August 2014 Vol. 91, Issue 1

2

What’s inside

arts

From new instructors to first auditions, check out all things new in the theatre and orchestra programs this year.

the pylon

Py

student life

3

8

photos Check out some of the hottest

Trend alert! Birkenstocks and Chacos are all the rage in footwear. Will these versatile shoes become a staple or just another fad?

pictures from the back to school dance: Throwback for What!

Senior Javon Burse

Vol. 91, Iss. 1 • Salina Central High School www.chspylon.com • August 28, 2014

fresh meat.

Are seniors waiting to pounce or is hazing something of the past?

By Bailey Driver

F

The Pylon

reshmen enter from the large, crowded hallways of unfamiliar faces into classrooms they’ve never stepped foot in to find new expectations and new unmerited rules.

These are just a few of the elements thrown at freshmen as they enter a new world with the “big dogs.”

In the past, freshmen have been warned to sit on “that” side of the lunchroom, survive Freshmen Hell Week and steer clear of any senior that came in sight. Rumors started from upperclassmen scare freshmen into believing their first year as a high schooler will be remembered for its scars and bruises.

But is this really the case in 2015?

We’re here to inform you freshmen that there are no longer unwritten divisions of the lunchroom, Freshman Hell Week is not celebrated and seniors are surprisingly looking to befriend you, for the most part.

We upperclassmen have provided you with Central’s very first Classified School Survival Guide: Freshmen Edition. We’ve been there, and we want to ensure that your first year as a Mustang goes as smoothly as possible.

Here’s what’s going on around you: 1.5 million high school students are hazed each year.

2 in 5 high school students say they’re aware of hazing occuring. campus More than 1 in 5 report that they have witnessed hazing.

Data cited from the national study, Hazing in View: Students at Risk conducted by the University of Maine.

Senior Zane Heigele and freshman Troy MIller Photo by Lindsey Wood / The Pylon

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August 28, 2014

Fine Arts

Py

the pylon

Showtimes:

Thurs., Sept. 25- 7:00 Fri., Sept. 26- 7:00 Sat., Sept. 27- 7:00

Editor-in-Chief Bailey Driver editor@chspylon.com

Business Team Jennifer De La Cruz, & Phoebe Edson business@chspylon.com

Alumni Assistance

Student Life Jera Richardson studentlife@chspylon.com

Opinion Emma Norris opinion@chspylon.com

Sports Connor Martens sports@chspylon.com

Fine Arts Grant DeMars arts@chspylon.com

Feature Hannah Schroeder feature@chspylon.com

Staff Reporters Paige Hieger, & Casey Knoth

news@chspylon.com Photography Lindsey Wood, Sarah Brown, & Christian Jacobs photography@chspylon.com

Videography

Grant DeMars / The Pylon

Fall play director and alumnus, Mike Claman, holds his binder as he directs on stage.

Alumnus, Mike Claman, returns to direct fall show: ‘The Three Musketeers’

By Grant DeMars The Pylon Alumnus, Mike Claman, returns to Central to direct the annual fall play, “The Three Musketeers.” Claman hopes that his experience in the theatre department here at Central will aid him in directing a successful show.

In addition to a new director, there is also a new student making his debut.

Senior Gerit Wagner has landed a lead role in “The Three Musketeers,” and is thrilled to be part of the cast

Cartoons Alexis Karabinas

The Pylon is the official student newspaper of Salina High School Central.

It is produced entirely by students of the newspaper production class, daily on chsPylon.com and monthly in print.

Email your letters, preferably limited to 500 words, to editor@chspylon.com. Submissions must contain a full name for inclusion and we will contact you to confirm that you are the author of the letter.

Letters may be edited for clarity.

Mike Claman Director

talented actors. Wagner is glad

The Pylon

Copy Editor

The Pylon gladly accepts contributions from guest writers on any subject. Please email your submissions to editor@chspylon.com.

“As actors, it’s important to work with as many directors as possible, so they’re well prepared to handle new scenarios in the future.”

By Grant DeMars

Hannah Schroeder

The Pylon wants to hear your opinion

with a group of serious and

that he has the opportunity to work with a new director, along with new cast mates.

“The Three Musketeers’ is a type of play that the kids don’t get exposed to on a regular basis,” said Claman.

