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
The Street Food Fighter serves food to the Cedar Rapids community.
“Food is Love”: How The Street Food Fighter Feeds the Soul
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
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
Anyah Stoppelmoor

Anyah Stoppelmoor, Writer

Hi everyone! My name is Anyah and I’m a junior. This is my second year in Torch as a photographer. Outside of class, I participate in dance at Kennedy and a studio.
All content by Anyah Stoppelmoor
Senior Ella Moser shoots her first free-throw.

Photos: Varsity Girls Basketball Takes the Win Over Waverly-Shell Rock

Anyah Stoppelmoor, Photographer
December 18, 2024
Kennedy teachers are concerned over lack of information and consultation.

[Photo] Former GIPS Employee Speaks Out About Superintendent Grover's Leadership

December 14, 2024
Sophomore Hayley Speidel presents her art project.

Students in the CRCSD face uncertainty in the wake of incoming Learning Pathways.

[Photo] CRCSD's Freshman Academies and Learning Pathways: A Communication Breakdown

December 3, 2024
Partners run together down the gym in performance P.E.

After the first parent advisory meeting, CRCSD proposes pushing back Freshman Academies and acknowledges community concerns.

[Photo] Delay of Freshman Academy Program Acknowledges Community Voices

January 20, 2025
Classroom environment set to change for incoming freshmen in new Seminar Elective in the 2025-2026 school year.

Classroom environment set to change for incoming freshmen in new Seminar Elective in the 2025-2026 school year.

[Photo] Freshmen Seminar Confirmed as Elective for 2025-2026 School Year

March 26, 2025
Parents and district administrators disagree over the direction for CRCSD students' education.

[Photo] First Parent Advisory Board Meeting Raises Questions and Concerns

January 17, 2025
Juniors Paisley Knight, Julia Bruns, Ryan Chittenden, and Erin Arnold promote their new club during lunch.

Seniors Conner Below, Max Leno and Blake Kroemer join their buddy Joe Lutz.

Photos: Best Buddies Holds Matching Party on October 16

Anyah Stoppelmoor, Photographer
October 25, 2024
Sophomores Callum Fortune and Sam Myers assists John Bednar.

Student Government Hosts Circle of Friends on 10/15

Samuella Kasha and Anyah Stoppelmoor
October 23, 2024
The senior Powderpuff team huddles to discuss their play.

Senior Jenna Young avoids junior Grace Ulfers as she runs the ball to the endzone.

Junior Irelyn Ballard intercepts the ball.

Junior Elaina Chesmore winds up to make a pass.

Before the Powderpuff game, senior Julia Thorne warms up by passing the football.

Kennedy juniors celebrate after their win against the seniors in the annual Powderpuff game.

Senior McKenna Knock snaps the ball.

Junior McKenzie Cone runs down the field for a touchdown.

The seniors huddle together mid-game.

Junior Ellison Pierce runs the ball during the annual Powderpuff game.

[Photo] Homecoming Week Puts Kennedy Student Life on Display

October 2, 2024
Junior Jocelyn Stricker goes to make a pass.

Juniors Grace Ulferts reaches for senior Jenna Young's flags as she sprints down the field.

[Photo] Mic'd Up: Senior Jacob Doyle Coaches the Senior Powderpuff Team

October 14, 2024
The juniors huddle together before the game begins.

Senior Ella Moser prepares to throw the ball.

Seniors Ady Hermanson and Jenna Younge block the ball.

Photos: Varsity Volleyball Defeated by Xavier Saints on 9/24

Anyah Stoppelmoor, Photographer
October 7, 2024
Junior Ellison Pierce runs the ball during the annual Powderpuff game.

Homecoming Week Puts Kennedy Student Life on Display

River Borgerding, Ella Smith, and Anyah Stoppelmoor
October 2, 2024
Freshman Keira Mueller and sophomore Peyton LeMieux block a Liberty player at the net.

Photos: Sophomore Volleyball Defeats Iowa City Liberty on September 11

Anyah Stoppelmoor, Photographer
September 27, 2024
Junior Marissa Rahe leads younger kids in a cheer.

Freshmen trio Megan Trudo, Ashlyn Cummings and Taryn Oberthien express their cougar spirit.

Junior Emma Rood watches younger kids dancing.

Fourth and fifth graders perform a dance taught by the dance team.

Senior Willa Bowman joins second and third graders in a cheer.

[Photo] Junior Cougars Get First Glimpse of School Spirit at Kennedy's Annual Cheer and Dance Clinic

September 10, 2024
Members of Kennedy's Cheer and Dance Team lead pre-k and kindergartners in a cheer.

Cheer and Dance Team join together before the clinic.

Kennedy Dance Team huddles together.

Senior Willa Bowman joins second and third graders in a cheer.

Junior Cougars Get First Glimpse of School Spirit at Kennedy’s Annual Cheer and Dance Clinic

Emma Rood and Anyah Stoppelmoor
September 10, 2024
Dolan keeps her opponent from stealing the ball.

Photos: JV Girls Basketball Takes on Jefferson J-Hawks on December 7

Anyah Stoppelmoor, Photographer
December 21, 2023
Kennedy Dance Team joins together for a picture after their jazz routine.

Kennedy Dance Team Takes the Floor at State

Anyah Stoppelmoor, Writer
December 18, 2023
Myles Scheckels prepares for his next turn.

Ashlyn Presley smiles to her peers and family.

John Bednar smiles to family after hitting pins down.

Myles Scheckel and Ashlynn Presley wait for the tournament to begin.

Ashley Presley and Brooklyn Perez.

Grant Mather and Trevan Krumrei sign to colleges.

Photos: Kennedy Group Athletic Signing on November 8

Anyah Stoppelmoor, Photographer
November 10, 2023
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