Recap, Western Dubuque’s Superb Football Season

By Brad Prier

Western Dubuque football ended their season on a high note, getting to the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. The Bobcats, coached by Brian Kuhle, had a 6-4 record this year. Because the Bobcats had such a great season, we decided to take a look back at this year.

The Bobcats started the year off with a 34-7 loss to longtime rival Beckman, upsetting fans of all ages. Following that, the Bobcats pulled a close win over West Delaware, winning 17-16. The Bobcats won their next game by a touchdown—7-0 against Marion at home. After that, the Bobcats went on the road for their next game versus Vinton-Shellsburg, winning 41-28. Center Point-Urbana came to town for the WDHS Homecoming the following Friday, the Bobcats winning the game 27-8. WDHS Football then went to Central Clinton for their next game, winning 31-14 to make their win streak 5. Union came to town next week with plans to win and ended the Bobcats streak as they defeated the Bobcats 42-17. The Bobcats went to Maquoketa the week after that, losing 28-14. Thereafter, the Bobcats went to Anamosa and ended the regular season with a 51-25 win over the Raiders. On October 26^th, the Bobcats were sent to Grinnell for their first playoff game. The Bobcats suffered a disappointing loss to the Tigers 52-27. The Bobcats were down 24-21 to start the fourth quarter and threw 3 interceptions, all of which eventually making their way to the end zone.  The Bobcats got one touchdown in the fourth quarter but failed on a 2-point conversion.

The Bobcats started the year ranked 9,153rd in the nation and 119th in the state. However, WDHS rose to be 5,335th in the nation and 52nd in the state. The Bobcats achieved their goal of making it to the playoffs, but the team did not achieve their next goal of getting to the UNI-dome. We salute head coach Brian Kuhle, his assistants, and all his players on their great season.  

Seeking Support for Selected Spanish Students

By Alicia Errthum

Sleeping in, swimming pools, and sunscreen.  These are a few of the items that can be found during the first week of summer vacation for most high school students.  However, for a group of lucky Spanish IV students at Western Dubuque High School, the first week of summer will entail airplanes, passports, and tamales. During the first week in June of 2012, this small cluster of students will have the opportunity to travel to Guatemala to learn about the culture there, as well enhance their Spanish-speaking skills. While in Guatemala, these teenagers will also make time to visit and assist at a local orphanage.

Fundraising for this fantastic opportunity includes a Mexican dinner at Fiesta Cancun Restaurant at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 6th. The price of a ticket is $10; tips and donations are also greatly appreciated. To purchase tickets, please contact Mrs. Witter, the Spanish teacher who is organizing and chaperoning the trip.  People in attendance are reminded to sign in. Due to the limit of 50 total participants, tickets will sell quickly, and it is high recommended that you purchase your tickets right away.

The Clubhouse

By Brenna Wolfe

This month, the following Western Dubuque High School clubs have news about their current activities:

Environmental Club: We are selling 32 oz. official Western Dubuque Bobcat water bottles for $8! Two for $15. See Ms. Zangara in Room 600.

Student Council: The Western Dubuque Student Council recently received the Outstanding Chapter award! This is the second highest award for student council in the state of Iowa. Congratulations to Mr. Danner and student council members!

Book Club: This month the Book Club is reading the young-adult science fiction novel Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. This is the second book in the Hunger Games series.

FFA: This Fall, the FFA’s State Dairy Team finished eighth overall out of 18 teams at State Dairy Cattle. Team members were Andy Dougherty, Codey Waller, Emily Neumueller, and Kyle Kass. At the Kirkwood Horse Judging Contest, the team members were Jordan Lattner, Collin Kramer, DeAnn Ostwinkle, and Hailey Ahmann. They finished fifth overall.  Jordan Lattner finished third place overall individually. Lastly, at the Tri-State Dairy Expo, our FFA club received first place. Our team members were Kyle Kass, Andy Doughety, Codey Waller and Ryan Kluesner.  Andy Dougherty was first place individually, receiving a $200 cash prize.  Kyle Kass was second, receiving a $100 cash prize. Go Bobcats!

Noteworthy Bobcat of the Month

By Jacob Barnwell

Emily Vaughn, of Peosta, is the daughter of Mike and Jill Vaughn and is a sophomore at Western Dubuque High School in Epworth. Emily plays the bassoon and the piccolo for the Bobcat Marching Band, plays the piano professionally, and is co-principle bassoon for the Dubuque Youth Symphony Orchestra.  One of Emily’s favorite parts about the arts program at WDHS is “[t]he fun and colorful characters you meet at competitions.” In Emily’s free time, she likes to write creative fiction, learn songs on the piano, read, act in drama productions, spend time with friends and family, and learn how to play exotic instruments.

