All Grown Up!

Xavier High School6300 42nd St. NECedar Rapids, IA 52411www.xaviersaints.org

Quinlan Moran Meghan Gerke

Hannah ChuteMary Esker

Colette Miller

Jenna Fenske

Brennan Graeve

Anna White Chloe Streif

Teacher Photo Editor Business Actress

Emma Hunt Molly Vipond Daniel Vega

Ben Valentine Shannon Mulcahey Maria Efting

TeacherNurse

Nurse

MusicDirector

Publisher

PhotographerMorgan Noonan

Athlete/ CoachDentist

PriestPhysical

Therapist

Advertising Journalist

Cover design and photos by Meghan Gerke

May 22, 2014 Volume 16 Issue 15

Ashley Pudil

Teacher/Writer

Rachel Brady

Orthodontist

Business

Criminologist

Olivia Rochford

IndexNewsOpinionStudent LifeMini-FeatureFeatureHealth & LifestyleA & ESportsBackpage

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Xavier High SchoolNews2

The XpressBi-weeklyXavier High School 6300 42nd St. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52411Volume 16 Issue 15

Editor-In-ChiefQuinlan MoranCopy Editor

Katherine BauerPhoto Editor

Meghan GerkePhotographerMaddie BaileyNews EditorMaria Efting

News AssistantAmy Boe

News WriterErin Drahozal

Opinion EditorMorgan NoonanOpinion Assistant

Nic EklandOpinion WritersMaddy Bailey

Tory Brown

Brennan Graeve

Chloe Streif

Ben Valentine

Student Life EditorBrady Hoffman

Student Life AssistantJulie Woods

Mini-Feature EditorsRachel BradyMolly Vipond

Feature EditorsJenna FenskeAnna White

Feature AssistantColette MillerFeature Writer

Lizzy Bailey

Health and Lifestyle EditorHannah Chute

Health and Lifestyle AssistantsErin DrahozalJeff Frieden

Arts and Entertainment EditorEmma Hunt

Arts and Entertainment AssistantAshley Pudil

Arts and Entertainment WritersKayla Thompson

Julie Woods

Ben Valentine

Daniel Vega

Sports EditorShannon Mulcahey

Sports AssistantMorgan Breitbach

Sports WritersKatherine Bauer

Nic Ekland

Daniel Vega

Backpage EditorsJenna FenskeAnna White

Backpage AssistantMary EskerBusiness

Tory BrownDistribution

Brennan GraeveAdvertising

Olivia Rochford

Have a Great Summer!

3905 Center Point Rd NECedar Rapids

(319) 393-3736

Xavier introduces St. Francis ScholarshipA new scholarship has

become available for Xavier students and their families. The St. Francis Xavier Scholarship is a scholarship being offered to students for their entire four years at Xavier, or however many years the student has left of high school. In order to maintain the scholarship, the student must have a grade point average of at least 3.0, and there is a household income based requirement as well. Other qualifications are listed on the Xavier website.

The scholarship was made possible due to a generous donation from an anonymous donor. The donor’s children came through Xavier and the family is a great supporter of Catholic education. They wanted to create a scholarship based on

financial need and went above and beyond in this category. There are different options for financial aid at Xavier, but none can offer a student a full ride.

Applications for the scholarship will be due at the end of the month, and the recipients will be chosen sometime this summer.

“We are so blessed to receive such a generous donation to create this new scholarship,” Xavier Foundation Executive Director Jody Ruff said. “We have never before been able to offer Xavier families fully paid tuition, and for multiple years! There may be no better gift to give than the gift of a Catholic education.”

For more information on how to apply for the scholarship, visit www.xaviersaints.org/services/business-office/scholarship/.

Nigerian school girls abductedOn April 14, more than

200 Nigerian school girls were abducted from their secondary school in Nigeria by an Islamic extremist group called Boko Haram. The night the girls were taken began with a loud explosion that awoke the girls’ families, followed by gunshots. By the time the families got to the dormitory, they could do nothing but watch, since they were unarmed.

Boko Haram’s goal is to impose stricter enforcement of Sharia Law across Africa’s most populous nation, which is split between a mostly Muslim north and a mostly Christian south. Under their Sharian law,

they believe women should be at home with children and husbands, not in schools learning.

A video recently surfaced of a man claiming to be Abubakar Shekau, the Boko Haram leader, saying that the girls are going to be sold on the black market.

There are some facts about the missing girls that are not totally clear. It has been said that between 230-276 girls were taken that night, but no exact number is known. Days after the attack, the families of the girls were told that all the girls had been released or rescued, but when the families began to ask where the girls were, the military

changed what they had said.Since the girls were taken,

various people from the United States have stepped in to show their concern for the girls and their hope for them to return home safely. Celebrities took to Twitter to tweet the hashtag “Bring Back Our Girls” to raise awareness for the girls, and there have been rallies to help with the same purpose. Even First Lady Michelle Obama tweeted a picture of herself holding a sign with the hashtag just one day after President Obama announced he was sending a team to Nigeria to help in finding the missing girls.

The First Lady also delivered President Obama’s weekly radio address on May 10 to speak out against the kidnapping.

“Like millions of people across the globe, my husband and I are outraged and heartbroken over the kidnapping of more than 200 Nigerian girls from their school dormitory in the middle of the night,” she said. “This unconscionable act was committed by a terrorist group determined to keep these girls from getting an education, grown men attempting to snuff out the aspirations of young girls.”

Amy BoeNews Assistant Editor

Erin DrahozalNews Writer

Protestors show their support in bringing the missing Nigerian girls home safely. Google Images Photo.

The newly designed logo representing the St. Francis Xavier Scholarship. Photo Submitted.

May 22, 2014 News 3

10 things I’ve learned in high schoolIf there’s one thing I’ve

learned these past four years, it’s that I still have a lot to learn. However, I think I’ve come quite a long way. I wanted to revisit some of the most important lessons I have been so gratefully enlightened with during my flowery years of teenage angst.

1. Individuality: I learned that accepting yourself is about the greatest thing you can ever do. Realizing that you’ll never be the prettiest, thinnest, or smartest is powerful. Imperfection is beautiful. Embracing your flaws and quirks and doing your own thing even if it’s not “cool” will get you far.

2. Friends: I learned that if your best friend spills her Fruitzen snow cone ALL OVER the freshman hallway and blames

it on you, you should probably get revenge. (Quinlan Moran)

3. Boys: I learned that if you have a crush on a boy who works at an ice cream shop, it’s completely okay to go through the drive thru every time he works to stalk him. You might end up falling madly in love.

4. School: I learned that if you ever get higher than a C on a Xavier gym test, you should probably buy yourself a piñata. I also learned I’m really bad at gym class.

5. Family: I learned that if you call your parents Lizard and Ef-Dog, you probably have pretty cool parents.

6. Parties: I learned that choreographing your own dance to “Forget You” by Cee Lo Green is a sure fire way to make friends at small gatherings when you’re 14.

7. Dances: I learned that you shouldn’t show up to the back to school dance your freshman year in a nice pair of jeans and your favorite “jazzy” dress top.

8. Mischief: I learned that you should probably break the rules once or twice in your life. This year, I got in trouble for talking for the first time in 15 years. The person I was talking with ended up becoming one of my closest friends.

