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Xavier High School6300 42nd St. NECedar Rapids, IA 52411www.xaviersaints.orgwww.issuu.com/xpressnewspaper/docsFollow us: @xpressnewspaper

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November 14, 2013 Volume 16, Issue 5

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Xavier High SchoolNews2

The XpressBi-weeklyXavier High School 6300 42nd St. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52411Volume 16 Issue 5

Editor-In-ChiefQuinlan MoranCopy Editor

Katherine BauerPhoto Editor

Meghan GerkePhotographerMaddie BaileyNews EditorMaria Efting

News AssistantAmy Boe

News WritersErin Drahozal

Jeff Frieden

Opinion EditorMorgan NoonanOpinion Assistant

Nic EklandOpinion WritersMaddy Bailey

Tory Brown

Brennan Graeve

Chloe Streif

Ben Valentine

Student Life EditorBrady Hoffman

Student Life AssistantJulie Woods

Mini-Feature EditorsRachel BradyMolly Vipond

Feature EditorsJenna FenskeAnna White

Feature AssistantColette MillerFeature Writer

Lizzy Bailey

Health and Lifestyle EditorHannah Chute

Health and Lifestyle AssistantsErin DrahozalJeff Frieden

Arts and Entertainment EditorEmma Hunt

Arts and Entertainment AssistantAshley Pudil

Arts and Entertainment WritersKayla Thompson

Julie Woods

Ben Valentine

Daniel Vega

Sports EditorShannon Mulcahey

Sports AssistantMorgan Brietbach

Sports WritersKatherine Bauer

Nic Ekland

Daniel Vega

Backpage EditorsJenna FenskeAnna White

Backpage AssistantMary EskerBusiness

Tory BrownDistribution

Brennan GraeveAdvertising

Olivia Rochford

Xavier hosts International Round Table

St. Matthew undergoes renovations

Forty-five students from around the world gathered at Xavier High School on Friday, November 8 for the school’s 16th Annual International Round Table.

The Xavier International Round Table is a tradition that dates back to 1984 when it started at Regis High School in Cedar Rapids. The main objective of the event is to bring together foreign exchange students from surrounding high schools to exchange points of view on national and international issues. Student Senate coordinates the event, which is led by moderator Jacqui Goertz.

“International Round Table gives Xavier students a chance to learn about new perspectives and witness the diversity of our world,” student senator Alea Challenger said.

The day began with a welcome speech from student body President Ben Valentine. Next, the foreign exchange students broke into three groups to attend different sessions where they could share about themselves and their culture. The sessions

included the actual round table discussion which took place in the Regis LaSalle Theater, a small group discussion in the Library and Media Center, and a visit to various foreign language classrooms to interact with Xavier students. At all three sessions, student senate members and student journalists had an opportunity to pose questions to the exchange students.

Topics discussed throughout the day included everything from the typical school day to the attractiveness of teens in America versus the exchange

students’ home countries. The students shared their traditions and customs, as well as what they like to do for fun back home. A common theme throughout the day was the exchange students’ perspectives on Americans.

“The people here are so nice. I really enjoy the school spirit,” Spain native and Linn-Mar student Teresa López said. “Everyone here is so proud of their school and of their country.”

In 2007, St. Matthew parish began a three phase process to renovate and renew the Catholic school and church. The first phase was to build an early childhood center, providing a feeder system to the elementary school. In addition, it brings in more than $100,000 for the school and church.

The second phase was to renovate the elementary school. The renovation included adding additional learning spaces,

increasing classroom space, and establishing a new media center attached to the library. St. Matthew has updated its security features, and the newly acquired technology has helped the learning environment become more modern. The school has become completely wireless and has invested in interactive white boards in every classroom.

“It’s great to see that St. Matthew is renovating and renewing an already great school,” junior Delany

Breitbach said. “Seeing your school grow and improve makes me want to donate my time and money and help in any way that I can.”

Phase three, which is underway right now, is to renew the church. One of the biggest changes is “flipping” the church. The back of the church will be the front of the church, and vice versa. The goal is for the church to have a new meeting center for all of its parishioners. St. Matthew hopes to also build a walkway which will make it easier for anyone to walk from the school to the early childhood center and the church. The third phase is the most expensive, costing about $6.1 million dollars.

“Growing up and going to school there was a great experience,” junior Katy Ropp said. “Knowing that the school and church are trying to improve the learning and worshiping environments makes me excited for the future.”

Maria EftingNews Editor

Erin DrahozalNews Writer

St. Matthew begins the fiinal stages of the Renovate and Renew project. Photo Submitted.

Foreign exchange student Teresa López describes her life in Spain for Xavier students. Meghan Gerke Photo.

November 14, 2013 News 3

Valentine organizes food drive

Xavier welcomes Ireland as new Director of MarketingAs a part of Respect Life

Week, Campus Ministry held a food and supplies drive to benefit the Catherine McAuley Center. The drive was planned and coordinated by senior Ben Valentine.

“We worked with them in middle school, by organizing their food pantry,” Valentine said. “So that’s when I was introduced to the organization. It was one of the first organizations that I thought of to help out.”

Valentine had originally intended to have a service opportunity as well as a food drive. He is working with the Catherine McAuley Center to arrange an opportunity for Xavier students and the Key Club to help at the center.

“I am in the process of setting up a volunteer opportunity which would include completing yard work or organizing the

seem like a daunting task, but Ireland is handling the transition into his new position well.

“Nick came to us with a great understanding and commitment to Xavier and our community,” Xavier Foundation Director Jody Ruff said. “In the short time he has been on board he has used his marketing expertise to create strategies that are just the right fit for Xavier’s current and prospective students, parents, and alumni. As a former Xavier student, I think he has a great perspective on how to highlight all of the best features of Xavier.”

