March 2014

The Booster Redux Pittsburg High School 1978 E. 4th Street Pittsburg, KS 66762 Vol. 97, Issue 8 www.boosterredux.com

Friday, March 28, 2014

Cutting the ribbon for the new field, membr of the school board, coaches, and softall players attend the opening ceremony for the softball field. The softball team has never had its own field and appreciates all the efforts. PHOTO BY ABBY HARRIS

Ceremony celebrates new softball field Ribbon cutting starts off new season on home soil at Purple and White scrimmage

BY IVAN WALTER @ivanthehoss56

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he Pittsburg high school softball team started in 1991 but have never played a true home game. Ever since the softball team’s inception they have played away from the high school.

“I am very lucky to be able to come in where they have already built a new facility and have done all the hard work,” head softball coach Megan Burleson said. “I get to enjoy it, we are all very excited.”

The softball team played its

Even though Packard is no longer the softball coach, she was still excited for the future of the program “I am so excited for the softball team,” Packard said.

“The field looks great, I always said if we were going to build a new field it has to be a first class field.”

With the new field opening players can finally have regular practices.

“It’s easier practicing on our own field,” junior Hannah Drenick said. “We can just walk outside and practice, we don’t have to wait until 3:30 p.m. to

first home game after a ribbon cutting event to introduce the field. The ribbon cutting event was held on March 13 before the softball’s purple and white scrimmage.

“It was basically all the hard work and money put into the field,” Burleson said. “All the community members who put a part into the field came out and we just had a ceremony to open the field for our first official home game. We had many people speak at the event Principal Jon Bishop, former head coach Mary Packard and I all said something.”

Turnbull selected for exchange program Teacher to travel to Japan through Fulbright program

BY JOSH LEE

@iamthejoshlee

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n order to teach, there has to be a recipient who learns. Social science teacher Rebecca Turnbull is one of a selected 24 people from the United States who will travel to Japan this summer. Turnbull will learn how to implement different types of education into her classrooms.

Turnbull will be taking part in the Fulbright International Teacher Exchange program. Each year, 24 teachers from the U.S. are selected to be traded with other teachers from a foreign country.

This program has educated teachers about the Education of Sustainable Development (ESD) since 1946, when the program was first started.

“It is a chance to get professional training with sustainable development,” Turnbull said. “It will be a learning experience, and we will be able to see how they use ESD in their classes. It should be pretty neat.”

ESD gives students the chance to receive knowledge that allows them to shape a sustainable future for both themselves and the world. Once implemented into the classroom, ESD will promote the development of skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, and the making of decisions for the future.

“Geography ESD fits, because geography fits with science and social studies, and with sociology, we can look at how we treat our elderly and how the elderly are treated in Japan. Or looking

SEE TURNBULL PAGE 2D

eighth grade visit eighth graders take tour of furure school Page 2D

hydroponics project Botany class grows plants without soil Page 7D

be taken to another field.”

Taking a bus to practice is a hassle according to the softball players. It takes time out of practices and gets kids home later than normal which affects time for schoolwork.

“We have had a huge need for a softball field here at PHS, we’ve never had one,” Activities Director Doug Hitchcock said.

“We acquired some land south of the high school and we built a whole new softball field.”

The softball players really appreciate having a different place to play.

“It’s great to have a new field,” SEE SOFTBALL PAGE 2D

Extracurricular activities get the ball rolling HOSA, DECA, Journalism, Autotech place in competitions

BY MOLLY GRAHAM @molllygraham

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ver the course of the month, different activities showed off their talents at competitions throughout the state. On Feb. 28, English teacher and Student Publications adviser Emily Smith traveled with members of Student Publications to Lawrence to showcase their design, photography and writing talents at the Kansas Scholastic Press Association Regionals contest. Out of the 31 students that entered, 13 placed and will be competing at State.

DECA is a professional organization that develops academically prepared, experienced leadership skills, professionally responsible and community oriented individuals, according to Linda Turner, teacher and DECA sponsor.

“This organization provides the students with the tools to find and pursue the career that is perfectly designed for them to lead a successful life,” Turner said.