9. Music: I learned that the greatest day of my life was most likely the day the Sidewinders came. Never forget.

10. Dreams: I learned that you should unapologetically chase your dreams, especially if people tell you you’re crazy. Hence the reason I’m going to art school in the third biggest city in America.

I guess this can be my Swan SongI cleaned my room recently.

I didn’t just organize everything to make it look better. I cleaned it. When I was done, I had four bags of trash, two bags of clothes, and one bag of recyclables. I got rid of a lot of things that I won’t need for college. The sudden rush of “maturity” opened my mind a little, and I started to think about this article that I needed to write. Now I’m not saying that Xavier is trash by any means, but there is a saying that says you need to rid your life of some

things to make way for better. Looking back on everything,

my only regret from high school is that I didn’t reach out to everyone like I thought I would. Especially this last year, I kind of shut myself out from everyone. All of my classmates are amazing people. A few of them will undoubtedly find the cure to cancer. One will build a colony on Mars. Several will save lives every day. And the rest will be amazing at whatever they want to do. I have always thought the class of 2014 to be

better than every other class, and I stand to it. We are amazing.

I am going to miss Xavier. As much as I said I didn’t like it from time to time, I am going to miss every minute of it. This place was my home. I couldn’t tell you how many late nights I’ve had here, just to come back the next morning for early bird gym. I lived here. I am truly grateful. Luther better treat me as well as Xavier did. This is my swan song. Goodbye, Xavier. Pony boy out.

A snapshot of my life at Xavier High Being a photographer I have

been able to see my high school years a lot differently than most. I have been on the field, court, and mat for many state and play-off games. I have been to many theater performances and show choir events, and I have experienced Mass from all angles of the gym. It’s sad to know that I only have a few more Xavier events to shoot before I am done being the photo lady of Xavier and become one at Grand View University.

When I came to Xavier, I was just another wide eyed freshman who had no idea what was to come her way. I hoped to peak in choir and finally get the solo I had always wanted, be a star golfer, and try theater. Sadly, none of those things worked out because I am tone deaf, had never played golf until my freshman year, and I have major stage fright. I wanted to try everything and meet everyone but I didn’t find my niche until sophomore year when I stepped into Mrs. Wagner’s room and

experienced the Jlab for the first time. It may have been how the light

was shimmering off the four new Macs in the room or maybe Mrs. Wagner’s smiling face when she greeted the class for the first time, but whatever it was, I was hooked! It was one of the first times I threw myself into a class wholeheartedly and tried my best on every little project. It was during this class that I decided I was going to go into journalism, or so I thought.

In the spring semester of my sophomore year, I took basic art where I met the crazy art teachers, Fin-Fin and Wendt, who opened my eyes to a lot more than I ever thought. It wasn’t until Ms. Finley commented on some of my photographs that I decided to take photography in the upcoming fall, which happened to be the best decision I have ever made. That summer, I took countless photos and spent hours editing them in order to get ready for the upcoming fall

When my junior year started, I took every photo opportunity that

was available. It was the first year that I realized my love for sports photography and submerged myself in it. I was convinced I was going to open a studio after college and take everything from senior pictures to new born babies. I even got a job working in a local photography studio.

My senior year started in a blur. I was overwhelmed with the task of being photo editor and stressed out about college apps. The fall passed quickly with barely any free time between work, football games, and class. It didn’t hit me that I was a senior until I was sitting watching my brother wrestle his first varsity match in early December.

It was the first time I had a chance to step back and realize all the wonderful things that this school has offered me over the years. I guess that is the great thing about high school. You come in thinking you’re going to be one thing, but you finish completely different.

It was the exposure to photography that will send me on

my path into my college years. So to all you underclassman, zoom in on what you’re good at and put your whole heart into it. You will for sure find your focus on something great. To the teachers and faculty at Xavier, thank you for everything you did to help shape me into the person I am today. I know I am off to do wonderful things because you gave me the strength and knowledge to do so.

Thank you to my friends and family for teaching me everything I’ve listed. I’m going to miss Xavier but I’m truly ecstatic for what’s to come.

Maria EftingNews Editor

Brennan GraeveOpinion Writer

Meghan GerkePhoto Editor

Xavier High SchoolOpinion4

Thanks for sharing indescribable times Xavier High School, I am here

to let you in on a little secret: I am scared. I will soon be leaving everything and everyone I’ve ever known to move 4 1/2 hours away and try to take care of myself. Let me tell you something else, Xavier: I am ready. I am prepared and excited for this adventure because of this school, my faith, and the support of family and friends. *cue the song “Gradution (Friends Forever)”*

It’s a daunting task to have to summarize four great years in 300 words, and that is because I can never explain in words the feeling of screaming your head off in the front row of the stands on a Friday night. I can’t express the feeling of hitting an ending pose to your Pom dance for the last time in your life with 15 girls who are like sisters to you on the stage of your dreams. I cannot tell you how it feels to be so keenly aware that God is with

you and look around at peers who have the same knowledge. I cannot elaborate on how it feels to walk into the kitchen and have a dance party with your mom and sisters after a bad day. This is high school to me. I am the sum of the little moments that are now memories. I can’t put these times in words, Saints, but I will always share them with you.

It hasn’t always been easy, of course. But failure and experience are the best teachers, and my God have I learned. However, I know for a fact that I would not have been able to survive without my friends and family.

To the girls (you know who you are), you have made everything better. We’ve been through boys, teachers, laughs, tears, dares, everything. All of the best times were with you, and I love y’all more than you know. When we are old and grey with children, we will

ditch them and have a sleepover like old times with lots of chip dip and Oreos! I’ll never forget prom with you. That was the perfect ending to high school. Bees on three!

To my family, I am sorry for the times I did not appreciate you enough. You are everything to me. I don’t know how I got lucky enough to have all of you in my life. Thank you for everything. You are my role models and the best people I know! Mama Jan gets a special shout out for inspiring almost all of my articles and almost everything else in my life. You are so selfless and forgiving and the person I want to become.

To my fellow classmates, thank you for all the memories. It feels like just yesterday we were signing a petition that dogs went to Heaven and soon we will walk across that stage (I’d still sign that petition any day). I’m proud of what we’ve done and I feel honored to know

every single one of you. Good luck in the future. We did it! Live it up, underclassmen. Never forget the little feelings of “ahh this is high school” because they don’t last forever. College, I am ready.

The comedy and tragedy of high school I love drama. Not relationship drama. I love the kind of drama that is preformed on stage. There is a lot of drama in high school, both on and off the stage. Even if some of it is painful or embarrassing to remember, all of those experiences helped form the young adults we know today as the senior class. Everyone’s experience in high school is different based upon the people we hang out with, the classes we take, and the activities we are involved in. Yet all of us share a few common comedies and tragedies.

A few tragedies we might experience are broken relationships and friendships. Coming into high school, I lost communication with people I was friends with in middle

school, but nothing super dramatic happened. I made new friends and so did they. That’s one of the things I love about Xavier. Everyone is so friendly, and it’s easy to form new relationships. Another challenging aspect of high school is the stress that seems to accumulate and never really diminish. There are deadlines and due dates in every class, and so many tests you forget to study for. One bad grade can really sadden your day. My advice to you is to just keep pushing, because Friday is right around the corner!

Even though high school can be stressful, there are still things that make it great! I would consider these our comedies, such as goofing off with your friends in the hallways.

