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PYLON FEBRUARY 14, 2018
CONTENT
CONTENT PAGE
04
News
08
In Depth
10
Arts
12
In Depth
14
Student Life
Haters Gonna Hate The Ark Sets Sail
Gloving His Life
Hitting it Out of the Park
16
Feature
20
Sports
24 26
Put a Ring on it
Sadie’s Ballot Inclusion
28
06 10
Sports Briefs New Football Coach Prospects
In Depth Trumped Up
Infographic Olympics
Opinion Taking Control of Our Birth Control
04
20
12
Hi-tech Love
08
14 Photos taken by Pylon staffers. See inside for complete stories.
PYLON FEBRUARY 14, 2018 VALENTINE’S DAY
Basketball vs maize Girls Varsity @ 6:00 Boys Varsity @ 7:30
14 FEB.
16 Feb.
Basketball vs South
One Acts Little Theatre @7:00
Girls Varsity @ 6:00 Boys Varsity @ 7:30
20 Feb.
22 Feb.
No School Teacher Inservice
02
March
Home Girls Swim Meet South High @ 1:30
15
March
Spring Sports Tryouts
26
March
End of 3rd Quarter
Auditorium
27
Feb.
01
Feb.
March
Girls soccer vs eisenhower
9:30-1:02
JV @ 5:00 Varsity @ 6:15
Award ceremony @ 7 in the auditorium
05
14
March
Spring break
19
27
March
3
2018
Pylon staff Editors-in-Chief
National Josten’s Senior Grad Delivery Honor Society
15
March
Spring Play Auditorium @ 7:00
Chloe Guillot Morgan Dolton Annie Hayes
News Editors Will Hayes Maria Guterierrez
Sports Editors Holly Sanderson Ryan Dix
Student Life Editor Morgan Dolton
Arts Editor Annie Hayes
March
Students Blood Drive Small Gym Return to School
26
Academic Achievement celebration
CONTENT PAGE
March
Feature Editor
05
Chloe Guillot
Opinion Editor Madeline Paradis
April
Social Media
We want to hear your opinion
Twitter: @chspylon Instagram: @mustangsofcentral Snapchat: chspylon Web: chspylon.com
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 publish, email your submissions to pyloneditors@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 for clarity.
The Pylon is the official student newspaper of Salina High School Central. Volume 94 of the Pylon was created by 13 staff members using Creative Cloud. Our fonts this year include GoBold and Gravity. Special thanks to Sedalia Democrat for making the printing of our publication possible.
Copy Editor Maria Gutierrez
Photographers Montana McCullum Michele Resola
Reporters Saria Taylor Malcolm Berkley Montana McCullum Michele Resola Isabella Rubino
Adviser J.D. Garber
NEWS UPDATES
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PYLON FEBRUARY 14, 2018
the ark sets sail Pastor starts church at alma mater maria gutierrez | pylon editor Twenty years ago, Pastor John Huseman received his first opportunity to speak at his high school graduation, a moment that would forever leave an impression on his life. On Jan. 14, he returned to his alma mater’s halls and threw open its doors, inviting a crowd of 200 new faces to the Ark Church’s very first sermon. Despite growing up and graduating from Salina, Pastor Huseman relocated to Conroe, Texas as an adult and served as the associate pastor at the Ark Church established there - which had about 14,000 attendees last Christmas - for nearly nine years. He and his family had been planning on starting on his own church for quite some time, but he struggled to decide on where to begin it. It wasn’t until the summer of 2016 that Huseman, when he returned for his sister’s wedding and unfortunately lost his mother the following Monday, that Huseman finally found an answer. “During that week,” Huseman said, “that’s when my wife and I really prayed and felt like God was leading us to Salina.” Once they had decided on a city, the next task was deciding where they could host their church. One place in particular immediately came to mind. “I’ve always really loved Salina Central. I’ve gone here, I’ve graduated here, so did my brother and my sister, and Central is an awesome place that has rooms for everybody. It was always my first choice.” Huseman proposed his plan to Principal Nate Showman, and together they were able to get the plan approved by the district office. After several months of planning and advertising, the Ark Church in Salina had its first sermon in its very first location. “The plan is to eventually have our own building, our own place, get rid of the six a.m. set-up
team,” Huseman said. “That’s the long term goal, but Central is a great initial stepping stone to come into, and to have access to so many rooms and spaces has been a real big win-win. But I would love to have something new at the one year mark or a year and a half.” The Ark primarily utilizes three different rooms on Sundays: the auditorium, the choir room and the little theater. While the setup and teardown crews work hard to leave the rooms exactly as they are, having a church share the fine arts department’s classrooms have led to some mishaps. “There have been ups and downs about our rooms being used,” orchestra teacher Lindsay Modin said. “I think a lot of it is ‘it’s new, it’s getting started’ and with so many people it’s hard to get communication rolling about what equipment needs to be put away and what can be left out. Maybe it’s finding things that maybe been put in a different location, like a rack of music stands or chairs, or percussion equipment that’s been moved.” Though some of these issues could be contributed to the church starting in the midst of the musical season, there’s also been some difficulty communicating with the church. “If there’s ever a huge issue, everything goes to the church through Principal Showman and the custodians,” Modin said. “It’s not really my place to be confronting the church directly, even though I’m comfortable bringing up any major issues.” However, both parties are optimistic that the kinks in the system will be fixed once more time has passed and the dust settles. “I had such a great experience in high school at Central,” Huseman said. “I’m very committed to trying to make anything I do at Central be a win. If there’s anything that we can tweak, we want to be told so we can make it greater.”
