THE PYLON
PY
Vol. 96, Iss. 4 | Salina Central High School | 650 E. Crawford St. | Salina KS, 67401 | April 7, 2020
SIX FEET APART BUT CLOSER AT HEART HOW STUDENTS ARE STAYING CONNECTED DESPITE THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN PGS 22-25
April 7, 2020 || Pylon
2 || Contents Page
Account highlight Senior Ella Eaton started her photography business at the beginning of her senior year. This past year she has taken many of her classmates senior photos and other photos capturing moments of her senior year with her friends and family. “I enjoy taking pictures because I like capturing a moment in time. I am able to tell stories through my photos and capture the emotion of my subjects,” Eaton said. “I also enjoy photography because I am able to get to know new people and help them enjoy being in front of the camera.” Azlyn Yager, a friend of Eaton’s poses for her photo. || photo by Ella Eaton
We want to hear your opinion The Pylon serves 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 that you want to be published, e-mail your submissions to conchacampa@students.usd305.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. The Pylon is the official student newspaper of Salina High School Central. Volume 96 of the Pylon was created by 16 staff members using Creative Cloud CC. Our fonts this year include Montserrat, Playfair Display and Northwell.
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Student Life || 3
Spring lookbook
Juniors Tobi Duckworth and Nicole Wittman and senior Adrian Wilcox share their distinctive style
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4 || Student Life
“My style is unique because I do what I want with it, even if in society’s eyes it’s extreme.”
Senior Adrian Wilcox
“I dress to make myself happpy. I dont dress to fit trends or other peoples idea of me, or to maintain a reputation. I don’t like to put labels on my style because it’s constantly changing and developing as I am. I have been judged for how I dress in both positive and negative lights. Honestly, I don’t mind it. While people can be rude and that sucks, I try not to let that get me down. Fashion for me is a type of self care, and my happiness is for me and for me only. Despite some negative reactions, there are a lot more positivity that outweighs that. I love hearing that I have inspired people, or made them feel safer expressing themselves,” junior Tobi Duckworth said.
Student Life || 5
Pylon || April 7, 2020
Photos by Alex Morales & Isabella Rubino
I would describe my style as anarchy rave/ punk/goth/90s/early 00’s mixed with alien drag; it’s really hard to describe. My style is is based off a lot of fashions, it’s more of a huge cluster of things and a reflection of my personality. If my style is unique, it is unique because I dont wear all nike everything. My style is unique because I do what I want with it, even if in society’s eye’s it’s extreme. I’ve defenitely gotten weird looks and comments about what I choose to wear. I try not to let it bother me though and instead use it as fuel to continue what I am doing,” senior Adrian Wilcox said.
6 || Photostory
April 7, 2020 || Pylon
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Student Life || 7
PUZZLED how students with autism have overcome unseen barriers
8 || Student Life
April 7, 2020|| Pylon
|| story by Sydney Raman Sitting at your desk, you glance left and right. A certain ringing may appear in your ear-- your heart might start to thump louder. A feeling of anxiousness arises as you observe those around you. Distractions seem to tamper with your focus. Perception, the way humans view things are all dramatically different when you are on the spectrum of autism. Autism spectrum disorder, a disorder characterized by certain challenges whether it be social or behavioral, are all linked to the brain and nervous system. Sensitivity is affected in all areas. A series of differences can be seen in those on the autism spectrum, each coming with a unique story. Senior Aaron Thompson, someone on the higher end of the spectrum of autism, was diagnosed at a young age and can recall the moments where he realized how different he was. “I don’t really remember much about anything but I could tell I was in a pretty high state. But overtime I managed to diminish that state a lot more. Sometimes the spectrum can be varyingly wild. You can be completely nonfunctional and unable to talk for well-- who knows how long. Other times, you could be very low on the spectrum. As in, you are able to hold a conversation fairly well sometimes,” Thompson said, “There are some problems with being social. I’ve learned to keep myself under control after a while and I am able to genuinely hold a conversation.” As someone with autism, the way Thompson perceives the world, can be quite different. “It’s basically like you aren’t able to entirely tell what’s going on. You miss social cues kind of easily, you have this kind of problem where you tend to ramble on and on-- or sometimes you don’t even talk at all. Some-
Pylon || April 7, 2020
times you actually can’t exactly explain things well and have a hard time memorizing things. For me it’s very docile. For others, it’s very hard to do this kind of thing,” Thompson said. Mood is another thing that can be all over the place when being on the spectrum. Freshman Jackson Gillett, diagnosed at a young age, struggles with his mood sometimes as it is harder to control when being autistic. “My anger’s bad. It’s not as bad as it used to be but it can get worse,” Gillett said. Emotions can be much harder to manage when on the spectrum. Those with Autism spectrum disorder, might misread situations and respond in ways that people might not expect sometimes. “Sometimes you can have a bit of a mood swing. Sometimes your emotions can be varingly out of control. That’s why a lot of people have to tell me to keep calm. In all honesty, thinking about it-- anger is not exactly the thing I like to deal with all the time. In terms of it, anger is very emotionally exhausting for me usually so for a normal person, anger must be kind of easy-- kind of hard, I can’t tell,” Thompson said. Spanish teacher Jessica Hodges has a son, Ezra, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of four and a half. Currently the biggest challenges for eight year old Ezra have been facing is his difficulty with observing social cues and expectations, and his tendency to be very inflexible in his thinking. “We are trying to help him adopt more of a flexible, or pipe cleaner mentality,” Hodges said, “This rigid way of thinking is why he fixates so much on just a few topics and has very little interest in anything else. As far as everyday life challenges, he definitely has problems with focus and attending to tasks at school. At this time, he needs a para to help him throughout the day, although his independence has increased significantly.“ History teacher Ryan Modin also has a son, Marcus, who was diagnosed at two and a half years old. Marcus is on the high end of the spec-
Student Life || 9
trum so it’s not like raising a “typical five year old.” “Marcus struggles to communicate when he’s upset or frustrated and that can lead to an emotional breakdown that includes screaming and uncontrollable crying. As he’s gotten older, he’s gotten better at communication and the breakdowns are less frequent,” Modin said, “The biggest challenge is knowing how to talk to him and work with him in a way that’s a little different from other kids. Patience is key, and that can be easier said than done.” Unlike most people, having something this big can come with a lot of cruelty. Gillett struggles with bullying the most. “I’m just tired of getting picked on. It can happen anywhere but it happens to me a lot. People feel like they have the right to do whatever they want,” Gillett said. Thompson believes that bullying those with disabilities here at Central or just in general can vary. “Honestly, what I have seen so far-- some people are accepting. This could be a situation, however, where people might not want to speak out because of fear or some kind of other thing. Or they just don’t know how to deal with it,” Thompson said. With something as big as autism spectrum disorder, can come with a lot of stereotypes. The spectrum ranges from A-Z with a list of differences that sometimes can be misinterpreted.
