Volume 100, Issue 3

Central staff embraces changes on their paths to current roles

CONTENT CONTENT

EDITOR’S LETTER

Hey there! Welcome to the third and final edition of The Pylon, we are back for one last time this year to wrap everything up. I want to thank you for opening up this edition, it means so much to me and the staff and we appreciate it more than you know. We are in the home stretch of the school year as we enter the last eight weeks of school. Persevere and get through it, I know you can.

This edition has a vast variety of stories, including a feature on teachers with untraditional beginnings, reviews on products and their dupes, and a look into GSA traveling to Equality Advocacy Day. In this issue we also honor our lost classmates with loving memories from their friends and families.

Once again, thank you for deciding to open up our third issue, we are so excited for you to see everything. We appreciate it more than you know. Seniors keep a look out for the senior magazine that comes out in May! We thank you for dedicating your time to read The Pylon, see you next year!

Natalia Granado-Flores

Editor-in-Chief

21

Former

24

South

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.

chspylon chspylon.com

SCPylon chs.pylon

|| photos by Pylon staff photographers

spring

lookbook

Amisaday’s closet is mostly clothes she picks out from Buckle, and gets a lot of inspiration from videos on her TikTok For You Page. She picks her outfit based on whether she feels lazy or wants to dress up. Amisaday would choose the color black if she could only wear one color for the rest of her life. “...you can never go wrong with plain black and it’s a good color for any occasion,” Aguilar said.

Amisaday Aguilar

Lily’s closet is full of clothes she buys from Pacsun. Her fashion inspiration is Gertie Nazaroff. If Lily could only wear one color for the rest of her life she would also choose black. “I’d wear black because it’s versatile in many types of clothing and it would look good monochrome more so than any other color,” Hill said.

Lily

Hill

sports

BRIEFS

GIRLS’ SWIMMING

The girls swim team started off their season on March 21 at Salina South Natatorium. Sophomore Josie Ebel won the 200 and 500 freestyle and senior Azbey Peckham won the 100 freestyle. “The first meet was very fun,” Ebel said. “I am excited to see how this season goes and how far the team can make it this year.” Their next meet is on April 4 at Salina South Natatorium.

BOYS’ GOLF

The boys golf season kicks off on April 1 at home. “I’m excited about our team this year,” sophomore Tommy Payne said. “I hope we play as well as we have been practicing.”

BASEBALL

The baseball team started their season off strong with a 7-4 victory over Junction City on March 21. “We are looking very good,” sophomore Oscar Perez said. “We have a lot of talent and I’m excited to see how we do this season.” They play today at Newton.

|| photo by Tru Lawson

|| photo by Kodi Waite

|| photo by Mykah Trusty

Junior Tyler Zuege swings back to tee off

Junior Liv Owings swims butterfly in the 200 medley relay

Sophomore Graham Dodge rounds the bases

TRACK & FIELD

Varsity track had their first meet on March 22. Sophomore Kaylie Schultz won both the 1600 and 800. Katelyn Rupe won the 3200. “This season started out great,” Rupe said. “We just had our first meet at Newton and it was a super good first meet, which shows promise for the rest of the season!” Their next meet is April 4 at Maize South.

SOFTBALL

The softball team split their doubleheader with Junction City on March 22. They won the first game 13-4. “The season has been fun so far,” sophomore Brooke Banninger said. “I am looking forward to the rest of it.” The team plays today at Newton.

GIRLS’ SOCCER

The girls soccer team started off their season at McPherson on March 19. “We have only played a few games so far, so we know what we need to improve on,” senior captain Maylin Owen said. “Everyone is looking forward to improving and having a fun rest of the season.”

