THE BAGPIPER HOME OF THE SCOTS
VOL. 57, ISSUE 1 /September 11,2009
2424 S.E. CALIFORNIA AVE. / TOPEKA, KANSAS
From Highland Park To Hollywood By Kira Southhall Different talents bloom in each individual who walk these halls. John Quade, also known as John Saunders, had a future he never expected. As a Scots football, basketball, and track player in 1956 little did we know where he’d be in history today. Although his name might not be recognized by most Highland Park students, Quade worked with some of the biggest stars in Hollywood. Quade played in many television series and blockbuster movies from the 1960s to the ‘90s. Steve McQueen, Robert Redford, and Clint Eastwood were some of the co-stars he acted with. Eastwood is the one he worked with the most. Quade died at age 71, on August 9 at his home in Rosamond, Calif. His death came of natural causes in his sleep. Quade’s sister Norma Jean
Anderson, a 1957 Highland Park graduate, came to share memories of her brother. “There was no clue he’d ever get into movies,” said Anderson. He was not involved in any theater performances in high school. After graduation, he worked different jobs including for the Sante Fe Railroad. He left Topeka to move to California with his brother. One evening while he was eating in a restaurant Quade was approached by a director who asked if he ever acted. Anderson recalled that he said “no.” He was asked to stand in for the play “Look Homeward Angels.” It was then that he realized acting was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. Quade originally chose Mc Quade as his stage name except the name had already been taken. In time, John Saunders became John Quade.
He starred in his first TV show Bonanza in 1968. Quade played the villain in many movies including Sheriff Biggs in mini series “Roots.” He acted in several Westerns including “Papillon,” “High Plains Drifter,” and as Comanchero leader in “The Outlaw Josey Wales.” He was also in “The Sting.” Perhaps his best known character was Cholla, the leader of the Black Widow motorcycle gang in the Eastwood movie “Every Which Way But Loose,” and the sequel “Any Which Way You Can.” “John traveled all over the U.S.” said Anderson. He came back to Topeka every five to six years. He had just sold his house, and was planning to move back indefinitely when he died. Quade was married to Gwen Saunders for 38 years. They have six children, John Saunders IV, Joseph, Steven, Heather Clark, Katherine Adame and Rebecca.
THE HIGHLANDER Actor and Highland Park alumnus John Quade, shown here in “High Plains Drifter,” died recently.
Consequences stiff for unexcused absences & tardies Unexcused tardies
Unexcused absences
1 Warning suspension 2 60 minute detention 2 Two days of in school 3 Required excused absence suspension 4 Two days of ISS 3 Required excused absence & 5 Requested excused two days of ISS 4 Twilight School placement 6 absence & loss of 1 Two days of in school
Twilight school placement
HOME OF THE SCOTS
Tardy Policy clears halls
By Christine Labrador
As we return to the hallways of Highland Park, everything seems the same. Same classrooms, same teachers and same library. But, there are two noticeable changes. The halls are empty when the bell rings and you notice everyone runs to class. Why? Because of the new tardy and unexcused absence policy. Highland Park has a new tardy policy created by the administration, which is supposed to help us have a better learning environment. Assistant Principal Nick Grey said the policy was started “Because of an overwhelming problem with kids being tardy.” Last year there was over 140 students that were truant. The problem was extremely bad during Scot time. Students would leave
and not come back. Most would hang out around the gym area. When asked why this happened? Grey said “Lack of concern, they don’t care.” According to the teachers the new policy has worked effectively. “There has been more kids in class. They seemed to be more concerned,” said Fred Maisberger. Grey said the numbers prove the new policy is working. Looking back to August 28, 2008 there were 144 unexcused absences and tardies on that day for the tenth, eleventh and twelfth grades. By September 3, 2009 there were only 42 reported unexcused absences or tardies for the first two weeks of school.
Melster moves on, accepts job in Colorado By: Ta’Micka Cavitte With an empty bookshelf and half packed boxes Toby Melster, Division 2 principal spoke of his future endeavors and why he will no longer be here at Highland Park. This would have been Melster’s fifth year here at The Park. Mr.. Melster will be moving to Montrose, Colo. but will keep the same job title. He will be one of two assistant principals serving under the head principal. The biggest difference between the two schools is size; his new school has about 1,300 students. “ Instead of just sophomores I’ll have an alphabet.” Melster said, being at Highland Park has definitely prepared him, “Something I’ve learned, one of
my biggest lessons, is resiliency. I have a higher respect for students. They’ve shown me all they want is respect, to be respected.”
