Booster Redux May 2016

Jester awards Drama department up for 18 awards Page 2D

The Booster Redux Pittsburg High School 1978 E. 4th Street Pittsburg, KS 66762 Vol. 99, Issue 10 www.boosterredux.com

Friday, May 13, 2016

Making their way to

Nationals Nine debate, forensics students qualify for tournament MADDY ROBISON @maddyrobison19 tanding in a practice room, freshman Hannah Casper spends hours perfecting her oration for the upcoming national competition. “[Qualifying for nationals] is really exciting, but also kind of nerve-racking because not a lot of freshmen get to go,” Casper said. “I’m eager to see what it’s like and hopefully prepare myself for the future.”

This year, the debate and forensics team qualified nine students to compete in the National Speech and Debate Tournament at Salt Lake City June 12-17. This is the largest group in school history.

Students include: senior Sebastian Johns; juniors Morgan Burns, Caleb Dial, Isaiah Harris, Zach Uttley; sophomores Meghan Hess, Justice Lankford, Gina Mathew and freshman Hannah Casper.

“This is an opportunity that they will never have the chance to experience unless they go to nationals,” speech and debate coach Julie Laflen said. “To qualify for nationals you have to place first your second, which makes it extremely competitive.”

Uttley, who attended nationals last year, enjoys debate and forensics despite the extra practice outside of school.

“I really enjoy the people you meet, the trips you take and the competition you face,” Uttley said. “It takes a lot of time in and out of the classroom, but it’s worth it.”

Along with Uttley, Burns is excited to gain an unique experience and other life skills that will benefit her outside of the classroom. “[Since joining forensics], I find that it’s a lot easier to get up and talk in front of judges or to people I don’t know,” Burns said.

In addition to having a sizable group of students traveling to nationals, a milestone was set in the program.

“Having Hess and Lankford qualify in

S Karate What it takes to be a black belt Page 4D

Continued on Page 2D At the annual forensics ice cream social, juniors Caleb Dial, Zach Uttley and senior Sebastian Johns receive award certificates. They will travel to Salt Lake City in June with six other students to compete at the national debate and forensics tournament. PHOTO BY DEVON COULTER

In-Depth Enrollment procedures

Clark retires after 27 years MOLLY GRAHAM @molllygraham hen coach and teacher Merle Clark was 12-years-old, his father gave him advice that became his lifelong mantra: if a person is going to pay an employee a good wage, that employee goes to work every day and gives a good day’s work.

And in his 27 years of teaching coaching at the high school, Clark has done just that.

“I have been very proud to work for USD 250 for 27 years,” Clark said. “I am very proud I have missed very few school days, but I think I am most proud of getting up every day and wanting to come to school to hang out with the kids.”

This year, Clark made the decision to retire.

“I feel like this is really the right time, from the coaching aspect, because the guys who are coaching football are young, they’re aggressive and they do a good job,” Clark said.

Before he began teaching and coaching, Clark was a dentist for nine years.

“It was something I just did not want to do.

I’d always wanted to teach and coach, and I just thought, ‘You shouldn’t get up in the morning not wanting to go to work,’” Clark said. “So I decided to teach and coach, and I’ve never regretted any of it at any time.”

Clark is an alum of the high school and the football team and being a part of the teaching and coaching staffs was what he knew he wanted to do, although he did not ever think he would receive an opportunity to do so.

“I did not know if there would be an opening at PHS, but it turned out there happened to be. It just worked out very well for me,” Clark said. “I was proud to wear the purple when I was at PHS as a student, and I’m still proud to wear the purple now.”

To head football coach Tom Nickelson, Clark is the epitome of a Dragon.

“He played here, he helped established some of that winning tradition. He was an assistant coach for several years, then a head coach for 15 years. He is Dragon football. To a whole generation of people, he represents Dragon football,” Nickelson said. “He has been a fixture [at the high school] for a lot of years, he is just someone we all give respect to and look up to and go to for advice. There will be a big hole [without him]. He’s Pittsburg born and raised.”

Not only have Clark and Nickelson coached and taught together for 15 years, they have developed a close relationship. “[He is one of three people] I respect the most and go to the most for advice. He’s a really good coach, but he’s a better man,” Nickelson said. “He’s been a second father to me for the last 15 years.”

According to Nickelson, Clark offers a positive attitude and a plethora of advice to every person in the high school.

Just one person who has experienced this firsthand is junior Noah Vaughn.

“I feel like I could go up and talk to Coach Clark

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Making history logan benham qualifies for state all four years Page 8D

After four years of counseling at high school, Powell returns to PCMS KALI POENITSKE @kali_poenitske

Teaching health, Merle Clark has a discussion with his class. PHOTO BY SHERRICK ROGERS

about anything at any time of the day and he would drop everything he’s doing just to listen to me,” Vaughn said.

However, Clark has provided more for Vaughn than a confidant. Clark has given him the confidence to excel in not only sports, but academics.

“Coach Clark has really pushed me to be the best I can be,” Vaughn said. “He has always let me know I am capable of anything I want to do, whether it is on the field or in the classroom. The school and the football team just won’t be the same without him.”

For Clark, what he will miss most about the high school are his developed relationships; with his fellow teachers and coaches, as well as his students.

“We’ve spent so much time together we have become like family,” Clark said. “I am not going to lose total contact with those people, but it won’t be the same not being [at the high school] every day.”

For Clark, in his 27 years spent at the high school, there has not been anything better than to continue his career at the same school he in which he graduated from.

“I have had opportunities to go other places and teach and coach, but I really didn’t ever want to, because I wore the purple and I’m still proud to,” Clark said. “What I’ve enjoyed most is being able to teach and coach at the same school I went to.”

After counseling high school students for four years, counselor Burl Powell is going back to the middle school.

“I [decided] on a whim,” Powell said. “I saw the job open in March, so I called them and [asked] about it. They told me what it was and I thought that was something I had never done and it would be challenging. I thought it would be cool.”

Powell has counseled in the district for five years. Before his time at the high school, he was a counselor at the middle school for a year. He is looking forward to the opportunity to work with a different group of students.

“The cool thing is, I am not only on the regular ed side,” Powell said.

“I’m also on the special ed side. It [will be challenging], but I will get to help in a [new] way.”

While Powell is ready for a change, he will be missed by many once he leaves.

“He always helped me through any problems I had,” sophomore Taylor Redd said. “He is considerate to everyone. No matter who it was, he always tried to be as helpful as possible [because] every student matters.”

Powell’s fellow counselors will feel his absence as well.

“I will truly miss his smiling face and enjoyable, lighthearted attitude coming in everyday,” counselor Gina Ulbrich said. “We never knew what funny thing he was going to say. I loved that, and I am really going to miss it. I have loved working with Mr. Powell. I wish him the best of luck. He will be fabulous at the job he has taken down there. Those kids are really lucky they are going to be able to work with Mr. Powell.”

2 NEWS

Friday, May 13, 2016

www.boosterredux.com SECTION D

Senior Jack Warring and Will Jewett portray Shrek and Donkey in Shrek the Musical. Shrek was performed in February. Both are nominated for best actor award and have been performing all four years of high school. PHOTO BY SAVANNAH JONES

Drama productions earn 18 jester awards LILY BLACK @PHSStudentPublications

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very year Music Theatre Wichita hosts an awards ceremony known as the Jester Awards. High school musical theatre productions all over the state of Kansas attend this ceremony in hopes of earning a Jester.

Today the high school’s nominee’s will be traveling to Wichita for the Jesters Award Ceremony.

The theatre department received 18 nominations. Because their nominations included Best Overall Production for Shrek the Musical, they have the opportunity to perform a medley of numbers from the show.

The Jesters awards highlight the talent and effort put in from students. Awards are presented to theatre performers for their individual and group performances. Technical crew, design teams, ensembles, choreography and orchestras are also categories the high school received nominations in for Shrek the Musical and Band Geeks.

Theatre teacher Greg Shaw was nominated for Director of Show for Shrek. Choir teacher Susan Laushman was also nominated for Best Vocal and Music Director for Shrek.

After being nominated for her role in Shrek the Musical, Laushman expressed how touched she was for the opportunity.

“The singing of the Shrek cast is outstanding. It’s very satisfying to see a show come together. Audiences continue to praise the voices of my students,” Laushman said. “We have a lot of talented students and I’m happy to be a part of the nominations.”

Seniors Derek Brumbaugh, Jared Wilde, Will Schindler, Derrick Sumner and Will Jewett were nominated for Best Small Ensemble in Band Geeks. Along with this nomination, Jewett was nominated for Best Actor while playing Donkey in Shrek the Musical.

“I was pretty pumped to be nominated. I had told my mom when I was cast as Donkey I wanted to be nominated for a Jester,” Jewett said. “Being on stage is just the most rewarding thing for me. Making people happy and talking to them afterward is also great.”

Although the thrill of getting on stage in front of an audience and putting his best efforts into his performances is exhilarating, Jewett believes the best part of acting is the roles he plays.

“Performing is just a blast and has always been fun for me,” Jewett said. “My favorite part is portraying such a wide variety of characters and people while being a part of so many different plays and musicals.”

Dragon Time changes New policy to be implemented next year MADDIE BADEN

everything a student has missed.

