Griffin Rites, Spring Volume 51, Issue 3 by Griffin Rites

GRIFFIN RITES STUDENT PUBLICATION

VOLUME 51,ISSUE 3

Winnetonka High School 5815 NE 48 Street Kansas City MO 64119

OUR STAFF

OUR PURPOSE

Griffin Rites strongly supports the first amendment and opposes censorship. Freedom of expression and the press are fundamental values in a democratic society. The mission of institutions committed to preparing productive citizens must include teaching these values, both by example and lesson. We welcome letters to our staff and reserve the right to edit them for length and clarity but not to change ideas. Letters may be opinionated and argumentative but not hostile. They must be signed and submitted to F6 or mailed to "Griffin Rites Editor" at 5815 NE 48th St. Kansas City, MO 64119. Advertising space is available. Please contact Griffin Rites Editor at winnetonkanews@gmail.com for more information. Our student news program is a member of JEMKC, MIPA, and NSPA.

On the cover On the cover is a photo of Cheyenne Brown holding out an extra mask. This photo is taken in the Winnetonka main gym. Photograph by Destiny Mattingly

Issue 03 Volume 51

contents february 2019

4 VACCINES IN DELAY 6 FEED THE NORTHLAND 7 ANXIETY 8 STORM THE CAPITAL 10 3/4THS OF A LIFE VALUED 12 BEST OF SHOW 14 INTO THE SPOTLIGHT 15 MARKET DAY Students practice standing 6-feet apart during Pippijn rehearsal on Feb. 9th, 2021 Photo by Sherii Coffman

16 50TH BIRTHDAY

venture 03

Mikayla Gandara works safely in class with a mask and a six feet distance from everyone around her.

VACCINES IN DELAY By Ruth Estrada

Some people may say it’s crazy and some people may say it’s expected on how the coronavirus outbreak all started January 30th of 2020. “It doesn’t amaze me because significant people are scared of this virus and want to get the vaccine," junior Courtney Larson said. According to CDC.com, more than 3,049 deaths have occurred each day because of the virus. New York is the first to run out of vaccines, being an enormous place with a substantial population. “As New York is so congested and has been hit badly with Covid waves," freshman Aiden Roberts said.

Beginning the new year, Americans are pressuring president Joe Biden to get more vaccines and he is being questioned by the press regarding his approach to handling the whole pandemic and virus. “Hopefully find a way to provide more," senior Diana Drew said. The federal government purchased an additional 200 million doses of the covid-19 vaccines. President Biden announced Thursday during a tour of the National Institutes of Health, "The U.S. is on track to have enough supply of the vaccine to vaccinate 300 million Americans by the end of July. That comes out to roughly 600 million doses supplied in the United States by 50 percent."

Marissa Pendergrast sits safely away from everyone else while still wearing a mask.

Cianna Slater happily wears her mask to stay safe in school and enjoy her socially distanced learning.

5 Health care workers are on the line each day to help treat patients, but not get treated themselves while working long hours to help people in their community. Biden and Dr. Doug Emhoff told nurses, who the CDC says are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, that "this administration is fighting for them." Most of their time was spent listening to the nurses' request for more protective gear and vaccine doses. "

Frustrated. I bet they're so frustrated", said Sophmore Sheyenne Herrera. Even though New York has the highest deaths with 41,889 and 1.34M cases so far, this virus has affected people in many ways with not having enough supplies or resources to help keep all people safe.

Only being two months into the new year of 2021, wondering what it will be like for all of us, senior John Allen has an idea of what it will be.

"The less health care works, if I get sick, I have to go through more to get better," senior Diana Drew said.

"Remember that Movie 2012. It's on a prophecy from a long time ago that the world will end on Dec.31st 2012." Allen said. "Some people are saying that the prophet was dyslexic and got the year mixed up 2021. I’m expecting the world will end, not like the movie 2012, but like it."

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden said the Trump administration has declared the coronavirus pandemic “political.”

With his prediction, hopefully nothing this horrible will happen to any of us in the new year of 2021.

Spanish teacher Mrs. Cindy Brenner safely wears a mask while she teaches her students.

ANXIETY Mercedes Lashbrook Design Destiny Mattingly

What do I do?

