to music. Her first book is 410 pages. 3. To prepare for his book, Ayers will be traveling this summer to Massachusetts to study with the National Endowment for Humanities. 4. Mejia started her novel the summer before her sophomore year, when she was 15 years old.

A new chapter

Getting ready to write the next NY Times Bestseller is never easy.

riting for anyone can be a very personal and trying challenge. Writing a novel, however, is a completely different tier. But two members of Kennedy have taken upon this challenge, and now discuss their own ongoing process for their new novels. Diana Mejia, jr., found her inspiration by reading and writing a lot, and the motivation from wanting to write her own story. “Basically, I just write whatever I’m thinking, it just kind of comes naturally,” she said. Mejia’s series is called The Mortal Touch series. She finished handwriting the first book, The Mortal Touch, 10 months after started with 410 pages total. Mejia is now working on the sequel, called A Lethal Touch. She plans to expand the series to about five or six books. The Mortal Touch series centers around the protagonist Alessandra Martella, a teenager who has the rare ability that causes anyone she touches to die. Alessandra must deal with friendships, high school, and face paranormal antagonists who want to use Alessandra’s power for bad. For her overall theme, Mejia wants a message of selfacceptance to be imparted on the readers. “I want them to know that if they’re different, that’s fine. Just embrace it.” Dr. Michael Ayers, language arts teacher, is a little bit reluctant to discuss his book, in that having outside pressure may negatively affect the creative process. What he has revealed, however, is that his story is a historical chapter book set in pre-revolutionary times in America, a time period which he admits in never having any thought about writing for such before. Since beginning it in 2011, he’s completed about 10 chapters, or 40,000 words of the first book. He likes not having a deadline on this project. “The freedom of not really having to answer to anyone could let myself move where I wanted to with the next step,” he said. One step being going to Amherst, MA., for three weeks at the National Endowment for Humanities Summer Institute, the topic this year being: “Native Americans of New England: A Historical Overview.” While an

institute for teachers, Ayers notes the research there will be very applicable to his novel. Ayers thinks the combination of history, the perspectives and the intended audience is what might make his book unusual. “I am really interested in the persistent clash of religion and mythology on one side, and science and reason and the Enlightenment on the other,” he said. “That clash that we see this week as we listen to the debate on gay marriage, or whatever is happening this week, has been there in the beginning, and has been there all the way along. And I think that this is a fascinating thing.” Both writers draw inspiration from a variety of sources. Mejia draws from Cassandra Clare and Ally Condie, and has recently begun to study classics styles. Ayers, who describes himself as a “science fiction geek”, draws his influence from Neil Gaiman and Alan Moore. But overall, the main motivation for each of them is that it’s fun. “I wouldn’t call this novel a process of self discovery for me, but more pure fun escapism,” Ayers said. “Which doesn’t mean that the subject is pure fun escapism, but the process of having the story emerge. Even though I outline generally, I don’t really know what the characters are going to do, or why they’re going to do what they do.” Mejia likes to write when she’s inspired or has free time. “ I feel like if I push myself too hard it’s just going to feel like a chore, and it’s not going to be fun anymore,” she said. While publishing is a perhaps a distant idea for them, both do plan to put their respective novels out. “I would like to have a novel that can sit on the bookshelf, that my kids can say dad wrote,” Ayer said. “But I would be satisfied to write something that my family and I enjoy.” When Mejia started writing, she never thought of publishing it. “I just thought that I wanted this idea down to read it years from now for myself,” Mejia said. But noting the positive encouragement from her friends, she said: “Maybe in the future, one day.” Bailey Zaputil

