Issue 5 April 2018 by Panther Publications

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P AN T H ER â&#x20AC;&#x2DC; S D

ISSUE 5 VOLUME 66

iversity

H S as the

TALE

potlight

APRIL 2018

Contents

Staff

Page 3: Recaps Page 4: Reviews Page 5: Autism awareness Pages 6-7: Culture/Race Page 8: LGBTQ+ Page 9: Special education Page 10: Religions Page 11: Diverse body types Page 12: Spring sports Page 13: Diversity within sports Page 14: Transgender for a day Page 15: Editorial page

Jordan Cornell Kayli Marczynski Copy editor Courtney Brown Photo editor Caitlyn Dunn Production editor Jillian Wedman Staff Hannah Berk Briantae Crockett Cydney Drees Olivia Jones Camryn Pagels Jessica Perea Summer Reece Jordan Riebel Content editor

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5/31/2018

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Millionaire: swimming in success Derby band concert features Story by Hannah Berk

even grandma can use it.” Fox goes out into communities all over the world to collect interviews and data on how to improve Google products. For the rest of his presentation, Fox gave advice to the freshman as he would to his son Tate. But the biggest piece of advice was “it does not matter how much success you have … happiness will only come from love,” Fox said.

oug Fox, a millionaire who works at Google, spoke to Reality 101 freshmen on March 27. Fox shared the benefits he has at Google, including travel, free stock, tickets to games/ concerts, luxurious meals and the cost of his adoption. Since tours aren’t allowed at Google and his office is in Seattle, Washington, Fox had pictures of the office and the more unusual aspects that Google has. Google offices Photo by Caitlyn Dunn Doug Fox posing for the camera include million-dollar sculptures, libraries with after his presentation. secret doors to napping areas, a gym, gaming areas, rock walls and a cafe featuring gourmet foods. His path to Google was, in his words, 10 Tips 1. Pursue your dreams, not full of luck -- he was offered an internanyone else’s ship through a program at WSU and was 2. Be confident offered a full-time job after that. 3. Be humble Fox is a UX researcher, which means 4. Follow through on your word 5. Never be afraid to cry he does research and interviews people on 6. Don’t take life too seriously how a product can be improved. Basically, 7. Always love yourself he’s trying to make everything “so easy 8. Love more 9. Love your family 10. Put God first

special guest, new traditions

Story by Kayli Marczynski

n March 17, Derby’s four instrumental groups came together to host their first indoor concert of the spring season.

Photo by Courtney Brown

Senior Rebecca Riggins and sophomore Beth Wilson use plunger mutes to change the sound of their trumpets during the jazz band performance.

The directors came together and created a new way for the band concert to be more relaxed. In past concerts, the bands played back-to-back to get it over with. As a result, the concert seemed rushed and forced.

With these changes, the Concert band started the show, then there was a 15-minute intermission between the Symphonic band and Wind Ensemble, followed by the Jazz Ensemble at the end of the night. In addition to these changes, the band also welcomed guest Trevor Duell, a professional trumpet player who plays for the military in Florida. He accompanied the Symphonic band and the Wind Ensemble with solo trumpet pieces. The concert started at 6:30 p.m, ended at around 8:30 p.m, and was “as close to success as we could get it,” director Adam Devault said. “It was cool how they changed the set up so we (Wind Ensemble) could hear the other bands (Concert band, Symphonic band) play,” sophomore flutist Chloe Brown said. “Our concert went well, it was better than when it was rehearsed during the day, and I really liked the hearing the guest trumpet player.”

Students bring history back to life ASL Wax Museum creates fun way for students to research, learn, share

Story by Jessica Perea

he ASL students got to complete a project where they researched a famous deaf person — someone who

Photo by Courtney Brown

inspired them. The goal was to learn new things about history and to have fun. Teachers were emailed to let students go down and view the projects. This is the first year the students got to do something like this, and they had a great time showing off their creations. “The students had a lot of fun, and we for sure will continue to do stuff like this further in the future,” ASL teacher Katherine Murphy said. The modified ASL 1 class completed a project where they drew animals and write descriptions about them on a poster. They showed the signs to viewers.

ASL 1 teacher Katherine Murphy shows senior Adam Homan how to do a sign.

Book: American Radicalplot thrilling a look at Muslim FBI agent “American Radical: Inside the World of and being informative. By focusing on insightful. an Uncover Muslim FBI Agent” by Tamer Elnoury with Kevin Maurer In “American Radical”, an Egyptian-American, referred to as pseudonym Tamer Elnoury, leaves his job in undercover narcotics after 9/11 to join the FBI’s counterterrorism unit. Going undercover, Elnoury uses his Islamic culture and religion to gain the trust of terrorists and arrest them after they reveal their plans. The premise is intriguing, and the book does not disappoint. Although nonfiction, it reads like fiction with its fast plot. Elnoury nicely balances maintaining the

R A E V I E W S

his mission to take down two terrorists, he progresses the plot while explaining his job throughout the book. This approach keeps it interesting and exciting. The suspense dies down when the “American Sleeper” – a terrorist hidden in the United States – is mentioned. Initially, it threw my attention off the main plot, but I can’t blame Elnoury too much because he is simply writing what transpired. He also addresses it throughout the book as he was desperate to learn more. Besides that, I didn’t have any problems with this book. It is well-written and

Music from around the world with a line that says: South Korea: BTS ccording to Wikipedia, “BTS, also known as the Bangtan Boys, consists of seven group members ( V, Suga, Jungkook, Jimin, RM, J-hope, and Jin). The group debuted on June 12, 2013.” A lot of success has come their way, including being the first ever Korean group to perform in America, on the American Music Awards. They are one of my favorite groups, and because of their diverse take on music, they differ from most Kpop groups. The song Baepsae talks about how hard it is to be a youth in this generation. The word “baepsae” is a Korean word for a Crow-tit bird, also translated in English as “silver spoon” or trying hard”. I can relate to this song because as a young person, at times I feel we are pressured to be what grown ups would call a “good kid”. It’s like they expect us to be perfect. The song goes