What If?

? ow tn a Wh

For starters I’d like to say, there're many things going on in America right now. Some bad, some good. I’m not the type to write about something I don’t know much about, but there is one thing I’m experienced with and could write about for hours: mental health in teens and adults. Mental health is something that has had a huge impact on me for some time now. There’s been the negatives and the positives.

"I would describe anxiety as overwhelming emotions, scared, straight, and shaky," says senior Sierra Mattingly.

I’m going to share a tiny piece of what I’ve been through. Anxiety is a huge battle I’ve struggled with for a while now. I’ve learned ways of coping and helping myself in both good and bad ways. One thing I’ve learned while trying to figure out what is going to help me is until you want to be better, you’re never going to accept help and you’re never going to accept that you need help.

Mental health is something that takes many lives yearly, more people than you may realize, and it’s not a joke, nor is it something to brush off and ignore. If you notice someone isn’t being themselves, check on them or tell a trusted adult that you notice something is off and you’re worried. This goes for adults as well, although you don’t have as much “control” or “say” over what an adult does.

You can try to get them help because adults struggle too, and they shouldn’t be left in the dark. If you know someone who struggles with sexual harassment and you’re not sure what to do or say, here’s a few tips you could try. Give them a rubber band to put on their wrist or maybe find an activity that will put their mind on something else. It’s always wise to try and stop someone from doing something that could potentially end their lives. If you’re someone who is trying to move on from a situation that you have no control over, my best advice is you can’t change what has already happened, but you can move on from it. Moving on from a situation doesn’t mean it ’s not a big deal or that what happened was okay, however, it will allow you to better yourself and be joyful.

Completely eliminate stress in your life. Not going to lie, for the longest time I struggled with not being able to overcome something that happened to me and was stuck in the past. The best thing I’ve done for myself when it comes to the situation I’m referring to, is forgive and forget. It’s not easy, but it’s for the best. Mental health is something that will possibly affect your entire life; it’s your job to figure out whether you’re going to find your way to be happy and help yourself through it, or let it take control. I’ve been in both positions. The option to be joyful and help yourself is the option I recommend for all. If it wasn’t for me listening to others’ advice and allowing trusted adults to help me, even when I didn’t want it, I probably wouldn’t be alive today. Needless to say, I’m glad I am alive.

Last but not least I would like to include warning signs of Anxiety, Depression, sexual harassment, and Suicide. Warning signs of anxiety are restlessness, biting nails, worrying about things you have no control over, nausea, fear, having trouble concentrating. Signs of depression are angry outbursts, constantly putting yourself down, sleeping too much, loss of interest in activities, selfharm and keeping yourself fully covered at all times, even in hot weather. Unexplained cuts on wrist or thighs, changes in eating habits, signs of low selfesteem like constantly putting yourself down or thinking you aren’t good enough. If you notice any of these signs in someone you know whether it be a friend, neighbor, classmate, even someone you don’t talk to, do not hesitate to reach out to a trusted adult, you never know when it will be too late.

Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.

F E E D THE

NORTHLAND

Gazing into the main entrance of

“In the past three months we have had five staff members and their Winnetonka High School on a Wednesday morning you spot paper families help over 20 Tonka students and siblings and six Park sacks lining the walls filled with Hill students,” leadership advisor nonperishables. Do you ever and Social Studies teacher Sarah wonder who puts those together? Green said. For whom they are given to? Every Tuesday between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., students from all grades According to statistics in the and all different schools come to Washington Post, one in seven Winnetonka to pack the bags. children go to school hungry each day. These are the same kids that ride the bus with you. These are the same kids sitting with you in class, six feet apart that is. These kids are among the faces you pass in the hallway between classes. Never even giving them a second thought. It's a crazy thought when you think

“The most impactful moments have been when students invite their siblings and friends to join them while they volunteer ,“ Green said. Feed the Northland works in partnership with Harvesters which is the community food network. Harvestes provides the food, and volunteers pack the bags of food each week.

about it. How can all these students appear well who look like they're doing just fine where they are having all this unfortunate stuff going on in their lives? Some people hide it because they're afraid of what other people will say.

