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–Pages 8-9Box 110 425 East 11th Street

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CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOLS:LY]PUN�����Z[\KLU[Z�VM�+L>P[[��.YHUK�4V\UK��3V^�4VVY��HUK�>LS[VU��0V^H

November 26, 2011=VS������5V����

“I’m going to make a change.” This was one of former exchange

student Elia Homange’s last Facebook statuses before he died Oct. 30 of malaria in Tanzania.

What Elia didn’t realize is that he al-ready had made a change, a change in all those who ever knew him.

“Anyone who ever came in contact with him has become a better person,” Mrs. Andrea Shelton, library aide, said. “He helped everyone become a better person, and because of that, we are lucky to have known him.”

Elia, 17, was born March 19, 1994, to a loving family in Tanzania. He died at 4 p.m. Oct. 30 at Mount Meru Regional Hospital, where he had been admitted with signs of typhoid fever and malaria.

Elia Homange was a foreign exchange student at CHS during the 2009-2010 school year. Elia was a character, and a warm smile you could always look forward to seeing. He may have been shy, but that never stopped him from going out into the community and doing new things. He was apart of basketball, soccer, cross-country, youth group, and enjoyed being a part of everything he possibly could.

When anyone thinks about Elia you ZLOO�ÀUVW�UHPHPEHU�KRZ�NLQG�KHDUWHG�KH�was, and then you will remember his love for basketball. There is one memory the

entire school shares with Elia. At the Ma-quoketa verses DeWitt game, Elia went up to the line for two free throw shots. The pressure was on, because DeWitt was EHKLQG��(OLD�QRW�RQO\�PDGH�WKH�ÀUVW�VKRW��but he drained the second one as well. The crowd erupted in cheers and excitement. Elia’s genuine smile shined brighter than ever.

The game was memorable for all, but even more memorable for the team afterwards. “After the Maquoketa game, the whole team started to cheer for Elia to give a speech, and he did. It was the short-est speech I had ever heard in my life, but the best,” Alex Daniels said. “Elia said ‘I am thankful to have met you all. You all have become like brothers to me.’ We all thought it was going to be a funny speech, but it wasn’t. It was very moving.”

Elia played alongside the current senior boys, coaches, and two stat girls. All of these people formed an amazing rela-tionship. They were like a family pulled together by the love of a sport. “When you are a part of a team, you become a fam-ily,” Cody Block said. “So we didn’t just lose a teammate, we lost a brother.”

Elia was strong in his faith, a great Christian. “He was always willing to help no matter what it was we were ask-ing for,” Mrs. Shelton said. “He helped with Sunday school, in the choir, and just anything.” Elia was always willing to help, and had a great time doing it, too. He attended youth group where he made even more memories. “At one of our youth group gatherings, we played a

game where we had to drink from each other’s sock, and I had to drink from his,” Molly Keegan said. “He thought it was disgusting, but still participated and ended up having a great time.” “We went to Chicago together, and he tried the gravy at KFC. Elia liked the taste of it so much he chugged a bowl of it,” Eric Weirup said. “None of us thought he would do it, so we betted on it. Elia ended up walking away with some of our money!”

Elia was placed in the home with Mark and Marcia Witte. “We tried our hardest to give him a great experience, Marcia Witte said, “but in reality he gave us an amaz-ing one.” The Wittes made sure Elia had an amazing stay while he was here. He was able to do things he had never done before. “Elia came with us to go sledding IRU�KLV�YHU\�ÀUVW�WLPH�µ�0DWW�9RONHQV�VDLG��“He didn’t know you were supposed to sit down on the sled, so he ended up using it like a snowboard and going down.”

Elia had the experiences of going to dances, too. He went to homecoming with Cara Melvin, and prom with Carly Bauman. “He asked me to prom two years ago at a youth group event in Des Moines. We walked outside together and he said, ‘there’s a dance, and I have no date.’ I asked him if he meant prom. He said ‘yes, yes prom,’” Carly said. “He told me he didn’t know what to wear or what to do, and that’s when I realize he was actu-ally asking me. I said, ‘You want me to go with you for real?’ and he said, ‘Yes! Okay!’ and that’s how he asked me!”

Elia made sure to stay in contact with his friends even when he went back home. “He called me over the summer, and asked me if I wanted to start a business with him selling cameras,” Kris Alexander said. “It was random, but just like Elia. He was always full of life, and ready to start anything new.”

Elia never thought he’d ever get the chance to come to the United States. When someone asked him if he always dreamed of coming to the United States, he laughed and said: “me dreaming about that when I was little was like you dream-ing of going to the moon. Slim to none chance.” Elia’s life in Tanzania as much GLIIHUHQW�WKDQ�LW�ZDV�LQ�WKH�8�6��´7KH�ÀUVW�time he ever came into the library, he walked in and just stood there. I went over and asked him if he needed any helped, and he said to hold on for one minute,” Mrs. Shelton said. “He had never seen so many books in once place in his life. He was in shock and awe.” It wasn’t just the things we had that made him happy to be here. The faculty also had just a huge impact on him as he did on them. Elia used to go to school in Tanzania for only an hour a day, because the teachers would never show up. He loved that the teachers here cared about the students.

Elia ‘made you want to be a better person’Death of exchange student Elia Homangesaddens all who knew him, especially seniors

“R.I.P Elia, You were such a kind and giving person that left an impression on so many people during your stay here. You will bemissed.” —Danaka Knudson

“Air force will always remember you. You were a great person, friend, and biology hYjlf]j&�SA�eU�_gffY�eakk�qgm$�eYf&�J&A&H&��

—Cody Petersen

Qgm�o]j]�\]Úfal]dq�gf]�g^�l`]�^ja]f\da]kl�_mqk�A�n]�`Y\�l`]�`gfgj�g^�cfgoaf_3�`]Yn]f�is lucky to have you.” —Connor Murphy

“I had a great time getting to know you, Yf\�kh]f\af_�lae]�oal`�qgm3�l`]�kgh`gegj]�\j]Ye�l]Ye�[gmd\f�l�`Yn]�Z]]f�eY\]�hgk-sible without you.” —Anthony Green

“I had a great time in soccer with you. R.I.P man.” —Ryan Smith

“He would speak in a Southern accent that was so funny, and when we asked him to do al�`]�YdoYqk�kYa\��eq�eYeY�kYa\��af�l`]�Y[-cent.” —Matt Volkens

“Elia asked me what my number was, and I thought he wanted my phone number, but he wanted to know my soccer number. It was so different, it made me laugh.”

—Carly Bauman

“He had a thirst for knowledge. He might get put in a hard class half way through the k]e]kl]j$�Zml�`]�\a\f�l�[Yj]&�@]�ogmd\�[Yl[`�up. He was determined and smart.”

—Mrs. Andrea Shelton

“After games we would sit in the locker room and he would teach me words. The only one I j]e]eZ]j�ak�`go�lg�kYq��A�dgn]�qgm�&��

—Dustin Petersen

A�oYk�YdoYqk�q]ddaf_��=daY$�kdgo�\gof��\mjaf_�the Feiser drills. He was so fast, and he never mf\]jklgg\�l`Yl�o]�Ydd�Úfak`]\�Yk�Y�l]Ye&��

—Joe Carber

Editor’s Note: Elia Homange, 17, 2009-2010 exchange student, died of malaria Oct. 30 in his home country of Tanzania. Below are some of the many heartfelt remembrances of Elia, and condolences for Elia’s family le! on several social media sites.

REMEMBRANCES OF ELIA—Continued on Page 2

Dream team. ,SPH�/VTHUNL��JLU[LY�MYVU[��^HZ�H�RL`�TLTILY�HUK�ZWLJPHS�[LHTTH[L�VM�[OPZ���� ������ZVWOVTVYL�IHZRL[IHSS�[LHT��̧ >L�KPKU»[�Q\Z[�SVZL�H�[LHTTH[L��>L�SVZ[�H�IYV[OLY�¹�*VK`�)SVJR�ZHPK��0U�TPKKSL�YV^�HYL�(U[OVU`�.YLLU��+\Z[PU�7L[LYZLU��9`HU�/HTI �̀�*OYPZ�3\IILU"�PU�IHJR�HYL�+`SHU�7L[LYZLU��1VL�*HYILY��*VK`�)SVJR��2`SL�:JOYHKLY��(SL_�+HUPLSZ��5PJOVSHZ�.YLLU��*VK`�5LSZVU��*VU[YPI\[LK�WOV[V�

ON CAMPUS2The Purple Onion

Vol. 25 No. 2November 26, 2011

Twenty thousand teens gathered in Lucas Oil Stadium and shared at least one thing in common, their faith. Twenty-nine St. Joe’s youth group teens had the opportunity to experience a fun and IDLWK�ÀOOHG�ZHHNHQG�FDOOHG�WKH�1DWLRQDO�Catholic Youth Conference.

1&<&�ZDV�KHOG�LQ�,QGLDQDSROLV�1RY��17-19. The theme was Call to Glory.

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He’s the best, J-E-S-U-S. More than 20,000 Catholic teens from all over the U.S. sang in the Sprint arena in Kansas City in 2009. Photo contributed by Krista Duffy.

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Those smiles aren’t painted on. Kaitlyn O’Leary paints Gracie Englund’s face while volunteering at Bark in the Park. Photo contributed by Kaitlyn O’Leary.

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Kaitlyn O’LearyPHOTO EDITOR

Danaka KundsonSTAFF WRITER

“During Feiser drills, Elia would speed off ahead of us, and then at the very end he would walk just so we all could catch up to him; he always left us in the dust.” —Dylan Petersen

“We made a gingerbread house together, but it oYkf�l�]pY[ldq�Y�_af_]jZj]Y\�`gmk]&�O]�eY\]�Y�_af_]jZj]Y\�jg[c]l�k`ah&���������������������9d]p�Dm]\lc]

“He spent three days at my house, and we had such Y�_j]Yl�lae]�hdYqaf_�P�Zgp�Yf\�hjY[la[af_�kg[[]j�and basketball.” —Nick Green

“He was a good kid, and always fun to be around.” —Kyle Schrader

“There is a lot of hurt and shock involved. I really oak`�A�[gmd\�k]]�`ae�Y_Yaf&���9d]p�<Yfa]dk

“I remember going to the lunch room after morning practices and teaching him all the names of the foods that were being served that day.”

—Cody Nelson “He helped us do chores, and he loved doing it.” —Anthony Green

“One time we were running one-on-one drills, and Elia ended up psyching out the person he was going against by moving the ball in between his legs and k[gjaf_&����������������������������������������������;`jak�DmZZ]f

Remembrances of Elia—Continued from Page 1

ON CAMPUS 3

Four Central graduates received FFA’s highest honor – the American Degree – at the national convention Oct. 19-22 in Indianapolis, proving that the legacy of long-time FFA instructor Mr. Dan Smicker, or “Smick,” lives on.

Those who earned this prestigious award completed a large and time-consuming agricultural project, requiring much hard work and dedication were Patrick Diedrich, Amanda Franck, Levi Hughes and Matt Wiese, all from the class of 2010.

Though these four members are still involved with FFA a few years after high school, current FFA members accepted the awards on their behalf, with the exception of Diedrich, who was there representing ,RZD�))$�DV�D�VWDWH�RIÀFHU��

Central’s seven students who attended the annual event included seniors Heidi Andresen, Caleb Beer, Morgan Diedrich, and Eric Weirup; juniors Emily Kremer and Jake Reistroffer; and sophomore Tyler Leibold, along with their adviser, agricul-tural teacher James Kline.

After arriving from their six-hour drive to Indianapolis, they were able to meet up with thousands of other students from all over the country, united by the common bond of FFA.

“Meeting all the people out there who are from different states, but all connected through FFA was my favorite part,” senior FFA member Eric Weirup said. The most valuable thing he learned was “to take advantage of the FFA experience while you’ve got it.”