TV: Fresh Off the Boat

They call me a try-hard. Our generation has had it hard. Hurry, chase ‘em, thanks to those that came before us I’m spread too thin. I’ve got a crow-tit’s legs, and you have a stork’s legs. They all say their legs are worth a million bucks. My legs are shorter, so how do you expect me to keep up? They say it shouldn’t matter since we’re coming from the same place. Never, never, never. England: Birdy Jasmine Lucilla Elizabeth or “Birdy” is an English musician, singer and songwriter. I was most familiar to her most known song “Skinny Love”. According to Wikipedia, in 2008 she won an Open Mic competition at the age of 12. Her first self-titled album “Birdy” released on November 7, 2011

cooked Chinese meal. A “popular” group had him sit with them until he opened resh off the Boat. Nothing like the title, his food. They said “ew” and “ying ding’s but not a disappointment. eating worms.” “Fresh off the Boat” is a TV show The show also incorporates aspects revolving around an Asian family. Eddie of Chinese culture that viewers may not Huang, the narrator of the story, tells his know. I didn’t even know what the Chilife growing up. nese New Year was before this show. And The show focuses on a lot of differthere wasn’t even a little bit on it, it was ent topics, such as a Chinese family with fully explained and I actually got educated immigrant parents growing up in Florida on the subject. in the ’90s. Eddie’s dad moved him, his Also, it’s just a really good show with mom, two brothers, and his grandmother main characters who aren’t white. from Washington, DC to Orlando to open Why is it popular? This show is his restaurant called “Cattleman’s Ranch outright hilarious. It has characters in all Steakhouse.” age groups to relate to almost everyone One of the reasons I like this show is watching the show. watching Eddie in school. Like the first –Jordan Cornell day of school -- for lunch he had a home-

It is also timely, with Elnoury carefully describing the differences between what radical terrorists and most Muslims, like himself, believe. As Elnoury puts it, that understanding is key to defeating terrorism, which makes it important that immigrants are still allowed and their differences are tolerated (Elnoury emigrated from Egypt). “American Radical” grabbed my attention with its plot and intrigue, but what is most special is the exposure to Islamic culture and its theme of acceptance. –Courtney Brown which went straight to number 1 in Belgium, Australia and the Netherlands. “Keeping Your Head Up” is a song where Birdy reassures someone that is going through depression or addiction, she will be with them and “keep their head up.” I remember many times where a friend or someone close to me was going through something and I just wanted to be there for them and support them. I remember many times where a friend or someone close to me was going through something and I just wanted to be there for them and support them. Hold tight you’re slowly coming back to life I’ll be keeping your head up, I’ll be keeping your head up, darling Let go of all your haunted dreams tonight I’ll be keeping your head up, I’ll be keeping your head up And I won’t let you down –Briantae Crockett

TV: Black Lightning

his is honestly the best show I have ever watched in my entire life. Not only is it about a family of superheroes, but it represents diversity -- a black superhero family with a lesbian daughter. It really focuses on the community, too, including a diverse school where there is heavy gang activity and drugs. It also goes in on police violence, and the controversy of the confederate. Like when Jefferson, the dad, and his two daughters were pulled over by the police. It showed how some cops can be biased against black people. What I like most is probably the positions. Anissa is a teacher who stands

up for what she thinks is wrong. Although sometimes in doing, that she makes her father angry. Jefferson is a highly respectable principal, while the mother, Lynn, is a Neuroscientist. Jennifer, the youngest child, is in high school. Another thing I personally like is the cool superpowers. This is a whole family with superpowers, super suits and supernames. They have unique powers and suits. Not to mention they sort of fight against evil together. The theme song is also really good, by Godholly. –Jordan Cornell

Student project highlights autism Story by Courtney Brown

n April 2, bright blue stickers shaped like puzzle pieces dotted students’ clothing. Occasionally, a silver puzzle piece spotted. Students handed out the stickers for Autism Awareness Day. Each silver sticker represented one in 68 children who have autism. Senior Kori Montoya organized the event as part of her project for Biomedical Innovation. They had three different options for their project, and she chose a community awareness project, hoping to spread awareness about autism at school. “The community I wanted to target was the school because my brother has autism, and he’s coming into the school next year and I won’t be here, and I’m a little nervous and I thought I could help a few more people know what autism is, since it’s prevalence rate is growing,” Montoya said. Montoya has three different events planned as part of her project to spread awareness. The first was creating a video with video production teacher Kenneth Linn about Autism Awareness Day, which she sent out to the whole school to watch during homeroom. Handing out stickers was the second part. “I went to talk to (industrial graphics teacher Paul) Labarge in K Hall and I asked him if he could make ‘so and so’

stickers for me. I gave him the number, the color, the size and the design, and he made them for me. It was really simple,” Montoya said. Montoya also plans for her mother to speak to a couple of classes she invites to the lecture hall, since she is a doctor and is raising a child with autism. She hopes her project will spread awareness about autism and contribute to greater acceptance. “I hope that more kids in the school will know what autism is and kind of recognize it when they see it. So when they see a certain autistic characteristic in other children, they don’t think ‘oh that’s weird, what are they doing?’ That’s part of their condition, and so they have to do those things,” Montoya said. While Montoya feels she’s been successful so far, she’s “not done yet,” with her presentation and her mother’s visit still ahead. “I think that after I’ve done that, I think more people will know about it. I know my friends know more about it since I talk about it so much and I work on my project quite a bit,” Montoya said. “I’m hoping it’ll go outside my friend group. I think it’s working, though. Yesterday in my sixth block, I had a girl come up and ask for a whole roll of stickers – and I didn’t even know her – and she wanted to (hand) them to her whole class and talk about it.”

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Upcoming Events at Derby High Thursday Friday Monday Monday April 19 April 23 April 24 April 26 May 1 May 14-16 May 16 May 17 May 19 May 21-23 May 23

Tennis Derby invitational No school Home softball game vs. Maize Home baseball game vs. Mazie JV golf Derby invitational Varsity golf Derby invitational Home soccer game vs. Newton Home soccer game vs. Maize Swim Derby invitational Senior finals Last day for seniors Band concert Graduation Underclassmen finals Last day of school

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Black history often whitewashed, relegated to February History classes have a European bias, while time spent on black history is insufficient. Story By Courtney Brown

hile America has taken strides since segregation ended in the 1960s, racism is still present in more subtle ways. One way racism manifests is through whitewashing, which focuses on white people and their accomplishments while minimize racism’s impact or ignoring accomplishments by minorities. Whitewashing has occurred in school curriculum. In 2010, Texas schools rewrote their curriculum to teach slavery as a secondary cause of the Civil War. While nothing that extreme has occurred at Derby, some students have noted how history classes focus on white people and their positive actions.

“History curriculum highlights a lot of the white men who pioneered America and paints them as heroes. It entirely leaves out the great things that most women and minorities have done, and it especially leaves out times when white people have hurt minorities,” junior Kim Boyd said. AP European and world history teacher Kendal Warkentine thinks the colonists’ negative aspects are not discussed in grade school because of age. “It probably wasn’t something you could really understand and process when you were in fourth grade. I don’t see that as being wrong; there are certain things that are developmentally appropriate for different students at different ages,” Warkentine said.

