The Booster Redux Pittsburg High School 1978 E. 4th Street Pittsburg, KS 66762 Vol. 98, Issue 2 www.boosterredux.com
Friday, Sept. 26, 2014
Driving concerns EVALUATION OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND ACCIDENTS
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guten tag CHECK IN WITH Cooper Wade, PHS Senior STUDYING ABROAD
childhood obesity on the rise
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Exercise, healthy diet key to overcoming obesity in adolescents BY MORGAN PLANK
@momoplank aving chubby cheeks as a baby or toddler can be endearing but as a toddler grows and reaches adolescence, a little chubbiness grows into something more serious. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2012, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. In the past 30 years, childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents. Due to the large spike in obesity, the problem is now becoming a nationwide concern that needs to be addressed. “Health craze fitness has hit and it has been hitting America for 30 or 40 years, yet it only hits a certain sector. The other population is kind of blind to it,” health teacher Merle Clark said. Because children and young adolescents do not provide for themselves, they cannot control the food choices made for them. “As time has progressed, a lot of [obesity] is due to the fast food industry and parents feeding their kids on the fly,” Clark said. In the long run, these unhealthy eating habits that parents are establishing for their children early on can greatly impact them later on in their lives. “People need to realize what they’re
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feeding their children. They have their long-term life at stake, not just near term, because it is going to carry on into their adult years,” Clark said. Not only can these bad habits stay with them throughout their lives, but they can also increase their risk of developing life-threatening health problems. “People that are obese have health issues that have shortened their lifetime,” Clark said. S o m e of these health i s s u e s include diabetes, heart attack, stroke and cancer. In one study, 70% of obese children had at least one CVD (cardiovascular disease) risk factor, and 39% had two or more, according to the CDC. Creating healthy habits is becoming more and more important to kids’ health. However, for some families, healthier alternatives are not an option. “There is a big link with obesity and poverty,” nurse Lisa Schwob said. “A
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lot of families simply can’t afford to buy the healthier choices, the fruits, the vegetables, just because of the costs of things and unfortunately the cheap things like mac and cheese usually have a lot of fat in them also.” What kids do have control over is their ability to learn about obesity through their school. “The best answer to obesity in our country is through education, not just in high school, but starting early about healthy eating habits, and I know all of our -LISA SCHWOB schools do that for kids,” Clark said. “My goal is to teach students about their body and mind so they live a long, happy, healthy life.” A factor that plays a key role in dealing with obesity is exercise. Staying active is vital to maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. “Diet alone is not enough to combat obesity and have a very healthy working body. Daily exercise must be incorporated,” Clark said. “The other thing is after the freshmen year, there
THERE IS A BIG LINK THE WITH OBESITY AND WIT POVERTY. A LOT OF FAMILIES SIMPLY CAN’T AFFORD D TO BUY HEALTHIER HIER CHOICES.
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is no P.E. requirement here at the high school. For some students, that’s the only exercise they get.” Although many do not choose to participate after their freshman year, those who do are able to work some physical activity into their daily routine which may be their only available time to be active. This proves to be beneficial for those kids who are willing to make an effort to increase their physical fitness. It has been proven that even little amounts of exercise are better than no exercise at all. The time put in is not nearly as important as the exercise itself. “Even just going for a walk. They just see such health benefits from the Play 60 Program [an in-school program encouraging kids to combine physical activity with healthy eating habits],” Schwob said. “Getting out and doing something active for an hour a day.” A public figure that has made it a priority of hers with her Let’s Move program to get kids to start exercising and eating a balanced diet is First Lady Michelle Obama. “I think her main Let’s Move program is not only trying to get more school activity going, but I think she’s been the spearhead to a lot of our dietary changes at school,” Schwob said. “It has been one of her initiatives to get rid of the salt and fat in school lunches. I think it is helping.”
bowling for fun students take part in a bowling league Page 5D
Ice Bucket Challenge spreads Pouring for pain: ALS through all ages nationwide
Staff, students look to social media to support life-threatening disease BY MADDIE BADEN
a disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal Cold ice water rolls down cord. This eventually causes the principal Jon Bishop’s back while ability to initiate and control the students and staff watch in muscle movement to deteriorate. excitement. Approximately 5,600 people are diagnosed with ALS in the United States each year. In order to raise awareness of ALS, people nationwide posted videos on social media of dumping ice water on themselves. The ice water being poured represents the feeling of losing control of muscle movement. “When the cold water hits your skin it makes you jerk or tense up,” Bishop said. “I had to feel what [those diagnosed with ALS] feel all the time, but only for a few seconds.” When challenged by peers to participate in the ice bucket challenge, nominees are given a certain time frame to complete the challenge and to also donate to finding new treatments and a cure to ALS. When Bishop was challenged by Wehmeyer to complete the ice bucket challenge, Bishop encouraged staff and students to donate to the cause as well. Altogether, the school raised Shrieking from the frigid water, Principal Jon Bishop completes his nomination for the around $600. ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Bishop had football players pour the ice bucket on him during “I thought [doing the challenge] the first PHS pep rally. PHS raised over $600 for ALS and MS research. PHOTO BY ABBY was a good idea and a fun way HARRIS @MaddieBaden
On Aug. 29, Bishop along with band director Cooper Neil and junior Troy Wehmeyer accepted the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) ice bucket challenge. According to alsa.org, ALS is
to spread the word. They are getting money raised to help find a cure so they don’t have to keep going through what they’re going through and be happier,” Wehmeyer said. “It is a good way to let everyone know what ALS is and how people live with it everyday.” Some activities and sports teams decided to accept the challenge as well. Alone, the cheerleading team raised $50. “The dance team nominated us so we thought ‘Why not do something crazy for a good cause?’” senior varsity co-captain Brittney Dutton said. Many trends on social media come and go and the ALS ice bucket challenge is one of them; but Bishop believes it made a definite impact. “It doesn’t matter who you are,” Bishop said. “If you [donate], you feel better about who you are and knowing that you made a difference.” According to time.com, over 2.4 million videos were posted on social media. “It’s amazing how much one person can change the world,” Bishop said. “This brought a disease into the spotlight that not many people knew about until now.”