Sometimes your emotions can be varingly out of control Senior Aaron Thompson
10 || Student Life
35% OF STUDENTS HAVE A FRIEND WITH AUTISM
48%
OF STUDENTS DO NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSES AUTISM
82%
OF STUDENTS BELIEVE THERE ARE MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT AUTISM
April 7, 2020 || Pylon
“I think the main issue is that people are unaware of how wide the spectrum is in terms of function levels or the specific ways in which individuals struggle. While people with ASD share common characteristics, their interest or obsessions will vary, as well as their particular strengths and struggles,” said Hodges. The media can especially heighten this thought of how an autistic person acts, even if it’s shedding light on one person. “I feel like autism on social media is a bit over-hyped. Like a lot of people say “oh yeah this person who has autism managed to do this thing.” Like okay, I get your mentioning it and this is kind of big but I feel like they’re overhyping and oversaturating it a little bit. Like yeah, it’s nice to see that another person who is autistic managed to do this but it feels like they’re just saying good job and giving them a big ol’ pat on the back,” Thompson said, “I mean they could’ve just been more interested in their personal life I think.” Despite the stereotypes, the rewards as a parent can be reviting while watching your child grow in spite of the disability. “It makes you see the world in a whole different way. It’s really fun to see what he’s interested in and what he enjoys doing. He loves being around and meeting new people. He’s inquisitive about everything, wants to know how it works or is put together,” Modin said, “Anything dealing with puzzles, letters, or numbers and he’s hooked.” Hodges takes less for granted and celebrates Ezra’s accomplish-
ments more. “We celebrate and are more aware of seemingly small achievements. In addition, multiple professionals have helped Ezra over the years including speech, occupational, and social therapists, as well as excellent teachers, paras and psychologists,” Hodges said, “ Everyone that works with Ezra really enjoys him. They are always very enthusiastic about his unique personality and recognize his growth and many strengths. This extra support and encouragement has been very heartening for my husband and me.” For Gillett, he doesn’t let the “disability” define him as a person. “ My autism is not that bad I don’t think. I have autism but I don’t have the disability,” Gillett said. Gillett has plans in the future to either become a Chiropractor or Athletic Trainer. Thompson also has hopes of becoming a writer in the future and wants others to know that having autism won’t stop him or anyone else with dreams on the spectrum. “It doesn’t exactly stop a person from doing too many things. Yes, it causes a few bumps on the road here and there. Like you have a lot of trouble with eye contact--or you aren’t able to actually speak properly-- or sometimes you stutter. But sometimes you are able to actually do fairly well in a lot of other categories. You have a lot of high grades and a lot of potential to do things, and other times you’re just like me. A person who doesn’t want to put that much effort in because they’re fine with what they want to do,” Thompson said.
*179 students surveyed using Google Forms during random classes in February
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Opinion || 11
WHAT HIGH SCHOOL CLIQUE
Are You Apart Of?
Take the quiz down below to see what high school clique you are a part of
no
ARE YOU INVOLVED IN SCHOOL?
DO YOU HAVE MORE THAN 3 CUTS/TARDIES?
yes
no
HAVE YOU ATTENDED A PARTY?
no
no
DO YOU THINK THE WORLD REVOLVES AROUND YOU?
no
yes
no
HAVE YOU ATTENDED ALMOST EVERY FOOTBALL/ BASKETBALL GAME?
yes
yes HAVE YOU EVER BEEN CAUGHT DOING ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES?
yes
yes
GOODY
ARTSY
PREPS
SLACKERS
You’re everyone’s friend, and you’re very accountable. You tend to always do the right thing which may seem boring at the moment but in the long run it’ll benefit you.
All of your friends know that you’re an artist, musician or theatre kid. Artsy kids are either a extreme introvert or an extreme extrovert there is no in between.
You’re the life of the party. You are either everyones friend or everyone hates you. You are constantly out, and you tend to be teacher’s pets.
