2
CONTENT
CONTENT PAGE
04 08 10 12 14
News Scared of Being Sold Trunk or Treat
In Depth Flu season
Arts “Much Ado About Nothing”
In Depth Connecting Through Gaming
Student Life Candy Taste Testing
28 04
16 20 24 26 28
PYLON October 31, 2018
Feature Mental Health
Sports Pfeifer Proud Sports Briefs
In Depth Living Through the Bible
Infographic Halloween
Opinion Religion in America “Venom” movie review
14
16
10 22
12
CONTENT PAGE
PYLON October 31, 2018 Senior Panoramic Picture
01
Football V Regionals Away
02
Nov.
Soccer State
Nov.
Winter Sports Practices Begin
Thanksgiving Break Nov. 21-23
Musical Auditions
Away
02
Debate Tournament
Nov. 5-6 @3 p.m.
05
Nov.
Nov.
Swimming V&JV Meet
12 Nov.
10 Nov. One Acts
Nov. 29 - Dec. 1
@Salina South
29 Nov.
V Boys Swimming
Nov. 29 - Dec. 1
29 Nov.
29 Nov.
Girls V Basketball
V Wrestling @Wamego
@Great Bend
21 Nov. Boys V Basketball Home @ 7:30 p.m.
30 Nov.
Joyous Noel Concert @ 7 p.m.
01 Dec.
07 Dec.
@Wellington
10 Dec.
Social Media Twitter: @chspylon Instagram: @mustangsofcentral Snapchat: chspylon Web: chspylon.com The Pylon is the official student newspaper of Salina High School Central. Volume 95 of the Pylon was created by 13 staff members using Creative Cloud CC. Newspaper staff meets every other day as a class. Our fonts this year include GoBold, Have Heart one and Gravity.
Editor-in Chief Madeline Paradis
News Editor Isabella Rubino
Sports Editors
Holly Sanderson Malcolm Berkley
Student Life Editor Saria Taylor
Montana McCullum
In-Depth Editors
Nov. 10-13
08 Dec.
2018-2019 Pylon Staff
Arts Editor
Band, Vocal & Orchestra Practice
Boys V Basketball
3
13 Dec. We want to hear your opinion The Pylon serves as an open forum for students to express their opinions on topics that affect the school or community. Students are protected under the Kansas State Bill 62 as well as the first amendment. Editorials do not represent the opinion of our entire school, staff, or administration. If you have a letter than you want to published, email your submissions to mariagutierrez@ gmail.com. Submissions must contain a full name for inclusion, and we will contact you to confirm you are the author of the letter. Letters may be edited to clarify
Concha Campa Marlie Coleman
Copy Editor
Maria Gutierrez
Reporters
Anlyn Arb Sydney Raman Avi Taylor
Design Editor Makelti Hastings
Adviser
J.D. Garber
news updates
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PYLON | October 31, 2018
INTERSTATE PROXIMITY RAISES TRAFFICKING RISK FOR SALINA YOUTH SYDNEY RAMAN | PYLON REPORTER
According to Cerci Munson, leader of a Human Trafficking awareness group in Salina called SACTP, Salina’s intersection of I-70 and I-135 make human trafficking especially vulnerable because of its centrality. Ultimately making human trafficking something that can happen anywhere, even in a small town like Salina. The International Labour Organization estimated in 2016 that there are at least 40.3 million victims involved in human trafficking. In that number alone there are 24.9 million victims forced into labour, and of those victims are the 4.8 million other victims who are forced into sexual exploitation. Now human trafficking includes a wide spectrum of things. Forced labour, forced marriages, exploitation in the private sector which includes domestic work, construction or agriculture, and sexual oppression. “The I-70/I-135 intersection makes Salina especially vulnerable because of its centrality. Kansas is considered an “originating” state for human trafficking. HT, labor trafficking and sex trafficking are major issues and the numbers continue to grow,” said Munson. As many call it, “the heart of America,” it’s easy for things like human trafficking to take place. But it doesn’t just stop there. Now that technology has gotten more advanced and social media is skyrocketing, it’s easy to lure someone into becoming a victim. Many vulnerable teens are becoming easily persuaded by
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS BEING TRAFFICKED, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE AT 1-888-373-7888
45%
traffickers from all around the world into sex work. Nowadays teenagers meet all kinds of people online all the time and can sometimes get trapped into the wrong situation. Any information can easily be accessible to anyone in the world if some things aren’t in check. “Social media has unfortunately become a platform for traffickers to lure victims, That is why digital safety and
issue, and really more attention on the issue itself. “I mean, knowledge is power. Young people are mostly affected by it. I think something like a club or organization would be good, it could do no harm, it would ultimately be beneficial,” said Darby. Munson believes that also raising more awareness on the issue also and educating young people is also a keystone that needs to be put in place. “Awareness, realize anyone can be vulnerable. Be watchful for your WE SHOULD LEARN ABOUT friends; seek understanding in healthy relationships. Communicate IT (TRAFFICKING) MORE, and listen to your parents and OBVIOUSLY IT HASNT BEEN mentors because they have your best interests at heart. Educated yourself TALKED ABOUT ENOUGH. and others regarding digital and internet safety; know where and who -SOPHOMORE AVERY DARBY to contact if you or others would need assistance or suspect inappropriate education awareness are crucial,” said activities,” said Munson. Munson. Smith has an organization called Angela Smith, President of “Clover House” which helps the victims of International Ministries of Saint Francis sex trafficking and ultimately believes that believes that teens should also be more teens should be more educated on this educated on the issue also. issue also. “I think that technology and “Now it is the continuing development teenagers’ access to it can certainly and improvement processes of Clover increase vulnerability which is why it is so House and in aligning its vision and important for parents and teens to have expansion with the organizational focus conversations about it and for parents to on building alignment and continuum know what their teens are doing online, to of care as it relates to the issue of human monitor, and to set limits. As adults, it’s our trafficking,” said Smith. job to help ensure our children’s safety and Smith believes that teens should be that includes online safety. We can’t keep more educated on internet safety. our teens safe if we don’t set boundaries “Practicing internet safety and and expectations of transparency and understanding the ways traffickers ‘groom’ seek to have open communication. And potential victims online and offline can I encourage teens to do their part too help to reduce the risk of being lured into – talking with your parents and sharing a trafficking situation,” said Smith. when something seems strange or As the state of anything increase in potentially risky can be the first line of the world, good or bad, things such as defense against potential traffickers,” said sex trafficking continue to grow sadly. Smith. But if you can start talking more about Sophomore Avery Darby believes that important issues, you can help solve it little Central should start taking some steps by little. Don’t forget you have a voice. towards raising more awareness on the
OF STUDENTS HAVE A FEAR OF BEING TRAFFICKED
55%
110 students were surveyed on Google Forms on Oct 22 and 23.
