From being taught, to teaching
Opinion Pg. 3 Deciding the next steps
Making mental health a priority
New club promotes health and well-being of students
Words by | Hailey Gray
The Dragon Wellness club is a new club that was established at PHS in Oct. 2024. The club is led by Health Teacher and Girls Assistant Basketball coach Anita Walker.
The Dragon Wellness club currently has 18 members. Walker has not opened the club up to everyone in the school community yet; she first spoke up about it in her classes and encouraged people to join. However, the goal is to eventually invite anybody into the club.
The club is dedicated to creating a better culture within our school and community. Walker wants to focus on mental, emotional, physical, and social health while also educating the students and community on it.
“We aim to provide all students a place to belong, grow and learn,” Walker said. “We want them to
be aware of mental health and use their voices positively.”
Sophomore Noah Mowdy is in Walker’s health class and has joined the club. He expresses that the main goal of the club is to make people feel comfortable with their surroundings. The club is centered around making the community better as a whole.
“We want to better the people around us and help them to be more educated about real mental problems,” Mowdy said. “We want to make the school more relaxing and fun. In a way, we want school to feel less like a job and more like a sanctuary to learn.”
Despite being a new club, Dragon Wellness club has jumped right in to participating in different projects.
“The upcoming projects are essential for promoting community service,” Walker said. “They boost the
self-esteem and positivity of our members.”
At the end of October, the club collaborated with Culinary club and hosted the 1st Annual Halloween Trunk or Treat at PHS. Recently, they have collaborated with The Salvation Army for their Christmas initiatives.
“These events not only provide community service hours but also foster confidence and instill the value of giving back,” Walker said.
Here at PHS there are many clubs that participate in community service to help out around all the USD 250 schools and around the community in general. However, Mowdy reveals that this one particularly has been beneficial.
“I have enjoyed creating a club that has morals,” Mowdy said. “We are not in it for the status, but it is truly about helping people and the community to feel safe and comfortable.”
Family helps family: Culinary
Words by | Mason Deringer
The Culinary Club hosted a bake sale at the Football game on Oct. 25. The bake sale is normally used to help finance their club, but this time they felt they should support a different cause.
When a fellow student, Junior Alyssa Heydenrych, was abruptly diagnosed with cancer, the Culinary Club thought it would be best to send all the money they earned in the bake sale to her family.
“Alyssa came to a culinary club meeting and I had her in class,” Chef Anthony Fischer said. “We thought it was only right to help her in any way we can.”
Junior Savana Wisdom is the Culinary Club President. She believes, although Alyssa didn’t attend many meetings, she became a part of the family.
“We were motivated to donate to the Heydenrych family, because family helps family,” Wisdom said.
The Culinary Club is almost completely student run. They make a lot of big decisions on their own.
“Our kids are the leaders,” Fischer said, “All of our officers have been in the club for three years so they know how it works and how to run it. They actually
club raises money for one of their own in need
came up with the idea themselves on where the money from the bake sale should go.”
The intent of the club is to build friendships and create relationships while cooking.
“Our main purpose is to create and build bonds through food,” Wisdom said, “Everyone in our club knows they can go to one another if they need anything because of the relationships we’ve built.”
The Culinary Club goes to multiple events throughout the year, displaying their food and serving the community.
“We like to stay busy and have stuff planned all the time,” Fischer said, “We served elementary students a Thanksgiving meal, and like to host bake sales frequently, just to name a few.”
The Culinary Club believes there’s a deeper meaning behind food, and it impacted their decision to help out a fellow classmate.
“We strongly feel that food is a conveyance of love in its purest form,” Wisdom said, “With love and support we believe Alyssa can overcome and accomplish anything that faces her.”
Dragon Wellness club recieves donation for their organization. Photo provided by | Anita Walker
Illustration by | Heather Mowdy
2 FEATURE
From being taught, to teaching
Meet some of the teachers that work at the school they graduated from
Words by | Addi Foster
Kelynn Heardt would describe her high school self as friendly, athletic and sleepy.
