Chanute High School 1501 West 36th Street Chanute, Kansas 66720
Friday, March 1, 2013
Volume 5, Issue 7
thecometonline.com
Photo Illustration by Danae Decker
News..................... 2 Opinion..................3 Sports..................4 Student Life.........5 Arts......................6 Entertainment.....7 Feature.................8
What’s Inside... Page 3
Pro/Con: Should seminar end?
Page 4
Comet girls face Indy at sub-state tonight.
Page 5
on point TARA GUINOTTE SENIOR
Senior Jack Martin has earned a spot in one of the most prestigious institutions in the country. Martin received his acceptance letter to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. on Monday. According to U.S. News, West Point had an acceptance rate of 10.6 percent in 2011, making it among the top 15 most prestigious schools to be accepted into in the country. Going into the military has always been a dream of Martin’s, as it has been in his family from past generations. “My grandpa was in the military, and he was going to teach at the Air Force Academy, so I guess it’s always been a part of my family,” Martin said. Martin believes the military will benefit him in a variety of ways. “I hope it helps me become a better leader and a better person, both academically and physically,” Martin said. The application for West Point was anything but short. Martin had to take a physical fitness test, a medical physical and a 45-minute eye exam. He also had to submit his transcripts, ACT scores and a list of activities he is involved in, evaluations by three teachers of different departments and two places of employment and get at least one nomination from a congressional representative. “West Point won’t even look at your application until you get a nomination from a senator or a congressional member,” Martin said. “So to apply for each nomination is a whole other application process. I ended up with four because I got two from one person.” After submitting his application in October, Martin had to wait approximately four and a half months to hear whether or not he got accepted into his first-choice school. The wait was excruciating. “I was checking the mail almost every day waiting to hear something,” Martin said. Martin said it was an honor to be accepted into the prestigious military academy.
“A lot of people apply each year, and I’m very happy to be chosen as one of the people that got accepted,” Martin said. If Martin had not been accepted into West Point, he was planning on going into the ROTC program while attending Kansas State University. “I knew it was a slim possibility of getting in, but I applied anyway,” Martin said. Martin looks forward to the discipline that will come along with attending the military academy. “I’m looking forward to all the structure and meeting all the people I’ll be rooming and training with for the next four years,” Martin said. There are also downsides to attending a disciplined academy. “Not getting to leave the base [is what I’m not looking forward to,]” Martin said. “The total days that I get to leave the base on break the first year isn’t even a month for the calender year after I begin there. It gets better over the four years, but it’s still not very much time off and I won’t have very much time at home. [My parents] can come visit almost any time, but there’s limited time I would be able to hang out with them if they came.” Martin said he would not have been accepted to West Point without the many members from the community that helped him along the way. “There are so many people that helped me,” Martin said. “The three teachers that wrote evaluations for me were Mr. (Derek) Liggett, Mrs. (Stacy) Henson and Mr. (Kevin) Blair. So I’d like to thank them, and Dr. (James) Hardy and some other people in the community wrote me letters of recommendation. All the teachers that helped me through the process [I want to thank], because I couldn’t have done it by myself.” Chanute High School guidance counselor Jason Feeback noted all of the hard work Martin has done in order to be accepted. “Jack put in a lot of hard work to get to West Point, and I think it’s a deserved honor,” Feeback said. “He’s done a great job here, and we’re looking forward to great things in the future from him.”
Aldrin avoids the ‘ruff’ life Look-Alike: Demetri Martin and Brady Roush
Page 6
Piecing together your perfect prom
Page 8
Weird Obsessions
STORME JONES SOPHOMORE Life of a therapy dog is not what we would consider “ruff.” Chanute High School therapy dog Aldrin did not get his life of leisure free of charge. Aldrin, named after astronaut Buzz Aldrin, has been at CHS for six years. At an early age, Aldrin possessed the 19 characteristics a dog must have to become a service dog. He underwent a two-phase training course at the Canine Assistance Rehabilitation Education and Services (CARES) training company located in Concordia. CARES first gets the dogs when they are puppies, then sends them to the basic training that is needed to be a service dog. The second phase takes place at the Ellsworth Correctional Facility where they give the dog the finishing touches of training to become a therapy dog. Together the phases last 18 weeks. The primary purpose of a therapy dog like Aldrin is to calm students down and let them relax while with the dog. Grooming and combing Aldrin can be therapeutic for some students. From teachers to students, most everyone at CHS enjoys seeing Aldrin. Some students actually require they get their
Hoop-It-Up For A Cure raises less money than in past years ALEXIS THUSTON JUNIOR
Storme Jones/ The Comet Chanute High School therapy dog, Aldrin, catches a quick nap in the commons area. Aldrin has been a part of CHS since 2006. He helps students in a variety of ways such as relaxing them when they need their “Aldrin fix.” “Aldrin fix” every day before school starts so that they can have a good day. He is also used to reward students. In 2006, CHS paid $500 for Aldrin’s training, vaccinations, his certification as a service dog and also to train assistant principal Johnny Lawrence as his handler. Though Chanute Public Schools own Aldrin, when he is not at the school he stays with the Lawrence family. “(Aldrin) comes home pretty tired on Fridays,” said owner Johnny Lawrence. “If you get to know him and hang around him you will get to see his personality.”