“If a student comes in my office and says I want to be a trash man just respect that. And my job, as an administrator is to figure out how to make that happen and get them where they need to go.” The last five years have gone by fast and that’s because of the students. Melster expressed how he’ll miss the students most as well as the fun times and interaction. Not all change is bad change it’s an opportunity for Mr.. Melster and his family. The time frame isn’t the best but that’s because of the late opening in Colorado. Mr.. Melster’s family will not move with him immediately so Melster plans to visit frequently.
“I don’t know who will replace me!” he said.
Melster’s office has no windows so he allowed students to paint his office ceiling tiles. The tiles will stay with Highland Park but they will not be forgotten. Melster’s words of wisdom Set high goals and don’t let people keep you from reaching them. “There are students who face harder things than I do and they come and succeed. You may think about how hard your life is but you have to sit back and realize what is happening. It’s determination.”
Senior Jasmine Rice and Mr.. Melster share a smile on his last day at school.
Opinion
September 11, 2009
• THE BAGPIPER 2
HP Too Tough on Tardies?
By: Christine Labrador Most students consider the new tardy and unexcused absence policy outrageous and too drastic of a change at one time. Teachers however love it and say so far it has been working. The idea to strengthen our school attendance is not a bad idea. Yet, there is a difference between being strict and going to the extreme. The purpose of the new plan, isn’t what I am against. However, I see this enormous change so instantly as a bit much for some students to take in. Not all students truant last year were the skippers. Some had other reasons that could not be prevented. My question is what about those students? No one can be an exception to the policy, but some have no
control of their attendance. For instance, some students here at The Park have to take their youngr siblings to school. As we all know the elementary schools start at 8:30 a.m. The earliest you can drop your kid off is 8 to 8:15 a.m. By then our school has already started. So, your mom calls in but since it happens frequently, your excused tardies turn into unexcused tardies and that’s when it gets to be a problem. As a consequence of he new policy, you can get kicked out of school because you were helping out your family. Now, does that sound correct to you?
Senior Dayna Dempewolf
Junior Anthony Curtis
Q: Being a senior, how does the new policy affect you in coming back to school or coming back from places like lunch? A: “ I come back on time and never late.”
Q: What do think is the hardest thing about the policy? Why? A: “Getting to class on time, because I have already had two days of ISS. Its boring.”
Freshman Jamon Fulton
Algebra 2 teacher Jennifer Stadler
Sophomore Shanise Brooks
Q: Do you think the new policy will work? Why? A: “Yeah, because people realize that they need to be on time or else they can end up in Twilight.”
I think we should have leniency, more chances, and more understanding. For the fact that many of us have no control over being late or absent.
Ta’Micka Talks Gentleman: Stop with the skinny jeans and tight t-shirts leave that for the ladies!
Q: What are your thoughts about our new tardy and unexcused absence policy? A: “It’s harsh, because after 1 tardy you get an hour detention.”
Q: Do you prefer this policy rather then the last? A; “yep, the divisions being in charge of the tardies and attendence. They call home when necessary. It’s so time efficient for teachers.”
US history teacher Fred Maisberger
Q: Has the policy worked so far? A: Yes, it has. Its very efficient. Gets kids where they need to be. No Mickey Mousing about it.”
Stop talking about your sidelines out in public. Don’t deny her! Ladies: What’s with the micro mini skirts and winter snow boots? Are you hot or are you cold?
Save your club gear for the weekend. Trotting around in shoes you can barely walk in to go to the science wing. I think not! It’s especially bad when your toes are busted and disgusted and you break down to flats at Scot Time. Everyone:Quit begging for rides to lunch! If they didn’t offer they don’t want the company!
You know you text entirely too much when your English paper reads ppl!!!!
