November 4, 2011

Vandalism becoming a problem

Recent break-ins and theft may be causing concern throughout the school Page 6 and 7

“24-hour security is expensive and out of the budget.�

Ken Kennedy

Director of Operations for USD 305

Vol. 88, Iss. 3 November 4, 2011

Inside

Salina Central High School

Roll on thru

Sante Fe Sonic reopens; providing customers with quick, friendly service

Student profile: Brynne Atherton Page 3

“Funny Money� auditions for state Page 5

Trent Bigler / The Pylon

The new Sonic offers a drive-thru. If you are too crunched for time to pull into a stall than the new drive-thru is a great feature.

Fast Facts

Volleyball finishes season strong Page 8 Trent Bigler / The Pylon

Sonic employee and junior Derek Wheeler is one of few waiters that serves on skates. Wheeler says his tips increase greatly when he wears them.

By David Weiner Lead Reporter

Photo Spread: Inked up from the feet up Page 12

17

days until

Thanksgiving

48

days until

Christmas November Calendar

$ QHZ EULFN EXLOGLQJ ZLWK EULJKW OLJKWV DQG VPRRWK XQWDUQLVKHG FRQFUHWH QRZ VLWV GRZQWRZQ RQ 6DQWH )H ZKHUH WKHUH RQFH OLYHG D ZHOO XVHG ZHOO NQRZQ ROGHU YHUVLRQ RI D 6RQLF /LNH D WRUQDGR KDG VZHSW WKURXJK WKH SORW RI ODQG ZKHUH

WKH ROG 6RQLF XVHG WR UHVLGH ZDV VZHSW FOHDQ RI LWV IRRWSULQW $ EDUUHQ VSDFH EHWZHHQ WKH 0DVRQLF 7HPSOH DQG DQG DXWR UHSDLU VKRS ORRNHG OLNH WKH VPLOH RI D \RXQJ FKLOG ZKRȇG ORVW KLV ȴUVW WRRWK 1RZ WKDW WRRWK KDV JURZQ EDFN DQG LW KDV VKLQ\ VWDOOV D SDWLR IRU HDWLQJ DQG D GULYH WKURXJK Ȋ:H MXVW NQRZ RXU 6RQLF LV EHWWHU WKDQ WKH RQH RQH QLQWK ȋ MXQLRU 'HUHN :KHHOHU VDLG

-Sonic opened in 1953 as a rootbeer and hamburger joint named Top Hat, changing to Sonic in 1959.

-Sonic offers more than 398,929 drink combinations -Through limeades for learning, Sonic has donated over $2 million to public school classrooms Info. found at www.sonicdrivein.com

6L[ PRQWKV DJR WKH FRQVWUXFWLRQ RQ WKH UHYDPSHG 6RQLF UHVWDXUDQW EHJDQ DQG QRZ WKH PDNHRYHU LV FRPSOHWH 7KH SXEOLF VHHPV WR DJUHH WKDW WKH QHZ EXLOGLQJ LV LPSUHVVLYH ČŠ,W ORRNV VOHHN DQG VKLQ\ DQG WKH VHUYLFH LV IDVWHU Č‹ VHQLRU $OH[LV 1HYDUH] VDLG (PSOR\HHV KDYH DOVR WDNHQ D Z

See Sonic/ Page 4

Rachel Hodges/The Pylon

Mrs. Hoffs Eisenhower project begins AP history students get unique opportunity to examine confidential files

By Nathan Garlow Students found themselves surrounded by completely FRQČ´GHQWLDO Č´OHV WKLFN YDXOWV DQG ZDWFKIXO VHFXULW\ GXULQJ WKHLU Č´HOG WULS RQ 2FWREHU KRZHYHU WKH\ ZHUH

QRW LQ VRPH XQGHUJURXQG JRYHUQPHQW IDFLOLW\ WKH\ ZHUH LQ $ELOHQH DW WKH (LVHQKRZHU PXVHXP WR UHVHDUFK DUFKLYHV RQ 1$6$ 0RUH WKDQ KDOI D PLOOLRQ VWXGHQWV ZRUOGZLGH SDUWLFLSDWH LQ WKLV 1DWLRQDO +LVWRU\ 'D\ &RQWHVW WKDW RFFXUV LQ -XQH ZKHUH WKH\

PXVW VHQG LQ D UHVHDUFK SURMHFW ČŠ:H DUH WU\LQJ WR Č´JXUH RXW KRZ (LVHQKRZHU ZDV LQYROYHG LQ WKH VSDFH SURJUDP Č‹ VDLG MXQLRU .HQ %HFN ČŠ2XU VSHFLČ´F IRFXV LV RQ KRZ (LVHQKRZHU SURPRWHG FRPSHWLWLRQ ZLWK WKH 6RYLHWV DQG LQFUHDVHG

1$6$ Č‹ %HFN MXQLRU 'DOWRQ :LOOH\ DQG MXQLRU 6DPP\ -RUGDQ DUH DOO SDUWDNLQJ LQ WKLV XQLTXH H[SHULHQFH ZLWK KLVWRU\ WHDFKHU 0UV +RII DV WKHLU VSRQVRU WR WU\ WR ZLQ WKH FRQWHVW

November 6 Saxaphone Day Daylight Savings Time November 15 National clean your refrigerator day

November 10 Ron White at the Steifel theater November 23 Beginning of Thanksgiving break

November 11 Veterans Day

November 14 Winter sports practice begins November 25 Black Friday

Staff Reporter

November 24 Thanksgiving

See Project/ Page 4

Page 2

Student Life

11.04.11

There’s no place like home

After dancing in New York, junior Brynne Atherton decides to come back home

By Gabrielle Briggs Feature Editor

Even though junior Brynne Atherton loves to dance, she was ready to escape the stresses of the dancing world. “I didn’t like the dance world, it’s so corrupt. There were a lot of eating disorders; a lot of people ending up in the hospital due to eating disorders, injuries and an attempted suicide,� Atherton said. This place just didn’t make her happy, so she moved back to Kansas.

Atherton longed to live a normal life, she no longer wanted to feel pressured to lose numerous pounds. She wanted to go to homecomings and proms and live a normal day to day life.

Now she has changed into an adventurous and relaxed person. “Anyone who knew me before knows I’m a lot louder now and I’m a lot more accepting and relaxed,� Atherton said.

While growing up she was a perfectionist who seeked perfection in all aspects of life, especially in school work.

Without the move to New York, Atherton never saw this inner and outer change.

Growing up a reserved perfectioinist lifestyle in conservative Kansas then moving into the liberal lifestyle of a New Yorker, Atherton was transformed into the person she is today. “I’m more accepting now of people, cultures and ideas,�

Atherton said.

Without the move to the dance academy in Manhattan, New York, Atherton thinks she never would have changed from old her shy judgemental self.

From 7:00 a.m., to the earliest of, 8:30 p.m. Atherton’s life revolved around dance. At 7:30 school would begin and would remain there until she and over 15 other students were dismissed to the dance studio. The dancers would eat at the studio and begin to dance at 1:30. From then until 8:30 they would dance, dance and dance some more. Often times they would remain at the studio until 11:30 p.m. working their routines.

