Volume 100, Issue 2

THE PYLON

PY

Vol. 100, Iss. 2 | Salina Central High School | 650 E. Crawford St. | Salina KS, 67401 | December 15, 2023

100

KEEPING IT Former staff members share their thoughts on the Pylon’s 100th anniversary || Pages 6-7

02 CONTENTS

CONTENT

SALINA CENTRAL || PYLON

EDITOR’S LETTER Hey there! Welcome to the second edition of The Pylon, we are back for one more time this year just in time to wrap everything up. I want to thank you for opening up this edition, it means so much to me and the staff.

This edition has a vast variety of stories, including a feature on Branston Arnder and his racing achievements, a dive into how students and teachers feel regarding state testing, and how students at our school are making a positive impact on the people around them. We also highlight our incredibly talented AP Art students and their portfolios they have been working on so far.

Once again, thank you for deciding to open up our second issue, we are so excited for you to see everything. We appreciate it more than you know. Happy holidays from the Pylon staff and me! Cheers to the new year and the second semester!

Natalia Granado-Flores Editor-in-Chief

IN THIS ISSUE

4 CENTRAL WRAPPED 6 KEEPING IT 100 A look back at our year

Former staff members reflect on the Pylon’s 100th anniversary.

10 RACING TOWARD SUCCESS

Branston Arnder shares his racing talents.

27 HERO OF THE HALLWAYS

A look into Mr. Beal’s new position.

CONTENTS

DECEMBER 2023

03

|| photos by Pylon staff photographers

SCPylon

chs.pylon

chspylon

chspylon.com

The Pylon is the official student newspaper of Salina Central High School. Volume 100 of the Pylon was created by 23 staff members using Creative Cloud CC. Newspaper staff meets two or three times a week as a class.

The Pylon serves as an open forum for students to express their opinions on topics that affect the school or community. Students are protected under the Kansas State Bill 62 as well as the first amendment. Editorials do not represent the opinion of our entire school, staff or administration. If you have a letter that you want to be published, e-mail your submissions to darrinstineman@staff.usd305.com. Submissions must contain a full name for inclusion, and we will contact you to confirm you are the author of the letter. Letters may be edited to clarify.

04 STUDENT LIFE

SALINA CENTRAL || PYLON

2023 Wrapped is here. #CENTRALWRAPPED

35,690 35,690 35,690 35,690 35,690 35,690 Our Minutes at School

35,690

We are 48% done with our school year.

Spotify Central Wrapped 2023

CENTRAL.COM/WRAPPED

STUDENT LIFE

DECEMBER 2023

Your Library Playlists

Podcasts & Shows

Albums

Artists

05

Downloaded

Our Top Moments bad idea right?

by Olivia Rodrigo

30.6% of students surveyed voted this their song of the semester.

1

Pink Out Game Beat South 54-28

2

Homecoming Parade Under the Sea themed

3

Back to School Dance Disco themed

4

Homecoming Dance Sept. 30

5

PY

THE PYLON

Our song of the semester was

Vol. 100, Iss. 3 | Salina Central High School | 650 E. Crawford St. | Salina KS, 67401 | October 6, 2023

CHAT ATTACK

First Pylon Drop Oct. 6

|| Pages 12-13

Students and teachers alike share opinions on newly unveiled artifical intelligence

Spotify 2:43

CENTRAL.COM/WRAPPED

Spotify

CENTRAL.COM/WRAPPED

1:03

06 FEATURE

SALINA CENTRAL || PYLON

KEEPING IT

Former staff members share their thoughts on the Pylon’s 100th anniversary || story by Azbey Peckham

I

n 100 years a lot has changed. Our school has had different names, countless teachers and even more students, but one thing has stayed consistent: our school newspaper.

2013-2014 Editor-in-Chief MacKenzie Morris works as the Director of Marketing and Grants for the Salina Area United Way, and uses skills she gained from being on the Pylon staff every day.

“It is crazy that this is the 100th anniversary of the Pylon,” Morris said. “There have been so many good memories and talent that have gone through the journalism room, and I am so thankful to have had the chance to be a small part in that.”

The newspaper has changed from being delivered door to door in paper format (for $0.10 an issue in 1972), to online only then to the magazine format it is in now.

“While I was an editor, we literally changed the whole format of the Pylon and basically started from scratch,” 2016-2018 Editor-in-Chief Chloe Guillot said. “We pushed ourselves to do more in-depth stories and meaningful stories. It was a really rewarding process.”

While a lot has changed, some things have stayed the same.

“The Pylon became a platform to voice controversial truths and has allowed us to document those changes or consistencies over its 100 volumes,” 2018-2020 Editor-in-Chief Madeline Paradis said. “It is easy to feel unseen or unheard at this age, and this publication provides a voice to young people.”

There have been numerous staff members that have come and gone, and they all valued the Pylon for different reasons.

“Throughout my four years at Central, I was always geared towards math and science, which led me to my current career path in pharmacy,” 2016-2018 Editor-in-Chief Morgan Dolton said.

“However, journalism was the polar opposite of all of that, which is exactly why I loved it. I loved that the Pylon created an environment that allowed my creative side to shine.”

The Pylon was more than just a class for some former staff members, it inspired their future careers.

