nov. 24 issue
DESCRIPTION
Volume 90, Issue 5TRANSCRIPT
Nov. 24, 2009 • Volume 90 • Issue 5
Dodge City High School • 2201 Ross Blvd. • Dodge City, KS 67801
the
Feature/Entertainment
DODGER 11.24.09 Contents
2
The Dodger is a publication produced by the Dodge City High School journalism department. The newspaper attempts to inform and entertain its audience in a broad, fair, and accurate manner on all subjects that affect the readers. The publication seeks also to provide a forum for the opinion of students, the staff of the paper, and the faculty to encourage an exchange of ideas on all issues of prominence to readers. The Dodger staff encourages letters to the editor, as they constitute avenue for student opinion. Due to space limitations, not all letters can be published. The editor reserves the right to edit all letters for appropriate placement as long as the meaning and intent remain unchanged. The letter must be signed to be considered for publication. The opinions expressed throughout the publication are not necessarily those of the faculty, the administration, or USD #443. Unsigned articles are a general consensus of the staff, while signed articles are the personal forum of the writer. All letters, columns, stories, photos and art become legal property of The Dodger at the time they are submitted.
Codi Ehrlich .....................Co-EditorAnthony Reardon .............Co-EditorTrevor Otterstein .................OpinionLuke Bunker ........................OpinionKristi South ......................LifestylesJordan Stevens .................LifestylesMeghan Lee ............................NewsEthan Hutchcraft ....................SportsHunter Edwards .....................SportsCristina Yeverino................ReporterAlysia Garvalena ................ReporterJean-Damien Bouyer ..........ReporterErin Finley .........................ReporterKristine Rusinova ...............ReporterEthan Hutchcraft ........ PhotographerCindy Moore ....................... Adviser
the Dodger staff
Editorial Policy
LineupDodger
News
Sports
Opinion
State Fair: An in-depth look into the fall play pg 8
Do You Live for You? pg 10
My DC Experience pg 11
Soccer Wrap-Up pg 14
Footbal Wrap-Up pg 15
Winter Sports Preview pg 16
Library Twilight Party pg 4
Ben & Jerry’s pg 7 Journalism Visits DC pg 12
11.24.09 DODGERColumn
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The Chronicles of Codi
What you are about to read is a series ofevents thatarenotfictional. Itmayseemoddthatsucharandompletheraofweirdhappen-ings could occur to one individual, but thesearetheexperiencesthatIgothrougheveryday.Cometakeawalkinmyshoes,andseejusthowawkwardanduncomfortableitcanbe!
Dippin’ Dots in the Afro
Walking up the stairs to the nosebleed sec-tion of the Verizon Center, my mind was fo-cused on two things: not falling and plummet-ing to my death, and enjoying those magical and sinfully delicious Dippin’ Dots.
Once I finally made it up to my seat, I per-formed an action that I do millions of times per day. I sat down. The only thing that made this situation sit different than any other sitting, was that I was holding a cup a Dippin’ Dots that I sort of forgot about for a second.
As I bent down, my spoon, filled with tiny frozen bits of ice cream, tumbled out into the great unknown. This seemed to happen in slow motion and the only thing I could do was watch what would happen next.
The gravitational pull of the man’s afro in front of me attracted the spoon and the ice cream of the future. Plop. Right in the afro it went. I kindly apologized to the man twice, but the only thing he had to say while shaking his head was, “White people.”
A “Trip” to the Movies
As we all know, it’s a rule to go to the con-cession stands and bathroom before the movie starts. So following the rule, I thought I would make the trip so I didn’t walk out of the show right at the climax and miss the most important part of the plot leaving myself with millions of questions.
The only thing is, I wasn’t taking the trip I was thinking of. As I got to the end of the row, I must have been extremely excited to go to the bathroom, because I turned too sharply and got
my muscular thick thigh caught on the arm of the chair. Ker-splack. Right onto the floor I went.
I immediately heard cackles and giggles erupt into the theater. The only thing is, it wasn’t just from the expected culprit, my best friend Meghan. They also came from a group of about five boys who I have not identified. They definitely know me though, and they know me as the creepy girl who tripped in the movie the-ater.
Would you like some more juice?
I knew that sitting by Jordan on an airplane was the worst choice imaginable in human his-tory. Nothing good could have possibly come from the situation, but I let that boy get the bet-ter of me.
The trip was going well, no turbulence, I didn’t pass out while taking off, and the kind flight attendant gave me an entire can of cran-apple juice. About halfway through the can though, the flight took a turn for the worse.
I look to my left and Jordan is facing me with a straw in his mouth. For a split second I thought he was going to spit juice on me, but then I realized that would be completely idiotic and no one would dare do that. I thought wrong.
He spit the entire straw full of juice onto me. So naturally I flip out. My instincts take over and my legs and arms fly into the air and a tiny scream escapes. The problem arises when my legs slam into the tiny seatback tray with my cran-apple on it. Needless to say, juice went flying everywhere. But the ironic thing is the only person that seemed to get a shower by this tasty liquid was me.
Not only did I make a scene by spilling juice everywhere, I got to laughing, which caused even more people to stare. This laugh wasn’t the normal giggle; it was a gasping-for-breath-tears-rolling-body-shaking laugh. I am sure, those flight attendants hate me. But the funni-est thing of all, was the man next to us didn’t even glance away from his iPod. He must have been watching Step Brothers or something.