AP European history and world history both have a heavy European bias, Warkentine said, to meet the state requirements and explain Europe’s influence on the U.S. AP World History covers history more extensively and also discusses other cultures. Although the department discussed offering the course, they decided on AP European history because it was less accelerated than AP World and covered the necessary timeframe. Sophomore Nathan LeMothe doesn’t view this as a problem. “Focusing on European history shouldn’t be frowned upon due to the U.S.’s status as a prior colony and our involvement in the two World Wars,” LeMothe said. Whitewashing also is pres-

ent in the media — such as white actors being cast in roles written as people of color. “Young boys and girls of color should be able to find role models in the media that represent them,” Boyd said. “While society is making strides, with movies such as Black Panther, which refused to allow whitewashing into their character design, there is still a long way to go.” However, junior Sean Rooney thinks there are other motives behind the casting. “I feel like it is less racially motivated and more of having famous actors fill roles they don’t fit, so the movie can … boast about having a famous actor or actress,” said Rooney. Emphasizing white people also affects society’s standards of beauty. There have been instances where people of

color appear in magazines with their skin edited to look lighter. “It’s kind of just like saying that we look uglier as our born-with skin tone and you’re saying that we should change it because lighter would make us more beautiful, which is hurtful,” sophomore Monaye Sanders said. Warkentine thinks learning about races and cultures can lead to better understanding about diversity. “There’s so much additional wisdom and knowledge you can gain learning about others. I think it’s very dangerous to be isolated and think ‘our way is the only way, our way is the right way.’ … So I think there’s just something about knowing about the world that is just important,” Warkentine said.

Minorities often isolated in primarily white schools Story By Olivia Jones

ccording to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Wichita is made up of 86.6 percent Caucasians, 11.2 percent Hispanic or Latino, 6.2 percent African American, 2.9 percent of two or more races and 1.2 percent Asians. Since Wichita is a bigger city, it is teeming with people of all colors and countries. Derby’s share of that diversity is limited to the school. Freshman Jordan Parcel feels that since she is mixed -biracial -- she doesn’t count as black. “I’m not exactly the blackest person, so it’s cool,” Parcel said. In schools -- especially ones with a small group of black

students -- a lot of mixed kids feel like they aren’t considered black. Some students have not faced any issues regarding their race. “I haven’t had any problems,” senior Adrian Brown said. Others are proud of the race they belong to. “It’s amazing being Mexican,” sophomore Harany Aviles said. Most of the students of color feel that teachers treat them just like any other student. “I feel it’s the same, teachers treat you the same,” junior Tristan Philavong said. “I don’t feel different.” While teachers treat all students equally, sometimes stu-

dents feel like they stick out. “I feel like it’s definitely harder to make friends,” Philavong said. “I barely see any Asians here.” Freshman Aaron Gardea feels that other students look at him and his friends differently than anyone else. “It sucks. People always stare at you,” Gardea said. “They always think you sell drugs.” He said he’s even had people approach him over their misconceptions. “They’ll come up to me like ‘You got the stuff ?’,” Gardea said. While this is his personal experience other students have been profiled in the same way.

Photo Illustration by Briante Crockett

Student uses white paper to cover his eyes.

The racial break-down in Derby High School is 71.3 percent white, 14.8 percent Hispanic, 4.7 percent black, and 9.3 percent other. The paper covering the student’s eyes represents a black student who sees a primarily white school.

#BlackLivesMatter: some question whether activist or terrorist Students give their opinions on BLM and recent police shooting controveries

he complained about being hungry, and officers took him to Burger he question is: are you with or King to eat. against the Black Lives Matter “Police favoritism is real. There movement? are good cops Some people have and bad cops. their own reasons for Unfortunately, the being against it -- like system has failed the violence during the everybody, and let protests or the argument the bad cops slip that “everything is a race by into the field issue when it’s not.” when they are out And many have their for malice,” junior reasons to be for it -- recKolbi Little said. ognizing the police bru“I know if tality that black people Dylann (Roof) was face, and to be treated black and murequally as everyone else. dered nine (peoBut first, what is ple), he’d be in a BLM and how did it body bag. There’s come to be? https://www.flickr.com/photos/libertinus/35441492171 no exceptions. The BLM is an activist Black Lives Matter started as an activist group but has besystem is a joke.” come a polarizing movement. organization campaigns against violence and racism toward Stephon Clark was shot eight times black people that is hidden within -- 20 shots were fired -- when two the system. The movement was policemen were sent to respond to a founded in 2013 in response to report of a car break-in. The man George Zimmerman, who murwas hopping a fence into his granddered Trayvon Martin, a black parents’ backyard at night when it teenager. happened. Junior Elliott Read is not Police thought against the movement itself but the he was holding a actions sometimes taken. weapon. It was a “Mostly I don’t want to side phone. with a group that contains many Dylann Roof, individuals that perform acts of a white man, vandalism, but also because I diskilled black nine agree with the route the majority is people at a Bible taking to fulfilling their goal,” Read study meeting said. in South CaroViolence never really leads to lina. was taken any good, and in no way is it OK. to Burger King But anger and frustration after killing nine has built up as black Americans people. Roof continue to deal with racism. Black was arrested Lives Matter is a group that wants without being change, especially when it comes to shoved against police brutality. a car, no scratch “Because of the stereotype of on him. Shelby the angry black man that media Police Chief Jeff constantly shows, some police Ledford said that officers assume that all blacks are violent, which leads to the terrible

Story by Briantae Crockett

altercations of blacks being gunned down for practically doing nothing,” junior Raven Austin said. On March 18, 22-year-old

STOP

If you are making negative comments about someone’s religion, skin color or ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability ... Quit. Now.

7 Mixed students’ life not all that different Story by Cydney Drees

iracial people experience different culture from both sides of their family. Different food, celebrations and more. For freshman Blake Chadwick, it’s not a big deal that his dad is black and his mom is white. His life isn’t all that different from his friends’. But when it comes to eating the food his grandmas make, there’s a difference. “When I’m with “There is a my dad, they lot more meat know he’s my dad when I go to my black grandma’s ... when I’m just house, the food with my mom, is well seasoned,” they don’t know said Chadwick, whose dad is black she’s my mom,” and mom, Derby journalism teacher Chadwick said. Joanna Chadwick, is white. “We have Kool-Aid always, extra sugar. Then we usually have either chicken, fish, rib, hot dogs -- whatever as long as you got meat. No salad.” “Sometimes when we go to my (white) grandma’s house it’s kind of the same thing over and over again, but it’s good. It’s just not the same as granny’s house,” Chadwick said. There are times, though, that people point out how different he looks from his siblings. His younger brothers are both lighter and have blue eyes. “I remember when we were in Iowa and a lady said, ‘I bet he (Blake) is adopted.’ So I wrapped my arm around Gavin just to let them know he’s my brother,” he said. “He’s white — blue eyes. “When I’m with my dad, they know he’s my dad ... when I’m just with my mom, they don’t know she’s my mom.” Sophomore Mariah Wheeler’s dad is black and her mom white, and they have different personalities. But their goals for her are the same. “I think they have similar ideas, on all things, like how we should be parented. Sometimes my dad over exaggerates things but for they most part they have the same plan,” Wheeler said.

