THE PYLON
PY
Vol. 96, Iss. 3 | Salina Central High School | 650 E. Crawford St. | Salina KS, 67401 | January 31, 2020
ST CKING OUT
BEING A SORE THUMB IS GIVING STUDENTS THE UPPER HAND ON GETTING INTO COLLEGE PGS 20-22
January 31, 2020 || Pylon
2 || Contents Page
Account highlight Sophomore Madi Suenram recently created an Instagram photography account to post her photos from her sessions. Suenram started her own photography business but is currently not charging anything because she is still learning and wanting to improve her skills. She has recently taken senior pictures, family photos and has done some photos with her friends. “I just find it super fun and I love editing,� Suenram said. || photo by Madi Suenram
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.
Pylon || January 31, 2020
Juniors Olivia Wright and Avery Smith share their unique style.
WINTER
Student Life || 3
Lookbook g
January 31, 2020 || Pylon
Photography by Ella Eaton
4 || Student Life
“I feel like my style is very soft, but bold. I wear minimalistic outfits, but each one is different and vibrant. I put effort into my style because it’s honestly an art form and if I had a choice between looking dull and looking like art, I’d choose art. For the shoot, I wore one outfit that was more chic and out there. It was a white ruffle crop top with flare jeans, diamond studded kitten heels, a brown leather bag, tiny sunglasses and a clear studded belt. I liked the big city feel of that one. The second outfit I wore was much softer and youthful. It was a purple satin slip dress with velvet detailing and a corset back with white chunky sneakers, a chain belt and purple under eye shadow. I loved this look because it was urban but had a really feminine feel. I like putting two opposing styles together and creating something with a different perspective,” junior Avery Smith said.
Pylon || January 31, 2020
Student Life || 5
“My style is based mainly on the ‘60s and ‘70s. I love experimenting with different styles. I tend to go more outside someone’s regular comfort zone with clothes. On of the most special things about my style is I know there is no one else here that dresses like me It makes me really stand out. I will wear the most outrageous outfits. Everyone thinks that there is a line in fashion that you shouldn’t cross, but I like to push those boundaries. I love getting compliments from older folks about how they haven’t seen on outfit like mine in decades. I like to wear things that haven’t been in styles for decades, but i definitely do have my off days where I just throw on a hoodie. I’d describe myself and my style as larger than life,” Junior Olivia Wright said.
“ I’d describe myself and my style as larger than life.” Junior Olivia Wright
6 || Photostory
January 31, 2020 || Pylon
Search
#stanghighlights
Pylon || January 31, 2020
Student Life || 7 Pylon
life
360
PARENTS USE APP TO TRACK STUDENTS LOCATION, SPEED, LIFE || story by Violet Arb Life360 is an app primarily used as a tracker, for parents to monitor their children. What they do, where they go, even how fast they are traveling. Sometimes when a parent makes their child install the app on their phone, it can be upsetting. Feeling like the app is more of a nuisance than a helper, some people have found ways around the tracking system in order to sneak out. Such as installing the app on another device, like an IPad, then leaving it at home so you can take your phone out with you. Freshman Phoebe Montena’s parents use the app to track her, “When I first had it installed on my phone I was like, ‘Do they really not trust me? Do I need to be tracked? I mean is this all really necessary? Then later on with it I felt better about it because I knew they could track my driving and where it was, so I thought that might make them
36%
of student’s gaurdians track their location through their phone.
trust me more.’” Tracking apps may not work on some students, “I feel like it will work with some kids, but then there’s also some kids that really don’t care if they break the rules or not so I don’t think it would work with them,” Montena said. More teens are becoming comfortable with sharing their location according to a survey by the Life360 company. 86 percent were okay with it especially because of the app’s safety features. Life360 comes with crash detection technology and emergency contact on its Driver Protect plan, so if you are involved in a major collision, someone will contact you to make sure you’re okay. They will also call someone on your emergency contact list that you set up when you make an account. Roadside Assistance is also included in order to assist in situations like towing, flat tires engine jumpstarts running out of gas emergency weather advice minor accidents and being locked out of your vehicle. They’ll send someone to come help you out if you’ve gotten stuck somewhere. Not all teens are in favor of their parents tracking them, however. Senior Arran Wilson is not a fan. “My parents do track me with Life360 and I find it really annoying because it tells exactly what speed I‘m going when I drive, so they can see if I’m going too fast or something. They tell me it’s just as a safety thing, so they know where I am, but it’s definitely used more to restrict me.”
*160 students surveyed in random classes during January
8 || Sports Briefs
January 31, 2020 || Pylon
SPORTS BRIEFS
Here’s what you need to know to keep up with the Mustangs so far this winter season
BOYS SWIMMING
The boys swimming team has had a successful season, with many of the swimmers qualifying for state and league.
Sophomore Antonio Ruvalcaba swimming butterfly down the lane at his latest swimming meet. || photo by Ella Eaton
senior Lane Griffin’s time in the 100 Freestyle
59.64
GIRLS BASKETBALL
So far this season, the girls basketball team has a record of 9-2. With great determination, freshman Mykayla Cunningham races to score against Great Bend. Cunningham is a freshman on the varsity team and made an immediate impact early on in the season. || photo by Alex Morales
60-62
was the final score of the game against Derby. The girls team suffered a loss in a close game setting up a February rematch.
Sports Briefs || 9
Pylon || January 31, 2020
WRESTLING
Junior Rebekah Franklin is currently the only Central wrestler ranked in the state. Franklin sits at fourth in her weight class in the KWCA girls rankings.
Junior Slade Adam goes head-to-head with his opponent at the wrestling dual against Derby. Adam placed third at state last year, making him the highest placing returning wrestler. || photo by Kadyn Cobb
BOYS BASKETBALL
The Mustangs boys basketball team has had a tough season so far. Their record is 4-7, winning against Hutchinson, Valley Center, Goddard and Liberal. These three wins provide hope for similar success in the future.