All Around Bad
This last embar-rassing moment, is the worst of them all. It could go down in the
top three most awkward experiences I have ever been through in my life.
It began as a normal day in journalism, just working on the paper and talking to my people. An unnamed administrator walked into the room and I didn’t think anything of it. He went to another student and took care of his business with him. The problem began when we was walking out of the room.
As he walked by, it was just like any other person was exiting the room, I didn’t really even notice. The part that I did notice was when he stopped and took two small steps backward and took a peer at my desktop image.
My heart began beating at a rate faster than humanly possible, and my face turned redder than a tomato. I was caught. You would think that I had something inappropriate like Will Fer-rell flipping off the camera.
My desktop was definitely inappropriate and it definitely wasn’t Will Ferrell. It was a picture of the unnamed administrator, whom I may have had a tiny crush on. But it wasn’t just him ei-ther. I had photoshopped myself into the picture and we were the happy couple.
I was in such an embarrassed state; I didn’t know what to do. I just froze and sat there wishing he would leave, or that I could possibly transfer to Hogwarts or something, anything to get out of the awkwardness that was surround-ing me. I don’t even remember what happened next, my mind must have blacked it out. What I do know, is that the next few encounters with the guy were very uncomfortable, and that I did delete that desktop image.
These four experiences are just a tinyglimpseintotheweirdstuffthathashappenedtome.AndwhileIsithereandlaughatthetimesIhavefallendownthestairs,gottenintothecarofacompletestranger,trippedanddroppedallmysnacks,orslippedonapuddleofice,IknowthatIhavealotmoreactionheadedmywayandIamreadytoembracetheawkwardness.
-Codi Ehrlich
DODGER 11.24.09 News
4
1712 Central • P.O. Box 176Dodge City, KS 67801
620.225.2888 • 1.800.779.0753Fax: [email protected]
Susie Reardon
Kelly S. Henrichs, D.D.S.
100 Ross Blvd., #2CDodge City, KS 67801
620.225.6555
The library hosted a Twilight/New Moon party on Nov. 19 to glee of many adolescent fanatics of the franchise. The party, which cel-ebrated the Nov. 20 release of the movie, in-cluded a screening of the franchise’s first film, Twilight. In addition, refreshments were served and prizes were given out to winners in a Twi-light trivia game. Those prizes include tickets to the movie, movie passes, bookmarks, bracelets, and other various items.
The students attending also had the option of wearing Twilight-inspired costumes based on their favorite characters, of which Library Clerk Beverly Hertel said “we hope they’ll wear” be-
fore the party was held.Senior Madison Reynolds is one of the many
fans of the Twilight franchise, saying she en-joys them because they’re not “too far out of the realm of possibility and are still believable.” Reynolds did not attend the library’s party but did attend the films midnight release, which she was very excited for.
Reynolds however did want to clarify that the “uber-fans” of the franchise may be a bit overzealous saying “While I enjoy the series, I realize that the characters are only fictional and I think that some people need to realize that too.”
Obsession with the book-turned-film fran-
chise began after the release of the first book in 2005. Then, in Nov. 2008, Summit Entertain-ment released the book as a film and its popular-ity skyrocketed to a success somewhat mirror-ing the Harry Potter franchise. The books/films have also managed to jump-start a “vampire craze” within the entertainment industry. With-in the last two years, several vampire-themed shows have become major players in the prime-time lineups of various TV stations.
With a third film in the works, and a rumored fifth book to be released, this craze does not ap-pear as if it will be dying down anytime soon, only to the satisfaction of the franchise’s fans.
Library hosts Twilight party before premiere-Anthony Reardon
DCHS Drill Team traveled to Dallas to dance with famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Nov. 13-15. Not everyone gets the chance to meet or even dance with the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders.
“Dancing with them was intimidating at first, but they were nice. I got comfortable after a while, “ said Marissa Herbert12.
“This year’s trip to Dallas was one of the most amazing things I have experienced. I think it was because of the team this year. It has been great! Everyone gets along, and we all learn the routines fast. So far this has been my favorite year on the Drill Team!” Herbert said. “And, of course, a big part of it is our coach. We have the best coach a team could ask for and that’s what makes our drill team the best around.”
Even though the team was only gone a short time, they were able to accomplish a great deal.
“It was a short trip, but it was a great trip for my last year. The dances were a lot of fun and also something new for everybody in Drill Team,” said Matraca Hutton, 12.
“Our Drill Team learned four dances that the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders performed during games at Texas Stadium. They also worked on different skills such as leaps and kicks. Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders even showed them their famous ’jump into the split’,” Hutton said.
Coach Debi Conrardy was impressed with their performance and their ability to learn the routines so quickly.
“I was impressed with how quickly our drill team learned the dances,” said Conrardy.
The trip was financed through fundraising, and each team member paid a small amount. A large part of the trip was paid by one of the business sponsors, Jeremy Schneweis of Curves.
Besides dancing with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, they also toured the new Texas Stadium and went to a dinner show called Medieval Times.
“The Drill Team is an amazing group of talented girls who learn quickly, inspire each other to be the best, and know how to work hard. All of this combined for a great trip,” said Conrardy.
