Room 303 buzzed with chatter, commo-tion, and lots of hugs as Nancy Minor spent her last days at Waukee, terminating on November 4th. Even though it was narrowing down to her last hours at Waukee, Minor- commonly known as Nurse Nancy- had her hands full with many people to attend to in the health office. This year was Minor’s fifth year of taking care of students in the Waukee High School. Sore throats, stomachaches, headaches, and various pains; these are the usual complications that Minor faced. Aside from normality, there were several requests made that released laughter and giggles from Minor. Floss? Who would come into the nurse (periodically) for floss? Sea salt to clean piercings was also a common request that sent Minor into a rage of silent laughter. The request for hairspray and nail-clippers were a rare, but hysterical request to Minor. Waukee High School’s nurse unfortu-nately had to leave her job and help out her

Nurse Nancy spends her last days at WaukeePayton Minear

“The Waukee Warrior Regiment, un-der the direction of Jeff Patterson, please take the field.” In the past, this statement exemplifies what a student hears when the Waukee marching band sets the field before

performing on Friday nights at football games; however, Marty McDonald, Asso-ciate Band Director, took the ropes to this year’s marching band season. Alongside a new director, a new drill writer Andy Combites also filled a position in the band this season. The new leadership developed between a conversation from Mr. Patterson, head Band Director and McDonald. “We talked about our personal strengths and what we think would serve the program best,” explained McDonald. “We came to the decision that the marching band would be good fit for me.” Megan Pauley, first year drum major, explained how this year demonstrated new routines from last year. “In the end, [being directed under McDonald] was more rewarding because we took longer learning the show.” Junior trombonist Zoe Scheve also agreed with Pauley’s statement about the new direction. Pauley described how before practicing in the morning, the band would stretch; something the band had not done in the past.

family. “I need the ability to work part time and the ability to be able to leave if I’m called away. I’m doing it for my family,” Minor sighed, explaining the reason why she left. Don’t be too down. Minor will be subbing at the Waukee High School. “I will be subbing in November and to infinity and beyond!” Minor exclaimed. Even though she has just left, Minor already has several tasks

on her hands. Not wanting to be sitting around with nothing to do, she has many things scheduled. “I have a heart for mission work: locally and be-yond our local community. I’m going to help facili-tate a product launch at my husband’s business, and I have plans to help with different mission groups. It’s what God is calling me to do,” Minor explained. She also will be helping her friend paint walls. “We’re going to be painting and listening to some great music! Gotta make it fun,” Minor chuckled at the thought of her plans. Students that didn’t have a chance to meet Minor missed out on her positive attitude and her love for the students. “I absolutely love Waukee students and I love this age group. I love to take every day and see what is going on in their day,” Minor explained in a loving manor. Minor has a spunky side to her as well, that many students have witnessed. “I love showing my dancing moves for the stu-dents during the assemblies,” Minor replied with a grin.

Edition 3 Waukee High School, 555 SE University November 22, 2011 Volume 17

Continue pg. 2

New Season, New Leader Mickey Sundermann

NEWS

pg. 2-3

FEATURES

pg. 7

WALKTHEHALLS

pg. 8

Juniors Ryan Bernard, Mick Price, and senior Tucker Melvin drum at a parade.

Here on the newspaper staff we have seen it all; every lie and every excuse to all of the ways to cheat. We have compiled the best of the best when it comes to cheating from the students of WHS. For the average procrastinator and slacker, take this as a helpful guide, and for the teachers and foolish “honest” students, take this a list of encouragement for that these students have never been caught.

How to Cheat Alex Romeo

Top 15 best ways to cheat in almost any class:15. The good ‘ole look on over at your neigh-bors desk. This works every time. 14. Write all the answers you may need on your finger. It’s an easy rub-off in times of trouble.13. Pull on out that cell phone: Google’s a champion at this kind of thing and all you were doing is turning it off... Right?12. This is a compilation of multiple ideas including, but not limited to, writing answers on leg, arm, hip, and stomach, then only slightly, and I emphasize slightly, pull back the clothing in that area. If questioned on your mischievous behavior, you just had an itch right there. Continue pg. 6 Continue pg. 7

Nurse Nancy has one last laugh with faculty.

SPORTS

pg. 6

News “[The play] is about John Merrick, a horrible mon-strosity, who is found by a surgeon, Frederick Treeves, and while spending time at a London hospital, finds humanity,” summarized Peyton McDermott, senior. McDermott plays the so-called “monstrosity”, the lead part in the Elephant Man. While some costumes, consisting of perfectly groomed mustaches and magnificent sideburns, simply cannot help but make the audience giggle, the show is not meant to be a humorous one. “The most difficult part [of the play] is having an au-dience that isn’t going to be laughing at you,” admitted Ali Hassan, senior. He continued to explain that it would be Waukee’s first time performing a drama, rather than a comedy. The production was shown on November 11th at 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 12th at 2 and 7 p.m.

