Volume 10, issue 4

comet Chanute High School’s

A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 2008

FRIDAY, JAN. 26, 2018

What’s Inside?

NEWS 2 OPINION 3 SPOTLIGHT 4-5 FEATURES 6 A&E 7 SPORTS 8

Volume 10, Issue 4

THE

The search for a new principal is underway

1501 W. 36th Street Chanute, KS 66720

Johnny Lawrence is stepping away after 20 years at Chanute High School, the last three as principal.

NEWS PAGE 2

CONNECT WITH US ON

@chscomet

Social dilemma Influence of social media under scrutiny

NEWS Page 2

Four Kansas teens are running for Governor

OPINION Page 3

The Social Glitch in our society

SPOTLIGHT Page 4-5

can range from direct threats and unpleasant emails to anonymous and deliberately offensive activities, such toledor2@stu.usd413.org as ‘trolling’.

Many teenagers spend their time on social media, Pinterest. Facebook. Instagram. Musical.ly. Twitlike Snapchat, to publicly drag and shame their fellow ter. YouTube. Snapchat. Tumblr. Reddit. WhatsApp. classmates with trends like ‘tbh’s’ (To be honest) and LinkedIn. Most teenagers at Chanute High School are rating others based on attractiveness. part of the 85 percent worldwide who have access to The consequence of cyberbullying can be life changthe internet and have used at least one of these social ing and may lead to severe psychological problems networking sites. that could require medical interventions. The individAs the use of social media continues to rise, the ualistic nature of social media networking activities influences of its use have recently become a topic makes it difficult to recognize victims, but tell-tale of debate. While research is still in its infancy, early signs include sudden change of behavioral patterns. results are eye opening.

“I feel like it influences my thoughts about things.

Some of the most extensive research involves social I see other people’s opinions that they put on social networking addiction, which is a compulsion to use media and it influences my own thoughts,” junior social media excessively - constantly checking new McKenna Tait said.

Facebook statuses or Chanute High School stustalking people’s profiles dents are not exempt to the on Instagram for hours on issue. Out of 74 responders end. to a survey sent out to CHS According to a study students, 19 admitted to postfrom Common Sense ing something negative. One Media in 2015, teens are CHS student even admitted spending more than onethat their time on Snapchat third of their day, nearly consists of seeing “people nine hours, using media - BREANA WRABEK, SENIOR bashing other people on their such as online video, social stories.” media apps, and listening A 2016 study by researchto music. ers at Penn State University indicated that viewing A Pew Research Center study reported in April 2015 other people’s selfies lowered self-esteem due to users that 92 percent of teenagers go online daily, with 71 comparing themselves to photos of people looking percent using more than one social media site. 24 their happiest. percent of the teens surveyed said they went online “When people are on social media, they always try “almost constantly.” to look their best and look better than other people,” A report by Statista found that in the first quarter senior Breana Wrabek said. of 2017, Snapchat users were sending over 3 billion Research from multiple universities also found that snaps each day, up from 2.5 billion daily snaps in the women compare themselves negatively to selfies of third quarter of 2016. other women.

“I’m on my social media a lot, mainly Snapchat and A study published in the journal “Computers and Instagram,” junior Kiley Smoot admits.

Human Behaviour” found that teens who use seven While social networking plays a role in widening or more social media platforms are three times more social connections and learning technical skills, critics likely to experience general anxiety symptom. argue its risks should not be overlooked. The lack of “I think it is often abused. I have recently gotten rid susceptibility to peer pressure and easy access makes of most of my social media. I have realized that my adolescents and teens vulnerable to cyberbullying, anxiety got so much lower after deleting Facebook self-esteem issues, anxiety, and many other psychoand Instagram,” a CHS student who responded anonlogical problems. ymously to the Comet survey said.

The American Psychological Association defines “I honestly miss the olden days when people wrote bullying as aggressive behavior by an individual that each other letters instead of using social media to causes repeated discomfort to another. Cyberbullying make contact,” junior Britany Angleton said.

BY ROSEBELLE TOLEDO

Everything you need to know for homecoming

FEATURES Page 6

CHS Student raises money for mission trip to Guatemala

A&E

Page 7

Twitter-in Chief: A new breed of Presidential communication

SPORTS Page 8

Girls’ basketball picks one word to live by for 2018.

“

When people are on social media, they always try to look their best and look better than other people.”

EFFECTS OF

SOCIAL MEDIA Students are spending increasing amounts of time on social media — the effects of which are just beginning to become known.

STRESS In a survey of 1,800 people, women reported being more stressed than men. Twitter was found to be a “significant contributor” because it increased their awareness of other people’s stress.