Lawrence said that Aldrin has a special connection with his daughter Jaymi, a sophomore at CHS. “Having a therapy dog at home is fun because he doesn’t make noise or messes like most dogs do,” Jaymi Lawrence said. Aldrin isn’t the only therapy dog in Chanute Public Schools, in fact there is a therapy dog at every school in our district. For many, seeing Aldrin may be the high point of their day. According to Secretary Linda Uden, Aldrin’s favorite part of the day is when the UPS delivery man comes and gives him a treat.
For the past three years Chanute High School has participated in Hoop-It-Up For A Cure. This event raises money for CHS’s Relay For Life team. For the event t-shirts are sold and players and fans wear them for one of the home basketball games. In the past years, according to StuGo sponsor Karen Graham, Hoop-ItUp For A Cure typically raises around $1,500. This year Graham said around $400 was raised. Shirts were sold for $15 dollars, with $5 taken from each shirt to go toward Relay For Life. Graham noted that the first year the school did Hoop It Up For A Cure the seniors used the shirts as their class shirts for spirit week. That of course raised more money, but since then the school has still done a great job of raising money. “CHS students and staff do such a great job raising money for different causes and organi-
zations,” Graham said. Hoop-It-Up For A Cure all started because of former assistant boys basketball coach Eric Holmes. His friend makes the shirts and Holmes showed the shirt idea to Graham. She loved the idea and thought CHS should do it. Despite raising less money than normal this year, Graham would like to see Hoop-It-Up For A Cure continue. “I hope we will continue it. It’s for a good cause,” Graham said. She also expressed how as the program continues there are possibilities for different shirt colors. Hoop It Up For A Cure is for a cause that effects people all around us. For junior Katy Batten, the cause behind Hoop-It-Up For Cure hits home for her as her mom has been battling with breast cancer. “Before it wasn’t a big deal to me,” Batten said. “Now it hits me at home. I appreciate all of the donations people give because I know how helpful it is.”
thecometonline.com www.thecometonline.com
Friday, March 1, 2013
Comet Calender
This date in history 138 years ago today 1 March 1875: Congress passes Civil Rights Act giving African Americans more equal treatment. The law was invalidated by the Supreme Court in 1883.
March/April
March 3 National Breakfast Week
4
26-27
Varsity Tennis @ Independence 3 PM
Spring sports pictures
What are the expectations of students at post season sporting events?
Varsity Baseball/ Softball @ Pittsburg 4:30PM
The expectation of CHS Student Spectators “ at post season events would be that they comply
BOE Meeting 5:30 PM
14
Friday
6-8
JV Baseball/Softball @ Home vs. Iola 4:30 PM
State Basketball
No School Partly Cloudy
Varsity Baseball/Softball @ Iola 4:30 PM
Varsity/JV Track @LCHS 2 PM
Drama Play 7:00 PM
20°
Drama Play 7:00 PM
Spring Break
10% chance of rain
12-13
25
Saturday
Parent-teacher conferences
JV Baseball/Softball @Home vs. Pittsburg 4:30PM
39° 22°
0% chance of rain
Sunday
Varsity Golf @Independence 1 PM Tennis @Coffeyville 3 PM
9
Mostly Sunny
28
JV Tennis @Pittsburg 4 PM
15-24
36°
Word Day Of The
Anachronism
Ask an Administrator
12
Weekend Weather
8
Page 2
April 1 Ecology Day BOE Meeting 5:30 PM
2
Varsity Golf @ Iola 3PM
a·nach·ro·nism N. Something that’s oldfashioned and maybe a little out of place is anachronistic, like a clunky black rotary-dial telephone sitting on a desk beside a sleek new smart phone
with rule 52 (Sportsmanship Rule) as mandated by KSHSAA. The purpose of this rule is to encourage only positive behavior at these contests which is a reflection on our school and its teams. Examples of appropriate behavior: Following the yells and timing of the cheerleaders and band, cheering for outstanding performance and supportive cheers and chants directed toward your team. Examples of inappropriate behavior: Yelling/making distracting noises during opponents’ free throws, chants such as “warm-up the bus,” “air ball” and “you got swatted,” rushing the floor and yelling players’ names or numbers.
“
News
For the complete KSHSAA rule 52 visit www.thecometonline.com
- Eric Methvin CHS Athletic Director Each issue the Comet will ask an administrator a question. To submit a question contact Storme Jones.
C H S
Partly Cloudy
47° 36°
10% chance of rain Counting Down
83
days until the last day of school
72
days until graduation
68
days until senior checkout day
49
days until prom
30
days until Ecology Day
14
days until spring break
Audrey Bolt/ The Comet Newly standing in front of Chanute High School is the marble sign donated by the class of 1984. This sign was once standing at the northwest corner of the location of the old high school. The Archives Committee identified the sign as unique and of historical value. The sign has been waiting in storage for five years to be placed at the new high school.
