Griffin Rites Vol 47 Issue 6 by Griffin Rites

Vol. 47 Issue 6

March 10, 2017

GRIFFIN RITES Winnetonka High School | Kansas City, Missouri

griffin

rites

ISSUE 06 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRIDE TICKETS In an effort to recognize good behavior, PRIDE tickets are being awarded

REGIONAL SHOWCASE SUCCESS AVID receives positive feedback at the third annual showcase

TONKA PRIDE Students and staff rise above the negative stigmas that surround Tonka

SENIORITIS: STRESSFUL OR STRESS-FREE The causes, effects and cures of senioritis

THE ART OF CONCENTRATION Students work on their concentration portfolio in AP Studio Art

WHY SPORTS? Student athletes discuss what motives them to do multiple sports

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE ROYAL Students react to the new slogan for the Kansas City Royals

STAFF Editor-in-Chief Copy Editor News Editor Features Editor A&E Editor

Rachel Adamson Alyssa Magrone Kaitlyn Minet Katie Bullock Alyssa Magrone

Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Adviser

Clayre Barkema Jessica Glaszczak Shelby Hilburn AnaLe Lund Laura Williams

On the cover: The Griffin mascot erases the negative stereotypes often associated with Tonka. Read more on page 8-9. Photo by RachelAdamson.

The Griffin Rites staff strongly supports the First Amendment and opposes censorship. Freedom of expression and press are fundamental values in a democratic society. The mission of any institution committed to preparing productive citizens must include teaching students these values, both by example and lesson. We welcome letters to the editor and reserve the right to edit them for grammar and length, but we will not change ideas. Letters may attack policies but not people. They must be signed and submitted to F6 or mailed to Mrs. Laura Williams attention at 5815 NE 48th St., Kansas City, Mo. 64119. Advertising space is also available. Please e-mail laura.williams@nkcschools.org or call 816-321-6527 for information. Our organization is a member of the Journalism Educators of Metropolitan Kansas City, Journalism Educators Association and the National Scholastic Press Association.

Beyond the prize

PRIDE tickets create a positive learning environment

| AlyssaMagrone

| editorial voice of the Griffin Rites staff

he installation of PRIDE tickets is a smart and out of the box method for encouraging and changing behavior in the classroom. PRIDE tickets are given to students who are following the PRIDE matrix - prepared, respectful, involved, driven and engaged - so that they are rewarded for that behavior. Students can use the tickets like money and buy items in the school store. Just like receiving incentives and raises in jobs, these tickets promote and encourage good behavior. These tickets also allow teachers to compliment students. Instead of teachers becoming a ticking time bomb with each distraction and disturbance from students, the teacher can announce that they are giving a PRIDE ticket to a particular student who is abiding by the rules. This turns gears in the minds of other students to get their act together and follow the example student. Some argue that PRIDE tickets cause a regression back to childhood when they were rewarded for green days or received tickets for

candy. This makes high school students feel as though they are being treated like children. However, some high school students act as if they are children, so there is a desperate need for this system. When students show up to classes without pencils, talk over teachers and are constantly on electronics without permission, PRIDE tickets are a necessity. This form of positive reinforcement creates an overall positive environment within the school. Prior practices of corporal punishments invoked fear and created a negative morale. The PRIDE system, on the other hand, is a healthy and encouraging system that enforces the simple principles that PRIDE encompasses. Instead of sending childish students out into the real world after graduation, the PRIDE ticket system molds these students into respectable young adults. This teaches students to take on the challenges and go the extra mile outside of high school.

EDITORIAL | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY RACHEL ADAMSON

tickets 2 tickets 6 tickets 4 tickets

*see flyer for more information

In an effort to recognize good behavior, PRIDE tickets are being awarded By Rachel Adamson

fter years of attempts, a rewards system is now in place to recognize students who demonstrate behaviors in the classroom that encompass PRIDE (prepared, respectful, involved, driven and engaged). This display of behavior now results in receiving PRIDE tickets. PRIDE committee members came up with this idea when visiting other schools outside of the district. “Members of the PRIDE committee went to other schools around us and saw that others schools in our district and outside of our district were doing something similar,” art teacher and PRIDE committee member Heather Sulzen said. “We wanted to use that same idea of giving students something they could trade in to have a reward.” Students can receive these tickets from any faculty member. The tickets can be spent during lunch on B days that are either a Thursday or Friday at a table run