Pages by steph mercer & bailey zaputil 9

Profile

Moving for hockey Clara Gilbert, jr., has been playing hockey since she was six, and is transfering to Phillips Exeter Academy to help continue her passion. Photo by Hanna Krivit Graphic by Steph Mercer

lara Gilbert, jr., has decided to take her high school education in a different route. Gilbert has been accepted into Phillips Exeter Academy, a boarding school in Exeter, New Hampshire. Gilbert is unique; she is a successful female hockey player in a male-dominated sport. Gilbert has been playing hockey since she was six years old. She currently plays for the U16 St Louis Lady Blues. At Exeter, Gilbert will be playing hockey through school. Gilbert wanted to go to Exeter so she could have school and hockey in one place. “It’s really hard to get into, I was really excited, I actually started crying,” Gilbert said. This year, Exeter had a 20 percent acceptance rate. Exeter is a prestigious boarding school with about 1,000 students 9th through 12th grade. “My family was very excited and supportive. They knew it was an amazing opportunity for me that was well deserved. I’m lucky to have such a supportive family,” Gilbert said. Exeter also looks for diversity when accepting students into their school. Gilbert will be the first girl from Iowa to play on their hockey team. There are only five other students at Exeter from Iowa. In order to get accepted into Exeter, Gilbert took the SAT, ACT and PSAT. Gilbert also had an on campus interview and observed classes. Gilbert says getting good grades and taking challenging classes at Kennedy helped her to be

accepted. “Definitely the AP program here at Kennedy helped me a lot to get in because I would not have gotten in if I wasn’t in AP classes,” Gilbert said. Another requirement for acceptance into Exeter was a personal recommendation. Gilbert’s hockey coach went to Lawrence Academy in Massachusetts, he wrote her personal recommendation for the application. “It’s all about having connections at a school like that,” Gilbert said. Exeter is unique because it has what is called a ‘harkness method’ of learning. “There are no desks, class is all around a big oval table, even in science and math,” Gilbert said. “It was really interesting because the kids led the class and discussed everything and the teacher only talked a couple times, every class is like that, you get more of the learning experience.” Class sizes at Exeter are a lot smaller than Kennedy. What intrigued Gilbert was that classes at Exeter are up to twelve students in each class. Gilbert will continue on her high school education at Phillips Exeter Academy redoing her junior year, and completing her senior year as well to take full advantage of her opportunity. Gilbert will start her new life of school and hockey in one place at boarding school in September. Lydia Martin

10 Page by bailey zaputil & steph mercer & Morgan Schwab

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Come visit us at the NewBo Market We cater special events & graduation parties Contact us Email us at: contact@NewBocheese.com by phone at: (319)389-9988 or(319)573-9665 16 Page By Spencer Grekoff

Feature

Marriage equality: is gay okay?

With a Supreme Court ruling on the constitutionality of same-sex marriage in the near future, the issue has recently received a lot of attention. Although Iowa has equal marriage rights for same-sex couples, there are currently 41 states that do not. In this issue, the Torch examines same-sex marriage and those who are affected by it.

Same-sex marriage Feature

Equal “Yay Gay.” These were the words on Ryann Jensen’s shirt on Friday, April 12. Jensen, who is lesbian, is a strong proponent of marriage equality for all. Jensen, fr., figured out that she was gay when she was in seventh grade and had little trouble accepting herself because of overwhelming support from friends and family members. It was the current marriage equality laws she had trouble with. “I think that the individual person should be able to decide if they want a marriage or not,” she said. “It just should not be an issue [of the government] at all.” Like Jensen, Chet Packingham, jr., came out as being gay when he was in middle school. He believes that a popular vote should determine same-sex marriage laws instead of the Supreme Court. “The people on the supreme court weren’t elected, they were appointed, so I think [the decision] should be based on what the people would want,” he said. “It’s more than just being able to get married; it’s the acceptance in general.” Although Iowa has equal marriage rights for same-sex couples, there are currently 41 states that do not. Maddie Hurford, so., who came out as being lesbian last year and is a member of the Kennedy Gay Straight Alliance (KGSA), frequently searches Google, internet forums, and Facebook groups for progress on same-sex marriage laws. Someday Hurford hopes to join a gay rights movement in Des Moines or Washington D.C. Jensen, Packingham, and Hurford agreed that Kennedy students are incredibly accepting of all sexual orientations. Hurford noted that there are many misconceptions about coming out as gay. “There’s kind of this idea that everyone who comes out has all these problems when they come out but that’s not really true,” she said. “I haven’t really met anyone who hasn’t [been accepting] except random trolls online.” With public acceptance of marriage equality rising to 58 percent in 2013, Hurford and Packingham are optimistic about the future for the universal legalization of gay marriage – they predict that it will be passed within five or ten years.

