The Green Pride - Volume 52 Issue 1

IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURE

SPORTS

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Senior Bree Avery marches in the band halftime show (Crossroads) on Sept. 1 PhotobyMariaNino NEWS

OPINION

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

MEET THE STAFF

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

OPINION EDITOR

HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?

GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITOR

PODCASTS/SOCIAL MEDIA

NEWS EDITOR

FEATURE EDITOR

SPORTS EDITOR

ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT

STAFF REPORTERS

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS

What do you enjoy about A&M?

“It helps because they learn that they’re not judged and can be themselves.”

David Cobin

“I really enjoy giving tours to freshman and helping them walk their schedule during the frst half day and freshman orientation.”

Luke Swarts

“It was a great chance for high-achieving and experienced upperclassmen to make meaningful connections with potentially nervous and anxious freshmen.”

Carson Miller

“I joined so that I could help underclassmen with things I wish I had help with.”

Gibson Daise

A&M Crew

Ambassadors and Mentors is a De Soto High School organization for school leaders to step up and demonstrate the core values of DHS. They are often referred to as A&M Crew and every year they are split and given freshman seminars to help and guide the new high school students.

A&M is a fun and effective way to get involved with the school and lead others. Addison Mages, a senior at De Soto shared her experience as a leader.

“I like making connections with the new freshmen and helping them out,” Mages said.

Mages also discussed what they do during seminar.

“We have them(freshman) write out goals and clubs they want to join to help get them involved and tell some unspoken rules they should just know.”

Getting involved in school activities like sports and clubs can be scary when students don’t know anybody and are new to the building. Upperclassmen advisors helping and guiding freshmen makes all the difference.

“Freshman years have been going good and the mentors have been so helpful with fguring out how to get around and giving us some good homework and study skills,” current freshman Brynna Billinger said.

When the freshmen are surrounded by upperclassmen who have already been through everything, it makes their frst year a much less stressful

experience. Also, asking a mentor question isn’t near as intimidating as asking a teacher or administration.

The Sponsor for A&M Mrs. Adams talked about some of the new events happening this year.

“We are trying to promote more interactions between upperclassmen and underclassmen and making A&M members more present in the freshmen seminar and getting everyone to get to know another better,” Adams said.

Having mentor roles in the school is such a benefcial resource for the freshman class. A&M is also a great tool for helping the community and around De Soto.

“They support freshman orientation day, supporting other various activities of DHS, being the face of the school and welcoming new students, visitors and community members,” Adams said.

The organization really helps set up relationships and connections between students. A lot of the activities during A&M will be remembered as benefcial in future years. With the members of A&M, newer students and freshmen feel much more welcome and guided.

Freshman Wildcats take on the first day of High School

New Teachers On The Block

This year, De Soto welcomed seven new teachers into the building

Madison Langford is our new English 9 and Creative Writing teacher. Langford enjoys the students and the school spirit.

Sean Riley is one of the new English teachers, teaching English 10 and Honors English 9.

“So far, I love it [here]! I am still learning my way around, but I am very happy here,” Riley said.

Riley’s favorite thing about DHS is the fact that the culture is so positive.

“Everyone seems happy to be here, and willing to help,” said Riley.

Caleb Reid is the new Honors World Geography, World Geography and Civics teacher freshmen. Reid loves being at DHS.

“ e sta have all been friendly and helpful. e students have so much passion and are all friendly and eager to help make their school a great place,” Reid said.

Keri Lauxman is another new English teacher teaching English 10 and Honors English 10. She said she loves being a Wildcat. Lauxman chose DHS due to the high expectations for students and sta

“USD 232 has a future-forward vision for how to scale for growth while maintaining teaching and learning excellence,” Lauxman said.

Sara Bryant is the new Drama, Advanced Drama, Stagecra and Rep eater teacher.

“I’m loving it at De Soto! ere’s a really special energy here among the students and sta that makes every day full of joy and excitement,” said Bryant.

April Bergkamp is a new Integrated 1 and Honors Integrated 1 math teacher. Bergkamp enjoys the students, and says that her classes have been really fun.

“It’s the same district my kids go to, and I student taught here and really wanted to teach here again,” Bergkamp said.

Jessica Kelly is a Strategic Learning and Peer Interactions teacher. Kelly’s favorite thing about the school is the school spirit.

“I love De Soto so far, the sta and students are very helpful and welcoming,” said Kelly. “It’s so nice to see that students and sta are so involved and who love their school.”

Mr . Riley

Mr . Reid

Mrs. Lauxman

Miss Langford

Miss Bryant

Mrs. Bergkamp

Mrs. Kelly

Welcome to the WildSide Welcome to the WildSide

New history teacher Caleb Reid helps re-brand the student section the Wildside.

De Soto High School has a Wildside and students are beginning to explore it. This year is the frst year our student body has an offcial name, The Wildside. Led by teacher Caleb Reid, Wildside’s goal is to give students positive experiences in out-ofschool activities.

“I want students today to create a great environment in their school and at events for their peers and in doing so, they will create habits for others to follow,” said Reid.

While the Wildside host and attend many different events and activities the one we see most is their involvement in our sports. Senior Lily Endsley explains how the rest of our student body can get involved in these events.

“The best way for students to get involved is by going to the tailgates before games, being in the student sections, participating in the cheers at games, dressing up for spirit days, etc.” Said Endsley.

While Wildside is a new group at De Soto some of the responsibilities are

not new ones. One of the groups within Wildside is the “assembly group”.

involved as possible.

base, the group keeps as few adults

“The Wildside is 100% students! Ms. Mages and I are the only teachers/ administration that are involved. In that respect, it is amazing to see what students can accomplish and plan. Having students run the entire organization helps to make them committed to its success, accountable to its future, and thoughtful in planning for the future.”

Students who are not a part of the offcial group that plans everything for Wildside also wanted to share their opinions on the new activity. Senior Grace Burger has attended and stood in the student section for every football game.

“I think it’s [Wildside] good addition because it connects the students and it makes for a good student section atmosphere,” Burger said.

Committed, Accountable and oughtful. ese are the characteristics every student or teacher who walks into the doors of De Soto High School are expected to embody. e Wildcat Way is meant to show the core values of our school.