by the leadership class. “We were thinking Chuck-E-Cheese style. You can either save up your tickets or get some quick chips,” English teacher and PRIDE committee member Andrea Caspari said. “We also have other items, big ticket items that we are going to roll out.” There will be a raffle drawing every month that students can enter. One PRIDE ticket is equivalent to one raffle entry. “In March we’re going to try to do gift cards right before spring break so kids can spend those,” Caspari said. “We’re going to have a few prom tickets that we are going to raffle off in April. Then in May, we’ll have premiere seats at graduation so that you would win two to four tickets so your family can sit closer.” According to Caspari, the PRIDE tickets go beyond the prize awarded. “We want to catch students who don’t always show these behaviors but have learned to do so,” Caspari said. “We

NEWS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY RACHEL ADAMSON

are trying to get every student involved so we are not just giving this to all of the leadership kids. Every student is on the radar in a good way.” Senior Makayla Jameson is one of the students in leadership class who assists with the PRIDE tickets. “Although it is my senior year, I think it’s cool to leave something behind for the underclassmen so that they are more motivated to act in the ways that PRIDE encourages us to do,” Jameson said. Caspari wants everyone to get into the habit of recognizing and acknowledging good behavior. She believes this will get everyone involved in doing the right thing. “It’s always a great day to be a Griffin. I’m super excited to have this take off. It’s been in the works for several years, just the logistics of it,” Caspari said. “Now we are seeing it in the works. We want everyone to be happy to be a Griffin.”

ADS | TONKANEWS.COM

STAY

SPRING BREAK

Adventure-filled places to experience during Spring break, right here in Kansas City. Five days of the Spring Break week are already planned out with fun By Ana-Le Lund

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

March 20

History buffs and art lovers alike will enjoy a day at the Nelson, where they can view famous art. Guests can walk around and enjoy historical artifacts from all cultures and even have a picnic on the lawn. Hours: Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday Price: Free

At Breakout KC, guests must try to escape the confinement of a room. Participants can pick a time to try to break out from a certain genre of escape room in just 60 minutes. Crack codes, solve puzzles, and connect the pieces together to find a way out. Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday Price: $28 per person.

Breakout KC

March 21

Coffee Break Caffeine addicts will love a day of relaxing and drinking delicious beverages at Headrush

March 22

Roasters Coffee and Tea. With multiple different types of coffee and tea, the restaurant on North Oak Trafficway is sure to please. They even serve pastries and have a convenient drive-thru for those wanting to go to other activities. Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday Price: Vary based on purchase.

Thrill-seekers looking for an adrenaline rush can book a tour and experience ziplining like never before at Zip KC. Zipline from tower to tower, take a hike, or zipline in the dark covered in glow sticks. Spending a day flying through the air will create unforgettable memories. Hours: Closed on Mondays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday Price: Ranging from $50 to $90 a person.

BBQ Tour

March 24 6

Zip KC

March 23

Kansas City natives possess a deep appreciation for barbecue. A unique way for these barbeque lovers to renew their tastebuds is to tour the most beloved barbeque restaurants. The tour features stops at Arthur Bryants, Gates Bar B. Q, Jack Stack and LCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar-B-Q. Driving downtown, the tour provides a view of some of Kansas Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s landmarks and gives the tourists a tasty experience, eating barbeque like never before. Hours: Starts at 11:15 a.m. Price: $62.00 per person ENTERTAINMENT | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY ANA-LE LUND

