April 2013

pg 3

Shea Myers / The Pylon

Vol. 89, Iss. 9 • Salina Central High School www.chspylon.com • April 25, 2013 Maggie Vernon / The Pylon

Saying farewell to seniors

pg 6

Spring sports update

After teaching for 14 years at Central, Ramsey sets herself apart from other retiring teachers, creating...

An unerasable legacy

__“Ramsey-isms” ____________ Passion to teach and a commitment to her students

Pages 4-5

_______________

Willingness to help in whatever way possible

___________________

Original clothing style and outfits ______________

Unique teaching skills and learning activities

Involvement and enthusiasm towards school spirit

_________________

______________________

What’s inside

Dancing the night away Check out photos from a night filled with pictures, formal clothes, delicious food, socializing and dancing.

Page 8

It’s the 21st century and people are still fighting for equal rights...

NO H8

Wom en right ’s s!

Page 7

Check out

for photos, videos, stories and more.

2

April 25, 2013

Fine Arts New cast members appear on stage

Fresh faces assist in the successful performance Editors-in-Chief Emily Wood and Sarah Gage editor@chspylon.com

Business Team Jorrie Dykes, Afton Miller, and Sara Ingrassia business@chspylon.com

Student Life MacKenzie Morris, Editor studentlife@chspylon.com

Opinion Genna Salstrom, Editor opinion@chspylon.com

Sports Bailey Driver, Editor sports@chspylon.com

Fine Arts Sarah Gage, Editor arts@chspylon.com

Feature Emily Wood, Editor feature@chspylon.com

Web Brantley Straub, Editor webmaster@chspylon.com

Photography Maggie Vernon, TeeJay Johnson, Sydney Kossow, Lindsey Wood, Carnecia Robertson and Eli Berner photography@chspylon.com

Videography Dakota Rowlison, Katie Kelemen video@chspylon.com

By Tyra Grace

had its take on them as well as on the director. Not only was Nulik and the audience proud The audience held their of the students involved, but the breath as the stage lights faded actors themselves were ecstatic. to black. The cast silently and “Everyone did a good job,” anxiously waited for the lights junior Shekhinah Jones, stage to appear and when they do, a manager of 12 Angry Jurors, thunderous applause greeted said. “They all worked hard and each actor and actress on stage. it was a good show!”

The cast grabbed each other’s Many drama students said hands and bow once, then they learned a lot about the twice, and now for the final play, the long process in a bow of the finale show. courthouse and the characters With only a few weeks of themselves. rehearsal, and a long Spring “I thought my character Break in between, the cast of 12 made important choices that led Angry Jurors to the ending,” succeeded in sophomore ending the “I was surprised with the Kenny Dixon, last show of Juror Number outcome of the play.” Four, said. the year with a standing “I was Kylie Mauch ovation. surprised with Junior 12 Angry the outcome Jurors is about of the play,” a case that junior Kylie surrounds a 19 year old boy Mauch, the assistant stage whom all but one of the twelve manager said. “I held my breath jurors presumes under no every time I knew a line [that doubt, that the boy is guilty of was struggled with in the past] murdering his father. was coming up.”

Juror Number Eight thinks Nulik said the last time he otherwise. Throughout the directed a Spring Play was play, the story unfolds many approximately eight or so years strange encounters - including ago, in 2005. one of the jurors almost being “We have a lot of new actors murdered. and actresses on stage,” Nulik The students involved and said. “The cast consists of four the cast feel that all hard work seniors, two juniors, and six has paid off a great deal, but sophomores.” many students feel a play isn’t Nulik went on to say that only about entertaining the he was excited for the future audience; it’s about helping one years to come with the now another to accomplish a much experienced actors and greater goal. actresses.

Many of the cast feel that being on 12 Angry Jurors has The Pylon

TeeJay Johnson / The Pylon Sophomore Kenny Dixon and senior Damion Cooper hold junior Miranda Allen back.

TeeJay Johnson / The Pylon

Sophomore Daniel Lorentz, Juror 11 listens intently to a juror.

TeeJay Johnson / The Pylon

Junior Miranda Allen portrays Juror 3, who is threatening to stab Juror 8, played by senior Eli Beery.