Senior Aaron Watson goes up for a shot at a game against Salina South. || photo by Makenzie Maring
58-41
the final score against Buhler in the SIT tournament
BOWLING The bowling team has had an outstanding season. At a meet in Andover the varsity boys placed first with 2653 points in total. So far, the boys have won every meet this year.
4058
the amount of pins the girls bowling team had at one of their meets.
Freshman Keegen Gebhardt bowls at one of the meets at The Alley. Gebhardt is on the varsity team and bowled 670 at the Andover meet. || photo by Jason Duong
24
is the total points the girls wrestling team finished with at the High Junior Praire Classic
10 || Sports
January 31, 2020 || Pylon
things athletes can’t live without || Graphics by Marlie Coleman
“The one thing that I can not live without is my mom. She leaves a lot for work, and she’s the first one I talk to, she’s the first one I text. When she’s not home, I text her until she answers, she is the one person I can’t live without,” Sophomore Jenavie Powers
“The one thing I can’t live without is baby wipes because they solve all of my problems and help with all of the disgusting people that I have to be around every day, “ Sophomore Starlet Parham
“As an athlete I can’t live without my hair tie. I always have one on my wrist(except for when it’s in my hair) and it’s important for me to carry it around with me...it keeps me focused on the game instead of my hair,” Freshman Faith Rost
Pylon || January 31, 2020
Sports || 11
Players share their most crucial necessities to get through their athletic seasons “Well, obviously, I carry water in my water bottle to hydrate me throughout the day, but I also have stickers on my water bottle reminding me why I do what I do,” Junior Olivia Moore
“What I would say is important is a car or truck for transportation because it’s a way to get around to practices and stuff,” Senior Leo Torres
“I keep a Bible in my baseball bag because I feel closest to God, you know, when I’m playing baseball...I’ve had it in there since like 6th or 7th grade maybe,” Junior Dakota Hogan
12 || News
January 31, 2020 || Pylon
TORN TORN BETWEEN BETWEEN BETWEEN BELIEFS BELIEFS & REALITY & REALITY BELIEFS & REALITY
students differ on abortion beliefs while Kansas legislation may change mothers’ rights soon
|| photo illustration by Alex Morales
|| story by Jesus Jasso With the current state of the abortion laws in the U.S. and freedom women have to choose between keeping a baby or aborting it is an important topic that needs to be discussed. Two clinics, Christian Hospital Clinic and Planned Parenthood, both take approaches to help someone in this situation. One helps persuade and provide aid to those who choose to keep and the other helps with aborting the baby. Depending on impending Kansas legislation the rights of the agencies to assist or detour mothers with their abortion could be in jeopardy. Many have strong opinions on the subject while others remain neutral or change based on the situation. “I believe people should get an abortion, for example if they are raped they should not have to carry a child they did not want. But on the other hand, if the person was messing around and was aware of the consequences they should take responsibility,” senior Breanna Bolieu said. For people deciding whether abortion is right or wrong comes from many different reasons. Some people learn from their religion what they should believe about abortion. “From my religion, I knew abortion was wrong but I had never judged someone for getting an abortion. Basically, I didn’t really care too much about the topic or what people
did, however I just knew I was not for abortion,” senior Andrea Flores said. While others form their beliefs based on independence an individual has. “I think I’ve just always been pro-choice just because I don’t believe in controlling another person’s life,” junior Justice Gonzales said. Abortion continues to be debated on whether it should be allowed or whether there should be more restrictions on it. It seems it will always be a recurring topic and there will always be people on both sides stating reasons for their opinions. Although having your belief based on others is different from actually being put into that situation. “I got pregnant when I was sixteen. I was still in high school with no job or car, I wasn’t ready to be a mom. But because of my age, I couldn’t get an abortion without legal parent consent and I for sure knew I wasn’t going to get one from my family,” Flores explained. Unfortunately, many girls have been put into this situation having to face the question of abortion. Choosing to keep the baby will require them to have to balance work, school and having a child. They will have to
Pylon || January 31, 2020
News || 13
Concha’s column
a voice for the voiceless
Being raised as a Catholic, I have been taught that every life is valuable. When the man and the woman have intercourse that is the start of conception. We as humans don’t have the right to take away another human beings life in any circumstances. In the case of rape I would keep my child, because something beautiful can come out of something very tragic. Just because you are not having an abortion doesn’t mean you have to keep the baby you can always put your child up for adoption.
If you are willing to have unprotected sex then you should be ready enough to have a baby.
care for themselves and their children. But it could bring new joy into their lives and teach them new lessons. “Overall I’m glad I didn’t have that option back then because now I’m a mom to a little boy who has taught me and still continues to teach me so many things,” Flores said. Or perhaps choosing to get an abortion is better for their situation. They won’t have to worry about something changing in their life and another mouth to feed. They could continue on without the worry of taking care of another. But may have to face judgment from others or the disapproval by restrictions placed by the law. “Yet, I know a lot of times girls don’t always have the same support that I’ve had from my family with my son but there are resources out there. There are people who will listen to you and will help you make the right choice,” Flores said. Regardless if a person believes in pro-choice or pro-life, it is important to be informed on a decision one could have. People should learn more to prepare or avoid being in this situation. “With all this being said I don’t want anyone feeling like they have to do something they don’t want. I just want girls and boys to be well informed instead of jumping to ideas that may not be safe,” Flores said.
Well “the system is messed up,” is still not a reason to have an abortion. Some of us that were born into a family have had as much of a harsh life as those in the system. There is also plenty of people who cannot have a child and would love to adopt a baby. If I was pregnant and my life was in danger I would still have my baby. Just as your parents would die for you I would die for my future children. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the biggest reason in America to have an abortion is because the woman is not ready to have a baby. If you are willing enough to have unprotected sex, then you should be ready enough to have a baby. The baby shouldn’t have to pay for your immaturity.