BOYS’ TENNIS

The boys tennis team has a tournament at home today. “Even though it’s my first time playing tennis,” senior Cooper Daily said, “it’s been a great start getting to know my coaches and teammates.”

|| photo by Danica Dixson

|| photo by Mykah Trusty

|| photo by Tru Lawson

|| photo by Danica Dixson

Junior Yandel Ramos runs a time trial at practice

Junior Valerie VanZant rounds first base

Senior Ava Sanders dribbles at practice

Senior Carter Weber takes a swing at practice

NEWS BRIEFS

CENTRAL

Start of Spring Sports

Spring sports started on Feb. 26. Swim team had their first meet on March 21 in Salina. Baseball had their first game in Manhattan on March 16. Softball had their first game in Clay Center on March 19. Girls Soccer had their first game on March 19 in Mcpherson. Track and Field had their first meet on March 22 in Newton.

LOCAL

Kansas Debating to Create More Shelters for the Homeless

Last year there were nearly 3,000 homeless people in Kansas. There are less than 1,000 shelter beds. The House Committee of Welfare Reform are working to adress the issue. The number of homeless people is the highest it has been since 2014. Communities throughout Kansas would be given $40 million but there would be rules on how to spend it. Wichita is asking for half of the money due to the fact it has the highest homeless rate.

Former Wichita Resident Performs on “The Voice”

AJ Harvey made it to season 25 on “The Voice.” His former high school music teacher has been watching his singing journey. He moved out of Wichita and to Oklahoma in 2021. He used his COVID-19 stimulus money to move and get into the music scene in Oklahoma.

|| photo by Mykah Trusty

FUN FACT

Ketchup used to be used as medicine. In the 1830’s people used it for diarrhea, indigestion and jaundice.

NATIONAL

Beatles Movie

Sam Mendes is going to direct a movie for each member of the Beatles. Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon and George Harrison will each get a movie from their own persepectives. There is no exact timeline yet, but Mendes is looking at finishing the films in 2027.

My favorite part of Our Town was getting to tell such an emotional story with all of my closest friends. This play opened my eyes and taught me how important life is and how every minute counts.

“SENIOR

Concerns of “Sawdust” Additive in Cat Food

Powered Cellulose from wood pulp, also known as sawdust, is being put in cat food. Well-known brands are using this additive. According to veterinarian Dr. Marty Goldstein, this can shorten the lives of cats. Dr. Marty has shared many other discoveries to save cats. His work is proven through his cat Greeter who has lived for 24 years. Dr. Marty has created a 44-minute video sharing his tips on how to give cats a longer life.

MACKENZIE MARTINEZ

|| photo by Cindric White

1. A Day established by UNESCO in 1999 to celebrate the unique ability to capture the creativeness of humans: World _____ Day.

2. A day of celebration for a medical field focused on the teeth: National _______ Day.

3. A holiday founded in 1951 to honor the formation of an organization founded on March 23, 1950: World ______________ Day.

4. A day celebrated on March 16 to raise awareness for this bear species: National _____ Day.

5. A day to celebrate a popular fashion doll whos birthday falls on March 9th: National ______ Day.

6. A holiday that started out as ‘The Feast of Annunciation’, celebrated primarily in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway: ______ Day.

7. A mathematical constant that is celebrated on March 14 of every year: __ Day.

8. A celebration that recognizes the roles and contributions wild animals and plants have World ________ Day.

LULULEMON BELT BAG

FROM: SHEIN

ORIGINAL PRICE: $38

DUPE PRICE: $8

This bag is good quality for the price. The original one has more pockets and storage room along with an adjustable strap.

DUPE OR

NIKE DUNKS

FROM: DHGATE

ORIGINAL PRICE: $115

DUPE PRICE: $29

These fakes are so accurate that it is hard to tell they aren’t real. They are nearly four times cheaper than dunks, too.

DROP OR

DIOR LIP OIL

FROM: TEMU

ORIGINAL PRICE: $40

DUPE PRICE: $3

Though the Dior product is good, the price alone is enough to buy a dupe. The dupe is also less sticky and has a good color range.

DROP OR

STANLEY TUMBLER

FROM: AMAZON

ORIGINAL PRICE: $45

DUPE PRICE: $15

The color is a little darker on the dupe, but the straw mechanism makes it so water does not leak out when tipped over.

DROP OR

LAMAR JACKSON JERSEY

FROM: TEMU

ORIGINAL PRICE: $100

DUPE PRICE: $15

In terms of quality, the dupe is a little thin, but very soft. The name, number, and colors all reflect the real deal exactly.