LOVE IS LOVE

Students at DHS are not afraid to share who they love

Story by Camryn Pagels

around certain people,” Roudybush said. “Because there are people who have reputations in the school that are, you know, extremely homophobic, and and all that stuff. So I feel like I have to change myself a little bit when I’m around those people.” But freshman Donovan Calhoun,

any people grow up hearing about LGBTQ people in hypothetical terms. The assumption is that such people are few and far between, and the chances of actually meeting someone under this umbrella is unlikely. However, identities outside of the norm are more common than one may think. DHS has plenty of LGBTQ students who share the same halls, classes and, yes, even bathrooms, with the rest of the population. Same-sex marriage was legalized across all 50 states in 2015, so some may think that presenting as LGBTQ is not a big deal. But it can still come with some unique challenges. Bradley Roudybush, an openly gay sophomore with lots of friends at school, says that not everyone accepts who he is. “There’s the people that do accept it, and you just have Photo illustration by Caitlyn Dunn to kind of surround yourself Students kiss behind the LGBTQ pride flag. who with those people, if that makes is also out as gay, reported an entirely sense,” Roudybush. different experience. He doesn’t always feel as if he can “It just feels like a normal day for me. truly be himself. I just do my own thing,” he said. “I feel like I can be who I want to Calhoun says he hangs out with be here, but then there’s certain points straight people more than he does with where I feel like I need to sort of filother LGBTQ people, and his friend ter myself, so I’m not as open about it

group treats it like “no big deal.” But, as many people know, labels for one’s sexuality extend beyond just “gay” and “lesbian.” Being transgender or bisexual invites its own share of problems. Senior Amber Hogan is bisexual, someone who is attracted to both men and women. She says that some negative stereotypes affect her that don’t affect gay/lesbian students. “Some people will just assume that when I’m dating someone, that if I’m dating a guy, I’m straight, but if I’m dating a girl, I’m gay, but I can’t be bisexual, because like, that’s selfish,” Hogan said. Being told to pick a side sometimes prevents Hogan from coming out to her fellow classmates. “I don’t want to have those conversations, so most of the time, I’m like ‘whatever,’” Hogan said. Avoiding drama or ridicule seems to be the most common reason DHS

Comic by Camryn Pagels

students hide their sexuality. But by focusing on the people who matter most to them, those who really are accepting, they say the positives arguably outweigh the negatives. All DHS kids, regardless of orientation, are encouraged to speak up and be themselves.

Transphobia, homophobia often still an issue for Derby students Story by Cydney Drees

cross the world, people face discrimination and stigma for being them, even at Derby. Here are two people who have experienced this kind of hate firsthand. Junior Jamie Black is a transgender student at Derby High. Black, like many others, has encountered and struggled with this hate. “I’ve had a student come up to me and tell me that I’m not valid enough to qualify as a male, and apparently it doesn’t count as harassment because ‘it’s their opinion.’ I’ve also lost friends because they don’t agree with my lifestyle, and it’s kind of sad to think that it’s 2018 and people are still homophobic and

transphobic,” Black said. Transphobia has affected Black greatly. He can’t use the men’s restroom because it makes other people uncomfortable. Transphobia at this school has gotten to a point of making him feel unsafe and switching to online school, part-time. “My advice is to reach out to others if you’re dealing with transphobia or homophobia. Find friends who you can talk to make you feel better about it,” Black said. “Everything is easier with someone at your side. You may not be able to make everyone agree with you, but you can surround yourself with people who do.” Junior David Romo, who is gay, is another student that has unfortunately dealt with this discrimination and hate.

“Homophobia, transphobia, hate is everywhere. It may be less common in some areas, but Derby, it’s present. In person, personally, I got bullied for being different because I wasn’t playing sports, I wasn’t the kid going crazy during dodgeball. I was the kid drawing butterflies and laughing with girls,” Romo said. He has even watched his friends and people around him experience this. “Last year when we were trying to pass the transgender rights for using the restroom, I dealt with my friends being harassing because they are trans. I dealt with a lot of online harassment towards transgender individuals,” Romo said. Romo has some advice for people who has experience this hate before and who

will in the future. “Everyone is different and beautiful in their own unique ways. If you’re dealing with low self-esteem and self-worth, know that you are worth so much and you will get through this pit of hell called high school. Keep your head up and stomp on whatever obstacles you have to face in the future. This is the beginning of your life and trust me, it will get harder and you have to just push through. I know it’s hard, but you gotta keep on going. You got this,” Romo said.

Mental illness affects teens Depression, anxiety cause problems in teens’ academic, personal lives Story by Jordan Riebel and Summer Reece

nxiety and depression are two major disorders that should not be taken lightly. Anxiety is more than just occasionally feeling nervous when a person has a big test or presentation coming up. It’s an overwhelming and debilitating feeling of nervousness that can be triggered at any time and because of any situation — no matter how minor it might seem. Signs and symptoms of anxiety are having breathing difficulties, sweaty palms, headaches, feeling ill, being overwhelmed, feeling fearful or shaky, having digestion issues, etc. Depression is a condition in which a person feels sad, discouraged, uninterested, or unmotivated. These feelings also interfere with daily activities. Some common signs of teenage depression are a decrease in academic performance and grades, increased absences, agitation, increased risk-taking behavior (drugs, alcohol consumption, etc.), isolation, sleeping to little or too much, difficulty paying attention, and more.

