The Green Pride - Volume 52 Issue 3

KIDS WITH TATS

A BLAST FROM THE PAST:

TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF SITUATIONSHIPS

THE BIG EVENT!

IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURE

SPORTS

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT OPINION

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

MEET THE STAFF

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

OPINION EDITOR

HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?

FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS

GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITOR

PODCASTS/SOCIAL MEDIA

NEWS EDITOR

FEATURE EDITOR

SPORTS EDITOR

ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT

STAFF REPORTERS

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS

Junior Grayson Hurley swims the freestyle at the swim meet on Jan. 16, 2024. PhotobyKashaKemnitz

Senior Shortened Schedules

Students discuss the pros, drawbacks of a shortened schedule.

During senior year, most students have the opportunity to have a shortened schedule. In order to have a shortened schedule senior year students need to obtain parent consent,complete and submit the application by the deadline, ensure all school fees are paid, pass all their frst semester classes, and complete credit recovery by December (if needed.)

Additionally, students need to be in good standing which means good attendance, grades, and discipline record. Students can’t drop any AP, CTEC, Eudora, or College Now classes and if they are

participating in a KASHA sport they need at least fve classes.

While many seniors spend their shortened schedule sleeping in, playing video games, or just watching television, some seniors have jobs they work at during their shortened schedule.

Senior Zoe Reith, for example, works at Ruff Ranch.

“It is a dog daycare and boarding place where employees just chill with dogs and clean,” Reith said.

Another senior Perri Schmidt chooses to spend her time as a teacher’s aide.

“I teach both 8th and 7th grade with my co-teachers,” Schmidt said. However, on green days she spends her time in Cat’s Corner doing homework. Senior Sameul Vogel uses his time at the gym and working on getting a job.

“I go home and make myself lunch and typically go to the gym. Sometimes I get work done and am applying for a job after Scholar’s Bowl.”

Although some seniors have jobs, many spend their shortened schedule sleeping in.

With that being said there are obviously benefts and drawbacks to having a shortened schedule.

Some of these benefts consist of creating fexibility for students who need to do something outside of the school day and an opportunity for employment. It also gives students a sense of responsibility and independence, but it also creates opportunities for independence. A shortened schedule can also decrease stress due to more free time and less of a packed schedule.

However, there are also some drawbacks such as decreasing the number of opportunities to prepare for college. Additionally, there is also the temptation for students to use their time irresponsibly, and a decrease in the number of students in the building can create a lack of school spirit.

Infuencing vs De-Infuencing

Influencing leads to viral trends and overconsumption. De- Influencing works on reversing

In the 2000s, kids grew up playing with Claire's kids makeup and their iPods. Now it has transitioned to the iPhone 15s and drunk elephant skincare collections. The evolution of social media has signifcantly changed. Throughout their life, most kids in high school and college had some form of it growing up like Myspace or games like Webkinz. However, it is nothing compared to what the kids right now are experiencing.

A joke going around the internet right now is of “Sephora Kids”. The joke goes off of the fact that in today's society 10 year olds are spending money and time at Sephora buying luxurious unneeded skincare like retinol and anti-aging serums. This internet troll is another reminder of how bad overconsumption and social media has gotten.

These days, Tiktok and Youtube infuence is at an all time high and the pushing of ads and products even more. There is no denying that the world is overproducing by a lot but a lot of the problem is at the consumer level.

On Tik Tok, infuencer Darcy McQueeny, posts multiple videos each week of huge unboxings of PR sent to her by companies as a marketing tactic. The hard truth is that not one person needs 15 different brands of blush and another 13 shades of lip liners; especially when almost any amount of followers can make someone a “creator” now.

The amount of push on social media for new products and clothing is increasing everyday. The Daily Targum published an article about social media marketing; “There is nothing wrong with splurging and buying yourself the things you want. But it is different when social media constantly fuels this consumption to a point where what is truly good in the market and what is not is no longer clear.”

Many re views are secretly ADs and are not always truly giving an honest review. This can cause certain products to go “viral” that are not actually worth the hype or money.

Viral Trends is a big factor in over consumerism. Lots of viewers will buy into the most popular trends to ft in. However, when trends are so ever changing and what's viral now won't be next week; it's harmful. A big example of this is looking into thrift

Stores like Goodwill and Plato's Closet. These stores are flled with recycled quarantine fashion mini trends. A lot of the clothing is fast fashion made and cheap quality, therefore it usually doesn't get bought and ends up in landflls. This cycle continues on and on with trends.

Its important to evaluate what is trending and if it will still be popular/cute in a week or month. As well as trying to not impulse buy and rather thrift to help the problem.

Many infuencers have dedicated their pages and content to de-infuencing. De-infuencing is basically being honest about products and trends that are popular and disproving their hype. This has

become more popular on social media recently because many people do not trust ads and only want to spend money on the best.

Infuencers like lifeofshauni post reviews about expensive products and which ones are not worth their money.

Overconsumption can be relieved if everyone puts forth effort in trying to cut back on impulse buying and following every trend.

COURSE PATHWAYS

MANUFACTURE

Introduction to Welding

Cybersecruity

Robotics

AP Computer Science

HEALTH SCI.

Medical Terminology

Certifed Nursing Assistant

Health Care Research

AGRICULTURE

Animal Science

Vet. Science

Floriculture & Greenhouse MGT.