NEWS UPDATES
PYLON FEBRUARY 14, 2018
I’ve always really loved Salina Central. I’ve gone here, I’ve graduated here, so did my brother and my sister, and Central is an awesome place that has rooms for everybody. It was always my first choice. -JOHN HUSEMAN
photo by montana mccullum pylon reporter
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news updates
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PYLON february 14, 2018
haters gonna
hate
cap policy differs between rival schools by isabella rubino | pylon reporter | photo by saria taylor
PYLON february 14, 2018
51% of central students did not know that south allows hats
news updates
90%
of central students believe hats should be allowed in school
7
85%
of central students think the hat policy is outdated
If you ask any student, they will tell you that hats are not is often consdiered to show respect. Removing your hat has allowed at school. However, in contrast to Central, South been a sign of respect dating back to old military traditions. high students enjoy a much more lenient policy. It was also considered etiquette for men to remove their hats According to the South student handbook, the hat policy when in presence of a lady. is: “Caps and/or head coverings are not to be worn at Salina Senior Sean Rahman believes that the hat policy is no lonSouth between the hours of 7 a.m. and 2:40 p.m. Caps and or ger relevant to today’s culture. head coverings should be left in the locker.” “I feel like it is an outdated policy, it falls years back when South administrator Curtis Stevens had a different stance wearing hats was seen as a rude thing and it wasn’t okay in on the hat policy. public settings,” Rahman said. “Salina High School South “Now-a-days you see evrestricts the wearing of hats I FEEL LIKE IT IS AN OUTDATED erybody wearing hats inside, if it causes a safety issue or whether it be at restaurants, POLICY... NOW-A-DAYS YOU disruption to the learning enstores, even in churches.” SEE EVERYBODY WEARING vironment. Each teacher has As for Central, the hat policy the ability to decide if hats are HATS INSIDE, WHETHER IT BE still remains in place. allowed in his or her class“For our building, I think hats AT RESTAURANTS, STORES, room,” Stevens said. “Hats are aren’t a huge issue,” Principal EVEN IN CHURCHES allowed in non-instructional Showman said. “I see maybe areas of the building—unless two kids wearing them and then of course it causes a safety iswhenever someone asks them - SENIOR SEAN RAHMAN sue or disruption to the school to take it off they, for the most environment.” part, do a good job taking it off. There are still restrictions on wearing hats at South, such We have very respectful students that do a good job followas students only being allowed to wear hats in classrooms ing the dress code policies and procedures. I could see us where the teachers allow it. potentially doing something where it’s an earned privilege as “Students wear hats at school,” South senior Seth Parnell opposed to just saying, ‘Alright, from here on out we are gosaid. “Our administration has left it up to the teachers to de- ing to be doing hats’.” cide. We have a lot of teachers who won’t let us wear hats in The hat policy at Central may be changing and becoming school. I think students should be able to wear hats. The is- less restrictive some day. Either way, Central Students may sue of wearing hats is a thing of the past, in my opinion.” soon be able to wear hats as incentives and follow the trend One of the main reasons hats are not allowed in schools set by our rival school.
in depth
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PYLON | FEBRUARY 14, 2018
RAVE EXPERIENCE LEADS TO NEW FOUND JOY by ryan dix | pylon sports editor People find all kinds of ways to express themselves; some do it through sports, others through the arts. But for senior Hunter Griffin, he found a unique way to express himself: the art of gloving. Gloving is a form of modern dance that is performed with gloves that have LED lights attached to the fingertips to show the hand and finger movement performed in the dance. Griffin was first introduced to gloving in 2016 but did not find a passion in it until last year. “I started my raves about October of 2016. I saw it, I loved it, but I never really started practicing until August of 2017,” Griffin said. Griffin now goes to raves throughout the state to watch other glovers, hoping to learn new tricks and new
techniques to improve his skills. “These glove shows always blow my mind. When I see them I just know that that’s what I want to do. I want to make people’s jaws drop,” Griffin said. Additionally, Griffin uses gloving to help himself relax during stressful times or when he’s lost in confusion. “It keeps my mind off of things I shouldn’t be thinking about. In school or at work, if I don’t have anything to do, this is what I do to keep me from doing things I shouldn’t be doing,” Griffin said. Gloving has been a positive outlet in Griffin’s life and it’s something that he knows sets him apart from others. “I have never really had a good habit and it was something I felt was cool. I know it’s something most
IN DEPTH
PYLON | FEBRUARY 14, 2018
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SENIOR HUNTER GRIFFIN IS
GLOVING HIS LIFE
Senior Hunter Griffin demonstrates his gloving as he performs to music.
|photo by saria taylor
people don’t do and that’s why I liked it so much,” Griffin said. Griffin spends his time online looking at different professional glovers trying to learn and understand how to trick your mind with the simple movement of fingers. One of Griffin’s role models and favorite glovers is professional glover, Vex. “Vex is a glover from Amazing Lights and he is amazing. He likes to distract you without you knowing,” Griffin said. Griffin also performs in raves all over eastern Kansas
from Wichita to Kansas City. He does solo shows along with group shows with other glovers alongside him. “When I go to raves, I will have crowds of people around me asking for a glove show and sometimes I will have other glovers with me and team up for one huge glove show,” Griffin said. Griffin encourages everyone to try to find an interest in gloving because it has helped him in many ways. “It’s just a way to express myself without having to say anything to anyone.” Griffin said.