Senior Spotlight

Interview conducted by Erin Norton

NAME:  Sidney Marie Burds

BIRTHDAY:  December 9, 1993

FAVORITE COLOR:  I love ALL colors.
FAVORITE FOOD:  Chinese Takeout #given

FAVORITE SCHOOL LUNCH:  The spaghetti is delightful.

FAVORITE TEACHER(S):  J. Smith, of course!  Also, Mr. Jasper even though he says he dislikes me... oh, and Mr. Kurt.

FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT:  Art! How great thou art!

CELEBRITE CRUSH:  Dwight from The Office. Nothing is sexier than mustard-colored shirts.

CAR YOU DRIVE:  A gypsy van.

CAR YOU WISH YOU DROVE:  Who wouldn't want to drive a gypsy van, honestly?

FUTURE JOB:  Aerospace Engineer.

IF YOU HAD ANY SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE:  To control people’s thoughts. "You WILL buy me those expensive boots."

FAVORITE THING TO DO DURING THE HOLIDAYS:  Driving around and looking at lighting decor on people’s homes.

Check Mate! Chess Club at Western Dubuque

By Emily Vaughn

Despite the club making so many appearances in various high school movies, a chess club has never appeared at Western Dubuque High School until now. Justin Kluesner, a junior, has created Western Dubuque’s first chess club. In an exclusive Westener interview, he explained the intimate details of the WDHS Chess Club’s creation:

W: How many people are in chess club?

JK: Over 40
W: Why did you start the chess club?
JK: Because I could. Just kidding, I really wanted to help people learn how to play chess or just become better players.

Horoscopes

By Breanna Reisen and Abby Gloeckner

Aries (Mar. 21- Apr. 19) - You’re usually the center of attention, but when Mercury shifts, you’ll actually have to try to stand out. But don’t worry because when the signs change, you’ll be back on your game.

Taurus (Apr.21- May 21) - Expect to feel much more decisive in many areas of your life. A relationship might hit a few bumps, but you’ll know in your heart if it’s worth saving or not.

Gemini (May 22- June 21) - You’ll be ready to face some things that will make you uncomfortable. Recognize that this puts you on track for change. You could be torn between the demands of school and work.

Cancer (June 22- July 23) - Suddenly there are a lot of new things happening, new projects, goals, and relationships. You’re focused on involvement, and there may be a local issue you feel strongly about, so get involved.

Leo (July 24- Aug. 23) - You have been dealing with a bumpy relationship, and you need some improvement. Problems can be smoothed out, but it will take some work.  If not, you will meet someone new who understands you. You’ll love being with someone who has the same interests as you.

Virgo (Aug. 24- Sept. 23) - It’s a whole new phase in your life, and you’ll likely encounter rocky or intense moments. Overall, it’s all good because you are on the right path. If these plans fall apart, romantic opportunities will cheer you up.

Libra (Sept. 24- Oct. 23) - Relationships pop up right and left. One exciting relationship may pop up before fall ends. Until that happens, you’ll wonder if you’re in line with your dreams.  Don’t be hard on yourself; you’re just getting started.

Scorpio (Oct. 24- Nov. 22) - Your upbeat outlook will attract new people. Someone you once considered an important person could fall back into place in your life. That’s just the natural part of growing up. Your romantic life will heat up.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23- Dec. 21) – You will be easily frustrated this month, so be prepared to face your responsibilities. It’s no big deal because friends are watching your back.  It’s a busy time, and you may feel that you’re making progress and changing interests.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20) - After dealing with a bit of chaos, you’ll welcome a state of stability. One particular thing will take center stage in your life. This is a good time to get new ventures started, but do this sooner rather than later.

Aquarius (Jan. 21- Feb. 19) - You may need to pay attention to your cash for a while. This may mean cutting back on buying various items. Maybe it’s time to focus on what really matters, like your friendships or that special relationship.

Pisces (Feb. 20- Mar. 20) - Others will notice a shift in your attitude.  You’re getting more serious. You will take a mature approach to major decisions. A social issue could grab your attention. Face it; you’re realizing there’s a big world out there waiting for you.