In addition to introducing a new style to the actors, Claman also believes that a guest director will greatly benefit them.

“As actors, it’s important to work with as many directors as possible, so they’re well prepared to handle new scenarios in the future,” he said.

Claman is looking forward to putting together a fun and entertaining show that excites his cast as well as the audience.

“Every actor should be exposed to different directors and different styles. It makes a more flexible actor who will be better in the long run because of it,” said Claman.

The addition of two new and talented faces to the theatre department will make for a great fall show, along with many more productions throughout the year.

New orchestra teacher has high hopes for program

Casey Campbell, Sydney Koch, & Jake Bellerive video@chspylon.com

J.D. Garber, Adviser jd.garber@usd305.com (785) 309-3578

Grant DeMars / The Pylon

The cast of “The Three Musketeers” stands together with their sword props.

Grant DeMars / The Pylon

New orchestra teacher, Mrs. Modin, directs her students during class.

Although she is busy teaching at six Salina schools, Mrs. Lindsay Modin is excited to be the new conductor of the Orchestra.

Modin teaches children and teenagers at six different schools in our district, ranging from grades four through twelve. Despite the fact that high school orchestra is a big adjustment from elementary and middle school orchestra, she is looking forward to all of the events that high schoolers take part in, such as honor ensembles, contests and

concerts.

“More goes on in high school compared to elementary and middle school,” Modin says, “I’m looking forward to helping the students improve as musicians and I would like to see more of them get into the District and State Honor Orchestra.

Modin is setting difficult goals for her students, but she hopes that she can challenge them and give them more opportunities.

The new bond issue will help Modin lead her students to success.

“With the new bond issue we will be getting a new orchestra room, which I think is a great

opportunity for me and the students. I think it will help the orchestra program a lot.” Modin believes that she, along with

“I’m looking forward to helping the students improve as musicians.”

Mrs. Modin Orchestra teacher

the bond issue, can improve the orchestra, because of the new facility and attitude.

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August 28, 2014

Student Life Sarah Brown/ The Pylon Seniors Josie Simpson, Sydney Sollars and sophomore Bayleigh Petty sit outside the conditioning room after volleyball practice while Coach Miller, Coach Pfeifer and senior Bailey Driver pour Gatorade coolers on them for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

“The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has brought much needed awareness to this disease and raised a ton of money. It has been really cool to watch it spread all over social media. ” Mr. Andrews History teacher

Lindsey Wood/ The Pylon

History teacher, Mr. Andrews, participated in the ALS Ice Bucket challenge in the courtyard. The senior girl basketball players dumped three buckets of ice water on him.

#ALSIceBucketChallenge

Challenge gone viral on social media raises awareness, funds for ALS 77%

By Bailey Driver The Pylon

of students with the

familiar

Scrolling through social media, countless videos with the caption #ALSIceBucket ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Challenge have been posted of individuals screeching as buckets of ice cold water are poured on themselves. With each video, the humor fades and the reactions become predictable, but one factor remains the same: the ALS “Ice Bucket Challenge” has raised awareness of the disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

“I think the Ice Bucket Challenge is cool because it’s raising awareness of ALS within our age group,” senior Marysa Bradshaw said.

The Ice Bucket Challenge that started as a fundraising campaign has literally soaked the nation as the challenge has become a viral internet sensation. of students ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s are not with the Disease, is a progressive disease that affects ALS Ice Bucket Challenge nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Muscles begin to deteriorate and ability of 144 students were randomly surveyed the brain to control muscle movement is lost during M5. leading to total paralyzation.

are

23%

According to time.com, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge was first seen on July 15 when Chris Kennedy, a golfer in Florida, was nominated by a friend to participate in the Ice Bucket Challenge.

At the time, the challenge was not tied to any specific charity, so nominees were to select a charity to donate to. Kennedy had a relative suffering from ALS, so naturally he

“I think the Ice Bucket Challenge is cool because it’s raising awareness of ALS within our age group.”

Marysa Bradshaw Senior

familiar

:

donated to the ALS Association.

Little did he know, he was about to start

a trend that would raise over 15.6 million dollars.