On Mar. 1st, students involved in DECA traveled to Kansas City, Kan. to participate in this year’s state DECA. The students practiced multiple times a day everyday and even after they arrived at the competition. While at the competition, the students participated in many different challenges and activities such as DECA After Dark and a towel challenge.

“My favorite challenge was the Towel Challenge, where you had to make something out a towel,” senior Josh Allmon said.

“We made a dress and I modeled it for Kansas DECA.” Some of the attending students took multiple tests such as the Marketing Cluster test and the Hospitality test. Other students presented projects and speeches that they had been working on for months.

Each of the participating schools’ delegates took part in voting for the DECA state officers. Delegates from the high school included seniors Allmon and Loren Kutz.

This year, the students placed seventh in the state of Kansas.

“Students need to believe in themselves and DECA inspires that need for all students to belong,” Turner said.

On Mar. 25, biological science teacher Jim Foresman traveled to KUMED in Wichita with 12 of his Health Occupation

TBR

SPECIAL EDITION COMING FRIDAY, APRIL 4TH

Students of America (HOSA) students to participate in the state competition.

HOSA is a national student organization supported by the United States Department of Education and the Health Science Education Division of ACTE (Association for Career and Technical Education), according to HOSA.org.

The students chose between competing in individual events and and team events. Different contests include impromptu writing or speaking events and biomedical debates.

“There are various activities so they are able to show off their knowledge of the aspects with regard to health care,” Foresman said.

Autotech students seniors Marcous Fischer and William Capps have qualified for Four AAA and on April 16 and 17 will be traveling to Kansas City, KS. Fischer and Capps will be competing at Kansas Speedway for the state championship.

HOSA RESULTS: Freshmen Justin Blythe and Morgan Burns, second in Forensic Medicine; Burns also placed third in Medical Photography; ; Darrow also placed first in Job Seeking Skills while Fuchs placed third in Medical Assisting; sophomores Tiffany Coyle and Suhani Mendpara, first in Health Education; senior Neely Henry, first in Nursing Assisting; senior Reece Burns, first in Medical Photography and third in the Biomedical Debate team event with seniors Jeff Dunford and Joban Mendpara; Mendpara also placed first in Medical Spelling.

JOURNALISM RESULTS: Freshman Alivia Benedict, second in Editorial Cartoon; freshman Aspin Durbin, first in Sports Photos; sophomore Abby Harris, honorable mention in Theme Development and Graphics; sophomore Kailey Curtis, honorable mention in Theme Development and Graphics and Advertising; junior Reagan Rink, third in News Page Design; junior Miranda Moore, second in Sports Photos; junior Josh Jarvis, honorable mention in Headlines; senior Katie Phalen, honorable mention in Editing and Editorial Writing; senior Calvin Thyer, first in Academics Photo; senior Reece Burns, third in Editorial Writing and senior Bethanne Elliott, second in News Page Design.

DEFINING 5A: The Booster Redux examines the state activity classification system, how it compares across the nation and how it impacts area schools.

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Booster Redux staff and policy Editors-in-Chief Emily Baden Reece Burns Bethanne Elliott Parker Matthews Katie Phalen Online Editor Evan Rajotte Art Editor Alivia Benedict Staff Alli Baden Shelby Bicknell Katy Brown Kylynn Collins Molly Graham Josh Jarvis Josh Lee Miranda Moore Megan Munger Morgan Plank Reagan Rink Rachyl Russian Erica Seal Caden Yantis Cooper Wade Ivan Walter 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.

Touring the Center of Applied Learning technology center, eighth grader Chris Wood listens to student teacher Nathan Roy explain one aspect of the introduction class. The year long Introduction to Technology class is a prerequisite to any of the other classes offered that specialize in different aspects of the program. PHOTO BY MACY FRASCO

BY ERICA SEAL

Moving T up, one step at a time Upcoming freshman tour their future school prior to enrollment

@sealgirl0603

o get familiar with the many hallways of the high school, the eighth graders toured the halls they will be walking through for the next four years. Small groups of eighth graders were toured by an upperclassmen to the different classrooms.