After two years of living without her parental supervision and living in dorms, Atherton returned to Kansas. Ȋ7KLV LV P\ ȴUVW \HDU RI KLJK school life,� Atherton said.

Although Atherton was ready for the change back to Kansas, she still misses the empire state. “I miss having everything around me, the loudness and business, and that everyone was always doing something,�

Atherton said. Often times she Č´QGV KHUVHOI EDFN LQ WKH PHQDOLW\ of a New Yorker. “Mentally, I feel like I have to be somewhere and I walk really fast.â€?

A culture shock that welcomed Atherton back to Kansas was seeing people wearing sweatpants daily. “Wearing sweats (in New York) was considered lazy,�

Atherton said.

She often felt underdressed and intimidated from the bustle of the New York streets. “Everyone wears dark clothing,� Atherton said. This is much different than the style here because often times she has been asked if she was gothic due to her apaption of the dark clothing of New Yorkers.

Atherton has found many differences in what is socially acceptable to those who live in Kansas and New York, and knows the move back here was the right decision for her.

Rachel Hodges / The Pylon

Junior Brynne Atherton, who lived in New York for two years attending a dance school, displays a dance pose in the hallway.

Dating: guys and girls see things differently

By David Weiner Lead Reporter

Babe Blog

Bro Blog

“Ey, Let’s get out of here.� “Okay boo,� she said, in one a those girly voices. “Gurl I’m low on fuel, let’s ride in your H3.� “Okay boo,� she said, in one a those girly voices.

“We straight,� she said, in one a those girly voices “I carry plastic�

1RZ WKDWV D FKLOO ELGGLH , WKRXJKW WR P\VHOI VKHȇV ȴQH DQG VKH SD\V IRU grub.

I was not too x-cited bout this idea but I thought, “heck why not some free food?!�

After he asked me to eat with him he asked to drive muh car. Muh car, why muh car?

“We’re eatin’ at Imperial, I’m feena get some noodles.� “Okay boo,� she said, in one a those girl voices... again.

I smashed on my noodles in a matter of minutes like Broey Chestnut GRZQLQJ KRWGRJV , FKHFNHG P\ ZDOOHW WR ȴQG RQO\ ELOOV 6KRRW , musta left all my hundo’s at home.

Me, bein’ the nice person I am let him drive muh car. He was the one who asked to take ME out.

To see the full story of the date blogs visit

So we roll into this Chinese place. We place our order and this dude has $8.00, ONLY $8.00!

What’s up bro? No gas or cash. Smh! Me, once again being muh nice self, pay the difference.

Here’s where the dilemma begins.

Do I let this biddie pay for her own plate? What’s a bro to do? I had no choice my fellow brohemians, she covered the tab. It was like taking a blow to the chesticles with a Lax stick, I felt like hangin’ up my penny and callin’ bro life quits, but then she offered to make me a sandwich.

It was chill.

:HȇUH HDWLQJ DQG WKH FRQYR LV MXVW OLNH QRW ȾRZLQJ He ate them noodles like a vacuum. Manners bro!

Thank goodness we got out of there when we did, I was about to ditch him.

We hop into the car and he asked me to make him a sandwich.

5RČľ , DLQȇW PDNLQJ \RX QR VDQGZLFK He gets out of muh car and says “hmu anytimeâ€?.

I ain’t hmu’n you bro!

(785) 309-3578

Feature Editor

So I was like totes stavin’ after my mani-pedi sesh, so I was lookin’ for places to eat. As I was looking saw this totes adorbs guy walkin’ towards my car and he said “ay boo, wanna grab some grub?�

Cruisin’ 3ft off the ground I felt like a total G.I. bro. The engine sounded like a hungry panther.

Advertising

By Gabrielle Briggs

A the crowd

11.04.11

Student Life

face in

Page 3

Guess who these faces belong to (first and last name) on a sheet of paper and turn it in to the journalism room. First person with all of the three correct answers will receive a prize from the Pylon staff!

Seeing someone new every day not a rarity at a school of 1000

By Trent Brown Staff Reporter

Senior Jake Oltman walks down the familiar congested hallways. As he makes his way to class he stops to say hi to the upperclassmen he knows, but he wonders, who are all these other people at our school?

His normal ventures through the hallways include trying to avoid as much contact as possible along with trying to stay clear of peers he does not know. As he makes his way to the classroom, he scans the narrow horizon for a familiar face.

“I mostly recognize the upperclassmen but there are

a lot of underclassmen that I don’t know at all,” Oltman explained.

“It seems like there are a lot of people that know me, and a lot who don’t.”

In a school of 1,000 plus students, and countless cliques that are formed among them, many feel like they do not know the peers around

Brightening the funds

them. Awkwardness looms at every corner in the hallway as passing someone you don’t know can create a feeling of not being recognized.

Many of the students at our school worry if peers around them will be able to recognize them. However, the question if other people will recognize you in the halls is not always

important to some people.

“Being recognized in the hallways is not always important to me,” junior Eli Beery explained.

“If I pass someone in the hall I don’t know, I usually give them a head nod or something.”

Robotics team finds a new way of fundraising

By Sammy Jordan Opinion Editor

The norm of fundraising usually includes the selling of cookie dough, gold cards and candy bars. This year, the robotics team broke out of the normal mold of selling goodies and coupons, and sold LED lightbulbs at parent teacher conferences.

Previously, the Robotics team has demonstrated the power of their robot at the 4H building and had a science

Scan to see it on your phone!

fair at the mall to raise money.

Their innovative way to both brighten up the lives of their sponsors and raise money is for their upcoming trip to Regionals.

“Last year, we got second at regionals and won the chairman’s award,” said sophomore Gabe Geisen.

The chairmans award is given to the team that impacts the community in the most beneficial way.

“The organization of first Robotics’ mission is to lead

the future scientists and give inspiration for science technology,” said sophomore Pratik Patel “We hope to be successful at regionals for the third year in a row.”

The robotics team is looking to recruit new members for their team in order to be as successful as possible in hopes to again going to nationals.

“Marketing is the primary concern,” said Geisen “We need smart people.”

Rachel Hodges / The Pylon

Sophomore members of the Robotics team, Gabe Geisen and Pratik Pratel, sold LED lightbulbs during parent teacher conferences.

Page 4

News

11.04.11

Mrs. Arnold shows off musical skills

P.E. teacher raises money in order to audition for Americas Got Talent

By Trent Brown Staff Reporter

Rachel Hodges/The Pylon

Playing the piano is one of Mrs. Arnold's many talents.

Physical education teacher Ms. Pam Arnold found herself attempting something she never thought she would do; try out for a network television talent competition.

But after a few promises by students and some encouraging, she found herself in St. Louis trying out for NBC’s, America’s Got Talent.

For the students who have had Ms. Arnold as a teacher or coach, they are well aware of the fact that she is a gifted musician. With the ability to play both guitar

and piano, she gives her students a performance of her musical abilities if they turn in homework and behave in class.

“I told the health classes that if they turned in homework for six weeks I would sing to them,” explains Ms. Arnold. “Also, I told my P.E. classes if they all suited out I would sing for them too.”

When the students held up their end of the bargain, Ms. Arnold delivered her part of the promise by singing to them. The students watched and listened as Ms. Arnold unveiled her musical talents before them.