Or how about enduring the extra-curricular activity you picked up, and seeing it through to the end! There is no better reward than finishing something you started and worked so hard for. And sometimes there are actual comedies, or we could call them embarrassing moments. Everyone has at least one, and mine happened freshman year while I was “hurrying” to lunch and tripped, falling flat on my face in front of a crowd of senior boys. It may have felt like a tragedy at the time, but looking back, it’s something I can laugh about.

These occurrences happen to every one of us, so don’t create more drama than necessary. I plan on having lots of drama in my future,

but it will be on a stage, making memories. You are the playwright of the rest of your life. Make it a comedy.

There’s no place like Xavier High Schoolfour feet off the ground? It honestly beats me! However, coming into Xavier as a freshman and a competitive gymnast, time limited me to gymnastics, homework, and family. I had accepted that I would sacrifice the flexibility to be involved in many school activities. However, I realized that even though I was l was living my dream by doing gymnastics, I wasn’t fully enjoying high school.

Although I had no real dance experience, I made the bold decision to try out for Poms. That is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made because it taught me that taking chances and being out of my comfort zone is a good thing. Plus, I had the time of my life dancing with the team. It’s a miracle that I managed to juggle poms and gymnastics for two years, but I wouldn’t trade those times for anything because being involved in a Xavier activity helped broaden my horizons, feel more involved at school, and know that I can do anything I put my mind to.

Then, I went to Catholic Heart Work Camp the summer after sophomore year and found that I enjoyed serving God by serving others. This was the reason I got involved in campus ministry. I had found another niche! No other high school in Cedar Rapids could have given me these opportunities to grow in my faith, and the Kairos retreat was the most special of them all. I am incredibly grateful for our ability to express and learn about the Catholic faith at Xavier because it was essential to discovering myself and my morals.

I feel honored to be amongst all the kind and talented people here. No matter how much I tell myself not to cry, it’s inevitably going to happen. I don’t want to say goodbye to this fantastic community or to my classmates and teachers who I enjoy being around and who have been so supportive. I’m beyond excited to start fresh in college, but when it hits me that I’m completely independent on a big college campus where everyday doesn’t

start with prayer and humorous life stories from Mrs. Flores, I might just close my eyes, click my sparkly heels together, and say, “There’s no place like Xavier.” Okay, maybe I don’t want to come back and relive high school again, but I consider Xavier a home. It has given me the best possible foundation to build from as I venture off into the story of my life.

Morgan NoonanOpinion Editor

Chloe StreifOpinion Writer

Over the past few weeks, I have been reflecting on all my experiences at Xavier. It is crazy how time escapes, and suddenly we’re at the end of the road where we all close this chapter of our lives. For me, high school hasn’t been all butterflies and sunshine, but I can’t complain. I’ve also had a lot of fun! There is no other place I would have rather spent my high school years than at Xavier. With the help of the faculty, my family, my friends, and exceptional opportunities here, I have grown into a more confident, well-rounded, and faith centered person than I was when I entered these halls as a wee freshman; the memories made along the journey have just been icing on the cake.

For some of you who don’t know, I have been a gymnast since I was three. There’s just something about the challenge of the sport that keeps me motivated to practice 20 hours a week and train skills that are utterly ridiculous when you think about it. Why would anyone want to flip on a four inch wide wooden beam

Colette MillerFeature Assistant Editor

May 22, 2014 Opinion 5

My role model, my best friend, my hero: MomThroughout your four years

of high school, friends come and go. You make new friends and sometimes keep the old. High school is a constant state of change, and it’s hard to find your niche. Over the past four years, I’ve made wonderful friends who I will stay in contact with during my college years, but we will be moving on to new and exciting things. But there is one person who has been there through every up and down, twist and turn, every step of the way: my mom.

My mom (her name is Anne Marie, say hi if you meet her. She’s the greatest) is, was, and always will be my best friend. She’s been there through it all. She was there that first day of

fan, my personal photographer, my bodyguard, my shoulder to cry on, my stylist, and most importantly, my mom. I love you more than anything in the world, and leaving for Ames will be one million times harder knowing that I won’t get to see you everyday. I would not be the girl I am today without you as my role model.

Saints, my message to you is this: cherish your four years. Cherish the laughter, the tears, the friendships you make, every moment. It flies by, and pretty soon you’ll be wearing your cap and gown and walking out of Xavier for the last time.

Tonight, go home to your mom, dad, sibling, grandparent, dog, whoever is your best friend

freshman year when I came home and cried and said I was never going back to Xavier (plot twist: I came back). She was there when I needed someone to critique me on my show choir facials for the big audition. She was there when I had the monstrous Unit 1-32 Vocab Test junior year and I needed someone to quiz me. She was there last week when I was trying to shape my eyebrows and accidentally shaved half of one off (there were many tears shed, but never fear. My mom saved the day with the eyebrow pencil). Even though we fight and may not agree, my mom always has my back.

Mom, thank you for being my best friend, my number one

Quinlan MoranEditor-in-Cheif

3rd Grader: “Gee, I can’t wait till I get to ‘hike’ school.’”

Billy Madison [grabs 3rd grader’s face and whispers]: “Don’t you say that. Don’t you ever say that. Stay here. Stay here as long as you can. For the love of God, cherish it. You have to cherish it.”

If you haven’t seen Billy Madison, then you probably don’t get this reference and you should stop reading this article and go watch it right now. But for those who do get it, I urge you to continue reading my article among the many other wonderful senior articles.

As a third grader, I probably

You really do need to cherish it because suddenly you’re graduating and you don’t know where the time went. Cherish losing your voice at football games. Cherish every bite of Mr. Schaub’s Schuaby snacks. Cherish your beloved Xavier polo tucked into your nicely mom ironed khaki pants. Cherish Mr. Keating’s “short” but impactful speeches. Cherish Mr. Lilly’s gym study guide. Cherish the 15 minutes of silence in adoration on Friday. I want to thank Xavier for the four amazing years I have cherished here.

would have said the same thing. With older siblings I always thought high schoolers were soooo cool! But now as a senior looking back on my high school career, I realize how normal and regular we really are. Billy’s words are not just for elementary school but for high school. Freshmen, I’m talking to you. Stay at Xavier as long as you can. (Well, don’t fail. That would mess up Xavier graduation rates and no one wants to go to high school for five years.) But you’ve got to cherish your high school years. For the love of God, YOU’VE GOT TO CHERISH THEM.

Mary EskerBackpage Assistant Editor

Five tips for your life Change is a good thing

Cherish every moment of your high school years

I will give you a list of advice from my life experiences for your future endeavors.

1) Be strong in your faith and morals. We need less lukewarm Catholics and more strong, loving, faithful, informed, and righteous Catholics. These people can change the world and spread the truth of the Gospel through service of others. Either you’re in or you’re out; there’s no in between with your faith. Either Jesus was who he claimed to be (Son of God, Messiah) or he was a deceiver. You decide

and live your life accordingly.2) Value your family.

Spend time with them, learn from them, respect them.

3) Don’t be a whack. Don’t do stuff you wouldn’t want Coach Schulte seeing you do.

4) Listen to your parents and authority figures. They know better than you. Don’t be prideful and believe you know everything. You don’t.

5) Do your best and have fun. Being joyful and taking full advantage of the abundant blessings you have shows God how grateful you are.

That’s my formula for life right now. Thank you, Xavier High School, for the memories and all the love and support I received. God bless. I’ll be praying for you, and I hope you pray for me, too.