Having a great turn out, the audience sat quietly, intrigued by the performance with occasional chuckles from the very few quirks throughout the play. The story was a moving one, demonstrating the importance of equality and respect towards others, no matter the differences. Though the production was greatly successful, some parts of the production were a struggle. “It would appear that the physical part is the most dif-ficult, but it’s the emotion. It’s different than [any other play] I’ve ever done,” McDermott explained. For costume, McDermott used his own physical ap-pearance, bending his limbs to look like deformities. “The challenge,” said Hassan, “that’s my favorite part. To have to show serious emotion, it’s a change of character.” And that it was. Not only did the cast prove their skills with impressive British accents, but they successfully captured an old-time London feel. At the end of the play, applause roared for the cast and crew. McDermott, Hassan, Angelica Gonzalez, and the many other seniors who were part of the

An artistic view of the poster for the outstand-ing show Friday and Saturday.

Elephant Man took a senior bow at the end of the show as well. “[I will take away] a lot more from this than any other plays I have done,” McDermott said. The Elephant Man was heart-wrenching, although it was also a heart-warming story that will stick with the cast, crew, as well as the audience . “It has been a lot of fun, and a great year to end on,” concluded McDermott.

Peyton McDermott limping accross the stage in Waukee’s first drama-- The Elephant Man.

Getting the students to hydrate and drink lots of wa-ter was something that Minor indulged. Minor would have some fun in her day, while staying healthy and trying to get people to do healthy things. She came up with the water-drinking contest and sat someone down in the office and gave them a water. “It’s you and me. Whoever drinks the water fastest, wins,” Minor concluded about her contest. With her spunky personality and fun tricks to stay-ing healthy, Minor loved the smiles and giggles from the WHS students. “I humiliate myself at the price of having you guys laugh,” Minor noted. Minor will miss the surroundings of WHS and all of the great people. “I’m going to miss their passion for their work and their compassion for the students,” Minor explained about the staff at the high school. Along with the staff, Minor gave advice to everyone, “Always remember

News Crew, On the 12th of October, it was unity day. Students wore orange to show support and to put a stop to bully-ing. Many students and facaulty joined but to me it had a deeper meaning because I still see bullying around the school. At times, I become silent. Other times, I am my talkative self. With unity day, it opened many eyes, but bullying shouldn’t just be noticed and stopped for one day, but everyday. To those who bully: how does it make you feel? Why do you do it? Do you think about how it makes the victim feel? And to the victim: I could tell you to ignore it, but we both know it can be more serious than that. Don’t think you are alone, for you are not. There are many people with open arms ready to help. You must stay strong and fight. Don’t think that you are alone and nobody cares. In reality, there are many who do care. I need your help to show how bullying affects people. If all of us victims stand up, we can put a stop to bully-ing. We can do it. So take a stand to put out the fire of bullying. Let us rise together and fight for what is right. As a student body, we can do what is right. There is hope for all victims of bullying. There is a light at the end of the dark, long, narrow tunnel. Let’s stop the bullying. Give hope for all! Let’s show others and the future students of Waukee that we can stop bullying and have peace. As a victim of being bullied, I know how the victims feel. All we want is hope, strength, and freedom to be ourselves. We just want for the pain to go away. We suf-fer from pain because of the torture of bullies. Stand up, Waukee. Love, Just one victim out of many

Letter to the Editor

to do random acts of kindness in your life. This will not only bless the receiver, but give back a blessing to you.” Although many will miss Minor’s occupancy at WHS, memories and thoughts will still trail on. “Nurse Nancy is the greatest lady in the school,” senior Brandon Potts explained his feelings. Not just affecting the students, Minor made an impact on the staff as well. “I’m going to miss her energy and how she can make anyone smile at any time in the day,” explained Sr. Folsom. “The Sophomores have kept me Smiling, The Juniors have kept me Jumping, and I am Sentimental about this year’s Savvy Seniors who learned to be Strong and Supportive of each other, and are bound for Success,” Minor concluded about the students at WHS. Minor ended her years at WHS, with a tear trickling down her face and said, “I’m not going away, and I will always pray for all of the people here at WHS. You will forever be in my heart. I’ll see you around.”

Nurse Nancy continuation

The Elephant ManBailey Smith

WHS Publications staff congratulates one of their own Waukee’s very own Payton Minear, junior, has made a name for herself as a golfer. The Publications staff refrains from featuring any staffers, seeing as the paper highlights all students of WHS. However, an accomplishment such as this could not be refrained from coverage. Minear won four events on the 2011 Junior Tour Schedule: Three Super Point Events (Iowa Games, Optimist, Junior and Des Moines Junior) and one Standard Point Event, The Legacy Junior. She also was a top six finisher in five other events throughout many of the two-

in late August at Waveland Golf Course. Minear also placed 6th place two weeks ago at the Famed Notre Dame Warren Course. Before receiving her award, she made an unofficial visit to University of Iowa and met the new Women’s Coach there, touring all of their new facilities at the Carver Hawkeye addition that just opened up. She is scheduled to play in the Premier Tour Tournament the two days after Christmas in Ft. Myers, Florida.

day tournaments. Payton Minear was titled the 2011 Iowa PGA Junior Tour Player of the Year in the Girls 16-18 division. In winning the Optimist, she qualified and represented all of Iowa and played in a four-day National tournament held at the difficult/prestigious PGA National Course in West Palm Beach Florida (home of the PGA Honda Classic) during the last week of July. She beat several players on the Drake College Women’s team held Information given by: Mike Minear

Junior Payton Minear receives an award from the President of the whole PGA of America.2

