Griffin Rites, Winter Issue

Griffin Rites Winnetonka High School 5815 NE 48th St. Kansas City, MO

Volume 49, Issue 2, Winter 2019, WHS Student Newsmagazine

Feature: pages 10-11

Safety & Style New entrance enhances building security, addre sses concerns following late-December incident

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Table of contents

On the cover

The Winter 2019 cover features pictures of Winnetonka's new main entrance, which was revealed after winter break, and reactions from students. The central photo displays the blueprint for the project on the left that fades into a real-life comparison.

The surrounding photos, above and below the central image, show student reactions and some of the new additions to the building.

Photos were taken by Derek Walsh or submitted by the district. The cover, along with the central photo, was designed by Elizabeth Payton.

Our purpose

Special thanks to:

Dr. Amy D’Angelo, for taking time out of her day to be interviewed.

Peyton Galloway and Michelle Cronk, for tracking down pictures of the new entrance to be used.

Derek Walsh and the Yearbook staff, for taking great photos and writing captions, stories and fixing layouts.

The administration, for supporting the staff and encouraging us to continue our work.

Everyone featured in this issue, for allowing us to share your story.

And our audience, for giving our journalism a purpose.

Griffin Rites strongly supports the First Amendment and opposes censorship.

Freedom of expression and press are fundemental values in a democratic society. The mission of an institution that is committed to preparing productive citizens must include teaching these values, both by example and lesson.

We welcome letters to the editor 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 Shannon Le Grand at 5815 NE 48th St. Kansas City, MO 64119.

Our organization is a member of the Journalism Educators ofMetropolitan Kansas City (JEMKC), the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA) and the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA).

Staff

Elizabeth Payton Editor-in-chief Matt Payton

Print Managing Editor Kaylee Renno

News Editor Autumn Dewalt

Sports Editor Chelsea Engstrom

Guest Editor Nia Scaggs

Guest Writer Kelsey Cowden

Guest Writer Jackie Cindrich

Guest Writer Derek Walsh

Guest Photographer Shannon Le Grand Adviser

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Contents 06

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Opinions

04 Side effects may vary Anti-vaccine movement has potential for serious repercussions 05 Student opinions Students share their opinions on mandatory vaccinations

News 08

06 Newsflash!

A photo summary of recent important events 08 The RISE of advocacy Club forms with intention of "standing up for those who cannot themselves"

Arts 10

08 A symphony of success/ Auditioning with pride Seniors Mattie Peter and Bella Middaugh audition for districts and state

Feature 10 Safety & Style New main entrance enhances building security

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12 Expanding horizons Exchange student Vladislav Virtonen follows the diplomatic road to Winnetonka, aspires to promote diverse involvment

Sports 14 Everyone just wants to win Missouri becomes ninth state to sanction girls wrestling, inaugural team to be established next year

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Entertainment 14

16 Top 5 places to eat in Kansas City Most interesting resturants in the area 16 Winter Fashion

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Opinions

Side effects may vary Anti-vaccine movement has potential for serious repercussions

By Elizabeth Payton

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t was over two decades ago that Dr. Andrew Wakefield, a former gastroenterologist from England, formally published his study that implied a potential link between specific vaccines and developmental regression in children, in what various sources say was one of the most accredited journals of its time.

Wakefield’s study, AIleal-lymphoidnodular hyperplasia, non-specific colitis, and pervasive developmental disorder in children, introduced the first piece of hard evidence for the growing counterculture of the anti-vaccine movement whose skepticism still persists to this day.

However, on March 6, 2004, six years after the study was published, 10 of the 12 original co-authors issued a statement of retraction regarding the false implication that the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine potentially caused autism in the study’s subjects.

“We wish to make it clear that in this paper no causal link was established between MMR vaccine and autism as the data were insufficient,” the co-authors stated.

“However, the possibility of such a link was raised and consequent events have had major implications for public health. In view of

this, we consider now is the appropriate time that we should together formally retract the interpretation placed upon these findings in the paper, according to precedent.”

The General Medical Council (GMC) later banned Wakefield, the lead author, from practicing medicine in the U.K. after finding him guilty of multiple infractions regarding the honesty and ethicality of his study. Despite evidence that blatantly contradicts the assertion, the autism-vaccine misconception may still be one of the largest contributors to the post-2000s drop in child vaccination rates.

