The Booster Redux March 2020

News Pg. 2

District implements new program to prepare students for the future

Feature Pg. 5 Modern hip-hop gets a bad rap

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Politics Pg. 4 Un-Presidented?

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The Booster Redux Pittsburg High School

Pittsburg, KS

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1978 E. 4th Street

Vol. 102 Issue 4

March, 2020

D E L E

As a result of Kansas school districts being shut down to take precautions against COVID-19, the parking lots sit with very few cars left in them. On a normal Wednesday in school, finding a parking spot would be a challenge. Today, it seems easy. Photos by | Beth Blessent

Exemption exceptions:

Absences removed from finals policy criteria

Words By | Kaley Mussa & Hannah Gray s of March 9, Pittsburg High School has excluded absences from the criteria of finals exemption policy.

Due to policy, students were motivated to attend school while symptomatic to maintain eligibility for final exemptions.

Sophomore Rachael White visited SEK Urgent Care on Sunday after experiencing symptoms including sore throat, cough, body aches and fatigue. Despite her diagnosis of a virus, she attended school on Monday to avoid taking finals. After the changes to the policy were announced, she decided to stay home the next day.

“I came to school sick because I didn’t want to take my finals and I already had three absences,” White said. “Now I’m home because they changed the policy so I won’t have to take my finals or come to school sick.”

Registered nurse Carrie Logiudici has noticed a decline in clinic visits.

“Some people don’t come see us because of the final exemption policy,” Logiudici said. “If they have a fever we have to send them home, so even if they are sick they don’t come.”

From Nov. 1 - Dec. 20, 108 PHS teachers requested substitutes 108 times. Jan. 6 - Feb. 25, subs were requested for sick leave 222 times.

As a result of the increase in illness, administration decided to remove the absence portion of the policy and all other requirements will remain the same: No tardies, A’s and B’s in class and no FNS, ISS or OSS. Doctor notes and parent verification are still required when a student is absent. If there are unexcused absences, truancy may still be filed.

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“We were talking to higher administration like the commissioner of education and the governor. They were telling schools to strongly consider doing away with any attendance incentives and just suspending them for this time period,” Principal Kelynn Heardt said. “It is still important for students to have their parents call or to bring in a medical note when they are gone because we need to know where they are.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates from the beginning of October to the end of February, there have been between 34 million - 49 million flu illnesses of those, 20,000 to 52,000 of those have resulted in death.

Because influenza surveillance does not capture all cases of flu in the U.S., the CDC provides estimated ranges for reporting.

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic is increasing rapidly with confirmed cases in Johnson County, Tulsa, and St. Louis. The U.S. has placed travel bans to and from specific countries to avoid further spread of COVID-19.

Schools in Japan have closed in attempts to prevent the spread of the virus and Italian government has ordered the closing of all universities and schools nationwide until the outbreak is contained.

Currently there is no vaccination or treatment for those affected with this virus. People aging 65 and older and those with weak immune systems are most susceptible to this viral disease.

Companies such as Twitter, Google and Microsoft are encouraging all employees to work from home during the spread of the virus.

With illnesses such as Influenza A and B, Mono, Strep throat and the common cold spreading, take all necessary precautions to avoid getting sick.

Medical professionals encourage washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze and refraining from sharing drinks and touching your face often.

Feast and Follies rebrands Senior scholarship banquet cancelled to Night of Dragons Words By | Kaley Mussa In response to COVID-19, the newly rebranded Feasts & Follies banquet was unexpectedly canceled.

Changes to the banquet came with a plan to rename Feasts & Follies to “A Night Of Dragons” and to move the event to Bicknell Family Center for the Arts.

This would have been the first year Feast & Follies would be split into two parts: a scholarship banquet and a fundraising banquet.

“Over the past 11 years, Feast & Follies has grown significantly. We give out many more scholarships now than we did at the beginning,” said Laura Sullivan, member of the USD 250 foundation. “Hopefully, by splitting into two events, we will be able to concentrate fully on each aspect during their own event.”

With the plan to divide the two parts, there would have been more time allowed for each event.

“We felt their time on stage was fairly rushed, as to move the night on to the ‘follies’ program,” Sullivan said.

The scholarship banquet would have been held first to honor the students.

“Donors would be invited and encouraged to meet up with their student recipients. The students’ time on stage wouldn’t have to be so rushed,” Sullivan said. “Afterward, everyone could share a nice meal with each other at no cost. The inclusion of parents, plus siblings for a small cost, at the banquet was also considered a positive change.”

In the past few years, the number of students receiving the foundation scholarship known as the Medallion Scholarship has increased. The number of scholarships funded by outside sources also has increased.

“This year we anticipate handing out scholarships to 50 students. When

we first started recognizing the scholarship recipients at the fundraiser, we did not have near this many students receiving scholarships,” said Pam Phalen, member of the Foundation. “Given the large number of students receiving scholarships, we felt it was time to create an event dedicated solely to recognizing these students.”

In the past, the donors and recipients have not always had the opportunity to meet.

“This separate event will allow the scholarship recipients the opportunity to meet and visit with those donating the money for their scholarships,” Phalen said. “Scholarship donors will be invited to this event as well.”

The Pitzer family would have sponsored the upcoming banquet.

“We hope that this unique event, highlighting our scholarship recipients and donors, will allow us to demonstrate our excitement in being able to provide these scholarships,” Phalen said. “As well as provide an opportunity to show our appreciation for our donors, and that this will encourage people to continue to support our Foundation.”

The second event, named “Night of Dragons,’’ was created to fundraise money for scholarships.

“The focus will be to get corporate sponsors and individual donors and by raising money through auction items,” Sullivan said. “The focus on fundraising only at this event allows us to expand our audience and teach other businesses, members of the community, about our mission and goals.”

The foundation hoped this would draw in a larger audience.

“In theory, this should raise more money than previous F&F as we capture a larger audience, Sullivan said. “If we succeed here, we plan to award more scholarships and grant money next year. We’re thankful to have an excellent Foundation Board along with other volunteers that contribute many hours towards making these events successful.”

COVID-19 causes cancelations Words By | Kaley Mussa & Hannah Gray On March 17, Governor Laura Kelly ordered all schools K-12 to close for the rest of the academic school year.

Shortly after, Superintendent Rich Proffitt canceled all USD 250 schools for the remainder of the school year.

The district is currently working on constructing an education plan that will meet students’ needs for the rest of the school year.

Meals will be provided to students in need following the original spring break dates.

Amid the Coronavirus pandemic, many events have also been canceled in attempts to abolish the further spread of the coronavirus.

Events such as debate and forensics qualifier tournaments, KSPA State, KSHSAA State basketball and more have been cancelled.

KSHSAA State basketball was canceled after the quarter final rounds of the tournament.

HOSA planned on hosting their State Leadership Conference at Pittsburg State University. As of March 16, the event has been canceled.

Boys and girls basketball banquets have also been canceled.

In an attempt to prevent the spread of the virus, USD 250 suspended spring sports indefinitely and a travel ban was placed prohibiting travel in and out of USD 250 facilities.