Regional showcase success

AVID recieves positive feedback at the third annual showcase By Shelby Hilburn

isitors from different school districts across the region came to observe the AVID [Advanced Via Individual Determination] program to learn AVID strategies Winnetonka teachers use with students. The regional showcase took place on Feb. 15 and gave other school personnel a chance to see the AVID program in action. AVID is a program that attempts to close the achievement gap by helping prepare students for college. There are classes for every grade level with a total of 163 students currently participating in the program. The program is about research-based curriculum to elementary and higher education level schools. “The program’s emphasis is on growing in critical thinking, teamwork and organization,” senior Amy Chavarin said. AVID coordinator Todd Marcantonio thinks the showcase displays why students should participate. “The purpose of it is really to spread two things, show off your school and your kids and to spread knowledge about AVID,” Marcantonio said. Marcantonio gathered AVID students from all grade levels to form a

panel that helped students practice and prepare for the showcase. “We give them [the students] mock [practice] questions and things that might come up so they feel comfortable,” Marcantonio said. “We do a walk through two or three weeks ahead of time to get the kids that are in those content area classrooms used to having

member the impact of the program. “Surprisingly it [the showcase] helped me realize how much the AVID program has affected me,” Khaleel said. “AVID made me a better person overall. It helped me challenge myself, like taking harder classes.” According to Marcantonio, the showcase is important because it allows the students to practice towards goals they are wanting to reach in the program. “There are lots of strengths to our building,” Marcantonio said. “The biggest strength being the kids that we have in the building. We have some really good teachers and we have strong administrators so bringing other people to come see some of those cool things whether you’re in AVID or not, I think it’s just a great way to show off the things that we do.” Khaleel feels the showcase went well due to the effort the teachers had put in. “Mr. Marcantonio and other staff did a wonderful job of conducting a presentation over statistics on how AVID helped students in our school,” Khaleel said. “They illustrated how our school adapted AVID strategies with our PRIDE [prepared, respectful, involved, driven, engaged] learning method.”

“They illustrated how our school adapted AVID strategies with our PRIDE [prepared, respectful, involved, driven, engaged] learning method.” visitors just so on the day of the showcase they feel good about it.” Senior Katelyn Queen got ready for the showcase before it actually took place. “We just prepped and asked some sample questions, gave examples of personal experiences and stuff like that,” Queen said. According to junior Waleed Khaleel, the showcase benefits current AVID students as well because it allow them to re-

1. A group picture of some of the students who attended the showcase. Photo by KaitlynMinet 2. Senior Eldridge Villegas shakes hands with one of the visitors. Photo by KaitlynMinet 3. AVID coordinator Todd Marcantonio talks with three of the visitors. Photo by KaitlynMinet

NEWS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY SHELBY HILBURN

By Alyssa Magrone

onka Trash. This term passes between the middle and high schools in the district, creating a negative stigma. This stigma sears into some students, while others rise above. It all starts in the middle schools as eighth graders are anxious to start their high school careers. Middle schools such as Antioch and Eastgate have students that feed into separate schools rather than the same, causing rivalry amongst students. According to senior Kiara DeVine, Tonka is sometimes targeted as “trash” due to biased opinions of those going to Oak Park or North Kansas City, and the stigma lingers into high school. “Coming into Tonka, I thought it would be riots left and right, but it’s really not,” Devine said. “I actually have friends, at least one, in every [high] school in the district. My Oak Park friends who have never stepped foot here believe everything they see in the media.” DeVine believes the stigma arises from negative news coverage that has taken place in the past. “Whenever Winnetonka is in the media, it’s often negative stuff,” DeVine said. “I think the media gives us that rep, because it [Tonka] is not as bad as people or the media say it is.” Since middle school, junior Gabriella Mathews knows what it is like to be a stigmatized student. “When I was coming from Maple Park, which does not have the best rep either, but it was still a good school, I knew coming into Tonka that it would be difficult,” Mathews said. Similarly, Mathews thinks Tonka tends to become a target of teasing because of a small portion of students who do not embody the spirit of Tonka. “There is always a handful [of students] in each grade that always make that grade look bad,” Matthews said. “I