Unsure Developing an opinion on same-sex isn’t easy for many people. Often, individuals must untangle a web of religious, societal, and family influences. Maureen Nolan, sr., grew up in a Christian setting and was taught to believe the words of the Bible. However, when she was in second grade, she met her biological sister Samantha Newport, who her parents had put up for adoption fifteen years earlier. When she was in high school, Newport had boyfriends; however, after going to college she revealed her homosexuality. Because Nolan was still in elementary school, she didn’t completely grasp the subject; however, she came to accept her sister’s homosexuality. “I still loved her just the same,” Nolan said. “It was just another fact about my sister.” The combination of Nolan’s close relationship with her sister and Christian beliefs has made it difficult for her to formulate an opinion on same-sex marriage. “[Having a homosexual sister] makes me so much more aware of the prejudice they can feel and the seclusion,” she said. “My church believes one thing and I know I’m supposed to believe kind of the same things but it’s tough.” Like Nolan, Megan Christensen, sr., grew up in a Christian household. Her father, a pastor at Stonebridge Evangelical church, frequently emphasized the sinfulness of homosexuality. Although Christensen believes in marriage equality, it’s difficult for her to discuss the subject with her family. “In the bible it says that marriage is for a man and a woman and my dad’s a pastor so I grew up believing in that, so I’m firmly behind that,” she said. “At the same time, I have a lot of gay friends so it’s hard for me to differentiate what I want between the two of them.” Even as Christians, both Nolan and Christensen emphasized their general acceptance of homosexual individuals. “Jesus said to love one another as yourself,” Nolan said. “I think that should be the core belief of all Christians and if we don’t treat each other with respect, how can we say we’re followers of Jesus?”

18 Pages and graphics By Tara mittelberg

e: your perspective Feature

Should same-sex marriage be legalized?

Unequal Those who are opposed to same-sex marriage have found it increasingly difficult to express their opinion without feeling as if they’re offending the societal norm. This was the observation of Josh Johnson, sr., who said he feels his views are of the minority. Throughout high school, Johnson developed a strong sense of faith through reading the Bible and attending small-group discussions. This led him to reject homosexuality and same-sex marriage. “As I started connecting deeper with [my religion], I started getting higher and higher moral standards,” he said. “When god created Adam and Eve, he created man and woman to be partners together and to have reign over the world that he created.” Like Johnson, Kahdijah Grant, sr., said her Christian faith dictates that homosexuality and same-sex marriage is wrong. Even though Grant has a cousin who is gay, she maintains her beliefs because her family has taught her these values since she was a child. Grant said she is more accepting of same-sex marriage than homosexuality. Tyler Marsceau, jr., disagrees with same-sex marriage because it goes against his Christian beliefs; however, he said he doesn’t believe God hates homosexual individuals. “No one knows that,” he said. “I don’t understand why people say that and are so prejudiced against them.” Both Johnson and Grant noted that although they disagree with homosexuality, they too are tolerant of all people. “When I say that [Christians disagree with homosexuality], I’m not saying that other people go around and bash people for being gay…but when it comes to my personal beliefs I feel that it’s wrong,” Johnson said. Because only 21 percent of Kennedy students disagree with same-sex marriage, Grant said it’s getting difficult to find support for her side of the argument. “This day in age I believe that people are more open and that’s why more people are kind of more towards homosexuality,” she said. “I think people are forgetting about what the Bible and what their religion believes.” Tara Mittelberg

72% yes

21% no (7% other)

Should same-sex marriage be an issue of the government?