You go to the bathroom often while in class. You like to go out and have a great time which might cause you to get behind on your school work but that doesn’t matter because you’re enjoying life.
April 7, 2020 || Pylon
12 || Sports Briefs
SPORTS BRIEFS
Here’s what could have been this spring season | Photos by Molly Michaelis, Kamryn Arnold, Annie Taggart and Ella Eaton
TRACK & FIELD
Junior Reagan Geihsler participates in her javelin event at a track meet last spring. Last year, Geihsler was one of the Mustangs that made it all the way to the state competition. “I was super excited for this season, junior year is usually the year that colleges start
recruiting so I knew it’d be a good year! I’m sad because the girl that beat me at state last year was returning so I was hoping to get to throw against her again,” Geihsler said. “I’m just really glad it isn’t my senior year!”
GIRLS SWIMMING
Senior Madelynn Nash and junior Emily Strommen excitedly cheer on their teammates at a race last season. “I was really looking forward to building new friendships with the girls, it’s always fun to see how far we
get as a team. Miss the team dinners, a little too much,” Strommen said. “Glad it was my junior year and not my senior.”
BOYS TENNIS
Junior McCabe Green viciously serves the ball at a home tennis match last spring. The Mustangs had a phenomenal previous season, going all the way to win the state championship. “I was really looking forward to building new relationships with the guys, it’s always fun to see how far we get as a team,” Green said. “Glad it was my junior year and not my senior.”
Sports Briefs || 13
Pylon || April 7, 2020
GIRLS SOCCER
Senior Sophie Ginther puts the ball back in bound at a home soccer game last season. Last spring, the team had a losing record, but they were working hard to get a better outcome this season. “Honestly just really sad it all got cut short and I’m not getting one more season with my best friends,” Ginther said.
BOYS GOLF Senior Lukas Freelove carries his equipment away after a satisfying golf meet last season. This would’ve been a few of the teammates last season, and they were disappointed to have ended early. “I was pretty heartbroken for not having my senior season. All of my
hard work that I had put in during the off season just didn’t get to be put into play. I was mostly looking forward to time the team because I think we could’ve been pretty good this year and would’ve had a lot of fun,” Freelove said.
SOFTBALL Junior Emerson Turpin warms up before a home game. Last year, the Lady Mustangs did not have the season they wanted, and were ready to give it another go. “This season we were supposed to be on the come up. We had been in the weight room and working
really hard. It was finally time to show what we were made of and it just made me feel like everything was taken from me and my teammates,” Turpin said. “This whole situation has shown me not to take anything for granted but I’m super excited for my senior season!”
BASEBALL
Senior Jackson Kavanagh and junior Dakota Hogan congratulate each other after a game. Last season, the Mustangs had a record of 8-11, and were 4-6 in the district standings. “When I found out baseball season was canceled I was devastated. The team worked so hard just to not play a game. I was looking forward to hopefully making a run in the state tournament,” Hogan said.
14 || Sports
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DRAWING BACK TO FAMILY Sophomore Jordan Roe pursues her passion of archery
|| Photos by Charlie Truelove
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Sports || 15
|| story by Chloe Highsmith
While archery isn’t the most common sport, it is still one loved by sophomore Jordan Roe, who practices archery in her free time. For Roe, this sport is more than just a hobby, it’s something that brings her family together. “I love archery because regardless of your physical abilities anyone and everyone can do it. As well, my dad’s side of my family has always done it and I feel like it’s brought me closer to my family” Roe said. Roe just started shooting on her fifteenth birthday, when her dad bought her first bow for her. In the short period of time since she’s started shooting, Roe has fallen in love with this sport. “I grew up with a family of hun-
“I love archery because regardless of your physcial abilities anyone and everyone can do it.” Sophomore Jordan Roe
ters on my dad’s side,” Roe said, “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do with my dad, uncle, and cousin.” Not only does Roe shoot as a sport, her and her family go hunting when it’s in season. Roe explained that she prefers to practice archery as a sport, though, because that is something she can do all year round. Roe sees herself continuing to practice archery into the future. “As a hobby. I really enjoy shooting, going to tournaments, and hunting” Roe said. Roe also goes to archery tournaments. “Tournaments are fun because you’re with people and somewhat competing with others which is always really fun,” Roe explained, “As well knowing how you placed can tell you how well you’re doing or how you can improve, but ranking isn’t the point of archery. It’s a fun sport that I enjoy.” Roe is excited to see what archery brings to her future and how it will continue to shape her relationships with family. “I’d have to say that my dad brings me back to it every time because it’s something he and I can do together and it’s definitely brought him and I closer this past year,” said Roe. Roe thanks her family, especially her dad, for continuing to inspire her to do what she loves..