“Everyone has a choice,” Children’s Mercy Hospital pediatrics specialist Dr. Amy D’Angelo said. “While I may disagree with their choice and reasoning, I do not judge.

Overall, parents want to do what is best for their kids. Unfortunately, many ‘research’ articles out there are very flawed and leave families with misinformed data. My job is to inform parents of the real evidencebased medicine to help them make informed choices.”

Parents are actively refraining from vaccinating their children in fear of the adverse side-effects that have been anecdotally associated with specific vaccines and their ingredients. However, a parent’s choice to not vaccinate their child can have consequences that affect others. When unvaccinated children engage in routine contact with a community, other individuals, such as those who are also unvaccinated or immunocompromised, are put at risk, as well.

For instance, New York City’s government health website reported that a recent, ongoing measles outbreak developed

when an unvaccinated child returned to an Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn after contracting the disease during a visit to Israel. Since the initial outbreak, additional unvaccinated children returned to the Brooklyn community after being infected in Israel, ultimately resulting in three new cases as on Jan. 9, and a total of 58 cases since Oct. 2018.

Though the reasoning for the lack of vaccination in those Brooklyn children remains unknown (and cannot be assumed), it stands as one of many examples of how a community can be acutely enthralled by an outbreak when members remain unvaccinated. Furthermore, consequences of poor immunization rates have prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to name the anti-vaccine movement as one of the top ten health threats for 2019.

“Vaccine hesitancy – the reluctance or refusal to vaccinate despite the availability of vaccines – threatens to reverse progress made in tackling vaccine-preventable diseases,” WHO stated in their online list, Ten threats to global health in 2019. “Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective ways of avoiding disease – it currently prevents 2-3 million deaths a year, and a further 1.5 million could be avoided if global coverage of vaccinations improved.”

Children, particularly infants and toddlers, of parents who choose to not vaccinate due to nonmedical exemptions have unfairly become directly involved in the anti-vaccine movement. The American Academy of Pediatrics, as of Jan. 1, 2019, recommends approximately 28+ vaccines throughout the first six years of a child’s life, including those that protect against

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chickenpox, diphtheria, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, pertussis, polio and rubella.

D’Angelo, who has been working at the Children’s Mercy Hospital Emergency Department for eight years, recommends everyone keep up with their vaccine schedule.

“You might be healthy, but nobody is immune to the devastation an illness can cause,” D’Angelo said. “I have personally held the hand of previously healthy children who died of influenza and pertussis. Almost all of the very sick kids that I have admitted to the hospital or ICU for a vaccine preventable illness were unvaccinated for that illness.”

Recent history shows a correlation between the rise of vaccinations and the decline in cases of relevant illnesses, and it can be said that the regulation of vaccinations has had a positive impact on the health of the world.

Likewise, as the number of unvaccinated people in a community increases, the likelihood of preventing, or stopping a devastating outbreak plummets. Though the consequences may not be visible in the next few years, the anti-vaccine movement is threatening to harm the health of future generations.

If you would like express your opinion on this issue, visit the story on tonkanews.com and comment below.

Please note that harassment and blatant hate speech will be deleted.

Scan the QR code below for quick access to the story.

Student opinions Students share their perspectives on mandatory vaccines in school settings

“Diseases are dangerous and vaccines do help protect us from them. There are some people who physically can’t get vaccines, so they rely on the immunity of others to not catch such diseases. It's our duty to vaccinate ourselves, if we can, to protect those people."

Senior Thomas Fee (left)

“Schools should require vaccines and only accept medical complications as an exemption. Vaccines have been proven to prevent deadly or otherwise miserable diseases.”

Senior Ashley Smith (right)

"Schools should have mandatory vaccines. They will help prevent illnesses and seasonal diseases and, I think, would increase student attendance during the sick, colder months. There could also be an increase in higher grades during finals, based on the fact that I know a bunch of people during their finals that were feeling sick and that caused them to not be at their best during this very important time."

Junior Ross Baker (left)

Of the students who participated in an online survey,

78.38% 13.51% 08.11%

reported they feel all routine vaccination should be required in schools reported they feel some, but not all routine vaccinations should be required in schools reported they feel routine vaccinations should not be required in schools

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News

News Flash!

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A photo summary of recent important events

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01. Girls basketball manager Bella Rodriguez passes out chips to the booth owners at the annual Craft Fair on Dec. 1. The event allowed for people to set up booths in the gyms and sell various items. Rodriguez believes the event helped the team come together to benefit the community. "We had fun and we really bonded," Rodriguez said. "We got to set up and break down together, and I think everyone had a good time."