The Bagpiper is the official student publication of Highland Park High School. The mission of this paper is to inform students and staff of current events, to entertain and to serve as a forum for thoughts and opinions of students and faculty as accurately and tastefully as possible. The Bagpiper is published monthly and distributed to the students and staff at Highland Park High
The Staff
Editor in Chief- Ta’Micka Cavitte News Editor- Jordyn Kelly Features Editor-Bianca Greenly Editorial Editor-Christine Labrador Sports Editors-Dante Jordan Antwan Robbins Business Editor- Kira Southall Web Master- Prentice Inyard Staff Reporter- Yara Arreola, D’Marco Smith Adviser: Heather Hooper
Editorial Policy: The diverse opinions expressed in editorials are either those of The Bagpiper staff or individuals. The editorials may never purposely attack or ridicule anyone. Views in this newspaper do not always represent those of the staff, faculty or the school board of Topeka Unified School District 501. Letters to the Editor: The Bagpiper encourages all readers to submit letters to the editor. The letters can be mailed to The Bagpiper at Highland Park, dropped off in Room 219 or turned in to any of The Bagpiper staff. Submitted letters must be under 300 words and signed by the writer or writers. The Bagpiper will not accept any obscene, personally offensive or irrelevant material, and reserves the right to edit or refuse publication.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2009
AVID comes to HP
By Yara Arreola Our school is filled with them: the kids who always do their work turn in their assignments on time or we have the kids that are always wanting attention but never pay attention in class. But what happens to the kids in the middle? This year there is a program just for them. AVID is a program that started in the academy this year. It will soon expand a grade level every year for the next three years. AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. It involves rigorous curriculum, time management, test strategies, and organization along with the Cornell note taking system. Mrs. Susana Prochaska attended a week long training with 12 other teachers in Dallas over the summer. She hopes this program will increase the number of students enrolled in honor and AP classes and also the number of students
Editor in Chief Ta’Micka Cavitte has attended Highland Park for four years. She was voted most political her junior year, which is proven with her four years in debate. Ta’Micka is serving as class president for her third year. She is vice president of STUCO, and business manager of the Highlander. Ta’Micka has also participated in girls’ golf. After high school she plans to go to college and major in international business and marketing or social work.
Sports Editor Antwan Robbins is a junior who participates in football, wrestling, and track. Antwan’s goal for the next year is to graduate at the top of his class.
applying for a four-year college. There are 25 students on the program this year. The students were recommended by their middle school teachers. They were also interviewed by the AVID elective teacher, Prochaska, and the AVID coordinator Mrs... Tiffany Bonnewell.
Scots Theater Presents
Eric LaRue
Eric LaRue, a play about a school shooting, will be performed Sept. 24-26. The main characters of the play are Eric LaRue, played by Joshua Beshears and Janice LaRue, Eric’s mother, played by newcomer
Marissa Bass. Other cast members are: Steven Calhan played by Matthew Miller, Ron LaRue played Gerald Schmidt, Jill Yardly played by Brajaun Carr, and Stephanie Grazer played by Carlie Klingman.
• THE BAGPIPER 3
The stage manager is Amanda Ward and the assistant stage manager is Matt Martinez. The play is directed by Scott Kickhaefer.
The students are doing pretty well so far. Once a week they have motivational Fridays to reward them for their dedication to the program. This might include going on a field trip or a guest speaker coming to talk to them. Karissa Davis, a freshman, hopes to get a scholarship and new studying habits. She says she plans to attend a four-year college. She thinks this is a great program and would recommend to other schools because she wants other students to succeed also.
Meet The Staff
News Editor Senior Jordy Kelly became a Highland Park Scot her sophomore year. Last year she attended Columbus High School in the Bronx, NY. She has participated in varsity cheerleading and soccer. She is also on the Highlander staff. After high school Jordy plans to attend college and major in nursing.
Features Editor Bianca Greenly has attended Highland Park for four years. She has participated in cheerleading, soccer and is currently participating in girls’ tennis. Bianca is also on the Highlander staff and a member of STUCO. She plans to attend college and major in business law and minor in foreign communications.
Webpage Editor Prentice Inyard attended Highland Park high school his freshmen and sophomore years before transferring to a southern Arizona high school last year. Prentice participates in basketball and track. After high school Prentice aspires to an exotic dancer.
Editorial Page Editor Christine Labrador is a junior who participates in STUCO, Hispanic club, dance and soccer. Next year she wants to be a part of the newspaper, yearbook and graduate on time.
