T iger hi-lineTHE

1015 Division St. Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613

Volume 50 Issue 10

Nov. 24, 2009

Choir raises funds with carolsSara Gabriele

Staff Writer

With the holidays fast approaching, the CFHS choir students have already begun spreading the Christmas spirit. Singers from all choirs par-ticipate in the caroling group which will be performing gigs around the community from now until Christmas time.

The group has been rehearsing since mid Octo-ber before, during and after school to prepare the carols, all of which are sung in a cappella. The group sings the classic Christmas carols but also incorporates some more contemporary pieces.

“Performing live music in streets and in lobbies, it

lifts everybody’s spirits and gets them in the mood for the season. Adults always like to see young people still carrying on traditions, and the kids have a blast,” choir and caroling in-structor Kendra Wohlert said.

The group performs about 15 gigs around the commu-nity — everywhere from the Cedar Falls downtown, the Gallagher Bluedorn, in lobbies and outside.

“The opportunity to go to different places is really cool. You get to go to different venues, see a lot of different people and sing for them. It’s different than just at a school concert,” junior Mason Meyer said.

The group performs at community events such as Main Street’s Jingle and

Mingle on and is also hired by private businesses for their Christmas parties. Businesses pay the group a $100 dona-tion, which will go toward funding student scholarships for the choir tour next year to California.

The group performs in a small group or quartet depend-ing on the event.

“It’s cool just to get out there in the community. It’s not just like a school performance where you’re performing for your parents,” sophomore Maria Dropps said. “It brings joy not only to you but to everyone around you. You see people smiling and the joy on their faces.”

The group’s next gig will be Main Street’s Holiday Hoopla on Nov. 27.

Food drive a success for Cedar ValleyKaylee Micu

Staff Writer

Cans here. Cans there. Cans everywhere! Before loading into the trailer on Wednesday, Nov. 18, there were canned food goods almost to the ceil-ing. The best part is that all of that food went to families who need it.

This year, Cedar Falls High School managed to raise about 22,000 cans of food.

“Interestingly enough, some of the smaller schools in the other division collected a tremendous amount for their size. Our school averaged 20.92 lbs per student, while Valley Lutheran High School collected over 90 pounds per student. Pretty amazing,” counselor Ryan Flaherty said.

This year, Cedar Falls managed to raise a little less than 2008, yet the school still came in first place for the most food raised in the large school division.

“I’m pleased that overall it went up by almost 10,000 pounds (for the Cedar Valley school totals) from last year. That’s a real plus,” Senior Leadership adviser and Eng-

lish teacher Diane Flaherty said. “Our numbers, however, were down from the last two years. I’m not disappointed, but with the economy how it is, the more we can do for

those who have little, the better.”

Not only were Cedar Valley schools competing, but the CFHS classes were as well.

Science teacher Kenton Swartley came in fourth with an average of 10 cans per student. Third place went to choir teacher Kendra Wohlert with an average of 30 cans per student. Resource teacher Tammy Frahm earned second place with an average of 103 cans per student, and business teacher Matthew Flaherty won first place with 106 cans per student.

“I think it is something all students and adults should do. The students are learning something in class by doing this that they may very well be a part of when they get to the working world as well,” Mat-thew Flaherty said.

During the food drive, teachers and students set up different projects for fund rais-

ing. In total, the high school managed to collect and spend over $7,000 toward the drive.

“It also makes me proud of the kids I have in class, especially the ones that gave of time and money to help in this competition and very worthwhile cause,” Matthew Flaherty said.

“We wanted to take the time to help others during the holidays that didn’t have money to buy food,” senior Anna Wheeler said.

All of food and money that was raised will go to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, which will then distribute the food and money to people who need it.

“It feels awesome. It is fun to help others,” senior Morgan Henriksen said.

“We should be happy knowing that we changed the lives of thousands of people in the area,” Senior Leadership member Brian Harris said.

Juniors Alex Gibson and Will Zey box up the final cans for the CFHS food drive.

Ben Sadkowski Photo

Mackenzie Ferguson Photo

Moon WatchersWaiting in line for the midnight premiere of New Moon, the latest in the Twillight movies, are juniors Monica Clark, Kelsey Morris, Kaiti Faye and Emily Hurban. They waited nine hours for the event at the Cedar Falls theater.

