May 2015 Volume 90 Issue 9 Buzzing For More News?

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Promise

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Derrick JohnsonEditor-in-ChiefRecently, TJ had their

annual Hall of Fame ceremony which celebrated four people who have played big roles at TJ. This year, TJ alumni Jack Holder, Brian Poldberg, Ralph Wright and current staff member Bob Nielsen were inducted and honored by given plaques.

Class of 1964 graduate, Jack Holder, was a prominent athlete at TJ all four years he went here and became an educator in the school district for 33 years after he graduated. Currently, his photography studio, Jack Holder Photography, takes many senior pictures for TJ students and also helps the journalism department.

Current staff member Bob Nielsen has been working at TJ for 45 years, and has played a role in the school for even longer. Coach Nielsen has coached a variety of sports,

career in teaching music, he went on to work at numerous theatres and volunteer at places like the historic Dodge House and Union Pacific Museum.

Each of the inductees have done terrific things for TJ that helps them stand above the rest. Their commitment to the school and surrounding communities is greatly appreciated. With successful impacts these four men have had, there is only hope that TJ can produce more great alumni and staff members like them.

2015 Hall of Fame

Some of the TJ students who have recieved the Pottawattamie Promise scholarship. Photo by Derrick Jonhson.

Last month, The Iowa West Foundation fulfilled their “Pottawattamie Promise” and presented multiple $30,000 scholarships. Which are given out by Iowa Western Community College to seniors from schools all around Iowa. There was a total of 30 finalists and 20 of them were chosen to receive the scholarship from each school.

TJ counselor Carla Hartenhoff and Ben Thorpe spent a lot of time supporting and helping the seniors that received the scholarship.

“The point was to help students who wouldn’t be able to go to college otherwise,” said Hartenhoff. “There is going to be

more Pottawattamie Promise scholarships offered in 2017 and 2018 with a lot more requirements.”

During the press conference, president and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation, Pete Tulipana expressed why he thought this education initiative is the start to something special in Council Bluffs.

“Research shows that students who graduate from community colleges stay in their communities and we hope these graduates will begin their careers as members of our region’s workforce,” said Tulipana. “The goal is to gradually grow the program, beginning with just 45 students and meet the full need in five years.”

Senior Clair Yale, one of the winners of the $30,000 scholarship, is looking to use the most of this opportunity.

“I was excited and a lot less stressed. I’m more excited for college now than I was

New drinking fountain

Coach Bob Nielsen giving his acceptance speach at the 2015 hall of fame. Photo by Rob Linquist.

including track and football and acts as a great role model and teacher to TJ students around him.

Brian Poldberg went on to have a very successful future in baseball after graduating from TJ. He played four years in college, played a total of six years of professional baseball and later went on to be a coach and win multiple league championships.

Ralph Wright, class of 1955 graduate, took his passion and musical skill that came while attending TJ, and used it to help out the community. After his

Education First logo.

Elizabeth Lamb Reporter

Many TJ students are aware of the foreign exchange students that attend our school. However, they are not aware of the process Education First (EF) students go through to be a part of the program.

According to the Education First’s website, their goal is to raise a better cultural awareness about people from other

countries. The EF students coming to TJ will add a new sense of diversity and can open our eyes to new ways of living.

Next year, two EF students named Leo and Julie will join TJ for their senior year of high school. Leo, who is from Taiwan and wants to learn how to play football. Julie is from Norway and enjoys music and sports, she is also able to play the clarinet.

Education First

(Continued on page 4)

Kaylin SkillettReporter

On April 28th, TJ put in a new water foun-tain that seems to be different than the others. What makes the fountain so special is that it is designed to make filling water bottles faster and more efficient. Some of the old fountains were being damaged by students who wanted to fill their bottles so TJ ordered three new fountains. One has been put in now as a trial and the others will be put in later if the students do not cause damage to it.

New fountain photo by Alejandro Vieyra.