Linda Springer (620)431-4486 119 E. Main Add on Facebook at Merle Norman Cosmetics-Chanute.
Opinion
thecometonline.com www.thecometonline.com
Friday, March 1, 2013
Page 3
KELSEY TALLENT/SOPHOMORE
Editorial
Obesity needs to be a priority in schools It is well known that our country has a serious issue with obesity. More than one third of American adults are obese. Approximately 12.5 million U.S. children and adolescents between the ages of 2-19 years old are obese. Obesity may lead to heart disease, stroke, type two diabetes and certain types of cancer. These are some of the leading causes of preventable death. The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) found that the medical costs for people who are obese were on average $1,429 higher than those of normal weight. So what can we do about this? Michelle Obama has improved our diets in the school cafeteria through her “MyPlate” nutrition campaign. However, only having good eating habits is not enough. Exercise is a vital part of living a healthy, balanced life. When good habits are learned early, it is more likely they will be continued into adulthood. Most doctors suggest thirty minutes of physical activity that gets your heart pumping per day. The majority of children and teenagers don’t get enough exercise at home to make up for the lack of gym class at school. They
tend to prefer watching television or playing video games inside to taking a walk outdoors or going on a bike ride with friends. To eliminate the obesity issue, we need to make gym class a requirement in all states. In Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Illinois and Iowa, physical education is mandatory for all high school students. These states are the only ones to follow the standards set by the National Association of Sports and Physical Education, which says that school children need to participate in a hundred and fifty minutes a week of physical activity. Twenty-four states and sixty-seven percent of school districts have no P.E. policies. We at the Comet believe that physical education should be a requirement for all high school students. It would improve the health and lifestyle of our student body, and ensure everyone grows up to be healthy adults as well.
FOR THE EDITORIAL BOARD
Comet Commentary Do you think that we should continue to have Seminar at CHS?
Jordan Hartman Senior
Beth Ungles Junior
Courtney Dillow Senior
Kaley Umbarger Freshman
“Yes, because it is a nice and easy way to finish the week and sometimes we get out of school early because of it.”
“No, because we basically just sit there the whole time and don’t go over our grades.”
“No, because I think seniors should get to leave and not have to go to seminar.”
“No, because it is a waste of time and we never do anything.”
Commentary
Dances have improved after complaints
Our school dance attendance has declined in the past few years. So what is causing people to not show up? Some point to the music and say the music is not “dance worthy.” Others blame the lighting, because no one wants to dance in a bright area. But The Comet is published nine times per year by the second, fifth, and sixth hour newspaper classes. 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, a four-time winner of the AllKansas award, is a member of the Kansas Scholastic Press Association and Journalism Education Association. The Comet is printed by Kansas Newspapers LLC in Parsons in cooperation with the Chanute Tribune and is composed by the student staff on DakTech and Dell Computers using Microsoft Word, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop software.
most people say it is the strict restrictions on our dancing style. In my opinion, these issues are just tiny issues that can be fixed. In fact, these issues are currently in the process of changing. The junior class has taken it into their responsibility to create a playlist of appropriate music that people will most likely enjoy dancing to. This list is posted at the dances and can be added to at any time. If a song is declined from playing, the reason is posted so students can see why. So the issue of no good music is being fixed. Our dancing limitations have been increased because our classmates taking their dancing to an overly inappropriate level. As long as students do not take our decade’s style of dancing to an unnecessary level, then our limits and guidelines toward our dancing would not be limited. I believe that we can have fun dancing without having to be all
2012-2013 Staff Co Editors-in-Chief....Danae Decker and Tara Guinotte News Editor...................................................Storme Jones Opinion Editor..................................................Jack Martin Sports Editor...............................................Meg Lieffring Community Editor.....................................Madison Wendt Arts Editor..........................................................Katie Lair Entertainment Editor.......................Sydney Kochenderfer Student Life Editor...............................Megan Reeves Feature Editor..........................................Rachel Tucker Advertising Managers..............Emily Lair and Katie Lair Photography Editor......................................Amy Roecker Graphics Editor.....................................Madison Dispensa Online Editors..........Alexandra Gwillim and Emily Lair Reporters/Photographers........Regan Aylward, McKayla Barnow, Katy Batten, Audrey Bolt, Taylor Catterson, Lamisa Chowdhury, Ashlyn Cole, Macy Flowers, Tara Haight, Katie Martin, John Morris, Matthew Oliphant, Madison Richard, Kelsey Tallent, Alexis Thuston, Shelby Trout, Molly Ward Adviser..............................................................Dustin Fox
Pro: Seminar helps kids feel connected ALEXIS THUSTON JUNIOR Every Friday we Chanute High School students go to our seminar class or advisory; many have asked what the point is. Does it really better us or should we just get rid of it? I think we should keep seminar on Fridays. The main point of seminar is to help those kids that are behind or in need of help. National research also shows that every student should have at least one teacher that they can trust, according to Principal Kent Wire. “Fewer students will drop out when they have at least one teacher they know and trust,” Wire said. “That’s the premise of having an advisor.” Not all students have an adult friend that can guide them through high school. With high school being very tough and stressful, all students need to have someone that has been through high school, and even college, to help them. Also, there are over 600 students in CHS and only two guidance counselors. When it comes to enrollment there is no way that our counselors could
deal with all 600 students on their own. Just image that. It would take weeks to finish. It would be impossible. Since we have seminar we are able to have teachers talk to students about enrollment without having to take out class time. This not only saves the counselors some stress, but it also makes the enrollment process go much faster. Seminar allows students that need guidance in decision making. A student’s seminar advisor allows the possibility for students to form a personal relationship whereas not having seminar would make it less difficult to form one. There’s too many kids to have a personal relationship with enrollment where the counselor just specially helps just you If you don’t take care of it yourself by setting up an appointment it’s hard for them to see all 600 kids. The other goal is for the seminar teacher to be able to advise the student to do the best
thing for them. We get to have our pep rallies during school and not cut out a lot of class time. That is a big bonus. We can have fun but not at the sacrifice of our afternoon classes. Seminar also allows teachers that need to go work home track meets or the Ralph Miller tournament to go without h a v i n g to make separate lesson plans for their seventh hour class. If we did not have seminar certain teachers would have to miss that last class to help with events. While I understand how Friday seminar can be inconvenient at times, it is the best solution to help kids with enrollment, decrease the dropout rate and make it so kids do not have to miss class or their teachers for special events.