57%
of students are pro-life
160 students were surveyed using Google forms during random classes from Jan. 24-27
14 || Opinion
HIDDEN
January 31, 2020 || Pylon
OF SALINA
LOCAL HITS THAT ARE THE BEST KEPT SECRETS
Trails
Seraphim Bread Looking for a sweet treat to suprise your friends with? Or a quick bite to eat for lunch? Seraphim Bread is the perfect spot. Located in the newly renovated alley near the Art Center, this bakery is putting out fresh goods every day. Location: 228C S Santa Fe Ave. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
If you’re looking for a trail to hike on, most people would travel outside of Salina to find one. Luckily, this spot is located right in town. These trails are the perfect spot to walk your dog, ride a bike, or stroll with a friend. You may even see some wildlife! Location: The end of E Cloud St. up the dike and to the right
Pylon || January 31, 2020
Opinion || 15
Sunset Park
Acoustic Sounds Inc.
Located on the north side of town, Acoustic Sounds is one of the largest record pressing companies in the world. Although you can only tour their facilities, they have an online store where they sell their records and equiptment. Location: 605 W North St.
With a biking/walking lane surrounding it, Sunset Park is the perfect place to spend an evening. There are waterfalls, a playground and picnic spaces. To the south of the park there is even an open field with soccer goals and baseball diamonds.
Hours: Weekdays 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday 11:30 - 3 p.m.
Location: 700 Sunset Dr. Hours: 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Nothing at the AMC theater interesting you? The Art Center Cinema shows new movies and documentaries every week. Location: 150 S Santa Fe Ave. Hours: Weekdays 5:30 p.m. Weekends 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Art Center Cinema
16 || Student Life
January 31, 2020 || Pylon
NEW YEAR
NEW LAW
Students speak out about
|| story by Violet Arb
breaking their vape addiction *Names changed for privacy Despite being told time and time again to be careful, teens predictably never listen. From a young age they’re told “Just say no” whenever they encounter risky situations. As of the writing of this article, the rise of vaping has led to the death of 57 people in the U.S. alone. Many were in their teens and early twenties, yet people across the U.S. continue to vape. “I’ve been vaping for three or four years… probably every day if not every other,” *said sophomore Bob Meyer. ”(Vaping is) solely for your own pleasure.” Meyer added. Beginning in the late 90’s, many companies developed vapes as an alternative to smoking. Originally, it was supposed to help those who had a history of smoking cut back in a controlled manner. As vaping grew in popularity, it became a recreational habit with teens; many learning vape tricks using juice with little to no nicotine. However, online popularity lead to teens emulating the hobby which helped bolster its commonality. “Vaping’s, like, a hell of a lot better than smoking,” *said senior John White. Now, many high schools across the U.S. are seeing a great increase in these products and it’s no wonder why. With the convenient size, and the fact that companies market vaping as safer than smoking, it’s as though they’re targeting teens. However, the statement of vapes being “safer” has been up for debate for a while, with recent studies published by the CDC showing that the chemical Vitamin E acetate found in THC cartridges has been linked to the hospitalization of 2,602 people and the death of nearly 60. Despite all of this, many teens knowingly continue to vape. This is most likely because of the addictive nature and vapes coming in easy to conceal shapes and sizes. || story by Lucas Nutter, pictures by Alex Morales
Pylon || January 31, 2020
the different concentrations of juice. For some people one or two pods isn’t enough for a day. This intense amount of chain vaping is what has led to the hospitalization of many people, due to partial or full collapse of their lungs. While most survive, they have to deal with the lung pain and strain they put on their lungs. “I am actually in the process of quitting and it’s going pretty well. Addiction is just a state of mind,” said *senior Ryan Shmidt. If the habit is cut off before any permanent damage sets in, the lungs can heal with time. With a full staff here at Central willing to offer their help to those struggling with addiction, there’s almost no reason not to quit. “I’ve had some kids come in here…or some that come in here with a friend(for help),” said student support counselor Kristin Menzies. Menzies spends much of her time helping students struggling with addiction and other issues. “We talk about triggers…we talk about patterns, how did this happen and how can we prevent this from happening again?,” Menzies added. “Some have even quit successfully on their own.”
“
I am
actually in the process
“
“I kind of just started, it was fun and not many thought it was too dangerous,” said Wilson. To make the vape “juice”, many chemicals must be added such as: propylene glycol, formaldehyde and acrolein. While some are known to scientists as carcinogens, the remaining effects of these additives have never been tested. This, in turn, adds many possibilities as to what causes the mysterious vaping disease. This disease, “e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury” (EVALI), has been linked to many deaths. Recently Congress succeeded in raising the Federal age to buy nicotine to 21, making it impossible for minors to obtain legally. Despite this progress, many don’t understand how nicotine hooks you in. “Yeah… you get this buzz or light feeling, and everything just becomes relaxed…and then in seconds it’s gone,” Wilson said. Because of this, many try to reach this “buzz” and eventually find themselves vaping even more in an attempt to reach this feeling again. This is the hook that causes the user to spiral into a cycle of dependence on nicotine, which makes it gradually harder to quit as the brain is conditioned to want it. However, not everyone believes themselves to be addicted. “I’m not 100 percent addicted to it, where I’m like needing it, and scratching like a meth addict,” said Meyer. Another thing overlooked by many people is that much more nicotine can be absorbed into the body due to
Student Life || 17
of quitting... Addiction
is a state of mind.
*Senior Ryan Shmidt
77% of students said the new laws will not change how often they vape
47% of students have vaped before
*160 students were surveyed using Google Forms during random classes from Jan 24-27
January 31, 2020 || Pylon
18 || News Briefs
NEWS BRIEFS CENTRAL Last months Joyous Noel concert combined band, orchestra and choir to perform music for the Christmas season. The concert brought hundreds of parents to the auditorium to watch their students perform.
|| photo by Alex Morales
I was
stunned by the amazing
LOCAL
1
renovated Mokas coffee shop set to open It was time for the Crawford Mokas to get a facelift. Set to open this February, the new Mokas will feature a drive-thru and walk-in service with seating inside. West of their current location at 916 E Crawford, the new Mokas will for sure be a hit for students and staff on their way to school.
Downtown redesign
turnout this year and the power
Senior Jonathan Hess
MAMBA’S MEMORY “It was a very tragic day. Kobe’s legacy will live on through the love that everyone has for him.” Sophomore Josh Warner
CORONAVIRUS
health scare spreads to US || photo courtesy of 57Andrew flickr
and volume of the finale.”
