february 2013
Volume 53, Issue 5
K E E P I N G YO U C OV E R E D
BREEZEWAY B I S H O P K E L L E Y H I G H S C H O O L l 3 9 0 5 S O U T H H U D S O N A V E N U E l T U L S A , O K L A . 7 4 1 3 5 l B K B R E E Z E W AY. C O M
Comets bleed red
3
NHS puts on blood drive with American Red Cross
Valentine’s day
8
Alone or with friends follow these tips for a great holiday
Pin for the win
15
Bishop Kelley wrestlers prepare for regionals
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NEWS
l february 2013
Lights, Camera, Kelley
Digital Media Class introduced to BK curriculum
BY JACOB SHELTON It is time break out the dusters and clean off the ancient TV’s in the classrooms because BK is incorporating a new class called Digital Media. The class will only require an application the first year, but after that the class will require students to take Intro to Journalism and submit an application. The Digital Media class has been in the works since the science department was moved to the STC. “The current location of the piano lab was originally designed and built as a studio -- that is why there is a sound booth in the back. Something happened, however, with the funding or the donation of equipment and that dream was never realized. Now it can be,” Mr. Michael Blazek, Film and Society, English teacher, and sponsor said. Mr. Blazek will teach the students in the Digital Media half or Multimedia Journalism and Ms. Bailey McBride, Intro to Journalism, Newspaper and Yearbook teacher will help teach the jounalism portion. “Mr. Blazek is an awesome video editor and really talented on the technical side of things, so
I would mostly be helping with the journalistic side, interviewing, on camera behavior and things like that,” McBride said. The Breezeway will stay the same and keep producing newspapers and uploading the stories to www.BKBreezeway.com. The change in the class will be that Digital Media can accompany the printed news with video broadcasts. “With Digital Media meeting at the same time, those students can come over and work with people in newspaper to make videos to accompany the news stories going in the paper and online or the other way around. It is designed to be a collaborative effort between the classes,” McBride said. The Digital Media class will be a welcomed addition the BK journalism program. “I think BK has always had the idea in place that students -- in order to keep up with society, technology and careers -- needed some sort of video production class,” Blazek said. Ms. McBride has a similar opinion. “High School journalism programs around the country are expanding and adding television, so when BK Athletics decided to add for sports, it seemed like a great time to add an academic
component so students can learn about broadcast,” McBride said. Digital media will give students a chance to experience another aspect of news and also allow BK events to be recorded more often and shown to those who could not make the event. “The class will add an opportunity for students to gain experience both on-camera and behind the scenes in the area of broadcast journalism. It will provide the community with more video opportunities to see campus events,” Mrs. Judith McMasters said. Also, Digital Media may take over the announcements once the class becomes more established. “The equipment is capable of doing ‘greenscreen’ or ‘chroma key replacement’ -- what they do on the nightly news especially the weathermen -- right out of the box,” Blazek said. Digital Media was a class for a quarter this year and the four students enjoyed the class. “I learned a lot about video editing and I’m excited that other students will be able to take the class. I think it will be a great addition to the Kelley curriculum and an awesome class,” sophomore Michael Hernandez said.
CELEBRATING Catholic Schools Week WORLDWIDE BY ISABEL DOBRIN Mass, twins day and free food. If you go to Kelley, you know that all of these things are included during one week at the end of January: Catholic Schools Week. While Bishop Kelley sponsors traditions and activities during the week that are specific to the school, the week represents much more than dress up days and trivia. Last week, Bishop Kelley was one of 6,980 Catholic schools in the U.S. to participate in the National Catholic Education Association’s Catholic Schools Week celebration. According to the NCEA, Catholic Schools Week is a time for “schools and parishes [to] focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people . . . the week builds community awareness of and involvement in Catholic schools throughout the country.” President of the school, Rev. Brian O’Brien, affirms that though BK has its own traditions as a school, it plays a role in a community that stretches globally. “While Bishop Kelley has characteristics that are unique to it, we are part of a much larger community of schools in our diocese, around our country and around the world,” O’Brien said. “Catholic Education has been around for 800 years and that rich tradition is something we should be proud of.”
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Catholic Schools Week is just the time to celebrate this “rich tradition” and show the greater Tulsa community the benefit of Bishop Kelley and Catholic schools around the diocese in general. Mrs. Maggie Gabel, assistant director of student activities, along with a group of faculty and staff, plan the week’s activities. “We brainstorm ideas and look at different activities that we have done in the past,” she said. This year, the committee brought back an old tradition: the Teacher Trivia Photo Contest. Ms. Bailey McBride was in charge of planning the contest. “We thought it would be fun if we collected high school pictures of all the teachers so our students could see what we looked like when we were their age,” McBride said. “During homeroom ballots were handed out featuring images of about half the staff [then] students had until Wednesday to turn it in and win a prize.” Senior Claire Collins, junior Ilise Enriquez and sophomore Josh Martin were the winners. During Catholic Schools Week, students were able to enjoy the fun activities as well as celebrate the opportunity to participate in them. “It’s a fun week for all the school to share [and] celebrate [our] faith with everyone around [us],” sophomore Megan Ramos said.
BREEZEWAY
Comets Bleed red
BY ELIZABETH THEBAN Bishop Kelley students saved 135 lives on Jan. 22 by donating 45 units of blood. The National Honors Society at Bishop Kelley opens up an opportunity to give back and miss class twice a year, when the local Red Cross comes to Kelley with bags ready to be filled with students blood. Junior Kristina Ngo worked her first blood drive in January. “I think it’s really brave how people are
The students of Bishop Kelley wait to give blood in the commons. “It’s a really simple thing that I can do to help others, and it’s really cool to know that just by giving blood I can save up to three lives” said senior Audra Brulc. Photo curtesy Mrs. Betty O’Connor.