“I want to show them that the high school is nothing to be nervous about and how much fun they can have at the high school with all the different activities we have to offer,” senior Josh Allmon said.

This is the second year the high school has given tours to incoming freshmen. The students tour was mainly focused on elective classes to help them decide for enrollment what courses they think they would be interested in.

“I believe that if we get eighth graders here actually touring, it will make the transition from eighth grade year to freshmen year more interesting,” counselor Gina Ulbrich said.

The tour is to help the eighth graders feel more comfortable about starting high school and seeing what to expect when they get here.

“The tour does benefit the students because it helps them feel more comfortable with the school, they get

“

Softball field: true home games to begin this season FROM PAGE 1 sophomore Shelbi Heikes said. “It’s really convenient not to have to travel for our own home games.”

Typically, it is looked upon the seniors to lead the team, but with only seven this year, the junior class has had to step up and help take responsibility.

“We have a ton of freshman but very few seniors,” Heikes said.

“We are very young.”

Though the senior class may be small the softball players are still very optimistic for the upcoming season.

“I want to win SEK,” senior Emily Ebbs said. “Softball has not won anything like that since 2007 and I want my class to leave its mark on this school.”

Turnbull: selected for program FROM PAGE 1 Or looking at natural disasters, we can look at how countries cope with them afterwards,” Turnbull said.

Sophomore Dillon Williams is excited about Turnbull’s award.

“The experience going to make her a better teacher, even though she is already a fantastic teacher,” Williams said.

Junior Marti Sinclair also believes that Turnbull truly deserves this award.

“It’s absolutely fantastic,”

Sinclair said. “Turnbull’s a great teacher, and she really deserves this opportunity.”

Turnbull hopes that this education will provide an eyeopening experience for her students.

“You can carry ESD into every aspect of education,” Turnbull said. “Some of that is already being addressed, like having to recycle and this and that, but they bring up these other aspects of everyday life that can be addressed for sustainable development.”

to know more about the teachers and the course they can take,” Allmon said. “It also gives them a chance to find out what different activities we have at the high school and how they can get involved in them.”

The high school also has many clubs and activities to offer for these upcoming freshmen.

“I would encourage them to come in with an open mind and to really get involved in activities, clubs, organizations, sports.

Anything that can get them a tie in with the school,” Ulbrich said.

Eighth grader Kristen Norris thought the tour had a good effect on her and the other students.

“The tour helped me -JOSH ALLMON become not as nervous because I know what to expect and know where of the classes are,” Norris said. “I am looking forward to high school because there is more classes to choose from and a lot more activities.”

Norris said the tour gave her more confidence about starting high school and thinks the tour benefited the students by helping them know what to expect next semester and starting high school less anxious.

“If I had to give the eighth graders any advice, it would be that the high school isn’t nearly as bad as they might think and not to stress out too much,” senior Jack Patterson said.

IW WANT TO SHOW THEM THAT THE HIGH SCHOOL HOOL IS NOTHING TO BE NERVOUS ABOUT.

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Friday, March 28, 2014

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Mid America band marches through Chicago

Seven bandees selected to partake in two St. Patrick Day parades, publicized nationally over television

BY MEGAN MUNGER @DragonsTwirler ike many other high school students, seven band members went on a Spring Break vacation, but unlike most, they didn’t go with their families. They traveled to Chicago with the Mid America All Star Marching Band and participated in two St. Patrick’s Day parades, one of which was televised.

The members included freshmen Megan Munger and Kristen Geiger, sophomores Ivan Walter and Kim Lambert, junior Matthew McMaster, and seniors Zach Lambert and Andrew Huffman.

“It was a very good experience, I enjoyed the touristing the most out of everything,” Huffman said. “I thought that the parades would have been longer than they were, but it was still a positive experience for me because it is something that I will probably never get to do again.”

In order for the students to go to Chicago, they had to pay a fee of $650 which included all expenses and meals.