Administrators Sam Ru and Michelle Mages explained e Wildcat Way as an initiative to instill critical academic and social behaviors that have been identi ed by sta as important for success here at DHS.

“If you look at the mission of the building, which has not changed in several years, this all ties to that too. Being able to understand the importance of attendance, being on time, having your work done, and appropriate time for electronic devices, are all things that students are gonna see in their future. Whether they go to trade school, right into the workforce, or go to college, em-

WildCat Way

ployers have those expectations as well,” Mages said.

e WildCat Way is something students have followed for years before there was a name for it.

“ e majority of our students demonstrate these behaviors daily. But, we also cannot fall into the trap of expecting students to walk in the door already knowing our expectations, or applying negative consequences without rst teaching or communicating the desired behaviors,” Ru said.

e WildCat Way focuses on celebrating when students exhibit speci c qualities. One way students are celebrated is through posts on the WildCat Way Instagram (@dhswildcatway).

“Mr. Ru is running that account and has been very conscientious of trying to get all three pieces–committed, accountable, and thoughtful–being

New Technology

This year, the entire De Soto school district got new macbooks to replace the ones students received at the beginning of the school year in 2019. Students were very excited when they heard about the new updated computers and things this year have been running smoothly.

Junior Swea Bonnstetter really likes the new computers, and all their new features.

e new macbooks have features such as a larger screen, a larger trackpad, and a much faster speed for uploading documents and anything in general.

“I think they’re really good. ey’re de nitely an upgrade from before and I like the nger touch [ID],”said Bonnstetter.

Easy access to the new computers with the touch ID is denitely an upgrade because students don’t need to type in their password every time they need to get in their macbook.

celebrated in di erent ways.” Mages said.

e Wildcat Way is the new standard for De Soto High School, ensuring students are Committed, Accountable, and oughtful.

Sophomore Kasha Kemnitz, a yearbook sta er and photographer, enjoys all of the aspects of the new macbooks, especially when she’s in yearbook.

“ e new computers have more storage,” said Kemnitz.

Kemnitz uses all this additional space for apps like Photoshop and other designing platforms.

e new computers allow for students to keep their old les, while also giving them plenty of room for new les.

Another thing about the new macbooks is the size. e computers are thinner and smaller than they were last year, which makes it easier for students to carry them around all day.

All of these new additions help students better their projects and assignments which helps everyone have a better school year.

Members of STUCO welcomed and passed out smarties with a positive message for students on Aug. 17 was posted to the wildcat way Instagram. Wildcat Photo

Senior Addison Mages poses using one of the new macbooks on October 11. Photo by Ashlyn Hammel

Minga or “Meanga”??

The New Minga system implemented at De Soto High School has been an arguably more effcient way for students to travel and accommodate their hall pass needs. According to Minga, Minga focuses on safety, student behavior, communication and engagement. In previous school years, students were supposed to have a yellow paper pass in order to use the restroom, go to the nurse, or to travel to another classroom or offce. Now, when students want to travel somewhere, they must fll out a Minga pass. Is the new system making a difference?

“We wanted students to plan out and participate in more activities during Seminar (i.e., club/activity meetings, tutorials/study sessions, going to the Union/Media Center, etc.). The Flextime system is designed to have students

think about the week ahead and sign up for the activities they are planning to attend - which fosters The WildCAT Way principles. It also provides the fexibility to make changes before the travel bell, if needed. At the same time, it allows teachers to assign students to attend academic intervention sessions,” Principal Samuel Ruff says.

With Minga, students are able to decide where they want to go. This year, students may go to any teacher, instead of just the teachers that they have. If needed, teachers can also assign students to their classroom so the students are required to visit that teacher for extra assistance.

Minga provides plenty of assistance in the school; however, there have been some drawbacks.

“I think Minga is not helpful. It is just limiting when and how long we leave

the classroom. Sometimes Minga does not allow us to leave when we need to,” junior Annie Young said, “However, the amount of people skipping class are decreasing.”

Several schools in our district and around the world utilize a phone policy including De Soto High School. This policy is supposed to help students stay engaged, focused, and on task.

The De Soto High School handbook states, “Students will access technology, computers, information networks, and the internet to achieve the learning outcomes of the district’s academic programs. Use of USD232 technology, computer resources and the internet constitutes the student’s agreement to these terms. Any violation of these terms and conditions may cause the student’s access privileges to be revoked and will result in disciplinary action taken by USD 232 including possible legal action.”

In 2022, students felt this policy was not enforced as strictly, hence the rein-

After using Minga for three months, students have shown more responsibility.

Teacher Mike Murphy said, “I think it is helpful to students as they can now control their own seminar travel schedule. The only drawback is that I cannot see where my seminar students signed out for travel, so I still have them write it on the board.”

Overall, the Minga system has improved De Soto High School. There are safer protocols along with improved communication, and with recent updates to the application, it will only continue to improve.

Enforced Phone Policy

forcement by teachers and administration for the 2023-24 school year at DHS.

In 2023, the school’s offcial phone policy stayed the same however it is more consistently enforced this year. Generally, students are not allowed cell phone usage unless approved by a teacher.

“I think cell phones can be used appropriately, however with the really nice MacBook that the district has provided for staff and students, I don’t see a lot of reasons for cell phones to be used during class. We need to help our students learn how to develop the skill to balance the ability to resist the temptation of their phones when they have school work that needs to be completed, just like they will have to deal with when they are in the workforce,” teacher and coach Junelle Woolery said.

Many students have a different point of view, though.

“I think in some instances it makes sense for it to be more enforced like if you are in math and you have an assignment to do, but if there’s free time, I don’t see a reason why not a student couldn’t get on their phone if they have all of their work done. I just see it as a reward almost,” sophomore Carson Hanley said.

In previous years, cell phone usage in the classroom became distracting. Therefore, the building staff has decided to be stricter.

“I like the policy. If we don’t enforce it across the board it is pointless to have it,” Woolery said. “Teachers also have the ability to allow their students to use phones during class if it is appropriate to the assignment.”

De Soto High School is working toward consistent enforcement in order to help students stay focused in class.

Growing Roots:

New Student Council Leadership

Meet the new STUCO President and Vice President as they plant seeds for a great year.

