Senior style
Lauren Gentile, Opinion Editor
October 29, 2014
From the first day we enter the hallowed gates of this prestigious institution, we learn the one goal of high school: to become seniors, the bearded, tall, glorious creatures who glide through the halls. For most, this takes four years. However, you can still emulate the favorite class of Ames High in...
In love with In the Flesh
Lauren Gentile, Opinion Editor
October 16, 2014
In the Flesh is the the one thing I didn’t know I needed in my life but now cannot live without. In fact, this show has replaced all my human needs: I no longer require air, food, or drink (much like the characters in the show). All I need is a steady supply of In the Flesh episodes to stay alive. S...
Your English teacher is wrong
Lauren Gentile, Opinion Editor
October 16, 2014
Your English teacher has probably told you that they don’t tolerate the “singular they.” I just used it in that last sentence: reread it if you didn’t notice. I should have said “Your English teacher has probably told you that he or she doesn’t tolerate the ‘singular they.’” This i...
Let’s talk about sex
Serena Paulson, Managing Editor
September 17, 2014
I’m a pretty open person. Talking about sex doesn’t freak me out. We learn about the biology of our bodies, our reproductive nature, and why being a teenager is so sensually heated with the rampaging hormones coursing through our veins. It becomes uncomfortable when authority figures lecture on...
Focus on talent, rather than orientation
Aaron Marner, Online Editor
September 3, 2014
When Michael Sam’s name was called in the 7th round of the 2014 NFL draft, supporters of same-sex marriage rejoiced. Sam became the first openly gay football player to be drafted. No openly gay football player has ever played in a regular season NFL game. Sam is expected to be the first one. Michael...
The String Diaries
Lauren Gentile, Opinion Editor
September 2, 2014
Stephen Lloyd Jones’ horror novel “The String Diaries” originally seemed to be the literary equivalent of Fox News. It’s not for everyone. I knew this from the start; horror novels are not usually my cup of tea. I’d prefer to curl up with a book that makes me think, rather than one that...
In defense of my generation
Lauren Gentile, News Editor
May 15, 2014
“Kids these days,” sighs a middle-aged man from the nearest table, with a pointed glance at me. I look up from my phone, setting down my drink as I turn to listen. Ignoring my stare, he continues his tirade to his uninterested wife. “They don’t know anything. Completely obsessed with their phones....
Improve our sex ed
Lauren Gentile, News Editor
May 15, 2014
I have a confession to make: I still giggle when I talk about sex. Despite being a student in numerous reproduction units, taking Health at AHS, and participating in the Our Whole Lives program at my church, I still can’t talk about reproduction or relationships with a straight face. I’m not alone;...
Slam poetry: rebel child of traditional poetry
Lauren Gentile and Serena Paulson
February 18, 2014
A young girl steps up to a microphone nearly as tall as she is, avoiding eye contact with the others in the room. She shuffles her feet, twists her fingers in her hair, and finally straightens up to meet the microphone. The room is buzzing with whispers and hushed voices. And then the girl speaks, and...
Brynna Bargfield: teenage superhero?
Lauren Gentile, News Editor
December 16, 2013
QUICK FACTS Sparkly skating costumes: yea or nay? To sparkles, I say yea. The shinier the better (unless you actually blind the audience- then you should probably tone it down). After competitions or shows I still find glitter in my hair and clothes for days. Favorite teacher: If Walter, Mooney, and...
Erin Murphy, Reporter
March 3, 2020
Don’t just stand there, bust a move! Everyone can dance when it comes to a party, but not everyone can do it while being competitively judged. Some may say that dance is...
Erik Nelson, Reporter
February 25, 2020
Precision. Fluidity. Large hair. The mysteries and secrets of Irish dancing are held within unassuming senior Sam Johnson. Already an accomplished and active student, you...