“I do a lot of social justice advocacy work now, and I spend a lot of time getting to know people’s stories and figuring out how to share those stories with the world in a way that will make an impact,” Guillot said. “Those are skills I definitely first learned and developed while I was on the Pylon. The Pylon was the first place I learned how to use my voice for good and I will always be grateful for that.”

FEATURE

DECEMBER 2023

The Pylon has been covering students and our community for 100 years, so it has covered many important topics.

“My favorite stories we covered are ones involving incredibly personal stories from students,” Paradis said.

“Stories about being in foster care, exploring gender identity and the disappointments of the pandemic, all brought up very real feelings for staff and readers alike.

Although these topics may be very relatable for some, and very extraneous for others, they force us to be empathetic to our classmates and teachers.”

The Pylon has had various names, from the Salina Junior Journal (start to early 1940’s) to the Salina High News (early 1940’s to 1970) to the Pylon (1970 to present).

The name “Pylon” comes from the “chimney-like structure protruding from our building” as written in the 1971 Pylon.

The opening of South High School that year prompted the change.

“I definitely didn’t realize the Pylon has been around for that long,” Guillot said. “It just makes me think about how many different editors and staffs have been a part of the Pylon, and how I played a small role in that history.”

Rashada Smith was the Editor-in-Chief from 20212022. She is currently studying Journalism/Mass Communications, Advertising and Public Relations at the University of Kansas.

“The Pylon taught me loads about responsibility and even helped me to find some purpose at that point in my life,” Smith said. “I truly do love the Pylon and I’m glad to have been a part of its journey.”

Former adviser JD Garber was a part of the long history of the Pylon from 2009-2020. During that time he won the Jackie Engel award in 2018. The Engel award is given to Kansas high school teachers who have demonstrated “excellence in publications advising.”

“I feel proud that this is the 100th anniversary of the Pylon,” Garber said. “There were many times where it would have been easier to move away from a print edition and nowadays a student newspaper is rare to find. I’m proud of the students that worked so hard to keep it going.”

The Pylon has won state and national awards, including six KSPA state championships in 1986, 1988, 2015, 2012, 2020 and 2023, creating what 2013-2014 Editor-in-Chief Emily Wacker calls a legacy.

“There is a great legacy with the Pylon at Central and I am grateful to have been a small part,” Wacker said.

“Also, very appreciative of Mr. Garber and the other teachers that have invested so much into the programs.”

The Pylon has evolved since its origin, and it is still changing to keep up with the times.

“I just can’t believe it has been around for so long! I love thinking about how many people came and went through it,” Smith said, “How many people have been touched by it or thought it was cool and how it has been telling the stories of Central for so long.

07

2023 100th volume of the Pylon

2005 Contains photos and a story about the tunnels under the school

1986

The Pylon won its third straight first place international award from Quill and Scroll for publishing an outstanding school newsppaper

1972 Pylons were sold door to door for $0.10 an issue

1971 The name changed from the “Salina High News” to “The Pylon”

1966 Salina High got a new mascot, “Sassy sis,” a real horse

1938 The newspaper was called the “Salina Junior Journal” and included reporting on the Dunbar School

1937

The Mustang was chosen as the school mascot.

“The Mustang was chosen because of his reputation for courage, strength, and determination” (1955 Pylon)

08 OPINION

SALINA CENTRAL || PYLON

The time is now

High school basketball is changing, and this is the next step for Kansas || story by Mason Nemechek

E

very year, basketball debates the same issue in high school basketball: the shot clock.

Each year, a viral video circulates the internet of a basketball team holding the ball for the entire game.

Every year, the comments fill up the post, angry that there is nothing to stop it. There is a way to prevent this from happening.

The answer is simple: a shot clock.

A shot clock is a timer used to increase the pace of offensive play. It times a defined number of seconds that the offense may possess the ball. The clock resets when the ball touches the rim or goes into the basket, and pauses during a dead ball.

Towards the end of most basketball games, the team with the higher score will begin to “run the clock.” This means the team keeps the ball without making an attempt to score. Since there is no shot clock, this means that the duration of time a team can “run the clock” is indefinite and the pace of play slows significantly.

The National Federation of State High School Associations had always ruled against the shot clock, but the vote for approval was passed in 2022 allowing states to adopt a shot clock. If a state high school association votes for the shot clock, then it would be a violation of NFHS rules resulting in that state association not being permitted to serve on the national rules committee.

Twelve states and club leagues such as AAU have approved 30 or 35 second shot clocks, and it is time for Kansas to follow.

Oftentimes the reason why states have not passed the clock is due to the cost of installing a shot clock.

Just one basket is anywhere from $2,000-$5,000, according to The Spectrum, a sports news website associated with USA Today.

Most schools have multiple gymnasiums, so the total cost for both gyms could range anywhere between $8,000 and $15,000. This can be difficult to budget for most of the smaller schools and districts, but although it is a hefty expense, it is a one-time cost.

Fundraising will take care of any expense issue schools have. Team gear like uniforms, water bottles, towels, basketballs, etc., all come from fundraising at most schools. Schools can instead raise more money than before, and then use that to pay for the expenses of the shot clock installations.