The beginning of every school year at De Soto High School is an opportunity for a fresh start for staff, students, and of course, our newly minted Student Council leaders.

Introducing Violet Conley and Maya Rozelle, our new STUCO President and Vice President for the 2023-2024 school year. Becoming Student Council leaders comes with preparation and planning. Every leader has to start somewhere, and the responsibility of representing

our school and our student body is very important in the eyes of STUCO President, Violet Conley.

“I just like talking to people I’ve helped a lot,” Conley said. “Like, what they want to have, or activities they want, and talking to teachers, trying to get recommendations.”

Communication is key when it comes to leading the student body, and Conley certainly sees it that way. As for Rozelle,

her past participation in STUCO helped her get to her current position as Vice President.

“In the two or three years that I was in it [STUCO] before I was Student Vice President, I did my best to get involved, and led main groups…so I feel like that helped me take on the bigger role because I had some experience,” Rozelle said.

Despite it being early in the school year, Conley and Rozelle have already been successful which has been clear to STUCO sponsor, Caroline Friday. Friday explains the commitment and effort it took for Conley to develop her new position as a STUCO leader.

“This summer Violet took time to go to a week-long student council conference, so it took part of her summer,” Friday said.

Friday also expresses her appreciation for Rozelle and her ability to follow through with tasks.

“Maya came up this summer countless times to help with different things and to get ready for students to come back to school. Both [Conley and Rozelle] have shown that they are committed to Student Council and the success of their term for being President and Vice President,” Friday said.

STUCO members appreciate Conley and Rozelle’s determination and tenacity. Junior Lydia VanBooven expresses her admiration for the schools’ new Student Council leaders.

“I admire their organization,” VanBooven said. “At every meeting, they always come prepared, and I also admire the role that they have as upperclassmen and how they advocate for the student body as a whole.”

Aside from Conley and Rozelle’s management skills, sophomore Donovan Dougherty shares what he feels most

excited about going into the new year.

“The dance marathon–that was a big hit,” Dougherty said. “I think we raised $17,000 or something like that. A lot of people came and a lot of people enjoyed it, and I think we should do the same, if not better this year.”

Leading defnitely has its perks, but it also comes with its challenges. As a sponsor, Friday recognizes her own diffculties to address when it comes to working with students.

“I guess it’s kind of letting go and letting them do things,” Friday said. “Whatever it is that we do, we’re representing DHS and we’re representing Student Council.”

As our new STUCO President and Vice President navigate their way through the 2023-2024 school year, our students and staff are cheering them on all the way to the end.

STUCO Vice President Maya Rozelle cheers at the home game v.s. Lansing on 9/1. Photoby Maria Nino

STUCO President Violet Conley runs with the Wildcat fag at the home game v.s. Lansing on 9/1. PhotobyMariaNino

Counselor Chaos

Inside the daily life of a DHS guidance counselor

With all of the craziness of the schedule changes and the rising awareness towards mental health, the guidance counselors are the people behind the scenes helping students at De Soto High School.

All of the counselors at DHS were teachers prior to moving to Student Services. Some, like Ms. Heller, knew counseling would be a good ft because of their experiences in the classroom.

“My favorite part of teaching was connecting with kids about socialemotional stuff,” said Heller.

While the counselors like working with kids, it can be a taxing job. Mrs. Johns says challenges arise due to the fact that everyone’s personal and family life is different.

“The hardest part is that we don’t all come from the same parents and not everybody has parented how I’ve

parented,” said Johns.

A lot of this comes from all of the meetings that they have with the students. Many days, especially at the beginning of the year, an abundance of students come to the counselors with concerns.

“I see about 10 to 15 regulars from year to year” said Johns.

There are so many students partly because all students have their own struggles, and it proves diffcult to deal with students lives in addition to their own.

“It’s hard because I can talk to the students and help guide them towards what I think they should do but I can’t solve it for them” said Heller.

In addition to the personal diffculties of being a teen, there are also the educational aspects. Mental health, especially anxiety, relating to the pressures of school and things that

happen within the school are tough to manage for many students. Student Services also assists students with these struggles.

“Anxiety’s a big one, whether that’s test anxiety or just general. There’s also peer dynamics that students talk about, family dynamics and struggles with academics,” said Britt.

Although being a counselor has its challenges, it also has its perks. One of these is listening to students talk about how they’re doing and what’s going on in their life.

“I think that my favorite part of the job is the interactions with students and hearing about their lives” said Britt.

All in all, being a counselor isn’t an easy job to have in this time period. However, according to our counselors it’s all worth it in the end.

Mrs. Crissy Johns takes last names A-G Ms. Abbey Heller takes last names H-N Ms Kaitlin Britt takes last names O-Z

Rewinding Ribbons

Every year, schools and social media stress the importance of learning about the negative consequences of drug abuse. At a young age, most children are informed about the seriousness of drugs. With this helpful concept in mind, schools have a whole week dedicated to substance abuse.

This week is commonly known as Red Ribbon Week, funded by anti-drug company National Family Partnership (NFP). Throughout the days of October 23rd to the 31st, the goal is to educate the youth to commit themselves to a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

And just like many other high schoolers, as I reminisce about the nostalgia factors of elementary school, I remember tiny events like Red Ribbon Week. As I grew older, I initially believed that Red Ribbon Week was geared towards the wrong audience due to the complexity of the situation.

For example, NCDAS has published multiple reports in the last few years on how teenagers are getting a hold of drugs, mostly stimulants like marijuana or nicotine. In light of this information, I become curious about why a familiar drug abuse event students learn about as children is not presented when they get older.

As Red Ribbon Week is the longest running anti-drug foundation, it can also stand for being one of the least benefcial programs because rather than it being advertised to the youth, the idea should be replanted into high schoolers’ heads compared to abandoning the idea once they reach said maturity.

High schoolers have easy access to drugs, and with the emergence of nicotine, NCBI has reported that most substance abuse cases are under the age of 17.

And thankfully, Red Ribbon Week is

Red Ribbon Week has commonly been practiced in the USD 232 district. However, as a student grows older and goes to High School the week is no longer celebrated. I took a deep dive into why.

just one of the engaging activities that can ensure comfortable conversations at the high school level.