OF STUDENTS DIDN’T KNOW SALINA HAS A HIGHER RATE OF TRAFFICKING DUE TO THE I135 & I70 CROSSROADS
news updates
PYLON | October 31, 2018
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SCARED OF BEING
Sold
Junior Autumn Barnes portrays the harsh reality of sex trafficking. Barnes believes it’s time to spend more time educating and talking about trafficking in Salina and around the world. | PHOTO BY MAKELTI HASTINGS
News Updates
PYLON | October 31, 2018
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trunk
or
treat
NEW STUDENT COUNCIL SPONSORED EVENT BRINGS STUDENTS, COMMUNITY TOGETHER ANLYN ARB| PYLON REPORTER
A trunk or treat was a great way for Salina Central to expand its horizons and include the rest of the community in our Halloween festivities. Clubs and sports teams had the opportunity to decorate the trunks of their cars and hand out treats to kids the evening before Halloween. Students and staff haven’t done anything involvimg Halloween in a long time and with this years theme of “new traditions” the time felt right to hold an event. “We wanted to do something big that would include the largest amount of people that we could to celebrate Halloween.” says principal, Nate Showman. There was quite a bit of back and forth to decide whether or not STUCO would do anything, but this year felt like a great time to begin a possible new tradition. The original idea was to hold a Halloween dance in the auxiliary gym, but that idea didn’t feel right to STUCO who planned the event. They didn’t want students to get bored of going to dances, they wanted something new that we have never tried. Not everyone is drawn in by sporting events and shows, but with Halloween people get really excited to
celebrate. “This is something brand new that we’ve never done before and we are all really excited about including the community” says Emily Redding, sophomore class president. As far as a trunk or treat being better than a Halloween dance, many members of STUCO thought that since there are already four dances a year it felt too repetitive to have another one. There was also a risk of
rest of Salina.” says Redding. Students who participate in the Trunk or Treat will get up to 4 volunteer hours for helping out. Although a select few students participating believed that volunteer hours weren’t enough and they deserved more of a compensation for donating their time. They thought that this felt more like a chore and not something fun to spend an evening doing, but the majority of students were on board with including everyone and spending a few hours helping out. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE’VE “We could have NEVER DONE BEFORE AND WE ARE a bigger impact and something for ALL REALLY EXCITED TO INCLUDE THE do younger kids that may end up coming COMMUNITY. to our school later on and do something - SOPHOMORE EMILY REDDING fun where we’re giving back. We do a not as many people going to all the dances lot of things for us and for our school, and if there are more, so dances needed to this is a big opportunity for us to give back,” remain an important event that students get says Showman. excited about and look forward to. A trunk Staff and STUCO are really looking or treat was a fun and easy way to include forward to perfecting this process and everyone and celebrate Halloween hopefully turning the Trunk or Treat into an “It gives us a chance to be a part of our annual tradition here. community and not stay restricted to stay inside Central’s walls, but to open out to the
PYLON | October 31, 2018
News Updates
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While planning for the Trunk or Treat event, Student Council members senior Ashley Eck, sophomores Emily Redding and Madelynn Nash and junior Ethan Brown listen in on the discussion. | PHOTO BY MADELINE PARADIS
In Depth
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PYLON | October 31, 2018
fighting the
Flu
MONTANA MCCULLUM| PYLON ARTS EDITOR
The 2017 influenza season had extremely high levels of emergency room visits for flu-like illness and widespread flu activity for an increased period. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, the 2017 season was the first season in history to be at such high risk of flu severity for all age groups across the nation. Flu season has already begun this year and is on the rise. Typically beginning in October and lasting until November, flu activity usually peaks between December and February but can last as late as May. Last year in the surrounding areas of Saline county, schools shut down due to the high risk of infection. In the Beloit school district last year, 20.5 percent of the 853 students had flulike symptoms including strep throat, vomiting, fever, chills, cough and migraines which caused the school to close. School nurse Cassie Chesney recommends getting the flu shot as soon as it is available. “The flu shot takes two weeks after receiving the shot for your body to develop the antibodies. It is important to get it as soon as you can,” Chesney said. Chesney also explained that there is a common misconception of believing
AFTER LAST YEAR’S INFLUENZA OUTBREAK STUDENTS, STAFF ARE DIVIDED ON THEIR APPROACH TO PREVENTION
you can get the flu if you receive a flu shot; this is not the case. According to Chesney it is impossible to get the flu if you get the shot. Usually people who say they got the flu from the shot, came in contact with the virus or someone who had the flu virus, within the two week period of getting the shot. Senior Jere Thomas said he has received a flu shot before. Thomas
As of Oct. 14, there have already been two reported cases of death due to the flu. Reports from TIME magazine say a child from Tallahassee, Florida was tested positive for influenza B and later died due to his symptoms. He had not been vaccinated this year, but was otherwise seen as healthy before getting the flu. According to Chesney, the further into flu season we get, the the risk you have of SOMETIMES THE FLU SHOT higher coming in contact with the flu virus. CAN PUT A DIFFERENT If you are exposed to the EFFECT ON YOUR BODY flu within a two week period, you do have a chance of CAUSING A STRANGE getting sick. REACTION. Chesney believes that If you not get a vaccination, - SENIOR JERE’ THOMAS you do should minimize contact with anyone who is infected believes it’s just like your normal and wash your hands. doctor’s visit shot. But this one, made This is the best way to prevent him feel weird. the flu and will minimize your risk of “This year was my first time ever contracting it. getting one. Sometimes the flu shot can put a different effect on your body causing a strange reaction. That’s why my mom doesn’t like us having them” Thomas said. Thomas also described his symptoms after the first day he received the shot, as an upset stomach, but after a day or two he was back to normal. Chesney said that if students do not get a flu shot, they are much more susceptable to getting the flu.