MOOD In 2014, researchers in Austria found that participants reported lower moods after using Facebook for 20 minutes compared to those who just browsed the internet.

ANXIETY A study published in the journal Computers and Human Behaviour found that people who report using seven or more social media platforms were more than three times as likely as people using 0-2 platforms to have high levels of general anxiety symptoms.

ADDICTION In 2011, Daria Kuss and Mark Griffiths from Nottingham Trent University in the UK have analysed 43 previous studies on potential social media addiction, and conclude that social media addiction is a mental health problem that “may” require professional treatment.

SELF-ESTEEM A 2016 study by researchers at Penn State University suggested that viewing other people’s selfies lowered self-esteem, because users compare themselves to photos of people looking their happiest.

Source: “Is Social Media Bad For You? The Evidence and the Unknowns” by Jessica Brown, BBC

NEWS The Comet is published nine times per year by the Chanute High School newspaper staff.

The Comet does not accept subscriptions and has a standard advertising rate of $5 per column inch.

The paper is available free of charge at Chanute High School, at various locations in Chanute, and can be found online at thecometonline.com.

The Comet is printed by Kansas Newspapers LLC in Parsons and is composed by the student staff.

Editorial Policy The Comet will report on and editorialize about controversial and crucial events in the school, community, nation and world. School editors and writers will, however, observe the same legal responsibilities as those imposed on conventional newspapers and news media.

Thus, The Comet will refrain from publication of material that is obscene, libellous or creates a clear and present danger of the immediate disruption of the school. In determining the type of material that violates the above restrictions, it must be noted that the discrimination of material that invites or simulates heated discussion or debate among students or in the community does not constitute the type of disruption prohibited.

The Comet will not be subject to prior restraints or censorship by school officials, unless material is considered obscene, libellous or disruptive as previously defined. Commercial advertising will be printed, but items and/or services that are illegal because of age restrictions, etc., will not be advertised.

The Comet is a public forum. Since school publications are designed as instructional instruments for students and as a vehicle for student opinion and discussion, the opinions, issues or articles published shall not be construed as those representing the publication adviser, school administration or the Board of Education.

The contents of The Comet are the responsibility of the student staff.

Get in Touch With Us thecometonline@gmail.com 620-432-2510 Ext. 106 (Morning)/908 (Afternoon) Follow us on Twitter @chscomet On the web: thecometonline.com 1. Letters should be emailed to thecometonline@gmail.com no later than the Monday of the week of publication.

2. All letters must be signed, even though the name(s) may be withheld upon request of the writer. Names will be made available, however, to the publication’s adviser, editor-in-chief and necessary staff members of The Comet.

3. A joint letter should not contain more than ten names. If more than ten names appear on the letter, only ten will be published. However, a complete list of all the other names will be available to the publications adviser, editor-in-chief and necessary staff members.

4. Each letter should be no more than 200 words in length and will be subject to editing and/or cutting. Should editing or cutting be required, the writer will be notified before publication. The Comet reserves the right to refuse publication. The writer, however, will be notified of such decision.

5. Obscene, libellous or other material that might be determined to cause a disruption of the normal school daily routine will not be printed, and the writer will be notified of such decision.

2017-18 The Comet Staff Editor-in-Chief Huntyr Schwegman Managing Editor Dustin Vargo Online Editor-in-Chief Christopher Hatch Advertising Manager Kaitlyn Newton News Editor Regan Smith Opinion Editor Kristin Umbarger Spotlight Editor Jillian Wilson Features Editor Amanda Stalder A&E Editor Angelo Andoyo Sports Editor Jayci Vietti Copy Editor Rachel Shapel Photography Editor Sophie Osborn Graphics Editor Kennah Ludlum Digital Editor Alyssa Andoyo Reporters/Photographers Blake Ayers Kori Babcock Tibernay Beal Marissa Burciaga Darbee Chard Nathan Farris Cali Hudson Rachel Jackett Rilee Jordan Mikayla Kwek Vonna O’Brien Alyssa Ramsey Emilee Roberts Caden Schwegman David Semey Ashlynn Smoot Taylor Thompson Rosebelle Toledo Mason Vietti Adviser Dustin Fox

2

Lawrence set to retire after 20 years

BY KRISTIN UMBARGER

UMBARGERK@STU.USD413.ORG

For the fourth time in the last four years, Chanute High school will be seeing a change in administration.

After 20 years of service, Johnny Lawrence will be leaving the school to move on to new opportunities.

“I feel like we’ve done a lot of great things here at Chanute High School,” Lawrence said. “...I am going to miss the district, miss the school.”