Con: Give the time back to the electives
COMPILED BY JUNIOR MOLLY WARD
MOLLY WARD JUNIOR
Should we keep Seminar the same at Chanute High School?
ALEXANDRA GWILLIM JUNIOR
over each other. If all you want to do at a school dance is dirty dance then maybe you should consider that you’re the one with the problem, not the dance. With a little effort, juniors have succeeded in decreasing the amount of light at dances. It is understandable that some students do not feel as comfortable dancing around people with lots of lighting. So turning off more lights is no longer an issue. I believe that our homecoming dance improved in every one of these issues and more people had fun. Although the dancing limits and music had improved, we need more people to show up and enjoy the dance. Students need to open up and try new things and give our school dances a try. Now that our dances enhanced you should try coming to our next dance and see for yourself that the dances are enjoyable.
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, libelous, 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.
LAMISA CHOWDHURY JUNIOR Advisory takes up the last 25 minutes of school every Friday, every student goes to a teacher that they will have for the rest of high school. In theory, advisory was a great idea with effects such as checking grades, discussing problems within the high school and being able to trust at least one teacher in Chanute High School. However, advisory was proven itself to be a grave joke since an abundance of students dread going to advisory instead of the regular weekly schedule. Are we really using the last 25 minutes of school to the best of its possibilities or has advisory been put forth to merely waste the time of students and even teachers? Advisory seems to hold students captive in a class every Friday, with the same teacher for every year of high school, doing absolutely nothing. The main dilemma is that there is not a definite plan for every advisory The Comet will not be subject to prior restraints or censorship by school officials, unless material is considered obscene, libelous, 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.
class. Instead of participating in a productive activity such as discussing course choices for next year or colleges that fit for the individuals, students sit in the class conversing uselessly with each other, staring at their phones and checking the time every two seconds. If advisory was ruled out of CHS’s schedule, students could find more dynamic activities to join. One idea is that instead of an advisory class every Friday, the schedule would go back to normal and electives such as art, vocal, and multimedia would get priority that day. This idea was the schedule before advisory was put Get in Touch With Us Email: thecomet@chanutehighschool.com
1. Letters should be submitted to Room 106 at 1501 West 36th Street, Chanute, KS 66720, given to any staff member listed, or emailed to thecomet@chanutehighschool.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. How-
into action. Another idea is to allow students who have perfect attendance, good grades, and no academic detentions to leave school early on Fridays, while other students would go to their advisory teacher to work on fixing their grades and other tasks. The last idea is to have each teacher do a certain lesson or an enjoyable activity every Friday, such as board games, college preparation, club meetings or assemblies. Students would have to decide where to go before hand, and get stamped to go into said classroom. This would provide students with various productive activities to partake in. Although the concept of advisory is fantastic, the action that takes place for it is not up to par.
ever, 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, libelous, 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.
Junior Katy Batten and senior Madison Richard will have their hustle on full display as they take on Independence tonight at 7:30. Friday, March 1, 2013
Sports The Comet
www.thecometonline.com
Seeking to repeat Girls Basketball
Page 4
A S
THLETE
POTLIGHT
Comets’ sights set on return to state tourny, face Independence in sub-state semis tonight REGAN AYLWARD JUNIOR Coming off a 68-44 first round sub-state victory over the Parsons Vikings, the top-seeded Blue Comets girls basketball team is one step closer to a return to Class 4A State Tournament in Salina. The Comets will face the fifthseeded Independence Bulldogs tonight at 7:30. Chanute and Independence has met twice already this season, with the Comets winning both games, 49-25 in December and 47-30 in early February. The early matchups mean little according to Blue Comets head coach Dustin Fox. “Those games are over and done with. We know they were be motivated to get us this time, and we expect a competitive game,” Fox said. The Bulldogs are led by junior standout Anna Hignight. “She’s an excellent player, and we know we have to contain her,” Fox said. If the Comets win they will face the winner of the Labette County and Circle semifinal matchup on Saturday at 6 p.m. The team is excited about the opportunity to potentially play in a second-straight state tournament. “I excited to beat Independence so that we can contend for a sub-state championship and have a chance to go back to Salina,” senior Shelby Trout said.