57%
of students believe that the flu shot will not work
PYLON | October 31, 2018
THE VACCINATION
CONVERSATION The subject of mandatory vaccinations has been a highly debated political issue for years. Some believe that requiring people to get vaccinations will lead to a decline in preventable diseases while others believe that the side effects of vaccinations are too dangerous. The pros and cons are weighed below. Artwork courtesy of Chloe Guillot.
pros
“MOST CHILDHOOD VACCINATIONS ARE 90 TO 99 PERCENT EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING DISEASE.”
cons
AMERICAN ACADEMY
OF PEDIATRICS
NATIONAL VACCINE INFORMATION CENTER
“VACCINES MAY BE LINKED TO LEARNING DISABILITIES, ASTHMA, AUTISM, DIABETES AND OTHER DISABILITIES.”
ALL VACCINES CARRY RISK OF A LIFETHREATENING ALLERGIC REACTION IN ABOUT ONE PER MILLION CHILDREN
VACCINES SAVE ABOUT 2.5 MILLION CHILDREN FROM PREVENTABLE DISEASES EVERY YEAR
= 100,000 PEOPLE
= 125,000 PEOPLE
HARMFUL
COMMUNITY
IMMUNITY
If a large portion of a community is vaccinated against a disease, it is unlikely that an outbreak of the disease will occur. This protects members of a community who can not be vaccinated because of: • • • •
AGE POOR HEALTH CHEMOTHERAPY IMMUNE COMPROMISED
INGREDIENTS While safe in accurate amounts, some ingredients in vaccinations can have harmful effects if given in large doses.
THIMEROSAL
MAY BE LINKED TO AUTISM
formaldehyde CAN CAUSE CARDIAC IMPAIRMENT, COMA, CONVULSIONS AND DEATH
CONSTITUTION
CALAMITY Religious organizations argue that mandatory vaccinations impose on their first amendment rights because vaccinations go against various religious beliefs. These groups include: • • • •
AMISH COMMUNITY UNIVERSAL FAMILY CHURCH CHURCH OF ILLUMINATION CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS
aluminum CAN CAUSE NEUROLOGICAL HARM *information from vaccinesprocon.org
In Depth
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fine arts
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PYLON | October 31, 2018
I stepped on a cornflake, so now I am a Senior Bradyn Houltberg and junior Isaac | PHOTO cereal killer. BY JOHN DOE Morris get their makeup ready before the last dress rehearsal of “Much Ado About Nothing”. | PHOTO BY GAVIN SUTTON
Characters of stage craft
TROUPE 639 CONQUERS SHAKESPEARE’S ‘MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING’
JERZEE MULLINS | GUEST WRITER
fine arts
PYLON | October 31, 2018
T
hespian troupe 639 has performed a number of challenging plays, musicals and one acts over the years, but recently chose a very challenging Shakespearean play “Much Ado About Nothing” to be their fall theatrical endeavor. “The thing I looked forward to the most in this show was getting to act with all these amazing actors and actresses,” freshman Alexia Berry said. “I hope my performance will help me make a good name for myself throughout the years to come.” The title of the play, ‘Much Ado (flurry, bother, trouble, or confusion) About Nothing’ sparks many rhetorical questions. Is the play actually about nothing or is the play brimming with an abundant supply of matters for the characters to undertake? With a cast of more than 20 to showcase Shakespeare’s wit, deception and romance to the audience, there is much more than nothing. “Well, this play is definitely about something, the title explains it pretty well, ‘Much Ado About Nothing.’ It’s about how a bunch of ‘drama’ gets stirred up and everyone goes crazy and overreacts when really nothing
Senior Rebecca Hough does makeup for senior Tanner Loeffler. | PHOTO BY GAVIN SUTTON
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dramatic actually happens. It’s just sort of a scheme,” sophomore Spence Angell explained. While Angell has only been a part of the theater department for the last year, he was led by several veteran thespians, who worked hard, and were up for the challenge of putting on a Shakespearean play. “The challenge of performing a work of Shakespeare made tackling ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ intriguing. We have a number of strong, accomplished thespians who were up to the challenge, and they’ve done fantastic work to bring the characters to life,” co-director and English teacher Bryce Jones said. With all twists and turns Shakespeare delivers throughout this play, the theme is prominent and clear. “‘Much Ado’ is very much a ‘will they? Or won’t they?’ love story complicated by two characters, Beatrice and Benedick, who deny the fact that they are in fact a perfect match. Their friends’ attempts to play Cupid quickly go awry. Weddings are ruined, reputations are risked, a death is faked and hilarity ensues,” Jones said.