DUPE OR

IN LOVING MEMORY anthony windell and vance mccomber

NAYELI GUARDADO || ANTHONY’S GIRLFRIEND

“Anthony had so many great things about him, he was the most caring, hardworking and funniest person I know. I never really knew what a strong person was until I met him, both mentally and physically. One of our last few moments together, we went out to eat and there was an older couple sitting next to us who didn’t speak a word throughout their entire meal. Afterwords Anthony asked me ‘do you think when we’re that age we’re gonna run out of things to talk about?’ We both looked at each other and laughed because we both knew how much we talked. His hard determination in life and the person he was growing to be definitely made an impact in my life, he made me and everyone around him see the world differently.”

IRVING SILVESTRE || ANTHONY’S BOSS

“Nothing will ever compare to the time we spent together and the laughs that we shared. From five in the morning to super late nights. We did everything side by side, from changing parts in the tunnel, to cleaning the whole store, and to sharing stories/ memories about our time at work. During our time at Club, Anthony, you showed me time and time again that if anything was possible you would make it happen. And oh, believe me, you sure made it happen every time. Anthony showed everyone that he was a hardworking person and showed us all that anything is possible and that he was going to prove everyone wrong at his age. Well, Anthony, you sure lived up to that and let me tell you that I am very proud of all the accomplishments you made. I love you my kiddo. I wouldn’t be in the place I am without you Anthony, you’re my role model.”

CASSIE WILLIAMS-VALDEZ || FRIEND

“Anthony was such a kind, extroverted person. He always managed to make me smile, even when I wasn’t in the greatest of moods, he was someone I could talk to and one of my best friends. He should be remembered with the love and kindness he showed everyone else.”

MEMORY OF

KRIS ROWLAND || VANCE’S MOM

“He had a smile that would light up a room! He never had a mean thing to say about anyone, I truly never heard him be angry at a person, only his vehicles or a bad day at work. Being the youngest of five siblings he was adored by his brothers and sisters!”

TORI GARCIA || FRIEND

“He always had the biggest smile on his face and always knew exactly how to make everyone around him have the same big smile. Although many of his ideas seemed somewhat unrealistic for someone his age, Vance worked nonstop and always turned his ideas into a reality. Vance’s hard work, determination, and big personality have not only left a huge impression on me, but everyone else that he encountered throughout his life.”

BRADY HEMMER || FRIEND

“I was good friends with both of them. We were all into cars and would talk about the upgrades we were going to do next. I played football with both of them and they were very funny guys, always ready to have a good time. I got very close with Anthony in welding class. We would go into ELO together and even competed together in a welding competition and each got first in our class. I got first for welding one and he got first for welding two.”

ORION CLARK || FRIEND

“He was the hardest working man I knew and motivated the people around him to work harder. After Vance bought his Camaro I bought my Charger and we both had big plans to build our cars together. For me it was so I could become faster than him and he strived to make sure that wouldn’t happen. He was the best man I know. Hardest worker and most motivated. We always shared the same vision about not being stuck in the 9-5 life and we were on track to beat it, especially him.”

PECULIAR

PETS

Get to know some of our students’ unusual animals and learn how they care for them

|| story by Keaton Myers

TILLY

Senior Adia Peck’s goats are popular at her family’s Christmas tree farm. In addition to goats Tilly, Pistol and Pearl, miniature donkeys Yukon Cornelius and Bell also live on the farm. “We don’t have them in our backyard,” Peck said. “We have to travel and drive to where they are at in order to care for them.” Growing up with farm animals made caring for these animals easier. Peck believes that you should not attempt to take care of this kind of animal without the experience, land area and resources to be able to do so well.

RUBY AND OPAL

After begging for years, junior Alexis Penner finally got rabbits. Her first rabbit is named Opal, a black and white Dutch rabbit. The next is named Ruby, to stick with the gemstone theme. Opal is six years old, and her partner Ruby is two years old. “Ruby and Opal are lovers and they are very cute together,” Penner said. “They kiss each other and sleep next to each other!” Rabbits were unexpectedly a lot to take care of for Penner; although she’s done research now, her family originally did not know how they were going to take care of them. If you’re up for it, she does recommend getting rabbits; although rabbits are not her favorite animal, she does believe that they are great pets.