As a marketing professional, it was easy for Ireland to get behind Xavier’s mission and to support something he believes in and something he experienced firsthand as a student.

Many supporters of Xavier look to Xavier’s Facebook page or Twitter account to keep up to date with everything going on in and around school, but not many people know who is actually in charge of keeping them informed. This person is Nick Ireland, the new Director of Marketing for Xavier High School and the Xavier Foundation. He started this position after taking over for Jessica Schneider this October.

Ireland does much more for Xavier than simply manage the school’s social media. His overall goal is to help protect and advance the Xavier brand. According to Ireland, his specific tasks include, “designing and disseminating various communication pieces (email, print, web), engaging on social media, assisting with fundraising efforts, being an active member of the alumni association board, and identifying further opportunities on how we can get the word out about Xavier.”

Taking the job with Xavier was not just a business decision. It was, as Ireland describes it, a calling. He is new to Xavier as an employee this year, however, this is not his first time being around all things Xavier. He is an alum of the class of 2001. Ireland attributes his call to work at Xavier due to what Xavier does to develop the total person.

“Xavier has a great story to be told and I intend to tell it,” Ireland said.

Promoting Xavier’s brand may

food pantry,” Valentine said.The Catherine McAuley

Center provides transitional housing for women with mental and emotional health issues, relationship issues, and drug addictions among other things. Educational opportunities and tutoring are also available for those without high school diplomas or who do not speak English.

The items the Catherine McAuley Center needs right now are toilet paper, pasta, dried beans, and rice. Although tutors must be older than 18 and have a high school diploma or equivalent, other volunteer opportunities are available for interested students. More information can be found at www.cmc-cr.org.

Jeff FriedenNews Writer

Amy BoeNews Assistant Editor

Donated food and other household products sit in the main entrance of Xavier. Maria Efting Photo.

Xavier High SchoolOpinion4

Satanly<

Saintly

<

A time to be thankful for blessingsI like to listen

to Life 101.9 as I drive to school in the morning. Now, I live a p p rox i m a te ly two minutes away from Xavier, so being able to

listen to an entire song is a rare occurrence. However, a couple of days ago, the lyrics to the song “This is the Stuff” stuck out to me. The singer says, “In the middle of my little mess, I forget how big I’m blessed.” And as I was pulling into the XPL, it hit me: I forget how much God has blessed me.

I’m thankful I attend a school where Coach Schulte can say “Praise God” multiple times a class period, and where I have a teacher like Mr. Walker who asks me how my day is going. I’m thankful for parents who day after day make my lunch and wave to me as I

leave for school and that I have a little brother who will make me tea when I’m sick just because. I’m thankful for a Newspaper Staff who greets me with a “Good Morning!” even when it’s 9:30 a.m. and half of them are still asleep.

Don’t get me wrong, not every single day goes my way. Sometimes I do poorly on a quiz, drench my foot

in a puddle, or get bad news from a family member or friend. Bad things happen; this is inevitable. However, as a society, we tend to let the bad things outweigh the good and look at the glass half empty.

My challenge to you, Xavier High School, is to realize how blessed each and every one of you are. Tell a teacher thank you as you

leave their class. Tell your family thank you for being so supportive and loving. Thank a friend for being there. During the season of Thanksgiving and into the new year, look at the glass half full. “In the middle of your little mess, thank God for how big you’re blessed.”

The importance of prayer“Okay, put

your iPads down and get ready for morning prayer.” Do we need to hear this every morning? I know that’s exactly what the

majority of people are thinking, because I thought it too. I thought it was repetitive and at first, deemed it unnecessary.

Now, fast forward to your fourth hour class. For those lucky enough to have A lunch you are moments away from the best part of your day. Wait. Before you can leave for class, we have meal time prayer. Most people simply go through the motions, rush through the sign of the cross, or quietly try to pack up their bag without making too much noise. I know this because I did it too, and we are all guilty of doing it at some point.

Now, fast forward again. Lunch is over and before you know it, it’s the end of the day. For me and many other seniors, it means senior release. I have been guilty of trying to get out of the building before I’m supposed to stop and wait for prayer. Many classrooms at this time are full of people mumbling through the prayers placed in the front of their room.

I’ve always tried to remind myself to try to be active in prayer and pay attention, but in Father Vu’s homily on Sunday night at Mt. Mercy, it struck me how important prayer is. He emphasized being thankful for what God has done in our lives. God gives you everything and you can’t give him a little bit of your time? Is packing up early or finishing one more game on your iPad actually going to be more satisfying than listening and participating in the prayers? It’s important to actually think

about what we are praying instead of just simply saying the words.

We live in a society where everything happens instantly. With technology increasing, we are always on the go and trying to fit as much activity as possible into a 24 hour day. We need to slow down and breathe, to come up for air from our busy lives.

I encourage you all to take time out of your day to stop, sit down, and pray. I promise you it will alleviate stress and calm you. If you listen to daily prayer, you might hear exactly what you need. This goes hand-in-hand with going to Mass on the weekends. You get out of it what you put in, so participate as fully as you can. God gave you 168 hours each week. I think the least we can do is give one back to Him.

Pig-out this ThanksgivingAs we

get ready for Thanksgiving, a lot of us forget to actually soak up the holiday. We get so wrapped up in losing weight, getting

ready for Black Friday, and worrying about Christmas, which is still roughly a month away.

I know people are convinced they need to lose a ton of weight. I say ignore that thought and eat until you are in a food coma! What other day can you eat a whole

turkey, three trash cans of mashed potatoes, have some of each of the 400 casseroles your aunt has made, and eat three Earth-sized pies!