In 2022, the Utah High School Activities Association voted to add the 35-second shot clock for varsity boys and girls basketball for the 2022-2023 season. Their decision to vote on the shot clock came after they sent out a survey to 90 schools, and 77 percent of the schools said they were in favor of adding a shot clock.

Kansas should follow the same system that Utah did for implementing the clock. It would allow schools to express their feelings about the shot clock and make a decision based on the support given. There would then be no excuse to not pass the clock, because the schools would understand what procedures would need to be taken to complete that process.

The skill level of basketball keeps increasing each year, and the strategies for basketball are transitioning.

Implementing a shot clock is not only going to prevent some of the strategies like holding the ball, but also give more opportunities to high school athletes.

Every collegiate level of basketball has a shot clock, and allowing high school athletes to get experience with the clock is going to help them with their game at the next level.

Let’s do what’s best for the student athlete.

SALINA CENTRAL || PYLON

FEATURE

09

Mustangs making a ‘‘big’ difference ’ G I B

Central boys invest their time to help the next generation

|| story by Siera Keyser Boys who walk through the halls every day are not just classmates, but role models to the next generation who will one day enter the same doors.

“A role model is not only someone you can look up to,” senior Carter Weber said. “But in any situation if you’re feeling uncertain about something you can look to them for advice.”

Weber is a part of the pen pals program, where Central football players write back and forth with Mrs. Maring’s second grade class at Meadowlark. Toward the end of the season, the second-graders watch their pen pal play.

Senior Donovan Johnson has been a volunteer at Big Brothers Big Sisters for the last two years. He has found time between school and sports to spend an hour a week with his little. They play games together, but also work on school work.

“My little and I’s relationship is very brotherly,” Johnson said. “We joke around, but I also support him.”

According to BBBS, 84 percent of littles

Carter Weber and his pen pal. || photo by Cindric White

sustained or improved their grades after 18 months of being in the program.

Senior Kyler Brecheisen helps young people improve their baseball skills while working as an intern at the Yard. He gets to coach kids and then have them cheer him on at games.

“Most of the kids I help with at the Yard come to our high school baseball games,” Brecheisen said. “I can tell that they love seeing someone they know on the field. I hear them talk about playing on the bigger fields when they’re older and hearing about their dreams. The goals they talk about is something I am going through right now.”

The programs vary in time commitments. Although the interactions can be short, the volunteers can still make a difference.

Senior Sam Payne exchanges a couple of letters with his pen pal during the three months of football season.

“I learned a couple things about her through our letters,” Payne said. “We have a couple things in common such as being K-State fans.”

Head football coach Mark Sandbo said he knows how important it is to show his athletes how to be a role model because of the impact his coaches had on him. He encourages his players to practice their role model skills by growing connections with their pen pals.

“What an opportunity for our athletes to have a positive impact on those second-graders day and even year,” Sandbo said.

Weber takes the lessons he learns in practice and uses them in life.

“As Coach Sandbo says, we walk on water to them,” Weber said. “When I was that age I looked up to high school football players the same way.”

Brecheisen said he recognizes the traits of a role model and tries to be a good one.

“I never really had a male role model when I was younger,” Brecheisen said. “Which is why I take so much pride in helping at the Yard. I am striving to be the role model I never had for someone else.”

10 FEATURE

Racing Toward success Branston Arnder and his pursuit towards state successs

SALINA CENTRAL || PYLON

FEATURE

DECEMBER 2023

|| story by Carson Ablard

Junior Branston Arnder is the IMCA state

champion and finished eighth nationally in the season that concluded in September.

Arnder started racing go-karts when he was 11; however, one moment was what he calls instrumental to winning his state title.

“When I did go-karts I had just gotten a brand new body and I went out after a race to do a hot lap but then my body broke off,” Arnder said. “So I got frustrated with it and I decided to just post it for sale and ended up buying a car” After selling his go-kart, Arnder would later work for 32-year-old Cody Williams on his pit crew.

“I’ve known who he was for a long time, because he’s been racing all over Kansas, basically all my life,” Arnder said. ”He posted on Facebook one day that he was looking for some help, so I messaged him and the rest is history.”

Soon after, Williams went out and bought Arnder a new car.

“I just took it from there and we exploded with it and got him a new car,” Williams said.

For the past two years, Williams has been Arnder’s constant source of motivation.

“There were about a dozen times this year he was ready to give up,” Williams said. ”I kept giving him positive encouragement and trying to keep him in a positive mindset. A month into the season he was ready to quit. I coached him to keep going and we got it done.”

Williams said they gained a close connection over the time spent together.

“I have six kids myself,” Williams said, “so I took him in as my seventh kid.”

Arnder faced some mental challenges while competing.

“There were times where I just really felt like giving up,” he said.

“Racing 49 nights is hard on a person and stressful, especially since it came down to the last race, but I just had to stay committed and keep going at it.”

Williams said he will continue to support Arnder’s racing career.

“As long as he helps me and continues to want to be around, I will do anything I can,” Williams said.

“We’re moving him up a class this year which is huge. It’s

11

double the price, so I will bend over backwards to make sure it happens.”

Arnder said it is difficult balancing racing and school.

“I try my best but it’s hard,” he said. “I try to get most of my school work done during school. Then after school, I work on the race cars and get them going.”

Arnder said he hopes to make racing a career.

