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PYLON march 7, 2019
Editor’s Letter
CONTENT
CONTENT PAGE
We are beyond excited to be publishing our first Pylon of the new year! Our mission is to tell the stories of Central’s students and showcase what’s unique about our school. This issue covers the very personal stories of students and how their success has just begun. This publication also gives an explanation to an issue we’ve all been dealing with: the internet. The internet shutdown has had a major affect on student work over the past few months and our feature aims to explain the situation and its solutions. In this isuue we also take a look at some hot topics like toxic masculinity, firstgeneration americans and the legalization of marijuana in Kansas. Before we get you copies of the senior magazine in May, and officialy finish Volume 95 of the Pylon, remember that this publication is a place where you can use your voice to spark conversation and create change. As we near the end of the year Mustangs, it is vital that we stay focused
on hard work and make our graduating seniors proud of what they leave behind. I hope everyone has a wonderful break and is ready for another successful semester.
Madeline Paradis Editor-in-chief
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CONTENT PAGE
PYLON march 7, 2019 No School
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March
Seal of Bilieracy Test
Spring Break
Spring Play
Prom
Mar. 11-15
Apr. 4 - 5
@ 6:30 p. m
Track @ South High
@ 10 a.m.
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No School
Teacher In-service Day
March
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March
March
13 April
04 April
Awards Program
Orchestra Concert
@ 7 p.m.
@ 7 p.m.
15 April Senior Finals
Vocal Concert @ 7 p.m.
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May. 15-16
2018-2019 Pylon Staff Editor-in Chief
Madeline Paradis
News Editor 24 April
29 April Class of 2019 Graduation
Graduation Practice @ 8 a.m.
17 May
15 May
Last Day of School
19 May
Social Media Twitter: @chspylon Instagram: @mustangsofcentral Snapchat: chspylon Web: chspylon.com The Pylon is the official student newspaper of Salina High School Central. Volume 95 of the Pylon was created by 13 staff members using Creative Cloud CC. Newspaper staff meets every other day as a class. Our fonts this year include GoBold, Have Heart one and Gravity.
Managing Editor Holly Sanderson
Sports Editors
Malcolm Berkley Concha Campa Marlie Coleman
May. 22-23
22 May
Isabella Rubino
In-Depth Editors
Finals 9-11 grade
Girls Varsity Soccer
21 May
13 April
Copy Editor
23 May We want to hear your opinion The Pylon serves as an open forum for students to express their opinions on topics that affect the school or community. Students are protected under the Kansas State Bill 62 as well as the first amendment. Editorials do not represent the opinion of our entire school, staff, or administration. If you have a letter than you want to published, e-mail your submissions to mariagutierrez@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
Maria Gutierrez
Design Editor Makelti Hastings
Business Manager Jerzee Mullins
Reporters
Anlyn Arb Layna Kinnaird Sydney Raman Rashada Smith Avi Taylor
Adviser
J.D. Garber
news updates
Helping Hand A
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KEY CLUB SET TO INCREASE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS RASHADA SMITH | PYLON REREPORTER
¨Thank you so much for volunteering to help out, it really means a lot to us here,¨ the lady says with gratitude as she removes her hand from his shoulder and walks away. There he was, left standing as he thought about his upcoming tasks. Junior Jesus Jasso says to himself, “just remember when to get up and it’ll be fine, it’s not like the whole church is watching for my signal or anything.” That’s when it really hit him, that is exactly what is happening right now.
He started to sweat, and he got really nervous. ¨It was like I was getting ready to take an exam that I had no idea about beforehand,” Jasso said. Two years after Jasso completed his first act of volunteering at his church, he went on to join a newer club at Salina Central called Key Club, a volunteer service organization brought to our school by Junior Luke Stanford. ¨Our main goal is to better both the overall community and school com-
munity through volunteerism, fundraisers, and scholarships,¨ Stanford said. In the club, Jasso and his fellow Key Club members do all types of volunteering, being a new club and all. “Whether it be helping out nonprofit institutions in Salina or a toy drive for pediatric patients at a hospital, we’ll be open to help,” Jasso adds. Another key part of volunteering is the people that you volunteer with.
Members of the Key Club work at a bake sale they held. | PHOTO BY EMERY NEWTON
PYLON | march 7, 2019
“We are all really close, and we are all passionate about volunteering and helping others. We are also excited to have new members who share our passions,” Junior Gabriella Fischer mentions. The members all get along and are people who are “welcoming” and will make your transition into the club as easy as possible. In addition, Key Club members believe that the club is a different and fun for themselves. “The club is definitely fun. We are all friends so we joke around with one another. It’s definitely friendly. We will be serious when we are discuss-
news updates
ing matters,” Jasso said, “but afterwards we still joke around and catch up with one another. It’s a fun time to be there.” Key Club members not only find it
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to give relief to our graduating members,” Stanford said. As of right now, the club only has one scholarship for $1,000, but as the club gets older and starts getting more traction here, the scholarships definitely have OUR MAIN GOAL IS TO BETTER BOTH the potential to inTHE OVERALL COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL crease. “I feel like being THROUGH VOLUNTEERISM, FUNDRAIa part of the Key SERS, AND SCHOLARSHIPS. Club is really an eye opening experience - JUNIOR LUKE STANFORD to not only how to help the community rewarding for themselves and the around us, but also to the myriad of person they are helping, but it is also opportunities in Salina,” Stanford exrewarding for their academic careers. pressed. “My goal for the club would be to If you are interested in joining Key expand it as much as possible, do the Club, you can contact Luke Stanford, international incentives, and have a any of the other members or their substantial amount of scholarships teacher sponsor Ms. Montgomery.