B O S How do you feel knowing this is your last year of high school basketball? “It’s a sad feeling, but I’m ready to move on to college and move on with my life.” Who do you want to beat the most?
A After tearing her ACL on senior night last week, senior Darian Rubow (left) had to be carried off the court. On Wednesday, in the Blue Comets’ 68-44 first round sub-state victory, Rubow was all smiles as she got one final opportunity to take the court for the Blue Comets. Head coach Dustin Fox came up with the idea to have Rubow enter the game if the Comets had the game in hand after learning of the ACL tear. With her mobility limited, Rubow entered the game in the fourth quarter and stayed on the offensive end of the floor. Rubow scored the Comets’ final four points, much to the delight of her teammates, including freshmen Kaley Umbarger (13), Sierra Thompson (12), Paige Kidwell (25), Madi Rollins (32) and Anna Bagshaw (11), pictured above. “It was absolutely amazing,” Rubow said. “The feeling is almost indescribable. It was a mix between being super nervous, excited and a little bit sad that it was my last time on the court with these girls. It’s definitely going to be a memory that will stick with me the rest of my life.”
Boys Basketball
Wrestling
“Labette, because it might come down to that game for who wins sub-state.” What goal would you like to accomplish this basketball season? “Become sub-state champs and place at state.” Do you plan on playing basketball after high school? “No, I plan on attending Pittsburg State University to further my education.”
Boys fall to El Dorado in first round of sub-state KATIE MARTIN JUNIOR
Meg Lieffring/The Comet Sophomore Chase Cole looks to the referee for an explanation during one of his state matches. Cole was one of eight Blue Comets to qualify for the Class 4A State Wrestling Tourament. Cole failed to place, but picked up some valuable points which helped the Comets finish ninth as a team.
Wrestlers conclude season with top-10 finish at state SHELBY TROUT SENIOR With a ninth-place finish in Class 4A at the state tournament the Blue Comet wrestling team wrapped up a successful season that included the school’s 11th SEK title. Senior Jared Fiscus and sophomore Adam Cole led the way for the Comets with third-place finishes at state, while senior William divine and freshman Nick Ornelas earned medals with sixth-place finishes. Divine was the first Chanute wrestler to place in heavyweight since 1988, and Ornelas was the third freshman to ever place in school history. Coach Andy Albright said the contributions of his senior class which included Divine, Fiscus, state qualifier Cody Howell, Bobby Allen, Josh Smeed and Abron Weaver, were invaluable.
“I was real pleased with the seniors all year; they definitely helped us get better and get our program going in the right direction.” Overall Albright was very proud of the overall season. “Not a lot of headaches” Albright said. The Comets were in third place after the opening day of the state tournament. “Day one was great, definitely pleased that the boys that made it to state, they wrestled tough, everyone improved, we lost some close matches on Saturday but that is just part of it.” Sophomores Chase Cole, Alex Son and Ethan VanAnne also competed for the Comets at state. With the return of five state qualifiers next year, the future is looking brights for Albright. “I am really excited about next year and to start working harder,” Albright said.
Concluding its season with a 50-39 loss to the El Dorado Wildcats in the first round of substate, the Chanute Blue Comet boys basketball team finished with an overall record of 11-10. “Any time a season comes to a close it’s frustrating,” head coach Max Ruark said. “You always look at things you could’ve done differently.” In the game, the Comets stayed close with their tough defense, but struggled on the offensive end with turnovers and missed shots. Despite the tough loss, the Comets had some high points in their season. “We were picked to finish sixth in the league and we beat every team at least once,” Ruark said. “We also finished second in the league which is a pretty exciting thing.” Ruark also commented on the accomplishment of finishing the season with a winning record, which is a big step up from last year’s 3-18 record. Along with their accomplishments, the Comets faced some adversity throughout their season. “We had a lot of things happen outside of basketball that were tough,” Ruark said. “Those things actually brought us closer together and our guys were pretty resilient.” Ruark mentioned that the lowest point of the season was the 3937 loss to the Parsons Vikings on homecoming night. “It was a team that we had beaten at their place and it was not one of our better games of the year,” Ruark said. “That was
a game that we would probably take back for sure.” The Comets will be losing four seniors: Kody Chase, Brock Gilmore, Jack Martin, and Nick Pryor. “We’re going to miss all of those guys and what they brought to the table,” Ruark said. To prepare for next season Ruark said that the team will be getting into the weight room to “put on pounds” as well as looking to find younger kids to step up and fill roles.
S F S How do you feel about having an injury your last year of high school basketball? “It’s disappointing, I always seem to be getting injured. I was looking forward to this basketball season with the team and having a good year and all.” How excited are you to continue your football career at Coffeyville Community College? “Very excited, I have a good opportunity at Coffeyville and am looking forward to seeing what I can make of it!”