“I’ve been thinking about it for a long time,” he said.

“I want to get into something that has to do with cars because I’ve learned a lot about them. If I could, I’d like to go pro racing, but that’s way easier said than done.”

Branston’s mother Diane Arnder said it can be hard being the mom of a racer.

“I was nervous at first because in his first race he did flip,” she said. “I just close my eyes and hope for the best.”

Branston’s mother said she is happy to see him go into the racing industry.

“I was overjoyed,” she said, “and so happy for him that he would apply himself in racing.”

Working in the racing industry is a realistic goal for Arnder, his mentor said “If he’s motivated and wants to, he can go work for a NASCAR team,” Williams said. “He has the skill to do it.”

|| photo courtsey of Diane Arnder Branston Arnder in his race car at the Super Nationals in Boone Iowa.

|| photo courtesy of Carl Red Larson

Branston Arnder and his family after his win at the Dodge City Raceway Competition on July 21,2023

12 INFOGRAPHIC

GIFT gûïdë

SALINA CENTRAL || PYLON

Students share what is on their Christmas lists

UGG TASMANS $110

DRAKE TICKETS $100-$2000

INFOGRAPHIC

DECEMBER 2023

OWALA BOTTLE $28

TANOLOGIST $20

IPHONE 15 $799

13

14 STUDENT LIFE

SALINA CENTRAL || PYLON

A-Portfolios

to Remember

|| story by Keaton Myers

AP Art students create projects to be critiqued by College Board || photo by Vix Rasmussen Priscilla Hoffpauir and Keelie Hill working during AP 2D Art

Inspired by Mrs. Marcozzi, a former art teacher in elementary school, senior Keelie Hill’s portoflio is themed: decay (she just wanted an excuse to draw skulls). Despite this rather dark theme, her art is very colorful.

“Everybody was like ‘you’re so good you’re so good.’ I was like ‘OK,’” Hill said. “Now I actually am good, so it’s like payback.”

She loves to use oil paints and enjoys seeing 3D art because she said it is not her strong suit.

Hill’s co

Pieces done by Gubareva in class

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ent pro

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Planning to pursue art as her future career, senior Olivia Gubareva likes to draw people, sea creatures and use watercolors. Many of her pieces are inspired by impressionist works by artists like Monet. She really started getting into art in third grade, when she saw an animation video on YouTube.

This inspiration, along with the fun she has creating, inspired her to continue taking art classes, including Art 2D. Gubareva’s art inspired by impressionism

STUDENT LIFE

DECEMBER 2023

Lesage’s art often has an “edgier” theme

15

g at the Salina Art Center, With her experience teachin to love seeing other wn gro has t senior Mariah Prophe her own. She said she people’s art, along with creating is thankful to have and , plans on studying art in college the art center. at and ool sch taken art classes in high around personal struggles Her submissions are themed s and extreme with vertigo (sudden dizzines path to AP que uni a k too migraines). She during her art, taking only one art class Mariah sophomore year.

Prophet

team, senior Also a member of the bowling at the AP level. art ng doi ys enjo age Annabelle Les level,” she said. this on “There’s WAY more freedom and using fountain lor erco wat h She enjoys painting wit type of art, because pens. She also likes to view this ze the techniques the she likes to be able to recogni n her favorite art teacher, bee artist used. Mr. Cullins has diums and procedures. because he teaches many me

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Hoffpauir nior Priscilla se , rt A 3D P and A reality. Her both AP 2D d escape from , as she an et tl ou A student in an orks s doing art as -filling 3D w said she love is large, room Although she e se to t ar of em. favorite type joys making to making th she really en work put in ,” e it th at es d ir oo m ner ad too g ed around in erself as “not e mostly them described h ar s on si is m it. sub pottery. Her ruggles with || photos by Vix Rasmussen d her own st an ce en d fi con

by Hoffpauir

Hoffpauir’s artistic envisioning of inner confidence

16

QUIZ

SALINA CENTRAL || PYLON

WHICH CHRISTMAS MOVIE CHARACTER ARE YOU?

Which are cooler, Elves or Snowmen?

Elves

Snowmen

Would you eat spaghetti with syrup?

Yes

No

Yes

STA Do y RT ou l ove Ch

ristm

Would you dress up as Santa?

Yes

No

as?

Obviously

DECEMBER 2023

STUDENT LIFE

stanghighlight

17

18 NEWS

The

SALINA CENTRAL || PYLON

STRESS

Behind the Test As students prepare for state tests, they fear their best is || story by Danielle Peckham not good enough

W

alking into class there are butterflies in your stomach. Your teacher said to try your best, but you can not help the overwhelming feeling: The day of state testing has arrived.

Based on survey responses from 145 Central students, 48 percent said that they are nervous before state testing.

48%

of students surveyed said that they are nervous before state testing “It is a very mentally straining thing to have to go through,” junior Corgan Williams said. “It is a big strain to put on students.”

Sophomore Josie Ebel said state testing makes her anxious because there is a lot riding on her results.

“They get me kind of nervous, because I want to do good,” Ebel said. “I know that if I don’t do good, it will reflect. I would rather show my knowledge in a different way than taking a test.”

Standardized testing is intended to measure student growth; however, English teacher Sarah Byarlay said state data collection has fundamental problems.