“It’s really amazing to see 55,000 blue FFA jackets in one place,” Jake Reistrof-fer said. “It makes you want to be a better person.”

National convention offers a huge career fair that exhibits all the aspects of agriculture. Keynote speakers inspire stu-dents at the leadership sessions members attend twice a day.

The crowded stadium of teenagers heard from the chief of a Native American tribe, a Vietnam veteran, and a woman LQYROYHG�LQ�Á\LQJ�DQG�DHURVSDFH��

An added perk was the prestigious na-tional FFA chorus and national FFA band, which performed at every session.

Not only do kids learn valuable life lessons that incorporate leadership, all the contests that won at state convention go to nationals to be displayed or performed. This year’s chapter did not bring any FRQWHVWV�ZLWK�WKHP��DV�QRQH�TXDOLÀHG�DW�state, but they still went for the learning experience.

$IWHU�WKUHH�IXQ�ÀOOHG�GD\V��WKH�1DWLRQDO�FFA Convention wrapped up on Saturday, Oct. 22. Students headed home with a broader understanding of leadership and a deeper appreciation for FFA.

National Honor Society held its annual blood drive Oct. 13, with more than 36 OLQHG�XS�WR�GRQDWH��VHYHQ�ÀUVW�WLPH�GRQRUV�and 17 students.

“I have donated before,” Darcie Farrell said, “however, I continue to donate because it is for a good cause. I will probably continue to donate in the future.”

Everybody knows donors are supposed to get a good night’s sleep and drink a lot of water before donating.

“After I donated, I felt really dizzy,”

Mr. Eddie Mercado, teacher of talented and gifted students, does a lot of activities outside of teaching his class at school.

One might wonder how he does all this, and so does he. Mercado said, “ I don’t have enough time for all the activities I do.” Mercado does many different activities outside of school.

He helps run the quiz bowl, works with 7th and 8th grade wrestling, Odyssey of the Mind and much more.

One of his activities, The Odyssey of the Mind, won state honors and continued RQ�WR�ZRUOG�ÀQDOV��

“Most of the things I do are more student led,” Mercado said, “so that makes it easier on me.”

Mercado uses the Socratic method in many of the activities he helps with.

The Socratic method is to ask questions or debate between individuals to provoke critical thinking and to help generate ideas.

Another activity Mercado runs is Titan,

Being president of an organization is a responsibility and a reward. Natalie Smith and Danaka Knudson, president and vice president of FCCLA, know both.

“You take on a lot of responsibility,” Smith said. “I love being in charge of activities and making sure everyone has fun doing them.”

Both like the responsibility. “It’s exciting for involvement and to know you are looked up to as a leader,” Knudson said.

“This year is going to be more exciting than last year,” Smith said. They plan to do more volunteer and service projects and increase member involvement.

“We are trying to get all members more interactive with each other,” Smith said.

FFA learns valuable leadership lessons at National Convention

Blood, anybody? Students donate

FCCLA presidents plan for a new year of projects, involvement

TIFFANY ALLERSSTAFF WRITER

DANAKA KNUDSONSTAFF WRITER

TYLER COYLESTAFF WRITER

LEIGHANA FRANKSSTAFF WRITER

Authors Anonymous is an after-school writing club started by Ms. Liz Dague, language arts teacher. It’s a place where students can get together and share their creative thoughts.

“I knew I wanted to be a teacher from the time I was 16,” Dague said, “and running a writers’ group like A.A. was always part of my vision.”

Authors Anonymous is still fairly new to the school. “It’s important for students

to have a place to share their writing and get together with people who have a passion for writing,” Dague said.

“I’ve always been into writing,” Makayla Shores said. “It’s a way to express yourself. It’s who you are. It’s a good way to free your mind.”

There are many plans for A.A. “For this year I plan to hold a Poetry Out Loud competition in January,” Dague said. This is something that she is very excited about. “Students will memorize and recite poems, and the winner will perform at state in Des Moines in March.”

A.A. is a place to read creative writing pieces. “I am often surprised by how powerful the writing is,” Dague said. “Some students who come to A.A. are shy, and some aren’t, but when they get the courage to share, they usually end up having something awesome and meaningful to say.”

There are many types of creative pieces students write.

“Some of their stuff is funny, some strange and even disgusting, and a lot is very moving,” Dague said.

A.A. has been around for two years now and Dague hopes to keep it around. “Authors Anonymous has improved from last year to this year and I credit that to the growth in students’ talent,” Dague said.

“It’s very exciting to think about where we will go as a group from here.”

Just a club, or something more?Authors Anonymous provides writing outlet for rappers, poets

SIERRA MOORESTAFF WRITER

Gothic night at A.A. Logan Rhodes sets down a beat with one of his amazing raps. Photo contributed by Sierra Moore.

Farrell said. “It didn’t bother me, though, because I knew it was for a good reason.”

There are several requirements to meet in order to donate blood. Donors have to be healthy and 16 years old, have their parent’s consent, and weigh more than 110 pounds. Deferment is usually due to an illness or a cold. There is also a chance of being deferred if you have traveled or have gotten a tattoo or piercing from an unprofessional place.

Central’s blood drive is open not only to students but to their families and faculty as well.

“Both my mom and sister donate, which is another reason I donate — that, and NHS needed donors,” Farrell said.

a Junior Achievement run simulation, where students run a business as a CEO to see how well they can do.

Among all the things he does outside of class he also teaches independent studies, which is where students pursue a topic they are interested in and work on it.

It can range from a foreign language or maybe a 3-D video project, whatever the students want to do.

His teaching style, as he said, is to “ask questions.” He has the students work on the project they want to do and helps them along the way.

He will ask questions and make sure they are progressing and help keep them on track, without trying to change what the kids want to learn.

Even though all these things seem like too much for one person to do, Mercado does them all.

“I enjoy teaching and all the extra activities I do,” Mercado said.

It’s not something most people would want do to or can do, but Mercado does it all with enthusiasm.

A hobby that Mercado likes to do is mixed martial arts, and he is learning Brazilian Jiu jitsu.

Knudson added, “Instead of guests from family career services coming to talk, we are going to do team building, fun games, and have business meetings.” Member involvement is important to them.

“I want people to be friends with each other,” Smith said. FCCLA is a school- sponsored group and is planning on having more involvement with the school.

“We plan on doing something for Red Ribbon week but we are not sure what yet,” Smith said.

Knudson loves being vice president. “It’s a fun responsibility to work with members and help plan the new year,” she said.

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“FCCLA can help high school students gain valuable leadership skills and spark interest in volunteer work and service to the community,” Knudson said.

Eddie Mercado: a teacherwho does more than just teach

The Purple OnionVol. 25 No. 2

November 26, 2011

ON CAMPUS4

The new school addition has brought much excitement.

“I love seeing people walk in and watching their reactions of seeing the new SODFH�µ�RIÀFH�VHFUHWDU\�/LQGD�5\DQ�VDLG��6KH�DQG�IHOORZ�VHFUHWDULHV�0DU\�/DQGDX�DQG�7HUUL�)LVFKHU�DUH�KDSS\�DERXW�WKHLU�QHZ�RIÀFHV��

“I can’t believe we work in such a nice SODFH�µ�/DQGDX�VDLG��

)LVFKHU��VHFUHWDU\�WR�ERWK�0UV��1DQF\�0XUSK\�DQG�0U��%UHQW�&RRN��KDV�D�QHZ�RIÀFH�ORFDWHG�EHWZHHQ�WKHP��6KH�VDLG�VKH�ORYHV�KHU�QHZ�RIÀFH��

:DONLQJ�GRZQ�WKH�KDOOV��\RX�ZLOO�see new faces but not all of them are freshmen. Transfer students roam the KDOOV�WU\LQJ�WR�EOHQG�LQ��7KH\�DUH�DGDSWLQJ�to a new school, new classes, and new teachers.

/DQH�%XUQV�WUDQVIHUUHG�IURP�&DODPXV�:KHDWODQG�+LJK�6FKRRO��´0\�PRP�wanted me to come to a different school,” %XUQV�VDLG��´,·P�KDSS\��,W·V�D�ELJJHU�VFKRRO�ZLWK�PRUH�RSSRUWXQLWLHV�µ�%XUQV�LVQ·W�WKH�RQO\�RQH�ZKR�KDV�WUDQVIHUUHG�GXH�to parents’ decisions.

“It’s different but wonderful,” )LVFKHU�VDLG��+HU�QHZ�RIÀFH�LQFOXGHV�D�big window, heat and air. “It’s a better HQYLURQPHQW��%ULJKW�DQG�QLFH�µ�)LVFKHU�said. “I get to see more students. It’s nice to see them.”

)LVFKHU·V�SUHYLRXV�RIÀFH�ZDV�ROG�DQG�collected dirt and dust often. She hasn’t KDG�PDQ\�SUREOHPV�EXW�VD\V��´,W�MXVW�WDNHV�DGMXVWPHQW�WR�ZKHUH�WKLQJV�DUH�µ ����)LVFKHU·V�RIÀFH�LV�MXVW�GRZQ�WKH�KDOO�IURP�VHFUHWDULHV�5\DQ�DQG�/DQGDX��ZKR�DOVR�ZRUN�LQ�WKH�QHZ�RIÀFH��

7KH�VSDFLRXV�QHZ�RIÀFH�LQFOXGHV�new furniture, storage, new telephones, VHFXULW\�PRQLWRUV��FRPSXWHU�SURJUDPPLQJ�and big windows.

´,�ORYH�KDYLQJ�PRUH�ZRUN�VSDFH�µ�5\DQ�VDLG��%LJ�ZLQGRZV�OHW�PRUH�VXQOLJKW�LQ�

Sam Spencer transferred from 'DYHQSRUW�:HVW�ODVW�\HDU��+HU�SDUHQWV�ZDQWHG�WR�JHW�DZD\�IURP�'DYHQSRUW�VR�WKH\�FKRVH�'H:LWW��6SHQFHU·V�WUDQVIHU�ZDV�´VPRRWKµ�DQG�LW�ZDV�HDV\�IRU�KHU�WR�ÀW�LQ��

5\OHH�.HUSHU��DQRWKHU�WUDQVIHU�VWXGHQW��PRYHG�WR�'H:LWW�IURP�'XEXTXH��.HUSHU�LV�RQ�WKH�&OLQWRQ�VZLP�WHDP�DQG�HQMR\V�LW��.HUSHU�VD\V�VKH�LV�DGDSWLQJ�ZHOO��

/HQDH�+DOO�WUDQVIHUUHG�IURP�3OHDVDQW�9DOOH\�+LJK�6FKRRO��%HWWHQGRUI��6KH�KDG�JRQH�WR�&HQWUDO�GXULQJ�KHU�IUHVKPDQ�\HDU�EXW�WUDQVIHUUHG�LQ�KHU�VRSKRPRUH�\HDU��´,·P�YHU\�KDSS\�WR�EH�EDFN�µ�+DOO�VDLG��She said she is adapting well and loves being with old friends again.

/LQGLMDQ�5DPDGDQL�KDV�KDG�WR�DGDSW�to a different language, culture, and

Adapting to new spaces and new faces

1DWLRQDO�+RQRU�6RFLHW\·V�GDQFH�turnout Oct. 29 was a lot lower than expected.

1+6�RIIHUV�D�WXUQDERXW�GDQFH�WR�WKH�KLJK�VFKRRO�VWXGHQWV��EXW�WKH�VRFLHW\�GH�FLGHG�WR�GR�WKLQJV�D�OLWWOH�GLIIHUHQWO\���

1+6�GHFLGHG�WR�WXUQ�7XUQDERXW�'DQFH�into a Halloween dance called the Monster Mash.

“We were avoiding the ice storms,” VDLG�1+6�VSRQVRU�/H$QQ�'H3XH��1+6�decided to change the dance because last \HDU�WKH�GDQFH�KDG�WR�EH�UHVFKHGXOHG�

and then later cancelled because of the weather.