Jenna DieatrickIntro Reporter

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NewsParalyzed but positive

Michael Hiers Reporter

Dress code discrepancy

As all may know, spring is well on its way here in Council Bluffs and with temperatures getting close to record highs, pants are being put away and people are starting to bring out short-shorts and tank tops.

The problem TJ had during the first trimester with the excess showing of skin may become a big issue again. Many school officials are cracking down hard on the school dress code.

Part of the dress code is to stop distraction that is caused from teens that are wearing revealing clothes. The fairness of the dress code is in question because varying body types are allowed to wear things others are not. Also, they claim that students need help focusing in school when really the dress code is enforced to help promote self-respect among the students.

Assistant Principal Tanya Windham is the one in charge of keeping students here dressed appropriately.

“My hope is that students will dress better and dress for success,” said Windham. “We want to improve the culture here, we want TJ to be the best high school in the area.”

Another problem with

the dress code is that certain clothing is allowed for certain students with certain body types, while others will be reported when wearing it. It adds to the belief of unfairness and favoritism.

Junior Lacce Walker is among the many students who disagree with some of the dress code rules at TJ.

“Girls should be able to wear tank tops, but I also think people are dramatic when they try to protest,” said Walker.

Although students are

TJ Girls soccer team with Gina Springhower. Photo provided by Adriana Ibarra.

A paralyzed woman does not let her obstacles define her. After a car accident involving a drunk driver and a friend, Gina Springhower became paralyzed from the waist down. Ever since that day, Gina has dedicated her life to giving speeches and motivating people around her.

After the accident, Gina struggled with walking and was not able to play the sports she did before, however, it did not stop her from living her life. Gina now plays her sports by rolling, and coaches at a gymnastic center. She has played wheelchair basketball, plays catch, spotted people in tumbling

and even started to do basic tumbling. She is determined to make the best of every day.

“Live now, not tomorrow. Because you never know what lies ahead of you,” said Gina.

Gina sets goals and tries her best to accomplish them, no matter if she is told that she cannot. Gina wanted to be the stunter, even though she could not move her legs. She asked one of her tumbling students if they could stunt her, and the student agreed. Gina said that she has been teaching her for a few years now.

After Gina spent nine months in therapy, she was able to accomplish one of her biggest goals, walking down the aisle at

her wedding. Walking down the aisle was a surprise to everyone but her dad, who accompanied her.

“I wasn’t going to take that away from my dad, just because I’m paralyzed,” said Gina when giving her speech to high schoolers.

She is very hopeful and optimistic about her future. Her husband bought her a horse for her birthday, and she is determined to learn how to ride a horse paralyzed. Another hopeful

dream is sky diving, even though she will break both of her legs.

“My doctor said if you’re going to skydive then wait until after your wedding, because you will break both legs and I followed his rules. After I skydive, I will have to learn how to be paralyzed and have broken legs.”

She has inspired a variety of people from those who have been in an accident to those just having a bad day.

Some of those many people included the TJ soccer girls. The girls were inspired by her future and how optimistic she is.

“Gina has motivated me to work hard, and play like there is no tomorrow,” said freshman soccer player Schuylar Ridder.

“They [soccer girls] worked their butts off because they know they are not guaranteed tomorrow,” said Girls Varsity soccer coach, Mark Royer.

Gina’s positivity and stories continue to inspire everyone she talks to. Her past just goes to show that hardwork and perseverance can lead to a positive outcome. You can find out more about Gina on her website www.perfectlyimperfectgina.com and on Twitter @GinaSpringHower.

Work submitted from a current intro student for the first time in four years:

given a chance to change and provided clothes to cover up with, some of them still refuse which can result with consequences.

“Most kids are responding very responsibly,“ said Windham. “This year we have not had near as much trouble, I have only had one student that responded disrespectfully.”

So as it gets hotter, make sure to keep covered and respect the dress code rules.

Clothes provided to students who are asked to change. Photo by Michael Hiers.

