Chris Jones [Student, Journalist]
To whom it may concern,
I am writing in hopes to receive a position or an internship on a publication staff. I strongly believe that my skills, acquired throughout my career in journalism, in the fields of writing, copy editing, and page design make me an excellent choice for any position on staff. As a member of the Andover High School Trojan Bluestreak, I had many responsibilities and positions throughout my tenure, such as news and sports writer, page designer, assistant sports editor, and during my senior year, Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper. As editor, I was responsible for the entire process of creating the publication. My responsibilities as editor ranged from assigning stories to staff members, creating a budget, designing pages and helping others with their layouts, writing and editing stories, and making sure the publication is finished well and on time. Through my tenure on the publication staff, I became proficient in Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, grew my skills in writing stories, and developed a passion for page design. I also developed leadership skills, and learned how to lead a large group through the process of creating a publication. I believe some of my biggest strengths include working in groups, taking criticism, and leading by example. Along with my experience on the high school newspaper, I also gained real-life experience as a journalist through working for the local paper: The Andover American. This opportunity gave me a brief glimpse into how a real news cycle works, and the skills and work ethic you must possess to strive as a journalist. This was a great opportunity for me, and I believe I learned a great deal from it that can help me in the future. I feel like, if given the opportunity, I could become a great asset to any publication staff. I have a true passion for journalism, I love coming up with new story and design ideas, and then executing them in the best way I possibly can. I hope to continue my passion in the field of journalism in the future, and hope I can display my talents and passion. Sincerely, Chris Jones
[ S t u d e n t , W r i t e r , D e s i g n e r ]
[CJ]
Chris Jones 2105 N Clear Creek Wichita, Kansas 67230 Phone: 316-737-4194 E-Mail: jones17@uoregon.edu
Objective Join a publication where I can use my skills and expand my knowledge in the field of journalism. Experience Editor-in-Chief of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity Newsletter, Eugene OR •
Designed and helped produce the first ever parent and alumni newsletter for the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.
Andover High Trojan Bluestreak Newspaper, Andover KS •
January 2009- May 2012
Co-Editor-in-Chief o
Responsible for the publication and staff. Developed the theme of monthly issues, assigned stories and pages to staff members, edited and made final selections for monthly content. Led staff meetings, designed pages and assisted others with their layouts and content.
Assistant Sports Editor
•
o
Helped plan sports stories for the upcoming issue, edited those stories, and helped with sport page layouts.
Staff Writer/Page Designer
•
o
Wrote over 40 sports, news and investigative stories and columns.
o
Designed over 50 pages for the monthly publication, helped plan countless more layouts for each issue, and made sure that those designs were executed.
Kids 4 Kids Charity Leadership Team, Andover KS •
December 2012-Present
2010- May 2012
Helped plan and execute several charity events in order to raise money and awareness for the Kids 4 Kids charity to help underprivileged children in the Wichita area
Education Andover High School, Andover, Kansas
2008-2012
University of Oregon
2012-Present
Skills Microsoft Office, Adobe® InDesign CS6, Adobe Photoshop CS6, Final Cut Pro Awards • • • •
One of two people out of hundreds to receive the Superior award for sports writing at the 2010 JEA (Journalism Education Association) National Convention write-off competition. Honorable Mention award for sports writing at the 2011 JEA National Convention Write off Competition. Trojan Bluestreak publication nominated for a 2011 Pacemaker Award. Participated in the News Design section at the KSPA state journalism competition.
