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
Kiera Zwack

Kiera Zwack, Photo Editor

Hi, my name is Kiera Zwack! I’m a junior, this is my second year in Torch and my first year being Photo Editor. I love being able to capture moments that happen in time. I live off coffee, books and dressing up is my specialty :)

All content by Kiera Zwack
With Graduation fast approaching, make sure you know where you're supposed to be and when.

[Photo] Attention Seniors: Graduation Reminders

Emma Beachner, Writer
April 7, 2024
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Winter Fashion at Kennedy

Charlotte Thephravong and Kiera Zwack
January 28, 2024
Senior Raiya Hurt sings solo during "The Audition Song"

Happiness members dance to The Audition Song

My Prerogative being performed by Protege

Protege performs "You Can't Touch This"

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Junior Srinidhi Kompella performs solo during Children of the Night

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Helen Mackey, Jenae Cooper, Noah Kanetomo sing in JV Jazz Choir, Eclipse

Don't forget about me

Work This Out perfomed by Happiness

Protege performs

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Eclipse sings "Dream A Little Dream of Me"

Cold Hearted Snake performed by Protege

Kenna Mckenry performs solo in Moonlight Express

Ballad "Camp Isn't Home"

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[Photo] UnityPoint Apprenticeship Sign-On Day Welcomes 24

Delaney Mann, Writer
December 15, 2023
Senior Raiya Hurt performs "Happy" solo.

Kennedy’s Ensembles Perform at Premiere Concert

Kiera Zwack, Photographer
November 21, 2023
Walking along Wenig Road, Kenny the Cougar waves his pom-poms.

Photos: Homecoming Parade Brings Back the Powderpuff Game

Isaac White and Kiera Zwack
October 2, 2023
The "Stomp Out Bullying" campaign from Kinder Kennedy rides a float through the parade.

Trap Club rides along in the parade

Kennedy dance team walks the parade.

Drumline leads the Kennedy Marching Band, following closely behind the drum majors.

[Photo] Kennedy Sends 22 Musicians to Perform at the All-State Music Festival on November 18

November 17, 2023
Junior class celebrates after getting a point.

[Photo] Pep Assemblies: An Age Old Tradition

Anyah Stoppelmoor, Writer
September 28, 2023
Kennedy Football Team rushes the field before Friday night's game against Washington.

Photos: Cougars Varsity Football Destroy the Washington Warriors 45-7

Isaac White and Kiera Zwack
September 21, 2023
Forester works her backstroke, coming in second in her heat.

Photos: Cougars Swimming Takes on Pleasant Valley

Kiera Zwack, Photographer
September 8, 2023
Kennedy Dance Team performs together during the pep rally.

Photos: Juniors Rock the Boat at the First Pep Assembly of the Year

Kiera Zwack, Photo Editor
September 6, 2023
Sophomores celebrate a successful challenge, earning their team a point.

[Photo] Juniors Rock the Boat as Kennedy Kicks Off 2023

Alyx Goldensoph and Raina Holmes
September 6, 2023
Senora Harger hugs a student.

Photos: Class of 2023 Graduation

Kiera Zwack, Photographer
June 2, 2023
Junior Trisiyah Hurt portrays June in the song "Cell Block Tango."

[Photo] Kennedy Drama Debuts Chicago

Emma Beachner, writer
April 13, 2023
Junior Luke O'Brien and senior Elizabeth Goff, practice partner work in "We Both Reached For The Gun."

Kennedy Theatre Rehearses for Spring Production “Chicago”

Kiera Zwack, Photographer
April 4, 2023
Juniors Alex Clay and Yuna Song and senior Marcelle Strait perform "Basically Speaking" for Moonlight Express.

Kennedy Select Choirs Perform Their Full Shows at Dessert Concert

Kiera Zwack, Photographer
January 27, 2023
Ella Brown challenges herself to take on multiple sports.

[Photo] Ella Brown: Crushing The Competition

Rowan Hesford, Writer
March 15, 2023
Seniors Elizabeth Goff and Jake Horton perform the Happiness show.

Happiness Inc. Says Goodbye to the Neighborhood

Jordan Horne and Kiera Zwack
March 6, 2023
"Trolley Song" from "Meet Me in St. Louis" follows the ballad. Singers watch as a Trolley rolls across the stage.

Freshman Nathaniel Goff sings the ballad, "Take My Breath Away/Hold My Hand."

"Protégé," Kennedy's Junior Varsity Show Choir, performs "Mighty Wings" as their opener for their Top Gun-themed show.

Seniors Kyle Pratt, Kaci Miller and Jaxon Robinson perform "Warmth of the Sun" as a part of Kennedy's Varsity Jazz Choir.

Freshmen Su Shima, Nick Knipfer and Graci Heinrich close out the show with "Danger Zone."

Protege sings and dances to "Great Balls of Fire" from Top Gun.

Varsity Show Choir Happiness Inc. performs their closer "Treat People With Kindness/I Feel Better."

Jake Horton, portraying Mr. Rogers, sings "It's You I Like" during the ballad.

Kennedy Moonlight Express sings the closer at the Dessert Concert.

Soloists Owen Kilgore and Elizabeth Goff perform the opener.

Colton Klein swims backstroke.

Photos: Boys’ Swimming at Jefferson

Kiera Zwack, Photographer
December 9, 2022
Happiness Inc. performs Mr. Rogers Medley.

Photos: Show Choir Premiere Concert

Kiera Zwack and Ella Smith
November 17, 2022
Junior Ellie Hance swims the 100 Yard Backstroke at regionals, qualifying for state.

[Photo] Swimming and Diving Scores in the Preliminaries

Sonja Woerner, Copy Editor
November 12, 2022
Junior Maria Trotta swimming the butterfly leg of the 200 Yard Medley Relay at regionals.

[Photo] Kennedy Places Ninth At Swimming and Diving State Meet

Sonja Woerner, Copy Editor
November 12, 2022
Senior Captain Casey Gannon competes in the 500 Freestyle at Regionals. A race that qualified her for state.

[Photo] Girls’ Swimming and Diving Splashes Into State

Haile Miller, Writer
November 10, 2022
Ami Jacobo practicing her choreography during Happiness Inc. rehearsal.

[Photo] Kennedy Show Choirs Make Their Debut

Emma Beachner, Writer
November 9, 2022
Kennedy Linemen Warm up with the "Family" block in the foreground.

Photos: Cougars Fall to Waukee NW in A Defense Controlled Game

Molly Martin, Isaac White, and Kiera Zwack
November 1, 2022
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