If left untreated, depression can result in long-lasting effects that include: extreme sensitivity, increased self-criticism, suicidal thoughts, selfharm, and suicide. Countless students at Derby High suffer from anxiety or depression. Freshman Addison Pagels shared her experience. “I’ve had anxiety since like sixth grade and depression I didn’t really realize that until eighth grade, seventh grade — I don’t know… my mom and dad were like ‘you seem upset. maybe something’s wrong because you’ve been upset for three years now’ and then we went to the doctor, and I got prescribed medicine,” Pagels said. She explains how she copes with the mental illnesses. “I step away from the situation and try to think about it logically and calm down, and if that doesn’t work, I’ll try to think of something happy and calm down. “Sometimes, if it’s night anxiety … I’ll play on my phone or talk to my mom. And same with school: I’ll talk with my mom on the phone,” Pagels said. According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, about 40 percent

of students don’t seek help for their mental illness. At Derby High, there are counselors and social workers available when students need someone to talk to about their anxiety and/or depression. They urge students to reach out for help. “They (students) can come to the counseling office anytime they want to or even tell the teacher, and the teacher will get in contact with us,” social worker Brandi Burkett said. “We have lots of students and teachers that report kids that are having a bad day, and so we call them in to check on them… it’s always good to be able to check in on them and make sure there’s not something more going on that we can help with.” Burkett also shares ways that students can cope with their anxiety and/ or depression on their own. “Learning breathing exercises, like the deep belly breathing where you can feel your stomach moving in and out — those kinds of things. Shutting your eyes and breathing or just meditation — like you can just google meditation and stuff pops up, and just taking a couple minutes, even everyday, to listen to it helps calm things down and soothe things,” Burkett said.

9 Give respect to those dealing with disabilities

isabilities are common, considering there are about 56.7 million people in the world with a disability, according to a 2010 census. My great aunt, who is 56, has lived with my grandma most her life. She has dwarfism and Down Syndrome. She can’t really speak or comprehend, but she does understand English and Spanish and usually answers questions by nodding or shaking her head. She is also bipolar. One minute she’s happy and smiling. The next she becomes angry for no reason and starts yelling and throwing stuff. She doesn’t really like kids, so when I was younger, she sometimes felt like I was in the wrong so she would hit me or would throw stuff at me. I remember being scared out of my mind. But I knew at a young age that she had issues and it just kind of became a normal thing for me. I feel like growing up with her has made me a more empathetic person. I realized at a young age that everyone is going through something worse than you. And I learned how grateful I should be and how I should treat everyone with a disability — or without one — with respect.

— Jessica Perea

IEPs, 504s provide specialized education plans for students Story by Jordan Cornell

ot every student learns the same, which is why there are students who receive specialized help from either an Individualized Education Program or a 504 plan. IEPs and 504s help students who need extra help in order to counteract a negative impact on their education. The plans provide accommodations or modifications to the curriculum or learning environment so that all students have the opportunity to start on a level playing field. “Our March Board of Education report showed that we had 1,348 students on an IEP and 137 on a 504 throughout

our district,” said Vince Evans, Derby’s director of special services. In Derby High alone, there are 326 IEPs and 57 504s. “I have an IEP, and it’s a massive help,” senior Taylor Nickel said. “I have access to an education plan that fits my independent needs and ambitions, allowing me to be successful in my classes and activities.” “I have a 504 and it has helped me a lot during my junior and senior years,” senior Naseem Khan said. “The majority of my teachers have tried hard to follow my 504 plan and they have been unimaginably helpful and contributed to the

majority of my success through the last four years.” “A disability is not the same as an inability -- 504s and IEPs help give our students what they need to make the most out of their education and work towards being productive members of our society,” Evans said. Contrary to popular belief, 504s and IEPs are different, even though they are both meant to help students. A 504 is an agreement between the student and parents, with the school, stating that the child gets certain accommodations to better them in their learning. An IEP is a individualized learning plan

so the child can receive specific services to meet their needs. “There are quite a few differences between a 504 and an IEP, but the most basic one is that students on an IEP qualify for specialized instruction. Eligibility for an IEP is determined by a school psychologist,” Evans said. To make sure that 504s and IEPs are put in place, the Special Services Department has teachers, related service providers and psychologists throughout the district monitoring these plans. The department also makes sure the plans are put in place when necessary and implemented appropriately.

Church differs in Midwest, South First Amendment: Students free to Story by Olivia Jones follow own diverse religious beliefs

“It’s a little different than Baptist,” Pipkin said. In most Southern Baptist churches, the music comes from the choir only. “In my home church… There are to be no instruments in the church at all,” Pipkin said. “All of our singing is acapella, with a pitch pipe of course.” When comparing a service at a Baptist church in Kansas to a Southern Baptist, even the length of the services are different. “First of all, church is way longer. Church is a three to four-hour experience,” Pipkin said. “Here we are only in for about an hour.”

hurch is a front row seat to spitfilled teachings, rushing out of the house without breakfast before remembering church won’t end until after lunch. All this for the joy of hearing the beautiful music from the choir. But this is rare in Kansas. In Georgia, religion is a vital part of life. The only reason you’re not at the morning service is because you’re out of town. You show up on time, dressed nice, clean cut and fully caffeinated. In Kansas, finding a church that has all the values and traditions of the South is difficult. My family has gone through so many churches. We are “And every Sunalways on the hunt for a church like the ones in Georday, everyone sits gia. Although some of the in the exact same teachings may be the same, place,” Pipkin said. the experience differs. Freshman Robert Pipkin went to a Southern Baptist church in Texas.

Religion is a personal choice, statement

Story by Jillian Wedman

he First Amendment states that congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion. At Derby High School, there is a large diversity of religion. Sophomore Trinidi McConnell is easy to spot down the halls. Her religion believes in natural beauty, and covering their temple of God — their bodies. Modesty. McConnell wears jean skirts and no makeup, not even mascara. This is a way that she expresses her religion everyday while attending classes at the highschool. “It’s Apostolic Pentecostals, which means we believe in only one God — Jesus Christ. We believe that he manifested himself in the flesh and that he was a spirit and

he was God — he was all three in one,” McConnell said. Sophomore Maggie Thompson is Mormon. Mormon is a branch of Christianity that derives its name from a book called The Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is a translation of a testimony of Jesus. Thompson’s religion is identifiable by differentiation in belief. “One basic thing about us is that most churches believe in the trinity, we believe in a different type of trinity. Most people believe in three in one, but we believe that heavenly father, Jesus Christ and the holy spirit are three separate beings instead of one — doing different tasks,” Thompson said. She also does not drink alcohol or caffeine.