“The current time constraints are difficult to y the time a student reaches the end make of the day, social studies teacher Anita up tests and longer assignments,” math teacher White recognizes their brain does not Trevor Elliott said. “Also, with it being at the end want to function anymore. With Dragon of the day, we have students who are gone for Time falling at the end of the day, the teaching activities who miss it more frequently.” staff feels the study time is not being used as it Study hall will be 23 minutes long, with it was intended to be. falling at the beginning of the day so students “I think, currently, we have students who involved in activities will be able to attend. are not making the best use of Dragon Time,” When students get to the class there will be assistant principal Rhonda White said. “We also, a sign in sheet. Students will mark to get daily perhaps, have classrooms that do not offer the points if they are staying in the class or traveling. same quiet environment. We are wanting to make Another change that will be implemented will sure we examine and provide students the time to be a new color coded pass system, which will meet with the teachers if they need to and make take the place of stamps this will allow students Dragon Time a more structured time.” to travel to a different teacher.

Seeing the need to transition Dragon Time into Some students choose to not use their time a more productive study time, a group of teachers, wisely in Dragon Time. For freshman Gabe Abarca at least one from each department, meet twice he chooses to use his Dragon Time to relax after a a week to discuss the problems of Dragon Time long day of school. now, and different options to incorporate into a “[My friends and I] watch videos on the more structured study time for next year’s school computer,” Abarca said. “I could be doing schedule. something more “The committee’s productive, but I first goal was to try decide to hang to define what is the out instead.” purpose? Who are With students we trying to help who do not take with it? Also what advantage of the do we want that time study time there to be dedicated to?” are a number of Anita said. “[We students who also] discuss how cherish the time.

-RHONDA WHITE, ASST. PRINCIPAL ideally we need to Junior Reina structure the study Shiroma uses the time to get her assignments time so that it meets the defined purpose.” done everyday.

Dragon Time, which will now be called study “I use Dragon Time to do my homework or hall for the 2016-17 school year, will be placed study English,” Shiroma said. “I do not want to do after first hour and before second opportunity my homework at home so I am making the point breakfast. The time will be used strictly for of finishing homework during Dragon Time.” academic purposes so no clubs or activities will The question as to whether or not the study time be able to meet. is a must for the school is one, which comes up The Platinum incentive program will no longer among the committee. be in use. According to Rhonda White, the “Whether it is necessary or not depends on how Platinum program is one of the main problems the students use the time,” Elliott said. “If they with Dragon Time. The issue comes when students use it for academics and it helps them reach their who are not rewarded Platinum leave early despite academic needs, then the answer is yes. If the not having Platinum privilege. students waste the time, which many currently do, “It feels as if we have offered Platinum as a then it is no longer necessary.” drive for students to earn A’s and B’s,” Rhonda The change will be applied next school year and said. “We have other students who have not the staff hopes the change will be beneficial for earned those grades who seem to get in the mix the school. of the Platinum kids. They are not going to where “Hopefully it will be structured to meet students’ they need to go and they are not making the best needs,” Rhonda said. “Right now, there are kids use of their time.” who need to use it and who want to use it, but When a student misses a class, Dragon Time is some feel the environment is not studious enough. the intended time to meet with a teacher to see There are kids who might need to use it, but are what they missed. With the period only being not always using it in the best way, so we hope 25 minutes, this does not allow time to make up that [the change] will meet everybody’s needs.” @maddiebaden

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We aare hoping that [The Change] will meet everybody’s needs

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Nominated for Best Actor in his performance during Shrek and Best On-Stage Music Performance in Band Geeks is senior Jack Warring.

“I love to do theatre,” Warring said. “It’s what I want to do with my life, and this is a phenomenal way to get started.”

When first learning he was nominated, Warring was “super psyched”.

“I had friends from other schools congratulate me for the nominations before I even knew what was going on,” Warring said.

Having been in theatre since his freshman year, senior Jon Commons was nominated for the Technical Achievement Award.

“I was excited because [being nominated] means that all of my hard work has payed off,” Commons said. “My motivation was pure enjoyment.”

Everyone involved in the performance of Shrek the Musical was nominated for a Jester.

“The theatre program was nominated for so many different awards,” Jewett said. “For Shrek, every single aspect got a nomination. Tech, ensemble, directors, costumes, set, everything. It’s great that everyone got a nomination, no matter what they did for the show.”

Forensics Nationals Continued from Page 1D public forum debate (PFD) is an amazing accomplishment,” Laflen said. “It’s the first time in 15 years that we have qualified for PFD, and it’s the first female PFD team that we have ever qualified. Our talent among the younger kids is more than I’ve ever seen. I think it’s because they see the upperclassmen and want to achieve that earlier, which speaks volumes for the upperclassmen and even graduates [of the program].”

On top of the achievements from underclassmen, Laflen has seen great execution from Burns, who received first in original oratory at state competition as a first-year competitor.

“To qualify for state you would have had to place first or second at the other competitions, so I was competing against the best speakers from the other 5A schools,” Burns said. “It was really exciting placing first at state since no one else has ever done that before.”

Overall, Casper believes the forensics and debate teams have felt the success of the seasons and hopes to continue that success within the upcoming years.

“I would encourage anyone who is interested in joining debate or forensics to do so,” Casper said. “It’s such a good opportunity, especially if you like to talk or argue. It really is a life skill that you will use beyond high school.”

Marching to the capitol Band to travel to Washington, D.C. LILY BLACK @PHSStudentPublications The Mid-America All Star Marching Band (MAASMB) is sponsored by Pittsburg State University (PSU) and is under the direction of PSU Marching Band Director, Douglas Whitten.

The band is made up of 75 high school students from the four-state area, including students from Pittsburg, Lockwood, Jasper, Liberal, Southeast, Uniontown, Galena, Baxter Springs, Quapaw and Lamar.

The students will travel to Washington, D.C. for a week to participate in the National Independence Day Parade on July 4.

“The purpose of MAASMB is to offer a ‘big trip’ experience to smaller schools. Often, only big schools can afford these type of trips,” Whitten said. “There are bands from all over the country participating in this parade and we are the Kansas representative.”

The total expense of the trip is $1,200.

Sophomore Kiel O’Neal has participated in all of the fundraising opportunities offered and has raised $900 for his expenses.

“I joined the band to gain the experience and the honor that comes with it,” O’Neal said. “I’m

most excited to go march and perform in the parade because playing and performing music is something that I love to do, especially when I’m with other all-star members.”

The practices for the parade consisted of three informational meetings held September through November, along with a two-hour practice each month up until the trip, which began in January.

There are eight other adults chaperoning the trip, all of which are music teachers, including band director Cooper Neil.

According to Neil, bringing students together to march is beneficial.

“I love the idea of musicians collaborating with each other rather than competing against each other,” Neil said. “I think that is something special that only music can do and I think this is a wonderful opportunity for the students.”

Sophomore Andrea McCloskey is looking forward to the trip and hopes to better her music and band capabilities.

“I think the experience gained from the trip is worth it,” McCloskey said. “This is a fantastic opportunity that integrates both music education and the trip of a lifetime.”

SECTION D

www.boosterredux.com

OPINION

Friday, May 13, 2016

3

Booster Redux staff and policy Editors-in-Chief Alli Baden Molly Graham Megan Munger Morgan Plank

Managing Editors Kali Poenitske Journey Jaramillo Gina Mathew Trina Paul

Design Editors Kailey Curtis Jake Webb

Staff Maddie Baden Meghan Baker Connor Balthazor Alivia Benedict Lily Black Justin Blythe Katy Brown Nic Burk Mataya Cook Caleb Dial Sophie Graham Journey Jaramillo Nicole Konopelko Josh Lee Trina Paul Maddy Robison Caleb Stradley Patrick Sullivan Ivan Walter Julie Wilson Kaylah Wilson

Adviser Emily Smith

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

PHS Student Publications Department and newspaper class produce The Booster Redux.

Please call us with comments at 620235-3200. The Booster Redux’s purpose is to inform, educate, enlighten and entertain readers fairly and accurately in an open forum.

Opinions expressed in editorials or opinion columns do not necessarily reflect views of all members on the Booster staff.

Digital photos have not been altered to manipulate reality.

Photo illustrations are labeled to reflect any technical alternations.

Anonymity may be given in the following cases: the information is unable to be presented another way, the information warrants anonymity, the source’s privacy and/or reputation requires protection and the source must be protected from damages.

A student or faculty member death during the coverage period will be covered with a short obituary.

The Booster Redux is a member of Journalism Education Association, National Scholastic Press Association, Kansas Scholastic Press and International Quill and Scroll. The Booster Redux encourages letters from students, teachers and community members under 300 words and signed with a valid signature only.

The Booster Redux reserves the right to edit contributions if they are libelous, obscene and for length. Any grammatical errors at the fault of the writer will be printed. Corrections of errors printed at the fault of the Booster staff will appear in the appropriate section of the next issue.

ART BY ALIVIA BENEDICT

living with a constant struggle Student discusses seeking help, encourages other to do so Caleb stradley @PHSStudentPub do not have it rough. I have a loving family with plenty of good friends. If I ever had an issue, they would be there to help me. I am certainly not poor, my family makes more than enough money. I have struggled, but everyone does.