Plant Science

DESIGN BIOSCIENCES

Principles of Illustration

Graphic Design Fundamentals

Animation

Graphic Design Workplace Experience

Medical Interventions

Biotechnical Engineering

Biomedical Innovations

Biomedical Research / Workspace Experience

CULINARY

Restaurant & Event MGT. I

Restaurant & Event MGT. II

Agricultural Science teacher, Ms. Mandi Holsten brings in her dogs, Febe and Cera every day to class to teach students hands-on work. Seniors Kennedy Tilley and Camryn Koester examine Febe with a stethoscope to check her vitals.

As students progress along their career paths, De Soto offers numerous opportunities to enhance their professional journey. The two programs, Cedar Trails Exploration Center and Eudora-De Soto Technical Education Center offer valuable real world skill sets to juniors and seniors.

These buildings provide students valuable skills, hands-on-experience and allow for students to build a solid foundation for their chosen career path.

At Cedar Trails Exploration Center (CTEC), students have the chance to explore three career pathways: manufacturing, design, or bioscience. These pathways offer a diverse range of classes, with subjects such as welding, graphic design, and biotech engineering.

CTEC provides plenty of high quality

resources that can help assist and engage students' success to their fullest potential.

For example, In the bioscience strand at CTEC, students have access to extensive equipment, ranging from real-world laboratory essentials such as medical grade micropipettes and lab rooms.

Senior Carson Miller has been attending CTEC for a year now. Miller is currently enrolled in AP Computer Science A and Cyber Security.

“It’s a lot different than normal classes at [De Soto] … you get a college experience where there are less strict rules and it's a lot better of a learning experience, and you get to have fun while doing it,” Miller said.

Miller is grateful for his experience at CTEC, and would suggest it to underclassmen if they get the opportunity.

“It’s something I’m glad I did. I learned a lot about myself … I thought about majoring in computer science, but it’s something more that I fnd enjoyment in,” Miller said.

By offering these classes, CTEC ensures that students are prepared for the real world, gaining a valuable head start into their career paths.

At the Eudora-De Soto Technical Education Center (EDTEC), students engage in real-world scenarios and utilize their opportunities to work. Their center provides a variety of classes: auto-collision repair, culinary arts, a CNA program, and agricultural sciences.

EDTEC’s CNA program encompasses a full year of instruction in medical terminology, and hands-on-experiences such as working in Eudora’s retirement home.

Senior Alexis Berard has been attending CTEC for one year in the CNA program. She plans to major in Pre-Nursing at University of Kansas

“The program really prepares you for what nursing / medical school will be like. It gives you a head start in major topics that you will be learning in the future. I would recommend it to anyone interested,” Berard said.

In all these courses, they actively engage within the community. In culinary arts they have catered banquets for more

than 90 people.

Additionally, students in the agricultural sciences have the opportunity to join FFA. While working in the chapter they play a signifcant role in fostering innovation and commitment to the community, broadening the way of agriculture.

These programs have cultivated a strong culture of creativity and commitment. Eudora’s mission is to “teach practical skills that can be directly applied to the workforce or in pursuit of higher education.”

This initiative has nurtured environments where juniors and seniors feel as they can properly prepare for the real world.

Keepin’ Clean

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, upwards of 16,000 teenagers from the ages of 13 to 17 have confessed to the use of a controlled substance in the last month.

While some may see it as simply being a teenager or experiencing life in the fast lane, the percentage of teens who use or abuse a controlled substance has been on a steady incline for the past few years.

Many of the teenagers who choose to experiment with drugs believe that in the long run, it won't truly affect how their life plays out. A survey on overdose and drug-related deaths shows that since 2020 there has been an 11.48% increase in drug-related deaths among teenagers.

One specifc overdose hit too close to home for USD 232 when then Junior Cooper Davis passed from a Fentanyl overdose. In August 2022, Davis and

As the opioid epidemic continues in the United States, local areas are taking measures to help fght against it. Most recently, the city of Lawrence, Kansas, has taken the initiative to provide Naloxone, a life-saving drug at Central Station in Lawrence.

Naloxone, or Narcan, is a fast-working opioid antagonist, meaning it works against opioids. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and blocking and reversing the effects of an opioid overdose according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The drug can restore normal breathing for those experiencing an overdose, potentially saving their life.

Furthermore, Naloxone does not have any effects on those who do not have any opioids in their system. Naloxone

In the height of the opioid epidemic, it is important to stay informed.

three friends bought what was meant to be two Percocet pills, each boy took half of a pill, only three boys survived that night.

Since this tragic accident the Davis family has started a nonproft in Cooper's memory, The Cooper Davis Memorial Foundation, also known as Keepin’ Clean for Coop.

On the Cooper Davis Memorial website, you can learn more about Cooper's story, fnd resources, donate to the organization, and take the “No Random Pill Pledge” to show your support for the cause.

The University of California Los Angeles did the research and found that in 2022 on average more than 20 teenagers from the age of 14-18 died each week, the leading cause being counterfeit pills laced with Fentanyl.

The distribution and selling of

can come as an injection or a nasal spray, increasing its usability.

In Lawrence, Kansas, the city has started to roll out free Narcan vending machines at their bus terminals, with the frst one being implemented at Central Station according to Lawrence Transit. Additionally, an AED, or automated external defbrillator, will be available at the machine as well.

Overall, the addition of resources to combat the opioid epidemic will help reduce drug overdoses and fatalities, while increasing public health.

counterfeit pills has skyrocketed in the last few years. Some of the most commonly duplicated pills are Oxycodone, Benzodiazepines, Percocet and many other prescription pills.

