Griffin Rites Vol. 47 Issue 8&9

Vol. 47 Issue 8 & 9

May 10, 2017

Students uplift teachers after a difficult year page 4

GRIFFIN RITES Winnetonka High School | Kansas City, Missouri

griffin

rites ISSUE 08-09 TABLE OF CONTENTS

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WALL OF POSITIVITY Students organize #youmatter project to remind teachers of their importance

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HIDDEN HEROES A look into the mindset of behind-the-scenes staff members

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DRAWING INSPIRATIONS Art teacher paints inspirational memory wall of students

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GRIFFINS SOAR INTO THE WORLD Seniors reveal their plans for after high school

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SENIOR PROFILES From musicians to artists to scholars, 16 seniors represent a fraction of Tonka’s diversity

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LIVING THE MOROCCAN DREAM Prom in pictures: from candidates to candids

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SENIOR QUOTES Seniors share their last jokes and give advice to the underclassmen

08 10 13

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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 Ana-Le Lund Laura Williams

On the cover: Assistant football coach Ken Davis watches the jamboree football game on Aug. 28. Picture used to display the Tonka Pride staff members exemplify in and out of school.

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.

Goodbye Gold Medallion, hello AP Capstone Students need to embrace the AP Capstone program and the benefits that come with it

| art by AlyssaMagrone

By Alyssa Magrone

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| editorial voice of the Griffin Rites staff

he Gold Medallion honors program that many students hold dear to their hearts will soon be replaced with the AP Capstone program.

Though some may be heartbroken, they need to open their eyes and minds to the greater advantages of the new program.

The aspect of the AP Capstone that makes it most advantageous for young scholars is the program’s national recognition. Though Gold Medallion was the North Kansas City School District’s [NKCSD] honors diploma, it was also only their diploma, meaning no other school district in the country had the same program.

The honors program most used by high schools across the nation is the AP Capstone. So if a student from the NKCSD who completed the Gold Medallion and a student from a school district who completed the AP Capstone were competing for a spot at a college, the student who completed the AP Capstone would be more likely to be chosen as the program is more well known.

Another reason students should not complain about the swap is because the programs are similar in construct. The Research Methods and Research Exhibition classes for Gold Medallion consist of nearly identical course work as AP Seminar and AP Research for AP Capstone.

The main concern young students have about the program is the amount of AP courses required to complete the program. According to the college board website, students must earn a qualifying score on at least four AP courses outside of AP Seminar and AP Research. Considering the current Gold Medallion honors diploma candidates, only two would qualify for the AP Capstone diploma.

However, the majority of the students would have likely met the expectations if they would have been informed their freshman year, as they are students who push themselves rigorously.

Though the amount seems like a tough load, the school district is making an effort to ease the stress by providing the option for students to spread out the amount of AP classes they take throughout high school.

For example, AP Human Geography was a course introduced to freshman this school year.

Sophomores have the option of taking AP U.S. History. Juniors can take AP Government, and seniors can take AP Psychology. Taking these courses would land them with four AP courses total in just social studies by the end of high school, without having to cram them all in senior year.

Another way the district is encouraging AP courses is by introducing a variety of courses, including AP Art History and AP Computer Science. These classes help incorporate all students instead of just students who perform well in the core AP courses.

Some students are worried they will not be able to earn enough qualifying scores on their tests, whether it is due to their own poor test taking skills or the lack of coaching and teaching from AP teachers.

However, these students need not to worry because the district is putting money where their mouth is and will be putting the AP teachers through more training to help students excel in the AP classes.

Though it may be sad to see the gold gone from the district, the platinum advantages of the AP Capstone will outweigh the loss. It is time for a new tradition to take place.

EDITORIAL | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY RACHEL ADAMSON

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WALL OF POSITIVITY

Students organize #youmatter project to remind teachers of their importance

By Rachel Adamson

I

n light of recent negative news surrounding Tonka, students took it upon themselves to remind teachers that they are important.

To do this, Key Club organized a service project that entailed hanging positive notes about teachers on the bulletin board in the C hallway on April 21.

“It started because we were talking in class about the negative media representation that we’ve [Tonka] been getting so much of and it just seems to never stop,” Key Club adviser Carrie Marcantonio said. “The students were talking about how they can’t catch a break but at least they get to leave in four years. They started to really internalize what that would mean for a teacher who is like a 30-year veteran.”

Teachers were sent an email at 1 p.m. informing them of the wall and were encouraged to stop by to take a look.

“I saw it right at one, when it was starting. I’ll tell you how important I thought it was; I had an ACT prep class at that time and we did a tour. I said ‘come see this’ and the way I put it to my students is ‘this is how you make the world a better place,’” math teacher Vickie McGiffin said. “A couple of my students went to the table where Mrs. Marcantonio had the supplies out and most of my students wrote one [note] to a teacher.”

Juniors Karen Fernandez and Dara Fitzmaurice helped all day to ensure that

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students had the opportunity to thank their teachers by writing a note. According to Fernandez, her hard work payed off.

“We came back after the pep assembly and there were a lot of teachers standing there and looking for their name,” Fernandez said. “They were smiling and some were getting emotional because it meant a lot to them and I think it really boosted their self-esteem.”

For McGiffin, the wall shines some positive light into the hallways of Tonka.

“First of all, it brought back my Winnetonka pride. I am really glad to be here.

It’s been a tough year for not only the students but the teachers as well,” McGiffin said. “The students just took my breath away. I am in awe of the students and to be quite honest, grateful. I have a couple of notes up there and it meant the world to me to know that we make an impact on students, especially this year when things have been so tough.”

To Marcantonio, the #youmatter wall serves as a reminder to the Tonka community that they are more than what is being portrayed in the media.

“I just think the students really care about the staff here and I think the staff really cares about the students and that’s why we’re such a family,” Marcantonio said. “We’re so resilient, we can take what’s coming because we know that that’s not Tonka and that other people outside don’t understand because it’s a Tonka thing and we stick together.”

NEWS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY RACHEL ADAMSON

Trending hashtags

The 2016-17 school year reviewed through Twitter Start

Hashtags are often a part of the modern teen’s life. Over the 201617 school year with the use of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, students have participated in these hashtags and helped them reach their popularity peak.

#Election 2016

The 2016 election will be an election no one will forget.

With email scandals and Twitter wars, the candidates were battling, intentionally or not, for the limelight the whole time.

Presidential candidates had completely opposing views and both sparked outrage in many people.

PokemonGo is an app that took the world by storm starting in the summer of 2016. It encouraged players to get outside and walk around as they played.

Crowds of people would gather near Pokemon Gyms, usually distinguished landmarks, such as the front entrance to the Sprint Center, and play for hours, trying to be the very best.

#Oscars

The Oscars are a show-stopper every year, from fancy gowns to tailored suits, thousands of people tune in to watch. This year was no different. La La Land won a total of six awards including a Best Actress win for Emma Stone, Cinematography and Directing.

#Rio2016

This school year kicked off with the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. Americans watched as Team USA took home 121 medals, the largest number of medals out of every country. This was also that last professional competition for Olympic swimmer, Michael Phelps, and he got the honor of taking the gold in his main event, the 200-meter Butterfly.

#United Airlines

On April 9, 2017, a passenger on a United Airlines flight was forcefully dragged off of the plane and suffered a concussion. The airline had overbooked the flight and needed volunteers to go on a different flight. When no one offered to change flights, the airline took it upon themselves to remove someone at random. Doctor David Dao was removed from his seat by airline security and dragged off the plane.

#psat

On Oct. 19, 2016, students across the country took the PSAT. Tweets using gifs and memes could be found later that day making jokes and references to the PSAT content. It was a worldwide trending hashtag by the end of the day, proving that no matter what students sign about confidentiality, they will still Tweet about it.

#pokemon

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#Tonka Pride

Through the hard school year Winnetonka has had, students and staff have remained positive and never let their #TonkaPride damper. On FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, and even Snapchat, students and staff have posted about their pride no matter what was thrown their way.

NEWS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY CLAYRE BARKEMA

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H

idden Heroes A look into the mindset of behind-the-scenes staff

By Katie Bullock

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hen students need food or simply left their backpack in a locked classroom, these are the people they turn to. They are the people students rely on to stay safe and in a healthy environment. The ones students go to when they need their transcripts sent to colleges.

Their names: unknown to most students.

1. Registrar Tabatha Wano works on the program for commencement during a rare break in beIn a poll of 100 students, zero per- tween helping students. Photo by KatieBullock. cent reported that they could name all of the custodians or food service employees. to Winnetonka to discuss their needs and However, 100 percent of students said Registar Tabatha Wano residency verifications. Right now, I am they believe these people are important. or every college bound senior, there are also working on the commencement and This survey showcases the tendency dozens of transcripts to be forwardbaccalaureate programs.” to forget those people who work behind ed, scholarships to be proofed and letters According to Wano, her job is a the scenes to help students succeed. Deto be sent.