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NEWS

March 2020

On March 5, Raven King 10 and two peers get ready for the CAPS meeting by toasting the top of the crème brûlées in culinary class priar to service. Photo By | Mercedes Angeles

A lot on his plate: Chef Fischer brings a taste of something new Words By | Ashlan Brooks & Mattie Vacca While Culinary I does not focus on hands-on preparation, it retains ulinary teacher Anthony Fischer was hired at the beginning necessary basics for culinary preparation and execution. Culinary II is of this year. Fischer is the head of a new culinary club that a more intensive course that more closely reflects what students will aims to provide students be expected to do in the club. deeper exposure to food “I really like how [Chef Fischer] takes the time preparation and catering. to help each and every individual student,” The club is separate from culinary junior Elizabeth Hoskins said. “He doesn’t just class but allows students to be involved stand in front of the class and tell you what to I really like how [Chef Fischer] takes the in the same area of study. do.” time to help each and every individual student. He doesn’t just stand in front of “The biggest difference between Chef Fischer will be competing in the Showthe class and tell you what to do.” culinary club and culinary class is that Me Chefs culinary competition set to film in culinary club does things on a larger March. Show-Me Chefs is a broadcast run by Elizabeth Hoskins , 11 scale,” Chef Fischer said. “[Culinary students at Missouri State University. He will club members are] going to learn far be facing 11 other chefs for the chance to win more advanced techniques than they would in Culinary I. It gives $4,000, $1,000 of which will be donated to a charity of his choice. [them] an opportunity to broaden their horizons.”

The competition is a series of competitive cooking and baking

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that consists of three beginning rounds where each chef will be judged on one appetizer, entree and dessert. Chefs may then have the opportunity to move on to quarter-rounds, semi-rounds and eventually the finale.

There will be 10 episodes added to its YouTube channel for the upcoming fourth season of the production.

Three members of the Culinary club, including president Taylor Day, will be attending the Show-Me Chefs gala with Chef Fischer. The club and students in the Culinary class will also be catering prom and the USD250 district Foundations Banquet.

“Instead of learning to feed just family, they are learning to feed people on a massive scale as well as doing philanthropic work involving food throughout the community,” Chef Fischer said.

“Cooking is fundamentally about making new friends and creating memories. Cooking for someone is a pure way to show them that you love them. Friendship and love help to make a better world for us all.”

Getting the ball rolling

Students enroll for next year’s classes Words by | Ashlan Brooks

On March 5, Dr. Brad Hanson, the assistant superintendent, gave a presentation on a new educational system called Capitals Advanced Personal Studies, also known as CAPS, to local businesses in the community. Photo By | Hannah Abarca

District implements new program to prepare students for the future Words by | Sarah Alcantar There is a new program that will be coming to Pittsburg High School next year. Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) is a program that allows students to get immersed in the community and prepare them for the workforce with personalized learning experiences.

“It’s similar to [internships], but it’s somewhat different because we’re not going to ever go out and spend a month in one particular area,” assistant superintendent Dr. Brad Hanson said. “We’re going to just give kids day-to-day experiences.”

This program would take the space of two classes a day and the grading will be based on participation, professionalism and the quality of work students put in.

“Students would commit to two class periods a day,” Hanson said. “The student experience will be based upon activities designed to develop professional skills, guest speakers and business/industry tours to assist in learning everything about that particular career area in the Pittsburg community, and collaborative project-based work that is provided by our business community.”

The CAPS program will help students develop professional behavior and try to prepare students for real-world situations.

“It gives kids an opportunity to test drive what their future might look like,” Hanson said. “The big piece of the puzzle is being able to help young people understand what it takes to be successful in the future.”

The CAPS program’s goal is to not only prepare students for their future but to also benefit the community as well.

“Our goal is to educate students so that they can be successful in the workforce beyond high school or college,” Hanson said. “If we’re communicating better with our patrons, [we are] creating experiences for students that are going to help them in the future, then it’s going to be a win-win. It’s going to improve the community, and it’s going to improve the school as well.”

The next step for the CAPS program is to recruit students who are interested in the program.

“It’ll be a risk for a student to say, ‘Yeah, I’ll spend two hours a day next year in that particular program,”’ Hanson said. “Somebody’s gonna have to step out and take a leap of faith. We have to start recruiting kids who’re interested in taking a little bit deeper dive.”

On Tuesday, March 10, students will begin the annual enrollment process for the 2020-2021 school year. The bells will be set to an assembly schedule to allow students time to enroll during the advisory period with their study hall teachers.

However this year, some slight changes have been made to the availability of the handbook students will use to pick their classes.. Each classroom will only be allotted a few physical copies of the enrollment handbook and instead, it will be published on the district website.

Another change to this year’s enrollment handbook is some new classes that will be available. Every year as PHS grows to encompass more students, new classes are created. Research I, Real World Communications, Woodworking Principles, Industrial Trades Field Study, Advanced Industrial Trades, Robotics, and Computer Integrated Manufacturing will all be offered to students next school year.

To enroll, students will choose courses from the enrollment handbook and will complete and submit a form. Students will also be required to have signatures from previous core class teachers conforming they can move onto the next level in each subject. Core classes are considered Math, Science, Social Studies, English, or any class that a teacher needs to sign-off on such as a student publication class. These signatures of confirmation will be entered into PowerSchool and submitted with the help of a study hall teacher.

“Entering the course requests into PowerSchool is very important to the scheduling process,” Maggie Serrano, Registrar at PHS said. “We use that data to determine which classes make and how many sections we will need to offer of each course. The master schedule is built based off of these requests.”

FEATURE

March 2020

3

Art by | Gracie Puckett

Life beyond high school:

Effects of seniors graduating early

need help.”

Words by | McKenna Hodges & Lane Phifer Due to that fact club meetings take place before and after school, it t every pep assembly, the students of PHS gather together almost seems impossible for them to be involved in clubs. to participate in the class yell. Although there are 203 “You can’t do anything club related during school hours, which freshmen, 230 sophomores, and 199 juniors, a small causes our seniors to feel like they can’t be involved,” Spanish number of seniors stand in the bleachers to cheer for their teacher Angie Pallares said. “With a majority of them having reduced class. schedules and then going to college classes or work, there’s almost no With a senior class of 173 students, 106 of them have reduced time for them to go to a club meeting that takes place before or after schedules while 12 of them are semester graduates. school.”

While graduating early or having a reduced schedule may seem While several of senior Hailey Michelle’s peers graduated early, she beneficial, due to the lack of seniors present during the school day, decided to finish the rest of her senior year at PHS in order to focus on a small number of them are involved in clubs and extracurricular her art before going to college in the fall. activities.

But despite the benefits that come with it, Michelle admits that According to Debate and Forensics coach Julie Laflen, there was a there are disadvantages too. loss of seniors with the incoming class compared to last year.

“I decided not to graduate early because I fell in love with my art “Last year, we had 13 seniors and this year we have three,” Laflen class and I decided I wanted to have more time to create art before I said. “But at the same time, I’m glad that it start my life,” Michelle said. “However, one was those three because they were always negative is that I usually leave after second very consistent with the work that they hour so I can’t go to club meetings, pep rallies, did.” and student council events.”

With a majority of them having reduced Despite the lack of seniors, there was an While graduating early may seem beneficial schedules and then going to college increase of underclassmen taking on more for most, Laflen advises students should spend classes or work, there’s almost no time leadership role opportunities. as much time in the present as possible. for them to go to a club meeting that “I think [the lack of seniors this year] “I wish people could be high schoolers a takes place before or after school.” actually helped the juniors step up because little bit longer and that they didn’t feel the they knew that there wasn’t a lot of need to have to rush into growing up so soon.

Angie Pallarés leadership in all the classes,” Laflen said. “It You’re a high school student once in your life really made them step in and do anything they could.” so enjoy every second you can if you don’t have to rush it,” Laflen said.

While the lack of seniors this year has affected some programs, “Be involved in the things you’re passionate about because it’s only According to band director Cooper Neil, it didn’t affect the music a semester more of your time and before you know it, it’ll be gone program because of a large number of incoming underclassmen. forever.”