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PYLON | march 7, 2019
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MARLIE COLEMAN | PYLON REPORTER
On January 22 Linn Exline was selected as USD 305’s new interim superintendent. This announcement followed a candidate search and interviews of four other external candidates before Exline was ultimately chosen. Exline was chosen due to her connection and involvement in USD 305. Having 26 years of experience working in a school setting, Exline has a broad educational experience in the district. She was previously selected as the executive director of school improvement for the learning and teaching opportunities for all students, and has been a high school and elementary school principal for schools in the district as well. “I thought I would be a superintendent. It’s all about timing, and it’s been a blessing to become a superintendent and stay in Salina. It’s a great and logical next step for me, I just didn’t expect it, ” Exline said. “The hire is a choice the school board makes, so I was surprised on a Friday night that I was being considered for the position,” Exline said. “I think all of the candidates were strong and experienced with a lot of background.” Exline already has plans for the district when she officially takes the place as superintendent. Having been a K-12
LINN EXLINE IS CHOSEN TO BE USD 305’S NEW INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT
curriculum specialist and a director of staff development in previous years, she wants to keep providing a quality education for all students, no matter what might get in their way. “I will be learning to see things at a different angle, interacting with the students, staff, and the board as a learning opportunity for me,” Exline said. “It’s very important that everyone has a choice to make.” Another major part of her duties and plans as a superintendent deals with the snow days the district gives. Exline and the USD 305 board come together and decide whether or not the students and staff of the schools should have the day off due to the risky weather conditions. “It’s all about student safety. We are in constant contact with the city to learn about the roads and how safe it would be for the public transportation,” Exline said. Exline is eager to make USD 305 a better place. “This place is great to get an education. I feel fortunate to be a part of this district. I see first hand the lengths they go to for the students of all types. So thank you to the staff for what you do for the students,” Exline said. She begins her role of leading the district July 1, and until the decision of who the next permanent superintendent will be.
New interim superintendent Linn Exline. | FILE PHOTO
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Interim superintendent Linn Exline meets with assistant principal Kelly Heizman on the school tour. | PHOTO BY MAKELTI HASTINGS
snow day social media N @exlinelinn M usd 305
IT’S ALL ABOUT STUDENT SAFETY. WE ARE IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH THE CITY TO LEARN ABOUT THE ROADS AND HOW SAFE IT WOULD BE FOR THE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. - LINN EXLINE
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First Generation Americans q
| PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MAKELTI HASTINGS
in depth
PYLON MARCH 7, 2019
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Students share the pros, cons of being immigrants Concha Campa
Pylon In-Depth Editor
As more immigrants come into this country, more first generation Americans are appearing. Juniors Ashlie Munoz, Jasmine Windell and Jason Duong, along with Senior Elizabeth Quezada, are a few of many first generation Americans at Salina Central. A first generation American is the son or daughter of an immigrant who is born in America. “My parents made a lot of sacrifices to get to where they are now,” Quezada said. “I am proud to be an American citizen. I aspire to be successful and make the most of what my parents couldn’t at the time in terms of education, jobs and experiences overall.” There are hardships that comes along with being a first generation American. Windell recalls having to help her mother various times to fill out paperwork or answer phone calls. Windell has also had to translate for her mother at doctors appointments, school conferences and other various situations. “I sometimes had to be like a parent. To this day I fill out insurance papers and stuff like that. I never really have had my parents help me with homework cause they don’t know how to,” Windell said. Parents of first generation Americans have high expectations for their children. They came into America hoping for the American dream and part of it is seeing their children be successful. “My parents are always on my butt about my education, because both of them only have a high school diploma and they want me to have a better life then they did so I don’t end up like them,” Duong said. The rise of immigration issues in America has raised fear in the households of immigrants. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has raided different towns all over the nation. This has raised fear for those who are undocumented. ICE would raid places where they knew they would find undocumented immigrants like factories, gas-
PEOPLE SAY THAT ALL IMMIGRANTS ARE TAKING THEIR JOBS, BUT IN REALITY THEY’RE JUST DOING THINGS THAT AMERICANS WOULDN’T DO. - ASHLIE MUNOZ
oline stations or grocery stores. According to the American Immigration Lawyers Association, ICE arrested 1,378 undocumented immigrants over a span of six weeks. “Yes I have feared the new immigration issue since my mom and other family members are not citizens. So it’s a little scary knowing a lot of people are against our whole race,” Windell said. Since Trump has become president, many first generation Americans feel like racism towards Hispanics has increased. Hispanics have heard more racial slurs and have been given dirty looks when they are heard talking their native language in a public place. “It’s dumb how they’re trying to stop all immigrants from coming to America, because they’re so called criminals and they bring drugs and so on. But not everyone is like that. Most of them are just seeking a better life for them and their families. People also say that all immigrants are taking their jobs, but in reality they’re all just doing things that Americans wouldn’t do,” Munoz said. Despite the difficulties first generation Americans are proud of their heritage and are grateful to be in America. “I like being a first generation American because I can prove to my parents that I can be the next generation and show them that all of their blood, sweat and tears will be worth it in the end,” Duong said.
