splitting up the curriculum
The Booster Redux Pittsburg High School 1978 E. 4th Street Pittsburg, KS 66762 Vol. 98, Issue 2 www.boosterredux.com
Second lunch divides math, encore and other classes
Friday, Jan. 27, 2017
Page 2D
Art by Alvaro Moncivais
america: the unbroken Hispanic students break barriers, attend college
primera generación
Page 3D
aiming the arrow toward
excellence
archery welcomes a variety of students Page 6D
‘stoney’ is high above the rest Sullivan voices positive opinon on post malone’s recent album
Page 5D
JOURNEY JARAMILLO
@journeybutcher
S
ome students may take the education they receive for granted instead of using it to their advantage. However, some Hispanic students, including senior Karla Arana, came to the United States to attend school because they value their education and want to improve their family’s futures. “I really want to go to college because it’s the only way I can have a better future for me and for my family,” Arana said. “I really care about my education.” This year, multiple Hispanic students are a part of their family’s first generation to attend college, let alone finish high school. Senior Carlos Calderon’s parents never had the option to attend college because they had to support their family. “They did not have the opportunity to go [to college because they] left school when they were in the seventh grade to go work,” Calderon said. “[If] they could have stayed [in school] and learned more about a subject, they could [have been] anyone they wanted to become.” Some Hispanic students drop out of school or go straight to work after high school to support their families. Recently, an increasing number of students of Hispanic heritage, not just in the Midwest, are replacing dropping out with a college education. According to Pew Research, dropout rates decreased and enrollment increased within the Hispanic population. In years leading up to 2016, the Hispanic dropout rate plunged by over 20 percent since the 1990s. In the past seven years, Hispanic graduation rates have increased by eight percent and Hispanic enrollment in college has increased by nearly 15 percent since the 1990s. Previously, restrictions such as lack of financial aid education and information regarding college have been obstacles for students. Calderon believes a barrier Hispanic students face when contemplating college is the setting and language. “When you are 18 [in Guatemala] some people stop going to school because they have to work and there [aren’t] a lot of opportunities. Here we have more chances like going to school to be successful,” Calderon said. “My language [is another obstacle] because sometimes I have a hard time trying to speak and write in English.” Now, students in English for Speakers of Other Languages(ESOL) have teachers who educate them on the application process and college visits, as well as financial opportunities.
ESOL teacher Regina Winemiller helps her students with the process. “During enrollment, I work with them to choose classes that will help them in their future, whether college, or career,” Winemiller said. “I also give them time during a unit in the spring to research their interests. I teach them, give them guidance, and provide references, and occasionally have been asked to help edit applications.” Although Winemiller works with these students on a daily basis, she credits available resources she receives within the district for educating her students. “I really can’t take a lot of credit for all of this. The counselors do most of the work of helping them get more information about college,” Winemiller said. “[Also,] there is a Migrant -KARLA program through Fort Scott whose administrators come and talk to the juniors and seniors who qualify every year.” Calderon believes the guidance these adults give is helpful and needed. “My counselors and my teachers say that it is very important to go college,” Calderon said. “They have helped me by teaching me about life and how going to college can change a person.” Monica LaForte, who is the Migrant and ESOL Education Coordinator for USD 250, along with counselor Jessica Stegman, hosted a financial aid information night for Hispanic seniors in December. “They were provided documents as far as how to apply for financial aid if they are a citizen and if they aren’t,” Stegman said. “The parents who were we at the financial aid night, all, were very much in favor of their students going to college, bettering their lives and expanding their education.” As the district’s Migrant Coordinator through the College Assistance Migrant Program(CAMP), LaForte is responsible for providing information that will help migrant students with college.
“
“I work with the students, I send a letter to them or to their parents, or make a phone call to refer them to the CAMP program,” LaForte said. “We usually have sessions for the seniors to let them know that this program is available to them.” In addition to teachers and counselors, many parents have supported their children during the process as well. “[My parents] are really proud of me. They want me to go to college and they really support me,” Arana said. “They came here to give my sisters and I a better future, so they are proud that I am going to college and that I’m taking advantage of all the opportunities I have.” According to Arana, when she shows interest in furthering her education through college, peers respond based on stereotypes they have heard about the Hispanic commuARANA nity. “I think a lot of people think that if you’re Hispanic you’re going to go to go work in a factory, and sometimes they don’t believe in you. They don’t believe that you can have a great future,” Arana said. “Many people ask me if I’m going to college and when I say yes, they respond with, ‘Oh my gosh, you’re going to college?’” Calderon, however, has not experienced any stereotypical comments but has been praised by both his peers and family for being amongst his family’s first generation to get a higher education. “[My friends] are actually pretty proud of me for being the first in my family to go to college,” Calderon said. As being part of the first generation of their families to get a higher education, these students believe college is the pathway to success. “[College is] pretty important because I can make my family proud of me,” Calderon said. “[With a college degree] I can get a good job, live a better life and if I ever have a family, I can support them.”
my parents are really proud of me... they came here to give my sisters and I a better future. So they are proud that i am going to college, and taking advantage of the opportunities I have.