Johnson Brings Old Tradition, Principal Council, to WaukeeClinton Garlock What is the pinnacle of student leader-ship at Waukee High School? Is it the stu-dent council, who always have something new to say to us every week on Monday and Wednesday? No, with the new leader-ship of Mr. Johnson as principal here at WHS comes another group of individuals, the members of the Principal Council, and they’re watching you. More importantly, they’re watching every other student as well, to help decide what plans of action are best for the stu-dents of Waukee. Although unheard of, the Principal Council is really not as mysteri-ous as it sounds. Mr. Johnson, obviously heads the Princi-pal Council. This is a policy of his which he

brought to Waukee from his other principal duties at different schools, and for two main reasons: “[The council] is just a way for students to learn a little bit more about lead-

ership, and also a way for me to connect with another group of students,” stated Johnson. Its goal is simply to provide additional leadership opportunities to the students of Waukee. But which students? “Volunteers,” said John-son. “I had a bunch of students volunteer their time [to join the council].” One of the volunteers during school hours walking the halls is junior Zoe Scheve. But on a “random morning each month,” the day the council meets according to her, she becomes council-member Scheve. “I joined because I thought it’d be a fun way to meet the principal and learn about things that other students in the school wouldn’t have the opportunity to know about,” explained Scheve. But don’t worry, she doesn’t keep the informa-tion to herself. She added that she shares what she learns at the meetings to many students throughout the school.

Basically, the council-members almost act as representatives of the whole school. They talk about changes faculty and other students want to see in the school, getting input from them. “For example, next year we’re adding onto the commons and [Johnson] said there were going to be some things like painting the commons, making a mural in the commons, and he wants

Kirk Johnson explains the proposed new lunchroom seating. Junior council member Zoe Scheve

interprets the building plans for the coming school year.

Council members Mickey Sundermann and Katie Reynolds make plans for the new cafeteria.

us to ask other students what their views on it are and what they want to see,” said Scheve. The members then e-mail Johnson

the results. Besides Scheve, there are 5 other student members of the council. “A group of two students from each grade,” clarified Scheve. These students stay on the council until they graduate, and then a set of sophomores will fill in the gap left by the seniors. Besides attending the meetings, the council members are not held by many responsibilities, they are merely the voice of the students. “I don’t think there are any strict responsibilities, but he expects us to be a leader and represent the school well,” commented Scheve. In Johnson’s own words, all he asks of the council members is this: “I want them to have an open mind, be willing to learn; I want them to be vocal and talk to me about giving me ideas, giving me thoughts. I want them… to be the people who students not on this council look towards to as leaders,” stated Johnson. So what is the Principal Council? A group of students who represent the rest of us, who hold a direct link to one of the highest powers of the school and are responsible for sharing that link with the rest of us; a group of leaders. “A person that a group of students look toward, that is the defini-tion of a leader,” finished Johnson.

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3

Once upon a time, in a land far far away, there was a group of Native Americans liv-ing in a place called Plymouth Rock. These people had inhabited the land for hundreds of years and had grown to love it. Thousands of miles away, the Pilgrims set aboard the Mayflower which was headed to freedom and a better life. They were fleeing from the English religious persecution. After only a few weeks, the ship hit a colossal rock, Plymouth Rock. The Pilgrims glee-fully jumped off the ship and into the water to wade their way towards shore. Upon arrival, they were met by a tribe of Native Americans who seemed very angry. However, because of the language barrier, the Pilgrims could only guess that they had in some way offended the Native Ameri-cans. As the Pilgrims began to unpack their things, one Pilgrim was taken into the tribe. As he emerged from the Native American home only hours later, he was already speaking the Native Americans’ language. It was like Dancing with the Wolves had oc-curred within a matter of hours. Seeing that both parties could benefit from the other, the

Native Americans and Pilgrims came to-gether and celebrated their religion, family, and all for which they were thankful. The Native Americans carved a long table from trees and the Pilgrims hunted and cooked the turkey, potatoes, and corn, which was served that night at a feast. Native Americans and Pilgrims sat together at one table and prayed for the countless things they possessed. They ate turkey, mashed potatoes, and corn all night. It became a tradition for the two groups to get together during each November to celebrate a new holiday called Thanksgiving, which

is now celebrated nationwide.

Americans deceived by Thanksgiving As children, we are told Thanksgiving is a time to be with family and to celebrate all for which we are thankful. Because of this, it would be logical to assume that the first Thanksgiving played out the same way. However, there are many faulty myths that society creates. 1) The Pilgrims and Native Americans cre-ated Thanksgiving: the first recorded Thanks-giving actually occurred in San Elizario, Texas in 1598 (Story Above). The Mayflower landed on Plymouth Rock a whopping twenty three years later. 2) Thanksgiving was all about family. It was not in any way a family loving time. The Native Americans were not considered family, so the Native Americans would not have been invited if the feast had been about family (Top). 3) The feast was made up of turkey, corn and mashed potatoes. The feast between the Native Americans and Pilgrims contained many foul foods but no one can be sure that turkey was even on the menu. Much corn and pumpkin was eaten at the feast, although there is no mention of any potatoes (Thanksgiving). Students show what they are most

thankful for on Thanksgiving.