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Immigration Update
- Starting March 11, U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services will require biometrics for certain foreign nationals seeking a change or extension of nonimmigrant status. - President Donald Trump declared a national emergency in order to draw funds from other accounts to build the border wall. - On Feb. 26 The House voted against Trump declaring the national state of emergency. The vote was 245-182. | information by national immigration law center
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talented tenor, senior Aaron Hawley, sings the roof off Carnegie Hall sing a song, work on it, and then move onto the next song. All smooth through Senior Aaron Hawley has been in the transitions, which I think shows how choir for nearly four years. He’s particitalented Dr. Thomas was.” pated in countless performances and A few days and several practice contests in the state of Kansas, typically hours later, the performance day came through the school. and Hawley’s choir travelled to see their But last year, Hawley’s private lessons venue for the first time in person. The teacher, Leslie Mangrum, presented first impressions left everyone speechhim with the opportunity of a lifetime: less. auditioning for a select choir that would “Everyone walked in, looked up, perform in Carnegie Hall. and just went ‘wow’, because “The Honors Performance SeCarnegie hall is massive,” ries is a wonderful opportunity for Hawley recalled. “Imagyoung musicians, Mangrum said. ine doubling the seats in the “They contacted me as a professor school auditorium, having and voice teacher, and asked if I had each one of those seats being any students I believed were worthy filled, and adding 200 more of nomination. Hawley has always seats. There’s a very good been a passionate student. He loves chance it was the largest audilearning about vocal technique. He ence I’ve ever had.” also loves choral singing and reperBut it wasn’t until the heat toire. He hopes to be a choral conof the moment that it dawned ductor one day and I believed he on Hawley the significance of would be successful.” his performance. Hawley accepted the offer and “During the first song, it felt sent in his audition for consideration. like I was singing a song. DurFor nearly two months, Hawley ing the second song, about worked independently on the six difhalfway through, there was ferent songs that he’d be performing a shift. An intangible effect once he’d arrive in New York City. of singing in Carnegie Hall “There were six pieces we needwhere there was this kind of ed to work on and they were all very energy that filled the room challenging. Some songs had reand washed over me, Hawley hearsal tracks, and that was it. There said. “Once that happened, all was a piece called ‘Cherokee All My the tension in my body went Trials’ that was written entirely in away, I completely relaxed, Cherokee, so I was trying to sing a and honestly I don’t remember language I never sung before and much. I would say it was very, figure out how to pronounce all those very spiritual. I felt connected Senior Aaron Hawley gets ready before his concert words on my own. I had been workto everyone in the choir, like | ing on these pieces for two months at Carnegie Hall. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAMES HAWLEY we were one voice, and I never and I was supposed to have them experienced that before.” memorized by the time I got there. They caliber taught Hawley lessons he’d nevOnce it was curtain call, the choir weren’t entirely memorized,” Hawley er received before, even with something departed back to their hotel and got said. as simple as vocal warm-ups. ready to return home after a very intenIt wasn’t until this past February that “When we were warming up for the sive week. But it was an experience that Hawley travelled New York City to begin first thirty minutes, it was intricate. It Hawley will always remember. group rehearsals. All of their practices wasn’t just to warm up your voices, it “I’d like to thank all of my roommates, were held in the ballroom of the Sherawas to get you awake. Working with they were incredible and really made ton Hotel, each lasting seven hours a somebody that musically gifted was a this experience fun. I would obviously day. Their choir was directed by Dr. Anpleasure,” Hawley said. “The rehears- like to thank my parents for allowing dre Thomas, an accomplished composals were fun, but at the same time, they me to go on this trip, and I would like to er who not only composed half of their just kept moving. There was no awk- thank Leslie for nominating me.” concert list, but a professional choir ward pause in between songs. It was conductor. MARIA GUTIERREZ | PYLON COPY EDITOR
“Rehearsing those pieces was incredible,” Hawley said. “When you’re working with someone like Dr. Andre Thomas, who is one of the greatest composers of the modern era, you have this sense that this is important. This is meaningful. Otherwise he wouldn’t be here. He said he would not take a high school choir to Carnegie. He would take a professional honors choir.” Working with a composer of Thomas’
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MADE FOR PYLON | march 7,2019
MEN
in depth
PYLON | march 7, 2019
STUDENTS SPEAK UP ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF TOXIC MASCULINITY MALCOLM BERKLEY | PYLON SPORTS EDITOR