”
Principal bishop takes new position KALI POENITSKE & MADDIE BADEN @kali_poenitske & @maddiebaden
A
fter nine years of being an administrator at the high school, principal Jon Bishop takes a new leadership position at Southeast Kansas (SEK) Interlocal #637. “[I am] passing the torch on to someone else to carry on what we’ve been able to accomplish,” Bishop said. “The programs and opportunities here for the kids are wonderful.” Throughout Bishop’s term, the school has made improvements in its academic and extracurricular programs. “From 2010 to now, we’ve come a long ways,” Bishop said. “We’ve got college and AP classes offered… The fine arts program continues to reap state honors. I’m really proud.” However, these awards could not have been won without strong support from Bishop himself. Bishop has also won several awards including Kansas Scholastic Press Association (KSPA) Administrator of the Year and was named Outstanding Principal by the Kansas Music Educators Association. Bishop earned these awards because of his involvement with the student body. Senior Olivia Joy has experienced Bishop’s connection with kids all four years of her high school career. “I feel [Mr. Bishop] gets to know most of his students very well,” Joy said. “I have a good relationship with him. He always seemed very interested in how my school work and extracurricular activities were going.” His seventh grade English teacher, Linda Barberich, who is currently an English teacher at the school, has witnessed Bishop’s leadership develop. “Teachers love to see their students do well,”
Barberich said. “Mr. Bishop has been a wonderful school, he cherished the moments with the stuprincipal. He has many strengths that have made dents. him a strong leader. His heart is in this profession. “There are so many [memories]. One that sticks He has even personally performed in vocal perfor- out was getting to play a coach in ‘Footloose.’ I mances and played also felt very flattered his guitar for stuto have the opportudents at school.” nity to sing with the However, when mult i-gener at iona l Bishop is attending groups,” Bishop said. school functions, “I could talk about all he misses out on the programs we’ve family time with started here, and how his three children great they have gone, and wife. His new but the most memoposition allows him rable things are things to spend the after I was involved in dischool hours with rectly.” his family. While Barberich “Being the prinunderstands the need cipal of a school is to branch out, she a very stressful job. wants to congratulate It’s also very time Bishop on the new ad-JON BISHOP consuming. No venture. matter how much I “Mr. Bishop has try to delegate, I’m been a wonderful missing out on my principal. He does kids’ activities. There is always something going what he can to support all departments. I will miss on, and I feel like I am shortchanging one or the working with him,” Barberich said. “[SEK Interloother,” Bishop said. “It’s not like I can’t wait to cal #637] is very lucky to have him join their team. leave, it’s about the opportunity that came about, He has always had an open door to share a story, having a principal job open about 15 miles away, field a question, listen to a concern. He is a person which will allow me to have more time with fam- who always has time for you, a smile, an encouragily. It’s just the right time. I’m always going to be a ing word. I wish him well in his new position. He dragon.” will be missed.” As Bishop reflected on his time spent at the
“
being the principal of a school is a very stressful job. It’s also very time consuming. No matter how much I try to delegate, i’m missing out on my kid’s activites. There is always something going on and I feel like I am short changing one or the other.
”
2 news
Friday, Jan. 27, 2017
www.boosterredux.com SECTION D
PHOTO BY MADDY EMERSON. Math teacher, Rhonda Willis, listens as a student asks a question during Geometry.
splitting up the curriculum Second lunch divides math, encore, other classes skyla wallace
@skylawallace15
A
s the bell for second lunch rings, freshman Jordan Akins pauses her math class to go to lunch. “I have Honors Geometr y four th hour, meaning that in the middle of that class, I will break for lunch,” Akins said. With over 900 students in school there is not enough room for all students to eat lunch at the same time. Therefore, lunch is divided into three sections. First lunch is 28 minutes long, second lunch is 25 minutes and last lunch is half an hour. Second lunch dismisses students in the middle of four th hour. After lunch, students repor t back to four th hour to finish the class period. The focus students are putting towards attempting to learn and understand is thrown off for the duration of lunch plus the two passing periods that are five minutes each.
Akins believes this lunch is affecting her ability to learn. “I dislike when a valuable core class is interrupted,” Akins said. “My focus has to be interrupted and resumed after lunch.” While Akins has not quite adjusted to this change, fellow geometr y classmate Mikayla Kitchen enjoys having second lunch. “I have had to have better time management in the class, but I enjoy how open the lunches are. I like it better this way,” Kitchen said. As well as affecting students, the lunch schedule also affects teachers. Specifically, vocal music director Susan Laushman. Laushman has a total of 73 students in Encore. In previous years, the scheduled lunch times have worked to her benefit. She kept the female por tion
A balancing act: nicole konopelko @nicolekonopelko
With an upcoming graduation, involvement in extracurricular activities and homework on a daily basis, senior Kaylah Wilson feels “more pressure than ever.” “I feel overwhelmed most of the time,” Wilson said. “At times, I think I’m not capable of doing it all. It’s a tough situation that I haven’t learned how to control.” According to counselor Gina Ulbrich, the pressure felt by Wilson is common among students. “I see many students with stress in their lives,” Ulbrich said. “However, student stress typically seems to manifest from difficulties occurring at home and work or time management.” Although this pressure can serve as motivation at times, it often causes more struggles and difficulties. “Stress leads to more stress,” school psychologist Kenda Fischer said. “Things begin to fall apart and students don’t know how to put the pieces back together.”