Madison Richard/The Comet Sophomore Derek Sharp rises for a jumper against Fort Scott earlier this season. The Comets won the game. With the loss of four seniors, including two starters, Sharp will be counted on to take on even more of a scoring role for the team as one of the top returners for the Blue Comets next year.
What’s your most embarrassing sports moment? “In fourth and fifth grade my traveling basketball team coach restricted me from dribbling the ball, every time I did it resulted in a turnover.”
Student Life
thecometonline.com
Friday, March 1, 2013
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Good grief: Senior finds comfort in helping others deal with loss Shelby Trout Danae Decker/The Comet With the passing of her father in 2010, senior Shelby Trout has created a support group at Chanute High School called Good Grief. Good Grief is focused on helping students who have lost loved ones cope with their loss. The group meets on Wednesdays during Comet Time. Any student is welcome to attend the meetings if they can relate to the loss of a loved one.
STAR
EMILY LAIR JUNIOR When senior Shelby Trout’s dad passed away in October of 2010, her life was changed immediately. Because of the suddenness of her dad’s death, Trout found it challenging to cope with the situation. With many loyal friends and supportive family, Trout had many people to talk to. According to her, getting into the daily life activities after the tragedy was difficult, but once she got the hang of it, she felt like it was a lot easier to deal with the situation. “I feel like I came out stronger after it happened,” Trout said. Starting the support group, Good Grief, did not immediately come to mind after the death of her dad. But Trout strongly felt like the support group was needed at Chanute High School in order to
“
I feel like I came out stronger after it happened.” - Shelby Trout, Senior
help other students who had also lost close family members. “It does make it a lot easier, just getting it all off of your chest with people that actually understand you,” Trout said. Unlike most kids over Christmas Break who were sleeping in, Shelby took an online class with her mom through a program called Rainbows. The class consisted of three days, and an exam at the end of the program. Trout found the class a little bit difficult, but interesting at the same time. She found that there was a lot of information about the griev-
P M P
STUDENT
ing and coping process she didn’t realize was there until she took the class. “Being able to see it first-hand has helped me out a lot,” Trout said. The group started meeting every Wednesday during Comet Time since the beginning of second semester. Every Wednesday, the group has a different topic they talk about. Some of the subjects discussed have been who a person has lost, what happened to the person, and emotions, and anger. Trout believes that talking about these things has definitely helped her, as well as the other students that can relate. “It is really cool to see how other people have felt after their parent has died,” Trout said. Other members of the group include freshmen Kylie Hand and Dylan Carry, juniors Alexandra Gwillim and Lamisa Chowdhury
and senior William Divine. Trout’s main goal is to be a support system to her fellow students that need someone to talk to when no one else can, or when no one else understands. Trout definitely wants to keep the group going for many years to come, even though she is leaving for college next year. “I just hope that we can keep it going in the school,” Trout said. Not only does Trout want to keep the group going within Chanute High School, but also in Royster Middle School and Chanute Elementary School. Trout believes that younger kids need a strong group of peers that can relate to each other, just as much as high school students do. Trout says that anybody that has lost a parent or loved one, is not pressured to come, but should come to a meeting and try it out. Anybody that can relate to the loss of a loved one is welcome.
CLUB FOCUS
FBLA MCKAYLA BARNOW FRESHMAN
TARA GUINOTTE MOLLY WARD JUNIOR The star student for this issue is Tara Guinotte. Guinotte’s GPA is 4.0. She tries her best to be a leader and role model for others. Guinotte participates in many school activities including Spirit Squad, NHS, newspaper, StuGo, Junior Lions and Junior Rotary. In these activities she holds three offices: KFEA officer, NHS president, and is co-editor-in-chief of the newspaper. Guinotte enjoys AP calculus because they get dessert every Friday. Guinotte also enjoys Human Anatomy and Physiology. Future plans for Guinotte consists of graduating and going to college. Guinotte plans on going to Washburn University and pursuing a career in the medical field. She looks forward to the new experiences college will bring her. As leader for our community, Guinotte has done many volunteer activities such as bell ringing, the blood drive, pancake feed, Cherry Street gift wrapping and little girls’ cheer camp. Guinotte has liked becoming a leader because it allows her to be a role model for underclassmen. “I think leadership will help me out in my future career as I work hard to accomplish my goals.” Guinotte said.
Please Recycle
Alexis Thuston/ The Comet Freshman Trey Eustice practices on his tuba during band class. The band played at every home basketball game during the winter. Their songs, including the Comet fight song, got the crowd on its feet while the cheerleaders cheered along with their tunes creating an upbeat atmosphere.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is an organization sponsored by teacher Sherri Bagshaw. The mission of FBLA is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs. The student leaders of FBLA are seniors Shelby Trout, President, Madison Richards, Vice President and Mallory Flowers, Treasurer. The students of FBLA sell Comet apparel at all home athletic events. The proceeds go to whichever charity they choose to participate in on Ecology Day. Currently, there are around 25 students involved in FBLA. Any student, of all four grades are welcomed to join. FBLA gives students an opportunity to learn what it is like to run a business. “I try to just provide them with opportunities to see what responsibilities it takes to run a business, and the hard work it takes to be successful,” Bagshaw said.