The band left from PSU on Friday, March 14 and returned the following Monday. In addition to performing in Chicago, they also visited multiple tourist destinations, which included the Navy Pier.

“It was a lot of fun and definitely a good experience. I got to do a lot of things I would not have gotten to do otherwise,” Geiger said. “We worked really hard so to hear all those people cheering for us really made it all worthwhile.”

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parades like this. It gives those students the opportunity that they could not have gotten otherwise.”

However, Whitten said a lot of work goes into putting a band like this together.

Ever since this began, he has put in 20 or 30 hours a week sorting out the details.

“Planning the trip and deciding where to go, was quite a task because there were all sorts of different things we could have done,” Whitten said. “This trip seemed like a good first trip because it was only a day drive and we could set up all the details ourselves.”

Even though the band just returned, Whitten has already started planning the next trip. The band hopes to travel to Washington D.C. in the summer of 2015.

Currently, there are 40 -ANDREW HUFFMAN FMAN members in the band. Though the turnout has been successful, Whitten doubted the concept of It all started when PSU Band Director the band at first.

“Things have went better than I Doug Whitten got the idea last fall. He wanted to create a band that made it originally thought they would,” Whitten possible for band students from smaller said. “I was really afraid that I would not schools to attend larger events. He have a lot of interest but things came started by contacting high school band together nicely.”

In addition to planning travel for directors around the four states, asking them to nominate students who would be Washington D.C., Whitten has even more goals for the band in the future. interested.

“The goal for this band is to eventually “I used to run a band like this in Idaho with the intention of serving the perform in big things like the Macy’s Day smaller schools that do not get to go on Parade or the Rose Bowl,” Whitten said. a lot of trips. In this area, I noticed the “I think that in the long term, this can same need,” Whitten said. “There are a become something that will build into lot of schools that do not have enough marching several hundred people and students or funds to go on big trips or will be going to even more major events.”

She also said that everyone gave off a positive and welcoming vibe in the band, considering that they did not spend much time together. The band only had four rehearsals, including a dress rehearsal.

“There has been a very small amount of rehearsal time so it is very impressive that all these kids from all these schools came together one sunday afternoon a month to put a whole parade together,” band director Cooper Neil said. “That is a really impressive thing to do in such a short amount of time.”

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IT IS SOMETHING THAT I WILL PROBABLY NEVER VER GET TO DO AGAIN.

Performing in a half time show, sophomre Ivan Walter gains some experience before his journey to Chicago for the Mid America All Star Marching Band. The band participated in two seperate St. Patrick’s Day parades. PHOTO BY MEGAN SMITH

Dragon highlights: Logan Lord

BY SHELBY BICKNELL @Shelbbick The pride freshman Logan Lord saw in her dad’s eyes when PSU’s womens basketball team won the NCAA Division II Elite 8 game inspired her want to follow in her father’s footsteps.

“Everyone in the stands was going crazy and the girls are like my sisters so I was crying, because I was so happy for them,” Lord said.

“It was really nice to see all their hard work and effort pay off.”

Lord has been a basketball player since the fourth grade. Her dad, Lane Lord, has been head coach for the Pitt State Women’s basketball team for almost 20 years. This fulltime connection with basketball eventually inspired Logan to take a heavy interest in basketball.

Daniel Munguia

BY KYLYNN COLLINS @Kylynn_C Not every student in high school is able to play music at the university level. However, Junior Daniel Munguia is able to play at the collegiate level due to his eight years of practice.

Munguia plays his cello with the Pittsburg State University orchestra and has participated in three concerts . On Mar. 13 he played at the Memorial Auditorium alongside the orchestra. He is the only student from the high school to play with Pittsburg State.

However, band director Mr. Neil also plays in the orchestra.

“I like it, but I also think that it would be nice if other students would take up programs like

”

From athletics, to photography, to instruments these students satisfy their extracurricular urges

“He always includes me in talking about his game plans, which is really cool, because I want to coach basketball whenever I get older,” Logan said.

WIth a dad as a coach, Logan has the benefits of one-on-one time, all the time.

“It’s helpful my dad’s a coach, because he coaches me sometimes.