News sources and government agencies believe that the most effective way to deter kids from using counterfeit pills is simply for parents to explain the dangers of counterfeit pills and how easily they are duplicated. Having this talk constantly can continue to bring the issue to the forefront of teen's minds and often makes them think twice before using pills not prescribed to them.

PhotocourtesyofWikimediaCommons

Above: Photos of Fentanyl laced pills. PhotocourtesyoftheDEA

Right: Naloxone can come as a nasal spray, and an injection.

The Facts

50%

1 in 8 teenagers abused substances within the last year* of teenagers have misused a drug at least once*

15% of high school students have reported using hard drugs^

2mg of fentanyl is enough to kill the average American % %

78M fentanyl-laced pills were seized in 2023 %

*National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics ^CDC DEA

Shooting for Success: David Cobin

In the world of sports, much can be said about what a player exemplifes. Leadership, determination, perseverance, and many more attributes contribute to who the player is and who they want to be for their teammates and coaches. All of these qualities can be used to describe David Cobin, a senior basketball player who has made an extensive impact on the 2024 season with his record-breaking games against Topeka West and Basehor-Linwood.

Competitiveness drives high school sports, as the desire to defeat the other team and relish in a win is gratifying for players. The same can be said for Cobin; he knows just what he needs to keep his head in the game and take home a win.

“It’s my senior year, so I just keep my head high. Go win state,” Cobin said.

De Soto High School’s varsity head basketball coach Matt Rice also discerns a certain urge within Cobin to strive to be the greatest player he can be. Rice understands what it means to have a player like Cobin in his corner and appreciates his efforts made while on the team.

“It makes coaching easier,” Rice said. “...I don’t have to worry about getting a specifc shot in a specifc spot for a specifc person because David can make plays.”

Success shines through in all of Cobin’s performances on the court. His most exemplary games of this season include a matchup at Topeka West on January 5 where he contributed six rebounds, fve assists, three steals, and a record-breaking thirty-seven points. The Wildcats also defeated the Basehor-Linwood Bobcats on January 19 with Cobin breaking his own single-game record with thirty-nine points, as well as ten rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Despite his resilience in the face of adversity, Cobin recognizes the important people in his life that make the game of basketball that much more enjoyable for him.

“My coaches and teammates for sure,” Cobin said. “Our communication and playing as a team [has helped].”

Motivation and inspiration amongst teammates

RAISING

allows Rice to see the impact Cobin has on the players. His valuable characteristics as an athlete provoke cooperation and teambonding as a result of his exponential growth.

“He’s a very unselfsh player,” Rice said. “His teammates know that if they work to get each other open, he is going to fnd them, and that they are going to have an opportunity to be successful and make their own plays.”

The future appears very bright for Cobin, as his on-court accomplishments pave the way for his unlimited potential as a basketball player. Cobin refects on his decisions that will impact who he wants to become in terms of his sport-related aspirations.

“Hopefully go to the NBA,” Cobin said. “Right now, I’m focusing on college.”

Basketball is an intricate part of Cobin’s life that will likely lead him to other areas of the game. Despite this, Coach Rice hopes Cobin stays on this path, no matter what he chooses to do with his infnite talents.

“After college, I hope he has an opportunity to play overseas or something like that, but I also hope he stays in the game because he loves it so much and it brings so much joy to those around him when he’s playing.” Rice said.

Cobin’s tenacity and ability to step up to a challenge has proven to be resourceful for his teammates and coaches. His utmost determination to do whatever it takes to give his all on the court is one of the reasons why people come to watch him play; the other reason is to see his love and passion for basketball grow with every shot, every clap on the back, and every win. Cobin has carved his way into the DHS record books and is prefacing the bright future of Wildcat basketball.

wherever he goes, he’s going to fnd success”

- COACH RICE

THE BAR

Swimming Through School Records: Taya Swarts

At De Soto High School, sports has become a focal point for success, recognition, and accomplishment amongst students. There is one athlete that has proven herself to be persistent, hard-working, and victorious on all fronts: senior swimmer Taya Swarts.

Her 2023 season has defed all odds and has allowed her to insert herself into the record books. One signifcant factor of Swarts’s triumph in her craft is her motivation to perform to the best of her ability.

Swarts describes what keeps her focused in the heat of the intensity of her meets.

“My teammates really keep me focused and they really push me,” Swarts said. “My freshman year, I didn’t realize I had the potential to do this, and then I just started breaking them [records].”

Companionship proves to be relevant for Swarts, as her teammates have encouraged her to do her best and shown the importance of having the right people by your side. Varsity head swim coach Melissa Knapp recognizes Swart’s drive to succeed and ability to inspire her teammates.

“...she is an avid supporter of the team. She is willing to swim any of the events at a meet and she does well at meets,” Knapp said. “Beyond her athletic abilities, she is truly a team player, she is encouraging and supportive of the program, and the other swimmers.”

Last spring, Swarts was nothing short of incredible throughout the duration of the 2023 swim season. Domination in the pool was immersed in all of her meets, including times broken in the 200 freestyle, 200 individual medley, 50 freestyle, 100 butterfy, and 100 freestyle. Despite overcoming these unbelievable feats, Swarts is far from the peak of her potential. As an athlete and a practicing swimmer, Swarts accepts her talents and believes that she can take them above and beyond. Swarts expresses how contributions to her advancements are imperative to her growth as a swimmer.

“It’s really mental honestly,” Swarts said. “You have to push yourself because it’s an individual sport. I think my motivation is to try and push

myself and get these records.”