Registrar Tabatha Wano takes source of joy in life despite the busy spite the fact that so few students know care of them all and a whole lot more. schedule and overwhelming work load their names, these staff members still “Any senior who is college bound that it comes with. come to work every day with smiles on has come to see me more than a few times “I absolutely love it,” Wano said. “I their faces. this year,” Wano said.

“I see mostly uphave been here 16 years and there is not Although the following are only perclassmen, when they need transcripts a day that I am not excited to be here. three of many, they represent a larger to go to college or the military.

I also Every day is just amazing.

I never dread group of hidden heroes working behindmeet with every new family that comes coming to work, and I know a lot of the-scenes at Tonka.

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FEATURE | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY KATIE BULLOCK

people find that hard to believe but I just don’t. I love my job.”

Wano believes her love for the job derives from the students that she works with, all of whom remind her why she does what she does.

“Working with the students is my favorite part of my job,” Wano said. “It’s very exciting [to see students get accepted to college]. I love watching students achieve things they didn’t think were possible. That’s what I’m here for.”

For Wano, the job description of registrar means more than just sending transcripts, it means helping students overcome obstacles and giving them the ability to achieve their dreams.

“It is so fun to watch them [students] as they grow and progress through ages, to see them achieve things they never thought they’d be able to do,” Wano said.

“I am definitely here because of these students and what they are achieving. And you know, we all have our own goals, we all achieve those little things that people don’t even know we’ve overcome. I get to help students do that, and to me they’re the real heroes.”

100% of 100 surveyed students said they believed that food service staff and custodians are important to the school.

0%

said they could name all of the food service and custodial staff.

2.

Assistant Manager of Cafeteria Jaimee Henderson

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ssistant Manager of the Cafeteria Jaimee Henderson wakes up every morning at 4 a.m., gets her two children, Jenna (12) and Paige (10), ready for school, and goes to a school of her own.

Henderson, along with the rest of the food service staff, feeds nearly 400 students breakfast each morning along with about 900 students lunch each afternoon.

“A lot of these kids are on free and reduced lunch,” Henderson said. “This may be the only meal they get in a day. I’d like to see us do more for them. One of the things we’ve been talking to Mr. Maus [interim principal Mark Maus] about this year is doing a food pantry as well as providing meals just so that we can ensure that everybody is getting what they need.

We [foodservice] just want to help the kids out.”

Henderson sees her job as a way to make an impact on every student who walks through the lunch line.

“We’re usually the first people kids see in the morning if they’re eating breakfast and our attitudes have an impact on them,” Henderson said. “If you come in upset or angry, it will rub off on them.

I’d like to see more participation in being positive from the whole staff. We have to make sure the kids have everything they need, part of that is being happy.”

At the end of the day, Henderson walks out of the building with the same smile she walked in with, all because of her outlook on her job.

“I come to work every day and I look at every single one of these students like they are my own kids,” Henderson said.

“It’s my favorite part of my job - seeing the students. It makes my day, every day.”

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Custodian Alma Perez

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very morning, students can find custodian Alma Perez going from door to door, checking every single one to ensure it is locked and the students are protected.

Though it is her job to do so, she does it out of a caring spirit.

“I really do love my job,” Perez said.

“I like talking to the students. They always have something positive to say. So I check every door. I make sure the building is secure and the students are safe.”

Perez began working at the school years ago. Since then, she has watched as three of her own children have graduated.

“My kids, my family, they inspire me every day,” Perez said. “I try to give a good example to them and the other students. I care. I care if the microwave is working or if the school is clean. I care if they [the students] are safe.”

Despite the dirty work, like emptying trash cans and cleaning up spills, Perez comes to work every day loving what she does and doing what she loves.

“I just love Winnetonka,” Perez said.

“Whatever happens here, no matter what, I love it and I love the kids. I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.”

2. Assistant manager of the cafeteria Jaimee Henderson checks students out of the lunch line. Photo by KatieBullock 3. Custodian Alma Perez sweeps the floor of the cafeteria. Photo by KatieBullock

FEATURE | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY KATIE BULLOCK

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Drawing inspirations

Art teacher paints inspirational memory wall of students

By Ana-Le Lund

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Senior Marissa Foster

quick walk into F1 feels like a walk through an art gallery as art teacher Heather Sulzen’s portraits claim the walls, where details of students are depicted projecting memories to those that stay to look. during first semester, Sulzen took part in a portraiture class at the Kansas City Art Institute, and decided to start painting students that have given her inspiration for her assigned homework pieces. She then pinned the portraits to a wall in her classroom.

“In studying portraiture, I really got into it. I was enjoying it,” Sulzen said. “For a homework assignment, we had to do ten hours of extra portraiture drawing. I started drawing my students and I really enjoyed capturing an essence of them.”

Sulzen is practicing her work and technique as an artist by using various art supplies and artist tricks. She is Senior Sierra Arzola

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ARTS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY ANA-LE LUND

making the portraits unique to capture the character of each student.

“I really like starting with alcohol-based markers,” Sulzen said. “First, I like getting the basic skin tones and values with markers, and then I go over it with paint. I like being really thick with paint in areas and I like being kind of more transparent with dry brush in some areas to let some of the marker show through.”

Senior Sergio Chavarin, one of Sulzen’s many AP Art students, exclaimed that Sulzen’s work was amazing, as well as the techniques she used.

“They’re [the portraits] really good,” Chavarin said. “She’s really good. She uses different mediums and different little things that she paints with, such as finger painting. She works with different papers, and she did a woodblock

Senior Sergio Chavarin

Art Teacher Heather Sulzen works on a portrait of senior Matthew DeHass on April 28. Photo by Ana-Le Lund

Senior Alyssa Magrone

which was amazing.”

One of the students Sulzen painted this year is senior Marissa Foster. She painted Foster with personal and quirky touches to reflect the student’s personality.

“I just finished one of Marissa Foster and what I admire about her is her almost obsessive nature about her work,” Sulzen said. “I can’t get her to look up at me because she is always looking down and working, so I like that I can capture her looking down working, wearing the hat that I will always connect to her.”

Another student that Sulzen painted a portrait of is senior McKayla Jameson.

“I could be wrong, but I think that Sulzen decided to paint her students because of the relationships we have built with her,” Jameson said.

“She has inspired all of her students so much and that’s helped us grow as artists. At the same time I think that we inspire her too, which is why she decided to paint portraits of her students.”

As a teacher, Sulzen wants her students to recognize that she is going through the same artist struggles as them.

“It’s also important to me that

my students see me as an artist, almost as much as they see me as a teacher,” Sulzen said. “I want them to know that I’m going through the same visual problems that they are.”

Sulzen decided to paint the portraits as a thank you to her students and as a goodbye to her seniors. As the 2016-2017 school year comes to an end, she wants to ensure that their legacy will be captured forever.

“I would think, as a student, that having my teacher paint my portrait would show me how much I meant to that teacher,” Sulzen said.

“I want my students to know that they are as inspirational to me as I hope to be to them. To my students that I have, you are really my inspiration at the moment. You make my job fun and it’s the reason I love it.”

Senior McKayla Jameson ARTS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY ANA-LE LUND

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Behind the 1.

Dedicated coaches inspire success in athletes through challenges

By Kaitlyn Minet

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he buzzer sounds. Another win for the Griffins. Most people do not have a clue, but the players know.

No matter the sport, coaches work together to help athletes be the best they can be. From improving individual performance to organizing time for team bonding, coaches do it all.

According to varsity soccer senior Abrar Nourein, head soccer coach David Flynn values practice time because it helps the players improve and leads to their success.

“He [Flynn] sees how you do at practice and he motivates you to do well during practice so that you do good in the game,” Nourein said. “He says, ‘How you practice is how you play.’”

Another way the girls soccer coaches help the players succeed is by encouraging interaction between varsity and junior varsity players.

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“We do team bonding every Wednesday and have this ‘little sister, big sister’ thing,” Nourein said. “We [varsity players] each paired up with a junior varsity player and we made them a shirt and said, ‘You’re my little sister and I’ll take care of you.’ We make sure they can make it to the team bondings and practices.”

In the past, Nourein has struggled to stay with soccer, but the coaches are the ones who have kept her grounded so she can continue doing what she loves.

“During games, since I’m goal keeper, I get really mad when the other team makes a goal because I know it’s my fault. There have been times when I just want to leave and quit,” Nourein said. “Then I got a goalkeeper coach [Northgate supervisor Collin Cochran] and he told me ‘You’re never blamed, it’s not your fault.’ It helped me realize I’m doing a good job.”

In boys tennis, head tennis coach

SPORTS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY KATIE BULLOCK

John Morris and the other assistant coaches help the players prepare for matches by helping them run through practices, including varsity tennis player senior Kevin Nguyen.