Healthy Living club member junior Logan Overturf helps bag cans for Northland families.

Healthy Living club teacher Laura Ryczek packs food for northland families with junior Oceanna and freshman Cianna Slate.

By Destiny Mattingly

“When I first started doing this it was about the community service hours, but as I continue to do it, I noticed the impact that there was, " senior Sierra Mattingly said. "It’s an amazing feeling when you notice that counting out cans and boxes of macaroni and cheese is helping dozens of families in your community.” Board President Michael Atchinson states the organization's mission as, “Feed Northland kids’ sole purpose is to solve hunger in Clay [county] and in Platte County. “ Michael has served on the boards of many local nonprofit organizations that focus on poverty and education. Winnetonka's goal is to meet the needs of its student body and their families. Feeding the northland is one of the many ways Winnetonka High School is working to achieve this goal.

Citizens stand outside the capitol on Jan 6th, 2021, silently protesting for what they believe in minutes before breeching the building.

Citizens known as "Trump supporters" march down the street protesting for their beliefs on Jan 6th, 2021.

The years 2020 and 2021 have been filled with significant events. Can we compare them to identify what was the worst? According to CNN News, what is being referred to as the "Capitol protest" was the attempt of republican supporters, possibly incited by the Trump administration, to overthrow the government on January 6, 2021. That was three weeks before the transfer of power was handed over from former president, Donald Trump to current president, Joe Biden. During the flood of protesters entering the building, multiple people were injured. Another five people died during and after the protest. Brian Sicknick, who served in the National Guard and became a capitol police officer in 2008, was overpowered and beaten by rioters, dying from his injuries in the hospital. Benjamin Phillips of Pennsylvania died of a stroke in a Washington hospital soon after the protest. Ashli Babbitt of Southern California was an Air Force veteran. She was seen climbing through a broken window into the speaker’s lobby carrying a Trump flag. Soon after, a gunshot ended her life. Kevin Greeson of Alabama suffered a heart attack due to high blood pressure. Rosanne Boyland of Georgia, who posted pro-Trump on her social media, was crushed as she and other rioters raced for the Capitol building. These were the people who have died at or soon after

STORM Capitol THE

By Ruth Estrada and Joshua Harper Design by Destiny Mattingly

The Facts and Opinions of Students the protest. With such a start to the year of 2021, some may believe the present would not be any better than the previous year of 2020. Students gave their opinion regarding the severity of this event as compared to others from 2020. "To compare a horrible yet isolated event to an equally horrible but nonisolated event is like comparing apples and oranges." sophomore Josie Hougham said. "Covid-19 effected the entire world, plus the wildfires and bombing of other countries were a mix of politics and general inhumanity.” Freshman Faith Shost added, “I don't think I could say that these incidents were any less important and I'd prefer not to compare them as they are unconventional ideas. No matter what, these other incidents endangered lives and people died of it.”

“No, I don't think it was worse, however I do think it followed the 2020's trend in starting the year off with something terrible happening, senior Aislynn Stewart said. As of June 8, 2020, at least 19 people had died during the BLM (Black Lives Matter) protests, while five died during or after the Capitol protest. During Trump's trials after impeachment, senators argued that he attempted to overthrow the government because he believed the presidential election was "stolen from him." He was also accused of threatening republican governers to change the vote count. History will tell which events are remembered as the most important of 2020-2021.

3/4ths of a By Amijah Parker

In 2014, Eric Garner lost his life to a New York police officer’s choke hold after uttering “I can’t breathe” 11 times. The same year, 18-year-old Michael Brown was shot 6 times. He was unarmed. Tamir Rice never realized his 18th birthday for playing with a toy gun. The officer who murdered him wasn’t fired until 3 years later, but only because he lied on his job application form. None of their killers were ever prosecuted. The following year, Walter Scott earned five bullets in the back for a defective light on his car and was rushed away after a brief scuffle. The resulting protests chanted “No justice, no peace”, and eventually the officer was sentenced to 20 years. Alton Sterling is 6 feet under due to reports of a “disturbance outside a shop”. Philando Castile was killed while reaching for his license during a routine check. He had informed police he had a licensed weapon. None of the officers involved in both deaths served time. We got a year of rest before Stephon Clark in 2018. He was shot at least 7 times during a break-in investigation. The district attorney argued that the officers feared for their lives because they believed Mr. Clark was armed and therefore had not committed a crime. Only a mobile phone was found at the scene.