It all makes sense if you think about it logically. We need food and fat to keep us warm during the winter. We also need more food to store up in our bodies so that when it comes time to hibernate, we can enjoy our three months of sleep!

If you’re not like me, think of it this way. You’re going to need all the energy you can get to fight the hoard of angry shoppers during your Black Friday escapades! Use the time you have to hang out with

your family and maybe watch some football or just relax. This day only comes once so you better milk it.

This day is more than just giving thanks and eating to your heart’s content. This day is a day of relaxation and community. Spend time with your family, but also take the time to relax.

This is a day that gives you the freedom to be a pig-don’t waste it! Eat until the button on your pants is about to pop off!

The Moran family poses for a photo-op. Patricia Sima Photo.

Quinlan MoranEditor-in-Chief

Hannah ChuteHealth & Lifestyle Editor

Brennan GraeveOpinion Writer

November 14, 2013 Opinion 5

‘Popularity should not make a borderIt’s a Sunday

night, and I’m home alone with my dog, Oscar. I look at myself in the mirror and think, “Huh...my face is looking pretty good!” So I pick up my dog,

take a selfie, post it on Instagram, and wait. And wait some more. Within two hours, I get a total of 30 likes. For me, that’s quite an accomplishment! But then as I scroll through the other pictures, I notice that another girl has 156 likes on her selfie. And then my heart sinks. How many of you know how I feel?

A teenage girl’s life is a constant battle between popularity and social Siberia. Popular girls get the cute guys, all of the teachers love them, they get invited to all of the right parties, and they wear expensive, trendy clothes. Then there are girls like me: the

average ones. We get the nice guys (sometimes), are known as a “joy to have in class,” are only invited to our friends’ get-togethers, and wear clothes from places like American Eagle. My question is, “What makes us any different from those popular girls?” Absolutely nothing.

Cliques form because we are interested in the same things, such as

my group of friends, which consists mainly of people who are involved in show choir. I understand that part of cliques, but the fact that our cliques then define how popular we are really bothers me. Just because I’m not a cheerleader doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t be friends with the football players. It’s a rarity to find a girl who can be a part of

multiple friend groups at once, and I applaud those girls and their efforts.

Molly Vipond, for example, is a great girl, and I often look up to her for style tips and advice. She sits next to me in Newspaper, and we talk about regular things, like how her weekend was or how Xhilaration is going for me. I would consider Molly a popular girl, but that hasn’t stopped me from being nice to her.

So I’m telling you: forget the status quo. Just because you aren’t “popular” doesn’t mean you can’t talk to those girls. Go ahead and follow whoever you want on Twitter. Friend whoever on Facebook you want to. Favorite some tweets and like some pictures. Let’s make a new normal. Make some new friends, and you never know. You might just find your next best friend. I’ll be looking on Instagram next Sunday, ladies, and I hope to see the likes skyrocket!

A comparison between likes on Instagram. Kliks Photography and Envisage photos.

Parents can be pretty cool friendsAs a senior, I

hear many of my classmates say they cannot wait to go to college. It is the next big step on a student’s life journey, and some students feel the

need to branch away from home. Some of us end up occupying more of our time with friends, because we are afraid we may not see them again when we go to college. Just as we are spending a lot of time with our friends, we can’t forget to spend time with the people who raised us. Our parents are the first

people we should set time aside for.Many teenagers don’t realize it,

but going away to college is just as hard and strenuous for the parents as the student. A good way to have a close relationship with your parents is to sit down and really talk to them. Every night my family and I sit down for a family dinner, and my brother will not let anyone eat until we are all seated and have said prayer together. I will miss this next year.

Instead of a weekend with your friends, take your parents out for an informal lunch or fancy dinner. Ask for advice on tactics they used in college or crazy adventures they had in high school. It’s a great idea

to sit down and hear what they have to say. They’ve lived longer than you and have gone through the same things you are experiencing.

Once in college, it’s even harder to remember to keep in contact with your parents. Many new things will be happening, and you’ll forget to phone home and update them. Technology has advanced immensely, so it should be easier now more than ever to send them a quick update. A text message or email every other day would let your parents know you are still alive. Sending a picture or even Skyping would allow them to see your face.

My parents and family are a

major part of my life, and they are the ones who brighten up my day and let me know I am loved. I am going to miss the comfort and love from my sister who gives me a huge hug after school every day.

Just because college will give teenagers a new beginning doesn’t mean we should forget the past. Schedule a weekend home every month or maybe even surprise them. Don’t use the holidays as the only way to drag yourself back home to see them. Keep in touch with your family. You won’t regret it.

Keep it classy in the stands, SaintsAt many

schools, football is a huge part of students’ Friday nights. Most students (not all, but most) attend every game, home or away, every

Friday. They go to enjoy football and have some fun with their friends. However, just as any other high school, students are tempted. They are tempted to go out and get a quick “fix” before sporting events. Students at Xavier also have this problem.

Although we can not fix other schools’ problems with drinking and doing drugs before and during games, we can fix Xavier. We can stop this. No one can make you put down the bottle or can, but as a whole, we should try to get away from illegal activities.

As a football player, the team and I thrive on the crowds roaring

cheers. The crowd may sometimes help keep us in a game or give us that extra lift we need to pull ahead of a team. The crowd is crucial. But as a player, I do not feel supported when students come to games absolutely blasted out of their mind or higher than a kite. I actually feel embarrassed when I hear about the kids who smoke weed and drink before games. Those who come to the games under the influence embarrass themselves by how they act when they are “turnt up.” Why do that? Why risk your health? Why risk your schooling on something stupid?