That’s when some thought Ms. Arnold should not only show off her musical ability to students, but to all of America.

“Students told me to audition for America’s Got Talent,” says Ms. Arnold. “I told them I would do it if they promised they would set a goal to graduate high school." $ EHQHȴW FRQFHUW ZDV KHOG to help raise money for the trip and stay in St. Louis. Ms. Arnold also volunteered to ref soccer which she ended up getting paid for which allowed her to make the trip.

Arriving in downtown St. Louis, she made her way to the audition room and begun to

warm up her singing. During this time, Arnold notes that she was within reaching distance of the producer of the show, Nick Cannon.

“I performed Fearless by Taylor Swift,” she explains.

“They put a mark on my sheet, which I think is a good thing.

They will give me a call if I made the show.”

Overall, she states that the whole experience was fun and she really enjoyed herself.

Whether she makes America’s Got Talent or not, Ms. Arnold still enjoys performing for her students and sharing her musical abilities.

Sonic/ Sonic on Sante Fe reopens after five long months Continued from page 1 liking to their new workspace.

“It’s a lot more spacious,” Wheeler said. “The new place gives me more room to do my spins on my skates.”

Wheeler, a veteran Sonic employee is one of the few servers that ride around on the old-school four-wheeled roller skates. According to Wheeler, nicknamed “Wheels” because of his skating expertise, serving on skates boosts tips and helps get chicks.

“I would compare myself to Bow Wow from the movie Roll Bounce,” junior Derek Wheeler VDLG ZLWK D FRQȴGHQW VPLUN Across town is Ninth Street Sonic which has its own sand volleyball court, batting cages, jungle gym and according to wheeler an extended wait time for service.

“My manager said that before she dies she’ll put in a volleyball court,” Wheeler said.

Trent Bigler/The Pylon

Junior Derrick Wheeler serves a car on skates while working.

Trent Bigler / The Pylon

Former student Dustin Shannon sits in the new courtyard at Sonic while eating his food last Friday.

Project/ Students explore documents Continued from page 1 “It was actually really fun even though digging through ȴOHV GRHVQȇW VRXQG OLNH LW would be; there were a lot of interesting things there,” said Willey.

Hoff saw one note written by former President Eisenhower’s sister-in-law about how the Civil Rights Movement needed to stopped due to it actually being a communist movement.

“I thought it was kind of neat how all the documents VDLG ȆWRS VHFUHWȇ DQG ȆFODVVLȴHGȇ on them,” said Beck. “I guess they were a big deal back in the day.”

Some students get frustrated at points because as they start reading documents LW LV QRW XQFRPPRQ WR ȴQG pages at a time labeled as FODVVLȴHG DQG FRPSOHWHO\ blanked out. “We had to place the boxes in a certain way so that the workers could see them, we couldn’t lift any

documents off of the table to show someone else what they said, and they wouldn’t even let us handle some of the documents because they were too brittle,” said Willey.

Students also had to receive an archive license before they were allowed to see the archives, but as restrictive as it sounds the archives are open to the public.

“Anyone can do it; you just KDYH WR JHW SHUPLVVLRQ DQG ȴOO out the paperwork,” said Hoff.

Rachel Hodges / The Pylon Junior Ken Beck holds up his archive license that he was required to get in order to view the documents.

Go online and visit... ...for highlights and more

Arts

11.04.11

Page 5

Senior Zoe Rea and junior Trent Brown help support junior Suzy Weller during the opening night production of “Funny Money�.

Rachel Hodges / The Pylon

State judges add excitement to opening night

By Sarah Gage Arts Editor As the spotlight was lit and pointed at the stage, the cast of “Funny Money� felt nervous.

Not only were their family, friends, and peers there, but this time there were also two pairs of judgmental eyes.

Not many people realize that theater productions can qualify for a state competition.

Central’s theater department has only made it to state once before with “Noise’s Off� four years ago. “Noises Off,� also went to the International Thespian Festival that year.

One other production went

up in previous years for state, but it wasn’t chosen.

To make state, the shows have to audition. The judges sit in on the performances and then decide on their favorites.

7KHUH DUH Č´YH VSRWV WKDW FDQ EH Č´OOHG ZLWK WKH ZLQQLQJ VKRZV The results are told to the schools in January.

This year, two judges will sit in on “Funny Money� and many other shows put on by other high schools. “I think we will do well. We are getting there based on past shows,� Mr. Nulik said.

Nulik and the cast are very FRQČ´GHQW DERXW WKHLU VKRZ Senior Logan Maltbie believes

that if they have the same judges as last year, they will

“We want to put on great shows regardless. We work hard on every show.�

Chad Nulik

Drama Teacher have an easy time making it to state. “It all depends on the judges,� Maltbie said.

But whether they have hard or easy judges, the cast still believes that they will do an “amazing� job.

Every show comes with opening night jitters, though.

As a senior, Maltbie “doesn’t really get nervousâ€? except on opening night. “I get nervous before the shows, but after I get on stage LWȇV Č´QH Č‹ VHQLRU .LHIHU /DZVRQ said.

None of the cast members have been part of a show that went to state.

They “have a lot of underclassman� involved in the production of “Funny Money� according to Maltbie, which

could be seen as a disadvantage, but it doesn’t seem to be for the cast. They work hard to prepare for their shows, whether it might go to state or not. “We want to put on great shows regardless. We work hard on every show,� Nulik said.

He looked back on their production of “The Diary of Anne Frank� last year. They knew that they weren’t going to audition for state with it but worked hard on it anyway.

That show made them proud. Ȋ,ȇP YHU\ FRQȴGHQW , IHHO like it’s something,� Lawson said.

Students display artwork during conferences

By Brooke Wakefield Staff Reporter

“It’s hard to represent all of the students, so I have to choose the top twenty,� Larry Cullins, the art teacher said.

This year Cullins chose over twenty pieces to put on display at this year’s parent teacher conferences.

Cullins chose out of the advanced student’s artwork this year.

-XQLRU .D\OD +XWFKLVRQ DQG Senior Deedra Morris, were a couple of students that had their artwork showcased. “I had my art shown at conferences last year, so it was pretty cool to know that it was chosen for this year’s conferences also,� Morris said.

Morris had an oil painting and a charcoal drawing on display this year.

“We put a lot of time into it, so to have it shown to the community was a great feeling.

It also shows my parents how hard I have worked,� Morris said. “I haven’t had my artwork shown before and this was pretty cool to see it next to some of the other advanced art student’s work,� Hutchinson said. “My mom was pretty surprised when she saw it on display as well,� Hutchison said.

Other students who had their art displayed were Seniors Elise Foley, Becky Garcia, Cheyenne Menzies, Eduardo Miramontes, Brenton Hilbig, Madison Shetlar, Pedro Beltran and /DQGRQ :LHQV DQG MXQLRUV .DWH Martens and Will Shadwick.

Look for more art in the showcases located in the concourse throughout the year.

“ I haven’t had my artwork shown before and this was pretty cool to see it next to some of the other advanced art student’s work.�

Kayla Hutchison junior

Brooke Wakefield / The Pylon

Artwork by Kayla Hutchison

Brooke Wakefield / The Pylon

Artwork by Madison Shetlar

Brooke Wakefield / The Pylon

Artwork by Eduardo Miramontes

Page 6

Feature

11.04.11

STEALING OUR SECURITY:

11.04.11

Feature

Page 7

Would a security system protect our school?