-Kristina Rusinova
Drill Team travels to Dallas
Shake it. The DCHS Drill Team performs a pom routine during halftime of a football game at Memorial Stadium. • Photo Tanya Rangel
11.24.09 DODGERNews
5
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Holiday CheerConcert brings musical groups together
-Erin FinleyOn Tuesday, Dec. 15, the band,
orchestra, and choir will come together to present the Holiday Concert. This concert is an annual event and features all musical groups performing one number together. Each group also gets a part of the concert to perform in sections.
The Holiday Concert is the biggest of the year and features festive music that all are sure to enjoy.
“I like the festive music and the fact that we get to play new songs,” said Vanessa Rodriguez, 11, band.
The musical groups begin practicing their music around early November and get to experience the holiday music a little earlier
than most.“I love Christmas music so I
enjoy the time the band gets to learn it,” said Erica Lindberg, Director of Bands.
Unlike a separate concert, the Holiday Concert brings everyone together and each group only has to concentrate on learning a few songs.
“The Holiday Concert allows the students in all music groups to perform together. There isn’t a lot of pressure placed on any one of the groups to have a lot of music learned,” said Wendy Mickey, Director of Orchestras. “The holiday music sets the tone for the season and gets everyone in the mood.”
For the full group number of the
night all musical groups crowd the stage. Fitting the many students on stage is an amazing task. After everyone is in the proper seat and somewhat comfortable, the band and orchestra begin to play while the choir sings.
“I think the group number brings us closer together, like one big family,” said Megan Huffman, 10, orchestra.
Each musical group gets a chance to perform on their own throughout the concert. The chamber orchestra will be performing “Ice Sculptures” by Brian Balmages with soloist Kimberly Schmalz playing the cello. The symphonic orchestra will perform “Holly and the Ivy” arranged by Chip Davis. The
symphonic soloist is Vanessa Perez on violin. The musical selections for the band and choir are still being decided.
The Holiday Concert will get you in that festive spirit and have you humming holiday tunes for months. It is a really spectacular event and is great if you want to see all the DCHS musical groups in one sitting. The decorations also add to the beauty of the night.
“I like the cool Christmas trees that light up,” said Ana Soto, 11, band.
If you would like to see the Holiday Concert, it starts at 7 p.m on Dec. 15 in the DCHS auditorium.
-Jordan StevensThe DCHS National FFA
Organization brought home wins at the SW District FFA Horticulture, Ag Mechanics, and Horse Evaluation Career Development events held at Dodge City Community College.
The big win of the night was the FFA Horticulture Team, which took first place for the second year in a row.
Other winners included Jordan
Waller, who took third place individual; Ethan Reimer, who took second place individual; and Rebecca Oberley, who took first place individual.
“They did a really great job! If you see any of the FFA students in the hallway, please be sure to congratulate them on a job well done!” said agriculture instructor Tabitha Lemley.
The Ag Mechanics team consisted of Alex Borunda, Cade
Morgan, Caleb Schraeder, Torrey Sands, James Nightengale, and Matt Leonard, and took third place as a team.
Borunda took home fourth place as an individual, and Nightengale won a brand new Lincoln Electric welding helmet as a door prize.
“We really worked hard and came together as a team. We really deserved the win we got,” said Borunda.
The Horse Evaluation team also
placed, with Sydney Urban taking sixth place in individual; Hannah Hoskinson taking fifth place; and Rachel Robertson taking ninth place in the senior division.
“This is what we have been training for all year. It seemed like second nature to us,” said Hoskinson.
Horticulture team takes first for second consecutive year
CalendarNov. 25 2-Hour Early DismissalNov. 26 ThanksgivingNov.26-27 Thanksgiving BreakNov. 27 Black FridayNov. 30 (Wright Park Holiday Events) Chili Cook Off Judging (5 p.m.) Parade of Lights (6 p.m.) Lighting ofTrees(6:30 p.m.)Dec. 7 Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Dec. 12 Floorshow (7 p.m.) First Day of HanukkahDec. 15 Holiday Concert (7 p.m.)Dec. 19 Last Day of HanukkahDec. 21 First Day of WinterDec. 22 2-Hour Early Dismissal Last Day of First SemesterDec. 23-Jan.4 Winter BreakDec. 24 Christmas EveDec. 25 Christmas Dec. 26 First Day of KwanzaaDec. 31 New Year’s Eve
2010
Jan. 1 New Year’s Day Last Day of KwanzaaJan. 5 First Day of Spring SemesterJan. 6 Senior Photos Due to M109Jan. 18 Martin Luther King Jr. BirthdayJan. 21-23 TOCFeb. 3 Parent/TeacherConferences Feb. 4 Musical (7pm)Feb. 5 No School Parent Teach Conferences Musical (7 p.m.)Feb. 6 Musical (7 p.m.)Feb. 10 No SchoolFeb. 15 President’s Day
DODGER 11.24.09 News
6
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The DCHS National FFA Organization brought home some wins at the SW District FFA Horticulture, Ag Mechanics, and Horse Evaluation Career Development events that were held at Dodge City Community College.
“They did a really great job! If you see any of the FFA students in the hallway, please be sure to congratulate them on a job well done!” said Agriculture Instructor Tabitha Lemley.
The Ag Mechanics Team consisted of Alex Borunda, Cade Morgan, Caleb Schraeder, Torrey Sands, James Nightengale, and Matt Leonard, and took 3rd place as a team. Borunda took home 4th place as an individual, and Nightengale won a brand new Lincoln Electric welding helmet as a door prize.