Compared to many, I have a pretty good life.

Then why do I constantly find myself listening to sad songs? Or pacing all over the place, thinking about tragic hypothetical events? With all the people that care about me, why am I so unhappy?

Clinical depression is something that runs in my family. Not all of us have it, but many do.

Unfortunately, it appears I have it as well.

I started feeling depressed around the end of fifth grade. This overwhelming sadness coming out of nowhere. All through middle school I tried brushing it off, thinking it was nothing but hormones.

At the end of eighth grade, it became something more serious. I started having terrible thoughts about myself and multiple events I do not wish to mention happening my freshman year simply made things worse. These thoughts tell me I am pathetic

I

or nobody cares about me. They make me think that everyone is out to get me, friends, teachers, and even my own family. These thoughts force me to believe that I will never belong and I will always be lonely.

Come to think about it now, have I really been lonely? I said before that I have a lot of friends, but yet I feel like it is me against the world sometimes.

Maybe if I get out more often I will not feel so alone, but I have plenty of people to talk to on my phone. The only answer I have for why I feel a certain way sometimes is I don’t know.

It was only until recently that I started to realize there is no one telling me anything I stated above, it is all just me telling myself that.

I only noticed that because I finally started to open up more about my depression. Telling someone about my feelings has always been a struggle for me, I am always terrified of what people think about me.

However, recently I have found comfort in telling people about how I feel. Not just talking about it, but also writing about it. It is a big reason why I am even writing this story. Same goes for music.

Listening to music takes me away from the world I

am and bring me to a world of understanding.

When I talk or write about my depression, it cannot ever get rid of my pain, but it more puts it on hold. When I finally found the courage to talk about it, I found that people were very caring and wanted to help me out. People have given me hope for a better future and hope for overcoming this depression.

It is hard for me to understand at times that high school is not everything. I also know that I cannot rely on others to make me happy.

Depression has caused me to lose my motivation to do anything. At times I have a hard time leaving my bed to do something more productive.

I know I am not alone in this battle. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, a study done in 2014 showed that an estimated 2.8 million people between the ages 12 and 17 have suffered from depression at some point. That is 11.4% of the U.S. population.

Similar to being diabetic or having high blood pressure, having depression is not something you choose to have, it is just something that pops up out of nowhere. You either learn to control it, or you let it control you.

taking a break: overcoming netflix addiction Student resists temptation over streaming videos Journey Jaramillo @JourneyButcher Some people’s lives vary from day to day, for me, however, I have a basic daily routine: wake up, go to school, come home, put on pajamas, then watch Netflix until I go to bed, and repeat. I know, I know, you wish you were me.

Instead of working on homework that was due two days ago, I would rather be binge watching Supernatural for the third time.

When a friend invites me to hang out, my excuse is, “I would, but I am too busy with family stuff,” when truth is, I am probably lying in bed with a bag of popcorn, catching up on The Vampire Diaries.

When I’m watching Netflix, I know there is something better I could be doing, yet, I watch it anyway.

Right when I decide I am actually going to work, they upload new episodes of my favorites and my work just has to wait. I have to get caught up with my shows before I do anything else.

What can I say, Netflix is my life. At least, it was, until I had a realization. There are 24 hours in a day, and I spend about a third of that watching shows and movies I have seen millions of times before.

This is the youngest we are ever going to be and we should be doing the things we love in our free time.

Sure, I love Netflix, but it is not going anywhere, our ART BY time, however, is.

ALIVIA BENEDICT There are way more important things in life than streaming shows and movies. Education, for example.

How far are you going to get in life by knowing every line from Gossip Girl? Or who kissed who on Grey’s know what I mean. Read a book for a change, Anatomy? The real world is not going to wait “just it is healthy for your mind to experience someone more episode” for you to do what is expected of thing other than technology. you.

Do not get me wrong, I am not saying never If you are behind with your work and your reading, watch Netflix again, I am saying, use your time catch up, then finish the season. If you have not hung more wisely. Do the things you need to get out with Susie for two months because you have been done, and when that is complete, watch all the “busy,” shut the laptop and make plans.

Netflix you want. Success could be right around Go outside and take a walk because being a coach the corner waiting for you to turn off your potato has probably made you pack a few, if you Chromecast and throw away the popcorn.

Letterto The Special to The Booster Redux

Editor

Dear Ladies The report of the tribute to Derek Brumbaugh in March 31, 2016 Booster was beautifully written and conveyed a real sense of affection and at the same time a deep sense of loss.

Though I didn’t know Derek, reading the reports of his brief but fulfilling life gave me a sense of the kind of young man that he was, a young man in his brief accomplished much but who would have later made a great positive difference to many.

I’ve known the Brumbaugh family for over seventy years and have always been impressed with their high qualities.

Derek’s brief life exhibited those same high qualities.

Thanks for a wonderful public tribute.

Sincerely, George E. Nettles, Jr.

Although my dream has always been to marry Netflix when I grow up, I now understand the real world has more for me than Netflix can offer. Of course, I am going to go back to it now and then, but for right now, focusing on life and getting things done is my top priority.

Netflix will always be my soul mate, but my life is a little more important than a Netflix Original.

Now, Hulu, that is a different story.

Staff editorial: Staff skeptical about policy changes BOOSTER REDUX STAFF @PHSStudentPub Administration has recently rearranged the schedule to accommodate teacher and student concerns.

Currently, students attend a 23-minute class at the end of the school day to make up missed work or receive additional instruction. That is, unless they qualify for Platinum, an incentive to leave school early on account of being in good standing with the school.

A new proposal has now taken root as a result of a faulty system. Next year, administration will require a 23-minute study hall after first hour in place of Dragon Time.

We appreciate the administration setting aside time for students to work during the day. Those few minutes of class have proven beneficial for much of our staff to conduct surveys or interview students and staff.

However, we have observed a few flaws in the proposal.

Many of us are involved in extracurricular activities which require us to leave school early. When the new policy is implemented, we will be missing out on more informational class time, which is counterproductive to both the lunch

schedule and the tardy policy’s aim of prioritizing in-class instruction.

While we realize administration is trying to find a better way for every student to productively utilize Dragon Time, administration may need to consider the amount of absences that will now be present in last hour classes and that there is no foolproof system for Dragon Time.

While we simply feel the proposed changes may have unintended consequences, we also believe we may be able to avoid trial-and-error solutions if students had the opportunity to offer input during the discussion.

There are a number of student-led outlets and organizations through which students can express their ideas and thoughts such as Student Council, the Booster Redux, and the National Honor Society.

However, we believe all the clubs and organizations at school should have the opportunity to contribute to this process.

Dragon Time is something that affects not just faculty, and so we believe students should have a part in the solutionmaking process.

This would open the door for a more diverse range of ideas and solutions, and we believe we should be making an attempt to solve this issue together.

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Friday, May 13, 2016

losing yourself in ‘lost’:

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SECTION D

Netflix offers opportunity to enjoy old shows

pATRICK SULLIVAN @PHSStudentPub Lost aired on Sep. 22, 2004, the same day Oceanic Flight 815 crashed on an island, that would change the lives of the passengers, as well as millions of viewers across the world. It was on ABC for 6 years and is regarded as one of the most thrilling, compelling and suspenseful television shows ever and I would have to agree.

The show lasted for six seasons and now is on the popular streaming program, Netflix. Thankfully, I was able to watch this series through Netflix because I did not watch the show while it still aired.

I watched all 121 episodes over a period of 5 months, always wanting to watch just one more episode.

Netflix provides each episode with no commercials whatsoever. I was only slightly offended when it asked me if I was still watching but that does say something about how good this series was.

The show is a network series drama, featuring some big-name actors such as Michael Emerson and Henry Ian Cusick. Lost took the viewers on an unexpected journey as their group of plane crash survivors dealt with all of the three types of conflict.

The island, assumed to be deserted, was inhabited by many animals such as wild boars or the infamous Polar bear seen in season one. Other people lived on the island as well, good and bad. The relationships formed by the characters caused some to want off the island, and some to stay.

Lost focuses on the topic and belief of fate. The question that plagued many viewers throughout all six seasons was: Was this the destiny of these strangers to meet on this island? The style that the show is written in is very open-ended and gives the watcher the freedom to decide on what they believe.

The show basically revolves around six characters that come from very different backgrounds, have had many previous struggles in their life and quite possibly had a better life on the island than before.

The common theme of “live together, die alone” is embodied throughout the series by the man many

pATRICK SULLIVAN

lost «««« ««« would consider the main character. His leader mentality and strong will make Jack Shepard the torchbearer for the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815. The internal struggle each character faces surpasses the issues presented by the island.

The final season of the show leads the viewers into a complex system of realities. Without spoiling it too much, another life is led by the same characters, while they continue to live on the island. Two completely different realities, same people. The characters still find a way to connect in this alternate world, showing that fate united them.

The conclusion to Lost is somewhat controversial and some feel that it was a let-down compared to other season finale. I believe that it tied up the necessary loose ends and ended the

best it could have.There are many nitpicky viewers that will find that not every plot hole is filled throughout the show, which also gives a type of simple ambiguity that you won’t find in many other series.

Lost is loaded with suspense, leaving cliffhangers like no show I’ve ever seen. I was very lucky to be able to watch this action-packed show at the pace I wanted. The show has been off of the air for 6 years and I enjoyed it as if it was still live.