Improvement has been sought out by Knapp as well; Swarts’s broadening opportunities impart her best qualities as not only an athlete but a human.

“I enjoy working with her to see what we can do to help her get better,” Knapp said. “She is a great listener and is easy to coach.”

High school comes and goes, but swimming will be a convoluted part of Swarts’s life for as long as she wants it to. Her aptitudes in her sport and her valuable characteristics have carried her a long way throughout her high school career; however, Knapp sees that Swarts’s future lies with her decisions regarding her unlimited capacity.

“I think she would be an asset to any team, not just because of her athleticism but also because of the positive infuence she has on the team and the leadership qualities she has demonstrated over the years.” Knapp said.

Empathy, resilience, and accountability defne Swarts’s 2023 season, as her records show her devoted effort and love for her sport. Swarts has proven that hard work and dedication mold a path of not only success, but kinship, leadership, and adaptability; the De Soto High School record books refect this. Swarts’s story is far from over, as she will continue to achieve success and be a beam of light for the future of Wildcat swimming.

“ [She is] positive, hard-working, inclusive, competitive, and loves the sport”

- COACH KNAPP

The BIG Event

How Student Council navigated challenges and ultimately created a fun environment for all

De Soto High School is prided in its many different charity events and drives. From clothing to an essentials closet, both students and teachers have been working around the clock to make DHS an accessible and more well-rounded school for everyone.

“The Big Event is a great way to bring the community together because we are raising money for a great cause. It is good for De Soto because we are going to make a donation to someone in the De Soto community” says Junior Gray Donzilla.

The Big Event was a smashing success this year. Stuco not only reached their goal for donations but DHS also changed the life of someone in the De Soto community. So many wildcats came out to support De Soto and interact with the community.

“I was on T-shirts and I would print them a T-shirt. It was a really fun environment. It went way better than I thought it was going to go.” says Kyan Rice.

compete to see who would win The Big Event. STUCO gathered donations and bets from companies from around De Soto. These donations would range from $50- $1,500 and varied from El Patron to Panasonic.

“I am so excited with how the event went and how much money we made. The environment was so good and I could tell that everyone was having a great time. Overall it was great to do this for the community and have fun doing it” says Maya Rozelle.

On top of The Big Event, DHS has de

raised for it at Cats Corner through gift cards and every dollar spent there puts more supplies in the closet ” says senior Lyndon Budimlija

Cat’s Corner has done a phenomenal job raising funds for the student caret and other fundraising movements in the past. They have also begun selling DHS merchandise in the store.

Student council is also launched a dental hygiene drive where they collected materials and products for students. This is another thing that Stuco has taken on to make De Soto a better place.

Students compete in a variety of games and challenges during The Big Event on February 25. Student Council hosted the event as a way to help raise money for the new student care closet which provides essentials for any student at the school. The Big Event, along with outside sponsorships, raised over $16,000 for the care closet. Photos

by Laney Huggins

Winning Wildcats

Luci and Bella Guess win State

On January 12th and 13th, De Soto juniors Luci and Bella Guess won, for the frst time ever in DHS history, the KSHSAA State Debate Championship.

Bella and Luci fnished with a 9-2 re cord and won 2-1 over Topeka Seaman in the state fnal.“There was a major sense of relief associated with [the win], of course, because a lot of people believed in us and thought we were going to win,” Luci said.

Bella shared the sentiment.

“It was really nice to see all of our hard work for the past three years pay off,” Bella said.

Preparation for Luci and Bel la starts in early summer and does not stop until their fnal tournament of the season. Con tinual hard work and research ac companies the debate season for them.

“Really, preparation for the tourna ment started in June when we went to a policy debate institute at the Uni versity of Michigan in Ann Arbor for a few weeks. Since then, it’s a lot of research about fscal policy and the economy at large paired with various speaking and strategy drills,” Luci said.

Along with summer preparation, Luci and Bella spent much of their time in class adjusting to a new type of debate and transitioning their style. “There are lots of different styles of debate that people engage in. [Luci and Bella] typically de bate in a style that is not consistent with the state tournament, so our big focus was just shifting to make sure they got some experience with these types of judges, these types of competitors,” debate coach William Mercer said.

this season. “The biggest challenge this season was adapting to a new school. This is Luci and I’s frst year at De Soto, so not only having a new team, coach, and environment, but also a different style of debating was quite a challenge,” Bella said.

While moving to a new school can be a huge challenge to anyone, Mr. Mercer strives to create a welcoming environment within the debate community.

“As a team [we] are supportive of each other and willing to help each other out. “We want to do research for each other because obviously it takes really good debaters to win a state championship, but that is built upon how we continue to be supportive of them and want them to succeed,” Mercer said.

The teamwork shown at DHS is one of the biggest reasons for their extracurricular success. This teamwork is a contributing reason for Bella’s return to debate along with her big plans for next debate season.

“We plan on replicating [our success] through continuing to collaborate with Mr. Mercer and our teammates, continuing to do the research that we are and continuing the hard work that De Soto is known for,” Bella said.

Luci also plans on returning with vigor to the upcoming debate season.

“We [will] start in the summer and just work hard every week to try and keep updated sources and constantly break new arguments at the tournaments throughout the season. Hopefully we will be able to win UKC and state again,” Luci said.

Not only did Luci and Bella have to adjust to a new style of debate hey had a few other challenges that accompanied

Both young women have a very optimistic approach to the next debate season and are very excited to build on their success.

This or That?

