Issue 6 May 2018 by Panther Publications

Check page 11 for a Smoothie King coupon!

New beginnings Joyful endings

TA L

PANTHERS

Volume 66 Issue 6

May 2018

Staff

Copy editor

Staffers

Content editor

Briantae Crockett

Contents

Page 3: Recaps from events around the school Page 4: Do we have a shortage of custodians? Page 5: Getting ready for prom Page 6: Teachers travel far and wide Page 7: Teachers don’t only work during the school year Pages 8-9: Let’s play the game of Life Page 10: College: What’s the best option for you? Page 11: Dealing with senioritis Page 12: Sport scouts are in full swing during this season Page 13: Recaps from the spring sports season Page 14: What we do in newspaper Page 15: Editorials Look on the back page for something new

Pantherstale.com @pantherpubnews @pantherpubnews @derbypub @pantherpublications

Courtney Brown Hannah Berk Jordan Cornell

Photo editor

Caitlyn Dunn

Cydney Drees Olivia Jones

Camryn Pagels Kayli Marczynski Summer Reece

Design editor

Production editor

Jillian Wedman

Jordan Riebel

An Explosion of Silk for Your Skin MIND - BODY - SPIRIT

316-219-0096 mamasbathbombs@gmail.com

www.mamasbathbombs.com Mama’s Bath Bombs on Facebook Photo illustration on cover by Caitlyn Dunn Cover designed by Kayli Marczynski

Recaps ROTC Game Night

Story by Hannah Berk

n April 20, there was a game night held in the ROTC room for students and their families. Families started arriving in the ROTC room at 6 p.m. to get the party started. There was a bouncy castle for students and children to play in and a concession stand to buy pizza and various snacks. Students and their families could also enjoy gaming of all kinds. There were plenty of video and board games, as well as darts, foosball and a karaoke machine. Two students painted faces, and raffle winners pied the faces of three officers.

Photo by Courtney Brown

Sophomores Logan Robinson, Hadden Bush and Brenden Brooks attempt a group photo together.

*For more photos, visit pantherstale.com

Night of Theater Story by Summer Reece

ight of Theater is an biannual event that lets students express their creativity and ideas in student-directed One-Acts. Each show lasted about 30-45 minutes. They can be any genre the students want, from comedy to murder mystery. In preparation for the event, the students practice for about 6-8 weeks. The spring 2018 Night of Theater was held on April 26. “This spring shows all went absolutely amazing. The audience reacted very well and there were no major issues,” senior Sydney Bradley wrote in a text. The first show was called “A Murdered Mystery,” and it was directed by senior Devon Stone and junior Brittaney Hybki. The characters, with the help of the narrating butler, John, were in charge of figuring out who killed a man named Steve. The second show was called “Perfect Score,” and it was directed by seniors Erica Doesken and Nyra Brown. It followed a group of seniors dealing with the stress of the college application process. The third show, called “How to Kiss a Girl” and directed by senior Brittani Cook, was about a teen named Ken dealing with the nerves of going on his first date with his friend Steph. The final show was called “Tracks,” and it was directed by juniors Aliana Jennings, Jamie Black and senior Sydney Gregor. It was about a group of people in a subway station who find out that they are dead, and they have to find out which platform will take them to the correct place based on their past deeds.

Ice cream yummy, but 8 Below customer service lacks

veryone has been going crazy over 8 Below, a rolled ice-cream store that opened in Derby on April 10. I didn’t get what the hype was about it. I’ve never had it before, so I went and tried it out. I went with my little sister, and she was super excited because she’s 10 and loves ice cream. I wasn’t as excited because I’m lactose intolerant. The store was a cute little place; it looked very clean and neat. We waited in line for about 10 minutes because there was a big family that came in before us. We finally got to order and the person who asked what we wanted was not very nice. They were very sassy and rude to me but more rude to my little sister. It kind of bugged me, but I just wanted my ice cream. We sat down for about five minutes, then my little sister’s ice-cream is done, and she’s so excited about it. It was adorable. I waited another 10 or so minutes for mine,

but they hadn’t finished it. Yet were giving ice cream to other people who came in after us. I went up to the people and told them that I still hadn’t gotten my ice cream, and they asked me who took my order. I pointed to the person, and they acted like they had no idea who I was. In the end, I ended up having to pay again for ice cream that I had already bought, which made me even more upset. The ice cream was great, but the service was horrible. — Jordan Riebel

Photo by Courtney Brown

Sophomore Tyler Lord, freshman Nayla Jackson and junior Camdyn McCullough aim their weapons at each other.