Alejandro VieyraCopy Editor

Preparing for college is a big step for all students attending high school, at TJ there is a particular class that can be taken to help students act upon their preparation. These classes are known as AP (Advanced Placement) classes.

Year round, these classes are offered and the teachers here may recommend these classes, such as Micro AP Economics teacher Mrs. Johanna Ross.

“AP classes take expectations, difficulty and structure and bump them up to college level,” said Ross, “It gives students a chance to experience such a bump in a supportive and familiar atmosphere before they have to actually pay for it!”

Sophomore Autumn Brownlee thinks AP classes can help students who fit

the requirements and are looking to advance their future plans.

“If you feel that you would benefit from the class definitely try it out,” said Brownlee, “AP classes are very helpful if you are going to continue your education into college...”

These courses may be a helpful hand in the future, however there is a standard. In order to get the college credit students will need to pass the course with the grade of an A or B.

According to Mrs. Ross, “...testing is a higher caliber. With higher stakes, students are forced to learn how to study and not just get by on their sheer memory and fate.”

If students feel confident to take on the challenge of college courses, they have full advantages here at TJ. It is never too late to sign up for these classes, and it could be beneficial for students’ futures.

AP preparation

April showers bring May flowers

A comic by Kaylin Skillett

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Sports

Editor-in-ChiefDerrick Johnson

Copy EditorsAlejandro Vieyra

PaginatorAngela Gardner

Web ContentHannah-Grace Northam

StaffAna Aguilar

Morgan BarthMegan CarrollJenna DieatrickMichael HiersAdriana Ibarra

Elizabeth LambTiana Larsen

Dylan MontgomeryParker Raes

Kaylin Skillett

AdviserRob Lindquist

Phone: 712-328-6493Facebook: CBJacketJournalism

Twitter:@TJHSJournalism

THE SIGNAL

The Signal is a school-sponsored publication of Thomas Jefferson High School 2501 W. Broadway Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501. The Signal’s office is located in room C128. The Signal is printed by OH-K FASTPRINT in Omaha, NE. The Signal is a school-sponsored-publication and therefore recognizes its responsibility to stay within the boundaries that the school administrator sets. The Signal will therefore inform its readers using a high standard of morals and ethics. The Signal encourages readers to respond in the form of letters to the editor, which can be sent to room C128. The Signal’s editorial staff reserves the right to edit the letters for grammatical errors and to remove any profanity. The editors also reserve the right to exclude letters that are false in their statements or accusations. The Signal will not accept advertise-ments that promote activities illegal to minors. Advertising rates are available upon request.

Derrick JohnsonEditor-in-Chief

Success earned, not given

team placed 59th out of the 80 teams. Eldon Warner also placed 6th and medaled for the open 800 out of 16 runners.

“Running at Drake is something I’ll never forget,” said Carey. “It was a great experience, it was insane.”

Every track runner dreams of being able to run on the prestigious blue track and these nine students represented TJ fantastically while there. Hopefully next year even more TJ students qualify for Drake and strive for gold.

With Jacket athletes wrapping up their spring sports, summer activities are taking charge. TJ’s baseball and softball teams are striving for this upcoming season to be the best one yet. Jacket’s softball is starting the season with a young team, with one senior and only six juniors, the rest of the team is supported from several eighth graders

and sophomores. The baseball team is also young, having only three seniors. This year, the Anderson/Midkiff family is taking TJ’s summer sports in their hands, and summer athletes have high expectations. TJ’s baseball team started their season on May 4th, softball started theirs on May 11th. Later this month, both teams will officially begin games on May 26th.

Morgan Barth Reporter

Track team qualifies for Drake

as we can,” said girls track coach, Coach Thomas. “ I know we will compete well, they are determined”

Also, the boys track team coached by Coach Nielsen sent senior Eldon Warner who ran the open 800 and also the sprint medley relay event with sophomore Kaiden Werts, sophomore Daniel Carey, and Dylan Nightser with junior alternative Kenny Foote.

