Quiz Bowl Conference Champs... Again!

Issue No. 9
January 20, 2016
Issue No. 15
April 12, 2016
Quiz
Ukuleles, Melodicas, and Banjos; Oh
My!
by Jordan Lough
Important Dates in April
Bowl Conference
Champs... Again!
There are many members in our school band who can play multiple instruments;
however,
you probably
know that there are some students who play unique and non- by Brittney Rysdam
14 Mandatory
Senior don’t
Meeting
traditional instruments.
On Friday April 1st the Davis
Mr.
Graves
will be inaMrs.
Herr’s
American
the ukulele.
Caitlin
Paddock,
junior,
loves
to play
first Team
got her
ukulele to
for
CountyCaitlin
Academic
travelled
Government
& Economic
classes
Thursday,
gotCenterville
Christmas
three years
ago; she
nowon
has
two. She
started playing
when
she
saw
a
to compete in the SCC
2016 periods 1-6....if you are a
video ofApril
one14th,
of her
favorite band members, Tyler Joseph.
“There
has Our
beenschool
more main
Academic
Bowl.
had
senior not scheduled in either one of these stream
media
from
the
the
song
“Riptide”
by
Vance
Joy,
because
of
the
use
of
the
two teams compete, Davis County I
classes this semester, you MUST find a time to ukulele,”said
Caitlin.
She
can
play
songs
as
easy
as
“Twinkle
Star”
and asI
and DavisTwinkle
County Little
II. Davis
County
come in & hear about Baccalaureate, gradua
difficult
as
“Somewhere
Over
the
Rainbow”.
She
taught
herself
the
basics
from
looking
tion, senior awards night, etc
consisted of Keagan Plummer, Sara
online, and it only took her a few days. She explained,
“It wasSophie
easier because
I was
Lawson,
Rotole, and
Mikayla
already
in
band
and
knew
how
to
read
music.”
She
loves
to
play
for
her
friends
and has
16 Prom 8:30-11:30 p.m.
Biggs. Davis County II members
to play.
even taught
After them
Prom how
Midnight4:00 a.m.
included Alyssa Harrington, Paige
Paige Stevens, a senior, plays the melodica. Never
heard
of it?
Don’t worry,
Stevens,
Kayle
Stremler,
Caitlinmost
Padpeople
haven’t.
TheTryoutsmelodica
is School
a free-reed
that is played by blowing air
18-21
Color
Guard
High
Gym instrument
dock, and Brittney Rysdam.
through a mouthpiece that fits into a hole in the side of the instrument. She has had her
Davis County II lost to exit
melodica
forArts
a month.
instrument she said, “It looked
19
Fine
Night When asked why she wanted the
the tournament in round three. Howinteresting and goofy.” She can play Yankee Doodle on the piano so it was easy for her to
ever, they did beat one of their opposwitch Mustang
over. Pride Day
20
bydiffers
a considerable
margin,
210Zach Bridgman, a senior, plays the banjo. Thenents
banjo
from a guitar
because
85.
Davis
County
I
stole
the
show.
it has
strings which makes it more difficult to play. He has had his banjo for 2
22
fewer
Midsummer Nights Dream- Indian Hill TheyWhen
went asked
undefeated
throughout
knows the basics that he learned from his dad.
why he
liked the
years. He
Performance
the
whole
tournament
to
clinch the
instrument
he
said,
“I
like
how
it
annoys
people.”
Chaperones- Mrs. Mason & Mrs. Grob
conference
titlewe
forhave
the second
year
These are just three of the many musically inclined
students
at DCHS.
in a row!
What makes you stand out?
The members of Davis
County I were all seniors. The seniors have fond memories of their years on the Academic Team. Mikayla Biggs enjoyed how each of the members had their own area
Welcome to DCHS!
of expertise. She commented, “It’s just a great feeling when you know that you’re an
unstoppable force of knowledge.” Mikayla
also feels
that a strong bond on the team is
By Carson
Dean
essential for success. Keagan Plummer enjoyed Quiz Bowl because while he does not
excel in sports,
he admitted,
it comes
to Quiz
Bowl
I feelinlike
I’m important
to
Although
most of“When
our students
won’t
be able
to vote
November,
there are
the
team.”
Sara
Lawson
enjoyed
being
in
an
environment
where
“...nobody
thinks
twice
Alberto Larson
many taking an interest in the upcoming presidential election. Donald Trump is
if
you
know the
of Iceland off
the top of
head.”
arguably
the capital
most controversial
candidate
inyour
the Republican
Party.
10th Grade
Tristan have
Quailserved
had some
very strongTeam
words
about
Mr. Trump.
Tristan
All Junior
of the seniors
our Academic
well.
Thanks
to Keagan,
states
that Mikaya,
“he is too
arrogant
has for
no being
leadership
Tristan
will be
Sara,
Sophie,
Alyssa,
andand
Paige
greatskills.”
assets to
our team!