The principles and stories of the survivors portrayed in Lost really make you want to live your life to the fullest.

Each and every person on the island had their fair share of regrets and difficulties, how they chose to deal with them is what set them apart. I truly enjoyed losing myself in Lost.

Captain America: All Muscle, No Brain Marvel movie fails to deliver substantial plot JULIE WIlson @JL_Wilsonn @ The third and final installment of Captain America has come to a conclusion after nearly five years.

The movie opens with the Winter Soldier (played by Sebastian Stan) driving a car off of the road in 1991. This event echoes throughout the movie.

Captain America (played by Chris Evans) leads the Avengers by tracking down a terrorist in Africa. While they defeat the bad guy, Scarlet Witch (played by Elizabeth Olsen) is responsible for accidently killing 11 innocent people in a country called Wakanda.

Because of this incident and others, Iron Man (played

by Robert Downey, Jr.) decides that the Avengers could be directed by the government. Captain America disagrees and the Avengers are divided.

At a United Nations meeting to sign the agreement, a terrorist bomb kills the king of Wakanda. His son, Black Panther (played by Chadwick Boseman), vows revenge when it appears that the Winter Soldier set off the bomb.

When Captain America learns that world security forces do not want to bring in the Winter Soldier alive, he and Falcon (played by Anthony Mackie) track him down to prevent his death.

All three get captured by other Avengers and this is where we meet the movie’s real bad guy. Zemo (played

by Daniel Bruhl) pretends to be a psychologist who examines the Winter Soldier and instead ‘activates’ him using special words.

‘Lemonade’ delievers a refreshing sound justin blythe @Jdblythe When scrolling through my twitter feed late at night on April 30, I was sent into immediate shock by the bombardment of posts regarding a new album release, but this wasn’t just any album.

“Lemonade,” Beyoncé’s sixth solo album, was released unannounced, and I purchased it quickly. I had high expectations for “Lemonade” which was partially due to the $17.99 price tag, but mainly because it was made by Beyoncé, the proclaimed queen of the pop industry. To no surprise, my expectations were shattered in this diverse, emotional and empowering visual album.

The opening song, “Pray You Catch Me” offers the first glimpse into the infidelity occurring in Beyoncé’s marriage, stating, “you can taste the dishonesty / It’s all over your breath.” This emotional start to “Lemonade” continues as the album does.

In “Love Drought”, Beyoncé artistically expresses her frustrations, beginning with the powerful line, “ten times out of nine I know you’re lying.” This song offers slow, sincere and sorrowful insight into rapper Jay-Z’s disloyalty.

This emotional struggle lightens towards the end of the album in Beyoncé’s ode of forgiveness to her husband, “All Night”, which states “I’ve seen your scars and kissed your crime” but asks to “give me some time to prove I can trust you again”. This upbeat song shows the journey that “Lemonade” really is by Beyoncé opening her past and allowing us to hear how her struggles are on the road to resolution.

Although it is a huge part of the album, Beyoncé’s relationship issues are just a part of “Lemonade”. The album also features collaborations with a diverse group of guest, such as The Weeknd in “6 Inch”, a song that features phenomenal bass and catchy hooks that stick.

The album offers a deeper message of activism in the songs “Formation” and “Freedom” by incorporating the fight towards racial equality in an empowering, artistic manner.

Unique sounds unfamiliar to a Beyoncé album are also heard in “Lemonade”, such as a rock n’ roll uproar in “Don’t Hurt Yourself” and a flashback to Beyonce’s creole heritage in “Daddy Lessons”.

Overall, the diverse sound heard throughout “Lemonade” will become a go-to on your worst days and your best nights, so go listen for yourself. It is safe to say that Beyoncé, once again, has slayed.

Winter Soldier kills more innocent people and fights a few Avengers and he manages to escape again.

Captain America and Falcon recapture him and learn there are more Winter Soldiers and Zemo wants to activate them.

They are afraid Iron Man will not believe them so a team is formed with other Avengers who refuse to sign Iron Man’s agreement. This new team, also including Hawkeye (played by Jeremy Renner) and Ant Man (played by Paul Rudd), decides to stop Zemo.

Team Iron Man, which includes Black Widow (played

by Scarlett Johansson), Vision (played by Paul Bettany), War Machine (played by Don Cheadle) and the all new Spider Man (Tom Holland), come together to stop them.

This is the beginning of the Civil War. I really enjoyed the movie, there was nothing but action and adventure. Almost every minute consisted of kicking butt.

The only downside to this was that I feel like it ended without ever really ending. The movie closes with Captain America and the Winter Soldier coming to terms with what had happened but I think there is still more story to tell afterwards.

The overall experience could have been better. I went to see this movie the day it came out so I had to fight the crowd a little bit to find a place to sit. Not only did I fight the crowd but the movie was so long I had to fight my bladder.

“Dark Souls 3” Excels in Gameplay Balthazor expresses opinion on video game connor balthazor @PHStudentPub If you are looking for a game that is so unbelievably challenging that at some points it is almost unbearable, then “Dark Souls 3” is the game for you. The first things that I heard about this game before purchasing it were nearly all about how it is very unforgiving to mistakes. It did not take me long to realize that “Dark Souls 3” was in fact going to be a challenging third-person role playing game, to put it lightly.

One of the first things that immediately stood out to me was the combat system. The ability to lock onto a target made it much easier to use your sword to attack enemies. Also, using a shield is very effective in all forms of combat. The most effective combat maneuver is rolling and diving. Rolling while in combat can end up saving you from a devastating blow, especially in boss battles.

Speaking of boss battles, the boss battles in the “Dark Souls” series have become notorious for being almost overwhelmingly challenging. For example, the first boss in “Dark Souls 3” took me over 10 tries to defeat. Partly due to me being inexperienced at the game and its mechanics, but mostly due to the game being extremely difficult.

However, I plan on trying to get better at this game and hopefully beat it at some point.

Another huge positive about “Dark Souls 3” is the graphics. The graphics make the game very fun to look at. It also makes it much easier to become immersed in the combat and the story.

While “Dark Souls 3” is a great game in many aspects, some other areas of the game are challenging to the point of it is almost too much.

If you are relatively new to video games, you might want to wait on purchasing this game for awhile, as “Dark Souls 3” is tailored towards very dedicated and experienced gamers.

traffic jams by Nic Burk

Friday, May 13, 2016

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During a biannual karate tournament at St. Mary’s Colgan, sophomore Grant Smith strikes a pose during his kata. PHOTO BY SHELBY SMITH

Karate Kid:

Student trains for future black belt test

gina mathew @gmmathew13 rom sparring to blocking to kicking, sophomore Grant Smith has participated in karate since he was six years old.

At the time, joining was a spontaneous decision for him.

“Driving down Broadway, I looked over into the window of the dojo, or training facility, and asked my mom what they did in there,” Smith said. “When she told me, I said I wanted to join and have been doing it ever since.”

Smith trains at Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Genbu-Kai of Kansas, a branch of an international organization that practices various forms of martial arts.

Members take classes and compete at tournaments.

Recently, Smith competed at a tournament in April and placed first in kumite, or sparring, out of nearly 200 students. To date, he has amassed more than 20 awards in martial artistry.

Smith’s instructor, James Otter, feels his success is considerable.

“It is a long journey for students to progress through our junior program and then transition into the adult program,” Otter said. “It requires a lot of dedication, patience and perseverance.”

Being patient is exactly what Smith must show.

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As a brown belt, he is one rank away from the highest class but must wait to advance.

“I have to be 18 before I can become a black belt,” Smith said. “I’m only 16 [now]. The mentality is that kids under the age of 18 aren’t responsible enough to have the honor of a black belt. The test itself is pretty difficult because they don’t want just anybody taking it.”

Once he is of age, Smith plans to travel to California to test before the chief instructor of the organization.

Smith’s interest sparked something in his father to join shortly after him.

“My dad thought that since I could do [karate], he could do it too. Now, it’s our father-son bonding activity.

It’s special for us.”

Following in his father’s footsteps, Smith sees karate in his future.

“Once I become a black belt, I can still further my training. Part of karate is teaching those who come after you. Once I’m a black belt like my dad is, I can help out with classes.”

For now, Smith is enjoying the personal gain he gets from the sport.

“Karate isn’t just [about] blocking and kicking,” Smith said. “It’s much more profound than that, like a mental exercise. Karate teaches a lot of moral values and, without it, I wouldn’t be the person that I am.”

What it takes to be a black belt Junior (Ages 6-16)

Adults (Ages 16+)

White

White

Yellow

Orange

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Green

Blue

Brown

Red (Junior Black)

Black

GRAPHIC BY TRINA PAUL

TAKING TIME TO TAME TEXTURED TRESSES Students embrace natural hair through mane maintenance journey jaramillo @journeybutcher Wanting to be herself, junior Makyia Ross wears her hair naturally to school. She has several people ask to touch it, claiming it is “just so big and puffy.”

Ethnic hair is commonly known for being thick, coarse and short. Some would argue it needs attention other hair does not necessarily require.

“It is really important to use the right products because, if you do not, your hair could break or get really matted,” Ross said.