“This year is one of the smallest senior classes that I’ve had in a Senior Becca Shackelford decided that graduating early was the while,” Neil said. “However, I wasn’t as concerned this year with the best option for her after starting to work for her uncle’s online tech negative effects of it since we had a large freshman class come in and business. According to Shackelford, she doesn’t want to attend we’ve had juniors take on more leadership roles.” college but, instead wants to focus on creating an online business and With a majority of seniors having reduced schedules, it gives publishing her own book. students with a full schedule more opportunities to be a leader.

“I’ve always had an idea of what I wanted to do after school, and it “It is hard sometimes because I feel like I don’t always know what wasn’t the traditional route,” Shackelford said. “I didn’t want to go to to do since I don’t have as much experience as seniors in the band,” college, I’ve wanted to join my uncle’s business, and be able to travel junior Hannah Burns said. “I do love being a section leader and my wherever.” section, but being a section leader is a lot of responsibility. It’s taught With the help of counselor Stef Loveland, Shackelford was able me how to manage my time better and to make time for others who to plan her schedule so that she was able to graduate at semester.

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According to Shackelford, skipping certain classes helped her with the early graduation process.

“Mrs. Loveland helped a lot, and was very communicative with me about what I needed to do,” Shackelford said. “But graduating early really starts in middle school, if you have the option to skip certain classes or take high school math courses in middle school, then you could graduate a lot earlier.”

For senior Devin Lange, her graduation process started her sophomore year after missing a semester of school. She started by taking online courses and then began attending PASS academy and also took classes over the summer.

“For me, my graduating early process began when I had behavioral problems in my freshman year and ended up missing a semester of school,” Lange said. “Graduating early has let me get a head start with my life. I have more time to take care of myself and get my finances in check.”

However, not everyone was supportive and understanding when referring to Lange’s decision to graduate early.

“Whenever I decided that I wanted to graduate early I discussed it with my counselors,” Lange said. “Even though they weren’t completely opposed to the idea, it felt like they didn’t think I could do it due to my behavioral issues. I decided that I wanted to prove them wrong.”

According to counselor Gina Ulbrich, students are allowed to take online classes wherever they please. But most decide to go through Fort Scott Community College (FSCC), Coffeyville Community College (CCC), or Labette Community College (LCC).

Graduating early improved the school average by 84 percent in 2019.

“Having the opportunity to either graduate early or have a reduced schedule in the spring is a great incentive for many students that helps with the rates,” Ulbrich said. “However, graduating early is neither encouraged nor discouraged.”

Graduating at semester has let Shackelford continue to work as a waitress at Harry’s Cafe while planning for her future. Shackelford said she was able to shift her focus from homework and extracurriculars and now says she has a better idea of her long-term goals. “[Not being at school] is going to be really weird at first, and boring with most of your friends in school. But it does give you time to focus on yourself and your goals,” Shackelford said. “I believe everyone needs a little time to think to themselves about what they want, and graduating at semester has given me that time.”

Alternative work force experiences Free trade certification opportunities for students Words by | Abby Painter At 9:00 on Monday morning, senior Jason Campbell walks in the Career & Technological Education Center (CTEC) building, picks up his torch and sparks fly as he begins to weld.

Campbell began taking welding classes his junior year. He was inspired by his father to enroll at CTEC after finding out the opportunities available.

“Personally I chose the welding program because my dad was a welder and I thought it was a great profession through my dad’s experiences with welding,” Campbell said.

Campbell’s welding class alternates days doing specific types of welding, such as flux core and TIG, on designated days.

“What I do in class is pretty much weld all the way through the class period,” Campbell said.

“Whatever day it is, I weld that certain process and kind of keep to myself because of course this class is designed for you to certify in a welding field, not mess around the entire time.”

After completing 24 credit hours over two years, Campbell will receive certification in welding.

“I’m planning on using my certification to not only expand my resume, but also help me get a welding job while I’m taking college classes after high school,” Campbell said.

In addition to welding, PHS students can take classes to earn certifications in auto tech, CPR, EMT, CNA, construction, masonry and a safety training course known as OSHA 10. Following in the footsteps of his uncle and brother, senior Grant Oehme studies masonry at CTEC. “[I think masonry is important because] there’s always a building around that needs repaired,” Oehme said.

In Oehme’s masonry class, students are assigned projects such as building walls from brick or cinder block. After graduating high school, Oehme plans to use his certification in a career in masonry.

“It’s a good skill to know,” Oehme said. “Same with carpentry and welding, it’s just really interesting and once you get to know it, you’re just a beast at it.”

According to CTEC director Kris Mengarelli, the benefits of getting a certification in high school are not only gaining a skill, but also getting a job paying higher than minimum wage straight out of high school.

Nick Bastion 12, along with other trade students, is at the CTEC building working on his semester project. Photo By | Noemi Hernandez “We’ve had a student who did all the masonry and carpentry and he [used those to work] through pre-med and has zero college debt,” Mengarelli said. “And someday when he owns his own house and wants to pour a patio, he doesn’t have to hire somebody else to do it.”

CTEC students go off campus to the CTEC building for two hours every day. Students interested in getting certifications can enroll for free through their counselor.

“These certifications benefit students because most give them the opportunity for specific employment directly upon graduating high school,“ counselor Gina Ulbrich said.

Currently there are 15 students from PHS taking classes at CTEC through Fort Scott Community College and 39 students enrolled in auto tech through PHS.

POLITICS Un-Presidented?

4

March 2020

President Donald Trump with the longest impeachment trial in history

Words by | Ashlan Brooks

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n Feb. 5, United States President, Donald Trump, was tried at the Senate in what can be called a historic moment for the United States. Trump became the fourth president in United States’ history to face impeachment or a charge of misconduct against someone who holds a public office.

The trial was the third and final step in the long process to impeach Trump that began with the approval of the two articles of impeachment on Dec. 18, 2019. These two articles of impeachment were abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

These are the charges against Trump that were voted on by the Senate. Each member, which adds up to 100 people, two from each of the 50 states, cast a vote to determine if Trump is guilty, or not guilty, of each article of impeachment. The senator’s votes were cast and it was ruled that Trump was not guilty of either charge, and would consequently not be removed from office.

While the final ruling itself took only a matter of hours, the complete process of impeachment lasted for over three months. It started on Sept. 24, 2019, when the speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, announced a formal impeachment inquiry against Trump. It’s after this, that the first step in a three-step process to impeach Trump commenced. During the first step, Congress launched an investigation into Trump’s presidency to look for any infractions he may have committed to warrant impeachment. On Oct. 31, the second step of the impeachment process began when the House of Representatives, or what is considered the lower half of Congress, voted on which the articles of impeachment to pass against Trump. These impeachment articles are picked out by the House Judiciary Committee beforehand. The House of Representatives is made up of 435 members that are elected by the people and whose representation is divided among the 50 states according to population. In addition, there are 6 non-voting members representing six other United States territories. In the third and final stage of Trump’s impeachment, the long-awaited trial was brought before the Senate, or the higher half of Congress and the historic ruling was made to preserve Trump’s position in office.

The trials and tribulations of impeachment were long and tedious, but not unwarranted. In order for the House of Representatives to pick the articles of impeachment during

the second step of the impeachment process, Congress must have found some incriminating evidence during their investigation in the beginning stages. What they discovered was enough to threaten Trump’s removal from office.

Trump allegedly abused his resources as president of the United States to solicit, or request, help from the foreign government of Ukraine. This was the basis for the charge of abuse of power from the first article of impeachment.