Contact the Tiger Hi-LineThe Tiger Hi-Line is a weekly publication of the journalism classes of Cedar Falls High

School, 1015 Division St., Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613. Our website is www.hiline.co.nr. The Hi-Line is distributed to CFHS students on Tuesdays to read in their DEAR (Drop Every-thing and Read) classes.

Columns and letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Hi-Line or Cedar Falls Schools. The Hi-Line editorial staff view is presented weekly in the editorial labeled as Our View.

Reader opinions on any topic are welcome and should be sent to the Tiger Hi-Line staff or delivered to room 208. All letters must be signed. Letters must be submitted by 3 p.m. on Thursday for publication the following Tuesday. Letters may not exceed 300 words and may be edited to meet space limitations. Include address and phone number for verification.

Editorial StaffEditors-in-Chief: Maggie Devine and Vincent Stigliani

News Editors: Vincent Stigliani and Ben SadkowskiOpinion Editor: Monica Clark

Sports Editor: Ben OlsonFeature Editor: Aubrey Caruso

On-Line Editors: Vincent Stigliani and Maggie DevineEntertainment Editor: Maggie Devine

Senior Writer: Alex EntzPhoto Editor: Ben Sadkowski

THE

tiger hi-lineopinion2Nov. 24, 2009

our view

Critics from the Right have been voicing outrage over President Obama’s bow to the Japan’s Emperor Akihito while on a recent trip to Asia. We here at the HiLine, however, applaud President Obama’s efforts towards improving our image to the world and conducting dialogue in a respectful, appropriate manner.

Growing up in the melting pot that is America, we have always been taught to respect other customs and ways of life. For example, if we normally wear shoes around our house but find ourselves in a place where shoes aren’t allowed on the carpet, we respect that request (assuming we want to make a favorable impression). The principle also applies to how we go about diplomacy. Obama’s deep bow from the waist is considered a sign of respect in Japanese culture, and nothing could be more appropriate while we are trying to regain a sense of legitimacy from the rest of the world. What better way to strengthen friendships than to show interest in and understanding of the other’s culture?

Not only is the criticism inappropriate, it is also hypocritical. Take this example: In an interview with Politico.com, former vice-president Dick Cheney stated, “There is no reason for an American president to bow to anyone. Our friends and allies don’t expect it, and our enemies see it as a sign of weakness.” Nearly two years ago, however, Cheney was a bit more understanding when then-President Bush sword danced with Wahabists, or when he famously held hands with Saudi Royalty three years prior to that.

Countless historical examples further mirror Obama’s actions. In 1971, Nixon bowed to Emperor Hirohito. In 1989 George H.W. Bush attended and respectfully bowed at the emperor’s funeral. Clearly, the gesture has been repeated many times throughout our relations with Japan.

Building congenial relationships with our neighbors is crucial as globalization rapidly increases our contact with the outside world. Finally, it seems, we are carrying out prudent diplomacy that is terminating the stereotype of an America that acts separate from and superior to the rest of the world.

A Romeo-and-Juliet-based romance, complete with sexy vam-pires and werewolves fighting. What could be better?

Excitement is running high for the movie New Moon, the latest install-ment of the Twilight series. But is all the hype worth it? I for one was pleasantly surprised with this movie, be-cause it had quite an unimpressive prequel. The stiff, unnatural acting and lame special effects in Twi-light made it way too cliché for my liking, and I found myself setting the bar for this one pretty low. But New Moon was overall much more enjoyable to watch, despite having a rather abrupt ending. I give it three and a half stars out of five.

New Moon, based on the second in a series of four books by Stepha-nie Meyer, picks up where Twilight left off. Bella Swan is living in a perfect world with her vampire soulmate, Edward Cullen, but an in-cident on her birthday causes him to think he is unsafe for Bella’s world, and the only solution is for him to leave. With Edward gone, Bella spirals down into deep depression, finding she only feels better when she is with her friend (and were-wolf) Jacob Black. But a sudden plot twist leads Bella to leave Jacob and travel to Italy in a race to save Edward’s life.