Copy Editor Anna McHenry

Cartoons Alexis Karabinis

Staff reporters: Austin Huynh, Tyra Grace, Hannah Schulte, Trey Cullins, Travis Bigler, and Jera Richardson

J.D. Garber, Adviser

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.

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.

If you want to stop, thats our business...

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The Pylon gladly accepts contributions from guest writers on any subject.

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VE CO

The Pylon wants to hear your opinion

TeeJay Johnson / The Pylon

The 12 Angry Jurors cast poses for a group photo. A lot of the cast was made up of new, fresh faces in the theater department as well as graduating seniors.

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April 25, 2013

Student Life

Spring fashion

By MacKenzie Morris The Pylon

What is your

Samantha Highsmith Sophomore

Jon Claybaugh

Top 5

Sophomore

women’s fashions • • • • •

Sheer clothing 60’s fashion Black and white patterns Crop tops Brushstroke prints

Top 5

men’s fashions • • • • •

Floral ruffled scarf $7 Rue 21

Blue prints Pleated pants Biker jackets Stripe patterns Loafers

Long sleeve Polo $40 Dillard’s

Fossil watch $125 Dillard’s

The Pylon The weather isn’t the only thing changing this seaosn; trends and the way girls are choosing to dress are changing as well. This year, more and more girls are starting to dress in a casual and simple fashion.

Expensive name brand clothes are being replaced by old, loose

High-waisted shorts $17 JCPenney’s

Polo khaki shorts $25 Dillard’s

Polo socks $12 Ralph Lauren Lowtop shoes $11 Hot Topic

Sperry topsiders $60 www.sperrytopsider.com

Clothing for cheap

By Bailey Driver

Burnout T-shirt $10 JCPenney’s

t-shirts, solid colored tank tops, and cropped shorts. Clothing stores such as Hollister and Buckle are becomming hasbeens, as Forever 21 and Target rise in popularity. Not only are these stores more friendly on your wallet, but they also sell a wider variety in clothing styles.

From simple to trendy looks, Target and Forever 21 provide cheaper clothing for teenagers.

Price comparison Forever 21

$27.8

0

Spaghetti strap dress

0 $59.5 Hollister

Showing off your YOUniqueness

Co-Presidents create speech for graduation day The Pylon As the class of 2013 nears the end of their high school careers, two members are preparing for speeches that will be presented to their fellow classmates during their graduation ceremony.

Barkley Edison and Gabrielle Briggs, Co-Presidents of their senior class, spent time reflecting on their high school experiences and together came

up with a speech topic. When the two address their peers on graduation day they will focus on being YOUnique.

“Several people assisted us with the dual speech,” Briggs said. “Mrs. Cullins helped with the motivational and prep work, Mrs. Abker with forming ideas and Mr. Owens with speech, prep, ideas, presentations and many other things.”

Edison and Briggs are still in the early stages of preparing the

Sno Wizard flavor?

Top 5 Sno Wizard flavors according to a random survey of 50 students.

1.Tiger’s Blood 2. Pina Colada 3. Sour Grape 4. Titanic Ice 5.Dragon Fire Crazy

Sno Wizard

combinations

Spaghetti strap dress

Top fashions found at www.fashionising.com

By Jera Richardson

favorite

graduation speech, but both are excited about the final product.

“I am a little nervous, but I am confident because of my experience with speaking at other events,” Edison said.

Briggs has also given many public speeches because of her association and assistance with Relay for Life and is not nervous about sharing their message.

The Co-Presidents are preparing to share their memories of the past. They

will be asking each of their classmates to expand on their individual YOUniqueness for future successes. Edison and Briggs have both given much time, effort and unique skills to better the school. They will reflect on the last four years of the 2013 class and challenge their peers to think about the next few years and how to utilize their YOUnique talents.

“Strawberry Shortcake, thunder and lightning, Hawaiian style.”

Josh Claybaugh Sophomore

“Banana and Titanic Ice.” Ty Brull Sophomore

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4

5

April 25, 2013

In depth Sydney Kossow / The Pylon

Ramsey-isms

Known for her unique vocabulary and made up words, here are some of Mrs. Ramsey’s most used expressions

“Macte”- way good

Final farewells Retiring teachers leave their mark

“Speeditively”- fast “Pump up your brains”- get ready to learn

Leaving a legacy

“Reviewment”- time to review “Scholars of the wide world”- Latin students

Ramsey’s impact extends well beyond the classroom

By Emily Wood

O

The Pylon

ne day she walks into class as Aristotle, the following week as Venus Williams, and another time as the goddess Minerva. Mrs. Cindy Ramsey is teaching her students everything from verb tenses to history, geography and patriotism to her Latin scholars.