Lawrence will be officially retiring from this district in order to take advantage of the retirement package while working to become a superintendent. In the district he has served as a driver’s education instructor, assistant principal, and principal the past three years.

He hopes to have left behind the legacy of putting students first with activities such as the Family Feast at Thanksgiving and student-based classes such as the Leadership Service in

Action class.

He hopes to have fulfilled his promise “to bring more kids into the decision making process.”

He is most proud of the kids he has helped and has seen grow during his years as an administrator.

With a 94 percent graduation rate, Lawrence is proud that many students are able to stick it out and make it to graduation day.

The regrets Lawrence sees leaving the school are that he was unable to bring more STEM classes to CHS, while Project Lead The Way is a move in this direction, he wished more opportunities could have been utilized. He also wishes he could have created a greater community outreach program to see more students shadowing jobs and trades to decide what they may want to go into in life.

“There is really so much opportunity; it is really just an untapped resource,” Lawrence said.

When asked for advice that he would give to his

Chanute High School Principal Johnny Lawrence is set to retire at the conclusion of the 2017-18 school year. Photo by Sophie Osborn.

successor, Lawrence said in that his number one advice is to listen to student input.

“Have that relationship-building opportunity… often and early.”

He said secondly, he would advise to build the same relationships with teachers and staff as they have many ideas to offer and input that can be valu-

able.

According to USD 413 Superintendent Richard Proffitt, the qualities being sought out in a new principal are the ability to bring parents, teachers, students, and the community together, the ability to share decisions, and the willingness to work with all of the mentioned groups of

Pint-sized politics: Teens run for governor

BY DARBEE CHARD

CHARDD@STU.USD413.ORG

The time has finally come for the 2018 Kansas state elections and the end of Sam Brownback’s reign as governor.

The governor is the administrator, legislature negotiator, political party leader and state spokesperson.

And this year, it just might be a high school student.

A team of four high school students from Wichita, are running for governor this election year. Ethan Randleas (R), Jack Bergeson (D), Tyler Ruzich (R), and Dominic Scavuzzo (R)

are all between the ages of 16 and 17.

The young candidates feel that they have an equal chance in the elections this year.

“Of course there’s a chance we can win,” Ruzich

told CBS News. “No matter how big that chance is, what matters is that the four of us have a chance of winning this election.”

Each person aims to fix a different political issue.

Their goals range from set-

ting a new minimum wage to a new tax plan that will give a better flow of the tax usage. Ruzich and Randleas also hope to strengthen the Medicaid program.

While these four students think that they do have a chance in the elections, most say otherwise.

Neal Allen, a political scientist at Wichita State University, is one of these many.

“None of these teenagers has any experience in elected office, but our president didn’t have any experience in elected office until he was elected, so maybe we’re seeing a trend,” Allen said in an interview with CBS News.

stakeholders.

Proffitt said the process to find a new principal has already begun. Four candidates went through interviews Monday from groups of students, parents, teachers and administrators.

A decision on the next principal is expected at the February board meeting.

KANSAS GOVERNOR FAST FACTS

Youngest Governor Elected: John Carlin, age 39 1979

Oldest Governor Elected: Joan Finney, age 65 1991

Therapy dog, Aldrin, dies after health complications

BY RACHEL SHAPEL

SHAPELR@STU.USD413.ORG

Courtesy Photo

Dogs are considered a man’s best friend and the loss of a friend can be devastating.

The beloved therapy dog, Aldrin, passed away Jan. 20 after several health complications which had been occurring in his old age. He had heart problems, bad hips and had contracted diabetes within this past year.

“Aldrin would have been 13 years [old] come July,” Johnny Lawrence, owner, said. “In people years he would have been

like 84.”

The school district had employed Aldrin for the last 10 years. Aldrin was the only therapy dog in service at Chanute High School.

Aldrin had remained with the Lawrence family for nearly the entirety of his life.

“We have had him just about all of his life,” Lawrence said. “Out of those 12 years, we probably had him 10.”

Aldrin served many students in many ways.

He provided a supportive appearance but was also a very protective presence.

Aldrin worked with all kinds of students, Lawrence reminisced on two stories during his interview.

The first being about two boys who were on the brink of a fight when Aldrin got in between them and helped to diffuse the tension.

The last story involves a special needs boy who would play basketball in the old gym after coursework and after shooting the ball, Aldrin would bring it back to him.

CHS may have lost a beloved member of the community but his memory, however, will remain.

OPINION

3

COMMENTARY

Hats off to the administration

BY BLAKE AYERS

AYERSB@STU.USD413.ORG

We asked the students what was on their mind.

