This year’s Western Dubuque High School Cheerleading squad is bigger and better. With 13 girls on the squad, the children’s cheer camp was a breeze. Teaching 94 young girls from pre-K through eighth grade in the north gym of the high school was no small feat. The squad also had their own camp after the youth camp, during which they learned new techniques, cheers, and stunts. Camp included a team-building exercise in which the squad had to get their teammates across a sea of lava (a red wrestling mat) with a pair of imaginary magic shoes. Another team-building exercise was a cheer night out, where the whole squad spent an evening together, having fun. This year’s cheer night out was a sleepover, which included Twister ™, horror movies, and a team-bonding games. With the new squad prepped and ready to go, they are looking forward to the upcoming season!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
All-State Band and Choir
BY EMILY VAUGHAN
All-State is when band/choir students audition for a spot in the prestigious All-State orchestra or choir where they perform with the most talented music students in the entire state. The road to achieving this honor is filled with frustration and dedication, but what exactly does it entail? Ms. Tipple, the Western Dubuque Choir teacher, elaborated on what the choir students needed to do to compete:
Emily Vaughan: What do choir students need to do to compete?
Tipple: They have to learn seven songs, two in Latin and one in Creole (Haitian) at the Wartburg Camp in August, and they perform the songs [for judges] on Oct. 20. When they are actually there, however, the students find out what section they audition on. It usually varies whether the vocalists audition solo, in pairs, or in an ensemble.
EV: Who judges the auditions?
T: State-Association approved judges (who undergo certification tests), but the judges are music teachers or professors.
EV: Who are they [the choir students] competing against?
T: All the kids in the center area, like in Dubuque or Cedar Rapids.
EV: How many of your students have made it into All-State?
T: At least two every year or so.
EV: How do you pick students to audition?
T: I usually suggest it to a group of students I think would be interested, and then it’s their choice whether or not they want to audition.
The All-State Orchestra and Band auditions are held on Oct. 7 and is a very different process from the All-State Choir auditions. Mr. Omarzu explained the procedures for band students’ auditions:
Emily Vaughn: What do band students need to do to enter?
Omarzu: Play all their scales, play the required etudes, and play a solo of their [the student’s] choice.
EV: Who are the judges?
O: We never know but usually Iowa band directors.
EV: Who are they [the band students] competing against?
O: There are six districts, and we are the Northeast District, so they’re competing against students from Cedar Rapids all the way to 1-80.
EV: How many of your students have made it into All-State?
O: A dozen.
Noteworthy Bobcat
INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY JACOB BARNWELL
Larissa Wilming, daughter of Steve and Jill Wilming, of Peosta, is currently a senior at Western Dubuque High School. Larissa has been involved in band for all four years of high school, jazz band for three years, and show band for two years. She has also participated in a number of honor bands around the area: WAMAC Honor Band, University of Iowa Honor Band, NEIBA Honor Band, and Wartburg Honor Band. Larissa has also participated in All-State auditions all four years of high school and earned second alternate in her sophomore year. All of her hard work has paid off, and this year she has earned a spot as drum major for the marching band at WDHS. As one can see in her picture above, Larissa’s primary instrument is the clarinet, but she also plays piano and saxophone. Outside of WDHS, Larissa is involved in various music organizations: the Tri-State clarinet choir, the Tri-State wind symphony, and the Dubuque Youth Symphony. Outside of school and music, Larissa enjoys listening to music any chance she gets, drawing, painting, helping out with clubs she is involved in at school, spending time with family and friends, and being involved in as many activities as possible. Some of her activities include NHS, Tri-M, Art Club, Show Band, and Model United Nations. When asked what she enjoys most about the arts program at WDHS, she replied, “I love the passion all of the teachers put into their work every day. They pass it on to all of us and make the arts an exciting learning experience. They give us a chance at opportunities we couldn’t experience anywhere else.”
Benefits of High School Activities
SUBMITTED BY JOHN HLUBEK, ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR
The following excerpts are taken from “The Case for High School Activities” published by the National Federation of State High School Associations.
At a cost of only one to 3 percent (or less in many cases) of an overall school’s budget, high school activity programs are one of the best bargains around.
ACTIVITIES SUPPORT THE ACADEMIC MISSION OF SCHOOLS. They are not a diversion, but rather they are an extension of a good educational program. Students who participate in activity programs tend to have higher grade-point averages, better attendance records, lower dropout rates, and fewer discipline problems than students generally.
ACTIVITIES ARE INHERENTLY EDUCATIONAL. Activity programs provide
valuable lessons for many practical situations. Through participation in activity programs, students learn teamwork, sportsmanship, winning and losing, the rewards of hard work, self-discipline, build self-confidence, and develop skills to handle competitive situations. These are qualities the public expects schools to produce in students, so they become responsible adults and productive citizens.