fine arts
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PYLON february 14, 2018
Senior Cade Goertzen, along with juniors Tanner Loeffler and Aaron Hawley pose during a dance number. | photo by ben rost
hitting it out of the park students take on dance-heavy musical ‘damn yankees’
by annie hayes | pylon editor As the curtains close in the auditorium, students sway to the rhythm of our alma mater. After almost two months of non-stop work from the theater department, band and orchestra, “Damn Yankees” has come to a close. Senior Kaleb Wood, who played the lead Joe Hardy, reflected about his final performance. “I really want to say thank you so much to Mr. Nulik, Mr. Holmquist, all my friends and everyone who worked so hard on this show. This has been a great final show for me and I’m sad it’s done - I’m gonna miss it. I’m just really glad I got to share it with all these people,” said Wood. Wood began preparing for the show almost a year prior to opening night. “I started learning the music a long time ago because I knew I wanted this part,” said Wood. As soon as theater teacher, Chad Nulik, announced that “Damn Yankees” would be the musical during Wood’s senior year, Wood began looking over the script and listening to the music. Once he landed the role, rehearsals began immediately. Students work throughout December and January to nail the music and choreography. “We don’t typically do dance-heavy shows at Central. We had a lot of people who aren’t dancers who learned for
the show. That’s what was really amazing about this production: how hard we worked with choreography,” said Wood. The theater department brought in Karen and Bill Brassea to help choreograph the show, who were both in the Broadway revival of “Damn Yankees.” “I did the revival on Broadway, in London and around the United States… This show is something that I know so well and did for such a long time, so I had to reacquaint myself with the show in a new way. The choreography needed to be challenging enough for this group of students who are very smart, but also accessible enough that no one was in tears. It was a difficult balance,” said Karen Brassea. Brassea listened to the music for hours, choreographing the perfect kick or twist, but also had to ensure the moves continued to tell the story. “When I come in and actually see what I’ve prepared with the students, sometimes it works really well. Other times it is just bad, or doesn’t look great on that particular dancer. Part of my job as a choreographer is to make something look good on somebody. There is a lot of adjusting there, and then it’s just continuing to help the students with spacing, steps and counts,” said Brassea. “Damn Yankees” forced many students, who may not normally be dancers, learn how to move.
fine arts
PYLON february 14, 2018
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behind the curtain
to center stage
Junior Annie Taggart and senior Kaleb Wood practice “Whatever Lola Wants” at dance rehearsal. | photo by annie hayes
DANCING WITH LINES AND MUSIC ACTUALLY ISN’T THAT HARD. ONCE YOU GET INTO IT, IT COMES PRETTY NATURALLY. THE HARD PART IS NAILING THE DANCE NUMBER BY ITSELF. - SENIOR KALEB WOOD
Senior Kaleb Wood reacts to junior Annie Taggart’s performance. | photo by annie hayes
“The boys really impressed me this year. The show relied on the males and they worked so hard. I saw so many guys with great rhythm and dance moves that I had no idea that they had. It made me so proud to see some of the younger kids step up. I think this show has been a great confidence booster, especially for the boys because they’re getting leadership opportunities,” said junior Annie Taggart, who played Lola in the show. When it gets down to crunch time, the students rely on one another for help. “We establish leaders in the group because I can’t be here every minute. Students will go to those leaders when they
Main characters begin rehearsals
2017
nov 27
nov 6-7 Auditions
need help with a number. There really does come a point when the kids actually know it better than I do,” said Brassea. The show truly comes together when all the pieces are combined. “Bringing the singing, dancing, and pit orchestra together is awesome. Seeing them on stage with choreography and listening to the music… it’s a full body experience,” said pit orchestra member, sophomore Gabriella Fischer. In the end, it comes down to the final bow and there’s a sense of sadness and relief: a huge part of students’ lives has come to a close.
Chorus begins rehearsals
dec 16
dec 20
Pit orchestra begins rehearsals
2018
Students perform “Damn Yankees”
jan 25-27
looking forward >>
jan
Cast starts blocking (blocking is where to stand on stage)
one acts February 22-24 “leading ladies” April 5-6
IN DEPTH
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PYLON FEBRUARY 14, 2018
Put a
ring on it
Senior Shadden Zapata shows off her wedding ring. Zapata married her husband in July of 2017. photo by saria taylor
S e n i o r S h a d d e n Z a p at a S h a re s h e r M a rr i a g e E x p e r i e n c e i n h i g h s c h o o l by saria taylor pylon reporter It is a common assumption that when a high school couple get married it is because the girlfriend is pregnant. But in senior Shadden Zapatas’ case, she got married for something more than that. Zapata got married in high school because she knew that she wanted her husband for the rest of her life and wanted to do things right. Being a couple of God, she felt that they should have His approval before becoming more intimate. “I got married because I really knew I loved him and he was the right guy,” Zapata said.
Sex outside of marriage goes against Zapata’s religious beliefs. For her, when you date somebody, you should have time to get to know each other and learn about their interests and favorite things. She also believes that a couple should wait until after marriage to consummate their relationship. Zapata firmly believes having sex with your boyfriend or girlfriend before marriage is an unwise decision because you don’t know your boyfriend or girlfriend that well and you don’t know if they wouldn’t just use you. She thinks that sex should wait until after marriage because she feels that you need to value
PYLON FEBRUARY 14, 2018
HE KNEW I WAS THE ONE, AND I KNEW HE WAS THE ONE SO WE GOT MARRIED. I KNOW THIS WILL BE FOREVER. - SENIOR SHADDEN ZAPATA yourself and not let anyone get physical with you until you know in your heart that your partner is the one. “Having sex is something so personal and intimate; you
IN DEPTH
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have to value yourself and make sure that person is the one you want forever,” Zapata said. Zapata suggests that couples take it slow, get to know the person before their relationship gets more serious so they know what each other’s values are and forming a special bond with the person. Most people think a wedding ring just symbolizes you being married; but for Zapata, her interpretation of the ring is that it’s a connection to the other person and a promise to God that can never be broken. “He knew I was the one, and I knew he was the one, so we got married. I know this will be forever,” Zapata said.