NATIONAL
|| photo courtesy of Madelyn Nash
Salina Downtown is home to the 1931 historical Stiefel Theatre and Smoky Hill Museum. Downtown is currently going through renovations.
A new virus strand with cold and pneumonia related symptoms, some of which have been deadly, was recently discovered in China and quickly spread panic in the US. Transmission of the virus raised concerns globally causing airports to scan passengers and even some to shut down.
News Briefs || 19
Pylon || January 31, 2020
|| photo by Jason Duong
UPCOMING WEDNESDAY
12
Pylon Donut Day
THURSDAY
13
Parent Teacher Conferences
TUESDAY
18
Basketball VS Derby
“The energy and atmosphere at Sadies made it great. I had a really cool experience for my first dance at Central.”
Junior Mac Hemmer
20 || Feature
January 31, 2020 || Pylon
STICKING OUT
BEING A SORE THUMB IS GIVING STUDENTS THE UPPER HAND ON GETTING INTO COLLEGE
|| story by Sydney Raman Scores, tests, extracurriculars, money. All of these things have defined a high schooler and what his or her future should be: College-bound. The main reason for all of this has created a stigma around what it really means and how one gets into it. Senior Luke Stanford is striving to become a student who will get into an Ivy League school. He believes that in recent years, though, having a “story” is what really gets you into any college, not just Ivy League schools. “Nowadays academics is not enough. Largely due to the fact that there are thousands of completely qualified high school students who could definitely succeed at these schools. In response to this, colleges have to be more selective and look at who you are beyond an ACT score and GPA,” Stanford said. Stanford also believes that money does play a big role in choosing who will get in or not.
“Nowadays academics is not enough. Colleges have to be more selective and look at who you are beyond an ACT score and GPA.” Senior Luke Stanford
“When it comes to the ACT, the fact is that Central is significantly disadvantaged compared to the Kansas City and Wichita students we compete with. This is for many reasons, the main one being socioeconomic status and test scores have a strong correlation. Central does have students who earn top scores, but the majority of these kids are typically wealthier. I would not call it a fair system, but it’s the best thing we have as of right now,” Stanford said. Junior Spencer Angell has always been determined to get into an Ivy League school, preferably Penn State University. Angell believes that the “story” one must have to get in is both a good and bad thing. “It’s good for what they’re trying to produce. They’re not just trying to produce the smartest people. They want leaders, motivators, people who are going to make a difference in whatever they do. It’s definitely good for them but as for the applicant, it could be good or bad. Obviously, it’s bad for those people who are super good at academics but maybe not so much with the leadership and extracurriculars,” Angell said. This “it” factor that colleges or Ivy Leagues are looking for has now become the bait for colleges. Times are changing and talent keeps growing. “You need to prove that you’re somebody who’s going to go out and achieve things,” Angell said. Gifted teacher Ramona Musgrove believes that most high schoolers have
Pylon || January 31, 2020
the story to get into any college but their outlook on college has an effect. “When people think of college, they think of a university or a fouryear degree program that ends in a bachelor’s and so on. But college can also be vo-tech or a junior college when you pick up a two-year degree. College has a whole lot of different varieties and meanings depending on what you want to do. People forget about the wealth of educational opportunities that exist between a high school and a bachelor’s degree,” Musgrove said. Musgrove believes that each student has a story, but it is a matter of embracing it. “It’s hard to do. You have to look at yourself and think ‘How am I different from everybody else?’ High school kids so much want to be the same still. Sometimes it’s not a big deal, it can be a tiny bit of you and that is really hard to find,” Musgrove said. Stanford also agrees that presenting your story is also an issue in high school students.
Feature || 21
“When it comes to a good story, everyone has one. Everyone is unique and has something to offer that others do not--it’s more an issue of presenting one’s story in an authentic way that highlights one’s uniqueness,” Stanford said. Everyone in highschool has a story that could potentially better there chance in getting into a college, but it’s all a matter of fully embracing it. Advocacy for it is something Musgrove believes is just as equally important. “A lot of it comes down to age. When you’re on the other side of that, you can look back and see that this is such a wonderful stepping stone. Every teacher can have a conversation with a student about having this gift. This gift might seem so small to the student but it really does set you apart. Just helping the individual student see that this is where you’re unique and this is what you can build your story around, will really benefit everyone,” Musgrove said. || photo by Alex Morales
22 || Feature
January 31, 2020 || Pylon
Angell believes that he is growing towards having that “story” that colleges or Ivy Leagues are looking for. “That’s the biggest thing for me because I have everything else in place, what I’m trying to prove with my application is my leadership ability and especially my ability to plan things out for the future which is sort of seen in my extracurriculars and that is what I’ll use as an anchor to back up that claim. I think I have a story, it might not be the best, but I do think I have what it takes to go to an Ivy League school,” Angell said. The environment surrounding Ivy League schools is something Stanford also believes is a reason why he wants to attend such prestigious schools. When Stanford went to visit Stanford University, he immediately felt in touch with the school. “There was such an atmosphere of possibility and success; I felt like with their help I could truly do anything. I wouldn’t call it a passion--it’s more of an aspiration than anything else,” Stanford said. Stanford explains the level of passion that Stanford University had. “It was inspiring. Everyone I met had their own story, their own passion that drove their success at such a young age. For example, the first student I met there was an engineering major. In high school she attended the United States Naval Academy’s summer program, and she got so interested in defense systems that she designed and patented her own, eventually selling it to the U.S. government. Not everyone there had gone that far, of course. However, when you’re there, surrounded by that level of success, you see where you want to go and what you can do to get there,” Stanford said. Stanford has confidence that college is how you make it. “I’d like to add that you can get a great education no matter where you go to school; college will be whatever you make it to be,” Stanford said.