65% 35% yes

Information from surveys distributed to 118 Kennedy students

States allowing full marriage equality for same-sex couples:

{

New Hampshire

IowaVermont Maine Washington

New York Maryland

Pages By Tara mittelberg 19

Massachusetts Connecticut

Health

Alternative workouts CrossFit, the MAC, and the YMCA offer fitness classes Bored with their workout routines, students are branching out to discover new ways to exercise. Gyms around Cedar Rapids are offering a variety of classes for all ages in all physical condition. CrossFit, a fitness center with locations in Marion and Cedar Rapids, is a high intensity strength and conditioning program. Zak Koch, owner of CrossFit in Marion, said, “At CrossFit, each workout can be modified and scaled depending on experience and ability. We have people who were college athletes and people who are 50 and have never done a pull up in their life doing the same workouts.” A typical CrossFit class has around eight people and lasts between 45 minutes to an hour. CrossFit centers its workouts around a combination of core routines and weight equipment. Some of the weight equipment included is the barbell, the kettle bell, body weights, and dumbbells. Sydney Knox, sr., has attended CrossFit classes for the past four months. “[CrossFit trainers] help you out a lot if you’re just starting. I’ve never lifted weights in my

life, so they give me individual attention weights, step, and core work. to help with lifts,” she said. The MAC is a third option that is The YMCA is another gym that offers available as a training and recreation classes to people of all ages. The most center in Cedar Rapids. Sydney Schantz, common classes among students are sr., goes to the MAC about twice a week. Zumba, Yoga, and the Body Pump class. Kay An interesting feature that the MAC has Neal, Member Service is a Women’s MAC. Supervisor at the “[CrossFit trainers] help you Schantz said, “[The YMCA, said, “Zumba out a lot if you’re just starting. Women’s MAC is] has more female for girls who feel self I’ve never lifted weights in high school students conscious working than any other class. my life, so they gave me out in front of guys.” The majority of male individual attention to help The MAC has students lift weights in with lifts.” a multi-purpose the Wellness Center or room where -Sydney Knox, sr. play basketball.” people can throw They also offer a fitness class called medicine balls and have a unique workout H.E.A.T. (High Energy Athletic Training) experience. Mitch Bass, Operations that utilizes athletic style drills and uses Manager at the MAC, said, “We offer a interval training and strength exercises to wide range of classes and activities for take fitness to the next level. anyone, including those starting out here The YMCA has six personal trainers and and those who come everyday.” For every a class called Interval Training, which is a member at the MAC, they receive a free variety of cardio and strength exercises. fitness assessment, which includes a oneThis class includes a variety of formats and on-one meeting with a trainer to assess tools including sports conditioning drills, their goals for future accomplishments. Rachel Langholz

Synthetic hair damaged effects: stu With cosmetics, traditions, and a simple want for change, coloring hair at home has become an increasing trend among the Kennedy students. Although a great advancement in the cosmetic industry, the chemicals within dyes can have harmful effects on hair. The ancient art of hair coloring and dying reaches back to the 1600s, created by natural materials such henna, indigo, and turmeric. It wasn’t until the 1860s when synthetic dyes were developed. It now has turned into a multi-billion dollar industry created off the combination of synthetics and natural materials. The first time Dimell Candia, so., dyed her hair with box dye, “It was disastrous,” she said, “My first time was in seventh grade, red bangs and red tips.” The box dye had such a harmful effect on Candia’s hair she eventually ended up cutting off the dyed parts.

Hair coloring can cause rough edges, dryness, and sometimes even loss of hair itself. Mackenzie Stump, sr., experienced this first hand when coloring a strip of her hair with her friends. “We put bleach in my hair, and by the time it was my turn to rinse it, my hair had completely fallen out. It was one of the grossest things I’ve probably seen in my life,” said Stump. The problem Stump faced is common among non-natural color hair dyes. “I’ve died my hair before, but I’ve never had that problem,” she said. Many hairstylists advise not using box dye. “With box dye, you never know what color you’re going to get,” said Arianna Aulc, beautician at Cost Cutters. “The chemicals are never spot on and it can really damage your hair. Aulc recommends staying away from box dyes and putting your money towards getting it professionally done.