However, with other Halloween festivi�WLHV�JRLQJ�RQ�LQ�WKH�FRPPXQLW\��WXUQRXW�was lower than expected, but students who did attend had a great time.

´,�UHDOO\�OLNHG�WKH�GHFRUDWLRQV�µ�(OOHQ�5H\QROGV�VDLG��´DQG�WKH�'-�ZDV�UHDOO\�cool.”

%HFDXVH�WKH�GDQFH�LV�RQH�ZD\�1+6�UDLVHV�IXQGV�IRU�LWV�SURMHFWV��WKH�VRFLHW\�LV�thinking about holding a Halloween dance QH[W�\HDU�EXW�PD\EH�IRU�\RXQJHU�NLGV�

This is still is up for discussion, but 0V��'H3XH�WKLQNV�LW�FRXOG�EULQJ�LQ�D�ODUJH�SURÀW�DQG�ZRXOG�EH�D�IXQ�ZD\�IRU�HOHPHQ�WDU\�NLGV�WR�VSHQG�D�QLJKW�LQ�WKHLU�+DOORZ�een costumes, besides trick or treating.

Killer ‘Monster Mash’ a good time

TIFFANY ALLERSSTAFF WRITER

TIFFANY ALLERSSTAFF WRITER

KAITLYN O’LEARYSTAFF WRITER

6SDFLRXV�QHZ�RIÀFH�LV��pleasant work space

Showing off their scary moves. Kaitlyn Ketlsen, Ellen Renyolds, Erin Dorphing-house, Darcie Farrell and Danaka Knudson dance the night away at the Monster Mash sponsored by National Honor Society. Photo by Kaitlyn O’Leary.

A helpful friend. Lindi Ramadani gets help from PJ Arcero. Photo by Tiffany Allers.

Working in a bright, new atmosphere. Mary Landau and Linda Ryan keep up with [OLPY�KHPS`�[HZRZ�Y\UUPUN�[OL�ZJOVVS�PU�[OL�UL^�H[YP\T�VMÄJL��7OV[V�I`�;PMMHU`�(SSLYZ�

WR�HQMR\��$OWKRXJK�KDSS\�IRU�WKH�FKDQJH��WKH\IDFH�D�IHZ�GLIÀFXOWLHV��

“We still have more to learn about WKH�SKRQHV�DQG�WKH�VHFXULW\�V\VWHP��ZH�KDYH�WR�EX]]�HYHU\RQH�LQ�DIWHU�VFKRRO�µ�5\DQ�VDLG��´:H�DUH�VWLOO�OHDUQLQJ�ZLWK�

,QÀQLWH�&DPSXV��,Q�WLPH��ZH�ZLOO�EH�PRUH�HIÀFLHQW�µ �����7KH�VHFUHWDULHV�VD\�WKH\�DUH�KDSS\�with the new addition. “I love the atrium,” /DQGDX�VDLG��´,W·V�QLFHU��ELJJHU�DQG�PRUH�inviting than the old one.”

FRXQWU\��5DPDGDQL�WUDQVIHUUHG�IURP�0LFNR�0LOHVNL�LQ�.LFHYR��0DFHGRQLD��ÀYH�GD\V�DIWHU�VFKRRO�VWDUWHG��´,�ZDQWHG�WR�JHW�DQ�$PHULFDQ�GLSORPD�DQG�DP�WU\LQJ�WR�JHW�D�VRFFHU�VFKRODUVKLS�µ�5DPDGDQL�said. Moving is nothing new, though. 5DPDGDQL�VD\V�he has moved a lot and has lived PDQ\�GLIIHUHQW�SODFHV��´$W�ÀUVW��LW�ZDVQ·W�HDV\�but I’ve adapted UHDOO\�TXLFN�µ�5DPDGDQL�VDLG��His favorite thing about &HQWUDO�LV�WKH�classes and facilities. His favorite class is creative writing with Ms. 5DFKHO�1LOHV��

The differences between their old VFKRROV�DQG�&HQWUDO�DUH�REVWDFOHV�WUDQVIHU�students must overcome.

Spencer believes Davenport West’s IUHVKPDQ�FODVV�ZRXOG�ÀOO�&HQWUDO·V�QHZ�J\P��´,Q�'DYHQSRUW��\RX�IHOW�OLNH�\RX�ZHUH�E\�\RXUVHOYHV�µ�6SHQFHU�VDLG��

.HUSHU�DOVR�FDPH�IURP�D�ELJJHU�VFKRRO��She feels DeWitt is a lot smaller. Hall is

WKH�VDPH��+DOO�EHOLHYHV�3OHDVDQW�9DOOH\�LV�ELJJHU��´7KH�VWXGHQW�ERG\�LV�QRW�DV�IULHQGO\�µ�+DOO�VDLG�

%XUQV·V�H[SHULHQFH�ZDV�WKH�RSSRVLWH��&DOPXV�:KHDWODQG�LV�D�VPDOOHU�VFKRRO�

WKDQ�&HQWUDO��+H�OLNHV�&HQWUDO�because he feels WHDFKHUV�DFWXDOO\�care. Hall said, “teachers DUH�YHU\�personable.” Spencer agrees as well, “The teachers are amazing.” Spencer HVSHFLDOO\�OLNHV�Mr. Stephen %XWOHU�EHFDXVH�she thinks he

is hilarious. The teachers’ attention has shone through and affected the students. “Students are driven,” said Spencer. “The ZKROH�VFKRRO�MXVW�JLYHV�RII�WKLV�YLEH�WKDW�PDNHV�\RX�ZDQW�WR�JHW�LQYROYHG�ZLWK�ZKDWHYHU�WKH\·UH�GRLQJ�µ�

6SHQFHU�ÀQGV�'H:LWW�DQG�&HQWUDO�comfortable. Her advice for transfer VWXGHQWV�LV�WR�EH�\RXUVHOI��´'RQ·W�FXUO�XS�LQWR�D�EDOO�µ�VDLG�6SHQFHU��´MXVW�OHW�SHRSOH�LQ��DQG�\RX·OO�ÀW�ULJKW�LQ�µ

“Students are driven. The whole school just gives off this vibe that makes you want to get involved with whatever they’re doing.”

—Sam Spencer

The Purple OnionVol. 25 No. 2

November 26, 2011

ON CAMPUS 5

Attention:Families & Friends of Central Seniors

Would you like to leave a message for a senior to commemorate his or her high school years?

Central High School’s Yearbook ads allow you to do just that!Messages in your senior’s salute ad can include pictures & text.

Our ad staff will work with you to make your ad say what you want.

For more information, contact: Sizes: Prices:Tiffany Allers 1/8 page 3.5”x 2.25” $55Yearbook Marketing Manager 1/4 page 3.5”x 4.75” $100CentralPubs@gmail.com 1/2 page 7.25”x 4.75” $150

Full Page 7.25”x 9.5” $225

Crossword AnswersAcross:

1. Family4. Autumn 6. Cornucopia7. Feast10. Turkey

11. Thanksgiving13. Pilgrims

Down: 2. Leftovers3. Naps5. November

Guess Who AnswersPage 6:1. Auburn and Adrian Templeton2. Erin Peterson and Hailey

Franzen3. Danaka Knudson4. Haley Rusk5. Deanna Hansen

6. Kaitlyn O’Leary7. Tiffany and Brittany Allers8. Holle Michoski9. Abby Willis10. Molly Keegan11. Gretchen Henningsen

Page 7:

The Purple OnionVol. 25 No. 2

November 26, 2011

6. Cranberry8. Football9. Pie12. Gravy13. Parade14. 6WXIÀQJ

HALLOWEEN6

Guess The

TOP 10TRICK OR TREAT FAVORITES

AUBURN TEMPLETONSTAFF WRITER

1. SNICKERS

2. M&MS

3. NERDS

4. KIT-KATS

5. REESES

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The Purple OnionVol. 25 No. 2

November 26, 2011

6. SUCKERS 7. TWIZZLERS

8. STARBURSTS

9. SKITTLES

10. OTHER

HALLOWEEN 7

DEANNA HANSENEDITOR IN CHIEF

Pubs student

Jake Feldpausch: “At my house LJŽƵ�ǁŝůů�ŚĞĂƌ͕ �ĂŶĚ�ƐŽŵĞƟŵĞƐ�ƐĞĞ͕�doors slam right before your eyes.”

“My brother was home alone one night, and he ended up hearing boxes moving and my bed ƐƋƵĞĂŬŝŶŐ͘�,Ğ�ŐŽƚ�ƐŽ�ƐĐĂƌĞĚ�ŚĞ�ůĞŌ�the house.”

Jordan Kent: “My mom always felt like someone was watching her, and one night she woke up and ƐĂǁ�Ă�ŐƌĞĞŶ�ĮŐƵƌĞ�ƌŝŐŚƚ�ŝŶ�ĨƌŽŶƚ�ŽĨ�her.”

Sierra Long: “When I was at my friends house we were all sleeping and woke up to my friends car

turning on, and no one touched ƚŚĞ�ŬĞLJƐ͕�ĂŶĚ�ŝƚ�ƚƵƌŶĞĚ�Žī�ĂŐĂŝŶ�right away.

Cody Petersen: “We were doing the Ouija board in the graveyard, ĂŶĚ�ŽƵƌ�ĮŶŐĞƌƐ�ǁĞƌĞ�ŽŶůLJ�ŚŽǀĞƌŝŶŐ�and something started to talk to us. His or her name was Ser.”

Paranormal Activity: Are you scared?

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The Purple OnionVol. 25 No. 2

November 26, 2011

Doors slam, strange things talk

See answerson Page 5

Do you recognize these Pubs students in their childhood

Halloween costumes?

Pubs students are Tiffany Allers, Creighton Fox, Leighana Franks,Deanna Hansen, Molly Keegan,

Danaka Knudson, Holle Michoski, Kaitlyn O’Leary, Haley Rusk,

Auburn Templeton.

THANKSGIVING8

LYDIA AHRENSSTAFF WRITER

�

Across1. Can't live with ‘em, can't live without ‘em

4. When the leaves fall

6. Bugle-shaped table setting

7. A large meal

10. Gobble, gobble

11. "Happy ________________"

13. First settlers to celebrate Thanksgiving

Down2. You'll be eating these for weeks to come

3. Some people like to take a ___ after a

large meal

5. The 11th month

6. The tangy fruit sauce commonly served

on Thanksgiving is made of this fruit

8. Some people watch this sport after

dinner

9. A tasty math term

12. A thick savory liquid often served over

meat or potatoes

13. Happens in NYC, sponsored by a

major department store

14. A bread-like substance cooked inside

the turkey

Thanksgiving Crossword Puzzle&DQ�\RX�ÀJXUH�RXW�WKHVH�KROLGD\�ZRUGV"

Answers on Page 5.

“It was so weird,” Alyssa Kent said when recounting her Black Friday shopping trip from last year. “People were actually looking like they were mad at us for acting silly while we were shopping.”

Kent said she and friends Ally Bennett and Chris Keitel didn’t even go to “super crazy” places like the mall.

“We were just at Best Buy and Dick’s Sporting Goods,” she said, “but people were so serious about their shopping.”

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving when most stores open ridiculously early and stay open late with drastically reduced prices on top of sales going on to kick off the holiday shopping season.

Kent admitted she shopped on Black Friday with her friends just to see what it was really like and to see how many people went, not to do any real shopping. “I don’t usually go shopping on Black

Teen shoppers shop ’til they drop

The Purple OnionVol. 25 No. 2

November 26, 2011

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What’s your favorite !anksgiving pie?Students weigh in on survey

PumpkinAppleCherryBlueberryChocolatePecan

Friday because that is when my mom gets my Christmas presents,” she said.