2018-19 Student Council Officers Executive Officers: President Regina Waugh, Vice President Tea gan Brown, Secretary Bayley Johnson and Treasurer Promise Asher. Senior Class Officers: President Allison Kooser, Vice President Jack McDaniel, Secretary Erin Kooser and Treasurer Dani Conaway. Junior Class Officers: President Courtney Brown, Vice President Starla Bateman, Secretary Allison Hall and Treasurer Chloe Brown. Sophomore Class Officers: President Ellie Tanner, Vice President Malia Hernandez, Secretary McKenziee Bell and Treasurer Sophia DiGregorio. Freshman Leadership Team: Composed of officers from each middle school and will be determined at a later time.

Ready Player One surprises skeptic “Ready Player One” is set in the year 2045 when people stopped trying to fix the world’s problems and escaped reality by playing a game. The game is a virtual reality simulator where there are many different games and worlds to meet other players. After seeing the commercials, I knew I wasn’t interested. I thought it would just be about people sitting in front of a TV, ignoring their families. Also, I don’t play video games. So watching a movie all about one was not going to happen. After being forced to go with

my family, I was proved wrong. The movie was actually really good. It did a good job of balancing the game and reality. Although it was about a video game, the movie was easy to understand. The movie had a good moral. It wasn’t a comedy, but there were a lot of really funny scenes. The only negative thing about the movie is that there is a scene from The Shining that might scare little kids. The end was also a little cheesy, but other than that, the movie was great. — Olivia Jones

Photo by Jordan Cornell

8 Below employee holds the ice cream rolls on display.

*For more reviews, visit pantherstale.com Designed by Olivia Jones

Cleanliness suffers due to lack of custodians Story by Jordan Cornell

hen asked to think of critical staff members at Derby High School, do custodians make the list? If not, a closer look should be given to how much custodians do. Most of the work of a custodian is done behind the scenes, but the work they do is vital. “If you’ve looked around and noticed some classrooms are more dirty than usual, no, you are not mistaken,” Steven Riggs, the building maintenance, custodial and grounds supervisor, wrote in an email. “Derby High School right now is short on custodians, making it difficult for the

custodians working here to get all the work done.” Some students know about the complications of the school’s custodian staff, while other haven’t heard anything about it. “I know that there’s a custodian shortage,” senior Ethan Gardner wrote in text. “I’ve seen some classrooms being really messy. I think kids don’t respect the teachers rooms and just leave messes for others to clean up.” Sophomore Erica Tillbury hasn’t noticed a difference in classrooms. “I didn’t know we had a custodian shortage,” she said. The definition of a

custodian is “a person who has responsibility for or looks after something.” In other words, custodians are responsible for much more than just cleaning. “The high school is approximately 360,000 square feet, and we’re getting ready to add more space,” Riggs said, referring to the bond issue, which passed in February. Custodians often spend much of their time cleaning up after students. Sometimes administrators also pick up trash. The trash generated after the lunches fill one eight-yard trash dumpster every day. “Most (custodians) that

left had been here for quite some time, but I can’t elaborate on how long; I wasn’t here yet,” head custodian Mindy Bacon said. Making things even more challenging is that Derby High has 15 Photo by Briantae Crockett positions. By the middle Floors in K-hall building are supposed of May, there will be five to be cleaned every night, but due to short staffing floors dont’t get openings, which is one- due cleaned as often as they should be. third of the custodial staff. the Derby school district There are 10 open start at $8.87 with no positions in custodial and experience. Those wages one in maintenance in the increase to $11.87 with 12 whole district. Most hires years experience. only stay for about 3-5 According to Rose Hill years, Riggs said. principal Shannon HayMany factors contribdock, his district’s custodiute to the shortage of ans start at under $10 an custodians. Custodians in hour.

Air National Guard 2626 South Rock Road, Wichita, KS 67210

Open Hours Monday 8a.m.— 5p.m. Tuesday 8a.m.— 5p.m. Wednesday 8a.m.—5p.m. Thursday 8a.m.—5p.m. Friday 8 a.m.— 5p.m. Saturday Closed Sunday Closed Design by Caitlyn Dunn and Jordan Cornell

Hollywood Glamour: a PROMising night Courtesy Photo from Anna Schaar

From left: Seniors Abby Jolicoeur, Taylor Harris, Haley Smith, Shea Gee, Kaylee Bynum, Anna Schaar, Elizabeth Vien and Jade Johnson

Courtesy Photos from Evan Clark, Erica Doesken and Xavier Henderson

From left: Seniors Evan Clark and Desiree Cortes. Junior Alissa Haddock, sophomore Cole Davis and senior Erica Doesken use props in the photo booth. Seniors Devon Baughman and Xavier Henderson shake hands on the prom red carpet.

How much time do you spend getting ready for prom? Less than 1 hour 1 hour 2 hours 3 hours 4 hours 5 hours The whole day of prom

hours 24.2 percent

2.2 percent

nt erce p 9 8. 13.3 percent

Favorite part of prom “Seeing everyone have a good time. The people in class are not the same people you see on the dance floor.” — junior Brett Townsend

11.1 percent

22.