Two years later, the police switch sides. Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical technician, was shot 8 times after officers raided her apartment. They failed to identify themselves, and when they broke in, Breonna’s boyfriend fired in selfdefense under the pretense it was a burglary. One officer was charged, not with her death, but “wanton endangerment” for firing into a neighboring apartment. $12 million was given to her family, as if money could make up for the tears they will shed over her grave. Later in 2020, history repeats itself and things finally come to a head. An officer put his knee on George Floyd’s neck, even after he repeatedly pleaded “I can’t breathe” and called out for his deceased mother. Protests broke out all over the U.S. and demonstrations were done in other parts of the world. Justice was served here, with the offending officer being charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter and three others who threatened any bystanders attempting to help Floyd face charges of aiding and abetting murder. Are you tired yet? Are you upset or uncomfortable? If you’re not, then you are a part of the problem.

We talk about the famous marching and protesting of the 1960s for equal rights, but the reality is we are still not equal. We are still fighting for our lives in 2020. These are precisely the cases that received media coverage. There are, without a doubt in my mind, plenty of other black mothers and fathers who bring flowers to their children, not for their birthdays or anniversaries, but to decorate their tombstones. There’s something inherently wrong with that picture. Still, in denial? Let me put it into perspective for you. African Americans make up 13.4% of the population of the nation’s total, but a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2019 found that black men are about 2.5 times more likely to be killed by police over the course of their lifetime than white men, while black women are about 1.4 times more likely to be killed by police than white women. Moreover, according to a study done in 2016 by the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, black victims of on-duty law enforcement lethal force are more likely to be unarmed than white victims. Keep in mind, this genocide is over pigmentation in our skin that we can’t control.

Life Valued The Black Lives Matter (BLM) Movement is our generation’s stand against the racial injustice that still resides and rules this country decades after Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcolm X and more rebelled to end it. While some may argue no single race should be focused on or that other races’ lives should demand the same attention, the purpose of the BLM Movement is to bring awareness to the fact that the statement “all living matter” cannot be true until black lives matter. I support other races, but there is no reason why me, a teenage girl, should be worried about whether I’ll live to see adulthood or meet the wrong end of a trigger-happy cop’s gun for one wrong move or poor decision. Furthermore, I live by a set of unspoken rules and recommendations that are meant to help me survive. Some of these include but are not limited to: If you are pulled over, speak in short, clear and direct but not rude sentences.

Listen to their directions and announce anything you want to grab and slowly reach for it. Never challenge or resist arrest, even if you are innocent. Always submitting, being strong-willed is dangerous. Stay calm even if you are terrified and make sure people can always notice your hands. Straighten your hair, your natural hair is undesirable. Expect disappointment when it comes to anything like promotion, because if it is between you and anyone else who doesn’t look like you, even if you are more qualified it is more likely you will not be chosen. Don’t wear anything too provocative or revealing because you may be told you’re “fast”, “trying’ to be grown”, or “asking for it”. Don’t be too outgoing or curious because it may be misinterpreted as disruptiveness. Don’t shine too much if you want your peers to like you, they do not want to see you succeed more than them. Essentially, don’t be you and comply to live, even if it makes you unhappy.

To conclude, this country has never been on my side. As Jennifer Latham states in her book "Dreamland Burning," black women have to work twice as long and five times as hard to succeed in this world. I will spend my entire life fighting for the tip of the iceberg because the odds will never be in my favor, and I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t seem the least bit reasonable to me. So, if you want to be a part of the solution and the revolution towards fairness, join me in the struggle to secure all lives, truly matter. I want to wake up in a world where I know I’m truly free, equal, and safe, and smile in knowing that I won’t turn on the news and notice another senseless killing because everyone who looks like me will wake up in that world too.

Dancers senior Sophia Ferson, junior Mya Ramsay, junior Ralie Zinuga, sophmore Haley hanshaw, and freshman Tanyia Richards cheer the football boys on during the football game against platte county on Oct. 9th, 2021.