“Young adults are balancing more than ever…”
There are different factors contributing to student pressure, but according to Fischer the most common is overextension. “Young adults are balancing more than ever,” Fischer said. “There are more opportunities. When they get too many things on their plate, they realize they can’t.” Sophomore Kamryn Kelley balances sports, photojournalism and clubs — all activities requiring extra work outside of school. “I am more stressed than I ever have been,” Kelley said. “I don’t come home until late at night and I barely have time to do my homework.” According to Ulbrich, there is a common misconception that colleges emphasize involvement in as many extracurricular activities as possible. “Students think colleges will look down on them for quitting a few activities, but overextended students are already involved in so many other things,” Ulbrich said. “It’s okay to back off and fully engage in the activities that you really do love and want to continue on with.” Kylie Piva, admissions director at Labette Community College, sees this misconception when viewing college applications. However, she prefers a student to fully devote their time to a smaller number of school activities. “I stand by the idea of less is more if you’re giving 100 percent to the activities that you are involved in,” Piva said. “I would much rather see a student that is passionate about a few things than just listing a lot to make themselves look good.” Fischer advises overextended students to emphasize activities and drop what isn’t as
of her students in class during first lunch and worked with them. Then, second lunch was reser ved for the boys while girls ate lunch. Finally, she utilized third lunch as a group practice while ever yone was present. This allowed for more time to work on individualized par ts, which Laushman believes helped their singing ability as a whole. Having all students at once leaves no oppor tunity for working with different sections, which Laushman notices has taken a toll on their per formances. “For the past 10 years, Encore has been the lunch block. I gained 125 minutes of instruction per week by teaching during the lunch break, which I did not take. It enabled us to get so much more accomplished,” Laushman said. “We are making the most of our time, but it has affected our quality of singing because instructional time has been compromised.”
Students manage the stresses of school, extracurriculars
important to them. As a result of these increased expecta“The first thing to do when you are tions, Wilson feels especially concerned. stressed is take a step back,” Fischer said. “The anxiety and price of college stresses “You have to look at what you feel is import- me out,” Wilson said. ant and prioritize your responsibilities.” However, PSU is not the only college with Despite being overly involved, Wilson a rising tuition. According to CNBC, the would not average cost of tuition at consider a a private, non-profit, fourre duc t ion year university in 2016 was of activi$31,231— up from $1,832 ties even in 1971-1972. though Community member Cinthe impordy Riachi believes the rising tance of cost of colleges around the academics nation is unjust and should has diminnot cause student pressure. ished for “The cost of college is one her. of the highest rising costs “School our society and must be -KAMRYN KELLEY in is starting contained,” Riachi said. “I to become second in my life, instead of first strongly support socializing it.” like it always has been, but I want to push “We aren’t dealing with fulmyself, so I have to make time for extracurly-formed adults at the high school riculars,” Wilson said. Not only does overinvolvement stress a level…” student out psychologically, but it also afAccording to Fischer, another source of fects their overall well-being. Wilson has ex- pressure is adults’ high expectations of stuperienced this stress firsthand. dents. “I don’t get enough sleep as it is already, “We put a lot of pressure on young adults but now the stress just keeps piling up and I to figure out what they want to do right now, get sick easily,” Wilson said. when they’re 18 and they haven’t seen or Moreover, adult pressure is another factor experienced a lot of life,” Fischer said. “It’s contributing to this pressure. According to really a difficult place to make that type of Fischer, “learning how to say no” is a prob- decision.” lem endure by many high school students. Wilson experiences these responsibilities “A teacher often says, ‘Hey, you would be on a daily basis. really good at this activity,’” Fischer said. “I feel obligated to make others happy,” “A part of you wants to try it, but you don’t Wilson said. “Everyone expects me to know realize that doing it is not really right for you what to do, but I can’t just put everything and can contribute to more overextending.” down. If I do, then I miss everything going However, a student often does not realize on around me.” they overextended until it happens. In order to combat and relieve student “It’s just like the juggler with six balls in pressure, Fischer said it is imperative to the air,” Fischer said. “He doesn’t know he “take it slow.” has a problem until one of them falls.” “We push too much too fast and we ex-
“
I am more stressed than I ever have been. I don’t come home until late at night and I barely have time to do my homework
“We look at more indicators now than we did back then…” In the case of Pittsburg State University (PSU), admissions have become “more selective.” According to PSU admissions director Melinda Roelfs, the admissions committee pays extra attention to precollege curriculum, ACT scores and class rankings. In 2001, this was not the case — students were admitted automatically as long as they graduated high school. “In general, it has been more difficult to become accepted to PSU over the past 20 years,” Roelfs said. “We look at more indicators now than we did back then.” With 85% of students on financial aid, tuition has also increased as a result of a decrease in state support. “Tuition has increased over the years in order to make up for that deficit,” Roelfs said.