Spearing of Book of Mormon causes tension, reconciliation Conflict provides opportunity for learning, understanding Story by Courtney Brown

hether it’s politics or religion, differences sometimes lead to conflict. But making mistakes within Derby High allows students to learn from those choices. Last semester, a group of marching band students found a Book of Mormon with a hole in its spine. They used a drum mallet to increase the hole’s size and left it on senior Lauren Tanner’s bass drum. “I was just hurt,” said Tanner, who is Mormon. “I wasn’t super angry about it, and I didn’t feel like it was a personal attack on me or my religion, I was just hurt that people I considered my friends and my family would think

it was OK to do that. Even though they didn’t understand the true significance of the book to me.” Tanner told her mother what had happened when she got home, and later that night, she found out who had left the book for her through a Snapchat post. The students responsible declined interviews. The next day, band teacher Adam DeVault discussed with the marching band how

the incident was disrespectful and wrong. The assistant principals also asked Tanner what punishments the students responsible should receive. Tanner said she just wanted them to know why the incident was wrong. “In the end, severely punishing people won’t always get somewhere, but it you teach them why they’re wrong and you go about it with an

open understanding … I feel like in most cases you’ll get a lot farther than if you act with anger or retaliation,” Tanner said. Band students learned about Mormonism and the importance of respecting others’ value. “DeVault, the band program and the school handled it extremely well and made sure to let us now how horrible it really was that someone would do that,” sophomore Beth Wilson said. “... after talking to DeVault and administration, I think that the people involved and all of us learned and were reminded to keep other’s feelings and views into consideration, and respect

one another because, especially in band, we are a family.” Tanner has moved past the event, and she still considers one of the students involved a close friend. “In the end, I forgive them and I don’t hold any hard feelings toward them because it hasn’t affected my senior year at all,” Tanner said. “It just proved to me how much teachers and administrators at our school care about us, and that in the end, Derby High School is a place you can choose who you want to be, and I really feel like that’s the most important thing that I learned about this.”

Freshmen Katelyn Boales (left), Aneesa Abdul Hameed (center) and Derion Hubbard. “I am confident about my body. I find my body unique — I’m short and I don’t too much workouts with my legs but, I’m very fast,” Hubbard said.

“I’d have to say my favorite thing is my eyes. I’ve always been really proud of my eyes and how they can change colors at times,” senior Kalista Keller said.

“I like being tall, I can see really well. Everyone always comments about it — I stick out,” freshman Jaidyn Schomp said.

Be-YOU-tiful Students aren’t afraid to strut their stuff Story by Jillian Wedman

rom tall to short, big to small, no two people are the same. Society says being different is good — but at the same time the expectation is to be tall, clear-skinned and skinny. It’s a goal few achieve. Junior Hannah Photo by Jillian Wedman Abou-FaisSophomores Jessica Keasey, left, and Allison Keasey. sal and “I am confident about my smile because it sophomore shows that I am happy,” Allison Keasey said. Halle Rico each have their own distinctive personalities -- as well as different body types. “I don’t really go swimming a lot because of my scar on my stomach,” Abou-Faissal said. “People always ask questions about it. I’m not a big person but I’m not a skinny person. Because I play sports, I’m muscular but I don’t really have a toned stomach, so the scar looks weird on my stomach.” Toned or flat stomachs are something that many girls wish to have. Photo by Jillian Wedman “I don’t like my stomach,” Rico Senior Tyler Newbury laughs and jokes before said. and after hearing a comment from junior Jack After talking about her body she McDaniel about body confidence. added and what she does to highlight her favorite parts of herself, she added, “If I don’t like my stomach, I’m

not going to wear tight clothes around my stomach. I’m not going to get a belly button piercing and draw attention to that area.” There are things people wish to change about their body, but there’s also always something to like. “I really like my calves, so I’ll wear shorts to show off my calves,” Rico said. She looked around the hall and laughed. Faissal was excited to share what she likes about herself. “I’ve got nice calves, nice legs, that’s a nice thing about my body,” Faissal said. “And my hair.” Most boys don’t broadcast their feeling about their body — at least none that are negative. Sophomore Michael Self is confident, in persona and body. He focuses on fitness, generally legs. “Being fit leads to a great life,” Self said. “I like my legs — they’re muscly.” All in all, when it comes to the body, it’s up to you on how you present yourself. Your confidence doesn’t go unnoticed. Be proud of you and how you look.

"Being fit leads to a great life,” sophomore Michael Self said.

Photo by Jillian Wedman

Junior Jack McDaniel smiks after laughing with senior Tyler Newbury.

Photo by Jillian Wedman

Junior Zawrah McGowan, left, sophomore Leah Slayton, center, and sophomore Tori Webster smile.

Senior Madalyn Liebst crossing the ball at the Derby home game on March 15.

SPORTS RECAPS

Photo by Jordan Riebel

Derby starts off spring sports strong Story by Kaitlyn Sanders

pring sports have finally sprung. Last week officially started the spring season with Tuesday and Thursday packed full of events. Softball faced both Andover Central and Wichita Northwest on Tuesday, the first game they beat the Jaguars 8-6. The second game went late as the Panthers battled for the 16-15 win over Northwest. Baseball split against Andover Central on Tuesday. The first game the Jaguars won 5-1, but the Panthers won the second game 9-1. Girls soccer got a 7-0 win on March 15 against Wichita South. In the quarterfinals of the Titan Classic, the Panthers beat Wichita East 2-1. On Thursday the Panthers faced Maize in the semifinals and lost 2-1. The girls faced Kapaun on Saturday

for third place, losing 4-1. Girls swim had their first meet in El Dorado on Tuesday where the team took second overall. Senior Megan Keil already qualified for state in the 100 meter backstroke. On Friday they traveled to Wichita Heights, taking sixth overall. Track had its first invitational in Winfield on Thursday. Boys took first, edging Liberal by a point, while the girls were second behind Newton. Varsity boys tennis had three invitationals last week, one in McPherson on Tuesday, two separate meets in Goddard and Emporia on Thursday and then a tournament at Salina Central on Saturday. Varsity boys golf competes at Auburn Hills today. Also seen on pantherstale.com

Sophomore Rachel Dworak swims the 100 yard breaststroke at the Heights Invitational on March 30. Photo by Abbigayle Glanville

HOW’S THE SEASON good for me. My first meet ... I GOING SO FAR? “Pretty played with Brady Walls, and we took second,” senior Daniel Dunn said.

“So far we’ve just had one tournament. JV played, they had a kid take third. Varsity didn’t do too well. We took like second to last. The conditions were pretty bad,” junior Tre Cornwell said.

GOLF

“It’s really good, mostly it’s just been practice. We’ve had one game last Tuesday at Andover Central, where we split with them. By the second game, we kind of found out what we could do, so hopefully we continue that,” junior Hunter Igo said.

“So far we’re 2-2, it seems to be better than last year, we seem to be better as a team, and build up more. Our offense is good, defense is pretty decent,” junior Britney Bayer said.

SOCCER

TENNIS

BASEBALL

“You know it’s a great season. At our Winfield tournament we got first. It was pretty great, we got some great guys that will probably go and qualify for state and win state,” sophomore Daniel Archer said.