De Soto’s social worker, Mr. Joe Kordalski provided a basic explanation of Red Ribbon Week acknowledging how it allows for young students to learn about the issue by being comfortable learning about the sound choices concerning drug or alcohol use.

Furthermore, for years the USD 232 district has implemented this action throughout schools. This makes up for a fun spirit week of days flled with crazy hair day, mix-matched outfts/socks, or spirit days like “dress like a nerd.”

Some parents believe that these types of events do not actually spread the messages students need and rather they believe there should be other ways of awareness to show kids the seriousness of drug abuse. However, these events were included to help engage students in fun ways.

“We try to increase engagement by making it fun … walkathons, events during lunch hours, spirit days … if we can distribute a message in a fun way, that engages kids, then it will be better off then a sit-and-get where a teacher or speaker come in for a one time event, and then it’s a one and done. We try to do it in a week to get involvement and to spread a message,” Kordalski said.

These heartfelt spirit days are supposed to relate to and encourage students not to get involved with drugs. And as high school students participated in Red Ribbon Week in their younger days, USD 232 still continues these actions by planning Red Ribbon throughout all elementary schools.

“Anything about mental health in general, when done right is a good thing … Some people take advantage of it,

and some don’t,” Kordalski said.

In general, at the high school level students don’t take the type of events associated with Red Ribbon Week seriously, and when other events overlap or happen it gets hard.

Yet instead of Red Ribbon Week, there are many other opportunities that are provided to show students the complexity of drug awareness, making Red Ribbon Week just an opener for the adolescent to learn about other issues.

“It’s been done in numerous ways over the years. We just have not taken [Red Ribbon Week] as the initiative … We’ve done community week, antibullying week, drug fact awareness day… But we don’t have a day [or week] where we focus on drug and alcohol abuse,” Kordalski said.

At this rate, high schoolers have been given many options and strategies from events like these, one has to fnd what works for them– a replacement to the quick fx that you know that works.

As my curiosity still stands for why exactly Red Ribbon Week is not presented to high school students, I can understand at a better level how it was an opener for us to learn about other heavy topics rather than repeating the abuse of drug and alcohol awareness.

Rolling Thru the New Year

DHS bus drivers give insight on what it’s like to be a bus driver.

Our school has many people that work behind the scenes that never get full recognition. One of the most overlooked groups of people in a school district are bus drivers. Many students do not interact with their bus driver, but if they do, then they can sometimes be disrespectful.

“I have been in the profession for 14 years. Most people are very kind. More than not,” bus driver Carrol Haswell said.“But I do think we are a little under appreciated.”

While driving a bus all day sounds easy, it comes with many challenges. From route delays to construction the job requires a lot of patience.

“Sometimes you have to let them know that it is a privilege to ride this bus. My old vice principal told me that,” Haswell said. “At any time we can remove them from the bus for however long or even permanently.”

Each student who has the privilege of riding the bus should treat their drivers with respect and show them gratitude. For many of these drivers, it is a part time job and is not always their only source of income. Showing a little patience can go a long way.

“Some people can come across the wrong way but not all for sure. I think that sometimes we are forgotten about,” bus driver Karen Micheals said. “Some people might not realize this is our livelihood. But people are usually very supportive, and I have not had many problems.”

Many drivers have some pretty crazy stories about kids acting up on rides tearing up seats, throwing backpacks and even trying to escape out windows.

At the end of the day, these drivers simply want patience.

“The DHS parking lot is a challenge when it comes to safety, so bus drivers really appreciate it when cars are patient with us and let us get our business done,” Haswell said.

It is important that the students show the bus drivers, janitors and anyone in the De Soto High School faculty the utmost respect whenever they can. So, the next time you see your bus driver be sure to thank them for their time.

No place like Homecoming

Juniors dance at the homecoming dance on Sept. 17. PhotobyMichaelSullivan

Juniors dance at the homecoming dance on Sept. 17. PhotobyMichaelSullivan

Seniors King Davis Barr and Queen Janelle Lang pose for a photo at the homecoming dance on Sept. 17. Photo byMichaelSullivan

Juniors Avery Baker and Jack Bolen dance at the homecoming dance on Sept. 17. PhotobyMichaelSullivan

Junior Gradyn Memphis dances with freshman LC Heigele at the homecoming dance on Sept. 17. Photo by Michael Sullivan

Wildcats dance to the song “Macerna” at the homecoming dance on Sept. 17. Photo byMichael Sullivan

T HREE B OU Q UETS N EEDED

This 23-24 school year, De Soto introduces its third teacher couple. Let’s get to know more about all three teacher couples.

HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS

HOW YOU GUYS MET:

HOW YOU GUYS MET:

The love story between the Hothan’s started in high school at Shawnee Heights. The two of them shared high school experiences together. “We went to Gary Berrie’s Pumpkin Patch with a group of friends, and that was one of our frst outings together, it felt like a date” said the Hothans. As well as that, Mrs. Lindsay Hothan said, “We’d see each other a lot at sporting events too.” With all of this combined, the two have been married for 14 years.

FLOWER ASSIGNMENT:

“I’d choose a hydrangea for Mrs. Hothan,” said Mr. Brett Hothan. “[Specifcally] purple, we had those at our wedding.” And for Mrs. Lindsay Hothan shes describes him as a “sunfower, he’s very much a homebody and loves all things Kansas.”

LOVE ADVICE TO HIGH SCHOOLERS:

“To always be yourself, and don’t change yourself in order to be with someone else they may not be the right one. Be with someone who embraces who you are,” said Mrs. Lindsay Hothan.

Marriage always has to start somewhere, and for the 11 years that the Riley’s have been together they met through work. Teaching at Semen High school brought the two together. “We had a lunch bunch,” said Mrs. Amy Riley. And with the start of eating lunch together, the two eventually clicked from there. “[Overtime] we went on a Europe trip with students together and that’s when we realized we wanted to be more than just friends,” said Mrs. Amy Riley.

FLOWER ASSIGNMENT:

“Hers is easy. It’s the daisy.” said Mr. Sean Riley. With even more sentimental meaning, Mrs. Amy Riley said, “I’ve had that nickname since I was 6 from my grandpa.”