“Friends. I actually bumped into plenty of people I know, including those who I haven’t seen in a long time.” — junior Cameron Brown

erc

17.8 percent

ent

“Seeing all my friends dressed up and having fun.” — senior Hannah Lamson

45 students surveyed

How much money do you spend on your dress/suit?

Most enjoyable difference

Less than $100 — 26 percent

45%

$100-$199 — 26 percent

Rockin’ Ricos

$200-$299 — 23.8 percent $300-$399 — 11.9 percent $400 or more— 7.1 percent 42 students surveyed

Q&A with junior Allison Kooser Q: How did you prepare for prom? A: “Last year’s class had a big book of ideas and that kind of got us started, and we looked at how much they spent on the caterer, how much they spent just on everything....We also would have these really helpful sponsors that helped us out and guided us along the way.”

Open exhibits

32.5%

12.5% Photos by Jordan Riebel

Sophomore Breanna Mehringer before and after she gets ready for prom.

Prom Royalty Queen Candidates: King Candidates: Kaylee Bynum Daniel Dunn Megan Keil Brett Leon Rileigh Mahoney Jarret Bowman Lauren Tanner Skyler Sprecker Anthony Norwood and Sydney Bradley won prom king and queen.

Playlist 10%

Decorations 40 students surveyed

After-Prom in a nutshell Did you attend? 41 students surveyed Yes — 51.2 percent 48.8 percent — No

After-Prom was at All Star Adventures. Students rode go-carts and had fun. There were also plenty of food and a raffle with multiple winners. Designed by Courtney Brown and Hannah Berk

Summer’s time for teachers to travel Pearl Sholts

Ed Belsan

“

Comic Con. Comic Con International is always in San Diego. It’s way fun in San Diego. My sister’s been going every year for 10 years — it’s family time. My husband is Captain America, his ring tone on my phone is Captain America, he has a tailored suit that is Captain America.”

Kathleen O’Brien

“

I attend conferences and take students to competitions. Sometimes I teach college classes — in the little bit of time I have off, I try to relax. I will be going to HOSA National, which is in Dallas, I go to the national representative assembly for the union for the National Education Association, and that is in Minneapolis. My son and I try to do little mini vacations, Manhattan or Tulsa — little day trip type things.”

I usually travel to Europe, but this summer I am getting my left and right knees replaced, so a big chunk of my summer will be rehab for my knees. We are going to squeeze in a trip to Wisconsin to visit my father before the first surgery.”

Dianna Beck

“

I travel every summer. This summer, I am taking a group of students to Japan. I love to see other cultures and taking the kids to see those cultures. I have a couple of kids that have never flown — getting to take them on their first plane trip.”

Teachers’ summer work for fun, necessity

How Derby High School staff uses their summer — even with no pay Story By Jordan Cornell

eacher pay is a hot topic lately. With teacher strikes in states like Oklahoma, Arizona and Kentucky, how little teachers are paid has been all over the news. The national average for a teacher’s starting pay is $38,617 a year. Many teachers have resorted to taking on temporary jobs or doing things to better their main job during the summer. “I make movies over the summer,” broadcast teacher Kenneth Linn wrote in a email. Linn does activities during the summer that will better his experience in general for teaching, and he loves to do it. “I’m fortunate that the content I teach is what I’m really passionate about, however, I do enjoy the break because I get to recharge my batteries,” Linn said. “Since I’m out making movies over the summer, I normally come back in the fall with some new experiences and lessons to share in the classroom.” Other teachers such as English teacher Rachel Shipley use their summertime to go to training and to plan her lessons for class, so she won’t have to do as much during the school year. Teachers can choose to accept their summer paychecks as a lump sum or spread them out normally. “Our 9-month salary can be paid out over 12-months so that we receive a paycheck each month,” history teacher Emily Williams wrote over email. Logan Posson sets his salary so he to can be paid over the summer. However, he also works in landscaping during the summer to make extra money. The four other teachers interviewed set their salaries to get paid over the summer, too. The teachers who work over summer have an extra income to propel them into the school year, even if they have their teacher’s salary set up for over the

summer. Other teachers like Gretchen Pontious love their jobs but like to relax during their summer to get ready for the upcoming school year. “I definitely need a break. I love teaching, but it can be exhausting. Summer re-energizes me and makes me ready for the incoming classes,” Pontius said.