Students’ safety at risk Photo illustration by Rachel Hodges and Eric Luce

Theft, break-ins becoming cause for concern

By Sarah Gage Arts Editor

Recently, several classrooms were broken into and projectors and computers were stolen.

This has happened multiple times in the past, but very little is done to prevent future vandalism and theft. “There are building checks every Saturday and Sunday morning at the middle schools and high schools as well as overnight custodians,� said director of operations and maintenance for USD305 Ken Kennedy. That doesn’t seem like an out of the ordinary procedure for a high school. But, what is out of the ordinary is that the school’s ability to solve

this issue is limited when there actually is a break-in.

Our security consists of one UHVRXUFH RÉšFHU GXULQJ WKH GD\ After school, that responsibility is transferred to the custodial staff. They do their scheduled checks on the school when no one else is here.

Therefore, they are the only people that should be at the school during weekends or holidays, with the exception of the faculty and staff. But, when you get a group of “people with little sense of ethics� who think it’s funny to bust into a teacher’s classroom and steal electronics, who is there to stop them? No one. No one knows that there even was a break-in until the custodian walks through the

halls, checking on everything hours later. Since there were no witnesses, the thieves get away–might I mention–every

“24 hour security is expensive and out of the budget.�

Ken Kennedy

Director of operations and Maintenance for USD305

single time. You would think that after having a toilet blown XS JUDÉšWL RQ WKH 0XVWDQJ and many stolen items, that

there would be some kind of heightened security. “Twenty-four hour security is expensive and out of the budget,� Kennedy said.

However, the school board has talked about the prices and different types of security systems that could be offered, including locks and cameras.

The only issue as of now is the budgetary restraints.

Cameras are expensive, so the board is deciding if they are valuable and useful enough.

There is a limited budget, and buying a security system would cut out a huge chunk of money that could be used for other classroom materials requested from the schools in USD305.

Then there is also the

problem with vandalism on school property. Indoor security systems would not be able to cover what goes on outside on East Crawford Street.

Someone could easily walk up WR WKH 0XVWDQJ E\ WKH RXWGRRU concourse entrance and spray paint it lime green if they desire to do so. Things like this can’t exactly be prevented, like indoor vandalism could with cameras.

Vandalism is not preventable, but according to Kennedy, “any vandalism is too much.�

So, what is the solution to these two problems–theft and vandalism? There are countless answers, many of which the board and USD305 are looking into.

Recent vandalism uncommon

By Nathan Garlow

Ȋ7KH 0XVWDQJ W\SLFDOO\ JHWV SDLQWHG 6RXWK &HQWUDO week, but this year they used spray paint rather than the water paint they have used before,� said Vanauken.

0RG DOVR KDG JUDÉšWL RQ LW WKDW KDG WR EH FOHDQHG Shattered glass, bloody handprints, missing up by the janitorial staff earlier this year. electronics: the state janitor Kenny Whenever anything is done to the school Vanauken found a classroom on his there is typically a quick response to regular weekend patrol. clean it up.

Vandals broke into the school October “I don’ t think the “I don’t think the students even realize 16 by breaking a window and climbing students even realize anything happens to the school a lot of the LQWR (QJOLVK WHDFKHU 0UV %LJOHUȇV URRP They cut themselves in the process which anything happens to the time,â€? said Head Principal Shana Rector. “I think that says a lot about our school resulted in blood being spilt around the school a lot of the time...I and our staff.â€? room.

Two boys discovered stolen items from “They stole six or eight laptops, a think that says a lot about the Sunday morning break-in inside a projector, damaged the south doors and our school and staff. storm drain. They found a duffel bag six windows, and they also damaged and a trash bag containing nine stolen FRPSXWHUV DV ZHOO Č‹ VDLG 5HVRXUFH 2ÉšFHU Shanna Rector computers and a projector. They will A.V. Plank.

Principal be returned to the school after they According to Vanauken this is not the are assessed by the police department. only vandalism that occurs at our school.

According to administrators the damage “We get broken windows every once done during the break-in is not common LQ D ZKLOH Č‹ VDLG 9DQDXNHQ ČŠEXW JUDÉšWL LV at our school. the most common thing that we get.â€? “With a student body of 1000 we really don’t have a lot 9DQDXNHQ KDV WR GHDO ZLWK D ORW RI JUDÉšWL RQ EDWKURRP of vandalism or inappropriate writings on our building,â€?

ZDOOV GXULQJ WKH VFKRRO \HDU EXW WKH JUDÉšWL GRHV QRW said Rector. always occur inside.

By Eric Luce

Entertainment Editor Our school lacks security in the form of cameras.

After the recent break-in some students and faculty may be beginning to wonder if this makes our school less safe. ČŠ7KLV LV P\ Č´UVW \HDU DW this school,â€? senior Lucas 6FKPLGW VDLG ČŠ0\ ODVW VFKRRO had camera’s, and I felt safer there.â€? If cameras were in place they would be focused on theft and vandalism. “If it prevents vandalism,â€? Schmidt said, “I’m for it.â€? “Security cameras would lend another level of

VHFXULW\ WR WKH VFKRRO Č‹ 0UV Bigler, a teacher victimized by the break-in on October 14, said. “It would make students aware that they could be seen and are being watched.â€?

Students have also responded positively towards heightened security levels. “I agree with the idea of security cameras,â€? junior %URRNH *ULÉšQ VDLG ČŠ,I ZH have the opportunity to better our security system, we should.â€? “If people are going to be vandals, they are going to be vandals whether there are cameras or not,â€? explained 0UV 3DUDGLV ČŠ6WXGHQWV QHHG

to learn to be better patrons of what they are given,�

-XQLRU $QQD 0F+HQU\ VDLG Surveillance cameras are both proactive and retroactive. Both Bigler and Paradis agreed that the mere presence of cameras would have impacted the result of the break-in, if not prevented it altogether.

Although they may not stop crime completely, security cameras would provide evidence so that criminals couldn’t get away with crime anymore. “Criminals getting away with stealing or vandalism probably bothers other people,� senior Jon Kennedy said.

Some students feel unaffected and resolve that there must not be enough money to support such cameras. “We are seriously in need RI EHWWHU VHFXULW\ Č‹ 0F+HQU\ said. “But security cameras FRVW D ORW DQG ZH FDQ Č´QG better ways to utilize our money.â€?

However, some teachers have a different perspective. “I think there’s an honestly level with ourselves,� Bigler said. “If we don’t have cameras, then maybe we’re already safer, and by putting cameras up, we’re having to admit to ourselves that we actually need them.�

Security in the AVCTL

Hutchinson: security cameras, one Resource Officer, parking lot supervisor teachers monitoring halls, access to metal detectors Newton: security cameras, three Resource Officers, teachers monitoring halls, hired security guard, one entry point Maize: security cameras, one Resource Officer (hired by the school), teachers monitoring halls, one entry point Derby: security cameras, two Resource Officers, four full-time security officers, handheld wand metal detector, all doors locked, one entry point for traffic to school

Do you think we need security cameras?