Feb. 1, 2013 To Whom It May Concern: I wholeheartedly recommend Chris Jones to become a member of the Ethos team. I had the pleasure of serving as Chris’s teacher and publications adviser for more three years, and he served as the editor of the award-‐winning high school newspaper I advise when he was a senior. I worked closely with Chris in both a formal classroom setting and in more casual environments such as publications work nights and school trips. Having observed and interacted with Chris in these settings, I confidently can assure you of Chris’ incredible work ethic and journalistic aptitude. Without a doubt, Chris is one of the most dedicated and reliable student journalists I ever had in class. He gives 100 percent to whatever task he undertakes. Due in part to Chris’ diligence in reporting and attention to detail, the newspaper he edited was named a National Scholastic Press Association Pacemaker finalist in 2011, placing it among the best scholastic newspapers in the country. Chris spent countless hours in the newsroom, going above and beyond the call of duty. He was always available to improve the publication, correct errors or to help other staffers. In addition to his work ethic, I want to stress Chris’ journalistic aptitude. Chris is creative and a strong critical thinker. He is able to look at the big picture, and he easily identifies the best solution to problems. Chris has strong writing skills, and I am confident he will do well in his area of interest. Chris is well-‐suited for the type of challenges and thinking that participating on a magazine staff has to offer, and he is ready to rise to the occasion. Chris is a well-‐rounded student, and he is well-‐liked by others due to his flexibility and wit. He leads by his positive example, and, in doing so, has developed into a strong and effective leader. He is a positive addition to any group of students, and he relates well to a variety of people because of his ability to see others’ perspectives. Summarily, Chris would be a very worthy addition to any magazine staff. Feel free to contact me for any additional information. Chris is among the top handful of students I have taught, and he deserves the chance to experience the best possible journalistic experiences during college. Sincerely, Kristin L. Baker Journalism instructor Andover High School, Andover, Kan. bakerk@usd385.org (316)323-‐5151
Writing Samples
intheGAME
When We Were Champs
<<
Remembering the 1984 Trojan Football State Championship Team
chrisJONES
staff writer
It’s the dream of high school football players who play under the Friday night lights around the nation: the opportunity to win a state championship. For the 1984 Andover football team, this dream was realized. “Winning the state championship was an amazing experience, not just because it was an achievement for the team, but because the whole Andover community was a part of it,” 1984 graduate Heath Trekell said. “We get a lot of credit because we were on the field, but it was a community effort.” Trekell played tailback and was a key defensive player at linebacker for the ’84 season. The team’s remarkable season, ending with a state championship victory, was made all the much better by the teams ability to adapt around something they didn’t have: height “We weren’t a big team at all, but we possessed the desire to win and we weren’t afraid to be tough or play hard,” former Andover head coach Kelly Kiser said. The average weight for and Andover football player that season was 156 lbs., but what they lacked in height, they made up for it in speed and heart. “When you’re not a big football team, you have to be fast,” Kiser said. “We didn’t really care that we were small, we had quick players who played hard and truly wanted to win.” The previous season, the Trojans were a mere 5-5 and lost in the last minute of the last game, they would not let this happen again. “We knew that not a lot of people were expecting much, but we had big expectations,”
Trekell said. “We felt there was nothing we couldn’t do because we wanted to play hard and succeed for each other. The team started out with a fantastic 4-0 record but also had their struggles including a 2 game losing streak midway through the season. Win or lose, there was always one constant talent on the team, quarterback Brent Wasson. “It was like a man playing in a boy’s game,” Trekell said. Kiser agreed having Wasson on the team gave the team an advantage over any other team they played. “Brent (Wasson) was an outstanding quarterback,” Kiser said. “He was a winner who made plays when we needed them against tough opponents.” Wasson, an all-state quarterback that year who piled up 1,375 passing yards and 646 rushing yards, but also 11 interceptions as a safety, would like to be more modest about his part in the team’s success. “Each win was a team effort,” Wasson said. “We knew each others abilities and as long as everyone did their jobs on the field, we felt good about our teams ability.” On the receiving end of most of Wasson’s passes was 1984 graduate and wide receiver Bobby Seacat. “Brent (Wasson) made it easy to be a wide receiver,” Seacat said. “As long as you could run an catch, he’d get the ball to you.” Although Wasson led the potent Andover offense, the defense of the 1984 was also a strongpoint. “Defense is what won us a lot of games during the season,” Trekell said. “Coach Stewart led