Courtesy photo

Yearbook reveals 2018 theme: Once/Always

Story by Kaytlin Hilton

nce a Panther, Always a Panther. This is the theme that was chosen for the 106th Volume of The Panther. It has been several years since this team has produced a book that encapsulates the spirit of Derby High. When attending the Elite Weekend conference back in August, lots of different themes were discussed. It wasn’t until having a conversation with a yearbook expert that the concept of a Derby book was considered. The conversation we had with this adviser was magical. She asked us questions about our school, and before you know it, we were talking about tradition and change. One student eventually told her about the different sayings that we toss around at our high school such as “green is magic” or “bleed green.” A few hours later, our cover was designed and our opening copy was written. This theme is something our staff is incredibly proud of. We hope this theme brings as much emotion to you as it does to us. Just think of the day you are showing your son your weird haircut from sophomore year and remember that you are a Panther. Because Once a Panther, Always a Panther.

*As seen on pantherstale.com Designed by Olivia Jones

Game of Graduation Q: What should the seniors do for senior prank?

Graduation

Turn the hallway into a Slip-N-Slide. — senior Xavier

A: Henderson

Saran-wrap Mr. Hamblin’s entire car. — senior Cortland Hanson Dress up in the T-Rex costumes, play a secret game of tag, or throw glitter at people at the end of the school day as they leave the school. — senior Amber Hogan

Q: Have you been pranked?

Only been pranked twice. Once with silly string and another with cups of water on every step of the main staircase. — senior Amber Hogan

“I want to keep dancing and travel and maybe teach at a studio or two.” — senior Sydney Bradley

Start

“I plan to join Wichita State University’s nursing program in the spring of 2019 and plan to graduate as soon as possible and start my career.” — senior Emily Hightower

r- “Do something cliché for ing in pape tt u p m I’ l, o scho hurch my last summer in Kan“After high trip in my c n o si is m a on nuing sas.” — senior Sydney work to go ing on conti n n la p m m I’ o c n e re th o Bradley c d s n a a c to become si u m in ld e g chofi studyin nior Jacob S poser.” — se 1 percent 6 percent

3 percent

4-Year College Community College

9 percent

Technical College Military

19 percent 63 percent

K E Y

“Skydiving, going to Paris and London.” — senior Christina Bujold “To work for NASA or such.” — senior Whitney Crawford

72 DHS students surveyed

What are your plans for after high school?

Gap Year Work

What’s on your after high school bucket list? What career do you want? Why? What is your ultimate dream job?

“I want to be a pediatric nurse, because I work well with kids and love helping people.” — senior Alyssa DeVous

“Get through EOD school and get placed on “(University of) North Caroli- a west coast team. Do a na. I want to be an art major.” minimum of one tour.” “Interior Design because there are many oppor— senior Jaden Jacks — senior Kendric Beck tunities and it is interesting.” — senior Erica Doesken Prank interviews by Briantae Crockett Game board quotes and engagement Q&A by Courtney Brown

9 r th f No o y t y.” rsi nive n biolog U g i avis ndin ajor ‘Atte as to m Paige D Tex senior —

te dream e. “My ultima diatric nurs e p e b l il st robably ry rejob would p ich, it’s a ve r e b ’t n o w hI eVous Even thoug ior Alyssa D n e s — ” r. e warding care

“History teacher. I love history and teaching isn’t the hardest job in the world.” — senior Brock Clifton

“I would like to be in law enforcement because I enjoy solving cases and figuring out how the murder went down.” — senior Amber Hogan “Travel abroad.” — senior Emily Hightower “Attending the University of Kansas.” — senior Kaia Smith

“A nurse practitioner.” — senior Emily Hightower

“A NASCAR Driver.” — senior Brock Clifton

e to own a “I would lik live g shop and scuba divin enior beach.” — s e th y b r o on Jacob Moore

“I’m moving to Oklahoma, going to Cameron University, probably joining ROTC.” — senior Brady Baxter

Engaged before graduation Q & A with senior Hannah Eyhorn

Q: How has getting engaged adjusted your plans for after high

school? “Nothing has really changed because I’m still moving (to Emporia University) and he’s still staying here. I mean, it just puts a little more of a permanent hold on our relationship.”

e“Nursing, b to cause I love and help others ce.” I love scien mily — senior E Hightower

“Being a PICU nurse or RN and also be and ASL interpreter.” — senior Christina Bujold

“Being a mother.” — senior Aleesa Meek

“Go cage free diving with a great white shark.” — senior Jacob Moore

“Skydive, catch up on sleep, go to a different country.” — senior Erica Doesken

“I joined the Navy.” — senior Kendric Beck

Q: What are you looking forward to the most? A: “I’m excited just to, like, move and have a new

“Graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Butler Community College, then earn my Associates degree from WSU and finally a Master’s degree from the University of Alabama. Then I will get my teaching license and teach history.” — senior Brock Clifton

experience in college for that, and just getting engaged is knowing that you have the same idea of what we want for the future...it makes me know that we want the same thing.”