Pilgrims and Native Ameri-cans gather for Thanksgiving Madee Shutt

Surviving Black FridayMolly Adamson After a day full of extreme eating, how anyone can go out and “shop till they drop” is beyond me. The shopping craziness of Black Friday has killed people before. The most recognized death could be the trampling of a Wal-Mart employee, Jdimy-tai Damour, in 2008. Two men also came to the conclusion of shooting each other over the shopping event one year. So here I am to tell you how to be safe, and to also give you a behind the scenes look. Paul Stender, manager of Valley West Mall, gave a behind the scenes look. His mall goes through many preparations in order to get ready for the big day. “We make sure we are fully staffed for that day, clean, that we have plenty of se-curity on hand, and that we have Christmas decorations up so people can get in the holi-day mood while they shop,” said Stender. With few stores opening at midnight, while the rest wait until four a.m., Stender advised to the avid deal seeker to “get there early since that’s when the best deals are.” So now, with this secret information under your belt, you crazy consumer, go out and get the best deals. “To get people in the doors, some stores like Younkers sell things like Cracker Jacks in front of the doors,” Stender added. “People go all out for Black Friday. Fami-lies will show up in matching, crazy outfits just for the occasion,” Stender remembered. So how did this tradition come to start? Black Friday got its name because retailers begin to make the most money at this point

of the year. That’s right; retailers do not stop paying all their debts of the year until almost the end of November. But some really do get out of debt. With Black Friday being either the first or second highest sales day, depending on the year, it’s only real competition is the day before Christmas. So now, go out and shop until you hopefully don’t drop, Waukee.

thanksgiving

Sale signs begin to go up early for Black Friday.

Waukee Food PantryElla Gehrke A grown man walks into a local building. His face burning red as he approaches one of the Waukee Food Pantry workers. What has made him so humiliated? What has caused him such grief? The inability to feed his family. As he walks farther into the store, tears begin to stream down his face. This man feels guilt for what he has put his family into. Fortunately for him and many others, the Waukee Food Pantry is there to help. Helping the man fill a few bags of canned goods and other food products, the man leaves with more dignity and the high hopes that he will be all right. The Waukee Food Drive starts up yet again at Waukee High School, but what many students may be wondering what the significance is. We don’t see the food, we don’t know where it goes, and we don’t even know the families that will be receiving the food. Yes, that may seem like a motivational downer but keep in mind that the spirit of giving on this Thanksgiving can help spread the want to donate a tad farther. What is the food pantry exactly? The Waukee Food Pantry is a non-profit outreach ministry sponsored by the areas Waukee Churches. This organization provided people with the resources they need when they cannot get them any other way. Giving just a few cans, nonperish-able foods, or diapers can help one family even more than a person can imagine. And for some of us, it is hard to imagine. Imagine waking up in the morning and counting on the school lunch to be your only real meal for the day. Imagine your parents crying over which bill to pay this month. Imag-ine the need for a new coat but not wanting to ask your parents because they have bigger worries as it is. Maybe this doesn’t seem quite like a reality yet; however applicants of this food pantry must live in the Waukee School District. These situa-tions are hitting closer to home than one might believe. This is where we can help. Any of the foods or items listed below can be dropped off at Dahl’s, Fareway, Waukee City Hall, or the Waukee Police Department. Even donating just one of these simple items can help change a families week.

Non-Perishable Foods:-Soup-Saltines-Juice-Canned Tuna/Chicken-Canned Fruit-Jelly/Jam-Pasta Sauce-Cereal-Canned Beans

Canned food is collected and ready to be sent to the Food Pantry.

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Waukee Humor: Offensive or humorous?Jon Choda “They just copy exactly what everyone else does.” “They think they’re funny, but they’re really not.” “Waukee people are stupid.” These comments are common reactions and opinions of outsiders to one of the most notorious character-istics of the Waukee High School, its humor. Over the past couple of years, through various outlets, Waukee stu-dents have established themselves as comedic geniuses through hard work, wittiness, randomness, and delivery. Feedback has been multiform, but it seems only one thing is consistent: the majority of the time these ‘jokes’ are only funny to people repping for the Warriors. A senior, and Waukee’s very own, Chandler Conlon, a constant jester, spoke on his view of the humor known only to Waukee. “What I notice about Waukee’s

humor is that it is beyond that of other schools. Whenever I am with friends from other schools, I notice a great contrast in styles of banter.” Conlon went on to explain how the social media outlet, Twitter, inaccurately portrayed him due to the contrasts in comedic minds. “For example, a lot of people saw what happened on Twitter between the Waukee and Valley people. Intended jokes for the people of Waukee, but directed at the beings of Valley, were not only seen as grave, but sometimes even offensive by the Valley people. In my case, I’m all of the sudden being threatened when all I’m really trying to do is get a few pity laughs.” Conlon’s perspective brings up an interesting question: Is offensiveness a result of lack of understanding or an intention from the very beginning? To senior Joey Baldwin, the answer is evident. “What separates us from the mere mudbloods? Simple. We’re belligerent,

explicit, and if we have offended you, then we have successfully hit the key elements of our joke. We’re coming for you, society. Loud and proud.” A stupendous example of Waukee un-derstanding itself better than anyone else was at an assorted social outing, a bas-ketball game between the Warriors and the Linn-Mar Lions last season. It had

a member of the opposing team’s name whose name was Montague. The Warrior student sections proceeded to chant, ‘Capulet’s’, ‘Capulet’s’, ‘Capulet’s’. A witty, effective, and instant response,