think that’s what’s happening with the Tonka Trash stereotype because people are seeing other people from our school acting a certain way and they’re expecting for everyone to act that certain way.” Despite negative stigmas on the school, Gifted Resource Specialist Carrie Marcantonio knows the Tonka community bands together through rough times. “Lately I’ve seen that the teachers and students have come together and really have stood up for what we are instead of being beaten down by the world,” Marcantonio said. “Instead of that, we choose to shine and demonstrate all that we are and the positive things.” Marcantonio believes that the students are paving the way for future generations. “They [students] are selfless and thoughtful and hardworking and determined and gritty and I just love every second of it [teaching at Tonka],” Marcantonio said. “My personal children have these kids to look up to. I can think of no other role model better than Tonka students.” According to Mathews, despite positive achievments of students, Tonka is still picked on. Matthews believes one reason is the school’s nursery for children of young girls who get pregnant while in high school. Those who live outside the Tonka community view this as “trashy,” but Matthews sees the opportunity in a different light. “I think that Tonka gets a bad rep because we do have a nursery and a lot of girls come here, which is a good thing, for them to finish their schooling and it’s a really great opportunity, but it’s not only Tonka girls," Mathews said. “I think Winnetonka gets a bad rep for having Winnetonka girls get pregnant when most of the girls who do [have kids in the nursery] are from other schools and are sent here so they have the opportunity to finish school.”

The Tonka environment is also criticized for the diverse spectrum of students, whether that diversity be for race or income. However Marcantonio believes the population adds personality to the school. “I think that the diverse experiences and ethnicities of our student population make us strong,” Marcantonio said.“I think that same is boring, and we don’t learn about the world if we don’t sit in math class with somebody with a different life experience than us. We are so diverse in all different kinds of ways that make us stronger, cooler and more supportive of each other.” Both DeVine and Mathews do not let the negative perception of the school influence the way they act or feel about school pride, choosing to surpass the stereotypes. “I’m proud to be at Tonka,” Mathews said. “I know how our school is, like all the wonderful people who roam our halls. The good outweighs the bad, but everyone just sees the bad.” DeVine displays her Tonka pride by participating in various spirit-filled activities and believes participation in school activities allows students to help diminish the notion of “Tonka Trash.” “I do choir, two varsity choirs and I also TA [teacher assistant] for our lower varsity choir,” DeVine said. “I’m a part of the school's poetry club. I did do competitive drama, I’m not in that class anymore but I do still compete. I just try to be as involved as possible. Do everything you can to prove them wrong. If you want to prove that Tonka is more than what the media says, you gotta be a part of the solution.” Through trial and tribulation, Marcantonio believes the Tonka community will persist. “What Tonka means to me is family and resiliency,” Marcantonio said. “So no matter what, we always stick together. We love each other for who we are.”

FEATURE | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY RACHEL ADAMSON

Senioritis: stressful

The causes, effects and cures of morning because I’d get home around 10 o’clock.” Senior Brandon Newkirk feels senioritis spontaneously hits but most commonly in the beginning of the last semester. “It’s worse in the second semester,” Newkirk said. “It’s your last year and your last semester of high school. You’re almost done so it just kinda hits you. The worst is watching that GPA just slowly drop down.” Senior Lilian Juma feels the closer she gets to graduation, causes nothing else matters and her motivation to do anything else lowers. “After completing, the most cumbersome tasks that is first semester senior year and Gold Medallion and college acceptance, everything else was minuscule,” Juma said. “The fact that I have more than enough hours, credits and what not than I need to graduate makes me feel

By Kaitlyn Minet

aggy shirts, sweats and the notorious senior hoodie to top it off. Not to mention the lack of motivation. This is a classic description of senioritis, which is viewed as seniors’ worst enemy as they believe it causes a decline in motivation and performance. But for some students, maybe senioritis is not as bad as it is made out to be. As an underclassman, senior Rebecca Hensley did not see herself following in the footsteps of past seniors who caught senioritis. But now, in her last semester of senior year, she knows better. “I did not believe in it [senioritis],” Hensley said. “I thought it was just people being lazy and not caring but now it’s been in full effect for me since the beginning of the year. It started when I would stay out late for softball games in the fall and I wouldn't want to get up in the

Fashion trends of Senioritis

Sweatpants

Baggy senior shirt

like being in school just to kill time so even as I hit the lowest point ever academically I can’t seem to care.” According to Newkirk, senioritis is more present at certain times than others. “Sometimes I’m in the mood to get things done and raise my grades but then most times I’m not,” Newkirk said. While some are affected by the disadvantages of senioritis and its symptoms, others claim there are benefits. Juma feels senioritis has saved her from the common troubles of being a senior. “In my case, senioritis emancipated me from the stressfulness of senior year and allowed me to deny all the responsibilities that came with it,” Juma said. “I’m also even more optimistic about my downfalls than I ever was before senioritis.” Hensley agrees senioritis can be used as a coping mechanism. “It being senior year and everyone’s