BEST OF SHOW SUCCESS THE GRIFFINETTES HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED IN THREE YEARS

By Cheyenne Brown Photography by Destiny Mattingly

Three years have passed since the Griffinettes last performed in a competition while representing Winnetonka High School. Jitters were prancing across the dancers’ skin as they got into a competition mindset. Nine girls stood in formation, standing on the threshold of a new start. The Griffinettes were competing once more. “I grew up in the dance competition world, but let's just say it never gets less nerve racking. For my first competition with the Griffinettes this year, I was a bundle of nerves," sophomore Haley Hanshaw, said, "but I was excited about it. I was so happy about the fact that even though COVID took a lot away from us. We could still compete as planned.” The Winnetonka Griffinettes participated in the Lee's Summit North invitational on January 23. The team registered in December and chose to perform one routine. NOMADIC

13 The dance team worked hard and pushed beyond their limits since the first week of November on an n minute routine to take their first steps back into the competition world. Out of the nine dancers, only one had previously competed on the high school level, senior Sophia Ferson. “To say a word, it's been super bittersweet. It’s been awesome noticing all their growth," dance coach and math teacher Allison Maier said, "but it’s been tough because we’ve had so many limitations. There’s not many things that we can do that we can usually.” Practices were held at Winnetonka in one of three gyms.

The choreographer came up with the routine and the coaches put the formations together. Practices lasted several hours while the team was in the process of learning the routine. The practices since then happen twice a week. During the hours spent in practice, the routine was not the only thing the team had to work on. They had to learn and review their game day materials including, but not limited to, their sidelines. “Our coaches are proud of us no matter what we do. After every game they tell us we killed it; and my mom has never missed a game," Ferson said. "She is so proud of me because I have been doing it [dance] for so long and it is my final year.” With the support received from coaches, parents, and peers, the dancers were able to push through the many obstacles they faced. The girls had to be quarantined during Homecoming. Maier describes it as

being “awful, we simply make the best out of every sticky situation.” While in quarantine, the dancers held practices over zoom. They were even able to obtain a get ready video where each girl recorded separately and then each clip was stitched together. Their head coach had to quarantine for a period of 20 days a mere few weeks before the competition. The dance team overcame many challenges and defeated all odds in placing third at the Lee's Summit North invitational. The season may be over now but the team is still going strong. The next season will have loftier goals and tryouts are just around the corner. “For people wanting to join dance, I say, go for it, " Hanshaw said. "Learn new things and join the dance family. Meet everyone and they can become your lifelong friends.” Tryouts for the Griffinettes occur on March 22nd-25th. For more information contact Allison.Maier@nkcschools.org

On September 19, 2020, sophomore Haley Hanshaw prepares herself before a halftime performance, "dance to me is everything. It’s a way to express emotion through movements and get everything you’ve been going throughout. Whether it is sadness or happiness, there is a dance style to express it. and the people you meet become your family forever. Dance is just such a fun way to have to actually work hard but have a wonderful time. That’s why I love it. from the face down to the technique."

14 Pippin: Addressing Social Injustice Story by Isaak Peterson Design by Cheyenne Brown

Theater is an important activity for many of the students and staff at Winnetonka High School. Many of those who enjoy theater also take part in after school activities including musicals and plays. This year's spring play is the musical, "Pippin." As many have realized, this year is vastly different from previous years. With the uprise of the pandemic came many new regulations and rules. Safety rules including social distancing, mask mandates, and general safety guidelines were all put into practice. “We've had to wear masks during rehearsals, and social distance," senior and "Pippin" student director senior Audrey Resch said, "and take everyone's temperature and fill out the health screening before every rehearsal. But we also have to be prepared for anything that could happen”.