Do you people who drink and smoke ever think about how many people see you at the games? Many teachers, babysitters, parents, and coaches you have had in the past are at the games, and they all see what you are doing and see how you act. You are putting them down too by the things you do. They have all tried to help you

get on the right path. By drinking and smoking, you are basically slapping them in the face by doing these things. You are disrespecting all those who have helped your parents mesh you into young adults.

The famous phrase we all know, “Think before you act,” is ever present with this topic. Do you think about your actions when you are getting stoned or drinking alcohol? Do you ever think about the people you are hurting when doing these activities, especially when you do it in front of an environment with little children? You make our school, and all of our community look bad.

It only takes one bad apple to ruin the bunch. When someone pukes in the stands, it ruins the whole game for all those who are sober and LEGALLY watching the game. Quit being selfish. Think about others.

In turn, be yourself and have fun within the laws of our school and state. No one thinks being so

wasted that you have to be escorted out by your boyfriend or girlfriend because you can not stand up with your own power is cool. It is not cute, it is not funny, it is not up to the standard of a Xavier Saint. It’s highly inappropriate and not acceptable. Being a sloppy mess is not what Xavier is about. You’re making a fool out of yourself and Xavier.

Football games can be fun without illegal substances. Participate. Cheer the football team on. Lose your voice after games. Just do not be “that guy.” Be smart. God speed.

Emma HuntA&E Editor

Daniel Vega Sports Writer

Chloe StreifOpinion Writer

Xavier High School Student Life 6

Harmful or Helpfulthe main purposes of homework: to build rote memorization and automaticity; to provide time to deepen understanding through elaboration and to increase

readiness for new information.

“It is harmful because some of the homework is useless for the test.”

Parris McMahon, Freshman

“If the homework helps you get a better understanding of the material I’m all for it.”

Callie Howard, Sophomore

How much homework do parents think is assigned?

Xavier Students think...

Xavier Teachers think...“My hope for homework is that it is seen as practice that will pay off for the per-

formance, to get a better understanding of the material. It is important to practice the skills and vocabulary learned in class.”

Mrs. Constant, French/Spanish “The homework I usually assign is to go and live the

faith outside the four walls of my classroom. Be Christ to someone.”

Ms. Larkin, Theology

A school in Arizona...

What would Xavier students would want? Less homework/harder test

or more homework/easier test

Polls

Sources: www. education.com, www.cesdp.nmhu.edu, http://www.teenink.com

57%

23%17%

assigned right

amount

too little

too much

More homework

Less homework

Perc

enta

ge

Perc

enta

ge

50

100

0

50

100

0

54%

46%

Page Design and Information Collected by Brady Hoffman Information Collected by Julie Woods

A school in Arizona called Kino School has a no homework policy. They believe learning should be a joy for students. “If children have no choice in the matter of homework, they’re not really exercising judgment and are instead losing their sense of autonomy.” They often see students

wanting to bring their school work home to continue working on it or to show their parents.

Stress is very unhealthy for growing teens and statistics show 29% of 13-year-old students report spending two hours or more on

homework daily in the U.S.

Homework gives students the chance for practice, prepare, to have peer interactions and growth in personal

development.

Statistics...

out of 28 people

HOMEWORK:

A group of sophomore boys doing homework on their IPads.

Senior boys getting help from Mrs. Constant.

A senior boy writing a paper on his IPad.

From an AOL poll

PinterestThanksgiving Essentials

Add + About The Xpress

The Xpress 215 Followers, 7 Pins

2 repins

14 repins

Page Design: Molly Vipond and Rachel Brady Photos by: Pinterest and Rachel Brady

12 repins, 5 likes

7 repins, 2 likes

“I remember drawing turkeys by tracing my hand in elementary school. This year I am excited to try a new Thanksgiving

craft.”-Taylor Deutmeyer ‘16

“Stuffing is my favorite dish because it feeds the soul.”-Jeff Daubitz ‘17

“I’m thankful to see my sisters at Thanksgiving, because we don’t get to see

each other often.” -Chad Eichler ‘14

Edit Board

November 14, 2013 Mini-Feature 7

9 repins

There is alwaysalways

something to be thankful for

They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully

sing of your righteousness.Psalm 145: 7

8 FeatureNovember 14, 2013

Operation: Black Friday

Did you know?

225,000,000 people went shopping on Black Friday

Total spending for Black Friday weekend was $59.1 billion

Top five visited stores:1)Amazon 2)Walmart 3)Best Buy 4)Target 5)JC Penney

28% of shoppers were at the stores by midnight

Cyber Monday: December 2

1

234

5Shopping Etiquette

Be respectful to store employees. Don’t push and shove. Be friendly to others in line; they may know of great deals!. Be prepared when checking out. Don’t save spots in line. Keep it classy. Watch where you are going. Take only what you need. Walk efficiently. Be patient. Have fun!

Cyber Monday occurs on the Monday after Black Friday. It is said to be the biggest online shopping day of the year. In 2012, over $1.98 billion was spent on Cyber Monday. Top websites visited last year include: Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, Sears, and Target.

Stats from 2012

Walmart Target Best BuyKohl’s

Apple iPod

Touch 4th Gen. from $199

Keurig Elite

Brewing System < $109

Nikon COOLPIX

S3500 Camera from $114

New iPad

Air

$300

Nook 7 T

ablet

$79

Nintendo

3DS

XL $149.

99

Amazon Kindle

Fire $99.99Jambox Wireless

Speaker $99.99Dyson Vacuums25% off

Smart Touch

Gloves $19.99

40% off all

toys

55-60% of all

silver jewelry

Freshman Ashten

Kingsbury

Check out these featured items and upcoming sales:

“My cousins and I are planning on going to

Coral Ridge Mall this year after Thanksgiving

dinner. How late we stay out

depends on how busy the mall is, but last year we stayed out until 1

a.m. My favorite stores to shop at are Victoria’s

Secret, Hollister, and Abercrombie.”