“We practice by hitting the ball back and forth and keeping it in by not hitting it so hard that it goes out,” Nguyen said. “We do serves and volley.”

Nguyen contemplated whether to play tennis or not this year but the coaches were the biggest influence on Nguyen’s decision to continue playing.

“This year I did not want to play but the way we won conference last year made me want to play again,” Nguyen said. “But they really wanted me to play because I was Varsity 3 but dropped to Varsity 4 and I’m trying to work my way back up. The coaches are trying to help me win games and play longer matches.”

In baseball, head coach Heath Lay and the assistant coaches help prepare the players by giving them productive

win 2. criticism so they can fix things they need to do better.

“They give us things to work on so we know what we need to change or improve on,” varsity junior Daniel Newbury said. “During practice and when we go home we have the chance to practice.

They all have their own jobs and they all help me just as much individually.”

Newbury is grateful for the coaches’ honesty because they help to better himself as well as the team.

“All the coaches are very real with us,” Newbury said. “They don’t try to sugar coat anything or put thoughts into our heads that aren’t realistic. They always give us advice on what we’re doing wrong or need to fix because if they let us continue doing things we do wrong, it’s not helping us or the team.”

According to track runner junior Essence Jewel, head girls track coach Dale

Brown puts in many hours of his own time for the sake of the runners' success.

“Coach Brown’s dedication is definitely admirable. He wakes up at 4:30 [a.m.] just like we do every Monday morning [to practice],” Jewel said. “He stays up late till 1 [a.m.] or 2 in the morning sometimes doing set ups for track meets and seeing how well we’ll do against our competition.”

Jewel has Brown to thank for her progress in athletics as well as friendships she has made along the way.

“I never thought I would do athletics in high school,” Jewel said. “I came in freshman year and joined the cross country team on a dare. I had asthma, so running was really hard for me but he pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me challenge myself in new ways. Coach Brown brought us together. He’s the one who made us a family, a team.”

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1.Head soccer coach David Flynn closely observes his players during a game.

Photo by RachelAdamson.

2. Head baseball coach Heath Lay finishes raking the field for baseball practice. Photo by KaitlynMinet.

3. Assistant girls track coach Dale Brown shouts encouragement to his runners. Photo by RachelAdamson.

SPORTS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY KATIE BULLOCK

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SENIOR MAGAZINE PAGE BY RACHEL ADAMSON

GRIFFINS SOAR Graduating seniors are leaving their Tonka mark

By Jessica Glaszczak

Family first

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ssociating dreams with practicality, senior Anbert Kachitaro decided to take his future to the Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College [MCC], and then go to Micronesia, a country of islands near the Philippines.

“My parents wanted me to go [to MCC] for my education,” Kachitaro said. “I’m going to be working at the same time.”

Helping family in Micronesia is Kachitero’s main purpose and future after highschool.

“From [college] I’m going to go back and maybe help my grandpa build a house,” Kachitaro said. “Family is always first, so when I get home, they [family] need stuff done before I do what I need to do. I’ve always grown up with family and family always has my back, it wasn’t

just friends.”

In order to help his family, Kachitaro wants to learn welding.

“Welding is a good job,” Kachitaro said. “It pays good enough, and I’m good with my hands. I just want to be successful and make enough for my family and go back home to where I’m from. Welding should help.”

Anber t K achitaro

Not following the majority

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enior Serina Middaugh fights the status quo and is going into the workforce in order to make a smart future for herself.

“I’m really not ready to continue schooling at the moment,” Middaugh said. “I just figured I would go into cashiering, which I can make $16 an hour and use that money to save up and then go into college.”

Middaugh has dreams of going further with her life while being in the workforce and possibly college.

“I want to be a cop,” Middaugh said.

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“It’s mainly something that I’ve always dreamed about from the shows I used to watch with my family. So it would mainly just be going into the police academy, but also if I do end up going to college it’ll be for criminal justice.”

Middaugh is also planning on leaving Missouri when she gets out of highschool.

“I’m leaving right after graduation,” Middaugh said. “My boyfriend’s dad and sister-in-law live [in North Dakota] and right after highschool we’re not really wanting to get into a whole lot of debt,

so the amount of money that we could make in North Dakota in just a few short years could set us up for quite a few more years, so it’s mainly just about getting a good start.”

Middaugh believes that people don’t have to follow the status quo in order to accomplish their dreams.

“You can’t just let a struggle keep you from getting your goals,” Middaugh said. “You got to listen to your heart and do what’s best for you and not what everyone else thinks you should do.”

DESTINATIONS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY JESSICA GLASZCZAK

INTO THE WORLD as they go to college, military or into the

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Serina Mid daugh

More than words

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ven though senior Suzanna Zimmerman does not have family members or friends that are deaf, she found an interest to pursue interpreting for her future career.

“I find sign language fascinating and I want to be able to connect with other people in a different way,” Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman will be attending the University of Nebraska to pursue a degree in sign language interpretation and to study abroad.

“I decided to go there [University of Nebraska] because the options of sign language interpreting are very limited and that was one of the closest [colleges] that had a decent study abroad program,” Zimmerman said.

The University of Nebraska also provides other positives that interest Zimmerman, one being having a swim team because she was a part of the swim team at Tonka for four years.

“I know a bunch of people in Nebraska,” Zimmerman said. “It’s pretty close. I fell in love with the city, not that you’re supposed to go for the city but it seems like I could fit in. They have a swimming program.”

Zimmerman is considering interpreting at hospitals or in schools for a job after college.

“I just have a fascination with helping people in general,” Zimmerman said.

“I find the medical side really fascinating, but because I don’t have the patience to do enough science in schooling, I’ve

decided why not be there in a different light.”

Zimmerman feels that it is important to communicate with deaf people in anyway possible.

“It’ll give me a chance to connect with those that don’t get to connect,” Zimmerman said. “There’s so many people that shy away from even trying to communicate with a deaf person because they’re deaf or [they] don’t think they’re going to understand, so there’s no actual harm in attempting to connect, let alone actually learning the language and connecting with them and talking with them.”

DESTINATIONS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY JESSICA GLASZCZAK

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A woman's role “

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ven though it’s a man’s job, women can do it better,” senior Esmeralda Deleon said.

Deleon is pushing the limits of traditional roles of women, and she will be joining the Marines at Paris Island, North Carolina.

“I always wanted something more challenging for myself and I thought that [joining the Marines] was the best fit for me, personally,” Deleon said. “I’m not really a school type of person. I’m more hands-on, so I thought [joining the Marines] would help me more.”

Deleon’s father was the inspiration for her dreams and goals.

“My dad has always been a great support system,” Deleon said. “He always wanted to join the Marines as well, but he dropped out [of highschool] as a junior, so he never got that opportunity. I want to give something back to him.”

Deleon's father also inspired her to

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become a mechanic.

“He works with mechanics and he is in the mechanical field,” Deleon said.

“I always looked up to my dad, so that’s

"Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t be that person or that you’re not able to do it. Show them different. Turn around and prove them wrong."

-Esmeralda Deleon probably a reason why [I want to be a mechanic].”

Another reason she wants to be a mechanic is to change the perception of women in the work force. “[Being a mechanic is] something

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most women aren’t in, and it’s very rare,” Deleon said. “I thought that was awesome, and I want to be a part of history that gets more women in the [mechanical] fields so that [they will] stop being sexualized.”

Deleon believes that women wanting to challenge themselves with their future careers should follow their dreams.

“There are a lot of women who graduate recruit training [basic training to be a Marine] and are these awesome people,” Deleon said. “I just look up to them.

Always motivate yourself to tell yourself that you can do it. Always challenge yourself and don’t always take the easy way out. Be whoever you want to be. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t be that person or that you’re not able to do it.

Show them different. Turn around and prove them wrong. I think that’s the most powerful thing that you can do.”