He never pushes me to do stuff though, if I go and ask him he will help me,” said Logan Lord. “We work on shooting together.”

Not only does Logan enjoy her dad being a coach, he has also inspired her to have the same career.

“Basketball is just fun and I feel like one day I could be successful coaching it,” Logan said. “It makes me happy and it feels good.”

that or play in upper levels as well,” Munguia said “It’s a great opportunity and experience.”

At the age of eight, Munguia followed in his parents’ footsteps when he first picked up an instrument. His dad plays the violin and his mom plays the flute.

Munguia started out with the violin before he was introduced to the cello, which he prefers because of the quality of music it produces.

“The violin did not come as natural to me as well as the cello does,” Munguia said “I liked the lower sounding strings so [my parents] gave me a cello.”

Munguia plans to continue playing the cello after high school, but plans to pursue a career in the medical field.

BY RACHYL RUSSIAN @RachylRussian Two years ago, sophomore Derek Brumbaugh picked up his mother’s camera and started shooting. He soon found out he really enjoyed taking photos.

“I picked up that interest a long time ago and I found it really fun,” Brumbaugh said.

In addition to doing a photoshoot for his karate teacher and getting paid, Brumbaugh has practiced on his friends Sophomore’s Maddie Weidert and Will Jewett. In the future he plans on shooting photos of his sister and her husband.

BY RACHYL RUSSIAN @RachylRussian Track and field will be the last sport senior Braden Brown will participate in during his high school career.

Brown runs for both cross country in the fall and track in the spring. He has been running cross country since his freshman year and track since eighth grade. Having older siblings that have ran in the past, influenced Brown to start running, and has loved it ever since he started. That is why he chooses to run year round.

“They are a similar sport.

When I do cross country it’s 3.14 miles and in track I do distance: the 800 m and two

“I’ve shot nature and sports before,” Brumbaugh said. “Sports are my favorite.”

He hopes on using his talents to help his school by joining the photojournalism class and taking pictures for Student Publications. Being the most focused on sports photography, Brumbaugh wants to go to college at the University of Kansas.

After school, he plans to open his own studio and become a professional photographer.

“It’s a good feeling when you’re able to get the perfect picture,” Brumbaugh said.

“It’s a sense of pride.” mile,” Brown said.

Practicing year-round, Brown runs on the treadmill when it is cold out. Through Wilderness Park and down Broadway is where Brown likes running to stay in shape between seasons.

“My first season in cross country my best time was around 23 minutes and now my best time is around 17 minutes, 30 seconds.”

Making his last year worth it is Brown’s goal.

“I am glad it’s over but I am not glad it’s over,” Brown said. “I need to put forth all the effort I can because if I do not, I will regret it later. I need to make the most of it.”

Derek Brumbaugh

Braden Brown

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While shopping to build a hydroponics system for his botany class, senior KJ Shaw inspects a piece of wood to build the base of the system. “It was pretty new to me, but it was interesting. It was really fun and I learned a lot,” Shaw said. The botany class was responsible for the budgeting aspects and for building it. PHOTO BY MEGAN SMITH Helping to move ground PVC pipes, junior Logan Hood works on the project botany class is doing. The class is building a hydroponic stand that will allow them to grow plants without soil. PHOTO BY ABBY HARRIS

Growing into Hydroponics

BY CADEN YANTIS @CJYantis95 In the world of Botany, the method for growing plants is always changing. Since mid February, science teacher Stuart Perez’s Botany class, which consists of 24 students, have all been working together to build a hydroponics system for a class project.

Hydroponics is a form of hydroculture and is a method of growing plants without soil. Instead of using soil to grow the plants, the plants are grown in water with mineral nutrients being used.

“I think hydroponics is wonderful,” junior Jason Ratliff said. “It’s more efficient than standard soil growing,” Hydroponics can be used to grow plants in places where gardening or

agriculture are not possible since it does not involve soil. As a result, using this method could allow plants to be grown on vertical systems.