Students share their opinions in this classic game

TikTok Instagram

Be really Short

Be really Tall

TV Shows Movies

Android iPhone

100 Years in Past 100 Years in Future

Meet a Singer Meet an Actor

Pancakes Waffes

Be an Only Child Have a lot of Siblings

Mountains Beach

Invisibility Powers

Flight Powers

The Book Thief

“It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still. Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.”

Birnam Wood

“A landslide has closed the Korowai Pass on New Zealand’s South Island, cutting off the town of Thorndike and leaving a sizable farm abandoned. The disaster presents an opportunity for Birnam Wood, an undeclared, unregulated, sometimes-criminal, sometimes-philanthropic guerrilla gardening collective that plants crops wherever no one will notice. For years, the group has struggled to break even. To occupy the farm at Thorndike would mean a shot at solvency at last. But the enigmatic American billionaire Robert Lemoine also has an interest in the place: he has snatched it up to build his end-times bunker, or so he tells Birnam’s founder, Mira, when he catches her on the property. He’s intrigued by Mira, and by Birnam Wood; although they’re poles apart politically, it seems Lemoine and the group might have enemies in common. But can Birnam trust him? And, as their ideals and ideologies are tested, can they trust one another?”

Everything, Everything

“What if you couldn’t touch anything in the outside world? Never breathe in the fresh air, feel the sun warm your face . . . or kiss the boy next door? In Everything, Everything, Maddy is a girl who’s literally allergic to the outside world, and Olly is the boy who moves in next door . . . and becomes the greatest risk she’s ever taken. My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla. But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly. Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster. Everything, Everything will make you laugh, cry, and feel everything in between.”

Benefts of Being a Book Worm

A look into why reading is important for everyone. Senior Mia Lowry, junior Laney Huggins and sophomore Caroline Maisch explain why they love reading.

Reading has grown tremendously more popular over the past four years. Many believe this is due to the growth of e-books and digital reading apps.

While the growth of e-books has increased, the growth of purchasing books has also greatly increased.

According to WordsRated.com “going from 591 million physical books sold in 2012 to 788.7 million in 2022, print book sales grew 33.45% over this period.”

Senior Mia Lowry loves to read because it is a way to take her mind off of stressful parts of her life.

“The main reason I love to read is because it’s relaxing, lets me take my mind off other things, and lets me see through different viewpoints,” Lowry said. “It’s also just a fun hobby to go book shopping and talk about what I’m reading with others.”

Junior Laney Huggins chooses to read because she enjoys not being on her phone as much.

“I started to read because during the pandemic, I got tired of being on my phone and watching TV, and wanted to do something that didn’t require a screen,” Huggins said.

Sophomore Caroline Maisch enjoys reading because it is interesting to feel like a different person.

“I love to be able to emerge myself in someone else’s life and it is nice to get away at times,” Maisch said.

It is shown through multiple studies that the exposure to vocabulary and reading in general greatly increases people’s intelligence. When people start to read at a high level at a young age, that is often a sign that they will be more intelligent when they are older.

Along with intelligence, reading is a way for people to de-stress. It gives them the opportunity to forget about their worries and focus only on someone else’s fctional life. By doing so, it gives people a sense of relief because they have no responsibilities other than fnishing the book at that moment.

Books also have amazing life advice and life lessons built into them. People are able to see the mistakes that other people make and learn from them. It teaches the people reading those books how to overcome those life struggles and mistakes.

Overall, reading is very important and benefcial because it helps people destress and increases their knowledge.

Senior Mia Lowry enjoys going to local coffee shops to read her books because she gets a nice drink and out of her house. “I highly recommend ‘Carrie Soto is Back’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid” said Lowry. Photos byMiaLowry

Specialize or Get Involved?

Specialize or Get Involved?

With athletes starting to specialize in one sport at younger ages, DHS debates whether this is the best move for young athletes.

In recent years, the number of kids striving to specialize in a single sport, rather than getting involved in several sports throughout their high school careers. There can be many benefts and disadvantages to playing multiple sports.

However, football head coach and strength and conditioning coach Brian King feels very strongly that athletes should play as many sports as they can for as long as they can. A big reason for this belief is from his many meetings with college coaches over the years.

“I would play as many sports as you possibly can. When college coaches come in here they ask: How many sports does that kid play?” King said.

King’s biggest concern with a kid playing multiple sports is the increased number of injuries he has seen from single sport athletes. Repeating the same movement over and over can cause injury very easily. He recommends following a specifc program that does not allow max effort on these movements year round.

“The overuse and injury that I have seen, especially here lately trending up with kids doing the same movements 12 months out of the year. You have to make sure kids aren’t getting burnt out by doing the same movements all year,” King said.

Sophomore Sienna McCracken is involved in volleyball, basketball, soccer and track at DHS. The most notable benefts she has noticed is having made new friends and getting involved in the school.

“I’ve gotten to be very involved with the school and I’ve also made a lot of new friends and met new people through it,” McCracken said.

Coach King can back up these social benefts through participating in multiple sports and activities. Although he is a football coach, he would rather see athletes represent DHS anyway they can.

“I want to see them representing our

Senior Jack Millman delivers in a tight game against Blue Valley Southwest. The Wildcats would go on to get the 1-0 win sparking a 5 game win streak.

PhotobyBrookeWagner

Head football coach Brian King coaches the Wildcat football team to a big win over Leavenworth on Sept. 22.

PhotobyMariaNiño-Elliot

school in any activity they possibly can. Getting involved not only benefts them physically, but also socially as well as people looking out for you,” King said.

