The Student News Source Of Kennedy High School

Kennedy Torch
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
The future of CRCSD remains uncertain as several questions are raised regarding curriculum changes.
Innovative or Ill-Conceived: College and Career Pathways Come to CRCSD
Kennedy's color guard accompanies the marching band's show "Shattered" with technicolor flags.
Winter Color Guard Places Third on 3/9
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
Throughout Meredith Kaump's wrestling season she has had support from her friends and family.
Meredith Kaump Places Sixth at Girls State Wrestling
Senior Ella Moser Hits 1,000 Points In Her High School Basketball Career.
Senior Ella Moser Hits 1,000 Points In Her High School Basketball Career.
This is an editorial cartoon that is addressing 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
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
Kennedy's Model UN Provides Diplomatic Opportunities for Students
Kennedy’s Model UN Provides Diplomatic Opportunities for Students
Instructor Brain Jeffords adds weight to a bridge.
Photos: Kennedy’s Project Lead the Way Experiments with Engineering and Construction
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
Freshman Bentley Dill runs down the court while protecting the ball.
Freshman Bentley Dill Joins Kennedy Girls Basketball
Tackling a Davenport North player, Henry Wilkes nears the 50 yard line.
Henry Wilkes: Students, Athlete, Musician
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
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
Happiness, Inc. members portray the father (senior Avery Theis) and son (junior Saul Ervin) in the choir's show.
Varsity Show Choir ‘Happiness’ Season Recap
Kennedy's color guard accompanies the marching band's show "Shattered" with technicolor flags.
Winter Color Guard Places Third on 3/9
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
Freshman Wrigley Davidson looks to pass the ball to freshman August Wilkes.
Photos: Freshman Boys Basketball Defeated by Xavier on January 30
The Student News Source Of Kennedy High School

Kennedy Torch
The Student News Source Of Kennedy High School

Kennedy Torch
Merideth Langton

Merideth Langton, Photo Editor

Hi, I’m Merideth! I am the senior Photo Editor for the Torch. Outside of photography I also am in Happiness Inc. and golf. You will probably see me on the sidelines or in the audience of Kennedy events with a camera.

All content by Merideth Langton
52735453769_3c1391e02e_o

[Photo] Kennedy’s Winter Sports Start Their Seasons

Isaac White, Emma Rood, Tori Paga, Onnika Hallam, and Kloud Smith
December 4, 2023
Boy's Soccer Recognizes Teachers at Appreciation Game

Boy’s Soccer Recognizes Teachers at Appreciation Game

Merideth Langton, Photo Editor
May 26, 2023
Photos: Kennedy Band and Orchestra Rocks the Stage

Photos: Kennedy Band and Orchestra Rocks the Stage

Merideth Langton, Photo Editor
May 25, 2023
Senior Charlotte Ottemoeller plays alto saxophone for Kennedy Marching Band's 2022-2023 show, "Black Widow."

[Photo] Senior Charlotte Ottemoeller Takes The Field

Jersey Bilyeu, Writer
May 18, 2023
Molly Martin showcases her promposal to Kaitlyn Dolphin

[Photo] The Declining “Promposal” Phenomenon

Madisen Maxa
May 10, 2023
Velma (Junior Daraiya Hurt) and Roxie (Senior Elizabeth Goff) pose on a piano with ensemble members.

Crime Comes to the Kennedy Stage in Chicago

Merideth Langton, Photo Editor
April 18, 2023
Senior Kenzie Reed looks to pass the ball to a teammate while being defended.

Photos: Boys Basketball Wraps Up Season in The Well

Merideth Langton, Photo Editor
March 10, 2023
The Juniors pose together with the Spirit Stick after defeating the other classes.

Photos: Junior Class Takes Home the Spirit Stick In Spring Pep Assembly

Merideth Langton, Photo Editor
March 31, 2023
Robert Johnson smiles during the class of 2022 commencement ceremony.

[Photo] Senior Reminders for the Class of 2023

March 23, 2023
Junior Micah Schlaak reaches to block a Pleasant Valley basket.

Kennedy Boys’ Basketball Achieves High Honors

Haile Miller and Merideth Langton
March 22, 2023
Strolling the aisles of Target is a popular pastime in Cedar Rapids.

[Photo] A Picture Perfect Spring Break

Joshua Barker, Writer
March 11, 2023
Junior Trevan Krumrei reaches around a North Scott player to put the ball in the basket.