“I loved high school. I participated in volleyball, basketball, softball, DECA, FCA and French club. I always knew I wanted to teach and coach, but when I graduated from PHS, I decided to major in communications and public relations. My junior year of college, I switched my major to education and never looked back. I always knew that was what I wanted to do, but teaching never sounds glamorous. It’s hard work, but I ultimately learned that to be happy, I couldn’t ignore what my heart was telling me I needed to do and what my purpose would be for the career I chose. Helping teens turn into productive young adults is one of the most fulfilling jobs anyone could have. I loved teaching and coaching, and I love the challenge of being an administrator. I never thought I would be a principal, but here I am. Nobody is more surprised than me. PHS is home. I have the best memories from my time here and wanted to be a part of building a culture similar to the one I got to experience. It has been a joy to be back home! I’ve been at PHS for nine years, and I absolutely love our Dragon students and staff. We have built a great team that cares a lot about our students and about each other. Not every school is like this. It is pretty special.”
Words by | Addi Foster
Aaron Burns would describe his high school self as lead by example.
“I enjoyed my high school experience! I was involved in football, track/field, encore, NHS and the spring musical (Grease) my senior year. I did not know what I wanted to do for a “career” after high school and college. I ended up going to Pittsburg State University on a scholarship in plastics engineering technology, but did not ever go into that industry. I found my enjoyment in education by working as a paraeducator for a number of years. I would still say I do not have any major “career” plans, but I very much enjoy what I do right now! I wanted to have the opportunity to serve at my alma mater, and to help provide students with a great experience in their activities, like I had. This is the start of my fourth year at PHS, and my favorite part is the people I get to serve with on a daily basis, and the opportunity to make students and visitors feel welcome.”
Maggie Francis would describe her high school self as involved, creative and friendly.
“My high school experience was
and
I was mainly involved in
yearbook and NHS. When I was in
school, I planned on going to
school. After graduating, I quickly changed my mind and actually changed my major three times before deciding on an English
Someone
out to
when
became available. Only being a few years out of high school, I knew that I was familiar with the staff and the school dynamic. I spent a lot of time in the library as a student, so coming back as staff seemed like a good fit. This
Words by | Addi Foster
Elliot would describe his high school self as involved, social and motivated.
“I enjoyed my high school experience. I was involved in football, basketball and baseball. For clubs/activities, I was involved in NHS and Spanish Club. I participated in debate as a freshman. I also competed in various math competitions throughout my time at PHS. When I was leaving high school, my career goal was to work in an athletic administration office at the collegiate level. I wanted to work to eventually become an athletic director at a university. After taking an accounting class, I realized that I didn’t want to pursue a business degree and moved into the teaching field. I really enjoyed my time at PHS. As a student and I wanted to contribute to the continued growth of the school as a teacher and now an administrator. I grew up in this community and really enjoy living here. Being close to family was also a major factor in coming back to PHS. I have now been a PHS staff member for 13 years, and my favorite part is working with students and staff. I appreciate the relationships that I am able to build with everyone in the building. Seeing a student overcome struggles or being successful is always a great part of my day. I also really enjoy seeing my old school working to become a better place for students and one day for my own children.”
Words by | Addi Foster
Russian would describe her high school self as nice to everyone.
“High school wasn’t my greatest accomplishment. Of course, I did my work and didn’t get into trouble. I just did what I had to do to graduate. If I wanted a car, I had to work; therefore, I wasn’t involved in any activities. For some, high school is amazing, but for me it wasn’t. Life became way better after graduation! I had considered nursing and took all of my prerequisites for PSU’s nursing program. I was in the program for two days and realized it was behaviors I was more interested in than the physical aspects of taking care of a person. I landed in the office of the director of social work at PSU, and he suggested I come the next morning for a class called Human Behavior in the Social Environment, and I was hooked. Although I worked a few social work positions through the years, my goal was to be a stay-at-home mom and was blessed enough to do that. Once all of my children were in school full time, I was offered a job as a secretary at PCMS so I could have similar hours and days as them. Our superintendent six years ago created my social work position, and I was the lucky one who filled it. When I began working as secretary for our district, I was actually at PCMS. over here, and I didn’t hesitate to apply. Coming back full circle to my alma mater felt surreal! Working with high school students is where my passion is. Teenagers aren’t quite adults, but they’re not like little kids anymore either. It’s a very tough age. I believe because I struggled in my high school years, I want to assist others that struggle for various reasons. Not knowing who you are or where you fit in can be difficult. Then sometimes add a tumultuous home life on top of being a teenager…so hard! I have now been at PHS for six years, and my favorite part about working at PHS would be the students. I believe in our students and even those who don’t feel they have much of a future. My hope is to give them tools and know their self-worth. I want all kids to believe they’re capable and that there is zero shame in asking for help. When I see students as successful, happy adults in the community and they thank me for believing in them, that’s all the satisfaction and reward I need!”