Reporter

A list of damages: -Stolen projectors, laptops -Both South doors glass shattered -Six other windows shattered -Two USD 305 Vehicles had broken windows and mirrors -Graffiti on Mod 1

“Yes, for people breaking in.�

Deedra Morris senior

“Yes, for safety precautions.�

Ty Brull freshman

Miranda Baldridge junior

Josh Christopher senior

Lydia Mcguire senior

“No, because either way WKH\ȇOO Č´JXUH RXW KRZ to steal or vandalize something.â€?

Cheyenne Menzies senior

“Yes, because there is too much theft happening.�

“No, because it violates privacy.�

“No, because people who are dumb enough to steal and vandalize aren’t going to be thinking about cameras.�

Dante Peet sophomore

“Yes, to prevent people from stealing more stuff becayuse when they steal we don’t have equiptment for students.�

Page 6

Feature

11.04.11

STEALING OUR SECURITY:

11.04.11

Feature

Page 7

Would a security system protect our school?

Students’ safety at risk Photo illustration by Rachel Hodges and Eric Luce

Theft, break-ins becoming cause for concern

By Sarah Gage Arts Editor

Recently, several classrooms were broken into and projectors and computers were stolen.

This has happened multiple times in the past, but very little is done to prevent future vandalism and theft. “There are building checks every Saturday and Sunday morning at the middle schools and high schools as well as overnight custodians,� said director of operations and maintenance for USD305 Ken Kennedy. That doesn’t seem like an out of the ordinary procedure for a high school. But, what is out of the ordinary is that the school’s ability to solve

this issue is limited when there actually is a break-in.

Our security consists of one UHVRXUFH RÉšFHU GXULQJ WKH GD\ After school, that responsibility is transferred to the custodial staff. They do their scheduled checks on the school when no one else is here.

Therefore, they are the only people that should be at the school during weekends or holidays, with the exception of the faculty and staff. But, when you get a group of “people with little sense of ethics� who think it’s funny to bust into a teacher’s classroom and steal electronics, who is there to stop them? No one. No one knows that there even was a break-in until the custodian walks through the

halls, checking on everything hours later. Since there were no witnesses, the thieves get away–might I mention–every

“24 hour security is expensive and out of the budget.�

Ken Kennedy

Director of operations and Maintenance for USD305

single time. You would think that after having a toilet blown XS JUDÉšWL RQ WKH 0XVWDQJ and many stolen items, that

there would be some kind of heightened security. “Twenty-four hour security is expensive and out of the budget,� Kennedy said.

However, the school board has talked about the prices and different types of security systems that could be offered, including locks and cameras.

The only issue as of now is the budgetary restraints.

Cameras are expensive, so the board is deciding if they are valuable and useful enough.

There is a limited budget, and buying a security system would cut out a huge chunk of money that could be used for other classroom materials requested from the schools in USD305.

Then there is also the

problem with vandalism on school property. Indoor security systems would not be able to cover what goes on outside on East Crawford Street.

Someone could easily walk up WR WKH 0XVWDQJ E\ WKH RXWGRRU concourse entrance and spray paint it lime green if they desire to do so. Things like this can’t exactly be prevented, like indoor vandalism could with cameras.

Vandalism is not preventable, but according to Kennedy, “any vandalism is too much.�

So, what is the solution to these two problems–theft and vandalism? There are countless answers, many of which the board and USD305 are looking into.

Recent vandalism uncommon

By Nathan Garlow

Ȋ7KH 0XVWDQJ W\SLFDOO\ JHWV SDLQWHG 6RXWK &HQWUDO week, but this year they used spray paint rather than the water paint they have used before,� said Vanauken.

0RG DOVR KDG JUDÉšWL RQ LW WKDW KDG WR EH FOHDQHG Shattered glass, bloody handprints, missing up by the janitorial staff earlier this year. electronics: the state janitor Kenny Whenever anything is done to the school Vanauken found a classroom on his there is typically a quick response to regular weekend patrol. clean it up.

Vandals broke into the school October “I don’ t think the “I don’t think the students even realize 16 by breaking a window and climbing students even realize anything happens to the school a lot of the LQWR (QJOLVK WHDFKHU 0UV %LJOHUȇV URRP They cut themselves in the process which anything happens to the time,â€? said Head Principal Shana Rector. “I think that says a lot about our school resulted in blood being spilt around the school a lot of the time...I and our staff.â€? room.

Two boys discovered stolen items from “They stole six or eight laptops, a think that says a lot about the Sunday morning break-in inside a projector, damaged the south doors and our school and staff. storm drain. They found a duffel bag six windows, and they also damaged and a trash bag containing nine stolen FRPSXWHUV DV ZHOO Č‹ VDLG 5HVRXUFH 2ÉšFHU Shanna Rector computers and a projector. They will A.V. Plank.

Principal be returned to the school after they According to Vanauken this is not the are assessed by the police department. only vandalism that occurs at our school.

According to administrators the damage “We get broken windows every once done during the break-in is not common LQ D ZKLOH Č‹ VDLG 9DQDXNHQ ČŠEXW JUDÉšWL LV at our school. the most common thing that we get.â€? “With a student body of 1000 we really don’t have a lot 9DQDXNHQ KDV WR GHDO ZLWK D ORW RI JUDÉšWL RQ EDWKURRP of vandalism or inappropriate writings on our building,â€?

ZDOOV GXULQJ WKH VFKRRO \HDU EXW WKH JUDÉšWL GRHV QRW said Rector. always occur inside.

By Eric Luce

Entertainment Editor Our school lacks security in the form of cameras.

After the recent break-in some students and faculty may be beginning to wonder if this makes our school less safe. ČŠ7KLV LV P\ Č´UVW \HDU DW this school,â€? senior Lucas 6FKPLGW VDLG ČŠ0\ ODVW VFKRRO had camera’s, and I felt safer there.â€? If cameras were in place they would be focused on theft and vandalism. “If it prevents vandalism,â€? Schmidt said, “I’m for it.â€? “Security cameras would lend another level of

VHFXULW\ WR WKH VFKRRO Č‹ 0UV Bigler, a teacher victimized by the break-in on October 14, said. “It would make students aware that they could be seen and are being watched.â€?

Students have also responded positively towards heightened security levels. “I agree with the idea of security cameras,â€? junior %URRNH *ULÉšQ VDLG ČŠ,I ZH have the opportunity to better our security system, we should.â€? “If people are going to be vandals, they are going to be vandals whether there are cameras or not,â€? explained 0UV 3DUDGLV ČŠ6WXGHQWV QHHG

to learn to be better patrons of what they are given,�

-XQLRU $QQD 0F+HQU\ VDLG Surveillance cameras are both proactive and retroactive. Both Bigler and Paradis agreed that the mere presence of cameras would have impacted the result of the break-in, if not prevented it altogether.

Although they may not stop crime completely, security cameras would provide evidence so that criminals couldn’t get away with crime anymore. “Criminals getting away with stealing or vandalism probably bothers other people,� senior Jon Kennedy said.

Some students feel unaffected and resolve that there must not be enough money to support such cameras. “We are seriously in need RI EHWWHU VHFXULW\ Č‹ 0F+HQU\ said. “But security cameras FRVW D ORW DQG ZH FDQ Č´QG better ways to utilize our money.â€?