TJ’s boys sprint medley relay team did exceptional and placed 17th in the event while our girls 4x1

Sports schedulesVarsity Girls Soccer

May 12th @ St. AlbertMay 16th @ UrbandaleMay 19th @ Thomas JeffersonMay 26th @ Thomas Jefferson

Varsity Softball

May 26th @ Thomas JeffersonMay 28th @ Thomas JeffersonMay 29th @ Atlantic

Varsity Boys Tennis

May 4th @ Harlan May 5th @ Tranquility Ten-nis - Conference Tourna-mentMay 14th @ Johnston - Districts

Varsity Girls Golf

May 12th @ Dodge RiversideMay 22nd @ Green ValleyRegionalsBoys TennisMay 4th @ Harlan May 5th @ Tranquility Tennis - Conference Tournament

NSPA Member Publication

This year on April 23rd, TJ sent five representatives from both the guys and girls track teams to the Drake Relays. All season, these runners come after school and practice hard everyday to try and get a chance to compete at Drake. To qualify, students need to be one of the best in the state, and many runners from TJ have stepped up.

The girls track representatives were senior La’Kendra Black for the open one hundred, and also sophomore Hannah Santay, freshman Anna Larson, and junior Megan Corey who participated with La’Kendra in the 4x1. Head Coach Williams-Thomas and Coach Thomas work with these girls everyday to help them compete and improve consistently.

“It’s an honor to get to compete at Drake, we try to qualify as many people

From left to right: Dylan Nightser, Kenny Foote, Eldon Warner, Kaiden Werts, Daniel Carey, and Griffen Koletzke. Provided by Eldon Warner

Summer sports preview

TJ’s 2014-2015 baseball team practiceing. Courtesy of SawrmTV.

Varsity Boys Soccer

May 12th @ Thomas JeffersonMay 14th @ Sioux City North May 19th @ Lewis CentralMay 21st @ Thomas Jefferson

Varsity Baseball

May 26th @ Missouri ValleyMay 28th @ Thomas JeffersonMay 29th @ Glenwood

Varsity Girls Tennis

May 12th @ GlenwoodMay 21st and 23rd - Varsity Regionals

(Dates subject to change)

Eric Thomas was one of those people who had nothing. He lived off the very little money he had, and dropped out of school. Thomas knew that if he was going to change his life, he had to do it soon.

Eric Thomas chose to support himself, and motivated himself to become successful. He later went on to play in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, and Denver Broncos. Thomas not only chose to inspire himself, but also millions around the world.

As the year winds down, students are starting to lack motivation and are losing the desire they once had to do their best in school everyday. The thought of school ending causes them to lose focus, and not pay attention during their classes. When students stop doing work, teachers still continue to give assignments and tests and one big cycle of laziness and struggles begin.

“When you want to

succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful,” said Eric Thomas to his audience.

Eric Thomas gave a speech about a young boy who had asked a Guru how to be successful. When the Guru told him to meet him at the beach at four in the morning, the Guru had the boy step out into the water. When the boy was neck-deep the Guru had pushed the boy underwater. He held the boy underwater until he was close to passing out. When the Guru had lifted him from the water he told the boy, when you want to succeed as bad as you wanted to breathe, then you will be successful.

“Most of you say that you want to be successful, but you do not want it as bad.” said Thomas

Striving for success is as difficult as trying to breathe when you cannot. When you start succeeding, you do not care about the small things. You do not stop until you get that breathe of fresh air, and you do not stop until you are at your goal.

(Continued on cbjacketjournalism.com)

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Tiana LarsenReporter

Mental health awareness month

Alegent Creighton Clinic. Photo by Angela Gardner.

Mental health has a wide range of conditions that can affect moods, thoughts, and behavior and many Americans deal with the illness everyday.