”
pect high schoolers to be grown ups, but they aren’t quite there yet,” Fischer said. “We aren’t dealing with fully-formed adults at the high school level, yet we ask our students to make a lot of adult decisions.” Building relationships is also a key method used to cope with pressure. “The staff works hard at building relationships with the kids,” Ulbrich said. “When we get to know them, we can encourage them to enroll in the classes or programs that will help them be the most successful in meeting their personal educational and career goals.” However, Ulbrich believes limitations and a proper balance between school, home and extracurricular activities is the most beneficial way of handling this common pressure. “It’s okay to not be busy all the time,” Ulbrich said. “We’ve got to learn to take items
a festival of firsts
Thespian troupe earns recognition Gina Mathew @gmmathew13
Nearly 50 students traveled to Wichita Jan. 5-7 to attend the Kansas Thespian Festival. The students the opportunity to attend workshops, compete in contests and watch performances of other schools’ productions. While there, the PHS troupe encountered a number of firsts. Senior Coral VanBecelaere was the first State Thespian Officer (STO) from PHS and helped organize the conference. “I got so much leadership experience from [the Festival],” VanBecelaere said. “To be the first [STO] from PHS was definitely one of the highlights of my high school career.” The troupe also took first place in the lobby display contest. For the tenth year in a row, the group was awarded the status of Gold Honor Troupe, the highest honor a troupe can achieve. To earn this distinction, junior Cassie Hurt-McLarty, troupe historian, was responsible for creating a portfolio. “[It took] a lot of time over the semester,” Hurt-McLarty said. “I had to collect articles, photographs, ticket stubs and posters from all the different shows we did. After putting so much work into the scrapbook, it felt really nice to get a payoff.” Junior Meghan Hess was the top playwright in the state and had her original work performed by students during the Festival. “It was an experience that I’d love to live over again and again,” Hess said. “The positivity from the audience afterward was encouraging.” Performing a solo, freshman McKenna Shaw became the first PHS student to receive a superior rating. Singing “Lost in the Brass” from “Band Geeks,” McKenna qualified to compete at the International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Neb. June 19-24 and was invited to perform again later for the students. “It meant a great deal to me to be rewarded for my hard work,” McKenna said. “The gala performance was amazing [because it is] not very often that you receive the opportunity to perform in front of 2,000 of your peers.” Theater director Greg Shaw is proud of his troupe’s success this year. “I would consider ourselves to be one of the main programs in the state,” Greg said. “There’s a handful of schools that are aggressively involved in theater and we’re definitely one of them.”
SECTION D Booster Redux staff and policy Editors-in-Chief Maddie Baden Journey Jaramillo Gina Mathew Trina Paul Kali Poenitske
Design Editor Lily Black
Staff Meghan Baker Connor Balthazor Alivia Benedict Lily Black Amanda Bourbina Sophie Graham Jorden Johnson Grace Kafka Alec Kangas Nicole Konopelko Madison Nagel Grace Palmer Lexi Palmer Katie Painter Maddy Robison Patrick Sullivan Darius Tinsley Skyla Wallace Julie Wilson
Adviser Emily Smith
The Booster Redux
Pittsburg High School Student Publications 1978 E. 4th St. Pittsburg, KS 66762
PHS Student Publications Department and newspaper class produce The Booster Redux. Please call us with comments at 620235-3200. The Booster Redux’s purpose is to inform, educate, enlighten and entertain readers fairly and accurately in an open forum. Opinions expressed in editorials or opinion columns do not necessarily reflect views of all members on the Booster staff. Digital photos have not been altered to manipulate reality. Photo illustrations are labeled to reflect any technical alternations. Anonymity may be given in the following cases: the information is unable to be presented another way, the information warrants anonymity, the source’s privacy and/or reputation requires protection and the source must be protected from damages. A student or faculty member death during the coverage period will be covered with a short obituary. The Booster Redux is a member of Journalism Education Association, National Scholastic Press Association, Kansas Scholastic Press and International Quill and Scroll. The Booster Redux encourages letters from students, teachers and community members under 300 words and signed with a valid signature only. The Booster Redux reserves the right to edit contributions if they are libelous, obscene and for length. Any grammatical errors at the fault of the writer will be printed. Corrections of errors printed at the fault of the Booster staff will appear in the appropriate section of the next issue.
