Spotlight

YEK market DAY

... ....spotlight volume 10

Andover Central

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The

High School

19 November 2010

issue 3

(photoby tomflynn photo of ali schnauber)

target

Spotlight Staff editors in chief: taylor murray shelby sementelli

assistant editor: abbey elsbernd

copy editor: lyndsey roman

business manager: conner stultz

asst. business manager: trevor ledbetter jeff marshall

photo editor: arielle steck

photographers: pat collins mackenzie harding sarah huslig rachel jacobson tom flynn zac london

news editor: emily payne

sports editor: zach mallets

feature editor: dylan jordan

opinion editor: lauren whiteside

entertainment editor: clara davidson

circulation: greg schaulis emily peer carli loyd grace kubish

public relations: meg huelskamp

adviser: julie calabro

Contact Us:

email: achsspotlight@ yahoo.com phone: 316.218.4413 mail: Central Newsroom 603 E. Central Andover, KS 67002 myhsj.org/spotlight

2 SPOTLIGHT November 19

Upcoming Events

meet...

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B

Bailey Wilkerson

Bailey Wilkerson at Carnegie Hall. (courtesyphoto)

Bailey Wilkerson, junior, is an experienced violinist and plays in the Wichita Youth Symphony. The violin has taken her from South America to New York City.

How long have you been playing the violin, and how often do you practice?

I have been playing for eight years, and I practice an hour everyday. I play in the Wichita Youth Symphony, where I play mostly classical. Although, I used to fiddle when I was younger.

What long-term goals do you have with music?

I want to major in biology as well as music, and play in the Broadway Pit Orchestra. I really like playing in chamber groups, or smaller groups. I definitely

want to continue playing.

How were you introduced to the violin?

I had played the piano first, for two years, and I went to a piano competition. I saw people playing the violin, and I really wanted to learn. I really liked the sound of the violin; it’s just really beautiful. You can express your feelings easier than talking. Especially for me, because I am really shy.

Who bought your violin?

My grandparents bought it just recently for my birthday. The one before that was in my family, from my Great Great Great Grandfather.

It is really cool to be able to play an instrument that has been in the family that long.

-November 19-20 Plaza Suite 7:30 p.m.

- November 22 Winter Sport Pictures - November 24-26 Thanksgiving break - December 3 Cap and Gown Portraits - December 3 Holly Ball - December 10 STUCO Talent Show - December 13 Band Concert 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

- December 15 Holiday Vocal Concert 7-9 p.m.

Where has the violin taken you?

Freshman year I went with my school orchestra to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

We also traveled to Uruguay, where we toured for about a week. Then last summer, in the American Honors Performance Series, I performed at Carnegie Hall in New York. It was such an experience to play in Carnegie Hall, as it is every musician’s dream.

(dylanjordan)

Scholar’s bowl wins 1, loses 2 The buzzer goes off as one of the five opposing team members beat the Jaguar scholar’s bowl team to the last question.

The loss marked the end of a five round tournament at McPherson. The Jags won two rounds and lost three.

“After the scholar’s bowl tournament I was hungry. Hungry for more competition,” senior Grant Daigle said.

Scholar’s bowl is an academic team. Members must have extensive knowledge of social science, literature, math, science, current events, language and a mystery category.

The team has attended three tournaments. At Belle Plain the team won three rounds and lost two; at East they won two and lost three .

Scholar’s bowl team members constantly absorb information to be successful at tournaments, and to satisfy a thirst for knowledge.

“I joined scholar’s bowl to increase my knowledge in multiple areas and to further my education. I think scholar’s bowl will help me in the future because it shows my commitment to learning,” senior Jacob Lancaster said.

Social Studies teacher

and Extended Learning Program adviser Sharon Slade coaches the team.

“My favorite part of scholar’s bowl is interacting with the kids involved, and I’ve also learned a lot,” Slade said.

Scholar’s bowl opens educational opportunities and builds relationships between students and teachers.

“Scholar’s bowl has given me closer bonds with students older and younger and a better relationship with the teachers involved. Scholars Bowl helped me meet new people,” senior Adam Jacobson said.

(carliloyd/jeffmarshall)

in depth

Addition to expand practice space

The new multi-purpose room addition on the south side of the school has been controversial because of recent budget cuts and loss of teachers in the district.