Some stores such as Target and Wal-Mart opened as early as midnight on Thursday night last year. Others such as Best Buy, Macy’s and Kohl’s opened later into Friday morning at times about 4 a.m. Stores this year are looking to open even earlier than last year, with door busters starting as early as 10 p.m. on Thursday, Thanksgiving night.

Kent and friends didn’t stay out “crazy early” like some shoppers do.

“We were out at 11 on Friday night and went to just a couple stores,” Kent said. “I wanted to go to the mall just to see how busy it was but we didn’t go because Chris (Keitel) didn’t want to drive over there.

Kent admits she still had fun. “While we were driving from store to

store, Ally(Bennett) pulled her seat all the way up to the dashboard and made crazy faces at all the people we drove past,” Kent said.

“They all honked and yelled at us,” she said. “It was actually a little scary.”She shopped ’til she dropped. (S`ZZH�2LU[�ZOV^Z�̂ OH[�P[�̂ HZ�SPRL�[V�ÄNO[�[OL�JYV^KZ�

H[�)SHJR�-YPKH`�ZOVWWPUN�SHZ[�`LHY��2LU[�ZHPK�HUK�OLY�MYPLUKZ�IYH]LK�[OL�JYV^KZ�[V�ZLL�^OH[�[OL�JLSLIYH[LK�ZOVWWPUN�KH`�^HZ�SPRL��7OV[V�I`�3̀ KPH�(OYLUZ�

The cool summer breeze blowing against your face is what most moped rid-ers say they like most about their mopeds.

Karson Smith has been riding his mo-ped for almost a year now. He said there were many perks to driving a moped, but the perk that he likes most of all is the gas mileage. His moped can get up to 45 mpg.

“I like the feeling of freedom, too,” Smith said. Although he said there are downsides to riding a moped, too. Smith said. If you fall down, there would be nothing between you and the ground be-sides air. Getting injured on a moped is pretty easy unless you are careful.

Waking up early is the daily ritual for Smith, for driving to school in the morn-ing. “I have to wake up at about 6:30 in the morning and leave my house by

Moped bonanza shows up7 in order to make it to school on time,” Smith said. One of the most disgusting downsides to driving a moped is getting a nice, big, juicy bug squishing right into your face, he said. That is just one of the challenges these brave souls have to face riding their mopeds.

“The sense of freedom is what I love most about my moped,” Hailey Franzen said. Franzen is another brave soul who rides her moped to school. Her greatest dislike about riding her moped, though, is that sometimes her moped doesn’t start in the cold weather.

To add salt to the wound, when she ÀQDOO\�JHWV�LW�VWDUWHG��VKH�KDV�WR�ULGH�KHU�moped in cold weather. Her greatest fear riding her moped is if she gets into an accident she would be injured severely. “There would really be nothing between me and the other vehicle,” Franzen said.

The risks of riding a moped are great, but the openness and the sense of free-dom are too great to pass up for these two brave mopeders.

COLBY PACHASTAFF WRITER

THANKSGIVING 9

The late Bill Turnis was all about celebrating the holidays. His sense of humor was evident to his neighbors when he fashioned and set out a large plywood turkey sporting the sign “Eat Pork” to decorate his lawn for the Thanksgiving season.

Bill, an active member of the Central School Board, always provided lots of fun and humor during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, but with his death June 25, he so suddenly left his wife, Verna, and his children and grandchildren with only memories and well cherished advice.

For the last four years, the Turnis fam-ily enjoyed giggles, gobbles, and ho, ho, ho’s as they celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas with Verna’s side of the fam-ily, the Vaske family, at a gathering they called The Vaske Thanksmas. “Kim had the biggest house,” Verna said, “so she was volunteered” to host Thanksmas.

Each Thanksmas — a combination of Thanksgiving and Christmas — the fam-ily would giggle as they told the others “Harry Thanksmas” — a combination of Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christ-

‘Harry Thanksmas’

mas. Thanksmas is “Thanksgiving dinner with Christmas presents” Bill and Verna’s oldest daughter, Kim, said.

Bill didn’t celebrate Thanksgiving with just his family; he reached out to the church and volunteered his time helping with the turkey supper. Don’t worry about Bill, though; he came home to a table ÀOOHG�ZLWK�WXUNH\��KDP��PDVKHG�SRWDWRHV��dressing, hot cider, and “You can’t forget the chocolate milk,” Renee said.

Bill couldn’t settle for boring presents. For the men’s 2010 Christmas presents, “He created stickmen using an ice scraper as the body, attaching a hat for the head, and adding gloves and socks for the hands and feet,” Kim said. “He always gave out dorky gifts.”

Verna and Kim agreed they won’t be getting any “dorky” gifts this season from the man whom Renee called a “big kid at heart.”

“We rolled our eyes,” Kim said about her father’s dorky gift creations, “but now we are thankful for the memories.”

Bill always complained about dragging the Christmas tree up out of the basement; Christmas, was however, the family’s favorite holiday to celebrate.

“Christmas was our family, just our family,” Verna said. The Turnis family would begin celebrating on Christmas Eve. Every year Verna made lasagna and “burnt garlic bread,” both daughters, Kim and Renee, said. “We thought it was funny, mom didn’t,” Renee added.

After the dishes were done, it was present time. The children’s presents were grouped in the same spot under the tree according to the recipient of the gift.

Santa hadn’t visited yet, so the only presents to open were the ones from other family members. On Christmas day the children enjoyed tearing open their Santa-presents and stockings.

Veteran’s Day was another holiday dear to Bill’s heart. Every year, Bill, an

There are a lot of possible things people can be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Alexis Boeh-Petersen has a lot to be thankful for this holiday season. “I am thankful for his surgery because I want Taylor to feel better, and I want him to be able to do things he was limited to do ZLWKRXW�KDYLQJ�DQ\�GLIÀFXOWLHV�µ�%RHK�Petersen said.

“I am also thankful for the surgeon who is going to do the surgery because the longer he waits and goes without the surgery the worse his condition could get,” Boeh-Petersen said.

“Last summer when Taylor was getting his catheter done in Iowa City is when I found out about all of this,” Boeh-Petersen said. “ I was mostly scared and

ZRUULHG�EHFDXVH�LW�ZDV�P\�ÀUVW�WLPH�WR�experience something like this.”

Alexis Boeh- Petersen’s boyfriend, Taylor Spitzer, will be receiving heart surgery this year right around the Thanksgiving holiday.

“Taylor’s heart surgery was moved to December 1st, he is getting surgery because he has a narrowing of his aortic and pulmonary valve,” Boeh-Petersen VDLG��´7D\ORU�KDV�KDG�ÀYH�KHDUW�VXUJHU\·V�before this one.”

“Taylor’s heart problems don’t really affect or get in the way of our relationship because I am always there for him and he is always there for me.”

“It’s important that we are there for each other because most kids our age don’t have to worry about there issues like we do,” Boeh-Petersen said. “A side effect of Taylor’s heart problems is that when KH�ZDONV�D�ÁLJKW�RI�VWDLUV��KH�KDV�WR�WDNH�his time because he gets short of breath,” Boeh-Petersen said.

Turkey? The late Bill Turnis carving the Thanksgiving Turkey. Photo contributed.

A heartwarming Thanksgiving

Anything cuter? Alexis Boeh-Petersen and Taylor Spitzer are thankful to be able to celebrate the holidays together after Taylor’s heart surgery. Photo contributed.

Eat pork! Bill Turnis’s plywood turkey sports a humorous sign. Contributed photo.

AMBER HAACKSTAFF WRITER

MACKENZIE DURANTSTAFF WRITER

honorably discharged Vietnam soldier, incorporated Veteran’s Day into his holiday celebrations. “He gave speeches about his experiences,” Verna said, “at schools, Amber Ridge, and at the Ameri-can Legion.”

“My husband was a very patriotically thankful man,” Verna said, “He always prayed for the soldiers overseas or for someone he knew that was in a time of need.”

With the quickly approaching holi-day season, Verna and her children have agreed that there would be no changes to their holiday celebrations, “not for our family,” Verna said.

With Bill’s sudden death, the family

was left only with the advice they thought Bill would have chosen to leave with them. “Keep holidays centered around faith and family,” Verna said.

Kim said, “It’s the reason for the season.”

“Put the Christ back in Christmas,” Renee said.

Bill was a fun-loving, family guy. His obituary described him as being lovingly remembered, but sadly missed by his wife, Verna; children, Brian, Chris, Kim, Leanne, and Renee.

“It’s been rough, but we have our kids and grand-kids to be thankful for,” Verna said.

“We still have each other.”

The holiday spirit of Bill Turnis lives on

SPORTS10

Very few thought the wrestling team would get past the sectional tournament last season, but many were proved wrong as the Sabers placed in the top two at the WRXUQH\�DQG�TXDOLÀHG�IRU�WKH�UHJLRQDO�duals.

Wrestling fans were also skeptical whether or not the Central grapplers would qualify anybody to the state tourna-ment after being absent the year before. But doubters were proved wrong again as two wrestlers represented the Sabers at the state tournament.

With a chip on their shoulder, the grap-plers head into the current season with still much to prove.

Ed Vance enters his third year as head coach and alongside Vance is assistant coach Matthew Ohnemus. The two social studies teachers are ready to hit the mats and anticipate building off last year’s success.

“We look forward to the state tourna-ment because it’s what we work towards all year,” Vance said, “and we’re hoping to send as many guys out there as pos-sible.”

A new task arose for Vance and his staff during the off-season as a new entire set of weight classes was given to high school wrestling, and in some cases could either be an advantage for schools or a major problem.

“For us it won’t be a positive, but many schools are in the same predicament and it’s something you just got to roll with,” Vance said.

With 11 returning starters and seven of those being upperclassmen, experience ZLOO�GHÀQLWHO\�EH�DQ�DGYDQWDJH�IRU�WKH�

wrestling team. Leading that group are two seniors, Jordan Murray and Creigh-ton Fox. After placing eighth at the state tournament as a junior, Fox looks to raise the bar for not only himself, but also his

teammates. “Although it was great accomplishment

WR�EH�UHJLRQDO�TXDOLÀHUV��ZH·UH�VWLOO�QRW�VDWLVÀHG�DQG�WKLV�VHDVRQ�ZH�SODQ�RQ�JRLQJ�even further,” Fox said.

Promising season set for Saber wrestling

Brightly colored leaves swirl through the parking lot. The cold, chill air whistles down the hallways, sneaking in through windows and past swinging doors. Football season is back.

7KH�DLU�LV�ÀOOHG�ZLWK�WHQVLRQ�DQG�WKH�grounds echo with the sound of cheers, as everyone eagerly waits for Friday night. Finally, it’s here.

The lights blaze down on ragged helmets over top of grinning players, whose smiles stretch ear to ear. This is the moment they have been waiting for.

6SDUNV�Á\�DV�WKH�NLFNRII�LV�EODVWHG�GRZQ�ÀHOG��&DPHUDV�ÁDVK�DQG�WKH�FURZG�URDUV��DV�WKH�SOD\HUV�VSULQW�GRZQ�ÀHOG��7KH�EDOO�is received and the player sprints down the VLGHOLQH��7KHUH�LW�LV��WKH�ÀUVW�WDFNOH�RI�WKH�year.

Filled with adrenaline, you race toward him, getting ready for the bone-crushing tackle.

Darkness. Colors swirling over your head. People fading in and out of your vision. The lights hang overhead. Pain. So much pain.

The rush of coaches, trainers, and players eventually changes to one of doctors and nurses. The air smells of antiseptic and cleanliness. Broken bones, torn muscles, ripped tendons, a myriad of

CREIGHTON FOXSPORTS EDITOR

Experienced squad returns 10 of 14 weight classes

ALEX DANIELSSTAFF WRITER

Last season, Saber girls’ basketball came out with a successful season with a winning record as well as making it to the state tournament.