Governor Brownback
visits kansas governor visits students involved in jag program Page 6D
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Friday, Sept. 26, 2014
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Increase in population contributes to parking lot congestion BY MOLLY GRAHAM & KYLYNN COLLINS @molllygraham & @kylynn_c
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magine pulling into the high school’s entrance and getting the choice between three different turning and driving lanes. Imagine being able to merge into the left lane and head into the parking lot, without the stress of the cars dropping off other students. Imagine having an additional entryway that is accessible for anyone coming to the high school from the east and south directions. Now imagine the current parking lot and drop-off situation. With school in session for just under two months, there have been three different car accidents on and around the school’s property. These accidents were occurrences of the current conditions. There are approximately 200 to 250 cars dropping students off everyday with about 400 cars being parked in the parking lot, which means there are roughly 600 cars trying to maneuver around the high school’s parking lot every morning. “This is the biggest population we have had in a long time,” Principal Jon Bishop said. “We have got adults who are hurrying to get to jobs after dropping off kids. We have got kids who are hurrying to get here.” A big part of the traffic congestion has to do with the students who are crossing the crosswalk from the parking lot to the school. “We just want to make sure that [the students crossing] are safe, even though there may be some frustrations,” Bishop said. Because of the increased amount of students and traffic, thoughts have been made about possibly adding an extra entryway into the parking lot as well as making necessary changes for a more organized dropoff system. “Even though there is enough parking for the student body at this time, the congestion becomes a little bit much,” Bishop said. “So the question is how can we
Nearing the high school on 4th Street, parents and students wait to pull in the driveway. Congestion has been a problem in the parking lot an multiple accidents have occurred here. PHOTO BY MIRANDA MOORE
make that better?” On Sept. 11, Bishop had a meeting with the community and the rest of the district that enabled the community to walk through the high school and put in their input about what accommodations would be best for the high school. “There’s no concrete plan, but as conversation goes on about the facility plans, we will get closer to what looks safer for kids,” Bishop said. “We don’t want [accidents], but they do happen. We just need to preach safe driving.” Until the possible changes are made to the high school’s parking lot, using the pick up and drop off with the original intentions will help to make everything more organized. “The goal,” Bishop said. “Is to get to the far right and go as far as you can, which [parents] don’t do all the time, and drop off. Then, they can merge back in. If you’re going to be turning into the parking lot you should be towards the far left side. If you’re driving straight through, you should be able to go forward and turn into the second entry, because there is a second entry there. So, theoretically, there are three different lanes.” Painting arrows that lead drivers to the correct lanes and the possibility of sending out a letter concerning the drop off and pick up are just some immediate changes
that are being considered. “We do realize that there are some issues that we need to take care of, but our situation is a lot better than most,” Bishop said. “It is just a matter of having that many more people, [we] are going to have an accident once in a while.”intentions will help to make everything more organized. “The goal,” Bishop said. “Is to get to the far right and go as far as you can, which [parents] don’t do all the time, and drop off. Then, they can merge back in. If you’re going to be turning into the parking lot you should be towards the far left side. If you’re driving straight through, you should be able to go forward and turn into the second entry, because there is a second entry there. So, theoretically, there are three different lanes.” Painting arrows that lead drivers to the correct lanes and the possibility of sending out a letter concerning the drop off and pick up are just some immediate changes that are being considered. “We do realize that there are some issues that we need to take care of, but our situation is a lot better than most,” Bishop said. “It is just a matter of having that many more people, [we] are going to have an accident once in a while.”
news District alters procedures regarding safety Schools adopt ALICE program to prepare for intruders briefs BY MOLLY GRAHAM, RACHYL RUSSIAN, ADIA JOHNS AND ASHLEY HENDERSON
See you at the pole On Wed. Sept. 24, approximately 75 students and roughly eight teachers met around the flag pools at the front of the school to participate in Meet at the Pole, an event hosted annually by Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). A song leader and youth pastor from the Nazarene church came to share songs and bible verses. After praying as a group, all the students and teachers met for doughnuts in Mrs. Dalton’s room. Meet at the Pole is not only held at the high school, but is an event participated in nationally.
french, spanish and art Students from Spanish, French and art classes visited the Philbrook Art Museum in Tulsa on Sept. 17 and 18. French and art classes were combined for a total of 35 students with three advisors including Monica Collins, Chris Colyer and Rebecca Lomshek. Making this their first year to go, French students went to see the newly exhibited French impressionist, Monet. Spanish four has traveled the past four years making this their fifth. 11 students with to the museum. Angie Pallares and Lynda Nelson were the advisors on this trip.
HORN OF PLENTY Take part in handing out Horn of Plenty bags Monday, Sept. 29th, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. There will be buses at the high school next Monday at 8:30 a.m. to take our students and sponsors around town to place bags on door steps to collect food for the food bank. This is a great way to accumulate community service hours, a fun time to fellowship with friends and help out with a worthy cause. Contact any sponsor, coach, or front office to sign up.
POWDERPUFF FOOTBALL If you signed up to play powderpuff football, t-shirt money is due today at the end of the day. Please pay Mrs. Warren in the library. The cost of the shirt is $10. The game will be held on Wed. Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. at Hutchison Field.
BY JOSHUA LEE @iAmTheJoshLee School security and the safety of students have become one of USD 250’s main concerns. The ALICE program (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) was adopted by the school district early on in the school year. To inform students on how to react in an intruder situation in accordance with the new policy, an intruder drill was performed at Lakeside Elementary on Friday, September 12. One of the biggest differences between ALICE and other security policies is that the students and trained teachers are given the opportunity to respond and counter in a situation. “The reason why we have these drills is so that we can practice and then understand if we need to make improvements,” said Chris Garzone, Assistant Principal at Pittsburg High School. Principal Courtney McCartney of Lakeside Elementary School believes that there will not be any complications with the new policy. “For our first time trying to lock down and evacuate a building of our size [the police departments and staff ] felt it went really well,” McCartney said. “Of course, this is one of these situations you want to prepare and practice for but just hope you never have to use.”
Although Lakeside Elementary is the only school in the school district to have experienced an intruder drill, Garzone plans to expose more schools to the policy throughout the year. “Our goal is to do [the drills] in all the elementary schools this semester. In the second semester, we are going to invite some of the other first responders to show up, like paramedics. They will be incorpo-
A Lakeside fourth grader holds a lunchbox between her teeth as she pushes a desk toward the door to help barricade the door during an ALICE drill. PHOTO BY KATY BROWN
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1D: I think it is helping.” The most recent food guideline changes were introduced when the Smart Snacks in Schools was implemented this year. This involves items sold throughout the day in vending machines, through Ala Carte and for fundraisers. However, the main effects seen in school lunchrooms have been a direct result of the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010. “Childhood obesity is a very real concern and unfortunately, obese children lead to obese adults. Because of these issues, the cost of healthcare in our country is out of control,” said Susanna Thyer, Director of Child Nutrition for USD 250. “I believe that this is what prompted the changes.” Students are seeing these changes in the school cafeteria in terms of food choices and regular menu items. “The new guidelines require a much larger variety of fruits and vegetables. And in order to count as a school meal, each student must take 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetable at breakfast and lunch,” Thyer said.
rated into the drill,” Garzone said. “At the high school level, we want to have a fullscale ALICE drill where there is an acting shooter. This way, it will help the police officers teach them how to apprehend and respond.” “Student safety is always a priority,” said district superintendent Destry Brown. “Everything we do needs to somehow be about student safety.”