“Medical researcher; I love working in the lab and I find research very interesting.” — senior Paige Davis

“A backup dancer for like Beyoncè or Bruno Mars.” — senior Sydney Bradley

“Travel Europe and Japan.” — senior Kaia Smith

Breaking down college options across Kansas By Kayli Marczynski, Jillian Wedman, and Hannah Berk

y t i s r e v i Un e t a t S Wichita

-18) 6) (2017 cent (201 stu2 1 3 r le , e te: $8 nt ma : 92 p In-sta ance rate , 47 perce le pt Acce cent fema 20 r o e p r rati ewer than 53 e h c a f te dents udent to lasses have t s c eand f 1 : o visit, 19 nt e o c t r e e n c p nt pla llows me o 47.5 ts a s a e l o n p stude s a really missions f to answer o i ad yt U ing f S o W is eas tor s will s i e u r f i p f d a their r. Their st their cam i d sk e Twitt estions, an Marczyn i l u y q Ka any te. — a navig

“Whenever I run into someone from K-State, we say, ‘hey’, and are able to talk for a long time. So like when you say, ‘Once a Panther, always the Panther’, it’s the same for Wildcats,” Derby teacher Kathleen O’Brien said.

Kansas Un

iversity

In state Accept $18,204 - $2 ance ra 5,904 te 50.2 p ercent : 92.9 percen female t studen , 49.8 ts male 17:1 st ud 52 per ent to teache cent of r ratio classes 20 stud have fe ents w than When Iv mosph isited KU, I lo ere v friendly ; my tour gu ed its atide was . I love re th availab le, such e variety of c ally lasses as Disn ey Lite rature.

Kansas State In-state: $9,874 (2016-17) 94 percent acceptance rate 52 percent male, 48 percent female 18:1 Student to teacher ratio 40.6 percent of classes have less than 20 students K-State is a beautiful campus on hills, with a great night life in Aggieville. The campus staff is kind and helpful to anything you might need, and even without knowing anyone, you can always find a friendly face. — Kayli Marczynski

“It’s really close to home — I could just live at home because it’s cheaper. They have a film program there that doesn’t seem too bad,” junior Hannah Abou-Faissal said.

R E L T BU

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a 3 ,07 nt m e 2 c 1 r e : $ rate: 42 p io tate In-s ptance emale, her rat udents c e f t Acc ercent t to tea chool s raduate e g s p n 58 stude s high tially g in colle t n r 1 a e e : e h t f e 19 ler of to po degr ol. T o t s ’ e h u e c c t B s n very ocia cha igh the an Ass ating h uld be o with gradu that w re. man n g u e t n Wed i h u f h n w t a y i m — Jill me is so fical to e ben

“I’ve been in a basketball family my whole life — I grew up with my mom watching KU basketball. I think it’s a fun school to go to,” sophomore Kaylee Baker said.

Fort H

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In-s t Acc ate: $1 4 epta 60 p nce ,658 r e 16: rcent ate: 91 1 fe 46. studen male, percen 5 pe 40 p t (20 t to stud r t e 1 ents cent of eacher rcent m 6) ratio Fort clas a le st ses h ude opp Hays S ave nts ortu t a f ewe ticip nitie te Un r than is L ate in. T s for fre iversity 20 ivin h s h h a e m s g Le peo o a a ne ni lot p a shar le to liv rning C I’m mo n colleg of uni que s e th e e to omm t ex and bran e c p d-ne ir majo take c unitie ited ab ars r. la o wd or m Plus yo sses wi that all ut ow th p s. — u ge Han t to l eople iv nah th Ber e in the at k

Panther Personalities a

Touhey forges own path after graduation Three-year graduate eager to start future Story by Summer Reece

Touhey is excited for graduation, but he feels as though high school did not adehile most seniors have their hearts quately prepare him for adult life. set on following the traditional post“... They didn’t teach us how to prophigh school pathway, senior Jonathan erly do a checkbook, Touhey is opting for or how to even vote. a more unorthodox They didn’t each us future. how to actually — Touhey is going what we’re supposed to stay in Kansas for to get when we go two more years after grocery shopping. graduation, then he They didn’t teach us has plans to move anything like that. to New Orleans to You know what I pursue a career as a know how to do, musician. though? Divide by Touhey has been 4,” Touhey said. interested in music since Photo by Camryn Pagels However, he says he was a kid. Senior Jonathan Touhey he will be guided by his “It’s the one way strong head. Touhey is adamant that he words can sort of flow — it has more can do anything he puts his mind to. meaning to it than most things, if you Touhey recalls that the most important think about it,” Touhey said. While he enjoys performing almost any thing he learned during high school was genre of music, he mostly plays crash met- the value of individuality. “Conformity is disastrous,” Touhey al and says that the band Black Sabbath is said. “If you follow in with the crowd, one of his musical inspirations. you’re just one of the sheep. It’s all a mindAs for high school, Touhey says that set. If you follow everything someone tells the best moment was forming friendships. you — to the very last thing — they, in a “... actually true friends. The ones who sense, control what you think. You have to aren’t just going to leave you after the first branch out and be yourself.” year,” Touhey said.