An anonymous government official, known as the Whistleblower, submitted a report expressing concern over a phone call between President Trump and the leader of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky. A rough transcript of the call leads officials to believe that Trump was asking Zelenski to investigate Joe Biden, a 2020 presidential candidate from the democratic party. It was this phone call that led both Congress and the House of Representatives to believe that Trump used his political position to break the law and seek an advantage in the upcoming presidential election.

The second article of impeachment, obstruction of Congress, surfaced when president Trump went great lengths to avoid his own impeachment hearing. The impeachment article reads that Trump was the leader of “the unprecedented, categorical and indiscriminate defiance of subpoenas.� This means that Trump deliberately defied subpoenas for his impeachment, or formal written orders to attend court, in a way no one has before him. Congress has the power to issue a subpoena to summon someone for testimony and that person, no matter who they are or what their political ranking is, has to comply. President Trump stonewalled, or rejected, a subpoena from Congress by sending out a series of letters that stated that he would not cooperate in his impeachment trial because it hindered his ability to work on behalf of the American people. It is this specific defiance that is categorized by the House Judiciary Committee and the House of Representatives as obstruction of Congress.

Now that each article of impeachment has been voted on and Trump remains President, it’s uncertain what will follow in the coming months. The majority of the focus for both Democrats and Republicans, including Trump, has shifted to the upcoming 2020 presidential election where it’s up to the United States Citizens to elect Trump or end his presidential term. With the impeachment trial already fading into the background of news media coverage, it’s a blank slate for politics.

Going head to head: Words by | Ian Sullivan With the news of Senator Elizabeth Warren dropping out of the 2020 presidential race, it leaves only two major candidates left: Senator Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden. While both candidates have been respected politicians their entire careers, they are both misunderstood in their own ways.

Bernard “Bernie� Sanders is a U.S. senator from Vermont who is currently running for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination.

Sanders has raised $121,000,000 dollars Sanders previously ran in 2016 against Hillary Clinton for the nomination but lost at the Democratic primaries.

Although aligning with most democratic ideals throughout his life, Sanders ran as an Independent throughout his career as a congressman. The 2016 presidential election was the first time Sanders had ran as a Democrat.

Sanders is a self-proclaimed “democratic socialist�, but many don’t understand what that means.

Words To Know Pledged Delegates: Representatives who vote for a candidate based on the populous vote.

Super Delegates: Unpledged delegates who can vote for whoever they decide to.

Nominee: The candidate selected by each party to compete in a general election.

Primaries

Statewide voting to appoint delegates to candidates of a party.

Caucuses

Similar to a primary, where voters attend events in which they are divided in a room based on which candidate they support.

Nov. 23 2020

Super Tuesday

The single biggest day of primary voting, where 14 states will vote.

Convention

Party event in which delegates officially pledge support for a candidate, and a nominee is chosen.

The Impeachment Process Step 1

Investigation

Congress must investigate to determine whether or not the impeachment is warranted and should continue to the house of representatives.

Step 4

General Election Election for president between major party nominees, held in November.

Step 2

Voting & Articles

The House of Representatives will vote to pass the articles of impeachment.

These are charges they deem necessary to hold the president.

Step 3

2/3 Vote

The resulting vote of this trial determines whether or not the president will be removed from office.

Remains in Office

Trial

The Senate, or the upper half of congress, holds a trial for the president. The resulting vote of this trial determines whether or not the official will be removed from office.

Removed from Office

Background on Bernie and Biden

Merriam-Webster defines democratic socialism as “a democratic welfare state that incorporates both capitalist and socialist practices�.

Sanders, along with others like Representative Alexandria OcasioCortez, are responsible for the recent political revolution surrounding democratic socialism.

Sanders believes in tuition-free college, medicare for all and taxing the wealthy.

As a Jewish man, Sanders is also controversial because of his religion.

In 1991, Sanders became the first Jewish person to be elected to Congress as an Independent. He also became the first Jew to win a presidential primary in 2016. President Donald Trump took it upon himself to bestow the nickname “Crazy Bernie� to Sanders and has used other racist or stereotypical names to describe Sanders, such as.

Joe Biden is a former Delaware senator and was the 47th vice president of the United States. Biden has unsuccessfully run for the Democratic presidential nomination twice, both in 1988 and 2008.

Biden announced his candidacy on April 25, 2019. According to

Political breakdown

the New York Times, he has raised over $69,000,000 for his 2020 campaign.

Biden served under the Obama administration when the affordable care act, commonly referred to as “Obamacare�, was passed. Despite Barack Obama not endorsing either candidate, one can assume that he leans towards Biden as they became very close over his presidency.

While Biden and Sanders share similarities, they seem to share even more differences.

Like Sanders, Biden supports a $15 minimum wage and increasing teacher salaries. Biden and Sanders also share some similar ideas surrounding firearms and gun control.

However, Biden opposes medicare for all, but he still wants to expand medicare to more people. Unlike Sanders, Biden also doesn’t support tuition-free college. Biden also proposed that it should be a state-level decision to legalize marijuana.

Currently, Biden is leading with 610 pledged delegates over Sanders’ 541.

Bernie Sanders, born Sept. 8, 1941. Served as the junior U.S. senator from Vermont since 1991 and has run for the Democratic nominee for president in 2016, finishing as runner-up to Hillary Clinton. Sanders is a self-proclaimed ‘democratic socialist’, and is running on a platform of universal healthcare, tuitionfree public college, federally legalizing marijuana and a Green New Deal to combat climate change.

Joe Biden, born Nov. 20, 1942 served as Delaware senator 19732009, and vice president under Barack Obama 2009- 2017. He sought the Democratic nominee for president twice before, in 1988 and 2008. He is currently in second place behind Bernie Sanders in most national polls. Biden is running on a platform of a cheaper public option to combat high medical insurance costs, making two years of public college tuition free and looking for expansion of cleaner energy alternatives such as nuclear power to combat climate change.

Donald J. Trump, born June 14, 1946 is a businessman and television personality, currently serving as 45th president.

In his reelection bid so far, Trump has overwhelmingly won every Republican primary to this point in the election cycle.

He is running on a continuation of his initial platform, advocating for stronger immigration laws, repealing and replacing the affordable care act, and bolstering fossil fuel production.

OPINION

March 2020

5

Booster Redux Staff & Policy Editors-in-Chief Joseph Lee McKenna Hodges Elle Burgess

Online Editors Sarah Alcantar Ashlan Brooks

Social Media Manager Abigail Painter

Multimedia Editor Lane Phifer

Business Manager Braden Benson

Strategic Communications Chair Joy Lee

Staff

Hannah Gray Alexyia Lunday Jacob Mathew Kaley Mussa Keith Perkins Ian Sullivan Mattie Vacca

Adviser

Emily Smith

The PHS Student Publications Department and newspaper class produce The Booster Redux. Please call us with comments at 620-2353200. 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.

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The Booster Redux Pittsburg High School Student Publications 1978 E. 4th St. Pittsburg, KS 66762

Art by | Gracie Puckett

Modern hip-hop gets a bad rap M Words by | Jacob Mathew

ost teens nowadays may see hip-hop as something that they can turn up to at school dances, or just as a great background sound for their TikToks.

But the roots of hip-hop lie far deeper than that.

Hip-hop is a genre literally and figuratively born from the fire.

It emerged in the economically disadvantaged South Bronx in the mid-1970s when entire apartment complexes would regularly go up in flames due to intentional decreases in firefighter availability in black communities by local government, according to a New York Post article from 2010.

Traditional hip-hop would tackle major social issues, such as disproportionate incarceration rates of AfricanAmericans.