Senior hoodie

Graphics by KaitlynMinet

FOCUS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY KAITLYN MINET

or stress-free

On a scale of senioritisfrom 1 (low) to 10 (high)...

senioritis [parents and teachers] stressing us [seniors] out about college and I just found it’s [senioritis] a good way to avoid my problems,” Hensley said. Besides the change in the amount of stress, Juma also notices a shift in herself. “I think the biggest change was in attitude,” Juma said. “I think that I lost a bit of my high maintenance and I’ve matured in the fact that you can’t win everything. I’ve come to terms with the fact that everywhere I am is not the place I need to be. And I’ve accepted that not everything happens for a reason.” While most seniors are fighting for any burst of energy, senior Derrick Lewis is defying the notion of senioritis. “I had what you can call ‘senioritis’ freshman to junior year but I’ve had an opposite effect,” Lewis said. “I’m doing more things [than before] and I’m getting more involved. I’m starting to care more about my life and where I’m going.” Lewis’ aspirations have helped him get his priorities straight for senior year. “I found that what I love is theatre and music and I want to be able to pursue that in the future and in order to do that I need to actually do my work in class,” Lewis said. “With the realization of that and having more motivation I’ve been able to do more now.” Lewis is not the only one who is getting involved to cure senioritis. “I’m trying to be more involved,” senior Valencia Galvan said. “I’m going to join track so I can make more friends in my last year of high school.” Seniors like Galvan have less to worry about if they have their life decisions figured out.

“I feel less stressed out because I already have my plan for the future so I don’t have anything to worry about,” Galvan said. According to English teacher BeAsia McKerracher, teachers should play an important role in keeping seniors on track. “I think teachers need to do things, too,” McKerracher said. “I notice that I sometimes get lazy with seniors toward the last three weeks. With freshmen, I never let up but with my seniors, I find myself letting things go. Teachers have to be stronger. One of the ways to fight senioritis is for teachers to not give in to the clock.” McKerracher can relate to how seniors feel when they want to give up but encourages them to fight it. “I understand what it feels like to have senioritis,” she said. “College, in a way, is a more complicated version of high school because my senior year of college I was so sick of college. You go in there thinking college is great but by senior year I was as sick of college as I was of high school. But I knew I had to finish strong. I feel like that feeling will keep coming up in life so if you can find a way to deal with it in high school then you can probably deal with it in college then in life. If you give into it in high school it makes it easier to give in to other areas of your life.” Galvan feels senioritis is not worth it because high school will be over soon. “As a senior, you’re just ready to get out of here and so everyone’s ready for college and ready to move on with their lives,” Galvan said. “High school seems like something in the past.”

Brandon Newkirk gives himself a senioritis ranking of 11. Newkirk sits on a bench with the classic hoodie to capture his image of senioritis.

Valencia Galvan gives herself a senioritis ranking of 10. Galvan lays on a couch showing what she enjoys doing in her freetime.

Rebecca Hensley gives herself a senioritis ranking of 9.5. Hensley leans against a wall with her hoodie on and phone in hand.

Lilian Juma gives herself a senioriti ranking of 5. Juma looks out the window as she thinks of a time before senioritis. Photos by KaitlynMinet

FOCUS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY KAITLYN MINET

THE ART OF

Students prepare their concentration

By Jessica Glaszczak

n AP Studio Art, the many worlds and concepts of creativity, determination, hard work and talent are expressed through art. Students choose a theme to create a portfolio throughout the school year, containing 12 total works of art. This makes up what is known as the concentration portfolio. The concentration themes can vary depending on the individual. For example, one person’s art can reveal the effects of hoarding while another student’s theme can display oppositional forces that create irony. “It [concentration] really gives you the ability to do your thing,” senior Marissa Foster said. “For your concentration, you pick your thing and explore it.” Junior Linsey Brewer decided to choose a topic that closely relates to her life. “It [concentration portfolio] is drawings of my personal spaces that I feel comfortable in like my room and an art room,” Brewer said. “It’s just a simple thing that I can easily get motivated to do because it deals with my life.” Senior Sierra Arzola had difficulty deciding on a topic for her concentration portfolio. “As of the beginning of the year, my concentration was involved with nature and human organs and incorporating them together,” Arzola said. “But as the year went by I kind of stopped having any