“We really worked hard and came together
as a team. We really deserved the win we got,” said Borunda.
The Horse Evaluation Team also placed, with Sydney Urban taking 6th place in individual, Hannah Hoskinson taking 5th place, and Rachel Robertson taking 9th place in the senior division.
“This is what we have been training for all year. It seemed like second nature to us,” said Hoskinson.
The big win of the night was the FFA Horticulture Team, which took 1st place for the second year in a row. Other winners included Jordan Waller, who took 3rd place individual, Ethan Reimer, who took 2nd place individual, and Rebecca Oberley, who took 1st place individual.
FFA shines at local competitionplacing high in many events
- Jordan Stevens
Taking the ACT is an important part of getting into the college of your choice. The ACT is needed for admission to most colleges. Students need to remain well informed so they will not miss the deadlines for the test. Waiting around until your senior year is not ideal.
According to the ACT website, “Students should start testing their junior year so they can retest if they feel the scores don’t accurately reflect their abilities.”
The closest testing location for students of DCHS is Dodge City Community College. Three tests have already been given this year.
The next test dates in 2010 are Feb. 6, April 10, and June 12. However, students must register for these dates about a month beforehand.
The deadlines for each test are: Jan. 5, March 5 and May 7. If students miss the registration date, late registration is allowed for about a week after the deadline. However, they must pay the $21 late registration fee.
The ACT tests the student’s ability to answer questions in English, math, reading, science and an optional writing test.
“Students are not penalized for guessing. Your score is based on the number of correct answers,” according to the ACT website, www.actstudent.org.
The cost for taking the regular ACT is $32. If you take the optional writing test it is $47. Prep guides are available for purchase at www.actstudent.org.
-Erin Finley
ACT testing required for college admissionNext testing date Feb. 6
11.24.09 DODGERNews
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Americone Dream Tasty. Seniors Cristina Yeverino and Ethan Hutchcraft participate in a taste test. • Photo Moore
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DODGER 11.24.09 Lifestyles
8
State Fair was presented by the DCHS Drama department Nov. 13-15 in the high school auditorium
The play was set “just outside the Frank family’s tent in Tentville at the Iowa State Fair. The time period is “the sixties, early in September.”
Concern is reserved for whether Mother Melissa’s brandy-laced mincemeat will pass muster with the judges and whether Father Abel’s Hampshire boar, Blue Boy, will win Best in Show.
The children, Margy and Wayne, are torn between the ardent admirers they left behind on the farm and the fair’s most irresistible attractions: a no-strings newsman for Margy and a female performer for Wayne.
In the end, both the mincemeat and Blue Boy win. The newsman reforms and rescues
Margy from the guy back home and Wayne ends up with the girls back on the farm.
“The plot of the State Fair holds no evildoers, very little conflict,” said Anne Kaiser, drama teacher and director.
The play does have a happy ending but not before a “valuable lesson in worldly
women” is learned.Grade school students were treated to
a matinee Nov. 13. During fifth block high school DCHS
students were able to attend the play as well.
“They liked it! It make me put in more effort when they laughed. At least I knew they were paying attention,” Tylyn Shrader, 10, said.
For the general audience, the play was performed Nov. 14 and 15.
Jose Castro, 10, Tylyn Shrader, 10, Shamus Hager, 12, Amanda Dahna, 12, Ethan Reiner, 11, Mariel Ferriero, 12, Tanner Slattery, 11, Bryce Hostetler, 10, Gentry Cork, 10, Hillary Pingsterhaus, 12, Stephen Fergerson, 10, and Anna Parsons, 09, were cast as the main characters.
Also appearing in the play were Elizabeth Romero, Kimber Smith, Jennifer Gutierrez, Colt Woods, Jordan Jones, Kelli Enlow, Katherine Keene, and Taylor Utt.
Auditions for State Fair were held in September.
- Kristi SouthAlysia Garvalena
Thinking it Through. Shamus Hager, 12, as Abel Frake and Tylyn Shrader, 10, as Melissa, his wife, worry about the out-come of the State Fair. • Photo Rangel
Sweeping Her Off her Feet. Ethan Reimer, 11, as Wayne Frake flirts with Mariel Fer-rieo, 12, as Emily. • Photo
11.24.09 DODGERLifestyles
9
Blue Boy Concerns. Shamus Hager, 12, as Abel Frake and Amanda Dahna, 12, as Margy Frake, his daughter worry about their prize Hamp-shire boar, Blue Boy. They plan to enter the boar in the Best of Show competition at the State Fair. . • Photo Ace-vedo
Serenading. Tanner Slattery, 11, serenades Margy who is played by Amanda Danha, 12 Slattery played the role of Pat Gilbert in the show. • Photo Acevedo
Taking a Stand. Shamus Hager, 12, stands up to Hillary Pingsterhaus, 12, as Abel Frake and Mrs. Rallins. • Photo Acevedo
Fair Preparations. Ethan Reimer, 11, Gentry Cork, 10, begin to prepare for the State Fair. Reimer had the role of Wayne Frake and Cork played his girlfriend, Eleanor. • Photo Rangel
DODGER 11.24.09 Opinion
10
Are you a leader or a follower? Why?