Childhood obesity on the rise
Not only have individual items been focused on, but also school meals as a whole. “This year we implemented the first of a lower sodium menu,” Thyer said. “Another change involves whole grains. Everything that we serve must be whole grain rich in order to be served in the school lunch.” The amount of calories students are allowed to consume has changed as well. . “In the past, we had a calorie minimum to meet. If you went over that minimum it was not a problem,” Thyer said. “With the new guidelines, we have a maximum calorie level that we cannot exceed.” For those that deal with obesity, decreasing calories can be an important factor in losing weight and becoming healthier. Sometimes, parents are not aware of the sake of their child’s well being. “We do send notes home to parents that shows them where they are on the scale. So, if their child is 95 percentile or higher we hope they will do something about possibly reducing the calories at home, too,” Schwob said.
As the school implements changes for healthier foods, there will be an adjustment period for students as they learn to make better choices. “Some of the greatest student impact has been related to students complaining of being hungry,” Thyer said. “The research shows that if a student were to eat everything that has been offered, they would probably not be hungry, but since many students may not care for a large amount of fruits and vegetables, they may tend to walk away more hungry.” Schools can only do so much to help kids and encourage them to change their eating habits, but ultimately kids have the choice to decide whether they are going to eat the healthier food or not. “As a Registered Dietitian, I believe that we as a nation do need to make changes in our eating habits, but as a School Nutrition Director, my biggest concern is the number of students that we have that are hungry on a daily basis,” Thyer said. “We can serve “Healthy Food” all day every day, but if it is not consumed, it is not doing anyone a
bit of good.” Another reason that students are not fond of the new guidelines is due to the fact that sodium is being removed to make food healthier. “Another concern is the palatability of the food,” Thyer said. “When sodium is removed the food tends to lose the flavor that we are accustomed to tasting. We are trying to utilize spices and other methods to help with the flavor, but there is definitely a learning curve.” Even though the majority of kids may not like the guidelines, the schools are more concerned with what is in their best interest and how they can accommodate that. “Not popular with all, but a lot of things that are good for people are not always popular,” Clark said. Beginning healthy eating habits at a young age is the key to helping future generations win the battle against obesity. “We have got to make good choices, and the sooner we learn that the better off we are going to be,” Schwob said. “You have got to look at the whole picture.”
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YOLO on the ACT?
Booster Redux staff and policy Editors-in-Chief Alli Baden Josh Lee Morgan Plank Managing Editors Miranda Moore Coral VanBecelaere Design Editors Reagan Rink Kailey Curtis Copy Editor Megan Munger Online Editors Kailey Curtis Kylynn Collins Staff Katy Brown Maddie Baden Meghan Baker Alivia Benedict Morgan Burns Molly Graham Ashley Henderson Ethan Hawn Journey Jaramillo Josh Jarvis Adia Johns Sebastian Johns Joseph Mathew Shelby Oldham Trina Paul Rachyl Russian Erica Seal Ivan Walter Jake Webb 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 620-235-3200. 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.
OPINION
Friday, Sep. 26, 2014
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Curbing student apathy towards standardized testing BY JOSEPH MATHEW @JMath06 s the school year starts kicking into high gear, millions of high school juniors and seniors across the United States are putting pencil to paper in testing centers for standardized testing, most notably the ACT. If you’re a freshman or sophomore, the ACT might not be on your radar yet. However, if you’re a junior or senior, you’ve probably taken or are planning to take the ACT. Some of you have been studying. Some of you couldn’t care less. Regardless of where you are on the spectrum, this is what you should know. Because the ACT is a standardized test, colleges place an extremely high value on ACT scores. For them, the ACT is an easy reference point to gauge the intelligence of different students from different schools. Don’t just take it from me. The Washington Post says “At schools that are deluged with tens of thousands of applications, numbers matter, so these scores can play an outsized role in admission decisions.” Also, many college scholarships require a minimum ACT score. If you don’t have a high enough score, you’re missing out on valuable scholarship money. So we know that the ACT is a crucial part of our college applications. Now, let’s get down to the hard part – studying for the ACT. I’ve seen too many students who think that they can just breeze through the ACT without any preparation at all. These people don’t think it’s worth it to study for such a test. Even if they know they
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way. If you would rather more than enough time did poorly, they’ll say, “Eh, there’s lie on your sofa at home to sign up for the ACT, always next time.” looking at the newest Vines get a test-prep book, and I’ve decided to refer to this than study for a crucial construct a study plan. (I phenomenon of not caring about test, then you need to ask recommend “Cracking the test scores as Testing Apathy. yourself: How bad do you ACT: 2014 Edition” by the At first glance, it might seem really want it? Princeton Review and “The reasonable that students wouldn’t So now what? Well, the Real ACT: 3rd Edition” by care about their test scores. After next test dates for the ACT the makers of the ACT). all, how can the ACT compare to are October 25th, December So cure yourself of TA and heading out to the movies with 13th, and February 7th. start preparing for the ACT. your best friends? But trust me, That means that you have You’ll be thankful you did. you don’t look any cooler by telling your friends how you stayed up the night before the ACT browsing Facebook or how you bubbled in “YOLO” on the answer sheet before falling asleep at the testing center. If anything, your old friends will have a funny story to tell their new friends at the university you weren’t able to attend because of your test scores. See what I’m getting at? If you suspect that you suffer from TA, congratulations! A recognition of the problem is the first step to increasing your test scores. But it’s still just the first step. Simply wanting a higher test score will not get you a higher test score. After all, everyone WANTS to have a higher score, but few want to WORK for a higher score. Brace yourself, because this is the truth, and it’s probably going to sting. I already know that you want to increase your ACT score – that’s why you’re still reading this. But if you REALLY want to increase your test scores, you’re going to have to make an effort. And I don’t mean nonchalantly leafing through a testpreparation book while watching Keeping Up with the Kardashians. I mean sitting down at your desk and allocating time specifically for Pictures obtained from www.ku.edu, www.k-state.edu, www.pittstudying the ACT. Think of it this state.edu, www.wichita.edu, www.fortscott.edu, www.labette.edu
The Power of Social Media STAFF EDITORIAL
Credit Costs for in-state tuition
Students connecting through positive interactions
diagnosed with ALS in 2011, decided to take advantage of @PHSstudentpub @ our attachment to the virtuocial media receives a lot al world and started the “Ice of criticism from a variety Bucket Challenge.” Since then, mentions of the of people. Claims that it challenge have spread like ironically decreases sociability wildfire through all kinds of and productivity have been different social networks, such all the rage lately. It may be as Twitter, Facebook, and hard for us to admit, but we can not deny that social media Instagram. The point of the challenge is has a powerful influence over simple; pour ice-cold water all our lives. Oftentimes, we are over yourself, tag a few friends too engrossed with our lit-up and challenge them to do the screens and electronic notes. same, and donate money to the This past summer, however, foundation. Former Boston College baseball Some are skeptical of the player Pete Frates, who was challenge, saying that yield-
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ing to the challenge would be sending out a cry for attention. Yet we, the staff of the Booster Redux, believe that this new trend is a part of something deeper and more meaningful in our culture. Initially, the challenge seems like a trivial attempt at entertainment, but it is the end result of this challenge that makes it matter. The challenge gives everybody a chance to be a part of something bigger. Social media gives participants a voice and the power to spread awareness. But together, social media and the ice bucket challenge have
created something amazing that everybody across the nation can be a part of. According to a statement by Forbes, the ALS foundation has made $100 million just within the past month, compared to the $3 million it made during the same period last year. The numbers tell the story as it is: people have been made aware of the foundation and have done something about it. True, social media can be distracting at times. But when working together for a good cause, people can make the most out of social media and create a difference.