Junior Moses Brown prepares for his part before the play. | PHOTO BY GAVIN SUTTON
Sophomore Spencer Angell adds to senior Tanner Loeffler’s makeup. | PHOTO BY GAVIN SUTTON
in depth
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PYLON | October 31, 2018
connecting through gaming students, teachers come together to unleash their inner gamer Marlie coleman | Pylon in-depth editor
Junior Connor Heis plays a competitive game of WarioWare Gold | PHOTO BY MARLIE COLEMAN
in depth
PYLON | October 31, 2018
QGCBK 28
44.3%
OF STUDENTS KNOW WHAT CGC IS
B
| 13
STUDENTS ARE MEMBERS OF CGC
13
STUDENTS IN CGC PLAY THE NINTENDO DS
Junior Robert Campbell plays a game of Skyrim on the Nintendo Switch | PHOTO BY MARLIE COLEMAN
While popular games like football or soccer are the ones that the E-Sports club,” Senior Parker Armstrong said, current president come to mind first when thinking of school activities, there’s a of CGC. “I certainly hope that they can pull through.” Without the group of students here at Central who have broadened those hori- word being spread about E-Sports, it is possible that it could cease zons. Card games, board games and even video games have now to exist, which is not what CGC wants to happen. They hope to let weaved their way into the mix of outside school activities with the the school and others know that this is a place where members can Central Gaming Club, otherwise known as CGC. be their best, and put their gaming skills to the test with a group of “We play deck-building card games like Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, companions they know and trust. and Magic The Gathering,” Senior Indigo Guise said, the former The Central Gaming Club doesn’t just take place at Central. They president of the CGC. “We also have a large collection of board and hold events of all kinds to bring fellow gamers together outside party games such as Clue, Betrayal at House on the Hill, Munchkin, of the school. “Occasionally, we host Anime/Movie Nights at the Ultimate Werewolf, and more.” public library,” Guise said. In addition, they host gaming events of Video games are what is most commonly seen in the club. Mem- all kinds at The Arena, a small game store here in Salina. There, they bers bring their own consoles to use for hour-long gaming sessions can hold card game competitions and gather to compete. every week, the most What CGC offers common one being the to students is enNintendo DS due to ticing enough on its conveniently small it’s own, but more size. And if none of the is planned for the games on hand appeal future. The club is to a student, they’re highly interested welcome to bring their in new members favorite game to play BIOLOGY TEACHER SHARON ECKSTROM to join them every with the other members Friday to take part and expand their horiin the games. zons. “One of our challenges is to get the word out to freshmen. I think While there are the games to play to pass the time in a leisurely one of the best things about CGC is that it was totally started by manner, there are those on the more competitive side, who would students. It gives students a clear message that they have a voice like to put their skills to the test. The Central Gaming Club has cre- in designing to school activities,” Eckstrom said. And for all of the ated a whole other half of the club for that purpose specifically, artists out there, there are chances for them to help in the growth known as the E-sports club. Those into games like Fortnite and of the club. “We are working on several ways to spread the word,” Rocket League is where the gaming is good, now that students Armstrong said, “including new posters, a logo, word of mouth can meet up with their friends, form a team, and go against the and social representation through public events.” Students who opponent in stronger and more skilled ways imaginable. There are looking for a fun and safe environment to show their skills will is, however, a slight complication. Not enough students come to- come to CGC with a smiling face, knowing that they’re right where gether to give E-Sports the support and potential it needs. “There they belong. have been complications with the leadership and attendance of
ONE OF OUR CHALLENGES IS GETTING THE WORD OUT TO FRESHMEN.
-
feature story
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PYLON | OCTOBER 31, 2018
pushing through students open up about their experiences with mental illness MALCOLM BERKLEY | PYLON REPORTER
As Halloween approaches, it’s time for many to go buy a mask, or a costume to disguise one’s appearance. The majority of youth will dress as celebrities, fictional characters and supernatural beings, going from one party to the next comfortably hidden behind a misrepresentation of themselves, a shroud of incognito they can find safety in. However, there are those who don’t need a disguise to hide how they really feel. There are those that conceal themselves not just during “spooky szn,” but throughout the year. In fact, a person needs to look no further than a Central High classroom to find students faking happiness, all the while struggling to get out of bed every day because they fight a demon just as unpredictable as it is harmful: mental illness.
There are over 200 forms of mental illnesses, ranging from bipolar disorder to depression. According to the Association for Children’s Mental Health, 1 in 5 youth have a mental illness. Of these, more than 50 percent drop out before the end of high school. The pain they experience is enough to prevent them from functioning to their full potential not only at school, but also in their community and at home. “Sometimes I feel trapped,” said junior Janessa Harrison, who suffers from depression. “I feel like something is crushing my lungs and I just can’t breath.” For sophomore Zoe Simms, panic attacks constantly hover over her, as threatening as a storm cloud. “I am diagnosed with major depres-
sive disorder and generalized anxiety,” Simms explained. “A lot of times I have panic attacks during school where my mind just starts racing. I become unable to focus on anything and I just start crying nonstop.”
NOWHERE TO TURN At Central there are gaming clubs, groups focused on the rights of the LGBT+ and those who protest different issues in our society. However, there is a lack of knowledge about mental health. Most students don’t know how severe of a problem it is. Many don’t understand how difficult it is to speak up about it. Mental illnesses aren’t just temporary mood swings. No, they are full-fledged diseases that affect the
feature story
PYLON | OCTOBER 31, 2018
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ARTWORK BY MADELINE PARADIS | PYLON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
body and mind. In a class of 25 students, it is likely that at least five suffer from a mental health issue. With such a large number of victims to this unseen terror, it is up to everyone in a community to educate themselves on mental disorders in order to fully comprehend and help those affected by this internal struggle. But can they? Will they? Empathy is the first step in removing the mask from a suffering student’s face.
COPING Junior Jessalyn Colborn struggles with chronic anxiety, often leaving her unable to sustain relationships, perform the “simple tasks” of home and school life, and feel confident about herself in general. Colborn faces a daily struggle just to interact with others, fearing that she’ll be harshly judged in the oftentimes hostile atmosphere of high school. Even presenting in class becomes a mammoth undertaking. Personally, she’s sought to deal with her
anxiety in various ways. “What’s helped me out the most has been crying it out,” Colborn said. “There’s things ranging from panic attacks, to listening to music, to selfharm, to turning to your friends… just pretty much everything that deals with any of those has helped me more than my family, teachers and counselors.” On the other hand, Simms takes a vastly different approach to dealing with her disorder.
a main reason why. This leads to the question: Why do many victims of mental illnesses dramatically improve their condition with the help of the prescribed societal treatments while others cannot?
HIGH STAKES
Often scared to reach out for help, victims of mental illnesses - especially young adolescents - are simply unwilling to put themselves out MY MIND STARTS RACING. I there. The pressure of BECOME UNABLE TO FOCUS ON academics, high school in general and the belief ANYTHING AND I JUST START (or knowledge, in some cases) that most people CRYING NONSTOP. won’t take them seriously is enough to prevent - SOPHOMORE ZOE SIMMS teens from talking about “I have a lot of counselors. I have over it. American society tends to favor the three counselors,” she stated. “I also smiley, can-do attitude which can add take a prescription.” an additional layer of pressure on deWhereas Simms finds solace in coun- pressed teens. A large number also fail seling sessions and adult interactions, to convince their parents that what they Colborn hasn’t had a counselor in years, have is serious enough to get treatment. citing previous “bad experiences” as According to NPR News, “nearly 80 per-
feature story
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PYLON | OCTOBER 31, 2018
cent of children who need mental health services don’t get them.” As a result, many start to feel alone, unlike their peers, and bottle up their emotions inside. For Harrison, this rings particularly true. “It feels like no one is there for me,” Harrison said. “I know in my head that it’s not true, but I feel like everyone is against me. I know that people do care, but I just don’t feel it.”