Here are their unfiltered responses.

Superintendents shouldn’t get raises if teachers don’t.

Cinnamon rolls are pretty good.

All lives matter.

Oprah for President 2020.

Comet Time is completely useless this year.

I can predict rain chances using cows.

Senior year is about having fun. I’m just here for the party.

Wizards of Waverly Place should be on Netflix.

Tampons should be free.

They should have stopped making New Years glasses after 2009.

BY REGAN SMITH

EDITORIAL

The Social Glitch in our Generation Walking through the hallways of the school, it is clear to see that the cell phone hypnosis is growing year to year.

Private lives are made public as they are snapped, insta’d, tweeted, and complained about on Facebook. While this happens, people are glued to the same screens that help spread negative images and gossip.

Social media has changed from a minor addiction to a life consuming and relationship ruining monster. How many people can be found on a date or with a friend on their phone scrolling through social media instead of talking to each other. How many people share every aspect of their life but are bad at communication in public? And how often do people ruin the relationships publically by taking their fights online?

Many anonymous commenting functions have been created on different social media platforms, and many of them end up negative. Programs that allow anonymous comments such as Sarahah or the old After School app just open the door for bullying and rude comments, causing self esteem issues.

Social media users of today need to take a step back and separate their lives from their accounts. Making deeper personal relationships is important to do, and to do offline.

Instead of subtweeting, people should deal with their problems face to face. Instead of stalking crushes on Instagram and Snap Map, try to actually get to know them. Like, you know, as an actual person.

If our generation changes the way we interact with others, by spending more time away from screens and using social media for good, we will create stronger personal relationships.

Try spending time with friends and making a rule that nobody can touch their phones. Some people will be stressed by the separation, but overall it can lead to better times with friends. By experiencing social lives outside of social media, this generation can prevent turning into drones controlled by their phones.

BY KRISTIN UMBARGER for the Editorial Board

Hats are a recurring topic of controversy at Chanute High School. While hats are banned in the CHS handbook, there is no real reason given to students.

The taboo of wearing a hat inside a building has faded a long time ago, and at this point it is unnecessary to continue enforcing this rule.

Hats have not always been banned at CHS. Prior to 1999 hats were allowed without any problem. By 2001 hats were banned during a change in administration. Administration has changed, giving a chance to look at the issue again.

The staff and administration are constantly pushing individuality and creativity through assemblies and events designed to highlight and celebrate the differences in students. However, they contradict themselves by enforcing dress code rules that deny students the freedom to express their style. Many other schools have dropped this outdated way of thinking and have began allowing headwear in the classroom.

Whether covering male pattern baldness, a bad hair day, or if it just completes the outfit of the day there is always a good reason to wear a hat. The administration should not be able to control what we wear if it does not harm or distract other students. Other dress code rules are understandable. Hats are possibly the least distracting part of an outfit and they should not be outlawed at CHS.

CON

With all the negatives in the world, it is important to focus on the many positives. Social media can be used in lots of different ways. Our society has many privileges, and these can be used to support peers and build others up.

People around the whole nation, not just in Chanute, connected on social media in the month of November.

Many of them used it to tell others how thankful they were for them, one example of which was the Carlie Challenge.

The Carlie Challenge gives people the opportunity to share their thankfulness and to tell their loved ones that they are appreciated and meaningful in their lives. If used correctly, social media can also give others a way to express positive ideas.

It can be used to post positive quotes and advice that could change lives. It can encourage people to keep moving in their life and to strive to become their best selves. It is another way for those to get recognized for all the good they do in their lives.

Social media could give everyone a way to seek greater things and find out more about what they are seeking. If one follows the right people, there is a plethora of good advice and quotes. A person can get inspiration to workout, eat well, pray, improve your makeup skills, play a sport or play an instrument.

If someone follows more positive pages and gets rid of all the pages full of drama, social media is positive. If you are able to see it, you are able to delete it. Do what is best and follow all positive accounts and encourage others to do the same.

Social media detox, something you all should try.

Don’t get me wrong, social media has many perks. You’re able to see exactly where your friends are on Snap Map, the occasional funny Snapchat story, the never-ending political controversies on Twitter, and our elders get to tag us in every “relatable” Facebook post. Oh yeah and the most recent (fabricated) Instagrams of others’ picture perfect lives.

As the new semester starts, a break from social media may be in your best interest. A social media detox will help you stay focused and get the grades you want this semester.