To uphold last year’s season, the varsity girls for the upcoming season have QHZ�UROHV�WR�ÀOO���

To prepare for the upcoming season, the team has been working hard all sum-

AUBURN TEMPLETONSTAFF WRITER

New beginningsSaber basketball girls look to build off last year’s successful state run

mer, as well as the fall.“Over the summer, we had open gyms

on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings,” Brianna Kueter said. “We also had league games on Sundays in Davenport.”

The girls also attended a team camp, at Cornell College, scrimmaging different teams in many conferences. To get stronger for the season, the team started weight-lifting, too.

With all the summer activity the team had, many of the girls have goals and expectations coming into the new season, especially the seniors, with the loss of the seniors last year.

“I hope to have a winning season,”

Meghan McClimon said. “We need to KDYH�HYHU\RQH�VWHS�XS�WR�ÀOO�WKH�UROHV�from last year.”

“I want us to play to the potential I know we have,” Sara McAleer said. “We

have a lot to live up to so we need to do our best.”

Team chemistry will help the girls come out with a successful season, as well as all the hard work they put into the summer and

throughout the season. Most important, there is one key thing

to keep in mind.“We need to work hard, and just have

fun,” Lynn Dohrmann said.

“I want us to play to the potential I know we have. We have a lot to live up to so we need to do our best.”

—Sara McAleer

An athlete’s biggest fear? Season-ending injuriesdiagnoses.

Then the dreaded words: season-ending injury. A football player’s, or any athlete’s, only fear. All the hours of training and months of conditioning your mind and body — now it’s over, before it even gets to start.

“It’s the worst feeling, especially at the beginning of the season or before,” Chris Keitel said. “It makes you think a lot, and makes you worry, especially in games. Can I cut this way? Or can I cut that way? Can I stop in time? It’s always in the back of your mind.”

Keitel tore his ACL on the same leg, QRW�RQFH��EXW�WZLFH��ÀUVW�LQ�HLJKWK�JUDGH�during football and then in freshman year during basketball.

Then there was the new kid.´7KLV�ZDV�P\�ÀUVW�\HDU�JRLQJ�RXW�IRU�

football,” Ben Miller said, “and I was excited to learn.”

Yet after only a couple of weeks into the season, Miller caught a severe respiratory infection, which caused him to have trouble breathing. If that wasn’t enough, soon after getting over it, his dad was rushed to Iowa City, where he underwent two open-heart surgeries.

“I wish I hadn’t missed so much, but it can’t be helped,” Miller said. “I’m glad that I went out. It was a good experience,”

“It breaks you down, but it also builds you up,” Keitel said. “I have done 16 months of physical therapy and it has made me who I am today.”

Up for grabs. Captain and letterwinner Meghan McClimon has sights set on a winning season. Photo by Ethan Haley

Ready for battle. Returning starters Greyson Doolittle (left) and Jake Kagemann (right) have high expectations for the upcoming season. Photo by Andrew Risinger.

The Purple OnionVol. 25 No. 2

November 26, 2011

SPORTS 11

ALEXANDREA KIMESSTAFF WRITER

DANAKA KNUDSONON-CAMPUS EDITOR

HOLLE MICHOSKIYEARBOOK EDITOR

The varsity team, coached by Peggy Kuehn, had a very accomplished season. Coach Peggy Kuehn felt their biggest accomplishment of the season was at their weekend tournaments.

“:H�PDGH�LW�WR�WKH�ÀQDOV�LQ�WKUHH�RI�WKH�WRXUQDPHQWV�DQG�WR�WKH�VHPLÀQDOV�LQ�WKH�other two tournaments,” Kuehn said.

Kuehn had two favorite memories of the season. One was going to the team camp they attended together. “The other was winning the Clinton tournament homecoming week,” Kuehn said.

Coach Kuehn thinks one of the most important aspects of being a part of a team is treating each other like family, to cel-ebrate the great accomplishments together and to be there for each other during the challenging times.

She also feels that trust is another im-portant aspect of being part of a team.

“Everyone on the team should feel ac-cepted and know they have an important role on the team even if it’s not a desired role,” Kuehn said.

7KH�YDUVLW\�WHDP�KDG�ÀYH�VHQLRUV��Megan Salyars, Kayla McAleer, Ellen Reynolds, Erin Dorpinghaus and Meghan McClimon. Each senior had a special quality that she brought to the team.

“Megan Salyars was great at helping the team read the other side of the court. “She is also great at pumping the team up before a match,” Kuehn said.

Kayla McAleer had a really good sense of humor. “She is able to make the team laugh when we most needed it,” Kuehn said.

Ellen Reynolds never lets up. “She works hard and always strives to im-prove,” Kuehn said.

Erin Dorpinghaus worked really hard and was very coachable. “She did a great job of leading the team this year defen-sively,” Kuehn said.

Meghan McClimon sets a great exam-ple for her younger teammates; she is also an excellent athlete. “She is focused and reliable, and responsible,” Kuehn said.

Kuehn advises her team to set their goals high, and work hard to reach their dreams and to ever give up. “Our plan for next season is to build off our successes from this season and continue to strive to

play at the highest level possible.”)URP�VHYHQWK�WR�ÀUVW�SODFH�LQ�WKH�

conference the sophomore volleyball team pushed themselves to the limit to conquer the conference.

The sophomores had a rocky start to their season, but with each game lost they gained knowledge of how to get better. “My favorite memory was winning the conference tournament,” Coach Lori Frick said.

“This team was very cohesive,” Frick said. The girls all pushed themselves at each practice while having fun. “They got along well as young ladies and as volley-ball players,” Frick said.

Coach Frick has already started making plans for next year.

“I plan to build and build on the skills the girls have, and strengthen the areas that need improvement,” Frick said, “and build as a team ready to compete at the next level so Saber volleyball continues to be successful,”

The sophomores learned many valu-able aspects of volleyball and aspects of life. They worked hard and never gave up, and in the end they were rewarded by EHFRPLQJ�ÀUVW�LQ�WKH�FRQIHUHQFH��

The freshmen worked hard this season and got far in their Clinton Tournament, which was Coach Steve Kuehn’s favorite memory. “Everyone got to play and we made it to the championship, even though we lost to P.V.,” Kuehn said.

The girls agreed about how their season beginning was shaky. “In the beginning we weren’t really a team,” Erin Lubben said. “But in the end we got better skill-wise and our communication got better.”

“I think we all improved in skill and as team players,” Maddie Blandin said. 7KH�JLUOV�QRW�RQO\�JRW�WKHLU�ÀUVW�WDVWH�RI�high school volleyball and a chance to represent the school but they also had the opportunity to learn and to improve their game in big ways.

“We learned to talk and stay positive,” Rachel Lindsay said. “Our teammates are our friends no matter what,” Lindsay said.

The JV team was very hardworking. They had practices with the varsity team every day.

Coach Truelson plans to continue working in the off season and plans to get ready for the next season, “Keep work-ing hard and stay hungry for success,” Truelson said.

VB girls work hard, no matter what grade

For the varsity cross-country boys, a VL[WK�SODFH�ÀQLVK�RQ�2FW�����MXVW�GLGQ·W�PDNH�WKH�FXW�WR�TXDOLI\LQJ�IRU�D�ÀYH�year run to the state meet in Fort Dodge. Though breaking the victorious streak of a dominating team, senior Jordan Murray VHW�WKH�EDU�KLJK�HQRXJK�ZLWK�D�WRS�WHQ�ÀQ-ish, crossing the line at sixth place with a WLPH�RI��������

With his impressive performance at the district cross-country meet in Anamosa, Murray headed on to state as the lone Saber. Taking to the course on Saturday, 2FW������0XUUD\�ZDV�JUHHWHG�ZLWK�´D�brisk wind, plenty of sun, and the perfect temperature” – along with outstanding competition.

“The tougher competition helped me to run faster. I wasn’t intimidated, I was grateful. [But], it was different not to see any purple out there to push me a little more,” Murray said.

Making his third-straight return to the state meet, Murray entered his race with

a simple strategy – “Just to run with all I had and leave it all on the course.”

When the gun shot off, Murray put his plan into action. “At the start I knew I had to get out fast to avoid getting stuck in a slow pack, but that’s how I race at every meet,” Murray said. “During the second mile I just tried to hold my place and keep a steady pace. And at the end, near the last �����,�ZRXOG�EXLOG�XS�P\�VSHHG�DQG�SDFH�DV�PDQ\�SHRSOH�DV�,�FRXOG�XQWLO�WKH�ÀQLVK��This left me super-exhausted. I know I had a good race when I’m bent over trying to catch my breath at the end.”

Murray certainly took advantage of the last cross-county race of his high-school career, running the best he’s ever UXQ��:LWK�D���th�SODFH�ÀQLVK�DPRQJ�����other elite competitors, Murray proved he wasn’t going out without a bang. He shattered his personal record, shaving 47 seconds off and clocking in at a jaw-drop-SLQJ�������²�WKH�EHVW�DQ\�6DEHU�UXQQHU�KDV�performed at state in eight years.

/RRNLQJ�EDFN�RQ�KLV������VWDWH�GHEXW��0XUUD\�VDLG��´,�ZDV�FRPSOHWHO\�VDWLVÀHG��I felt exhausted and proud, because what I did was what I knew I could do. I left it all on the course.”

Don’t stop yet. Jordan Murray, who placed 6th at state, pushes him-ZLSM�[V�[OL�ÄUPZO�SPUL�H[�VUL�VM�OPZ�TLL[Z��*VU[YPI\[LK�WOV[V�

Murray triumphs at state

Every year as a tradition the senior girls separate into teams, led by some of the varsity football players, to participate in a powderpuff game.

There are two teams, purple and gold. They faced off playing a football game of two hand touch.

Captains of the purple team were Jennifer Dunn, Brianna Kueter, Bobbie Hughes, and Megan Salyars.

Captains of the gold team were Holle Michoski, Carly Baumann, Maggie Dolan, and Emily Benson. “My favorite part of the game was when we would score and when everyone was cheering for us,” said Kayla McAleer, who was part of the purple team. “We kinda knew what we were doing and we supported our team.” The purple team had some advantages over the gold team.

“Our defensive line of Bobbie (Hughes), me (Salyars), and Lynn

�'RKUPDQQ��ZDV�LQWHQVH���'HÀQLWHO\�DQ�advantage,” Megan Salyars said. “I don’t really think we had any ad-vantages,” said Megan Mohr, who played RQ�WKH�JROG�WHDP���´%HLQJ�RQ�WKH�ÀHOG�and getting to experience Friday night lights, except it was Thursday night,” was Mohr’s favorite part about participating in the powderpuff game. For Saylars, her favorite part was when Jenna McConohy tackled Leonard Cama-cho along with being able to play a sport she hasn’t been able to play before. “The most exciting part was when I got an interception and I got a touchdown, but supposedly I was out of bounds,” said Jennifer Dunn, who was part of the purple team. “There were times when they (referees) all agreed on the calls made and more times they disagreed,” Natalie Smith said. “But all that matters is the fact they were looking scrumptious in their short-shorts, tan lines, and furry legs.” “It was a good way to start out our senior year and spend more time with all of the girls,” McAleer said. “It was a lot of fun.”

Senior girls enjoy powderpuff

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The Purple Onion=VS�����5V���

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FEATURES12

“I like the idea of getting kids ready for the future,” said Mrs. Denise McAleer, language arts teacher. She is one of many teachers at who prepare students for life and the challenges it brings.

McAleer currently teaches language arts and especially enjoys teaching literature. She believes it is best done through short stories and poetry.

“I like to dig underneath the surface to really get the message an author is trying to share with the reader,” McAleer said.

McAleer decided to become a teacher when her job at the Clinton Herald FRQÁLFWHG�ZLWK�WKH�WLPH�KHU�FKLOGUHQ�were home. Her kids were young and she wanted to allow more time with them.

“They are my priority, so I wanted to make more time in my life to spend with them,” McAleer said.