9Feature Xavier High School

Operation: Black Friday

Tips for a successful Black Friday:

Make a plan:Make a list of what items you want and where to find them. Base your trip itinerary on when the store opens, the popularity of the desired items, lowest prices, and where the stores are located.

1

2Do some research:Look online for sale information ahead of time and review newspaper ads on Thanksgiving Day. Print any coupons you find online and remember to bring them along.

3Stick to a budget:Set a limit to how much money you are willing to spend. This will help keep you focused and prevent spontaneous spending that could break your budget.

4

5

Match prices:Instead of store hopping for the lowest prices, compare prices ahead of time and see if the store you are in will match a lower price for the given item. This will save you time and money.

Have a good time:Go with a friend or family member so you have someone with which to enjoy the experience. Keep a cell phone handy in order to avoid getting lost or separated.

Friday, November 29, 2013

Kohl’s JCPenney Amazon

60% of all

jewelry

Under $10

Blu-ray movies

30% off

bluetooth

speakers

Smart Touch

Gloves $19.99

40% off all

toys

55-60% of all

silver jewelry

Dell Inspiron 15V Laptop $399

Boots for her$19.99

Luggage Set$39.99

Page Design: Jenna Fenske, Colette Miller, Lizzie Bailey Photos: iClipart

Sam’s ClubSamsung 51”

Plasma TV $478Canon Wireless

Printer $39$100 iTunes

giftcard for $80

Xavier High SchoolHealth & Lifestyle10

CAKE BALL RECIPE

Ingredients:1 cake mix (desired flavor)

Ready to spread frosting Wilton candy melts

Almond Bark (white or chocolate)*Make cake per directions on package. Cool. Break up cake and add 1/3 to ½ container of

ready to spread frosting. *Mix until there is a consistency of play dough

and all frosting is worked into cake with no dry crumbs of cake left.

*Roll into desired size balls—dip in mixture of melted almond bark and Wilton Candy melts.

*Set until coating has hardened.

*** It is best to try to match cake flavor to frosting flavor. For chocolate cake, use chocolate frosting, for red velvet and carrot cake, use cream cheese

frosting.

HER THANKSGIVING FAVORITES

THANKSGIVING WITH LORRAINE

Not only is Mrs. Lorraine Gaffney busy preparing the traditional Thanksgiving meal for the Xavier Saints, but she is also hard at work

celebrating her own family ‘s Thanksgiving traditions.

Corn Casserole Sweet potatoes Traditional Turkey

Page Design by Hannah Chute, Jeff Frieden, and Erin Drahozal. Pictures by: google images.ohmygoodness.com. Information from Lorraine Gaffney.

“I have a large family Thanksgiving. We have 60 people gather together. We have to have a lot of desserts and pies for that many people. Our meal usually consists of turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and yams. My signature dish is bringing cake balls every year. For Thanksgiving, I bring carrot cake flavored cake balls. Someone in my family brings corn casserole with corn bread and another brings corn cake casserole with macaroni.”-Lorraine Gaffney

Xavier High School

CAKE BALL RECIPE

Ingredients:1 cake mix (desired flavor)

Ready to spread frosting Wilton candy melts

Almond Bark (white or chocolate)*Make cake per directions on package. Cool. Break up cake and add 1/3 to ½ container of

ready to spread frosting. *Mix until there is a consistency of play dough

and all frosting is worked into cake with no dry crumbs of cake left.

*Roll into desired size balls—dip in mixture of melted almond bark and Wilton Candy melts.

*Set until coating has hardened.

*** It is best to try to match cake flavor to frosting flavor. For chocolate cake, use chocolate frosting, for red velvet and carrot cake, use cream cheese

frosting.

THANKSGIVING WITH LORRAINE

November 14, 2013 A & E 11

Closing Soon!

Spotlight:Speech Edition

Junior Jeanne BouchardChoral Reading

Q: How do you balance all of your activities?

A: Being involved in so much makes it hard to get homework done, but I

make it work!

Q: What is your favorite thing about speech?

A: I like all of the people in it, they are what makes it fun.

Sophomore Cali WorthingtonTV News, Radio News

Q: What is it like having your dad as a coach?

A: Having my dad coach is fun because everyone already knows he’s

weird, so it’s not embarrassing.

Q: What would you say to get people to join speech?

A: People should join speech to meet new people and have a lot of fun.

Senior Jon PetersOne Act Play

Q: What do you hope to achieve in your senior year for speech?

A: I hope to have a good performance, a division one rating,

and have fun.

Q: Why did you join speech?A: I joined because I enjoy acting and

being creative.

Julie WoodsA&E Writer

Xavier High SchoolA & E12The theater is alive with The Sound of Music

The Xavier Drama Department has chosen the popular show, The Sound of Music, for their fall musical. They have been working since the first week of October to get the show ready to perform, and they open tonight, November 14, at 7 p.m.

This is the story of Maria, a young woman who is trying to become a nun. Maria is given the job as a governess to the seven trouble-making Von Trapp children. She soon realizes their father, Captain Von Trapp, runs his house as strictly as the naval ship he works on. With some love and a bit of music, she is able to help the Von Trapps mend their family while also falling helplessly in love with the Captain.

Captain Von Trapp is portrayed by junior Noah Lauer, and Maria is played by senior Angelica

Director Mike Cervantes watches the chorus of Abbey nuns sing one of their Latin songs during practice. Meghan Gerke Photo.

Elkema. This is Elkema’s first lead role in a Xavier production.

The show also features children who are not Xavier students. Since a couple of the Von Trapp children would have been hard to portray with teenagers,

students from different Cedar Rapids elementary schools came to perform with the older cast.