Business Editor Kira Southall is currently a junior. This is her first year on the newspaper staff, but last year her story on relationship violence was nationally recognized. Kira looks forward to becoming a better writer. She plans to become a member of Life Club and possibly GBSA and Upward Bound.
Staff Writer Yara Arreola has attended HPHS for three years. Over the years some of the activities Yara has participated in are ROTC, Links Crew and Hispanic club.
Sports Writer D’Marco Smith has actively participated at Highland Park in basketball and football. His plan for next year is to be ready to work at the collegiate level.
Sports Editor Dante Jordan is active in football, wrestling, and track. Next year Dante is looking forward to graduating early.
4 THE BAGPIPER • SEPTEMBER 11, 2009
Back To School
Fashion By: Jordyn Kelly The beginning of this school year has definitely started off with many different styles. From graphic tees and skinny jeans to sundresses and flats, Highland Park fashion has brought a lot of changes. While most of students at Highland Park have their own personal style, many often carry a lot of the same fashion qualities. Juniors Jeremiah Brooks and Trey Sanders explained what they think is in style this year. polo’s, Forces, high socks, and skinny jeans. After observing the students style during the first and second week of school, a lot of the boys keep it pretty simple. Some like
the skinny jean look with the graphic tees. Some prefer the more baggy look. Girls on the other hand usually accessorize with colorful beaded necklaces, purses, headbands, and belts. Senior Dayna Dempewolf explains what her personal style is. “Everything. Mostly skinny jeans and graphic tees.” Many students keep up with the latest fashion and are influenced by friends, media, ect. “My friends do not influence how I dress. I wear what I want”, said Dezyon Clark.
Dezmond Ogles models the famous Vans and Plaid look.
Freshman Steffon Kyles slides his shades on while showing off the latest Academy uniform.
Leora Birch and Linda Elrod show off the popular sundresses.
Deanna Robledo wearing plaid, skinny jeans, and to top it off with the Steve Urkle glasses.
Mary Washington poses for the camera rocking the khaki pants and green Academy uniform shirt.
Jamal Jones rocking his Jordans, cargo shorts, graphic tee, and rockstar belt.
Jordans are also a popular fashion trend at HP.
Prentice Inyard wearing the skinny jeans, plaid shirt, and fashion glasses.
Sophia Munoz wearing the famous Converse with a scarf to match.
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Would you add your teacher as a friend on Facebook or Myspace? SEPTEMBER 11, 2009
Teachers
Students
Do you have students as friends on MySpace or Facebook?
Do you have teachers as friends on MySpace or Facebook?
6
15 Yes, I already have
Yes, I already have students as friends
9 Not now, but I would. I wouldn’t have 10 No, students as friends 2 Yes, but former students only
teachers as friends
24 Not now, but I would. I wouldn’t have 25 No, teachers as friends 12Undecided
Links Crew: Making Connections
By: Yara Arreola
70%
Of teachers surveyed said they have a Facebook or MySpace account
84%
Of students surveyed said they have a Facebook or MySpace account
In From South Dakota By: Kira Southall
Links Crew members Jahnae White and Andrea’ Rhoiney lead a group of freshmen through their first day of school orientation.
By: Bianca Greenly Links Crew is a new mentoring program at Highland Park. Links Crew focuses on upper class men mentoring the freshmen class. “While the freshmen get more familiar with the school they also have someone higher above them to guide them”, said Link Crew member Tara Webb. There are about 37 mentors in LC. The mentor to student ratio is about 2:10. Links crew also does various activities with the freshmen. Link crew meets with freshmen every Thursday during scot time to play games, get them in involved in school and teach them how to be successful during their high school years.
.Junior Marissa Bass has had quite the change. Bass went from being a Titan to a fellow Scot in one summer. Her father was moved to their family business Baxter Trucking. This transition has also brought their family closer together said Bass. She had the choice of the high school she could attend, Highland Park was closer to her house. “Tea Area High isn’t much different from here” said Bass, “So far I’m liking this better”. Tea Area High School, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is quite a stretch from Topeka. “Tea Area High is more of a clique environment said Bass. Bass’s biggest challenge so far here, has been Algebra II.