Some African Americans are known for their hair. A different hairstyle every other week or month, different textures and different lengths. Some people may even refer to an African-American female student as “that black girl with the weave.”

There is reason behind why black women wear weaves, tracks, and sew-ins. Their hair does not grow as fast and does not have the texture needed to do a lot of hairstyles.

“If I want my hair changed temporarily, I can. That is what weave is for. I wear weave because sometimes I want to be Beyoncé, sometimes I want to be Tyra and sometimes I want to be Makyia. I have different hair for different moods. Sometimes, I just get tired of looking at my same hair,” Ross said.

“Weave is just there because you do not have to do anything special with your hair, and if [you want to,] you can change it. You have options. I do not have to keep the same hair color, I don’t have to dye my hair, I just

put in a weave, it’s easier than damaging your own hair with all the products.”

Ethnic hair is not the same for everyone.

It may not grow, feel or even look the same.

Some people are multiple races, or “mixed”.

Multiple people have implied that having mixed hair is the “good hair,” as opposed to having full-out African American hair.

According to Ross, just because someone has “black hair” does not mean it is “not good.”

“If you are black, you should not think your hair is bad,” Ross said. “I feel like you should be proud of your hair because it is so different and requires so much love and care.”

From black people to mixed people to white people, their culture, their personality and the color of their skin are all things that could define them. However, freshman Aliyah Smith, an African-American student, feels as though there is something particularly special about hair and the way it can define someone.

“I like my hair because it is different from other people’s hair. It is thicker, and has a different texture,” Smith said. “I feel like it defines me, no one has my exact hair. Only

“

me. There is something special about that.”

Hair is just one of the many physical differences that exist between ethnic groups.

A main difference between ethnic and nonethnic hair is the fact that, as mentioned, ethnic hair grows slower and takes a longer time to developed the moisture needed to nourish the hair.

Another difference is the fact that many African Americans have to find someone who can do their hair.

Whether it is going out of town to a barber or finding someone through friends.

Junior Elijah Harris, an African-American student, feels his hair is different because he has to keep up with it more.

“I wash [my hair] every other day and put conditioner in it after every shower and I get a haircut every two weeks and I curl it with a sponge every morning,” Harris said.

“I think it gets dry faster [than non-ethnic hair], that is why I don’t wash it every day. I honestly think I have to take more care of it than if my hair was not ethnic.”

i lik like my hair. I am de def definitely proud of it because it shows my race and where i come from.

- ALIYAH AHH SMIT SMITH

Common treatments African Americans use for their hair consist of greasing the scalp, applying keratin or olive oil and using relaxers or perms.

“Sometimes it is hard to take care of [ethnic hair] because the different hair texture requires so much more,” Ross said. “You can’t just put anything in your hair, you have to be careful, because certain things might dry your hair out or break it. Nothing is too difficult about having African-American hair, but I think the most challenging part for a lot of people is trying to figure out what is good for them, like what type of shampoo and conditioner they should use.”

Smith loves everything about her hair and believes anyone’s hair can show more about who they are.

“I like my hair [for the most part.] I am definitely proud of it because it shows my race and where I come from,” Smith said.

“When I wear my hair, I do not straighten it.

I like to wear it natural because it shows me.

It shows who I am and that is why I love it.”

Ross, in agreement with Smith, said even though her hair may be hard to deal with at times, she would not trade it for the world.

“I’m completely comfortable with my hair just because it is mine. I grew it and took care of it, so it’s like my child,” Ross said. “Only you know your hair. It can define you, so if you want to come to school looking lazy, look lazy. If you want to come to school looking like Beyoncé, then look like Beyoncé. Be you and be proud of it.”

poetry contest winners 1st place:

Self-Portrait and Seventeen Ailie Foresman

2nd place:

Teens of Today

3rd place: My Therapist Said I Had to Write 100 Things I Like About Myself Katy Brown

Joe Tallie I inhale, suck in my gut, then turn towards the dirty mirror of my vanity.

The maroon shift dress pulls tight across my breasts and hips.

I exhale, and my body reclaims its natural shape.

My ample stomach evades the thin material of the dress. The fabric no longer conceals my pillowy figure.

I tug at its seams and smooth its wrinkles.

Still holding my breath, I study my figure.

Hour glass, I assure myself.

I stare at my reflection for much too long.

Remorse surges through me. I am no Marilyn Monroe or Brigitte Bardot.

The glass has broken; the sand has split.

Minds stuck in phones Tweeting for retweets Trying to get followers Go to sleep, then repeat

“I hate Donald Trump” “Hey, so do I” “Let’s vote the same guy Even though we don’t know why”

People with false illusion they’re someone they’re not People trying to be the same like a bunch of robots

They’ll probably have the phones until the day they die and give phones to their children so they don’t hear them cry

“I’m a trap king” “Ya, I’m a trap king, too” “I have an iPhone” “Ya, I’ve got the same as you”

It’s a problem, yes, and a problem it will stay Our silly generation would Snapchat doomsday

I can sing, to myself and beautifully off key. I can write, ink flowing like screaming words. The gas pedal I press to the floor makes me feel alive. Cold air paints my nose and cheeks a baby pink.

The cats I pet make me sneeze and make me smile and sneeze (again). Hot coffee I drink is bitter and burns my tongue. Tears I cry are unwritten poems, (rarely written and barely there).

Music flows into me, stopping to dance before continuing on its way. Rain drip drip drips on my head. I smell my friend’s sweet perfume, aching of nostalgia and home. The freckle on my wrist stands a memory of my childhood, a mystery. Nails grow out, tip tapping on my desk, a beat that proves I’m alive. Sun shines on my skin, warming me as I need it, some days more. My tongue tastes ice cream, melting sweetness into my slightly bitter body. My arms wrap around my friends, happily sharing a moment to be forgotten.

6 in-depth Solving the Scheduling Puzzle

Friday, May 13, 2016

www.boosterredux.com

Counselors work to improve enrollment procedures NICOLE KONOPELKO & JOSH LEE @nicolekonopelko & @iAmTheJoshLee

W

hen enrolling for his junior year, Andrew Ortolani was struck with a choice.

His dilemma consisted of choosing between a college credit class or Encore.

Ortolani chose the latter.

“I decided to choose Encore over U.S. History because Encore is way too much fun to leave,” Ortolani said. “Music is a huge part of my high-school career and I didn’t want to just ditch that.”

To continue taking Encore as a junior, Ortolani enrolled in the regular U.S. History class and passed up the opportunity for potential college credit.

“I’m totally okay with this, but AP U.S. History was my initial choice,” Ortolani said.

Ortolani is one of many students faced with scheduling conflicts.

Multiple factors contribute to this issue, including a growing population, locked class periods and a limited faculty and facility.

“We are running out of space for the amount of kids we have,” counselor Jessica Stegman said. “The classes are getting tighter and we have large numbers of kids in classes.

Right now, that’s kind of out of our control because of the large numbers that are coming in.”

Another contributing factor is what Stegman calls “locked class periods.” The counselors use a software called Powerschool to schedule the classes, but is limited by only offering one section of each AP class.

“Certain class periods are only offered specific periods of the day,” Stegman said. “That eliminates the hours for the AP and honors courses to schedule into.”

Part of scheduling conflicts also stem from limitations.

“We’re going to eventually have to start taking constraints off of the schedule in order for it to schedule over 900 kids,” Stegman said. “For instance, for certain classes only juniors or seniors can take a class, or you have to have a certain grade to get in. Those types of constraints have to be put into [the system] before we allow it to run the schedule.”

If students experience scheduling conflicts, they may be able to dual enroll, which means a student can enroll in two classes during the same hour. If the teacher allows, students may also enroll as an independent study and take a class individually.

However, according to registrar Maggie Serrano, both of these options involve a larger work load.

“In the past, teachers made special ar-

Pittsburg enrollment: Frosh: 223 Soph: 238 junior: 212 senior: 238

“We ar are running out of space ffor the amount of kids we have and classes are getting tighter

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Frosh: 127 Soph: 129 junior: 129 senior: 116

faculty members

pittsburg Following a growing trend, PHS’s population for next year is 858 students.

In order to accommodate for this increase, counselors switched from manual scheduling to utilizing Powerschool software.

“This takes a lot of time, but we’re still seeing the same results,” Stegman said. “We still have a schedule where we can say that 90 percent of our student body is scheduled in a class. We have the same results as we would if we did it by hand, and it’s never going to be perfect because we have over 800 students.”

Before students begin enrolling, Serrano uses Powerschool to begin creating next year’s schedule.

“At the beginning of the spring semester, Maggie sits down and basically builds the background in the system,” Stegman said.

“She tells the computer what sections of classes we’re going to offer, who’s going to teach them, when they have to be offered and when the teachers’ planning periods have to be.”

The counselors then move on to a preenrollment process in which students select which classes they’d like to enroll in.

After students complete applying for classes, the counselors enter the students’ classes into Powerschool.

The computer then takes over and informs counselors of errors.

“We let the computer basically do its

”

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english 9 classes: government classes: regular regular classes with an classes with an average of 11 students average of 19 students in each class. in each class. honors classes with an average of 17 students.

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magic,” Stegman said.

Serrano then goes through the system to fix any problems she spots in the schedules.