Young voters should take note
Students should be informed voters, participate BY ETHAN HAWN all elections other than the Presidential @ethanhawn888 Before every election, choruses of citizens that election, offices are decided only by the popular vote, and no one is forced to deal hate politicians ring out in collective unison, condemning American politics for never creating with the Electoral College. Voting this November promises that (what they see as) positive change. your vote matters, and is a step in the right However, when you see the same people without their “I voted” stickers on Election Day, you direction for your favorite candidate. begin to wonder why they complain. If voting were Voters should be informed enough to the only way for a citizen to reshape their legislature pick candidates with platforms that suit for the better, then why on earth wouldn’t they do them best. Additionally, it is good to stray away from voting for only one party just it? on principle, (unless, of course, that is Voters are simply not turning out in the numbers that we, as a country, need. The United your researched decision!) Regardless of what your family or States Elections Project calls the current status friends may urge you to do, vote with your of voter apathy a “much lamented decline in gut, with your heart (and please, also your voter participation.” Other than an increase in brain). Ultimately, the only person that participation during the 2008 Election, voter turnout over the past 50 years has declined quite steadily. The 2010 Voter Gaps Report published by nonprofitvote.org states that during Midterm Elections, voter turnout is especially low. For whatever reason, people seem to believe that their vote is not important unless it is being cast for the President. On top of that, according to census.gov, registered voters of 65 years of age or older visited the polls 31.3% more than young voters between 18 and 24. Despite their able bodies, young citizens don’t seem to be rushing to the polls quite like the older demographics. What can be seen is an immense voter lapse; young citizens are appearing uninterested in politics, despite its high influence on their day-today lives. Despite the widespread belief that a single citizen has no political influence, the Midterm Elections offer a prime time for someone to see their favorite candidate sworn into office. This is because, in
knows which candidate best represents your beliefs is you. No matter who you are voting for, you are doing the right thing. The overwhelming voter apathy of young Americans cannot continue. When young people do not participate in government, their future is at risk of being decided by people that do not truly represent the entire population. Though we, as Americans see voting as a right, voting is a privilege that not every country offers. Young Americans should stop finding excuses to not take advantage of it.
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Guten Tag from Germany
Check-in with senior Cooper Wade: First month in a foreign country Q-Is there anything interesting you like about Germany?
A-“I really like how energy efficient everything is. There are no air conditioners, you just open the window. You recycle bottles and get .25 cents per bottle. Also, people carpool like with buses and trains.”
Q-How does being in Germany make you feel?
A-“Sometimes I feel very alone, just because the simple fact I don’t speak German fluently. There are many language barriers I can’t overcome. Other times I’m so happy just because there’s so much life in everything and how it is in your face.”
Q-What is the food like there? How different is it?
A-“The fruit here is really small, it’s more natural. We have potatoes everyday and for every meal, for breakfast lunch and dinner. There are a lot of bratwurst and pretzels and bread.”
Q-Is there anything you miss about America?
A-“There is so much I miss about America. My friends first, greasy food and Mexican food for sure. The huge ridiculous trucks that waste gas because there are none here and I miss free water.”
Q-What is your host family like?
A-”My host family is perfect. They are African-German and my sister goes out with me on weekends. My host mother redid my room especially for me and it just shows how much she really enjoys me being here. Sometimes it is awkward because it is too quiet but with the language barrier and the fact we are quiet people there isn’t a reason to try to change it. They are such nice people and I couldn’t have asked for a better family.”
Q-Is there anything you would like to change about Germany if you could?
A-”If I could change something about Germany it wouldn’t be the country as much as the language itself. It sounds like someone is spitting all the time, and the words are huge.
Q- How did you come across this opportunity to study in Germany?
A-“I was looking online for traveling or studying abroad and there were applications and I filled one out not thinking I would get it and I did. I got hearings back on it. I didn’t have a particular country in mind. I’m glad it was Germany because everything here makes sense. They recycle a lot.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF COOPER WADE
It’s in the game: Madden 15 Madden’s new installment both impresses and disappoints BY JOSH JARVIS @JJarvis52 The latest Madden game of its 26 year franchise was both a surprise and a disappointment. With the addition of new modes, animations and innovations, Madden 15 can be fun to play for hours on end. However, the graphics, gameplay and commentary feel like they were carried over from Madden 25. On last-gen consoles, Madden 15 feels almost like the same game as Madden 25. I haven’t played it on next-gen consoles, but I’m sure the visuals look much sharper and more like the brand new game it was intended to be. The basic controls, physics and gameplay seem almost identical to prior versions. Players will still twitch and occasionally flail their arms when making tackles. Wide receivers and defensive backs will still come up empty when battling for position underneath a deeply thrown ball. Offensive linemen will still miss blocks when defensive linemen are directly in front of them. The updated versions of Connected Franchise and Madden Ultimate Team are easier to handle with more options to choose from. They still, however, have the exact same premise with few real changes. One of the exciting aspects of Madden 15 is the all-new Gauntlet Mode. In the Gauntlet, players have to maneuver through ridiculous challenges in a series of levels. After every five levels, players then have
to defeat a boss battle, the first being kicking a 110-yard field goal in 220 mph winds. The artificial intelligence (AI) has been greatly improved to mimic a more realistic NFL game. Kickers and punters now make better decisions when going out to kick. AI offenses and defenses will now change formations and play calls as the opposing team threatens the success of current plays. The defense has been enhanced to feel more realistic and userfriendly. In previous Madden games, shootouts were very common. I would often let my defense play itself, and pick up the controller when I got the ball. Now, Madden 15 has implemented new controls for defensive linemen and new schemes for smarter play calling. For the hardcore Madden fans, the defensive controls have been sharpened with a number of added pre-snap adjustments and hotroutes to react to offensive audibles on the fly. With the lively Gauntlet mode, addictive Madden Ultimate Team and Connected Franchise modes and enhanced defensive and AI gameplay, it is easy to finally look back at a clock and realize a few hours have gone by. Overall, I think hardcore Madden fans will be satisfied with the improvements made to the defense and upgraded AI. Unfortunately, I think casual Madden players will see this game as an updated Madden 25, and a waste of their money.
BY JAKE WEBB @jakewebb_2 Recently, I had the chance to play the new Madden 15. I have always been a fan of the Madden games, so I was expecting this new game to be great and have new layouts. But, this time the game did not quite meet my expectations. I think the game is just the same as last year but with a new style. The reviews say that the defense is supposed to be more user friendly and more fun to play, I thought different. When I played defense, I found the defense to be slow and even more challenging. The offensive line rarely ever makes mistakes on their blocks, so it makes the defense nearly impossible to get a tackle in the back field. Also, on the defensive side I found that the corners still cannot intercept a ball when thrown almost directly to them. As defense goes I do not find it “user friendly”. Now, the offensive side is rather enjoyable. The offense does not have many new features, but I realized that once the ball is caught by a receiver they are able to turn and use a juke move much quicker and efficiently. My favorite part of the past games were the running side of the offense. This year’s running side seems slow, and it glitches every once in a while. Straight dives can no longer go for long yardage because of the linebackers filling correct gaps. However, I did realize the newer triple option works rather well in going for long yardage. Personally, this game is not high on my buy list but there will always be next year.
