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
Emma Rood

Emma Rood, Writer

Hi! My name is Emma, I’m a junior and this is my third year in Torch. In school, I’m part of the dance team and also dance in my free time outside of school. My main interest in Torch is writing.
All content by Emma Rood
Kennedy High School participates in an annual student exchange with a school in Japan.

Bridging Cultures: Japanese Exchange Students Experience Student Life at Kennedy

Emma Rood, Writer
March 24, 2025
Kennedy Dance Team joins together for a picture after their jazz routine.

Dance Team Preps Soloists for State Qualifier

Emma Rood, Writer
October 23, 2024
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
Kennedy Dance Team poses infront of the ISDTA sign.

A Team, A Family

Emma Rood, Writer
July 29, 2024
In a neutral position, sophomore Meredith Kaump stands her ground.

Meredith Kaump Stands her Ground Throughout the Season

Emma Rood, Writer
February 2, 2024
Making a move around a Marion guard, senior Trevan Krumrai drives to the basket.

Kennedy’s Winter Sports Start Their Seasons

Isaac White, Emma Rood, Tori Paga, Onnika Hallam, and Kloud Smith
December 4, 2023
Freshman Elle Rammelsberg receives a medal and ISDTA shirt for qualifying at State Solo Qualifiers.

Kennedy Dance Team Begins Their Season with State Solo Qualifiers

Emma Rood, Writer
November 7, 2023
Scream Acres is open for its final weekend, Oct. 27-28, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.

Scream Acres: Four Fright-Filled Attractions Offering Scares and Delight

Emma Rood, Writer
October 27, 2023
Nick Brooks verbally commits to the University of Iowa in the Kennedy cafeteria.

Cedar Rapids Legend Nick Brooks Returns to Kennedy

Emma Rood, Writer
September 19, 2023
Saying Goodbye to Our Beloved Kennedy Teachers

Saying Goodbye to Our Beloved Kennedy Teachers

Claire Frank, Rowan Hesford, and Emma Rood
August 4, 2023
Senior Maggy Jellison dances at the Senior Night football game.

Dance Team Auditions Scheduled for Next Week

Emma Rood, Writer
May 10, 2023
Sidney Swartzendruber competes at a track meet last season.

Junior Sidney Swartzendruber Sets New School Track Record

Emma Rood, Writer
April 17, 2023
Junior Cyrus Courtney anchoring the Shuttle Hurtle

Photos: Co-Ed Track Meet at Kingston Stadium

Isaac White and Emma Rood
April 3, 2023
Kennedy student completes MyPath reading lessons.

MyPath: Is it Worth it?

Emma Rood, Writer
March 14, 2023
Seniors Jaxon Robinson and Lucas Dolphin pose with their medals after achieving second and third at the state bowling competition.

Bowling Makes Kennedy History, Taking Second and Third at State

Emma Rood, Writer
February 21, 2023
State qualifier Ella Brown wrestles a competitor during a home match.

Girls’ Wrestling Inaugural Season Comes to an End

Emma Rood, Writer
February 15, 2023
Ella Brown, state competitor, wrestles an opponent during a home meet.

Kennedy Girls’ Wrestling Sends Two to State

Emma Rood, Writer
February 2, 2023
Junior Natalie Fiester wrestles Dubuque Hempstead opponent.

Kennedy Girls’ Wrestling Goes 2-0 During Their First Ever Season

Haile Miller and Emma Rood
December 12, 2022
Protégé soloist performing the show's opener during a dress rehearsal.

Protégé Enters The Danger Zone

Emma Rood, Writer
November 9, 2022
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