Photo submitted.

02. Senior Ashlyn Bunch presents her senior exhibition project on the topic of 'invisible disabilities' in educational settings on Dec. 3. Along with the other senior exhibition projects, Bunch's presentation was the product of almost five months of research as part of the requirements to qualify for the Gold Medallian diploma. Members of Bunch's audience included people from the school and central office, including the past Director of Special Education, Dr. Jenni Gaddie.

"I picked my topic because of the struggles me and my family have faced with the education system," Bunch said. "I think that I moved the right people and hopefully helped make a change for a lot of students." Photo by Jacalyn Cindrich.

03. The Winnetonka Symphonic Orchestra performs their winter concert along with the Northtown's orchestra on Dec. 5. “They played some really complicated songs, yet they played them all well," junior Jacalyn Cindrich said. “I was really impressed with them and learned several things. I hope they will perform with us again.” Photo by Dillion Brenneman.

04. Senior Greg Stokes adjusts the mixer at the winter dance on Feb. 8. After the dance was rescheduled several times, Stokes finally had a chance to showcase his passion for DJing, which originiated from his father's love for music. “At a young age, my dad was heavily into music,” Stokes said in an interview with Tonka Talks. “Me and him just used to play with music and from there it kinda became an addiction,” Photo by Kelsey Cowden.

05. On Feb. 2, junior Justice Thompsons’ character just found out her daughter was gay after reading a letter that was intended for the daughter's friends.

This performance, To You and to the World, directed by senior Trenton Kauzlarich, was all about how a preteen and her troubles with coming out to her friends. “I feel like, To You and to the World, touched

a lot of people; from those who are coming of age and just need to feel loved and supported by those close to them,” Thompson said. Photo by Jacalyn Cindrich 06. Junior Ashtin Holman reels back her arm to throw a dodgeball, determined to pummel the enemy and ultimately win against the senior team at the Powder Puff dodgeball game on Jan. 10. Holman was a "sacrifice" thrower of the all-junior team '4DAKULTURE,' who lost against the two senior teams and the staff team. "I will definitely remember that, even when my team lost our chance to be in the championship round, we went over to the other junior team and cheered them on the rest of the way," Holman said. "It was cool knowing we were fighting for the year 2020 and not just absorbed in our own teams." Photo by Erica Burnett.

07. Senior Makayla Cambiano expresses her concerns to administration, district officials, police and other students during a town-hall style meeting on Dec. 20.

Three days prior, someone allegedly fired a gun into the air in the student parking lot during dismissal, prompting administration to hold the meeting.

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News

Follow RISE on Instagram: @rise.tonka

The of advocacy Club forms with intention of “standing up for those who cannot themselves”

From left to right: Junior Ashtin Holman, junior Justice Thompson, senior Trenton Kauzlarich, senior Madison Mayes, junior Aris Holman and junior Jaelee Pittel pose above the Black History Month sign RISE painted. The sign, intended to bring more awareness to the upcoming spirit week, was hung above the main entrance corridor to grab the attention of students walking in the building. Photo by Derek Walsh.

By Elizabeth Payton

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newly-found club is making its debut with various awareness projects related to Black History Month. The club, RISE, was created to “stand up for the overlooked,” according to co-founders junior Justice Thompson and sophomore Jordon Prince.

Since RISE’s approval on Jan. 11 and its first meeting on Jan. 25, plans for schoolwide activities such as an assembly, movie night and spirit week have been made.

Although the club is kickstarting its journey with Black History Month, Thompson said

it will remain active throughout the rest of the year and hopefully long after she graduates.

Special invitations and face-to-face interviews are unnecessary to join RISE. Since themes of acceptance, education and inclusivity drive the club, anyone is encouraged to contribute so long as they are passionate about making a change.

“We welcome anyone with that kind of mindset,” Thompson said. “To join RISE, you need to have an open mind and be willing to contribute...time, effort, and ideas. Jordon and I asked a few students and staff members to participate, but after

that, we spread word of the new club and let those who were interested come.”

Every Friday afternoon at 3 p.m., members meet in Conference Room 201, located on the second level of the new main entrance. There, among the excited laughter and animated conversations, processes like brainstorming, budgeting, planning and even democratic-like voting occupies the time. Most meetings last for about an hour.