1. In a creative zone, junior Linsey Brewer draws. 2. Senior Mckayla Jameson adds the finishing touches on a Prisma color pencil still life. 3. Senior Charity Smith works with cardboard and paperbags to create masks for an upcoming piece. 4. Senior Marissa Foster adds to her concentration sculpture in AP Studio Art. 5. Senior Sierra Arzola sews a tea bag collage into her sketchbook. Photos by JessicaGlaszczak

ideas for it, so it became hard again. We switched me to a new concentration, so now my concentration is focused on tea and tea bags.” Unlike Arzola and Brewer, senior Marissa Foster had a different challenge. She was able to stick to her concentration theme, but she still had struggled with the decision making process. “It [finding a topic] was a little hard, but mainly because I couldn’t find the right way to word it,” Foster said. “I knew what I wanted to make art about, but I didn’t know specifically what that was.” Foster’s concentration topic compares being trapped and being free in reference to her life. “I’ve lived my whole life being very different, always being the odd one out and always being expected to conform to other people’s expectations,” Foster said. “I just want to kind of embody that feeling of fighting the norms.” One of Foster’s concentration art sculptures shows two heads, one covered in bright colors and flowers, and the other in a black mask. “My first one [sculpture] is entitled 'Breaking Free' that really demonstrates the parallel between trapped by society’s views, like how you feel when you’re trying to do what everyone wants versus how it feels to let it all out and to be yourself.” The students relate to one another as they have all struggled with staying motivated because they have to stick to the one topic. “I have to focus on the same thing for the next year,” Brewer said. “I’ve always done multiple stuff. One thing, that’s new to me.” AP Studio Art not only focuses on the concentration portfolio, but is a course where students learn more than art, according to students. Being able to critique others’ artwork is a learning process that is challenging, but is preparation for college.

ARTS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY JESSICA GLASZCZAK

AP Studio Art throughout the whole year “You have to be willing to experiment because more likely than not you’re going to come in and have one specific thing that you want to do. But Sulzen, who teaches it, she’s usually able to recognize your potential elsewhere,” Foster said. “You’ll have to be willing to listen to criticism and stuff like that to help you better yourself in art.” Foster agrees that the students are understanding and are a part of making the class enjoyable. “We have a mutual understanding of the hardships that come with being an artist, but also the joys of it,” Foster said. Along with critiquing others’ artwork: the students encourage one another. “Every single time any of us has any doubts of our art and our skill level, there is always someone there that is going to tell you otherwise and tell you that you’re awesome,” Foster said. “We all just keep motivating each other and keep each other moving.” Students look forward to the challenges that come with being in AP Studio Art. “I like the challenge,” Brewer said. “I’m glad it’s not a class I can slack in.” According to Foster, despite the difficulties of AP Studio Art, the effort involved is worth the outcome. “I look forward to going into that class every single day. I’ve never had an instance to where I’ve not wanted to go to class,” Foster said. “Doing what you love is possible with the right amount of effort.” Brewer gives advice to incoming AP Art Students about how to be the most successful in the class. “Don’t do what everyone else does,” Brewer said. “Don’t be generic. Don’t draw flowers and

hearts. Don’t focus the concentration on something that’s so generic. Be expressive, and do not fall behind. If you have a concentration due, just turn in something rather than nothing.” The environment helps students accomplish the challenges of choosing a concentration topic, staying motivated doing art on that topic and having to critique others’ artwork. “The atmosphere is really quiet and calm, and you connect with other people,” Arzola said. “Everyone’s working in their own world, in their own space and just concentrating on their own stuff.” According to Arzola, AP Studio Art as a different structure than the typical educational setup allowing creativity. “We’re not sitting here at a desk the whole hour just looking at the teacher while they talk or they’re just showing us something,” Arzola said. “We go to the front, we discuss our work, she tells us new ideas, we maybe experiment with new things and then we go back and we work individually or we get up and talk to other people and collaborate. It’s something that’s a lot different and it’s good to experience.”