Although it is recommended by many to get involved in as many sports as possible, a few athletes at DHS have found success focusing on a single sport. Senior Jack Millman has focused on baseball the last few years of his athletic career and is committed to continue his baseball career at Iowa Central Community College.

Millman decided he needed extra time to work on baseball and become the best player he could possibly be. He decided to drop his extra sports to help avoid distractions from his baseball related goals.

“Because it is what I want to do with my career, and I feel like I want to be the best at it, then I have to focus on it and I can’t have any distractions,” Millman said.

While King strongly recommends playing several sports, for sports like baseball and basketball, some extra skill work is needed to continue to compete at a high level.

“I think you should be putting time into your skill development if you’re gonna keep up with everybody,” King said.

McCracken can see why it might be good to focus on one sport, but she has enjoyed the benefts in being involved with several sports. She has been able to make several new friends and meet people she wouldn’t have met outside these sports.

“If you want to be super good at just one sport it’s probably hard to do that, but I just like to be involved, so it’s been good,” McCracken said.

To sum it up, being involved in multiple sports can beneft athletes physically, mentally and socially. It is safe to say getting involved is highly recommended by coaches at DHS and beyond.

From Mat to Mentor From Mat to Mentor

Since head wrestling coach Javier Vieyra arrived for the 2023 season, the team has been steadily improving over the last 2 years. This includes a school record of 12 state qualifers in the 2024 season.

Shortly after arriving at De Soto, Vieyra knew it was going to be a great ft for him. He quickly noticed the tightknit community within the town and the school.

“I could defnitely feel that sense of community. Especially when it comes to wrestling you need a strong familial core,” Vieyra said.

Over the course of the season, the team faced a lot of ups and downs getting to the postseason. However, the team continued to work hard, and it paid off in the end.

Vieyra recognizes the wrestlers for this dedication, as he frequently pushes the belief that hard work will get them where they want to be in the sport.

“For me it’s about accountability, getting them to understand that the sport will give you whatever you put into it,” Vieyra said.

The importance of the off-season is highly emphasized in the wrestling program, so they can stay a step-ahead of the competition. Vieyra highly stresses getting in the extra off-season work, so they can compete with the best in the state.

“Making sure they understand that if we’re not working hard this off-season other people are gonna catch us,” Vieyra said.

For senior wrestler Josh Tait, Vieyra mentored him, and helped him improve as a person and as a wrestler. Tait qualifed for state after a tough season with injuries and setbacks.

“Coach Vieyra has challenged me

to push myself and helped me build confdence in my wrestling abilities,” Tait said.

The 2024 record-breaking season was a memorable one for the team, and it is a testament of the time and work they put into it. Vieyra has high praise for those that were consistently dedicated to the sport and were rewarded with a state qualifcation.

“They came in every day and worked hard, even if they were sick or banged up and maybe doubting themselves. They kept showing up every single day,” Vieyra said.

However, the wrestlers could not have done it without the endless support over the years. Starting with the De Soto youth program through middle school and high school. These programs are supported by coaches Dale Hurt and Ben Ross.

“It’s a community effort, Ben Ross is a part of the youth program, Dale Hurt has done a great job with the middle schoolers and some of these younger guys,” Vieyra said.

Also, at the high school level, Vieyra gets endless support from his assistant coaches, Andrew Pennel, Justin Goetting and Trenton Hoover. Vieyra praises them for being truly dedicated over the course of the season, and guiding them towards success.

“My assistant coaches, I couldn’t say enough great things about them, with all the time and the effort they dedicate to these kids,” Vieyra said.

All in all, Vieyra has improved on an already solid wrestling program over the last two years. His fast start as a coach is not only represented by the success of the school record, but also the individual success of each wrestler.

Senior Josh Tait wrestles in a meet at Shawnee Mission Northwest on Nov. 29. This meet kicked off a successful season for Tait, resulting in qualifying for state.

PhotobyMariaNiño-Elliot

Head wrestling coach Javier Vieyra watches a match at the Salina South meet on Jan. 6.

PhotobyMariaNiño-Elliot

Coach Vieyra discusses his success with the wrestling team in the wake of a record breaking season with 12 state qualifiers.

Sports Heroes

How college and pro athletes inspire young players to reach the next level.

I

n sports, there are many things that can spark a player to play, but there are only a few things that can keep players interested in the game. Athletes can have many inspirations but there is nothing more inspiring than watching your favorite player play at a high level in sports.

Watching professional or college athletes can help push high school athletes to work harder, so they can possibly play at a high level too.

Junior Jayden Lang plays basketball and football at De Soto. His heroes in basketball are Paul George and LeBron James.

“Ever since I was young I’ve always watched them play and I’ve watched them in the play-offs and they’ve inspired me,” Lang said.

Paul George plays for the LA Clippers and LeBron James plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. Lang’s basketball number is 13, the same number as Paul George’s.

“I always wear [Paul George’s] shoes, I wear his number, I steal moves from

him, and I always watch him to get tips on how to play better and how to be better,” Lang said.

Lang was named to the all-tournament team during the 2023 Hardwood Classic basketball tournament and went with his team to state in 2022.

Some people even have personal experiences with these athletes, like Makenzie Farmer.

Makenzie Farmer is a junior who plays for the basketball and volleyball teams. Her biggest inspiration in basketball is her cousin.

“I look up to my cousin Payton. She goes to Oklahoma and I’ve played basketball with her since [we were] growing up,” Farmer said.