It’s everywhere in the hallways, the classrooms and even the cafeteria. Each is the setting for a distinct type of interaction: toxic masculinity among boys. According to the website Teaching Tolerance, the term “is a narrow and repressive description of manhood, designating manhood as defined by violence, sex status and aggression...It’s the cultural ideal of manliness, where strength is everything while emotions are a weakness.” Don’t get it wrong, it does not mean that all boys are violent in school, or that they are always aggressive. However, it does describes the fact that many males wear a toxic attitude to uphold their “manliness.” “It seems like masculinity at this age can cause a toxic and harmful mindset for a lot of guys at school,” sophomore Tobi Duckworth said. “I see guys be rough and pretty rude to each other.” Roughness and rudeness aren’t the only expressions of toxic masculinity though. Examples range from cockiness, to being disrespectful towards teachers and fellow students, to ignoring others, to being desensitized towards the needs of others--anything that shows a lack of empathy. According to ParentMap, “Boys and men are supposed to be in control and invulnerable, and when they aren’t, they are ashamed.” Whereas girls are often emotional, guys feel a pressure to be strong, a pressure made worse by father figures, peers and societal standards. From the beginning of time, men have been perceived as the alphas and dominant ones, supposed to be the leader of the household, the breadwinner. Although our world has evolved, there is still a certain pressure to always be strong. In the educational environment, that can take many unwanted forms. “I’ve seen guys make really offensive and objectifying comments to girls at school, often to my friends,” Duckworth said. “I feel like it’s a result of saying ‘boys will be boys.’” It’s not every single guy; far from it. Sometimes boys are, in fact, emotional and open. But it’s the natural response of almost every male; it’s how we’ve been taught, or self-taught, to feel. Our hyper-masculine world in high school is a jungle in which survival goes to the fittest. The fittest, in this instance, are those who best hide their emotional weakness. To do that, many make use of insults and disparagement. “Sometimes boys are pretty rough and rude to each other,” Duckworth said. “I hear several slurs thrown around and racist/homophobic jokes.”
STUDENTS SPEAK UP ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF TOXIC MASCULINITY
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trans-lating
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Character
Junior Moses Brown and other Kansas Thespians perform on stage. | PHOTOS COURTESY OF KANSAS THESPIANS
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JUNIOR MOSES BROWN PERFORMS AS A WOMAN IN ‘BRING IT ON’ WHILE LARGE CROWD AT KANSAS THESPIAN FESTIVAL ENJOYS THE SHOW MALCOLM BERKLEY | PYLON SPORTS EDITOR
He decided, after being asked by theatre director Chad Nulik, to audition. The only student from Central to do so, it was uncertain whether he’d make it or not. That was in March of 2018. Flash forward many months: it’s now January 2019 and, after weeks of preparation, a successful performance at State, and pure dedication, junior Moses Brown is looking forward to acting in front of several thousands at the International Thespian Festival. Not only that, but he’s also excited to Kansas Thespians on stage posing. showcase his character, a transgender by the name of La Cienega. “I decided to audition for ‘Bring it On’ ...I THINK IT TAKES A because, having seen STRONG ENOUGH ACTOR the show back in I found it funny LIKE MYSELF TO TAKE 2013, and light-hearted,” ON THE CHALLENGE OF Brown said. “It’s a story about friendship, ACTING AS SOMETHING trust, acceptance, and self-adequacy.” THAT I’M NOT. “Bring It On“ centers around teenagers - JUNIOR MOSES BROWN that--after switching from a majoritywhite school to the “hood”--overcome obstacles to form a competitive cheerleading team. Most of the characters are teenage girls, and the musical recounts their struggles and happy moments during the final years of high school. The show’s diversity is not only expressed in the vastly different settings, but through characters like La Cienega, a character that enticed Moses Brown for several reasons. “She’s the best role: she bring a different aspect to it, but she’s just a woman comfortable with being herself,” Brown stated. “Not a lot of people--especially black actors--are talking about this situation and I think it takes a strong enough actor like myKansas Thespians as cheerleaders.
self to take on the challenge of acting as something that I’m not.” As a straight male, the role should present a huge challenge for him, right? Well, Brown has learned that it’s not much different from previous roles he’s played. In fact, he approaches it just the same. “You’re a human being, it is as simple as putting a dress, a wig and heels on,” Brown said. “I can do it so well because I was raised around all females, and because of that my character is a little bit of every female in my life.” Although there may be humor in seeing a six-foot-three, 200 pound African-American teenager running around on stage in high heels and a dress, the musical and Brown’s role express a deeper aspect of life. Audiences from their four shows in Olathe and Wichita, and their performance at State in early January 2019 have been impacted in various ways. “Even though Moses’ role was to be silly, his role connected with kids out there that see they can bring out their true beautiful selves on stage too,” said Hannah Guzman, who plays La Cienega’s best friend in the musical. “On one of our performance nights, a trans girl got emotional because she saw herself represented on stage and that really stuck with the cast.” For Edward Shafer, the director of “Bring It On,” all the hard work has come to fruition. Performing at the International Thespian Festival in May is a great honor and it will give the cast one last chance to express themselves together. “The process of meeting as a group for 3 weeks during the summer and rehearsing Monday through Friday from 9:00am6:00pm has led up to this,” Shafer said. “We are representing the entire state of Kansas, and it truly is an honor to be a part of something that has an impact over hundreds and hundreds of miles.”