PENELOPE, MABEL AND RITA

Hoping to one day get a raccoon, junior Will Bohrer currently has three pet rats. Getting his first during freshman year, his rats have become a part of the family. “(A)lot of our rats will jump from super high without fear,” Bohrer said. “Sometimes they fall down and just get back up like it’s nothing.” Oftentimes, the Bohrer family gets their rats from Pet Life by Roberts, though they have also received their rats from friends and from shelters. Rats are very easy to care for and are very clean. Originally, Bohrer did not think he would play with them as much as he does, but he and his family have really enjoyed having them.

CALLED TO A CHANGE

Central staff embraces changes on their paths to current roles

|| story by Q Duxler

As many students’ senior year approaches, they may be weighing a number of career options, unsure as to which is the best fit. What they might not realize is that Central’s teachers and staff have faced similar challenges.

Amanda Thacker, MTSS (multi-tiered system of supports) coordinator, began as a sixth grade English teacher but next year will be an assistant principal.

“I really just wanted a change,” Thacker said. “Something that I felt was actually going to be a challenge to me.”

Thacker considered it eye-opening to see the ‘other side of education,’ what teachers don’t see.

“It’s very different,” Thacker said. “I think from the teacher’s perspective we don’t see a lot of the stuff that happens in the background.” Thacker was appreciative to stay in USD 305.

“Central to me is very different for some reason,” Thacker said. “I take a lot of pride in our school.”

Marysa McCartney, on the other hand, started outside of a school and worked her way in. Beginning as a managerial accountant for Koch Industries in Wichita, McCartney now works as a business essentials and financial literacy teacher.

“I was working in a company that was the second largest private company in North America,” McCartney said, “and I really wasn’t able to make a difference.”

I really just wanted a change. Something that I felt was actually going to be a challenge to me. “ “

MTSS Coordinator Amanda Thacker

McCartney had already considered teaching, such as working as an associate lecturer in South Africa. So when Deanna Cullins (former Central math teacher) suggested that she fill an open position at Central, she accepted.

“I love to teach,” McCartney said. “Our students are so unique, but a lot of times they don’t know what opportunities are available for them.”

Megan Bulleigh, student support counselor, had a start in teaching, but chose to hone in on student’s personal needs instead.

“I encountered a lot of kids that were really struggling,” Bulleigh said. “I wanted to be able to help them.” She now offers help to students in crisis, providing them with food or clothing.

A higher number of teachers across Kansas — 985 — left their jobs for reasons other than retirement last year, up from 732 the school year before.

vvFortunately, Kansas has a Transition to Teaching program that is helping to alleviate this situation by allowing people to cross over easily. It’s designed for adults that have worked in a specific industry to transition to teaching.

“Maybe you worked in a lab,” Dr. Matthew Brungardt said, “then you could go back to work on a Master’s and teach science classes.”

With a national shortage of teachers, the Transition to Teaching program is a relatively quick and easy way to get teacher in classrooms.

“It provides another option,” Brungardt said. “We’ve used it in this building and it’s been very successful.”

A Transition to Teaching alum herself, McCartney expressed that when a teacher really loves what they do, it’s no longer about the paycheck.

“It’s not about how much can I accomplish,” McCartney said, “it’s more about how do I make a difference?”

|| photo by Angelica Dao

Mrs. McCartney leading her class through their daily bell ringer.

WHICH OF THESE STAFF

YOU? MEMBERS ARE

Turn to pages 18 and 19 to read about these amazing staff members

What do you want to study in college?

A. Accounting

B. Communications

C. Secondary Education Secondary Education: English

Which one of these universities would you most like to attend?

A. University of Kansas

B. University of Michigan Kansas State University Louisiana State University

What is the best way to spend a day off?

A. Drinking coffee and reading a book

B. Watching TV

C. Going to the lake

D. Cooking new recipes

If you worked for a school, what role would you like to have?