“After we finalize it, we still have to go through every single student’s individual schedule,” Serrano said. “We see if there’s a discrepancy and fix it, so it’s a running process even after the schedule is filled.”

Chanute With a population of 511 students, CHS is a 4A school in Chanute.

Similar to Pittsburg, counselors use Powerschool as a tool for enrollment.

Before counselors enter what classes students will be taking into the system, students are required to fill out a class recommendation form with their teachers.

The counselors then proceed with the enrollment process. “[Students] meet with the counselors one-on-one and make a plan,” Fewins said.

“The counselor goes over everything... and finally approves the plan and enters it into the computer.”

The counselors created a master matrix. It is the skeleton they build the schedule for the year on.

“The master matrix looks like a big spreadsheet,” Fewins said. “[It tells us] which teacher will teach what hour.”

After entering the students’ course ap-

In order to avoid these scheduling conflicts altogether, the counseling department has created a plan for the next semester after taking teacher concerns into consideration.

“The problem is, 90 percent of the student body take pre-enrollment seriously,” Stegman said. “But then they sit down and they don’t want to take that class. Now, we’re overloading other teachers because they didn’t take it serious the first time, which makes our classes then become uneven across the board.”

After experiencing this issue, Johnson believes there is a solution.

“I think the reason it was a problem this year is because a lot of students didn’t sign up for AP Literature [in the spring semester]; they waited until the [following fall semester], then tried to change their schedules,” Johnson said. “The popular classes like Encore were already scheduled against AP Lit whereas I’m pretty sure if they had signed up for it when enrollment happened, those classes wouldn’t have been pitted against each other.”

Students’ tendency to change classes has been an issue for counselors, and after administration approval, the department has decided to implement a new policy starting in the fall.

“Schedules will be released to the students by mid May and that will give everybody time to come in and get their schedules adjusted,” Stegman said. “We can also talk to students over the summer via email, phone calls and meeting them at the school. Once school starts in August, there will be no changes to those schedules.”

Incoming freshmen, however, will have the opportunity to adjust their schedules at the beginning for their first year of high school.

“We are going to allow the incoming ninth graders to change their schedules, but that’s only because they’ve never been up to the high school to experience the high school and the teachers,” Stegman said.

According to White, not only will this plan reduce the discrepancies in the schedule, but it will also benefit student learning.

“I think there are some good things that will come of kids being in the class from day one and not changing their schedules,” White said. “It allows for teachers to begin moving immediately with material. When a student changes their schedules, they’ve missed class days which are very important.”

Overall, White believes efficiently meeting enrollment needs is a top priority.

“It’s a student-centered and student-driven process,” White said. “It is important to use features that are going to make it most efficient and with the best schedule for kids as possible.”

blue valley southwest enrollment:

511

CHanute enrollment:

government classes: english 9 classes: regular regular classes with an classes with an averaverage of 23 students age of 20 students in in each class. each class.

AP class honors class with a total of with a total of 31 10 students. students.

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ART BY ALIVIA BENEDICT

rangements with the students as long as the scheduling much differently than we do, and student was aware of the load that they were it’s primarily because we are a large school,” putting on themselves,” Serrano said.

White said. “I think because we are a school Despite these options, Serrano believes of- growing in population with so many classes tentimes a student’s only course of action is to to offer it is important to use features that are make a decision. going to make it most efficient with the best “We try our best to not contradict class pe- schedule for kids as possible.” riods, but there are cases where a student has In the case of CHS, which has 563 stuto choose,” Serrano said. “There’s no other dents, the enrollment process is not addressed way to get around that.” like Pittsburg High School (PHS).

Due to enrollment conflicts, junior Morgan “Conflicts occasionally happen,” CHS Burns had to cut classes she wanted to take. counselor Jessie Fewins said. “Occasionally “I’ve always wanted to take Encore, art, there will be one hour [with conflicts] just musical rep theatre and French,” Burns said. because the classes are more popular than “Ever since my freshman year, I couldn’t take others, but so far with our staff we have been these classes because other core classes con- fortunate enough to not [see that problem offlicted. The classes I took and still am tak- ten].” ing are not classes I can get good grades in However, the smaller population and smallwithout working hard. I can’t even begin to er student-to-faculty ratio has allowed for explain how many CHS to implement times I’ve wished programs such as for a class that I their “linked classcould just have fun es” system. in.”

According to In an attempt Fewins, this systo solve this issue, tem groups two or Burns considered more classes todual enrollment. gether; therefore a However, she bestudent choosing to lieves for her, it enroll in one class wasn’t an option. is automatically en-JESSICA STEGMAN “I contemplated rolled for its linked dual enrollment, class at a certain but most of the time of day. time I was in class“For example, a es that needed me world history class there for the entire and an English hour,” Burns said. “When you are in difficult class could be linked,” Fewins said. “That classes, it is easy to get behind. I didn’t want certainly cuts down on the number of options to worry about keeping track of [dual enroll- and complications there are.” ment] while trying to maintain a 4.0 GPA.” Periodically, conflicts will arise. However, However, Stegman believes enrollment is when they do, counselors are able to create not the only area where students will have to solutions to address the issues as they did make decisions. with Brazil.

“Students are going to have to make choic“There are a few classes which are still es in the real world,” Stegman said. “If you go only offered one hour that consistently cause to college or get a job, then you will have to problems and make students choose between make choices. That’s just how it is.” them,” Brazil said. “But there are a lot of difThat was the case for junior Annie Brazil at ferent ways to handle not being able to fit a Chanute High School (CHS); she made a deci- class into a schedule; one teacher even said sion because of scheduling conflicts. he would offer a class another hour for me to “I wanted to take newspaper 6th hour but take it.” couldn’t because of my college algebra class,” English teacher Melissa Fite Johnson is afBrazil said. “I didn’t sacrifice it completely, fected by the scheduling method at PHS. This just couldn’t take it during the main hour it semester, she had one Advanced Composiwas offered, which just makes communicat- tion class with seven students while the other ing with other staff members a little difficult.” had 29 students.

According to assistant principal Rhonda “It is inconvenient, because my seven-perWhite, schools handle enrollment processes son class is always ahead of the other classfor their respective populations differently. es,” Johnson said. “Everything takes less time “There are a number of schools that do the when there are fewer people.”

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SECTION D

Frosh: 300 Soph: 257 junior: 297 senior: 289

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english 9 classes: government classes: regular regular classes with an classes with an average of 22 students average of 30 students in each class. in each class. honors classes AP classes with an average with an average of 10 of 27 students. students.

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plications into Powerschool, the counselors then take Powerschool’s schedule and insert it into the master matrix.

“We use Powerschool as a tool to see numbers among other things,” Fewins said.

“But Powerschool is not human, and we use our own troubleshooting, knowledge, what we need and don’t need and what will work for our teachers and what won’t to create our [master matrix and final schedule].”

blue valley southwest Classified as a 5A school, BVSW currently has a student population of 1,143.

Similar to PHS, enrollment at BVSW is spearheaded by the counseling department, which uses a pre-enrollment process and a software to determine the block scheduling for the following semester.

However, instead of using Powerschool, the counselors use a Student Information System (SIS) called Synergy for their scheduling.

Synergy allows BVSW to efficiently manage the population of over 1,100 students.

While the counselors are content with the current software and system used, it had not always been that way.

“We had another software before Synergy and it wasn’t easy,” registrar Stacey McVey said. “The software you use can make [enrollment] either easier or not.”

The system functions off a class-ID system

that allows the software to file in the students’ preferences according to availability of teachers and hours.

“Each class has a specific course-ID,” McVey said. “The students put in their requested [class] based on that course-ID. We build a master schedule saying when those course-IDs are offered, what hour and by what teacher.”

Though there is no set limit on the minimum amount of students for a class, according to McVey, enrollment in a class depends on a number of factors.

“Once we get a master schedule built, we push a button and [the software] goes through all students and tries to schedule them into those classes,” McVey said. “It looks at when they’re offered, the priority, class size and prerequisites for us. Synergy is very effective; I think the way we do enrollment is pretty effective.”

According to BVSW junior Emma Hanny, this software is not the only aspect which contributes to an effective enrollment process.

“Our counselors are amazing and seem to always find a way to make everyone’s schedule work for them,” Hanny said. “They genuinely want the best for their students.

Also teachers and counselors alike are very helpful with helping students choose classes that are right for them.”

SECTION D

In-depth

www.boosterredux.com Friday, May 13, 2016

7

Senior Goodbyes Student Publications staff members say farewell

Alli Baden

Newspaper - 4 years

Sam Bollinger

Yearbook - 4 years

Molly Graham

Newspaper - 3 years

Abby Harris

Photojournalism 4 years

ALLI BADEN

It is really hard to come to believe that I am already saying goodbye to Student Pub, and high school altogether.

Fulfilling my family legacy, I will be the third Baden to graduate an Editor-in-Chief of The Booster Redux.

I probably joined staff because my two older siblings had done so before me. But, I have found my own love for journalism in doing so.

Being on staff has certainly been a growing experience for me. Coming in freshman year, I was as shy as they come. Being a writer for the newspaper forced me to branch out and talk to students, teachers and administrators that I never thought I would have to talk to. I honestly used to dread interviewing people. Overcoming my shyness and social awkwardness, I found myself more eager to come back and contribute to the paper each year.