Words by | Addi Foster
Neil would describe his high school self as peculiar, playful and ignorant (but curious)
“I was involved in band, Scholars Bowl, theater, NHS and Spanish Club. I really enjoyed high school. I had a great group of friends. I really enjoyed most of the classes that I took. Some of the highlights were Shakespeare and AP Spanish. I was pretty directionless (I do not mean this in a negative way) in high school. I really just declared music as my major because it was something that I enjoyed. I haven’t become bored with it, so I’ll stick with the music thing for a while longer. I took a year off after undergrad to write music and bolster my composition portfolio because I wanted to pursue advanced degrees in music theory and composition. However, in that year, the PHS band job opened up. I decided to apply after some encouragement from Mrs. Laushman and Mr. Trey Wadell. My goal was to spend five years at PHS and get the program on track. Five years went by, and I just loved it so much that I decided to stick around, and it was the best/hardest decision that I’ve ever made. I have now been at PHS for 13 to 14 years and PHS not only offers tons of opportunities for its students, it also offers so much opportunity to its staff. I work at a school where I am allowed and encouraged to be creative. I have the greatest colleagues, students and administration who encourage me to not be THE best, but to be MY best. MY best is unlimited. THE best has a cap. I prefer that no cap life…no-cap.”
Words by | Addi Foster Cummings would describe her high school self as awkward, reserved and studious.
“I was involved in high school. I was in FCA, Spanish club, and National Honor Society. I was on the golf and track teams but was terrible! I was on the dance team. I wanted to be a physical therapist, working predominantly in sports medicine. My career is very different from what I thought it would be! I applied for a job at PHS because I wanted to stay close to my family, and the teachers I had in high school were so amazing! I felt like it was a good fit and that I would be able to grow professionally. I have now been teaching at PHS for 25 years, and I enjoy the diversity of the students. I enjoy having discussions in my classes because I learn so much about the different life experiences of my students.”
Words by | Addi Foster
Kelynn Heardt’s senior photo, Class of 1995 Kelynn Heardt is the head principal.
Aaron Burns’ senior photo, Class of 2009
Aaron Burns is the activities and athletic director.
Maggie Francis’ senior photo, Class of 2019
Maggie Francis is the library assistant.
Trevor Elliot is an assistant principal.
Trevor Elliot’s senior photo, Class of 2007
Susan Russian is the school’s soical worker.
Susan Russian’s senior photo, Class of 1989
Cooper Neil’s senior photo, Class of 2005
Cooper Neil’s is the band director.
Abbey Cummings is an English teacher.
Abbey Cummings’ senior photo, Class of 1994
is my third year working at PHS, and my favorite part about working here is seeing the school change and grow. I have a new
Words by | Addi Foster Slavens would
Wes Slavens is a P.E. teacher.
Wes Slavens’ senior photo, Class of 2009
Deciding the next step
Nickelson explains worries after graduation
Words by | Chloe Nickelson
My whole life I feel as though I have been ready and prepared for college. And now, here I stand, a little over one semester away from graduating and I no longer have that same feeling. Now, I find myself worried about taking on so much in the transition from high school into college.
It comes as no surprise to anyone that the step from high school to college is a big one, and there are many new things that incoming college students have to get ready to take on.
One of those things is financial responsibility. Now, some people will stay with their parents, but for those others who choose to move away, financial issues come about in the forms of insurance, taxes, and bills. Of course this doesn’t even include paying for college in itself, buying yourself food, and paying for your own basic necessities.
As someone who will be paying for the majority of my personal and college expenses during my time in college, these prices seem infinitely daunting compared to my current paychecks which are going towards Sonic drinks and Marshalls trips. Something else I worry about is finding a new personality and finding out who I am
in college. Right now as a high school senior I know who my friends are, and they are always close by. Going into college, I know that some of my friends will be leaving to go to other colleges and I will be meeting new people. And personally, as someone who has not always been the best at meeting new people, this terrifies me.
And as if the financial burdens as well as the personal burdens that come with college aren’t enough, during this whole process of college, I will be attempting to figure out what I want to do with my life.