“We have never seen anything like this in the history of the disease,” said Barbara Newhouse, President and CEO of The ALS Association. “We couldn’t be more thrilled with the level of compassion, generosity and sense of humor that people are exhibiting as they take part in this impactful viral initiative.”

Celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Lebron James, Justin Timberlake, James Franco, Kobe Bryant, Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg have even joined in on raising awareness for this deadly disease.

According to als.org, before the Ice Bucket Challenge became a mediea fad, only about half of the general public was aware of ALS. With the Ice Bucket Challenge, the ALS Association has generously welcomed over 70,00 new donors.

“I think the Ice Bucket Challenge is raising awareness because people that don’t know what ALS is are becoming aware of the disease by doing something fun with their friends,” junior Harrison Jett said.

TREND Chacos ALERT vs Birkenstocks

Dissecting a trend: Chacos vs. Birks

By Jera Richardson The Pylon Throughout the summer lots of different styles of shoes can be seen around. Two of the most popular are Birkenstocks and Chacos.

Birkenstocks have been back in style since 2012, and are heavily worn during the summer.

They can be worn in a variety of different ways. In the winter they are most comfortable with socks, and in the summer without. The shoe is made durable with an adjustable strap so they can be comfortable for any type of foot.

“My Birks are very comfy, I like how they break in easily,” said junior Travis Bigler.

Chacos, the new Summer fad, are what many are now talking about. Chacos are considered the “hiking shoe.” The straps cover the foot in a Z formation and the sole in very hard but comfortable at the same time.

“I like Chacos and the sweet tan lines, but Birks are much more comfy,” junior Sydney Kossow said.

Birkenstocks are still most popular while Chacos are starting to make their fashion debut.

144 students were randomly surveyed during M5

32% Birkenstock 3% Chaco 65% Neither

Unisex Stone Birkibuc Arizona

Women’s Yampa Spirit Sandal $100

$89.85

Women’s Soft Footbed Cocoa Nutback Florida

Men’s Yampa Sandal $100

$130

Women’s Toffee Birko-Flor Mayari $89.85

Women’s Yampa Wide Sandal $100

@chspylon

4

August 28, 2014

In depth

Central’s[classified]

school survival guide

Protection Policy If hazing happens at school, here’s the punishment:

“

FRESHMAN EDITION Although some fear may remain, hazing not a threat for students understand what the right decisions are so they won’t get hazed.

There are a few threats freshman hear about ake a minute to drop what you are doing and more frequently that have them frightened. People remember your first day of high school. tend to feel that paddling is the most common threat Some may have started out with, “What that goes around. Sophomore Joey Quinley said, should I wear to impress others or to fit “I know tons of people that got paddled last year, in?” “Will anybody notice me?” “Will my classes be including me.” Students don’t really hear about what I want?” One of the many questions that stay girls getting paddled, as much as they do about unanswered for the scared freshman are, “Am I boys. going to be threatened, hazed Another argument people bring or bullied by upperclassman?” up is that girls don’t get picked on “I was a little nervous There are still many threats as much as boys. Some feel the going around these days. Lots reason for this is that boys are more because of what of freshmen are nervous to aggressive and would do more I had heard from begin their year here because physical threats, while girls may just of the things they hear. have big arguments and nothing upperclassmen.”

Freshman Karley Benson really happen. said, “I was a little nervous Junior Olivia Opat said, “I think Karley Benson because of what I had heard definitely for girls there really isn’t Freshman from upperclassmen.” They any threats. For guys I think it has are nervous because they gotten a little better but there is still don’t know what it’s like or bad things that happen”. People how much it will hurt. Their nerves and fears tend have all different views and opinions of freshman to only last the first couple of days. After that they threats.

1.

2.

3. take it from us former freshmen tell all Dylan Wentzel, Sophomore

T

PADDLE of Pride

Affectionately known as the “frat bat,” the paddle is used to swat out-of-line freshmen.

Torture TAPE

FICTION: central freshmen should be afraid.

Duct tape can fix anything.

Especially a freshman who is getting too loud.

Drafting Teacher

Deirdre Hoff

FACT: it still exists.

FACT: it’s dangerous.

5.3 feet

4.3 feet

Michael Hair

Mike Kilgore

Fact vs. Fiction

weapons of choice

me, but they’d give us swirlies.”