“I think the biggest issue that we have is expecting the same result from so many different people, experiences and personalities,” Byarlay said.

Science teacher Shannon Peters agrees.

“One test can’t measure all students’ intelligence in the same way,” Peters said.

“Some students just aren’t good at taking tests.

That’s why there are different measurements.”

Peters said students often fail to realize that the standards on the test are what they have learned in class, just presented in a different way.

“It is kind of tricky for students,” Peters said.

“Sometimes, students don’t recognize that the test is asking the same thing.”

Byarlay said state tests take time away from teachers.

“I think that we do end up losing quite a bit of valuable, creative learning time,” Byarlay said. “We have to focus heavily on the fact that eventually you are going to see this standard on a test.”

DECEMBER 2023

Senior Mia Rodriguez sees state tests as an opportunity to practice skills for future exams like the ACT and SAT. “Taking my time sets me up for success on bigger tests that impact college admissions,” Rodriguez said.

When students see that they got a low score on their tests it can negatively affect them mentally, math teacher Mason Frost said.

“When you see that you got a lower score than somebody else, it doesn’t mean that you’re less smart than them,” Frost said, “but that’s what it implies.”

Frost believes standard tests fall short of accurately reflecting a student’s full academic potential.

“Just because you think some way or the test wants you to think a certain way, doesn’t mean that you’re dumb because you got it wrong,” Frost said. “It just means that you may think a different way.”

Despite data collection being necessary, Byarlay believes that the current way of collecting data is inefficient.

“I believe that there should be some sort of data,” Byarlay said. “State tests are necessary to see school improvement overall.”

|| photo by Mykah Trusty Sophomore Alexandria Garcia worries before taking a state test.

NEWS

19

State tests do not always directly correlate to a student’s intelligence, Frost said.

“No one test is capable of measuring the full aptitude of a student at all,” Frost said.

State tests can not replicate real world learning experiences and challenges.

“I feel like they only apply to that one situation.

Sitting down in a silent room, reading off of something,” Williams said. “It doesn’t actually apply real world events or situations into academic ability.”

20 LOOKBOOK

SALINA CENTRAL || PYLON

Christmas

LOOKBOOK

Tristyn and Ali are showing off their Christmas spirit at Bel Tree Farm

Honorable mentions:

II photos by Danielle Peckham

DECEMBER 2023

LOOKBOOK

Tristyn Krien Favorite Christmas movie: The Polar Express Gift you want: A vanity Fun fact: Tristyn loves making christmas cookies.

Ali Garcia Favorite Christmas movie: Home Alone Gift you want: Shoes Fun fact: Ali enjoys building snowmen.

21

22 SPORTS

SALINA CENTRAL || PYLON

Girls’ Basketball As of Dec. 11, the girls’ basketball team is sitting at 1-2. On Dec. 1, the girls beat Maize 54-26.

Senior Callan Hall led the team in scoring with 14 points, shooting 4 of 6 from three.

Senior Kendyl Gary squares up to throw a pass in the Mustangs’ season opener against Maize.

|| photo by CIndric White

Girls’ Wrestling

Junior Haylie James, and seniors Lydia Dong and Cindric White, each placed fourth at the Christmas Clash tournament against Great Bend on Dec. 9. Their next dual is Dec. 16 at Bigshop Carroll.

Junior Haylie James gets ready to take down her oppenent in the Mustangs’ home dual against South on Dec. 7.

|| photo by Mykah Trusty

Spo

Brie

Boys’ Swimming

The Mustang swim team finished sixth at the Campus swim meet on Dec. 9.

Senior Brock Dolton finished first in the 100-yard breaststroke. Their next meet will be at the South Natatorium on January 4.

Sophomore Kenny Cooper gasps for air during the 50-yard freestyle competition. || photo by Mykah Trusty

SPORTS

DECEMBER 2023

23

Boys’ Basketball As of Dec. 11, the boys’ basketball team is sitting at 1-2. On Dec. 8, the boys beat rival South 65-57. Sophomore Kaden Snyder finished the game with a career high 30 points.

Senior Dez Gibson dribbles past a defender in the Mustangs’ season opener against Maize.

|| photo by CIndric White

orts

efs

Boys’ Wrestling

The boys’ wrestling team finished second at the Holdredge scramble tournament on Dec. 9 and beat rival South in their dual.

Senior Charlie Slothower attempts to pin his opponent in the Mustangs’ home dual against South.

|| photo by Mykah Trusty

VETS & Cheer The VETS and cheer team took their dance to the Class 5A state competition on Nov. 18 in Topeka. They perform at halftime of every home girls’ and boys’ basketball game.

The VETS and cheer team before their halftime performance at the Central vs South basketball game.

|| Courtesy photo by Kristal Venters

24 NEWS

SALINA CENTRAL || PYLON

NEWS BRIEFS CENTRAL

LOCAL

NATIONAL

South v. Central

Hyena Added to Rolling Hills Zoo

Husky Shot By Drunk Neighbor

A male hyena, Kito, was added to Rolling Hills Zoo to mate with a female hyena, Maxi. He is the first hyena to be born in North America and survive. Kito and Maxi are a part of the Species Survival Plan.