Our senior class has accomplished so much during our time on staff. While giving Smith gray hairs, we wrote a multitude of in-depth articles. Two of my proudest moments as an editor were printing an article about the power of words and their connotation written by fellow senior Molly Graham and the Life After February 28th article. These two stories captured everything that is great about journalism.

I would like to extend my gratitude to all the jerds who constantly push me to excel every day. I would also like to thank Emily Smith for being a shoulder to cry on, a stress reliever, and the person who helped me realize journalism is what I want to pursue as a career.

SAM BOLLINGER

I’ll never forget my first day as a freshman, experiencing the wild world of being a “yerd” for the first time. When I joined journalism, I never imagined all the memories I would make in my four years here. I’ll never forget listening to “Friday” by Rebecca Black EVERY Friday my freshman year, the move from room 312 to 604 sophomore year, the trips to national conventions in Boston and Washington, D.C., and the variety of parties and activities we participated in that made us all grow closer as a pub family.

The early mornings and late nights sitting at a computer working on spreads were stressful but I have appreciated every minute of being a member of the yearbook staff. I cannot thank Mrs. Smith enough for everything she has done for us. She has made me more responsible and organized, and is there for every one of her students whenever they need someone to talk to. I know that wherever I go in life she will always be there for me, and I am so thankful for that.

No matter where each of us seniors go next, being a member of Student Pub will always have an affect on us and we can always say we survived the journey through room 604.

MATAYA COOK

Something I will always regret is not joining newspaper sooner than I did. I have only been on staff for a short year but it feels like longer. I had never designed before this year and I ended up loving it and wishing I had more time to learn more and get better. Newspaper helped me make new friends, experiences and step out of my comfort zone. Room 604 brought me closer with people I never thought I would be friends with. It helped me create bonds with people I will remember way after high school ends. One of those people is Mrs. Smith. She really helped me and pushed me to do better. I will miss her inspirational real talks, her jokes and I will even miss her freak outs about not making deadlines.

Being a part of the Booster Redux is something to be incredibly proud of. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Student Pub family.

DEVON COULTER

I was only in Photojournalism for two years, but I am so glad that I had that time. I learned so much about photography and improved my

Derek Brumbaugh Photojournalism 2 years

Joshua Lee

Newspaper - 3 years

Mataya Cook

Newspaper - 1 year

Morgan Plank

Newspaper - 4 years

skills. It opened doors for all kind of opportunities and gave me experience for a career in the creative visual arts. Not only was photojournalism a great educational experience, but it was great for my social life and forcing me to step out of my comfort zone. Photography gave me a reason to go to all the things I never would have on my own. I went to football games and band concerts and other events with the company of my camera. Taking photos eased my anxiety in the times when I would become so encapsulated in what I was doing that everything else disappeared. It didn’t matter that I was standing in front crowds, dodging between football players on the sidelines, or going places I usually felt I didn’t belong. My camera became my favorite companion, my plus one to everything. I hope to continue photography in the future and develop my skills further to include filmography. I may not always verbalize my feelings, but I truly loved my time in room 604.

KAILEY CURTIS

When I was in eighth grade and filling out my freshman year enrollment form, I had no idea that putting the word ‘yearbook’ would impact my entire high-school career. Throughout four years of yearbook and three years of newspaper, I’ve traveled to San Antonio, Boston, San Diego, Washington D.C., and Orlando. I’ve made countless friends I never would have made if it weren’t for rooms 312 and 604.

Student Publications has made me into a harder worker, a more efficient student, and a better person. Throughout my time spent with my pub fam, I’ve made countless memories. From Nick Vacca playing “My Style” by Black Eyed Peas freshman year, the hotel flashlight war in Boston sophomore year, clapping twice every time someone said Reagan Rink smelled junior year, to visiting the happiest place on earth, Disney World, senior year. Even the sad memories are ones I’ll cherish, like hugging and holding hands with my pub family at the balloon release in memory of our beloved photographer, Derek Brumbaugh.

One of the greatest things about student pub was Mrs. Emily Smith, better known as “Smith,” “Smitty,” or “Mom.” Smith was my rock these past four years, my shoulder to cry on, my teacher, a great source of tunes, and my pal. I know she will be all of these things for the rest of my life (even though I’ll be a Jayhawk.)

Joining Student Pub has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Thank you to all my fellow jerds for making my world a better place.

MACY FRASCO

I was introduced to newspaper my sophomore year by Mrs. Smith when I was in her honors English class. I thought at first this class would be something to make me better at writing but this class did something different for me.

Being in newspaper helped me become more confident with myself and made me a better person overall. I may have never been in the newspaper hour, but I have made some very great friends and learned many things from my time in Student Publications. Mrs. Smith has been so great throughout the years. She not only made me a better writer but she has made me a greater person. She was always there for me when I needed her and I can’t thank her enough for that. Newspaper itself was one of the best decisions I made in high school and I will remember all the wonderful times I had while on staff.

MOLLY GRAHAM

I joined The Booster Redux staff my sophomore year of high school. Throughout that particular year, I kept to myself, in a little corner at the back of the room. At the time, I only had a couple of friends, and I was self-conscious, quiet and scared of high school. Now, I am graduating high school with an abundance of friends I would not change for the world. I am graduating high school with a confidence to act like myself.

Devon Coulter

Photojournalism 2 years

Sherrick Rogers

Photojournalism 2 years

Kailey Curtis

Yearbook - 4 years Newspaper - 3 years

Madison Spencer

Yearbook - 4 years

I am graduating high school with some of the best years of my life behind me. I am graduating high school with some of the best memories made. And, for these things, I have only Smith and Student Pub to thank. Without Student Pub itself and constant pep talks from Smith, I would not have gained the confidence I needed to become myself. Just being a single part of Student Pub has impacted my life in such a huge way. I cannot stress enough, or put into enough words, my gratitude for the past three years. I will not ever be able to express how thankful I am to have met someone like Smith, despite her continuous nags about deadline and the hem of my shirt. And even though these were annoying at the time, I would give anything to be able to redo my high school career and spend four more years in Student Pub and listen to them all over again. I have loved my time on staff so much, and I cannot believe it is actually coming to an end. To Smith and my fellow members of Student Pub, thank you for everything; I will remember and cherish my time on staff for the rest of my life.

ABBY HARRIS

Without the encouragement of Hayden Parks I would have never joined journalism, made all the friends I did, or won any awards in high school. He convinced me to join newspaper and pick up a camera and the rest was history. For four years I’ve been on staff and for four years I’ve made countless memories. I met my best friend, Mattson, and we grew extremely close over the months we spent in room 312. Even though I was a terrible writer I tried my hardest and waited for photojournalism to finally be its own class. From journalism I have learned amazing people skills that have helped me in several ways. Being a “jerd” has also taken me to places like Boston and Washington, D.C. and given me opportunities I wouldn’t otherwise have had. Smith has given me the chance to find a passion and has never held me back from expressing myself in photography. Journalism has made me a hard worker and a more efficient worker. We are a family, as cliche as it sounds, we really are. As a group we faced challenges and always came out on top and closer as a team. Journalism shaped my entire high-school career for the better.

JOSHUA LEE

There’s something about learning how to take something floating around in your head and anchor it down on a page.

Spoken words get lost and actions can be forgotten, but I believe one of the many merits of writing lies in the idea that my ink remains concrete and unchanging on its backdrop of paper.

And just like my writing, the lessons I’ve learned and the relationship I’ve forged in this program will always stay with me.

While I’ve had many experiences in high school, my time as a Jerd has been more than just an experience; it has been a blessing.

It’s definitely too soon to be saying goodbye to this home away from home, and even though I may not have appreciated it at the time, the silly edits I received from my editors, the really awkwardly placed restrooms, and letting my design editor (Kailey) down are all a part of the Student Pub family I will miss. Alli.

To me, the best part of my experience isn’t about the awards we’ve won or which stories we’ve written. Instead, the memories that will stay with me are the ones of the lifelong friends I’ve made and the lessons they’ve taught me.

My time as a writer for the Booster Redux has been about writing stories, but thanks to Student Pub, I can say I have a story of my own to tell.

I’ve had an amazing adventure for the past two and a half years, and I can’t thank my Pub Fam enough.

MORGAN PLANK

I really have Hayden Parks and Ryan Taylor to thank for convincing me to enroll in Newspaper.

Little did I know, this little (big) decision I made

Macy Frasco

Photojournalism 4 years

Ivan Walter

Newspaper - 3 years

when I was a wee eighth grader would have such an impact on my high-school career. And little did I know, room 312/604 would become home. I can not imagine high school without Student Pub. Any free moment I had during class, between class or any time resulted in me making my way down to room 312/604. I have countless memories of Student Pub that I will carry with me forever. I have made friendships with people I never would have met if it was not for Student Pub. But, all of this would not be possible if it was not for Mrs. Smith. For her, I am grateful. Smith has taught me and encouraged me to be a better student, writer and person. She has instilled in us Jerds values that we will use every day throughout lives. I am sure glad that wee little eighth grader decided to listen.