“We didn’t have hazing. We weren’t even segregated in the lunchroom.”

History Teacher

“I survived freshman year without getting hazed.”

Jessie Plante, Senior

In the movies, bullies always shove freshmen inside lockers. But is it even possible at Central?

“I don’t know if I had it happen to

“There was a lot of paddling going on. Things happened to your vehicles.”

Woods Teacher

If the contract is broken, the aggressor(s) face 5 days of OSS and a hearing afterward.

Does the average freshman fit inside a locker?

our superiors have been where we are... see what happened when they were there

Physics Teacher

If it doesn’t stop, the aggressor(s) and their parents must sign a behavior contract.

“It didn’t hurt too bad when I got paddled. It just felt like a spanking.”

THE TEACHER’S TAKE Gary Goodwin

Interview aggressor and victim in the situation, tell them that the behavior must stop.

hell weekhazards

The Pylon

“I don’t remember that far back. We didn’t really do any hazing.”

Delay’s Solution Steps

The school will promptly investigate all complaints of bullying and take prompt corrective action to end the behavior.”

-Salina Central Handbook

“Nothing happened to me. I stayed away from it.”

By Casey Knoth

Watch out for the wedgie. It’s cliche but it works.

Bailey Driver / The Pylon

Senior Zane Heigele befriends freshman Troy Miller.

1.5 million high school students are hazed each year.

43% of those hazed were subjected to humiliating activities.

30% had to perform potentially illegal acts. of Central students do not believe that hazing 79% is a relevant threat.

5

Senior

stats

What it really boils down to is, numbers don’t lie.

Here is a look at what our seniors think about hazing.

A survey of 150 random students was taken during M3 Classes on Wednesday, August 20

32%

are planning on hazing freshmen

68%

are not planning on hazing any freshmen

Makenzi Carlgren, Junior

Sophomore Paige Heiger interviews Senior Vance Johnson:

& A Q Q

What is one thing that bothers you?

A

“It drives me crazy when freshmen try to come in and think they need to tell the upperclassmen what to do. That is an easy way to get picked on.”

Q A

What should freshmen do to win the upperclassmen over?

“I honestly really don’t have a problem with freshman sucking up to me. That’s a good way to win me over.”

84 were Seniors never hazed 21 Seniors were hazed A survey of 105 random seniors was taken during M3 Classes on Wednesday, August 20

4

August 28, 2014

In depth

Central’s[classified]

school survival guide

Protection Policy If hazing happens at school, here’s the punishment:

“

FRESHMAN EDITION Although some fear may remain, hazing not a threat for students understand what the right decisions are so they won’t get hazed.

There are a few threats freshman hear about ake a minute to drop what you are doing and more frequently that have them frightened. People remember your first day of high school. tend to feel that paddling is the most common threat Some may have started out with, “What that goes around. Sophomore Joey Quinley said, should I wear to impress others or to fit “I know tons of people that got paddled last year, in?” “Will anybody notice me?” “Will my classes be including me.” Students don’t really hear about what I want?” One of the many questions that stay girls getting paddled, as much as they do about unanswered for the scared freshman are, “Am I boys. going to be threatened, hazed Another argument people bring or bullied by upperclassman?” up is that girls don’t get picked on “I was a little nervous There are still many threats as much as boys. Some feel the going around these days. Lots reason for this is that boys are more because of what of freshmen are nervous to aggressive and would do more I had heard from begin their year here because physical threats, while girls may just of the things they hear. have big arguments and nothing upperclassmen.”

Freshman Karley Benson really happen. said, “I was a little nervous Junior Olivia Opat said, “I think Karley Benson because of what I had heard definitely for girls there really isn’t Freshman from upperclassmen.” They any threats. For guys I think it has are nervous because they gotten a little better but there is still don’t know what it’s like or bad things that happen”. People how much it will hurt. Their nerves and fears tend have all different views and opinions of freshman to only last the first couple of days. After that they threats.

1.

2.

3. take it from us former freshmen tell all Dylan Wentzel, Sophomore

T

PADDLE of Pride

Affectionately known as the “frat bat,” the paddle is used to swat out-of-line freshmen.

Torture TAPE

FICTION: central freshmen should be afraid.

Duct tape can fix anything.

Especially a freshman who is getting too loud.