www.boosterredux.com
opinion
Friday Jan 27, 2017
Letter to the editor:
venezuela: A lesson in socialism In 1998 Venezuelan president of Hugo Chavez turned to socialism. In 2007 the Venezuelan government took control of the means of oil production. Things looked pretty good in 2013 when oil prices were high, but as oil prices dropped the weaknesses of socialism have reared their head. In just three years (2013-2016) the GDP has dropped 12%. Unemployment is now at 80% and inflation is a whopping 720%. The Venezuelan currency (the bolivar) has gone from 64 bolivars= 1 dollar US in 2014 to 959 bolivars= 1 dollar US in 2016. The Maduro regime is so terrified of public discourse that it has stopped publishing basic economic data. An inflated welfare state, government control of industry and prices, the printing of money and corruption has led to a full blown economic disaster. Any of that sound familiar? Many young people see socialism as a viable alternative to capitalism because they think it offers a solution to the basic inequalities that exist in every society. The problem is that taking money and property from those who earn it and giving it to those who don’t crushes incentive to earn, as wek as jobs. Many former socialist countries are moving back towards capitalism to spur their stagnant socialist economies. Imagine what American society would be like if we were socialist. Autos, computers, medicine, the cell phone, and numerous other inventions probably would never have been developed, or their quality and affordability would have been greatly diminished without without the monetary incentives and completion capitalism demands. Capitalism is the only social system that rewards virtue and punishes vice. Yet there are winners and losers in capitalism. The winners are those who are lazy, extravagant, negligent, imprudent and inefficient. With socialism, the only winners are politicians. Americans would be wise to take a lesson from Venezuela. Jeff Morey
3
staff editorial:
staff says “thank you” to bishop booster staff @PHSstudentpub Following principal Jon Bishop’s announcement of resignation earlier this month, the staff reflected on everything he has accomplished throughout his years at the high school. Bishop has always been adamant about implementing new policies with students’ interests in mind. His contributions to the school include various new AP and college courses, student identification badges and a Character Education Grant, just to name a few. This provides the schools with freshmen and sophomore advocates, Jobs for America’s Graduates and Link Crew. All of these programs allow students to be better prepared for life after high school and adding support for the journey through high school. They focus on predisposing students to real world skills they will need during their life. His advocacy for improvement and student support services assisted in earning PHS the National School of Character award, and he has won several individual awards, including the Kansas Scholastic Press Association Administrator of the Year in 2015, a SkillsUSA Administrator of the Year award, in addition to the Kansas Music Education Association’s principal of the year, once again, to name a few. Over the years, Bishop has been very supportive of the newspaper. He has been a proponent of our first amendment, and an advocate for the students. He has always supported the staff through even the most controversial issues which included topics that some may have found uncomfortable. Bishop has allowed us to travel from coast to coast to improve our journalism skills. We are grateful for everything Bishop has done for us during his time here at PHS, and we wish him all the best. GO DRAGONS.
america: the unbroken trina paul @trpaul98 Millions of women around the world, equipped with signs ranging from “we the people are greater than fear” to “the future is female”, marched under a united loathing of America’s president. While people poured out to watch Donald J. Trump’s inauguration in Washington DC the previous day, many more took to the streets the next day in Nairobi, Boston, London and other cities to show peaceful opposition to him. Articles like “The America we lost when Trump won” and “The Divided States: Trump’s inauguration and how democracy failed” all seemed to declare the notion that America had become fundamentally different when Trump was elected. While protests and marches assert that Americans have become increasingly divided in response to the campaign and election, America still remains wholly itself. Our nation has not splintered at the seams due to the election of Trump. The very fabric of America is built on its ability to handle dissent, and protests are merely one indication that American democracy is alive and well. Historically, the progress we make as a country is dependent on the voices of its citizens; that progress is indicated through the events that lead us to the strides made in gender and racial equality. In 1913, protesters launched a suffrage parade on the eve of President Wilson’s inauguration. Afterwards, other groups supporting suffrage regularly staged demonstrations and picketed the White House for nearly 18 months. Six years after the suffrage parade and a year after the pickets, the 19th amendment
ART BY ALIVIA BENEDICT
passed, finally guaranteeing women the right to vote. In 1963, more than 200,000 Americans gathered for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The march helped to rally support for the civil rights of blacks. President Kennedy viewed the success of the march as an opportunity to advocate for the passage of a civil rights bill. One year after the celebrated march, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, ensuring no discrimination based on race, religion, sex or ethnicity, was finally passed by Kennedy’s successor, President Johnson. America’s landmark decisions to grant women the right to vote and to end racial discrimination occurred because groups were active and vocal in their resistance
to the status quo. America may be divided now, but unified agreement wasn’t and isn’t necessary for America to thrive. The advancements we’ve made as a nation have occurred despite division and in part, due to it. America, in its very essence, must be in some state of discord. Without discord, America no longer possesses the diversity of thought that creates progress. Our capability to disagree and agree with one another is what drove us to revolt against the British, to abolish slavery, and to rally together after 9/11. Dissent and disagreement are essential to America’s democracy; we are not broken, we are whole because we allow ourselves to have divides.