“I want to capture my students. I want it to stick in their brains. I want it to be long term learning,” Ramsey said. “With certain songs, I can hum it and my students know the answer.

Music works the same way (as the costumes). I want to capture students’ attention- to make them smile and have a positive learning experience. I want to create a new brain file filled with knowledge.”

Last week marked the final time Ramsey will dress up for her students. This year marks the final time she will be such an involved figure and the final year she will be filling her colorful room above the art hallway with such a vibrant energy. Ramsey is retiring after 14 years.

“My favorite part about being a Latin teacher is being part

of such awesome young lives,” mentor teacher, sponsoring Ramsey said as she wiped tears recycling, making spirit signs from her eyes. The passion she for the school, FCA and helping feels for teaching and learning is coordinate the staff to adopt contagious. athletes.

Ramsey has been teaching One of her favorite things, Latin for 25 years. Originally however, is going to support her she did not intend to be a Latin students at their extracurricular teacher, she went to Emporia activities.

State University to become a “I love being going to all preschool teacher. Ramsey has the student’s games and being now spent a total of 14 years as allowed to affirm. In Latin, that a Latin teacher means to make at Central, with stronger,” “I love being able to go to Ramsey said. a break in the middle to begin all the student’s games and Ramsey was Love and Learn teaching when being allowed to affirm. In the last boys Preschool.

“My dad Latin that means to make basketball state inspired me championship stronger.” to become a was won in teacher because 1985. “One of he was a teacher my favorite Mrs. Ramsey and football memories Latin teacher coach, even at from Central Salina Central. is seeing the He was here during its second boys basketball dream team year. Also, teachers that I still look win state. Also, being able to see up to in my heart today (inspire young people in class, to see what me),” Ramsey said. they’ve become- leaders.”

Ramsey’s legacy extends well As a teacher, she loves when beyond the classroom. During her students past or present her time at Central she has been visit her. “The bonus is when involved as the sophomore class former students are still kind and sponsor, climate committee, friendly,” Ramsey said. being in charge of pep rallies, “My favorite thing about sponsoring dances, being a Mrs. Ramsey is the fact that even

when she is having a bad day she can turn it around by one simple thing,” senior Shakera Ross said.

Ross had Ramsey as a teacher for her first three years of high school. She no longer is in Latin class, but still remembers the impact it had on her.

“I think Mrs. Ramsey will be remembered for her spunk and how out there she was, but in a good way,” Ross said.

As for the future, following her retirement, Ramsey will be writing church curriculum for preschoolers.

“I don’t know what God’s got figured for me. I would like still to support the kids coming to their games,” Ramsey said. “Hopefully God’s got something out there for me to do and hopefully I will do a good job.”

No matter where the future leads her, it is for sure that she will continue to impact kids and teach them to be ‘macte’ (way great) their entire lives.

“My hope is 100% of today’s and tomorrow’s educators remember that the love they give students each day will live on forever. Perhaps the words of John Dewey concludes my thoughts best when he said, “Education is preparation for life.””

“Mustangers”- Mustang students and teachers “Punch it up”- get excited, step it up

Students reflect and remember their time spent with Mrs. Ramsey “My favorite memory was when we toured the Masonic Temple without a tour guide.”

“I love Latin because Mrs. Ramsey is so awesome and so energetic everyday.”

(Mrs. Ramsey) is very nice, she never raises her tone at us.”

Tanner Robl, 11

Will Oaks, 12

Lupita Bujanda, 10

“When she dressed up as the Greek Gods, I always think that is fun.

She always makes the experience fun for us.”

Reagan Montre, 9

“I like the way Mrs. Ramsey teaches. She makes it fun and easy to remember.”

Holly Taylor, 9

“(Mrs. Ramsey) always makes us laugh, she is very happy.”

Grant England, 10

“(Mrs. Ramsey) is a very creative person.”

“I will miss the way Mrs. Ramsey talks and makes jokes out of everything.”

Malik Veal, 11

Gavin Fairchild , 9

“(Mrs. Ramsey) is really willing to work with kids. She doesn’t get irritated like other teachers do.”

