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
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
All- State qualifiers of Speech and Improv before performing last month.
Kennedy’s All-State Speech and Improv Team Perform in Showcase
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
Ella Smith

Ella Smith, Photo Editor

Hi, my name is Ella Smith and I am a senior at Kennedy. This is my third year in Torch as a photographer. Outside of class, I spend my time dancing, playing tennis and hanging out with my friends.
All content by Ella Smith
The Kennedy Dance Team exits the floor after performing their Poms routine.

[Photo] Dance Team Tryouts Yield Three New Members

Taryn Oberthien, Writer
May 1, 2025
Junior Emma Rood

Freshman Ashlynn Cumings

Senior Skylar Moody

Junior Anyah Stoppelmoor

Senior Addie Thompson

Senior Emma Olson

Senior Katelyn Anderson

Freshman Gatsby Gloede

Sophomore Elle Rammelsberg

Seniors Maggie Goldberg and Ella Moser pose after being crowned "Homecoming Royalty."

[Photo] Homecoming Royalty Controversy Sparks Social Media Debate

Kaitlyn Dolphin, Managing Editor
October 25, 2024
Senior Cayden Hayes and junior Henry Wilkes wave at parade onlookers.

Juniors Nathaniel Goff and Lincoln McMahan and sophomore Neil Cogdill March for the cross country float.

Welcoming Kennedy fans to the jungle, varsity volleyball cheers in the parade.

Senior Skyler Moody cheers for Kennedy Dance Team.

Juniors Addison Kellogg and Grace Ulferts and freshman Aubrey Knock support Kennedy's Best Buddies club.

Kennedy Marching Band plays the fight song as they march.

[Photo] Video: 2024 Homecoming Court Nominees

September 24, 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
Kennedy's student body shows their Cougar pride at the Kennedys home game against Pleasant Valley.

[Photo] Student Section Etiquette: The DOs and DON’Ts of a High School Student Section

Mela Baccam, Writer
September 18, 2024
The Kennedy Softball team poses for a picture after their win.

Photos: May 30 Softball vs Cedar Falls

Ella Smith, Photographer
June 2, 2024
Junior Julia Thorne serves the ball.

Returning a serve, junior Alli Vander Zee hits the ball scoring a point.

Freshman Eva Larsen watches her toss before she serves.

Sophomore Caitilyn Ruggeri returns her opponents serve.

Senior Olivia Hubbard hits a forehand.

[Photo] Photos: April 20 Varsity Girls Tennis vs Linn-Mar

May 1, 2024
Before the meet, senior Jennifer Phillips warms up her serves.

Junior Maggie Goldberg tosses the ball to serve.

Serving the ball, sophomore Charity Oduor scores a point.

Senior Olivia Hubbard hits a forehand.

Photos: April 20 Varsity Girls Tennis vs Linn-Mar

Ella Smith, Photographer
May 1, 2024
Freshman Marshall O'Connor takes his shot at the pins

Senior Kaylee Harris throws her ball towards the pins

Freshman Kiera Foye works out her shot before throwing the ball.

Sophomore Nick Deeds winds up to throw his ball.

Sophomore Elaina Chesmore throws her ball down the lane.

Senior Drake Kayser lines up his shot.

Senior Darek Kayser prepares to throw his next shot.

Sophomore Lily Bader follows through after throwing her ball.

like

like (8)

like (7)

like (6)

like (5)

like (4)

like (3)

like (2)

like (1)

In a neutral position, sophomore Meredith Kaump stands her ground.

[Photo] Meredith Kaump Stands her Ground Throughout the Season

Emma Rood, Writer
February 2, 2024
Freshman Elle Rammelsberg displays her impressive balance during her solo.

Photos: Kennedy Varsity Dance Team Competes at State on December 1

Ella Smith, Photographer
December 12, 2023
Holding her opponent down, senior Terranae Wyatt gets a quick win.

Photos: Varsity Wrestling Teams Competed on November 30 at Kennedy

Ella Smith, Photographer
December 11, 2023
Displaying her grace, sophomore Anyah Stoppelmoor dances a jazz number.

Junior Katelyn Anderson is perfectly posed during a group dance.

Expressing her emotions at her last state performance, senior Aubrey Wolf stands during the group dance.

Sophomore Emma Rood and junior Emma Olson emit their intense Kennedy spirit.

Performing for the last time, senior Breighan Wolrab brings the energy.

Freshman Elle Rammelsberg starts her solo.

Trying to flip his opponent, senior Austin Raue pushes for a win.

Senior Colin Falck pins his opponent.

Junior Liz Renshaw dominates her match.

After a hard battle, junior Ella Brown pins Jefferson wrestler.

In a neutral position, sophomore Merideth Kaump stands her ground.

Junior Jackson Popelka takes down his competitor.

The Junior Cougar Wrestling Team receives recognition between meets.

Kennedy Dance Team joins together for a picture after their jazz routine.

[Photo] Kennedy Dance Team Takes the Floor at State

Anyah Stoppelmoor, Writer
December 18, 2023
Crossing the finish line, sophomore Adam Gray places first in his race.

Photos: Kennedy Cross Country Team Competes at Seminole Valley on October 12

Ella Smith, Photographer
October 26, 2023
On hole four, freshman Kale Haugen watches his ball after teeing off.

Photos: Freshman Boys Golf Competes at Ellis Golf Course on September 13

Ella Smith, Photographer
September 22, 2023
Freshman Grayson Koutney finishes his drive on hole one.

On hole nine, freshman Kylan Walsh hits a clean shot, laying up to the green.

Teeing off on hole one, freshman Blake Robertson makes contact with the ball and launches it into the air.

Lining up his shot, freshman Luke Murray looks to make it on the green.

Paulson tees off on hole nine

Junior Adalyn Hermanson and junior Jenna Younge block Waterloo's point.

Photos: 8/29 Varisty Volleyball at Waterloo West

Ella Smith, Photographer
September 7, 2023
Sophomore Jocelyn Stricker sets the ball.

Junior Kiera Werner serves the ball.

Senior Anaysia Perkins passes the ball.

Sophomore Irelyn Ballard sets the ball to her teammate.

Des Moines Register's Athlete of the Week Maren Diederich serves the ball.

Senior Jennifer Phillips scores a point by deflecting the ball.

The team celebrates after scoring a point.

Junior Liza Scherbring scoring a goal

Photos: Girls’ Soccer vs Western Dubuque on May 5

Ella Smith, Photographer
May 15, 2023
Senior Adeline Bowers completing her serve.

Photos: April 6 Girls Tennis vs Prairie

Ella Smith, Photographer
April 19, 2023
Happiness Inc. dances at Prairie competition.

[Photo] Show Choir Auditions Have Started for the 2023-2024 School Year

Louise Morand, Writer
March 16, 2023
Kennedy student completes MyPath reading lessons.

[Photo] MyPath: Is it Worth it?

March 14, 2023
State Qualifier Jordan Twiddy pinning a Muscatine wrestler on Jan. 14.

[Photo] Kennedy Boys’ Wrestling Approaches State With Three Competitors

Maggie Goldberg, Writer
February 15, 2023
DSC_0982

[Photo] Kennedy Culture Club Hosts Culture Night

February 17, 2023
Drake Kline approaches the end of a fast 100 Yard Butterfly.

Photos: District Boys’ Swim Meet on 2/4

Ella Smith, Photographer
February 7, 2023
Connor Hageman swims the final lap of the first event of the meet, a relay.

Load More Stories
Donate to Kennedy Torch
$750
$750
Contributed
Our Goal