However, the idea for this addition and 75 percent of the money came from a group of parents in the community.

“The approximate cost for the multi-purpose center is $200,000. A group of parents raised 75 percent of the money from donations and the other 25 percent came from the Capital Outlay Fund which is a fund that cannot be used to pay teacher’s salary; it must be used for building projects such as fixing the roof or building an addition,” principal Mark

Templin said.

The room that the wrestling team uses is significantly smaller than the multi-purpose room. The new addition will be approximately 50 x 90 ft; the existing wrestling room is only 50 x 50 ft. The multipurpose room will be able to hold two wrestling mats as opposed to the current room, which holds one.

“By our estimation, this room will have a positive impact on well over 200 young people. It’s a better environment for the kids and the great coaches we have; the benefits seemed pretty obvious,” parent donor, Dean Watson said.

The multi-purpose room will be

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used throughout the year by several sports teams. In the fall, it will give the Lady Jags dance team a place to practice other than the commons. In the winter the wrestling team will use the new room during after school practice and the Andover Jaguar Wrestling Club will use it for evening practice..

The old room will be used for the cheer squad in the fall as well as the Andover Central Middle School wrestling team in the winter. The baseball and softball teams will also use the rooms in the spring. This will provide both teams with a more efficient practice facility.

(gracekubish)(photobyariellesteck)

School extends beyond brick and mortar

Buzz, Buzz, Buzz. The alarm rings, you force yourself out of a cozy cocoon of warmth, in order to prepare for school. But, instead of running to the bus, you log on to your computer. It’s time to go to cyber school.

The Andover eCademy is an online school facilitated by the Andover Public Schools system.

Students Kindergarten through grade 12, from all over the state can enroll in the classes. Shannon Fisher is the Andover eCadamy Director.

Students follow a curriculum much like public school and the district will hold a graduation ceremony.

“We use the Lincoln Interactive Curriculum. It has been aligned to our state and Andover standards.

Grades K-6 have set courses.

Grades 7-8 get to choose one elective. Grades 9-12 choose courses and electives just like traditional students. We require the same graduation requirements as the traditional Andover schools,” Fisher said.

John Calabro is the counselor for students involved in the eCademy program. “[The basis of the Andover eCademy] is to provide another

avenue of instruction for students who believe the traditional high school doesn’t fit their needs,” he said.

The program is designed to help students grasp the concept of the material while learning at their own pace. Calabro, Brett Randolph, Bob Gould, Janeen Axtell, Doug Snyder, Melissa Marinelli and Kyle Taylor all advise and tutor students in the eCademy. They receive supplemental pay for working as Student Learning Advocates (SLA).

There are seven Andover eCademy Student Learning Advocates. Each SLA is assigned 10-15 middle and high school eCademy students.

The SLA’s Skype, e-mail and call students at least once a week, they also schedule tutoring sessions if necessary.

“I would have to say that it has taken more time than I expected it to. I have enjoyed seeing students find success with the program, but it is frustrating when I have trouble getting in touch with a student who is NOT doing what they should do. If I had to compare e-school to traditional school here at ACHS, I would choose face-to-face contact here at ACHS every time! Although I

have had Skype sessions with some of my students, there are some that I can’t put a face with because I have never met them. I think it is difficult to make good connections with a student when they are just on the other end of the phone or an e-mail. At this point, the frustrations are outweighing the benefits, but it is a long year! I may feel completely different by May!” Axtell said.

Former ACHS student Caitlyn Gerstner takes classes online with the Andover eCademy.

“I decided to enroll in Andover eCademy, because I couldn’t attend public school because I was always sick. I didn’t want to be homeschooled, and not walk across the stage and receive my high school diploma. Being enrolled in Andover eCademy, I still have a social life, and I still learn what I need to in order to graduate high school. I am actually doing better than I was in public school,” Gerstner said.

Despite learning from home, students still have opportunities to socialize with other eCademy students. They go on field trips and have club meetings. Principal Mark Templin invited local eCademy students to attend the homecoming game for free. (lyndseyroman) November 19 SPOTLIGHT

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4 SPOTLIGHT November 19

in depth

Sample Java villa

A collection of some of Java Villa’s tasty treats (photo

illustrationby ariellesteck)

Time has long passed since Scooters was sadly removed from the Andover Public Library, but coffeedeprived students can rejoice at the arrival of Java Villa, the new coffee shop in the same location. At face value, the two cafes seem to be very similar, with the same

decor, but with menu items such as “Dang Good Pie” there is an undeniable charm to the smaller establishment.