Social media distracts students from homework and eats away study time without realizing it. In the 10 minutes it took you to watch those Snapchat stories, you could have finished at least half an assignment that has been missing for two weeks. In the 15 minutes you spent watching YouTube videos, you could have studied for one of the tests you were so ¨unprepared for¨ and ¨knew nothing¨ about.

The ability to communicate behind a computer screen is taking this generation’s social skills out of reach and replacing it with iPhones and apps. Adolescents are more likely to be comforted by tweeting their feelings instead of talking about them.

Social media wastes more of your life than you realize.

An Educational Leadership study proved that every time a user is notified of social media activity, it can take about 20-25 minutes to return to the original task. Don’t do that.

Don’t waste those 25 minutes of your life looking at social media when you could be doing much more important things.

Disclaimer: I am not responsible for any feelings of targeting initiated by this article because I am most likely more guilty than all of you.

Quoted

& NOTED

PRO

Do you think social media is postive or negative?

ClashingComets

Is social media beneficial?

BY CALI HUDSON

BY RACHEL JACKETT

Julius Maucher Junior

Keeley Tallent Senior

Logan Wolken Senior

Mario Saiz Junior

“Es hängt davon ab wie man es nutzt.”

“Social media is positive in some ways. You are able to express your own pictures or thoughts and kinda hype people up.”

“I don’t have [social media], I think it is a waste of people’s time.”

“In general [social media] does more good than harm.

It can connect people and let people access the news...”

“It depends on how you use it.”

SPOTLIGHT

4

HOMECOMING: A LEGACY OF F������ A Story on the Curse of the 2018 Graduating Class

Spirit Week Predictions

The time frame is Spring 2017. To your left, the sound of desperation.

The sound

BY JILLIAN WILSON of mufWILSONJ@STU.USD413.ORG fled roars resonate throughout the gym. In front of you, another resonating boom of spirit erupts from the crowd. However, all around you in your general vicinity, bumping into your shoulders and deflecting straight off of your face, a choir of eager juniors chant and scream the name of the school that never calls their name. In the end, it always ends the same way: the class of 2018 in complete and total failure.

Accepting defeat is never easy.

This newfound problem is a common occurrence, as in the eyes of this

Results are out of the 70 students who replied.

year’s seniors, they have been cheated out of not one, not two, but three spirit sticks. In years past, seniors have been known to win at least the first and last spirit stick of the school year. This streak has already been broken this year since the juniors won the spirit stick over the seniors this past fall.

Another unappealing quality of the senior class is the fact that there has been a new principal/administrator every year that the class has been present. After their freshman year, Dr. Wire left. After their sophomore year, Mr. Methvin left. After their junior year, Mr. Luke left. And finally, upon recent developments, Mr. Lawrence will be leaving this year.

Coincidence? I think not.

Were these occurrences at fault of this years graduating class or the administration in general? Were the results by chance rigged or was the spirit of the other classes glowing too bright for the seniors to shine through? The world may never know.

Senior class member and Homecoming candidate, Gage Leedy, cheer for the seniors at the fall homecoming pep rally. Photo by Dustin Vargo.

Dark Grey is Seniors, Light Grey is Juniors, White is Sophomores, Black is Freshmen.

What class are you in?

32% - Senior 30% - Junior 21% - Sophomore 17% - Freshman

Who do you think will have the most Spirit Week participation?

40% - Seniors 42% - Juniors 11% - Sophomores 7% - Freshmen

Who do you think will win the Spirit Stick?

34% - Seniors 54% - Juniors 4% - Sophomores 7% - Freshmen

Why should your class win the coveted Spirit Stick?

“We have won it twice, why not a third time?”

-Kara Drake

Junior

vs.

“Because spirit runs through our veins.”

-Millie Martin Senior

5

SPOTLIGHT

TONIGHT!

MEET THE

CANDIDATES Girls Basketball

Ashlynn Smoot Gage Leedy

Boys Basketball

Kaylea Richards Matt Hernandez

Wrestling

Mina Drybread Ty Clements

Candidate Crisis This winter Homecoming includes two activities, Spirit Squad and band, having candidates outside of their team roster. The two organizations were not able to choose a senior girl from their team to be candidate due to the lack of senior girls in each activity.

The fall Homecoming’s female band candidate, Dominique Becannon, suggested Selena Stitch to be the candidate for winter Homecoming, and the

BY MASON VIETTI VIETTIM@STU.USD413.ORG band agreed.

Abrielle Inbody, the Spirit Squad candidate for Fall Homecoming, nominated Jayci Vietti to be the winter candidate for a few reasons. Vietti was a member of the Spirit Squad her freshman year and is a popular figure to the cheer team’s current roster. The Spirit Squad agreed to choose Vietti as their candidate.