“I’ve loved getting to know the kids and seeing how they love music as much as we do,” Elkema said. “It’s been a lot of fun.”

Director Mike Cervantes chose the show to coincide with the musical’s 50th anniversary this year. He has only directed the show once before and thinks people will really enjoy it.

“It’s an American classic; the music is infectious,” Cervantes said. “It has a great message about family and why it’s so important, and it’s just a lot of fun to watch.”

The show will take place November 14-16 in the Regis-LaSalle Theater, and tickets are on sale for six dollars per student and eight dollars per adult.

Kayla ThompsonA&E Writer

Ashley PudilA&E Assistant Editor

This year, Xavier has had a different, yet colorful, change to its hallways and walls. All of this color can be attributed to Xavier’s Art Club. As seen around the school, the club’s biggest project is the well-known Post-It Note murals of the four administrators at Xavier: Mr. Keating, Father Vu, Ms. Olson, and Mr. Glynn.

Art Club is an activity that takes place after school and invites anyone who enjoys creating art to come and help with various projects around the school. Their next project will be working on art for the Catholic School’s Week Mass in January.

Art Club adds color to the Xavier halls

Above: Art teacher Mrs. Wendt creates a scar on freshman Belle Canney’s nose with stage makeup at the Art Club Halloween party.Below: Junior Lucy Liu shows off her pumpkin carving during the Art Club Halloween Party. Ms. Finley Photos.

“There is no explanation behind the Post-It Note murals. We got them approved by the administration and decided to make them the focus of our project.”

“What I enjoy most about Art Club is that we get to work on large scale projects and work with different mediums we don’t normally use in the classroom.”

Co-presidents:

Senior Jacob Herndon Senior Holly Hazelton

Seniors!Turn your senior

picture in to Mrs. Wagner in room 226

or kellie.wagner@xaviersaints.org by

December 20!

A & E 13November 14, 2013

Patrons

Kermit and Florence AlveshereAlan AntonJoan and Peter BaileyBryan BanowetzJim and Judy BauerLinda BauerKenneth and Rosemary BauerDoug and Char BoeSandra BoeDorrance and Shirley BradyMark and Janice BradyScott and Tammie BradyJill BreitbachLora BreitbachHannah BrownLydia and Mike BrownChris and James BryantCassie BuschLarry and Marjory BushawAnna BusseJeff and Michele BusseMonica BusseColleen CampBill ChristiansonMatt and Tracie ChuteMr and Mrs Robert ChuteMindy and Gary ColemanJane and Rob CollinsMorty and Mona Lisa CookseyClark and Kathy CunninghamCarol and Pat DeignanMike and Karen DelaneyDave and Laura DieboldDave and Melissa Dostal

Jan and Mike DrahozalJoe and Kelly DrahozalDave and Polly DrakerNicole DrakerBill and Lu EftingJim and Liz EftingRyan EklandTom and Terry EklandSteve and Kay ElliottCarl and Carol EskerMike and Jody EskerTracie FabianoDoug FeltesJack and Micki FenskeJim and Linda FenskeJenny and Jeff FriedenMike FriedenDick GalliganGene and Betty GerkeJulie and Joe GerkeMichael GraeveTracy GraeveMike and Kathy GravelDiane HansenPaul and Bryn HayesTracie and Brian HazelettDutch and Ock HerrigLaura M HerrigMike and Wendy HerrigJohn and Sasha HoffmanMarvin and Linda HoffmanMike and Courtney HoffmanAllyson HovdaDick and Pam Hunt

Virgil and Carlyn HuntThe Janney FamilyCindy JensenJeanne JoensJohn and Con Inc.Ray and Beth KaminRay and Jan KaminKaty KarasKelli KertonGene and Sally KopeckyAnn and Tim KortemeyerMary LevettPaula and Jim LevettDave and Sharon LoecherDoris LogelDan and Donna LynchMegan LynchJeanne and Gerry MacEachernBrennan McAllisterBill and Mary Lou McCartanKerry McCartanWill McCartanFather Tom McDermottTom and Mary McGivernMaureen and Jason McHughLiz MillerMr and Mrs Duane MillerMobileDemandLeo and Diane MonaghanAnn MoranJulie MoranRegan MoranJohn and Ruth NeuzilBob and Mary Tarbox Nicholson

Makenzie NoonanMike NoonanSteve and Janet NoonanNixie OlderburgDaniel PapeChris and Roberta PetersPowell ChiropracticKevin and Denise PudilRosie PudilAnn and Dave RichardsonJohn RichardsonTom and Dianna RichardsonPeyton RosencrantsDenny and Karan RuzickaMr and Mrs Richard SaundersJoe and Barb SchmallMr and Mrs Jason SchmidtColleen and Randy ScholerMike and Mary Pat SchulteDon and Patricia SimaMaddie SmithHailey SojkaMairlynn SondermanBecky and Brad StovieMarisa and Richard SullivanDave and Karen ThinnesMatthew ThommannaWilma ThompsonScott Thompson FamilyFred and Bev TimkoTom TroesterBev ValantDouger and Amers ValentineMary Lou Valentine

Abbe VegaCarlos and Amy VegaDomingo and Katie VegaMichael and Shelley WaldronMike and Sue WaldronJerry and Betty WeilandJeff and Cheryl WestlundAnne WhiteTerry and Janet WhitneyLynn and Lynn WoellertCorbin WoodsElizabeth WoodsGerald M. WoodsGreg and Nancy WymoreJames and Elizabeth Zook

If you’re interested in receiving The Xpress at

your home, please contact Mrs. Kellie Wagner for

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Ben Valentine & Daniel VegaOpinion Writer & Sports Writer

Ponder This...

With Ben and Dano

What was your favorite toy growing up?