By Scott Love
willing to donate their blood”, Ngo said. NHS students work every blood drive at Kelley. Madison Maddox, senior, signed donors in and out. “The part that touched me the most was after every time a bag was donated, the nurses would yell ‘You just saved three lives!’” Maddox said. Donors appreciate the nurses attitudes, especially first time donor junior Roxanne Eddington. “All the nurses were really nice. I wasn’t nervous to give blood and it was a really easy process,” Eddington said. Others also benefited from the Red Cross nurses. Senior Cara Greenwell said “it definitely helped that the lady taking my blood, Sylvia, was so nice! She was really funny too, and kept making jokes, and every once in awhile she would start singing, so she definitely made the whole experience a lot easier.” Some people felt concerned about the effect giving blood can take on your system. “I was really tired the rest of the day, and my arm hurt a little, but knowing that I helped save three lives, made it worth it,” said Greenwell.
Nurses attend to donors, making sure the process goes well. Donors may have left with less blood, but the also left with lives saved. Matt Matusak, senior, said “it was pretty cool seeing people be generous with their blood and using it to save lives.” Photo curtesy Mrs. Betty O’Connor.
Like many student athletes, Christopher Luschen, junior, said “the biggest issue with giving blood is that it effects if you are allowed to practice sports.” NHS advisor Mrs. Amanda Walker said, “Everything went very well and smoothly” and “a big thank you to all of those that donated.” A possible scholarship waits for the Kelley chapter of NHS. Mrs. Walker said “this year we decided that if we get it, we will do a drawing amongst all of the senior donors to give away the scholarship.” The next blood drive will be in October 2013.
Welcome Transfers
Rahim Awe
Mitchell Austin
I wanted a better education and a better environment. I want to graduate with A’s and B’s. So far my best has experience has been going to career day. Our speaker was really cool, and they got me excited to get involved and get a good education.
I thought a private school would be the best fit. I expect a good experience. I want to make good grades and get the starting position on the baseball team. So far making the baseball team has been my best experience.
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Christian Barrett Both my parents went here so it was kind of a tradition. I want to Bishop Kelley to give me better opprotunities for getting into a good college. I want to join as many clubs as possible and win state in wrestling. So far my best experince was my first day, and the big culture change.
Maggie Morgan I wanted to meet new people. I want to have fun and enjoy highschool. I want to make freinds and get into a good college. My best experience so far has been meeting a bunch of new friends.
Sam Morrell
William Soule
I wanted to see all of my old friends and the schedule fit better. I really like the wrestling team. I think Bishop Kelley can help me get into a better college. I want to place in state in wrestling and make straight A’s. My best experience has been my history class because of the good teacher.
I thought BK would be a better fit for me. I expect to be welcomed into the community. I want an education that will get me into college. I want to play baseball and keep staight A’s. My best experience has been seeing all my friends from middle school and meeting new people.
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March For Life
600,000 people from all over the U.S. march for the unborn
BY MADELINE YOUNG
It all started with the Tulsa March for Life. Groups from different churches and different schools all joined together for mass and the Tulsa march on Tuesday night, Jan. 22. That night, after the march, we all loaded onto our charter buses and took off on our 24 hour bus ride. We arrived in Washington D.C. Wednesday night at midnight. The next day, Thursday, we saw the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Wall, and the Museum of American History. Later Oklahoma Sen. Jim Inhofe welcomed us and spoke to us about what a
great job we were doing. That night we joined thousands of others for church at the Basilica. The mass lasted around four hours. On the day of the march, Friday, Jan. 25, Ryan Bomberger started the march off with saying, “It may be 20 degrees, but it can’t take out this fire”. While I was marching I did not notice how cold it was. All I could think of was that 600,000 other people are marching for the same thing that I am. The march lasted for three hours. Those three hours were filled
with snow, dancing, and praying. Later that night we went to the “Life is Very Good” evening of prayer. Matt Maher performed for us, Chris Stefanick spoke for us, and then we had adoration. Saturday we all went to Arlington National Cemetery, shopping, and mass at St. Matthews. After mass we headed home and arrived home Sunday evening. The March for Life was great experience. Even though I was cold, tired, and sore I felt great that I did something for thousands of others.
Our view of the capital on our way to the Museum of American History in D.C.
As hundreds of people march, police make sure no one walks on the sidewalk.
The Lincoln Memorial in Virginia.
Fr. Bryan Brooks and Fr. Brian O’Brien at the Basilica.
During the march a flag that says,”LIFE” sticks out of the crowd.
A panaramic view of the Washington Monument from on top of the Lincoln Memorial.
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Sen. Jim Inhofe speaking to us about abortion on Wdensday.
BREEZEWAY
ANYTHING GOES
This year’s musical, a 1930’s classic, brought criminals, sumptuous sermonizers, lords, ladies and sailors together aboard the S.S. American for love, song, and dance. BY BREEZEWAY STAFF
1) Locked in jail, senior Chris Cargill and junior Adam Lawhorn try to see the best in the situation during “Be Like the Bluebird.” 2) Dancing his heart out as a gypsy, senior Max Sanders portrays Lord Evelyn Oakley. “The “Gypsy in Me” choreography was so much fun. It was a little different every night. I’m glad the audience liked it,” Sanders said. 3) At the finale of Act I “Blow, Gabriel, Blow,” senior Cara Greenwell as Reno Sweeney strikes a pose in front of her “angels”. “Prepping for the musical is actually really fun, it can be kind of stressful sometimes, but it’s fun!” 4) Backstage, senior Emma Copp, who also played the lead role of Reno Sweeney, and junior Mackenzie Staurovsky participate in a pre-show ritual called “Bananas”. “I’ll be sad to leave, but I know the theatre department is in good hands,” Copp said. 5) Sophomore Emily Meador (Erma) is held by three of the sailors. Erma was the sassy sidekick to Moonface Martin, played by senior Chris Cargill. Photos 1,2,3,5 by Br. Richard Merkel Photo 4 by Max Sanders
BKBREEZEWAY.COM
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Page SIX l
OPINION
l february 2013
Senioritis: worse than plague . . . sort of BY TODD FERNANDEZ What causes grades to slip, priorities to go out the window and is a constant ailment that plagues the hall of Bishop Kelley? If you guessed senioritis, then you are correct. Like an incurable disease, senioritis infects any and all seniors at some point. “Senioritis is bad stuff man. Once it takes hold of you, it never lets go. Slowly it envelopes you until you’re gasping for air. And then... you lose all interest,” senior Sean Kane said. Senioritis is the scapegoat for a typical senior’s apathetic and lackadaisical mood. But how potent and real is senioritis? Personally, I think senioritis is all too real. It is a culmination of all the stress built up over the four years at Bishop Kelley because being a Kelley student requires a lot of work, determination and perseverance. Also, seniors can get caught up looking forward to college more than their path to college. It affects you almost everywhere. “I think part of it is real,” theology teacher Mrs. Jane Bender said. “Once the first part of senior year is over, I do think [the kids] are really thinking about college and stuff like that. But I also think it is an excuse for not doing what you’re supposed to be doing while you’re still here. You’re always looking for the next adventure, and I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not.” Common activities due to senioritis include situations like going home, and crash-
ing on your couch when you should be doing your essay. Or sitting like a rock in your desk when you should be paying attention to your teacher.