Health

Cell phones considered cancer risk

Cell phones are considered a “carcinogenic hazard” by the WHO-the World Health Organization as of March 31, 2011. Something is considered carcinogenic if it has been shown to be capable of causing or producing cancer in mammals or humans. Cell phones work by giving off and taking in a form of radiation. The amount of radiation being given off at a given time depends on several factors, such as distance to the nearest cell tower, amount of cellphone traffic in the area, and the model of phone being used. According to the American Cancer Society, a concern with cellphones is that, since cellphones are head right next to your head, their radiation can cause tumors such as malignant (cancerous) brain tumors, non-cancerous brain tumors, noncancerous tumors of the nerves connecting the brain to the ears, or non-cancerous tumors of the salivary glands Scott Chamberlain, Motorola employee from 1995 to 2000, testing cell phone prototypes. In 1999, he was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in the same spot where the cell phone antennas were in contact with his brain. “I have no actual proof that cell phones were involved,” Chamberlain said, “But I have always speculated that they might have been.” There is no conclusive proof linking cellphones to tumors, but researchers are conducting tests in order to prove or disprove it. Researches use two main types of tests in this area. The first is a lab test, where they expose animals to the same kind of radiation in order to see what happens. While a lab test allows scientists to carefully control the experiment, it’s unclear whether the results will apply to humans. The second is to look at statistics of people with cancer and compare them with cellphone statistics. However, these can be difficult to interpret because the other factors can’t be controlled. There are more conclusive studies being conducted, but because cellphones haven’t been around very long, it will

possibly be another 30 to 50 years before anything is proven. And even if they are proven to cause cancer, another problem is whether or not people would actually do anything about it. Liz Krejci, fr., is constantly using her phone. She said, “I don’t think I’d stop using my phone [if they were shown to cause cancer].” Xander Riley

Focused. Liz Krecji, fr., focuses on her phone during class. Krecji would continue using her phone, even if were to cause cancer. Photo by Mohammad Cheetany

udents talk about box hair dyes Hair dying can have an emotional effect on girls when gone wrong. “One year I got my hair done literally two hours before homecoming and absolutely hated it but still didn’t have time to re-do it,” said Candia. Stump and Candia share the common occurrence of hair dye gone wrong. “I was upset, but couldn’t really show it because I didn’t want to upset the person doing [my hair],” said Stump. Candia felt the same disappointment. “Getting your hair dyed and then hating it might be the worst feeling ever.” Hannah Bruns Right: Mackenzie Stump, sr., mourns the loss of her hair after a failed attempt to box dye it. Photo by Annie Feltes

Pages by Rachel Langholz &Terin kane & Grace King 21

Arts & Entertainment

Magic of midwes Lollapalooza

Electric Forest

It’s the end of the summer, it’s hot, sweaty, vibrant colors flood the area, and Grant Park in Chicago is packed with music festival attendees from 10AM to 10PM. This is Lollapalooza. Lollapalooza is great way to explore different genres of music. With eight stages, Lollapalooza can fit in multiple groups and performances at once, providing a myriad of options as to what you can attend. “After attending Lollapalooza, my music tastes changed to be more open to other types of music,” Andrew Shannon, sr., said. Shannon has attended the festival for the last three years. This year’s lineup is featuring Mumford & Sons, The Postal Service, Kendrick Lamar, Steve Aoki, and many more. This lineup is especially diverse and features many huge hits. Most Lollapalooza attendees range from ages 14 to 25. If you’re thinking of attending in the future, granted this year the festival has already sold out, make sure you get a hotel, luckily, Lollapalooza has a great location in downtown Chicago with plenty of nearby restaurants and hotels to recharge and refresh your weary bodies. Despite the fact that tickets have already sold out on the official Lollapalooza website, one can still acquire them through website like eBay, StubHub, and other third party websites, granted these options are not as credible as the official website. Sam Nordstrom and Michael Abramson

Electric Forest isn’t your normal music festival. All the musical acts are electro-based music. Where the typical festival takes place in a park, Electric Forest is located in the middle of a forest. On your way to the stage you will make your way through the trees where colorful lights and abstract artwork is hung. At Electric Forest most of the music being played is dub step and house music. Occasionally there will be a hip hop or an alternative artist performing. During the daytime Electric Forest is just your typical music festival but once the sun goes down it quickly turns into an all-night rave. Laser light shows begin playing, glow in the dark sticks are constantly being tossed around, and everybody is going crazy. You can choose to sleep in one of the three areas around the park, all have different rates and all have different things to do. After the music is over instead of leaving to go to a hotel you have three options to sleep. You can sleep in your car, pitch a tent right outside your car, or rent a hammock from the venue and sleep in the woods with the critters. EF will take place from June 27 until June 30. It is located at the Double J Resort in Rothbury, MI. Although some ticket areas are sold out one can still purchase the Weekend Tickets and Good Life Village VIP tickets, granted the VIP tickets are rather expensive, ranging from 490 dollars to 575 dollars. Trevor Melsha