Payton Verhulst is a junior at the University of Oklahoma. She is from De Soto and she is a big reason why Makenzie pushes herself so hard.

“She’s just pushed me to be the best player I can be,” said Farmer.

Farmer now has over 211 career assists as a junior, breaking a school record.

Being able to watch an athlete at a young age can really inspire kids to go to

the next level.

Marisa Johnson is a senior who plays softball for the school. She has played ever since she was little.

“As a young athlete, I loved to watch Lauren Chamberlain play. Her energy was immaculate and her love for the game inspired me.”

Lauren Chamberlain was a pro softball player for the USSSA Pride. She is now commissioner of WPF, which is a professional softball league.

Johnson got to meet Chamberlain at a meet and greet at a young age and she was really inspired by the confdence Chamberlain radiated.

“The way in which she motivated and pushed her teammates is something that I strive to emulate. I remember thinking that I wanted to be exactly like her when I grew up which pushed me to work for and achieve the goals I set for myself,” Johnson said.

Johnson has broken multiple school records. She is now committed to play softball at the collegiate level with the University of Central Missouri.

These athletes have come a long way since they started, and they have achieved many goals. Heroes come in many different ways, but sports heroes are special; they help infuence young athletes to reach for the stars and strive for their dreams.

Since January, the De Soto Repertory Theatre class has been hard at work for their spring play.

Since returning from winter break, the repertory theater class has been hard at work in preparation for their spring play, The Curious Savage.

The show follows the story of Mrs. Savage, who inherited her husband’s fortune after his passing. However, her children attempt to take the wealth from her by putting her in a mental facility.

Sara Bryant, who teaches repertory theater, described why the children are attempting to steal the money.

“The greedy stepchildren are trying to take it from her instead of letting her use it for her memorial fund to help the foolish dreams of people come true,” Bryant said. “So, they think she’s a little strange and odd for wasting money on silly things like that.”

Due to the snow days back in January however, the cast and crew experienced

The Curious Savage

several delays in the production. However, stage manager Madelyn Christopher says the show has been rolling smoothly since rehearsal began.

“We’re doing really good, as far as memorization and blocking goes. We have a great group of people doing everything, especially our understudies as well,” Christopher said. “It’s very productive and it’s going very nicely.”

The cast and crew have both been extremely happy to be at work and have been proud of the progress they have made since the beginning. Junior Kyla Jacobs describes what has made the show so much fun for her.

“I’m excited to see it all be put together and fnally performed. My favorite part is kinda seeing everything come together,” Jacobs said. “That’s like my favorite part of the show, whenever the characters get into their characters, I think it’s really fun to like, see everything.”

The Curious Savage will be performed by the repertory theater class on February 29th, March 1st and 2nd.

Above: Junior Alayna Marovec plays Mrs. Savage for the play.

PhotobyMariaNino-Elliott

Above: Senior Logan Fixsen plays the violin.

PhotobyMariaNino-Elliott

1.

GAME ARE YOU? GAME ARE YOU?

Based on these Y2K aesthetics, this will reveal which Papa’s game you are. Add up your score to find out which game you are!

2.

3.

WHAT WHAT

4.

Julie Coover, Agent 3265 Lexington Ave Ste B juliecoover.com

Teens and Body Dysmorphia

The cause and effect of the mental disorder targeting teens across the world.

Mayo Clinic defnes Body Dysmorphia

Disorder (BDD) as a “mental health condition in which an individual cannot stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or faws in their appearance, a faw that is minor or cannot be seen by outsiders. This insecurity is so bad that they may feel embarrassed, ashamed and anxious, so much so that they may avoid social situations.”

Body Dysmorphia Disorder or BDD has become too prevalent in this current society. While it can affect anyone, BDD is most common within the teenage and young adult groups. The condition mostly develops around age 13 to 14 for about two-thirds of the community. Meaning, this condition is one that heavily affects high schoolers.

With students most commonly afficted by this unforgiving disorder, it can cause disruptions in their education. With constant thoughts of appearance, it can be hard for the student to focus on their school work causing the individual to fall behind. Not only in schoolwork, but BDD can also cause defcits in a student’s ability to socialize. Some cases are bad enough to where the student will not even attend school due to how deep the insecurity lies. Mental Health America states that 18% of students living with BDD dropped out due to the severity of their symptoms.

BDD targets high school students for a number of reasons. Most are due to bullying and constant scrutiny teenagers face from each other. Common forms of bullying, including body shaming, fat shaming and slut shaming, have unfortu nately been widespread occurrences for teens that do not ft inside the so-called “blueprint” for the ideal body. These actions have proven to be extremely harmful, enough to cause a case of BDD. To see a decrease in BDD cases,

something must be done to combat bullying in schools.

Human bodies are held to unrealistic circumstances. This idea is the main point of BDD and the causes of it. In society, if a male is too skinny or too large, they need to go to the gym and get buff. If they do not ft the outline of a hypermasculine football player, they are seen as different, and often treated as such. This has caused toxicity in the male’s perception of their body as if there was not already enough concerning their mental health. Gym culture plays a large part in this issue, as teenage boys are now being compared to thirty-year-old bodybuilders and are expected to look as such. This issue is one that sadly hits females as well and in a contradictory way. If a female is too large, she is seen as fat and too curvy. However, if a female is too skinny, she needs curves because no

man wants a woman with smaller breasts or glutes, but she must stay skinny in her waist. These are a few of the unrealistic standards men have set against women and how they think their bodies should look. Like men, girls as young as middle schoolers are being compared to supermodels with multiple plastic surgeries, and are continually bullied if they do not ft the blueprint of an Instagram model. Tis is a direct cause of BDD.