“Our first meeting was full of icebreakers and suggestions, as we wanted everyone to get to know one another and to learn what everyone envisioned for RISE’s future,” Thompson said. “Our most recent meeting [Feb. 1] was an action meeting discussing the outline for the Black History Month assembly, as well as other projects celebrating Black history that will be coming very soon.”

With the help of WGTV, RISE has been able to showcase black historical leaders on the daily announcements.

RISE also held a spirit week from Feb. 25 to March 1. According to Sophomore Derek Walsh, secretary of the club, the spirit week was planned out as follows: Melanin Monday, Togetherness Tuesday, We Reign Wednesday, Throwback Thursday and Freedom Friday.

Walsh, who was invited to join the club, sees RISE as an opportunity to pull people together despite their differences.

“I hope students will start becoming friends with people who they once thought they could never be friends with,” Walsh said. “I hope people will soon look past what people look like, or how they are perceived and get to know them before making judgments, and to celebrate differences in people.”

While the club may encounter some discord regarding individual perspectives, Thompson stated RISE’s focus is not to change political views or address ethical conflict, it is to focus on those who are overlooked.

“As a group, RISE is a club of people all looking to accomplish the same goals: to educate, to learn, to rise and stand up for others who aren’t always given the opportunity to stand up for themselves,” Thompson said. “Everyone in this club is very open minded. I feel like we can all be mature and discuss any topic, [even if it is] political or ethical.”

Arts 09 Photo to the left: Senior Mattie Peter at state auditions

A symphony of success

By Kelsey Cowden

F

or the first time in 19 years, a Winnetonka student has occupied a seat in the Missouri All-State Orchestra, with senior Mattie Peter, whom earned the tenth chair position of the first violin section.

The All-State auditions were held at

the University of Missouri, Columbia campus on Dec. 1, where students from all over Missouri competed for the chance to perform with the state orchestra in January.

“I was ecstatic when I found out I had made it,” Peter said. “Getting to the state level was one of my major goals throughout my high school career. It felt like four years of hard work had finally paid off.”

To prepare for the All-State auditions, Peter practiced several hours every day for nearly four weeks. She worked with multiple teachers, including Winnetonka orchestra director Henry Bullock, to make sure she was ready to give her best performance.

“I frequently imagined myself in the audition room while practicing so by the time I actually got there, I felt like I had already run through the process many times,” Peter said.

To qualify for state auditions, Peter had to audition for and earn a seat in the All-District Orchestra. After the district auditions on Nov. 3, she received the highly sought-after position of Concertmasterfirst chair for the first violin section.

According to Bullock, among the hundreds from the Kansas City metropolitan area, Peter held the highest scoring audition.

Due to inclement weather, the Jan. 12 All-District performance was canceled.

However, Peter was able to attend the AllState performance on Jan. 26, where the orchestra played pieces such as The Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, Navarro’s Downey Overture, Mahler’s Symphony No. 2. Peter described these pieces as “insane for a high school level group.”

Photo to the right: Senior Bella Middaugh at district competition

Auditioning with pride

By Kelsey Cowden

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enior Bella Middaugh auditioned for the Missouri All-State Band on Dec. 1. Middaugh was one of the 400 clarinets that auditioned for All State Band. Students who audition for all state band receive a large packet with audition material. This includes slow and fast etudes and three different techniques with levels of technique. Students also have to have all major and minor scales prepared by memory.

“The day of all state I relaxed, focused and practiced,” Middaugh said. “During my call back audition, I freaked out because I thought about how this was my

last year to try and make state.”

Only 50 people who auditioned for All State get chosen for call backs. This determined whether or not they received a chair in the band. Call backs have to play the same music in the same audition, but it is randomly selected by a judge.

“After my audition I was overwhelmed that I messed up, but it was even more overwhelming that I had to wait for my result,” Middaugh said.

Only 19 to 22 clarinets get chosen for each band. Middaugh earned 5th chair in the Honorable Mention Band, making her one of the top 35 clarinetists in Missouri.

Middaugh does not get the opportunity to perform but she is recognized as a top

musician by the district and the state.

“It hurt a lot that I didn’t get to the top band in all state, but I still made it and improved,” Middaugh said.

Safety &

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Feature

New entrance enhances building security, addresses concerns following late-December incident

By Kaylee Renno and Elizabeth Payton

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n impenetrable tension loomed over the building as students arrived to school on a late-December morning, just three days after the first incident of its kind.