Youable
willtobe
vote
this
November
for
president
and
he
plans
to
vote
for
Bernie
Sanders.
missed. And another congratulations to Davis County I for being conference champions
Sophomore
Summers has some of the same opinions as Tristan. In
for the second
year in aSavanah
row!
Richard Cochran
addition to agreeing with Tristan, she believes that he is very hypocritical and thinks
that the country will be involved in a World War 3 if he is elected into office. She
9th Grade
thinks that there is a high possibility that Trump will become president because
people are being convinced that he will make America great again. She will not be
byeligible
Jordan to
Lough
vote this next election, but if she could she would vote for Dr. Ben Carson.
While Tristan and Savanah don’t support Trump, there are several who do
Jeffery Heifort
Britney Bresee is a Science teacher and is the sponsor for support
FCS. This
is Ms.
first
yearBragg
at DCHS
him,
suchBresee’s
as juniors
Dylan
and Clayton Wagler and Freshman Nathan
th
10
Grade
and she teaches Earth Science, Integrated Science 1, and Integrated
Science
2. She
wentwhy
to Indian
Hills
to getDylan
her stated, “He has the right amount of
Zmolek.
When
asked
he likes
Trump,
Associate’s Degree, then transferred to William Penn to get her Bachelor’s
Biology
Certificacockiness in
and
knowsand
whatCoaching
he is talking
about.” Dylan also believes Trump has a
tion. After that she transferred to BBC to get her Master’s in Church
Ministry.
She subbed
in “he
Ottumwa
on and the
off polls.”
chance
at winning
because
is destroying
for five years, then was a lead teacher for Sylvan Tutoring Agency for oneClayton
year. When
what
thetowards
difference
feels asked
the same
way
Trump. Clayton thinks that Trump
Early
Graduates
respects
ofteachers
Americaand
andstaff.
also The
respects families who work hard. Clayton
is between teaching here
and her
previous schools she said, ¨It is easier
to conservatives
get to know the
sharesfreedom
that he thinks
Trumpthe
will
have a positive
class sizes are smaller and the atmosphere is better. Also there is more
to construct
curriculum.¨
By impact on the U.S. if he is elected.
Congratulations
to
the
following
early
Clayton
thinks
that
Trump
will
bring
a
lot
of
jobs back from overseas and would put
this she means that she can teach her classes how she would like to.
graduates:
Shania
Arnold,
Sean
Emmons,
Jodi
people
in their program
place. Clayton
will
be voting
She is a member of the Mark Baptist Church and helps with
an outreach
through
MBC.
She for Trump this November.
As
I
stated
before,
Nathan
is
only
a freshman so he won’t be able to vote, but
Knight,
Mikaela
Richards,
Toby
Ritz,
Laney
also mentors high school girls. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. What she likes most about
heshe
haslikes
somegetting
positive
on the
Donald
Trump. Nathan likes that he will end trading
Westaway,
Collin
Mikaela
Hoffman,
teaching
here is the
unityCooksey,
among the
teachers
and the support. Also
to opinions
learn about
students
with
China
and
thinks
Trump
is
a
unique
person
WyattWhen
Marshall,
Lacey her students to know about her she said, ¨Even though I am because he is not a true politician.
personally.
askedShelby
what isRichardson,
something and
she wants
alsocare
believes
will win
Westaway.
They finished
at the
but to
will
a teacher,
I don’t know
everything
butsemester,
I am willing
find it out. INathan
genuinely
aboutthat
thehe
students
andbecause
want of how the polls are going right now.
Do you of
believe
that Trump will “Make America Great Again?”
bebe
participating
the graduation
ceremony
them to
successful in school
so they can
apply itwith
to their lives outside
school.¨
the rest of their class in May.
“Make America Great Again”
Getting to Know Ms. Bresee
Ask Brus
by Carson Dean
We recently asked Mr. Brus “What is your take on mystical creatures such as unicorns, mermaids, and bigfoot?” As it is every
week, his response was quite thought-provoking.
Unicorns: “I am pro Unicorns. I would be the first to tell you that my spirit animal would probably be best described as a unicorn
frolicking among the mountain valleys and rainbows. I would like to see a college or professional sports team switch their name to the
Unicorns. BIG FAN!!!!”
Mermaids: “Mermaids are a completely different story. I don’t like to advertise this, but mermaids are scary. Ariel from the Disney
show use to get a toddler Mr. Brus into a panic rage. It just doesn’t make sense how you can possibly be half person, half fish. You could
ask any field experts in the science realm like Mr. Monte Hill, but I am sure the science does not checkout on being half fish, half person.”
Bigfoot: “I have been heavily influenced by my “wife/not-wife” on this one. She can be found watching the hunt for Bigfoot TV
shows on a semi- regular basis. What I have gleaned from the TV show is that Yetis, sasquatch, and Bigfoots generally populate is desolate
areas where there is a high deer population. I feel with these guides for population there is a good chance that there is a yeti population
somewhere with Davis County. Long story short I personally feel that there is an above average chance that there is yeti population in or
near the Lake Fisher woods’. If anyone would like to Bigfoot hunting with me they know where to find me.”