The movie mostly sticks very close to the book. It begins with only a few minor plot differences; after that it stays on track with the book fairly well. Some parts of the book are left unexplained, which might make it hard for someone

who hasn’t read the Twilight series to understand what is going on in the movie, but explaining every little thing would have made the movie drawn out and boring.

Ellen GustavsonStaff Writer

Sequel New Moon outshines Twilight

“It begins with only a few minor plot differences; after that it stays on track with the book fairly well.”

Obama’s world diplomacy is undeserving of criticism

Once again I found Robert Pattinson, who plays Edward Cullen, to display poor acting

skills. His voice is very monotonous and rehearsed; very few times does he utter a line with genuine feeling behind it. He is nothing like the Edward I imagined when I read the books. The reason I liked this movie so much more than Twilight was probably because Pattinson didn’t have such a large role.

Another reason why New Moon was better can be summed up in two words: Taylor Lautner.

Playing the part of Jacob Black, not only is Lautner a much better actor than Pattinson, but he also meets (and very possibly exceeds) the expectations for being a major source of eye candy in this movie. Added to that, his friendly, comical character and some pretty sweet werewolf action make almost every scene with Lautner exciting and fun to watch. Only once or twice did I find myself roling my eyes at what I thought was some pretty blantant over-acting.

My only other complaint was that the ending is very sudden. It was obviously meant to keep the audience waiting in suspense for the next movie, but I think it was a little over the top. Still, no movie is perfect, and I was pleased with this one. New Moon outshines Twilight for sure.

THE

tiger hi-line SPORTS 3Nov. 24, 2009

Coachof

the Week

Scott BohlmannSpecial Olympics Coach

Jayne DurninStaff Writer

This weekend the CFHS dance team will be setting out to impress judges with two dance routines at the state dance competition.

This year’s team, led by se-nior captains Amelia McMur-rin, Chelsea Hilpipre, Brianna Glenn and Megan Pattee, is entered in the hip-hop dance competition and the pom dance competition.

“Our dances are really strong this year, so we’re re-ally excited to see how we do, especially in pom. Our pom routine is intense,” McMurrin said.

For the hip-hop dance, the CF squad is trying out an edgier look.

“The hip-hop routine is a little out of the ordinary. Instead of being really cutesy, we’re going more gangster,” Hilpipre said.

“The hip-hop routine is re-ally fun,” sophomore Morgan Fairman said. “We get to wear

bandanas and amazing shoes; we look way gangster.”

Different from past years, the team will be showing off their masculine side.

“We have an all-male team for the first time this year,” coach Gayle Bruene said. “They are entered in the large school all-male open.”

“The guys are kinda goofy and just like to have fun with it,” Fairman said.

“We’ve tried to do all-male in past years, but it never actually came together. Most of the guys have been really committed this year, though, and they all love performing. They’ll definitely be getting the crowd’s attention,” Mc-Murrin said.

Last year the team took second place in hip-hop and third in the pom dance.

“Our goal going into this is to be the best we can be. Another team goal is to get Division I ratings,” Bruene said, “and we will are going to do our best to place.”

“We practice five times a

week now, and the girls are only getting stronger and bet-ter,” Hilpipre said.

In addition to an all-male team, the dance team also has two new coaches.

“I am really proud of our team because it’s been really hard on us losing our coaches last year and getting two new coaches, but we have made the best out of the situation and have become an amazing team,”

junior Alexa Deines said.“We have a very expe-

rienced, hardworking team and great leadership by our seniors,” Bruene said.

The team performed on Dec. 4 last year at the Veterans Stadium in Des Moines. The CF pom routine took third place in its division, tying with Des Moines Dowling, and the hip hop routine took second place behind Linn-Mar.

Megan LaneStaff Writer

Kids today play sports from football to swimming, but how many have played the latest phenomenon in Cedar Falls: soccer tennis? This multitask-ing game incorporates the rules of tennis with soccer moves.

Juniors Muhammad She-hata and Forrest Wrede are looking to kick off this next big thing in athletic fun.