STUDENT LIFE
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PYLON FEBRUARY 14, 2018
Sadie’s Ballot Inclusion New system allows whole school to vote by Morgan Dolton pylon editor Five girls and five boys line the basketball court who wins because if they don’t know the candias voices cheer and cameras snap pictures. As dates, I don’t think they will vote,” Fuller said. the announcer declares the winner, a loud apHowever, senior Sandy Dao, one of the Sadie’s plause fills the brick house. However, this year’s candidates, believes that including the entire Sadie’s crowning is unique: the king and queen school may influence who receives the sparkly are chosen by the whole school, as opposed to crown. their senior peers. “Including the whole school is really different Originally, juniors and seniors elected five king and it definitely could change the game of who and queen candidates while seniors voted for the wins because you have to know underclassmen winner. Recently, however, STUCO representas well. Being a senior, it could be difficult to atives and sponsors decided to alter the voting know underclassmen if you’re not involved in system, opening much or if you don’t the ballot to entire siblings that are “WE DECIDED TO CHANGE THE END have school. Currentunderclassmen,” Dao VOTING TO OPEN UP THE POOL OF ly, all grades are said. allowed to vote By opening the inVOTERS AND INCLUDING ALL THE for the winner vitation to all grades, GRADES DOES THAT.” through an online this will be the only ballot. time freshmen and - STUCO SPONSOR, JENNIFER HEDBERG “We decided to sophomores will be change the end allowed to vote for voting to open up the pool of voters, and includcandidates for remainder of the school year. ing all the grades does that,” STUCO sponsor, Only juniors and seniors are only allowed to Jennifer Hedberg said. attend prom, therefore, underclassmen will not Freshman Karter Fuller supports the new chanbe allowed to vote for queen and king according ges, and is looking forward towards casting her to junior class sponsor, math teacher and prom vote because it gives her class a chance to becoordinator, Anna Voth. come more involved in dance nominations. Fuller Yet, two will be crowned Sadie’s king and believes there will not be a large enough pool of queen during the basketball games Feb. 16, freshman voters to influence the outcome. reflecting the votes of the entire school. “I think it would be difficult for some people to “I’m excited to see how this goes because vote if they don’t really know the candidates bewe’ve never done it before. It’ll be cool to know cause they don’t know them personally; they only how many underclassmen will actually participate know their reputations. I don’t think it will affect in the voting,” Dao said.
PYLON FEBRUARY 14, 2018
STUDENT LIFE
15
Senior Ellie Cobb casts her vote for Sadie’s queen and king, using an online ballot. photo by Morgan Dolton
FEATURE STORY
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PYLON FEBRUARY 14, 2018
hi-tech
love how technology has changed the way we date by chloe guillot | pylon editor
FEATURE STORY
PYLON FEBRUARY 14, 2018
There is a standard that people strive for in relationships. We often imagine a Nicholas Sparks romance with kisses in the rain and dreamy dates at sunset. But as technology continues to advance, the reality of dating becomes less like a Nicholas Sparks movie and more like an episode of “Black Mirror”. Technology has dramatically changed the way teenagers view relationships, whether it is through social media, texting or online dating. There are more opportunities to connect with people, but these connections can be abused. Technology has forged a relationship between the seven billion people who live in the world, but it has also disconnected this generation from the world that once was.
EVOLUTION OF DATING
Classic photos from the 1960s and 70s portray young couples in short skirts and ties, attending a movie or having a picnic in the park. These photos are held up as a perfect example of the high school experience, but high schoolers have changed as society has evolved. According to the Atlantic, 56 percent of high school seniors reported going on a date in 2015. That number was at nearly 85 percent for Baby Boomers and Gen Xers, indicating that dating is substantially less common for people in this generation. Senior Jake Geisen believes that this decline may stem from the way that dating has evolved in the last few decades. “I don’t think that relationships are more important now than in the past. It’s a different kind of relationship, so it’s not necessarily as important,” Geisen said. For some, the dramatic decline in dating is hard to imagine, especially considering the pressure that today’s teenagers face when it comes to beauty and acceptance. Junior Kaitlynn Lawrence believes that many girls are affected by this pressure, which has actually increased the importance on dating in high school. “I feel like girls think that they need somebody to be happy in life,” Lawrence said. The desire to be happy and the decline in teenage relationships seem to contradict each other, but the rise of social media in the 21st century has led to a new kind of acceptance: “likes.” In today’s society, a “like” on social media is equivalent to human reassurance, paving the way for individuals to achieve the love and acceptance that they strive for without the work of entering a romantic relationship. Most teenagers today spend more time on their phones than with friends, and in a Pew Data Research survey, only 25 percent of teenagers reported spending time with friends outside of school on a daily basis. With the rise of technology, the need to leave the house has declined, thus decreasing the number of teengers in relationships.
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For those already in a relationship, social media has provided a new outlet for expression. “A lot of people know more about your relationship because it’s all over social media. You can share your relationship with people,” Geisen said. Freedom of expression on social media comes with dangers, especially for those in relationships. Social media activity can sometimes lead to mild disagreements or dramatic breakups. In 2013, a study conducted through the University of Missouri found that surveyors between the ages of 18 and 82 all agreed that Facebook has significantly increased the probability of a couple breaking up due to jealousy. This jealousy has only expanded with the introduction of new technology. A simple Instagram like can be the catalyst for a two-day argument, and Snapchat best friends have crumbled a handful of relationships. Aside from jealousy, technology has changed the way relationships function. While relationships once required
A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW MORE ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP BECAUSE IT’S ALL OVER SOCIAL MEDIA. YOU CAN SHARE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH PEOPLE. - SENIOR JAKE GEISEN face-to-face contact, technology now allows people to interact on a digital level. For this reason, Freshman Liam Foley believes that technology has negatively affected dating. “People won’t talk to you in person. They just text you,” Foley said. Whether it is asking someone out on a date or breaking up, technology has helped teenagers avoid many awkward conversations that teenagers face. Geisen recognizes the occasional benefit of this detached form of communication. “I would prefer to be asked on a date in person, but it could be awkward if you don’t want to go on a date with the person because then you have to reject them to your face,” Geisen said.
ONLINE DATING
Online dating eliminates the need for a difficult conversation all together. Some people can be in a relationship for two years without ever speaking to the person whom they are dating, although those stories are usually only heard on shows like “Catfish.” Nevertheless, online dating websites and apps have allowed people to interact on a platform that did not exist 30 years ago.