“Slowly it envelopes you until you’re gasping for air. Then . . . you lose all interest.” -Senior Sean Kane
“It’s caused me to get up later and get to school later. I just stopped caring. It sucks but it’s awesome,” senior Kevin Finnegan said. Senior Josh Savage has also been a victim of the senioritis curse. “Whenever I got accepted to the colleges that I wanted to I just quit,” Savage said. “I’ve studied for every final I’ve ever taken at Kelley. Then I didn’t study for my first two finals of the 2nd quarter and needless to say that didn’t go so well. I have no motivation to study anymore.” But how do you combat the debilitating senioritis? “Using a planner would help me a lot, but it’s just not going to happen, ” Savage said.
Breezeway staff
BREEZEWAY BISHOP KELLEY HIGH SCHOOL 3905 SOUTH HUDSON AVENUE TULSA, OKLA. 74135 (918) 627-3390 Ext: 174 B K b r e e z e w ay. c o m
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Isabel Dobrin - Editor in Chief Todd Fernandez - Managing Editor Max Sanders - Graphic Designer Matt Morgan - Staff Writer Madeline F. Young - Staff Writer Scott Love - Staff Writer Melissa Veltri - Staff Writer Jacob Shelton- Staff Writer Brady Little - Staff Writer Elizabeth Theban - Staff Writer Madi Schulz - Staff Writer Adviser - Ms. Bailey McBride
Maybe Savage should try another technique instead, like creating goals to strive for to get more motivation. For example, picture yourself in your room with homework that needs to be done, college stuff that has to be completed and tests that you need to study for. But also in the room are your phone, your TV and your computer. It sounds pretty tempting to enjoy these gifts of technology, but you should avoid these at all costs to get your stuff done right? Well, not necessarily. Instead use them as motivation. Tell yourself to work and be productive for an hour then for the next five to 10 minutes you can text, Facebook or whatever you want. Just be sure you don’t make your small break too long. Not only are students prey to the effects of senioritis, but also the teachers teaching them. As the seniors lose their drive to be productive, they also tend to lose their manners as well. “Be respectful to your teachers that are teaching seniors because this is what we are getting paid to do, and when you’re being disruptive it makes it tough on a teacher to do their job. I love the seniors, I really do, but second half of the year is tough,” Bender said. Chances are, senioritis will continue to plague each senior class of Bishop Kelley. As dissappointing as it is, it is a part of high school. “Senioritis is like a tattoo,” Savage said. “Once it’s on you, it’s impossible to get off.”
The Breezeway welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed, but The Breezeway will withhold names upon request. The Breezeway has the right to accept, reject, or edit any letter at any time and will not run personal attacks. Non-bylined editorials are the opinions held by The Breezeway staff but are not necessarily the opinion of the adviser or administrators. The Breezeway provides an open forum for students and staff and strives to present news in an unbiased and timely fashion. The Breezeway has the right to accept, reject, edit, or cancel any advertisement at any time. Ads which the staff accepts are not an endorsement of the paper, the staff, the adviser, or the administrator. Some material is courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/ MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service.
Cover photos by Brother richard merkel
BREEZEWAY
Page seven l
FEATURE
l February 2013
INNOVATE TO EDUCATE
Bishop Kelley welcomes the new year with campus improvement, hoping to increase success BY BRAD LITTLE A geothermal heating and air system, a new video board, a new paint job, and other campus innovations are being introduced this school year, continuing into next fall. The geothermal system will use the practice field like never before. Starting in March, 66 individual holes will be dug, all 400 feet deep. To put this into perspective, if these holes were stacked end to end it would stretch from the Science and Technology Center to the main building about 35 times. That is only one of the new year improvements Bishop Kelley will undergo in the coming years. Bishop Kelley President Fr. Brian O’Brien said, “Geothermal for the main building should be done by the time school starts in August and next year will cover the gym and cafeteria.” 35 trips to and from the STC does not sound like much, but the system within the holes will be able to provide a greener source of energy. “It uses the the grounds natural temperatures instead of gas and electricity to heat the air we pump into our buildings,” Fr. O’Brien said. The geothermal system will cool Bishop Kelley by extracting heat inside the building to be released back into the earth, recycling heat. “I think it’s important for our generation to take part in recycling and saving energy because it will become a important part of our future,” senior Bethany Hausher said. Another new improvement coming to Bishop Kelley is the new
marquee, or video board, that will be placed on the corner of 41st Street and Hudson Avenue, standing 20 feet tall. “A backlit, red-painted aluminum sign above the marquee will give our school a presence 24 hours of the day, every day,” Doug Thomas, Director of Advancement, said. “According to the Transportation Department of Tulsa, 55,000 cars drive by the corner of 41st and Hudson every day,” Thomas added. “This will advertise our school like never before.” Mr. Thomas also mentioned the new laboratory that will be put into an STC storage room. “It will be used like the library is used for classes around the main building,” he said. “It will be the nicest science lab at Bishop Kelley.” Adding to the improvements of this year, the advancement office made the decision to paint the STC white and red, uniting it with the rest of the school. “You can’t please everybody but overall, people are quite positive,” Fr. O’Brien said. Student responses have varied, but senior Madeline Doyle said, “at first I thought it was ugly, but if the other buildings had this design, it would make more sense.” Overall, the new year has brought many new improvements to the school and will continue to do so in the coming years.