See the interactive map at tonkanews.com to find out where all the seniors will be

Photos by JessicaGlaszczak

16

DESTINATIONS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY JESSICA GLASZCZAK

SENIOR OSCARS BEST ACTRESS Kali Holman BEST ARTIST Alyssa Magrone BEST DANCER Grace Taylor

CLASS CLOWN Gracie Davis CUTEST COUPLE Kamryn Cain LITTLE “W”

Eldridge Villegas BEST ARTIST

Sergio Chavarin BEST DANCER

MOST ALTERNATIVE

BEST DRESSED

Lejla Skender

Madelynn Caster

Nathan Huffman

Zoe Goss BEST EYEBROWS

MOST CARING

Cecelia Nastasi

Lan-Nhi Tran

BEST HAIR

MOST INVOLVED

Grace Taylor BEST INSTRUMENTALIST

Emma Evans MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED

BEST EYEBROWS

Darius Campbell Ethan Beumer BEST INSTRUMENTALIST

BEST LEADER

MOST OUTGOING

BEST LEADER

Kamryn Cain

Sally Dishman MOST SPIRITED

Grace Taylor

Kamryn Cain

BEST PERSONALITY

TEACHER’S PET

Grace Taylor

Katelyn Queen

BEST SENSE OF HUMOR

WORST CASE OF SERNIORITIS

Emma Strohm

Andrea Taylor

BEST SINGER Maddie Fields BEST SMILE

WORST DRIVER Sally Dishman

CLASS CLOWN

Joey Becchina CUTEST COUPLE

Daulton Freeman LITTLE “W”

Bradley Willis MOST ALTERNATIVE

Jared Alderman MOST ATHLETIC

BEST HAIR

Daylon Williams

BEST LOOKING

Micheal Aquino

Ronnie Wigginton

Madelynn Caster

Lillian Juma

BIGGEST FLIRT

BEST EYES

MOST ATHLETIC Baylee Gilliland

Darius Campbell

Josh Jenkins

Emma Evans

BEST DRESSED

BEST EYES

BEST SMILE

BEST ACTOR

Darius Campbell MOST CARING

Eldridge Villegas MOST INVOLVED

Jake Allen BEST LOOKING

Dakota Taylor BEST PERSONALITY

Eldridge Villegas BEST SENSE OF HUMOR

Jake Allen MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED

Nathan Huffman MOST OUTGOING

Eldridge Villegas MOST SPIRITED

Joey Becchina BEST SINGER

Jake Allen TEACHER’S PET

Bradley Willis

Randy Jackson

WORST CASE OF SENIORITIS

Dantee Fearon

Grace Taylor BIGGEST FLIRT

WORST DRIVER

Chris Frazier

Mira Vecchio SENIOR OSCARS | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY JESSICA GLASZCZAK

17

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SENIOR PROFILES In the next few pages, there are 16 profiles including athletes, musicians and scholars.

They reflect the active diversity of their class, the Class of 2017.

PROFILES | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY RACHEL ADAMSON

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CAYLA ADAMSON Involved in: Cross Country, Junior Assembly, Key Club, Leadership, National Honor Society, Relay for Life, Student Council, Swim, Track and Field and Yearbook

By Clayre Barkema

R

unning. Focusing on breathing.

Maintaining a good pace. This is an everyday reality for senior Cayla Adamson and it is one of her favorite things about being at Winnetonka.

Whether it is morning practices or after school practices, track or cross country meets, Adamson is running all the time with a team she loves.

“It sounds totally cliche, but [the team] has shown me the community you can find in people,” Adamson said. “It’s a beautiful thing to have a friendship like that and the community makes you want to try harder and be a better athlete for them and yourself.”

Adamson is one of few students to

sign with a college for sports, signing with Northwest Missouri State University. She will be running on their cross country and track team during her college career.

“I am mostly excited because I just love running in general, but I’m also nervous because it will up my mileage a lot, and I won’t be running with the same teammates,” Adamson said. “I’ll have to make new friends and put a lot more dedication into running.”

As Adamson leaves Winnetonka to embark on her running journey, she hopes that students and teachers remember her in a positive light.

“I want people to remember me as being kind, even though it might not be true to some people. I want to be remembered as kind,” Adamson said.

JAKE ALLEN Involved in: Distributive Education Clubs of America, Leadership, National Honors Society, Rugby, Student Council, Track and Field, Wrestling

By Shelby Hilburn

H

e dashes up and down the football game crowds. He leads the fans into a rollercoaster formation. He screams school spirit wherever he goes. This is a job only senior Jake Allen can take.

Allen believes having school spirit is essential to having a good time in high school.

“I have school spirit because I think that it’s good to be involved,” Allen said.

“If you really like something, you should show it off to everybody.”

According to Allen, showing school spirit is the perfect way for him to broadcast how proud he is to be a part of Tonka Nation.

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“We all go to Winnetonka so it gives you a purpose to show that Winnetonka is actually a really good school when right now it’s kind of hard to see that,” Allen said.

Unlike most students, Allen volunteers to stand in the spotlight.

“Since I don’t mind, I like to get in front of everyone and get everybody riled up at once, like at football games,” Allen said.

Allen feels he has impacted the school in a positive way in hopes that it will keep growing.

“I hope that next year and the years to follow that multiple people will step up and hopefully do the same things, if not much more than I’ve done,” Allen said.

PROFILES | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY RACHEL ADAMSON

WESTLY BERTHA Involved in: Debate, Competitive Drama, Basketball, N2 Broadcast, Theater and WGTV

By Ana-Le Lund

F

rom the click of a camera to directing films, senior Westly Bertha has been involved with N2 broadcast [created from the Sports Broadcasting and Sports Marketing classes in the North Kansas City School District] since junior year; creating quality entertainment for the North Kansas City School District.

“I’ve learned how to speak in front of a microphone, and how to change my voice for the production,” Bertha said.

“I’ve learned how to work a camera, setting it up and taking it down. I know how to run a broadcast, direct it, produce it and I know how to run re-play.”

Being involved in N2 broadcast has allowed Bertha the opportunity to film outside of the classroom.

“This past summer I took place in this N2 Broadcasting thing, so I was able to work lacrosse games,” Bertha said. “I also worked NAIA [The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics] tournaments; females last year and males this year.”

Since being involved in N2 broadcasting has given Bertha the chance to expand his knowledge and learn more about what he could pursue after graduation. He claims he owes the thanks to Tonka.

“Without Tonka I wouldn’t have been able to take the class [broadcasting] in general. I also wouldn’t have been able to get some of the resources that I have.”

Bertha is planning on attending Northwest Missouri State University and pursuing a degree in sports broadcasting.

EMMA EVANS Involved in: Chamber Orchestra, College Ambassadors, Cross Country, Dance Team, Diversity Council, FCA, French Club, International Thespian Society, Junior Assembly, Key Club, Leadership, National Honors Society, Showtime Singers, Student Council, Symphonic Orchestra, Track and Field and WGTV

By Rachel Adamson With over 300 community service hours and involvement in 17 clubs and activities, senior Emma Evans is a familiar face to many.

While Evans is involved in many activities, Key Club is where her true interest lies. Evans is currently the president of Key Club, a service organization dedicated to helping the community.

“I’ve always just loved doing service,” Evans said. “Starting in Key Club really made me find my passion in service and helping people. Through the projects we did, I really fell in love with that. Senior year, I ran for president so I could be more

involved in choosing what kind of service we do and be able to help other people find the love for service that I found.”

Since Evans has had the privilege of interacting with a variety of students, she has gotten the opportunity to leave her mark on people.

"Positivity is so important, and I try to embrace that when I come to school,” Evans said. “I have been involved in so many groups, I have been able to meet so many people that I probably wouldn’t have chosen as friends by myself. I think just listening to them is what I have been able to contribute to this school and also just spreading positivity so then other people can adopt that mindset as well.”

PROFILES | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY RACHEL ADAMSON

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MADDIE FIELDS Involved in: Acapella choir, Choir, Spectrum of Sound, Student Advisory Commitee, Theatre and Thespian Leadership

By Jessica Glaszczak

A

cting. Altering costumes. Applying makeup. Directing. These are just a few of the things that senior Maddie Fields does in theater. For four years, Field’s devotion to theater has overflowed into each rehearsal and production.

“Theater is literally my life,” Fields said. “Ever since my freshman year, I’ve been getting leads and understudies and I’m dedicated."

As a result of her hard work and passion, she was accepted to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles, Calif.

“Theater is the place where I can step out of who I am and be someone else and learn who they are and delve deep into

them. It’s really awesome,” Fields said.

“That’s what I’m going to do for college.

It’s everything that I want to do.”

Even though Fields has won many awards and accomplishments in theater, she feels that how she works with others in a positive way is what left her mark on Tonka.

“I stand out because I am confident in myself. I try to be as nice to other people as I possibly can, and I immerse myself in everything,” Fields said. “During our musical ‘In the Heights’ I had people come up to me who said I made them feel a certain way and I took them out of a bad time that they were having and made them feel something. Even if it’s just for a moment, making someone feel something is really awesome.”

BENJAMIN GIEBLER Involved in: Baseball Manager, Bowling Club, Current Events Club, DECA, Economy Club, Football, Future Business Leaders of America and National Honors Society

By Ana-Le Lund

T

he classy attire of basketball shorts and T-shirts were thrown aside for a business suit as senior Benjamin Giebler competes in Tonka’s FBLA [Future Business Leaders of America] program.

“Since being involved in FBLA, I placed eighth at districts for accounting,” Giebler said. “I also placed first at districts for entrepreneurship with my team (Nathan Huffman and Phuong Luu). We also placed eigth at State for entrepreneurship.”

FBLA has helped Giebler to acquire hands-on experiences in the business world.

“I learned about business in a real world situation instead of reading about it

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in a text book,” Giebler said.

Besides work experience, Giebler also got the opportunity to meet other students which helped him become more comfortable in front of an audience.