With both her parents teachers, McAleer understands the importance RI�HGXFDWRUV��+HU�IDWKHU�KDV�LQÁXHQFHG�several students including Bill Murray (actor), John Baxter (special teams coach USC), and Tim Foley (all-pro defensive back with Miami Dolphins).

“I spent many hours at his high school admiring his attitude, generosity and love for children,” McAleer said.

Creativity was abundant in her FKLOGKRRG�KRPH�ZLWK�KHU�SDUHQWV�DQG�ÀYH�kids creating games and events out of everyday things. This creativity shows in the classroom.

Every teacher has moments in his or her career to remember forever. McAleer remembers one time when a student tried out for the school dance team and after one of the student’s performances, she approached McAleer and gave her a big hug, stating, “Carpe diem, Mrs. Mac! I would have never tried out for dance if you didn’t tell me to just go for it, seize the day before it was too late! Thank you!”

McAleer thought that was great and “kids need to go for it, do what interests them,” McAleer said, “and not be so afraid of what their peers think.”

Some day the classroom may become virtual and McAleer will be prepared. She is in the process of converting her testing to a Web site. Discussions boards could also be done online. By allowing papers to be turned in online, she can use software that checks for plagiarism and auto corrections. Literature and texts are available online at any time. These advancements in technology help her to

Every summer you always have that friend that goes somewhere extremely cool, like to a different country or an awesome camp.

Last summer there were some of Central’s very own lucky enough to get the opportunity to attend Boys State. Seniors Logan Brundage, Kyle Donahue and Kieran Connolly were able to attend Boys State at Camp Dodge near Des Moines.

Boys State is a week long camp put on in nearly every state by the American Legion.

It is a program designed to be a parallel to how a real government is run. About 500 boys were in attendance at the camp in Camp Dodge and each one is put in a barracks, the barracks is your city, and four barracks make a country.

At the camp everyone can run for RIÀFH�DQG�KROG�D�SRVLWLRQ��YRWLQJ�LV�GRQH�in real voting booths, and you can either be a federalist or a nationalist.

Along with the boys actually being able to see how running their own government is, there was a speaker, a choir, and a band every night. On the last day of the camp, everyone was able to go to the state capital and tours.

“My favorite part was meeting people from all walks of life that had similar qualities but unique specialties,” Brundage said. “It was great to meet so many kids and singing in the capital building was amazing.” Brundage was in the choir at Boys State, and he was elected to both county attorney and senate, and appointed into the Supreme Court.

“I was awarded the Andy Haverman Memorial Scholarship and that was very special to me,” Brundage said. The scholarship is given every year as a memorial for a former Boys State member who drowned during his visit to the camp. The scholarship was awarded to Brundage by Haverman’s father to only one person at the camp.

“It was emotional because his dad was there and we were standing on the pool. 7KH\�KDG�ÀOOHG�LW�LQ�DQG�PDGH�LW�D�PHHWLQJ�grounds,” Brundage said.

Both Donahue and Brundage agree that the experience of Boys State was a worthwhile one.

“Boys State taught me to be an individual and to be a leader and to do what you believe is right,” Donahue said.

Connolly was also elected to a position as county attorney and was a defense lawyer for a few cases he was involved in.

“I liked playing sports because I was our city’s best hitter,” Connolly said, “and one of my favorite days was visiting the judicial building in Iowa City.”

HALEY RUSKSTAFF WRITER

Everyone I knew who had cancer had died,” Alex Luedtke said. “I thought I might die, too.”

Death is a fear everyone has, but this is not a fear a 12-year-old boy should have. Alex Luedtke is going on his third year of being cancer-free.

At the age of 12, Alex was diagnosed with leukemia. “I was angry at the doctors,” Luedtke said. “I felt that they put this on me.”

0RVW�RI�SHRSOH�ZKHQ�ÀQGLQJ�RXW�about cancer usually feel scared, which is only one of the reactions Alex felt. Being so young, he didn’t understand why or how someone could get cancer. Confusion, anger, and fear were all mixed together to cause a lot of hardship.

Alex underwent treatment not too long after his diagnosis. He went through chemotherapy for a year-and-a-half, and radiation for six weeks, every day. Both chemotherapy and radiation are treatments that kill cancer cells.

“They made me lose my hair, and left after effects,” Luedtke

said. “They also made me sick; I despised radiation the most.”

Treatment wasn’t only hard for $OH[��EXW�LW�ZDV�DOVR�GLIÀFXOW�RQ�KLV�family. “It was exhausting,” Luedtke said, “because of all the trips to Iowa City and overnight stays.”

Alex has been cancer-free since he was 14 years old. Now he helps other cancer patients in various ways. Last year CHS held a St. Baldrick’s assembly allowing anyone in the school to pay money to have their head shaved or to dye their hair green.

Alex spoke at this assembly to get everyone a better understanding of how much their donations were appreciated.

Alex has also raised money for other cancer organizations, and last summer Alex was a counselor at a camp for cancer.

“I loved being a camp counselor,” Luedtke said. “It was cool how everyone looked up to me.”

Alex does have a chance of getting his cancer back, but he stays positive through it all.

“If I do get it [leukemia] back, ,� ZLOO� ÀJKW� WKURXJK� LW� DOO� DJDLQ�µ�Luedtke said. “Having leukemia has just made me even stronger in my faith.”

DEANNA HANSENEDITOR IN CHIEF

TIFFANY ALLERSSTAFF WRITER

Luedtke thankful to be three years cancer-free

Mrs. Mac: She gives more than LA lessons

Brundage, Connolly, Donohue: Politics is in their future

Here’s how it’s done. Mrs. Denise McAleer explains to her class how to write a proper research paper. She makes it her goal to prepare her students for college writing and their careers. Photo by Tiffany Allers.

The Purple OnionVol. 25 No. 2

November 26, 2011

go paperless, which is her goal. As much as she believes in new

technologies, McAleer still believes that face-to-face communication is extremely necessary. “Not everything is meant to go through the cyber lines.”

“True education is full of new experiences and personal growth,” McAleer said.

McAleer has organized the class trips for several years. She enjoys seeing students sharing the phenomenal opportunity they have dreamed of. The

class trips are the most rewarding aspect of her position.

“If I could win the lottery and take every student with me, I would,” McAleer said.

McAleer has a strong love for life. It shows in her classroom and her teaching style. Her advice to students is, “Don’t be in such a hurry to grow up. Everything that happens now or ever just makes you who you will be at the end. “

“This is it, all we have is this one life. So relish it.”

FEATURES 13‘Trip of a lifetime’ sets goals for trekkersCrew learns leadership through Philmont wilderness program

Boarding the train on our way home from New Mexico last summer, we recalled the great experiences of the past 10 days, and all we could think about was, We can’t wait to go back to Philmont!

Anyone who has ever passed under the welcome sign at the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, N.M., takes those words to heart, because this trip is an experience of a lifetime.

The Philmont experience is one that few people ever get to share, but 15 area youth and adults were able to travel outside the corn-covered farmland of Iowa into the southern tip of the Rocky Mountains, called the Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ) Mountain Range in New Mexico.

Those who trekked with Venture Crew 77 were Lucas Block, Katie Burken, Tom Burken, Ben Comer, Lynn Dohrmann, Kaitlyn O’Leary, Taylor McWilliams, Mark Comer, Sue Comer, Alicia Burken, Gregg Block, and four others from Moline. They learned the history of the land, took part in the trek programs, and grew stronger as individuals.

The preparation for our trek began several months before we left with three practice hikes to get us used to walking several miles at a time and carrying 30 percent of our body weight in a backpack. In March we picked itinerary No. 29: 79 miles starting in the south country at Zastrow’s Turnaround and ending at Ponil in the northern part of the ranch.

Before we knew it, June 14 came and it was time to leave for Philmont. At the train station in Galesburg we were told our train would be rerouted because of ÁRRGLQJ�RQ�WKH�0LVVRXUL�5LYHU�DQG�IRUHVW�ÀUHV�LQ�1HZ�0H[LFR�DQG�$UL]RQD��2XU����hour trip stretched out to nearly 30 hours.

Despite the tiring trip to New Mexico, there were many memorable experiences like milking goats at Abreu, challenge events at Urraca, rock climbing at Miners Park, hiking the Tooth of Time, loading shells and shooting skeet with 12-gauge shotguns.

We enjoyed racing burros at Harlan, helping with trail conservation at Deer /D:NH��%ODFN�3RZGHU�5LÁH�VKRRWLQJ��tomahawk throwing, climbing Baldy Mountain (tallest on the ranch at 12,441 feet above sea level), traveling with a burro, spar-pole climbing with gaffs like a logger, playing Loggerball, and listening DW�DQ�HYHQLQJ�FDPSÀUH�WR�VHYHQ�WDOHQWHG�instrument-playing loggers.

We branded our boots, hats and belts with brands currently used on Philmont’s working horse-and- cattle ranches.

Many of us thought Philmont would be just another fun summer vacation, but what we didn’t know was that the trek would change us as individuals. Not everything on our trip went smoothly; we had to deal with elevation sickness, blister-covered feet, and personal fears such as being scared of heights.

One of the things that helped us overcome these challenges was encouragement from our crew members. We grew to be stronger friends and better leaders. Every day we were assigned different tasks such as navigating the trails, hanging the bear bags, preparing dinner, and doing dishes: it taught us to work together in order to get things done.

The trip also gave us a new appreciation for the land and wildlife preserved on the ranch by the Boy Scouts of America.

A part of Philmont sticks with everyone. Crew leader Comer is now studying for a future career in conservation; O’Leary hopes to someday go back and work on Philmont camp staff; Dohrmann hopes to return for a 21-day R.O.C.S hiking and conservation program

and be on staff; McWilliams wants to work at a back country camp; and Block would like to return on another trek in the near future.

Tom Burken would like to return on staff; Katie Burken would like to

participate in Philmont’s Ranch Hands program.

Anyone with further questions about what Venture Crew is all may contact Venture Crew President Lynn Dohrmann or Vice President Kaitlyn O’Leary.

Philmont trekkers. Carrying a third of your body weight in your backpack and learning to be good leaders were challenges for Ben Comer, Lynn Dohrmann, Kai-tlyn O’Leary, Taylor McWilliams and Lucas Block as part of Venture Crew 77 last summer at the Philmont Ranch in New Mexico. Contributed photo.

A service trip that touches all

Two students spent time volunteering in Central America last summer. Connor Murphy, Matt Volkens and a varied group RI�SHRSOH�IURP�,RZD�WR�$UL]RQD�ZDQWHG�to help others. Through the World Gospel Outreach program they went on a medical missionary trip to Honduras, which is in desperate need of health care.

They spent eight days in Honduras where they distributed medical help and care. The medical services provided were dental work, optometrist exams, and general medicine. “They would smile and thank us, even after getting eight teeth pulled,” Connor Murphy said.

Along with medical care, the members

spread the gospel of the Lord. “We also went into different neighborhoods DQG�SRXUHG�FRQFUHWH�ÁRRUV�IRU�KRXVLQJ�districts,” Volkens said.

In Honduras, they weren’t able to take a lot of time off. They went from their hotel, to camp, and back again every day.

“We couldn’t go anywhere, because of the risk of malaria in the area,” Connor said. “We did go to one restaurant, but only after several safety checks.”

Overall the experience helped to open their eyes.

“They were so appreciative of even the little things, things we take for granted,” Murphy said.

Murphy and Volkens said they were happy to help, and happy to help themselves in the process. “It was draining EXW�EHQHÀFLDO�µ�9RONHQV�VDLG��´+HOSLQJ�them helped us.”

Have no fear, we are here. Connor Murphy and Matt Volkens went to Hon-duras last summer for a service trip to help kids in need by giving them medical supplies. Photo contributed by Connor Murphy.