Story by Courtney Brown

s graduation nears, most students only think about the departure of seniors — when in reality, 25 juniors are graduating with the Class of 2018. Junior Baylee Bristow is one of the three-year graduates. She plans on attending Wichita Area Technical College. “I get to start my college career earlier, so I’ll be done with college by next year instead of two years,” Bristow said. Bristow plans on studying welding. She took a welding class this semester after a teacher recommended it to her. “I kind of expected it not to be so great because I’m the only girl in there, but I haven’t had any issues. They’re all very welcoming, very nice,” Bristow said. “I have a lot of really great, genuine friends now.” While welding is an enjoyable experience for her, Bristow had to give up another — airbrush.

Bristow took airbrush from freshman year to the first semester of her junior year. Welding conflicted the same time, so while Bristow could not take it this semester, she still utilizes her airbrush experience in the welding class. “It has some of the same elements because I have to have a steady hand so that skill really transferred into welding pretty well,” Bristow said. “I miss airbrush, but I’m really glad that I’m in welding now. I think the sacrifice was worth it.” Graduating early also has sacrifices, but Bristow also thinks the positives outweighs the negatives. “I am kind of sad about what I’m going to miss next year, and I don’t get senior privileges now because at Derby, I am technically still a junior, and that’s kind of hard to deal with sometimes, but being able to start try future early and not waste my time here next year is well worth it,” Bristow said.

Senioritis: an epidemic Story by Summer Reece

ou know it, your parents know it, administration knows it: senioritis, the made-up illness that causes real consequences. The first onset of senioritis can occur as soon as freshman year, but as the condition known as high school progresses, the symptoms of senioritis only get worse. Major signs of the illness include: a lack of motivation to do anything for the rest of your life, severe procrastination, thinking to yourself “It’s already too late. I might as well not turn this in,” and knowing that an F is better than a zero but still not caring.

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, you don’t have to say anything. Your teacher already knows. Treatments for senioritis are as follows: suppressing your feelings of stress until you have a mental breakdown every day, or sleeping to forget about all of your responsibilities. Don’t talk to your doctors. They will laugh. Note: if the treatments listed above don’t ease your symptoms, graduation may be able to help.

SMOOTHIE KING PRESENTING SPONSOR

Q&A

WITH

JUNIOR NATHANIEL

BAUCUM

Q: Why did you choose track over the other sports available in the

spring season? A: “I’ve always been in running sports. I’ve done soccer since I was a kid, then cross country, why not track?” Q: What has stuck out to you about track? A: “When I hurt my back in the fall, I didn’t really know how it would affect me going into the track season. It has made my shorter distance sprints a lot slower — it has made it hard for me to run even after physical therapy.” Q: When did you start running track? A: “I started running track my freshman year.” Q: What is your least favorite thing about track? A: “Having back-to-back events — sometimes when I go to (junior varsity) meets to get points… I’ll do the 200 (meters) and (the 1600 relay). Sometimes the two mile gets moved early, and I’ll have back-toback events. It really sucks because would you rather do really well one event or suck at the other?” Q: What is your preferred track cleat? A: “New Balance.”

Q&A

WITH SOPHOMORE GRACE SHOEMAKER

Q: How’s this season going? A: ”It’s been going pretty well, better than last season.” Q: Has your batting average improved since the beginning of the

season? A: “I’m not sure (of) my batting average on JV because we don’t keep it.” Q: Do you guys feel close as a team? A: “Yeah, I think we are.” Q: What’s your favorite part about playing softball? A: “Well, I love game days, because you’re joking around with your team at the beginning, but we dominate a lot of teams, so that’s really fun.”

Athletes: start marketing yourself immediately Story by Olivia Jones

or high school athletes, knowing what it takes to play at the college level is helpful. However, finding all the information can be complicated and confusing. Athletic director Russell Baldwin makes it easier to understand. The common misconception is that college scouts only look at seniors. “It usually picks up a lot around junior year,” football and track coach Brandon Clark said about scouting. Students also think that scouts will reach out to them. That’s often not the case. “(Athletes) have got to market themselves,” Baldwin said. Most of the time, there needs to be self-representation to be noticed by scouts — only in special cases is it different. “For some kids — depending on their talent level — they get found,” soccer coach Paul Burke said. “Maybe in one instance, the college reaches out to you, and in the other, you reach out to the college.” Contacting scouts as early as possible is most helpful, but there are grade-based restric-