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internet invasion
How the network shutdown has affected student learning and class time in the age of technology ¨It’s not working for me,¨ an annoyed Some may see it as hacking, but it is more student says. of an attack. Cyber crimes like this happen ¨Why is it so slow?¨ another one says. all the time in the world. An attack, however This type of talk has become common place is something bigger. Since district data has at Salina Central ever since late November. not been jeopardized, it does not count as A malicious internet-based attack has surfahacking. ced across the district, affecting all aspects “An attack, such as we are experiencing, of a student education and teacher lesson comes from an outside source and prevenplans. ts, or greatly reduces, internet access, both In today’s world, technology and the incoming and outgoing traffic. Hacking can internet itself is huge. Textbooks, notes, come from an inside or outside source and tests and most can result in of the education unapproved THESE ATTACKS ARE students get access to interare used online. resources, INTENTIONAL, MALICIOUS nal Teachers create putting data at lesson plans risk. This has not AND ILLEGAL. that solely rely happened; our on the internet. - HEAD OF MIS DWIGHT CHRISTIE data is secure,” And so the obChristie said. vious question The districts that everyone has been wanting answered is connection between them and the Internet - what is going on with the internet and how Service Provider is where it’s being attacked. has it become such a big problem? “The attacks break the connection bet“These attacks are intentional, malicious, ween USD 305 and our Internet Service Prospecifically directed towards USD 305, and vider (ISP). Because we have a single ISP, illegal,” head of MIS Dwight Christie said. when that ISP connection is down, or being This whole ordeal has even gone as big as attacked, it affects the entire district. This to have the FBI involved. Since the attacks results in an inability to upload or download originated outside of Kansas and the U.S., data,” Christie said. legal actions have been taken place. MIS has Some students have become stressed out received multiple leads and are still inveswith the internet issue and have resulted to tigating on the case. The FBI’s role in the turning in assignments late. attack is essentially broken down into three “It’s added a lot more stress to my life and parts. Investigate the crime, remedy the it’s made me frustrated enough to just stop situation and to gather information to help working and take late grades,” sophomore prevent future attacks. Valerie Alonso said.
SYDNEY RAMAN | PYLON EDITOR
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Alonso even mentioned that sometimes she will start watching “Netflix” on her phone instead of doing work when the internet doesn’t work. Sometimes Alonso has to do the work she would usually do in class at home. It has added more worry and stress in her life and for many other students as well. Many students take advantage of the internet in school as they do not have access at home. “It makes me worry about deadlines or how much homework I’d have at home,” Alonso said. “It also stresses me out that I’m in a class for over an hour doing nothing because of the internet and I have to do it at home when it could’ve easily been done at school had there been working internet.” Science teacher Billy Jo Bonar, has been faced with many obstacles throughout this whole issue. Bonar teaches PBD, with the internet not working, most of her classes use the internet. PBD is a credit recovery program. The internet is crucial for this program since all of it is online. “My non-PBD classes are basically all on the computer, I use digital notebooks, so everything goes through Google Classroom. So when the internet is not working, that piece is taken away from me,” Bonar said. “PBD is all on the computer, so when those kids are trying to work on their course load and have no internet access, there work has been totally stopped,” Bonar said.
PYLON | MARCH 7, 2019
Along with many other teachers, and when least expected, Bonar has even had to change her lesson plans due to the internet shutdown. It has ultimately became a huge hassle to go about things in class. “I make sure if there is any assignments they need that they do online, I make sure there is a class set printed,” Bonar said. The school gives students chromebooks to use throughout the year. We rely on those for google classroom, docs, slides, tests and more. If the thing we are supposed to use and is supposed to have at all times is not working, then how do things get done? A regular routined email is usually sent out when the internet is down, Bonar said there have been no staff meetings so far about the internet and its problems. “Well I think the most frustrating part is the not knowing part, like when you are in the middle of something and for it to not function correctly, that is frustrating,” Bonar said. Not knowing what is going on is something Bonar struggles with. Students are now in a digital age of things, the internet is the mother of education. Teachers are also shifting towards the digital age and so when you have to take a step back, it can be difficult. “I think they are very very frustrated with it. The worst is when they are doing assignments online and then it just stops in the middle and then they have to decide what they should do
PYLON | MARCH 7, 2019
from there,� Bonar said. The shutdown has affected all aspects of USD 305. Everyone is struggling to do simple things through the internet. The digital age is now, in the fast moving world we have today, the internet is heavily needed. If we do not have it, we are left lost. Doing something like this, creating a cyber crime like this, has many consequences. It could be anyone. The kid who sits next to you in math, your best friend, anyone could be capable of something like this. Perhaps a group of students? In most cases like this, someone must walk away in handcuffs. Punishable by a class B misdemeanor, a person could spend up to 6 months in prison for a fine up to $1,000. Then if the situation is worst, a class B felony, could be up to 20 years in prison with a fine up to $15,000. It could also result in a class D felony with up to 5 years in prison along with a fine up to $5,000. For most students, school is where they receive there internet access. Most people need the internet to do their work. Without it students are left to be lazy. Many just give up and resort to doing many unproductive things you shouldn’t be doing in school. If a disruptive pattern like this continues on, who knows what the future holds for USD 305.