A 12-year-old Arizona boy and his husky were playing in their backyard when a man shot the dog in the snout.

The 45-year old male shooter was intoxicated.

The shooter’s finger were bitten by another neighbor’s dog. The shooter is facing several charges.

Boys varisty beat South in this year’s basketball game at Kansas Weslyan. Varisty girls and JV boys lost, but JV girls won.

Katelyn Rupe Junior Katelyn Rupe placed 28th in the Nike Cross Nationals 2023 at Glendover Golf Course, Portland, Ore. Rupe qualified by placing top five at regionals.

She is one of women from Kansas to make it to Nationals in Oregon since 2016.

McDonald’s Collab

Parade of Lights Businesses, clubs, schools and others drove floats down Santa Fe Avenue on Nov. 17 to celebrate the Christmas season. The parade was warmer than past years.

People still bundled up and grabbed hot cocoa, though.

Kerwin Frost has partnered with McDonald’s to create “McNugget Buddy.” The nuggets are dressed to represent Frost’s upbringing.

NEWS

DECEMBER 2023

25

UPCOMING December

16

Boys and girls varsity wrestling at BasehorLinwood.

December

19

January

4

Start of third quarter

“

I am looking forward to soaking in the last moments with my friends at Sadies, prom, senior nights and other important events.

“

End of first semester

- senior Maylin Owen

26 OPINION

SALINA CENTRAL || PYLON

d deeply love Snoopy is is h r fo worldwide d us acts an vo ie h c is m py o o n ays. S comedic w nta a S a g arin is seen we ct fa tfit. A fun Clause ou t a th opy is named about Sno was almost r te c ra a h the c opy. ead of Sno Sniffy inst e was The chang ther comic o n a due to d already use strip, who . the name

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A Charlie Brown CHRISTMAS Charlie Brown’s Christmas movie is widely known around the globe for its Humor and originality Linus is C harlies B ro best frie nd, and is wn’s known to be respe ctf and thou ghtful. Yo ul u can always sp ot his securi Linus with ty blanke t.

Linus we ars brow n shoes, pants, an black orange n otc coat and a green w hed collar inter hat the mov ie. L du glasses in inus is spotted w ring earing the com ic a while S chulz rem strip, but after oved the because m it interfe red with expressio his n.

FEATURE

DECEMBER 2023

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of the

HALLWAYS Mustangs are “ALL IN” for changes in hallway behavior ll story by Hadley Johnston

Social studies teacher Lizzie be worried about the Eades used to have to go in and out kids’ safety.” of bathrooms and monitor students Beal focuses on keeping hallways in the hallway. and bathrooms clear.

This has not been the case since “There have been less and less this school year. kids wandering in the hallway since She attributes this change to I started working,” Beal said. “I think Guanell Beal starting as the campus that there are less kids vaping in supervisor this year. His job is to the bathroom, which is one of my help monitor halls, escort kids to job goals to make sure that less kids their cars, bring kids out of classes, are vaping and less fights.” monitor restrooms, de-escalate Senior Maylin Owen said that she hallway situations and keep kids has seen a difference in hallway from wandering around the behavior. building.

“I feel like the flow of hallways “Before him, we as teachers have gotten a lot better this year,” were required to go in and out of Owen said. “There’s not as many bathrooms all the time,” Eades said. traffic jams. I’ve also noticed a “On top of that we had to sit outside decrease in fights. I can’t remember the door and monitor hallways seeing any fights this year, during passing period. It was a compared to last year it’s gotten a lot of work, so having someone to lot better. monitor hallways took a lot of that “I think that bringing Beal’s burden away.” position to Central was a good idea.

Beal previously worked as a I feel like he’s helped with hallway recreational coordinator for Saint behavior. Last year I feel like the Francis Ministries. hallways were more of a war to get “The last 10-15 years I’ve been to class. You had to push people to working with kids,” Beal said. “I love get anywhere.” working with kids. I never had a Eades said that she has also seen problem with working in schools, improvement in hallway behavior. so I wanted to come back and give “I don’t see people hanging out in back to the community.” the hallway anymore,” Eades said.

Beal said that he’s seen a “The bathrooms aren’t as hectic. decrease in fights since he started Bathrooms aren’t as crowded. working.

There have been fewer fights in “I was prepared to deal with the hallway. The important thing to school fights once a week and I remember is that it’s never going haven’t been dealing with that,” to be 100 percent perfect. We’re Beal said. “I’ve been told by several seeing improvement and that’s teachers and principals that it what matters. The fact that we’re has been 10 times better here. I’m heading in a positive direction is happy about that because I don’t important.” want to have to break up fights and

28 OPINION

SALINA CENTRAL || PYLON

LOKI || story by Q Duxler

...you should watch it.

This review will contain spoilers for the second season of ‘Loki’ up to the fifth episode. Read with caution.

With the season one finale of ‘Loki’ airing on Disney+ July 14, 2021, excitement only had time to build when season two premiered Oct. 5, 2023.

Starring Tom Hiddleston, who has portrayed the trickster god Loki since 2011, his character debuted in the first Thor film; ‘Midnight at Paris’ star Owen Wilson, new to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Mobius M. Mobius, the mild-mannered TVA (Time Variance Authority)

agent; Sophia di Martino as Sylvie, a ‘variant’ of Loki, and introducing Jonathan Majors as Victor Timely, a variant of He Who Remains, the last person alive at the End of Time.