Mental Health is a person’s overall physical and emotional health. There are many different disabilities, but the common charistic is they all affect a person’s personality,

or social interactions.20 percent of people in

America suffer from a type of mental disorder, and five percent of them suffer from a disorder severe enough to affect school, work, or other aspects of daily life, according to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Mental Health Awareness is recognized for the understanding of different illnesses and the helping

and caring for the people with these disabilities during the month of May. Although the issue should be addressed year-round, this month is a special time that allows people to understand the struggles people with the disorder face everyday.

A national event will take place on May 7th, 2015 at the Lansburgh Theatre in Washington, DC. The event will highlight strategies, health care and also educate people on mental health disorders.

For anyone dealing with

mental health problems, the Crisis Call Center’s 24-hour hotline offers help, support, and information to anyone looking for someone to talk to. The need for emotional support is something most

individuals encounter at some point in their lives. If anyone would like help or learn more about mental health, they can call the toll-free hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

PottawattamiePromise

Kaylin SkillettReporter

TJ Senior and current EF student Margherita Pani knows the hardships that foreign exchange students face when transitioning to a new country. One of her multiple problems was saying goodbye to her family, and finding a new host family for her to stay with. In the end, it was all worth it.

“It is a dream being a part of this community, I had the opportunity to meet a lot of people, make new friends and being involved in different activities,” said Margherita. “All of these activities gave me a sense of belonging in this school and this is something I am really grateful for.”

A host family is a family that takes care of these students while they stay in America, many times it takes months to find a host family. Senior Lindsay Blackford is looking to help these new EF students find a host family to stay with and is looking for anybody that is willing to undergo the process of becoming a host family

With the arrival of Julie and Leo, it will be TJ’s job to make this transition easy for them, possibly helping the two around to their classes or anything else they may need. With students like Hunter Gibson and senior Lindsay Blackford supporting the EF program, TJ is more than prepared to help these two students and even more in the future.

Continued

Elizabeth LambReporter

Politicians are now starting the process of promoting their political campaigns to run for the 2016 presidential race. The official candidates who have announced that they are running is former Democratic Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, and Republican senators Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, and Marco Rubio.

For the most part, this year the candidates will travel throughout early voting states making speeches and sharing their core ideas, getting voters on their side and raise money for their campaigns. Next year in January, the 2016 Primary and Caucus season

begins, which will put candidates from the same party against each other to fully be nominated to run for president.

Out of all of the candidates, Clinton has already started making appearances here in Iowa. Her first stop was Monticello, Iowa on April 12th, followed by other Iowa towns. She also went to New Hampshire on April 21st, where she talked about her beliefs of helping everyday Americans.

“What’s important to me is what the candidates are going to do to help people and what their plan is if they do win,” said junior Sydnee Neff.

Ana AguilarReporter

Race toward Presidency

(Continued on cbjacketjournalism.com)

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51503(712) 322-2100

Education First

before,” said Yale. “I’m looking forward to living more on my own. I wasn’t expecting to get the scholarship.”

Senior Dylan Montgomery also received the scholarship and now has a big weight lifted from his shoulders.

“It felt good to get this scholarship because then I don’t have to worry about paying back the money. I am going for Journalism for the whole two years and maybe moving up to working for a radio station.” said Montgomery.

With the help of the Aksarben Foundation and

Peter Kiewit Foundation, the Iowa West Foundation hopes to expand the number of recipients to 400 students by 2020 and also stretch to more high schools in the county.

The stress levels were high before these students have received this scholarship, but now they do not have to worry about any payments. For the next two years their classes, dorms, food, and books will be paid for. The privilege has inspired these students to become independent and strive for a successful future.

On May 1st and 2nd, TJ students Jenna Voster, Lindsay McGinnis-Hurt, Tyler West, and Jennifer Madison had their various styles of artwork displayed for the Kent Bellows mentoring program. On May 1st, traditional artwork such as paintings or drawings were shown at the Kent Bellows studio in Omaha and performance art such as fashion and poetry were shown at the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha on May 2nd.