Army Men/Action FiguresBarbieGame BoyHot WheelsLegosPolly PocketsAmerican Girl DollsLincoln Logs

Toys were a part of many of our lives when we were young. All of the time spent with these toys leads us to pick a favorite. We surveyed Xavier students and received 288 responses. Here are the results:

20

40

60

80

100“I liked to play with Lincoln logs because my brother always made me play with him and we would always build towns.”-Senior Courtney Colston

Comics with Keefe

Emma KeefeComic Artist

Superfan Probs

Xavier High SchoolSports14

3905 Center Point Rd NECedar Rapids

(319) 393-3736

Ending of a seasonA family unityThe Xavier Saints volleyball

team ended their year at 28-11 and made it to the regional finals. The Saints have meshed well as a team as they have beaten numerous top five squads. To junior Madsy Richards, that sums up a successful season.

“So many teams underestimated us this season, and it was good to get out and upset some of them,” she said.

The Saints earned a bye the first round of regionals and came into the Thursday, October 31 game ranked fifth and crowned division champions. They showed they earned it, beating Dewitt Central in three sets, 25-17, 25-17, 25-19. Xavier had several good runs and some big hits to put away the Sabers (10-24). Junior Kayla Torson led the team with 12 kills, senior libero Halle Heying picked up 25 digs and senior Britni Scholtes contributed 24 assists.

“We played pretty solid against Central Dewitt, playing as a team to get the win,” Richards said. Beating Central Dewitt allowed the Saints to advance to the regional finals and take on West Delaware. “We used that game to prepare for West Delaware.”

The third ranked Hawks proved to be a much harder test

for Xavier, who was defeated in four sets 25-21, 21-25, 19-25, 23-25. Richards led the team with 13 kills, followed by senior Kasey Vanden Bosch who added 11, and Torson contributed eight. Scholtes recorded 42 assists. Xavier came out firing, taking an early 10-2 lead in the first game. The Saints overcame a six point surge to win the set. The Hawks came back to win the next three.

Xavier put up a valiant effort in the fourth set, fighting toe to toe until the very end. Torson notched three kills and saved a couple of crucial balls in the last set, but the Hawks put it away with a block to end the Saints’ season.

Senior Britni Scholtes prepares for an offensive play.Meghan Gerke Photo.

Morgan BreitbachSports Assistant Editor

The run to state

The Saints football team is stronger than ever after beating their last three opponents in shutout games. They have allowed a total of 45 points to be scored against them in 12 games this season. Not only has the team played their best, but the family bond the boys have made this year has been evident.

“During the very first week of practice,” senior Chris Ball said, “everyone is working together and encouraging each other to push through. This is when that ‘family’ bond starts and from that week on, during the entire four month season, this sense of family only gets stronger and stronger.”

The Saints football team has a literal family aspect. Freshman Bryce Schulte is the head coach’s son and has played as quarterback in several games. The team also has four sets of brothers: juniors Adam Steffensmeier and Andrew Steffensmeier, junior David Sander and senior Matt Sander, junior Thomas Ickes and senior Sean Ickes, and junior Thomas Ball and senior Chris Ball.

“I certainly look up to my older brother, Sean,” Thomas Ickes said. “There are many things

I can learn by watching him. It also helps that we play the same position so he can coach me when I am not doing things correctly.”

Xavier played October 30 in the first-round playoffs. Xavier beat Clinton at home by a score of 45-0. The Saints headed to the second-round playoffs to face Iowa City High on Monday, November 4. The Saints won 34-0 to earn them a place in the quarterfinals.

The Battle of 42nd Street was held at Saints Field on Friday, November 8 against Kennedy. The Saints won 21-0. Senior Brendan Miller was the first to score in the third quarter to give Xavier a 7-0 lead. Senior Wes Gardner scored the next two touchdowns to secure a semi-finals spot for Xavier.

Xavier plays Bettendorf (10-2) on Friday, November 15. Game time is 4 p.m. at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls.

Shannon MulcaheySports Editor

The Xavier girls’ cross country team and senior Jacob Schmitt ran on November 2 at the 3A state championship in Fort Dodge. State gave the coaches and runners many new experiences and memories.

This was the first time since 2009 that the girls’ team ran at state. It was also the first state meet for head coach Bryan Jones and assistant coach Kyle Mallie.

“The most memorable part for me,” coach Jones said, “was running through the throngs of people to multiple areas of the course to try and find a spot to cheer the runners on. The atmosphere was pretty electric.”

The girls finished 12th with an average time of 16:33. Sophomore Jenny Dickes placed 15th in a time of 15:27,

while freshman Emiko Coffey finished 20th with a time of 15:35.

“It was really exciting and totally different than any other meet,” Dickes said. “It was a great experience to run that course.”

Schmitt has run at state once before as a member of the team.

“Jacob ran really well,” coach Jones said, “nearly running a personal record.” He raced in 16:49 to place 15th.

“This year’s experiences will definitely give me a point of reference to work from for next year as far as building better training programs,” coach Jones said.

This season has helped to build up the teams, improve individuals, and give the new coaches a lot of experience.

Katherine BauerCopy Editor

The Xavier players celebrate together after the victory against Cedar Rapids Kennedy. Meghan Gerke Photo.

November 14, 2013 Sports 15

Winter Sports PreviewIn 2012, the Saints bowling

team placed 2nd overall in class 1A as a team and had individual Caleb Miller, a Xavier junior, place first in the state in class 1A. The Saints are looking for much of the same.

“Last year was a lot of fun,” Miller said. “We accomplished a lot as a team, but this is a new year with new people.”