2013
Bishop to the Future A look at how Bishop Kelley may look in the future
ILLUSTRATION BY ELIZABETH THEBAN
BKBREEZEWAY.COM
BY TODD FERNANDEZ With all the changes occurring at Bishop Kelley, the school has improved substantially since its building in 1960. Renaming of building, construction of sports facilities, creation of new curriculum and countless other changes have made Bishop Kelley the school we know and love today. So, along with all these changes taking place, I would like to take a moment to speculate what Kelley will look like 47 years from now when Kelley celebrates its 100th anniversary. So open your imagination Comets, hop into your DeLorean, turn on the flux capacitor, and let us take a glance of Bishop Kelley in the future. A major change will come from the sports department. There will be a larger field house with space for the away team and improved training facilities. The football stands will be improved so that every time you jump up and down, you won’t feel like you are about to break through your seat. There will be tennis courts built on the practice fields so that home court advantage is not Hicks Park. The school rooms will finally get rid of the smelly and painful burlap walls. They will be replaced with sleek and stylish regular dry walls. The Providence Center, also known as the PC, will get a crazy awesome revamp. It will be two story building of straight up Faith and Holy Spirit. Most importantly, the bathroom will smell better. Bishop Kelley will also expand underground. A much needed underground tunnel will be build to the STC. But instead of a regular walking tunnel, it will be a moving walkway that will greatly decrease the amount of time it takes to get to the STC. And thanks to the discovery of the geothermal well, the tunnel will be air conditioned. Perhaps these speculations of an improved Bishop Kelley won’t reach the light. But if the improvements that are occurring now are any sign of things to come, I would say Kelley is on the right track.
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The Best and Worst
BY MELISSA VELTRI When imagining a perfect Valentine’s Day date, one might think of a candlelight dinner or a walk in the park. For some people, the joy of Valentine’s Day can be brought to them in more romantic or unusal ways. On a beautiful Valentine’s Day afternoon, a boy shared with a girl “all in all one of the most romatic days of [his] life.” “We first arrived at the Walmart in Bixby and waited in the tire store for about 30 minutes” senior Andrew Wood said. It was a cold February evening and his girlfriend needed to get her oil in her car changed. After a while, things became a little sticky for the romantic couple. “We spent time by playing the big claw machine in the really sanitary arcade and the machine got stuck,” girlfriend senior Kelsey Ritchie said. It became a difficult moment for them as no one would seem to help and both began to work up an appetite. “After a romantic walk to the light bulb aisle, we decided to go to a lovely candle light dinner at the Buffalo Wild Wings across the street,” Wood said. “We had picked the most romantic restaurant imaginable,” Ritchie said. “We may or may not have had an eating contest”. Wood said if he would do Valentine’s Day differently this year, he said
Students and teachers talk about their best and worst Valentine’s Day
he has nothing more or less planned for his sweetheart. For some others, Valentine’s day isn’ t as romantic or beautiful. “I sent a guy in the grade above me a carnation with a note,” junior Allie Ertl said. She had gotten the idea from a movie she had watched and thought it was a good idea. After waiting for her older crush to approach her, she realized he wasn’t going to. “He never spoke to me again,” she said. Teachers on the otherhand have a harder time getting to spend the day with their loved one. Instead, teachers get to enjoy it with their students. “I was teaching my first year here and these three ladies showed up and gave me a balloon and a flower and started singing ‘You Are My Sunshine’ to me,” teacher Mrs. Jane Bender said. As a first year teacher, Mrs. Bender was scared she could get in trouble for having “strange people” in her class that were disrupting and signing to her. After an uncomfortable couple minutes, the students finished the song with “All my love, your husband.” “All the kids thought it was sweet and Br. David told me he heard about it and thought it was great, too,” Mrs Bender said. As Valentine’s Day approaches, there are sure to be more success and failed attempts of the perfect Valentine’s Day.
BY MELISSA VELTRI
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BREEZEWAY
DO’s and don’ts on a
First Date
DO [if you’re a guy] pay . . . [and] act with great chivalry. Mr. Bryan
DO ask lots of questions about the other person . . . then be genuinely interested in their responses!
DO be a gentleman . . . don’t text other people while on the date. Josh Limes Sophomore
DO If you’re a guy, go pick her up at her house and ring the doorbell! Kendra Mackey Junior
DON’T have any expectations . . . and don’t talk about past relationships. Mr. Manning
DON’T move too fast, get to know the person first. Cassie Farmer Freshman
DON’T have bad table manners . . . [and] don’t make her feel awkward. Andy Litzinger Senior
Mrs. Kallstrom
DON’T have your phone out at all! [It] makes you look disinterested. Coach Wads
BY ISABEL DOBRIN
High School Sweethearts
BY MADI SCHULZ
As younger players in sports may look to older players for advice or inspiration, younger couples who are dating at Bishop Kelley may look to older couples for help in their relationships. Nothing offers relationship inspiration quite like the story of high school sweethearts who have gone the distance and made their relationship last. For BK alums Tommy and Margo Griffin, their story is a true high school sweet heart success story. Mr. and Mrs. Griffin began dating on Sept. 4, 1999, their sophomore year of high school. “I had to drive because Tommy had not yet turned 16,” said Mrs. Griffin. As they dated throughout high school, they eventually had to part ways to attend separate colleges. For some couples, the distance would cause problems. But not for the Griffins. After a brief break up, they got back together to continue a long distance relationship for five years. They got married on June 16, 2007, at Holy Family Cathedral with Father O’Brien presiding over the ceremony. For Valentine’s Day this year, the Griffins plan to have a low key day, spent with their new born baby girl, Anna. For David and Danielle Scherer, their high school sweetheart
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story involved a little more patience, and was more of a comeback story. Mr. and Mrs. Scherer had their first date at the Christmas dance their freshman year. “The dance was Sadie Hawkins style and he was the super cute quarterback with the locker next to mine, so I asked him [to the dance],” said Mrs. Scherer. “Apparently no initial sparks flew for him however, because we did not continue to date after that.” Despite the initial snub, the future Mr. and Mrs. Scherer remained good friends throughout high school, and, as fate would have it, both attended the University of Tulsa. As their friendship and romance grew, Mr. Scherer eventually asked Mrs. Scherer to his senior formal. “I asked her to marry me six months later,” said Mr. Scherer. The Scherers got married in August 2009, and they plan on a low key Valentine’s day, spent at home with their triplets. The Griffins and the Scherers both offer examples of couples who have made it work through out the years, and lessons in love. For the Griffins, their long distance relationship can be a lesson of perseverance. As for the Scherers, they offer a lesson in patience, and that even with rejection, fate can take over.
