The Student News Source Of Kennedy High School

Kennedy Torch
Hadestown Poster designed by student Onnika Hallam
Kennedy High School Theatre Performs Hadestown May 8-10
Dana Melone, recipient of the American Psychological Association TOPSS Charles T. Blair-Broeker Excellence in Teaching award
Kennedy Psychology Teacher Dana Melone Wins Major Award
Teachers struggle to conduct day-to-day operation in the wake of a printing budget deficit.
Kennedy Teachers Face a Printing Crisis, Limited to 25 Pages Per Day
Kennedy' spring musical "Hadestown" audition camp and auditions will be held March 31 through April 2
Kennedy Theatre Department Prepares for Atypical Spring Musical Auditions
Classroom environment set to change for incoming freshmen in new Seminar Elective in the 2025-2026 school year.
Freshmen Seminar Confirmed as Elective for 2025-2026 School Year
Junior Caitilyn Ruggeri prepares for the serve.
Caitilyn Ruggeri Scores During Her Junior Year
The Kennedy Dance Team exits the floor after performing their Poms routine.
Dance Team Tryouts Yield Three New Members
Taking a shot on goal, freshman Bibek Magar looks to get his first goal on the season.
Kennedy Varsity Soccer Begins Season With Tie Against Waterloo West
Intercepting the ball, sophomore Gracie Feltes breaks free from the Xavier opponent.
Photos: Varsity Girls Soccer Jamboree
Senior Trey McKowen receives the Boys Basketball State Qualifier banner from Kennedy athletic director Shawn Thomsen.
Kennedy Varsity Boys Basketball: A Season of Growth
"Got Paper?": This editorial cartoon addresses the current paper shortage going on at Kennedy High School. Hence why Mike from the office is talking to Kline, because he owns a paper company. This is a comedic take on the current dilemma that our school is facing.
Editorial Cartoon: Got Paper?
The new "drag" ban bill (HF891) that is currently under review originally targeted drag shows by stating if a minor attended or viewed the performance, all parties involved could be charged with a felony. The restriction now concerns anyone who allows/performs an "obscene performance" in front of a minor, but the word obscene is subjective and leaves the law up to interpretation.
Editorial Cartoon: To Be or Not To Be Obscene
"Mufasa" succeeds in conveying the story of Simbas father from the original "Lion King".
Mufasa Makes a Splash in the Box Office
TikTok is a time sink for a number of users, designed to be addicting.
The TikTok Time-Bomb
As the political climate shifts, so does that of education.
Editorial Cartoon: A Shifting Stance on Education
Key Clubs Provides Volunteer Opportunities to KHS Students
Key Clubs Provides Volunteer Opportunities to KHS Students
Dana Melone, recipient of the American Psychological Association TOPSS Charles T. Blair-Broeker Excellence in Teaching award
Kennedy Psychology Teacher Dana Melone Wins Major Award
DnD Club Engages Students in Cult Classic Game Dungeons and Dragons
DnD Club Engages Students in Cult Classic Game Dungeons and Dragons
Kennedy High School participates in an annual student exchange with a school in Japan.
Bridging Cultures: Japanese Exchange Students Experience Student Life at Kennedy
Speech members celebrate after receiving their scores.
Large-Group Speech Season Wraps Up in Ames
Junior Caitilyn Ruggeri prepares for the serve.
Caitilyn Ruggeri Scores During Her Junior Year
Dana Melone, recipient of the American Psychological Association TOPSS Charles T. Blair-Broeker Excellence in Teaching award
Kennedy Psychology Teacher Dana Melone Wins Major Award
Throughout Meredith Kaump's wrestling season she has had support from her friends and family.
Meredith Kaump Places Sixth at Girls State Wrestling
Junior, Kennedy girl's wrestler, Olivia Hallam who has recently earned a state title.
Olivia Hallam Ranks Fourth at Girls State Wrestling
Senior Eliana Hansen has completed in pageants since 2021.
Elíana Hansen: Finding Confidence in Pageantry
Small Buisness Highlight: Nail Artist beautyxxmarina Leaves Clients Satisfied
Small Buisness Highlight: Nail Artist beautyxxmarina Leaves Clients Satisfied
Jazz Band playing at Kennedy's Performance of The Nutcracker
Kennedy Jazz Band Qualifies for Championships for the First Time in School History
Hadestown Poster designed by student Onnika Hallam
Kennedy High School Theatre Performs Hadestown May 8-10
Illustration: Hadestown Construction Has Begun!
Illustration: Hadestown Construction Has Begun!
Torch Out Loud, the Kennedy Torch podcast, presents a new episode.
Torch Out Loud: Moonlight Express on Jazz Choir at Kennedy
Hadestown Poster designed by student Onnika Hallam
Kennedy High School Theatre Performs Hadestown May 8-10
Taking a shot on goal, freshman Bibek Magar looks to get his first goal on the season.
Kennedy Varsity Soccer Begins Season With Tie Against Waterloo West
Senior Trey McKowen receives the Boys Basketball State Qualifier banner from Kennedy athletic director Shawn Thomsen.
Kennedy Varsity Boys Basketball: A Season of Growth
During the national anthem, the Kennedy basketball team stands together.
Photos: Kennedy Varsity Boys Basketball Defeats Waterloo West on February 24
Elevating above the Xavier opponent, McKowen looks to hit a three from deep.
Photos: Kennedy Varsity Boys Basketball Defeats Xavier on January 31
The Student News Source Of Kennedy High School