Maze Runner sprints ahead of competition
Action-packed movie amazes critics, takes over the No. 1 spot in weekend box office
PHOTO COURTESY OF 20TH CENTURY FOX STUDIOS
BY SHELBY OLDHAM @ @Shelbyoldham_25 The Maze Runner (PG-13), based off of James Dashner’s first novel in the young adult series, debuted in theaters on Sept. 19. This cinema thriller begins with Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) being transported in a freight elevator to a meadow-like area known as the Glade. The Glade is where all the teenage boys live and it is in the heart of the maze. Thomas is bewildered by the fact that he, like every other teen boy in the Glade, has no memory of his former life. Soon, the leaders of the group Alby (Aml Ameen) and Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) teach Thomas the rules of the all male community. The boys are assigned various tasks such as herding goats and cows, cooking the food, crafting shelters Ÿand being a Runner. The Runners are the boys who enter the Maze through the four gigantic concrete walls surrounding the Glade, and travel throughout the Maze looking for the exit.
However, the Maze’s layout never stays the same. Every night the walls close and the Maze that encompasses the Glade shifts configuration. Thus, the Runners, guided by Minho (Ki Hong Lee), must continuously map the different layouts of the Maze. The Maze is full of both danger and secrets, and the Runners must be back in the Glade by nightfall or the Grievers, slug-like predators with weapons and spikes protruding from every inch of their bodies, will attack. Surviving in the Glade becomes an even harder task when Alby is attacked by a Griever, and enforcer Gally (Will Poulter) begins to suspect that Thomas has something to do with the boys being in the Maze. Due to Thomas’ perspectives on the Maze, he is quickly promoted to being a Runner. The atmosphere does not stay calm in the Glade; a girl is sent to the Glade. Teresea (Kaya Scodelario), the only girl to ever arrive in the Glades, claims to have some type of unknown connection with Thomas. Thomas and Minho continue to search the Maze while order in the Glade is trying to be
restored, and clues the boys find in the Maze are believed to help uncover the truth about the Maze. The social unrest of the Glade continues with Gally refusing to participate in any attempts of leaving the Glade as well as Alby still severely injured. Thomas and Teresea soon believe that something sinister is behind the mystery of the Maze. Overall,the duo will need to convince the rest of the community that a dangerous strategy is their best chance of surviving the attempt of escaping the Maze. The Maze Runner earned around $32.5 million during its box office debut weekend and crushed competitors such as Liam Neeson’s Walking Among the Tombstones. The movie has been awarded a 7.7 out of 10 by the Internet Movie Database (IMDb). Personally, I thought that the sci-fi thriller was very enjoyable to watch. I give the movie a four out of five stars. I would recommend the movie to anyone who has read the book as well as anyone who enjoys this genre of movies.
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Right up their alley
Students compete in local bowling league BY JOSH JARVIS @JJarvis52 fun time with some friends might consist of going out to eat, seeing a movie or just hanging out. For seniors Nick Powers, Zach Dee, Micah Hashman, Jaden Patterson and sophomore Andrew Forrest, all they need to do to have fun is go bowling. They call themselves “The Squad” and bowl at Holiday Lanes in an adult men’s league. The league gathers at 6:30 p.m. each Thursday for head-to-head matchups between 12 teams. They had no original intentions of joining the league. After the group got bored playing video games at Hashman’s house one Thursday afternoon, they needed a replacement activity to entertain themselves. They mutually decided on bowling as their new source of enjoyment. “We went out on a Thursday; we really enjoyed it and it was super cheap, like $10,” Powers said. The Squad decided to start bowling competitively after one of the front desk workers at Holiday Lanes suggested for them to try it out. “The second time we went out, this guy at the front desk was like ‘Hey you guys should join our bowling league. The people aren’t very good and you’ll end up doing pretty well and you’ll win money,’” Powers said. “Then we got there and everyone ended up doing better than us by a lot because they bowled 200s.” The Squad is the only team in the league made up of high school students. They may look out of place, but Holiday Lanes worker Troy Whetzell thinks that it is good to see some younger bowlers in the league. “I think it’s great because we don’t typically see young people come bowl here anymore,” Whetzell said. “For the high school people that bowl, they’re getting a lot of learning experience.” Whetzell also thinks it is necessary for younger people to bowl in order to carry on the sport. “The older guys actually do like having
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Homecoming candidates
Holiday Lanes bowling league members Nick Powers (Above) and Micah Hashman (Right) compete every Thursday in head-to-head matchups. PHOTOS BY JAKE WEBB
younger guys out here because you don’t see them anymore,” Whetzell said. “Once these guys die out, who’s going to come bowl after they do? So, they want to see more youth come out here and bowl.” Though The Squad admits that they are at a disadvantage, they are still hopeful for future success. “We don’t do near as well as everybody else,” Forrest said. “If we keep doing it for awhile, eventually I think we can be good enough to win. And I’m down to bowl as long as they want to.” Even if it doesn’t perform as well as its competition, The Squad can make up points using the handicaps allotted to each bowler due to their lack of experience. “Our handicaps are plus amounts to our bowling score and it’s like plus 100,” Patterson said. “Everybody else’s are like plus 10 because they’re all good and we suck, but we could probably make some money sometime.” If The Squad can gain enough points to get third place or higher, it will receive a cash payout. “I think we can get top-3,” Powers said. “We’ve gotten better for sure. We’re all bowling around a 130-140 and above and we have handicaps also.” Even with the added benefits of inexperience, The Squad still goes each Thursday to have fun with each other. “I think we just want to have fun,” Forrest said. “Obviously we want to win, but I don’t think our mindset going in is that we want to win, it’s mostly just we’re going there to have fun.” The Squad enjoyed bowling their first time out and they keep that in mind each time they compete in the league. They plan on bowling together as long as they continue to have fun. “Our end goal is to just enjoy it until it’s not enjoyable anymore,” Powers said. “It would be awesome to get first one of these times, but that’s kind of unrealistic because we’re not that good.”
Juniors - I should win homecoming because...
Shelbi Heikes
Dante Menghini
Rachel Folk
“I just love people, am really outgoing and I’m involved in school.”
“I try to be funny and I try to be nice to people whenever I can.”
“I’m in a lot of activities and clubs.”
Connor spresser
Hannah Drenik
Daniel Munguia
Emily Wood
Quincy Muathe
“I want to prove the underdog can win. Also, without me, the band would crash and burn.”
“I always try to be an example for my school and everybody in the community.”
“I could represent PHS in a manner that everybody can understand.”