Drafting Teacher

Deirdre Hoff

FACT: it still exists.

FACT: it’s dangerous.

5.3 feet

4.3 feet

Michael Hair

Mike Kilgore

Fact vs. Fiction

weapons of choice

me, but they’d give us swirlies.”

“We didn’t have hazing. We weren’t even segregated in the lunchroom.”

History Teacher

“I survived freshman year without getting hazed.”

Jessie Plante, Senior

In the movies, bullies always shove freshmen inside lockers. But is it even possible at Central?

“I don’t know if I had it happen to

“There was a lot of paddling going on. Things happened to your vehicles.”

Woods Teacher

If the contract is broken, the aggressor(s) face 5 days of OSS and a hearing afterward.

Does the average freshman fit inside a locker?

our superiors have been where we are... see what happened when they were there

Physics Teacher

If it doesn’t stop, the aggressor(s) and their parents must sign a behavior contract.

“It didn’t hurt too bad when I got paddled. It just felt like a spanking.”

THE TEACHER’S TAKE Gary Goodwin

Interview aggressor and victim in the situation, tell them that the behavior must stop.

hell weekhazards

The Pylon

“I don’t remember that far back. We didn’t really do any hazing.”

Delay’s Solution Steps

The school will promptly investigate all complaints of bullying and take prompt corrective action to end the behavior.”

-Salina Central Handbook

“Nothing happened to me. I stayed away from it.”

By Casey Knoth

Watch out for the wedgie. It’s cliche but it works.

Bailey Driver / The Pylon

Senior Zane Heigele befriends freshman Troy Miller.

1.5 million high school students are hazed each year.

43% of those hazed were subjected to humiliating activities.

30% had to perform potentially illegal acts. of Central students do not believe that hazing 79% is a relevant threat.

5

Senior

stats

What it really boils down to is, numbers don’t lie.

Here is a look at what our seniors think about hazing.

A survey of 150 random students was taken during M3 Classes on Wednesday, August 20

32%

are planning on hazing freshmen

68%

are not planning on hazing any freshmen

Makenzi Carlgren, Junior

Sophomore Paige Heiger interviews Senior Vance Johnson:

& A Q Q

What is one thing that bothers you?

A

“It drives me crazy when freshmen try to come in and think they need to tell the upperclassmen what to do. That is an easy way to get picked on.”

Q A

What should freshmen do to win the upperclassmen over?

“I honestly really don’t have a problem with freshman sucking up to me. That’s a good way to win me over.”

84 were Seniors never hazed 21 Seniors were hazed A survey of 105 random seniors was taken during M3 Classes on Wednesday, August 20

6

August 28, 2014

Athletes & Sports

Autumn allstars The volleyball team leads all fall sports as returning league champs

Grant’s Rant

Volleyball

The volleyball team may have lost some key players, but they are ready to take down any opponents that get in their way.

Returning players have been putting lots of work throughout the summer to be a strong force during the season.

Height will be a key advantage as the team returns 4 girls over 5’10’’.

Cheerleading, dance teams don’t get the credit they deserve The Pylon

the pylon

favorite fall sport?

144 students were randomly surveyed during M5.

Football

By Grant DeMars Unfortunately, cheerleading and dance teams are not always given the support they deserve from high school students. This is especially true here at Salina Central, where most people only see the cheerleaders and VET Squad as halftime performers at football and basketball games.

These students do not appreciate the fact that cheer and dance are evolving into intense sports, which is why we should be treating them like athletes in addition to performers.

The amount of athleticism required to dance or cheer is just as great as any other sport that our school offers.

Like all sports, cheer and dance require: hard work, determination, physical activity, and countless hours of practice.

In addition to all of this, our VETS and Cheerleaders fund raise all summer to pay for the expense of uniforms, coaching and camps, where they go to train and learn choreography. After camp, the athletes practice their routines for hours on end to put on a clean performance for their peers. We should look forward to the VETS and cheerleader’s dances at pep rallies, and their halftime shows at football and basketball games. Since they work hard for us, we should give them the respect and support that they deserve.

If we treated our cheerleaders and dancers like legitimate athletes, our cheer and dance teams would become better as the positive reputation would motivate them to become the best athletes that they possibly can.