Photos: Boys Basketball Punches Ticket to the Well

Merideth Langton, Photo Editor
March 1, 2023
Senior Kenzie Reed defends his basket against Davenport West.

Photos: Boys Basketball Takes Down Davenport West In Substate Semifinal

Merideth Langton, Photo Editor
February 28, 2023
Senior starters Colby Dolphin, Kenzie Reed and Carter Newhouse pose in the photo studio.

[Photo] The Road to The Well: Boys Basketball Beat Davenport West 97-46 on Senior Night

Molly Martin, Managing Editor
February 28, 2023
Senior Kenzie Reed poses in the photo studio.

[Photo] The Road to the Well: Boys Basketball goes Undefeated for the First Time in School History

Molly Martin, Managing Editor
February 17, 2023
Junior Trevan Krumrei puts up a 3-pointer.

[Photo] The Road to the Well: Postseason Brackets Announced for Boys Basketball

Molly Martin, Managing Editor
February 15, 2023
Varsity starters pose for team picture in the photo studio.

[Photo] The Road to the Well: Boys Basketball Finishes Out the Final Weeks of the Regular Season

Molly Martin, Managing Editor
February 10, 2023
Jaxon Robinson prepares to bowl.

[Photo] Jaxon Robinson: Tearing Up the Lane

Jordan Horne, Writer
February 9, 2023
Seniors from Kennedy's 2022 prom pose during the Grand March.

[Photo] Prom On A Budget

Madisen Maxa, Writer
February 10, 2023
Senior Alex Hume took 1st as an individual.

Photos: Cougar Boys Bowling Takes 1st at MVC Meet

Merideth Langton and Molly Martin
January 30, 2023
Junior Micah Schlaak shoots over a Wahlert player during a game on Jan. 17.

Photos: Boys Basketball Beats Wahlert Catholic, 86-55

Isaac White and Merideth Langton
January 17, 2023
Teachers Patrick Cory and Katie Peterson dress up as Mr. and Mrs. Claus the day before winter break. They dope to spread joy among the students.

[Photo] Holiday Traditions at Kennedy

Anabel Bradley, Editor-in-Chief
December 20, 2022
Elizabeth Goff (Belle) and Jake Horton (Beast) dance during the song "Tale as Old as Time."

Photos: Playtime Poppy Presents Beauty and the Beast

Merideth Langton, Photographer
December 2, 2022
Sophomore Landon Deiters goes up for a basket surrounded by Jefferson players.

Photos: Basketball Double Header Ends In Two Victories Over Jefferson

Merideth Langton, Photographer
December 13, 2022
The freshman class celebrates winning the spirit stick.

Cougars Celebrate The Holiday Spirit In The Winter Pep Assembly

Merideth Langton, Photographer
December 4, 2022
Sophomore Lexi Moore prepares to go up against two Prairie defenders.

Photos: Basketball Dominates Prairie in Double Header

Merideth Langton, Photographer
December 19, 2022
Senior Kenzie Reed fights off CR Jefferson's defense.

[Photo] Boys’ Varsity Basketball Sets New School Record

Molly Martin, Writer
December 10, 2022
Junior Luke O'Brien (Gaston) flexes behind the Silly Girls during the song "Gaston".

[Photo] Kennedy Actors Shine in Beauty and the Beast

Emma Beachner, Writer
December 8, 2022
Dance team performs at Winter Pep Assembly on Dec. 1.

[Photo] Dance Team Competes at State

Molly Martin, Writer
December 6, 2022
Senior Elizabeth Goff (Belle) and senior Jake Horton (Beast) after their waltz in a dress rehearsal.

[Photo] Kennedy Presents a Tale as Old as Time

Joshua Barker, Writer
December 1, 2022
Andy Courtney coaches the girls' team during a time out.

[Photo] The Return of Coach Courtney

Jersey Bilyeu, Writer
November 22, 2022
Cheerleaders at state basketball in Des Moines.

[Photo] Kennedy Cheer Looks for New Team Members

Molly Martin, Writer
November 17, 2022
Senior Kyle Crock walks with his family during the senior night ceremony.

The Road to The Dome: Varsity Football Beats Dubuque Hempstead

Molly Martin, Merideth Langton, and Isaac White
October 24, 2022
Junior Anthony runs the ball with senior Ryker Stelling's protections.