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16 || Sports
TAKING DOWN THE GLASS CEILING Junior Rebekah Franklin and Sophomore Makayla Anderson make history as they compete at state for first year of girls wrestling || photo by Alex Morales
Sports || 17
Pylon || April 7 , 2020
I
|| story by Rashada Smith
n the basic variety of sports at Salina Central, the addition of girl wrestling has been successful among the other winter sports. This is the first year in the KSHSAA sports history that there has been a girls state competition, and sophomore Makayla Anderson, and junior Rebekah Franklin, are the first girls from Central to participate. “It actually feels amazing to be making history for not only the school, but for the state of Kansas. All the girls were so excited to be there and so was I. Being my first year wrestling, making state made me so happy, “Anderson said. Last year, girls wrestling was finally sanctioned by KSHSAA with a vote of 63-2 in favor of the new sport. Since then, the girls have been putting in the work going to the meets and matches, and it all paid off, with a pretty successful season, and then two of our competitors made it to the state championship, that was hosted at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center. “To be completely honest I think
our girls did amazing, those that did and didn’t go to state, but this season was very stressful. Being the first girls to step foot, you feel the whole world’s eyes turn and watch you,” Franklin said. Apart from just wrestling itself, the girls have felt many emotions starting the sport at the high school level. Saying that the sport can be liberating, and they are honored to have participated. A lot of people see wrestling as more of a male dominated sport, and that women in the field can commonly be overlooked. “...There are things in this world that men are better at and that women are better at, then in some we are evenly matched. Yet we will never know if one is better at something if they are always put in the shadows,” Franklin said. As the season comes to an end, all the wrestlers are looking forward to the upcoming season and getting back into the swing of things next season.
“It actually feels amazing to be making history for not only the school, but for the state of Kansas.” Sophomore Makayla Anderson
18 || Student Life
April 7, 2020 || Pylon
REAL REAL WORLD WORLD WORLD FURRIES FURRIES
|| Graphic by Marlie Coleman
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Student Life || 19
students share about the true meaning of this fandom || story by Jesus Jasso Feeling uncomfortable at the sight of someone dressing up as an animal may be a common reaction. It’s hard for some people to see being a furry as a way for one to express themselves. “I feel like being a furry is important to me because it’s a form of self expression. It’s one of the few creative releases I have in my life, and I can project my emotions into my character,” said freshman Nathan Springer. Being a furry doesn’t mean you are completely different from everyone else. It’s just another hobby people have. The “furry world” is not really a different world. It allows people to have fun and be unique. “It’s not quite ‘a different world’ and more of a temporary distraction from the current one. It does bring joy, because that’s pretty much what hobbies are for, to add some fun to this bland, short life we all have,” freshman Conner Murphy said. Furries have been seen as someone who dresses up and does it for sexual pleasure. Media has disorientated it from its true meaning for people. But being a furry entails having an interest in anthropomorphic creatures not just to those who dress up. “I would define a furry as someone who enjoys the furry fandom, be it drawing art, suit building, or even just looking at others,” said Springer. This world allows people to feel joy. They can feel like
they belong somewhere when people tear them down for doing what they love. “I do believe it can let people escape into another world, but I feel the same personally,” freshman Mykl Groetzinger said. Springer dresses up and that defines him as a furry. Murphy simply draws anthropomorphic creatures and that defines him as a furry. Groetzinger has an interest in the fandom and that defines her as a furry. Being a furry means more than just dressing up. There are plenty of ways to be involved. The furry fandom has done things that many people overlook. “It does bring me joy sometimes, knowing how much more people in this community have raised for charities at furry conventions,” Groetzinger said. Furries have been portrayed as disgusting and unwanted. A furry is considered as another hobby. A furry allows people to escape, It allows people to be who they want to be. And for them, they have a fandom that accepts them for being themselves. “Escaping into the world of the fandom is one of the best places to be, because you can be as involved or as uninvolved as you want to be,” Springer said. It’s just sort of a safe space.”
furry facts
What is a furry? “I would define a furry as someone who enjoys the furry fandom, be it drawing art, suit building or even just looking at others.” - freshman Nathan Springer
79%
of students know what a furry is
77%
of students think it’s odd to be a furry
179 students were interviewed through Google Forms during February
April 7, 2020 || Pylon
20 || News
NEWS BRIEFS CENTRAL Students and teachers work to adapt to new virtual learning in wake of recent school closure. The spring semester will be all online due to the corona virus outbreak.
|| Photo courtesy of Bailey Talbott
I haven’t
LOCAL
30
Salina on lockdown As of March 30, Salina is on a mandatory stay at home order set to last for 30 days. Residents are only suppose to leave for essentials. All non essential businesses are closed, and restaurants are only doing drive thru and curbside pickup. Salina has six recorded corona virus cases and one death. This stay at home is suppose to stop the spread of covid-19.
NATIONAL
TIGER KING “I thought Tiger King was going to be a dumb show about hillbillies but then I started watching and it actually is really interesting how zoos treat animals and what goes on behind the scenes.” Junior Capri Myers
decided if I like online classes or not but it’s
Cruising Santa Fe
nice to go at my own pace in the
Junior Bailey Talbott
Olympics postponed
|| photo courtesy of flickr
comfort of my home,
The 2021 Games
|| photo courtesy of flickr
Thursday evenings have been dedicated to cruising Santa Fe. Antique cars drive down Santa Fe to show off their vehicles. Seniors have also participated in cruising Santa Fe since the spring semester got canceled.
With the Corona virus outbreak the 2020 Olympic have been postponed for a year. They are scheduled to start July 23, 2021. This gives health officials time to deal with the constant changes of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 summer Olympics will end six months before the Beijing Winter Olympics.
News || 21
Pylon || April 7, 2020
|| Photo courtesy of Emily Redding
UPCOMING FRIDAY, MAY
15
Last day for seniors
THURSDAY, MAY
21 Last day for students
MONDAY, MAY
25 Memorial Day
Prom being canceled won’t stop Emily Redding from showing off her prom dress. “At least I still look like a disco ball.”