If this attitude extends beyond our school and across the country, maybe cheer and dance team nationals would be on ESPN for more than three hours a year. Maybe cheerleaders and dancers could star in a Gatorade commercial or have a Nike shoe named after them.

Dancers and cheerleaders are athletes, and should be treated as such.

What’s your

75% 2% answered

football Sydney Kossow / The Pylon

Junior Keisha Hamilton blocks a hit.

Eli Berner / The Pylon

Graduated Tanner Robl and senior Jacob Liles tackle South’s graduated Justin Stonebraker.

The strong football team is ready to pounce at any competitor standing. The players put in countless hours in the offseason working to become stronger and bigger for this season. Your Friday night activities should include losing your voice in the student section.

answered

cross country

Cross Country

Girls’ Tennis

Boys’ Socccer

Eli Berner /The Pylon

Eli Berne / The Pylon

Junior Sydney Kossow throws the tennis ball up to serve.

Senior Mareshah Francois looks ahead as she runs in a cross country meet.

A strong, fierce tennis team is ready to leave a mark once again.

The girls’ tennis team is working hard to be at the top level to compete in the league.

The cross country team is ready to make an appearance at state and have their hard work pay off.

Runners have been working over the summer to prepare themselves to challenge others.

Athletes in the mix Kadin Louthan Boys’ Soccer Josie Simpson Volleyball Jay Brown Football Leatha Craft Girls’ Golf Sam Shaffer Cross Country

Py

SEE YOUR AD HERE (785) 309-3578

Carniecia Robertson / The Pylon

Girls’ Golf Hannah Schulte / The Pylon

Senior Zachary Hampton watches as he prepares to trap the ball.

Sophomore Sarah Brown follows through after teeing off at a home meet last year.

The soccer team has done many hard workouts over the summer to become the ideal competitor.

They’re anticipating another successful season by setting the bar high.

The girls’ golf team is more than ready to be the first team in school history to qualify for state three years in a row.

They are preparing themselves more and more to challenge other opponents.

On the Spot

What is your favorite kitchen utensil?

“A spork” “Fork”

What is your desired superpower?

What is a song that shouldn’t exist?

“Super speed”

“Any Riff Raff song”

“Read people’s minds”

“Spatula”

“Ability to freeze time”

“Tongs”

“Ability to fly”

“Spoon”

“To be invisible”

“Friday- Rebecca Black” “Timber-Pitbull” “Anything-Nicki Minaj “Justin Bieber in general”

FOR HIGHLIGHTS CHECK CHSPYLON.COM

7

August 28, 2014

Editorials & Opinion Ferguson, Mo. is topping news headlines, what is the reality to this tragic story?

Brown should have been shot

By Emma Norris The Pylon

VS

Cartoon by Alexis Karabinas

Brown should not have been shot

By Paige Heiger The Pylon After reading what had happened to Michael Brown, Officer Wilson should have not killed this unarmed boy.

He had robbed a general store yet a lot of people do and people don’t see cops shooting them everytime it happens.

He attacked the cop, yes, but aren’t cops supposed to be trained and know how to handle that situation without shooting someone?

Cops can take down guys twice their size without shooting them. What really

bothers many, including myself, is that Wilson shot Brown six times. The fact that Brown was unarmed makes the six shots completely unnecessary. Perhaps if Wilson just shot Brown once it would have gotten his attention and he wouldn’t have been shot to his death.

Since Brown was shot so many times, he really didn’t even have a chance to live.

If he were alive, he would still have to pay for his actions and go to jail. Robbery isn’t something someone should have to die for.

After hearing of the death of Michael Brown, Officer Wilson had the right to shoot Brown. The constitution says: police officers are only allowed to shoot their gun under two circumstances. The first is to protect their life or the life of another innocent party, and the second is to prevent a suspect, who is a threat to other people, from escaping a scene of crime.Wilson was being charged by the man who had broken his eye socket and tried to take his gun just minutes before. His life was on the line, and he did what he had to do to save his own life.

83% 14%

Officer Wilson is being blamed for a crime because he is a white officer who shot a black teenager in a black neighborhood. To some, what Wilson did was based off of racism, but it was not. The situation Wilson was put in was a life or death situation, and Brown could have killed him if he hadn’t reacted the way he did.

