Diabetes Awareness Month
BY TIRZAH GAUL
November is
Diabetes Awareness Month. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.
In Western Dubuque High School, there are students with Type 1 diabetes. Type 1
diabetes is an autoimmune disease without a cure. It occurs when the pancreas
stops producing insulin. There is never a break when living with diabetes.
Diabetics are constantly checking their blood glucose, counting carbohydrates,
and injecting insulin. If these tasks are not performed, there will be serious
negative health effects. High and low blood sugars can cause a diabetic to have
varying short-tem effects or symptoms including: shaking, hunger, blurred
vision, numbness, tingling in the hands, feet, and mouth, vomiting or passing
out. Long-term effects include amputation, vision loss and death. Causes of
high blood sugars include not taking enough insulin, being sick, adrenaline and
increased emotions, such as being excited. Causes of low blood sugars include
taking too much insulin, exercise and certain emotions, such as fear. According
to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, “As many as three million
Americans are living with Type 1 diabetes. Each year more than 30,000 people
will be diagnosed with this disease in the United States.”
Wednesday, June 6,
2007, was when I was diagnosed with this disease. Some of my symptoms leading
up to the diagnosis were frequent thirst and urination, fatigue, lessened
eyesight and unexplained weight loss. In less than a week, I went from knowing
nothing about the disease to being an expert, able to manage my diabetes
outside of the hospital. At first, it was a huge change, but I quickly got used
to it. After having this disease for six years, it is second nature to me and
just part of my daily routine. I know that if I do not manage my diabetes,
there will be serious consequences. Even with Type 1 diabetes, a person can
live a life just as normal as someone who does not have this disease, with only
a few changes to their daily habits. Type 1 diabetes is not something to be
scared of, but it is something that everyone should be aware of.
A
WDHS Math Club update
BY
BRITTNEY FRIES
For
the last five years, students have been given the opportunity to enrich their
math skills and even participate in competitions across the eastern and central
Iowa area. Led by math and programming teacher, Julie Vaughn, the WDHS Math
Club has been one of the many groups to thrive in the school. Last year, 59
recorded students were in the club. This year, Vaughn says she has 50 thus far.
When
asked what the requirements were to join the club, her answer was simple. “A
desire to have fun or be challenged with math is a must. That’s why I enjoy
Math Club. Seeing other students having fun and hanging out with others who
enjoy math makes it enjoyable.”
“My
favorite part about Math Club is the competitions,” says Ally Zauche, a junior
who has been in the Math Club for all three years of her high school career.
When asked why, she responded, “The competitions are fun. The rides to the
competitions are a lot of fun, too.” Zauche joined after a friend introduced it
to her during their freshman year. “We also sell book covers and sometimes do
concessions at certain events,” said Zauche.
According
to Vaughn, the Math Club has 11 competitions this year. They consist of two
team and two individual tests where students try to solve math problems. The
problems can range in math subjects from basic algebra to calculus.
If
anyone would like to join the Math Club, they can go to Mrs. Vaughn’s room
(209) and fill out a form. This club makes it possible for all students, no
matter their skill level in math, to enhance the numbers in their minds.
Art corner with Jillian Kennedy
BY ASHLEY ALTHOFF
Jillian Kennedy is a sophomore at Western
Dubuque High School and an aspiring art student. Her love for art began at the
age of 10. Kennedy was randomly motivated to draw a unicorn and decided to ask
her mother, who is also an artist, to show her how. The part that inspired
Jillian the most was the special technique behind drawing; two circles were
drawn to get the basic shape, and then everything just came together. She
thought the idea behind it was amazing ,and her unicorn turned out quite well.
Her love continued from then on.
Kennedy’s determination in art continues
because she wants to be successful and well known. Her pieces come from her
emotions and feelings; it just depends on the time and place. She wants to
pursue art in college after high school. Kennedy will most likely resort to
Clarke University in Dubuque, but she would really love to go somewhere farther
if it works out. San Francisco is one place she is thinking about.
After college,
Kennedy wants to either work as a freelance artist or become a tattoo artist.
She hopes to advance to a notable artist and have her feelings and works spread
throughout. For that very reason, Kennedy created the piece above. It is named
“A Breeze of Opportunity” because it symbolizes having the opportunity to make
her art known. When asked if she plans on using art for the rest of her life,
Kennedy responded, “Art will always be a huge part of my life. It will always
be in my surroundings and my culture.”
Above: Jillian Kennedy (left) is WDHS’s featured artist for
the month of October. Pictured on the
right is one of her many artworks. This
image is entitled “A Breeze of Opportunity.”
Senior spotlight: Jenny Brehm
INTERVIEW CONDUCTED
BY MEGAN MEYER
What are your future plans? Physical Therapy
at St. Ambrose University
What is your favorite color? Blue
What is your favorite food? Brownies
What is one item on your bucket list? Scuba diving
What is your favorite song? “Blown Away” by
Carrie Underwood
Who is your favorite teacher? Mr. Dolphin
What is your favorite class? Math—Precalculus
Who is someone you admire? My sister Christy
What is your favorite movie? “She’s the Man”
Where is your dream vacation? A tropical island in the Caribbean
If you could meet any celebrity who would
it be and why? Carrie Underwood
because she is an amazing singer.
What is your biggest pet peeve? When people use
the wrong “there” in text messages.