TRACK

Athletes of color used to standing out Story by Jordan Riebel

alah Stokes, a track athlete, is used to being one of the few black kids at DHS. Derby’s student population is 71 percent Caucasian population, while the rest of the student body is 14.8 percent Hispanic, 4.7 percent black and 9.6 percent who fall under other, according to the Kansas State Department of Education website. The sports with the greatest number of minority students are football, basketball and track. “Well, there aren’t really many people of color in Derby, at all so I think out of of if you look at the ratios there are actually a lot of people of color in sports,” Stokes said. “Especially for track it is very much some-

thing that is integrated into the black community, running specifically. “So when I look (at) the track team, I usually see a lot of people of color, which might be because I’m focusing on it because I’m like ‘hey there are more people like me out there,’ and that’s really good.” During games there are those who might get upset at seeing people of color on the team. The older generations often viewed black people on sports teams as ‘unfair’ and ‘upsetting.’ Stokes has had people make comments to her. “Yeah, in the running part. When I was at state, there was a guy who came up to me and he said ‘it’s strange to see a black girl that’s pole vaulting because

Basketball 40.3 percent white 44.5 percent black .6 percent Asian 2.9 percent Hispanic 4.1 percent mixed 7.6 percent other

Baseball 81.4 percent white 4.2 percent black .9 percent Asian 6.8 percent Hispanic 2.7 percent mixed 4 percent other

ain’t no black person going to launch themselves out of air,’ ” Stokes said. “So I think there’s kind of that stigmatizing and behind-the-scenes racism that goes on why there aren’t many black people pole vaulting or that kind of thing.” Racism is still a problem today. When Stokes was asked if she ever felt isolated in her sport she said sometimes. “But it also makes me feel very special and proud of myself because I’m doing something that (goes) against the status quo and maybe some little girl will see me pole vaulting and say ‘hey, I want to do that, I want to be just like them,’ ” she said.

Diversity in sports

Statistics from 2016-17 at web1.NCAA.org

Football

48.1 percent white 38.7 percent black .5 percent Asian 3.7 percent Hispanic 4.4 percent mixed 4.6 percent other Softball 78 percent white 4.8 percent black 1.3 percent Asian 6.8 percent Hispanic 2.7 percent mixed 4.2 percent other

Q&A with Mariah Wheeler

Q Photo by Jessica Perea

How is the diversity in Derby compared to schools you’ve attended in the past?

“Coming to Derby is kind of different than going to Wichita schools because there’s definitely more diversity, I guess. And when I went to Wichita schools ... I didn’t really stick out, not that I do really here. But ... it’s not very diverse or anything. It doesn’t really affect me or it doesn’t affect where I play or anything. It’s just sometimes kind of weird, I guess.”

Sophomore Mariah Wheeler

Derby High no longer as wealthy, white School community has changed Story by Hannah Berk

where the kids come from,” Hamblin said. “If you are coming from an area where there’s high crime or high erby has long been viewed as a predominantly poverty, you may not get to eat except when you’re at white, wealthy school district. This is not the case school. Focusing on biology is hard to do. I wanted anymore at Derby High. teachers just to understand that.” Between 47 and 53 percent of the A big factor in Derby’s economic school qualifies for free or reduced status is if the family is in situational or lunches — that’s almost half the school generational poverty. Did you know? on an average year who qualify. Situational poverty is when the adult Twenty-two DHS “People for many, many years of the family loses a job and finances are thought this was a homogeneous, white, students are given food reduced, and that occurs a lot because of affluent school district, but the comevery weekend to eat. the up-and-down aircraft industry. munity that the district serves goes way “We only feed 22 kids There’s also generational poverty, beyond the city limits,” Derby High but there are probably when no one in the family before has had principal Tim Hamblin said. “And now more that we don’t much money. Lately, the generational that’s not to mean the poverty is not know about,” Pando poverty has increased in the district. within the city limits; we have Title 1 Initiative sponsor Gary “I wish people would ask more quesschools in Derby city limits.” Meitler said. tions or listen before they judge. Again, Since a lot of Derby teachers live there might be a reason a kid doesn’t turn in algebra in Wichita and are at the school before and after the stuhomework and that reason could be they had to babysit dents leave, some never see the conditions that students their three younger siblings, because mom can’t miss may live in. work but you could maybe miss school is a mindset that So Hamblin decided to take the teachers on a tour we’re battling,” Hamblin said. “I just want people to of the district’s elementary schools, while sharing each understand what you had and experienced as a young school’s numbers on socioeconomic status. person or that you provide for your kids now – not every “My reason there (was) to hopefully have teachers kid has that.” understand, gain some empathy or at least understand

Q A

Q&A with Tim Hamblin

Why are you so passionate about making sure teachers know where their students come from? I am passionate about it because when I coached basketball, I was working with a coach who expected the players all summer long to dedicate to basketball and had one or two kids that had to work, and he didn’t get it. He didn’t understand it, and it drove me nuts. So that’s probably where I started with that, and I quit coaching with that individual as a result of it. I never had to align work schedules with school; I was one of those white, wealthy, dad was a doctor, were seventh generation farm ranch family, also. I didn’t have all those worries, but for some bizarre reason I never developed a ‘why can’t they get it done, too?’ attitude because I think I know that I had friends that didn’t and I saw how different their lives were.

Passing as male: a glimpse into transgender life Story by Kya Nethercot

S Photo courtesy of Kya Nethercot

Kya Nethercot in her normal clothes.

Photo courtesy of Kya Nethercot

Kya Nethercot (right) wearing a chest binder and hiding her hair to pass as transgender.

keptical, questioning looks pierce me. As people stare, they wonder, “What is she doing?” A group of kids even ask, “Is she a cosplayer?” In just one experience I suddenly came to a realization about the sobering reality that my friend, Jack Sallman, experiences this kind of scrutiny everyday. Gender identity is a confusing social construct. When individuals realize they don’t fit the idea that society has about their gender, they can face serious challenges. As Jack and I sat, contemplating the implications of being transgender, we came up with an experiment. Jack decided that he would show me what it was like for him being an AFAB (assigned female at birth) individual. Jack lended me one of his binders (a piece of clothing meant to bind the chest to make it look flat), and we set out to go see the reaction that I would get in public spaces. When Jack is out he feels like

there is a lot of stigma, but he doesn’t experience this hate directly to his face. “While I have never experienced any hate to my face, plenty of people have told me what others say about me when I’m not around, and it’s usually about my identity. Sometimes, the way people view me as “the transgender guy” rather than “Jack” makes me feel isolated and like a freak,” he said. We went out to a local restaurant and gathered the reactions. When I went into the girls restroom to fix my hair (as it was falling out of my hat), a woman walked in with her young son. She looked at me with a face of shock and disgust then scurried away into the stall with her son. I felt self-conscious and alienated. While we were out I noticed myself feeling increasingly worried that I wouldn’t “pass” as a male. Jack called this the “trans-paranoia” effect. He described it as feeling like everyone is looking at you and like you’re being judged for your identity.