SHERRICK ROGERS

I was introduced to Student Pub my junior year when I enrolled in photojournalism. By the end of my first class period, I could tell this was going to be a lively class, which pretty much explains Student Pub. There is never a dull moment in room 604. In the short time I have been a part of this program, I have created many memories and friendships. I have learned valuable skills I will carry with me when I further my education in college, whether it be communicating with others or becoming a better student. I have enjoyed the many opportunities Student Pub has given me to showcase my work as a photographer. I will miss the excitement I get when I see my photos published in the newspaper and yearbook. It is so cool being a part of a nationally ranked program and to know I helped contribute is so rewarding. I am glad I made the decision to join staff and I will miss being in here for four hours a day getting to work at my own pace.

MADISON SPENCER

My sophomore year I had to say goodbye to my original yearbook room 312 and now it’s time to say farewell to my second. These past four years on staff have meant a great deal to me because of all the memories and people they have brought into my life. I’ll never forget riding to San Antonio and listening to Jason Mraz the entire way with Kailey, or walking in the room and wanting to cry at the mess of newspapers, yearbooks and slew of other odds and ends in the back as I organized them, but I got it finished with Mrs. Smith’s encouragement. Nobody has made a bigger impact on my high school career than Mrs. Smith. Without her dedication to the Booster and the Purple and White, PHS would be missing something very remarkable and I am so grateful she gives up her time to spend with us crazy kids. No amount of thanks will ever be enough. Not only did she help us produce amazing publications she gave us a place in our school to call home. Although I won’t get to walk into room 604 each day and hear Smith greet me with the phrase “hello child” I know next year when I come to visit I will still be one of her children and I always will be.

IVAN WALTER

I was introduced to newspaper my sophomore year by Mrs. Smith when I was in her honors English class. I thought at first this class would be something to make me better at writing but this class did something different for me.

Being in newspaper helped me become more confident with myself and made me a better person overall. I may have never been in the newspaper hour, but I have made some very great friends and learned many things from my time in Student Publications. Mrs. Smith has been so great throughout the years. She not only made me a better writer but she has made me a greater person. She was always there for me when I needed her and I can’t thank her enough for that. Newspaper itself was one of the best decisions I made in high school and I will remember all the wonderful times I had while on staff.

8 SPORTS

Friday, May 13, 2016

www.boosterredux.com SECTION D

Overcoming Obstacles Baseball team works together during coach’s absence, loss of senior player ALLI BADEN @allibaden

T

hrough injury and loss, the baseball team has managed to cover all bases.

The number two jersey remains visible in the dugout at all times during a game. No one wears it, but the jersey is an ever-present reminder of the senior who would be playing on the field.

On Feb. 28, senior Derek Brumbaugh was killed in an automobile accident.

Brumbaugh played baseball all three years of his high school career and was preparing to pitch for his fourth.

While he did not get to finish out his senior year, Brumbaugh’s teammates and coaches continue to honor him.

“Derek was a very inspirational player for us,” head baseball coach Keith Matlock said. “He was a kid who worked hard and the players saw that. He was a kid who enjoyed every minute of being out there, and you just knew when you looked at Derek how much he enjoyed being on a baseball field. He was a player who loved the sport and that just rubbed off on everybody.”

However, on top of losing a player, after five years of elbow problems due to overuse and two surgeries this school year alone, nothing seemed to improve for Matlock.

“We tried physical therapy and we tried numerous other things,” Matlock said.

“We learned it is not curable, but there is medication that helps treat it so it is just a matter of finding the right medication.”

While visiting the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. the week of April 24, Matlock was diagnosed with dystonia.

According to dystonia.org, dystonia stems from the brain sending incorrect signals to parts of the body; for Matlock

it is his arm. Those incorrect signals result in uncontrollable and occasionally painful muscle spasms. Due to doctor visits and movement restrictions, Matlock has been limited in his coaching. “[Baseball] is what I am passionate about. It is what I enjoy, it is what I love and when you have to be away from it, it is no fun,” Matlock said. “When you can’t physically show somebody how to do something that is physical, it is pretty frustrating.”

In the case of Matlock’s absence, which is not frequent but sometimes unavoidable, his three a s s i s t a n t coaches, Alex Lahasky, Gary Grimaldi and Duane Vaughn take control of practices along with games.

“It is kind of a seamless transition while Matlock is gone,” Vaughn said. “Matlock was able to pass down everything he wanted to have done and we made sure it happened.”

According to sophomore Chase Curtis, the assistant coaches provided coaching skills similar to those of Matlock’s.

“I think we just came together as a team. We have really good assistant coaches under Matlock that have helped us this year,” Curtis said. “His presence was missed, but we had the other coaches and teammates that stepped up and took on the leadership role.”

Matlock was impressed by the player’s ability to adapt to his limitations and his

“

injury.

“The kids have done a very good job.

We have tried to keep [practices and games] as normal as possible. It has affected [me to where] I cannot do near as much at practice which has been tough for me,” Matlock said. “I am used to being up and active and I have not had the opportunity to do that. I do not think [the athletes] have been affected at all. I have been really proud of the way they responded to it.”

Matlock, however, was free of doctor visits the first practice of the season.

The day after Brumbaugh’s accident marked the first baseball practice for the season. Before practice, a balloon release was scheduled on the baseball field for the student body in remembrance of Brumbaugh.

Their first practice directly followed the - WES JAMESON release.

“It was so different from any other practice,” junior Elijah Harris said. “We felt we were missing something. I did not feel like it was our first practice after [the balloon release] happened.”

Though emotions were uneasy that day, Matlock, alongside Vaughn, were impressed by the dedication of their players.

“I’ll never forget that day. I honestly did not think that after all was said and done that we would even be able to have a practice just because of how emotional it all was. But, I was [amazed] of how after

it is sad knowing that Derek is gone, but at the same time, he was a motivating factor for us this year.

Making

”

Senior Logan Benham to compete at state, sets school record by qualifying four times

History

MORGAN PLANK @momoplank When senior Logan Benham qualified for state for the fourth consecutive year, he became the first tennis player in school history to do so.

“This was my goal this year. We found out at the end of my junior year [I would be the first to do this] so I really wanted to make it all four years,” Benham said.

“It shows my hard work has paid off. I’m pretty proud.”

This season, and throughout his career, Benham has celebrated several accomplishments.

“He set the school record for number of singles victories for boys,” coach John Seal said. “He was 110-30 and has a 500 record at state competitions, which is hard to do. Usually freshmen and sophomores have a difficult time.”

In addition, he has earned All-State the past two years and is the singles SEK Champion this season.

However, Benham’s ultimate goal is bigger.

Returning a forehand, senior Logan Benham defeats his Iola opponent. Benham won the match 8-2. “It’s nice to see my hard work pay off,” Benham said. “I’ve prepared for state by playing good competiton and I’m just looking to have fun.” PHOTO BY JHALANI LONG

Going to the next level:

Football

Dylan Untereker Football

Crowder College

Lukas McConnell Soccer

Frander Marroquin Soccer

Zack Roark

Emporia State University

Ashlee Beitzinger

Football

“I’m shooting more for the goal to win state this year so I have really been practicing extremely hard this year and season,” Benham said.

At last year’s state competition, Benham placed ninth. To close the gap and reach his goal, he has been practicing three and a half hours everyday.

“Logan outworks anyone he plays and doesn’t say a word, he just wins,” Seal said. “He honestly has a chance to win the state title.”

Alongside Benham will be freshman Devin McAfee.

“Devin, for a freshman, is awesome and he is still learning to win,” Seal said.

“A league title and 26 matches is great in the first place, but to place third at regionals is great for a player this young.”

McAfee has high hopes as he begins his first state competition.

“I have worked pretty hard. It means a lot [to qualify,]” McAfee said. I hope to win my first two matches and get to the second day at least.”

Senior athletes commit for football, soccer, track

Pittsburg State University

Spencer Turnbull

everyone had left the field and the baseball team was the only ones there, how eager they were to get going,” Vaughn said. “We as a coaching staff did not have to do anything special, the players took it upon themselves to do what Derek would do and just get going.”

Senior Connor Spresser believes Brumbaugh will not be forgotten.

“At random times, I might see something that sparks a memory,” Spresser said. “I always remember his big smile and green bat. It is just a tough loss and we wish we still had him.”

Despite his temporary absence, as well as Brumbaugh’s permanent absence, Matlock feels the team has overcome the challenges of this season.

“I haven’t been more proud of a team in my 14 years of doing this. These guys have battled so much adversity, and not one time have they used it as a crutch,” Matlock said. “They used it as a strength, a way to get better and did a nice job of having a great season in memory of number two.”

Approaching the end of the season with a record of 12-7, junior Wes Jameson also feels Brumbaugh played a crucial role in their success.

“It is sad knowing Derek is gone, but at the same time he was a motivating factor for us this year,” Jameson said. “We have done better this year than we have since I have been playing baseball at the high school. I know it is never good to lose a guy but I know that we all wanted to play for him and show people that we want to do good for him, not just for ourselves.”

Vaughn also agrees that Brumbaugh’s presence is noticeable to the team. “[We are] not letting it go that he is not present,” Vaughn said. “He is there is some capacity. He might not be there making a shadow, but he is there with us.”

Will Mengarelli

Track & Field

Football

Independence Community College

Dana Coerver Football

Adrian Scroggins Football

Sherrick Rogers Football