“Mrs. Ramsey always did the gauntlet and ‘macte’ for sporting events and we lined up in the hall.”

Kasie Smith, 9

Callie Windholtz, 12

“Mrs. Ramsey is one of a kind. She teaches life lessons.

“To describe Mrs. Ramsey, one word: amazing.”

Josh Claybaugh, 10

Grant Dodge, 12

Ramsey’s crazy costumes

“

Mrs. Ramsey Latin teacher

“

Biology and AP biology teacher, Mr. Smith, has taught for 36 years, 34 of those years being at Central. Not only has he helped with the education of students, but he was the boy’s swimming coach for 32 years and the girl’s swimming coach for 22 years. Smith will miss the diversity of the students at school and the bird trips he participated in every year with his Biology classes.

My favorite part about being a teacher is when the students start to see the bigger picture.”

“

Mr. Smith Biology teacher

Mrs. Russin Mrs. Russin has been teaching geometry for 24 years.

She has really enjoyed how her job allows her to work with young students and teach them geometry. Mrs. Russin has made many relationships with students and has became close to the faculty. She is going to miss the bonds she had with her students as well as the faculty.

Mrs. Russin is really a nice teacher. She’s always willing to help you out with anything and she has a sense of humor in class too.”

Jacob Liles Sophomore

Mr. Atwell Mr. Atwell has been teaching at Central for seven years, but he’s been teaching all together for forty-five years.

What Mr. Atwell enjoys the most when teaching here was the bonds that he made with students.

“

I’m really going to miss Mr. Atwell and how fun it was to be in his class.”

‘Special guests’ visit Latin class throughout the year to help teach students I want to capture the students’ attention- to make them smile and have a positive learning experience.”

Mr. Smith

“Cap it, sack it, and stack it”- put away

Minerva

The Goddess, Minerva, comes to spread greater wisdom. At times she comes in a Red cape and at other times in a crown.

Venus Williams Venus Williams teaches the third conjugation future ‘ace’ tense because when she serves its usually an ace.

Julius Caesar Julius Caesar came to teach how fortunate we are to be Americans.

Aristotle Aristotle visits to teach about the history, geography and patriotism of Alexander the Great

“

Jessika Meredith Junior

Mrs. Schneiders Mrs. Schneiders has been teaching at Central for 26 years. She has taught freshmen through senior English before she got into the PBD program. Mrs. Schneiders was actually one of the first to be involved in the PBD program and she enjoys helping out students find their success within the program. A high for her is seeing her own students walk at graduation.

Mrs. Schneiders is really dedicated to her work because she was willing to stay after school with me to work on tests on all of that in order to get caught up.”

Mario Zepeda Junior

4

5

April 25, 2013

In depth Sydney Kossow / The Pylon

Ramsey-isms

Known for her unique vocabulary and made up words, here are some of Mrs. Ramsey’s most used expressions

“Macte”- way good

Final farewells Retiring teachers leave their mark

“Speeditively”- fast “Pump up your brains”- get ready to learn

Leaving a legacy

“Reviewment”- time to review “Scholars of the wide world”- Latin students

Ramsey’s impact extends well beyond the classroom

By Emily Wood

O

The Pylon

ne day she walks into class as Aristotle, the following week as Venus Williams, and another time as the goddess Minerva. Mrs. Cindy Ramsey is teaching her students everything from verb tenses to history, geography and patriotism to her Latin scholars.

“I want to capture my students. I want it to stick in their brains. I want it to be long term learning,” Ramsey said. “With certain songs, I can hum it and my students know the answer.

Music works the same way (as the costumes). I want to capture students’ attention- to make them smile and have a positive learning experience. I want to create a new brain file filled with knowledge.”

Last week marked the final time Ramsey will dress up for her students. This year marks the final time she will be such an involved figure and the final year she will be filling her colorful room above the art hallway with such a vibrant energy. Ramsey is retiring after 14 years.

“My favorite part about being a Latin teacher is being part

of such awesome young lives,” mentor teacher, sponsoring Ramsey said as she wiped tears recycling, making spirit signs from her eyes. The passion she for the school, FCA and helping feels for teaching and learning is coordinate the staff to adopt contagious. athletes.