“I didn’t win last year so I think that it would be pretty cool to win this year.”
“I've gone to Pittsburg schools all my life and I would like to represent PHS.”
seniors
Rules of the Road Right Turns When the driver of a vehicle is intending to make a right turn, the vehicle shall turn as close as to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway as possible
What’s illegal? It’s illegal to make right hand turns into the PHS driveway from the left lane while driving East on 4th street. This has led to several driving complaints and near collisions
A 3 month membership to pinamonti wellness center? $100 Gift certificate to salon 9? Pitt state women’s basketball assistant coach for a game? $50 gift card to jock’s nitch?
Support PHS Student Publications Buy a raffle ticket today! Did you know? 16 year olds have a higher crash rate than drivers of any other age
*Info compiled by Kansas Highway Patrol
Want a chance to win...
Winners will be announced after the 1st quarter at the last home game, friday, oct. 24 *Attendance not necessary to win
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Giving a high five, Governor Sam Brownback congratulates JAG teacher Nidia Lopez on a graduation rate higher than the national average. A group of JAG students met Brownback when he visited Meadowlark Elementary. PHOTO BY MIRANDA MOORE
JAG program inspires new directions Students overcome challenges, create new plans for life after high school BY MIRANDA MOORE @mirandamoore24 enior Melissa Fernandez used to get up every morning for school and dread walking through the high school’s front doors. She didn’t talk to other people and didn’t care about anything. “I didn’t want to come to school because my parents got divorced and I was pregnant and I got all these faces, like, ‘oh, she’s pregnant,’” Fernandez said. However, due to a school program called Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Fernandez now describes herself as talkative and helpful. She enjoys coming to school every day and preparing for the future JAG is helping her plan. “I like coming to school now because I know I have to do it for somebody else,” Fernandez said. “I can’t just think about myself anymore because of my son.” JAG focuses on employability, personal and life skills and helps students craft a plan for the next step after high school. The program was brought to Kansas by Governor Sam Brownback early in the 2013 school year. Pittsburg is one of the original 25 schools participating
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within the state. the opportunity. According to Nidia Lopez, JAG “I had never met someone so big, teacher, Brownback looked at so I was really excited to meet him,” the free and reduced lunch and Fernandez said. dropout rates of schools in Kansas. However, due to limited space, He then reached out to individual not all JAG students could share districts to the opportunity. gauge interest Lopez said in the JAG when selecting program that students she HE BROWNBACK would help looked at who students, like would conduct TOLD ME TO JUST Fernandez, themselves in who have a professional KEEP ON GOING b a r r i e r s manner and unrelated were excited to WITH MY DREAM to school meet him. to succeed “It was most AND I COULD D DO academically. important to “I’ve never me that they WHATEVER I WANT had anyone were willing to inspire me tell him their - LADARIAN DANNER NNE NNER b e s i d e s story of how the my dad,” program was Fernandez helping them,” said. Lopez said. “I was hoping that they However, that recently changed. would know that their governor At the end of August Fernandez and does care about the program.” other select JAG students got the Danner thought that Brownback chance to meet Brownback when was a good motivator and the he visited Meadowlark Elementary. whole experience was “pretty cool.” Senior LaDarian Danner and Lopez thought the meeting with Fernandez both agreed that they Brownback went well and said were excited when they learned of that he made the kids feel very
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Folk, Eller selected for mission trip to Tokyo BY ERICA SEAL AND ASHLEY HENDERSON @sealgirl0603
As summer comes to an end, juniors Rachel Folk and Jordan Eller already have a head start on their plans for next summer. Folk and Eller plan to spread the gospel around the world. They will be traveling to Tokyo, Japan, for a mission trip with an organization called IGoGlobal. They both applied this past summer and received phone calls informing them of their acceptance. They are looking forward to sharing the gospel with people who do not know about God. “I think [that] it will give me a better idea about who knows the gospel and who knows about God,” Eller said. “[It will] give me a better insight on everything.” Before going to Tokyo both Eller and Folk will spend two days in Salina, KS, where they will receive training. After that, they will then head to Tokyo. Folk believes that not only missions are needed in other countries but in our country as well. “People in America need help, but people from other countries
Standing together, juniors Rachel Folk and Jordan Eller were selected to travel to Japan for a mission trip. PHOTO BY MEGAN SMITH
need help, too,” Folk said. Folk is looking forward to working with church planners and getting to interact with people in poverty by teaching them about God. “I feel like it can completely open your mind and give you an understanding of cultures,” Folk said. “[It] really allows you to accept other beliefs and [interact] with people that you have never been involved with.
Folk is excited about experiencing life in a different country. She is also looking forward to helping the people that live in Tokyo. “If you feel like you have a calling to be in a mission then definitely do it,” Folk said. “It’s a great opportunity.” Much like Folk, Eller agrees. “I think it will be an awesome opportunity,” Eller said. “I am really looking forward to it.”
comfortable even though they were nervous to meet him. “I think it’s important for our students to have met him because he is not this mystical figure that nobody knows,” Lopez said. “I thought it was important for them to connect. This is the governor of our state and they got to meet him and hang out with him for a little bit.” “He told me to just keep on going with my dream and I could do whatever I want,” Danner said. Like Fernandez, Danner has seen a change in himself and his hope for the future after entering JAG. “I don’t want to be a gangbanger anymore,” Danner said. “Instead, I want to be an investor.” Fernandez’s post-high schools plans have also changed. She once wanted to attend cosmetology school; however, she now plans on attending college and pursuing social work. “Before, I just wanted to do cosmetology then stop,” Fernandez said. “Now I want to do social work because I want to be with kids whose parents have gotten divorced or have been abused because I’ve been through that and I don’t want other people to go through it.”
Student earns black belt, teaches with father BY CORAL VANBECELAERE AND MORGAN BURNS @CVanBecelaere @mburns137 Karate has been passed down from senior Mitchell White’s father and uncle to his three brothers before him; he is the second generation to be involved. Karate has always been a very important part of the Whites’ lives. Karate is a Chinese martial arts fighting and self defense system that has been around since 1372 A.D. It started in China and since then has developed many different styles and moves. Martial arts is not just about training for a tournament or fight, it also teaches discipline and how to deal with certain situations with people. Mitchell has been doing karate since he was three years old. He and his brothers trained together under the instruction of their dad, who has been doing karate for 43 years. “It’s really cool, [having my dad as my instructor]. It pushes me even harder to succeed, and it makes me want to get better,” Mitchell said. “It is a family tradition and brings us closer [together] in life,” Ron White, Mitchell’s father said. Mitchell White competes in 10-12 tournaments a year, which has gotten him between 300 and 400 trophies throughout his career. He is a champion in fighting, forms and weapons. Mitchell has also earned a firstdegree black belt and earned the title of Sifu, another name for an accomplished teacher who oversees the younger students. Karate isn’t just a sport for boys, though. It’s something that can benefit everyone at some point in their lives. “I do think everybody should learn how to defend themselves, especially females when it comes to life or death situations,” Ron said.