The Chai Chiller was the perfect balance of sweet and spicy that felt perfect for the season, even if it was a cold drink.

Another menu item sampled, the Vanilla

Sights “Megamind” When considering spending time and money on DreamWorks’ “Megamind,” keep in mind that it is targeted towards a younger audience and lacks the typical crudeness, foul language and dark humor that exists in what teenagers would call “comedy.”

Not to say the film was bad, but even with the hilarious comedy and impressive ingenuity in the first thirty minutes or so, it still induced yawning and a desire for the film to be over long before the last scene had played out.

Prior to viewing “Megamind,” one could deduce from the trailer that the story is the classical good versus evil with a twist and expect the roles of the superhero and villain to be reversed. It seems that the story would carry on from there, instead, both the villain and the hero were “good guys.” The major source of conflict came from a character whose role is inconsequential to the story.

Overall, the movie wasn’t a complete waste of money (even though $10 a ticket is a scam no matter how groundbreaking a film is).The movie would have been even more enjoyable if http://movies.ign.com the plot had been less intricate and time consuming.

(emilypayne)

Cappuccino, had a very strong taste; however, it was coffee that actually tasted like coffee, unlike the sugary lies fed to students by other chains.

The pumpkin bread was also delicious.

Judging by the moist texture, it was freshly baked. Nothing can ruin an appetite faster

than dry pastries, which thankfully was not the case here. The selection was unique for a shop so small, offering staples like Blueberry Muffins, and diverse sweets such as Lemon Orange Cheesecake, and German Chocolate Scones.

JavaVilla

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was an enjoyable little spot in the library, and a nice new area to enjoy a drink and a book.

This cafe is highly recommended and ensures that the empty space left by the departure of Scooters has more than adequately been filled.

(abbeyelsbernd)

Shop Big Sky Big Sky Boutique is filled with great deals and adorable merchandise. From jewelry and candles to purses and chocolate this store has it all. Stepping foot in the store, customers are greeted by enthusiastic workers who want to help you find the perfect touch to a new outfit and happily escort you around the boutique.

The boutique supports breast cancer with their “Save the Tata’s” line. This includes tanks, shirts, cups, bags and hats. The store also has a clothing selection that includes dresses, more tanks and shirts. The rest of the store contains appealing cookware and recipes, a huge candle and card selection and a nice variety of holiday decor. The best part of the store is the adorable leather bands and bracelets. Leather is popular with celebrities and is catching on in Andover. Wearing leather is a very edgy look. After buying leather accessories, you can walk out of Big Sky looking like a celebrity.

Big Sky Boutique is a fashionable store that allows its customers to sport all the newest looks. Now is the perfect Aman Dhillon , junior, peruses the inventory at Big Sky Boutique. time to go see it and get gifts for the holiday sea- (photoby sarahhuslig) son. (emilypeer) November 19

SPOTLIGHT 5

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scoop

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YEK Market Day yields profits Youth Entrepreneurs of Kansas (YEK) held its third annual Market Day on Thursday Nov. 4. Market Day gave YEK students the chance to flex their business muscles and experience just about every aspect of setting up and running a business.

Students spent weeks planning and preparing for this event. They did product research, surveys and business planning.

A total of eight groups formed businesses ranging from Whatever Floats Your Boat, which sold root beer floats, to Death by Chocolate, which sold chocolate desserts and Topsey Turvy Toppings, which sold Pizza Hut pizza. All attempted to sell everything and make a profit. Each group consisted of two to three members.

1.

6 SPOTLIGHT October 15

“We carefully analyzed every aspect of our business and distributed the work equally in preparing for Market Day,” senior Jeanie Saens said. “[YEK students should] have a better understanding of what it takes to be an entrepreneur and all of the hard work and risk that goes into becoming one after participating in Market Day,” YEK instructor Sherri Goforth said.

Goforth issued loans after careful review of each group’s business plan, issued dollar amounts according to their return on investment ratio. The higher the risk to Goforth, the less money the group received.