However, some teachers have a different perspective. “I think there’s an honestly level with ourselves,� Bigler said. “If we don’t have cameras, then maybe we’re already safer, and by putting cameras up, we’re having to admit to ourselves that we actually need them.�

Security in the AVCTL

Hutchinson: security cameras, one Resource Officer, parking lot supervisor teachers monitoring halls, access to metal detectors Newton: security cameras, three Resource Officers, teachers monitoring halls, hired security guard, one entry point Maize: security cameras, one Resource Officer (hired by the school), teachers monitoring halls, one entry point Derby: security cameras, two Resource Officers, four full-time security officers, handheld wand metal detector, all doors locked, one entry point for traffic to school

Do you think we need security cameras?

Reporter

A list of damages: -Stolen projectors, laptops -Both South doors glass shattered -Six other windows shattered -Two USD 305 Vehicles had broken windows and mirrors -Graffiti on Mod 1

“Yes, for people breaking in.�

Deedra Morris senior

“Yes, for safety precautions.�

Ty Brull freshman

Miranda Baldridge junior

Josh Christopher senior

Lydia Mcguire senior

“No, because either way WKH\ȇOO Č´JXUH RXW KRZ to steal or vandalize something.â€?

Cheyenne Menzies senior

“Yes, because there is too much theft happening.�

“No, because it violates privacy.�

“No, because people who are dumb enough to steal and vandalize aren’t going to be thinking about cameras.�

Dante Peet sophomore

“Yes, to prevent people from stealing more stuff becayuse when they steal we don’t have equiptment for students.�

Page 8

Sports

11.04.11

Program builders

As basketball season approaches, we take an inside look at the coaches and their lives Name: Doug Finch Birthday: Jan. 13, 1957 Years as a head coach at Central: 8 Record at Central: 83-70 Favorite part about coaching: I love the competition, but I really love teaching basketball & helping kids achieve at a high level.

Best memory from coaching: Beating McPherson in 2009 to go to state, beating Mac at Mac in 2005, winning the SIT 3 years in a row, and winning AVCTL in 2011 Favorite color: Maroon Hero/role model: Dad- He loved kids. I think about him all the time.

Favorite quote: “You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.� -Henry Ford Hometown: Natoma, KS Favorite book: Monday Morning Leadership Favorite food: Steak Alma Mater: Fort Hays State Pets you own: None- used to have a cat named Tom, but he died.

Favorite non-sports activity: Camping, boating, riding my motorcycle Favorite movie: Remember the Titans Sports played in high school: Football, basketball, track, cross country What you drive: 1998 Ford pickup Favorite song/artist: Boston- Peace of Mind First job: Quinter High basketball coach

Name: Geoff Andrews Birthday: Oct. 22, 1982 Years as a head coach at Central: 3 Record at Central: 22-20 Favorite part about coaching: Seeing the players improve throughout the season and getting to know students outside the classroom.

Best memory from coaching: Beating McPherson in the 2009 substate finals to advance to state and snapping South’s 14 game win streak last year.

Favorite color: Maroon Hero/role model: Mom Favorite quote: “I hate losing more than I like winning.� -Charles Barkley Hometown: Salina/Ellis Favorite book: Lone Survivor Favorite food: Tacos Alma Mater: Kansas State Pets you own: Dog- “Gizzy�

Favorite non-sports activity: Reading Favorite movie: Sandlot, Old School, Shawshank Redemption Sports played in high school: Football, basketball, track What you drive: 2006 Jeep Cheeroke Favorite song/artist: R Kelly- Remix to Ignition and Dr. Dre & Snoop- Nothing but a G Thang First job: Mowing yards for Lovett Lawn Care from 2nd- 8th grade

By Emily Wood, Sports Editor

Making a statement Volleyball finishes season with 25 wins, 9 in a row

By MacKenzie Morris Student Life Editor

Looking back on this season, volleyball coach Tracy Pfeifer has no regrets; just a smile on her face awaiting next year. Finishing with a 25-15 record, with 9 wins in a row, is a pretty impressive outcome, but once you get into details and numbers, it goes to show how much the program has been built up.

The girl’s volleyball team made a loud statement this \HDU ȴ QLVKLQJ ZLWK D ZLQQLQJ UHFRUG IRU WKH ȴ UVW WLPH LQ years. This was also the most wins the team had since 1992 and the most wins in a season that Pfeifer has had during her coaching career. With only two seniors graduating, all of the other players will be returning for another season,

which is a big deal for their offensive play. “There was more team unity,� senior Molly Dallas said. “The season was better than I ever expected it to be.�

The numbers keep getting

“I want 30 wins next season, and a trip to State would be nice.�

Tracy Pfeifer Head Coach

better. This year the volleyball team was considered “best in town� after they demolished South twice and came out with

a win against Sacred Heart. It had been 4 years since they had received a win against 6RXWK DQG RYHU \HDUV VLQFH their had been a win against Sacred Heart. “We were more connected this year,� said sophomore Shaelyn Martin. “We came together as a team, and practices were more focused.�

Even though it was a season full of success, the hard work and determination does not stop now. The players and coaches have their eyes on a higher achievement. Ȋ, ZDQW ZLQV QH[W season, and a trip to the state tournament would be nice,�

Pfeifer said.

With their success during this season and many starters returning, that goal is a great possibility.

MacKenzie Morris/ The Pylon

The volleyball team comes to the middle of the court to celebrate after scoing a point against cross town rival, South.

11.04.11

Sports

Select few

Page 9 Of all of the athletes, only four have qualified for state in two sports.

Here is a deeper look at their accomplishments.

Favorite memory from state: “For soccer, going out to eat and staying at the hotel. For tennis, it being an individual sport and knowing I worked hard all four years to get there. Being with Sammy, Gabby and MacKenzie was the best.”

Name: Emily Ewing Grade: Sophomore Sports she qulaified for state in: Golf & Swimming Favorite memory from state: “During state swimming, we renamed everyone to names that started with ‘S’, and traveling together.”

Name: Matt Martin Grade: Junior Sports he qulaified for state in: Golf & Swimming Favorite memory from state: “At swimming state, making paper airplanes and flying them off of the top of the hotel.”

Grade: Junior Name: Ethan Casey Sports he qualified for state in: Wrestling & Baseball Favorite memory from state: “During wrestling state, the hotel caught on fire.” *Athletes were chosen based on if they suited varsity for the state appearance **Debate and Forensics were not counted as sports

Jesse Lennon Junior Juan Espino Senior Barkley Edison Junior Arron Ordonez Sophomore

I wish I knew how to...

Dream job:

“use magic so I could date Hermoine from Harry Potter”

“Shrimp Fisherman”

“Wiz Khalifa”

“turn my swag off ”

“Mr. Hair’s job”

“Christiano Ronaldo”

“keep girls away from me”

“Emma Watson (Hermoine Granger)”

“John Marston”

“Lea Messi”

the number of wins the volleyball team finished with this year, marking the most wins since 1992.

33

the number of matches that doubles team MacKenzie Morris and Gabby Briggs won this season.

1990

the last year the girls golf team made it to state. This year, they made it to state for only the third time in school history.

the total number of matches the volleyball team played this year.