Kennedy Torch
The Student News Source Of Kennedy High School

Kennedy Torch
Recent Stories
News
Hadestown Poster designed by student Onnika Hallam
Kennedy High School Theatre Performs Hadestown May 8-10
Scarlett Bunnell and Amalie Jørck • May 7, 2025

Kennedy High School is preparing for its spring musical Hadestown. This production is notable because the school was not allowed to announce it until a specific date due to...

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Dana Melone, recipient of the American Psychological Association TOPSS Charles T. Blair-Broeker Excellence in Teaching award
Kennedy Psychology Teacher Dana Melone Wins Major Award
Maggie Goldberg, Writer • April 22, 2025

This April, Kennedy psychology teacher Dana Melone was selected to receive the American Psychological Association TOPSS Charles T. Blair-Broeker Excellence in Teaching award....

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Teachers struggle to conduct day-to-day operation in the wake of a printing budget deficit.
Kennedy Teachers Face a Printing Crisis, Limited to 25 Pages Per Day
Torch Editorial Board, Writers • April 3, 2025

Kennedy High School has passed their paper budget, with over one million papers being printed this school year alone. Throughout the last couple of months, Kennedy teachers...

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Trending Stories
1
As consumers we tend to skim nutrition labels...would you even notice if it read "may contain rats" ?

Rats: A New Superfood In Your Drink?

2
Hadestown Poster designed by student Onnika Hallam

Kennedy High School Theatre Performs Hadestown May 8-10

3
Kennedy teachers are concerned over lack of information and consultation.

Former GIPS Employee Speaks Out About Superintendent Grover's Leadership

4
Dana Melone, recipient of the American Psychological Association TOPSS Charles T. Blair-Broeker Excellence in Teaching award

Kennedy Psychology Teacher Dana Melone Wins Major Award

5
Illustration: Hadestown Construction Has Begun!

Illustration: Hadestown Construction Has Begun!

6
With the release of JoJo Siwa's new song "Karma" has caused her family friendly reputation to go up in flames.

Bows Gone Bad: The Downfall of JoJo Siwa

7
Students are often distracted by cell phones during class time.

The Impact of Social Media Within Our Community

8
Kennedy' spring musical "Hadestown" audition camp and auditions will be held March 31 through April 2

Kennedy Theatre Department Prepares for Atypical Spring Musical Auditions

9
Iowa's Hinterland Music Festival grounds packed shoulder-to-shoulder with patrons on day three.

The Hinterland Experience: Greedy Cash Grab or Underprepared Concert Goers?