At Tea Area High, she was in the Drama club and Choir. She said, her goal is to get the feel of Highland Park before getting real involved in anything. She did however, try out for our first play of the year “Eric LaRue”. She was chosen for the role of Janice, the mother of Eric. “It’s a good way to meet new people” said Bass, “I’m a friendly person and I’m up for conversation”. This is the first time Bass has moved to a new state. Being the new girl is not something she is too experienced with. Her strategy is to be open and make friends. Bass later plans to join clubs or sports. “The move was exciting, scary, and a million other things, but so far its proving to be a good experience” said Bass.
SPORTS 6 THE BAGPIPER • Sept. 11, 2009
Runnin’ Scots
Friday Night Lights
By. Prentice Inyard
With a new coaching staff our Highland Park football team is looking like a brand new team. Fresh out of college, head coach Sadiq Muhammed is all about football. He’s been playing ever since he was in second grade. Most recently he played defensive back for Kansas University from 20052007. Muhammed also has three years of coaching under his belt. When he took over the football program at Highland Park he brought several of his KU teammates with him to provide an extra coaching staff They include linebacker Eric Washington (2005-06), lineman Cesar Rodriguez (2004-07), quarterback Tyler Lawrence (200608), receiver Dexter Field (200508), and Justin Pessetto. (2006-08). “I love the fact that the coaches are young and fresh out of college,” said junior Dante Jordan. “They are pushing us to go harder so we are going to give it our all on the field.” Muhammed is optimistic about the season. “We’re going to have a good team,” he said. “We just have
to play our game, play sound, fundamental football.” “Getting the bad taste of losing out of our mouth is going to be the toughest challenge this season,” said Muhammed. Senior Khiry Crawford said, “Our team is looking pretty good. We look like a new team, a better team. It’s going to be a better season. We’re one of the best teams in the city.” Senior Brenden Thomas agreed saying that this year will be much better than last year’s 1-8 overall record. “We’re going to be beasting,” he said. “We have to bring the heat. Coach Muhammed is a good coach I respect him a lot because he knows what he’s doing.” Crawford believes that being aggressive and knowing your assignments on the field is going to help the season go well. Coach Muhammed is more organized but he is more strict,” said junior Nate Gonzales. “Muhammed is a great coach. He got us into a lot of camps and we learned a lot of things to help us succeed this season,” said Antwan Robbins.
Freshman Jamon Fulton breaking the tackle. Left: Senior Brenden Thomas warming up for the fall sports kick off.
Spike it
Photos by Ta’Micka Cavitte Senior Jasmine Kingcannon and Junior Chanaya Kershner shake hands before the fall scrimmage.
By. D’Marco Smith
Bump, set, spike into the new and improved Highland Park girl’s volleyball team. Senior Andrea Rhoiney said the team is ready. “We have worked all summer, and we worked in sand to prepare for the season, so we can have a better record than last year.” The seniors have also been acting like leaders this year she said. After being 15-21 last season, breaking nine records, the girls will try to repeat a strong season starting with their first game in Junction City on Sept.. 3, where they will be playing in a quadrangular tournament. Taylor Wilson says their biggest rivals have always been Sante Fe Trail, and Topeka High. This year Tim Overman became the head coach for the seniors. He
said they’ve got to be hungry to win, and come to work hard and not waste time. Rohoiney has been playing varsity since her sophomore year and had two head coaches in her four years. Overman said, “I have been a head coach for 20 years, and then I retired from coaching and former head coach April Buckner got me out of retirement and I came here to be the girls Junior Varsity coach.” The top returners include Taylor Wilson, Katie Wilson, Makhala Giardina, Rhoiney, Jasmine Kingcannon, Jessica Cohee, and Mashayla Ross. The top newcomers consist of juniors Jahnae White, Chanaya Kershner, Aliyah Durant, sophomore Delores Smith, and freshman Breiyah Thomas.
Photos by Michael Hilderman
Serve it up
Sophomore Cierra Sommers serving the ball.
Ashley Chandler serving the ball By. Dante Jordan
Jessica Cohee serving the ball.