After a pick-up game of soccer on the tennis court a year ago at Peet Junior High, Shehata and some of his friends began experimenting with mixing soccer and tennis on the courts.

So what exactly makes this sport so interesting and fun?

“I think just the alteration of tennis to include soccer makes it really fun for soc-cer players who have good foot skills or just enjoy a fun soccer-related game,” Wrede said.

“I had fun because of the people I was playing with, they made it fun.” said junior Tracy Lukasiewicz.

So the question is could this be the next big sport for the world.

“[Soccer tennis] wouldn’t be as big as like football or something, but in terms of small sports like raquetball, I think it could get big. It’s incredibly fun to play,” Wrede said.

For those who are eager to try this new sport out, they

should know that no previous skills are really required.

The rules for the game are simple. Basically, each side has to kick a soccer ball over the net after letting it bounce no more than three times on their side.

“It is not very hard to play. Some basic soccer skills are necessary, but anybody who played even as a little kid could easily pick it up,” Wrede said.

For students who have played either sport before, their previous skills will be beneficial.

“I, myself play soccer. The game is really similar to tennis, but the skills required come much more from soc-cer,” Wrede said

Lukasiewicz said, “ I play tennis, but I’m not so hot in soccer, so it was hard to get the ball in the court. I had a ton of fun, though.”

Students who have enjoyed soccer tennis before say they would reccommend this for anyone looking for a good time.

“I would recommend it to others because it is very fun and entertaining sport, and it is also a great workout,” Wrede said.

“I would definitly recom-mend this to anyone look-ing for some fun outdoors,” Lukasiewicz said also.

If you are looking for more information about this and the game time, contact Shehata or Wrede.

Taylor Miller Photo

Have you been a coach before?This is my freshmen year as a coach.How can students help out with things like Special Olympics?If you are interested in help-ing out, come talk to me. If you can’t commit a lot of time, volunteering at a single event is for you. If you really want to get involved, we can work on getting Class A volunteer training for you (free!!) so you can help out at practice and at competi-tions.What happens after bowl-ing is over?In January, basketball skills and team event practice starts and track/field starts in March.When do you practice?We generally practice after school due to me having to teach during the day. With bowling, we met on Wednes-days and bowled a couple games each week.What’s the most important thing for a coach to do?Number one thing is to have fun. I’m blessed to work with such awesome indi-viduals and practice with the athletes is my favorite part of the week. It is also very important to be patient with the individuals, as they each have their own unique needs.

Sophomore Scott Sesterhenn and senior Kassy Salmon break it down at the Dance Team Exhibition on Saturday, Nov. 14.

On Saturday, Nov. 21, nearly 900 Special Olym-pics bowlers competed at the state bowling tourna-ment in Des Moines, in-cluding some of our own CF Tigers. Deb Mahler and Jeff Porter earned gold medals, and Travis Zika earned bronze.

State Dance With new coaches, new look, dancers aim high for State

Student-created game stirs up buzz, combining separate sports into one

SoccerTennis

THE

tiger hi-linefeature4NOV. 24, 2009

SupportStudent Press

The list of businesses and individuals included here are backers of the real world educational opportunities made possible by all the publication and broadcasting programs at Cedar Falls High School. Check out their links at our website: http://www.hiline.co.nr

Gold Star Sponsors ($250)•Cedar Falls Community Credit Union•Element Portraits and Design•National Dance Academy Cedar Falls•Sandee’s•The Shirt Shack•Together for Youth at Allen Women’s Clinic

To find out how you can be a Journalism Backer, call 553-2590 or email hiline.devine@gmail.com or hiline.stigliani@gmail.com.

Silver Star Sponsors ($180)•Gary and Margaret ClarkBronze Star Sponsors ($100)•Raymond and Judith Burfeind•Jiva Salon Spa•Larry and Judy Timmins

Meg Lane Photos

Top Left:A Country View resident plays Amazing Grace while Cedar Falls stu-dents enjoy the tunes.

Harmony making memories at Country View

Top Right:Sophomore Rachel Shar-key makes crafts with a Country View resident.

Left:Junior Stephen Poe has a hard fought loss in Uno against a Country View resident.