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without internet, is class a waste of time?
70%
yes
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30%
no
did the internet shutdown
effect your class time ? YES 86% NO 14% should someone receive discipline for 85% shutting yes down the internet?
15%
no
| 130 students surveyed in February
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WINTER sport
Briefs
girls basketball has winning record for tenthconsecutive season
“Our wrestling season as a whole went really well. Our team kicked it into gear the last few weeks of the season. We finished strong as a team and as indviduals. Can’t wait to see what next year holds.” -junior Cooper Chard
“Things went well this year. Basketball season is always stressful for us, with all of the dances we have to perform, but we had a super great team this year.” -senior Sada Mills
“When you’re on a team, it’s hard to focus on an individual. We are a family. We would appreciate gaining our respect from our classmates. Overall, it’s been a great year and we love supporting our Mustangs.” -junior Jacqui Dyson
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THIS HAS BEEN A REALLY GOOD SEASON AND I AM SO PROUD OF MY TEAM. WE’VE HAD UPS AND DOWNS BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY WE ARE FAMILY. - SENIOR SELAH MERKLE
Senior Selah Merkle shoots over a Salina South player. | PHOTO BY KAMRYN ARNOLD
“Swim is going pretty good. As a new swimmer I knew I wasn’t going to state or anything but I’ve had a lot of improvement over the season. The whole team has put in a lot of work and our state team did great. -senior Jeb Allen
“We are a really great team. We have been working hard this year and learning to work together as a team not just individually. I really think we have grown as a team.” -junior Kailee O’Connor
“We worked hard all year long. I don’t want to see the seniors go because they are like family to me. We go through the ups and downs together.” -sophomore Caden Kickafer
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WRESTLING IS SPECIAL TO ME BECAUSE YOU LEARN SO MUCH MORE...AND THE MENTAL LESSONS THAT ADD TO IT MAKE YOU A STRONGER PERSON. - SENIOR TAYLON PETERS
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Coaches Shannon Peters and Richard Brake talk with senior Taylon Peters after a match. | PHOTO BY STACIE HARDER
End of an era ISABELLA RUBINO | PYLON NEWS EDITOR
It all started his freshman year of high school when chemistry teacher and head wrestling coach Shannon Peters was approached to see if he would be interested in wrestling. “The first time I wrestled, I thought it was crazy because after about the first five minutes, I felt sick. It wasn’t something I thought I would be even interested in, but back then you didn’t quit once you started something.” From there on, Shannon worked tirelessly to improve his strength and technique. His junior year, he made his school’s varsity wrestling team. He placed third at state and started thinking this could maybe be a future for him. It wasn’t until college wrestling when Shannon started to really excel in wrestling. “I was an All-American wrestler my sophomore year in college. I got to go to Spain for wrestling in the junior olympics in Greco Roman, which is all upper body. Then I ended up getting third in the nation my senior year,” Shannon said. Wrestling didn’t stop after college
for Shannon. He went on to get his teaching degree and coach wrestling at the high school level. His two sons have followed in his wrestling footsteps, and his whole family has been impacted by wrestling. “It’s done a lot for us when it comes to family. I think the most important thing wrestling has done for our family is taught us discipline and how much work it takes to be successful at something,” Shannon said. “My wife has invested a bunch of time watching me in my years of wrestling, but also our sons. It’s just been a great experience all around.” Senior Taylon Peters just finished his last year of high school wrestling. He started wrestling at age five after seeing his older brother, Dalton Peters, doing it. From there, it turned into something he would carry on throughout high school. “Wrestling is special to me because you learn so much more than what you think you will, and the mental lessons that add to it make you a stronger person individually,” Taylon said. Taylon has just recently competed at state for his last time. He was the runner
PETERS FAMILY PROVIDES POSITIVE IMPACT ON PROGRAM up in the 195 weight class. It was Shannon’s last time coaching his son for wrestling. “We had a tremendous State tournament. My heart aches for Taylon losing the way he did but that’s the way life is. Sometimes you pour your heart and soul into something and it still isn’t enough,” Peters said, “He knows I love him regardless. It never was about the winning and losing, it was about doing your best and knowing you give it your all. In fact, discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success,” Shannon said. Taylon has had a very successful wrestling career. His overall record was 460 wins with 95 losses. After college, Taylon plans on attending Washburn University to play football, but wrestling has still left a huge impact on him and his family. As for wrestling, Shannon has resigned as the head Wrestling coach, and plans to continue to support his sons wrestling career at the collegiate level. “There has been some heartache, there are highs and lows. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Shannon said.
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PYLON | March 7, 2019
THE
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Look for the senior magazine issue coming to you soon!