“If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living.” -Gail Sheehy

High school does change you tremendously. Not only physically, but thank goodness we grew out of the pimple and braces stage, right? But it also changes who you are. I am definitely not the little girl who walked into Xavier four years ago, being blasted by the freezing air conditioning on that hot August day back in 2010. I’m glad I’m not that little girl anymore, although I would not call myself a “woman” just yet.

I would not call myself a “woman” simply because I know I still have a lot to learn. But high school has started the process of throwing me challenges for the conversion to start. From learning how to fix a broken relationship or knowing when it’s time to let it go, to taking chances because no one can shock me more than myself, I have learned a lot. But of course, just as I was starting to figure all this out, it’s time to leave.

Our world is about to be flipped totally upside down. Although I don’t know exactly what lies ahead, I cannot wait to find out. Change can be hard to adjust to, to accept, and can even be scary, but without it, life would be boring.

Congratulations to all my fellow classmates. I wish you the best of luck as we move on to the next chapter in our lives. I cannot thank the Xavier staff and the class of 2014 enough for helping me start on this journey we call living.

Olivia RochfordAdvertising

Ben ValentineOpinion Writer

forever, and thank them for all they do. Make them proud, Saints. (I hope I’ve made you proud, Mom. Love always, your little girl.)

Xavier High School Mini-Feature 6

Don’t forget to balance your timeHere goes another typical

senior article: work hard, don’t take yourself too seriously, and enjoy your time at Xavier because in all its cliché glory, time does fly. The most important thing I can say is high school is a time for balance. While academics certainly have their place, there are other aspects of that high school. It is a time to try new things while you’re still comfortable at home. Try activities you have no business being in. For example, my vocal skills and I do not belong in the choir department, however I am grateful for my Women’s Chorale experience. Taking a little time for yourself is important in high school.

As we all know, Xavier prepares

us well for our next academic phase. While academics are a major component of our lives, there are also other things to focus on. Life skills come to mind. I hope I’m not the only person still struggling with laundry and finding my own belongings without having to call up mom. Yes, those are things I need to improve; however, I would like to think of myself as self-sufficient for the most part. Self-sufficiency is crucial for the survival of college. High school is practice for being on your own, so use it wisely. Challenge yourself academically to see what workload you can handle. Get involved in extracurriculars to discover what you like and what is just not for

you. And don’t forget to learn life skills. Learn that procrastinating only makes things more stressful, and discover that it’s not actually reasonable to take 30 minute showers once you’re living in the dorms.

Balancing academics, extracurriculars, social life, and learning to be independent is no easy task. However, at Xavier, we strive for excellence. Each day, we get better or we get worse; we do not stay the same. (Thanks, Mr. Keating!) My recommendation is to apply this to all aspects of life. Don’t get too focused on one aspect or you may miss some amazing opportunities.

Closure. That is all I need right now. As I finished reading the book “Looking for Alaska” by John Green, I stumbled over the fact that these will be my final words. More importantly, what will my last words be? I’ve spent more than enough time contemplating this question. I’ve been through the Friday nights yelling my school’s name with pride to the heavens. I’ve spent sleepless nights hinged over my notes trying to remember every formula and equation. I drilled my body into perfecting each move during practices. I’ve encountered every possible emotion in the four shortest years of my life.

Margret Peters once said, “Time has a wonderful way of

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” As I reflect on my four years at Xavier, I realize how lucky I am to have had the high school experience I did. I loved high school. I may not always have loved the 6 a.m alarm that I would snooze until 7 a.m, the cram sessions for my pre calc tests, or junior year English tests that made me want to cry, but I loved seeing the people everyday who made me who I am today. The 6 a.m alarm was easier when I knew I got to go worship during Friday morning Mass. The pre calc study groups were much more tolerable when I spent some of the time between learning trig identities to laugh with my friends at Java Creek. I could wipe my tears proudly after the English tests knowing that this would prepare me for my academic future. My point is, your high school experience is completely what you make it. You wake up every day and decide how

My final words: Thank you, Xavier

Life is what you make it; be positiveyour day is going to go. Sure, there are going to be some days that are better than others, but your attitude is a huge factor in that. I would like to pass my advice along and remind you all that before you know it, you will have your own advice to pass on. A lot of people spend high school looking forward to the next step. Freshmen can’t wait to go to homecoming, sophomores can’t wait to move up in the bleachers, juniors can’t wait to park closer to the school, and seniors can’t wait to graduate. Stop. Stop rushing through your life. Make every moment count because the future is now. Embrace every opportunity high school has to offer. Pointless high school drama is more than avoidable and the first step to this is finding out who you are. If you find out who you are and how you want to live that out everyday, your everyday tasks will take on a whole new meaning. Find out what you stand

for because if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything. Let God be a part of your life because He is the one who is more than qualified to guide you. Be able to laugh at everything because nobody has the power to take your happiness away from you. I dropped my tray on myself during Taco Tuesday last year; laugh about it. My friends and I dressed as the completely wrong theme for a football game freshman year; laugh about it. You have four years to make incredible memories, so why wait? As I look at the cap and gown in front of me, I fight back tears realizing I will not be surrounded by my best friends, my family, and all the familiar faces that are in my comfort zone next year. However, I am reminded of all the moments that will stay with me long after I walk out that door for the last time. I’ll remember losing my voice as we score the opening touchdown, the locker room after winning a

Hannah ChuteHealth and Lifestyle Editor

Molly VipondMini-Feature Co-Editor

Rachel BradyMini-Feature Co-Editor

showing us what really matters.” I look back and ponder on what I should have done or different ways that could have effected the final outcome. But none of that matters. Only thing I can control is today. So today, I want to say thank you.

To my parents, thank you for letting me experience the world. All that I am and all that I hope to be, I owe to you. To my teachers and coaches, thank you for your guidance and teaching me more than what is written in the books. Thank you for helping me realize education is a gift, and I don’t intend on wasting it. Thank you to my teammates for making every moment enjoyable. I’m going to miss belting out “One Shot” right

before each competition. Finally, thank you to my friends. Through the ups and downs, we stood by each other, from the infamous Regis lunch table days to the final dance at prom we shared together swaying and holding hands to “Semi-Charmed Life”.

The four wonderful years at Xavier are coming to an end. My last piece of advice I would like to pass along are from the wise words of Mr. Keating, “If not now, when?” It is never to late too change and to be the change you want to see in this world. Xavier has truly prepared me for the next chapter in my life. I would not be the same without the experiences I have encountered here. Thank you, Xavier.

state basketball championship, the hugs during the Kairos retreat, and holding up the total amount of money raised at Mini Dance Marathon. Most importantly, I look back at my four years of high school with no regrets, because if anything had gone differently, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Thank you, Xavier for the best four years of my life; I am now ready to make college the next best years.

May 22, 2014 Student Life 7

Not your

typical seniors

Charlie Dean

Mitch Keller

Chloe Streif

Daniel Vega and Cole Turner

Chris Hoang“I am planning to get a BA

in Acting and a minor in Stage Combat at Columbia College

in Chicago. I am rooming with Maria Efting.”

“I plan on going to UNC for baseball or the MLB

draft, depending on my offers by MLB

teams.”

Cara Sueppel“I plan on going to

the University of Iowa to major in Dance. After that, I want to move to

LA.”