Groups unable to repay loans must pay back loans by personal means.

2.

This time, each team made a profit. The team that earned the most profit was Topsey Turvy Toppings at $110 with a gross yield of $220. Gross yield was the amount of total money the team earned before any bills were paid. Teams were able to keep all profits after repaying loans made to purchase supplies and business licenses.

“Anyone who takes this class will walk away with many new concepts and understandings [in business] they wouldn’t learn elsewhere,” Goforth said.

Market Day was attended by a group of Circle High School staff members. They observed the event to consider implemention of the YEK program.

3.

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(trevorledbetter) 1. Alex Johnson, freshman, is purchasing junior Cooper Seely and senior Jessica Lotz’s tie-dye cupcakes. (photoby ariellesteck) 2. Hannah Mason, senior, samples Bow Wow Puppy Chow’s products. (photoby tomflynn) 3. Kory Olney and Ethan Buchanan, juniors, speak with YEK Executive Director Kylie Stupka. (photoby ariellesteck) 4. Jake Smith, sophomore, prepares a taco for one of his customers at Juan’s Tacos. (photoby tomflynn)

1 2

3 1. Karen Nash (Anna Laura Honts) comforts her husband, Sam Nash (Taylor Hanna) after accidentally poking him in the eye.

2. Norma Hubley( Abbey Elsbernd) places the veil on her daughter Minsey’s (Savannah Mick) head when she finally comes out of the bathroom at the end of the act.

3. Norma and Roy Hubley (Jeff Cox) answer the phone to the waiting parents of the groom downstairs.

8 SPOTLIGHT November 19

Plaza Suite

explores relationships

An attempt at saving a marriage, a reunion of past lovers and a bride with cold feet provide the drama and scandal in Neil Simon’s play Plaza Suite. Each act is its own storybut the location, Plaza suite 719, is the same in all three stories.

Director Adam Whittredge cast a play in the fall and musical in the spring to give theatre students a broader acting experience.

“It’s a good learning experience to have both types of shows because if students continue on with theatre in college most universities will perform one musical for every five or six plays,” Whittredge said.

Three stories in one play and no singing, created opportunities for different types of acting.

“I like that this play has given me the

chance to have a lead without having the best vocal skills. The way that this story is set up, each act could stand alone, which gives more characters a chance to show their talent,” Abbey Elsbernd (Norma Hubley) said.

None of the 12 actors had had a leading role. Without more experienced students to look up to, the actors had to figure out what to do on their own.

“Its been difficult to memorize the lines and just realizing how dedicated you have to be to the show in order for it to be a success.

It has also been challenging especially for the younger people to get exactly what Mr. Whittridge wants,” Alex Bontz(Jessie Kiplinger) said.

Although the actors were challenged, Whittredge was impressed with the

amount of effort the first time actors put into their parts.

zone. However it is a fun challenge to be in this show,” Honts said.

“I was really surprised by the work they put in because most inexperienced people would slack off because they don’t know how things are supposed to go. They have put in a lot of hard work and for the most part gotten their lines done on time,” he said.

The second act involves a meeting between movie producer Jessie Kiplinger (Alex Bontz) and his old flame, suburban housewife Muriel Tate (Alyssa Ballard-Reisch).

Mrs. Tate sees this as a meeting between two old friends; Kiplinger has ulterior motives and repeatedly tries to seduce her.

Act One opens the play with Sam Nash (Taylor Hanna) and Karen Nash (Anna Laura Honts) revisiting their honeymoon suite to try and rekindle their not-so-blissful relationship. The scene ends suddenly as Sam leaves for “urgent business” while being questioned by his wife about a possible affair.

“Its been challenging to find the right character- ization of Karen. This character is so unlike me and outside of my comfort Jess Kiplinger (Alex Bontz) tries to seduce Muriel Tate (Alyssa BallardReisch) in the second act.”Jesse’ll do anything to get what he wants even if it has a negatvie outcome for other people,” Bontz said.

“When people ask me my role in the play, they rarely believe that I try to seduce someone, but that’s really what happens,” Bontz said.

The third act revolves around married couple Roy and Norma Hubley (Jeff Cox and Abbey Elsberd) on their daughter Mimsey ‘s (Savana Mick) wedding day. In a rush of nervousness, Mimsey locks herself in the suite’s bathroom and refuses to leave.