Wilson gave him a warning before anything happened, but Brown kept taunting and talking back. When Wilson had his gun pointed at Brown and told him to “freeze,” and Brown charged him, there were no other options. There is fault on both parties, but Officer Wilson should not be to blame completely.

of students think the officer should NOT have shot Michael Brown

of students think the officer should have shot Michael Brown

144 students were randomly surveyed during M5.

Chromebooks really are a good idea

By Mya Ruiz Guest Reporter This year, a new change is coming to both of the USD 305 high schools. We no longer have to carry bookbags filled with heavy textbooks and other papers for classes.

Towards the end of the 20132014 school year, teachers introduced information about the brand new Chromebooks that each High School student will receive during the beginning weeks of the 20142015 school year. This will be a new and exciting experience for students to finally be able to do their schoolwork on technology.

A Chromebook is a laptop powered by Google that

8

out of

13

includes the Chrome Browser and built-in apps like G-mail, Google+, and Google Drive.

The laptop is light-weight and will be much simpler to carry it around within our bookbags. Each Chromebook will come with its own cover and charger.

Having these new Chromebooks will allow you to share documents with teachers and fellow classmates. Projects and Powerpoints will also be much easier to create and get completed quicker. For example, if you aren’t eligible to get a Powerpoint done in class, you can take it home and finish it up on your Chromebook.

Pylon staff members think Chromebooks are a good idea

Abbi Schroeder/ The Pylon

Seniors Nick Shaffer and TJ Ralston search on their new Chromebooks.

Kudos & Callouts

The following are instances where our faculty, students, or others get either praised for doing a good job, or called out for dropping the ball. These are made by the opinions editor with help from the other staff members.

Kudos:

- Mone Davis for reppin’ #girlpower at the Little League World Series. You go girl!

- Gossip Girl for creating the beautiful human being that is Chuck Bass.

- Beyonce at the VMA’s.... Wowza.

- The underclassmen boys for getting their life together by asking girls to homecoming early.

Way to defy the odds.

-WIFI, we doubt your capablities way too often.

-Bogey’s. Fried. Pickles.

-StuCo, you threw a bomb back to school dance. Props.

- DJ at the dance. You played some awesome throwbacks.

-Spotify for being bae. You always have my back.

- Shout out to all the fall sport teams for workin’ so hard. We can’t wait to watch you kick butt!

- The teachers for lip syncing at the pep rally, swift job.

- First Covenant bible study at Mokas at 7 a.m.

- Mr. Pahls for re-growing his beard.

Callouts

-The construction on Ninth st. I don’t need this extra chaos in my life.

-What are these Whole Wheat Rice Krispie Treats and why are they an option at lunch?

-It’s like a bagillion degrees outside.

Coahces, why are we having sport practices outside?

- Figure out the lunch lines, it’s not rocket science.

- Vending machines, I need two Pop-Tarts, not one.

- No more school pictures on Mondays. We refuse.

- Propel is $3.15 per bottle, that’s absurd.

- Being forced to have a pass in the hallway.

- Where did the Gushers from the snack line go?

- Freshmen, it’s time to start participating.

- Yo, people, learn how to park your car. It’s not that hard.

-Crowded hallways. Ew.

THROWBACK for what?!

Back to school dance highlights second week of school

Lindsey Wood / The Pylon

Junior Nathan Poe Lindsey Wood / The Pylon

August 28, 2014

the Pylon

Junior Lexie Edison

Lindesy Wood / The Pylon

Senior Erick Nilson

Lindesy Wood / The Pylon

Juniors Mason Courbot and Reagan Montre lead a group into the dance.

Lindsey Wood / The Pylon

Sophomore Sir Taylor takes over a dance off.

Sarah Brown / The Pylon

Junior Jacob Sorell

Lindsey Wood / The Pylon

8

Sophomore Tai Bounyareth

Lindsey Wood / The Pylon

Senior Bronwyn Ross

Sarah Brown / The Pylon

Seniors Riley Miller and Connor Martens

Sarah Brown/ The Pylon

Sophomore Emma Cain

Sarah Brown / The Pylon

Junior Jack Shetlar

Sarah Brown / The Pylon

A group of students group up for a dance off during the back to school dance.