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BY MADI SCHULZ
As the sound of jingling bells and the sight of red Santa hats filled the Bishop Kelley track, it appeared that Christmas came early. However, it was not Santa Claus that brought the Christmas cheer, it was the friends and family of senior Isaac Cook. On Dec. 21 at 6 p.m., hundreds of people gathered at the Bishop Kelley track for one purpose: to help raise money and morale for Cook, who was diagnosed with brain cancer last year. Once runners at the Jingle Bell Run paid their gate price of $10 for students or $20 for adults, they could choose between lanes for more experienced runners or other lanes for those who wanted to walk or just hang out with their friends. Senior John Robert Bell, a close friend of Cook, describes the atmosphere as “a little chilly, but that didn’t stop anyone from running.” Not only did the run feature students and parents from Bishop Kelley, but people from all over Tulsa and students from various schools turned out to support the cause.
Seniors Liza Hepner and Brady Little both played a major role in getting a large number of people involved. Hepner stuffed lockers with flyers because “Mr. Pratt said that putting flyers on cars would be too much of a mess” and Little was responsible for contacting the Tulsa World and getting the story on the front page of the Scene section. “It means a lot knowing that people care,” said Cook about the run and the efforts made by his friends. While his friends, family, and strangers who just had concern for the cause ran and walked around the track, Isaac looked on from his golf cart, taking it all in and “heckling some friends,” he said. At the end of the run, everyone who participated had an opportunity to light Chinese lanterns, then release them and watch them float into the sky. Cook said that he “had fun watching everyone attempt to light them,” and that watching the lanterns fly was one of his favorite parts. Although the run, along with donations, raised about $27,000 for Cook’s medical bills and any other expenses he may have, the Jingle Bell Run also provided an uplifting, fun,
Photo courtesy of Liza Hepner
All For One
Bishop Kelley Community holds fundraiser run for senior Isaac Cook.
Junior Alex Ritchie and Senior Robin St. John lift up a lantern, about to let it go. The lantern lighting concluded the run. “It was a really beautiful moment,” St. John said.
environment and an opportunity to help out one of the Bishop Kelley community’s own. “The fact that my good friends were there to support me and take time out of their day… is just wonderful and means the world to me,” said Cook. Donations for the Isaac Cook Medical Fund are still being accepted at any BancFirst location. Checks can also be mailed to BancFirst, P.O. Box 680, Tulsa, OK 74101-0680, made out to Isaac Cook Medical Fund.
Just GETTING STARTED Freshman reflect on their Bishop Kelley experiences so far.
Caroline Lassman
Mithcelle Craig
Jake Percy
The people are great, and I met a lot of new people. I was not expecting as much freedom. I learned a lot about how to manage my time well. I am pumped about tennis season!
I like the community and all of the athletics. I was surprised by the welcoming community. I cannot wait for baseball. I learned that you should be yourself becaus any one will judge you.
I like the four classes and the sports. Everyone was so nice. I am looking forward to track and finishing basketball. I learned a lot more about Jesus by going to the boy’s retreat.
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Austin Harrigill I like the late start and the teachers. The Teachers are friendly and wiling to help you. I am ready for this coming track season. I learned to be yourself and just hang out and have nothing to hold back.
Maria Jiminez I like the activities and that it is a Christian school and the different people here. I look forward to making good grades. I learned that you need to be someone that you are going to be proud of.
Dory Lieber I like my friends and chicken day. I’m surprised by how friendly everyone is. I’m looking forward to summer. I learned math and that highschool is so much better than middle school.
Image by C09Cloud.com
By Scott Love
BREEZEWAY
From
1960 and BEYOND BY TODD FERNANDEZ They come in all shapes and forms. They are resilient and stand the test of time. They have the power to change the world. They are Comets. Like a comet, Bishop Kelley has a longer history than some students would care to know. Bishop Kelley has been accepting students to learn, study and grow in their faith and knowledge since 1960. That’s about 53 years, which is older than about 90 percent of the people who currently go to Bishop Kelley everyday. The brave men and women who chose to step into those hallways that first day forever shaped the school. Bishop Kelley is Bishop Kelley because of those people. Without them there would never be the Comet community, Comet Spirit and most importantly there wouldn’t be a way to say STATE without some awesome meaning behind it. Bishop Kelley was started for one simple reason, and that was “to train our children in the full development of their persons and in the ways of Christ.” These words were written down by none other than Bishop McGuinness himself. As Kelley’s fiercest rival, it may seem odd that there is a common link with McGuinness. In reality, Bishop McGuinness was the one who wanted Bishop Kelley to be built and had the desire to see it up and running. Unfortunately, he died about two years before Bishop Kelley was opened. It would have made sense to name the school Bishop McGuinness, but Oklahoma City’s Catholic Central High School, known today as McGuinness, had the first choice of a name because they were established in 1950. McGuinness himself suggested that the new Catholic high school be named after his predecessor, Bishop Francis Kelley. So Bishop Kelley was named and the rest is history. For freshmen, almost everything is awkward simply because they are ignorant to how everything in the school functions and they do not know what the school has in store. In 1960, everyone was like a freshman.
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An overhead view of Bishop Kelley from 1960. The chapel, the senior lot, the library and the STC have been added since this shot was taken.