Proudly serving Pittsburg since 2003! 511 N Broadway St.
Pittsburg, KS 66762 (620) 231-2400
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FEATURE
Friday, Sept. 26, 2014
2014
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Fall Homecoming
‘Tis the Season Spirit Days
Tuesday 9.30 Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater
Wednesday 10.1 Class Color Day Freshmen Sophomores Juniors Seniors
Thursday 10.2
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MACY FRASCO
For love of the game
Which Witch is Which? Wear matching Halloween costumes with a friend/twin day
Soccer universal in any language, builds friendships BY JOURNEY JARAMILLO @PHSstudentpub
most out of the time she has with her teammates, she has enjoyed getting to bond with her teams if being called the “new girl” wasn’t mates, and for her, that is part of what makes socenough for her first day, Claire Caffrey, cer so important to her. also happens to be entering the school Between playing soccer in America and playing after 9 months in Japan. soccer in Japan, Japan has won Caffrey’s vote. It The Caffrey family is always on the seems that part of the reason for that is because of move because Caffrey’s father was in the Air the beautiful view and the long traveling. Force for over 22 years and gets stationed in many “Just from the soccer field you can see the places. That is how the family wound up in Japan. mountains, it is so green, and the ocean was Now that Caffrey and her family live in Kansas, right by us. It was very, very pretty there,” said they have a story to tell and Caffrey. “We traveled all over memories to share. Along I HAVE MANY Japan to compete in tournawith the experience of livI would say the shortFRIENDS IN MANY ments. FRIE ing in Japan, Caffrey, is also est bus ride we ever took was involved in school activities PLACES JUST 12 hours long. We competed such as band and soccer, Quam, Korea, and other BECAUSE I JOINED against which both play a major role Japanese teams. We went on to in her life. THEIR SOCCER CCER play in the championships and “Soccer is important to me I made the alternative team. EY TEAMS-CLAIRE CAFFREY because I move around a Playing soccer in Japan was the lot, it is a good way to get best experience ever.” me involved in school activi“I have many friends in many places, just ties, and a great source to meet new people,” said because I joined their soccer teams,” Caffrey said. Caffrey. She believes soccer keeps her in shape and has She has been playing soccer since she was four taught her many different skills, physically and years old and it has always been something that mentally, that she will continue to have for a she has loved to do. Caffrey was unable to play lifetime. Whether it is on the field or in the band soccer in the third through sixth grade because room, Caffrey’s enthusiasm and skills have affectwhere she lived at the time, did not have the ed some of her teammates. sport. She also did not get to play as a freshman. “I’m glad Claire’s on the team because there’s Although she played on and off for years, soccer another girl and she is a great addition. I realcontinued to be her favorite sport. ly enjoy her being on the team because she’s “I love soccer because of the bond you make nice, very enthusiastic, and she makes a great with your teammates and you develop great lead- new friend,” said current team member, Makayla ership skills,” said Caffrey. She tries to make the Bockover.
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White Red Blue Black
friday 10.3 'Merica Day Wear your best 4th of July red, white and blue to the football game vs. Parsons
Schedule hall decorating Tuesday: 7-10 p.m Library is available to plan from 3 - 7 p.m.
Powderpuff Wednesday: 6 p.m.
Coronation Friday: 6:30 p.m.
DANCE Friday: 9-11:30 p.m.
Q: What is your opinion on the new student activity time?
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I SA SAY IT’S 50/50. I LIKE IT IN CHEER BECAUSE I HAVE A LOT OF OPEN TIME BECAU TO TALK TO TEACHERS AFTER SCHOOL, BUT ONCE IT COMES TO THEATRE I DON’T LIKE IT BECAUSE THOSE FEW MINUTES NUTES BEFORE REHEARSAL ARE CRUCIAL. L.
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-ANGELA ORTEGA, FR.
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I LIKE IT A LOT, IT GIVES ME TIME TO GIV DO STUFF WHICH IS CONVENIENT, ALTHOUGH IT KEEPS ME LATER. R.
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-JARED WILDE, JR.
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I THINK TH IT’S REALLY GOOD BECAUSE I DON’T HAVE TO RUSH BECAU TO PRACTICE AND I CAN TAKE MY TIME IN A MEETING AND PAY ATTENTION TO THE INFORMAORMATION THAT’S GETTING ACROSS. ROSS.
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-KATY SHORT, SR.
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I LI LIKE IT BECAUSE DOESN’T INTERIT DO FERE WITH DRAGON TIME IN TERMS OF DOING HOMEWORK WORK OR GETTING HELP. LP.
-JIM FORESMAN, SCIENCE DEPT.
I TH THINK IT’S PRETTY HELPALL THE KIDS THAT ARE FUL, A IN SPORTS CAN STILL MAKE IT TO THE SPORTS AND THEY CAN STILL ATTEND ALLL THE CLUB MEETINGS.
-KRISTEN GEIGER, SO.
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Young leadership
Cheer, dance: large numbers of freshmen participation BY MEGAN MUNGER @DragonsTwirler
Walking into the spirit studio during a dance or cheer practice and looking around, the number and age of the girls is surprising. Exactly half of them are freshmen. “I think it is cool that we have an even number of experienced team members and freshmen,” Alli Baden, junior dance team co-captain said. “We are able to pair up with each other and show the freshmen the ropes easily because of the numbers.” The dance team has 6 freshmen this year, while the cheer squad has 12 freshmen, 5 on varsity and 7 on junior varsity. “The best thing is just to have so many girls,” cheer coach Diana Oertle said. “Anytime that we’re throwing stunts or anything, the more girls we have, the more stunts we can have, and the [better] our routines can be.” As far as freshmen numbers go, there is a method behind the madness. “I think with every class there are either girls that dance or girls that don’t dance,” Morgan Plank, junior dance team co-captain said. “I think with the freshman class this year there is a big group of girls that dance, are continuing to dance, and have danced together for awhile.” Like dance, cheerleading works the same. However, there’s another theory to the large numbers according to cheer coach Diana Oertle. “Our class size in general is going up,” Oertle said. “We have more students graduating than we do enrolling, so as the enrollment continues to grow at the high school, it only makes sense that the cheer program continues to grow.” Because so many girls are in cheer this year, there are two squads instead of one. “Most of our freshmen are on our JV team, which leads up into our varsity team,” Oertle said. “They are still more of a learning squad.” Having two teams is new to the freshmen but, it’s also new to the returning cheerleaders. “It’s been crazy working as two squads this year instead of one,” Morgan Wydick, senior cheerleading co-captain said. “It’s
Striking a pose, freshman Taylor Redd finishes her dance performance for the Friday night half-time show. This was Redd’s and the PHS dance teams first performance of the year. PHOTOS BY ABBY HARRIS
definitely different because I’ve been used to working with one big squad rather than as two squads.” Even though the returning members had some adjustments to make, they knew what to expect, unlike the freshmen. “High school cheer is not what I thought it would be at all. It’s a lot more work than I thought it would be but, it’s also a lot more fun,” freshmen varsity cheerleader Savannah Jones said. “We get along with the upperclassmen very well and we’ve all adjusted fine.” While adjusting into the new year challenged the cheerleaders, the dance team had even more challenges awaiting them. “It’s really different because we have no seniors and because of that, in a way, it is everyone’s first time doing stuff,” Baden said. “For instance, it’s our first time being captains without any guidance from upperclassmen.” According to dance coach Kelsey Parks, having no seniors on the team is rare. “It’s strange to be on a team with only juniors and below. They didn’t even have any seniors try out this year, so it just happened this way. It has been hard because there are no seniors and there’s not that upperclassmen [guidance] besides for the juniors,” dance team coach Kelsey Parks said. “I also think that it’s good that they have me as their coach because in the past there have been coaches that didn’t