FIRST DATE EXPERIENCE:

The frst offcial date with the Riley’s began at a movie theatre. “We [both] love horror movies, and on our frst date [Mrs. Riley] almost had us kicked out at the theatre,” said Mr. Sean Riley. The movie being Paranormal Activity, known for its scary thriller feel was apparently not enjoyed by Mrs. Amy Riley. “Mrs. Riley was laughing and loudly saying how stupid the movie was.”

COWORKERS TO SPOUSES

HOW YOU GUYS MET:

“We met in kindergarten,” said the Thaemerts.

“When I frst came in, Mr Thaemert was in the corner counting to 1,000 …” Mrs. De Ann Thaemert said. However, the two of them didn’t get to know each other until high school homecoming, “She was the queen, I was not the king.” said Mr. Joel Thaemert. The two of them went to college together and tied the knot their junior year. The Thaemerts have been together for 31 years.

FLOWER ASSIGNMENT:

“Red roses,” Mr. Joel Thaemert said, “She gets the rose. She’s the prettiest.” And for Mrs. De Ann Thaemert she said, “Carnation, because he’s cheerful,”

WORKING TOGETHER:

“We [have always] taught and coached together, [and] were always on the opposite side.” Mrs. De Ann Thamert said. Despite their far distance, the two of them are always in close contact, “We’re just very involved together in De Soto activities.” the two Thaemerts said.

RILEY

1. Mrs Riley

2. Mrs. Riley

3. Mrs. Riley

4. No, but we would get close but something stupid like cockroaches would make us lose

QUESTION KEY

1. Who has the hangout room?

2. Who’s more likely to be behind on grading?

3. Who has 5,000 unread emails?

4. Are you guys likely to win The Amazing Race?

HOTHAN

1. We meet in the middle by using the commons.

2. Mrs. Hothan

3. Mrs. Hothan

4. Yes, we both have high competitive spirits and could win no matter what challenges, even the gross bugs we come into contact with

THAEMERT

1. Mrs. T

2. Mr. T

3. Mrs. T

4. Yes, with Mr. T’s brain and Mrs. T’s brawn we have a high chance at winning

POWER COUPLE SONGS

RILEY

THAEMERT HOTHAN

What’s Your Music Taste?

A detailed list of aesthetic based music

Country music was frst introduced as a genre in the 1920s, with Eck Robinson being the frst man to make a record. However, the birth of country music did not occur until the introduction of Jimmie Rodgers, the “father of country music”, and The Carter Family vocal group.

The aesthetic surrounding the music taste consists of a very rural style, derived from a rancher or farmer’s wardrobe; cowboy boots, hats, elaborate belts, jeans, fannels, etc. Country style has a very southern vibe to it.

Originating in the 1950s, pop music has been a genre of much spectacle. Pop music is a blend of many different genres including jazz, swing, blues, country, R&B, rock, and more.

Aesthetics include modern styles, or “trendy” style. Being a very media based genre, most of the style and overall vibes are taken from modern pop culture. For instance, minimalistic style with warm tones. Things like self care and comfort are promoted within the aesthetic.

Country Pop Rock

First found in late 1940s, rock music took America by storm. This umbrella term is responsible for over sixty subcultures. The frst known rock record was produced by singer Sam Phillips, followed by the frst metal band records made by bands Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Black Sabbath.

Aesthetics can include a wide variety. It can range from the emo/scene aesthetic, y2k aesthetic, to grunge/punk, or even gothic style. In general, the aesthetic can be either very laid-back, or energetic.

Instrumental

Instrumental music dates back up to 43,000 years. This music consists of only instruments. The Neanderthal fute is the frst instrument to ever be found, therefore being the frst form of instrumental music. However, people were able to listen to this music in their home in 1877, when Thomas Edison invented the phonograph.

Instrumental music is shown to relax the brain and allows the brain to roam. Naturally, it has a very calm and sophisticated ambiance. Styles can range.

Religious

Religious music is a type of music that is composed for religious use or infuence. Religious music has been recorded as far back as the Medieval era, however the frst song to be offcially published was made in 1831.

Aesthetics are very religious based. Figures like angels and other godly symbols are used often. In America, listeners are mostly Christian.

Fantastic Fine Arts

One of De Soto High School’s many accomplishments is our outstanding fne arts programs. In fact, just last year our fne art educators; speech and debate coaches: Mr. Mercer and Mrs. Sweet, band directors: Mr. Kaul and Mr. Bradford, choir and theater director: Mrs. Fry, and costume designer for the musical: Mrs. Cahoone won the KSHAA Performing Arts School of excellence award for their contributions.

“I don’t think it’s necessarily the successes of any one department, it is more so we are all willing to do what we need to do to make sure everybody is getting the whole experience,” Mercer said.

This award recognizes one school every year that has exceptional achievements from students and coaches involved in speech and debate, music and theater. It’s a very prestigious honor, so the Wildcat music programs were thrilled when it was announced they won.

“I was excited when I heard about it because it is really cool to see all of the hard work that all of our students and all of my colleagues in the department, recognized,” Kaul said.

At the frst home football game, on September 1, 2023, these excellent educators were formally recognized during a ceremony at half-time.

Overall, each section of our fne arts program produces remarkable art in their own ways.

Debate and Forensics

The Speech and Debate coaches from De Soto High School, Mr. Mercer and Mrs. Sweet, are two teachers who exemplify the excellence of the Fine Arts Program. They are one of the leading reasons that DHS won the KSHSAA Performing Arts School of Excellence Award for the 2023 - 2024 school year.

The Speech and Debate program includes both the Debate and Forensics teams. Last year both teams achieved amazing success, with the Forensics team placing seventh at the state competition and the Debate team placing fourth.

While winning is very important to these teams and coaches, creating a welcoming and fun program is even more crucial.

“This is a space for everybody. I personally am not hyper competitive and I am not too focused on wins and losses and I am mostly focused on making sure every kid gets improvement, whatever that looks like for them,” said Mercer.

students return is because of the love for their coaches and the program. Junior Claire McGinn described the bonding that happens during their practices and meets.

“It’s kinda just like a family bond when we’re all together going to tournaments,” said McGinn.

McGinn is not the only team member that feels this bond. Norah Kelly, a sophomore, describes her experience bonding with the team.