KAITLYN O’LEARYSTAFF WRITER

ALEX DANIELSSTAFF WRITER

7OPSTVU[� 9HUJO� ^HZ� ÄYZ[� V^ULK� I`� >HP[L� 7OPSSPWZ�� ^OV� OHK� O\TISL�beginnings in Conway, Iowa. Waite and his twin brother ventured West at age 16 and fell in love with the land, mountains and wildlife the West offered. After three years of traveling, Waite’s brother died of a ruptured appendix, devastating Waite, who returned home to Iowa to bury him. His two older brothers encouraged him to get back on his feet and work for them at their self-made business, Phillips 66.

Waite worked his way up and eventually started his own oil company, which was not as successful as his older brothers’ but still earned him a great deal of money after he sold it for $25 million. Waite and his wife realized their family would not need all the money, so in 1925 and every following year, they gave away half of their earnings.

In 1933, the Phillipses owned 300,000 acres of land in northwest New Mexico. They called the land Philmont: “Phil” for Phillips and “mont” for monte, the Spanish word for mountains. In 1941 the Phillipses donated to the Boy Scouts of America 91,000 acres of the ranch, including their summer home Villa Philmonte, to be made into a museum.

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FEATURES 13‘Trip of a lifetime’ sets goals for trekkersCrew learns leadership through Philmont wilderness program

Boarding the train on our way home from New Mexico last summer, we recalled the great experiences of the past 10 days, and all we could think about was, We can’t wait to go back to Philmont!

Anyone who has ever passed under the welcome sign at the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, N.M., takes those words to heart, because this trip is an experience of a lifetime.

The Philmont experience is one that few people ever get to share, but 15 area youth and adults were able to travel outside the corn-covered farmland of Iowa into the southern tip of the Rocky Mountains, called the Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ) Mountain Range in New Mexico.

Those who trekked with Venture Crew 77 were Lucas Block, Katie Burken, Tom Burken, Ben Comer, Lynn Dohrmann, Kaitlyn O’Leary, Taylor McWilliams, Mark Comer, Sue Comer, Alicia Burken, Gregg Block, and four others from Moline. They learned the history of the land, took part in the trek programs, and grew stronger as individuals.

The preparation for our trek began several months before we left with three practice hikes to get us used to walking several miles at a time and carrying 30 percent of our body weight in a backpack. In March we picked itinerary No. 29: 79 miles starting in the south country at Zastrow’s Turnaround and ending at Ponil in the northern part of the ranch.

Before we knew it, June 14 came and it was time to leave for Philmont. At the train station in Galesburg we were told our train would be rerouted because of ÁRRGLQJ�RQ�WKH�0LVVRXUL�5LYHU�DQG�IRUHVW�ÀUHV�LQ�1HZ�0H[LFR�DQG�$UL]RQD��2XU����hour trip stretched out to nearly 30 hours.

Despite the tiring trip to New Mexico, there were many memorable experiences like milking goats at Abreu, challenge events at Urraca, rock climbing at Miners Park, hiking the Tooth of Time, loading shells and shooting skeet with 12-gauge shotguns.

We enjoyed racing burros at Harlan, helping with trail conservation at Deer /D:NH��%ODFN�3RZGHU�5LÁH�VKRRWLQJ��tomahawk throwing, climbing Baldy Mountain (tallest on the ranch at 12,441 feet above sea level), traveling with a burro, spar-pole climbing with gaffs like a logger, playing Loggerball, and listening DW�DQ�HYHQLQJ�FDPSÀUH�WR�VHYHQ�WDOHQWHG�instrument-playing loggers.

We branded our boots, hats and belts with brands currently used on Philmont’s working horse-and- cattle ranches.

Many of us thought Philmont would be just another fun summer vacation, but what we didn’t know was that the trek would change us as individuals. Not everything on our trip went smoothly; we had to deal with elevation sickness, blister-covered feet, and personal fears such as being scared of heights.

One of the things that helped us overcome these challenges was encouragement from our crew members. We grew to be stronger friends and better leaders. Every day we were assigned different tasks such as navigating the trails, hanging the bear bags, preparing dinner, and doing dishes: it taught us to work together in order to get things done.

The trip also gave us a new appreciation for the land and wildlife preserved on the ranch by the Boy Scouts of America.

A part of Philmont sticks with everyone. Crew leader Comer is now studying for a future career in conservation; O’Leary hopes to someday go back and work on Philmont camp staff; Dohrmann hopes to return for a 21-day R.O.C.S hiking and conservation program

and be on staff; McWilliams wants to work at a back country camp; and Block would like to return on another trek in the near future.

Tom Burken would like to return on staff; Katie Burken would like to

participate in Philmont’s Ranch Hands program.

Anyone with further questions about what Venture Crew is all may contact Venture Crew President Lynn Dohrmann or Vice President Kaitlyn O’Leary.

Philmont trekkers. Carrying a third of your body weight in your backpack and learning to be good leaders were challenges for Ben Comer, Lynn Dohrmann, Kai-tlyn O’Leary, Taylor McWilliams and Lucas Block as part of Venture Crew 77 last summer at the Philmont Ranch in New Mexico. Contributed photo.

A service trip that touches all

Two students spent time volunteering in Central America last summer. Connor Murphy, Matt Volkens and a varied group RI�SHRSOH�IURP�,RZD�WR�$UL]RQD�ZDQWHG�to help others. Through the World Gospel Outreach program they went on a medical missionary trip to Honduras, which is in desperate need of health care.

They spent eight days in Honduras where they distributed medical help and care. The medical services provided were dental work, optometrist exams, and general medicine. “They would smile and thank us, even after getting eight teeth pulled,” Connor Murphy said.

Along with medical care, the members

spread the gospel of the Lord. “We also went into different neighborhoods DQG�SRXUHG�FRQFUHWH�ÁRRUV�IRU�KRXVLQJ�districts,” Volkens said.

In Honduras, they weren’t able to take a lot of time off. They went from their hotel, to camp, and back again every day.

“We couldn’t go anywhere, because of the risk of malaria in the area,” Connor said. “We did go to one restaurant, but only after several safety checks.”

Overall the experience helped to open their eyes.

“They were so appreciative of even the little things, things we take for granted,” Murphy said.

Murphy and Volkens said they were happy to help, and happy to help themselves in the process. “It was draining EXW�EHQHÀFLDO�µ�9RONHQV�VDLG��´+HOSLQJ�them helped us.”

Have no fear, we are here. Connor Murphy and Matt Volkens went to Hon-duras last summer for a service trip to help kids in need by giving them medical supplies. Photo contributed by Connor Murphy.

KAITLYN O’LEARYSTAFF WRITER

ALEX DANIELSSTAFF WRITER

7OPSTVU[� 9HUJO� ^HZ� ÄYZ[� V^ULK� I`� >HP[L� 7OPSSPWZ�� ^OV� OHK� O\TISL�beginnings in Conway, Iowa. Waite and his twin brother ventured West at age 16 and fell in love with the land, mountains and wildlife the West offered. After three years of traveling, Waite’s brother died of a ruptured appendix, devastating Waite, who returned home to Iowa to bury him. His two older brothers encouraged him to get back on his feet and work for them at their self-made business, Phillips 66.

Waite worked his way up and eventually started his own oil company, which was not as successful as his older brothers’ but still earned him a great deal of money after he sold it for $25 million. Waite and his wife realized their family would not need all the money, so in 1925 and every following year, they gave away half of their earnings.

In 1933, the Phillipses owned 300,000 acres of land in northwest New Mexico. They called the land Philmont: “Phil” for Phillips and “mont” for monte, the Spanish word for mountains. In 1941 the Phillipses donated to the Boy Scouts of America 91,000 acres of the ranch, including their summer home Villa Philmonte, to be made into a museum.

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Two answer call to volunteer for summer Honduras volunteer trip

FEATURES14Sisters share pageant experiences

“It’s always been a personal goal of mine, but my parents wanted me to work hard, get good grades, and give back to the community,” Savannah Necker said when talking about her crowning as Miss Clinton County’s Outstanding Teen. “I had done it in the past and I knew it was a great experience. Besides working on my interviewing skills and my talent, it makes me strive to be a better person.” Just like her sister Ali Necker’s “Embrace Diversity and Band Against Bullying” platform, Savannah also chose a problem teenagers face for her platform, “Let the Message Wait, Control Your Fate,” a platform targeting the issues of texting and driving. “I don’t personally know anyone who has been affected by texting and driving, but I see people do it on a daily basis, and they don’t think about the effects of what they’re doing. I thought this would be the perfect time for my platform because I was recently in a driver’s education program and so many of my friends are starting to drive,” Savannah said. “I care too much about people to see lives lost for unnecessary reasons. It made me want to speak up.”

Hard to be apart:Military families ÀQG�LW�WRXJK�ZLWK�loved ones overseas

Crusading duo. Alexandria and Savannah Necker received awards for their hard work on raising awareness of bullying and texting and driving. Contributed photo.

Savannah also has a Facebook page which she continuously works on to educate others about her program. Along with that, she has spoken in classrooms, in driver’s education programs, and designed and passed out bracelets with her slogan. “Most importantly, I won’t ever be in a car with someone who texts and drives, nor will I ever text and drive,” Savannah said. “It’s important to lead by example” In 2006, Savannah was crowned Little Miss Clinton County. That same year, her older sister, Alexandria Necker, was crowned Junior Miss Clinton County. Miss Clinton County and Miss Clinton County’s Outstanding Teen is just one more experience these two sisters get to share with one another. “I cannot express in words what it means to be able to share this with Ali. Of course I was happy to win my title, but to see all that she has overcome and to win her title Miss Clinton County at such a young age has made me very proud of her,” Savannah said. “We challenged one another. We studied current events, practiced our interviews and talents, and helped with each other’s platforms. Watching her overcome an illness and never letting go of her dreams has inspired me,” Savannah said. “I also hope to someday represent Clinton County in the Miss category as well.”

Many of us hear about family members over seas, or watch shows that try to show the struggle.

However, nobody can really say how hard it really is better than Karson Smith, Deja Dumerauf and Mackenzie Durant.

“It’s really scary to have a family member overseas,” Durant said. “You never know what could happen.”

“I remember going to my dad’s house so Nolan and I could use Skype to keep in touch.” Nolan is Durant’s step brother who serves in the Marines.

“I only get to see him when I go over to my dad’s house. But when we are together it doesn’t really matter what we do because we’re usually doing something fun,” Durant said.

But Durant is not the only one with a family member overseas. Deja Dumerauf also knows the struggles.

“It’s very emotional when he is gone. He’s the oldest so I look up to him.” Deja’s brother is in the U.S. Army, infantry, and is a medic.

Deja and her brother talk occasionally on the phone whenever he gets a chance to call.

“I normally tell him to be strong and if it’s close to the time he comes home I remind him.”

When her brother comes home Deja is really happy.

“We go out to Texas Road House which is his favorite place to eat,” she said. “Afterwards we go home so he can relax and hang out.”

Karson Smith is another who understands. His dad is retired from the National Guard and his brother is in the U.S. Army.

“When they were gone I would normally try to focus on other stuff,” Smith said. “My dad would call twice a week, just to talk to us.”

Smith enjoys his family coming home and the activities that followed. “We would go hunting,” Smith said. “Or just try to have fun as a way for them to unwind.”