Tupac Shakur said in his song ‘Changes’, “It ain’t a secret, don’t conceal the fact: The penitentiary’s packed, and it’s filled with blacks.”

New-school hip-hop, on the other hand, is characterized by an emphasis on catchy melodies rather than lyrical content.

In a 2014 interview, battle rapper Loaded Lux coined the label ‘mumble rap’ to describe this subgenre.

While many have criticized the style for its incoherent slurring of words, no one can deny its popularity.

Gazzy García, better known by his stage name Lil Pump, is one of the best examples of a modern-day mumble rapper, face tattoos and all.

Lil Pump went five times platinum with his single ‘Gucci Gang’. Throughout the course of the two-minute song, the title is repeated a whopping 53 times.

Let me be clear: I don’t endorse this form of hip-hop.

In fact, I see many problems with it.

Besides the sometimes unintelligible delivery, contemporary hip-hop often objectifies women, encourages unhealthy financial habits and glorifies drug abuse.

Drug abuse in the hip-hop community is a serious problem and has claimed many lives, including famous artists like Mac Miller, Lil Peep, and Juice WRLD. That being said, I have to acknowledge the publicity that modern hip-hop has attracted.

2017 was the first year where hip-hop overtook rock as the most popular genre by consumption, according to Nielsen Music’s year-end report.

That gap just keeps growing. In 2019, hiphop accounted for almost 31 percent of all music consumption in the U.S., according to Statista -- more than rock and pop combined at about 15 percent each.

Not bad for an industry that Kanye West called “the devil’s music.”

But there is serious pushback against this change in hip-hop.

Many traditional hip-hop enthusiasts have voiced strong disapproval for what they see as regression instead of growth.

This is nothing new. All the way back in 2008, rapper Ice T lashed out at artist Soulja Boy saying that he “single-handedly killed hip-hop.” Joe Budden, J. Cole, and Eminem are all prominent figures who have also publicly denounced the style.

But why is this old-generation versus new-generation dynamic so common?

This can be explained through a psychological

phenomenon called ‘rosy retrospection’, in which memories of the past are looked at more favorably than those of the present. In other words, an unnecessarily complex term for nostalgia.

Neuroscientists have found that people prefer music listened to in their formative years of age 12-22.

Keeping this in mind, it’s no surprise that classic hip-hop enthusiasts look at today’s music with such discontent.

Perhaps I’m the exception to the rule. I listen to a wide variety of hip-hop music but tend to lean more towards old-school rap. There’s something about good lyricism that is truly poetic. I can sympathize with classic hip-hop enthusiasts in their concerns.

However, this doesn’t change the fact that they are being unnecessarily pessimistic.

The true lyricists of today are still the top dogs. J. Cole, Eminem, Drake and Kendrick Lamar all dominated record sales in 2019, according to Billboard’s Year-End Charts.

Lamar even became the first non-classical or jazz artist to win the Pulitzer Prize in Music with his 2017 album ‘DAMN.’ Hip-hop goes through trends and phases like anything else, but the proven methods will not fade anytime soon.

Lyricism in hip-hop is not dead, and one could argue it’s more alive than ever. And I believe that if fans of old hip-hop gave new music a chance, they could find something they resonate with.

Rapper Snoop Dogg recently said in an interview with Sirius XM Shade 45: “The ones creating it gone live forever but the ones duplicating gone fall off. And it’s a lot of duplicating going on right now.”

Climbing the social ladder: How popularity affects students Words by | Mattie Vacca

The four years of high school are said to be some of the most important and exciting years of someone’s life, so what they choose to do with them is crucial.

That first week of freshman year could potentially make or break your high-school experience. That is the time where you choose what clubs and activities you’ll be involved in and what friend group you want to associate yourself with. What you decide to get involved in can determine your friends and reputation. For example, some of my best friends are people that I probably never would have talked to if it weren’t for the dance team or newspaper.

The more you choose to get involved in can determine your “popularity” and potentially what clique you fall into.

We’ve all heard that popularity doesn’t matter and that school should be a place to get an education, but the idea of popularity is so prominent in the high school setting, it can take over people’s emotions. Not only does it affect the way people act towards each other, but it can also affect their academic performance. Cliques and popularity can be a toxic distraction in high school.

According to buisinessinsider.com, there are two types of popularity: social preference, and social reputation. Social preference is how much people like you and social reputation is all about being at the top no matter how you act towards people.

Just because you are considered “popular” doesn’t mean that everyone necessarily likes you.

How you act throughout high school can affect the way that you act throughout your life. As some people go through their high school years, they can change for the better or for the worse. Some people will continue on with their same habits that they practiced throughout high school but others can blossom into a new person.

Cliques are a huge part of the high school experience. For example, there are the popular stereotypical groups like the popular girls, the athletic kids, the theater kids and many more. According to stateimpact.npr.org, cliques can affect the way you perform academically because they can cause kids to feel left out and unimportant depending on which clique they fall into. Some people feel as if they are more entitled than others just because of their friend group, and as a result, they treat other people differently.

Not only does popularity affect the way that you treat your peers and how they treat you, but it also affects teacher and student relationships. If you are outgoing and participate in class, the teacher is most likely going to like you better because you have opened up to them. Another example would be having your teacher as a coach. If your teacher is also your coach, there is a chance that they know you better than they know other students.

I think that popularity can have a really negative effect on students. It can cause things that will stick with them their whole lives. As hard as it may be, the best thing to do would to not get caught up in your status. Your high school years are some of the best, so focus on the things that matter.

Staff Editorial: Booster Redux members encourage peers to take health precautions With the closing of Pittsburg State and community businesses and the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Kansas, efforts to limit the spread of the virus appears to be a growing focus in Pittsburg.

The district has closed all schools to help slow the spread and decide the direction for classes and activities moving forward.

With the suspension of classes, the district has taken initiative to feed students in the community who rely on

school breakfasts and lunches. Buses will deliver both meals in pin-point locations throughout the city according to a schedule. We applaud the district’s efforts in providing for students, especially as a large percentage of the PHS student body depends on school meals.

As athletics practices, games and tournaments come to a halt with KSHAA’s suspension of sports, we extend our sympathy to athletes, especially seniors. Amidst the

difficult time, we encourage peers to understand that the state’s decision comes with good intentions. Limiting exposure to the disease by canceling travel and intercommunity activity may help to encourage public safety.

While the district decides on how to continue delivering an education to students, we urge the community to self educate on precautions against the virus. Upholding community suggestions for limits on travel and activity in community places is vital, as

is practicing extra caution around the elderly.

As peers and fellow students in the school, we understand the desire to spend the extended break in a conventional way. However, we urge the student body to be mindful of avoidable travel, limiting time in public places.

Together, with the district’s efforts to handle the virus and the community’s encouragement, COVID-19 is an obstacle that can be overcome.

A&E Between the black and white 6

March 2020

Brooks reviews coming of age novel set in London Words by | Ashlan Brooks “Perhaps, she thought, that’s what love does. It’s not there to make you feel special. It’s to make you brave. It was like a ration pack in the desert, she thought, like a box of matches in a dark wood. Love and courage thought Sophie—two words for the same thing.”

It’s not often that I read a book that’s deeply imaginative or simply, yet beautifully, written, but Rooftoppers, by Katherine Rundell, was both. Told from the perspective of a 12-year-old girl in London, England, it is a magical coming of age novel about a girl’s search for her mother.