61% of
students believe the requirements for getting into some colleges are too hard
*160 students were surveyed using Google Forms during random classes from Jan 24-27
Pylon || January 31, 2020
Student Life || 23
Stick ‘n’ pokes rise in popularity but carry risk, reward || story by Harper Heath *names changed due to privacy According to some students stick ‘n’ poke tatoos are fun, cheap and an easier way to get that tattoo high schoolers have always wanted. The experience you can have with your friends is a large part of why high schoolers enjoy the stick ‘n’ pokes. For some it’s a fun secret to keep while they are young. “I got it in a discreet place so they never find out,” *junior Bailey Smith said. For other students the desire to get a stick ‘n’ poke tatoo is more about the experience. “Seeing your design start from nothing and turn into a tattoo is a cool process, if it’s done right the end result is pretty satisfying,” senior Wes Kinnaird said. Stick ‘n’ pokes have grown in populartiy because students are seeing this as a cheaper and faster alternative. Some do it to remember loved ones, or use it as a way to cherish a memory. Others have meanings. Sophomore Kelsi Mickelson decided to get a stick ‘n’ poke to honor a relative. “There is an M on my ankle for my grandmother,” Mickelson said. The majority of high schoolers are not eighteen, which is the legal age to get a tattoo. This can cause conflict in a home. Some parents are very strict, some religions do not allow tattoos, or the parents don’t agree with the idea of a tattoo. Others can have them wherever and not need to worry about their legal guardians seeing them. The process of giving or getting one of these tattoos involves ink and your own needle, which can cause irritation and discomfort. With the right knowledge about stick ‘n’ poke, the results can be professional looking. “Most of my family has tattoos, knowing how to take
Stylish statistics
Pylon survey reveals the exposure students have to stick ‘n’ pokes 160 students were surveyed using Google forms during random classes from Jan. 24-27.
care of your tattoo afterwards is a part of the healing process,” Kinnaird said. Not everyone has the same experience. While some end up with a cute innocent tattoo others end up with an infection due to the non-sterile needle or the
“I got it in a discreet place so they will never find out.” *Junior Bailey Smith ink. This is one of the risks high school students are willing to take in order to follow the trend. With this risk, students should perform research before getting these tattoos. This style of tattoo has taken a bigger turn into a trend as time has gone on, yet stick ‘n’ pokes have been available for a while. “It’s always been most popular with younger people,” Kinnaird said. While some say this style has been popular among young ages, it seems to be a growing trend this year. Since the pain of a real tattoo might be way more extreme. “The pain is tolerable and feels odd,” Mickelson said. For some, they just fall in love with the outcome and look of the tattoo. The style of tattoo seems unsafe and could have many potential health issues to some, while others have an enjoyable time getting this type of tattoo.
38%
of students would get a stick ‘n poke
21%
of students have stick ‘n pokes
24 || News
January 31, 2020 || Pylon
|| photo by Alex Morales
Pylon || January 31, 2020
News || 25
Music Notes TO THEP PEOPLES VOTES Choir director Ryan Holmquist runs for State Representive
AAA The crowd goes silent as Free Spirit begins their tradition. One by one, students wrap their arms around each other, linking to one another as they sway to the Alma Mater. Choir director Ryan Holmquist stands in the center, holding the mic up, projecting each voice that sings softly. Holmquist has always played a big role in the music department at Central. From Joyous Noel to school musicals, he’s been doing it all. Now, Holmquist is running for an even bigger role as a state representative. This decision was something Holmquist had thought about doing for a while. “I have always been really passionate about politics and now feels like the right time to do it in my life both professionally and personally,” Holmquist said. Both professionally and personally, a decision like this can impact many students who are involved in choir and other music students. Junior Joelle Pfannestiel believes that the chance of Holmquist winning is somewhat scary, and she wonders about what would change. “If he wins, I think the semester would be rough. We have contests during second semester, so I don’t think the songs we will prepare will be as good as they would be if we had him. However, I’m not worried because Holmquist really loves his department and he will work hard to get us a good long term substitute,” Pfannestiel said. Holmquist believes that his history in Kansas, his experiences and understanding of the people in the state, makes running for State Representative so important. “I’m a teacher and a farmer and rancher. My family has been in this area for 151 years. I think that gives me a unique perspective because I’ve worked in both the public sector here in school, and the private sector as a businessman on the farm and ranch.
I see many sides to many issues because you have perspectives that many people don’t have,” Holmquist said. With doing something as big as running for State Representative, Holmquist runs into many obstacles. After all, he is still a teacher. “I have musical practice every day after school which runs through January so when I’m doing campaign work, it's from seven to ten o’clock every night. This is a problem because I have papers to grade, emails to answer, and prepare your lesson plans, so I’m a little stressed,” Holmquist said. Pfannestiel believes that this is a great opportunity for Holmquist. “I’m not really too involved with politics, so I don’t know if the odds are in his favor, but I really hope Holmquist wins because he’s very intune to politics and I know he would do a great job. I’m not too worried for our choir because I know Holmquist wouldn't leave the department to someone who won’t help us grow. I think this is a huge opportunity for Holmquist and I’m very excited to see what doors this opens for him and what he will do,” Pfannestiel said. Holmquist touches base on what his priorities would be if he became State Representative. “My priorities include economic issues. Increasing the child care tax credit, working on doubling the earned income tax credit, lowering the food sales tax, and trying to pass the Medicaid Expansion,” Holmquist said. Holmquist shares why people should vote for him: “It has been demonstrated well that I have an opponent who does not care about the average person, about average people. They should vote for me because I do. I’m willing to listen, I’m willing to work for the people who are potentially going to be in my district,” Holmquist said.
“I have always been really passionate about politics
and now feels like the right time to do it.”