10
Key Clubs Provides Volunteer Opportunities to KHS Students

Key Clubs Provides Volunteer Opportunities to KHS Students

Sports
Junior Caitilyn Ruggeri prepares for the serve.
Caitilyn Ruggeri Scores During Her Junior Year
River Borgerding, Writer • May 15, 2025

Junior Caitiyln Ruggeri has played tennis since she was eight years old and has been on the varsity roster for Kennedy Girls Tennis since her freshman year.  Ruggeri started...

The Kennedy Dance Team exits the floor after performing their Poms routine.
Dance Team Tryouts Yield Three New Members
May 1, 2025
Taking a shot on goal, freshman Bibek Magar looks to get his first goal on the season.
Kennedy Varsity Soccer Begins Season With Tie Against Waterloo West
April 11, 2025
Intercepting the ball, sophomore Gracie Feltes breaks free from the Xavier opponent.
Photos: Varsity Girls Soccer Jamboree
April 8, 2025
Opinion
"Got Paper?": This editorial cartoon addresses the current paper shortage going on at Kennedy High School. Hence why Mike from the office is talking to Kline, because he owns a paper company. This is a comedic take on the current dilemma that our school is facing.
Editorial Cartoon: Got Paper?
Izzy Westercamp, Artist • April 4, 2025

The new "drag" ban bill (HF891) that is currently under review originally targeted drag shows by stating if a minor attended or viewed the performance, all parties involved could be charged with a felony. The restriction now concerns anyone who allows/performs an "obscene performance" in front of a minor, but the word obscene is subjective and leaves the law up to interpretation.
Editorial Cartoon: To Be or Not To Be Obscene
March 28, 2025
"Mufasa" succeeds in conveying the story of Simbas father from the original "Lion King".
Mufasa Makes a Splash in the Box Office
February 27, 2025
TikTok is a time sink for a number of users, designed to be addicting.
The TikTok Time-Bomb
February 18, 2025
Wenig Weather Report


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Class of 2025 Graduation
Days Until Graduation
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Your donation will support the student journalists of Kennedy High School - IA. Your contribution will go towards the purchase of a new lens for our photographers.

Meet The Staff
Amalie Jørck
Amalie Jørck
Writer

Hi, my name is Amalie and I'm from Denmark, I'm here for my foreign exchange year. I love all things theatre and musicals. I enjoy learning new things, and I hope some of the things I write will be fun and interesting.

Sonja Woerner
Sonja Woerner
Editor-in-Chief

Hi! My name's Sonja and I'm a senior here at Kennedy. This is my fourth year in Torch and my second as Editor-in-Chief! Outside of Torch, I'm on the swim team, participate in theater and show choir tech and program lights for productions at Kennedy. I also enjoy reading, writing and hanging out with friends in my spare time!

River Borgerding
River Borgerding
Copy Editor

HI HI! My name is River and I am a junior! This is my second year in Torch, and I write and do photography. Outside of school, I love crocheting, hanging out with my friends and FaceTiming with them!

Arts and Culture
Small Buisness Highlight: Nail Artist beautyxxmarina Leaves Clients Satisfied
Small Buisness Highlight: Nail Artist beautyxxmarina Leaves Clients Satisfied
Mela Baccam, Writer • May 16, 2025

Marina Mesch is a 20 year old licensed cosmetologist. In today’s society, it's normal to walk into a nail salon and pay up to $100 dollars...

Jazz Band playing at Kennedy's Performance of The Nutcracker
Kennedy Jazz Band Qualifies for Championships for the First Time in School History
May 15, 2025
Hadestown Poster designed by student Onnika Hallam
Kennedy High School Theatre Performs Hadestown May 8-10
May 7, 2025
Illustration: Hadestown Construction Has Begun!
Illustration: Hadestown Construction Has Begun!
April 28, 2025
Torch Out Loud, the Kennedy Torch podcast, presents a new episode.
Torch Out Loud: Moonlight Express on Jazz Choir at Kennedy
April 15, 2025
Photos
Donate to Kennedy Torch
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$750
Contributed
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