“The students were nervous. The teachers were nervous. Of the eight lay teachers (four female and four male), three were rookies. Everyone was a rookie, a first-time Bishop Kelley Comet, on that September day in 1960,” the Bishop Kelley 50th Anniversary Book says. Aside from these lay teachers were there 12 nuns and six Christian brothers. Back in 1960, girls and boys were usually taught separately and the nuns were in charge of teaching the girls. “The girls felt funny, having never worn uniforms. The boys felt funny being separated from the girls, save for the lucky few in the advanced math and science classes that necessitated boys and girls learning together,” the Bishop Kelley 50th Anniversary Book says. There were also two principals, one for each gender. Brother Bernadine Kuzminksi was the boy’s principal and Sister Angelina Marie was the girl’s. Tuition was cheaper also, only $100 for one student and $275 for three. Since Bishop Kelley’s first year, rivalry has always been a part of its history. Bishop Kelley has been competing against Bishop McGuinness since 1960. It would seem inconceivable to even try to put Kelley and McGuinness kids together for more than a day, much less an entire year. There would be fierce looks back and forth across the hallways, “accidental” shoves and maybe an occasional rude remark.The tension would be so dense, that you could hide the spirit stick in it. A similarly tense atmosphere was commonplace in the halls of Bishop Kelley during that first year. “Bishop Kelley [combined] two rival, inner-city high schools, Holy Family and Marquette,” the Bishop Kelley 50th Anniversary Book says. As rivals going to the same school, one would expect fights and animosity constantly. But something started to happen in those classrooms and locker bays. There, on those
first days, Bishop Kelley’s unforgettable community began to take its first steps. “By the end of that first year, the former Holy Family and Marquette students had begun to unite as on common Comet student body. They had academic opportunities and extracurricular activities like never before,” the Bishop Kelley 50th Anniversary Book says. On that first year, Comets were already achieving excellence. There was a National merit semi finalist, Student council was created and officers were chosen and a Queen Kelley was crowned. Athletics, of course, was and always has been an important part of Bishop Kelley. During that first year the school had a track team, a cross country team, a basketball team, a softball team, a baseball team and a football team. However, the school was lacking in some athletic facilities so students had to play and practice on other fields. Home field moved from field to field from borrowed stadiums or gyms. Bishop Kelley adds more and more tradition and history as the years go on. Ever since that first year, there has been something unique about the school: its spirit. A staff editorial in Bishop Kelley’s first newspaper, “The Crosier,” speaks about this spirit and sends a message to those Comets past, present and to come. “It is an unusual spirit, and one that could well set the traditions of our school. It is a spirit that can be carried into classrooms and onto football fields -- a willingness to cooperate and share and learn and compete. It is a spirit that can belong to a teen world and still hold the traditions of Bishop Kelley High School as stated by our faculty. Or it can be a spirit that will die with the newness of these rooms and people. It can grow cold and passive and quiet with the first snows of winter. Whether our school progresses as a cold institution or a vital student society is up to us. The future is in our hands.”
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ENTERTAINMENT The Tulsa Ticket upcoming Events
l FEBRUARY 2013
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BY ELIZABETH THEBAN
The Who
Classic rock icon The Who will perform their legendary album QUADROPHENIA, their second rock opera. The entire record will be played at the BOK Center on Feb. 14.
Muse
Winner of the 2010 Rock Album Grammy and the American Music Award, Muse comes to Tulsa. Dead Sara opens the concert. The promotional tour for their new record, “The 2nd Law,” visits the BOK Center on Mar. 10.
Excision and Paper Diamond
The beat is sure to drop at Cain’s during the dubstep concert on Feb. 24. The act will include a light show. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Homecoming Dance
Dance the night away at Kelley’s Winter Wrestling Regionals Othello Homecoming Dance. With a theme of PresienThe Comets compete for a regional title. Cheer tial Inauguration Ball it is sure to be a blast. The Shakespearean classic takes the stage Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. Local on fellow Comets on Feb. 15 and 16 at a loca- Come to the Tulsa Convention Center dressed theatre company Playhouse Tulsa will perform tion to be announced. See Pin to Win by Isabel to the nines at 8 p.m. on Feb. 9. Dobrin on page 15 for more information. in the John H. Williams Theatre at the PAC. Mardi Gras Parade
Basketball Regionals
The boys and girls basketball teams compete in the 5A Regionals on Feb. 22 and Feb. 23. Come support the team at a location to be announced.
The xx
The British indie pop group, with opener Austra, is coming to Tulsa. On Feb. 15, Cain’s doors will open at 7:30 p.m. To get a spot, visit ticket resale sites because Cain’s sold out.
Join the Blue Dome District Merchant’s Association for Fat Tuesday festivities with masks and beads galore. Recreating the New Orleans tradition, the parade will start at 1st Street and Elgin Avenue on Feb. 12.
Life in the Fast Lane BY SARAH BONK
Sitting on a red Coleman cooler filled with Gatorade and water, Sean Kane prepares for his race by listening to his favorite pumpup songs. A few minutes later, Coach West comes over to the Bishop Kelley tent and tells the varsity boys to begin warming up. Kane takes off his lucky green Mountain Dew hat and puts on his spikes for his last high school cross country state race. “My most memorable race is probably cross country state 2012 because all my memories of previous races came flooding back to me while I was racing,” Kane said. Sean Kane started running because he wanted to stay in shape for basketball, but he never anticipated running becoming his main sport. He described the feeling he gets on a run as “indescribable.” “My motivation is my own desire to achieve my goals,” he said. “I want my name to be on the record board and run a sub-4:20 one-mile.” Kane hopes to achieve this particular goal by “fast running” and through the help and support from his fellow teammates. “My strength is being part of a team as well as being the leader on that team,” he said. Looking back on his previous seasons of cross country, Kane said he could see how people thought the boys cross country was pretty crazy. “My favorite memory is before state cross
country my junior year when we ran before the race and went up in the stands, so we could sound our barbaric yawp,” Kane said. The boys cross country seniors have seen and recognized that Kane has grown and matured as a person because of running and the discipline factor of the sport. “Sean has learned through cross country that there is no limit to what one can do through hard work and dedication,” fellow senior runner Taylor Hahn said. Even other people outside of the cross country team have noticed how much Kane has changed for the better because of running. “I think running has helped give Sean something to work for and highlighted his ambition and determination. I think he also uses it as an escape to reflect,” Kane’s friend, Chris Cargill, said. As Kane looks to his future career in running by hopefully walking on to the University of Kansas cross country and track team, he cannot wait to get faster and be able to run well at the collegiate level. Also, Kane believes that running has taught him some skills and qualities that he can apply to his life. Kane has learned through running that “perseverance, leadership, and you get what you put in” are key things that he can apply to his life. Because Kane is training for his last track season at Bishop Kelley, he wants to leave
At the Bishop Kelley Cross Country Invitational, senior Sean Kane leads the pack. Photo courtesy Bishop Kelley Journalism.
behind a legacy that will never be forgotten by his teammates and younger runners. “I think the legacy that Sean left behind was not only hard work and perseverance, but also caring for the rest of the team and assuring them that they can reach their goals,” Hahn said. Kane hopes “to leave behind that [through] hard work and devotion [and] with a supporting team, it is always possible to achieve your goals,” Kane said.