“It’s a lot of fun because some of the reactions in this scene are really over the top, and it just keeps escalating as the scene goes on,” Elsbernd said.

The theatre department performs Plaza Suite this weekendFriday and Saturday November 19 SPOTLIGHT

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voice

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Organization lacking for testing day There was a slight change in the post-test arrangement for testing day this year. Instead of students returning to class, they met with Jag groups to do community service while seniors returned to school to attempt to break a world record.

Being able to get out of class was great in itself but what the school needs is more organization for the planned activities.

Neither students nor teachers had much of a plan for where they were going or what they were doing. Perhaps, if students were more interested in the activities, they would be more inclined to enjoy the time with friends

instead of wishing they were at home, sleeping.

Some Jag groups went to elementary schools to play with children while others picked up trash in the park or along the side of the road.

There were not many jobs available because of the lack of knowledge about what was happening and the lack of time to prepare.

“We picked up trash at Central park,” freshmen Aaron Christian said. “I have friends in my Jag class so I liked hanging out with them but there wasn’t a lot of trash to pick up so it was kind of boring.”

On Oct. 13 Mr. Templin requested the senior class to rank the importance of the events that

10 SPOTLIGHT November 19

“We spend so long on testing, I think we should get out of school for the rest of the day,” sophomore Ashley Schrader said.

It was nice of the district to release students from the dull, mind-numbing class time that usually occurs after testing day

but student fatigue was physical as well as mental so working all afternoon was not appealing.

“I’m glad we didn’t have to go back to class but it would’ve been better with more planning. No one really knew what to do.

I’d rather just go home,” Christian said.

The general idea of no classes after tests is good and community service could be fun if well-organized. Students voting on after-test activities or teacher’s planning a fun day would be a good way for students to enjoy post-test time rather than watching the clock for the rest of the day or doing “community service” that is not well-planned.

(gracekubish)

Shelby Says...

On May 22 the class of 2011 will walk across the stage and receive our much-anticipated diplomas. The current concern is that we will have to wait for countless hours for the ceremony to conclude, due to the unprecedented number of valedictorians. Although this is a good problem to have, it will result in changes to the program for the 2011 graduation.

Although it was nice to get out of class after being brain-dead from testing, it would have been ideal for the district to let students out of school for the rest of the day. Most Jag groups finished early anyway and, after grabbing a drink at Vic’s, were released to go home.

take place at graduation.

However, he excluded what I see as the backbone of graduation, the letter. For those of you that do not know, the letter is where Mr. Templin speaks about the senior class as a whole. He talks about how that specific class is unique, the accomplishments the class has made and what the class has meant to him.

Prior to the vote, Mr. Templin decided to cut this portion with the intention of saving time.

However, in all reality the elimination of the letter will cut a maximum of 10 minutes from the ceremony.

He promised us that he

would deliver his letter on a different occasion, but in my opinion I do not think it will have the same impact or meaning.

In order to cut a significant amount of time from graduation it will have to be from the valedictorians’ introductions. I am not a valedictorian, thanks Mr. Hewitt :), but if I were I would appreciate an introduction. Furthermore, these 18 students have put an exceeding amount of effort into their work for the past four years, and they deserve the recognition.

In saying this, I do not think these speeches should be eliminated, but the teachers should be given a time restriction.

The letter is something that addresses the entire senior class and is a heartwarming moment that the parents of graduates and others attending graduation enjoy. Mr. Templin has been a prominent figure in our class’s high school education. He cares about us, wants us to succeed and allows us to have fun at the same time. I respect and appreciate him because of this, and I would like for him to speak at graduation. (shelbysementelli)

voice

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(http://www.kshsaa.org)

“They know those cheerleaders don’t even go here anymore, right?”

Keeping it classy...

The behavior of the Kapaun student section at the football game against them was uncalled for. We expected a student section, but we didn’t expect a student section dressed head-to-toe in green.

It was a slap in the face to our cheer squad and our school. The green was a reference to an incident last year involving pickles. There were even smashed pickles found on the visitor’s side of the stadium. Since the students involved in this incident are no longer in school and none are on the cheer squad, the “green” display was unnecessary, not to mention old news.