What is your favorite book? “Green Rider”
What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Chocolate Fudge
Brownie
What school activities are you in? Band, NHS, Tri-M, Math Club and basketball
What is your most interesting hobby? Painting by
numbers
What is your dream
job? Physical Therapist
Student Reviews
A film review of “Jobs”
BY JOSH DAUSENER
As I’ve always been fascinated by Steve
Jobs, it is safe to say I wanted to see this biographical documentary right
away when I heard about it on Reddit. While I enjoyed the movie overall, it
does have flaws worth considering before deciding whether to spend your
hard-earned money on viewing the film. The film, starring Ashton Kutcher as
Steve Jobs, along with roles from Josh Gad and Dermot Mulroney, begins with
Jobs in his rebellious years in college and goes on until the introduction of
the original iPod in 2001. The movie has the difficult task of cramming the
entire eventful life of Jobs, and this, along with some over-dramatizing of
Job’s life, proves to be the movie’s ultimate downfall. As one would expect
with a Hollywood film, many events are portrayed as much more dramatic than
they most likely were. Screaming, crying, one-liners and such are found in full
force in the movie. If you are a fan of Steve Jobs or are interested in knowing
how your “I” product got in your pocket, this movie may be of interest to you.
Otherwise, it’s best to wait for a Netflix release.
A book review of Stephen King’s “Under the
Dome”
BY ZACHARY WERNER
When a small Seneca plane collides with an
unseen barrier, the citizens of Chester’s Mill are in for a series of dire
events that devastates their rural Maine town.
In this stunning page turner by Stephen King, Dale Barbara fights the
forces of both good and evil in a quest to understand why this invisible
barricade has formed around his town.
King has a fascinating way of writing, using multiple perspectives from
the many people of Chester’s Mill. Shifting from the angle of psychotic Junior
Reenie to his creepy father Big Jim, and even including the perspective of the
heroic Dale Barbara, King’s style proves a challenge to read at times, but
“Under The Dome” is hard to put down when the action picks up. Despite a poorly
written ending, the events leading up to the resolution prove to be an exciting
read. The events range from a shady drug
scandal to haphazard murders around town; when it all goes down, everyone will
know the true colors of their trapped compatriots. Besides, no secrets are safe under the dome.
Film review of “Percy Jackson: Sea of
Monsters”
BY SYDNEY FOX
In “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters,” Percy
Jackson, a son of Poseidon, is set on an epic quest to save his home and stop
evil from rising into power. Along with his friends Annabeth, Grover and Tyson,
Percy’s Cyclops brother that just entered his life, Percy sets off on the
quest. Their journey takes unexpected turns when they run into several enemies
that want to see them fail, including a character named Luke, son of Hermes.
Percy and his friends have to battle against the odds in order to save the home
they love. Does Percy succeed, or does his worst nightmare, the enemy Luke, win
instead?
Based on a book by Rick Riorden, “Percy
Jackson: Sea of Monsters” brought in over 14 million dollars during its opening
weekend. This fantasy-filled movie instantly drew me in, making me want to join
in on the thrilling journey. Wishing the fantasy were real life, I found myself
being pulled deeper and deeper into the plot, wanting to become one of the characters.
As the climax came, I was on the edge of my seat, hoping and praying they would
make it through the fight. Then, the lights turned on and people got up to
leave. The journey I took was over, and it was time to reluctantly get back to
reality.
“Cheaper by the
Dozen”
BY MEGAN MEYER
When the weather starts getting crisp,
it’s time for the fall play. This year, Western Dubuque’s Drama Department
presents “Cheaper by the Dozen.” This play follows the everyday life of the
Gilbreth family. Crazy Dad tries to employ his time management strategies on
his family and dog alike. The story is told by two of the oldest children,
Frank and Ernestine. This year the director, Michele Meade, and the assistant
director, Jennifer Maki, had an overwhelming number of auditions. There were 43
people who auditioned for the 16 parts. The directors will be working with a
combined cast and crew of 45 people this year. Five of the roles are split
among 10 actors, so come twice to see them all. Michele Meade said, “I am most
excited for the caliber of students and the building excitement among the cast
and crew.” This is a very family-orientated comedy. It is a play that the
smallest of the small and the tallest of the tall will enjoy. Meade says, “Keep
an eye on Dad and how Mom keeps it all together; also look out for the dog!”
This is a play that will not disappoint, so load up the cars and bring the
whole family! The fall play will run from Friday to Sunday, Nov. 15-17.
Halloween Hoot
BY KASINDRA BERG
Do you like being
scared? Not knowing what’s around the corner? Then come to the Halloween Hoot
on Saturday, Oct. 26. Admission is $3. This event is an exceptional way to
fundraise money, as well as draw in people of all ages. The carnival, hay ride
and supper are from 3-7:30 p.m., and after that, there is a costume contest
until 8 p.m.. During that time, there is a light fright for younger children and a night fright for those who would like an extra scare.
Around 8 p.m., there will also be two performances by 5th Avenue and the
Aristocats. This night was put together by the show choir directors, the
parents and the students themselves.
Homecoming Court
Western Dubuque High School is proud to announce its 2013
Homecoming Court! (Front row, left to right) Jessica White, Raegan Hoefler, Danielle
Hermsen, Maggie Webber, Rachel M. Demmer, and Brady Correy. (Back row, left to right): Dylan Gansen, Zach
Ormord, Patrick Leitzen, Devin Watters, Matt Riniker, and Jack O’Brien. Congratulations to all members of court!
WDHS’s Homecoming week was Oct. 7-12.
PHOTOGRAPH BY GRETCHEN KRATOCHWILL-JONES
*Due to publication
date, I was unsure as to whether or not you would like to include the picture
of court or one of Homecoming King and Queen.
Please let me know if you would like a picture of the King and Queen
sent.