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ENTERTAINMENT
l FEBRUARY 2013
order up: Downtown Dining BY JACOB SHELTON Looking for a place to have a nice dinner with friends that has a wide variety of food? You should try out the Rusty Crane, located downtown at 109 North Detroit Ave. Although the name may seem kind of sketchy, the Rusty Crane is pretty awesome. The Rusty Crane has a unique atmosphere created by dim lighting, abstract art on the walls and several tables covered in old timey photos. Coincidentally, the Rusty Crane menu and signage also use the same fonts and styles as the Breezeway. Not only is the inside of the Rusty Crane an interesting place to have dinner because it looks like an old warehouse on the outside, but it is lively and exciting on the inside. It also has a large patio on the north side of the restaurant that is good for sunny days. The Rusty Crane offers a wide variety of foods ranging from enchiladas, to pasta to hamburgers. The salsa that the Breezeway staff and I ordered for an appetizer was fantastic and I recommend it if you ever go the the Rusty Crane. All of the food has a spicy taste created by the “Rust Dust” that seems to be on most of their food. I ordered the “Mother Clucker” ($9.99), which is a
chicken burger, and sweet potato fries. The food was good, but all of the Breezeway staff questioned why they needed to put “Rust Dust” on all of the food and make it all spicy. The food was still good despite the spicy taste to every dish the Breezeway staff ordered. Senior Todd Fernandez ordered the “Chicken Caesar Wrap” with sweet potato fries ($7.49). “It was really good, but I wasn’t expecting it to be as spicy as it was,” Fernandez said. Junior Scott Love ordered the “Signature Yumlada” (enchilada) with spicy chips ($12.49). “It was sort of spicy, but it had a lot of flavor, pretty good compared to most Mexican food,” Love said. The service at the Rusty Crane was kind of slow. We were seated a couple minutes after we arrived, but the time between when our orders were placed and the time the servers brought the food out was close to an hour. Final Verdict: The Rusty Crane is a good restaurant to eat at on an evening out on the town. The variety of the menu accommodate all tastes. I recommend this restaurant if you are ever downtown or want a unique place to spend an evening.
Take this quiz to see who you are most compatable with. At the end of the quiz count up to see which letter was the majority of your answer. Then compare your answwers to other’s and see if you find a match! BY MADELINE YOUNG 4. Which show would you rather watch? a. How I Met Your Mother b. Criminal Minds c. Grey’s Anatomy 1. The ideal date for you is? a. Miniture golf b. A couple’s workout session c. Going out dancing
5. Which color do you like the most? a. Yellow b. Red c. Pink
2. On a movie date, which type of movie would you go to? a. Comedy b. Action c. Romantic
6. Which concert would you rather go to? a. John Mayer b. Katy Perry c. Michael Buble
3. How do you spend your free time? a. Catching up on your latest show b. Playing a sport c. Reading a good book
7. What animal would best describe you? a. Monkey b. Cheeta c. Dolphin
8. What’s your favorite holiday? a. Thanksgiving b. 4th of July c. Valentine’s Day 9. What’s your favorite type of food? a. Mexican b. Chineese c. Italian 10. What’s your favorite place to shop for clothes? a. Urban Outfitters b. Nike c. Forever 21/ Polo
- If you got mostly a’s you are easy going and like to laugh! If you got mostly b’s you are adventurous and like trying new thimgs! If you got mostly c’s you are classic romantic and love passion.
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SPORTS
l JANUARY 2013
HEADED TO THE TOP
With her commitment to Notre Dame next year, Kaela Little looks forward BY BRAD LITTLE This spring, Kaela Little will step out on the field for her last season at Bishop Kelley. While her high school career is coming to a close, her college and possible professional career is about to begin. However, her main focus is on her last season as a Comet. “Senior year I want to win the 6A state championship again with the team,” Little said. Little has slowly worked to improve the team and get ready for her college career at Notre Dame, where she hopes to start her freshman year. Her desire to play at Notre Dame has lingered in her mind ever since she started playing soccer. “Finally making that decision was a huge weight lifted from my shoulders because I knew Notre Dame was the perfect fit for me,” she said. Along with Little’s commitment to Notre Dame, she recently attended the U-20 USA national team camp in California. “Kaela has worked really hard to achieve her goals and I definitely think she deserves a spot on the team,” said one of Kaela’s close friends, senior Juanita Torres. “I think along with being a great player, she is also a great leader which sets her apart from other players.” This camp is a great way to notice young players who have the potential to be on a national team.
It is unusual for a goalie to score a goal, but the next closest thing is to give an assist. “I don’t usually get to assist my teammates for a goal, but it was cool to do that last year when I punted the ball as hard as I can to someone who was in position to score,” Little said.
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The 2012 state championship trophy is hoisted by Little with her teammates after a struggling game in the rain. “My favorite experience was definitely winning the 6A state championship last year in front of an amazing crowd of friends, family, and students who came out to watch and support in the pouring rain,” she said.