Social media has caused detrimental harm to youth and their perception of themselves. Social media is flled with edited photos, plastic surgeries, flters, unrealistic food plans, etc. Tese issues can all afect a person’s body image and motivate them to try to reach unattainable goals. Both young men and women are constantly compared to these falsifed bodies. Tese comparisons are dangerous as they can lead to BDD and diferent kinds of eating disorders.

BDD is a large issue, and it needs to be combated. First, schools need to take bullying to a more serious level. Many schools say that they do not condone bullying. However, when a student does come to them about bullying, nothing is done. Tis is a problem as school administrators are not doing everything in their power to protect their students from mental detriment, and if bad enough, suicide. BDD is a gateway to self-hatred, later on making that individual develop suicidal tendencies. It is time to start at the root of these issues; conquering bullying and falsifed bodies portrayed on social media. With this, a decline could be seen in those with BDD, and an overall happier generation of youth.

SiTuAtIoNsHiPs oR DiTcHuAtIoNsHiPs?

The Pros and Cons of Situationships

Going out to the movies, dinner, or mini golf, usually verifes a couple “going out”, and typically couples do not want the awkward middle ground of something ‘casual’ instead wanting to be committed to someone. However, younger daters seem to be fond of this and it is becoming a normal occurrence. The idea of the ‘situationship’ describes the vague area between friendship and a relationship.

A situationship is an informal display between two people with many components, but manages outside the conventional idea of being in a committed relationship. In some instances, people fnd a situationship to be the best option, as it is something compartmentalized and does not need a label. Sophomore Charlotte Wallen said, “My version of a situationship is a relationship where no commitment has been made but the feelings and possible intentions towards one are present. I don’t believe in situationships. I feel as if two people are dating or they are not. But, at the same time, I do not believe that every relationship requires a title.” Sometimes situationships just happen.

If a person decides to go through with a situationship, there can be many constructive elements. Situationships are extremely fexible, can be fulflling. A person does not need to worry about full commitment, and it could eventually riddle out into something really great. Despite these positives, the downsides are a big factor too. Throughout the process, the instability, uncertainty, and jealousy, can really take a toll on someone.

Before generation Z, the term

situationship did not exist. Junior Addisyn Burns agrees that social media has played a role in making situationships more popular. “I’ve seen a lot of TikToks about people and their situationships videos like ‘ranking my situationships of the year’ and I think that gives them more popularity,” said Burns. In addition, Wallen says, “I believe that social media has infuenced younger people that being in a situation ship is the norm and is something that someone should engage in when in reality they are toxic stages of a developing relationship.” Social media can promote unrealistic expectations including in relationships and can provide emotions of disconnection.

As kids, people begin dating at different ages, hence emotional maturity impacts a relationship. “ I believe that dating at any age is okay, but the older the age, the more serious the relationship may be,” Wallen says. Adolescents may have a harder time healing from breakups, so situationships could impact them to a greater degree. But they also learn signifcant life lessons. Many people might have gone through this so called situationship, and there are many ways to go about them. When helping a friend, Wallen says, “take time to fgure out what they want. If they are in the position where they feel comfortable and ready to peruse a relationship, then take the step, but if they are not ready and not comfortable, then they should step down and remain friends until further action takes place.”

Situationships have pros and cons, however if the two involved are open, honest, have empathy, and clarity, then there are chances for great outcomes.

Students around DHS reveal the meaning behind their tattoos.

Senior Alana Rasmussen currently has four tattoos, each with a sentimental meaning for her and her life. Her tattoo of a teacup (pictured top left), is a memorial tattoo for her late grandmother, bringing back fond memories they shared together. Her next tattoo (pictured on the right), symbolizes her fight with mental health and serves as a reminder that “it’s okay to not be okay.” Lastly, her tattoo of a bee (pictured bottom left) is to commemorate her love for bees and all of the purposes they serve to humans, even though people regularly fear them. She states, “The bee is just so empowering to me because I have always been fascinated with bees. They are so beautiful, yet everyone hates them regardless of all they do for the human species.”

Senior Brooklynne Clark recently got a tattoo dedicated to one of her close friends who passed away in September, Trista Brownell. To honor Trista’s memory, Brooklynne got a Taylor Swift quote that she has always loved, as Trista was a “big Swiftie.”

Senior Parker Sartin has four tattoos. His insect tattoos as well as his fish tattoo (pictured middle and right) symbolize his love for insects and nature, which he plans to incorporate into his future career. He has had a fascination for nature ever since he was a kid, and he plans to get more tattoos of insects. His other tattoo, who he calls “Fritz”, (pictured left) was originally a tattoo he did himself, though later got it finished professionally. His mother, at first upset with his decision, ended up liking the face and got it tattooed on her leg. Now, they bond and laugh over the silly tattoo they share.

Senior Maggie Champlain has a memorial tattoo for her cat that passed away, Pipett. She received the paw print when he passed, and later got it tattooed to honor him.

Junior Jackson Adair has three tattoos, all with significant meaning to him. His “Lefty” tattoo (pictured on the left) is a tattoo dedicated to his grandfather, as he always called his left leg “lefty”. In the same photo, his larger tattoo on his calf is “different aspects of Metallica albums,” his favorite band. On his knee (pictured on the right), is another Metallica tattoo, and is a composition of different pieces from concert posters he received when seeing them live.