Preceding a school lockdown that lasted hours on Friday, Dec. 17, multiple gunshots rang out in the student parking lot during dismissal. During the course of the event, of which a student described as an act “to provoke fear,” no one was injured. The gun was only fired in the air, never towards any persons.

Although the suspect was confirmed as a nonmember of the Winnetonka student body and was never in the building at any point, the sheer reality of what happened had many community members questioning the safety of those who routinely enter the building.

Senior Gage Rabideaux was among the people who experienced the incident firsthand. She remembers feeling afraid in the moment, but admits to being more fearful of what could have happened.

“My life could’ve been extraordinarily different if that gun went from a 90-degree angle to a 180-degree one,” Rabideaux said.

“Or if what went up came down on me, or somebody I love. I’m more afraid than I’m willing to admit to the entire school. [In this instance] I could count all the shots on one hand...I’d need several hands to count for other unfortunate schools.”

After a long weekend, brewing apprehension was met with a town hall-style

meeting, held by the school administration, district officials and police at 8 a.m. on Dec. 20. There, students were able to ask questions, provide feedback and, if needed, receive counseling.

Topics relating to safety and prevention dominated the discussion, and with the renovated main entrance yet to be revealed, some students questioned how it might add to the overall security of the building.

Rabideaux said she is glad something is being done to enhance the school’s security, but she is unsure of how much the new entrance additions will actually help students.

However, since the entrance has arrived new security features have already prevented unwanted situations from arising, according to administrator Drew White.

“One of the things we have wanted to do for a very long time is be proactive about our security,” White said. “The very first person that any visitor should see...is security personnel. [Security personnel] is always monitoring our campus to make sure that they can alert us to situations, sometimes even before they occur.”

Along with the inclusion of a vestibule, which prevents unauthorized visitors from prematurely entering the building, a total of five 50-inch TV’s were installed to ensure that all cameras in the building are being constantly monitored.

White also said everything, down to the furniture, was handpicked to improve the functionality of the new space, but such a vast project was not met without some concerns.

“This [the renovation] is something that

the district has worked on for a very long period of time,” White said. “It was planned several times over the past 10 to 15 years, and it did cost a lot more than we intended.”

The visage of the new entrance has prompted mixed reaction from students and staff, junior Jacalyn Cindrich observed. She said that while some think the look is “too different,” she believes it is a “nice addition” and will boost the school’s reputation.

“I think the main entrance makes our school look better,” Cindrich said. “The building looks very old- it’s basically all brick. But now we have this nice new entrance that makes us stand out. I don't have any concerns about it. It is helping security and makes me feel perfectly safe.”

Other students are more concerned with the safety flaws that have been presented with the stylistic choices that were made.

Freshman Tristan Franseen said he still feels unsafe with the open concept idea, especially since the December incident which happened on that side of the building.

“It’s too visible,” Franseen said. “There's too many windows. If there is an intruder outside, they could see right through the windows and know right where we are, or even shoot at us from outside. Putting up blinds in the inside would help that though.”

The chances of such a situation occurring may be low, but it is possible- many students saw a glimpse with the incident that happened only a few months ago. Anyone who has concerns about the entrance, especially regarding safety, should contact their administrator, counselor or a staff member.

& Style

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Students, staff express their thoughts on the design, overall unity of new entrance

"It's nice on the inside, but I feel it doesn't match the rest of the school on the outside. It does give us more space, since it is kind of like a hallway where students can enter and leave with less crowding."

Sophomore Carmen Rodgers-Francis "I like it and I think it looks very bright and welcoming. I also like that it gives us new office spaces and meeting spaces. And hopefully in the future, we might have more additons to make it blend more with the rest of the school."

English teacher Laura Ryczek "The entrance itself functions perfectly as intended. The design by itself is very modern, but when compared to the rest of the building, it does stick out. Overall, though, I like it."

Trumpet-playing senior Dillion Brennenman "I think the color is honestly too bright- it hurts my eyes, and for only that we had to wait like five months. Wack but I like that we have entrance finally."

Sophomore Izabella Montelongo I really like the outside of it [though], it doesn't neccessarily match the building's original design. I like that it has our building name and it is bright and lights it up. It draws the eye. I think over time it will fit really well Industrial arts teacher Patrick Hupp Captions, from left to right, top to bottom: 1. Senior Katie Marshall embraces the very, very vibrant yellow walls on the first day back from winter break. Photo

by Derek Walsh.