When she was one-year-old, lightning-haired Sophie was found floating in a cello case in the middle of the English Channel after a shipwreck that separated her from her mother. An eccentric man by the name of Charles Maxim discovers her and gives her a home. It is from this point on, that Sophie lives with Charles and adopts many of his unique habits, including his messy lifestyle. When Sophie’s social worker comes and sees the state Sophie and the apartment, the pair face the danger of losing one another. It is at this moment that Sophie changes the course of her life with a single decision: she convinces Charles to run with her to Paris and find her mother.

“Mothers are a thing you need, like air, [Sophie] thought, and water. Even paper mothers were better than nothing; even imaginary ones. Mothers were a place to put down your heart. They were a resting stop to recover your breath.”

Sophie must persist through many dead ends and close calls when it comes to finding her mother and running from the government that wants to take her from Charles. It’s in these moments that Rundell’s young writing and storytelling method shine through most. Sophie’s point of view provided a filter for me to understand just how magical something as mundane as a city can be when looked at simply.

Sophie is very dynamic especially when it comes to the way she sees the world. At the beginning of the book, she sees things and perceives them but never gains a deeper comprehension of the beauty around her until she ventures to Paris. On her adventures with Charles, she begins to develop this sense of wonder for things she never looked twice at before, like the rising sun and music.

I think one of the reasons I love Rooftoppers so dearly, is because

Sophie is someone I can understand and connect with. I see a reflection of some parts of myself when I read about her. The things she does, like cry at symphonies, speak to birds and read through the night, are things I can imagine myself doing. The things she laughs at and the things that make her sad are things that had me reacting the same way right along with her.

While she is in Paris, she meets a boy named Matteo who is known as a Rooftopper. He is an orphan who, ever since he escaped from an orphanage, has been living on the rooftops of buildings. Matteo is a perfect representation of what it means to be a kid. He is dirty, says what he means, and never doubts himself. From Sophie’s point of view, we learn all about Matteo’s hardships and they form a friendship that’s strong enough to prompt Sophie to stand by his side in every conflict they face on the rooftops of Paris. There is a scene where Matteo convinces Sophie to travel across a wide gap between roofs on a tightrope. At first, Sophie is afraid to fall when she takes those first steps out, but with encouragement from Matteo, she gets to the middle and sees all of Paris below her. She feeds pigeons and almost refuses to get off until Matteo convinces her she can’t stay aloft forever. This is one of my favorite scenes because it’s the moment when Sophie realizes that there is beauty in ordinary things and also the scene that made me realize we are all, especially me, like Sophie: we grow, form connections and take risks for each other. Sophie shows that she is almost reluctant to try new things but when she does, like on the tightrope, she likes them and she clings to them, much in the same way I have with activities both in and out of school.

Overall, Rooftoppers was extraordinary in both plotline and writing style. As I mentioned before, it was beautifully written- so much so that sometimes I felt as if scenes were real, and not just in my head.

The fact that it’s a children’s novel stops many people from doing more than glance its way but I believe that the very fact that it is a children’s novel is the reason it’s so special. It’s not every day that a book has the power to take the deepest parts of humanity and youth and funnel them into a story that captures what it means to be a kid. I am not Sophie; my hair is not lightning colored and I am much older than her. But if you read between the lines Rundell writes and look at the things that make her smile, I am a part of her as much as she is a part of me.

A bittersweet finale: Words by | Keith Perkins Malcolm McCormack, better known as Mac Miller, was born January 19, 1992 in Pittsburgh. He discovered an affinity for rapping at the age of 14, and by age 15, his interests in sports had mostly subsided in favor of taking his music more seriously.

Mac’s 2018 album titles ‘Swimming’ became his fifth straight album to chart on the billboard top 200.

In September 2018, he died of an accidental drug overdose at age

26. His fans held a celebration of his life in Pittsburgh’s Blue Slide Park, the inspiration behind the name of his first album.

On Jan, 17, Mac’s final album ‘Circles’ was posthumously released.

The first song on the album and title song ‘Circles’ is a melancholy sound, but retains Mac’s ever-positive attitude, encouraging listeners to not feel stressed. The second track ‘Complicated’ is a more upbeat track musically, but less so lyrically.

I found myself feeling the saddest I’ve felt writing this as Mac utters that he is “way too young to be getting old.” In this song he wonders introspectively why things have to be as complicated as they are. I liked ‘Complicated’ a lot.

The third song on the album ‘Blue World’ is the most positive so far, but throughout the song Mac reflects on his inner problems, but manages to ultimately maintain a positive attitude about his situation.

The fourth track ‘Good News’ features a sad beat and lyrics reflecting Mac’s overwhelmingness with the harshness of life, and his disappointment that people only want to hear “Good News” but aren’t as interested in the unavoidable negatives. ‘Good News’ resonated heavily with me and is my favorite on the Album so far.

The fifth track ‘I Can See’ begins more fast paced than the others, with Mac displaying his versatility as an artist, on top of more soulful music.

The sixth song ‘Everybody’ is a partial cover of Arthur Lee’s ‘Everybody’s Gotta Live’ and begins with a reminder of life’s goods and bads, “everybody’s gotta live, and everybody’s gonna die”.

The song has reminded me of the importance of remembering Mac and others gone too soon for all the good their art has done, and all the lives its changed, as opposed to their sad untimely passing.

Spectacular smoothie shop

“

The seventh song ‘Woods’ was a song I liked less than others on the album.

The eighth song ‘Hand Me Downs’ is somewhat of a self reassurance, and a reflection of the difficulty Mac faced. I especially liked ‘Hand Me Downs’.

The Ninth track ‘That’s On Me’ is one of the more upbeat sounding on the album, but contrasting lyrics with Mac offering responsibility for a difficulty he has caused, singing “That’s on me, that’s on me, it’s all my fault”, and Mac continues telling the person he’s addressing throughout the song to stay with him, and not let him down. ‘That’s on me’ was one of my favorite songs on the album.

The tenth track ‘Hands’ offers insight into Mac’s anxiousness, as he asks himself why he is worried about what hasn’t happened yet.

‘Hands’ is not shy about Mac’s shortcomings, rather asking himself why he allows them to manifest.

The Eleventh and second to last song ‘Surf’ is performed as almost spoken word, and addresses a girl. Mac reminds her that despite the adversity, they will both figure it out, and offers that they improve together. I liked ‘Surf’ a lot.

The final song on the album ‘Once A Day’ talks about Mac’s most personal struggle with himself and substances alike. As the album ends I find myself teary eyed, thinking that this is the culmination of Mac’s career, which seems over before it even started. I told myself writing this I would remain objective in my evaluation, and I liked every song on the album. It showcased Mac’s unique introspective style, and ultimate positivity. I loved Circles, even if it means an end to an illustrious career. I encourage everybody, prior fan of Mac’s or not, to give it a listen.

Lee rates Tropical Smoothie Cafe an 8/10

modern twist on rustic furniture was interesting. The orange, backless metal stools and wooden table tops I recently had a chance to finally explore the hype complemented each other. The white walls balanced the surrounding Tropical pitch black ceiling and the Smoothie Cafe. The cafe, waterdrop shaped lights which serves drinks, illuminated the turquoise sandwiches and wraps, kitchen.

I ordered the Sunshine smoothie, which is a blend of came to Pittsburg last For aesthetics, I’d give mango, banana, orange, pineapple and orange juice. I also December.

Tropical Smoothie a score ordered the Chipotle Chicken Club, a flatbread sandwichEven before it opened, taco with grilled chicken, bacon, tomatoes, romaine, pepper of 8 out of 10. the cafe built up excitement I visited the Cafe jack and chipotle mayo and it was excellent.” by announcing it would give around 2:00 and the Joseph Lee, 11 out free smoothies for a year restaurant was fairly busy. to its first 50 customers.