“I am going to Kirkwood for Culinary school. After

that, I hope to go to Nashville to start my

own restaurant.”

“I am going into the Marines. I leave for training

in San Diego in July. I also have family in

the military.”

“We are going to play football for the University of Wyoming. We are going to live in the dorms for a year

and then get a house together and have seven dogs. We

will also dabble in football.”

Page Design by Brady Hoffman Information Collected by: Lizzy Bailey and Erin Drahozal

8 FeatureMay 22, 2014

Madison Bertsch Kaylee Blum

Brandon DidioRyan FlahertyKelsi FullerSean Ickes

Matthew JungeTaylor MalloyRachel MeyerBrendan Miller

Nicholas MlodzikSarah PeotBryce Volk

Abby WatsonClaire Wenisch

Austin WilleJoseph Worden

University of Northern Iowa

Logan ClarahanSalim Kherbaoui

Elizabeth Stanczyk

Meghan Gerke

Kasey Vanden Bosch

Dordt College

Grand View University

Drake University

Grace Busse

Hunter BaldusNicklaus Brady

Wartburg College

Quinton Scholer

Samuel Blake

Annmarie FordCaroline Kenney

Shannon MulcaheyNina Noronha

Creighton University

Nicholas Durin

James Hermes

Arizona State Unviersity

Colton TurnerDaniel Vega

Simpson College

Sydney Younggreen

Chad AiryEmma Barta

Christopher BauerHannah BeckerAndrew BillickJoshua Blanck

Katherine BurkeHannah Chute

Mikayla CummingsHarrison Daubitz Morgan Delaney

Chad EichlerAngelica Elkema

Michael FayJenna FenskeSamuel HartBryton Hayes

Holly Hazelton

Amanda HeerenHalle Heying

Nicholas HussJohn Ingwersen

Anna JacobiJeremy JacobyHaley Jensen

Zachary KlimeshLevi Miller

Adam MillsapQuinlan Moran

Colin O’ConnellJonathan Peters

Adam PickCassandra RuhdMatthew Sander

Zachary SchnoebelenAllison Schwach

Iowa State University

Gino BeruttiBenjamin Charipar

Kansas State University

University of San Diego

Stanford University

University of Denver

University of Colorado

University of Iowa

Emma Hunt

Gustavus Adolphus College

Marisa BeruttiRyan Persick

College of St. Benedict

University of Minnesota

Minnesota State University

University of Wyoming

South Dakota State University

Jacob BaileyEleanor Burke

Courtney ColstonCharlotte Dean

Kyle D’melloJerry DuballOlivia French

Alyssa GorkowClancy Haase

Andrew KhairallahTiffany Le

John Loecher

Colette MillerMatthew NelsonErin Neuwohner

John PetersNicholas Robinson

Olivia RochfordLogan SantelJacob SchmittMiles SullivanKyra VercandeMolly Vipond

Jacob WalvoordAnna White

9Feature Xavier High School

Christopher BallHayley Deutmeyer

Kylie DeWeesKatherine Goldsmith

Kathryn O’BrienAshley Pudil

Benjamin ValentineKara Zwanziger

Molly BreitbachJacob HerndonCameron Junge

Joseph MulangaliroMarinna Schroud

Mitchell Keller

University of North Carolina

Bailyn BastianDustin Busch Lucas DeckerLogan Dlouhy

Landon DochtermanNolan Even

Joseph FabianoKevin FeeneyBryce Grimm

Zane Henderson

Collin NelsonRobert PettitRegan OakleyNatalie RozekCollin Schmitt

Eric SearsMarc St. Andrews

Cara SueppelJace Volz

Francesca Woods

Loras College

Anna Springman

Capri College

Mount Mercy University

Hunter BaldusNicklaus Brady

Wartburg College

Kirkwood Community College

Jacob Robinson

Truman State University

Morgan Noonan

University of Missouri Ameena ChallengerLauren Smith

Claire Felser

Black Hawk College

Alec SalterRyan Schiltz

University of Dubuque

Sarah Lacy

Payton JanneyKayla LansingBritni Scholtes

Gina Reiman

Simpson CollegeSt. Ambrose University

Clarke University

Nicholas Terfler

Michael Biermann

University ofWisconsin Platteville

Alyssa Larson

Grace WinkerAmanda Wymore

Mary Esker

Wesley Gardner Nathaniel JasperBenjamin Sagers

Christopher Schirm

Coe College

Maria EftingChloe Streif

Carly Berutti

Christopher Hoang

U.S. Marine Corps

Austin Gloede

Madeline Gerleman

Columbia College Chicago

Lindenwood University

Kansas State University

Francis Hill

Caelen Lilly

DePaul University

U.S. Air Force

Nicholas Drahozal

Undecided

Emma DeignanMeredith DieboldBrennan GraeveMason Montuoro

Luther College

College of St. Benedict

University of St. Thomas

University of Minnesota

St. Olaf College St. Louis University

Page Design: Jenna Fenske and Anna White Information: Lizzy Bailey and Erin Drahozal

Thomas Erusha

Rachel BradyAndrew Bisenius

Hunter Hayes

Loyola University

Viterbo Unviersity

University of Notre Dame

Central Methodist University

Xavier High SchoolHealth & Lifestyle10

SUMMER HANGOUTS

Sac & Fox TrailLocation: East of Cedar RapidsThe Sac & Fox Trail is about seven miles long. The trail has beautiful woodland scenery and is excellent for scenic walks or bike rides.

Marion PoolLocation: Willowood Park 1855 35th Street, Marion

Marion pool offers swim les-sons, a swim team, and discount-ed admission days this summer.

“The Marion Pool has wonder-ful facilities, a friendly staff full of people we know, and close proximity to Hy-Vee and people’s houses.”

-Edward Krouse, ‘15

Parlor CityLocation: 1936 42nd Street Cedar Rapids and 955 29th Ave. Suite A, Marion

Parlor City is a local ice cream place. The new Marion location is open year round. Parlor City also caters.

“Palo is my hangout place. I like to go there with my friends and swim.”- Lucero Vega, ‘15

Palo LakeLocation: Palo. (Near Pleasant Creek Nature Center)

Palo Lake has good fishing, a public beach, and boat access.

Information by Jeff Frieden, Erin Drahozal, Chloe Streif, Maddy Bailey, Lizzy Bailey, and Tory Brown. Pictures by Tory Brown and Erin Drahozal. Page design by Jeff Frie-den.

May 22, 2014 A & E 11Show choir auditions for next year

Ashley PudilA&E Assistant Editor

Planned plays for next year

Kayla ThompsonA&E Writer

Jump start summer 2014: books and movies

The Fault in Our Stars

May 30

MaleficentJune 6

Transformers 4June 27Just One Day

Gayle Forman

OverseasBeatriz Williams

No

rth of Be

autiful

Justina C

hen

Leg

en

dM

arie

Lu

All The Light We Cannot SeeAnthony Doerr

The G

oo

d Sp

yKa

i Bird

The ThreeSarah Lotz

An Untamed StateRoxane Gay

We

We

re Lia

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E. Loc

khea

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Go

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Girl

Gillia

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Afte

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Am

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AP Images Photos.

To prepare for the auditions taking place this afternoon, May 22, here is a guide to auditioning for Xuberance and

Xhilaration with freshman Piper Kesslering.