“I make my own way. I’m my own person because I am who I am, and I don’t let what others say bother me. I’m simply me.”-Lauren GrothSenior
Faculty
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
DODGER Asks
“I do whatever I think is the best depend-ing on the situation. There’s no need to follow anyone else if it’s just going to get you in trouble.”-Saira Palacios
“I follow my own rules because I don’t want to have to be compared to anyone else. I’m just myself.”-Gary Cecil
“I make my own way because in the long run you end up how everyone else is and not how you wanted to end.”-Chelsie Dunbar
“I have my own way of thinking. The older I’ve gotten, the more confident I have become in express-ing what I think and feel.”-Jim Mapel
Do you live for you?
Trevor Otterstein
When someone asks you a question, do you answer them back honestly all the time? Do you tell them what you are truly thinking? A lot of people
in the world hide what they truly think because they believe it will help them advance in some way. It could be talking about the job market, or just scared of letting people know who s/he real-ly is. Or whether it just be a teenager wanting to fit in. It’s all the same concept, but the point is that people shouldn’t be afraid of who they are or what they think. Besides, it would be more liberating for them if they expressed it more.
Being a unique person isn’t a bad thing, and that is important for ev-eryone to know, because sometimes we aren’t per-fect, and we need to fix things. Now, there are a lot of people who em-brace who they are fully, and some people think they embrace it, but they still have flaws when it comes to maybe im-pressing a boss, or a girl, or something other of importance.
That’s understandable in some aspects, as your boss expects you to represent a company and not yourself, but you can still be you outside of the office. As I see it, if you have something to say, don’t hold back or odds are you’ll regret it. That is true for so many situations. But if you have a disagreement with your parents or a superior, just tell them what’s up! Say how you feel, preferably respectfully, because that can get heated, but you will at least get your feelings off your chest and can see how the other person responds. Also, express your feelings on poli-tics, on anything you choose. Politicians aren’t afraid to say what they’re feeling when they want something changed. But even politicians have to hide their true opinions sometimes.
When it comes to being a teenager, being yourself can be like a daily task. Nowadays, some kids seem to want to express them-selves more, which is fantastic, but we all still know those who are, for lack of a better word “fake.”
And no one likes a fake person, because that isn’t a trustworthy personality. If you would come forward as who you are and what you
think, you could make a different impression, and maybe get out of the crowd you were in be-cause it isn’t full of your real friends.
And as much as it sounds like it’s easy to just say what you feel, you have to know that you will have people who strongly disagree with your opinion or your personality, and that’s just something you will experience. But that shouldn’t stop you from expressing your feel-ings. For athletes who worry about living up to certain standards, they will realize that it’s eas-ier to play the game and use their talents when they play like they know who they are. You always have to “do you,” as some like to say. Do what you are most successful at and what you enjoy the most and thrive on that. People who express themselves and follow their heart will most often have the happiest lives, because they didn’t push themselves into something they never wanted.
The opposite sex is one of those complica-tions that can throw anybody into hiding who
they are. I won’t lie. I’ve had such cases, and I’m sure a lot of people can compare as well. It just seems like you can’t tell them what you really
like or what kind of person you really are be-cause they’ll just flip the switch, and you won’t be their type anymore.
And the harshest thing about that statement is that it is true. A lot of people have to look like a different person on the outside before anyone will give them a chance to be themselves. But that’s a tough subject to dissect because there are too many variables with relationships.
So the whole question is: Do you, “do you?” If so, you’ve got it on lock, but honestly I don’t have it down yet either. I still work on it in some situations.
Let the world know what you have to say because you only live once, and you’re only thinking like you were meant to think. Great minds learn how to challenge the impossible, but the difference between a great mind and an average mind, is the great mind is in touch with his or herself.
And that’s where you need to be to accom-plish what really makes you happy in life.
Live everyday like it was your last because you never know if it will or not. Have a won-derful day.
“Great minds learn how to challenge the im-possible, but the difference between a great
mind and an average mind, is the great mind is in touch with his or herself.”
11.24.09 DODGEROpinion
11
“A positive experience that I will never forget.”
My Personal Experience in Washington, D.C.
Having been to our nation’s capital several times before my latest visit there earlier this month (see page 12), I had perhaps different expectations for the trip than others in my group. In some perspectives, I was looking for deeper meaning in what I was viewing, and in others, I was looking forward to learning more about a possible career in journalism (both through my visit to the Newseum and the convention that I attended) and excited about visiting some of the sites I hadn’t yet been to.
Just before my trip, I had completed reading Dan Brown’s latest novel, “The Lost Symbol,” which takes place in D.C., and found myself looking for (and finding) several of the sites mentioned in his book while flying into and traveling about the city. Being able to connect my travels with a book was a unique experience, and gave a different level of meaning to many of the places that I visited.
On a deeper level, our group had the unique opportunity to witness several moving and touching scenes, such as the gathering of veterans and civilians alike at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Veterans Day, and a similar mix of people observing the Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery, things I had never seen in my previous visits to those destinations.
As one can guess, as a young child, it is difficult to fully appreciate the impact and magnitude of certain things on our nation’s, and for that matter, our world’s histories. One
such place, for me personally, is the Charters of Freedom exhibit at the National Archives (think the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, etc.). I went to this place when I was younger, and didn’t fully appreciate it for what it was – the foundation of our country; this past month, however, with the knowledge
of how these documents affected the future of our country, I was able to fully appreciate these documents and understand their importance in our society.