A. Business Teacher

B. Multimedia Teacher

C. Student Support Counselor

D. Assistant Principal

When you retire, where would you like to spend your time?

A. On the beach, reading a good book

B. Coaching

C. Table Rock Lake

D. In the mountains

You are Mrs. Thacker! RESULTS!

If you answered mostly D:

You are Mrs. Bulleigh!

If you answered mostly C:

You are Mr. Whitt!

If you answered mostly B:

You are Mrs. McCartney!

If you answered mostly A:

THE end OF AN era

Fear leaves girls’ head coaching job after eight years and moves to boys’ head coaching job

|| story by Azbey Peckham

Former head girls basketball coach Chris Fear has accepted the boys head coaching position.

Fear is the winningest coach in Central girls history with a record of 125-58. He led the girls to four state tournaments, including a second place finish and school-record 24 wins in 20212022.

“It was an amazing eight years as the head coach of the girls program,” Fear said. “I have been very blessed to make several great relationships and to see so many young women achieve individual and team success.”

Athletic director Greg Maring said he thinks Fear will bring a fresh start.

“I believe if our boys team will buy into Coach Fear and his style of coaching,” Maring said, “they have a chance to be successful as we have seen from our girls program in the past.”

Fear will be the boys’ third coach in three years. He is replacing Billy Graff, who led the team for only one year, posting a 6-15 record.

“It was not something that I was pursuing,” Fear said. “I was offered the position and it interested me. After a lot of prayer and thought, it became clear to me that this was a move that I needed to make.”

Junior Tessa Snyder played for Fear for three

years and will have a new coach for her senior year.

“Coach Fear played a massive role in maintaining the program’s culture,” Snyder said. “The returners next year will have to work hard to maintain it.”

When Snyder heard about the change, she said she was disappointed.

“I was really looking forward to finishing out my high school basketball career with him,” she said, “but I’m very grateful for the last three years.”

Junior Kamryn Jones said he is excited to play for Fear next year.

“He seems to care and wants to win,” Jones said, “so maybe there will be a change around here.”

Along with the excitement, Jones said there was some confusion.

“When I was told he was our head coach,” Jones said, “I was thinking ‘then who is going to be the girls’ coach next year?’”

There is a lot unknown for the girls next year. With Fear and assistant coach Marysa McCartney leaving, there are two positions vacant.

“I think change is something hard to do for most people,” junior Tahlia Morris said. “Having a coach leave can be hard and takes time to adjust. This change is very shocking to the program, but I look forward to it for myself and for my teammates.”

Fear said the hardest part about the change will be leaving the girls.

“They are a great group of young people,” he said, “and one of the hardest things I have had to do as a coach was to tell them that I was leaving the program.”

ON CAPITOL-IZING EQUALITY

Gender and Sexuality Alliance club visited the Kansas Capitol to celebrate LGBTQ rights

|| story by Hadley Johnston

Alexis Penner never expected to find herself in the Capitol building having the opportunity to hear from government officials.

Penner joined Salina Central GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance) at Equality Advocacy Day at the state Capitol on Jan. 31.

At the event they talked about a wide range of LGBTQ-related topics, including a gender-affirming care bill and how to make our environment LGBTQ friendly.

“It’s something I never thought I’d do, and now I’m more invested than ever,” Penner said. “I’m going to be more involved from now on for sure, and take more opportunities like this.”

Equality Advocacy Day gave students the opportunity to meet with state representatives and celebrate the LGBTQ community.

“You just come and be heard and be seen and be you, your authentic you,” GSA sponsor Sarah Byarlay said. “It is priceless because they may not ever get an opportunity like this again.”

Clay Martin, one of nine students who attended along with two sponsors, said the event gave him an opportunity to share his voice with representatives.

“I feel like most people don’t feel like they’re actually being heard,” Martin said. “and going to this event and talking to people who are important feels like we’re being heard.”.

GSA went for the first time in 2019 and have gone every year the event occurred.