11018 E Cetral Ave. Wichita, KS 67206 Phone: (316) 683-4581 Fax: (316) 683-4065 Toll Free: (888) 287-6168 crestviewmarineinc.com Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm Sat 9:00am-2:00pm Sunday Closed
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Dec. 3, 2010
a great defense and always kept us in the right direction.” The Trojans entered the playoffs on a roll, and even though they did not win their league, which was their goal, they felt confident about their chances. As the Trojans rolled through their playoffs, not giving up a point until sub state, they finally began to believe that they were a team to be reckoned with. “Heading into the playoffs, the team always believed we had a chance to win,” Kiser said. “No matter who the opponent was we played to win the game, just like every other game.” The team headed into their sub state game facing a tough Clay Center team on an impressive roll, the Trojans could not be stopped. “After the first couple of possessions against Clay Center, we knew who was in it to win it,” Seacat said. “After we beat them, we finally knew that we could win it all.” The team beat Clay Center in the final minutes and would now face the undefeated Maur Hill Ravens, a private school, for the 4A state championship. The team was not intimidated “The night before the game, of course you are excited.” Wasson said. “You are 18 years old ready to play the biggest football game of your life; time to go out and compete.” The Ravens had three running backs that had combined for more than 3,000 rushing yards. Their defense was giving up only about 100 yards per game. Some say they already had their state champion jackets made. “We deserved to be there because we have worked hard all year,” Trekell said. “We knew they would be bigger, but we still felt we had
the edge.” The Trojans fended off a late surge by the Ravens to win 14-11. A forced fumble on Maur Hill’s star studded quarterback sealed the game. While the state championship victory was enormous for the team, it was even bigger for the community. “There was such a buzz throughout the community throughout the season that it was a great feeling to give the town the championship it deserved,” Trekell said. “I would be just as thrilled for the players and the coaches too see it happen again so the children and the community can experience it again.” Twenty-six years down the road from the victory, the team still has the memories of the season in which they won it all. This team had fun, played hard, didn’t take no for an answer, kept working, and pushed each other,” Kiser said. “Everyone did what they had to do, I loved every one of them.” “I still remember it like it was yesterday,” Wasson said. “I will keep this experience and the people I played for with me forever.” Wasson went on to win all state and allleague accolades, he still lives in Wichita and is the Vice President of an Insurance group. Heath Trekell moved to Minnesota with his wife and three children, he currently works for a brokerage business. Bobby Seacat lives in Kansas with his wife and one child, he currently works for a credit union company. “This team respected each other,” Trekell said. “We had played forever before this season and had such a good relationship. I couldn’t imagine playing with a better group of guys.”
ATHLETES AND
alcohol
24
April 18, 2012
T
he morning alarm rings and Kate Smith* awakes in a daze. Her head hurts; she feels groggy, and dizzy and she cannot seem to focus on getting ready for morn-
ing practice. She is hungover. She forces herself to practice and just can not seem to fully participate in the activities. The physical strain of the practice is even more taxing for her depleted body. “I have participated in the use of alcohol during a sports season,” Kate Smith said. “I have also shown up at practice hungover because of it.” Society has placed several myths pertaining to high school athletes and the consumption of alcohol. Some assume athletes tend to avoid alcohol and other drugs because they are too involved in athletics and activities to participate in these illegal activities. The use of alcohol by minors has been a prominent issue in recent years, coming with numerous consequences and effects for the average high school student and helping destroy the myth of the common high school athlete. “During a sports season, I drink about once a week,” Jeremy White* said. “It definitely affects my athletic performance; it makes easy things tougher to do.” According to KidsHealth.org, 80 percent of high school students have experimented with alcohol use, with the effects including distorted vision, hearing and coordination, altered perceptions, impaired judgement and hangovers. Adding a strict sports-related workout regimen to these mentally and physically distorting effects can cause serious problems, if participation in alcohol related activities becomes routine. “You feel dizzy, nauseous, and shaky,” Smith said. “You can’t focus, you are light-headed and it definitely takes a toll during practices.” Being under the influence of a hangover, with its dizzying effects, can turn a regular high school athletic practice into a complete nightmare. “You constantly feel like you are going to throw up,” Smith said. “It is an absolutely horrible feeling to