TECHNOLOGY
epidemics, it eventually leads to deteriorating physical and mental health. Depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses have worsened as a result of the expansion of social media options and excessive technological usage. Specifically, this has severely impacted teens. According to Mental Health America, “50 percent of screeners age 11-17 often think about suicide or selfharm throughout the week.” Such a negative train of thought has dire consequences on the teenage population.
RESOURCES
Although people may feel that problems in society are ignored, this is just a byproduct of a lack of communication and understanding. At Central, many students share the sentiment that the school has not OF STUDENTS HAVE done enough to help kids with mental health issues. BEEN However, several teens have DIAGNOSED indeed gotten much-needWITH A MENTAL ed aid from counselors and administrators in the school. ILLNESS While kids like Colborn and Harrison have several grievThe teen suicide rate, astoundingly, ances towards the administration, was higher than the teen homicide rate Simms finds refuge in a quiet Central in 2011, for the first time in 24 years. classroom whenever she suffers a panKids experience FOMO, or the fear of ic attack. Though there is a perception missing out, more than any other pre- that not enough resources are provided ceding generation. They get sucked by the administration, that is false. The into the fake reality of their screens and means of help are plentiful. The probin actuality, or conveniently, distance lem is that plenty don’t know that or are themselves from real-life interactions. too scared to explore that possibility. Studies have shown that children (and The majority of Central students are adults alike) become so attached to aware that each grade is afforded one technology that they experience with- counselor. However, it would surely drawal symptoms when without elec- come as a surprise to some that there tronics. are four more support counselors curThe correlation between our brains rently employed, with various individual and modern technology, though still responsibilities. For anyone struggling being analyzed, is one we can both ben- with substance abuse, bullying, aca-
30%
Perhaps the most harmful aspect of everyday life in regards to teenagers, and the biggest challenge compared to their parent’s generation, is omnipresent technology. Phones, laptops, computers and other devices become messengers for social media, delivering incessant, nonstop information (and sometimes insults, threats, challenges to one’s self-esteem). Technology blurs the lines between necessary and unnecessary, bombarding people with constant facts, lies, truths -- anything happening at the moment. A survey by Common Sense Media found that half of teenagers feel addicted to their phones and around 72 percent feel pressured to respond to notifications (NY Times). In addition, a study conducted by the University of Houston found that 97 percent of students “reported daily social media usage” (Psychology Today). Phone addiction is an epidemic, and like all
efit and suffer from. Tech is a means of communication and its use as a source of information can be very positive. However, with overuse, a good thing in moderation ultimately becomes a reason why our minds deteriorate.
PYLON | OCTOBER 31, 2018
feature story
finding help accessible support for students
Veridian Behavioral Health (785) 452-4930 Salina Regional Health Center Central Kansas Mental Health (785) 823-6322 Salina Family Healthcare Central Support Counselor Kristin Menzies National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 Salina Crisis Information and Refferal Hotline 785-841-2345 Suicide Hotline in Spanish
1-800-273-TALK (press 2)
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demics and especially mental health, there is Kristin Menzies, a student support counselor who works with kids from all grades. A student can approach her at any time about possible mental illness, and she, as a six-year counselor for the school, would respond in the manner she feels is most appropriate. “A lot of times I will make referrals outside of the school, and if I feel the student needs therapy or more services then I’ll make recommendations to the family for group or individual counseling, that sort of thing,” Menzies said. In Salina, there exists plenty of places where a person can be treated for mental health, such as Veridian Behavioral Health, the Salina Regional Health Center, the Salina Family Healthcare Center and countless other options. However, according to Menzies, if someone under the age of 18 is seeking to apply to one of these administrations, “they have to have guardian or parental consent.” As a result, many boys and girls who have conflict with their families or don’t want them to know about their disorder find themselves at an impasse. Resolving this problem is a big part of Menzies’ job. “A lot of times the student and I will talk and then I will try to give them encouragement and motivation and maybe different ways to approach that subject with mom and dad, or whoever’s in the picture,” she explained. “Sometimes kids will ask, ‘will you make a call home and open that door for me?’...I try to present a variety of options and whatever they feel most comfortable with we proceed that way.” Although Menzies puts a rather more specific emphasis on mental instability than other counselors, no credit should be taken away from the other advisers of Central. Any school consultant can refer a student to a mental institute, talk with parents, and find the best means of treatment for said scholar. Moreover, adults can’t always read a child’s mind; if a student seeks help from the administration then he/she should make it known. If it is obvious to someone that a friend or acquaintance at school is suffering, than a teacher or counselor should be told. “Be an advocate for yourself, be an advocate for your friends,” explains Tracie Schardein, first-year freshmen counselor. “This year I’ve had friends who are concerned about someone else giving me or any of the counselors a name. We’ll then touch base with that student and let him or her know that someone is noticing [while keeping the person in question anonymous] and that we do care.” Making sure that students push through the barriers of mental health is a school and community effort. It is up to everyone to take notice of students that, without guidance, struggle to cope with their disorders. It is also up to the suffering victim to realize what may help their condition by looking at the different options available - this may include calling the suicide hotline, talking with parents/guardians, conversing with a counselor. No matter what, the worst thing to do is stay voiceless.