“We’ve worked really hard this year to rebuild the reputation of the squad. We’ve done work in the community and put an emphasis on school

spirit during team bonding.

We’ve put the past behind us and we’ve moved forward,” new cheer coach Rebecca Fleming said.

Every school is entitled to have a spirited student section, but we believe that student sections should support their own team and behave as stated in Kansas State High School Activity Associations Sportsmanship/ Citizenship Rule 52, --Exercise self-control and reflect positively upon yourself, team and school --Permit only positive sportsmanlike behavior to reflect on your school or its activities.

If a school chooses to address another school, the purpose should be to intimidate, not embarrass.

Kapaun’s green student section was offensive and brought their own school down to a very “unChris-

tian-like level.”

“We’ve moved past last year’s events. Kapaun didn’t have to pull us back to something we’ve tried to forget. It was extremely rude and a horrible way to represent a Christian school,” senior Johanna Ramirez said.

The philosophy behind KSHAA Rule 52 is that each school is to promote its own team , its own players and above all display sportsmanship. “[Activities] are an opportunity for coaches and school staff to teach and model SPORTSMANSHIP, to build school pride, and to increase student/community involvement; Activities are also an opportunity for the community to demonstrate its support for the participants and the school, and to model the concepts of SPORTSMANSHIP for our youth as respected representatives of society.

Sportsmanship is good citizenship in action! “

Too many occurrences of students and parents degrading opposing teams led KSHSAA to institute this rule.

Although Rule 52 aspires to control inappropriate behavior at sports competitions, it has a limit to how far it can go without backing by the school’s, administration.

(The Spotlight attempted to interview the Kapaun athletic director both by phone and email. He chose not to respond to the emailed questions.)

However much we may desire to retaliate and embarrass Kapaun students in some way, we encourage students to “keep it classy.” We should hold our heads high and not stoop to their level. While this may not be the easiest course of action, in the end, it will be the best for our school.

We doubt that any of us want to be in another situation as embarrassing as the one from last year.

As a school, we need to step up, shake it off and move forward.

“Christ works testified to what He was; our works testify as to what we are.”

-Father Emil Kapaun

(http://www.kansas.com)

( ) agree: 20 disagree: 0 absent: 0

The Andover Central Spotlight is the official student newspaper of Andover Central High School and makes an effort to supply readers with unbiased stories and accurate detail. The Spotlight is a forum for student expression and not subject to prior review in accordance with the Kansas Student Publications Act. The staff is comprised of Andover Central High School newspaper students. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect upon the views of the faculty, students or community as a whole. Letters to the editor are appreciated. Please note that letters and messages are subject to editing for clarity or brevity. The editorial board reserves the right to reject a letter that is perceived as inappropriate.

November 19 SPOTLIGHT

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12 SPOTLIGHT November 19

compete

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1. The Jags , “hug it out.” “Hugging it out” was a pregame ritual for the girls.

2. Bailee Howard, senior, dives to make a pancake save. at sub-state.. “We all played our best and wanted it really badly. It was hard to come that close and not make it’” Howard said.

3. Can you dig it? Justine Howarter, senior, passes the ball. in the final game of sub-state versus Kapaun.

“Although we lost, it was probably the best game we ever played, “ Howarter said.

4. Meredith Meier, senior, and Howarter watch as Addie Morehead, junior pushes the ball to Ark City’s court. (photosbytomflynn)

4.

Team succeeds despite loss Hard work and the desire to win propelled the volleyball team as they went into postseason. Central beat Topeka West in two consecutive games 25 to 14 and 25 to 12, pushing them further toward state.

“We went into the tournament as the underdog, this gave us no pressure and allowed us to just have fun,” junior Mackenzie Harding said.

The Jags then faced Kapaun. Battling every game, both teams pulled out a win leaving the third game undecided. In the closest game of the season, the Jags

lost with a final score of 26 to 28.

“The girls played their hardest, the desire was there and we went in doing everything we could to win,” coach Kelly Cook said.

Despite the post season loss, the team had a successful season in spite of hardships. It welcomed fresh faces to the varsity squad. The team, though skilled, lacked confidence at first.

“The younger players had confidence issues at first but after seeing competition it improved,” senior Meredith Meier said.

The team had to focus on bonding and coming together as one team.