Step 1: Attend the informational meeting. “This is where you figure out when

auditions and clinics are. Plan out which ones you will attend so you have enough time to learn and practice

your audition.”

Step 2: Learn the choreography. “I try to stand somewhere that I

can see during the clinics. I also videotape the

choreographers and use that to practice. Don’t be afraid

to ask questions!”

Step 3: Practice the music. “Getting together with a

group of friends to rehearse music is really helpful. I also go to two voice lessons a

week during audition season. We work on the song and

other singing techniques that can help when it’s time to try

out.”

Step 4: Once you learn the music and choreography,

keep practicing. “Everyone can always improve upon what they have learned.

The more you practice, the better you will be on audition

day.”

Step 5: AUDITION! “Keeping a smile on your face the

whole audition and having a positive attitude is a big thing to remember. If you

can remember that, you’re golden!”

Sophomore Emma Delaney, junior Ellen Jasper, and sophomore Catie Locher practice their audition music in the choir room.

After the end of her engagement, Elle Woods

follows her ex-fiancé to law school to prove that she

can be the serious woman he is looking for. After being kicked out of her first class,

she discovers that her obsession with ex-fiancé,

Warner, is why she doesn’t have respect at school. She

decides to change that. The audience watches her develop her skills to prove

herself.

In Tuscumbia, Alabama, blind and deaf Helen

Keller is undisciplined and childish because she has

not learned good manners. Anne Sullivan is hired by her parents to teach her how

to behave. Throughout the play, Helen is taught how to communicate through sign language and it changes

the lives of everyone in the house.

Legally Blonde: The Musical

The MiracleWorker

Emma Hunt Photo.

Xavier High SchoolA & E12

Find your voice, seize your momentI never have to wear khaki

pants again. I never have to write a research paper on an iPad again. I never have to sit through another freezing-cold Mass in the gym. There are so many things I will never have to do again after graduating. I should feel happy, ecstatic even, that I will never have to tuck my Xavier polo in ever again. But to be honest, I’m going to miss the routine of it all so much.

Anyone who knows me knows that my greatest fear is the unknown, and this next year is a completely blank slate. I’m leaving everything I’ve ever known and loved behind and

moving to another state, more importantly, to a school where no Xavier student has ever gone before. I won’t know anyone. I won’t know where to go. Sure, I’ll make new friends fast and adjust to my surroundings, but I’m scared. Absolutely petrified.

As my future looms dauntingly in front of me, I keep looking behind me to all of the things I’m leaving. My best friends. My family and my dog. My teachers. My dance studio. So I’m telling all of you now, never take any of these things for granted. I see my best friend Angelica basically every day, but I can count on one hand how many

times I’ve told her how important she is to me. My mom and dad are always there for me and support me no matter what, but I rarely tell them I love them. Mrs. Wagner has been an amazing friend to me through my senior year, but I’ve never said that to her.

Seize these moments! Never skip the chance to tell someone how you feel, whether it’s good or bad. Build up some courage and say what you want, when you want. If I could ask Austin Havertape to prom, you can tell your best friend what she means to you. Savor the times you have at Xavier, because nothing like this will ever happen again.

Emma HuntA&E Editor

Cheers to the memories

Daniel VegaSports Writer

As we approach graduation, all of us seniors at some point will, if not already, look back on our four years at Xavier. We will think of the things we did or did not do.

My greatest memories are those spent on Friday nights. Playing alongside a team that worked hard and wanted to be perfect during practice and games will be ingrained into my brain. From hearing Colin Schmitt and Hannah Chute lead the “I believe that we will win cheer,” the roar of the crowd when Brendan Miller scampered for an exciting touchdown, to the most important one to me, the senior girls cheering so loud at Pancheros after the games when each player

would walk through the doors. Thank you to those girls who did that. Wow, what a feeling! I still get chills from the thought of it.

To the underclassman, never let a single moment pass. You will regret it if you do. Take your years here as an opportunity to find out who you are and take the chances to make the most of those times. Don’t be afraid to take a chance once in awhile.

To the juniors, or soon to be seniors, don’t think you have a lot of time here. Before you know it, you will be where we are now and you’ll be looking back on your years here. It’s going to fly by way faster than you think. You’re going to miss it. I am not even gone just yet and the thought of being away from all of my friends hurts. You’re going to miss this. Live it up.

To the seniors, WE DID IT! Enjoy the time you have here this summer before we all part. When you go on, always remember where you came from. It’s never goodbye; it’s see you later! Next stop, adulthood!

Peace out, Xavier High. I’m out!

Forever be a S.A.I.N.T.

Jenna FenskeFeature/Backpage Editor

Coming from a class of 19 kids, Xavier was the most intimidating thing I could have ever imagined. I had no idea that over the next four years, this place would change my life. Xavier has taught me the real meaning of being a Saint. What does it mean? Well, let me tell you! Xavier Saints are…

Super fun: What is high school without a little fun? Xavier has supplied me with so many great memories. I will always remember those times I lost my voice from screaming too loud at the football games and going crazy as the National Guard Band rocked Ron Thillen.

All about God: I have learned

so much about my faith. I have grown so close to God over the last four years and Xavier has taught be the true meaning of being a Catholic in our world today.

Intelligent: Xavier has challenged me so much academically that I can now whip up a seven page paper in a matter of hours. I feel beyond prepared for college and would like to thank all my teachers for always pushing me to do better.

Not afraid to try new things: The Xavier community is so welcoming and that has encouraged me to go out for track and cheerleading and participate in various clubs. I have been given the push I need to go out of my comfort zone and experience new things.

Terrific: There is nothing I would rather be than a Xavier Saint. I have met life-long friends and have been blessed with amazing teachers. Everyone at Xavier has helped shape me into the person I am today.I am beyond proud to be a Xavier Saint. This place has become my home, and I wouldn’t trade the last four years for anything. Once a Saint, always a Saint.

Always keep fighting for your familyOnce upon a time, there were

three female best friends who became close to three male best friends, and they did everything together. They had a locker they met at during every passing period. On weekends, you would be sure to find them blasting Rihanna songs in the soph lot. They were bound together by the song “Do You Know” by Enrique Iglesias one morning, and thus the Q-Bates were born.

Sophomore year was when I found this amazing group of people. They were my ride or dies, my homies, my crew, my day ones,

my #fam...okay you get the point. Unfortunately, as high school passed by, we went our separate ways, always remaining friends but not as close as we were before. THIS, right here, is my biggest regret of high school. I can’t get back all the laughs we shared, or Skype seshes, or hours we spent at McDonalds talking, but I can advise you not to do what I did.

I didn’t fight for my family. I let my best friends walk away and didn’t stop them. DO NOT DO THIS WITH YOUR FRIENDS. Fight to the death for them because whatever is causing a

rough patch in your relationship probably won’t matter in six months, so work through it. Otherwise, you’ll end up like me, typing a poorly written senior article saying all of the things you should’ve said two years ago, which actually kind of sucks.