Choir Director Ryan Holmquist
AAA
26 || News
January 31, 2020 || Pylon
RACE READY
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2020 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES
JOE BIDEN -Fourth most senior senator before he resigned for vice presidency in 2009 - Vice President of the United States from 2009-2017 - Wants to make healthcare easily available - Seeks to reform immigration - Hopes to expand social security to cover across more ages -Opposes a ban on federal funding for abortion -Released a full plan to reform the criminal justice system
ELIZABETH WARREN
BERNIE SANDERS
- Senior United States Senator from Massachusetts since 2013 - Hopes to restructure the economy to bring many middle class families out of debt - Wants to implement a student loan debt cancellation plan that offers relief to 42 million Americans - Wants to accelerate the transition to cleaner and cheaper green energy - Seeks to make affordable higher education for all - Plans to Restore bipartisanship - Affirms that health care is a basic human right - Wants to decriminalize marijuana
-Junior United States Senator from Vermont since 2007 - Sanders believes that by applying certain taxes to Wall Street he can eliminate all student debt and make college free. - Hopes to restructure the economy to bring many middle class families out of debt - Wants to implement a student loan debt cancellation plan - Wants to accelerate the transition to cleaner and cheaper green energy - Affirms that health care is a basic human right - Wants to decriminalize marijuana
Pylon || January 31, 2020
PETE BUTTIGIEG - Mayor of South Bend, Indiana from 2012-2020 - Supports Green New Deal - Wants to fight racial inequality - Seeks to replace electoral college with popular vote - Wants to fight political defamation - Disagrees with corporate lobbyists who influence the government -Supports abortion rights and the repeal of the Hyde Amendment -Opposes Republican efforts to repeal the patient protection and Affordable Care Act
News || 27
ANDREW YANG - Yang has done work as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, author, and lawyer - Supports medicare for all - Wants to implement a “Freedom Dividend� or a basic payout of $1,000 per month to each citizen 18 and over - Wants to reform the criminal justice - Seeks to reduce student debt - Hopes to increase the financial transparency of D.C -Promised to enact legislation that prevents discrimination based on sexual or orientation or gender indetity -Supports the legalization of cannabis -Wants to unify America and steer away from the division of political parties
MICHAEL BLOOMBERG - Mayor of New York City from 2002 to 2013 - Wants to increase the minimum wage to $15 - Seeks to reform education -Supports abortion rights -Does not support the legalization of Cannabis -Believes trade with China is good for consumers and US economy
OTHER CANDIDATES INCLUDE: Michael Bennet, John Delaney, Tulsi Gabbard, Amy Klobuchar, and Tom Steyer
28 || News
January 31, 2020 || Pylon
Down the drain with student loans
Tax proposal could increase student debt || story by Jesus Jasso
President Donald Trump has pushed for changes that will affect subsidized loans. The proposal could effectively cause subsidized loans to disappear. Interest will begin the first day of college rather the day a student gets out. Subsidized loans are available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. This is determined by taking your cost of attendance minus the expected amount of family contribution and other financial aid. If
your cost of attendance is higher than those then you qualify for a subsidized loan. Subsidized loans allow students to not worry about paying off interest while they are in college. The government will pay off the interest while they are in college. Once the student is out of college their interest will begin to accrue and they are responsible to pay it off from then on.
What do you think about the recent changes in subsidized loans?
“ “ “ While I do feel that students have more information than ever before regarding student loans, many still make the decision to jump head first in with the thought that they will get a high paying job and pay them off later. I believe that level of thinking will continue to exist.”
Financial literacy teacher Chris Fear
Money issues are the main reason college students dropout, seeing their debt gain interest while they’re in college might make dropout rates increase. Personally I think that would be absurd since loans are already hard to pay off, imagine how much harder it would b with the added interest.”
senior Dyenna Garcia
I think that this would impact the decision of a gap year or wanting to attend at all partially because being a college student without a little cushion can be pretty challenging I’d imagine. A way to minimize this is to start early and save up.”
senior Mackenzie Shea
$
average amount of money borrowed by students
$$
$ $
$
$37,102
$$ $
$
$$
$$ $
$
$ $
$
$ $
student loan debt across America
$$ $
News || 29
$
Pylon || January 31, 2020
44.5 million people across all demographics owe money
60%
of students have some form of debt by graduation
$1.5 trillion
total amout that students owe in debt || Information from America’s Debt Help Organization
30 || Arts
Januray 31, 2020 || Pylon
YOUNG GRAD STUDENT
DESIGNS COSTUMES FOR
THEATRE DEPARTMENT
|| photo by Alex Morales
Pylon || January 31, 2020
Arts || 31
|| story by Hannah Watkins London Bicknell has a lot resting on her shoulders as the guest costume designer for the theatre department’s upcoming show “The Wedding Singer.“ The show uses the talents of the actors, crew and designers to bring the show to life. The troupe has the actors, and they have the crew, but they needed the designer. Thanks to theatre mom Toni Taggart it wasn’t hard to find the perfect person for the job. The show has been a challenge for the department, but Bicknell’s eye for design has made it easier. “I feel excited, but also incredibly nervous. I want to make this show look incredible and I really don’t want to let anyone down,” Bicknell explained. “It’s really nice we are getting professional level work done without having to pay professional prices, and her designs are really great,” explained theatre director Gary Demuth. “It won’t be something we just take off the rack, it’ll be something made by someone else’s design.” Senior and Troupe 639’s vice president Mosés Brown welcomes the new changes and says that it will be beneficial for the department. “I think that anytime you have a new change, it’s good and it revamps. Sometimes old systems don’t work, and new systems come in, and you start figuring what works and what doesn’t work and it’s an overall new image,” Brown said. “I think it’s going to bring a new image that hasn’t been
seen around here, because it’s a person that hasn’t been used to being around here locally.” Being a costume designer is a lot of pressure for both the designers and actors. They have to worry about how it will look and fit, but Demuth doesn’t seem worried. “It’s hard when it’s not all right in front of you, but I know it’ll be much easier once I’m there,” said Bicknell. Since Bicknell does not live in town, she had to travel to Salina over Christmas break and work with the troupe. According to Bicknell, one of the most important aspects of a character is how they are presented visually. “The job of a costume designer is to tell a costume shop what each character should wear, but for this case, I get to be a lot more hands on in actually helping put together the costumes to make it happen,” Bicknell said. “I’m already learning so much with doing things long distance, and what is required for a show with so many looks. Getting better and learning is always an opportunity within itself.”