“At FBLA, I was able to meet some smart and interesting people at the state competition. I Iearned more about entrepreneurship,” Giebler said. “I also became more comfortable when giving formal presentations.”

Outside of being a businessman, Giebler can be found cracking jokes and is often thought to be a class clown.

“Outside of FBLA competition, I am very funny,” Giebler said. “At least, I think I am. But during competition I am serious and try to act like a real business man.”

PROFILES | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY RACHEL ADAMSON

DJ HARRAL Involved in: Football and Track and Field

By Alyssa Magrone “

I

n the end everything fell into place,” senior DJ Harral said.

Ever since Harral transferred to Winnetonka during his junior year, he has excelled in athletics. His only regret is not getting to be a Griffin for four years.

“It’s [Winnetonka] one of those schools you want to attend all four years.

It’s a great place to be, you meet people,” Harral said.

Harral feels the student body has contributed to his success by making him feel a part of Tonka Nation.

“They supported me because when I first got here they welcomed me with open arms, the senior class took me under their wing and invited me to games or play football or workout or hangout, and it was

just the little things that helped me out a lot,” Harral said.

Harral attributes his success to head football and track coach, Jared Barge.

Despite his doubts, Harral said Barge allowed him rise to his full potential become the athlete he is today.

“When I first got here Coach Barge looked at me and he said ‘We gotta get you bigger before the start of the [football] season. I guarantee you I can get you to 200 pounds.’ He said all I gotta do is believe in the process,” Harral said.

The once 150-pound athlete now weighs in at 205 pounds and signed to Missouri Western State University to play football this fall.

REBECCA HENSLEY Involved in: Basketball, Orchestra and Softball

By Katie Bullock

F

or most people, fall means hot chocolate, warm apple cider and pumpkin spice lattes. But for senior Rebecca Hensley, fall means sweat, cleats and the crack of a softball against a bat. “[Softball] is my little paradise,” Hensley said.

Hensley has been a part of the Tonka softball team for four years, but she’s been playing since she was three. She has given up everything from time for homework to time for sleep for the softball team and her year-round club team. Even with all of the sacrifices Hensley has made, she has never regretted playing softball.

“You may have to give up your social life to be in softball, but I would never give up softball,” Hensley said. “It’s taught me

discipline on and off the field. It’s taught me respect and appreciation for coaches and teammates. It’s taught me to love my little sister, who also plays on the team with me. It’s taught me that even if I think I’m at my peak, I’m really not and I need to work harder.”

Hensley has not only been learning, she has also been teaching and leaving a legacy.

“I did my best to teach everybody and show them how to play the game. I’ve taught them how to handle themselves after a tough loss and how to come back even better than before,” Hensley said. “I hope that they will take what I have taught them and run with it next year.”

Although Hensley’s time on Tonka’s mound is over, she will continue playing at Park University next fall.

PROFILES | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY RACHEL ADAMSON

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MCKAYLA JAMESON Involved in: French Club, Key Club, National Honor Society, Prom Committee, Student Council, and Volleyball

By Katie Bullock

T

he drawing shows hair swirling down into a sink drain, sketched just like any other art project. But something is different. Upon closer inspection, the paper appears to be coarse and woven; it is made from the very hair it depicts.

“This year I’m making art out of things that people hoard,” AP Studio Art senior McKayla Jameson said. “My favorite project would have to be making handmade paper out of human hair, which sounds disgusting, but it’s actually really cool.”

Although Jameson has enjoyed drawing since elementary school, she started taking strides towards becoming an artist during high school.

“In the past year I haven’t been as

afraid to try new things,” Jameson said. “[The hair project] was the first piece I made that wasn’t really traditional art. It was the first step to become more creative and experimental. Since then, I feel like I’m inspiring other artists at our school to step out of their comfort zones, too.”

Besides growing her skills, Jameson believes that the most important part of taking art has been to grow her creativity.

“Creativity is so important. If it didn’t exist then everyone would be thinking the same way. We’d all be robots,” Jameson said. “Creativity makes you who you are, and it makes you different from everybody else.”

On April 26, Jameson was awarded the Janet Stevens Art Education Scholarship.

She plans on using the scholarship to attend the University of Central Missouri.

JOSH JENKINS Involved in: Dance and Orchestra

By Jessica Glaszczak

A

t only three years old, senior Josh Jenkins jumped onto the stage after his sister’s dance recital and started dancing himself.

Little did he know that his passion for dancing would lead him down his future path.

Jenkins has been dancing for 15 years and will continue dancing into college, with a full scholarship to Oklahoma City University to pursue his passion for dance.

“In October last year, I went to Oklahoma City University to try out for dance there. I got accepted and I got a scholarship,” Jenkins said. “Their dance program is in the top ten in the nation, so I consider that an accomplishment.”

Jenkin’s lifelong journey through dance has taught him many life lessons, leaving a positive influence on him. “[Without dance] I would not be the

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person I am today,” Jenkins said. “I honestly don’t think I would have the determination to go to college as much as I do right now because I like [dancing] so much. It’s one of those things where you don’t just learn dance from it, you learn a lot of other things from it as well, like perseverance and how you’re willing to work hard at something, be good at it.”

Jenkins enjoys dance because it allows him to express emotion to his audience, in hopes to influence their moods with his performances.

“Dancing lets others see a side of me that they probably otherwise wouldn’t be able to see because doing dance, you can do a lot of different styles, to where you can make them feel happy, joyful or even sad or depressed which is really cool,” Jenkins said.

Just impacting [people] to feel all kinds of different emotions is what I enjoy.”

PROFILES | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY RACHEL ADAMSON

RUWEIDA KULANE Involved in: NHS, Key Club, Student Council, MSA and Yearbook

By Rachel Adamson

W

innetonka students would not have such a wide understanding of Islamic culture without the help of senior Ruweida Kulane.

Kulane helped unify the diversity of Winnetonka by collaborating with teachers and other students to start Muslim Student Association (MSA) club.

“I helped organize it [MSA] and I sent out invitations to students who we knew were Muslims,” Kulane said. “We just kind of set up a date for a meeting and everyone came and we wrote out an objective of what our plans and goals were for the club and where we wanted it to go.”

The goal of MSA is to give students a better outlook on Islam as well give back to the community through service projects.

“My favorite thing about Tonka has been the freedom we have and being able to make up our own events,” Kulane said.

“With MSA we got the freedom to choose what we wanted to do and they let us make this MSA.” Leading MSA has taught Kulane essential skills she will need after graduation while she attends the University of Kansas City-Missouri on a six-year, full-ride scholarship.

“I have learned how to be a good leader because I have been involved in so many things and have taken on so many different leadership roles has made me a better leader and prepared for the real world,” Kulane said.

CHARITY SMITH Involved in: Debate, Environmental Club, Key Club, LTAB, TSA and ACE mentoring

By Kaitlyn Minet

A

girl in a sea of boys. Senior Charity Smith is the only female in her engineering class.

Smith attended an engineering camp the summer before her freshman year which sparked her interest in engineering “I really liked the environment, the people and the stuff we did in class,” Smith said.

Smith's engineering classes have provided her with experience she believes she could not have gotten anywhere else.

“The biggest benefit is problemsolving,” Smith said. “We get to use technology that is used in the field. I’ve been on several job shadows and I’ve seen the software they use is the same brand we use in class.”

Though Smith is advanced in her engineering class, she feels she has not prepared herself equivalently in her other courses.

“I am good in math but I haven't applied myself as much in the math classes so I feel that’s gonna hurt me later but I’m planning on taking more math courses in college to make it up.”

Smith feels she has impacted the engineering department by carrying on the acceptance of female engineers.

“I feel the path for female engineering has already been paved for engineering classes at our school but I have helped continue the path,” Smith said.

Smith plans to continue her education Missouri S&T to major in civil engineering and become an industrial engineer.

PROFILES | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY RACHEL ADAMSON

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FRANCESCA VALENTE Involved in: A+, Cappies, Current Events Club, DECA, Economics Club, Gold Medallion, Guitar Club, National Young Leadership Conference, Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership and National Honor Society.

By Alyssa Magrone

A

ctress. Artist. Homecoming Queen.

These are just a few of the names that are associated with senior Francesca Valente. However, one area of her school life has allowed her to grow in all her endeavors: DECA [Distributive Education Clubs of America].

“DECA has been an amazing experience for me because before DECA I was just always a theater kid or a smart kid. It allowed me to branch out to such universal subjects,” Valente said.

DECA has also allowed Valente to excel in other areas of her academic and student life.

“It’s that sense of wanting to do well for yourself and wanting to benefit others,” Valente said. “Because within marketing,

what I’ve found a lot of success in is focusing on the community aspect of stores and bringing that sense of community back into my classrooms and making it part of my learning experience.”

Valente believes that her journey with DECA has been successful.