sports briefs
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CRUSHING
PYLON | October 31, 2018
the Competition
j
SOCCER TEAM WINS SHARE OF AVCTL TITLE WITH DOMINANT REGULAR-SEASON PERFORMANCE
fall sports briefs
FEEDBACK FROM SOME OF CENTRAL’S ATHLETES
“Ending the regular season with only two losses is something that we worked very hard for. We have been striving to fix our mistakes every week to become a good team.” -senior Fernando Rodriguez
“The season ended really well for the whole team! We won as a team at regionals and got fourth as a team at state. It was such a fun experience and I’m so excited for next year.” - junior Camryn Phelps
sports briefs
PYLON | October 31, 2018
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I LOVE EVERY SINGLE GUY ON THIS TEAM. I’M REALLY PROUD OF WHAT WE ACCOMPLISHED THIS YEAR. - SENIOR TREY MONTOY After a goal by senior Mark Grammer during a game early in the season, members of the soccer team celebrate. Boys soccer has had a lot of success during the regular season going 13-3. | PHOTO BY MOLLY MICHAELIS
“This season was pretty good! It was so much fun. We all made so much improvement. We tried our best to make it to state, but in the end it wasn’t good enough.” -junior Bre Bolieu
“Our final season didn’t go as planned. We lost first round of substate and ended our season 5-32. Growing up we were always that team. But I’m glad we played for the little girls we once were.” - junior Ashley Matthews
“The team is proud of the runners who made it to state including; Brandon Falcon, Kadyn Cobb, Peyton Griffin, Bri Torres, Madison Pham, Kora Powers, and Cora White. -freshman Josh Warner
sports story
|22
PYLON | October 31, 2018
students, staff support coach in battle with cancer ISABELLA RUBINO | PYLON NEWS EDITOR
This summer teacher Traci Pfeifer’s life was flipped upside down when she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer, a cancer of the inner lining of the uterus. “I had some spotting over the summer and I have been in menopause so I knew something wasn’t right. I went to the doctor in the middle of August and had an exam and she also did a biopsy of my endometrium,” Pfeifer said, “Three days later I found out I had endometrial cancer.” Endometrial cancer is the most common form of uterine cancer. According to the American Cancer Society about 63,230 women are diagnosed with it each year. Luckily it is a treatable disease. Pfeifer will go through chemotherapy and radiation treatments, but she plans on keeping to her normal routine throughout all of it.
Although Pfeifer plans to continue to live her life the same as usual, there will still be new challenges that she will have to face and overcome. “The biggest challenge I think is just not being able to do what I want to do and I don’t know if it’s going to be like that or not we will just have to wait and see,” Pfeifer said, “It’s just scary when someone says the word cancer and you are thinking what the heck and you wonder why did this happen to me because as far as all the risk factors of this disease I didn’t fit under one of them and cancer really doesn’t run in my family.” What has really kept Pfeifer positive is her amazing support system. Staff members such as, Katrina Paradis, Melinda Jett, Julie Opat, Marsha Penrod, Jessica Putman and Coach Finch, have
The volleyball team wears ribbons to support Coach Pfeifer in her battle with cancer. | PHOTO BYMANNY DOMINGUEZ
PYLON | October 31, 2018
all been very supportive and helpful. Her family have also been her rock. As a former student and now colleague and friend of Pfeifers, teacher Jessica Putman has always looked up to Pfeifer as a coach and teacher. She is hoping for the best as Pfeifer is going through this. “I hope that she continues to be positive and fights through this she always taught us to fight and I think she will continue to do that,” Putman said. Senior Sadie Kossow has had Pfeifer as a coach since freshman year and said she was really shaken up when she found out Pfeifer had cancer. “When I found out she had cancer, I kept thinking of how me and others could help make this tough time easier for her. She’s been so selfless and giving to everyone she knows, so she deserves to be supported as well. I hope with the support we all provide, she will feel safe and loved through this process,” Kossow said. Pfeifer has left always leaves an amazing impact on all her students and athletes. “Pfeifer was definitely one of my favorite coaches of all time. I was super nervous my freshman year with all the upperclassmen, she made me feel comfortable and accepted. She reassured me that I was valuable to the team and always had my best interest in mind. I’ve never met such a loving coach who cares as much as she does about the players,” Senior Sadie Kossow said. As for the future, Pfeifer has every intention of seeing her 3 grandkids grow up. She loves her family and she loves her job and nothing is going to stop her from living her life to the fullest.
sports story
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“I’M GOING TO DO EVERYTHING I CAN TO FIGHT THIS BATTLE AND WIN, ONCE I WIN THIS BATTLE I WILL HAVE WON THE WAR.” - TRACI PFEIFER
Coach Traci Pfeifer | PHOTO BY MAKELTI HASTINGS
in depth
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PYLON | October 31, 2018
r
musician “The most that we want to achieve for ourself is a good spiritual lifestyle and maintain a good relationship with Jehovah
“Of course, we’re all not perfect,
but we try to imitate God’s qualities the best we can.”
compassionate
“Everything about
bright
a person just
changes when
they hear what
Jehovah has to
g “
offer!”
amiable
What we want to
...... achieve is to educated . people about God and
.
his word and what it can do spiritually for them.”
optimistic
Hispanic
“All the rules we have to follow are what God tells us in the bible, that’s what it’s meant for.”
Living
THROUGH THE BIBLE
| PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY GAVIN SUTTON & CONCHA CAMPA
in depth
PYLON | October 31, 2018
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JUNIOR JOEL HERNANDEZ, HIS JOURNEY AS A JEHOVAH’S WITNESS CONCHA CAMPA | PYLON IN-DEPTH REPORTER
There are currently 2.5 million people who belong to the tells us in the Bible. The Bible was written by God for a reaChristian denomination known as Jehovah’s Witnesses son, which was to benefit and guide mankind to live a better Some people know them as the people that knock on the life in agreement to God’s laws and principles,” Hernandez door spreading God’s Word, but to Junior Joel Hernandez, said. Many people that don’t practice this religion believe that these people are his family. “As Jehovah’s Witnesses, we strive to adhere to the form Jehovah’s Witnesses aren’t allowed to have friends outside of Christianity that Jesus taught and that his apostles prac- of the church, but this isn’t true. “We want to have friends that have a good impact on us ticed,” Hernandez said. as a person. Of course, there Jehovah’s Witnesses use are still people that can be bad the Bible to guide their I PRACTICE MY RELIGION influences on us, so we want to everyday life. One of the major differences is that PRETTY OFTEN. I USUALLY keep our useful habits in check by having good friends,” HerJehovah’s Witnesses beREAD THE BIBLE DAILY nandez said. lieve that God and Jesus Jehovah’s Witnesses are are two different people. AND GO TO THE MEETINGS known for going door to door Other Christians believe in TWICE A WEEK. teaching God’s words. Their the Holy Trinity. Jehovah’s goal is to educate peoWitnesses also believe that - JUNIOR JOEL HERNANDEZ overall ple about Jehovah and what there is no heaven or hell so it can do for them. Sometimes after death Jehovah’s Witwhile preaching they don’t always get the nicest people nesses believe that the soul is inanimate. During Hernandez’s childhood, he had various prob- which in that case they will just leave and go onto the next lems that steered him away from his religion until one of house. “Sometimes there would be times where a person denies his friends, a member from the church, showed him what he was missing out on. Before becoming a Jehovah’s Wit- you at the door, which is completely fine. We respect everyness, Hernandez attended other churches, but none of the one and what they believe in as well. But if we can, we try felt right to him. When he went to his first Jehovah’s Wit- to cultivate interest to see if the house owner changes their ness meeting, he was amazed. Hernandez loved the way the mind. We don’t pressure anyone at all,” Hernandez said. Over all his religion has had a positive effect on Hernanspeaker read from the Bible and didn’t interpret it himself. After this, he began his journey which included going to the dez’s life. “I’ve lived a better life with God’s principles and laws. It meetings twice a week and following the Bible everyday of makes me a better person than I was before. I’m more kind his life. On his journey, Hernandez has had to follow certain rules to people thanks to God, and I’ve gained many qualities that helped me in life,” Hernandez said. to imitate God’s qualities. “Basically, all the rules we have to follow are what God