2. Strategic lighting highlights the yellow walls and modernesque 'WINNETONKA' windows in the dark. Photo provided by district.

3. As part of the functionality

additons, several benches were installed to make students feel comfortable while they hang out outside the school. Photo provided by district.

4. Two students take in their new surroundings the day of the grand reveal. Photo by Derek Walsh.

5. Denny supervises a student entering the building through the new entrance. Photo by Derek Walsh.

6. A student walks through the second set of doors, entering the main building. Photo by Derek Walsh.

7. The large, letter-shaped windows allow for 'WINNETONKA' to be clearly visible. Photo by Derek Walsh.

8. Along with a complete redesign of the east entrance, conference rooms were added to improve functionality. Photo provided by district.

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Feature

Expandi horizons

Exchange student follows diplomatic road to Winnetonka, aspires to promote diverse involvement

Captions, from left to right, top to bottom: 1. During a recognition assembly, Vlad holds up the three colors representing the Estonian flag while students cheer around him.

2. Vlad and juniors Alexandria Kendrick (middle) and Alexa Robbins (right) smile during a Scholar Bowl competition at William Chrisman High School.

3. Vlad and senior Caroline Foster (right) pose inside a fake ticket booth on Oct. 13, 2018, his first ever Home-

coming dance.

4. Vlad smiles for a picture during his 18th birthday party, which he celebrated with his host family on Nov. 24, 2018. He said he doesn't normally celebrate birthday's out of choice, but he will probably remember this one for a long time.

5. Left to right: Junior Erica Burnett, Vlad, senior Lana Moerer, junior James Long and senior Parker Robbins take a selfie at a football game.

6. Vlad and other FLEX students assigned to schools around the Kansas City area hold up their handmade signs in the parking lot of Kauffman Stadium.

7. In August 2018, Vlad's host family welcomes him to Kansas City and into their lives with a handmade sign.

8. Juniors Alexa Robbins (left) and Madison Coonce (right) pose with Vlad backstage of the musical Chicago in November 2018.

ing s

By Elizabeth Payton

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journey that spans almost 10 months and nearly five thousand miles is something very few people will experience in their lifetime, and even fewer will be presented with the opportunity before graduating high school.

Despite the odds, it was only a few years ago when foreign exchange student Vladislav Virtonen began his trek along the unpredictable road of diplomacy, which in time, led him to the suburbs of Kansas City, Missouri, an entire ocean and continent away from his home country.

Virtonen, who is known as ‘Vlad,’ is a citizen ambassador from Estonia, a country located just off the Baltic sea in Northern Europe, who was selected to participate in the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program after being involved in other American-oriented programs.

“The American diplomats (in the former program) told me [about the] FLEX program,” he said. He further explained the diplomats thought he would be a good fit for the FLEX program.

As a merit-based scholarship program sponsored by the United States Department of State, the FLEX Program allows exchange students to pursue a full academic year in the United States, with the goal of letting them experience the country firsthand while also teaching Americans about their own countries.

“Before I came here I had been told that it's probable that I am the only Estonian, or even Baltic, person my American friends will ever meet,” he said. “But in August, I

13 realized how much people's impressions depend on how I behave...it teaches me to be more self-aware and mindful of others.”

All citizen ambassadors have a responsibility to establish connections between the people they encounter despite their backgrounds, and the first step is to address misconceptions.

“Every time I say my full name, which is Slavic, people think I'm from Russia,” he explained. “I have to tell people that names don’t always match with one's country of origin, but this kind of prejudice is easy to combat, and it’s what I'm here for.”

Since his arrival in the United States, Vlad has answered a wide variety of questions about life in Estonia, and he often sets the record straight on just how alike the two countries are. He added that he is more likely to compare stark differences between Estonians and Americans, as opposed to honing in on the negligible details.

“There are no shocking differences between us,” he said. “We're similar in many ways. I find that reasons for people's actions are the same regardless of where they come from, [though] the actions might vary.”

Vlad participates in many different clubs, community service programs and extracurricular activities as a means of amplifying his diplomatic impact; thus he teaches and learns from all different types of people.

However, he states that his International Education Week presentations rank among his most positive experiences. During this week in November, all governmentsponsored exchange students in The United States host presentations about their home countries.