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PYLON | March 7, 2019
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Today’s students Tomorrow’s leaders
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opinion editorial
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PYLON | March 7, 2019
A
joint
effort
Medical marijuana medical and recreational neither medical or recreational
A map of the U.S. shows which states have legalized marijuana and which haven’t. | INFOGRAPHIC BY LAYNA KINNAIRD
IT’S TIME TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA IN ALL 50 STATES LAYNA KINNAIRD | PYLON REPORTER
I was still quite young when I first heard my friends say they smoked weed. I remember thinking, “That’s so grown up of them.” These kind of thoughts came and went through my mind as a little kid, but of course I was young enough that I didn’t really think about the way it impacted other people’s lives. My dad always gave my brother and I the “talk” about drugs and how we could get into dangerous situations because of them. I would nod and think to myself how the high isn’t worth it. Yet in the back of my mind, I was still curious. Regarding relevance, presence and status, our generation almost seems to be evolving or “growing up” with weed. According to Business Insider, marijuana was first legalized for recreational use in Colorado and Washington state in 2012, and has since been legalized in eight more states, whereas medical marijuana is legal in 33 states all together. Medical and recreational marijuana is not legal in Kansas, and many believe that it won’t be anytime soon. Even so, we can still take the steps to making it legal. It has been proven that the legalization of
marijuana has had numerous economical and health benefits since being legalized. This means an increase in income and jobs, tax revenue, and a substantial amount of money saved in law-enforcement costs. These advantages from legalizing marijuana could undeniably boost the economy. There’s also a large amount of health benefits from legalizing marijuana including treatments for chronic pain, and help with various medical problems like epileptic
EVERYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO USE MARIJUANA FOR MEDICINAL REASONS AS THEY PLEASE. seizures and multiple sclerosis. A chemical in marijuana, called CBD, has been found to shrink tumors and reverse the carcinogens from tobacco as well. CBD oil is also used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. These benefits are greatly needed to aid people with medical problems, and people who live in areas where medical marijuana is not legal continue to suffer. I believe everyone
should be able to use marijuana for the medicinal reasons as they please. However, most people who don’t have medical problems consume marijuana solely for the high. Some people say smoking weed reduces their anxiety, although some experience heightened anxiety and paranoia. Other effects from the high are deep relaxation, happiness, improved intensity of colors, flavors and sounds. Consuming marijuana also increases dopamine levels in the brain, which is a pleasurable stimuli that is released through things like eating food, having sex and sleeping. While there are pleasant, non-harmful effects from smoking weed, there are also harmful effects. Some short term effects being hallucinations, psychosis, and problems with coordination. Long term effects from the usage of marijuana include impaired thinking, possibility of addiction with excessive use, and the potential for development of opiate abuse. Regardless of the negative impacts of legalizing marijuana, I believe that the health and economical benefits greatly outweigh the negative effects.
FUN & GAMES
PYLON | MARCH 7, 2019
Horoscopes Aries
Don’t stress, there may be a lot of work for you but lot’s of great opportunities. Enjoy the weather.
Taurus Change will come your way in many lovely ways, but don’t forget who you are.
Gemini Things may seem impossible to complete but do not fear, things will shape up for the better.
Cancer Take care of yourself. This month your self-confidence will grow in ways you wouldn’t expect.
Leo
Libra
Your perspective on love and relationships will change. Keep an open mind, and be prepared to close some chapters in your life.
Scorpio
Don’t get too frustrated, the things you can do will pay off. Relax and enjoy yourself more.
Sagittarius
Go somewhere or be someone different. This month, you will be making some pretty big decisions.
Capricorn A lot of things will come naturally to you this month. Be open to change.
Aquarius
New beginnings Chill out this month. will come your way, Don’t do too much, try something new. just relax.
Virgo Watch out for forgetfulness. Love and travel will be something that may challenge you.
Pisces This month your whole mindset will change! Finding new things will change you.
KUDOS 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 with the help of the staff and students.
CALLOUTS
MONTHLY
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KUDOS
- Kudos to Drew Burgoon for winning state, and to all the wrestlers for doing their best. - Kudos to my friends for being awesome. - Dr. Werth for being nice and funny. - The lunch ladies for being extremely nice. - Kudos to Oso for being one of the best dogs ever. - Kudos to administration for getting people to move in the hallway. -Mrs. Heizman for being there to help.
CALLOUTS - Gangsters for being gangster. - Thanks for being extra loud in the hallways. -Career cruising is a waste of time, but mandnatory. -Why do the rooms all have different tempatures. -People who start fights for no/or stupid reasons. - People who don’t look when backing out. - Can you people not act your age. -Why can’t the counselors at least act lke they car about our mental health. - My counselor for not letting me get out of Spanish 2.
editorials opinion
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PYLON | March 7, 2019
A RESTAURANT REVIEW BY JERZEE MULLINS | PYLON REPORTER
atmosphere Walking into the facility, the inside layout was designed for several people to be in the building. Robby’s was very clean. There’s plenty of spaces to sit down, including booths and window sitting to look out see more of the downtown area. As you get into line, you can see all the tasty delights through a glass case and then you choose which one you’d like you move along the glass and then met the cash register and pay.
workers
santa fe
7th
As soon as I walked into the building, the woman working there was extremely nice and she made me feel welcome. As I spent a lifetime of deciding what cake I wanted to eat, I had a lot of question of what was
walnut
in each cheesecake, how it tasted, etc.. The women was very patient and answered all of my questions. The time I spent there she checked in on me, asked me how my cake was, and the experience overall, which made me feel welcome.