Noodles So Fast You’ll LeafKatie Reynolds

New places to eat are popping up around Des Moines like the sophomores who are ever so present in the hallways around the school. With new franchises to try out, Jimmy Johns, Noodles & Company, and Orange Leaf will guarantee your satisfaction. The highly anticipated addition across the street from the YMCA has finally opened it’s doors to the community. Jimmy Johns, known for their scrumptious and ‘freaky fast’ subs has begun to instill hunger in the stomachs of Waukee’s students. “Well I went there every day for the first six days that it was open” stated junior Jordan Pratti. This de-veloping addiction for ‘subs so fast you’ll freak’ has become a trend for many students, to the point where there have been posts on Twitter about the new restaurant running out of bread. “It’s just so gosh darn tasty! Definitely a 4.8 out of 5 for sure!” exclaimed senior Max Borchardt in response to the word. Another freaky delightful new place to eat is the lesser known, but just as delicious, Noodles & Company. Guess what they serve? Yeah. Noodles. Oodles of noodles. And quite a variety of them too. With a menu consisting of all types of dishes from across the globe, it is safe to say that they exceed promot-ing food diversity. “I enjoyed it. Its noodles were cooked to perfection, the chicken

was all natural and the Alfredo was top notch,” stated senior Pat Minnick while reacting to his experience at the restaurant. In addition to organic ingre-dients and superb sauces, the es-tablishment provides a casual yet classy atmosphere and a staff full of spunk. Customers are guaran-teed to leave with a full stomach and wanting nothing more than to go home and bask in the glory of their decision to consume. Well, except maybe some frozen yogurt. Amongst the abundance of restaurants and attractions around Jordan Creek, stands a newly sprouted land of opportunity. Orange Leaf has engaged in turning the students of Waukee’s tongues’ into devoted destroyers of various flavors of frozen dreams. “It’s my favorite place to go with Allie Seemuth and Kaylee Hauck, especially after going to the haunted forest!” explained Alayna Vogel. With bright orange and white furniture everywhere you look, and ice cream flavors varying from old fashioned vanilla to red velvet, and an abundance of top-pings, customers always have new flavors to try. With so many new eating at-tractions appearing everywhere, Des Moines is spicing up the menu. Where will you go?

You’re test comes around. You scan the material on the page, and all you can do is stare blankly at the page, fumbling for the answers in your brain. 24 hours later, you’re sitting back in the same seat. The test is passed back, and a big fat, red D- sits at the top along with a ‘see me after class’ note. This is the third test in a row you’ve almost failed. It’s not your fault numbers just don’t make sense for you. But you need to pass algebra, so what are you going to do? You’re in luck. This year at the high school, there is a new program called S.P.A.R.K. (Sup-portive Peers As a Resource for Knowledge). Students help other students to understand the material being taught in Math and Science subjects. “I thought it would be a fun experience, plus you get to help others by doing it,” Julie Gunder-sons stated. Subjects range from Algebra to Biology, and more. Students, like Dheej Pulyala, who do well in Math and such have been asked to participate in the tutoring. “My favorite class is AP Chemistry, and I excel in Math and Science,” explained Pulyala. And if you’re worried about your tutor not knowing the answer to a question, don’t, just request Dheej. “I’ll find the answer or die trying…”Pulyala joked. If you’re interested in becoming a tutor, sign up sheets can be found in the office. Tutoring is worth Silver Cord hours as well. Maybe you’re thinking, ‘This isn’t for me. I would just feel weird having another student teach me stuff…’ Well no fear, a different resource for students has arose. Teachers Matthew Pries and Jeff Grassmeyer can help you get on the Right Track. These two teachers have agreed to stay after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 3:45 and help with any questions that students may have, including English and Social Studies. “We just want to make opportunities available

for students who need it,” Mr. Pries stated. “It’s not to say other teachers don’t do that, but some teachers just can’t stay late.” Right Track can be help for you in many subjects. English, Spanish, Math, and History help is avail-able. Or maybe you understand all the material, but you missed four days due to a MW3 binge, and you’ve just gotten behind. Right Track is a place to come and focus for awhile to get caught up. You know there is never any guarantee that your grade will go from a F to a A+, but it would never hurt to get a little extra help.

A new program provides help to studentsEmma Williams

Senior Ian Murphy displays a routine reaction to Waukee humor.

right? Wrong. While the home crowd chuckled and congratulated each other, the visitors sat with estranged, confused looks. The humor doesn’t desert you after high school either, prov-ing the saying ‘Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior’. Whatever the case may be, Waukee has a distinct form of humor, there’s no question about it. True Warriors embrace this honor or reputation maybe even burden depending on how you feel. Rapper extraordinaire Lloyd Banks once told 50 cent, “Go ‘head switch the style up, if the people hate, then let ‘em hate, then watch the money pile up.” Let ‘em hate Waukee, let ‘em hate.