“That gave me an opportunity to share a part of myself and speak about my background and personal, regional and national cultures,” he said, reflecting on the week. “I also got to combat people’s biases and answer my schoolmates' questions that some were too shy to ask! I'm always excited to answer all questions people have about Estonia and Europe. I feel that I contribute[d] to expanding others' horizons and exposing them to another way of life.”

According to Vlad, school in The United States is significantly different than that of Estonia, especially regarding opportunities given to students. He attributes his first days at Winnetonka some of the most influential in shaping his experiences of the country.

“...my first days of school here at Winnetonka,” he said. “That's when I picked my classes, [which] in Estonia we don't do that [because] we have a standardized governmental education program. [I] got to do team building in each class. We also never did that in my other schools- we just got together and began to study right away. “[I] started to make my first American friends, and I learned about after school activities- there's a ton of them! You know how many we had in my last school? Two. A yoga class and a non-formal education class.”

He said, from his experience, increased opportunity in a school setting has a big impact on students’ overall attitudes, and people shouldn’t underestimate the effect it has. Many of the clubs at Winnetonka help connect people of different backgrounds, be it through any number of commonalities such as beliefs, interests, goals or just the desire to interact with diversity.

It is important for citizen ambassadors to be flexible enough to build relationships with any type of person, and he learns best through involvement, he stated.

“A quote that helps me develop as a person is one by Benjamin Franklin, which was originally a Chinese proverb,” he elaborated. “It goes: 'Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.’...it always reminds me to stay involved.”

And being involved in all different walks of life is something he encourages every person to do. “It's always good to read and listen about other people, regions and nations,” he said, but further explained that participating is an entirely different experience.

With his journey coming to a close in June, Vlad will soon return to Estonia and begin the second part of his mission: to share what he has learned about American life to those in his home country and encourage them to embrace diversity as well.

“I'll share as much as I can about diversity in Kansas City and how all different kinds of people coexist in one place,” he said.

“Estonia is relatively very homogeneous. I'm planning to share all my cultural observations and reasons for current tendencies in average American's behavior and way of life.”

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Sports

Everyone just wants to win Missouri becomes ninth state to sanction girls wrestling, inaugural team to be established next school year

By Autumn Dewalt

A

lthough boys and girls wrestling have trained and competed alongside each other for the girls inaugural season, this will be the last year Winnetonka hosts a coeducational team.

As with most high school sports, teams are divided into boys and girls divisions, each with their own regulations and opportunities for competition, but it wasn’t until May 2018 that the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) officially proposed that wrestling should implement girls-only teams. The proposition passed with 202 votes in favor and 41 against.

“The state realized that boys and girls have much different weight classes,” Winnetonka wrestling coach Brice Dennis said. “In the state of Missouri, though, a lot of the girls could take down the boys, [but] the weight classes are still very different.”

Missouri is only the ninth state to establish girls wrestling at the high school level, but prior to that, co-ed wrestling may have been the only opportunity for theses female athletes to compete.

“We had some really good success with…our girls this year, and they wrestled with the boys and with each other, Coach Jared Barge said. “I’ve had lots of positive feedback from the girls and the girls’ parents.”

The boys and girls wrestling season will look nearly the same: the two seasons must begin on the same day and each state

championship tournament will be held and conclude on the same dates. However, since girls wrestling is still a relatively new sport, there may be a lack of coordinated competition opportunities for teams.

Tournaments will make up most of their competition opportunities, according to Jonathan Dickson of missouriwrestling. com.

“Efforts will need to be made by our wrestling schools to create competition opportunities for girls wrestling,” Dickson said. “If you [wrestling schools] host a regular season wrestling tournament and have the facility space to use multiple mats I would encourage you to consider adding a girls division. Our wrestling schools need to communicate with each other to make sure that tournament competition opportunities for girls wrestling are spread out during the regular season.”

The proposal sanctioned girls wrestling teams and competitions for the 2018-19 school year, but as the two-year transitional grace period comes to a close, Winnetonka will be required to make the change next year. Oak Park, who had a girls-only team this past season, hosted an all-girls wrestling competition on Nov. 24. There, over 100 female high school wrestlers competed in what was “believed to be the first all-girls wrestling tournament in Missouri history,” FOX4’s Sean McDowell reported.

Having sex-separated teams may present many more opportunities for female high school wrestlers. For example, The Girls State Championship is now open to

Junior Jordan Viles takes down an opponent the top four wrestlers of each weight class, as determined by district tournaments.

However, according to some of the Winnetonka female wrestlers, being part of a coed or girls-only team doesn’t change much in regards to attitude.