4 Feature Student from India adjusts New life for patel : to American culture www.boosterredux.com
AMANDA BOURBINA @amandabourbina Originally from Gujarat, India, 8,208 miles away, senior Neelkumar “Neel” Patel and his mother moved to the United States looking for a better life. Neel’s biological father died of a stroke when Neel was in the sixth grade. His mother, Kalindi, was widowed for six years before he finally told her enough is enough. “Until the tenth grade, my mother [urged] me to complete my tenth grade education,” Neel said. “My mother used to be a farmer. I cannot see my mother working for me [during] such struggling times, so I insisted [on] my mother marrying someone who can support us.” In India, it is tradition to get permission from an elder in the household, such as a grandmother or grandfather to marry. Neel’s mother took his advice. “[My mother said,] ‘I don’t believe in [our kind of] traditions. As you’re my only son, I believe you, and I am asking you first,’ so, she married to a guy who can support us. He is a proper United States citizen, but he is also an Indian guy,” Neel said “[Once] they got married, [we got an] immigrant petition, and we came here, to the United States.” Neel now has a stepsister, Trisha Patel, who is also a senior. Trisha has three older sisters and one younger sister. Neel and Trisha met in India before he moved to the United States. “It’s different having a brother,” Trisha said. “But, I had actually gone to India in December for my cousin’s wedding, [and I met Neel then].” There are different types of colleges available in India such as local, regional, state and national. There is free education for people who are good at specific things, such as sports. “For state college, I just needed to show my grades. It is easier to get into local colleges. If I wanted to go to a state university, I needed to [pass] their state exam.” Neel said. “My professors [told me,] ‘if you want to complete your highest study as best you can, you must go study their masters [with] their resources.’ I was a good student in my studies.” If there is one thing Neel is passionate about, it’s his education. He wants to get the highest degree he can in computer engineering at his dream college, Stanford University. “When I was in India, it was my dream to complete my education here in America,” Neel said. “It was my childhood dream to be a student at Stanford University.”
SECTION D Friday, Jan. 27, 2017
During chemistry class, senior Neel Patel runs his test tube over aflame during an experiment. PHOTO BY MADDY EMERSON
arrows aimed toward excellence
Archery welcomes a variety of students MADDY ROBISON @maddyrobison19 Trying to get one more shot in before the first bell rings, freshman Megan Loudermilk prepares for her upcoming archery competition. “I like the Hunger Games, so I thought it would be cool to know how to shoot a bow [like the main character, Katniss Everdeen], and I ended up actually really enjoying the sport,” Loudermilk said. “My parents got me a bow for Christmas, and I started shooting three years ago, but this will be my first time in competition.” Mary Packard and Kris Mengarelli started the program three years ago. “[When we started the program] it was the first time Packard or myself had ever coached archery,” Mengarelli said. “We were part of the outdoor club, and we did an archery training course and received the archery equipment. Several students began talking to us about starting an archery club, so we decided to get the program started.” Since the first season, the club has more than doubled in size and moved from the middle school to the Megan Mallatt Activity Center for practices. “Coach Mengarelli and I inadvertently became the sponsors [after] we took a class to become archery leaders in the spring. [We] started the team the follow
-ing December,” Packard said. “ When we practiced at the middle school we could only have six archers shoot at one time. We now have the ability for 26 archers to shoot at once.” Junior Crispin vonWinklepleck has been in the program since his freshman year. “I like going to the competitions, seeing new places and getting to meet new people who have the same interests as I do. It’s cool getting to see how people from different schools shoot,” vonWinklepleck said. “My goals for this season are to place and go to nationals. I would also like to make it to the 3D state competition.” Loudermilk also has a goal to place in her competitions this season. “I feel I have improved a lot since the beginning of this season. I have been going to the practices, and Coach Mengarelli has been helping me find my aiming points,” Loudermilk said. “I know that the people there will be better than me, but I’m going to go, do my best and have fun.” The club is made up of kids from all corners of the school, members are involved if not one, many different activities in and out of school. “I love how the program is for everyone,” Mengarelli said. “We have a very diverse group of students who all get along and help each other improve.”
Preparing to shoot, freshman Gabe Clothier takes aim for the bullseye during morning practice before school. PHOTO BY MORGAN NOE
how to save a life: Students earn CNA certification MEGHAN BAKER
@meghanbaker11
As her eight-hour shift ends at Pittsburg Health and Rehabilitation, junior Andrea McCloskey is exhausted and feels accomplished. McCloskey is a certified nursing assistant (CNA). To be a CNA, a student takes a CNA class and must pass a test to earn a CNA license. “The class usually takes 6 to 8 weeks. Actually it takes 90 literal hours of class time. The benefits are that it is a short school commitment, and you get a job paying above minimum wage,” Fort Scott Community College Occupational Recruiter Judy Meister said. Topics covered are basic nursing skills, resident rights and dignity, vital signs, personal care skills,
safety, and some rehabilitative services. It consists of 49 hours classroom learning (i.e., lecture, reading, discussions and videos), 20 hours of hands-on lab sessions and 25 hours of clinical training in a long-term care nursing facility. Senior Wes Jameson believes the CNA class set him ahead and being a CNA has benefits. “[The CNA class] gives you experience for the area of the health field you plan to go into that requires a license of CNA,” Jameson said. “It helps you build social and communication skills because you’re working and talking with people the entire time.” Along with the benefits, being a CNA can also have an emotional toll. “The hardest part is seeing a resident in pain, or a resident pass away,” McCloskey said. “It’s especially
hard when the resident is in pain, and I can’t do anything about it.” Every day comes with new adventures, and being a CNA is extensive. “I usually worked day shift, which is 7 am to 3 pm,” McCloskey said. “I get all of the residents up and ready for breakfast. Next, I assist anyone with their breakfast. Then, I give residents their showers and answer their call lights. Towards the end of my shift, I clean residents up and start my charting of what each resident did during my shift.” While there are also struggles, being a CNA can be worth it. “Being a CNA is a very rewarding job,” McCloskey said. “I have close bonds with my residents and I encourage them as much as I can.”