For further discussion on this topic, please see Mr. Brus at your own convenience.
Calling All Color Guard!
Opinions of DCHS Students
by Caitlin Paddock
by Madison Sines
Have you ever seen the color guard leading the marching band
down the street and marveled as they toss their shimmering flags into the
air? Well, now is your chance to join them! Color guard will be holding
tryouts for any eligible freshmen, sophomores, or juniors to join the team
for the 2016-2017 school year.
The color guard instructor, Ms. Lanute, is excited for the new
season along with the other members. When asked what Lanute likes
about being the color guard instructor she commented, “I like that coaching color guard has given me the opportunity to work with other students
in the school. The only students I get to see on a regular basis are the ones
who are in choir, so it has been fun getting to work with students who are
not in choir and may not even be involved in music at all.” She also states
that her favorite part of color guard season is winter guard, where the team
competes against other color guard teams from around Iowa. Lanute hopes
to do more competitions next season, hopefully through Winter International (WGI) or the Midwest Color Guard Circuit.
The dates and times for tryouts are as follows:
Monday, April 18, 7:00-7:50am
Tuesday, April 19, 7:00-7:50am
Wednesday, April 20, 7:00-7:50am
Thursday, April 21, 7:00-7:50am and 6:00-8:00pm
They will be held in the high school gym and Ms. Lanute asks that
you wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move in. If you have any
questions, please contact Ms. Lanute at either [email protected] or 641-664-2200 ext. 1319. Good luck to all who tryout!
We surveyed five students on one thing they like about the
school and one thing they would change about the school. We did
this survey to share the opinions of our students.
Junior Courtney Quiggle said that she enjoys the warming
enviroment and the friendly people and staff. She also said the only
thing she would change about the whole school is the time it started.
Another Junior replied that he thought the community was great and
so was the school. He didn’t think the school needed much change
other than the gym and some food choices. Sophomore, Takoda
Nicholson said that he likes the calm environment of the school, the
teachers, the lunches, and also the overall attitude of the students
and the faculty. The only thing he would change is the everyday
breakfast choices.
Another Junior said he loves the new school and how nice
and helpful the teachers are, but that he wishes school didn’t have
to start so early. Junior Brandon Miller stated that he likes all the
friends he has made at Davis County High School, but that he
would change the sporting budgets. Lastly, I believe that Davis
County High School is one of the best schools anyone could attend. The staff is super friendly and will help you with anything if
you ask. I walk in everyday and don’t go five steps without hearing
a “Good morning!” or a “How are you?” I know my high school
experience at Davis County High School has been the best, and I
wouldn’t have wanted to go anywhere else.
Editorial
Are We Really Being “The Best That We Can Be”?
by Caitlin Paddock
On Tuesday April 5th, the county went to the polls to vote on whether or not to support the bond issue that our school board has been
proposing since last fall. In order for it to pass, Iowa law states that it has to reach a 60 percent affirmative vote. The results came in Tuesday
night. 792 people voted in favor of the bond and 554 people voted against it, resulting in a 59 percent affirmative vote.
As a current student at DCHS, I am both disheartened and flat out angry by this outcome. Recently, we had to host our very own
Dennis Anderson Relays track meet in Eddyville due to the deterioration of our track. In fact, all home meets have to be moved to other
schools. Our music students and P.E. classes, whose new classrooms would have been part of the plan, still have to walk back and forth to
the old school. Our facilities are the laughing stock of the conference. As a 17 year old student who can not vote, the outcome of both of
these failed proposals makes me feel as though the eligible voters who voted against the bond do not truly have our best interests in mind.
What does it say about their priorities when they care more about a less than $25 monthly increase on residential taxes than they do about
bettering the school district and the county itself? One of the biggest things that people look at when thinking about moving to a new community is the quality of the school district, so not only is this bond necessary to better the school, but the overall advancement of Davis
County.
I assume the bond will be proposed again after the required six month waiting period, and I would like to believe by that time that
people will educate themselves about how important this bond is. While I understand that some who voted against the bond only did so because they don’t agree with certain aspects of it, all I ask is that you educate yourselves about it in its entirety. Attend meetings, read pamphlets, and familiarize yourself about what this bond is trying to do for our school and community. Our track students do not want to constantly be arriving home late from other schools. Our football team and marching band do not appreciate sliding in puddles to their ankles
while practicing or playing, which can also be a safety hazard. Our fans would like a safe place to sit, especially those who are disabled,
while supporting sports events in Mustang Stadium. Our baseball and softball players not only want, but need a place to play. For the sake of
our students, our faculty, and our futures, I implore you all, whether you already support it or not, to fight for our right to be “The Best That
We Can Be.”