“This year it took longer to develop chemistry, it was a big mix of girls and we had to focus on developing the team because that aspect did not come naturally,” Cook said.

To help with the young team, key individuals stepped up as leaders. Harding, Meier and senior Justine Howarter stood out.

“Mackenzie Harding stood out because she worked hard in practice and you could tell she really cared about

the sport. Justine and Meredith also stood out as they lead the team vocally in both practice and at games,” coach Kelly Cook said.

Even with a team lacking varsity experience, the girls had a winning season. Experience and confidence were issues that were a problem in the beginning, but eventually disappeared. The team finished the season 22 – 16. “ While experience was an issue, people stepped up and we ended the season strong,” Cook said. (zachmallets) November 19 SPOTLIGHT

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action

Defense holds Kapaun to 1 goal The team played Kapaun at regionals for the third year.

The game looked to be a stalemate going into half time, but a few seconds into the second half Kapaun drove the ball Matt Hamm, sophomore, pursues the ball upfield in the game against Kapaun. (photoby-

tomflynn)

deep into Central territory and scored. The defense did not allow anything else to get by but could not counter the attack .

“In the final game against Kapaun, we went all out and put our hearts on the line, it was a match that we were waiting for and trained for the whole season,” coach Mark

Brooks said.

The team lost to Kapaun 1-0 . They went 125-1 for a winning season.

They tied the record for most wins in a season.

“We didn’t have a record in mind, but we wanted to play teams hard and make them fear us for next year. We were able to play competitively with everyone, and no one beat us by more than one goal.” junior center-back, Cole Kretchmar said.

Seven seniors will return.

“We are only losing two guys and next year we will have a solid team of all upperclassmen, and in soccer age plays a significant role,” junior midfielder Tyler West said.

The team set a record only allowing 18 goals scored on them. The iron- clad defense will return all but one starter next year.

“This season I had a team that possessed the ball better than any other team in the past. Next year we only lose two seniors and as the younger guys get bigger and gain more skill we will get better.” Brooks said.

The boy’s capitalized on a winning season,playing well as a team. It showed in both the stats and number of wins.

“This year our team did great and we have a good chance at state next year.” Brooks said.

(greg schaulis)

Chemistry, heart lead to season wins The lights are shining bright as the Jags wrap another victory on an already successful season.

This victory against the Andover Trojans snapped a three game losing streak, but it would not be enough to propel the Jags to a deep playoff run.

“We knew [Kapaun] would be a good game and that we’d have to perform our best, but we didn’t, “ junior runningback Alex Bontz said.

In the contest for the district title, the Jags came up short against Kapaun after an attempted second half comeback.

The following gameagainst McPherson was

14 SPOTLIGHT November 19

was a disappointment as it ended the playoffs.

The late season losses didn’t take away from what the Jags accomplished .

“We’ve overcome the doubts and predictions set for us this year,” senior defensive end Cullen Nauck said.

To begin the year, the expectations for the football team were not positive. What people did not realize, however, was the power of a cohesive team.

“Our greatest accomplishment this year has been to play well as a team, have good trust and execution and to play

hard every game,” senior lineman Boston Stiverson said.

Team chemistry can be just as important as ability.

In this case the team had both. Every player stepped up when needed. Alex Bontz, junior, rushed over 1,650 yards shattering the school rushing record.

Cullen Nauck, senior, obtained the school sack record with 8.5 sacks.

“All the seniors did a great job. The coaches enjoyed working with these guys. When it came to things that really matter, they did a good job,”coach Tom Audley said.

The Jags had a winning season with a record of 7-3. (jeffmarshall)

Alex Bontz, junior, explodes downfield in the game against Kapaun.

(photobyzaclondon)

C

...

packed

Club cheer less restricted Competitive cheerleading has similarities to school cheerleading, but lacks restrictions enforced by the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA).

Club squads are allowed to fly higher, tumble faster and spin longer.

There are six competitive squads in and around Wichita. Seven students compete on squads outside of school.

“I love competitive cheer because, at Fusion, we’re more like a family than a team, after spending so much time together and working so hard with one another,” sophomore Taryn Daniels said.

Competitive squads practice about six hours a week, not including extra tumbling classes which team members are encouraged to attend.

The sport includes many dangerous aspects, such as dancing, jumping, stunting and tumbling.