Ramsey has been teaching One of her favorite things, Latin for 25 years. Originally however, is going to support her she did not intend to be a Latin students at their extracurricular teacher, she went to Emporia activities.

State University to become a “I love being going to all preschool teacher. Ramsey has the student’s games and being now spent a total of 14 years as allowed to affirm. In Latin, that a Latin teacher means to make at Central, with stronger,” “I love being able to go to Ramsey said. a break in the middle to begin all the student’s games and Ramsey was Love and Learn teaching when being allowed to affirm. In the last boys Preschool.

“My dad Latin that means to make basketball state inspired me championship stronger.” to become a was won in teacher because 1985. “One of he was a teacher my favorite Mrs. Ramsey and football memories Latin teacher coach, even at from Central Salina Central. is seeing the He was here during its second boys basketball dream team year. Also, teachers that I still look win state. Also, being able to see up to in my heart today (inspire young people in class, to see what me),” Ramsey said. they’ve become- leaders.”

Ramsey’s legacy extends well As a teacher, she loves when beyond the classroom. During her students past or present her time at Central she has been visit her. “The bonus is when involved as the sophomore class former students are still kind and sponsor, climate committee, friendly,” Ramsey said. being in charge of pep rallies, “My favorite thing about sponsoring dances, being a Mrs. Ramsey is the fact that even

when she is having a bad day she can turn it around by one simple thing,” senior Shakera Ross said.

Ross had Ramsey as a teacher for her first three years of high school. She no longer is in Latin class, but still remembers the impact it had on her.

“I think Mrs. Ramsey will be remembered for her spunk and how out there she was, but in a good way,” Ross said.

As for the future, following her retirement, Ramsey will be writing church curriculum for preschoolers.

“I don’t know what God’s got figured for me. I would like still to support the kids coming to their games,” Ramsey said. “Hopefully God’s got something out there for me to do and hopefully I will do a good job.”

No matter where the future leads her, it is for sure that she will continue to impact kids and teach them to be ‘macte’ (way great) their entire lives.

“My hope is 100% of today’s and tomorrow’s educators remember that the love they give students each day will live on forever. Perhaps the words of John Dewey concludes my thoughts best when he said, “Education is preparation for life.””

“Mustangers”- Mustang students and teachers “Punch it up”- get excited, step it up

Students reflect and remember their time spent with Mrs. Ramsey “My favorite memory was when we toured the Masonic Temple without a tour guide.”

“I love Latin because Mrs. Ramsey is so awesome and so energetic everyday.”

(Mrs. Ramsey) is very nice, she never raises her tone at us.”

Tanner Robl, 11

Will Oaks, 12

Lupita Bujanda, 10

“When she dressed up as the Greek Gods, I always think that is fun.

She always makes the experience fun for us.”

Reagan Montre, 9

“I like the way Mrs. Ramsey teaches. She makes it fun and easy to remember.”

Holly Taylor, 9

“(Mrs. Ramsey) always makes us laugh, she is very happy.”

Grant England, 10

“(Mrs. Ramsey) is a very creative person.”

“I will miss the way Mrs. Ramsey talks and makes jokes out of everything.”

Malik Veal, 11

Gavin Fairchild , 9

“(Mrs. Ramsey) is really willing to work with kids. She doesn’t get irritated like other teachers do.”

“Mrs. Ramsey always did the gauntlet and ‘macte’ for sporting events and we lined up in the hall.”

Kasie Smith, 9

Callie Windholtz, 12

“Mrs. Ramsey is one of a kind. She teaches life lessons.

“To describe Mrs. Ramsey, one word: amazing.”

Josh Claybaugh, 10

Grant Dodge, 12

Ramsey’s crazy costumes

“

Mrs. Ramsey Latin teacher

“

Biology and AP biology teacher, Mr. Smith, has taught for 36 years, 34 of those years being at Central. Not only has he helped with the education of students, but he was the boy’s swimming coach for 32 years and the girl’s swimming coach for 22 years. Smith will miss the diversity of the students at school and the bird trips he participated in every year with his Biology classes.

My favorite part about being a teacher is when the students start to see the bigger picture.”

“

Mr. Smith Biology teacher

Mrs. Russin Mrs. Russin has been teaching geometry for 24 years.

She has really enjoyed how her job allows her to work with young students and teach them geometry. Mrs. Russin has made many relationships with students and has became close to the faculty. She is going to miss the bonds she had with her students as well as the faculty.