“It’s a very welcoming program. Everyone looks out for each other at the end of the day it was about having fun and learning things that actually matter in your life more than winning,” said Kelly. This attitude highlights the familial nature of this team. However, the program still faces struggles. Their biggest struggle is increasing exposure throughout the general student body.

Not only are the staff incredibly welcoming, but so are the returning students. Veteran members have been supportive to the novice students helping them fnd their place in the program and creating a friendly and encouraging environment.

“I think we have a lot of really good leaders on the team that are really willing to work with our new students and just do a great job of mentoring. That’s really benefted us for the last two years,” said Sweet.

One of the biggest reasons that

“Well frst I would like people to know that it exists. It’s always an uphill battle when the kids see forensics on a signup sheet and they go, ‘I’m going to go solve a murder,’ but you’re not,” said Mercer.

As new students are welcomed into the Debate and Forensics program, they can rest assured that they are joining one of the best fne arts programs in the State.

Members of the Forensics team present their awards from a tournament at Olathe West. Photoby Amanda Sweet

The Debate team poses at sunrise on the morning of the State Championship. PhotobyAmandaSweet

Fine arts educators receive recognition for their excellence at a pep assembly

The De Soto High School band program and their teachers, Mr. Phillip Kaul and Mr. Matt Bradford, also contributes to the supremacy of the Fine Arts Program. This program and its teachers are one of the many factors that led to DHS winning the Performing Arts School of Excellence during the 20232024 school year.

The band program achieved levels of success they didn’t believe possible during the 2022 - 2023 season. These successes included the marching band reaching fnals at KBA Marching Festival, several ensembles earning a one rating in the district and state, and a jazz combo performing at KBA.

Senior Isabella Holwick attributes this success to the program’s change in attitude from previous years.

“Last year was defnitely where we shifted our focus into being a band that wants to be better and a band that has a lot of drive,” Holwick said.

This change in perspective is a huge factor in the success of the band, however there are many other factors that play into this success. Kaul credits the program’s success to the community that the students and his colleagues have created.

“We have a really positive community that builds each other up and supports each other during marching band and during concert band, but also in everything else that we do,” Kaul said. “It’s a supportive environment to be in and we are excited about the energy that we have around our program.”

While Kaul believes that it is the community his students and colleagues have created, many students attribute last year’s success to their teachers.

Junior Rose Rulifson believes that both Kaul and Bradford are a huge reason the

DHS BAND,

program

“Bradford and Kaul are very driven and are passionate about their subject and their teaching,” Rulifson said. “They do everything they can to better the band for us and to not only grow the program but to grow the people and to make sure that we enjoy ourselves in the band. They sacrifce anything for us.”

Rulifson is not the only student in the program who feels this way. Her fellow band member junior Kelsey O’Donnell, shares these sentiments.

“They have just really pushed me to fnd what I love. Without them I really wouldn’t be here, knowing what I like to do,” O’Donnell said. “They have really encouraged me every day to show up and put in a lot of energy and see how the effort that I put in can really turn out and create a really cool thing.”

Most musicians, not just Rulifson and O’Donnell, feel this way about their teachers and with the success that the program has had this year already, the appreciation for their teachers will continue. Bradford believes that this year’s program is set up to reach or exceed last year’s success.

“I want us to take where we are and just keep getting better. Our kids are doing great,” Bradford said. “This year’s marching band is doing really, really well. I think they are marching better than they did last year, which is great.”

There were many factors that created the success of the Fine Arts Programs. The band especially attributes their successes to their teachers and the students in their program. Through their dedication, the band program hopes to replicate or exceed the level of success they had last year.

Band leader, Mr. Kaul directs his students. Photo byKatMeyer

Members of the band prepare for the halftime show. PhotobyKatMeyer

Band members play during one of the frst football games of the season. PhotobyKatMeyer

is able to experience as much success as they do.

CHOIR & THEATER

Theater and choir had an amazing season last year. Their achievements vary from sending students to state for their exceptional singing abilities, to having sold out performances of their fall production of Beauty and The Beast.

“That was probably the most exciting for the kids and for us. We’ve never been able to have that many people in one facility because of our [previously] smaller theater size,” costume designer Mrs. Cahoone said.

Choir teacher and musical director, Mrs. Fry touched on what she thinks led them to that success.

“Regardless of where we [were] at as a whole, the kids just showed up every day just wanting to get better and I’m grateful for that,” Fry said.

The students in the theater and choir department are hard workers who are determined to improve. However they credit their progress in the activity to the teacher they had mentoring them. Junior Kyla Jacobs explains the impact that Fry has on her students.

“She’s a great teacher, great person–she always encourages you no matter what and she’s always there if you ever need anything” Jacobs said.

Costumes and props are also a major aspect of a good quality production. Sophomore Carson Hanley shares his appreciation of Mrs. Cahoone and how she has created authentic costumes for the cast.

“She helped us do the fttings and all the village people [from Beauty and the Beast] looked like they came from a village in France,” Hanley said. “And I think her job really just makes the story come alive.”

In order to follow up the accomplishments of last school year, the theater and choir programs have some goals to continue to achieve that level of

success.

“We want to continue to build our program which includes not only stuff that we do in class amongst ourselves but we wanna really brand ourselves and get our name and get more visible in our community,” Fry said.

Ever since the Covid pandemic, numbers in choir and theater have dropped signifcantly and still haven’t fully built back. Mrs. Fry explained one of the many reasons students should join choir or theater.

“I think now more than ever students are struggling with mental health and music is a place anywhere in our performing arts department is a place where kids can come and have a safe place to express themselves…we just are a big family here and singing brings people joy,” Fry said.

Cast members of the 2022 fall musical “Beauty and the Beast” perform in costumes created by Mrs. Cahoone PhotobyMrs.Riley

Mrs.FrydirectstheDHSchoir.PhotobyKyleeHunter

Sports and Social Media

The recent surge of social media has made its way to De Soto sports. Wildcat sports have been utilizing social media to the best of their ability.

The main beneft to these sports teams so far has simply been the publicity it is providing for their programs. Girls basketball head coach Ryan Robie enjoys the positive light social media is shining on his team.

“We are able to highlight specifc things that we feel are positives for our program. Our team building, our success on the court.” Robie said, “so just more recognition for our kids and for our program.”