Happy turkey day waukee! drive safe and have a great holiday! From the whs newspaper staff

5

SPORTSA successful season served up by the Warrior Volleyball TeamSchylir Rowen

Back to back State Qualifiers – a feat that has not been seen in over 25 years at Waukee! This is the accomplishment of Waukee’s varsity volleyball team this season. How did they make this happen? The volley-ball season started back in August when the team endured brutal “two-a-day” practices to get the season started. Leading the way through his sec-ond season as Waukee’s head coach, Ed Fredrick wanted to step up their intensity. As the team worked together daily, the chem-istry began to flow. The girls became “friends on and off the court,” sophomore Jessi Henter remarked. They knew they wanted to make their

season great along with making it memorable. “During the season, I see my volleyball girls more than I see my real family. We have so much fun together and we are so much closer then we have ever been,” Jessi Henter expressed. As the season began, they faced a big challenge, their rival Urbandale. This match started off the season as a loss, but forced the team to step things up and be ready to take control. Junior Carly Nicodemus stated that they wanted to “change up our game” when preparing for the tough games ahead. In anticipation of their tough competition, the players viewed taped matches of opponents, solic-ited advice, input from outside coaches, and watched inspirational films including “Miracle”. Leading the charge and building on experience are the returning seniors: Morgan Hoeg, Allie Howard, Janessa Rosebeck, Maddie McLaughlin, and Emily Poppinga. Leading the team to victories were captains Hoeg, Howard, and Rosebeck. The team seems to have done just that, and more, with only eight losses in 27 matches during the regular season. Their only repeated loss has been at the hands of Urbandale; a possible frustration that only proved to “fire up” the team to work harder. The home meet with Valley proved to be a memo-rable match as the team sponsored a “Pink Out”. In support of breast cancer research, the team wore pink jerseys and raised over $5,000 for the charity. The large crowd showed strong support for the team and the cause

Cheerleaders steal second at stateEmma Drees With adrenaline coursing through our veins, the Waukee Competition cheer team stood anxiously “in the hole”. With hair slicked back and on top of our heads, bright red lipstick, and suited up in full uniform, we were pumped and ready to go. It all started in May at tryouts, many tried out, but only the best of the best could make it, forming the Waukee Gold Squad. We practiced every week, four times a week, for at least two hours. Dragging myself out of bed at 5:30 three mornings a week was miserable, it got to the point where I didn’t even need an alarm clock anymore; I was naturally waking up at that early... every single morning. Although tumbling, jumping, throwing people in the air, and getting yelled at in the mornings sounds extremely fun, I will give you some insight… it wasn’t. After November 5th, it was all worth it though. After the team breakfast, we loaded the bus, the seniors handed out their letters they had written for all of their teammates talking about how much they love the team as a whole. We soon pulled up to the Jacobson Building and everyone got quiet… this was it. We walked into to building, passing all the other teams that we were hoping to crush. We made our camp and Ashley, our coach, was already get-ting the makeup out and ready to go. After putting on dark eye shadow up to our eyebrows, lipstick as red as a cherry, rosy red blush, and a hilarious bun on the tippy top if our head, it was official, we looked like clowns. But if that is what it was going to take, it was worth it. After hours and hours, only feeling like minutes, it was finally time to go into warm ups. We met as a team and with squeals of excitement, started to walk towards the warm up room. Before we entered, Ashley ran around frantically doing one

last safety check: belly button rings out, tongue rings out, earrings out, necklaces off, ponytails off of our wrists, all hairs slicked out of our face and up off of our shoulders, and nails so short they are about to disappear. If one person had one of those things our chances would have been gone, right then and there. The Cheer Association is very strict about these rules. Suddenly, we hear the announcer, “And now from Ames Iowa the Little Cyclones.” The team fell quiet as we all turned and watched; they were going to be our toughest competition. Every time they went up into a stunt or threw a tumbling pass, I secretly hoped something would drop to give us a better chance. They didn’t. Their routine was absolutely flawless, but our routine was harder and if we hit ours the same way they hit theirs, then we would win. As I was picturing our routine in our head and what it needed to look like, it was interrupted by the sound of us getting called into warm ups. No going back now. We would have exactly ten minutes to warm up all of our tumbling, stunts, and jumps, which I can tell you is not a lot of time at all. We started with a stunt run through, which is where we do our routine but only stunts and no tumbling. After that, I was kind of nervous. I am not going to sugar coat it for you. It

wasn’t very pretty back in the warm up room for stunts, but then we tried to push stunts to the back of our head and moved onto tumbling; everyone was landing. Cheers went out for Miranda Conner, she was about to be the first person in the state of Iowa to ever throw a standing full and land it. Our routine was going to make history whether we got 1st or last. If you saw us during warm ups, you would compare us to turkeys running around with their heads chopped off. We were frantically trying to warm up everything we could before the timer rang. DING. It was time. As I stepped put of the warm up room, nerves hit me like a giant wrecking ball and I thought I was going to pee my pants. Girls behind me yelled things like, “We got this!” or “Lets show them what we got!” for one last desperate cry of trying to get everyone to try their hardest. And there we are, adrenaline coursing through our veins as we stood anxiously “in the hole”. With our hair slicked back on top of our heads, bright red lipstick, and suited up in full uniform, we were pumped and ready to go. The music in the background fell and on came the announcer’s voice, “And now for the Waukee Warriors,” as he tried to hold the world Waukee Warriors hoping to add dramatic effect. On we walked. My numb body stood there still as can be. Once the music blasted, instinct took over and I didn’t even have to think about what I was doing. I just performed. I was shocked to see the crowd getting as into the routine as they did. It was an amazing feeling. When we hit the pyramid at the end, it took everyone last ounce of energy the team had to get it to finally stick after the bobble that cost us first place. Overall, we were very proud of how we did at state. We finished in second place behind Ames, which is exactly what it should have been with the huge bobble and the almost fall that we had. Now, we prepare for nationals, where we will again compete against Ames. This time they better be ready, because they will not be beating us again. Dallas, Texas here we come.