Next we went to the library where a group of kids said, “Is she a cosplayer?” while I was adjusting my hat. I knew they didn’t mean anything by it, but I became more self-conscious and ensured that I didn’t let my hair fall down again. The next step was trying it at school. In the morning, a few of my friends made judgemental comments as jokes. Around lunch time another student decided to approach me and sarcastically say, “What? Do you want us to call you Kyle now?” which is really ironic because that was what Jack had been calling me in public. Despite all of the judging looks, another trans student who prefers to remain anonymous said, “Yeah, people make jokes but I think we’re definitely further now than ever in acceptance. I haven’t had to deal with much hate but I of course see it.” Sophomore Kya Nethercot wrote this special for Panther’s Tale.

Bisexuality — it’s not that difficult

here are certain things people believe about bisexuality that are simply not true. It’s so irritating to listen to, which is why I’m going to do a quick rundown of what bisexuality actually is. First of all, bisexuality is attraction to two genders. That’s it. It’s not that complicated. It’s important to add that attraction isn’t just 50/50 either. A person can have a stronger attraction to one gender versus the other and still be bisexual. Bisexual people are not half gay and half straight. Bisexuality is its own separate sexuality that’s not related to being straight or gay. Some people think bisexuals are in a phase or only experimenting, but that’s just not true. Bisexual people know who they are and how they feel. They’re not confused. However, I’d like to note that there are a few people who do come out as bisexual before coming out as any other sexuality, but that does not make their sexuality or bisexuality any less valid. This is because sexuality can be fluid — it doesn’t always stay the same. Plus, people grow and discover more about themselves, so it’s perfectly OK if they realize that they have a different sexual orientation than they first believed. It’s just important to remember that you shouldn’t judge or condemn someone for that. You can’t tell a person how they feel or how they should feel. Only they truly know themselves. Lastly, if a bisexual person is in a relationship, the gender of that person does not determine if they’re “still bisexual.” For example, if a bisexual girl dates another girl, she is still bisexual. Don’t assume you know what something is or who someone is. Take the time to learn. It’s important to recognize and appreciate everyone for their sexuality, gender, race, general identity, etc. Everyone has the right to feel comfortable and loved, so just accept people for who they are. It’s not difficult. — Summer Reece

Being different isn’t so bad

Don’t touch my hair, ever

he apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. That metaphor is so incredibly false. I hate it. My life and the choices I make are mine and mine alone. I love my parents, but their conservative attitude is reaching a point that makes me scream inside. I have different views than them, not that different, but definitely different. A lot of times, it is hard to say something about their “sore subjects” — for example, transgender people. Heaven forbid, I talk about them. If they choose to be something they weren’t born as, then that is their choice — really nothing I can do to change that. But to be called a liberal by my parents because I don’t see things from their point of view, that makes me angry. I often find myself uninspired when outfitting in the morning. Easy solution — athletic leggings and a sweatshirt. Only problem with that, it shows off my butt. Not always a bad thing, but a huge deal to my parents. I don’t understand the big deal of covering my butt. If you’ve got it, show it off. Being a journalist, I see every side and I try not to make any biased decisions. My parents blame that, mostly, for my different views. I say it is just the generation I am a part of. A generation that accepts, for the most part, differences in body, gender, love. I resemble my mom in looks, but not in mind. I am her daughter, but I am not her. I am my own person that needs to find things out on my own, figure out who I am and what I believe in on my own. I will always love my parents, but I wish they would understand that there is no fighting change. As well as that change is good — for better or for worse.

— Jillian Wedman

remember being a young black girl who was insecure about her hair. I don’t remember a time where my hair wasn’t straightened or relaxed. I loved my straight hair, it made me feel comfortable. I was like all of the other girls. My mom or her friends or my cousins — or really anyone that could braid — would do my hair almost every few months. I loved getting my hair braided because it was like having a new hairstyle. I moved to Derby around the start of my sixth grade school year. This girl asked me if she could touch my hair. I was confused with how fascinated she was by it, like she had never seen braids before, and maybe she hadn’t – who knows? So I said sure. That was the first time someone asked me that. I would go to school and people would stare and say things like, “Is that your real hair?” or “How did it grow so fast?” Obviously, I didn’t grow my chin-length hair all the way down to my elbows in a day. Why do you care so much? I didn’t understand it, and I still don’t. It’s been almost 10 months since I’ve gone fully natural, and it feels so great to love my hair the way it’s supposed to be. I’m more happy than I’ve ever been. I was in class, minding my own business, I think it was during choir, and this girl comes by and patted my head. She patted my head. I looked at her, with an annoyed and confused look, and she said, “your hair just looks so soft.” I turned around and scooted my seat away. My hair is not your pillow. I’m not a dog that just got a fresh new cut. I don’t mind my friends touching my hair, they do it sometimes, but when it’s a random person, it’s just plain rude and weird, very weird. Our hair is unique, I know it’s simply too hard to control yourself when you see a cloud on top of someone’s head. Just don’t do it. Don’t touch my hair. — Briantae Crockett

Production editor Jillian Wedman

Photo by Matthew Rooney This photo was taken by Matthew Rooney, who won the Smoothie King Student of the Month contest. Watch for an email from Derby Publications to enter Aprilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photo contest, then vote for the winner @PantherpPubNews on Twitter.

Photo by Maddie Sanders

Photo by Courtney Brown

. By Jillian Wedman

Wind Ensemble with special guest Trevor Duell accompaniment on trumpet. Duell also played a piece with the Symphonic Band.

Photo by Jillian Wedman

Senior Lexi Winkle and sophomore Kendal Meyers defend the goal against Kapaun in the Titan Classic tournament on March 31. The Panthers lost 4-1.

Junior Sheri Hutzenbile, left, senior Brittani Cook, middle, and sophomore Bradley Roudybush perform Emperorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Clothes for elementary students.

On Friday nights, the Phlox Kansas street performers perform various dances with the added element of fire. The event is family friendly, free and hosted by a DJ. Check it out in front of the Old Town Warren Theater.

Photo by Abby Glanville

Freshman Sophia DiGregorio swims in her 400-yard freestyle relay.