tions. Freshmen athletes aren’t allowed contact with college coaches. Although this may be frustrating, focus that time on academics. Then, in the offseason, work to get exposure and experience. All sophomore athletes are “prospective student athletes.” The only contact allowed between sophomore athletes is an email. Sophomore year is prime time to talk to coaches about what colleges are an academic and athletic match for you. It is also the time to start getting skills evaluations. Having multiple opinions is best. Utilizing the offseason to build an athletic resume is strongly recommended. Your Athletic Resume should include: Letter of introduction from you Athletic resume/profile Athletic accomplishments and honors Academic and extracurricular profile Current high school or club game schedule Newspaper articles Junior year is the most important year to prepare for

college sports. For academics, take the SAT and ACT. Check the NCAA requirements to make sure nothing has changed. Continuously investigate colleges and send out resumes, especially if schools are contacting you. Send out letters of introduction to each coach. Include an athletic resume and game schedules. Two weeks after you send the letter, email the coaches. Make sure they received your letter. Also add your interest in the school or any questions you might have. Complete and return any request from the coach as quickly as possible. If they want more information, it is because you’re probably being closely considered. Make sure your responses are professional; have someone look over them too. Send a thank you note. Even if the reply is negative. Things can change. An athlete that sent a heartfelt thank you might be considered over one who didn’t reply at all. Register at the NCAA Clearinghouse at the end of your junior year. In July, after junior year

has been completed, phone contact with coaches is permitted. Senior year is the year to make sure you are fully prepared. Have an unofficial copy of your transcript. Know the NCAA Guidelines on the recruiting rules. Send your applications for admissions in the first semester. Also apply for your pin for FAFSA if you will apply for financial aid. For second semester of senior year, file the FAFSA. Contact the financial aid officers and apply for scholarships. Make sure you stay in contact with the coaches and update them on your progress. Before signing, carefully weigh your offers. Find what best fits the things you want.

Photo by Regina Waugh

Junior Courtney Cline patiently waits for the pictcher to throw the ball at home against Salina South.

Photo by Devon DuBree

Photo by Jordan Riebel Photo by Jordan Riebel

Junior Alyssa Gamboa swimming the 100 backstroke at the home meet on May 1.

Freshman Samamatha Curtis corrner kicks the ball back into play at the Panther Stadium.

Seniors Kyle Findley and Brady Walls celebrate after they qualified for state in the doubles tournement.

14 “Newspaper has taught me awesome leadership skills and how to work with a team. It's an amazing experience, and it looks great on applications, even better,” design editor Kayli Marczynski said.

Inside L

“The newspaper has prepared me for life. The paper pushes you out of your comfort zones, for example — having to interview people you normally wouldn't associate with. It has also prepared me for knowing how to make deadlines, or, in other words, be on time,” production editor Jillian Wedman said

“As a newspaper staff, we brainstorm ideas and create the content for 16 pages each issue. We write the stories, design the spreads and take photos for each issue. Individually, I mainly write stories for newspaper, but I have also taken photos for each issue and I occasionally design spreads, too,” copy editor Courtney Brown said. “Newspaper has been really fun for me. I like getting to know the other students. We have work nights and they are always fun — we play music and eat food. Newspaper is like no other class — we're building a team, and I know this class will be bigger in the future with all of the potential we have in our school,” staffer Briantae Crockett said.

“The newspaper has taught me how to be a better leader and that sometimes plans fall through but you will always find another route,” photo editor Caitlyn Dunn

“I've learned a lot about myself and what I want from life. I have big goals, and newspaper has showed me that I can achieve them. Newspaper is fine-tuning the skills I already have so I can get to where I want to be,” staffer Olivia Jones said.

Photo by Abby Glanville

Front row from left: Junior Kayli Marczynski, senior Jordan Riebel, senior Hannah Berk, senior Summer Reece, senior Camryn Pagels, junior Briantae Crockett Back row from left: Junior Caitlyn Dunn, junior Jordan Cornell, sophomore Cydney Drees, sophomore Jillian Wedman, sophomore Courtney Brown.

“It’s an amazing experience; you get a lot out of it as well as learning a lot of sources. Knowing who's who, what's what, being the person who knows everything. And you get credit for everything you do, which can put you in leadership positions,” content editor Jordan Cornell said.

“Newspaper has helped my people and communication skills develop tremendously. I also went from knowing nothing about design to mostly only doing design. Newspaper has been stressful throughout the six issues, but the other staffers and work nights have made it worth the time,” staffer Cydney Drees said.