“You just have to keep telling them the repercussions and hope and trust that they do what is best.” Lee said it is up to the students to gauge the risks of their actions and to decide what to do “Every student that participates in those types of activities runs the risk of getting caught,” Lee said. “They have the curiosity to experiment, you just have to believe they will do the right thing.” With a constant physical strain provided by being a high school athlete, involvement in alcohol related activities can take an increased toll on the student than that of a non-athlete. “Being an athlete is tough enough already, stuff like that just makes it worse,” Smith said. According to the American Athletic Institute, for a high school athlete, drinking to intoxication can negate the effect of as much as 14 days of physical training, training hormones are negated for up to 96 hours after intoxication, and reaction time can be slowed up even 12 hours after alcohol consumption. Constant use of alcohol can weaken an already vulnerable immune system, players who drink are twice as likely to become injured, and the residual effects associated with an alcoholic hangover can reduce the average athletic performance of a high school athlete by about 11.4 percent, according to the American Athletic Institute. Despite the consequences and obvious effects, these illegal activities still occur. “I don’t really take into the account the potential consequences,” Joe Ross said. “Unless I have practice the next morning I don’t really think about it.” “I regret it afterwards, but before that I don’t really think about it,” Smith said. If a student athlete shows up at practice hung over, the signs can be easily seen by coaches. “The coaches can really tell that something’s wrong,” Smith said. “They notice that you’re not giving it your all.” For high school athletes, the feeling of being put on a pedestal, or being held on a higher standard can take an affect on their decision. “Athletes are definitely held at a higher standard
80%
of high school students nationally have experimented with alcohol use, according to KidsHealth.org
alcohol related activities, even though he may be with people and friends who do. For him, his athletics and his team are more important to him than participating in these activities. Official athletic consequences for being caught participating in these illegal activities include suspension, and even being kicked off the team. According to the student handbook, punishment for a first offense can result in up to 90 days of suspension or expulsion for having alcohol on school grounds or at a school activity. Multiple offenses can result in harsher suspensions or even expulsion. Aside from being forced off the team for a game, or even an entire season due to being caught using alcohol, public perception is yet another consequence of these actions. “You are visibly out of competition, and everybody knows why,” Lee said. “Once that happens you put a label on yourself that stays there. It tarnishes your reputation.” Lee, however, believes today’s culture is to blame for the participation in these activities. “I don’t believe it is a distinction between athletes and non-athletes,” Lee said. “The culture of today sort of glorifies alcohol use and I believe thats why kids do it.” Smith does not believe that this problem is a school-wide issue. “Most people are too focused on athletics to participate in these activities,” Smith said. “I think it is just a group of people that do it and make other athletes
''you put a label on yourself'' experience.” Despite the dangers and consequences, the use of alcohol by minors and high school students has remained steady. It has become a social norm for high schoolers to consume alcohol and those who refrain from partaking in these illegal activities have become the vast minority. “All you can really do is remind them of the consequences of their actions,” head football coach Mike Lee said. “A majority of their lives are out of school and athletics; you can’t really monitor their outside lives.” Despite the problems that it causes for the team, containment of the problem is impossible. “You can’t really lock them up or constantly keep track of them; that would be impossible,” Lee said.