ARTS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY JESSICA GLASZCZAK

Why

Sports? Student athletes discuss what motives them to do multiple sports Christine Harpe: Dance, Soccer, Swim,

By Katie Bullock he smell of chlorine. The sound of a baseball bat cracking against a ball. The feeling of shoes hitting the pavement. The sight of a soccer ball flying into a net. Sports are a huge part of high school, college and overall American culture. It is apparent in the homecoming games, Super Bowl Sundays and the fact that every high school athlete knows the true meaning of the word conference. For many students like senior Daulton Freeman, the desire to be involved in sports begins at a young age. “I started doing sports because of my family but then it just grew on me,” Freeman said. “Now it’s almost an instinct.” Freeman began his athletic career at the age of three hitting balls off a tee. His hobby stuck with him. Now he plays not only baseball but basketball too. “I think sports give me a chance to get out there and use my competitiveness in a good way,” Freeman said. “It’s fun. Winning and losing, giving 100 percent all of the time. I love it.”

Family

Although many students compete in sports, their reasons for involvement in athletics vary. For some, the drive to do well comes from family. “My family makes sports important to me,” sophomore Christine Harpe said. “My dad, he really pushes me to go my hardest and that’s what makes me motivated. I want to do good for him.” Familial support has proven to be helpful to Harpe, who competes on the school’s soccer, swim and tennis teams. She also swims in the summer with the Brooktree Barracudas and participates in KC Select club soccer during the summer, fall and winter. In addition, Harpe was a dancer for the Griffinettes during the fall. “Family matters,” Harpe said. “A lot of people don’t get the kind of suport that I do. They [my parents] come to every single game, every single one. If they even miss two seconds, they feel so bad. It feels really good to have people behind you like that.”

Academics

Most families are not just support-

SPORTS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY KATIE BULLOCK

ive of sports but also of academic achievement. Junior Lily Abdulla, who runs cross country and track, said sports help her with the academic side of life by motivating her to do well in school. “Doing multiple sports helps me stay grounded,” Abdulla said. “I know that if I don’t do my homework and I get a bad grade I can’t compete, so having a sport helps me stay on top of my homework. If I didn’t do a sport, I would probably have all F’s.” According to Abdulla, although sports take time out of her day they still have positive impact on her life and grades. “I think I’d be less productive if I didn’t do sports,” Abdulla said. “When I stay after school I’m still working; it’s just running but it makes me want to work harder in other areas. I feel like if I work hard in running then I should work hard in the classroom. It’s a balance."

Stress-Relief

For Freeman, sports are a way to get away from the pressures of school and to help give him relief from stress.

Why students exercise* *Results based off a poll of 100 students

72% 53%

66% 52% healthy lifestyle

to do better in a sport

stress relief

weight loss

“My [Gold Medallion] exhibition was on a Tuesday and I was really nervous for it. The [basketball] practice on Monday justtook my mind off of it. Sports really do relieve stress.” Harpe agrees, believing that sports can often serve as a way to combat negativity. “I would never give it [sports] up,” Harpe said. “Every time I go to soccer I’m in a good mood and every time I leave I’m in a good mood. It’s my favorite thing. When I go there I have to try my hardest but it doesn’t feel like it. It’s not stressful. It’s a release.” According to Harpe, practices are a form of therapy that help her no matter what she is going through in her daily life. “I can go to it [soccer] for anything,” Harpe said. “Everyone else is like, ‘Awe man, I don’t want to go to practice,’ but I always do. I can’t wait untill practice. I want to be there right now. If I’m feeling down I can go play soccer and it makes me feel so much better because it’s what I love doing more than anything.” Abdulla said that she experiences the same relief while running, which she attributes to being able to slow down and

Lily Abdulla: Cross Country, Track

focus on just one thing – her sport. “When I’m running I get to see the beautiful parts of the world. I don’t get to see that when I’m driving because I’m too busy, but when I’m running it’s like the world slows down,” Abdulla said. “You see houses and trees and say, ‘Wow, look at how nice that is.’ You get to see all these beautiful things in a new way.