Overall, because of the lack of seniors in both band and the cheer team, the two groups had to choose seniors outside of their organizations in order to have a candidate to represent them at Winter Homecoming.

DRESS CODE For the ladies...

Spirit Squad Jayci Vietti Todd Fritch

Band

Selena Stich Andrew March

For the gentlemen...

IT REALLY CAN WAIT! DON’T TEXT AND DRIVE

2103 South Santa Fe Avenue, Chanute, KS 66720

Jennifer Dietsch, Agent 821 West Main, Chanute 431-4280 www.jenniferdietsch.com

The dress code for the Homecoming Dance tonight is semi-formal preferred. Here are some dressing options.

FEATURES

6

A journey to Guatemala Faith leads freshman to take part in mission trip

BY ROSEBELLE TOLEDO

TOLEDOR2@STU.USD413.ORG

One group of people with the intentions of thousands can make a difference for an entire country.

This is the case for freshman Blake Bancroft, who, in June, will be visiting Guatemala for two weeks with a local mission group.

“It’s not affiliated with a church,” Bancroft explains. “...Valeria Edwards started [the group,] For the Love of Mateo, after going to Guatemala to adopt a boy.”.

Bancroft’s decision to take part in this trip was greatly influenced by his friend when she informed him about it, but his faith was the deciding factor.

“I really don’t know anyone who is going except my friend, Katie Inscore….

She asked me... and I felt a strong push from the Lord along with a lot of reassurance from the Holy Spirit when I began doubting and asking questions, wondering if God really wanted me to pursue this,” Bancroft said.

“Others from different churches, asked me to go on differ-

ent types of missions but this one I definitely could tell God wanted to use me through!”

The group consists of approximately 20 people, all of whom wish to make a difference throughout the country. They will be traveling together starting on the fifth of June, taking about a 7 hour flight starting in Kansas City and flying into Guatemala City.

“My mission team and I will be bringing in donations to the Guatemalans, delivering bunk beds, stoves, and water filters to families in rural villages, feeding the homeless in a town called Antigua, visiting families living in dumps and homes full of teen moms and children with HIV,” Bancroft explains.

“But most importantly [we are] relating with the people of Guatemala through their brokenness and telling them about a man who died to know their hurting hearts.”

Freshman Blake Bancroft is selling bath bombs as a means of raising money to attend a mission trip. Photo by Sophie Osborn

croft. In order to pay for the expenses needed for the trip to happen, he is selling bath bombs with Scripture.

“I started selling bath bombs a couple months ago because I was in Mrs. Bagshaw’s business class and we started a business so I sold bath bombs with freshman blake bancroft Scripture,” Bancroft said. “I’ve raised about In order for the mission group members to travel to Guatemala, it costs about $2,300 according to Ban-

I felt a strong push from the Lord along with a lot of reassurance from the Holy Spirit.”

$1,500 and need to raise about $800 more.”

To accumulate the remaining money needed, Bancroft said, “I’m planning on selling the rest of the bath bombs I have left over and selling some cookies to raise the extra bit of money I have left.”

Besides the journey to get to Guatemala, and the adventure while there, there

is also the thrill of meeting new people and getting to bond with them over this mission.

“Although I’m not familiar with the team of about 20 I’m going with, I’m so excited because I love meeting new people, it’s one of my favorite things to do,” Bancroft said.

Out-of-country Comets: Exchange students reflect on experiences Globetrotters

“

This year’s exchange students are adjusting to new homes in the United States. All of them are long way from home, but who gets to claim they are farthest from home?

Mario Siaz Fernandez Collado Villalba, Spain 4,660 miles away

Luca Borbeck Buttwil, Switzerland 4,921 miles away

Julius Maucher Göttingen, Germany 4,804 miles away

to see something else, like an American high school.”

Some of the positives and negatives are due to the differences between the exchange student’s home country and the country in which they are studying abroad.

“The way people see money [is different]. In Spain everyone invites other people for dinner… [and] someone will offer themselves to pay everything.

Here, everyone pays for their own things,” Fernandez relates.

He also noted multiple educational differences; “We don’t play sports in high school, instead we play them outside of high school, in like private clubs, and also things like homecoming, prom, we don’t have any of that.”

Maucher also noticed some of the differences between his high school in

Germany and here at CHS. “It’s way different [here]. First of all, I can select my own schedule.

In Germany, I got a set schedule from the principal; and the school day, it’s like repeating everyday the same, and in Germany it’s just repeating from week to week . . . so I’ve got different hours every day and what’s really cool here is all the school activities like football, basketball, it’s

like part of the school. And in Germany, it’s just like an extra class and it’s like two different things. I think school spirit in America is way different than in Germany,” Maucher explained.