My experiences earlier this month in Washington, D.C., allowed me to learn more about journalism, and just how deeply important it is that journalism stay alive in our society in order for it to function.
At the Newseum, I observed, among many other things, exhibits on fallen journalists and the Sept. 11, 2001, tragedy; these exhibits really
-Luke Bunker
brought home the sacrifices that journalists are forced by their careers to give, and where the line between being a reporter and being a human lies.
Through our tour of the newspaper division at the Library of Congress, I was given the unique opportunity to see firsthand why it is
so important for our media to survive through this difficult time in its course; I began to understand that you simply don’t get the same in-depth reporting and journalistic integrity in a blog or a tweet that you do tend to get in a newspaper.
And although I have been to a good portion of the sites in D.C., there were still many that I hadn’t been to (and still haven’t), including the Holocaust Museum. The Holocaust Museum serves as a reminder as to what terrible atrocities occurred, and to make sure that they never happen again (and that we shouldn’t ignore the situation in Darfur, for example, either). From a journalistic perspective, I saw how the Nazi regime was able to use the media and propaganda to influence people to think the way they did, and that we should also not allow this to happen to our own publications, whether on the
same scale or a smaller one.Being able to spend time in my favorite city
with my friends for an educational experience provided me with the experience of a lifetime. I do not regret going on this trip at all, and would do it all again in a heartbeat. Going to our nation’s capital, experiencing the sites and sounds of its whole, and learning more about everything, from journalism to the founding of our country, gave me a positive experience, one that I will never forget.
“As a young child, it is difficult tofully appreciate the impact and
magnitude of certain things on our nation’s history.”
DODGER 11.24.09 News
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Bob SiedlOwner
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-Luke BunkerFifteen students from DCHS, accompanied
by five chaperones, flew to Washington, D.C., on Nov. 10, 2009, to attend the JEA/NSPA Fall National High School Journalism Convention, the largest high school journalism convention in the world, with over 6,300 student journalists attending.
The convention began with a keynote address by seasoned journalist Nick Clooney, and the students observed and experienced some of the many sites that Washington, D.C., had to offer, including the journalism-centered Newseum, the newest museum in the nation’s capital.
“My favorite experience was the Newseum, because I learned a lot of things that will help me in my journalism experience,” said Kristi South, 12. “I also really enjoyed the conference, which added to my journalism experience as well.”
The young journalists also visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, took a tour of the newspaper division at the Library of Congress, saw the Charters of Freedom at
the National Archives, watched a Wizards game at the Verizon Center, witnessed the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery, and took in the many sights and sounds of D.C. through eating at local restaurants and riding the subway to get to each destination.
“I thought that Arlington Cemetery was interesting because there were so many headstones and they were all aligned so
precisely,” said Alysia Garvalena, 10. “The Changing of the Guard was really cool because it’s so exact, and it takes a lot of talent and training to do something like that.”
Some students took the opportunity to see a production of “A Streetcar Named Desire” starring Cate Blanchett at the Kennedy Center while in the District of Columbia.
“It was a real treat to see such talent on stage,” said Madison Reynolds, 12. “I’m
overjoyed that I had the chance to see this. It was spectacular!”
The journalism convention gave students the opportunity to learn more about the different fields and elements in journalism, including sessions on writing, broadcasting, design, photography, leadership, and more.
“The convention was awesome,” said Ethan Hutchcraft, 12. “It really opened my eyes to see how journalism impacts our daily lives. I think it gave us an idea of how to make ourselves better journalists.”
The next high school journalism convention sponsored by JEA/NSPA will be held in Spring 2010 in Portland, Ore.
Our Nation’s Capital
DCHS students attend journalism convention in Washington, D.C.
Posing for a picture. Luke Bunker, Susan Otterstein, Larry Moore, Jordan Stevens, Sebastian Wevers, Leon Lee, Stevie Herrera, Madison Reynolds, Anthony Reardon, Codi Ehrlich, Ethan Hutchcraft, Brenda Lee, Cindy Moore, Alysia Garvalena, Emily Hicks, Shannon Thomas, Meghan Lee, Cristina Yeverino, Kristi South, and Shannon Otterstein, posed for a photo in front of the White House in Washington, D.C. Students from the newspaper and yearbook staffs traveled to Washington, D.C. for a journalism convention. • Courtesy Unknown Tourist
11.24.09 DODGERNews
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-Cristina YeverinoNormally, when a person thinks of Decem-
ber, the first thoughts are Christmas, food, pres-ents, and New Years. A student may already know what s/he might be receiving for Christ-mas. Unfortunately there are families who are not as lucky to celebrate those holidays the way they would like to.
Therefore, KAYS will have a candy cane sale to help New Hope on the Plains Compas-sion ministries. They assist local families with basic needs, especially during the holidays.
“It’s a fun way to remember your friends, family, and sweetheart/crush, while benefitting charity,” said KAYS sponsor Kirstin Bangerter.
KAYS members will be manning the tables ain the commons. They started selling during parent teacher conferences last week. The sale will continue during the week of Dec. 7.
There is no limit on the number of candy canes purchased. They are $1.00 each.