Junior Emily Redding
22 || Feature
April 7, 2020 || Pylon
SIX FEET
APART HOW STUDENTS ARE STAYING
CONNECTED DESPITE THE
COVID-19 LOCKDOWN || story by Sydney Raman
Within the span of just a couple of months, students’ lives were forever changed. From school sports to prom; many gleaming high school memories are no longer in session. A virus that every media outlet has covered and every one has heard of, COVID-19 has “paused” the world. On March 17, Senator Laura Kelly closed all schools in Kansas further ending the physical school year. Now, online school and social distancing is our new normal. Some students, like junior Sophia Martinez, still choose to celebrate a few things on their own, including prom. Martinez, along with other students, decided that they wouldn’t let this negatively impact their fun and friendships. “Being able to celebrate, even in the most simple form, helps someone to connect with themselves as well as the people they celebrate with. Celebrating prom online really boosted my confidence
and helped me maintain a connection to my friends that I felt I was missing during quarantine,” Martinez said. “It was a time that I felt I could be a teenager again despite being locked up in my house. It was freeing and gave me a sense that l would be normal again.” Martinez and her friends dressed up and still celebrated the occasion online through games, went on streaming services that let you watch movies online together, and even took “pictures”. “Well, not all of my friends play Animal Crossing, but for the ones that did-- we went on call together and played games and took pictures together. After that, a couple of my friends that didn’t get to join got together and we all watched a movie on Netflix Party,” said Martinez, “I really wanted to experience it with as many friends as I could.” Martinez firmly suggests that staying positive in a time like this is crucial. “Thinking positively during something as scary as the coronavirus helps give people a reason to follow things like quarantine because it gives them something to look forward to while being seperated from the rest of the world,” Martinez said, “Instead of prioritizing the negatives, staying positive makes the situation seem less intimidating.” Outside of being a high school student, everyone right now from all over has to follow the right precautions during this time. John Berggren, Salina Regional
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Feature || 23
Health Center Public Relations Coordinator, believes we all have an important role to play during a time like this. “Everyone has obviously been impacted in one way or another. Everyone within the community has a role to play to get through this trying time,” Berggren said.“Whether you’re a doctor or nurse working on the front lines of treating COVID-19, a grocery store worker or a teenager finishing school at home-- we all have a role to play. Practicing social distancing, good hand hygiene and isolating yourself if you don’t feel well is something everyone can do.” Everyone can begin doing something to help prevent the spread. “Continue practicing social distancing, using good hand hygiene and isolate yourself if you’re sick. Call your doctor and seek medical care if needed,” Berggren said. “The better we are as a society at following these guidelines, the more quickly we’ll get through this pandemic and life will return to normal.” District Superintendent, Linn Exline along with other districts were required to submit what is called a “Continuous Learning” plan to the Kansas State Department. “A small group of teachers worked together to read the guidance released by the Kansas State Department of Education,” Exline said. “Over the next several days, the teachers involved in the planning conversation increased until classroom faculty was involved in the discussion of how to best imple-
ment Continuous Learning in Salina.” Junior Sophie Lenkiewicz is struggling with the concepts online school has given her. “As a student that relies on a schedule and organization, I think that having to do online schooling is a struggle. Not only is the motivation hard, but also staying organized and on top of all my assignments is too,” Lenkiewicz said. Google classroom and Zoom-- an online video streaming platform-have now been implemented in USD-305. Lenkiewicz believes that now with online schooling, it’ll only make matters worse for students. “Like I said, it’s harder to have that accountability when you can do assignments while at home. There are some students who don’t try when
social distancing, good hand hygiene and isolating yourself if you don’t feel well is something everyone can do.” SRHC John Berggren
24 || Feature
April 7, 2020 || Pylon
they are physically at school, so I can’t imagine that online school would help much. I hope that the administration realizes this and is willing to be more forgiving with students for this,” Lenkiewicz said. Senior Gabriella Fischer thinks that online schooling is effective, but to some extent. “I do think it will work at continuing education before college and the next school year, but I’m worried teachers will assign materials meant for physical school that are hard or impossible to do online because of socioeconomic divides like not having the right equipment or going to work more days,” Fischer said. In the midst of this global crisis, eye opening events have taken place relating to mental health within students. “During this first week, my teachers have been giving me short assignments if any at all. I know many of them have kids of their own that they have to look out for as well, so I think they understand our position as students going through this shift,” Lenkiewicz said. Lenkiewicz believes that after all this mayhem is over, life for students and teachers will be different. “I think that we will be more thankful for the people around us, and the opportunities we have as students. Mostly, I think everyone will just be glad to be back,” Lenkiewicz said, “In the light of this though, I do hope that teachers realize that they should lessen the workload on students. If we are spending only three hours a day on school during quarantine when
nothing is going on, then why do we need homework assignments that take five plus hours when we have extracurriculars stacked on top of 8 hours of school? I think it’s kind of eye opening in terms of the workload of students during the average school year, and the stress students endure.” Teachers are working hard to ensure that their students still receive the best education. Math teacher Matt Dykas believes that the pandemic has changed the world of education. “The biggest change for me is finding ways to keep the content reachable in an online platform while keeping it meaningful and getting feedback to students in a timely manner. It also forces me to adjust my teaching philosophy since I want students to learn from mistakes and have conversations with peers about the math content we are working on,” Dykas said, “Working online challenges how I question students individually and in small groups to build ownership in their thinking rather than just telling them how to think.” Dykas thinks that teachers are focusing on mental health a lot more now rather than assignments. “Mental health is more of a focus because it is human nature to resist change and teenagers have enough stress on many different levels without dealing with the shutdown of a pandemic and every student is going to deal with it differently and have different resources available to cope,” Dykas said. Fischer believes the focus on