22 18 Photo illustration by Sam Nordstrom & Michael Abramson

Arts & Entertainment

st music festivals Headliners Lollapalooza:

80-35

Chicago, Illinois: August 2-4 * The Cure * Mumford & Sons * The Killers * Nine Inch

80/35 is a music festival that lies in the heart of the Des Moines area that gives a cheap but fulfilling musical experience. 80/35 began in 2008, as it brought in 30,000+ attendees in its first year. Since then the festival has brought in acts such as The Flaming Lips, The Roots, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Public Enemy, Modest Mouse, Girl Talk, Death Cab For Cutie, and many other acts. Headliners will include: Wu Tang Clan, David Bryne & St. Vincent, Deerhunter, Yeasayer, Wavves, Tea Leaf Green, and several other acts with more to be released to the public in early May. Although 80/35 is a smaller experience than other music festivals, the experience is a more intimate experience. 80/35 allows for more opportunities to meet artists whether it’d be after a show or just around the festival. The Greater Des Moines Music Coalition, a non-profit organization that wants to build a better live music experience for live music economy in Des Moines organizes 80/35 every year. The festival as a whole gives a strong supporting environment to host a music festival in Iowa. Unlike other music festivals, currently 80/35 still has full availability on tickets. Two-day passes are $49, oneday passes are $29 each. This year the festival will take place on July 5 at 5pm and July 6 at 12pm. 80/35 gives an intimate music festival feel for an unbeatable price . Mohammad Cheetany

Nails * Phoenix * The Postal Service * Vampire Weekend * New Order * Queens of the Stone Age * The National * The Lumineers * Kendrick Lamar * Eric Church *

Electric Forest:

Rothbury, Michigan: June 27-30 * The String Cheese Incident * Pretty Lights * Passion Pit * Empire of the Sun * Knife Party * Above & Beyond * Dispatch * Lotus * Benny Benassi * Yeasayer * Beats Antique * GrizMatik * Madeon * A-Trak * Tommy Trash * Morgan Page * Grimes *

80-35:

Des Moines, Iowa: July 5-6 * David Byane & St. Vincent * Wu-Tang Clan * Dearhunter * Yeasayer * Wavves * Tea Leaf Green * Kitty (Pryde) * Eufoquestra * House of Large Sizes * Roster McCabe * Jon Wayne & The Pain * Mr. Baber’s Neighbors * Tires * Trouble Lights * The River Monks * Dustin Smith and The Sunday Silos * Mumford’s * Annalibera *

For full lineup information visit the kennedytorch.org Pages by sam nordstrom &Michael abramson 23 19

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24 Page by Spencer Grekoff

Sports

The search is over Boys’ basketball hires new coach

New beginning. Coach Jon McKowen was named the new boys’ basketball coach on April 9. McKowen takes over for Bob Fontana, who took the job at Ankeny Centennial High School. McKowen comes to Kennedy from Kansas, where he won the Class 4A state championship last year with a 25-0 record. photo by Mary Mathis

It’s been 16 years since there has been a new boys’ basketball coach. After former head coach Bob Fontana left for his hometown Ankeny, Kennedy has been looking for a new head coach. They found their man in Jon McKowen. “I was very excited [when I got the job]. I know there was a long list of great candidates that applied,” McKowen said. “I chose to drive up five hours and interview because it was a job that I definitely wanted.” “He’s got 11 years of head coaching experience. He’s been very successful where he’s been. He had a successful record at NU high here in Iowa and at Ottawa high school in Kansas,” Athletics Director, Aaron Stecker, said. McKowen was interested in Kennedy not only for coaching, but for academics as well. “Kennedy sets itself apart academically from most schools in the state and that’s the number one focus as a educator, you want to be in a good school system that really values the education,” McKowen said. “Everybody just had great things to say about Kennedy High School and what a great place it is.” McKowen coached last season at Ottawa High School in Kansas where he went 25-0 and won the Class 4A State Championship. “It was very difficult to leave,” McKowen said. McKowen took Ottawa to the state tournament every year he coached there. “The community and the kids that I’ve coached are not happy that we’re leaving but they un-