From overseas to home, it’s not all glitz and glamour as the shows try to make it seem, but for the people who experience LW��LW·V�GLIÀFXOW��

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Breast cancer can affect everyone, friend or a loved one. No matter who it is, breast cancer is becoming a big part of people’s lives, especially for Allison Hansen, whose mother had it. “We got the call from her doctor on Dec. 23,” Allison said. “So it made it a YHU\�GLIÀFXOW�&KULVWPDV�µ Allison’s mother, though, had lots of support from her family and friends. Her whole family helped do many tasks her mother normally would have done. ³,W�ZDV�KDUG�DW�¿UVW�´�$OOLVRQ�VDLG���“After her surgery, she couldn’t get around as well, so we had to help her with PDQ\�WDVNV�´ In honor of her mother, and

grandmother, who also had cancer, Allison, on her 18th birthday, got a tattoo for breast cancer awareness. In black and pink lettering, with two hearts, her tattoo says “hope” with the ‘e’ as the breast cancer symbol. “The two hearts represent my mother DQG�JUDQGPD�´�$OOLVRQ�VDLG���³,�JRW�LW�because breast cancer awareness is very LPSRUWDQW�WR�PH�´ For breast cancer awareness, Allison participates in walks for breast cancer, such as Race for the Cure ever since she was little. Many families who have had someone in their family get breast cancer know it can be passed on to generations to come. “We have at least three generations of EUHDVW�FDQFHU�LQ�RXU�IDPLO\�´�$OOLVRQ�VDLG�� “The likelihood of my sisters and I getting it is very high, so we will have to JHW�PDPPRJUDPV�DW�DQ�HDUOLHU�DJH�´

Spreading Awareness. Allison Hansen shows her support with a tattoo on her foot MVY�OLY�TV[OLY�HUK�NYHUKTV[OLY�PU�[OLPY�ÄNO[�HNHPUZ[�IYLHZ[�JHUJLY��7OV[V�JVU[YPI-uted by Allison Hansen.

JOLENE SANGERSTAFF WRITER

AUBURN TEMPLETONFEATURES EDITOR

LEIGHANA FRANKSSTAFF WRITER

;OL�7\YWSL�6UPVUVol. 25 No. 2

November 26, 2011

In the past, pageants were based on beauty and performing talents. Today, pageants are based on teens supporting a social platform. After falling in love with the entire pageant experience at age 12, Alexandria Necker decided this was something she would want to continue. ´$IWHU�P\�ÀUVW�ZLQ��,�ORYHG�SHUIRUPLQJ�LQ�front of others,” Ali said.

After competing this summer against three other girls in the Miss Clinton County Pageant at Ashford University, Ali was crowned Miss Clinton County. Ali’s platform was called Embrace Diversity and Band Against Bullying.

“One in four kids are bullied every day and people just don’t understand how serious it is,” Ali said. Ali held a poster contest for the best anti-bullying message, starred in a television ad for Bullying, teamed up with a Be Bully Smart and

The Ugly Duckling performance through the Quad City Ballet, and worked with a different organization at the Necker’s Jewelers Diamond Dash overall raising $2,000 for anti-bullying locally.

Ali also talked about her program to many groups and plans on working with the DARE program next semester. She also has bracelets out that say her slogan, Embrace Diversity and Band Against Bullying. To get one of her bracelets, talk to Ali Necker or message her on her Facebook page.

“If you are being bullied, just remember that there is an end,” Necker said.

“Don’t change who you are for someone else. We don’t get to choose what we look like or where we come from, so it’s not fair for others to judge us on something we have no control over.”

Always happy to see you. Deja Dumer-auf poses happily with her brother after one visit. Last year, Deja’s brother came OVTL�HUK�Z\YWYPZLK�+LQH�^P[O�ÅV^LYZ��hugs, and laughter. He came to the CHS and Deja was so thrilled she was gush-ing with joy, and tears of joy were spill-ing down her face. Contributed photo.

OPINION16

Chattin’ with the Chief Deanna Hansen

Conference award. Publications class attended the IHSPA conference Oct. 27 at the University of Iowa with Mrs. Christine Gilroy, who was named Iowa Journalism Teacher of the Year. Middle Row: Danaka Knudson, Leighana Franks, Holle Micho-ski, Deanna Hansen, Auburn Templeton, Kaitlyn O’Leary. Back Row: Tiffany Allers, Creighton Fox, Haley Rusk, Molly Keegan. Contributed photo.

The more isn’t always the merrier. Publication students, accompanied by Journalistic Writing students, went to University of Iowa Oct.27 for the Iowa High School Press Association (IHSPA) conference. There were many sessions which helped us, and many other Iowa students, with our writing and designing abilities. Granted, the convention was mainly focused on newspaper, but there were many activities focused on ways to make our yearbook incredible, too. After four workshop sessions and one delicious lunch break, the awards ceremony was held. We didn’t win many awards, but in my opinion, we won the best of all. The award wasn’t about how amazing our newspaper or yearbook was, it was

about how amazing our adviser is. It was nice to know that our publications staff is not the only one who thinks Mrs. Christine Gilroy is an amazing teacher and adviser. They called her a survivor, which is exactly what she is, because of her work of helping many students go on to become all they can be. Mrs. Gilroy pushes students, not to be mean, but because she knows they have incredible potential. She has great faith in every student who walks into her classroom. Mrs. Gilroy lost her mother over the summer, and although it was a great loss to her, we are all happy we didn’t lose her. Many people change after they lose someone dear to them, but not Mrs. Gilroy. She kept her head held high and is stronger than ever. She continues to smile through it all not letting anything get in her way of being sure we have an incredible year. We once again thank the school board for hiring such a fantastic teacher to help us all get through the year without pulling out our hair during deadlines.

21 years pays off: Gilroy named Teacher of the Year

Ruskie’sCornerHaley Rusk

Writer’s block, murderer of all essays

It’s 10 p.m., you have a paper due tomorrow, and you are staring at your computer screen. Hoping and praying that \RX�ÀQG�VRPH�LQVSLUDWLRQ�VRRQ��\RX�ZDLW��and wait, and wait, for an idea, a sign, anything to get this paper written. Finally, you come to the conclusion that you have a terrible case of writer’s block: a disease where the only known cure is time. Writer’s block seems to strike only at the worst times humanly possible. Once \RX�KDYH�LW��WKH�WLPH�VHHPV�WR�Á\��PDNLQJ�you even more stressed than you already were. And so, the question asked by any student or writer: Is there a cure for writer’s block? I don’t think anyone is entirely sure of how you get writer’s block, or why. It is only known that it’s a mass murderer, a serial killer, the end of all essays. While you are ever so innocently doing a writing assignment for school, writer’s

block sneaks up on you. It consumes your brain, your thoughts, making it practically impossible to write anything. When you have writer’s block, it seems as if nothing will help you get your paper written and you begin to lose hope that you will ever ÀQLVK�\RXU�ZRUN��%XW�WKHUH�LV�DOZD\V�hope, there are ways to get back on track. When you have writer’s block and think your paper and grade are in for sure failure, think again. There are things to do that can help you rid yourself of writer’s block. Instead of just sitting and staring RII�XQWLO�DQ�LGHD�ÀQDOO\�FRPHV�WR�\RX��GR�something about your writer’s block. If you were to Google “how to get rid of writer’s block,” the most common WKLQJ�WKDW�FRPHV�XS�LV�WR�ÀQG�VRPHWKLQJ�that evokes your emotions or energy. Do VRPHWKLQJ�WKDW�JHWV�\RXU�EORRG�ÁRZLQJ�and your mind up and running again. Just sitting and staring isn’t helping you get any new ideas. Another thing to do is to simply write, for about a 15- minute time frame, just write. Write whatever comes to mind and after that 15 minutes go back and read through what you wrote and edit it. Even if you have to delete everything that you have written, at least now you

have actually written something and KDYH�\RXU�WKRXJKWV�ÁRZLQJ��1H[W��ÀQG�inspiration. Look at your favorite author’s works or your past works that you are proud of and use that as inspiration to get the assignment at hand done. If the assignment is a large assignment, break it into pieces. When you have broken the assignment down in multiple parts, set up a to - do list with the pieces, and get one thing down at a time. Piece by piece, get the assignment done and in the end, you will have all the parts to put together and be done with it. Another way to get going on your paper is to exercise. Physical activity increases EORRG�ÁRZ�WR�WKH�EUDLQ�DQG�UHOHDVHV�nervous tension, which in turn may help you think of whatever you need to get over your writer’s block. If you’re not one for the physical activity, relaxing can help out your brain too. Take a break from the paper or whatever you are writing and get your mind off things. Taking a nap can help sometimes too, but if you are taking a break or a nap, don’t make it last too long. You only need it to last long enough to clear your mind so you can come back to the task with a fresh, open mind. On that

break, do something different. The point of the break or nap is to distract yourself, to almost forget that you have writer’s block. When I have writer’s block, I choose a different route to get over it. I brainstorm a lot, complain and exaggerate, and consult the expert advice of my friends. When it comes to brainstorming, I make lots of lists. Lists of crazy random things, things I know I would never actually write about I write down, just to get them out of my head and on paper. For whatever reason, talking about my writer’s block helps me get over it. Some would say I complain about it, but I would simply say I exaggerate my issue to put it in perspective. Literally all I talk about is having writer’s block when it hits me. It drives some people crazy, but the more I talk about it, the more I think aloud and that seems to help me think of new ideas. )LQDOO\��LI�P\�ÀUVW�WZR�PHWKRGV�GRQ·W�work, I talk to my friends. Talking to my friends gives me more ideas to take into consideration. With more ideas, I am ERXQG�WR�ÀQG�RQH�WR�ZULWH�DERXW��WKHUHIRUH�curing writer’s block.

A ‘Monster’ mix-up

In high school, practically every student attends the annual homecoming dance and enjoys it as well. Student Council is responsible for the homecoming dance, they put a lot of time and effort into it and receive for WKHLU�HIIRUWV��1DWLRQDO�+RQRU�6RFLHW\�DOVR�holds a dance for the students to attend, 7XUQDERXW��7KLV�\HDU�1+6�GHFLGHG�WR�WU\�something new and instead of Turnabout in January or February, they advertised for a Monster Mash costume dance in late October. Unfortunately, the Monster Mash wasn’t received well by the Central student body. Twelve students came to WKH�GDQFH��LQFOXGLQJ�WKH�1+6�PHPEHUV�ZKR�DWWHQGHG�WR�KHOS�ZRUN�LW��1R�RQH�IXOO\�understands why no one came, was it just bad timing? Did it have something to do with it being a costume dance or are kids just not interested in informal dances? An estimated $500 was spent to make this dance happen. The hired DJ cost about $300, two cops were necessary to supervise the dance at $15 dollars per hour each, totaling $90. An assumed $100 was spent on decorations, with an entry fee of only $5. The decorations in the high school cafeteria looked great and everyone said the DJ was good, too. So why didn’t anyone show up? The poor attendance raises some concerns about student apathy. Turnabout was moved to October and renamed Monster Mash because of concerns that presented themselves last year with Turnabout. In the 2010 - 2011

school year Turnabout was cancelled twice due to bad weather and eventually cancelled altogether and never took place. To avoid being cancelled due to weather the dance was moved to October, with the beliefs that the good weather and Halloween spirit would encourage participation. It was made apparent that the Halloween spirit didn’t encourage attendance and the weather wasn’t near as big a factor as believed to be. So, the issue is uncertain. The general belief is that there was just too much going on during that weekend already and people already had other plans. After all, it was Halloween, just about everyone attends at least one costume party. Or maybe the issue was that it was a costume party. %\�KLJK�VFKRRO��QRW�HYHU\RQH�GUHVVHV�XS�anymore, and if you do dress up, it can be KDUG�WR�ÀQG�D�FRVWXPH�WKDW�ÀWV�WKH�¶VFKRRO�appropriate’ rule. A theory that comes along with the expressed attire of the dance, maybe students are simply not interested in informal dances anymore. There has been talk among the student body of wanting a winter formal. If it’s a winter formal the students want, a costume party dance isn’t JRLQJ�WR�ÀW�WKH�ELOO�� When it comes down to it, no one has an answer as to why Monster Mash didn’t go as well as planned. While there are many theories and general beliefs as to why it didn’t go well, there isn’t a direct answer. It’s possible that students are simply not interested in an informal dance anymore, but also that there is a decline in student apathy. With an increase in student apathy when it comes to a school dance, it leaves us to wonder if it will spread to other school activities and the major effect it may have on the school.

HALEY RUSKMANAGING EDITOR

The Purple OnionVol. 25 No. 2

November 26, 2011