In today’s world, social media is heavily infuential to kids, and even adults. Having a social media page can help coaches grow their program, show off highlights and celebrate accomplishments.

For Javier Vieyra, head wrestling coach, social media is a great way to spread information about his team to those interested.

“Social media has a powerful infuence, it’s a really easy way to get information to parents or athletes or just spread good news to your program,” Vieyra said.

Another major beneft is the ability to recognize and celebrate the athletes’ accomplishments. Robie has noticed that highlighting these successes has resulted in the overall growth of the girls basketball team.

“Just having more recognition for our kids, and we all like to be celebrated and that’s a way for us to celebrate,” Robie said.

Additionally, the wrestling team has

been able to use their social media pages as an extra push to reinforce the goals of the team. Vieyra believes this gives his team the extra push they need to showcase their identity.

“I think it just reinforces everything the coaches say, a lot of times we use certain slogans or hashtags on really all of our social media posts, but I think it really reinforces our team’s identity,” Vieyra said.

All the sports are benefting from the efforts of the Wildside led by Caleb Reid. The Wildside relies on social media to help achieve their goal of growing school culture and gaining student participation in sports. This includes growing the student section at games and general growth at all school events.

Reid has already noticed some big growth when it comes to growing the culture at DHS through social media.

“It increases student participation, I don’t know if it’s directly correlated with student participation in sports, but more so student involvement off the feld,” said Reid.

However, the Wildside is not done yet. They have big goals of growing the student section as a whole using a new perspective on DHS sports.

“We are always looking for new traditions and new cultures. We use social media to get in contact with our fanbase about these traditions and cultures,” said Reid.

With the current teenage demographic looking towards social media for their information, the sports world is shifting that way too. At DHS, the different sports teams are growing their teams and the student sections one post at a time.

The De Soto sports community looks towards social media to grow their program’s on and o the field.

Insight on Cross Country and Girls Golf

into the season, also it keeps everybody on the team positive, everybody’s mindset’s positive going into the season,” Marriott said.

The cross country team enters the 2023 season with high expectations on both the boys and the girls teams. These expectations are defned by past successes and rankings produced by popular running social media pages.

The girls are coming off a sixth place fnish last year at state, while only losing two seniors to graduation. The boys, who have just one state qualifying returner, are ranked frst amongst 5A schools in the preseason rankings.

Cross Country Girls Golf

Head Coach Jack Sachse has been working hard to keep his runners focused on the task at hand: qualifying both teams for state. In fact, he thinks they would be better off if the rankings were not posted on Instagram.

“I wish they didn’t get published like that because in cross country they purely base it off of PR, and that’s really not a good way to do cross country rankings,” Sachse said.

For senior Hope Marriott, there are both pros and cons of these rankings. At times, they add unnecessary pressure to the runners, but the team is able to block out social media and use the energy to keep a positive mindset for the best interest of the team.

As previously mentioned, the boys are ranked frst in 5A, but the girls are also very highly ranked at third in 5A according to the popular Instagram page @ksxctandf. This page has almost 3,000 followers on Instagram and are highly respected by runners across the state.

However, the team understands that there are plenty of other really good teams that have greatly improved in the offseason. Senior Connor Jacober acknowledges that because of these improvements the rankings aren’t always accurate.

“It gives us a lot of confdence going

“We know there are other teams out there who have been working really hard in the offseason, so I don’t really look at social media rankings,” Jacober said.

Although the Wildcats are working hard to ignore the rankings and keep their eyes on the road ahead, they have high hopes for big postseason success.

The De Soto Wildcat golf team has lost three All-UKC golfers to graduation. After taking third at the conference meet in 2022, this year’s seniors will have to take a big step up in hopes of making state this year.

Golf in general is a mental game. Senior Kennedy Tilley strongly believes in order to overcome the team’s biggest challenges, they need to stay out of their heads.

“Staying positive in the game [is important] because most of the game goes on between the fve inches between the ears, and it’s really hard to get out of your head sometimes,” Tilley said.

To assist in overcoming the mental obstacles of golf, the team has been putting in plenty of hours practicing at the golf range. Early in the season, head coach Scott Sharp is focusing on improving each golfer’s fundamentals.

“We’ve been hitting lots and

lots of range balls and getting back to the basics on how to hold the club and how to swing, so it’s been really fun to see all the improvement,”

Sharp said.

After losing half of their varsity team, including one state qualifer, to graduation, the Wildcats are going to have to come together as a team and step up.

Tilley believes the team will be able to fll those shoes despite the crucial role last year’s seniors played for the team.

“I think that they were a big part of our team this year, but I think we will grow strong and become just like they were last year,” Tilley said.

The process starts with positive, reliable leaders. The Wildcats want a welcoming environment for the younger golfers, and this starts with the more experienced players on the team. Sharp looks towards this year’s senior class to take on this role.

“We have been using them [the seniors] a lot as leaders and they set the tone for how we want this team to function,” Sharp said.

However, it’s not just the seniors that need to step up, the team is also counting on the underclassmen to grow the team. According to Tilley, the younger girls need to represent the golf team the best they possibly can on and off the course.

“The whole team needs to step up, and it’s not just on the course, it’s off the course–just kinda getting it out there that we do have a girls golf team and we fght at every tournament,” Tilley said.

As the Wildcat golf team aspires to make a run to the state tournament they will have to grow stronger together and keep their positive environment.

Fighting for a Wildcat Victory

As various sports near or enter post-season play, the Green Pride takes a look back at the season with a snapshot from each sport. The 2023 fall sports season brought tournament championships, league honors, victories against rivals, and personal bests for DHS teams proving that “Faithful to our colors we will ever be, fghting ever fghting for a Wildcat victory. Go Cats!”

Photo Courtesy of Ben Stamey

Photo Courtesy of Kat Meyer

Photo by Kylie Albright

Photo by Kylee Hunter

Photo by Brooke Wagner

PhotobyMadisonGlaser

PhotobyLaneyHuggins

Golf Gains Two New Coaches

DHS’ Girls Golf Team welcomes Coach Sharp and Assistant Coach Mitchell onto their team.

There is also a great new coach Mr. Sharp who is helping out the girls golf team. He has been doing great this year and has sent a few golfers to state.

“The positive attitudes of the players are contagious and their willingness to teach each other has been so fun to watch,” Coach Sharp said.