Now for someone who already knows what they want to do for their future career, this step becomes a bit easier. But, for those who are undecided and still figuring out what they want to do, this just adds to the stress of the transition.
So, just to recap on why me, a high school senior, is currently so stressed about the transition from high school to college is due to a multitude of reasons that range from finances to choosing a future career. But, overall I feel as though my stress is normal for anyone put in this situation.
Seniors, or any high school student for
that matter, if you find yourself worrying over college, just know I completely understand.
A tool or a distraction?
Mowdy shares opinion on recent controversy
Now more than ever, technology is readily available and most students have multiple
Phones are in the hands of every student. You can see them walking the halls with earbuds in or headphones on.
Teachers have begun to get tired of seeing students distracted by phones. Does this mean that phones should be
Phones can be a useful tool in the communication, a way to do research, a nice brain break, and many One way I use my phone in the classroom is by communicating
with others. As a journalist, I have to be in contact with a lot of people all at once. My phone allows me to do so as it is a way to communicate with just a click of a button. This can also be useful during a school project or to get a hold of a teacher or coach. Most things have been moved online since the recent pandemic. Due to this, phones can be a way that assignments can be accessed as an alternative to a computer.
My favorite way to use my phone during class is to listen to music. I am doing so as I write this, actually. It is something that helps me focus and also helps many others.
Likewise, I also get on my phone as a reward to myself at the end of the class or once I have finished all of my work. It can be a motivating factor to complete all of my work in a decent amount of time instead of procrastinating, which I do often. As well, I also will use it as a brain break when I can no longer think. Being a senior, I have a lot of harder classes and lots of work to do and sometimes I can feel overloaded and my brain just needs a break. A fun game on my phone can help to provide that.
Now, one may argue that this can also all be done on a computer. However, I will also then argue that a computer can be just as much of a distraction as a phone can. Phones are easier for most kids to access and use, though, so all of these benefits are more beneficial from a phone.
So no, I do not think that phones should be banned from schools as they can be a beneficial tool to the kids’ learning.
Unnecessary pressure to fit in Gray
expresses thougths on societal standards
Words by | Hailey Gray
Oftentimes, I wonder if what I’m wearing is okay, if I’m being too sensitive, too harsh, if I have the right beliefs, among so many other things. I’m sure I’m not the only one that feels this way often. Nowadays, not only are we so quick to judge others but we are constantly feeling pressured to live a certain way or look a certain way, and sometimes to feel a certain way. While a lot of this does come from social media, it can even just be seen when you are in public. The way we as humans are so quick to judge, I believe plays a role in this. These instances can vary from deciding what career path to go down, beauty standards, and many other standards. However, the good thing is that these are not “rules.” They are not rules that we have to follow. Believe it or not, you can
actually wear whatever you want, or feel anyway that you want, and even decide your own future even if it’s not gonna make a high amount of money. My point is, these standards have not done any good for the society, it has put an unnecessary amount of pressure on the society and has led to unrealistic standards that can also take a toll on the individual themself.
There is no correct way to live. However, many people feel like there is. This is because of the societal standards that have been emphasized. But, the problem is, these societal standards can lead to mental health problems in people. Not feeling like you’re doing enough is going to result in anxiety, depression, maybe even some alcohol or drug abuse which leads to even bigger problems. Meeting societal norms or standards does
not lead to success. You can be successful no matter how you look, feel, live your life, how much money you make. It takes more than those things to be successful. Being successful means you have to be committed and dedicated. It has nothing to do with what other people think or expect out of you. Your success depends on you and you only.
In conclusion, I believe that societal standards should not be something to worry about. I am guilty of worrying about what people will think of me and I am not saying that we should never wonder if we’re doing the right thing because sometimes we should. But at the same time, sometimes we should just do what we want and not worry about the standards because in the end it is your life and not the societies or someone else’s.
Illustrationby |HeatherMowdy
Illustration by Heather Mowdy
Right foot wear Fund goes towards athletes’ shoes
Words by | Heather Mowdy
For about two years now, the Dragon Feet Fund has helped several of our student athletes perform to the best of their abilities by providing proper shoes for those in need.
Dragon Feet began with help from PHS alumni Matt Knoll. After coaching at the collegiate level for several years, he wanted to come back to his hometown and give back.
Knoll then visited with Jeff Staley, PHS athletic director, to decide the best way to do so.