Newspaper seniors

“I would recommend taking newspaper because you learn a lot of interpersonal skills, make good connections, and build friendships with people you normally wouldn't. You also get to push yourself out of your comfort zone and develop your skills more. Plus, (adviser Joanna) Chadwick is cool,” staffer Summer Reece said Photos by Caitlyn Dunn

“Newspaper has taught me that you have to meet your deadlines or it affects everyone else who is working on it. I also sucked at writing before I came into newspaper and yearbook, and now I’m better. It also helped me become more comfortable about talking to other people who I don’t know,” staffer Jordan Riebel said.

“As an artist for newspaper, I've had the opportunity to not just draw, but reach out to people for information and share my opinions. Everyone gets to participate; it's stressful, but at the end of the day, everyone feels like a team. There's nothing more satisfying than getting a physical copy of the paper you and your classmates created,” staffer Camryn Pagel said.

“Newspaper has helped me grow my social skills and talk to people I never would have talked to otherwise. (Work night is) a group of people stressing over the paper and getting stuff done while listening to bomb music,” staffer Hannah Berk said.

Editorials Graduation not as easy as it looks High school graduation is regarded by most people as an important part of everyone’s life. It’s so iconic that it’s easily taken for granted as something that happens for everyone. Students magically get to that point after waiting for about four years, right? How it happens doesn’t matter, because it’s a given. You will graduate. But when it’s the last semester of your senior year, it isn’t that easy. Things come up. Suddenly, you don’t have as much time to do the things you like. Everything seems more stressful than before, and suddenly you’re snapping at your friends over little things. The possibility of failure really is there, and it’s threatening. It feels like if you don’t succeed, everything will come crashing down. Part of what keeps me motivated to keep pushing is remembering that failure isn’t the end of the world. If I don’t graduate, then yes, it will make things difficult for me. But it won’t kill me. And my friends and family will still continue to support me no matter what. By lowering my stress, it’s actually easier for me to concentrate and do my best in school. My best advice for surviving the last week or two? Just focus on shutting out all outside distractions. It’s easy to relax and fall behind, but now you need to work harder than ever to get where you want to be. Postpone other events that are asking for your attention to deal with during the summer, and remember: don’t be afraid to ask for help. Now go crush those finals.

— Camryn Pagels

Freshmen more than Choir, newspaper vital to just annoying youngsters junior’s future plans In every high school, the ranking system is simple. Seniors, juniors, sophomores — last and definitely considered least — the freshmen. I know so many upperclassmen that sneer at freshmen as they walk past — and somehow the freshmen are labeled as the immature ones. I’m sorry, sophomores, but being one year older than the “little freshmen” doesn’t mean you’re upperclassmen status. The main thing that upsets me is how freshmen are expected to behave like confused kindergarteners. It’s just upsetting that people who have been where I am can’t see past my grade. Someone who has been at the bottom should understand. Some of the things seniors find annoying about freshmen are things they do all the time. That’s probably where freshmen learn it from. When I hear seniors complain about freshmen bumping them in the hallway, I always remember how I was practically trampled by 6-foot-3 seniors rushing to class. There are some annoying, immature freshmen — just stop thinking all of them are like that.

— Olivia Jones

I remember thinking about what my life would be like after high school around my sophomore year, and it scared me a little bit, leaving a place that I had become so used to. I knew that I wanted be a singer and produce my own music in the future. I realized that I’m going to have to adjust to a new life. I am excited about it because I know I will be successful at whatever I do. I’ve learned a lot in high school, like who I should be friends with, more about myself as a person and what I want in life. I’m a junior, so I have another year. But already I have learned so much. Being in newspaper (Digital Media and Design) has really helped me break out of my shyness, and there are so many things I can take from this class and apply to my future. I want to be a singer, so I’m going to talk with producers and artists all of the time, and I’m so glad I’ve gotten better with talking to people. There are so many other things I want to do as well — like fashion, songwriting and, of course, journalism. I think it’s important to do as much as you can, because if one thing doesn’t work out, you have something else to turn to. Another class that has helped me and prepared me for life after high school is choir. I love choir a lot. Obviously, I like to sing, but the connections within the class have really made me who I am. I remember our first choir concert in middle school — I was so nervous. I told Diana Unkel, then the choir pianist, about it. She reassured me that I would do fine. I’ve gotten so much better with my stage presence and calming down before we perform. Overall, I believe I’ve had an awesome high school experience, and I can’t wait for college and the future ahead of me. Look out for Briantae Crockett on the radio in a few years from now.

— Briantae Crockett

Photo by Jillian Wedman

Photo by Reagan Cowden

Top left: Bel Canto women’s honor choir sings “Beauty School Dropout,” preparing for the POPS concert. Bottom left: Two ASL students paint “Dev’via Art,” a form of sign language art. Middle: Juinor Zachary Fitzwater throws a javlin at a home track meet. Top right: Junior Bryce Atkinson and senior Brileigh Meirowsky both perform “Time of My Life” for the POPS conert.

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Artwork by Courtney Brown