The first season ends with the vengeful Sylvie slaying He Who Remains which results in the splitting of the Sacred Timeline into several separate timelines. Season Two picks up with Loki’s return to the TVA and reunion with Mobius after he followed Sylvie to the End of Time.

DECEMBER 2023

In ‘Ouroboros’, season two’s first episode, Loki is warping in and out of time in the TVA, which is said to be impossible. Mobius makes the decision to consult Ouroboros (Ke Huy Quan), nicknamed ‘O.B.,’ who literally wrote the book on the TVA to alleviate Loki of what is termed as ‘time-slipping.’

What stood out to me first and foremost was the set design. The physical set and any CGI additions blend seamlessly.

What enhances the set design is the retro color palette, which has been particularly fine tuned this season. Rooms are added to the expanse of the TVA, such as the dining hall, a dimly lit, green tinted room where key lime pies line the walls.

There’s a cinematic aspect to ‘Loki’ that lacks in most Marvel productions. There is a more grounded, emotional appeal. It doesn’t feature any major action/fight scenes to the extent other Marvel films do. The writing feels less formulaic, and more genuine. Characters are multifaceted and it shows in their development.

However, although ‘Loki’ differs from other Marvel productions, it is now considered the basis of what will be the next generation of Marvel films, otherwise known as the ‘Kang Dynasty.’

A casual viewer might enjoy certain aspects of Loki, but they’ll find a few episodes in it might be hard t

OPINION

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to keep track of the many different timelines and allusions to previous films. The viewer’s best bet at any understanding of the series’ storyline is a four hour video essay made by an unemployed superfan.

Although Hiddleston and Wilson excel in this season, their bantering bromance comes second in a storyline serving the Kang dynasty. Characters are introduced on whims, and several rely on comic book knowledge for any understanding of their purpose.

Sylvie, one of the series’ most pivotal characters in the prior season appears randomly and is given little story of her own, besides working at McDonald’s.

Episode four’s abrupt ending can be explained by generating interest for the upcoming episode, but Timely’s untimely death feels like it was played for shock value alone. It’s becoming apparent the series no longer revolves around Loki and that he is now a plot device for the expansion of the Kang Dynasty, although this was already an issue at the close of the first season.

Thus far, in comparison with other Marvel releases, ‘Loki’ is a standout. It is interesting, witty, and will likely appeal to those who may have not enjoyed previous Marvel series. The second season compliments the first, consistently improving upon what it excels in.

The season two finale of ‘Loki’ will air Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023.

30 STUDENT LIFE

SALINA CENTRAL || PYLON

Behind Troupe 639 Executive Board roles and responsibilities Ben Campbell (Senior) Ben Campbell is the troupe president. He is responsible for making the troupe a friendly and safe environment.

“The exec. board is a line of communication between the students in the drama department and the rest of the school,” Campbell said. “We want to foster a better environment for everyone.”

Kasheia Peterson (Senior) Kasheia Peterson is the troupe vice president. She is the president’s assistant. She assists Ben Campbell by helping when he is not present in meetings. She also helps other executive members with anything they need.

Zander Flener (Senior) Zander Flener is the troupe treasurer. He is responsible for handling the box office and concessions during productions. He handles fundraising and the money that comes in from donations, people attending plays and other fundraisers. “Hard workers are great to have in the troupe,” Flener said. “Having to stay on top of the game and always being flexible are important traits.”

Alyssa Maas (Junior) Alyssa Maas is the troupe secretary. She keeps track of “Thespian Points” that are received by participating in a show, going to set days and other troupe activities. “The theater troupe is a really fun and inclusive community,” Maas said. “We’re always doing something, whether it’s auditions, rehearsals, putting on shows or fundraising.

There are so many opportunities to be involved and I encourage anyone to come join!”

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DECEMBER 2023

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The Curtain Mackenzie Martinez (Senior) Mackenzie Martinez is the troupe publicist. She is responsible for getting the troupe’s information and events to the public. She manages all of the social media platforms, and she puts out information about the plays and upcoming events.

Michelle Simmons (Senior) Michelle Simmons is the troupe historian. She is in charge of taking photos of the troupe and documenting their progress in plays.

“A recent success we have was getting our two fall plays ‘Noises Off’ and ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ in while working on a musical ‘25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” Simmons said. “We got the two sets built on time and we are very proud of that!”

Anna Kraft (Sophomore) Anna Kraft is the troupe advocacy chair.

She plans volunteer opportunities for the troupe and helps people get involved in theater. “Being the advocacy chair is the perfect role for me,” Kraft said. “I want people to know that if they want to get involved in an activity, the theater is always welcoming new people!

We love to meet new people and share our love of the arts!”

32 OPINION

SALINA CENTRAL || PYLON

Letter to the Editor Let Freedom Read

|| letter submitted by freshman Ava Weaverling

Books all across America are being banned because they have content that school districts have deemed inappropriate for being too “sexual” or “racial.”

Elizabeth A. Harris, a New York Times journalist, wrote that book banning has been increasing in school libraries.