Out with the old, in with the new Students attend Trump’s inauguration DARIUS TINSLEY @dtinsley250
On Jan. 18, seven students departed PHS with their destination set for the nation’s Capitol and the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States. This isn’t the first time PHS has attended an inauguration. In fact, a non-profit organization called WorldStrides sponsors the trips invited PHS in 2013 and now for President Trump’s inauguration. The trip’s sponsor, social science teacher Gary Wolgamott, expressed high aspirations for the trip and hoped experiencing the event provided a level of education that a
textbook cannot. “I think it’s a really good opportunity to learn about the American government other than just looking at their textbook. We got to visit the sites. We get to see the documents like the Constitution and the Declaration of Independance and we also got to witness not only a historic event, but we got to see how democracy actually works. It’s that peaceful transition of power from one president to the other,” Wolgamott said. Though the students who attended the trip were tourists, the goal was to establish a
learning experience. “We will talk about the stuff that we’re seeing and I will answer questions that someone might have. The purpose of the trip is that they will bring back the knowledge they obtain and hopefully share that information with other students that in four years might be able to participate,” Wolgamott said before the trip. After the students returned to Pittsburg, multiple expressed their expectations and whether or not the trip truly met them. “I wanted to see as many monuments as I
could. We ended up going to most the monuments and we didn’t really leave any out. It was really cool,” junior Walt Sours said. Other than the inauguration and the historic monuments, the students also saw the large women’s marches that occurred the day after the inauguration. While unplanned, the experience was a positive one. “The next day when we were going through the women’s march, the big event,” Sours said. “Everyone was really nice and got out of the way because we were a tourist group.”
SECTION D
A&E
www.boosterredux.com Friday, Jan. 27, 2017
5
“stoney” is high above the rest
Sullivan voices positive opinion on Post Malone’s recent album patrick sulivan @P_Sullivan15 The name Post Malone has made it’s way around the hip-hop industry for the wild hit, single “White Iverson,” back in August of 2015. Following the release of this tune that put the up-and-coming artist Post Malone on the map, he has granted us with the release of his album. I am a big fan of Malone’s sound on “White Iverson” and definitely hoped for the same style in his new release. Stoney was released on Dec. 9 and features other hip-hop artists such as Quavo, Justin Bieber and 2 Chainz. The star power he features on Stoney shows off his recognition in the hip hop industry and the notoriety he has gained while constructing the album. The first track on the album is titled “Broken Whiskey Glass,” It starts off very slow and progressively gets faster and by two and a half minutes Malone is on fire. This song is my personal favorite from the album, bringing a laid-back vibe while still showing off his complex verses. Another track that caught my attention my first time listening is “I Fall Apart.” It showcases Malone’s singing ability and quite honestly left me shocked. He does
not hold back in “No Option” and after listening to Stoney in it’s entirety, I have no doubt Post Malone has one of the better voices in hip hop today. His style of R&B music combined with his smooth voice merges perfectly. “Deja Vu” featuring Justin Bieber is another notable track on Stoney. Their two voices complement each other well and wouldn’t be surprised to see them work together in the future. “Too Young” and “Patient” are two other tracks that I would consider honorable mentions for my favorites of the album. Out of the seventeen tracks on Stoney, I can confidently say that there is not a single track I would not listen to again. The album is solid throughout and is a sleeper for 2016 albums. One thing that I would completely disagree with is the notion that Post Malone is a one hit wonder because I believe that some of this 21 year old’s best music is still to come. Post Malone released a teaser for his new project “Beerbongs & Bentleys” right around the new year. From the half minute clip this song shows great promise, just as I would say Malone’s career does. I loved Stoney, and I encourage all rap, hip hop and R&B fans to give it a listen.