“With the hydroponics system that is being built, it takes away the need for watering because its continually being watered,” Perez said. “It takes away the need for growth medium like soil and we can actually grow more in less square feet this way because we are growing plants on a vertical system,” In order to tackle this project together, the Botany students have been split up into four separate groups so that everyone has a different role.

“One team is responsible for framing the project, another is for the grow tubes, another is for the recirculating box and tubing, and lastly,

Botany class builds project to compete at Gorilla Games

for the drainage system,” Perez said.

“I am part of the frame team, I helped design the main structure of the hydroponics system,” Junior Shawna Rush said. “I think that hydroponics is the perfect system for those who want to grow food year round without using up massive amounts of indoor space,” The hydroponics system that is currently being built will supply nutrients and minerals to 110 plants in an 18 square foot area. There are seven grow tubes, all which take up 42 linear feet. As for the entire system itself, it stands six feet tall. At this point, the students are yet to grow anything since the system is not finished being built. But once completed, they will be growing a variety of different items such as tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, etc.

“At first, we will mostly be growing lettuce, we have already started germination while we perfect the water and chemical systems,” Rush said.

“We may decide to grow a greater variety soon though and I hope to see what new things may be grown in the future,” On April 4, Pittsburg State University (PSU) is hosting the Great Gorilla Games which is the technology and engineering expo. Perez will be taking five students from his Botany Class to showcase the hydroponics system. Ratliff and Rush will be among those five students going to present their project.

“It makes me proud to know my work was appreciated and recognized,” Ratliff said. “I have great interest in this project so I tried to help as much as I could.”

Diving in for double-duty Art students take on art projects for prom

BY KATIE PHALEN @KPhalen5

Eyeing the tree limbs before her, sophomore Mataya Cook sketches up a design during a creative art class. Members of the class were instructed to turn ordinary tree limbs into coral reefs for prom decorations to match the Under the Sea theme. “I think it’s a really cool concept and will be fun to do. There aren’t many of us in the class so I’m able to get my work done and do the best work I can,” Cook said.

So many things are involved in preparing for prom. Getting dresses altered, tuxes ordered, transportation arranged; it can be a lot of work. But for those students in charge of decorating for the big event, the stress of prom preparation is taken to a whole new level. Each year, the junior class raises money, picks a theme, and transforms the basement of the Memorial Auditorium.

This year, in order to execute their Under the Sea theme, the juniors have decided to collaborate with one of the high school art classes.

Junior class sponsor Kristy Uttley found an idea for making pieces of coral to be used as a backdrop for photos. With the help of several junior class parents, they were able to recreate the huge coral pieces, but it was taking too much time. Uttley looked to her colleague, art teacher Rebecca Lomshek, for help.

“I thought it would be a cool sculpture project for Mrs. Lomshek’s class to do, if she were interested,” Uttley said. “So I just emailed her, sent her the pictures that I had, and asked if she would be interested.”

Working together, sophomore Mataya Cook and senior Jessica Switzer have been able to create several decorative coral pieces out of cheap materials, including twigs and branches collected from outside the high school. Purchasing decorations sim-

ilar to these would have cost hundreds of dollars.

“We actually went out to the tree line and came back with all these trees,” Lomshek said. “The students have been using a home improvement foam that you usually put in seals to seal cracks and window frames. They have been covering them with that, and then they will spray paint it.”

As for the other decorations, Uttley says that the junior class has made most of the items themselves, which has saved them even more money.

“The only thing I have purchased from a prom magazine is some fabric,” Uttley said.

“Everything else that we’re using is either found items, organic items, or things that we have made. It’s all pretty handmade.”

Cook said she has enjoyed the process of creating the decorations by hand, but at times it has been challenging.

“It’s fun but it’s hard because the insulation foam is kind of messy and it gets in your hair and stuff like that,” Cook said Though making the decorations themselves has been cost-effective, Lomshek agrees that it has not been an easy task.

“It has taken longer than we anticipated and I know that we used way more foam than we anticipated we would need to use.

So that has been difficult,” Lomshek said.

“The next difficulty that we really should have been thinking about is getting it through the door.”