The ordering system was The franchise also used Instagram to reach out to the efficient with two ordering stations and friendly and community, following many people in Pittsburg and efficient cashiers. reposting Instagram stories of their products.

I ordered the Sunshine smoothie, which is a blend of Walking into the restaurant, the bright colors and mango, banana, orange, pineapple and orange juice.

Words by | Joseph Lee

Perkins reflects on Mac Miller’s two part album

I also ordered the Chipotle Chicken Club, a flatbread sandwich-taco with grilled chicken, bacon, tomatoes, romaine, pepper jack and chipotle mayo and it was excellent. The order took around eight minutes and, instead of announcing my order was ready, a worker delivered me the order. For customer service, I’d rate the cafe 10 out of 10.

In the smoothie, banana was the strongest flavor and I could taste a little orange but not much else. All smoothies come in one size and some drinks have an option for a kid’s cup. The drinks are large and filling, but the smoothie tasted a little watery. The sandwich was great.

For the price, I would rate the smoothie a 7 out of 10 and the food a 10 out of 10.

Overall, I’d rate the restaurant an 8 out of 10 for its combination of appealing interior design, great customer service and especially the yummy and healthy food.

FEATURE

March 2020

7

Construction workers begin process of replacing old turf with new FieldTurfCORE. Mammoth Sports Construction began renovating the new field earlier this year. Photos by | Emma Barnhisel

District partners with Mammoth Sports Construction to repair Hutch Field Words by | Ian Sullivan

O

n Jan. 27, the USD 250 Board of Education approved a $399,999 plan for the replacement of the turf on Hutchinson Field. The district is partnering with Mammoth Sports Construction to install the new product, which is called FieldTurf CORE. According to FieldTurf.com, CORE is “the first multi-layer dualpolymer fiber ever. CORE rewrites the playbook for sports turf, reinvents the playing field, and redefines the player experience.”

District Chief Operations Officer Tom Stegman was responsible for conducting research and choosing the best overall product.

“The reason I would recommend it is for it’s durability. But I would also recommend it because instead of having a to infill system, where it’s just sand and then the rubber cinder composite. This is a three layer infill system, which can help prevent injury.”

According to Stegman, the warranty was one of the main factors in deciding which company to partner with.

“The deciding factor of why we are choosing Mammoth Sports

Changing concessions School shifts management to family business Words by | Joseph Lee For the 2019-2020 basketball season, concession stands management was taken over by the Holt family, a local family known for running concession stands in high schools.

Basketball concession stands were previously run by school clubs as a means of fundraising. According to administration, the decision to shift concessions management was motivated by money but money made from this year will still be allocated back to clubs.

“It was $250 is what a club would get on a night for working as a fundraiser. What we learned was most nights we wouldn’t make enough profit and we would still pay them that,” activities director Jeff Staley said. “By the end of the year we were in the hole. At the same time the clubs would still receive something.”

According to administration, clubs will be not be able to fundraise through working concession stands after this school year.

The shift authorizes the Holts to run the concession stands as a family business and the school will receive a percentage of the earnings at the end of the year.

“They order everything, they supply everything, they sell everything,” Staley said. They’ll figure out at the end of the year how much money they made during the basketball season and that is going to get divided up amongst the clubs who normally would work so that they are not at a loss of revenue.”

Spanish Club sponsor and spanish teacher Angie Pallares says the changes have little financial effects on the club but values concessions for a different reason.

“I remember having a great time running around and, you know, it was stressful, but it’s fun. And I don’t know you just make bonds and hang out with people. And so in a way that may be more than the money thing. It’s kind of sad that you don’t have that opportunity to work together and that event.”

The family also runs concession stands for St. Mary’s Colgan and Girard high schools. In addition, the Holts also run Pittsburg concessions for Monday night football, volleyball, baseball and softball.

According to Staley, the family has been running football and baseball since before he arrived in Pittsburg. The Holts took over softball concessions for the 2019 season.

The family did not respond when contacted for more information.

Staley cites additional benefits of the changes in management for the sports.

“The quality of food they can provide versus what we can provide is usually higher. The hot dogs are bigger and better,” Staley said. “They have pulled pork as an option and they’ll occasionally have pork steak that they serve. The menu is much greater than what we could provide as a school. Having home cooked food is a benefit.”

Construction is because safety was a priority. Most turf systems have an eight year warranty, while this has a 10 year warranty,” Stegman said. “So let’s say that [Mammoth Sports Construction] would go bankrupt. We’re still insured under a third party and could get it replaced.”

“Mammoth is located in Meriden, Kansas and we’re in constant contact with this company,” Stegman said. “If there’s ever an issue with our field all we have to do is call in and they could be here within about two hours to fix it.“ Not only will the product be under warranty, but Mammoth Sports Construction will also do yearly check-ups on the field.

“That’s one of the reasons why this company received our bid because they’re going to come back annually, and they’re going to help us assess whether we’re doing a good job of taking care of the field as well.”

Mammoth Sports Construction will also provide the necessary equipment to care for the turf.

“Part of this contract is that we’re going to be receiving sweepers and groomers as well. So not only are we just going to receive a

field but we’re also going to receive the equipment as part of the contract to take care of it.”

Stegman believes that if the turf is properly cared for, they can maximize the lifespan of the field.

“I would like to see if we can get 12 years out of this field. If we take care of our field we do it right, hopefully, we can get more than the 10 year warranty.”

According to Stegman, this project was long overdue.

“We can’t go another year on the field we currently have and provide a safe playing surface, not only for our students, but also visiting teams, and for St. Mary’s Colgan who uses our field,” Stegman said. “We need to make sure that we take care of our kids in our community. That’s the priority here and the reason why [we do it].”

Mammoth Sports Construction will begin the removal of the turf on Mar. 5, and the installation will begin shortly after. Turf Installation is expected to last 4 to 6 weeks. The asphalt track will also be replaced with new asphalt and a perimeter fence will be placed around the turf.

Elkamil reclassifies to extend athletic career Originally, Elkamil had planned to go straight to a Division I college after high Senior Gavyn Elkamil has been playing basketball for as long as he school. However, he sustained a broken could walk. wrist over the summer.

“It’s always been my goal to play basketball professionally but I “I wanted to just go straight to college know it’s not easy,” Elkamil said. but breaking my wrist really set me To further his professional basketball career, Elkamil made the back,” Elkamil said. “I thought this was in decision in late October to officially reclassify and commit to Link Year my best interest.”

Prep.

Elkamil recommends prep school to Reclassification (reclassing) is the process by which students change young athletes. their graduation year, usually to further their athletic careers. Student“If [young athletes] need it then for sure, athletes can reclass a year ahead or behind. it’s a great route,” Elkamil said. “Of course Elkamil reclassed to 2021. He will graduate from PHS this year and you want to go straight to college but it take a gap year to attend prep school. doesn’t always “I reclassed just to give me an extra year work out like to get better and develop more before I go that.” to college,” Elkamil said.

Elkamil is Link Year Prep is an eight-month Christian looking to make I reclassed just to give me an extra year gap year program based in Branson. a statement this to get better and develop more before I go “The program is focused on offering season. to college.” players a year to continue improving their “Breaking Gavyn Elkamil , 12 basketball skill,” the Link Year webpage my wrist gave says. “Our goal is to develop both character me a new and talent for players that desire to play at the next level.” perspective on [life],” Elkamil said.

PHS alumnus Marque English also attended Link Year in October He “This season I want to be [Kansas] is currently playing basketball at Butler Community College.