have the experience of being on the dance team, like I have. Because of that, I know when I can help and the captains have done really good job helping, too.” Grade dominance, no matter what grade level, affects every team in a different way. “From being at both points, it’s nice having more seniors because they have so much experience and they can show the younger member’s around,” Baden said. “It’s really cool to have so many freshman though, because you can start new traditions rather than just follow the old ones.” It may seem odd to have a team that is so young but, it isn’t as rare as most might think. “My freshmen year of high school, my freshman class went through the exact same thing so, I guess there has kind of been a pattern,” Parks said. “There are a lot of young dancers, then it evens out, then there are a lot of young dancers again.” In addition to the uniqueness in numbers this year, the future has its own rare twists. “Because there are no seniors this year, not everyone will be guaranteed a spot next year,” Baden said. “There are people coming up next year that are really talented, not saying that our team isn’t talented, but you just never know.” The dance team has high goals set for the future of the team but, they also have
the potential to achieve them. “I think that with them starting off as freshmen and already being at such a high level of dance that they will be really good in the future years,” Plank said. “They have really good potential and they have a high chance at probably being one of the best dance team’s that we’ve ever had.” Even though having such a big number of girls in one class doesn’t pose any challenges currently, in the future it will. “Running for captain whenever we get to that age will be a lot more difficult because there will be so many of us. We’ll actually have to try more than the captains in the past have,” Jones said. “Not that [our captains] didn’t try this year, but there were less of them so it was easier for them than it will be for me.” Although having a huge number of freshmen means more competition as upperclassmen, there is a hidden comfort in it. “Since the freshmen are considered the bottom of the school and we don’t get much recognition from the older kids, we’re all stuck together now,” freshmen dancer Taylor Redd said. “It’s nice to know that we have each other on the team.” Although adjustment may take time, it doesn’t affect the closeness of the team. “I’m really glad that they are here,” senior varsity cheerleader Camille Wallace said. “It’s just more to the family.”
school to build Home-court advantage: High tennis court complex lights. We are really happy about that.” According to Superintendent Destry Brown, the construction for the courts will begin as soon as all the funding is in order. “We have applied for another grant through the Kansas Wildlife and Parks and if we get that grant then we get the dream because that grant is large enough that it would cover the center area, the gazebo part and every-
ver since tennis season started, sophomore Abi Felter fell into her daily afterschool routine. “I start by leaving the school, due to the fact that the tennis courts we use are across town, not outside our school. My house is on the way there, so I will stop, get dressed and get all my supplies needed for practice. Finally, I drive WE WILL BE ABLE over to the park and TO HOST OUR OWN wait on the van that transports players that MEET WITHOUT BEING do not have cars to get to the courts,” Felter SPREAD OUT. said. -BRANNON KIDD DD D However, because of a grant funded by Pritchett Trust, presented on thing,” Brown said. “If we get that Sept. 11, Felter’s daily routine grant we are a go and full steam will be reduced to a walk out- ahead then,” Brown said. The idea for these courts first side the school next season. The process of developing a tennis arose when Pittsburg State Unicomplex by the west side of the versity announced they were school is now coming closer to a tearing up their recreational tennis courts; relocating tennis reality. Head tennis coach John Seal practice to the Jack Johnson Tenand tennis enthusiasts planned nis Complex, which is approxifor a $601,000 ten court ten- mately three and a half miles nis complex. As of right now, away. While only having four they have received $476,000 in tennis courts available is funcgrants and donations for the ten- tional for practice, it is almost nis complex. The Pritchett Trust impossible to host a tournament grant of $100,00 will be used to with only four tennis courts. The only solution to that problem light the complex. “We needed lights and they was to have half the tournament are going to be nice lights,” Seal at the Jack Johnson Tennis Comsaid. “$100,000 will get you good plex and Half at the two Lakeside
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The girls took the title against Girard in the first meet. The boys placed second. Tomorrow morning the cross Country teams will be travelling to run at RimRock at KU in Lawrence.
girls tennis
Varsity is 13-6. On Sept. 13th, the team traveled to Iola and won a championship. Tomorrow, the junior varsity will be playing a tournament in Independence and the varsity will be playing at a tournament in Parsons.
Cross Country
BY IVAN WALTER, ADIA JOHNS, ASHLEY HENDERSON
FootbalL
SPORTS briefs
So far this season our football team is 3-0. On Sept. 19th the Dragons slayed Fort Scott with a score of 41-0. Tonight the Dragons are playing at Chanute and next Friday they will be playing Parsons, which is homecoming. “[The football players] are staying healthy and working hard,” Nickelson said. “We have good senior leadership going and the underclassmen are working hard.”
Volleyball
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Park tennis courts. According to Seal, this is a problem. “It is logistics,” Seal said. “Getting people from three, four, or five different schools to two different sites, to make sure they have a coach so it is fair and also you have to double up on your water, your medical supplies so it is expensive too.” Brown and Seal, along with Brannon Kidd, assistant principal and activities director, hope to have the courts completed by either spring or next fall. Kidd sees many benefits to having these courts on campus, for players and the community. The complex will also allow the team to host regional and state tournaments. “We will have easier transportation, we will be able to host our own meet without being spread out, host bigger meets, more invitational which brings more businesses into the city, and just kind of makes us a spotlight in Kansas,” Kidd said. Along with more space and a new facility, the courts also have a sentimental value according the sophomore tennis player Caleb Dial. “[The courts] will also be referenced to Kaleb Konek and I used to be like pretty much best friends with him,” Dial said. Konek was a tennis player that passed away last spring. “I think it is pretty great how they are honoring Kaleb Konek in such a way.”
The team competed in four tournaments. On Sept. 13 varsity travelled to Salina Central, placed sixth against 16 teams. On Sept. 25 hosted a home meet. The next varsity meet will be at Coffeyville on the Sept. 30 and JV will travel to Chanute Sept. 29.
Soccer
BY ALLI BADEN & MEGHAN BAKER @AlliBaden & @MeghanBaker11
The soccer team took on Fort Scott this Tuesday defeating the Tigers 9 to 0. The team has played very well this season with its only loss coming against Olathe North. The team’s record is currently 8-1 as it heads into the second half of the season. Next week soccer will travel to Independence to take on the Bulldogs.