There are many new experiences when one studies abroad, and the thought of change may be frightening, but overall, it’s the memories that one will create, that makes it all worthwhile.

Let’sGetQuizzical We asked senior Lexy Costin a series of questions and then asked her brother, sophomore Jaden Costin, and boyfriend Lane Harvey, junior, how they thought Lexy would answer.

Harvey barely won, leading by one point.

Lexy Costin

Jaden Costin

Lane Harvey

What is a pet Lexy would want?

Dog

Dog

Dog

What is Lexy’s favorite TV show?

Criminal Minds

Makeup Tv Show

Say Yes to the Dress

Nike or Under Armour?

Nike

Nike

Nike

What is Lexy’s favorite phone app?

Snapchat

Whatever she talks to Lane on

Snapchat

Final score

2

3

Senior Spotlight

being away from home for a few days can stress us, RAMSEYA@STU.USD413.ORG but these students are bravTo leave behind all you ing the world, away from have ever known for the home, for a year. opportunity of a lifetime is For Luca Borbeck, a a daunting idea to ponder junior from Switzerland, he for most. However, this misses his country’s cuisine year Chanute High School the most. However, for has three foreign exchange Fernandez, his family is his students that have faced this sole loss. challenge.

Due to said reasons, “At first I was scared of many may wonder, with all stuff because of the cultural this worry and heart ache, shock, but then you start to “Why would one wish to get used to the school and become a foreign exchange everything gets better,” jun- student?” The answers vary. ior Mario Junior Siaz Julius MauchSchool is…always the Fernaner, a student same and I just wanted from Gerdez said, to see something else, many, states, who like an American high origi“I wanted to school.” nates become an from - JULIUS MAUCHER, JUNIOR exchange stuSpain. dent because I Along with nerves and wanted to break out of the worries also comes the routine. School is…always homesickness. For most, the same and I just wanted

BY ALYSSA RAMSEY

President of the Green Team, Tanner Ammons, is a devoted student and athlete. He has participated in multiple sports, such as cross country, wrestling, and this spring will be his fourth year of track.

His other in-school

activities include choir and Comet Chorale, and previously was in StuGo for three years.

Ammons is unsure of the direction of his academic future, but has hopes of reaching a master’s degree.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

BY ANGELO ANDOYO

ANDOYOA2@STU.USD413.ORG

To Be Expected Movies

2018

2017 was one weird year. Feminists, hurricanes, taxes, politics and rocket man. No, not Elton John’s song. “Little Rocket Man” is the title coined by Donald Trump to belittle North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un on Twitter, causing outrage and creating fear of a nuclear showdown. This one tweet put the entire country on edge, but sadly, that’s only one tweet out of his at least thirty-six thousand.

Trump has a massive Twitter following, at over forty-six million. He averages six tweets per day and posts mostly in the early morning. He has lied constantly, personally attacked American citizens, directed Robert Pattinson (Edward from Twilight) to break up with Kristen Stewart, compared “nuclear button sizes” with Kim Jong-Un, still targets Hillary Clinton as if he was still on the campaign trail, misspells basic words (covfefe), claimed he was a “stable genius” who is “like, really smart”, voiced his belief that vaccines cause autism and, most famously, started the birther movement that claimed Obama was born in Kenya. There are many, many more that couldn’t be added to this list due

TV Shows

Grace & Frankie Season 4 January 19, 2018

Maze Runner: The Death Cure January 26, 2018

The Adventures of Puss in Boots Season 6 January 26, 2018

Avengers: Infinity War May 4, 2018

Jessica Jones Season 2 March 8, 2018

Solo: A Star Wars Story May 25, 2018

A Series of Unfortunate Events Season 2 March 30, 2018 Stranger Things Season 3 July 6, 2018

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom June 22, 2018

Green Eggs and Ham To be announced

Ant-Man and The Wasp July 6, 2018 Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald November 16, 2018

Lost in Space Season 1 To be announced

REVIEW Game: Crusader Kings 2 Released: February 12, 2012 Developer: Paradox Development Studio Genre: Strategy, RPG Platform: PC

BY DAVID SEMEY

SEMEYD@STU.USD413.ORG

The year is 1066, Holy Wars and disease rage across Europe. Old empires fall as new kingdoms rise, and dynasties fight to survive.

This is Crusader Kings II. In the game, the only goal is securing a dynasty’s place in history and expanding the realm through any means necessary. While this may not sound hard, new players, be wary of the complexity of this game; there are many different ways to play: aggressive expansion, protection pacts against larger kings or content for lieges. Many triggers and effects—clubfoot, greed, hatred, pride, cancer, contempt, lust and jealousy—can make the game a lot easier or ridiculously hard.