“It allowed me to discover how I can use the skills I learned from my theater classes, from my academics, to do well on the DECA test, while in person with the role-plays,” Valente said. “It really uses every facet of my skill set from other areas in my student life and it allows me to show something Valente will be attending Truman State University. Her DECA pursuits have influenced her to think about going into a career with business and economics.

ELDRIDGE VILLEGAS Involved in: AVID, DECA, Diversity Council, Guitar Club, HOSA, KC Cappies, KC Health Tracks, Key Club and Theater

By Clayre Barkema

W

hen pondering the future, senior Eldridge Villegas dreams of becoming a nurse. Through Tonka’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Villegas has developed a passion for the career.

“I wanted to get into HOSA to further advance my likings toward nursing and get to know more of what the field is about and prepare myself to go to college with having prior knowledge,” Villegas said. “I want to help out my family financially and also make a difference in terms of filling in gaps of disadvantaged hospitals domestically and internationally. That’s why I want to be a traveling nurse.”

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Villegas, who is the first person in his family to attend an American college, feels anxious about diving into unknown territory.

“I don’t know what I’m getting into,” Villegas said. “I’m dipping my toes into something I’ve never dipped into which is post-secondary education.”

While pushing himself in high school, Villegas also tried to have a positive attitude towards everyone he encountered.

“I’ve contained myself with positivity that reflects on people,” Villegas said.

“When I’m in the classroom I feel like there is no negativity. I hope my pride reflects through my theater and my academics.

The more positive you are, the less stress.”

PROFILES | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY RACHEL ADAMSON

RONNIE WIGGINTON Involved in: Baseball, Football, Softball Management, Swim and Wrestling

By Shelby Hilburn

W

innetonka takes home the win for all the voting competitions that happen because of the bots senior Ronnie Wigginton constructed himself.

Wigginton’s interest with building bots began at a young age and he continued to pursue it.

“Ever since I was a little kid I kind of had an engineering mindset of liking to take apart things,” Wigginton said. “I took apart my first Game Cube I got so I had this idea like ‘everyday we use this thing that works but how does it work and how can I manipulate it to do what I want?’ It wasn’t until middle school I had a group of friends on the internet that were into gaming and then I stumbled across coding and stuff like that and started learning

languages and started programming and doing stuff that I thought was cool.”

According to Wigginton, he works with anything he can get his hands on.

“I’ve made botnets [network of private computers that are controlled by infectors without the owners’ consent] for people at school, and for voting sites [places to vote] and stuff like that and now I’m working on a back-end database with Google Sheets for North Kansas City Schools,” Wigginton said. “I really work on anything.”

Wigginton believes his involvement with computer software has helped make the field more socially acceptable to join.

“I think a lot of people see that as a nerdy field but really it’s a growing field nowadays and it’s gonna be our future,” Wigginton said.

BRAD WILLIS Involved in: Band, Baseball, Basketball, Football, Junior Assembly, and National Honor Society

By Kaitlyn Minet

F

irst crawl, then walk, then swing.

Senior Brad Willis traded the crib for the batting cage at around 3 years old.

He has been on the varsity baseball team all four years of high school while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Being a scholar-athlete has helped Willis on and off the field.

“It [baseball] teaches you hard work and determination. You can get just about anything you want. Stuff you learn on the field can translate to the classroom,” Willis said. “Doing the best you can do is all the coaches and teachers are asking for so I make sure I do.”

While most high school students get involved to balance academics, Willis feels he would still accomplish the same

academic achievements without a sport to motivate him.

“There’s motivation when being an athlete, you have to have good grades but I’ve always been motivated to get my work done,” Willis said. “I think I would still have good grades but sports doesn't hinder that.”

Willis feels he has been a role model for athletes to achieve academic accomplishments in high school.

“I’ve shown that it is possible to be a good student as well as being a good athlete,” Willis said. “They tie into each other and if you have the same motivation that you have in the classroom, you can carry it onto the field.”

Willis plans to continue his education at Jefferson College where he will continue to play baseball.

PROFILES | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY RACHEL ADAMSON

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Seniors showcase school spirit

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1. Seniors Dakota Taylor and Ethan Beumer join in the senior chant to protect their name against the underclassmen. Photo by MiaNorsworthy.

2. Seniors A.J. Yoos-Verdusco and Rochanda Buckner are greeted by open arms and hands of students who cheered for them and the other Job Olympics. Photo by AshlynBunch.

3. Senior Jake Allen leads the senior section in the roller coaster cheer during homecoming football game on Sept.

23. Photo by RachelAdamson.

4. Seniors Susan Engstrom and Charity Smith representing Key Club in the homecoming parade on Sept. 23.

Photo by LauraWilliams 5. Seniors Madison Burlington and Susie Dakorson leading the cheer squad in the homecoming parade on Sept.

23. Photo by RachelAdamson.

SPIRIT | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY KAITYLN MINET

ALL MY LIFE I WANT TO BE

6.

A GRIFFIN Seniors share their favorite memories from senior year

“Lettering in varsity soccer for a 3rd time and winning MVP with 270 saves.”

-Dakota Jackson

“Being introduced into a new teacher training program with MCC, NWMSU, and the NKCSD from the Marcantonios and Mr. Maus with free pizza!”

-Nathan Purkaple “My favorite memory from senior year is simply being healthy enough to come to school again, inter- act, and make friends.”

-Abigail Hutton

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“My favorite memory from senior year was choreograph- ing a huge dace number in Winnetonka’s production of In the Heights.

-Kiara DeVine “Playing Rugby with my brothers and taking rst place in every tournament we’ve played in and on the road to state.”

-Decon Brower

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“Being a senior on the volleyball team and having such a great season, as well as getting to play with my sister.”

-Jocelin Egeland

6. Senior Emma Strohm being guided by her partner senior Ajak Tong in springs sports version of “hungry, hungry hippos”. Photo by RachelAdamson.

7. Seniors Sally Dishman and Grace Taylor before the football jamboree at the District Activities Complex on Aug. 12. By RachelAdamson.

8. Senior Kamryn Cain cheering on the Gri ns from the senior wall at the football game on Sept. 2. By RachelAdamson.

9. Senior Laureen Nsoh-Awasom leads a senior dance on March 1.

Photo by MiaNorsworthy.

10. Seniors Ronnie Wigginton and Brad Willis celebrate with a piggy back ride after winning the Power Bu on March 8. By Mak- enzieJackson.

SPIRIT | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY KAITLYN MINET

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Living the Moroccan dream

Students celebrate prom by dancing the night away at Arrowhead

By Katie Bullock

F

or everybody who went to prom on May 5, the Moroccan dream became a Moroccan reality at Arrowhead stadium.

"It was really incredible. My favorite part of prom was definitley dancing," sophomore Vincent Rizzo said. "It [dancing] was a great way to express yourself and to be free and how your personality."

Seniors Kali Holman and Randy

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Jackson were crowned prom queen and king. According to Jackson, receiving the title of prom king meant a lot to him.

“Personally I was really proud of it [being crowned prom king] because I have really bad anxiety and depression so winning made me realize that people do actually like me, that they do actually care about me," Jackson said. "It was really nice to win because it reassured me and gave me the kind of confidence that I

have’t had in years.”

For many seniors this year's prom was special because it was be their last chance to experience a high school dance, according to Jackson.

“I never went to prom so this one was special to me," Jackson said. "It was my senior prom and it was with such a close group of friends. It will definitely be a night that I remember forever.”

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1. Junior Jacob Neimeyer dances in the middle of a circle while at prom.

2. Seniors Sarah Harper and James Palmer dance during a slow song.

3. Senior Sally Dishman and sophomore Vincent Rizzo, who are cousins, dance together at prom.

4. Seniors Ben Giebler and Cayla Adamson, prom court candiates, take a selfie before the dance.

5. Senior Chris Frazier parties with friends while attending his senior prom.

5.

PROM | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY KATIE BULLOCK

Photos by AlyssaGeorge

Prom Court Candidates

Benjamin Giebler and Rachel Adamson

Ethan Beumer and Maddie Fields

6.

6. Seniors Kali Holman and Rnady Jackson hold hands and smile as they are crowned prom queen and king.

“At first I didn’t even hear my name," Jackson said. "I was sitting right next to the speaker. I was the closest candidate to the speaker and I still couldn’t hear my name.

The next thing I know the crown is being

Luke Whistler and Charity Smith

put on my head. I just screamed so loud.

Kali, the girl who I walked with, the prom queen, her and I are like brother and sister so we were just hugging and screaming. I didn’t even know how I really felt in the moment. I was just so ecstatic."

Photo by AlyssaGeorge

Jake Allen and Cayla Adamson PROM | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY KATIE BULLOCK

31

Leg Leaving

By Clayre Barkema

C

ap and gown, senior photos and graduation parties. ese are the peak of senior year. But sports achievements, academic aspirations and outside accomplishments are what reflect back to the school.