Photos: Varsity Football Claims 44-0 Win Over Davenport West

Molly Martin and Merideth Langton
October 10, 2022
The Cedar Rapids Community School District is struggling to find enough ELL teachers

[Photo] Kennedy Suffers an ELL Teacher Shortage

October 10, 2022
Sports announcer, Glen Wiebel, watches a Kennedy volleyball game. After filling in for Rich Patterson, he fell in love with the job.

[Photo] Glen Wiebel: The Voice of Cougar Athletics

Kaitlyn Dolphin, Writer
October 5, 2022
Athlete digs for the ball, sending it back over the net.

Photos: Volleyball Senior Night Ends In 3-1 Win Over IC West

Merideth Langton, Photographer
September 28, 2022
Kennedy and Dubuque Senior go head to head in an effort to get the ball.

Photos: Football Continues Undefeated Streak In 38-0 Win Over Dubuque Senior

Merideth Langton and Isaac White
September 26, 2022
Sophomore Ady Hermanson spikes the ball over the net to score a point on Linn-Mar.

Photos: Volleyball Defeats Linn-Mar 3-1

Merideth Langton, Photographer
September 22, 2022
Photos: Cougars Win Homecoming Game Over Jefferson 55-6

Photos: Cougars Win Homecoming Game Over Jefferson 55-6

Merideth Langton and Isaac White
September 18, 2022
Senior Anabel Bradley throws candy during the 2022 Kennedy Homecoming Parade.

[Photo] Homecoming Week Rolls Into Kennedy

September 26, 2023
Cheerleading and Dance Team walk in the parade.

Photos: Kennedy Homecoming Parade Celebrates Cougar Activities

Merideth Langton and Isaac White
September 15, 2022
Senior Nelta Earl waves during homecoming parade.

[Photo] Homecoming Scene Changes…Again

Emma Beachner, Writer
September 15, 2022
The Cougars line up on the baseline during the end of the freshman game.

Photos: Cougar Football Defeats Washington in Blackout Game

Merideth Langton and Isaac White
September 10, 2022
Photos: Football Opens Season With Win Over IC West

Photos: Football Opens Season With Win Over IC West

Merideth Langton and Isaac White
September 2, 2022
Class of 2024 posing for a group photo.

Best Spirit In America: Fall Pep Assembly 2022

Merideth Langton, Photographer
September 1, 2022
Molly Joyner serves the ball over the net at a varsity volleyball game.

[Photo] Molly Joyner: Finding Success in Many Places

Lizzy Hawkes, Writer
June 13, 2022
Students should not have to be scared when they walk into school.

[Photo] Enough is Enough.

Anabel Bradley, Writer
June 3, 2022
Kline discussing the meaning of the spirit stick at a pep assembly.

[Photo] Jason Kline: The King of Kennedy

Rowan Hesford, Writer
August 12, 2022
Agriculture Club created a garden near the Kennedy track.

[Photo] Join Our Clubs!

June 22, 2022
Author James Belding works silently in the Torch classroom.

[Photo] Being the Quiet Kid

May 26, 2022
trisiyahhurt

[Photo] Fashion Forward

Lizzy Hawkes, Writer
July 6, 2022
Photos: Anything But A Backpack Day

Photos: Anything But A Backpack Day

Merideth Langton, Photographer
May 25, 2022
Wilsee Kollie shares her art created to honor the volume of Black hair.

[Photo] Representing With the Rainbow

Anabel Bradley, Writer
June 1, 2022
Photos: Rock & Roll Returns With Symphonic Rock

Photos: Rock & Roll Returns With Symphonic Rock

Merideth Langton, Photographer
May 24, 2022
Photos: Grand March and Prom

Photos: Grand March and Prom

Merideth Langton, Photographer
May 23, 2022
Ellie Wilkes works behind the scenes of Kennedy's 2022 production of Matilda.

[Photo] The Whirlwind Life of Boring Ellie

Jersey Bilyeu, Writer
May 23, 2022
Questions are being raised about the right way to go about abortions.

[Photo] What’s Happening to Women’s Rights?

Jersey Bilyeu, Writer
May 17, 2022
MER_9461

Ashlynn Williams uses art as a creative outlook in her life.

[Photo] A Colorful View

May 10, 2022
Load More Stories
Donate to Kennedy Torch
$750
$750
Contributed
Our Goal