Shoes carry many germs and can easily transfer COVID-19 into one’s home
Pylon || April 7, 2020
mental health is bittersweet. “I believe the focus on mental health has increased because of this isolation like with more emails from counselors and teachers,” Fischer said, “However, I think if the district would have prioritized mental health before this crisis, they wouldn’t have to try and catch up on all the missed help when many students aren’t comfortable with confiding in any school officials.” Dykas feels as though teachers are taken into consideration students’ well beings more now because of the isolation. “I think students’ well being is considered more but is is hard to have a general plan for all students since students’ level of isolation, how each student socializes, is different without a pandemic so it’s hard to determine how each student will react and adjust to the new normal of our day-to-day lives,” Dykas said. Art teacher Larry Cullins has to uniquely think of ways now to go about teaching art to students and assigning art projects for students to do with online learning. “As far as my job, I am communicating fairly well with my students and we will ‘carry on.’ They just won’t have the free art supplies they normally would get. I can’t help students as easily but sending me ‘progress pics’ is helpful,” Cullins said. Despite the positivity Cullins has about this situation, one thing still remains a loss in the art department due to COVID-19. “We are truly disappointed about the cancellations of our many spring activities. Cancelling our annual Art Open House was a huge loss. This would’ve been our 20th annual exhibit,” Cullins said. Despite these tough circumstances the world has been faced with, it is important to remain positive. “Any change can present challenges. At times like this, it is helpful to focus on what we can control. We have the opportunity to interact with peers and staff,” Exline said. “Because we have so many options with technology, we are able to adjust as we move forward to make this the best experience possible for students, families and staff.”
Feature || 25
378,289 CONFIRMED CASES IN THE UNITED STATES
11,830
CONFIRMED DEATHS IN THE UNITED STATES
1,381,014 CONFIRMED CASES GLOBALLY
*Information taken on April 7, 2020 from John Hopkins University and Medicine.
26 || Opinion
April 7, 2020 || Pylon
Unplugged Pylon staff member deletes social media for a week to focus on herself || story by Harper Heath Social media is one of the biggest influences in someone’s life today. Constantly scrolling through twitter, instagram and sending snapchats, what would life be without this? Going a week without social media definitely made some things change in my day-to-day routine. Every day when I wake up to when I go to bed I am always using social media in one way or another. The stress of what others were out doing, and what I wasn’t invited to, didn’t cross my mind as much as it used to. I would say that deleting social media for a few days is a breather. In this small time frame I learned that my world does not revolve around how high my snap score is or how many likes I get on a post. I also
63% of
students beleive social media is toxic
felt more comfortable with myself as time went on because there was nothing around me that could bring me down. It is not like losing your car or friends, it is completely different. Losing a car makes it difficult to get from point A to B in a timely manner. Losing social media made it harder to communicate but I could still go out. This experiment is something I would definitely recommend to anyone! The first day without social media felt really different, no one really reached out. Most people in high school would rather use snapchat to text than imessage. Every notification I got would maybe be a text from a group chat trying to be funny or my mom, but not really any friends. Normally when I get bored I’d go and scroll through instagram or check stories on snapchat but I didn’t have that. I just kind of sat there waiting on a text back to fill my boredom. The time after school was long and I didn’t know how to fill my time. The second day was even weirder, every morning I woke up and checked who snapped me after I had gone to bed but when I woke up I didn’t have any Snapchat notifications. Going through a school day was weird since I normally snapchat
179 students were interviewed through Google Forms during February
Pylon || April 7, 2020
Opinion || 27
my friends to avoid class and just see what’s up with them. I just listened to a lot of music because that’s all I had at the moment. The classes where we normally don’t do much got super hard to just sit through, but it did get me to focus on school work and get my homework done so I didn’t have to take any home that night. The third day seemed to just become normal, people who wanted to talk to me realized they needed to use my number to text me. I got a game to distract myself from not having social media. Again, I got work that needed to be done in a fast time since I had nothing distracting me. The fourth day wasn’t bad at all, I felt almost free. All the stress of what everyone was doing and what I should be posting left my head. I also was getting more sleep because my want for checking every platform of social media had just not been there. The fifth day was just like the fourth, except that night I got social media back. Getting social media back was exciting but also it brought back all the stress that the online world puts onto us.
56% of
students would never delete social media
Staffer Harper Heath with her puppy Max. || Graphic by Concha Campa
28 || Opinion
April 7, 2020 || Pylon
TIPS FOR WORKING FROM HOME new online classes, difficult to manage
treat an online course like a real one You need to have the discipline to sit down and say “I am going to work on this,� as well as the dedication to actually go through with your plan. Many teachers have given us the opportunity to manage our own time and have given us a flexible schedule, so we need to make sure we maintain the discipline we use to have.
eliminate distractions One of the hardest things for us teenagers is getting distracted. Now it is way easier to get distracted while doing homework. Try to turn off all devices and try to go to a quiet area. Everyone is diffrent so some people work best with music on while others get distracted by it. On most devices you can set up a limit on how much you use a certain app so that it something you could look into if you see yourself getting distracted too easily.