Trying to keep a positive vibe around the school is one of the

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PROM | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY CLAYRE BARKEMA

things seniors want to make sure Tonka maintains after they are gone.

“I’m really quiet but I’m really friendly,” senior Sierra Arzola said. “People will come and sit down and talk to me and I’ll be ne with it. Hopefully, they’ll remember me as a really nice person to have a conversation with.”

The senior class has been very involved and active in the school this year.

With many of the seniors being leaders in their sports or clubs, they encourage underclassmen to be involved as well.

“I’ve been in soccer all four years here, mostly varsity as well. I did rugby my rst two years and I’m in Art Club,” Arzola said. “It’s good to be involved. I like being busy because it keeps my mood on a nice level. If I’m not busy I’m just at home watching TV or something. I like being active and I like being here doing things and participating in other activities with other people.”

Sometimes it’s the behind the scenes people that make the memories last at Tonka. Senior Mia Norsworthy is the editor-in-chief of the Odyssey year-

acy g a

activities with other people.”

Sometimes it’s the behind the scenes people that make the memories last at Tonka. Senior Mia Norsworthy is the editor-in-chief of the Odyssey yearbook and has been working hard alongside her sta to get this year’s book done.

“I am leaving the book everyone will read to see what great things the people at Winnetonka did in 2016-2017, and have been responsible for the [it] so that everyone will be able to see what happened in [this] school year,” Norsworthy said.

“So if you didn’t buy a yearbook you’re missing out.”

Norsworthy has loved her four years at Tonka and will the halls she has spent four years in.

“I am going to miss the people and programs here at Winnetonka that have shaped me to the person I am today,” Nor- sworthy said.

Senior Agnes Zhao was happy to be leave her legacy during her short time here by being involved as well. As an exchange student, she wanted to experience things that she could not in China.

“I am going to miss the everyday stu because it’s a whole new experience for me here,” Zhao said. “I started to do track and I was able to go to the HOSA State com- petition and I’m able to go the national competition in June.”

Senior Jocelin Egeland has been a part of varsity volleyball during high school and hopes that her teammates have been inspired by her spirit.

“I want to be remembered as a good person and someone they could come to when they needed me,” Egeland said.

Cheers, assemblies and other tradi- tions that promote school spirit are some of the most iconic parts of high school.

“On the way home from volleyball bus rides, we would sing the alma mater and this special bus song that we made up,” Egeland said.

Seniors like Arzola helped unify the school by getting people the to look at art di erently in order to gain a new perspective on the ideas of other people.

“Hopefully me being the way I am in Art Club, speaking up and showing everyone that there’s not just one view you can

look at, there’s multiple ways to look at an object or an art piece or someone’s ideas,” Arzola said.

Arzola also wants her peers to remember her as a person who could lend an ear and listen.

“People will come and sit down and talk to me and I’ll be ne with it,” Arzola said. “Hopefully, they’ll remember me as a really nice person to have a conversation with.”

Legacy is not all about what students do in high school, but what students do af- terward impacts the school as well.

Being able to prove to peers that college or a career after high school is possible leaves a positive imprint on the school.

“I’m really excited. I’m also really ner- vous,” Arzola said. “It hasn’t fully hit me yet but I’m more than ready to leave high school and go to college. I am con dent in the college I have picked and the path I want to go through.”

LEGACY | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY KATIE BULLOCK

33

“Always standing up for what I believed in.”

“Cheating.”

- Esmerelda Deleon

- Phoung Luu

“With the support of my mother.”

“Coffee and Marcantonio.”

- Abigail Hutton

- Emma Evans

“I’m really not sure.”

- Charity Smith

“Looking at the bigger picture.”

“Team no sleep.”

- Graciella Delgadillo

- Susan Engstrom

“Proving everybody wrong.”

“Headphones, patience and thick skin.”

- Austin Neighbors

- Jesse Hadley

“Football.”

Drawing the

- Daylon Williams

“Working hard, never giving up.”

- Nathan Purkaple

“With a little help from my homies.”

- Grace Taylor

How

“Good friends.”

- Brock Pickett

“Good looks.”

- Xavier Ceja

“Believing in myself.”

- Amanda Fuller

they Linedid it

“Taking it one step at a time.”

- Katelyn Queen

pg. 7-9

“Netflix.”

- Mary Couture

Seniors share that got them A look into the the newthings direct feeder

patterns - Pg 7-9

“The best parents and friends, also a bi-weekly mental breakdown to get my head cleared.”

through high school “Hard work and dedication.”

- Brad Willis

- Kamryn Cain

GRIFFIN RITES

“Answering C on all of my tests. It works.”

“Taco Bell and Coffee.”

- Joshua Jenkins

- Maya Riley “I haven’t the slightest idea.”

Winnetonka High School | Kansas City, Missouri

- Kiara DeVine

34

INFOGRAPHIC | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY KATIE BULLOCK

CLASS OF

2

In a single page, here is the cumulation of the senior class from their political party to their favorite social media app

BY THE NUMBERS OF

5 SETS TW NS

* results averaged from 80 senior survey responses

320 320 STUDENTS STUDENTS IN IN THE THE SENIOR SENIOR CLASS CLASS 172 BOYS IN THE SENIOR CLASS

148 GIRLS IN THE SENIOR CLASS

post-graduation plans 174 caucasian seniors

640 EYE

57 African American seniors 49 Hispanic/Latino seniors 19 Multi-racial seniors 9 Asian seniors

BROWS

7 Pacific Islander seniors 5 American Indian seniors

Form of social media used most often 48% Democrat

22%

college

workforce

military

other

SNAPCHAT ....... 77% INSTAGRAM .... 14% TWITTER .......... 9%

18%

Independent Republican INFOGRAPHIC | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY RACHEL ADAMSON

35

SENIOR QUOTES

A

“I’m still alive...”

- Cayla Adamson “...but i’m barely breathing.”

- Rachel Adamson

- Ryan Cunning

school.”

- Decon Brower “Had a good four years. Not the best school but its a school. Hopefully, it gets better. Good luck class of 2018!!”

- Dorothy Brzuchalski

“Getting stuck in drama and other people’s problems or trying to “fit in” is not worth it. Focus on school and trying to get through those four years, because all that stuff will not matter when you leave high school.”

- Sierra Arzola

“High school is like a roller coaster. Freshman year is the start of the roller coaster as you travel slowly up the incline. Sophomore year are the drops and loops on the roller coaster as the world takes your breath away. Junior year is that moment when you’re on the roller coaster begging to be let off and to be free. Senior year is that moment when the roller coaster comes to a stop and you realize throughout that whole roller coaster ride you managed to survive all of it.”

- Markaela Butler

B

C

“It will feel better when it quits hurting.”

- Jake Allen

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”

- Azzurra Baroncini “Things worth doing aren’t easy and easy things aren’t worth doing, hold true everywhere!”

- Dylan Berry “Don’t take yourself so serious and don’t be afraid join, or do something that you thought you’d never do.”

- Westley Bertha “The Warriors still blew a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals.”

- Ethan Beumer “Success is no accident. It’s hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do. -Pelé” - Alec Bond “Movies can’t capture the struggles of high

36

“Never underestimate your ability to handle stressful events or situations. Be courageous.”

- Kamryn Cain “Keep grades up, save money, and have fun... lastly do good on your ACT.” - Darius Campbell “There are better things ahead than any we leave behind. - C.S. Lewis” - Madelynn Caster “It was easier to cross the border than it was to graduate.”

- Xavier Ceja “There is no obstacle too great, no challenge too difficult, if we have faith.”

- Keegan Colter “We out *drop mic.*” - Mary Couture “Praise powertools.”

SENIOR QUOTES | TONKANEWS.COM

D “Always be who you want and stand for what you believe.”

-Esmerelda Deleon “Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try. - John F. Kennedy” - Graciella Delgadillo “Primero comer y luego todo lo demás hacer.”

- Kiara DeVine “Crushed it.”

- Sally Dishman “I do believe it’s time for another adventure.”

- Tana Dobson

E “The best lesson to learn is that sometimes putting yourself first is a good thing.”

- Jocelin Egeland “If no one comes from the future to tell you it’s a bad idea, then it’s a good idea.”

- Susan Engstrom “Every generalization is wrong, including this one.”

- Emma Evans

F “There’s only us, there’s only this. Forget

regret, or life is yours to miss. No other road, no other way. No day but today.”

- Maddie Fields “To find who you are, sometimes you gotta let go of things to let good things in and if no one told you already I’m gonna tell you: everything will be okay.”

- Emani Fontenot “Life won’t always turn out the way you planned, but that’s okay. God’s plan is bigger; He has great things in store for you. Just wait.”

- Maegan Foster “You can only be as great as you inspire to be.”

- Chris Fraizer “Catch me in Manhattan.”

- Daulton Freeman “It’s for sure not like High School Musical, so Disney lied to me.”

- Amanda Fuller

G “If you give a man a fish, you have one less fish.”