“Most girls on our team don’t really mind or have a problem with it [not being coed anymore],” junior Jordan Viles said.

“It’s just like having the boys and girls basketball team… it makes sense why they are splitting us up… I’ve only wrestled boys at one tournament and it’s definitely a lot harder than wrestling girls. Personally, I think it’s good that girls get their own team and we aren’t forced to wrestle boys.”

According to the National Wrestling Coaches Association, the inclusion of girls wrestling teams and state championships is increasing rapidly, and in 2018 alone, six states voted in favor of having girls-only teams.

Furthermore, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame stated that there were 112 female high school wrestlers in 1990, but 14,587 during the 2016-17 school year, excluding estimates from states who did not participate in the report.

While the local effects of separating the sport into two teams will not be known until next season, especially regarding the amount of girls interested in joining the team, it can be said schools who are participating in this movement are paving the way for girls-only wrestling teams to be accepted by all states.

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Entertainment

Top 5 places to eat in Kansas City

By Autumn Dewalt

The Waffle Bar Now you can have your waffle and eat your ice cream, too.

Located on the Plaza, The Waffle Bar allows you to dress up your ice cream and waffle with a variety of sugary, sweet and savory toppings. Get your bowl or cone to go any time of day.

Topic Town Burger Town Topic Burger is a literal shack that has been in the Crossroads District for over 75 years. They serve fries, burgers and shakes. It’s great for a quick bite and is very affordable.

Rockstar Burgers Find Rockstar Burgers down in the West Bottoms, complete in an enclosure with flashing lights and graffiti walls. You can enjoy a creative burger with a pile of fries 24/7 at this restaurant. It’s also the perfect place for a night out with friends and getting great pictures.

Dixon's Chili Parlor Dixon’s Chili is located off of Highway 40 in Independence, and has a history of impressive guests, including Missouri’s own President Harry S. Truman. Guests choose all the aspects of how they want their food prepared, such as how juicy their beans should be and which toppings they want. Sit down and enjoy a truly cooked-to-order cheap meal on the weekends or after school.

Kansas City Taco Company Kansas City Taco Company opened in 2013 as a humble food truck in Westport, but can now be found at their River Market location. KC Taco Company serves tacos with unconventional fillings, roasted pork and empanadas, and also includes gluten-free and vegan options. They also serve a fried churro and vanilla ice cream dessert dish. Check out their “Taco Tuesday” deals: 2 tacos for $5, 3 for $7 and 4 for $10.

Wint h s ion a f er A s the weather gets very cold very fast, a lot of teens are struggling to find outfits that are just as fashionable as they are warm. Here in the Midwest, meteorologists predict temperatures could be below-average from January to March, so securing a way to stay warm is crucial. Below are some staple pieces designed to keep you up-to-date with the trends and keep you from freezing this winter season.

Jean Jackets

Jean jackets are a great way to spice up a bland outfit. Although they might not offer as much warmth as a standard coat, dressing it up with layers, such as a hoodie or sweater, will definitely keep you from feeling the cold air. Pairing a jean jacket with some black jeans, white shoes and jewelry, for a little extra flair, is an easy way to make it look like you

did.

put more effort in than you actually

Matching Sets

This trend is most convenient for the people who like their outfits already put together for them. Matching sets can be made out of all types of material, but ideally cable-knit wool ones are the best for winter. Wearing a wool twopiece outfit underneath a polyester jacket or overcoat will hinder heat loss and stop the wind from bothering you. Throw some heels or slippers on and you’re done! Another bonus to owning matching sets is that you can mix and match the pieces with other clothing items in your closet, meaning more fashion combinations for you to explore.

Timberlands

Don’t you ever wish you had a pair

by Nia S

ca ggs

of shoes that went with practically everything, and could get you through the snow? Well, Timberlands, better known as “Timbs,” are the way to go.

The snow-proof variety of these beige boots will save you in any winter or fashion emergency. The simple design of the boots allows them to be worn with just about anything that pairs well with their color, while the material prevents them from absorbing water from the snow. Just slip on a pair and you’re out the door!

Fur, Fur & More Fur!

Furry coats, headbands, socks and sweaters are all super trendy this year.

Fur comes in all types of colors and forms, so there is a good chance you can find a piece that suits your exact style needs. The material itself is an insulator and traps heat, meaning that there’s no need to wear layers upon layers of boring, bland clothes.