“The best part of competitive cheer for me is being six feet in the air, upside down, and knowing I’m about to land perfectly. People say cheerleading is dangerous, but

that’s only true if you don’t know what you’re doing,” sophomore Peyton Howard said.

Cheerleading is an activity that people of any age can participate in, from three year olds, to college age athletes.

“I’ve been doing competitive since I was like seven, and although I’ve learned a lot, I feel like there’s still a lot more. I started because my cousins did it, but I kept going because I love it. I hope to keep cheering through college,” Daniels said.

The ultimate goal of competitive cheerleadering is to attend the Worlds Cheer Competition. In order to be allowed to attend, a squad must receive a bid, which can only come from a few sources.

“Going to worlds in Orlando this summer was such an awesome experience for me, and it brought our (Cheer Eclipse) squad so close together. Finishing our routine there was the biggest rush ever,” freshman Hayden Steiner said. Both Cheer Eclipse and Cheer Fusion went to Worlds last year.

(claradavidson)

Box Scores Volleyball Andover

Andover

Ark City

Topeka West

Sub-state Kapaun

Football

W, W W,W W,W W,W L,W,L

Cross Country

Boys Girls League 3rd 4th Regional 5th 5th State: Eric Lightfoot, Andy Howell, and Kenzie Wills all qualified for state.

Eric placed 20th and made all State team.

Andover Arkansas City Kapaun McPherson

Taryn Daniels, sophomore, pulls an arabesque at the NCA Worlds cheerleading competition. (courtesyphoto)

Soccer (21-7) W (55-0) W (13-21) L (19-41) L

Golf State: Hannah Mason and Annie Calvert both placed in the top 20. Alyssa Richardson, Maddie Sherman, Kayla Awtrey, and Emily Adams also competed at State.

The team placed 3rd overall

East West

T.M.P. Valley Center Goddard Great Bend Kapaun

(1-2) L (2-0) W (1-1) T (4-0) W (4-0) W (3-0) W (0-1) L

Tennis State: Amy Fugit and Johanna Ramirez competed at the state tennis tournament.

November 19 SPOTLIGHT

15

“ “ N “ A M S. FOOD V Buffalo Wild Wings Challenge: Eat 12 flaming wings in under 6 minutes.

Results: SUCCESS Zach Mallets (4:30) Greg Schaulis (5:30) Dylan Jordan (didn’t finish) Details: - The rules included no water, no dipping sauce, and no wiping of face or hands.

- Each participant was required to sign a liability waver before the challenge.

- Zach and Greg earned T-shirts for finishing.

Greg Schaulis and Dylan Jordan, juniors, chow down on the challenge at Buffalo Wild wings. “I thought that the actual temperature of the wings was worse than the spice,” Jordan said.

Zach Mallets, Dylan Jordan and Greg Schaulis, juniors, give a thumbs up after devouring their messy meals. (photosbylaurenwhiteside)

Taco Bell

Grace Kubish and Dylan Jordan, juniors, tear into the first of the taco challenge.

Taylor Murray, senior, struggles to finish her eighth taco at Taco Bell. (photosbyclaradavidson)

Challenge: Eat an entire party pack (12 tacos) with no time limit.

Results: FAILED Taylor Murray (8 tacos, 1,600 calories) Grace Kubish (9 tacos, 1,200 calories) Dylan Jordan (11 tacos, 2,310 calories) Details: - Each soft shell taco (Taylor and Dylan’s choice) contained 210 calories, while each fresco hard shell taco (Grace’s choice) contained 150 calories.

-Only one of the participants threw up.

Dairy Queen

Challenge: Eat one extra-large blizzard (1 quart of ice cream) in under 10 minutes.

Results: SUCCESS Meg Huelskamp (4:45) Rachel Jacobson (9:20) Zach Mallets (9:25) Details: - All three participants were shivering by the time they finished.

- None of the participants obtained a brain freeze.

Zach Mallets, junior, shovels in a bite of his extra-large blizzard at Dairy Queen.

Meg Huelskamp and Rachel Jacobson, sophomores, race to finish the blizzard challenge. (photosbylaurenwhiteside)

(pagebytaylormurray)

16 SPOTLIGHT November 19

Check out videos of the challenges at myhsj.org/spotline