FEATURE STORY
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PYLON FEBRUARY 14, 2018
Nearly seven percent of Central students report using an online dating site. The reality that a significant other can be met on an app instead of in person has changed the dating landscape. According to Psychology Today, it is estimated that in 2071, 70 percent of relationships will begin online. Online dating websites put a heavy emphasis on looks, as many people make their judgements based on a profile picture. For apps like Tinder, looks are the driving factor behind matches, popularizing the phrase “swipe left.” Tinder has even implemented an “ELO score”, which is essentially a rating system that tracks how likable you are based on how many times people swipe left or right on your pictures. These kinds of dating algorithms may feed into the idea that only attractive people have relationships, thus discouraging some people from trying. Lawrence believes that the negative effect of technology on relationships has manifested itself in the art of catfishing. “Social media has had a negative effect because there are people catfishing other people online,” Lawrence said. Online catfishing is a problem that previous generations have never faced. In 2017, Facebook estimated that between 2-3 percent of accounts were fake, translating to around 270 million accounts. Individuals on dating websites like Match and eHarmony often present lies in their profiles, leading to unexpected encounters on first dates. For people looking for love online, the dangers of interacting with a fake person are growing. Although online relationships can lead to lifelong connections, the problems associated with the online dating world have certainly changed the dating landscape.
DECREASE IN SEX Many high school movies portray sex as the ultimate act of rebellion. In the movie “Easy A”, Emma Stone stars as a teenage girl who faces discrimination at school due to rumors about her sexual encounters. In the upcoming movie “Blockers”, a group of parents race to stop their teenage children from having sex on prom night. The reality is that sex is becoming less common in today’s society. In fact, according to a report from the Center for Disease Control, the amount of teenagers who reported having sex decreased by nearly 14 percent from 1991 to 2015. Although it may seem like everyone is having sex, today’s generation is becoming less and less sexual. While sex was once viewed as an act of rebellion, it has become so normalized in today’s society that there is no longer the same thrill attached. Sex has become such a common topic that most teenagers feel like it is a commonly accepted part of today’s society, with 85 percent of surveyed students reporting that they think more teenagers are having sex than ever before. Statistics show that the opposite is true.
In addition to the fact that sex is no longer a taboo subject, technology has also played a part in the decrease in sexual activity. While some may argue that the popularity of internet porn may play a roll, the consensus of psychologists tends to be that teenagers are simply too busy on their phones to engage in risky behavior. Along with a decrease in sexual activity, today’s teenagers also drink less and do less drugs. A night spent watching Netflix or browsing through Twitter is a more common activity than a night spent having sex. This decrease in sexual activity has also led to a decrease in teen pregnancies, with the teen birth rate down by 67 percent since the last peak in 1991 (Atlantic). This decline can also be attributed to easier access to condoms and birth control. In the midst of a dangerous world, today’s teenagers are taking less risks than previous generations. However, today’s teenagers face a different problem: mental health.
CAUSE OF DEPRESSION In 2011, for the first time in 24 years, the teen suicide rate was higher than the teen homicide rate (Atlantic). Since then, teen depression and suicide numbers have continued to skyrocket. Relationships have declined and technology use has increased, which has been a dangerous concoction for isolation and depression. Today’s teenagers are on the verge of one of the worst mental health crises in recent history, and technology is one of the driving factors. With technology replacing human interaction, teenagers are becoming increasingly disconnected from reality. Individuals can become caught in the world of social media, suffering the the effects of feeling like there’s always something going on that they are not a part of, or “FOMO” (fear of missing out). These high levels of depression can also affect teen relationships, seeing as people who live in isolation are less likely to interact with people. However, dating could present a solution to these levels of depression, as romantic relationships offer the opportunity to engage with someone in a meaningful way. “I think dating in high school is worth it because you get a certain connection with somebody that you don’t get from friends,” Geisen said. But dating is not the only way to escape feelings of isolation, and technology is not the only cause. Today’s teens face a significant amount of pressure to succeed in school, sports, extracurriculars, jobs and relationships while also trying to plan for the future. With the all of the pressures of daily life, dating can sometimes be overwhelming. Until teenagers find a way to balance fifteen responsibilities at once, the importance of teenage relationships may continue to dwindle.
*150 students were surveyed during random M1 classes on February 5
PYLON FEBRUARY 14, 2018
FEATURE STORY
“DATING IN THE 21ST CENTURY
IS LIKE WALKING THROUGH A MAZE.” - SENIOR JAKE GEISEN
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sports BRIEFS
20
winter sports
briefs feedback from some of centrals’ top athletes
PYLON february 14, 2018
girls basketball
boys basketball
“I think that our team’s chemistry this season is unbeatable and that every game whether we win or lose we are growing stronger. Season goals is just get better over all and develop both individually and as a team, but to also make it to state.”
“Our season has been good so far but it could’ve been better with two tough losses at Derby early in the season and Goddard Eisenhower. Our goals for post season are to make a run at state and past the first round which we have not been able to get past in the last couple years.”
-Sophomore Peyton Griffin
-Junior Ben Driver
in the spotlight by holly sanderson | pylon reporter
Rec basketball players were asked random questions to get an insight on who they really are.
sports briefs
PYLON february 14, 2018
wrestling
bowling
boys swimming
“The wrestling season has been going pretty well. We have had good structure as a team and as wrestlers. We have lost a few wrestlers due to injuries, but we keep pushing forward. A lot has to do with our coaches and how hard they push us every day. We are going to regionals this weekend, and should have a few go to state.”
“Our boys and girls are awesome this season with varsity boys already with a win at Andover. We expect more wins in the near future, and our goal is to take both boys and girls to state this year. Our team is united and amped up to perform well this season.”
“So far the season has gone by quickly, but this season has been great. Many of the new, and the experienced swimmers have improved this year and are on their way to become great athletes. I hope in the postseason that the team will maintain a respectful mind set and further themselves into becoming athletes.”