Into the

Spotlight Even with a pandemic, students and staff alike are working diligently to push forward and perform the production. The musical is not simply a story with a catchy tune. The theater department is utilizing the musical as a platform for addressing social injustice. "Let’s just say it’s not about circuses anymore," sophmore Kristina King said, "It’s about a kingdom falling, a boy who gets consumed by his thoughts, and the magic he finds along the way. We try to represent that every life matters, and especially that black lives matter. The students and staff involved

strive to display their integrity and talent in a way that their peers can appreciate. "The cast, director, musical director, crew, and choreographer have all been working on this a lot," Resch said. "It's amazing to watch how our hard work is coming together for us to tell this story. Everyone has a purpose in life and that everyone's life is important." "Pippin" will be performed Thurdday, April 15-17 at 7:00 pm. Tickets must be prepurachased online. Order tickets by going to: https://www.onthestage.com/show /winnetonka-high-school/pippin21170/tickets

Many of these changes occurred due to COVID-19. Like most other situations, these guidelines have affected the cast. "Pippin" was the first major production after the pandemic. “Before COVID normally we would have already performed by now," Resch said, "but we have had to plan the show for April so COVID cases would calm down.”

Students rehearse for "Pippin" in the Winnetonka Auditorium on Feb 1st, 2021 for the first day of pippin rehearsal. "I'm so excited to showcase what we have been practicing", says sophmore Kristina King Photo by Sheri Coffman

Jordon Prince holds a welcoming banner for William Bailey on Feb 1st, 2021 to hype up the cast and welcome William Bailey. Photo by Sheri Coffman

MARKET DAY BY DESTINY MATTINGLY

Entrepreneurship students sell products on February 26th, 2021. Students learn how to start a business and keep a business working

DOUGHNUTS Doughnut

$1.00

"I sold doughnuts because it was something everyone likes." Joe Hertling said.

GOUDA CHEESE CHEDDAR CHEESE JERKY Gouda Cheese

$4.00

Cheddar Cheese

$3.00

Jerky

$5.00

"My partner, Avery, and I sent a survey to learn how many people wanted beef, jerky and cheese and the results were good. So we expected to sell most of our stock," Wyatt Carr said.

Junior David Quintero and Junior Logan Teeter, sell cookies during market day on Feb. 26th, 2021. Photo by Sara Havermann.

T-SHIRTS T-Shirt

$5.00

"I decided to sell my old shirts because it was something I wasn't using that I knew someone else may like." Carter Gabetrt said.

CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES 8 Chocolate Covered

$2.00

Strawberries "Chocolate covered strawberries are super yummy and most people like them so that's why I wanted to sell them." Jackon Kleeman said. Senior Tyler Wilson makes posters to help promote Market Day on Febr. 26th, 2021. Photo by Sara Havermann

IT'S TIME TO CELEBRATE BY DESTINY MATTINGLY

50 years Winnetonka Held A Virtual Birthday Party Celebrating 50 Years Winnetonka High School is excited to celebrate 50 years of excellence! Established is 1970, Winnetonka has educated thousands of students, produced scores of scholar-athletes, and has served as a pillar of the North Kansas City community for five decades. To commemorate our 50th anniversary, the North Kansas City Schools Communication Team has provided us with a video project to highlight our school’s history. Thank you to North Kansas City Schools, our Tonka alumni, and the strong lineage of faculty and staff who have made Winnetonka “more than brick and mortar” throughout our history. Winnetonka High School officially began our journey of excellence on August 31, 1970, with 600 sophomores (the future class of 1973), 40 staff members, and our first principal, Dr. Keith Sovereign. While Winnetonka was still under construction in the fall of 1970, Dr. Dan Kahler, principal of Oak Park High School, invited Winnetonka staff and students to share their facility until Winnetonka was moved-in readyMarch 1, 1971. Since that first fateful day students walked into Winnetonka High School, our nation and world have experienced the natural ebb and flow of historical change, progress, and unprecedented times. Much has occurred throughout our school’s 50-year history. However, what has remained unchanged in the midst of an everchanging world is our Winnetonka P.R.I.D. E, resilience, and dedication to improving the lives of all within our sphere of influence. The inaugural event for our 50th Anniversary celebration was Homecoming Week, October 2019. That week, we recognized and celebrated the 50th school year in Winnetonka history and inducted five alumni into our Hall of Fame. Additionally, we looked forward to engaging in a host of events to continue our Semicentennial Celebration throughout the ’20-21 school year. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have not been able to celebrate each event as planned, Nevertheless, we look forward to a hopefully Spring 2021 that will bring more opportunities to celebrate our storied history.