30.4%
Of students practice their religion once a month
69.4%
Of students practice christianity as their religion
115 Students were surveyed through Google Classroom in October.
info graphic
Spooky szn
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PYLON | October 31, 2018
FALL INTO THESE HALLOWEEN STATS
46%
25%
of americans do not celebrate halloween
of students still trickor-treat
7/10
americans hand out candy
%
74 of
students have been to a haunted house statistics from CNN.com | 115 students were surveyed randomly using Google forms during October.
fun & games
PYLON | October 31, 2018
Top 2018 fall games by Makelti Hastings | pylon design editor
Call of Duty:Black Ops 4
Assassin’s Creed: odyssey
Unlike previous titles in the Call of Duty Franchise Blackout features no single player campaign. Instead going for yet another battle royale type game. The game still features Zombies, and its other various multi player type game modes. The game was officially released on Oct 12.
The game is set in 431 BCE, four hundred years before the events of Assassin's Creed Origins. It recounts the secret fictional history of the Peloponnesian War, which was fought between the city-states of Classical Greece. The player takes on the role of a mercenary and is able to fight for the Delian League led by Athens or the Peloponnesian League led by Sparta. The game's main story line has the player character attempting to restore their fractured family after they and their sibling were thrown off a cliff in their youth and left for dead by their father by command of the Spartan oracle. Parallel quest lines deal with the extirpation of a malign cult spanning the Greek world, and the discovery of artifacts and monsters from Atlantean times. As with previous games in the series, Odyssey features a narrative set in the modern day and follows Layla Hassan, who was introduced in Assassin's Creed Origins.
Fallout 76 Fallout 76 is a narrative prequel to previous Fallout games. It is set in an alternate version of history, and takes place in 2102, twentyfive years after a nuclear war that devastated the Earth. The player character is a resident of Vault 76, a fallout shelter that was built in West Virginia to house America's best and brightest minds. The player character exits the Vault on "Reclamation Day" as part of a plan to re-colonize the Wasteland. This game only has the beta version available currently. It launches on Nov 14.
how do they stack up against each other? Games were rated from 1-5 based upon game play and storytelling (five being the best)
Rating a a a j j
Rating a a a a j
makelti’s top pick:
Fallout 76
Rating a a a j j
KUDOS
CALLOUTS
Some of the most anticipated games for this fall and how we rate them
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The following are situations in which our faculty, students and others deserve praise fora job well done or to be called out for dropping the ball. They are created by the Editors-in-chief with the help of the staff. KUDOS -Shout out to Sandbo for the great football season. -Thank you to ‘the polite people who say “hi” in the hallways. -Kudos to Finch for being a great P.E. teacher. -The Janitors who always ask how I am doing. - Sandbo always pumping me up for the day. - kudos to the lunch ladies for being so nice and trying their best. - my crush for hugging me.
CALLOUTS - The really hot stuffy rooms. Air conditioning would be nice. - Freshmen need to stay in the back of the student section, and not move up. -My ELO teacher for blocking Google while I’m trying to do my French homework. -People need to use the cross walk when the light is flashing. - Where are my homework passes? - Having to do classcraft all the time -The people who cut in the lunch line; I love being cut when I’m starving. -All of the people who honk in the parking lot after school. - People still need to stop clogging the hallway.
Editorials Opinion
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PYLON | October 31, 2018
IT’S TIME TO PROTECT FREEDOM OF RELIGION IN AMERICA MARIA GUTIERREZ | COPY EDITOR
70 percent of students declare themselves to be Christians We all notice when somebody breaks tradition. It might be the kid in class who doesn’t say “under God” during the flag salute, or an elected politician who substitutes the constitution for a Bible during an inauguration, or even when somebody says they don’t believe in God. And while there are many of us respectful enough to not give this much of a second thought, there’s far too many that are aggressive towards outsiders. How many times can we think of where somebody has been attacked verbally or physically because they weren’t Christian? Anti-semitism is still prominent, atheists are often seen as being immoral, and Muslims are often told to go back to their country. It’s the last one that highlights the impact of interwoven Christianity: “their” country, “our” country. For many, to be American is to be Christian, which goes against the idea of the United States’ identity of being a melting pot of culture. Having Christianity being directly connected to so many American practices effectively undermines this idea, and it excludes
other Americans who aren’t. Recently, as many of us may know, Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh was recently called into court regarding his sexual assault allegations. That story has been done to death a million different times. But while watching scrolling through the news and taking a look at all the pictures of the actual procedure, one in particular caught my eye: the one where Kavanaugh has his hand placed on the Bible, taking the oath. Now, there’s nothing out of ordinary about that, is there? We’ve seen a scene similar to that play out across the country in everything from local courtrooms to televised hearings in the Supreme Court. But that’s the point: why is it so typical for us to see a Bible used to affirm our honesty? One of the basic principles outlined in our Constitution is the separation of the church and the state, but we see signs of Christianity’s influence throughout the foundation of our government. Bibles used to ensure honesty, “In God We Trust” printed on all American currency, our flag salute having “one nation under God”, refusing to teach human evolution in schools - they’re all instances of Christianity having its place in the American government. Now, it’s fairly understandable why this would be the case. Our country
was founded by Christians fleeing persecution, Manifest Destiny stated it was our God-given right to expand westward, 70 percent of students declare themselves to be Christian. We’re a country deeply rooted in Christianity, even though our Constitution states that “Congress shall make no law respecting establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”. Our country has a considerable number of other religions practiced here - Islam, Judaism, Buddhism - as well as many more who would consider themselves to be atheist or agnostic. So then why are some of the most basic, “American” things still have a Christian connotation after all these years?