Pylon || April 7, 2020
Opinion || 29
practice time management Most teachers have given us the oppourtunity to manage our own time as long as we turn in our work by the due date. Try writing down all your assignments at the beginning of the week and cross them off once you’re done with them. Set aside certain times where you focus on your work. This will also help you get back into a routine.
hold yourself accountable Although summer is quickly approaching remember that at the end of the day your grades will matter so it’s important to hold youself accoutable. Try setting goals, and since many teachers are being more lenient with assignment use this time wisely. This is the chance to bring your grades up to improve your gpa.
create regular study space and stay organized Try to set up a dedicated learning enviroment for studying. If you assign a specific area in your home whether it being your dining room table or a desk, it will also help you establish a routine. This will also help you stay organized. It’s not the best idea to work from bed because you will easily get bored or distracted. Working from a designated spot will allow you to layout all the materials you need and stay focused.
chemist
ry note s
30 || Opinion
April 7, 2020 || Pylon
LETTER LETTER TO THE LETTER TO TO THE THE EDITOR EDITOR EDITOR WHITE PRIVILEGE IS REAL AND IT’S OKAY || story by freshman Katerin Carrillo White Privilege is real, let’s stop trying to deny the fact that it’s very real. Why do some white people want to deny the fact that they are gifted with white privilege. You’re not racist to accept the fact that you have white privilege, is no good for people to be ignorant. Although, white privilege is a big issue that remains on the low, because some people get really offensive when this certain topic comes up. So, let’s talk about it. When the talk about white privilege is brought up , especially by a colored person they come off as an angry person who only focuses on the negativity? Well, of course us colored people get mad, no matter how hard we try to overlook this problem, we are the only ones affected. You don’t get shot just because you look dangerous, or you don’t get turned away at interviews because of your skin color. Believe it or not, as much as I don’t want to sound angry, I just can’t not sound angry. This problem has been around throughout our history and do I think it will change? Sadly no, because stuff like this just gets worse. Also, I would like to add that racism and white privilege is not the same. Yes, it can be used to be racist,but I don’t want white people to eventually have white guilt, because we’re all supposed to be proud of our origins. I just wish people would just acknowledge it and learn how to deal
“White people have their struggles too, but they have more opportunities if they looked more into them.” Freshman Katerin Carrillo with it, it’s not something to feel attacked about. I speak for myself when I say that white privilege shouldnt be ignored, and that when it comes to it, it’s something that we see everyday; you might even not see it. Also adding a side note to this issue, I believe that just because someone is light skinned doesn’t mean that their lives are always easy. White people have their struggles too, but they have more
opportunities if they looked more into them. Let’s be real here, meritocracy is a myth, but we can make it real. We can make meritocracy happen by acknowledging more qualities and abilities than race. We can have more diverse groups in school. More staff of color, just the inclusion of colored people in big important groups. It’s all the inclusion and how diverse we can get. Even if we do start small, I believe the harder we work the farther we’ll get. Let’s just be more inclusive and be less worried about race, let’s not discriminate against each other.
Pylon || April 7, 2020
Opinion || 31
Editor’s Letter
Dear Readers, I hope everyone is figuring out their new routines and finally getting back to the groove of things. The last couple of weeks have been crazy so thank you for taking the time to read our last issue before the senior magazine. Finishing up this last issue was very hectic. We planned to finish up the week after spring break and publish it a couple of days after, but our plans were changed. Only a couple of us had access to Adobe, so we had to change up the way we usually do things. We all love the newspaper and enjoy giving our students a voice, so we knew we had no choice but to finish out the year strong. Originally, our feature was over the topic of autism. The feature talked about the autism spectrum and how there are various forms of autism, which many of the staff members didn’t even know existed. Our goal was to inform our students about the disorder, and we wanted to show an inside perspective of people who have autism or have close contact with someone that does. Beyond our future, we also tackled an array of topics. We wrote over furries and seasonal depression which is usually targeted towards the winter season but it is now
relevant to the times we’re living today. Although it may be upsetting that a lot of us upperclassmen are missing out on a lot of our high school memories, we should all try to make the best of it. We are living through some of the most important moments in history and we should be taking advantage of it. Now is the time to try something you’ve always wanted to do but didn’t have time. To try that instrument you’ve always wanted to play or trying that recipe you’ve been meaning to try. Now we all have time to do those things. Time isn’t an excuse anymore. If we just look at this whole situation negatively then nothing good can come out of it. It’s alright to be upset about missing prom and graduation but better times will come. As the end of the year is quickly approaching I just want to let everyone know that I have greatly appreciated managing the Pylon staff. It surely made the high school experience way better. I ask all the underclassmen to join clubs or participate in sports. It surely makes high school a lot better, and who knows you might even find a family in that group just like I did.