-Sophomore Kray True
-Senior Jill Coykendall
-Sophomore Stoughton Wintholz
Player : Ryan Sanborn
Player: Keaton Beach
Player: Matt Goldammer
Player: Luis Sotelo
Team: Warriors (Navy) Position: A center that thinks he is a guard
Team: Pelicans (Tan) Position: A small forward that only shoots 3’s
Team: Lakers (Yellow) Position: A very aggressive center
What celebrity would you rate a perfect 10? Camilla Mendes
What celebrity would you rate a perfect 10? Camilla Mendes
What celebrity would you rate a perfect 10? Taylor Swift
Team: Timberwolves (Green) Position: A football player on the basketball court
What is the best and worst purchase you have ever made? My best would be my baseball stuff. The worst, is salsaghetti.
What is the best and worst purchase you have ever made? My Xbox is the best purchase, worst was my hoverboard.
What is the best and worst purchase you have ever made? Best is food, my worst was a pair of Lebron 12’s because they hurt my ankles.
Are you a mama’s boy or daddy’s boy? Daddy’s
Are you a mama’s boy or daddy’s boy? Mama’s boy
What song gets you in the feels? Anything country
What song gets you in the feels? Love, feat Zacari by Kendrick Lamar
What is the dumbest way you’ve been injured? When I was four, a door fell on top of me so then I broke my leg.
What is the dumbest way you’ve been injured? I hit my head on a soccer goal post and got a concussion.
Are you a mama’s boy or daddy’s boy? Daddy’s What song gets you in the feels? Any song by Russ What is the dumbest way you’ve been injured? I tripped in football practice and broke my hand.
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What celebrity would you rate a perfect 10? Jennifer Lopez What is the best and worse purchase you have ever made? My best purchase would be my car. The worst, a pellet gun. Are you a mama’s boy or daddy’s boy? Daddy’s boy What song gets you in the feels? I Fall Apart What is the dumbest way you’ve been injured? I was wearing heelies, and I fell on my back. I got really mad so I burned them.
athletes sports
PYLON | february 14, 2018
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by ryan dix | pylon reporter Mike Hall has officially resigned as the head coach of the football team after 12 years of leading the program due to health issues caused by the stress of the football season. “I have to get my stress level under control and figure out some things before I can come back to coaching,” said Hall. Hall still plans to teach at the school, though he is not sure what he will teach. However, he knows he’ll spend his free time in the fall supporting his kids in the activities they participate in. School athletic director Greg Maring is leading the way in the hunt for a new coach. “We have a lot of inquiries and I feel very good about the applicants we have so far,” Maring said. Though there is no set date, Maring would like to have the job filled as soon as possible. Candidates include former Central football standouts Jake Sharp and Taylor Counts. Jake Sharp was a running back for Central from 2001 to 2005. He won two state championships as a player and holds multiple rushing records for the Mustangs. Sharp also played four years at the University of Kansas and won the Discover Orange Bowl in 2008. The only Orange Bowl the University has ever won. Since finishing school, Sharp has come back to Salina and started a business, Sharp Performance, where he trains young athletes including multiple Central football players. Sharp has confirmed he has applied for the head coaching job here and thinks he would be a great fit for the job. “I think I have a true interest in the youth of Salina and the alma mater that has given me so much. I would just love to give something back to the school.” Sharp said. Another Central graduate applying for the job is former fullback and linebacker, Taylor Counts.
other candidates eric clayton
Coach Clayton is entering his nineteenth year coaching football and twelfth season with the Mustangs. Coach Clayton coaching stops include Southeast of Saline, Bethany College, and the Salina Bombers/Salina Liberty
mike kilgore Coach Kilgore was born and raised in Salina, Kansas where he graduated from Salina Central High School. Kilgore Currently coaches offensive line for the Mustangs.
Counts played under Hall from 2005 to 2009 and started at fullback as a freshman for the 2005 Mustang state championship team. Counts went on to continue his football career at Pittsburg State University and won a national title in 2011. Counts has always been interested in coaching football and becoming a head coach. “Anybody that knows me knows that I’ve always wanted to be a football coach,” Counts said. Counts is excited for the opportunity to be the head football coach at his alma mater and wants every player to experience what he was able to experience as a Mustang football player. “I can’t think of a better opportunity then to have a chance to come back and help start a new chapter for the Salina Central football program,” Counts said. There are many other possible candidates for the head coaching position, including another Central standout, David Diener. Diener started three years for the Mustangs including an undefeated state championship season his senior year in 2005. Diener is also Central’s all time leading tackler. Diener is the offensive coordinator for the Gardner-Edgerton Trailblazers and is coaching alongside his father and former Central head coach, Marvin Diener. Other candidates include Solomon High School head football coach, Steve Tiernan, and Pratt High School head football coach, Jamie Cruce. Tiernan’s team went 5-4 last season and was knocked out in the first round of the playoffs by Victoria High School; Cruce’s team was 7-2 last season and was also knocked out in the first round of the playoffs coming off of a state championship season in 2016. Coach Hall’s shoes will be hard to fill. Many members of the faculty and students have expressed their thanks to Hall for all of the hard work he has put in for the team over the past 12 years as head coach.
jamie cruce
Jamie Cruce was the head football coach at Bethany College 2007 to 2012. Cruce is now the head coach at Pratt High School where they won the 2016 4A State Championship
david diener
David Diener is the son of former Central head coach Marvin Diener. He started at linebacker for the Mustangs on the ‘05 state champiosnhip team Diener currently coaches at Gardner Edgerton.
IN DEPTH
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PYLON FEBRUARY 14, 2018
TRUMPED UP STUDENTS AND TEACHERS RELFECT ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S FIRST YEAR IN OFFICE BY MALCOLM BERKLEY | PYLON REPORTER
It’s somewhat fitting that on the anniversary of Donald Trump’s first year in office, the U.S. government was temporarily shut down, an excellent example of how different his presidency has been compared to his predecessors in the oval office. It would have been very reasonable to assume that Trump’s term in office (at least his first 365 days) would not play out like anything
ever seen by the American public, what with Trump having held no previous political or military office, owning a reality television show, participating in WWE matches, and amassing a fortune as a businessman while filing for bankruptcy not once, but six times. But whether his remarkable presidency has been a success or a failure so far is up to interpretation.