Proud supporter of the Chanute Blue Comets (620) 431-6070 2103 S. Sante Fe Chanute, KS 66720
Arts
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Friday, March 1, 2013
Commentary
Singer/Songwriter
Page 6
Fashion
A perfect dress leads to a perfect prom KATIE LAIR JUNIOR
MATT OLIPHANT JUNIOR The reason a song is written has a lot of different elements of how it happened. Usually when someone wants to express themselves, sometimes they turn to writing some kind of poem or story There isn’t an official way to write a song however, but most people who study and major in music may insist that there are definite directions of how to. Different styles of music obviously have completely different structures. I believe everyone has their way of appropriately doing what they like to do. It is a natural process. Songs aren’t just something a person can churn out easily. There should be an organic component in the final product, something that has some sort of meaning. But what draws the line between the good and bad? To truthfully say, there isn’t really a “best” type of music out there. It would be like trying to argue over whose opinion was better. In reality, neither opinion is actually correct, it can’t be proven. Most traditional folk songs, for instance, have basic or general structure of a chorus, verse and an occasional bridge. There are many ways to help and inspire different methods of looking at songs. Some of the famous musicians such as John Lennon and Paul McCartney turned to drug use (which is something I don’t condone) to get their inspiration. Another writer, Bob Dylan, focused on his journey describing the major events of his life. Some of Dylan’s songs revolved around his recovery from a motorcycle crash and eventually converting to Christianity. Mainly, folk songs have taken the role of storytelling of the tragic lives of the poor and rich. They have also been used as past-times, jobs and even protesting. Songwriting, in conclusion can be a fun and interesting hobby. It only takes a bit of practice!
One can hardly go a full day of school here at CHS without hearing the word; prom. And why not? It’s a fabulous night where nearly every girl is subject to dress to the nine’s. To go all-out. To create a memorable night with all of your friends and classmates. After all is said and done, memories and pictures are all that remain. The focal point, of course and most obviously, being the dress. Not just any dress, THE dress. And naturally, a perfect dress leads to a perfect prom. Every girl puts (or should put) in full effort in the hunt for THE dress. This year, what is going to make what you wear the night of prom stand out from everybody else’s? It’s up to you. Will it be because of your statement shoes or your statement jewelry? The dress because of its simplistic style, or the dress because of its avant-garde flair. The dress with such flair, it
pushes to the boundaries... to the limits of all things prom that nobody will ever forget it. One may wonder who they will take with them, what their price-range is, when they are going shopping, or where they’re going to buy it. First, make a date to go shopping. It’s a full day extravaganza especially if you’re planning to go to further destinations such as Kansas City, Wichita or Joplin.
g n i t u Sco the shops out
Camille
Know what you want, but still go in with an open mind. Research a little bit and casually flip through some prom magazines. to spark your imagination and catch up on the trends of 2013. Prom dresses should be carefully selected for quality and fit. Make sure you have your exact, recent measurements on hand if you’re ordering it in. It is also important to know this when altering your dress,
which will most likely need to happen. Sew Simple is a great solution in town to have your dress altered to absolute perfection. (See ad below) It’s essential to try on a variety of styles, shapes, colors etc. Although it may look silly on the rack, a dress can completely transform once it’s actually on a figure. Note: Putting on a pair of
Natalie M. Boutique PARROT-fa-NALIA
Kansas City, KS Wichita, KS Kansas City, KS Lot's of dresses, great Have tons dresses at reason- Lots of bigger sizes. Discount able prices, helpful service and rack option. Somewhat out- styles. It may overwhelm you due to the fact it’s unorgadated gowns and messy. really nice dressing rooms. nized -Emily Lair, Junior -Meg Lieffring, Senior -Tara Guinotte, Senior
The Gown Gallery
Wichita, KS Nice lay-out for the store, the dresses can satisfy almost any one’s style and the people there are nice without being pushy. -Katie Martin, Junior
Talk of the Town
Chanute, KS Betsy (owner) is great! And if your date gets his tux there you can receive 10% off. Tons of different dresses both long and short. -Lacey Backes
Watercolors
Kansas City, MO Great because you can order in your dress in the exact style, size and color of your choice through the store. -Regan Aylward, Junior
heals also can aid in the visual perspective of a dress for the full effect. Create a price range before you go shopping. Seventeen magazine poll found that 94 percent of girls plan on spending more than $195 on a prom dress prior to shoes and accessories. Department stores such as Dillards, Macy’s and J.C. Penny’s offer dresses at lower prices while specialized prom stores with higher-end dresses tend to be more expensive. There are pro’s and con’s for both. While department stores are cheaper, the quality can slack and the odds of somebody else having your dress can rise. Specialized prom stores are more expensive, but the dresses tend to be more elaborate and detailed. Altogether, it doesn’t very well matter where you buy your dress, how much it costs and other details. Surely everybody’s dress will be absolutely, remarkably fabulous. As long as it’s not camo. Kidding, but seriously.