Boys soccer special

Erik Norris Junior

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

96

On the Spot If I could meet anyone, it would be ___________.

numbers

25

Name: Rachel Norris Grade: Senior Sports she qulaified for state in: Soccer & Tennis

Athletes in the mix

By the

3

the number of years since the boys soccer team has won a league title.

This year the team brought home the title and earned a one seed at regionals.

“The Janitor”

“free style”

“Bounty Hunter”

“play basketball like my boy Derek Wheeler”

“Professional soccer player and getting paid to do what I love to do.”

the total number of yards the football team gained this season.

3321

Page 10

Entertainment

11.04.11

“Normal� Activity 3 Wanted: iPhone for Christmas Photo Editor

Paranormal Activity 3 is, to say the least, a low-budget, cheap, money-making scam. /LNH WKH ȴUVW WZR PRYLHV WKH implement of documenting and ȴOPLQJ WKH ȆKDXQWHGȇ IDPLO\ LV through the use of camcorders.

Oddly steady, clear camcorders.

This affect, while new and UHYROXWLRQDU\ IRU WKH Č´UVW WZR movies is cheap in the prequel.

For example, the camera is placed on a revolving fan to scan slowly across a larger area. This is not only setting the audience up for cheap pop-outand-scare-the-heck-out-of-you effect, but it takes up too much time.

7KHUHȇV QRWKLQJ LQ WKH NLWFKHQ" 2K RND\ /HWȇV VFDQ slowly over to the living room.

Nothing there either? Back to the kitchen.

The plotline is the only thing that has no problem; characters and plot are still creative, but the effect and storyline was

XVHG XS LQ WKH Č´UVW WZR PRYLHV

By Eric Luce ,WȇV QRW JRRG DQ\PRUH Entertainment Editor Move on, producers.

Now, the third movie “Who cares LV PDGH XS RI ȆKRUURUȇ about spending including loud bangs, time with my slamming doors, and family?â€? said ČľLFNHULQJ OLJKWV Ruby Garcia, “I While the audience want an iPhone!â€? member may be at This opinion the edge of their seat, from teenagers they surely will not towards the be impressed at the beginning of the ending. Too much is holiday season is left unexplained, and not uncommon, the audience is, albeit although it is full of adrenaline, often hidden disappointed as they among the leave. hundreds of Looking back, other items we the footage in the GRQȇW GLVFXVV FRPPHUFLDOV GRHVQȇW with our parents.

Credit: apple.com even appear in the ,I ZHȇUH QRW RQ freemovieposters.net movie. A girl jumping our knees begging off a ledge to her death? Nope. for the items we want for Bloody Mary appearing in the Christmas, there are strong hints bathroom? Oh, not that either. left to our parents so that they Way to make the audience will not be left wondering “what WKLQN \RXȇG DFWXDOO\ EH H[FLWLQJ should I buy him this year?â€? and good, movie. Rude.

Large technology companies are just one of hundreds of

advertisers that jump in our face. Popular devices are obviously successful, and November and December are always the best months for these businesses. Their advertisements clearly display how the new features will change us for the better. There is no reason to live without an iPhone in your pocket.

As teenagers, do we really care about how technology has FKDQJHG RXU OLYHV" ,WȇV QRW KDUG at all to admit that more than a few of us could be considered “tiedâ€? to our cell phones, and that it has impacted our culture. “I want an iPhone,â€? said junior Joe McKenna, “but US &HOOXODU GRHVQȇW FDUU\ LW Č‹ Technology companies have already began to polish their products in time for the holiday season. Apple released the iPhone 4S 3 weeks ago along with their new software update for all their other devices. This software update adds even more appeal to Apple devices, because a computer is no longer

required to get content, software updates, or device set-up.

Amazon will release the tablet form of their popular Kindle—the Kindle Fire—in just 2 weeks. This device, in addition to their updated, more affordable line of eBook readers will be known for their simple features and astonishingly low price. Although the Kindle Fire will contain only a 7 inch screen, 8 GB of internal memory, and lacks popular upcoming technologies such as cameras, blue-tooth, cellular connection, or video output, it keeps the price at only $199.

Google also recently announced their next version of the Android software, known as “Ice Cream Sandwich.� This will also be advertised with new phone models, such as the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. Android is known for its deep integration with Google services and the newest key feature on Ice Cream Sandwich is that it will support facial unlocking.

Sham Randomz Wows

Sham wows are positive and negative words or phrases that describe the month. These were chosen by the Pylon staff for November. If you have a sham or a wow for the November issue, go to and leave a comment to submit your suggestion.

4

1

3

Wows

- World Series - Chiefs actually winning - “Funny Money� was funny - Scary Movies - Winter Sports - No shave November - Boots - Sweat Pants - Hoodies - Buffer Week

5 2

Shams

- Full week of school - Paranormal Activity 3 - Can’t pause real life - Runny noses - Sore throats - Lack of school pets - Cold weather - KU fans talking smack - Lack of tanned skin - Halloween on Monday

By Brenton Hilbig

6

7 6

2 6

8

4

7 3

1

9

6 1

The solution to this sudoku puzzle will be posted on , as well as the next issue of the Pylon.

2

1

3 8

1

5 2

4

iTunes Top 10 1.

6.

2.

7.

3.

8.

4.

9.

5.

10.

We Found Love Rihanna

Sexy and I Know It

Moves Like Jagger Maroon 5

Without You

LMFAO

David Guetta & Usher

Someone Like You

Stereo Hearts

Pumped Up Kicks

Mr. Know It All

Good Feeling

Party Rock Anthem

ADELE

Foster the People

Flo Rida

Gym Class Heroes

Kelly Clarkson

LMFAO

Sudoku

Difficulty: Hard

8

7 3

7

6

3

2

8

5

9

4

1

7

5

4

9

1

2

7

8

3

6

1

7

8

4

6

3

5

2

9

2

6

4

9

7

5

3

8

1

7

8

1

6

3

4

9

5

2

3

9

5

2

8

1

7

6

4

8

1

3

7

4

6

2

9

5

4

2

6

5

9

8

1

7

3

9

5

7

3

1

2

6

4

8

Solution to October 12 issue of the Pylon

By Rachel Hodges

11.04.11

Opinion

Page 11

The geeks shall inherit the Earth was struck by the overwhelming geekiness emulating from the room. But Sammy Jordan this wasn’t a bad Opinion Editor thing.

Although no stranger to the Hidden from the kingdom of the nerds, view of the non-geek I am always amazed community is the debate at the I.Q. per capita in room, located awkwardly the debate room, being above the locker rooms that it is most likely the by the little gym. Even highest in the school those who make frequent along with Mrs. Nelson’s stops at the locker rooms AP Calc class and Mrs. are not even aware of its Abker’s AP Literature existence. class. Scanning around Winded from my long the room, I am seeing journey to the debate the future congressmen, tower from the mod, nuclear physicists, and traveling through a labyrinth of hallways and top chemical engineers of our country, some of the stairs, I entered the nerd highest paid jobs the U.S. sanctuary. has to offer.

Appropriately, The Big The Geeks shall inherit Bang Theory was playing the earth. on the Safari above.