“I think that the U-20 National Team camp was an incredible experience! It was really exciting to play with some of the best players in the country and learn from some of the best coaches,” Little said. Most players who are on the United States Women National Team at the World Cup or at the Olympics started out at camps like this one. “My ultimate goal is to either play in the Olympics or the World Cup,” Little said, “whether it be with the full national team or a youth national team, I just want to wear that jersey and represent our country.” Little has also played her whole life with diabetes. “Sometimes diabetes does make it difficult with soccer because if my blood sugar goes low or high before the game it throws me off,” she said. “Normally though, diabetes doesn’t affect me too much.” To relieve her mind from external stress, Little’s pre-game routine does just that. “I always try to laugh before the game. It helps me release tension and nerves and reminds me that, although I want to win, it’s important to still have fun and enjoy the
game,” Little said. Senior Bailey Haydock thinks of Little as a great leader. “I think that Kaela is one of my favorite teammates to be around because she can always make me laugh and it helps me play better,” Haydock said. Little is not the only one of the senior girls going to play at the next level. Six other senior girls are going on to play at the next level, at colleges across the country. “It has been amazing to play with my best friends the past three years and I could not be more excited for the upcoming season,” Sprouse said. Little has worked hard to get where she is now. A fourth state championship will be a hard task, but she and her other teammates know it is an achievable goal, as well. “I’m not sure I have left a legacy for my younger teammates,” Little stated, “but if I have, I hope it is that hard work, dedication, and passion pay off. I have worked my whole life to get to this point, and I am so thankful to be where I am.”
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SPORTS PIN TO WIN: Wrestlers get ready for Regionals Page Fifteen l
l february 2013
BY ISABEL DOBRIN
“Every year the Bishop Kelley wrestling team grows in confidence, skill and maturity,” Livingston said. “The seniors have done better than . . . in Next week, the BK wrestling team will be headed to Regionals to [the] past [and] the underclassmen have really stepped up and shown a lot compete for a chance to qualify for the state competition on Friday and of leadership.” Saturday, Feb. 22 and 23. Freshman Tristen Zellers set a high standard for the underclassmen Wrestlers did well individually at their showings at Districts on Jan. 8. when he began his career as a BK wrestler this year; he was District Runner Senior Lota Ezenwa and junior Brice Inbody were District Champions in Up in his division. their respective divisions and senior Gable Krebsbach was Runner-Up in “My first season has been . . . better than I’ve expected and my coach his division. Though the team didn’t qualify for Duel State, the tournament expected,” Zellers said. was practice for their upAs far as state goes, Livcoming run at Regionals. ingston says it’s “up to the boys “I went 2-1 at District because they have to place in Quad vs. Grove, Pryor the top four at regionals to and Miami. I only lost to qualify for state.” Miami and all those teams Zellers is feeling the preswere in my regional and sure but eager to prove himself Photo by Isabel Dobrin by beating them it just once again. Senior Payton Dunning attempts to pin his Sulphur opponent in his first match at the BK Invitational on Feb. helps me get seeded better 2. Five wrestlers placed in the top five in their weights at the tournament. “This pin was for Coach Mac. “[At regionals] I’m not really He taught me everything I know,” Dunning said. for regionals,” Krebsbach sure what to expect . . . [senior] said. Todd Fernandez has helped me Krebsbach’s season has been his best yet after recovering from a cona lot working with me after practice and showing me moves [to prepare],” cussion he suffered in the middle of his junior year season. When lookZellers said. “I’m looking forward to it but I am nervous.” ing back on his last wrestling season at Kelley, one word comes to mind, While Zellers prepares for his first Regionals, Senior Lota Ezenwa, DisKrebsbach said: trict Champion of his division, is prepared to give his all at his last Region“Redemption. I have a lot better record in duels this year than any als competition in his BK wrestling career. other year . . . last year [at Districts] I went 0-3, so [this season] was a big “[The season] has been tough but fun.... the seniors have a lot of fun personal accomplishment,” he said. with the coach and it’s actually quite enjoyable [but at Regionals] I will go to Head coach Zac Livingston also agrees that the boys’ performance this work . . . that’s my mantra when it comes to winning,” Ezenwa said. season has been top notch.
Basketball Update
BY MATT MORGAN
The girls and guys basketball teams have one thing in mind when it comes to the postseason: STATE. Yes, those are the famous words principal Mr. Curt Feilmeier loves to say, but for head boy’s basketball coach Danny Limes and head girls basketball coach Jade Allison, that’s something they want their teams to accomplish. “We would like to host a Regional and ultimately reach the State tournament, but we still have a long way to go in making those goals a reality. We are definitely capable of reaching these goals,” Allison said. One of the reasons Allison thinks her team is capable of making a deep run in the playoffs is because she has six seniors. “Its definitely an advanage because it gives us experience that most teams don’t have,” Allison said. For senior Haley
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Stephens, it’s state or bust. “I havent been to state once in my three years here at Kelley, so it would be nice to end my career going to state and winning it,” Stephens said. The boys feel very much the same regarding their state chances. They feel that they are yet to play their best basketball. “If we maximize our potential we can be a threat to a lot of teams,” Limes said. One of the things this team needs to improve on to maximize their potential is their defense. “Playing better defense is the key to having a successful rest of the season and making a deep run in the playoffs,” Limes said. Leadership is also something that is needed to have a chance at state, and Limes feel their are some players that have really filled these roles. “We have needed people to step up and
lead and we belive Matt Craig, Sam Litzinger, and Daniel Smith have done a good job at that,” Limes said. Junior Daniel Smith also belives that leadership is vital for this teams success. “I have done everything I can do to help lead and I think most of my teamates have done the same thing,” Smith said. With a few regular season games left, Limes hopes this teams finishes strong and achives its goals. “Winning conference, hosting regionals, and going to state is all what we’re striving for,” Limes said. Senior Brennen Adams also belives this team is more than capable of achiveing its goals. “This team has the talent to go deep in the playoffs we just have to come together and play to our potential,” he said.
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Last
look
The boys’ basketball team huddles together during their game against Tahlequah.
Senior Lota Ezenwa celebrates a victory over Okmulgee on Wresting Senior Night.
The girls’ basketball team huddles up before the game against Sand Springs. Chrissy Liotta
Meghan Decker
Senior Matt Rader swims the 100m fly at the Jenks swim meet on Friday, February 1st. Br. Richard Merkel
Bailey Chambers
As Spring sports begin, a look back at the Winter season