- Benjamin Giebler “We’re all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it, that’s all.”

- Callie Glenn “Without coffee, I wouldn’t be here.”

- Zoe Goss

H “Society is busted.”

- Jess Hadley “Enjoy your high school experience because it’s over before you know it.”

- Amanda Hass “It is our choices that show us who we

truly are, far more than our abilities.”

- Sarah Harper

look forward and have a great future.”

- Jordon Lazarowitz

“Have fun and stay focused.”

- Darrian Harral

“Be yourself. As cliche as that sounds, it’s imperative that you hold true to yourself and develop. Find who you are and grow.

Change. Live.”

- Derrick Lewis

“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because you can. Don’t let any student or TEACHER get in the way of that.””

- Rebecca Hensley “She believed she could, so she did.”

- Shelby Hillburn “You have the freedom to be yourself, your true self, here and now, and nothing can stand in your way. -Richard Bach” - Abigail Hutton

J

“I left my Gucci flip flop at yo girl’s house.”

- Phuong Luu

M “You know what they say.”

- Diego Mina “Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.”

- Serina Middaugh

“Your group you start high school with will never be the same by the end of your senior year. Good luck.”

- Dakota Jackson “I remember getting a ‘Class of 2017’ t-shirt in the 5th grade and thinking how far away that year seemed, but it’s here now. It is insane how fast the time has gone by but I am excited for the future, and grateful for past four years.”

- Mckayla Jameson “And no I’m not gay...”

- Joshua Jenkins

“Shout out to my E-Clubbers, all four of you.”

- Katilyn Minet “Do the things you didn’t do yesterday.

Because life goes on, and you don’t want to miss any opportunities.”

-Jessi Mizner

N “Life is an art work but with no eraser so make it an awesome masterpiece.”

- Austin Neighbors

K “It was fun while it lasted.”

- Anbert Kachitaro

L

“I spent 720 days of my life for a paper and a handshake.”

- Abrar Nourein “Good luck.”

- Joshua Narron “Why try when you can cry.”

- Mia Norsworthy

“Never give up on your dreams in life and be strong for your family and self, and SENIOR QUOTES | TONKANEWS.COM

37

P “If we don’t do the things that we have to do now, then we’ll have to do the things we don’t want to do later.”

- James Palmer “Don’t let unnecessary things get into your way. In high school, there are a lot of ups and downs, and if you get through them with your head held high, you’ll do just fine.”

- Cateline Perkins “How many more days?”

-Brock Pickett “Do or do not. There is no try. -Jedi Master Yoda (Episode V to Luke S.)” - Nathan Purkaple

R “These moments now will just be another story someday.”

- Maya Riley

S “El oh el, I graduated.”

- Jose Salgado

“I want to say thank you to my host family, to my natural parents, to Mrs. Jackson and to the school that they gave me the opportunity to come to America!”

- Hannah Thomas “I am outtie.”

- Lan-Nhi Tran “You miss 100% of the shots you dont take.”

- Tyler Throckmortan

W “No rain, no flowers.”

- Abbi Weis “Regret nothing, everything you do is a learning opportunity.”

- Daylon Williams

Y

“The best things in life can be found on the other side of fear. So don’t let being scared of something stop you from trying it.”

- Cody Young

Z

“If you like water, you already like 60% of me.”

- Taylor Smith

“There is only one heroism in the world: to see the world as it is, and to love it.”

- Qiuyu Zhao

Qiuyu Zhao

“Do what excites you and scares you at the same time.”

- Suzanna Zimmerman

“Hang loose homies.”

- Grace Taylor

38

Cayla and Rachel Adamson

“Shoot for the moon, even if you miss you will be amongst the stars.”

- Brad Willis

“I used to have hobbies but now I have homework.”

-Charity Smith

T

From Diapers to Diplomas

SENIOR QUOTES | TONKANEWS.COM

Jocelin Egeland

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Editor-in-Chief

W

hen I signed up for newspaper, I thought it would just be something fun in high school but it has been so much more.

Newspaper has taught me life lessons and skills but it has also ruined me - so much that when I see a list that has an oxford comma, I cringe.

I’ve learned how to talk to people and really listen, stay at school until 10 o’clock at night and be totally okay with it and most importantly, how not to get mad at people easily because you’ll see them tomorrow in class.

Alone, I could not do what my staff does every month but together we do so much to make the paper and ourselves better. Of course, none of it would be possible without you.

Sorry to the teachers who received one my crazy emails but thank you for answering them and then the next one or four with “follow-up questions”

W

alking into F6 four years ago, I looked around the classroom having no idea that soon I would need to change my mailing address to Winnetonka High School.

Just kidding. But seriously, I have spent more time in F6 than I have at my own house throughout my high school career.

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

From keeping up with athletes to chasing the latest breaking news, you guys have kept me on my toes. I will never forget attempting to capture all of the spirit on homecoming day from the parade, to the tailgate, to the football game, to the homecoming candidates and carrying around two cameras and three lenses to do so.

Class of 2017, you guys have taught me how to be open-minded, how to be inclusive but most importantly how to stand on my own two feet.

I want to thank my staff for never taking it personally when I edit their

stories in all caps. The journalism students are truly some of the most talented people I know.

Mrs. Williams, kudos to you for dealing with my attitude and skipping many nail appointments to help me meet deadlines. You handle everything so gracefully and our staff is extremely blessed to have you as our adviser.

To the Tonka teachers, thank you for never getting too irritated when I interrupted your class to borrow a student for “just a quick interview.” You guys are phenomenal and so supportive, often times putting students’ needs above your own.

Winnetonka, it has been an honor to cover and represent everyone. You guys have pushed me to be the journalist I am today and I would not have made it this far without you guys supporting me every step of the way.

Thank you for letting me be a part of your guys’ journey and thank you for being my stories.

because I’m “just checking.” Sorry for interrupting your class but thank you for letting me borrow your student “for just a minute”.

Sorry to the student who I pulled out of class for “ just five minutes” but thank you for being okay with it again when I come back for an ugly headshot.

Sorry, again.

Thank you for helping me show everyone else why Tonka is so great. No, thank you for letting me show everyone why you’re great.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR News Editor

LETTER FROM EDITOR | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY RACHEL ADAMSON

39

Dear seniors,

A message to the senior class from teachers and staff members

“

Follow your heart and make sure that you remember that it’s a big world out there so don’t stop yourself from your dreams.”

Administrative assistant Cynthia Jackson “I have loved my seniors, they are phenomenal people. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors. I hope that they stay in touch and keep me apprised of all they are doing as they move on with their lives.”

- English teacher Yvonne Sexton “I learn so much from my students and I really appreciate that. I want them to continue to ask and challenge other people and go out and live their lives for them and not to fit into anybody’s boxes.”

“

Math teacher Sarah Green

Never live in fear and there’s always a time for poetry.”

English teacher Melissa Camarda

“College years are some of the most fun years of your life.

You have freedom and responsibility.

They are also the times people look back and have a lot of regrets, so while it’s a great time to have fun, make sure you look back later and not have a bunch of regrets.”

Math teacher James Wilson

“

“Remember that most success in life has to do more with attitude than anything else. Have the right attitude and chances are you will be successful.”

History teacher David Flynn “Do your best to find your strengths and interests and find a profession that fits those strengths and interests so that you enjoy your future.”

Art teacher Kerri Cassity

“It was an honoring getting to know you. Some of you I met because you were my student. Others I met because you are so extraordinary, you went out of your way to have a conversation. I want you to know that there IS brilliance inside of you!!

Your job is to discover what that brilliance is and learn the best way to apply it because we need you! Thanks for making Winnetonka a better place than how you found it!

You will do great things I just know it!!!”

Math teacher Vickie McGiffin “Thank you for four years of hard work and good luck with the rest of your life.

Once a Griffin, always a Griffin.”

- History teacher Jared Barge “Try to do your best the first time, work hard, and have fun.”

Science teacher Carolyn Knapp

“

To my senior Yerds & Newsies: Thank you for the knowledge, hard work, dedication, creativity and talents you’ve given to our publications. Your willingness to go the “extra mile” is what helped you accomplish all that you did this year. Thank you for accepting me (finally: ) as part of your Tonka Nation. To say that I (and our staffs) will miss you would be an understatement.

But I send you out in the world knowing you will be amazing.”

Journalism teacher Laura Williams

“Best success in future endeavors and I hope you all will do well.”

- Math teacher Joseph Morse

“

Don’t be afraid to try new things. Don’t be afraid to fail multiple times before you find out what you love and what you want to do for the rest of your life.”

Engineering teacher Nicholas Schwieder “Do bold things to start your journey.”

- Science teacher Marcia Holwick

GOODBYES | TONKANEWS.COM | PAGE BY CLAYRE BARKEMA

FROM: WHS 4815 NE 48 St. KC MO 64119

TO: Griffin Rites subscriber

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