“The PEN report, which counted book removals in school and classroom libraries during the 2022-2023 school year, found 3,362 cases of books being removed,” Harris said.

That’s a 33 percent increase from the previous school year.

I believe that banning books is wrong. Schools are banning books that have nothing wrong with them. Also, kids could go online or to a bookstore and find the book themselves.

Most of the book bannings have to do with homesexuality or racism.

A Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) news article stated that “The Hate U Give” is one of the books being banned because it uses the N-word and profanities, CBC journalist Cassidy Chisholm wrote.

“The Hate U Give” is a novel about a black teenager who is killed when a police officer mistakenly thought the teen was reaching for a gun inside a vehicle.

I think this book should not be banned because it is

raising awareness about important issues that are going on in our country.

Black people all around America are being falsely accused and in some cases murdered because of police brutality. “The Hate U Give” should not be banned only because it talks about racism.

The Texas Monthly reported that “The Perks

of Being a Wallflower” was banned in Texas. I have read this book and seen the movie hundreds of times, and it changed my life for the better. There is nothing in this book that should make it banned.

This book is about Charlie, a ninth-grade boy going through the struggles of mental health and finding himself. He

also talks about the struggles of being sexually abused as a child.

Many teenagers go through exactly the same things.

This book speaks about how life does get better and you shouldn’t spend your time focusing on all the bad things in life. I see no reason why this book should be banned.

Another reason I don’t think books should be banned is because books spread knowledge.

Books have been a way people have learned about things for hundreds of years. Banning books is like taking away people's freedom. Having no right to read certain books is like having no right to freedom of speech.

I believe banning books that are talking about topics going on in America should not be banned. Books raise awareness for things and they can change the way people think.

DECEMBER 2023

EARLY GRADS GET THE WORM WORM

STUDENT LIFE

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Seniors Ryan Schmitz, Johnathan Heath and Destiny Carr share why they chose to graduate early

|| story by Hadley Johnston

S

enior Destiny Carr was pushed to graduate early due to health problems and a difficult home life.

She is one of several seniors who is planning on graduating early and getting a jumpstart on their life.

Carr did online school her sophomore year, which allowed her to get all of the required classes she needed to graduate early.

“I have a difficult situation, so that pushed me to want to work harder,” said Carr, who plans to major in social work with a pre-law pathway at Kansas State University. “I had a difficult home life, so that inspired me to not be like my parents. My parents helped me realize what I don’t want to be and they gave me people who helped push me towards who I want to be.”

Carr said that she’s scared, but ready to start college early.

“I’m a little nervous because I’m leaving most of my support system down here,” Carr said. “I don’t have any friends or family down there.”

Senior Ryan Schmitz said that she is ready to start college so she can get an early start to her college career.

“I want to start college earlier and I want to get away from Salina,” said Schmitz, who plans on attending the University of Kansas in January and majoring in nursing. “I want to get a jump start on

college and be able to finish sooner.”

Senior Jonathan Heath said that he decided to graduate early with his future in mind.

“I decided when I’m working like this I’m barely making money, so the best way to do it is to start work early,” Heath said.

“You have to do that by graduating early.”

Heath is planning on entering the workforce full time after he graduates in December.

He works at Discount Tire and is planning on starting his own business in automotives.

“Some students take a gap year where they don’t go to college right away and they use that year to save up money,” Heath said. “That’s what I’m doing except it’s not for school, it’s for all expenses that come after high school. This start will put me into a position that I want to be in for the next 10 years. I realized that I could seriously be where I want to be if I started a little sooner.”

Heath recognizes that some struggles come with graduating early.

“Graduating early means you have less time with friends in high school,” Heath said. “You can still walk the stage with them at graduation, but you don’t have that extra 18 weeks for your second semester. That’s the struggle with it, but the benefit is that for 18 weeks you can make money, which depending on your job can be a significant amount and a big start to your career and your life.”

Senior Ryan Schmitz

Senior Johnathan Heath

Senior Destiny Carr || photos by Mykah Trusty

34 STAFF

STAFF

SALINA CENTRAL || PYLON

Editor-in-Chief Natalia Granado-Flores Managing Editor Azbey Peckham News Editor Siera Keyser Sports Editor Mason Nemecheck Student Life Editor Hadley Johnston Photo Editor Mykah Trusty Reporters Carson Ablard Danielle Peckham Q Duxler Holli Crawford Photographers Jocelyn Del Real Naomi Matthews Amarah Jordan Vix Rasmussen Keaton Myers Tru Lawson Kodi Waite Cindric White Designers Angelica Dao Danica Dixson Gabriel Freeland Randi Shuler Joseph Zepeda Adviser Darrin Stineman

STUDENT LIFE

DECEMBER 2023

SPILLING THE TEA WITH SCSP

35

Quotes heard around the school by Salina Central Student Publications staff

“Dude, I can taste the smell.”

“Is she a thespian?”

“No, she has a boyfriend.”

“Which limb should I cut off first?”

“You don’t have Reddit?

You look like a Redditor.”

“Not to cuss, but frick you.”

“I didn’t know your boyfriend was in prison.”

“Yeah, she would be a transmitter.”

“It’s like having a gaydar but for autism.”

“If she wasn’t my mom, I would have a crush on her.”

“Say that one more time and I will pelt you with apple slices.”

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