IN DEPTH
PYLON FEBRUARY 14, 2018
During his polarizing campaign, he engaged in many entertaining battles of insults, often with political rivals and famous celebrities, including his highly publicized clash with Marco Rubio about hand size. Donald Trump, like any other presidential candidate, made several promises. With the words “make America great again” always present, he pledged to bring the Gross Domestic Product from one percent up to four percent, cut taxes, build a wall on the U.S-Mexican border, crackdown on illegal immigration, repeal the Affordable Health Care Act, and opt out of certain trade deals. Admittedly, most politicians don’t deliver on all their promises, especially during their first year in office. Nonetheless, it is important to observe how Trump has fared on the major issues he put great emphasis on. “I think it was a good year in all honesty. Our economic growth is unparalleled, jobs are increasing, and President Trump’s tax plan is already showing great advancements,” junior Jeb Allen said. Certainly, the economy has done well. According to BBC News, “the jobless rate hit a 17 year low of 4.1 percent in October and has remained there… after 81 consecutive months of growth.” The GOP tax bill was also a boost for Republicans, as it greatly reduced the corporate tax rate and temporarily lowered taxes for the majority of Americans. The Trump administration also made other major decisions such as bombing ISIS, helping veterans, withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and Paris climate accord, taking steps toward ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals amnesty program, and
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stricter immigration tactics. On the other hand, many celebrities, politicians, media agencies and everyday people have been very critical of Donald Trump’s presidency. Numerous people complain of his unpresidential actions, such as his constant tweeting and perceived childish demeanor. “He should first get off Twitter and grow up,” said English teacher Teree Rohleder. “How do we get out of the mess we’re in, and how soon will it happen? Do we still have the integrity to move past this fiasco called the ‘Trump Presidency’?” Though the economy may be growing, the “never Trumpers” blame the administration for several serious issues. The primary concern is an ongoing FBI investigation into alleged Russian interference in the election. Along with that, NPR states that “the nation’s carbon dioxide emissions rose, and the amount of student debt grew by $47 billion.” Other difficulties have emerged - foreign relations, race relations, environmental harm, and more. With so much controversy, politics has become a topic where proper judgement is impossible. Whether one supports Trump or not, it is indisputable that he brought a new world-shattering identity to the White House during his first year in office. Controversy has followed his every move, but accomplishments and achievements have still followed. It remains to be seen if this unpredictable man can bring our divided nation together or further the growing gap in American society with his lack of political experience and unorthodox tactics.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS TRAVEL BAN | JANUARY 27, 2017 Trump passes the first draft of the travel ban through an executive order.
DACA | SEPTEMBER 5, 2017 Trump ends DACA, a program for children of undocumented immigrants.
NEIL GORSUCH | JANUARY 27, 2017 Trump nominates Neil Gorsuch for a position in the Supreme Court.
ROCKET MAN | SEPTEMBER 19, 2017 Trump refers to North Korean leader Kim Jung Un as “rocket man” in a speech at the United Nations.
COMEY FIRED | MAY 9, 2017 Trump fires James Comey, the director of the FBI, over the mishandling of Hillary Clinton’s emails.
TWITTER TAKEDOWN | NOVEMBER 2, 2017 Trump’s personal Twitter account is deactivated for 11 minutes by an employee.
COVFEFE | MAY 31, 2017 Trump mispells a word in a tweet, leading to an instant meme.
TAX CUT | DECEMBER 22, 2017 Trump officially signs a $1.5 trillion tax cut into law, the first major cut in decades.
PARIS AGREEMENT | JUNE 1, 2017 Trump withdraws the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement.
SHUTDOWN | JANUARY 20, 2018 The House fails to agree on a budget, leading to a government shutdown. *facts from Time.com
info graphic
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PYLON FEBRUARY 14, 2018
T HE
OLY M P I C S
DATE: FEBRUARY 9-25
LOCATION: SOUTH KOREA SLOGAN: “PASSION. CONNECTED.”
THE 2018 MEDALS ARE THE HEAVIEST MEDALS IN OLYMPIC HISTORY
30%
50% OF STUDENTS SAY THEY WILL WATCH THE OLYMPICS
GOLD 1.29 LBS
SILVER 1.28 LBS
OF STUDENTS SAY SNOWBOARDING IS THEIR FAVORITE EVENT
BRONZE 1.09 LBS
2800 ATHLETES FROM
90 COUNTRIES
EVENTS
$$$
THE OLYMPICS ARE ESTIMATED TO COST $10 BILLION
$$$
BOBSLEIGH | LUGE | SKELETON | ICE HOCKEY | FIGURE SKATING | LONG TRACK SPEED SKATING | SHORT TRACK SPEED SKATING | CURLING | ALPINE SKIING | FREESTYLE SKIING | SNOWBOARDING | BIATHLON | CROSS-COUNTY SKIING | SKI JUMPING | NORDIC COMBINED
102 MEDALS WILL BE AWARDED *statistics from CNN and Parade | 150 students were surveyed during random M1 classes on February 5
PYLON FEBRUARY 14, 2018
Come and join us for a meaningful night of celebrating the story of kindness in Salina, Kansas. Meet the people who are making a difference in your community.
March 10 | 7 - 9 pm | Salina Innovation Center Find us on Facebook for more information and buy your tickets today!
BeKind, the Gala
Dagney’s Ice Cream Taste the difference!
Downtown Salina Corner of Iron & Santa Fe
promotions & advertisements
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editorials opinion
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pylon february 14, 2018
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taking control of our birth control
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You should be in charge of what goes in your body
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FEMALE STAFFERS HAVE TAKEN BIRTH CONTROL.