Mrs. Russin is really a nice teacher. She’s always willing to help you out with anything and she has a sense of humor in class too.”

Jacob Liles Sophomore

Mr. Atwell Mr. Atwell has been teaching at Central for seven years, but he’s been teaching all together for forty-five years.

What Mr. Atwell enjoys the most when teaching here was the bonds that he made with students.

“

I’m really going to miss Mr. Atwell and how fun it was to be in his class.”

‘Special guests’ visit Latin class throughout the year to help teach students I want to capture the students’ attention- to make them smile and have a positive learning experience.”

Mr. Smith

“Cap it, sack it, and stack it”- put away

Minerva

The Goddess, Minerva, comes to spread greater wisdom. At times she comes in a Red cape and at other times in a crown.

Venus Williams Venus Williams teaches the third conjugation future ‘ace’ tense because when she serves its usually an ace.

Julius Caesar Julius Caesar came to teach how fortunate we are to be Americans.

Aristotle Aristotle visits to teach about the history, geography and patriotism of Alexander the Great

“

Jessika Meredith Junior

Mrs. Schneiders Mrs. Schneiders has been teaching at Central for 26 years. She has taught freshmen through senior English before she got into the PBD program. Mrs. Schneiders was actually one of the first to be involved in the PBD program and she enjoys helping out students find their success within the program. A high for her is seeing her own students walk at graduation.

Mrs. Schneiders is really dedicated to her work because she was willing to stay after school with me to work on tests on all of that in order to get caught up.”

Mario Zepeda Junior

6

April 25, 2013

Athletes & Sports

Spring numbers sports update By the

a quick look at numbers and stats from the spring sports season

45

the number of saves varsity goalie Shea Myers has made

88 32

the number of stitches on a softball

the number of runs the varsity baseball team has scored

66.5

By Trey Cullins and Travis Bigler The Pylon

the number of seniors out for a spring sport

27.75

the state qualifying time for the girls’ swim 50 freestyle

Boys’ Tennis

Shaking off the loss of many seniors, the girls’ soccer team is still trying to unite as one on the field.

“Off the field we’ve been able to really mesh and it’s shown on the field,” said senior Carson Jett. They have the potential to be a serious contender at state.

The boys’ tennis team is currently ranked #1 in state. Seniors Justin Bengston and Nathan Garlow, who finished 3rd at state last year, are doing everything they can to come home with a state title this season.

“We are working on consistent serving and net play, and with these two things we will be successful,” Bengston said.

Lindsey Wood/ The Pylon Junior Sara Ingrassia chases down the ball.

Baseball

With returning seniors, the baseball team is not lacking any leadership. This could influence the rest of the team to push harder to succeed at state.

“We have a lot of leaders on this team with a lot of experience that should carry us far in the season,” senior Mason Brightbill said.

Softball After challenging past seasons, the softball team is making many changes to their game plan. Such as the addition of college aides.

“This year we are more focused and if we learn to play together as a team we should do well in regionals,” Head coach Pam Arnold said.

Boys’ Golf

Girls’ Track

Led by Senior Max Humphrey, the golf team tries to improve their chances of reaching their ultimate goal: state. “I am spending hours on the range and the putting green to prepare for state this year,” Junior Matt Grammer said. Due to bad weather, they don’t

Between meets, the athletes get extra work on the events they will take place in.

'I have fallen short of the finals by one place for two years so I want to show that I can make it to finals,” Junior Shaelyn Martin said.

These days give them Lindsey Wood/ The Pylon more of a chance to Freshman Jetta Greene improve their abilities. runs her leg of the relay.

Courtesy of Jane Grammer Junior Matt Grammer sinks a putt.

Lindsey Wood/ The Pylon Senior Nathan Garlow waits at the net.

Girls’ Swimming Although finishing thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth at state last season was a success, goals are much higher this year. Senior Sarah Schulte, swimming in multiple events, is trying to help relay teams improve on the past few seasons.

Lindsey Wood/ The Pylon Sophomore Maya Kathrineberg does the butterfly.

Maggie Vernon/ The Pylon Freshman Darby Miller waits for the pitch.

Tristan Alderson/ The Pylon Junior Matt Rowe throws a pitch.

the total number of laps ran at a typical track meet

39

Girls’ Soccer

Boys’ Track Although the track team is made up of many young athletes, they have shown potential to compete at the highest level.