Concha Campa
Managing Editor
32 || Opinion
April 7, 2020 || Pylon
Dumb Laws
|| Illustration by Hana North
new tobacco law is pointless
|| story by Concha Campa
One of the most exciting factors for some teenagers should be able to buy tobacco products. The age to when turning 18 is buying nicotine products, which buy alcohol is 21 and minors still get access to it. If has recently been taken away from minors want to get tobacco they them. The Lung Association has will find a way to get to it. Alcohol been advocating for this change is the number one most used drug for multiple years now. The new in America and the age limit hasn’t law that was signed into place on changed it from being the number December 20, 2019 now raises the one used drug. age to buy tobacco products to 21 Tobacco has horrible long term instead of 18. The reasoning behind effects. According to the National this is to reduce youth tobacco use Institute of Drug Abuse, tobacco and to save thousands of lives. products can lead to bronchitis, Many teenagers who were lung cancer, emphysema along with 4 out of 12 anxiously awaiting to turn 18 are other illnesses. It can also increase Pylon Staffers believe the risk of heart disease which can now upset. Many don’t dislike that 18 year olds can enlist in the army, that the new tobacco potentially lead to a stroke. Tobacco vote and take out loans, but they products are horrible, but if you are law was needed can’t buy tobacco products. allowed to go overseas to fight for Although I personally would never smoke because your country then you should have the freedom to of the long term effects of it I think 18 year olds buy nicotine products.
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Pylon || April 7, 2020
Opinion || 33
SPILLING SPILLING THE THE TEA TEA WITH WITH SCSP SCSP THE FOLLOWING QUOTES WERE HEARD AROUND THE SCHOOL BY MEMBERS OF THE PYLON STAFF
“Damn Marcos, put that cake away. It’s no ones birthday.” “I thought pads went on the inside of your thighs.”
“Copying is too much work for me nowadays.” “Why do you look like a rat?”
“My mom has more of a high tolerance, than your baby lungs.”
“Seniors keep saying no cap but now it’s no gown either.”
“Now I can focus on my Tik Tok career.”
34 || Opinion
April 7, 2020 || Pylon
SCSP’S Show Show Guide Guide SCSP’S staffers review different shows to find out if they’re worth watching during quarantine *both shows are rated TV-MA and should only be watched by 17 year olds and older
Sex Education
|| story by Concha Campa
The second season of the Netflix Orginial show “Sex Education” was released in January. This show is very entertaining especially for teenagers like me. There are moments where I found myself laughing due to the problems the students faced at Moorfield Secondary School. I also really enjoyed the Romeo and Juliet play that was put on. It was something out of a dream and it was funny to see how the principal reacted when the risque costumes came out. The only thing I didn’t like is that it’s not really relatable. Our school would never approve of the risque costumes and our school would never provide a sex therapist for the students. In the show Asa Butterfield plays Otis
Tiger King
Milburn, a socially awkward teenager. His mom, Dr. Jean Milburn is a sex therapist which then inspires Otis to become a sex therapist for teenagers around his school. In season two Otis reopens his sex clinic, but due to a “chlaymdia” outbreak at his school his mother is hired by the administration in order to aide the students sexually. Otis now has to keep his sex clinic a secret from his mom and his business is running low due to his mom providing sexual counceling for free. Otis also has girl trouble. He starts dating his mother’s boyfriend’s daughter, Ola Nyman. Otis’s old crush, Maeve Wiley reveals that she now has feelings for him which angers Otis because he had finally gotten over her.
|| story by Jesus Jasso Tiger King was released recently, airing its first episode on March 20, 2020. This show is a must-watch for those who are looking for a wild show. This show has many laughs in it with the stories that are portrayed and has left people choosing a side. This brings to light the idea of big cat ownership and how surprisingly cheap it is to have a tiger. Whether you believe Baskins murdered her husband or not, or if it’s moral to own big cats, Tiger King will leave viewers entertained for hours and has become one of the most viewed shows. Tiger King is a miniseries that follows the life of Joe Exotic, who’s ownerships of several tigers has led into many feuds with Carole Baskins, a big cat conservationist.
While the story revolves around the little-known society between the big cats’ conservationists and collectors, the main focus is on the focus of the hatred between Joe Exotic and Carole Baskins. Joe Exotic is a tiger collector who owns a private zoo in Oklahoma and follows his eccentric stories. From marrying two men to sneaking tigers into casinos, and to almost getting mauled by his tigers, Exotic has many stories to keep viewers entertained. It also follows abusive relationships to suicide to the sustained hatred between Exotic and Baskins. Baskins who made it her mission to end all big cat ownership which includes Exotic’s zoo. But Exotic retaliates by supporting the idea of Baskins murdering her wealthy husband, Don Lewis who disappeared.
Pylon || April 7, 2020
Opinion || 35
Naked - Bickle
You Might Be Sleeping - Jakob Ogawa, Clairo
Yoko Ono - Moby Rich
Fever Dream - Mxmtoon
Oh Honey - Delegation
Me and Michael - MGMT
Juice - Lizzo
Losing Game - The Symposium
I Melt With You - Mondern English
19.10 - Childish Gambino
Central’s Top Hits staffers made a list of the most popular music around the school
0:38
3:50
Pylon Staff h
Editor-in-Chief Madeline Paradis
Managing Editor Concha Campa
Copy Editors
Paradis
Raman
Morales
Coleman
Zoe Gilpin Hana Rose North
Sports Editor Rashada Smith
Opinion Editor Jesus Jasso
Campa
DeVoe
Gilpin
Rubino
Student Life Editor Marlie Coleman
News Editor Isabella Rubino
In-Depth Editor Sydney Raman
Heath
Nutter
Jasso
Smith
Design Editor Alex Morales
Reporters Hannah Watkins Jillian DeVoe Lucas Nutter Harper Heath Allie Fischer Charlie Truelove
Fischer
Truelove
Watkins
North
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