Life Lessons

For athletes, it seems like there is not an end to a season. Yet no matter how hard their runs, their hits, or their goals, they keep coming back. Abdulla says it is because of what sports have taught her. “In the Olympics you see people finish and lose and fall down and just be broken. Then you see them come back four years later and win,” Abdulla said. “It makes me feel like no matter what happens, if I fall I need to get back up again.” Although she started running just three years ago, Abdulla said that she has learned many life lessons from her time on the track. “Sports have taught me to be determined, to go all out, to give my every-

thing in all that I do,” Abdulla said. “They teach me to always do my best and to never give up. First place or last place, it doesn’t matter, don’t underestimate yourself.” For Freeman, sports are more than just exercise, they’re a foundation for future success. “Doing sports builds something in you that other activities can’t,” Freeman said. “If you do sports you’re more likely to succeed later in life. You have better team skills and are more reliable because sports build good habits throughout your life.” Harpe believes that sports help her to grow, not only as a player but also as a person. “Sports have taught me to individually better myself and make a team better at the same time,” Harpe said. “They’ve taught me to respect people. They’ve taught me how to balance. They’ve taught me everything, because you’re not only learning a new skill set but you’re also learning mindsets. Sports help you become a better teammate and a better person.” Photos by RachelAdamson

SPORTS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY KATIE BULLOCK

What it means to be Royal Students react to the new slogan for the Kansas City Royals their players and the amount of love that the players The n Surprise, Arizona the Royals take the field to show back to the city start Spring Training for the 2017 baseball makes being a Royals won their that season. With the start of the pre-season hype, the Royals fan cool.” first Spring Training Royals came out with a new slogan that connects The new slogan fans with the team. makes fans think game 7-2 against the back to their child“Our loyalty isn’t measured in innings or Texas Rangers. games or even seasons. It’s measured in generahood and remember tions. It knows no time or geography,” the official their first game. VanKansas City Royals website said in response to their Houten had a unique new slogan, “Raised Royal.” experience she will never The slogan is not aimed toward only older fans, forget. but also to younger generations. “I woke up the morning of the Royals game and “It’s really cool that they’re trying to focus on had a kidney stone,” VanHouten said. “I rushed to younger fans, especially with their success the last few the hospital, stayed there for four hours trying to pass years,” junior Rana Ekilah said. “I think it’s cool that a kidney stone. Once I passed it, the rest of my family we can bring that up as a new tradition.” was already tailgating and my mom and I drove out to Junior Curtis Greer has a lot of pride in being the K and I got to eat hot dogs and enjoy the game.” a Royals fan and cares about the camaraderie of the The goal of this new slogan is to give back supfan base. port to the fans that have been there for the players “We’re all loving and we all love each other and through every win and every loss, according to Royals we love this team so much,” Greer said. “It’s given me Vice President of Marketing and Business Developsomething to believe in because the Royals are really ment Michael Bucek during an interview for MLB good at what they do.” News. Greer also loves how supportive the fanbase is to “We have one of the best fan bases in baseball the players and team, remembering 2015 when the and I think that’s what they’re really focused on this team won the World Series. season,” Greer said. “It’s the community and the team “You could just tell that the players were excit- being one.” ed, hearing their names being yelled and seeing all the Even when the Royals had a losing streak last fans who came to support them,” Greer said. season, fans still went out to the K to cheer on the Raised cheering on and supporting the Royals team they love. throughout her childhood, junior Kayce VanHouten “They’re an inspiring team to watch,” senior is excited about what the new slogan means for the Ethan Beumer said. “Watching them make the playteam and fans. She tries to watch every game she can. offs the last three years is encouraging. They never “I think it’s interesting because either new fans give up. The attitude they have about each game is and non-Royals fans could think it’s kind of dumb,” really inspiring to all the people in Kansas City.” VanHouten said. “But from my point of view, actually being raised Royal, it’s accurate and very easy to apply. It’s the amount of love that the city shows for By Clayre Barkema

Favorite Royal

“Mike Moustakas” - Ethan Beumer

“Salvador Perez” - Rana Ekilah

“Yordano Ventura” - Curtis Greer

“Alex Gordon” - Kayce VanHouten

Opening day at Kauffman Stadium is April 10 at 3:15 against the Oakland Athletics. SPORTS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY CLAYRE BARKEMA

FROM: WHS 4815 NE 48 St. KC MO 64119

TO: Griffin Rites subscriber