“I think we will have a lot more good state runners this year because of how hard we’ve been working in practice,” Sophomore Isaac Rodriguez said.

Every other practice day, the athletes get extra work on the events they will take place in.

Maggie Vernon/ The Pylon Junior Dajon Samuels does the long jump.

On the Spot

Athletes in the mix

Thing you’re most scared of

Clay Commerford Baseball

“My grandma”

Dream job “A librarian”

_____ should be president “Trenton Earley”

Ashley Sankey Girls’ soccer Jacob Liles Boys’ track Sarah Schulte Girls’ swimming

“Moths”

“Marine Biologist”

“Bandit Burse”

“ESPN reporter”

“Nathan Garlow”

“Something with music”

“Someone who can help bring our country back to greatness”

Trent Brown Boys’ tennis

“Pregnant women”

“Spiders”

“Dog trainer”

“Channing Tatum”

“Barney Stinson”

30

the number of wins senior doubles team Nathan Garlow and Justin Bengston have

20’5

the lenghth of Will Oaks best long jump

THOMAS K. WILSON, DMD

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON 520 S. Santa Fe, Suite 240 Salina, KS 67401 Phone: 785-827-9325 Fax: 785-827-6252 www.tomwilsondmd.com

Diplomat American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Fellow American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

April 25, 2013

Carniecia Robertson / The Pylon

Editorials & Opinion “We are all human beings who deserve the right to love who we want and be happy regardless of what race, religion, sexual orientation or gender we may be.

Genna Salstrom The Pylon

Fight for rights continues for women, gays

By Genna Salstrom The Pylon

LGBT communities nationwide, as well as citywide, have been up in arms recently awaiting the Supreme Court’s ruling over whether or not DOMA, the Defense of Marriage Act, is unconstitutional. DOMA was enacted in September of 1996 and restricts same-sex couples from receiving federal marriage benefits. Section 3, which calls for the non-recognition of same-sex marriages for all federal purposes including insurance and Social Security benefits as well as the filing of joint tax returns, was found unconstitutional in 2011.

While Kansas, one of the worst states for LGBT rights, is still debating whether or not to even grant the LGBT community the right to work and live without being discriminated against, others are

already legalizing same-sex marriage. So far, ten states have granted gays the right to marry: Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Maine, Maryland, Connecticut, Iowa, Washington, New Hampshire, and Washington D.C. Gays, lesbians, and bisexuals can also openly serve in the military, since the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was banned in 2011.

With the constant controversy regarding LGBT rights, I’m reminded of times in history when other groups, namely women, were also fighting for their basic rights.

There is a constant need to suppress groups that the majority deems “subordinate.” Many decades ago, Homosexuality was considered a mental illness, and gays were forced to endure grueling conversion therapy. Of course, the logical person knows that therapy can’t make a person heterosexual, but many radical

religious people believed, and still believe, that it can.

Even though being female was never considered to be a mental illness, women have also had a tough time in their fight to gain rights, which started in the mid 1800’s. Less than one hundred years ago, women weren’t allowed to vote, and it wasn’t until 1976 when the first law was passed making it illegal for a husband to rape his wife in Nebraska.

Margaret Sanger founded what would become Planned Parenthood in 1921. Over ninety years later, it is still a major source of help for United States women who may not have anywhere else to go for their health needs.

In the early 1960’s, President John F. Kennedy helped to substantially improve equality between men and women in the workplace. He not only established a commission calling for fair hiring practices, paid maternity leave, and afford-

able child care, but he also signed the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration, which was brought about by a woman who alleged that she was paid 15-40 percent less than her male counterparts. However, instances of unequal pay still occur in the United States.

In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that women who work full-time earn 79 percent of what men are paid per week. CNN also states that female grads earn $8,000 less than men.

Obama, who alleges that he is gung-ho about equal pay for women, actually pays his male White House staffers about 13.6 percent more than his female staffers. So, to those against equal rights, I say this; get off your high horse and realize that we are all human beings who deserve the right to love who we want and be happy regardless of what race, religion, sexual

Truancy Laws: consequences don’t fit the crime

By Genna Salstrom The Pylon I understand that attending school is extremely important.