“ ...I WANT TO MAKE THIS SHOW LOOK INCREDIBLE, AND I REALLY DON’T WANT TO LET ANYONE DOWN.” Costume designer London Bicknell
32 || Opinion
|| photo illustration by Makelti Hastings
January 31, 2020 || Pylon
Pylon || January 31, 2020
Opinion || 33
DEBATING
THE DEATH PENALTY || story by Jesus Jasso
Did you know? That the death penalty is a law in Kansas. However, the last person to be put to death by the state of Kansas was in the late 60’s.
are you against... A cold-hearted criminal sits in a chair, cursing at everyone around him. His eyes glaring, having no remorse for the murders he committed. Not a care for the innocent life he’s taken away. He laughs as a strange serum is injected into his arm. Laughing as he draws his last breath. A crazed criminal with no chance of being helped. Criminals who take another’s life with no care in the world and the victim never gets a fair justice. Many people want a system in place to punish those who commit the severest of crimes. Junior Jolie Pickrell is someone who believes the death penalty should be put into place. “Well I think that if, for instance, they have a life sentence, there’s not really a point in having them take up cells when there are other criminals who only serve for like 5 years sentences. It also provides an example of risk criminals take knowing they could be given the death penalty. Also, ending say a murderer’s life, prevents the crime of this particular criminal from happening again. If it’s murder or something then no I don’t think they deserve a second chance, but if it’s something like petty theft then yes I believe they should have a second chance. The death penalty would be for the victim, I don’t really think families get justice ever. Whether the person stays in jail for a lifetime or has the death penalty, it doesn’t bring their loved one back. I definitely think it should be legal and it should be a consequence that some criminals should have, but I also think they before giving them that punishment, it should carefully evaluated so it isn’t just a punishment for just anything. I feel like it would give the community a sense of safety knowing that there’s no chance of that person committing the same crime again,” Pickrell said.
A criminal sits strapped in a chair as a strange serum is injected into him. As the serum surges through their body, their life slips away from them and they begin their eternal sleep. The criminal has been put to death without a second thought, too late to be saved, too late to be given a second chance. But to have this in place is opposed by many, one individual, senior Donnie Johnson, believes that the death penalty is an inhumane action that shouldn’t be used. “There are cases where certain individuals are put on death row, but they never committed the crime. They were framed or the forensic scientist had a mishap on analyzing the crime scene. They could have committed the crime but their actions are based on insanity, which means that we should be focusing on helping the convict with real treatment or keep them away from causing any harm. The problem is how the courts handle sentences towards particular crimes. The death penalty should be only towards individuals that are inherently destructive like mass murderers or genocidal maniacs. Those under the age of 21 should receive heavy treatment or isolation from everyone. It is not a fair system if our technology cannot determine who committed a crime without tampering or contamination of evidence through touch or human bodily fluids or secretions like saliva. The death penalty acts more like a last resort to kill someone if neccessary sometimes. But there is always another option,” Johnson said.
...or are you for?
55%* of of students students 55%* believe in in the the believe death penalty. penalty. death
*160 students were surveyed using Google Forms during random classes from Jan 24-27.
January 31, 2020 || Pylon
34 || News
Alterations
With the new changes to the ACT test, to some it seems as though it is shrinking || story by Malcolm Berkley The ACT is a crucial measure of one’s ability and often a necessity to attend college. For years teenagers have worked hard to prepare for the three hour test, knowing that they would only be offered a small break in between the English, math, reading and science sections. Afterwards, students return home and wait 4-8 weeks before the scores are released. Yet, if unsatisfied with the results they must wait a couple of months in anticipation of the next test date. It’s a process many students at Central are very familiar with. It often involves buying books, attending classes, hiring tutors, and religiously studying for an expensive test that has become highly commercialized throughout the country. It’s certain then that the incoming changes will shake up the ACT landscape. In October, ACT announced that it would allow kids to retake individual sections of the test as opposed to the entire, 3 hour long, assessment. These implementations will go into effect in September 2020, months after this year’s senior class has graduated. The 2020 graduating class will not have the privilege of studying only for one section in hopes of a higher score. “I’m a little jealous because I got a
really low score on my science section,” says senior Molly Michaelis, who earned a 30 on her ACT. “If I could just retake my science portion then I could have a really high score.”
"The whole thing will shift upwards, almost like inflation." Sophomore Charles Goldbach According to the official ACT website, “...these new options offer students more choices, a better experience, and greater confidence that their ACT test scores best reflect their hard work, overall academic achievement, and potential for success throughout their lives.” Not withstanding the reasons for the changes--whether it’s a money-making scheme or not--it’s clear that
*160 students were surveyed using Google Forms during random classes from January 24-27
students will be able to improve their scores on sections they’ve struggled on. As a result overall scores will go up, and so will the chances of achieving a perfect 36. However, a higher percentage of good scores may not ease the college application process. Instead, some believe it could have the opposite effect. “The whole thing will shift upwards, almost like inflation,” sophomore Charles Goldbach said. “I wish they would keep it the old way because I feel like everyone will now have to get a higher score.” As a result, some universities may follow the standards set by schools like New York University and American University, which don’t require ACT or SAT--the other, competing standardized test--for admission. In addition, there is fear that the imminent inflation of scores would benefit wealthy students more than before.
TI-
lus 84 P
CE
Pylon || January 31, 2020
Opinion || 35
LETTER LETTER TO THE LETTER TO TO THE THE EDITOR EDITOR EDITOR GOOGLE CLASSROOM FOR THE WIN || story by freshman Jacob Grimes Google classroom is one of the most important tools I’ve ever used as a student. Classroom has changed the way school functions, and now makes a lot of things in the way of keeping track of your assignments, being able to work on assignments despite not having a physical copy, and by not wasting paper. In grades K-7, I had to keep track of assignments on paper in folders or binders, which increases the weight of the backpack significantly, as well as the chance of losing an assignment and being made to do it again. The teachers that don’t use it (yet have a need to) not only inconvenience students by making them keep track of papers that they could lose, extra weight added to their backpacks, and hampering their education with the extra stress involved. One of my teachers from first semester had no need to use google classroom. Any assignment she gave was on paper, because they were so few and far between. But for my other classes (Adv. Eng in particular), it is ‘necessary’, but not used. If my Adv. Eng. teacher would use Google Classroom for the assignments, I genuinely feel like I would take more from the class. As of now, we print the papers we wrote between white days.