All of the mechanics of this game can lead to a rough experience for new players, but it does become a fun and rewarding time once players learn how to carry on.

Earl’s Lock and Key 24-Hour Emergency Service

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620-431-EARL(3275) “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

Whatever you bind on the earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be lost in heaven.” - Matthew 16:19

to inappropriate language, but don’t worry, he has many, many more tweets to come.

The weird thing, other than his constant tweeting, is that the President of the United States has his own official twitter account, but Trump chooses to use his unofficial account. This potentially protects him from being called out for abusing the official account, but that does not excuse his constant lying, name-calling or childishness just because it’s coming from a private account.

Trump holds the highest office in the land, stands as the American ambassador to everyone and is supposed to serve the people of the country.

His presidency has been riddled with scandals, investigations and slander, but nothing stops him from posting his daily Twitter post. Whether he has a desperate desire to seek approval from everyone or just needs constant attention 24/7, this isn’t presidential or even “modern day presidential,” as he puts in one tweet. Maybe he is a stable genius and he uses Twitter to distract from the important things going on? On second thought...

Albums Fall Out Boy: M A N I A January 19, 2018

A Wrinkle In Time March 9, 2018

The Incredibles 2 June 15, 2018

7

AWOLNATION: Here Comes the Runts February 2, 2018 Justin Timberlake: Man of the Woods February 2, 2018

Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats May 25, 2018

Charlie Puth: Voicenotes To be announced

Migos: Culture II To be announced

2017 Meme Calendar

SPORTS COMMENTARY

FAN FARRIS

8

making a difference

one word at a time

BY MICHAEL AYLWARD

AYLWARDM@STU.USD413.ORG

W

BY NATHAN FARRIS

FARRISN@STU.USD413.ORG

Athlete salaries on the rise We are in an age where professional athletes are making record amounts of money on new contracts they are given.

Contracts totalling to over $100 million are commonplace in sports like the NFL, MLB and NBA. The increase in average salary in these three sports over the last 10 years has been huge: 51 percent increase in the MLB($2,944,556 in 2007, $4,470,000 in 2017), 45 percent in the NBA($4,476,272 in 2007, $6,473,725 in 2017) and an astounding 206 percent in the NFL (880,640 in 2007, 2,700,000 in 2017). Even inflation makes a minuscule difference in the rise in salaries.

One reason there has been such a rise in pay checks is the fact that the largest contracts in each league’s history has been handed out in the last four years.

Giancarlo Stanton, James Harden and Andrew Luck have all destroyed the previous records in a short time.

Another reason is the fact that the NBA and NFL have recently raised their salary caps, letting more money go to the superstar players.

How large can they get? Only time can tell. I think a great test of that would be when Washington Nationals superstar Bryce Harper becomes a free agent after the 2018 MLB season. Some project that he could end up landing a contract worth around $400 million.

Think of that the next time you have to go to work.

The word “humble” resides on the locker of sophomore Caysia Crellin.

The lockers in the varsity girls locker room are adorned with the one word chosen by each of the members of the girls’ basketball team.

Photo by Sophie Osborn.

Shayla Bogle FEARLESS “I chose fearless because fear leads to failure”

ith the new year upon us, many people make resolutions in an attempt to improve their everyday life. These resolutions are a result of self reflection at the end of the previous year and an attempt at striving for improvement.

At the beginning of this new year, the girls basketball team has self reflected and each player and coach has chosen a word that means a lot to them to start off the new year.

Not only in terms of basketball, but also in life.

It is a word they can look back on in times of struggle to remind them who they strive to be.

Senior Ashlynn Smoot chose the word “confidence.”

“I picked this word because confidence is something I often lack,” Smoot

Sabry Trout THRIVE

“It can help me in all aspects of life.

Through school, friendships, sports and other things.”

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said. “I know it’s something I need to improve not only for basketball, but in life in general.”

Freshman Kori Babcock picked “positivity” to be her word.

“This is a word that means a lot to me and to our team. I chose it because I need to have a positive attitude in all aspects of life. In basketball, it is important to have a positive attitude so you don’t bring each other down.”

Junior Taylor Thompson chose the word “consistent.”

“This word is meaningful to me because this year I am striving to be more consistent in school and sports,” Thompson said.

Coach Dustin Fox came up with the word “invest.”

“From the basketball perspective, I want to make sure I’m being invested in the lives of my basketball players,” Fox ssaid.

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