wilson captured by animated film Student expresses satisfaction toward new movie Jule WIlson @jlwilson Illumination Entertainment has produced several animated movies since 2007. A few of these movies include The Secret Life of Pets, Minions, The Lorax and most recently Sing, directed by Garth Jennings, was released. With the voice of Matthew McConaughey, a koala bear named Buster Moon has financial struggles and decides to host a singing competition in a last effort to save his theatre. After managing to scrape together what he had, Buster saved $1,000 which he used as the reward for the winner of the competition. While making fliers to advertise the competition, Buster’s assistant Miss Crawly, an iguana, mistakes the $1,000 reward for $100,000 reward. After these fliers ended up all over town, almost everybody and their brothers took interest in it. The characters include a pig by the name of Rosita, a gorilla named
(620) 231-2230
315 W 3rd St, Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 231-6230 315 E 4th St, Pittsburg, KS 66762
Johnny, a porcupine named Ash, an elephant named Meena, a mouse named Mike, and another pig named Gunter. These are the select few that were chosen to be in the show after the all of the auditions and rehearsals. This singing competition brought a lot of misfortune to Buster and his theatre. This left him no other option than to move into his friend, Eddie’s (voice by John C. Reilly) pool house and do car washes to save up money in an attempt to get the theatre back. The voice overs were done by very popular actors such as Reese Witherspoon, Taron Egerton, Scarlett Johansson, Tori Kelly, Seth Macfarlane, Nick Kroll and even the director Garth Jennings. The music and the people singing could not have been any better. Hearing them sing made me think I was watching an episode of Glee. My favorite song was when Tori
620-235-0286 524 N Broadway St, Pittsburg, KS 66762
822 N Broadway St. Pittsburg,
(620) 231-4144 KS 66762 | 620-235-1939 565 E 510th Ave, Pittsburg, KS 6672
Kelly, voice of Meena, was singing “Hallelujah”. I really enjoyed watching this movie. Like most other Illumination Entertainment produced movies, it makes you feel like a kid again but in a good way. Although the movie was fantastic, my experience while watching the movie was not what you would call ideal. You might imagine the cliched screaming infants in the theatre, but it was in fact the opposite. It was the loud, screaming teenagers sitting the in the row behind me. Multiple times I found myself turning to them and asking in the nicest way possible to quiet down, but I am guessing they were not taught proper theatre etiquette. I think I will most likely be seeing this movie again pretty soon. Not only to have a better experience but to sing along with the music too.
(620) 231-2871 2002 S Rouse Ave, Pittsburg, KS 66762
620-404-5155 2609 N Broadway, Suite A Pittsburg, KS 66762
6 feature
Friday, Jan. 27, 2017
meet the candidates: If you could be any movie star, who would you be? Why should people vote fancy makeup for you? Jennifer Lawrence “I’m involved in a lot and I love being a dragon.”
www.boosterredux.com SECTION D
Eight prospects for homecoming royalty
how to:
Dress up for red carpet Thursday
Hollywood hair
Jennifer Lawrence “I’ve represented PHS in various activities (ex. Sports and choir) and I think this would be another great way to represent the Senior class.”
logan lord, 12
Jayden hammond, 12
painted nails Dwayne “The Rock”Johnson “I’m not narcissistic. I’m involved. I go to all the games. Jake Unruh is my best friend.”
Jake Gyllenhaal “I do sports and Encore and I try to be as involved as possible. I like people. Who is Caleb Dial?”
caleb dial, 12`
jake unruh, 12
Glamorous dress
Blake Lively “I’ve gone to Pittsburg schools since kindergarten. I’m involved in a lot. It’s my first time on the Homecoming Court. I am excited to represent the Junior class.”
Kristen Bell “I like to be involved with school. I feel like I represent the activities I’m involved in.”
high heels
maddie baden, 11
Taylor redd, 11
MODELED BY KYRA KETCHAM
Spirit Week Monday- Marvel Monday Tuesday- Tourist Tuesday Wednesday- Class Color Day Thursday- Red Carpet Thursday Friday- Film Friday
Dwayne “The Rock”Johnson “I’m really involved in seven clubs and activities. I think I could represent PHS really well.”
james richey, 11
Will Ferrell “Why not. My dawg is Marco Savage.”
chase johnson, 11
how to
1
2
Tie a tie in six easy steps 3
4
5
6
GRAPHICS CREATED BY GRACE PALMER, PHOTOS BY MADDY EMERSON
basketball players reflect on guidance How has senior leadership impacted your season? “The seniors help a lot, we get to learn from their mistakes, and they show us what we need to do to make the team better.”
“The seniors encourage me to be a better player.”
lyric minniefield, 9
Gavyn Elkamil, 9 “The upperclassmen help a lot on and off the court, they teach us how to be good leaders.”
Trenton austin, 10
“Learning from their experiences has helped us a lot as a team.”
isaac leverenz, 11
“Without the seniors I wouldn’t have been able to make it through the season. They push me to be a better person on and off the court.”
Leah Wescott, 10
“Our senior leadership has really been strong. I feel like it has helped me grow, become a better basketball player and be more motivated every day. Our seniors have been really good in making us a team and a family.”
Abbie Casper, 11 “It’s kind of different this year given I’m the only senior. It’s hard for me to lead the team by myself so the juniors have helped me a lot this year. We are all leaders within the team and we all just help each other.”
elijah harris, 12
“It’s much easier for us seniors to step up, because the lower classman want help on the court.”
daeshia turner, 12
wrestling Top seven wrestling statistics wrestler
wins
losses
1. Kayne Hutchison
27
1
2. Dylan Prince
22
2
3. Wes Jameson
22
6
4. Deveron Duncan
19
2
5. A.J. Lair
13
7
6. Kolton Darrow
13
7
7. Reece Watson
13
7