This idea was Arguments over one of spawned off of Alexandra the veteran debater’s Robbin’s bestselling book economic theory for that follows the lives the formation and of “geeks� throughout operation of cooperatives high school. Although intermingled with the ostracized throughout noises of clicking mice high school for their and the laughter as a outlying abilities in direct effect from The Big technology, math, science Bang Theory. or power to wield the Originally, my mission force, when looking at behind the journey was their lives 20 years later to interview members we see that they are the of the robotics team on congressmen, nuclear the selling of light bulbs physicists and chemical (see page 3), but as I was engineers happily waiting for a response living their wealthy from sophomore, lives. They achieved Gage Geisen (who was these high paying jobs distracted, to my extreme purely through their annoyance, by a game intellect and hard of internet chess against work. Their interests junior, Dalton Willey) I

Cactus King

The Inciteful Lioness

Max Wellbrock-Talley Guest Writer

Preserving democracy

Rachel Hodges/ The Pylon

Geeks pose mimicking their favorite Big Bang Theory characters. were shaped in high school through reading philosophy such as “A Terrible Love of War� immersing themselves into technological mayhem and discussing their socioeconomic theories with other nerds like themselves.

Unfortunately, their short term reward for these productive actions is by being scoffed at and bullied by those VWXGHQWV ZKR Č´QG LW PRUH EHQHČ´FLDO WR VSHQG WKHLU time watching Jersey Shore, spend hapless

hours texting to the one they believe will be their true “loveâ€?‌for the next two weeks of their life, or secretly lighting up in grandma’s garage.

Looking at the futures of these students as opposed to the futures of the “geeks� or “nerds,� I would take being called a geek over any insult they could throw at me.

In fact, I am less offended by these terms of geek and nerd than I am of the word “muggle� or “squib.�

Although these

PDA:

Trent Bigler, Editor in Chief editor@chspylon.com

Carson Jett and Casey Leister, Business Managers business@chspylon.com

Student Life MacKenzie Morris, editor

Opinion Sammy Jordan, editor

Sports Emily Wood, editor

Entertainment Eric Luce, editor

sports@chspylon.com

Photography Rachel Hodges, photo editor photos@chspylon.com

Arts Sarah Gage

arts@chspylon.com

opinion@chspylon.com

entertainment@chspylon.com

Videography Dakota Rowlison, editor video@chspylon.com

Feature Gabrielle Briggs, editor feature@chspylon.com

Cartoons Copy Editor Brenton Hilbig and Joe David Weiner, also lead reporter McKenna, cartoonists copyedits@chspylon.com

carpentoonist@chspylon.com

Staff reporters: Nathan Garlow, Trent Brown, Brooke Wakefield The Pylon gladly accepts contributions from guest writers on any subject. Please email your submissions to editor@chspylon.com.

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.

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

brainiacs may be persecuted in the short term, in the long run, they will have their reward.

These geniuses will be the once supplying their inferior classmates with jobs and paying taxes for the repercussions of the DFWLRQV RI WKHVH LQČ´GHOV Perhaps it is by fate that the debate room is located above the locker rooms, as one day, the ostracized geeks shall rise up to govern those who once thought themselves superior.

Hallway makeout sessions too much

By Mackenzie Morris Student Life Editor

studentlife@chspylon.com

Max’s Rant

It’s frustrating enough to see bundles of couples taking over the hallways and making you feel even more lonely than you already do, but it’s even worse when you witness their excess PDA on your way to class.

Don’t get me wrong, a public display of affection is merely harmless and considered adorable when a FRXSOH LQWHUWZLQHV ȴQJHUV RU a little peck on the lips. The WKLQJ WKDW EDɛHV PH DQG ,ȇP most likely not just talking for myself, are the couples that are comfortable with eating each other’s faces and swapping spit right in front of their peers and even teachers.

I’ll start off by praising the certain couples that decide to take part in this, just for the mere fact that you are comfortable enough with your boyfriend/girlfriend to do

this and not care what others think. On the other hand, the lovey dovey seshes need to be toned down in our hallways.

The affection is being taken too far to where students are full out, attacking each others faces. And yes, i’m speaking to the couples, also, who think it’s necessary to walk down the hallways with their hands going all over one another completely unnecessary. Save it for after school or on your own time, my friends.

Now this isn’t just some rant coming from a lonely teen, that deep down envies all of the girls who have a boyfriend to express their physical and emotional feelings with. Coming from a person’s perspective that has a boyfriend, I believe the PDA at this school needs to be taken down a notch.

Just remember fellow students and couples, always keep it classy...never trashy.

The Pylon wants to hear your opinion!

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 your letter. Letters may be edited for clarity.

Democrats and Republicans are failing America. They have been for the past umpteen decades, and nobody does anything about it. They have been responsible for every war since the Civil War (and even before), for every penny of debt we hold, for every job lost, and for every problem the American public sees in its government, because the Democrats and Republicans are, and have been, our government.

The problem is that most Americans don’t see that. They blame the opposite party when it makes mistakes and they defend their own party when it is the one messing up. Either way, someone isn’t doing their job. Year after year, election after election, the same thing happens. History repeats itself and we never learn.

But there’s hope, and it’s in you, the reader. One-fourth of the students at Central are seniors, and will be able to vote in the next election. The same goes for every high school across the nation: every year, thousands and thousands of new voters are added. But each year, 31% will register and vote as Democrats, 29% will register and vote with Republicans, and the remaining 50%, if turn-out polls are accurate, usually won’t vote in general.

We teenagers generally just don’t care, or we side with whichever team we were raised to support.

This gives more attention on issues to older voters, who vote in much higher percentages. So on issues like the liberalisation of marijuana, gay marriage, abortion rights, censorship of the internet, their voices are heard and yours aren’t. Decade after decade this happens, and ZH WHHQDJHUV GRQȇW OLIW D ȴQJHU to change anything, and it will keep happening under the current system.

For the health of a democracy, however strong, like the one in which we live, all voting members must vote. When we don’t, we are essentially saying to those who do vote, “Hey, it’s alright if you make all of my decisions for me. I really don’t mind what it is that you do to me and my concerns.� In saying this, you are casting aside the spirit of the Revolutionary War, as well as the blood of every patriot shed since. You are making it ever more possible for our democracy to be thrown away and substituted with any number of dictatorships.

Readers, it is up to you to vote when you come of age, and to vote against the problems that plague this nation caused by the Democrats and Republicans year after year. Make a difference.

Page 12

Photo Story

SKIN TAGS

11.04.11

Body art, tattoos give students different way to show off individuality, diversity

Rachel Hodges/The Pylon

Rachel Hodges/The Pylon

Senior Savanah Bolby reveals her large rose tattoo on her left shoulder.

To reflect his love of bull-riding, senior Joey Crowder tattooed his arm with a bull and “Cowboy Up.”

Rachel Hodges/The Pylon

Although it’s not finished, senior Tasha Marcinowski proudly shows off her elaborate tattoo.

Rachel Hodges/The Pylon

Senior Christina Tech shows off her tattoo that reads ‘Believe’ one way and ‘Dream’ the other.

Rachel Hodges/The Pylon

Junior Gabriel Levinson shows off her frenulum and ear piercings.

Rachel Hodges/The Pylon

“Let your joy scream across the pain,” reads Senior Bridget Smith’s tattoo on her back.