“[Knoll] originally wanted to send every athlete to camp for free,” Staley said. “Then, somehow, it turned into shoes, and we went for shoes.”
PHS has several students that qualify for free and reduced lunch. In other words, those families don’t have as much money as others. Those kids, who also play sports, might not have access to new sports shoes; and this
is something that Knoll and Staley wanted to change.
“A lot of our students can’t afford to buy athletic shoes,” Staley said. “They want to participate in sports, but they rely on generous people in this community to get them shoes. They are either hand-medowns or slightly used shoes or something like that.”
With help from Jock’s Nitch and generous donors, the Dragon Feet Fund has supplied 75 students with new shoes for their sport this last fall alone.
“It was very important to Mr. Knoll that they experience shopping for shoes,” Staley said. “[The students] get to go to Jock’s Nitch and go shopping, and any pair of shoes that are in there they can get free of charge.”
If a student plays more than one sport, they will have the opportunity to get shoes for each season.
“I have been so surprised at how
Additions to the staff Wrestling program gains new coaches
Words by | Chloe Nickelson
For the 2024-2025 wrestling season, Pittsburg High School’s wrestling program has gained two new assistant coaches.
For the past seven years, the program has been led by SparkWell student support coordinator and head wrestling coach LC Davis.
“Since I’ve been here, it’s always been a natural transition with assistant coaches,” Davis said. “We also have two volunteer assistants that will be helping us out in the room and they are also going to be great additions.”
One of the new assistant coaches is Karsyn Stewart who is also one of PHS’ assistant volleyball coach.
“She had already made a great bond with our female athletes,” Davis said. “That’s why we brought her on board.”
Not only is this Stewart’s first year coaching wrestling at PHS, but this was also her first time being an assistant volleyball coach for PHS in the 2024 season.
“I hope that I can bring energy and my positive attitude
Providing a way to stay active The rise of a game makes way for new club
Words by | Noah Mowdy
A brand new club, Pickleball Club, was introduced in September. Jessica Mildfelt, a Spanish teacher, sponsored this club.
“I wanted to provide students an opportunity to meet up and play pickleball with other students,” Mildfelt said.
The club meets every Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m at the Johnson courts.
“We play pickleball and teach those who want to learn how to play,” Mildfelt said. “We play games against each other and against local community members who are there as well.”
According to Mildfelt, she sees potential in the participants.
“We hope to get some kids involved in local tournaments and possibly even host a tournament,” Mildfelt said.
Zahid Lira, a junior, is one of the original members of Pickleball Club.
“I joined Pickleball Club because I love the sport and all my friends play,” Lira said.
Not every student at PHS has the resources to play pickleball on their own time, so this club provides that oppotunity.
“With our club, students just need to show up and we will find someone for them to play against,” Mildfelt said. “We also provide extra equipment for those who don’t have any.”
Students participating in the club have the opportunity to play with other community members and improve their skills.
“My favorite part of Pickleball Club is how everyone
gathers up and we all play and just enjoy the times together,” Lira said.
As of right now, there are currently over 100 students involved in Pickleball Club.
“This club provides a safe space for our youth to play with others, meet new people, and get some physical activity outside of school sports,” Mildfelt said.
Pickleball is not currently a KHSAA regulated sport, however, according to Lira, there are high hopes to
to the PHS wrestling coaching staff,” Stewart said.
According to Stewart, although she has never wrestled before, her motive for coaching this sport is to help her in future endeavors.
“I decided to coach wrestling because I aspire to be a head volleyball coach one day and this is a great learning opportunity for me,” Stewart said. “Wrestling is a sport where you have to have grit. This is going to help me in my future years of coaching on how to keep my players motivated and working hard.”
The other assistant wrestling coach that was brought on board this year is Johnny Akin.
“Johnny Akin is one of our new assistants,” Davis said. “He wrestled at Saint Thomas Aquinas. His dad was one of the best wrestlers to come out of Kansas.”
According to Davis, even after losing two seasoned assistant coaches, the gain of coaches in Stewart and Akin had helped continue to build the program higher.
“We lost two good assistants and had to replace two good assistants and I feel like we did that,” Davis said. “We have a great coaching staff.”
Hotze signs letter of intent on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Photo by | Camden Huffman
Illustration by | Heather Mowdy
Illustrationby |Heather Mowdy
Junior Savannah Shires gets excited during match. Photo by | Isabella Silva