The Volleyball team leaps in the air as they make the final move, transitioning to state

The Gold Cheer Squad proudly smile after their second place finish at State.

The volleyball girls pose with thier state qualifier banner.

with pink showing up throughout the stands. “Beating Ankeny at the Valley tournament,” was Hoeg’s reply when asked about her most memorable moment this season. The Ankeny win was an important moment in the season

that would become even more evident as both teams ad-vanced to the state tournament and would face each other in the first round in Cedar Rapids. Poppinga shared how the team “connected more and became one big family with no little cliques,” something that is hard to find on a High School Sport. “I LOVE all the girls,” Poppinga expressed. I think that this season was one to remember for all, especially those who won’t be returning next year.

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Features How far is too far?Mickey Sundermann

All over the news, students have heard about improper communication between students and teachers. The most relevant and newsworthy-- the case of Jerry Sandusky where some believe the famous coach didn’t do enough with the knowledge of alleged criminal activity between a coach and young boys. However, students lack the knowledge that these inappropriate com-munications have happened even closer to home. A teacher at Johnson Summit Middle School was arrested last Thursday for al-legedly tastelessly messaging teenage girls and could face up to ten years in prison for the offense, as stated on the Des Moines Register online site. Waukee officials hope to take action soon to prevent even the potential for incidents like these here at Waukee “The Waukee Board of Education is in the process of writing a social media policy for the district. The policy committee will make a recommendation about a social media policy to the full board sometime within the next few months. The board will consider the proposed policy, and formally read the policy at two separate meetings before the new policy can be adopted,” stated Duane T. Magee, Waukee’s assistant superinten-dent of human resources, in an email to the Arrowhead. Theoretically, when a Waukee teacher hears of inappropriate behavior from a teacher or any adult, that teacher is required by law to report that incident to Iowa’s De-partment of Human Services (DHS). Teach-ers have to take a mandatory reporting class pertaining to bullying and harassment, which basically explains the scenarios in which teachers must report. Teachers are legally bound to “conduct themselves in a professional manner” ac-cording to Waukee’s district website. Also on the Waukee district school website, the board lists prohibited uses of computers, networks, and Internet. Teach-ers and administrative staff must follow rule 413.17.2, banning “any activity that contains pornographic, obscene, or other sexually oriented material.” Student Services Specialist Ron Book explained, “It is real positive that [students and teachers] can communicate with cell phones, few abuse it but some do.” However, the few that abuse this power of technology are the ones that set a bad name for any teacher who communicates with students over cell phone and Facebook and other newly designed technology. English teacher Chad Vollmecke explained “I do not have a policy [for com-munication]. If [students] need me they know where to find me.” “I’m so immediate it drives my wife crazy,” explained Vollmecke. “I don’t want anyone’s needs to not be met on my watch.”

Vollmecke confessed to not allowing high school students on his Facebook page

Can you really say no?Sheldon Buss

for money time and time again? Senior Gabe Dickerson, who is a part of varsity cheerlead-ing, a team raising money to go to nationals in January expressed, “Fundraising can be annoying because once someone spends so much on one thing, they aren’t going to want to keep digging money out for the same cause.”

Football and wrestling blitz cards, cookie dough, Voices for Hope t-shirts, coin wars during football games, Krispy Kreme Fridays, car decals, warrior towels, food and clothing drives, and t-shirts. Continuous streams of students seem to be asking for the community’s support in terms of money. How do students, facility, and parents choose what to support, and can you give the dreaded one worded response… no? Waukee being the active school that it’s known for, has a wide variety of programs that rely on members of the community in order to keep their programs afloat. Teach-ers feel obligated in some cases to support everything. Math teacher, Jesse Hunt, explained, “In general I try to support all groups if they put forth the effort to raise awareness, however, the amount of money I give is different based upon the need.” Not only teachers, but also parents of Waukee are asked all the time for money. With a rough economy and the unemploy-ment rate over nine percent, it‘s difficult for people to support everything. Bobbi Tucker, cheerleading coach, puts on a lot of fundraisers for the squads. “I try to select fundraisers that would be of inter-est to a wide range of families/residents in the community so that each time there is a different market focus. This way we are not always selling to the same group,” commented Tucker. Hunt elaborated saying, “It is really easy to get overwhelmed.” However, what about the people raising money? Do they feel bad asking people

Many students have jobs, yet there is only so many hours minors can work, and most don’t want to spend the money they make on student fundraisers. Cheerleading coach, Tucker, knows that this is a valid point, explaining, “Some [fundraising] items are targeted to students while others are targeted to High School families vs. middle and elementary school families.” Clearly, some coaches try to break up the people they are targeting. Although, this doesn’t seen to help sophomore Emily Olson who commented, “I get asked all the time to buy things, normally I don’t turn anyone down because if I get something from one friend I feel like I need to do the same for all the others. Plus, I like supporting the different groups.” Hunt is also the track coach. “The way track fundraises is that there is a small markup on all of the clothing items, which people would have bought anyways. The booster club does support all teams and would like to support everyone fully but so it is ok, but I will always support as much as I can if I sense a need.”