ACTIVITIES FOSTER SUCCESS IN LATER LIFE. Participation in high school activities is often a predictor of later success - in college, a career, and becoming a contributing member of society. A 1989, nationwide study by the Women’s Sport Foundation indicated that athletes do better in the classroom, are more involved in school activity programs, and stay involved in the community after graduation. The study, based on an analysis of data collected by the U.S. Department of Education’s High School and Beyond Study, indicated that girls receive as many benefits from sports as boys. Sports involvement was significantly related to a lower dropout rate in some school settings and minority athletes are more socially involved than non-athletes. Research conducted by Skip Dane of Hardiness Research, Casper, Wyoming in 1991 revealed the following about participation in high school sports: (1) By a 2-to-1 ratio, boys who participate in sports do better in school, do not drop out, and have a better chance to get through college. (2) The ratio for girls who participate in sports and do well in school is 3-to-1. (3) About 92 percent of sports participants do not use drugs. (4) School athletes are more self-assured. (5) Sports participants take average and above average classes. (6) Sports participants receive above average grades and do above average on skills tests. (7) Student-athletes appear to have more parental involvement than other students.
New Additions to the Bobcat Family
New Additions to the Bobcat Family: Mrs. Waterman
PHOTOGRAPH BY KAITLYN SOLA
INTERVIEW BY SARA MCAULIFFE
Are you enjoying being a Bobcat thus far? Yes, I love it.
Why did you decide to come to our school? I wanted to be a mom and a teacher at the same time!
How do you think the choirs are doing this year? They are doing really well; I am overly impressed with all the talent and dedication.
What made you want to become a choir teacher? When I was pre-chiropractic, I found myself sitting around a piano or singing at weddings to fulfill my soul.
What is your favorite song the choirs are singing this year? I can’t choose; I love all the songs and choirs equally.
How is the Aristocats choir doing so far? Aristocats has been a lot of fun, and they have the desire to be great, which I adore.
How do you think the Aristocats and concert choir will do? I think we shall do well, and we will have a lot of improvement vocally and with the choreography by the time competitions come.
What do you teach? I teach treble choir, Aristocats, voice lessons, and kindergarten at Farley.
An Interview with Ms. Digmann
PHOTOGRAPH BY KAITLYN SOLA
INTERVIEW BY MARCUS INGLES
Why did you decide to become a teacher? I enjoyed working with kids in sports camps and enjoyed communicating with people.
What made you choose WD? I was informed by a family member about the opening, and it was close to home.
How do you like your experience so far? I’m really enjoying all the staff and students; it is really a great experience so far.
How much schooling do you have? I have my high school diploma and five years at the University of Iowa.
Where else have you taught? I was a long-term sub at Cedar Rapids Kennedy, and I also got the opportunity to student teach over in New Zealand.
Are you furthering your education? I am working to get all my social studies endorsements.
Are you helping with any after-school activities? I am coaching eighth grade volleyball at Drexler Middle School, and I am hoping to get more involved as the year goes on.
What do you like to do in your free time? I like to read, work out., watch movies, and sports.
Welcome, Ms. Rose!
PHOTOGRAPH BY KAITLYN SOLA
INTERVIEW BY JOHNNY MOLONY
What classes do you teach here at Western Dubuque? I teach Intro to Business, Computer Applications, Personal Finance, Business Law, and Economics.
How are you liking things at Western Dubuque? I am loving it!
What activities or groups are you a part of, and what do you plan to do with these groups? I’m one of the co-sponsors of FBLA, and we are working on the blood drive in spring, the state competition, amusing fundraisers, and advancing to Nationals this summer in Anaheim, California.
Where did you go to college? St. Ambrose University.
Have you always lived in Iowa? Yes, Donohue is my hometown.
What are three facts people would be surprised to know about you? I’m a sports fanatic and a big Hawkeye fan! I was a Kosama instructor in Davenport. Kosama is an eight-week workout plan that works to reduce fat and build lean muscles through strength training, aerobic stretching and polymeric exercise such as kickboxing. I’ve also been to five countries in Europe.
Stop Here and Meet Mr. McLaughlin
PHOTOGRAPH BY KAITLYN SOLA
INTERVIEW BY MEGAN KEMP
How long have you been teaching? I taught in Algona from 1973 to 1979. I became a Chevrolet car dealer that year. In 2005, I started Autowise Driver Education.
What classes do you teach? I teach Introduction to Technology, Manufacturing 1, Manufacturing 3, Fundamentals of Manufacturing, and Autowise Driver Education.
What do you like about teaching at Western Dubuque High School? The students are really great. It’s really fun seeing kids learn new things.
What town do you live in? Cascade, Iowa.