derstand that it’s time to get our kids closer to family. You become very close to a community and kids when you put in this much time.” McKowen succeeds Bob Fontana, who just won his 300th game as a head coach this season. “He left the program in a great position. A lot of times when you get to take over as a head basketball coach it’s because the program is a mess. It’s set up for the next head coach not to do a rebuilding process, but just continue it,” McKowen said. McKowen grew up in Iowa and attended Wapsie Valley High School where he was a three sport athlete. After he graduated from Upper Iowa he took a head coaching job at NU high in Cedar Falls and quickly turned around their program. “The program at NU high wasn’t really a successful program before he got there. For him to go 92-26 and take them to the state tournament is really impressive,” Stecker said. McKowen’s career win-loss record is 220-56 in 11 years of coaching. McKowen wants Kennedy basketball to be well represented throughout the community. “Every year we represent Kennedy High School in the highest regard. Every time we step on the floor we want to make sure that the community, the parents and everybody surrounding it is proud of what’s on the floor,” McKowen said. Ethan Divis

Pages by Norm althoff & Annie Feltes 25

Sports

New uniform regu

Kennedy teams require a changed The use of uniforms has changed throughout have black spandex along with black kneepads. the years of athletic development in schools, Other sports teams have been affected by the and has evolved into a more unifying, but requirement of matching their accessories as strict policy. Many sports have experienced well. Soccer has shown to be pretty uptight the change, and it is causing athletes to about their policy. “We were getting checked change their typical get-up when it comes to in for a game, and out of everyone, I had to getting ready. un-tape my shin guards, move them down a Jordan Holmes, jr., enjoys the symmetrical centimeter, and re-tape them,” Holmes said. look. “It brings the team together and when Even practice for the sports are requiring we all match, we look really good,” Holmes a certain look from its players. Softball for said. instance, requires a grey T-shirt, and green Jerseys have been mesh shorts. When Erin Coker, used since the opening “It brings the team jr., started playing the sport as a of Kennedy as a way to freshman, there was no standard together and when show school spirit and to requirement for practice. Although acknowledge the students we all match, we look someone lenient, Coker has noticed enrollment into the school. really good.” a few things. Whether that meant - Jordan Holmes, jr. “When someone grabs the wrong having a collar, longoutfit, or forgets something, they sleeved, short-sleeve, or get negativity from team mates something in-between, there was always that because it usually means the team will getting jersey. Although the look has been popular punished,” she said. Punishments typically for years, Kennedy has begun to experience include extra running or workouts. a new type of dress code. Cross country, for Overall, the use of uniforms has made more instance has to wear black sliders, along with of an influence into the work of its players a black undershirt. Runners such as Austin than before. Regardless that it starts off the Trotter, sr., have noticed the change. playing field, uniforms are a requirement. “I don’t think the undershirts or shorts are Whether they are thought of as important are a big deal. It shouldn’t matter what color you not, they are followed by the athletes because wear under the basic uniform,” Trotter said. of their involvement into the sport. Steph Mercer Color-coordinating has become big in all sports, such as volleyball which is required to

Regulations Girls’ soccer must wear the same color of accessories and undergarments as the uniform. Boys’ soccer must wear white socks for home games. Track must wear the same color of undergarments throughout the team. photo by Darcey Altschwager

Volleyball must wear black knee pads and black spandex.

ulations in place

Sports

look to take away individualism

Twisting and turning. Nick Waterhouse, jr., turns quickly to advance the ball down the field against City High. Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; soccer teams have to wear white socks for home games.

Pushing ahead. Austin Trotter, sr., (far left) takes the lead in a meet at Kingston. Track has to wear black undergarments in meets.

Chasing. Jordan Holmes, jr., accelerates to get away from the defender. Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; soccer has to have the same color of undergarments as their jersey.

Waiting. The cougar volleyball team prepares for a serve. Volleyball must wear black spandex. photos by Hanna Krivit

Pages by Norm althoff & Annie Feltes 27

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