T.J. Formal
Joplin, MO Wide variety of designer dresses. Can be pricey, but there’s also bargain room -Molly Ward, Junior
Lorees Bridal & Formal Pittsburg, KS Nice service. Instead of a giant store they have a quality selection of dresses verses a quantity -Madison Richard, Senior
Creative Comet Sophomore Alex Moran is the featured Creative Comet. This was a class assignment called “Circle/ Square.” Moran drew classmate Devin March in his project. The piece of art was created with pastel.
The Comet is online www.thecometonline.com
Good Luck Comets! Visit us at thecometonline.com
Friday, March 1, 2013
Tweet Aca-Awkward For All Let’s face it; all it takes to get me to go somewhere is the promise of food. “I’m smoother than warm peanut butter!” “... what?”
SYDNEY KOCHENDERFER SENIOR That awkward moment when you’re goal is to go tree camping in Germany (but you keep thinking its in Europe).
thecometonline.com www.thecometonline.com
Babbles
That awkward moment when Fox thinks you could be a librarian. That awkward moment when you try to imitate rage comics. That awkward moment when your friends are all missing during lunch, and you’re forced to awkwardly sit there by yourself while others stare at you with sympathetic eyes. That awkward moment when you are officially a curling champ. That awkward moment when you find your dad watching “The
Bachelor” by himself. That awkward moment when a guy knows more “Pitch Perfect” songs than you. That awkward moment when your phone is dead by third hour because of Waleno and What’s The Word. That awkward moment when you just feel awkward for other people. That awkward moment when someone asks is you want to feel their ‘dog jaw’, then attempts to bite you.
Look-alikes
I’m not late, everyone else is early. I’m so comfortable. I’m born to be a cowboy.
Fruit Humor
Bear-y Clever!
a brand of candy.
• Her hair is curly. • Her first name is not spelled the way you’d think it would be.
Greater Than, Less Than
>
Walk-in closets > Normal closets Waking up in the middle of the night and realizing it’s way earlier than you thought it was>> Peanut butter girl scout cookies << thin mint girl scout cookies
Everything’s funnier when you’re supposed to be quiet.
• Oz: The Great and The Powerful • 21 and Over • The Croods • The We and I • Love and Honor • Admission
• Her last name is
The fact that spring break is 16 days away..... including weekends ! >>>>>>>>
My Goal: to go tree camping in Germany.
Upcoming Movie Releases
Clues:
Finding old pictures of your parents>
Ladies, step back. I know my belt buckle is huge, but I gotta go do cowboy stuff.
• There are more chickens than people in the world (at least before that chicken-flu thing). • Winston Churchill was born in a ladies’ room during a dance. • Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously. • John Lennon’s first girlfriend was named Thelma Pickles. • Chinese Crested dogs can get acne. • A cat’s jaw cannot move sideways.
Guess Who!
TAYLOR CATTERSON JUNIOR
I think I seriously might become a secret agent after today.
Really?
Page 9
It’s senior Ally Russell!
Entertainment
Brady Roush Senior
Demetri Martin Comedian
Top Apps
Ruzzle, Waleno latest crazes AUDREY BOLT JUNIOR
Our generation has become The Technology Generation. Elders have always gotten onto us for staring down at our phones, tablets, and computer screens instead of interacting the way they used to. They question us, “What are you doing on those devices you crazy kids?” The answer is simple, using addicting apps! There is an endless range on apps available to us, no wonder why we are on our electronics all the time. There is an app to appeal to any kind of person, ranging from virtual cooking to word games. One of the most used apps that many of your peers are caught on during class is a word game called Ruzzle. In Ruzzle you challenge your friends to see who can find the most words out of a selected group of letters in a limited amount of time. If it is not that app, then surely for the girls it is Wanelo. It is an app that shows every shopping addicted girl everything they never knew they wanted. They show shirts with witty movie quotes, hamburger beanbag chairs, and so much more! A popular one that has been one of the most used apps for quite some time would be Instagram. Instagram lets you share the photos you take. The pictures range from a night out with friends to different views of the work of art. You can like
pictures of your family or even your favorite celebrities too. An app that has really made a big splash would be Shazam. Ever heard a song on the radio and you search like a maniac but still can’t find the information on it? Well, BOOM! With this app you simply hold your iPhone to the music source and wait while the app listens and finds the information on the song playing. So if you have not already, download these apps. We want elders to keep wondering what we are doing on those electronic devices of ours!
FLOWERS!!! (except when you’re allergic to them)>>
The Comet’s Top Apps of March • Ruzzle • Waleno • Instagram • Shazam • Flashlight • Transparent Screen
Audrey Bolt and Molly Ward/Juniors
Alexis Thuston and Matt Oliphant/Juniors
Feature
thecometoneline.com
Friday, March 1, 2013
Page 8
Strange Obsessions
Most people have at least one obsession with something, and here are a few found here at CHS.
.
GRAPHICS
BY
SENIOR RACHEL TUCKER
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