Candy canes will be distributed dur-ing third block Dec. 17. If a student is absent, they will receive them on Dec. 18.
KAYS has been doing this for several years and has helped many families in the local area by providing the items they need to enjoy the holidays.
Kays sell candy canes to help local charity
Every year, for many years, DCHS has held Floorshow, the talent show that most students want to be in. Floorshow, sponsored by the Student Council, will be Dec. 12 in the high school auditorium.
Jim Mapel, former Stuco sponsor and DCHS teacher, is in charge of all the planning that goes into this large show. This year, Mapel decided the title of the show would be “Goodbye, Yellow Brick Road,” which he came up with on his own.
Although Mapel is no longer the Stuco sponsor, Stuco is still in charge of the talent show and has been for the past 18 years.
“The planning was easy. We sorta [just] came up with a few themes, and Mapel ultimately made the decision. He wants decorations and once we get things organized, it will all come together,” Justin Dewell, 11, said.
Mapel and judges selected from Stuco will be looking for a variety of acts to participate in the show, including dancing, skits, singing, and bands.
“The more variety, the better,” said Mapel.Auditions for the show were held yesterday
from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will continue today from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
To audition students had to sign up for an audition time. If there were no more time slots, students did not get to audition.
“I think it will be fun. I’m nervous, but I’m excited. I think it should be a good time,” Cale Morrow, 09, said.
Stuco and Mapel are expecting approximately 29 acts to audition and will decide how many acts to place in the show soon after. Audition results will be posted on the Fine Arts door and the Athletic entrance door on Wednesday, Nov. 25.
“Floorshow is a big deal to our school. I’m really excited [because] I was in groups last year, and this year I’m trying for a solo,” Katie Smith, 10, said.
Although a lot of groups do audition. there are several that are automatically included. Drill Team, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Class Act, and Drama Club all have an act in Floorshow without an audition.
They will nominate a boy and a girl as Floorshow candidates. Those performing in Floorshow vote on the candidates at the first practice before the performance.
Floorshow emcee’s are seniors Brett Eichman and Amanda Dahna who were chosen by Stuco board members and Mapel. Both Eichman and Dahna are in Floorshow as well as to emceeing. They will write their own script to go with the acts chosen for the show.
As a tradition Floorshow will always be one of many students’ favorite part of school
-Kristi South
Stuco in planning stages of Floorshow production
Floorshow opens Dec. 12 in DCHS auditorium
DODGER 11.24.09 Sports
14
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Demon soccer makes a statementQualifying for state tournament
for the first time in school history was considered a big accomplishment by most people. However, in the eyes of the soccer players it wasn’t enough.
“We didn’t get the results we wanted, but there is nothing we can do about it now,” said defender Javier Rojas, 12.
The Demons faced a tough Lawrence Free State team in the first game of the state tournament Friday, Nov. 7 in Overland Park at the Blue Valley Northwest Soccer Complex.
The Red Demons played the Firebirds very close but were
defeated 2-0. On Saturday the Demons faced
the Shawnee Mission Northwest Cougars in the third place game and were defeated again 2-0.
Even though the Demons lost both of their games, they gained lots of experience and learned that they can compete with the top teams in the state as well as being one of the top four teams in the state.
“I was disappointed for the boys because we didn’t get the results we wanted,” said Coach Virgil Hutchcraft.
“I felt we played a little timidly in these games compared to some
of the other big games we played this year,” said Hutchcraft.
The week earlier the Demons hosted the Wichita Northwest Grizzlies in the regional championship game at Memorial Stadium. The Demons came away with the victory 3-0. The victory placed the Demons in their second straight sub -state game in two years.
Maize would be the Demons’ opponent in the sub-state game. The Demons were the only team to beat Maize earlier in the year, making the match up even more interesting. Playing strong as a team, the Demons came away with their second 2-1 victory against
Maize which advanced them to the state tournament.
“I’m really proud on how much we accomplished as a team this year. We made lots of history this season, winning WAC and regionals, as well as making it to state for the first time in school history,” Rojas said. “We also gave Maize their only two losses on the season.”
“I’m very pleased,” said Coach Hutchcraft. “I thought we got the max out of the boys and they really took it to heart when we said make no excuses. I am looking forward to next year. we should have a really good team.”
-Ethan Hutchcraft
Soccer team makes first trip to State Tournament
Team Unity. The boys soccer team circles up and comes together to pray after a home game during the season. The Red Demons bonded on and off the field. • Photo Hutchcraft
Regional Champions. After winning the Regional championship, the soc-cer team gathers around to show off the plaque they earned with hard work and determination. • Photo Hutchcraft
11.24.09 DODGERSports
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-Ethan HutchcraftFor the first time in 15 years
the Red Demon football team earned the opportunity to host a 6A state playoff game. This was the reason why the Demons made sure that they wouldn’t waste the opportunity.
The Demons hosted the Topeka High Trojans on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Memorial Stadium. The game was played on Saturday because of the length of travel for Topeka. Even though the game would take up the Demons’ Saturday, they wanted to make sure it was for a good reason.
The Demons started the game a little sluggishly, but in the second half picked it up. The Demons came away with the win, 35-14. The win advanced the Demons to the second round of the playoffs.