“Google classroom is one of the most important tools I’ve ever used as a student.” Freshman Jacob Grimes
Say there’s twenty people in a class, 2 papers per week, double sided print, and 5 Adv. Eng classes a week. That means two hundred students worth of paper are used up, and twice as much ink. The fact that we don’t turn in papers electronically is not only inconvenient, but also god awful for the environment, and the school’s budget. To add onto that, that’s only one single class’s worth of paper.
|| Graphic by Sydney Raman Imagine how much we use as a school! Literal tons of paper product thrown away or recycled (recycling in this case is bad, because you’re supposed to reduce and reuse before recycling). A feature that I feel like many teachers (and students) sleep on is the feature of logistics. It’s much easier to search hundreds of essays/assignments for key phrases, similarities, and running themes between students. With classroom, you can track when they get it done, how long it took them, and how well they did it. Classroom is incredibly easy to use, and every student is issued a chromebook, so there’s no excuse for not being able to get work done. If you don’t have internet at home, you could easily go to the library or work something out with your teacher before or after school. The school district spent thousands on these chromebooks, and by not utilizing them to their fullest extent, we’re wasting the district’s and by extension, our own tax dollars.
36 || Opinion
January 31, 2020 || Pylon
Editor’s Letter
Dear Readers, Happy new year! Thank you so much for picking up the first issue of the 2020 Pylon. Our staff has really worked hard since November to focus on the readers and cover topics that interest you. We also spent time rearranging things like where our staff page is, and how it looks, as well as what sections should be closer to the front of the magazine so you can find what you’re looking for faster and more effectively. I hope you enjoy these changes. Again, these moves were made with you in mind because this magazine is your voice, and our voice, as a student body. If you see something you’d like to be done differently please don’t hesitate to reach out. The best way to do this is through a letter to the editor, which can be emailed to conchacampa@students.usd305.com. Our staff loves to receive these letters and it helps to begin conversations about topics that can have an impact on our school, community and possibly the world. Let your voice be heard! This month’s feature focuses on the “it” factor that colleges and post secondary education institutions are beginning to use as a selection process. This is relevant for all of my fellow classmates as we prepare to get accepted to the
college of our choice but also to underclassmen, so please note that this may actually pertain to you just as much. The steps you take as first or second year high school students could be the difference between getting that acceptance letter or being overlooked by someone who sticks out. Beyond our feature, we tackled some tough topics ranging from abortion to the new laws impacting vaping. All of these stories are meant to make you think about your stance on each topic and discuss them with your friends, parents or anyone you can. One of our generation’s biggest strengths is the power of our voice. Let’s bring to light the truth of some of these situations that are impacting our lives daily. As we look towards May and the reality of my time as editor shrinks I want you to know how great I think this school is and how much I’ve enjoyed my time here. This staff and these students make this place special. Let’s finish this year up making some incredible memories. Here’s to a great next few months and some sunshine in the near future. Don’t forget to follow us on social media. We are posting daily about what is going on around campus.
Madeline Paradis Editor-In-Chief
January 31, 2020 || Pylon
37 || Opinion
|| Illustration by Marlie Coleman
Kanye’s church is not legit Rapper’s Sunday Service is a joke
|| story by Concha Campa The average Chrisitian goes to a church service where they listen to someone read from the Bible and most likely sing some hymns or worship music. Usually all churches do a mixture of both, but in the case of Kanye West’s Sunday Service, they only do one. They sing. Kanye began his Sunday Service in early 2019, which combined his love for music, fashion and God. If anyone follows any of the Kardashians or Jenners they have seen on their Instagram stories the videos of them dancing and singing to gospel versions of West’s music at the Sunday Service. They appear to be in an all-white room with colorful lights that amplify the fashionable people painting a zen-like experience. West also took his Sunday Service choir, which are called “The Samples,” to perform at Coachella, a famous music festival in California. During the month of October, West released his new album “Jesus Is
King.” The album contained gospels which, according to West, will be his new theme, and he will no longer be making secular music. His album was
2 out of 14 Pylon staffers believe that Kanye’s church is credible inspired by his new Sunday Service. Instead of spending his Sundays watching “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” West has spent his Sundays leading pop-up church services around the nation. A big part of the Sunday Service is
the social media sensation. The service is created to look aesthetically pleasing for social media. All of the choir members wear a uniform of West’s Yeezy clothing line. The merchandise the choir members wear are available on West’s website for the public to buy. It may seem normal for an artist to sell his merchandise, but when a religious leader does so it may seem sketchy. The Sunday Service is currently non-denominational. They don’t belong to any specific branch of Christianity and they consider the service to be a place where people can go to feel safe. The service may have Christian undertones, but it’s not an actual church service. When West’s wife, Kim Kardashian West was interview she explained that at the Sunday Service there is no praying, no sermon it’s just music. The service appears to be more of a high-vibe spiritual Christian concert than an actual church service.
[
]
38 || Opinion
January 31, 2020 || Pylon
SPILLING SPILLING THE THE TEA TEA WITH WITH SCSP SCSP THE FOLLOWING QUOTES WERE HEARD AROUND THE SCHOOL BY MEMBERS OF THE PYLON STAFF
“Move or I’m gonna throw you down a flight of stairs.” “I want to be an e-girl but my mom won’t let me.”
“Two of my friends aren’t virgins anymore “Why are you and I’m like, lagging?” crying.” “I’ve always wanted to drink meth.”
“I almost burned her house down. Sparks were flying everywhere and nothing worked.”
“Who knows a smart kids that vapes?”
39 || Contents Page
January 31, 2020 || 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
Follow Our Social Media Scan the QR code to get access to all of our social media accounts for the lastest updates from Salina Central.
Adviser J.D. Garber
THE PYLON
PY