food I wanted to try the three most popular cheesecakes Salina people adore. I first tried the caramel macchiato. The cake was a rich mocha color and topped with two starflowers of whipped cream. The taste was complex, but the coffee was the most prominent taste. I really could taste the coffee which is a personal favourite of mine. Then I tried the original cheesecake topped with chocolate swirls and strawberries. The consistency was very thick and I didn’t care for the cake by itself. Having the strawberries and chocolate added was a nice choice, and you can pick other toppings like nuts, bananas, and caramel.
located next to martinelli’s on santa fe
/5
Finally, saving the best, for last I tried the peanut butter and banana, the appearance of the cake was an ombre white fading tan color. On top of the cake was a creamy swirl of peanut butter. Taking my first bite into it, the taste reminded me of banana pudding, in of my favourite childhood desserts. It was delightfully smooth and very creamy.
price I noticed that Robby’s has high prices, for one slice of cheesecake it costs $6.50.
conclusion When you visit Robby’s Famous Cheesecake, you have to experiment and find the cheesecake that’s perfect for you. Despite the reasonably high prices, I believe it makes up for the sweet taste of the menu. I will and would recommend Robby’s Famous Cheesecake.
8/14 pylon staffers think there are better desserts than cheesecake
PYLON | MARCH 7, 2019
info graphic
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spring breakdown 18%
what are students doing over break? _
visiting family
and friends
- beach activities
6%
4%
- snow activities
28% later
9%
38% relaxing
video games
earlier
25%
60%
other
should _ spring break be longer?
neither
48%
_
when should break be?
out of
the state
ES 78% Y O
22% N
_
students going on a senior trip over break
12%
where _ students are going over break
3%
48an% sas
out of the
in k
_ country
_
students going out of town over break 50%
YES
50%
NO
100% YES | 130 students surveyed in February
editorials opinion
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PYLON | march 7, 2019
BORDERING ON CRAZY BUILDING A BORDER WALL WILL DO NOTHING BUT GO TO WASTE MARIA GUTIERREZ | COPY EDITOR
If you couldn’t tell from my name alone, my family is Mexican-American, and I’m the third generation to live in the States. That does make me sympathetic to those on the other side of the border. Packing up everything, including your family, and making the dangerous trek across borders just for a better future is something I can’t deny I respect. Some would say my heritage alone is why I’m against the border wall. While that is part of my reasoning, it’s not the only reason. No, my biggest problem with the wall is that it’s a waste of time and money. The numbers have fluctuated as time has passed, but the price tag of the wall has always been worth billions of dollars. Most sources say $18 billion. That’s
more money than many of us will ever see in our lifetime, and that’s all going towards a wall meant to keep people from coming into our country illegally. There are other ways this money could be distributed to solve the same problem. For instance, improving the customs office so more immigrants can be processed more efficiently at the border. Or bettering the facilities for those who are waiting to enter the country legally. Or, if you wish to stay on the topic of border control, strengthening security either through equipment or by having more patrolling officers. But the other factor that bothers me is the element of time. The border wall, theoretically, would stretch across 1000 miles and stand roughly 20 feet
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: GONE AND FORGOTTEN People have the attention span of a goldfish, myself included. In the span of a few months, we have forgotten an issue that was in almost every headline for a year: mass shootings. In 2018 there were over 350 mass shootings in the United States and we heard about a few dozen of them. Our problem is we, just like the media, jump between issues so often that we never fix any of them before another comes up. Most shootings get a few hours in the news and are never mentioned again. These shootings, especially in schools, are a serious issue that we have all but
tall. That alone is difficult enough on its own without taking into account the weather, terrain, and inevitable mistakes that’ll happen just because we’re human. There’s also drafting, and testing, and revising. It’s a time consuming process that would last past Trump’s first (and hopefully last) term. And, depending on who runs for president next, the construction may come grinding to a halt. A border wall won’t be worth however many immigrants it stops. It’s going to waste incredible amounts of time, money and effort that can be spent elsewhere. There’s no need to draw up the blueprints, no need to shut down the government, no need to declare a national emergency.
JEREMY VAUPEL | SENIOR
forgotten about. The worst part of it to me is that other than in the communities where these shootings happen, no action has been taken to make our schools and public areas any safer. Despite the constant and looming threat of shootings, only those previously affected have even tried to make a change. How do we justify that to our future children that society did nothing to protect our children from being gunned down in a school or shot in a movie theater? I am not advocating for any specific policy, as there are so many factors in shootings that need to be addressed
before a solution can be found. But people need to pay attention to the issue. The threat of being killed in a classroom isn’t something we should forget about two days after it happens somewhere else and then never talk about it until it happens again. We have to take action to prevent this issue from happening and we can’t do that if we don’t stop and talk about how to fix it. You can’t forget this issue and never work towards a change, because if you do that then you could find yourself in the same situation as the hundreds of innocent people that get needlessly killed every year.
Spilling the tea
PYLON | March 7, 2019
spilling the tea with the The following quotes were heard around the school by members of the Pylon staff
He was being Malcom X, and i was trying to intervene as Martin Luther King.
I need to get on birth control because i need to get ready for college.
why is your mom so hot?
La Casita for breakfast?!
There’s a fetus on my desk.
I gave you fruit snacks, not depression. The new superintendent is my best friend.
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