Also, SPOILER ALERT: this fairy tale has a happily ever after ending with senior year homecoming when the Q-Bates were reunited one last time by the song “Do You Know” on the dance floor. #QB4L

Anna WhiteFeature/Backpage Editor

A & E 13May 22, 2014

Patrons

Kermit and Florence AlveshereAlan AntonJoan and Peter BaileyBryan BanowetzJim and Judy BauerLinda BauerKenneth and Rosemary BauerDoug and Char BoeSandra BoeDorrance and Shirley BradyMark and Janice BradyScott and Tammie BradyJill BreitbachLora BreitbachHannah BrownLydia and Mike BrownChris and James BryantCassie BuschLarry and Marjory BushawAnna BusseJeff and Michele BusseMonica BusseColleen CampBill ChristiansonMatt and Tracie ChuteMr and Mrs Robert ChuteMindy and Gary ColemanJane and Rob CollinsMorty and Mona Lisa CookseyClark and Kathy CunninghamCarol and Pat DeignanMike and Karen DelaneyDave and Laura DieboldDave and Melissa Dostal

Jan and Mike DrahozalJoe and Kelly DrahozalDave and Polly DrakerNicole DrakerBill and Lu EftingJim and Liz EftingRyan EklandTom and Terry EklandSteve and Kay ElliottCarl and Carol EskerMike and Jody EskerTracie FabianoDoug FeltesJack and Micki FenskeJim and Linda FenskeJenny and Jeff FriedenMike FriedenDick GalliganGene and Betty GerkeJulie and Joe GerkeMichael GraeveTracy GraeveMike and Kathy GravelDiane HansenPaul and Bryn HayesTracie and Brian HazelettDutch and Ock HerrigLaura M HerrigMike and Wendy HerrigJohn and Sasha HoffmanMarvin and Linda HoffmanMike and Courtney HoffmanAllyson HovdaDick and Pam Hunt

Virgil and Carlyn HuntThe Janney FamilyCindy JensenJeanne JoensJohn and Con Inc.Ray and Beth KaminRay and Jan KaminKaty KarasKelli KertonGene and Sally KopeckyAnn and Tim KortemeyerMary LevettPaula and Jim LevettDave and Sharon LoecherDoris LogelDan and Donna LynchMegan LynchJeanne and Gerry MacEachernBrennan McAllisterBill and Mary Lou McCartanKerry McCartanWill McCartanFather Tom McDermottTom and Mary McGivernMaureen and Jason McHughLiz MillerMr and Mrs Duane MillerMobileDemandLeo and Diane MonaghanAnn MoranJulie MoranRegan MoranJohn and Ruth NeuzilBob and Mary Tarbox Nicholson

Makenzie NoonanMike NoonanSteve and Janet NoonanNixie OlderburgDaniel PapeChris and Roberta PetersPowell ChiropracticKevin and Denise PudilRosie PudilAnn and Dave RichardsonJohn RichardsonTom and Dianna RichardsonPeyton RosencrantsDenny and Karan RuzickaMr and Mrs Richard SaundersJoe and Barb SchmallMr and Mrs Jason SchmidtColleen and Randy ScholerMike and Mary Pat SchulteDon and Patricia SimaMaddie SmithHailey SojkaMairlynn SondermanBecky and Brad StovieMarisa and Richard SullivanDave and Karen ThinnesMatthew ThommannaWilma ThompsonScott Thompson FamilyFred and Bev TimkoTom TroesterBev ValantDouger and Amers ValentineMary Lou Valentine

Abbe VegaCarlos and Amy VegaDomingo and Katie VegaMichael and Shelley WaldronMike and Sue WaldronJerry and Betty WeilandJeff and Cheryl WestlundAnne WhiteTerry and Janet WhitneyLynn and Lynn WoellertCorbin WoodsElizabeth WoodsGerald M. WoodsGreg and Nancy WymoreJames and Elizabeth Zook

If you’re interested in receiving The Xpress at

your home, please contact Mrs. Kellie Wagner for

more information. kellie.wagner@xaviersaints.org

Keep up the happiness and smiles, SaintsIt’s amazing how time can fly

by when you’re having the best time with the best people. These past four years have taught me a lot. I have had a lot of irreplaceable memories inside these gray walls with some of the best people I have met in my life. And yes, Kayla Thompson, I’m talking about you. How do you get these memories? Well, as Pharrell Williams sings, “Because I’m happy!”

I like to consider myself a happy and cheerful person, and even though it’s not easy, it’s possible. Yes, there have been days when I want to snuggle deeper into my blankets and block out my blaring alarm clock instead of

getting up and going to school. I experience these things just like everyone else. However, having a positive attitude has shown me that happiness is one of the most important things in life because if you aren’t happy, then what are you? Why would you choose to be sad when you have so many great people surrounding you? If you have to choose, I advise you to pick happy since your time will be so much more worthwhile.

The most important thing to remember is this: have a good attitude! You will not believe how much this makes a difference in your day. You may not want to balance another

redox equation or go to practice after school, but complaining won’t get you anywhere and it makes you and the people around you feel worse. If you have a good attitude, everything seems possible. So be optimistic.

I can’t promise that you’ll be happy every day you walk into Xavier, but I can guarantee that it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself. So, when all else fails smile, Saints! It looks good on you.

Ashley PudilA&E Assistant Editor

Living through high school in 720 daysIn 720 days, I became a better

student, friend, and disciple of Christ. From the first day of high school to the end of senior year, I made friends, lost friends, learned life lessons, and met the greatest people in the world.

Day 1. Do you remember that first day of high school, looking through the hallways and wondering what would become of the next four years of your life? I remember seeing senior Chris Jensen in the hallway and melting in amazement of how good looking a person could be. I became excited to see the changes that my classmates were going to go through in the next four years.

Day 360. Sophomore year was kind of a blur, it went by so quickly.

Just remember to take a lot of pictures to use for scrapbooking later. I do have to say that the summer after sophomore year is the year to have a roadtrip with your friends. I went to the exotic Galena, Illinois with Quinlan Moran, Grace Busse, and Maria Efting. I learned that dark chocolate M&Ms before bedtime is a no-no as it keeps you awake all night and if you ever want to find a cute boy, go to the local ice cream parlor.

Day 361-540. Junior year was one of the most academically stressful times of my life. It was filled with the struggle of maintaining grades, studying for the ACT, researching colleges, and maintaining a social life. It was the year when I found my niche in

the foreign language department and newspaper. I went on Kairos and learned an incredible amount about myself. Junior year taught me an academic lesson. If you’re normally an A student, that B+ (89.7 to be exact) and A- is NOT the end of the world.

Day 698. The day I made my decision to attend Creighton University. It was the day I realized that Xavier was the only place that could have encouraged me to pursue service and social justice.

I was blessed each of these 720 days with amazing students and teachers who helped me become the best version of myself. No amount of words can express my gratitude to all those who helped me have the best years of my life.

Shannon MulcaheySports Editor

Xavier High SchoolSports14

Michele Ann BurkeOwner, Head Instructor Phone 319-393-0303

Studio Dance3907 Center Point Rd. NECedar Rapids, IA 52402

Soccer balancing act

A youth-filled team

With final exams just around the corner and AP tests finishing up, varsity players are balancing academics with extracurricular activities. This can prove to be a challenge during the end of the school year, but the Xavier girls’ and boys’ soccer players handle the task well.

“Some advice I would give to underclassmen is to make sure your grades are important to you so that you make time for them,” senior Marinna Schroud said. “Most of the coaches at Xavier understand that sometimes you may need to leave right away after

practice in order to go home and study or work on a project. Just do not procrastinate and get your work done. Don’t stress yourself by putting it off and having to stay up really late after a game to do it.”

Despite having hours of homework each night, the players are able to maintain grades and remain eligible to play during the season.