Cocoa & Carols: A Cannot-Miss Event

By Brooke Bockenstedt

Interested in music? Love the holiday season? Enjoy watching young talent? Then this is just for you. Western Dubuque High School’s two show choirs—5^th Avenue and the Aristocats—are performing on December 16. This event features both choirs’ competition shows and individual talent showings, anything from singing to dancing or joke telling. The concession stand with also be open, obviously serving the famous cocoa! Chances to win prizes will be available at a $5 price. Prizes include a 42" TV, a golfing package, tickets to the Bell Tower Theater, the Grand Opera House, and the Grand Harbor, and Texas Roadhouse gift certificates. 

5th Avenue is the varsity show choir, consisting of energetic and commanding boys and girls from all grades. Their show songs include Lost in the Wilderness, Light, 21 Guns, I’m Alive, and Steal Your Rock N’ Roll. Aristocats is the second show choir at WDHS, and it is full of artistic
and spirited girls in every grade. Their competition songs are There’s a Place for Us, The Distance You Have Come, Beautiful Life, and Down in Mississippi (Up To No Good). The show band also plays with these two show choirs.

Cocoa & Carols is to be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16 in the Western Dubuque High School old gymnasium. Admission is $5.00. Hope to see you there!

Not a Veteran Anymore

Not a Veteran Anymore

I was there for a year,

living with people I barely knew,

fighting for many I don’t know at all,

only because freedom is something for all.

I go to school on Veteran’s day,

getting recognized is my only fame,

my name gets called and so I stand,

my phone rings in my hand.

I must leave to answer this,

my kid sees and can’t resist,

as I tell him about the call,

all he can do is ball.

Cries of daddy don’t go from my child,

only make the situation worse,

I leave for my room,

because all I can do is go.

At the airport the boarding call comes,

my child gives me one last hug,

I tell him I’ll be back,

and he says all right dad.

The plane takes off and there I go,

far away from my home,

there is only one thought on my mind,

I am not a veteran anymore.

The Cast of M*A*S*H Takes Their Final Bow of the Weekend

Brad Prier

Sophomores Sam Anglin (Janice) and Pat Leitzen (Captain Ugly) exchange flirtatious banter in WDHS’s fall play production of M*A*S*H, which held its first show on Veteran’s Day. 

The cast of WDHS’s M*A*S*H takes their final bow at its matinee performance on Sunday, Nov. 13^th. 
Photgraphs taken by Jack O'Brien

“Cast and crew set?” “We are set!”
Those were the words spoken right before the curtain opened and the play began. The students in the production had been practicing for 2 and a half months and couldnt’ wait any longer. The crowd laughed at jokes the actors thought were funny 2 months ago. The play  went along very well and the
crowds came all weekend to watch the performance, some people came more than once. When Janice told Captain Ugly that she would rather have the rain than an ugly compliment, the whole crowd laughed, but when they saw Captain Ugly’s sad face the laughter changed to awws. Directors Michele Meade and Gretchen Kratochwill, as well as student director Erin Norton, were happy to see their hard work pay off. After opening night performance the tradition continued of going to Perkin’s for a late night breakfast. The cast returned home tired, but anxious for the second and third performances which went just as smoothly as the first. The cast and crew of M*A*S*H would like to thank all who attended and helped the play in any way.

Bobcat Band ‘Happy Together’: A Brief Overview of the 2011 Marching Band Season

By Emily Vaughan

Through the darkness of Evanescence, the Western Dubuque High School Bobcat Marching Band shined in their cheerfully quirky 1960s show. The various trophies throughout the band room are evidence enough to prove the success of their marching season. At each competition, the Bobcat Band never placed last in their division, despite being the David amongst multiple Goliaths. The roars of the crowd and the comments from the judges were mostly positive, the constant comment being “give us more.”  The band recently finished their marching tour, going to various middle and elementary schools throughout the area. The Bobcat Band received a gift from Epworth Elementary: a handmade booklet with colorful pictures and captions written next them in crayon. The band’s favorite comment was on the flag girls who the kids dubbed as “buutifull”!

Who knows what next year’s marching band season has in store, but it can be assumed it’ll be amazing under the brilliant direction of Michael Omarzu.

♫Noteworthy Bobcat of the Month♫

By Jacob Barnwell

Nicki Neal, of Epworth, is the daughter of John and Lynn Neal, and is a junior at Western Dubuque High School. Nicki has been involved in music programs from an early age, playing many instruments including the piano, clarinet and bass guitar. She is also the president of Tri-M, which is a music honors society. This year, Tri-M’s main goal is to make a difference in the school and community. As an active member in the arts programs at WDHS, Nicki says that her favorite part about these programs is “[t]he enthusiasm.” She goes on to say, “Kids get excited about painting and singing and performing, and the teachers are very supportive and encouraging, which makes the arts program lively and enjoyable to be a part of.” When Nicki is not playing music or organizing events for Tri-M, she enjoys playing tennis, studio dancing, running and designing.  Good luck to Nicki on her future music goals!