However, the extent the state takes it to, like removing students from their households, is unnecessary. I personally have over 15 unexcused absences and somewhere around 60 tardies. This should at least warrant a court date for me, but

since I have good grades, nobody has taken legal action. I find this completely unsettling and, frankly, it angers me to my core.

Kansas isn’t the only state taking extreme action towards truancy. Last year, six Orange County, CA parents were jailed for their kids’ unexcused absences ranging from twelve to twentyfour days.

Nation-wide, 15 year olds have

the highest amount of truancy cases, and statistics show that boys are slightly more likely to be sent to court for it than girls.

There are also many students that are actually removed from their homes and placed into foster care because they’ve been truant for too long. My question is: why? How is plucking students from their homes, from all they know, and placing them in a completely foreign place

with no family around going to make them perform better in school? I don’t understand the logic behind it.

One of the reasons schools use such extreme measures to fight truancy is an attempt to protect their standardized test scores. Failing students who are expected to lower a schools’ test scores are often encouraged to withdraw. This just baffles me.

Is ensuring a hefty budget from the government really worth denying a slightly less book smart person their education?

According to research, the fact that I’m truant means that I’m more likely to join a gang, abuse drugs, and become involved in criminal activities such as burglary, auto theft, and vandalism. I also should have a lack of parental supervision and be victim to domestic violence, poverty, and a differing attitude towards education. In reality, I’m just a rebellious teenager with a messed up sleep schedule. That is the extent of my criminality.

Instead of punishing students, schools should try using motivation. When they see that a student is often absent or late, they should talk to them and try to push how important education is. Only after warning the family and investigating the situation should it ever escalate to jail

7 Kudos

& Call outs

The following are situations in which our students and faculty deserve praise for a job well done or to be called out for dropping the ball.

Kudos:

-The tennis team for being amazing this season.

-15 days left of school, 10 for seniors. I can see the light!

-Former President Carter for having been providing South Africa with cleaner water for almost 30 years.

-MGK for being the hottest white boy rapper in the game.

-Tie dye is so in right now.

-Records for coming back from the brink of death.

-Dakota Rowlison. That is it.

-Mrs. Ramsey for shaping America’s youth for so long. You take your well deserved break!

-Our staff for being awarded All State Kansas Newspaper! GO TEAM. -Kid Cudi’s new album. Pretty dope.

-The Forensics team for doin’ work. All. The. Time.

-All of the seniors on staff.

We’ll miss you!

-Tax returns are coming. It’s like second Christmas!

-Crispy Kreme, the rappy. He be flyin’ high.

-Faculty meeting twice, sometimes three times a week, to make better, stronger teachers.

Call outs: -This bipolar weather. Is it Winter, or is it Spring? Make up your mind, mother nature.

-Urban Outfitters for being so expensive. How am I supposed to be fashionable when you charge me $50 for a T-shirt?

-Chandler Burris for seriously NEVER being at school.

-Whoever is in charge of the heat. It’s always either boiling or freezing. What is that about?

-Sloth for always being gone.

You on truancy yet?

-Wearing pj’s to school. Just... why?

-Having to postpone every sport activity.

-The music at prom. Ew. -The doors for still being locked. LET US IN! -Unwarranted nude pics. No thank you.

-All of the seniors who didn’t show up for their interviews.

Thanks for the help, guys.

-Drunk people at after prom.

You aren’t fooling anybody.

-Snow in April. A sure sign of the Apocalypse.

-The government for taking so much money out of my checks.

I work hard for my minimum wage!

-Boy Band reunions. They’re so hot as old men. Not. Get a real job.

8

April 25, 2013

the Pylon

Prom 2013: A Night of Mardi Gras turns into a dance party

Eli Berner/The Pylon Students clap their hands to a song.

Eli Berner/The Pylon Junior Patricia Dominguez dances with Senior Umberto Rossetto.

Lindsey Wood/The Pylon Students hop in the conga line at prom.

Lindsey Wood/The Pylon Senior Preston Gapter shows his moves at prom.

Eli Berner/The Pylon Senior Justin Bengtson and others get wild at prom.

Sydney Kossow/The Pylon Junior Maggie Unruh smiles as she dances.

Baccalaureate 2013

Saturday, May 11, 2013

10:00 am

South High School Auditorium Service will include special music along with student and faculty speakers from both high schools.