because they represent Andover High School,” Brett West said. “We are expected to act appropriately and we should.” “You’re always expected to be at your best,” Smith said. West, going against the trend, stays alcohol free during the sports season. “Using alcohol makes you lose focus,” West said. “In order to be at your best you have to take care of yourself.” For West, the consequences vastly outweigh participating in the illegal activities. “You can get suspended or even kicked off the team,” West said. “It’s not worth it.” While with friends, West refrains participating in
look bad.” For Lee, it all comes down to the choice of the student whether they will run the risk and accept the negative effects and consequences of the consumption of alcohol. “All the athletics and activities abide by the district handbook, and those rules are very strict about alcohol use,” Lee said. “It all comes down to the choice of the students.” *Editors Note: Student names have been changed from those interviewed in order for them to remain anonymous and to protect their identity. The Trojan
chrisJONES
April 18, 2012
25
{sports}
22
Still searching for success After another losing season, team looks to future to refine winning ways
At the end of last season, the Andover football program was left searching for answers. After making the playoffs the past two years, finishing with 9-2 records both seasons, the team finished with an extremely disappointing 2-7 year, missing the postseason. Entering this season, people thought last year was a fluke, and there was hope that, with a clean slate, Andover football would return to prominence. Instead, the 2011 season ended with more disappointment, frustration and a 1-8 record. “We kind of got knocked off our throne,” sophomore AJ Scholfield said. “The tougher competition had definitely thrown us a curveball and it has tested our mental toughness as a team.” Since its move from 4A to 5A, the team has a combined record of 3-15. Teams, seen as the weaker teams, that the Trojans would usually beat were replaced with 5A and 6A powerhouses such as McPherson, Derby and Goddard. The tougher competition has taken its toll on the team. Undersized, the Trojans planned to rely on the speed and agility of their running game. However, the team only averaged 131.4 rushing yards per game. Coming into the season, the Trojans also had to rely on the young arms of sophomore Nick Hess and freshman Braden Sikes. The inexperience of both quarterbacks, along with the incredibly tough competition, showed as the team only accumulated 442 passing yards all season. The lack of offense, along with the bigger 5A competition, resulted in a frustrating season for the team. “We had a lot of inexperience and young guys. Our quarterbacks were really young so there was a lot of pressure on them,” senior Ryan Hoover said. Key mistakes on the field also added into the disappointing season for the team. “I really wish we could have won some more games but I thought we stuck together through some tough situations and played hard every game,”
The football team lines up for the pre-game coin toss against Valley Center. The team won 288, which would end up being the only win of the season. Photo by Jacob Highfill junior Chase Ogden said. “We just made mistakes and all those mistakes just added up throughout the games.” For the seniors on the team, despite the disappointment, the season was not a complete failure. “It was a disappointing season but it was the best “team” I’ve ever been on,” Hoover said. Looking towards the future, trying for a successful season will have to start in the offseason. “We need to get the team more active in the offseason,” junior Mason Biberstein said. “We will always be outnumbered and outweighed so we need to be able to make that up will speed and discipline.” With the loss of this senior class, next year’s team will lose some much needed experience. “They are losing some good lineman and running backs. But I think they will do just fine because they have some lineman that have good experience
and have a good quarterback,” senior Salem Cusick said. Next season, the team will have to deal with the loss of Sikes, who moved away from Andover, so sophomore Nick Hess will most likely be thrown into the full time quarterback role. “Braden was very good at making plays when you would not expect him too, but we will trust nick in leading us next year,” Biberstein said. Next season, the team will look to rediscover their winning ways and return Andover football to past prominence. “Our experience in young players will definitely be our strength,” Scholfield said. “We had to count on younger players this year and we will still have all those guys who got a feel for varsity competition who are also determined to change how people view Andover football.”
chrisJONES
Season Highlights The team started off the season with a 47-21 loss to the McPherson Bullpups. Photo by Chad Phillips
Nov. 4 2011
Facing Valley Center, the team picked up its first win of the season by a 28-8 score. Photo by Chad Phillips
The team was crushed by the Derby Panthers 42-0, dropping their record to 1-4. Photo by Erica Anderson
Losing to Kapaun 56-34, the team was eliminated from playoff contention. Photo by Chad Phillips
Depth, talent fill Trojan rotation
It is an old baseball adage that great pitching beats great hitting, and that pitching wins games. For this year’s team, this aspect of the game will be a definite strength and hopefully a deciding factor in winning games. “We definitely have higher expectations for ourselves,” junior Zach Baker said. “If we all contribute and live up to our expectations, pitching will be a strength.” The team’s pitching rotation will consist of Baker, juniors Derek Paris and Treven Kent, senior Jack Miller and sophomores Bryant Kluesner and Miles Starks. Last season, the teams offensive attack was exceptional, as they batted a combined .360 batting average. Despite the run production, a pitching staff who had a staggering combined earned run average of 11.05 and an opposing batting average of .502 led the team to their disappointing 6-15 record. This year, the rotation will try to raise the bar and hopefully contribute to winning games. “This years rotation is more experienced,” Kent said. “We have more depth and more guys who can pitch quality innings.” For a coach, pitching depth can be the essential key to a successful season. “Our depth in pitching is definitely a strength,” Head Coach Chris Weidert said. “Pitching is the most important part of this game and in order to be successful, you have to pitch well.”