WDHS Environmental Club

By Brittni Wendling

The year is off to a great start for the Environmental Club of Western Dubuque High School. The club has not only proved its love for the Earth but also its love for the Earth’s people. This spirit within the club’s members is currently shown through the sponsorship of Bobcat water bottles. The water bottles are red, with the school mascot’s title printed upon them. They also feature a black screw-off lid. These water bottles are available to purchase from any student who is part of the Environmental Club for the price of eight dollars. Show your pride for both your school and the Earth, and purchase a water bottle from the Western Dubuque Environmental Club.

The Westerner Homepage Update

By Brad Prier

Recently, The Western Dubuque High School newspaper website, the Westerner, has moved to a new location. The website is now located at http://www.westerner-wd.blogspot.com. The website, created by Jacob Barnwell and Brad Prier, includes many enhancements and is much easier to find as well. The new site includes all the stories and pictures by Westerner staff members. At the top is a slideshow of several pictures involving Western Dubuque High School. The site also allows users to like our Facebook page just with one click and then they will receive Westerner updates in their Facebook newsfeed. In addition, the website allows users to share content to Facebook and Twitter easily, send the Westerner emails, and it also includes a Bobcat-themed fish tank at the very bottom. You can also find a full list of our staff on the website. Be sure to check it out next time you are online, and if you have Facebook, feel free to “like” us as well. Thanks from all of the Westerner staff members.

Senior Spotlight

INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY ALICIA ERRTHUM

 

Name: Thomas Montgomery

Favorite Movie: “Blazing Saddles”

Favorite Song: “Chameleon” by Maynard Ferguson

Favorite Sport: Baseball

Favorite Restaurant: Pizza Ranch

If you had $1000, what would you do with it?

Take a few trips to the nearest Pizza Ranch buffet.

What is your one goal this year? Survival.

If you could choose any occupation, what would it be?

Announce for the Chicago Cubs.

In a movie about your life, who would you like to play the lead role as you? Charlie Sheen.  Duh!  Winning!

What's something you want to do before you die? Be at Wrigley Field when the Cubs win the World Series.

If you were a type of food, what type of food would you be? The whole Pizza Ranch buffet.

If you were written about in the newspaper, what would the front-page headline say? ‘LOCAL REDHEAD SPEAKS OUT AGAINST G-WORD’ (Ginger)

What are you future plans? Attending Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois, and majoring in Broadcasting.

Senior Spotlight

Name: Katelin Bockenstedt

Favorite movie: “Donnie Darko.” I love scary movies.

Favorite color: Orange!

Favorite class: Art.

Favorite sport to watch: Soccer!

What is playing on your iPod right now?Bassnectar. I love dubstep music.

What would I find in your fridge right now? Lots of fruit, carrots, cucumbers, chocolate pudding and, if you looked in my freezer, you would find Moose Tracks!

What is the last book that you've read? I'm working on finishing reading “A Million Little Pieces.”

If you could be a superhero, what would you want your power(s) to be? I would love to stop time, or hear what people are thinking.

What is your favorite thing to do? I love to ride horses.

If you could take a trip anywhere, where would you go? I would go to the UK. I love how green it is there, and I like the eeriness of it, since it's always cold, misty, and foggy there.

What was the last movie you've seen? I just went to “Paranormal Activity 3.” It was amazing!

What is something you want to do before you die? I want to travel the world.

What is your favorite restaurant? Smash Burger.

What are your future plans? I want to go to Iowa or UNI to get my gen eds, and then go to Colorado and become an acupuncturist and massage therapist.

Fall Play will be a S‘M*A*S*H’ Hit

By Alicia Errthum

         

For the past two months, the directors, cast, and crew of Western Dubuque's fall play have been working diligently to prepare their show for performance. After countless hours of painstakingly poring over lines, finding costumes, and designing the set, the drama department is proud to present to the public their fall 2011 play:   “M*A*S*H.” Taking place during the Korean War, this play follows the laughable and loveable characters of Drs. Pierce and Forrest, affectionately known as Hawkeye and Duke, as they create mischief in the U.S. army base where they are located, which is also called “The Swamp.”

"I think the show will entertain people of all ages with its dry humor and goofy quirks," says student director Erin Norton. Performances are to be held in the Western Dubuque High School Old Gym.  Opening night is to start at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11.  In honor of Veterans Day, there will be a special tribute to our United States Armed Forces.  Other performance of “M*A*S*H” are scheduled are to be held 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 and 3:00 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13th.

