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!