“I hope we can continue to do it every year because of the impact it has on them,” Byarlay said. “Especially on the ride home when they can’t stop talking about what they did, what they saw and what they heard makes it so worth it. I saw nothing but smiles.”

GSA had the opportunity to hear from Gov. Laura Kelly.

“I think that it’s really important for someone who is young and queer to be able to see people in positions of power actively acknowledging you and acknowledging that they can help you,” GSA member Shya Helzer said.

This event gave students an opportunity to be themselves, Byarlay said.

“It was a day where they felt that they could be their true authentic selves,” Byarlay said, “and hear that others in very high positions in the state government also felt their true authentic selves and were successful.”

|| photos courtesy of Sarah Byarlay GSA members raise signs in support of LGBTQ rights.

MAKING A Splash

Central and South boys swim teams come together to swim against cancer

|| story by Carson Ablard

South and Central might be rivals in basketball or football, however, one charity event combines both teams for a good cause.

On Feb. 23, the Central and South boys swim teams participated in the twelfth annual Swim to a Wish fundraiser for the Make-a-Wish foundation.

Combined, the team raised $1,322 in donations in exchange for the team’s pledge to swim 100 miles in one night.

“I think it’s really clear that this is a way to bring kids together,” head coach Dustin Burgardt said.

The event originated from Haysville-Campus High School in 2013. Head coach Kelly Kennedy had a daughter who went through the Makea-Wish foundation, so he wanted to do a team fundraiser to pay back to them.

Burgardt got involved with the event in 2016, after Kennedy invited him to participate

“It became wildly successful so much that he wanted to invite other teams to participate with him,” Burgardt said.

Junior Ben Sheppard said that the event is worth the challenge.

“It’s pretty great to get the opportunity to help kids out with cancer in this event and help them go to places like Disneyland,” Sheppard said.“It’s torture, but it’s for a good cause.”

Junior Logan Fairclough agreed.

“I liked the fact that we are helping people

in need,” he said. “It’s fun and it’s good team bonding.”

Senior Daxton Foos echoed the significance of the event.

“Swimming all these miles was temporary pain, but some of these wish recipients have to go through years of treatment,” Foos said. “It means so much that we have an opportunity to give back to them.”

He said the event rallies around the love for swimming.

“When the swim community comes together to participate in this event it shows how much passion we have for the sport,” Foos said.

Outside of the pool, local businesses in the community have donated meals to fuel the swimmers.

“Martinelli’s is our main donation every year,” Burgardt said. “We’ve had other businesses in the past, and they have been our go-to pasta dinner while we’re swimming.”

Make-a-Wish ambassador Kyle Davis from South attended the event.

“We were able to have this real tangible connection to a Make a Wish recipient as we were raising money for that event,” Burgardt said.

He also said the event is a way to link people to the charity.

“It connects citizens to schools and the donation to Make-A-Wish,” Burgardt said. “I don’t think it’s very difficult to see how big of a local event it is.”

Senior Daxton Foos powers through the tough miles || photo by Mykah Trusty

Central swimmers after finishing their 100 miles with South || photo by Mykah Trusty

STAFF STAFF

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

Opinion Editor

Quinn Duxler

Reporters

Carson Ablard

Danielle Peckham

Holli Crawford

Lillian Crow

Joseph Zepeda

Photographers

Jocelyn Del Real

Naomi Matthews

Amarah Jordan

Tru Lawson

Kodi Waite

Cindric White

Designers

Keaton Myers

Angelica Dao

Danica Dixson

Gabriel Freeland

Randi Shuler

Mia Rodriguez

Adviser

Darrin Stineman

SPILLING THE TEA

WITH SCSP

Quotes heard around the school by Salina Central Student Publications staff

“I left my aura at home.”

“I’m always looking for an excuse to eat.”

“You look nice. I didn’t even recognize you!” “Dave Ramsey is a close friend of mine.”

“Go take your meds.”

“These Snap stories are getting out of hand.”

“This food looks radioactive.”

“All men are cheaters, find one with abs.”

“Do you think I can use Venmo to pay for my tuition?”

“Did they have cops in the Renaissance era? ”

PYTHE PYLON