Xavier girls’ bowling lost six varsity starters, two very important from last season, Tara Trcka and Abbey Konzen. Trcka went to state four years in a row, winning the 2011 state title in class 1A. Konzen was also a key contributor to the team.

This year, the girls’ bowling has managed to find five girls in order to fill all the required varsity spots. The team includes seniors Ashley Pudil, Katie Burke, and Ellie Burke, junior Kayla Thompson, and freshman MeLeah Grubb.

The Saints will have a lot of new faces this year and will begin their bowling season on November 26.

Winter is here and that means Xavier boys’ basketball. Coach Ryan Luehrsmann looks to start out his second season with the Xavier Saints as they enter their 2013-2014 campaign. The team is ranked seventh by rivals.com.

Entering their first season in 3A since moving to 4A in 2007, the Saints look to get back on track this year.

With three of five starters returning, the Saints are loaded with experience. Senior Matt Nelson, junior Adam McDermott, and junior Calvin Winker all return. The team will also have some talented newcomers such as sophomore Mitch Burger, and juniors Matt Downey, Tim Otting, Joe Welsch, and Connor Ramlo.

The team will step out onto the court for their first game on November 26 for the Basketball Jamboree held at Jefferson High School. The first official game will take place December 3 at Mount Pleasant.

It is that time of year again, the endless hours of constant sweating to make weight. The 2013-2014 wrestling season is approaching quickly.

The Saints return with great talent from all classes. Senior Sean Ickes will return with state experience at the 170 weight class. Senior Nick Drahozal weighs in at 145. Sophomore Clint Lembeck returns after competing in state last year at the 132 weight class. Sophomore Jeff Vipond weighs at the 106 class, while freshman new comer Josh Gerke comes in at 120.

With so much talent returning, the team looks to have high expectations for the year.

“We expect to field a strong starting lineup this year,” Ickes said. “We have good returners and a solid group of incoming freshmen.”

The Saints will hit the mat for the first time December 5 at Cedar Rapids Washington.

After a successful championship run in 2012, Xavier girls’ basketball team is ready to reload and recharge for the upcoming 2013 season.

Even though the Saints lost three starters and key senior leadership, they will be ready at the first tip to battle and get what they earn.

“I’m really excited about this season. We are working hard as a team and we understand nothing will be given to us,” senior captain Hayley Deutmeyer said. “It’s going to be fun.”

There will be some new faces on the court for the Saints this year.

“We did lose some people from last year, but I’m confident that the seniors and the underclassmen will step up and lead,” Deutmeyer said.

Veteran coach, Coach Lilly is sure to get the Saints ready.

Look for the Saints in Decorah for their first game of the season on November 26.

Who knows Coach Schulte best?Coach Ekland and Coach Schulte have known

each other for 26 years. They attended the

same high school and reunited in 1997 when

they both began coaching football at LaSalle.

Bryce Schulte is Coach Schulte’s son

and is 15 years old. They spend a lot of

time together at home and on the field.

Will family ties prevail or friendship reign supreme?

*Disclaimer: Coach Ekland did phone a

friend, Sherry Schulte (Coach Schulte’s wife).

What is Coach Schulte’s

favorite NFL team?

Coach EklandFriend of Coach Schulte

Bryce Schulte (‘18)Coach Schulte’s son

Coach SchulteHead football coach

Who is Coach Schulte’s

favorite athlete?

What is Coach Schulte’s

favorite leisure activity?

What is Coach Schulte’s

favorite movie?

Girls Basketball Boys Basketball Bowling Wrestling

Daniel VegaSports Writer

Daniel VegaSports Writer

Nic EklandSports Writer

Nic EklandSports Writer

What is Coach Schulte’s

favorite food?

“The Good, the bad

and the Ugly”

Rod

Carew

Minnesota

Vikings

JohnStockton

Working out, reading, and

watching tv, sometimes all at

the same time

Minnesota

Vikings

Minnesota

Vikings

BrettFavre

He enjoys getting a “lather”

on the air-O-dyne (bicycle

workout machine)

Judging by the pizza stains on

his white tank-top t-shirt, I’m

going to have to say pizza

Throwing to his kids at batting

practice,

watching tv, and reading

“Airplane” “Airplane”

Steak

Points: 2 4

Steak

Possible Points 5Information gathered by Nic Ekland and Shannon Mulcahey

November 14, 201316

Thanksgiving Break Bucket List

Go ice skating Go roller skating

Visit Czech Village Watch a Rough

Riders game Go to a unique restaurant

(The Lighthouse, Emil’s Hideaway, or

Beta’s Cafe) Jump in a pile of leaves

Watch Netflix all day Have an SFl

(Street Football League) tournament Go

Black Friday shopping Go for a nature

walk Play a game of cards Go to

the Amana Colonies Stay in your PJs

all day Go to NewBo Have a movie

marathon Go sledding (if there’s snow)

Finish college applications Spend

an entire day on Pinterest Make a new

friend Go on a college visit Donate

food to Metro Catholic Write a letter to

someone Volunteer at a hospital Take

a selfie Do a DIY craft Catch up with

an old friend Help make Thanksgiving

dinner Go to the Ped Mall in Iowa

City Get a new haircut Visit family

Do Meals on Wheels Go barefoot into

a store Do your homework Crash

a wedding Play truth or dare Go

hottubbing Study for finals Have an

electronic-free day Go on a roadtrip

“I’m going to Kansas City to visit family. We go fishing together and eat lots of food. My favorite part of break is when I get to cut the turkey.” -Peter Deegan ‘17

“I’m going on NCYC (National Catholic Youth Conference) and the rest of break I stay with family in Dubuque. My family and I go Black Friday shopping all night long.”-Melanie Wertzberger ‘15

Page Editor: Anna White. Pictures and Information: Mary Esker/ Background: CLIPART