Tickets for “M*A*S*H” are available through the WDHS Activities Office by calling 563-876-3442 ext. 3008 or can be purchased at the door. Admission is $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for students.

Directors of “M*A*S*H” are Michele Meade and Gretchen Kratochwill, and this year’s student director is Erin Norton.

Cast (in alphabetical order): Sam Anglin, Molly Becker, Matt Bell, Alison Brown, Abby Burds, Karley Crouse, Nathalie Digman, Alicia Errthum, Jayde Gartner, Alex Hayes, Colleen Hoffmann, Chance Ingles, Brianna Kennedy, Patrick Leitzen, Megan Meyer, Johnny Molony, Lucy Mulert, Hannah Murray, Austin Ockenfels, Mike Steffens, Trevor Then, Emily Vaughan, Sarah Walsh, Devin Watters, Nellie Welsh, Jackie Wessels and Ally Zauche. Crew: Kirsten Anderson, Jacob Barnwell, Marcus Ingles, Ashley Knight, Stephanie Knipper, Emily Koopmann, Aaron Ostwinkle, Chandler Pfeiler, Brad Prier, Anna Spoden and Kim Young.

The Night the Lights Went Out in Epworth

The WDHS Marching Band’s annual Light Show could not have come at a better time. The Light Show offered not only entertainment in its explosion of color but also a beautiful distraction to those worried about the local power outage during the football game on Oct. 7.   

Photograph by Brad Prier
Story by Brad Prier

It was the last home game for Western Dubuque Football and everything was going well. The teams had just completed a play, and the players were tying their shoes, looking around at the full crowd, and discussing the next play. Then, the lights went out!  If it had not been for the hundreds of glow-stick bracelets, the whole stadium would have been pitch black. The crowd screamed and the players were confused. As children ran trying to get back to their moms and dads, the police were on their way trying to keep everyone calm. Alliant Energy worked on fixing the power outage that had been caused by a student hitting a power line pole. As this was all happening, the Western Dubuque Marching Band arrived to perform their light show. It was a spectacular performance, and, not too long after, the lights came back on. Subsequently, the players warmed up again, and the game resumed. The Bobcats lost the game, but it was indeed a game that no one will soon forget.

Math Success

By Brooke Bockenstedt

The day started at 7:00 a.m. with two Western Dubuque students from each
grade and four Cascade students. Riding over to the Mount Mercy Math
Contest, we began to rev up our brains for the coming day. What could be
better than having a day full of a class we loved or at least were good
at? We skittered into the building and enjoyed the continental breakfast
while the director talked about the coming day. Western Dubuque consisted
of two freshman/sophomore teams and two junior/senior teams. Each team
contained one mathematician per grade.

Western Dubuque’s students went their separate ways as they were dismissed to their rooms for the first test. The Western Dubuque and Cascade teams were also split up for the day as they went through various tests, measuring their skills in mathematics. The freshman/sophomore teams had two solo events, two team events, and a group test with the juniors and seniors. After all the testing, WD headed over to find Ms. Vaughn, Mr. Wilson and the Cascade students, traveling
through the Mount Mercy tunnel. Once everyone was accounted for, all of us
headed over to another building. Next were the announcements of the top
student from each grade and the top five teams competing in JEOPARDY.
The director talked a bit about the day and thanked everyone for coming.
He then announced the freshman top scorer: Brooke Bockenstedt from Western
Dubuque High School. Afterwards, the sophomore level’s highest scorer was revealed:  Jenny Brehm of Western Dubuque High School. Then, after the junior and senior level’s top scorer was declared, the top five groups going into JEOPARDY were announced. Fifth, fourth, and third places were acknowledged before it was proclaimed that the second place team with a point value of 89 was Team 12 from Western Dubuque. Team 12 was made up of Scott Klein, Justin Kluesner, Jenny Brehm and Brooke Bockenstedt; this team trailed behind the first place team by a mere 5 points when JEOPARDY began.

The final test continued at a snail pace. One of the freshman students, along with a
sophomore had never seen most of the problems. Team 12 stared around the
room, as most teams did, waiting to be done. The last question was picked
and the scores were close: 55, 60, 69, 79 and 94. Western Dubuque Team 12
ended in second with 79 points. Team 12 received a T-shirt and trophy for
being the second place team at Mount Mercy.

Western Dubuque and Cascade took some photos with their winnings and
headed off with laughs and memories. A stop at Dairy Queen ended the day
of mathematics as the team departed for home.