It is great to see some of the new coaches be openly welcomed by their players and students. Now more than ever these students have been putting in the work on the feld with their practices.

“We have an outstanding group of young golfers who are improving an amazing amount,” Girls Golf team said.

The success they’ve had this year is not only from Mr Sharp but his new assistant coach Mrs Mitchell.

“My assistant coach Sara Mitchell is a tremendous asset who played in college and is a multi-sport athlete. Together we are going to build an outstanding program,” Coach Sharp said.

Coach Sharp believes they have greatly improved.

“We have an outstanding group of young golfers who are improving an amazing amount,” Coach Sharp said.

With the great coaching of Sharp and Mitchell the girls golf team has had an amazing season.

Coach Sharp coaches Senior Alexis Berard. Photo by MichaelSullivan

Coach Sharp instructs Senior Kaylee King on her next shot. PhotobyKylieAlbright

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

A Climate In Crisis

On August 14th, NASA issued a statement sharing that this July had become the hottest month on record since 1880. This report followed reports of severe warming trends in June, with multiple countries and continents also sharing that their temperatures were reaching record highs. While these reports seem alarming, they may become the new norm, as climate change accelerates worldwide with no sign of slowing down anytime soon.

Because climate change is a complex subject, it can take a lot of research to understand the current situation the Earth is in.

Kylee Sharp, who teaches AP Environmental Science (APES) provided insight into the topic.

“There's a lot more changes than just what’s happening with our climate. It’s a lot more than just increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere [and] warmer temperatures,” Sharp said. “There’s also a lot of carbon dioxide that goes in our atmosphere; it’s also going into our oceans and so you have ocean acidifcation going along with that and changes in the overall climate patterns around the globe. So things are not only getting warmer, but also we’re having much more extreme hots and

colds and more extreme storms.”

Recently, temperatures in the Pacifc Ocean along the coast of Florida also reached new highs, with temperatures being described as “the same as a hot tub.” This trend is incredibly alarming, as these increased temperatures can destroy coral reefs, which can be home to a variety of fsh species.

Without a readily available supply of fsh, seafood prices in grocery stores and restaurants can skyrocket.

Climate change has also been found to be a major cause of infation in all areas according to the Joint Economic Com-

“It definitely makes me worried that this is how it’s going to be forever.”

- Kelsey O’Donnell

mittee, which meets annually to review U.S. economic policies.

Because of the countless number of issues that can arise due to climate change, the topic can be quite worrying for some students here at DHS. Kelsey O’Donnell, an APES student, shared her thoughts on the issue.

“[It’s] something that a lot of people our age deal with, especially just cause we’re exposed to the effects of it all the time,” O’Donnell said.“With social media and seeing how it’s affecting even just individual communities with recent events, like the fres [in Maui], it’s really scary and really sad. It defnitely makes me worried that this is how it’s going to be forever.”

While climate change is a problem that requires a lot of complex research and an additional number of solutions, there are some ways that people can

help reduce their own climate footprint, which is an average of 16 tons of carbon dioxide per year.

“On the individual level, the frst thing is to defnitely educate yourself, research, try and fnd out as much as you can because that’s the best way we can learn about it and talk about it,” O’Donnell said. “Seeing what are the individual changes we can make in our community to make [places] more climate-friendly. Online petitions are huge and really easy to do, now more than ever with the digital age.”

There are also other ways to support the fght against climate change such as calling your local government representative and telling them to support climate legislation.

However, some have felt that the government isn’t doing enough to take action against the ongoing crisis.

“It’s not your normal people [that aren’t] willing, it’s usually government policymakers that aren’t really willing to do anything about it, and it’s a big deal. We’re already living through the easy parts of it. It’s only going to get worse, so we need to be making some changes so that we

can make the worst part of it not as bad as it might be,” Sharp said.

But despite the historic shortcomings by the U.S. government, there is progress being made. Most recently, the Infation Reduction Act of 2022 allocated around $370 billion to help fght against climate change. The bill was seen as a massive accomplishment for climate activists and government offcials alike. The bill is estimated to help lower U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40% by 2030. If the climate crisis continues at a steady rate, 2030 is the estimated deadline when climate change and all of its consequences become irreversible.

There are also numerous non-proft groups such as Greenpeace, the World Wildlife Fund and 350.org that are advocating for a better climate.

Students here at DHS have found ways to help spread awareness about climate change as well as minor

ways to help the environment around DHS.

Sophomores Madelyn Neeland and You-Ha Kim have reformed the DHS Environmental Club to help spread climate awareness after it was disbanded in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“[We’re] taking baby steps and encouraging people to be more informed about what’s going on because so many people do not realize the extent of what is happening right now,” Kim said.

“We also got really tired of feeling like there’s nothing [we] can do about [climate change], so we wanted to make it accessible for everyone to have an impact on our environment,” Neeland said.

Despite being relatively new, the Environmental Club is ambitious and intent on leaving a positive impact on the green spaces around our school.

“Short-term projects [include] trying to locate the most polluted places we can fnd in the Kansas City area and cleaning it up, cleaning out our school, planting gardens, pollinating gardens,” Kim said.

“Cleaning up the refection pond and planting native wildfowers and that kind of stuff,” Neeland said. “We just want it to be accessible for everyone to make an impact.”

Even though climate change is an intricate subject that requires a lot of research, there are many ways that one can help in the fght against it, even if others feel as if the battle has already been lost.

Getting Wild at FNL

Sophomore Brayson Rogers runs onto the feld on Sept. 1 for the frst football game. The ending score of this game was 42-21 Photo by Maria Nino

Seniors cheer for the De Soto wildcats football team on Sept. 1. DHS has created “The Wildside” to increase school spirit. PhotobyMariaNino

Part of the new Wildside is having students run touchdown flags to hype up the student section. Junior Lydia VanBooven and seniors Janelle Lang, Aubrey Leonard, Addie Mages, and Violet Conley get ready to run the flags on Sept. 1.PhotobyMariaNino

“Being able to face a great competitor showed us what we need to improve on throughout this season,” Senior Josh Tait said. PhotobyMariaNino

“Our student section showed up, and we were still hype regardless of the score,” Senior Alysa Sisavath said.PhotobyMariaNino