13/13 STAFFERS AGREE THAT FEMALES SHOULD HAVE ACCESS TO BIRTH CONTROL.
by madeline paradis | pylon editor I was twelve-years-old when I first started taking birth control. My periods were extremely irregular and I even became anemic from them which is why I made the decision to go on the pill. It helped regulate my period, cleared up most of my acne, shortened my period from weeks long to just a few days, and stopped me from getting cramps. I eventually went off of it after taking it for 3 years but I definitely found that it solved all the issues I was having. When the doctor mentioned birth control to my parents, they were hesitant at first but then allowed me to start taking it after we had talked about all of its risks and effects. I understood their hesitation and was glad they made sure I understood what I was doing, but ultimately it was my decision. Although I wasn’t sexually active while I was on it, I can see the huge appeal of birth control for someone who is. Having safe sex is something that is preached to us from the beginning of our sex education and con-
doms aren’t the most reliable choice. Some parents believe that going on birth control encourages teenagers to become sexually active or have more sex, but ultimately if they want to have sex they will. Parents should be helping their kids in making decisions towards safer sex, not preventing them from it. There has been talk about getting birth control that you can pick up in any drug store without having to visit the doctor. Although this would be helpful for girls whose parents won’t let them take the pill, they may not get the information they need to safely and effectively take it. If you think that birth control may be the right decision for you, make sure you see a doctor and discuss everything with them and your parent. Having healthy, safe sex and not dealing with an unwanted pregnancy is extremely important for a positive relationship, not only between you and your partner but also with your parents and friends. You should be the one deciding what goes into your body because it is yours, not someone else’s.
pylon february 14, 2018
by montana McCullum | pylon reporter
TIDE
The Tide ad combines other TV commercials into one, making you think it is an ad for car insurance, beer or perfume, but “it’s just a Tide ad.”
AMAZON Alexa loses her voice in this super bowl ad Starring Gordon Ramsay, Cardi B, Rebel Wilson and Anthony Hopkins, who are the voices behind “Alexa” while she’s sick. My favorite part in the commercial is when Cardi B starts singing “Bodak Yellow” when someone asks her to play country music.
DORITOS & MOUNTAIN DEW
The battle between the new Doritos Blaze and Mountain Dew Ice begin with an epic rap battle between Morgan Freeman and Peter Dinklage. I liked this ad because Morgan Freeman is in it and he is a legend.
M&M’S
Danny DeVito stars in this ad as the classic red M&M after he says he wants to be a human. He casually walks around the streets of the city asking people who wants to eat him. My favorite part is when Danny gets hit by a bus and the brown M&M says “you dropped your lucky penny.”
THE VOICE
Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson and Alicia Keys are all judges on the hit reality singing competition “The Voice.” This ad takes place at “Blake’s Cabin” where everyone is dressed in country style clothing just like Blake. Everyone gathers in a field at the end and sings in harmony. My favorite part is Adam Levine trying to be country, because he’s the complete opposite.
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kudos
&
by Maria Gutierrez | junior
The following are situations in which our faculty, students and others deserve praise for a 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.
callouts
super bowl super commericals
editorials opinion
KUDOS -You know I’ll be at the store tomorrow buying Valentine’s candy on sale -Papa John’s heart-shaped pizza for the win - Jim Hardy for cancelling school twice... The true MVP this year - The “Damn Yankees” cast and the orchestra for killing it -Only 30 more days until spring break - The art department for getting 33 Scholastic awards #wow CALLOUTS -I can’t even get my dog to take me out on a date for V-Day -Why are all the big tables on the freshmen side of the lunch room? Size matters and the upper classmen want the long tables - What exactly is “international” about the International Line? - Ice on my car window (warning: I am driving with zero visibility) - People who smoke in the bathroom. Math class sucks enough without cigarette smoke penetrating my nostrils - Santa Cruz closing. I can’t even
editorials opinion
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PYLON february 14, 2018
letter to the editor
Dear Editor, There’s a problem that I need to address not only for me but also for my fellow peers at Salina Central. Two words. Dress. Code. Students should be allowed to dress as they feel in accordance with which best represents their personality. Especially in this age group everyone needs the chance to express individuality, it’s important! As long as the attire the students choose to wear to school is, “school appropriate”, meaning no profanity, discrimination, or anything scandalous visible within the outfit; the student should be able to wear it. For instance,
female’s shoulders are NOT at all “distracting”. Students at South High who are also in the same district as students at Central should have the same dress code. It’s only fair. At South students can wear crop-tops, bandanas, shirts that “show shoulder”, and most importantly hats. We, the students of Salina Central, should be allowed the same freedoms to express ourselves as the students of South High are allowed. If the students’ families let their children leave home in the attire they have on then they should be allowed to keep it on. I know I have bad hair days or am
running late pretty often as I’m sure a lot of us do. If only I could quickly slip on a hat in the mornings maybe then I wouldn’t have so many tardies. As long as there are no graphic images, profanity, or discriminative attributes within the attire chosen to wear by the student he or she should have the freedom to wear it. Our school definitely doesn’t need more discrimination just a better and more fair dress code, especially towards the female students. We are high school students. We can decide what is and what isn’t appropriate to wear to school and we deserve the ability to express. by chloe pettijohn | junior
broken promises cartoon by madeline paradis | pylon editor
status quotes
PYLON FEBRUARY 14, 2018
STATUS QUOTES The following quotes were heard around the school by members of the Pylon staff
I IDENTIFY AS A SLOTH BECAUSE I TOO SCREAM AND TRIP OVER MY OWN LIMBS. ISN’T LITHIEUM WHAT’S IN OUR PENCILS?
HAVE I TOLD YOU ABOUT THE FRESHMAN THAT LOOKS LIKE A CHICKEN NUGGET? DON’T TOUCH ME; I DON’T KNOW WHAT KIND OF STDS YOU HAVE. I DON’T FEEL LIKE A HUMAN; I FEEL LIKE A LAWNCHAIR.
CAN YOU PLAY SOME REAL MUSIC, LIKE HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL?
I FOUND THOSE PICTURES BURIED IN THE CLOUDS.
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