The soccer teams have the advantage of having regional and state games occur once school is out of session so their concentration can be specifically on soccer.

The girls’ last regular season game is against Waterloo East on May 27. Regionals are held from June 3-9 with the state championship game on June 14.

The boys’ regular season finishes on May 22 with a game against Prairie. Boys’ sub state begins May 27 and ends May 31. The days for the state championship games are June 5-7.

Shannon MulcaheySports Editor

With the track season coming to an end, the teams geared up to finish their season strong and compete well at state, which is held May 22 through the 24 at Drake stadium in Des Moines. While the year is coming to a close, the seniors are remembering this past season.

“I’m going to miss all my teammates,” senior Molly Breitbach, a sprinter for the girls’ team, said. “We’ve been improving all season and growing together as a team.”

The girls’ team has run all of its members, freshmen through seniors, on varsity because of a lack of numbers. The girls receive opportunities that not many other big schools offer. Despite the youth, the girls have performed well all season long and have high hopes for the state meet.

“The underclassmen have given the seniors a really amazing season,” said Breitbach. “We really push each other

everyday to prepare for state.”The state qualifying meet

was held May 15. Sophomore Nick Stark won the 100 meter dash and long jump. Senior Miles Sullivan placed second in the 200. The girls’ 4x100 relay (sophomore Sydney Oakley, junior Taylor Skala and seniors Allison Schwach and Breitbach) placed second and Breitbach placed second in the 100.

Morgan BreitbachSports Assistant Editor

Junior Mason Hoxie passes the ball during a Xavier home game. Meghan Gerke Photo.

Girls conference champsThe 2014 Mississippi

Valley Conference Girls’ Golf Championship goes to Xavier High School.

After falling just shy of the goal to Cedar Falls in the 2013 campaign, the Saints walked away with the championship this season.

This year, they topped the Mississippi Division with a team score of 359. Xavier beat Cedar Falls who placed second with a score of 374. Linn-Mar placed third shooting a 377. Washington placed fourth with a 388. Dubuque Wahlert placed fifth with a score of 392. Prairie placed sixth with a team score of426. Waterloo West rounds out the Mississippi division, finishing seventh with a score of 450.

Seniors Maddie Bertsch and Grace Winker finished their second straight year on the first team All Mississippi Valley Conference list.

Xavier varsity head coach, Julie

Kadlec, took home the Mississippi Division Coach of the Year.

The girls took to the links Wednesday, May 14. The team hosted a triangular at St. Andrews Golf Course against Washington and Maquoketa.

The team has two more meets to gain momentum heading into the state tournament on June 2 and 3.

Daniel VegaSports Writer

Senior Maddie Bertsch takes a swing during a home meet. Hailey Sojka Photo.

Seniors’ last tennis days

Katherine BauerCopy Editor

As the school year comes to an end, seniors prepare to close the four year chapter known as high school. Final exams are taken and activities hold their banquets. Tennis is nearing the end of the regular season and looks forward to state play. Xavier’s varsity seniors take a look back at their time playing tennis.

During her high school career, Emma Deignan’s biggest triumph was playing up a spot on the team. Her goal has always been to improve, and her father has been there the whole time.

“He has inspired and helped me most,” Deignan said. “Thanks for all your guidance and giving me the confidence to play this mentally tough sport.”

Kylie DeWees has always been at the top of the team with plenty of success. Like most players, her goal was making state individually and as a team. However, she knows winning is not the most important thing.

“I probably won’t remember my record or how I did in a certain match,” DeWees said, “but I will definitely

remember the friendships made through my team.”

Chris Schirm has been proud of his accomplishments so far this season. He is especially proud of his singles match against Dubuque Hempstead after winning in a hard fought, third set super tiebreaker. He remains focused as he and the team look forward to the remaining season.

“We have been so close to state the last two years. It would be great to finally make it this year and win a state championship,” Schirm said.

Like Schirm, Kyle D’mello will remember the great wins and tough losses. He looks to finish the season with a winning record even though he is in one of the toughest conferences in the state. He is especially appreciative to those who have helped him in his career.

“My mom introduced me to the game and was my first coach,” D’mello said. “I would like to say thanks for the advice and hard work.”

Junior Nate Lux finishes a race at Prairie High School. Payton Janney Photo.

May 22, 2014 Sports 15Softball looks to continue success 2014 Baseball team returns seniors

2014 Xavier softball comes into the season with a young team.

The Saints return only three seniors. Courtney Colston returns after starting in the outfield. The infield is led by seniors Allison Schwach, who plays second base, and Hayley Deutmeyer, who leads the infield at shortstop.

“As seniors, we have to work together and show good leadership to keep the team and the younger girls focused so we can start the season off on a good note,” Colston said.

The team also returns a few juniors who played as sophomores. Erin Drahozal brings back power when she steps to the plate and can get the team some strike outs as she pitches. The team also returns juniors Claire Christianson, Brady Hoffman, Morgan Breitbach, and Kylie Oldridge.

After a 29-11 finish last year, the team looks to make some noise on the diamond as they take

the field against 42nd Street rival, Cedar Rapids Kennedy, on May 27.

Daniel VegaSports Writer

Summer is right around the corner, which means baseball has begun. Xavier looks to make a name for itself as it moves to class 3A.

The Saints return many seniors who played last year when the team made a run to the 4A state tournament before being shutout by Sioux City East. Future North Carolina Tar Heel, Mitch Keller, will return as the ace for the team’s pitching staff. Adam Pick will take his spot at first base again. He will also bring power into the batting order. Bryce Grimm returns for his third year in center field. He brings back 32 hits and a batting average of .262.

The team will start out the new year in a new class at Ken Charipar Field as the Saints host the first two rounds of the 2014 Metro Tournament. The team will take on Cedar Rapids Prairie, who lost to Xavier in extra innings to make a state tournament appearance in 2013.

The game takes place on May 26.Daniel VegaSports Writer

Juniors to Look for Next YearAs the year is coming to an end, the seniors are preparing for college and the juniors are preparing to become next year’s leaders. The following are some notable juniors to look for in next year’s sports.

Volleyball- Kayla TorsonGirls’ soccer- Lizzy Bailey

Boys’ cross country- Luke KoechnerGirls’ cross country- Brady Hoffman

Girls’ basketball- Morgan Breitbach

Girls’ tennis- Allison Jasper

Boys’ soccer- Stephen Jones

Football- Nic EklandBoys’ golf- Jordan Even

Girls’ golf- Melanie Wertzberger

Baseball- Nolan Arp

Boys’ tennis- Ben Curley

Boys’ basketball- Adam McDermott

Girls’ track- Carlie Jurgens

Boys’ bowling- Caleb MillerGirls’ bowling- Kayla Thompson Softball- Erin Drahozal

Fall

Winter

Spring

Boys’ track- Evan Gradoville

Summer

“I’m going to lead by example, encourage the underclassmen next year when we are conditioning, and include everyone in what we do.” -Kayla Torson

Design by Shannon Mulcahey, Photo and information by Morgan Breitbach

Erica Miller (‘13) stars as the catcher in last year’s softball season. Amanda Wymore Photo.

The baseball team gathers to celebrate Zach Brown’s (‘13) no hitter last season. Hailey Sojka Photo.

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Page Design by Mary Esker and Colette Miller. Photos by Meghan Gerke, Amanda Wymore, and Megan Lynch.