Gatorade Player of the Year and make Elkamil said that he spoke with his former teammate English when it to state.” making the decision to commit to Link Year Prep.

Elkamil’s season with the Link “Marque went there so I have an actual perspective of [the program] Year Lions will start in October of and the players they’ve produced,” Elkamil said. “It’s like a family over next year. Find more information at there.” linkhoops.com.

Words by | Jacob Mathew

“

Photo by | Noemi Hernandez

Powerlifting team wins state title

The following team members earn individual first place rankings 5A Male 114.0 Bench Jason Campbell

112.8 215.0

5A Male 156.0 Overall Dennis Heikes

155.0 930.0

5A Male 198.0 Clean Shay Mahnken

188.4 295.0

5A Male 114.0 Squat Jason Campbell

112.8 300.0

5A Male 181.0 Bench Ethan Weidert

173.2 280.0

5A Male 198.0 Overall Shay Mahnken

188.4 1090.0

5A Male 114.0 Clean Jason Campbell

112.8 205.0

5A Male 181.0 Squat Ethan Weidert

173.2 440.0

5A Male 220.0 Bench Aaron Woods

218.2 340.0

5A Male 114.0 Overall Jason Campbell

112.8 720.0

5A Male 181.0 Clean Ethan Weidert

173.2 330.0

5A Male 220.0 Overall Aaron Woods

218.2 1130.0

5A Male 132.0 Bench Minwoo Lee

130.6 230.0

5A Male 181.0 Overall Ethan Weidert

173.2 1050.0

5A Male 242.0 Overall Sam Herring

226.4 1085.0

5A Male 156.0 Squat Dennis Heikes

155.0 425.0

5A Male 198.0 Bench Shay Mahnken

188.4 365.0

5A Male 156.0 Clean Dennis Heikes

155.0 275.0

5A Male 198.0 Squat Caiden Barber

185.0 455.0

8

SPORTS

March 2020

Art by | McKenna Hodges

The unanticipated conclusions Athletes reflect on cancellation of their final season Words by | Hannah Gray, Joseph Lee & Kaley Mussa

W

ith Kansas Governor Laura Kelly’s order to close all Kansas schools for the rest of the academic school year, the class of 2020’s senior sports seasons played out differently than planned.

Seniors across all sports were quick to express their feelings toward the announcement.

Last spring, senior tennis player Dakota Caudle stepped off the tennis courts at the KSHSAA state tournament not knowing it would be his last. After being named SEK champion and snagging a fourth place title at regionals, Caudle was anticipated to be a major player for the 2020 season. “[Last year] was my last high school season. But to know that I played my last match without taking the time to enjoy it is one of the hardest things I have ever experienced,” Caudle said. “It was hard for me to think it was real, that even though I gave everything for improvement I would never get to see the result in my hard work, obsession and dedication.”

Three-year varsity athlete Sydney Linahan reflects on the cancellation after preparing for her softball season. Linahan

How do you feel about professional sports being canceled/ suspended?

Sports Briefs

Words by | Keith Perkins

Boys Basketball

The Boys Varsity basketball team finished the season with a record of 13-8, ending with a 72-57 home substate loss to Blue Valley Southwest. Gavyn Elkamil(12) had 27 points, and Elijah Thornton(10) had 11.

Girls Basketball The Girls Varsity basketball team finished with a record of 9-11, capping the season off with a home loss to Independence, 47-43 on February 29.

Wrestling 6 Dragon Wrestlers advanced from regionals hosted at Pittsburg to 5A state in Wichita. Gabe Beaman(10) qualified in the 106lb weight class, Corbin Mcintier(9) in the 113lb weight class, JJ White(9) in the 120-lb weight class, Matt Smith(10) in the 160lb weight class, Jesse Stover(12), in the 170lb weight class, and Zane Decker(11) in the 195lb weight class.

played shortstop, second base and catcher throughout her high being able to lead his team. school career and traveled to Italy this past summer for a softball “As we were heading to spring break I thought practice would opportunity. start again. I still had hope that season would resume,” Allen said.

“This is really hard on me because I am a senior. It’s my last “I was one of the very few seniors and was going to be helping chance to reach the goals I set for myself my freshman year,” lead the younger kids.”

Linahan said. “I feel like we have a great In addition to student athletes, group of girls going out this year and I coaches have also been affected as a had hoped that I would have the chance result of the cancelation of spring sports. to play with them this season.”

“The cancellation of the spring For senior baseball player Brody sports and activities is really very It was hard for me to think it was real, Arck, the season would have been a saddening.

The spring is the pinnacle that even though I gave everything for culmination of friendships and childhood of a senior athlete’s athletic career,” improvement I would never get to see the memories. boys golf coach Mary Packard said. result in my hard work, obsession and “All of our work for the past three years “The loss of competitions, successes dedication.” has led up to this season. The chance and victories that could have been is so Dakota Caudle , 12 to be ‘the guys’ of the team and have disappointing.” one last ride,” Arck said. “I’ll never have Despite the unexpected turn of events, the chance to play baseball again, especially with the guys who I Allen hopes to continue in his track career. grew up playing it with.”

“I got the news that the season was canceled and I was Senior track and field runner and jumper Lawrence Allen was heartbroken. My senior year was over,” Allen said. “I’m currently training to break records this year and was looking forward to trying to think of the future and what I can do next for track.”

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Keith Perkins, 11

Ela Hendrickson, 11

Javon Grant, 11

Blaine Dunstan, 10

“It’s really unfortunate that pro tennis is on halt right now and I was looking forward to seeing how the season played out. I just hope they are able to play major tournaments, even if they have to reschedule them.”

“College track being canceled is awful. There’s no one to watch and look up to. Pitt State has an amazing track team and they were fun to watch and to strive to be like.

I’m just glad that seniors can play next year if they want to.”

“I feel like a lot of people took sports for granted until they actually got it taken away from them. It’s felt boring with no sports, especially the NBA.”

“It’s upsetting that the NCAA canceled their season because I’m a KU fan and we were the number one team, setting us up for a national championship. ”

Jumping to the next level

Turner signs with WSU, continues track career and that the people could really push me.”

Turner has qualified for state the past three years and had a goal Senior Faith Turner signed with Wichita State University for a to qualify this year, until her senior season was suspended.. track scholarship.

“When it comes to college, my main goal is to improve. I always Turner competes in long jump, triple jump, 100 meter and 4X1 want to win the event that I am competing in but being a D1 and holds records in all four events. athlete is a whole other animal,” Turner said. “My big goal is to “She really has a can-do attitude,” track and field coach Rob have a better jump every single meet that I am participating in.”

Cummings said. “She works hard and Turner is excited for her college season she immerses herself in her events and but it brings change along with it. excels at them by perfecting her form.

“My biggest challenge in college will You can tell she wants to be better.” probably be being away from my family They have a family atmosphere and Cummings is in his 11th year of because they are my support system and everybody is always cheering each other coaching, and focuses on sprints, long they are always at my meets,” Turner said. on which is kind of like how the PHS track jump and triple jump.

“That’ll be different when I go to college.” team is” According to Turner, WSU seemed Cummings has seen Turner’s growth and like the right fit for pursuing track in the way she positively affects others.

Faith Turner , 12 college.

“She is going to bring it every day. She is “They have a family atmosphere someone you can call out and she’s going and everybody is always cheering each other on which is kind of to fix whatever was wrong,” Cummings said. “She goes out and like how the PHS track team is,” Turner said. “Another reason is performs every time and people should pay attention to that. She because of the coaching staff, I feel like they can really push me is super contagious and she leads by example.”

Words by | Hannah Gray

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Photo by| Noemi Hernandez