In the second round the team played the Derby Panthers. Due to the format of the 6A playoffs,
Demons winning season comes to an endthe Demons traveled to Derby on Friday, Nov. 13. The unlucky Friday the 13th seemed to be just that for the Red Demons. The Demons were down 7-0 at half and couldn’t seem to get much offense going. They scored a late touchdown in the third quarter to try to make the comeback, but they just didn’t have quite enough.
The football team began the season with an easy win at Wichita Southeast. The next week Wichita East traveled to Dodge to take on the Demons, but the game was short-lived and the Demons came away with the second win of their season 49-0.
In week three the Demons faced Wichita North on neutral territory at Wichita Northwest. The Demons wasted no time in the game defeating the Redskins, 48-22.
Week four brought the Liberal Redskins to town for the first WAC game. The Demons showed that
they would be a tough team to beat at home, beating the Redskins 55-17.
The next two weeks the Demons fell into a little bit of a slump losing to Great Bend by 1 and losing to Hays by 11.
The next three weeks would prove to be the most important games of the season deciding whether the Demons would go to the playoffs or not. The Demons came away with three straight district wins defeating Maize, Goddard, and Garden City.
The team ended the season with an 8-3 record and a district and regional championship. Beating the rival Buffaloes in Garden City was also another big accomplishment for the team. The football team will return lots of experience next year, but will have to fill in some key positions.
“Overall the season was successful,” said offensive linemen
Jesse Trent, 11, . “We are going to miss the seniors next year, but hopefully we can make a deep run into the playoffs.”
“I was really pleased with the teams effort this season,” said coach Justin Burke “It was the best season we have had in 15 years— winning a regional championship and becoming district champs.” I’m proud of the team and how hard our seniors worked.”
Next season the Demons will look to build on the successes of this season. The Demons will lose All WAC quarterback Ty Thomas along with wide receiver Landon Head and linebackter Layton Dowling.
Even though the Demons lose some players, they also have players who can step up and become playmakers. They will try to make a run at the WAC Championship as well as defend their regional chammpionship.
Words of Encouragement. Head football Coach Justin Burke talks to his team after their first round playoff game victory over Topeka High School. The Red Demons defeated the Trojans 35-14 to claim the regional cham-pionship. • Photo Alonso Acevedo
Football team loses in second round of state playoffs
DODGER 11.24.09 Sports
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Dodge City, KS 67801“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven,” -Luke 6:23
Head CoachDennis Hamilton
# of Years as Head Coach23 years at DCHS 29 years Overall
Returning StartersLandon Head, Rico Hogan, Miles Morin, Trey Hallman
Last Season’s Accomplishment
Beating Garden City three times, Winning TOC, Winning Sub-State, Qualifying for State
ExpectationsImproving from week to
week!
Coach’s Quote“I would like for our prac-tice to be very competitive and take it one game at a
time.”
Head CoachLars Lueders
# of Years as Head CoachTwo years
Returning StartersA. Garcia, P. Martinez, C. Chairez, B. Vasquez, L. Shirley, H. Edwards, J. Eg-gers, J. Blundell, A. Ybarra,
E. Evinger, J. Trent
Last Season’s Accomplishment
Finishing the season with35 wrestlers; finish in the
top 10 at State
ExpectationsTo increase number of
wrestlers and improve on last year’s
State finish.
Coach’s Quote“With a great group of returners and increased
numbers, the excitement level around the wrestling team seems to be higher
than ever.”
WrestlingBoys
BasketballGirls
BasketballHead Coach
Justin Briggs
# of Years as Head CoachSeven years at DCHS
Returning StartersValerie Ortiz, Kesha Buck-ner, Brenna Briggs, Taylor Schinstock, Codi EhrlichLast Season’s Accomplish-
mentTook third place at the
Bishop Miege KC Metro Tournament
ExpectationsTo stay healthy and come
together as a team
Coach’s Quote“I look for this to be
an exciting year.”
Head CoachTyson Clark
# of Years as Head CoachNine years coaching;
four years as head coach.
Returning StartersTyler Woods, Alex Sim-mons, Dustin Graves,
Aaron Delzeit.
Last Season’s Accomplishment
The boys finished with a 16-10 record and finished second in WAC with a 5-4 record. They also finished
fourth of nine teams at Regionals and qualified two for State: Tyler Woods and
Alex Simmons.
ExpectationsThey plan to continuing
their improvement each day and take the next step by
competing at the State level as a team.
Coach’s Quote“The boys team returns
four of six varsity bowlers from last year and all four
continue to improve. The boys will need younger
bowlers to step up and compete on the Varsity
level.”
BoysBowling
Head CoachTyson Clark
# of Years as Head CoachNine years coaching;
four years as head coach.
Returning StartersKatie Larman, Christi Lar-man, Cayse Larman, Chan-tel Smith, Danielle Kenton,
Cynthia Morales.
Last Season’s Accomplishment
The girls finished the season with a 19-7 record and won WAC with a 7-2 record. They finished fifth at Regionals and qualified
two for State: Katie Larman and Cayse Larman.
ExpectationsThe girls want to con-
tinue to improve every day. They also plan to take it up a notch to compete at State
as a team.
Coach’s Quote“We return the top eight bowlers from last year’s
team and continued to im-prove during the off season.
This will be an exciting year for program.”
GirlsBowling
From 2008-09 Season. Fea-tured are photos from last sea-son of the bowling team, the wrestlers, and both boys and girls basketball teams.