12
OF 13 PYLON STAFF MEMBERS BELIEVE THAT BEING AMERICAN DOES NOT MEAN YOU HAVE TO BE CHRISTIAN
Editorials Opinion
PYLON | October 31, 2018
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: NOT ASKING FOR IT The induction of Brett Kavanaugh to Supreme Court Justice is a slap in the face to women everywhere. I am ashamed to be living in a country where sexual assault seems to be as common as dropping your pencil. I watch the news and I see survivors constantly ridiculed for coming out about their own sexual assault experiences and blamed for having been taken advantage of. Women are ignored and threatened when all we want is a voice in justice. We are afraid to speak out because we are constantly silenced. Even after Kavanaugh’s sexual assault allegations, Christine Blasey Ford was silenced. Deborah Ramirez was silenced. Julie Swetnick was silenced. Brett Kavanaugh now holds a position in Supreme Court. I, a 15-year-old girl, should not have to arm myself with pepper spray and a rape whistle to leave my house. I am not “asking for it” when I don’t cover my shoulders. My skin is not yours for the taking, it’s mine. When I say “no,” that doesn’t mean I can be convinced if you just keep going. It feels like I, as a woman, have absolutely no re-
spect in the real world. I walk down my own school hallways and listen to guys talk about cheating on their girlfriends, or taking advantage of the drunk girls at last weekend's party. I can even remember being afraid after I overheard a male student say, “yeah I’d rape a girl.” According to Al Jazeera America, 60 percent of high school boys find it acceptable to force sex on a girl in some circumstances. 1 in 5 high school girls say that they’ve been sexually assaulted, and 1 in 8 high school girls say that they’ve been raped. Look around your classrooms and apply these statistics. It’s sickening, and our country should not be led by men who have made it seem okay to get a little too out of it and plug their ears when she says “stop”. We are often asked if we feel safe at our school, but how can I feel safe when I am afraid for myself whenever someone grabs my shoulder? I believe that high school students are young and they don’t always think. I believe the same of a young Brett Kavanaugh. Nonetheless, a student not much older
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BY AVERY SMITH | SOPHOMORE
I wish that I could say I see a light at the end of the tunnel, but in all honesty, I don’t — not right now. than myself should have the cognitive thinking skills to know right from wrong. I want to live in a world where I am not afraid that I could be taken advantage of, where I don’t have to walk in a pack down the street because it’s less likely that I will be grabbed and raped on my way home. I wish that I could say I see a light at the end of the tunnel, but in all honesty, I don’t — not right now. That “light” is only going to come when women get the respect that every human deserves. The induction of Brett Kavanaugh has left me feeling broken and muted, and my esteem for the United States government has lessened to an even greater depth.
let your voice be heard - the Pylon is an open forum for discussion The Pylon serves as an open forum for students to express their opinions on topics that affect the school, student life or community. This is your chance to be heard. Students are protected under the
Kansas Senate Bill 62 as well as the first amendment. Editorials do not represent the opinion of our entire school, staff or administration. Please email your submissions to mar-
iagutierrez@students.usd305.com. Letters should be limited to 500 words. Submissions must contain a full name for inclusion. Letters may be edited for clarity.
Editorials Opinion
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PYLON | October 31, 2018
THE PYLON PICKS APART ‘VENOM’ MAKELTI HASTINGS | DESIGN EDITOR
OFF TO A ROCKY START Until they finally introduce Venom, the movie is absolutely terrible. The entire first part is about why Eddie Brock isn’t in New York anymore. After he was fired from the Daily Globe, he and his fiancée, Anne Weying, move to San Francisco for her job. Then, when he almost has his life together, he loses his fiancée after trying to expose the Life Foundation with no
solid evidence. Even though he is totally right, the whole reason it’s terrible is because he went through Anne’s confidential files from work to get his evidence. Then again, she probably shouldn’t have left her laptop on and open on the counter where he could walk by and conveniently notice the top secret files.
IT’S A RIOT The main antagonist in the movie is another symbiote known as Riot. He wants Venom to help bring more symbiotes to Earth to take total control. He’s a more advanced symbiote than Venom, being both physically stronger and able to do more with his body. However, I wish they introduced him earlier than the very end. Once he finally meets Venom, the movie picks up and is actually quite enjoyable. One major thing I like about this movie compared to Sam Raimi’s movies would be that Venom actually was given a
personality. Instead of just being a symbiote attached to Spider Man, they dedicated some time to flesh out Venom as a character. At first he’s a goofy character is in it for himself, but then he decides he likes Earth and wants to defend it. I also loved Tom Hardy’s performance as Eddie Brock. He actually looked like he had something trapped inside of him. At first he acted like there was no way Venom was real and he would forget about it if he took a nap. But then, as the movie goes on, he ends up embracing Venom as a part of him.
WHAT ELSE? The action scenes were really well made, especially the fight scenes with Venom. Although the final one was a little hard to follow. I also found the plot in general to be interesting. it was about the Life Foundation trying to take humans to the next level in evolution by using the symbiotes.
It’s also pretty goofy, because you see Eddie having conversations with himself and then acting like he is talking to someone else. All in all, it’s a decent movie once you get past the beginning.
RATING: NNNNN
SHOWTIMES AT SALINA AMC 10:
k
“Venom” is shown daily at 1:30, 4:30 & 7:30 p.m. and on Saturdays at 10:15 p.m.
PYLON | October 31, 2018
Spilling the tea
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spilling the tea with the The following quotes were heard around the school by members of the pylon staff
“baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo. Baby shark.”
“i’d marry my mom.”
“can they assign homework if you’re homeless?”
“Being homophobic is gay.”
“time to take a three minute power nap.”
“hippity Hoppity, you’re now my property.”
“i see so many dead animals. we have a freezer full of them.
MAKELTI HASTINGS | PYLON DESIGN EDITOR