Cheating (continued from pg. 1)Alex Romeo

11. This one had some originality to it: If you can get your hands on the answers to a multiple choice; take the letters, ABCD EFGH, and write words that start with those letters on a differ-ent sheet of paper. Ex: Apple, Balloon, Circus, Dog, etc.10. Write the answers on a big eraser and leave it flipped over until needed.9. If you are unlucky enough to be taking a Scantron, liberate yourself; mark two, because it was just an “eraser mistake”.8. Another for those big multiple choice tests. This requires a partner in crime. You and your accomplice need to for-mulate the plan before hand. During the test when you get caught on a question, give your partner a suttle clue to assist you. Then give them the number your stuck on and if they know they will answer with a knock: 1=a, 2=b, ect. 7. For the well prepared to cheat: Pur-chase a water bottle, remove the wrap-ping, write the information you need on the inside of that wrapper (the glue should still be good), and put it back on the bottle. This one is a bit risky, as there is no excuse, if I may warn.

6. Write answers on fingernails as it will look like nail polish if you have enough to write.5. You will need some good solid upper body strength to complete this cheat. For the appropriate task of course, write as hard as you can before hand in your notebook. When you are done, what you have written should be transcribed into the pages under the initial page.4. If you are able to get your hands on the test before hand, you have an easy time ahead of you. Go ahead and do the test, when you are done, bring it to class and give it a good long while. For most avid cheaters, they are not usually the first done as this brings attention to you. Make it look like you are taking the test that was just handed out. Then after 4-5 people have finished, go ahead and pull your completed out and throw the other away. If caught, you must have just been handed two tests.3. This one may be cause for speculation and ridicule but it is a worthy tactic as stated by an anonymous senior, and we think it deserves the number 3 spot. In Doc’s class, “You have to distract Doc, he’s usually already distracted anyway.

Once you have that completed, he leaves the tests out, so all you have to do is go up, take yours out and change the answers that need changing.” Sounds pretty simple huh? Just don’t get caught, the last kid that did disap-peared in 1999 and has yet to be seen again.2. Talk about risky: Take your answers or “cheat sheet” and tape it above your desk while the teacher is out of the room, then go on and glance up. There is no way this one has a very high suc-cess rate...1. And the most creative way to cheat we have encountered in our years is the snacks in class cheat. If you can have snacks in class, buy a fruit roll up, un-roll the roll up, write all your answers on the paper part, then put back on the roll up and all your answers are right there glowing red.

If you need any extra help, please feel free to contact anyone you feel is a skilled thief, ghost, or a very small writer for the fingernails.

“In general, I try to support all groups if they

put forth the effort to raise awareness”

until after they graduate, however; FCA does have a Facebook page through which he communicates. Vollmecke is not the only teacher to have communication between students outside of school halls and classrooms. Many sport coaches and club leaders often possess the phone numbers of their participants, for fast, effective communication. “Communication between teachers and students outside of school can be helpful to student learning. If students and teachers can hold appropriate conversations about curricular or co-curricular activities, the learning done in the classroom can be extended outside of school walls,” enlightened senior Ben Schaffer on proper com-munication. Junior Alyssa Cady voiced her opinion on teacher’s communication with students via cell phones. “I think it’s a good way to keep communi-cating because everyone texts but doesn’t check emails.” Alyssa Cokinis believed that “It is not a big deal; it’s weird, but not bad.” After all of this, the question still remains: How do you know if a teacher or authority figure will misuse communication devices? The answer: You don’t. Even though teachers have to pass FBI background checks before being hired by a school, students need to be on their guard and use sound judgment when communicating with teachers. 7

if you could say one thing to the pilgrims or native americans, what would it be?

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1: “Shoulda brought more food.” -Mr. McDonald (teacher)2: “Nice Moccasins!” -Kristy Housholder (senior)3: “You’ve got guts, there’s no way I would have gotten on a boat and come over here.” -Mrs. Maxwell (teacher)4: “Save me some dark meat.” -Joel Berner (junior)5: “Thank you for inventing Thanksgiving, I love all the food.” -James Reynolds (senior)6: “Thanks, I like the corn.” -Maddie Arrasmith (junior)7: “Sweet potatoes are good.” -Liisi Reiser (senior)8: “Thanks for giving.” -Kyle Kubiak (junior)

Responses:9: “Welcome to change.” -Cole Pederson (senior)10: “Did you guys start Thanksgiving foot-ball?” -Mr. Blum (teacher)11: “You guys inspired my beard.” -Nick Franklin (senior)12: “Don’t you feel good that you’ve settled all your differences and we can all live in peace and harmony?” -Mrs. Kirkland (librarian) 13: “The ones on the boat?” -Emily Tobin (junior)14: “What’s up with the buckle on the hats?” -Mr. Pries (teacher)15: “Sorry for disease.” -Brian Dannenmueller (senior)16: “Thank you!” -Mr. Ohl (teacher)

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