What are some of your hobbies? I love to ride motorcycles. I like picnics and hiking. I really love stargazing; I even own a telescope! It’s so cool looking at all the constellations. I’m a big fan of college and high school football. My favorite college team is the Hawkeyes. I also enjoy woodworking. I build grandfather clocks, cradles, toy boxes, and baby beds for my family.
What is your favorite color? Red.
What is your worst fear? I don’t really have a fear. In the past, everyday has been a challenge, and I’ve had to rally up to the challenge. Everyone should accomplish goals, but they need to challenge themselves.
If you could live on any planet, which one would you live on? I would love to travel the whole universe, but if had to pick just one it would have to be Mars. Right now, we are really close to being able to walk on Mars. I think it would really cool to experience, and I’m a big Trekkie.
¡Hola Senora Olivera!
PHOTOGRAPH BY KAITLYN SOLA
BY OLIVIA NAUMAN
Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with one of our new teachers, Ms. Olivera, to get to know her a bit better. Olivera is a freshman and sophomore Spanish teacher here at Western Dubuque High School. Before teaching here, she taught at Lady of Guadalupe, a Spanish-American school. Originally, she was born in Argentina and moved to Spain at the age of 4. Ms. Olivera worked as an architect for five years before becoming a teacher. She attended University of Granada in Spain. When asked what she enjoyed most about teaching at WD, she happily said, “The fun students!”
An Interview with Mr. Rolwes
PHOTOGRAPH BY KAITLYN SOLA
INTERVIEW BY MEGAN SAMSON
What classes do you teach? Accounting 1 and 2, Entrepreneurship, and Personal Finance.
Where did you graduate from? Western Dubuque High School and Simpson College .
What made you want to become a teacher? I enjoy working with kids and watching them progress throughout their time in High School.
What are you most excited about teaching at WD? It is fun to be back and see things from the staff’s point of view.
What are your plans for FBLA? This first year my plan is to learn as much as I can about FBLA and try to keep the membership number up. I think last year they had around 100 members, so I hope we can have that many kids involved again this year.
How tall are you? 6’3”.
Did you play sports in high school? Yes, cross country, basketball, baseball, and tennis.
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time? Hang out with friends and family.
What is your favorite NFL team? Packers.
Which class is your favorite to teach? Accounting or Entrepreneurship.
A Summary of Homecoming Week
BY BREANNA REISEN
Homecoming Week was full of excitement! This year Homecoming Week was Sept. 24-29, and the theme of the week was Bobcat Olympics: The Bobcats Go for the Gold. On Saturday and Sunday, students came to the school to decorate their hallways and the town. The week started off with Beach Day, where all the students dressed up in their most festive beach attire. Also on Monday, all of the students took part in voting for Homecoming king and queen. The extended-fourth Olympics began; the first game of the week was the claw walk. On Tuesday, students impersonated their favorite celebrities for Celebrity Day. The extended fourth Olympic game of the day was powder-puff football. Meanwhile, in the old parking lot, the car show had begun. Mathletes vs. Athletes was Wednesday’s dress-up day. The game of this day was the three-legged race. Thursday was Hunting/Camouflage Day, and the extended-fourth activity was tug-of-war. And, of course, Friday was Spirit Day, where all of the students dressed in their most spirited Bobcat wear. Friday also brought the pep rally and the parade. Finally, later that day, there was the big game, where Western Dubuque took on Oelwein, which was followed by the Homecoming dance on Saturday night.
Homecoming Week was full of excitement! This year Homecoming Week was Sept. 24-29, and the theme of the week was Bobcat Olympics: The Bobcats Go for the Gold. On Saturday and Sunday, students came to the school to decorate their hallways and the town. The week started off with Beach Day, where all the students dressed up in their most festive beach attire. Also on Monday, all of the students took part in voting for Homecoming king and queen. The extended-fourth Olympics began; the first game of the week was the claw walk. On Tuesday, students impersonated their favorite celebrities for Celebrity Day. The extended fourth Olympic game of the day was powder-puff football. Meanwhile, in the old parking lot, the car show had begun. Mathletes vs. Athletes was Wednesday’s dress-up day. The game of this day was the three-legged race. Thursday was Hunting/Camouflage Day, and the extended-fourth activity was tug-of-war. And, of course, Friday was Spirit Day, where all of the students dressed in their most spirited Bobcat wear. Friday also brought the pep rally and the parade. Finally, later that day, there was the big game, where Western Dubuque took on Oelwein, which was followed by the Homecoming dance on Saturday night.
*Due to the publication date of the Bobcat Bulletin, these events have been summarized prior to their occurrence. For more information, check the Western Dubuque High School Westerner Website: www.westerner-wd.blogspot.com, or see our publications in the Dyersville Commercial and the Cascade Pioneer.
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