Although the team has plenty of depth, the team is still searching for an ace; a pitcher to lead the rotation. “Right now I don’t believe we have an ace,” Weidert said. “Our pitchers have worked hard so far this season and I believe we could have a potential ace.” Last year, the team’s pitching relied heavily on Baker who led the team in innings pitched with 34, along with 2011 graduate Easton Fry who totaled 22 innings. It is yet to be determined if the experience from last season will pay dividends for Baker, but he is prepared coming into the season. “Over the years, Weidert has taught me how to improve my mechanics and arm strength,” Baker said. “In order to be successful this season, I just need to go out, focus, and throw strikes.” For Weidert, having five guys who could pitch quality innings has changed how he manages during games. “I am definitely not as reluctant to make a pitching change,” Weidert said. “I know these guys can pitch.” While evaluating his rotation, Weidert likes what he sees in each pitcher. “One word that describes Zach Baker is he is a competitor,” Weidert said. “He never gives up.” In his last season of high school baseball, Miller will attempt to lead the rotation due to his experience.
“What makes him (Miller) good is that he has command of multiple pitches,” Weidert said. “That can make any pitcher dangerous.” Kluesner and Starks, the two sophomores in the rotation, will attempt to provide a new spark to the teams pitching game. “Starks is always under control, and Kluesner has an excellent changeup.” Weidert said. “Hopefully they can perform this year.” As individuals, the rotation think they can help the team reach their goals for a successful season. For Kent, trying to find success can be all in your head. “How you approach the game can make all the difference,” Kent said. “Confidence is key.” For Baker, winning can be as easy as doing one simple thing. “You have to throw strikes,” Baker said. “If you do not throw strikes consistently you won’t win very many games.” So as the baseball season progresses, the team has bought into the old baseball adage that pitching wins games, and that hopefully will lead the team to success. “I would always rather have great pitching than great pitching,” Weidert said. “If you have great pitching, you always have a chance to win.”
chrisJONES April 18, 2012
21
Design Samples
TTB the trojan bluestreak
Nintendo Wii Playstation Calculators Digital Camera
HDTV
Apple iPad
Apple iPhone Palm Pilot
DVD’s
Video Cameras
Xbox 360
1744 N. Andover Road. Andover, KS 67002 Volume 26 - Issue 4 Nov. 4, 2011
CD Player
Kindle
Nook
Flash Drives
Blackberry
Player y a R Blu
in Garm
An
dro
id
Tab l
et
GPS
3-D
ion s i v le
Te
Photo by Jacob Highfill
news: thespians prepare for annual musical, ’Little Shop of Horrors.’ {pg. 3}
Advances in technology affect everyday life {pg. 15-18} in-depth: plagiarism becomes increasingly problematic due to technology. {pg. 20-21}
sports: girls’ golf places third at state tournament. {pg. 26}
*Regional Design that qualified me for the 2012 KSPA State Competition
TTB the trojan bluestreak
1744 N. Andover Road. Andover, KS 67002 Volume 26 - Issue 6 Feb. 13, 2012
THE YOUTH VOTE you
Staff, eligible students prepare for upcoming election {pg 16-19}
news: community comes together to support Pucket family during time of need{pg. 4-5}
feature: freshmen combines love of rap and poetry skills {pg. 12}
sports: boys basketball looks to build off exciting win as rival game approaches {pg. 23}