The girl’s tennis team this year has a full varsity and junior varsity roster this year. Senior Bianca Greenly said, “The girls varsity team has a lot of competition this year. Hopefully we can do better than last year.” There are six varsity players and a dozen JV players. Their first match was the Seaman
photo by. Michael Hilderman
Invitational Sept. 6 “We a lot of new talent this year a lot of fresh faces and a lot of new talented freshmen,” said coach Shawn O’Brien.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2009
Kickin’ it up
By: Antwan Robbins The soccer team opened up against Atchison Aug 28 with a 7-2 victory by the varsity team and a 3-1 victory by the junior varsity team. Senior Daniel Corral scored three of the seven goals. The freshman phenom Lauro Garcia scored 2 goals for the varsity at the season opener. Coach Dave Ulivarri said “Jose Pelayo controlled the middle and had three beautiful assists.” “I’ve never seen them play like this in my life,” said Ulivarri. He said part of the success was putting the players where they need to be and having the team apply the skills that they learned in practice. “They’re playing great!” He said, “As long as they played like they did on Friday we’ll be great all season.” Ulivarri said, “I sat there the first three minutes and I couldn’t believe it. They played wonderful. The winning streak continued when they trounced KC Washington
11-1 Sept. 2. Ulivarri and new coach Maureen Crawford are looking to turn the soccer team around this year. The team has a lot to work on but they are looking like a much more competitive team. One of the more competitive players is junior Enrique De La Torre, who has set high goals for the team. “This year I would like the team to win 10 games or more. Then make it past the first round of regionals.” The coaches have been working the team with tougher practices and extra conditioning. “That helps us out a lot physically,” De La Torre said. Also helping the team are several important newcomers. The team has two new players from California, senior Jose Pelayo and junior Eduardo Pelayo, they both are looking to help out the team a lot. The freshman phenom Garcia is projected to be top newcomer of the year.
• THE BAGPIPER 7
Coach David Ulivarri going over the game plan with senior captain Luis Astorga.
Enrique De La Torre with the crossover.
Daniel Corral dribbles the ball down the field.
Lauro Garcia chasing down the ball.
Photos by Kelly
And They’re Off By: Antwan Robbins
Coach Freddy Maisberger is entering his 10th year coaching Cross Country and he is excited about this year. “It started off positive. I’m ready to see how the year goes,” Maisberger said. There are no physical requirements for joining the team. “You don’t have to come to me in any kind of shape, but after the season you will be in shape,” he said. Maisberger said that he had a couple of tough runners such as, juniors Will Muldrow and Will Gray. “Right now they are the toughest. Over the summer they did some workouts to get better,” he said. Muldrow said, “My goal is to run well this year. I want to run in the 20:00 and 18:50.” Maisberger encouraged his runners to strive for their individual bests. “While everyone is running I want everyone to remember to stay relaxed, stay focused, and I want everyone to run for progress. Say you ran a 20:00 then next week run a 19:50 next time that’s what I look for.” The first cross country event was September 5 at Manhattan.
8 THE BAGPIPER • SEPTEMBER 11, 2009
Welcome back to The Park! Senoirs Francetta Hill and Leora Birch wear matching attire.
Tyja Tibbs start the year off with a pose while at an assembly in the auditiorium.
Freshman and Link Crew members play “Simon Says” Mr. Dale Cushinberry addresses the upper classmen with his expectations for this school year.
Patrick Glover, Aaron Green, Stefon Kyles, Trayshawn Wheeler, and Tavarius Douglas take a pic while on their tour.
Junior Hannah Davis is picture perfect.
Morgan and Lindsay Brooks are the newest set of twins at HP.
Link Crew members and freshmen academy teachers await the arrival of the freshman class
Armed Drill Team performs for the freshman class. Jermaine Parker shows us a true “SCOTSMAN”
Seniors Tyrell Carstarphan and Shaq McCain on a Links Crew mission. Senior Varsity Cheereaders Jessica Ramsdell, Shantel Wakefield and Dayna Dempewolf pose for the camera.
Senior Dayna Dempewolf is declared the winner of the doughnut eating contest held during Cush’s HP address. Her competition protested her use of water and throwing doughnuts on the floor. Freshman Khadijah Harris is super excited about the year ahead of her.
Junior Tajha Riley and Senior Mashayla Ross smile while doing LINK CREW activities.
Mr. Matthew Herbert talks debate and forensics to freshman. Teachers show spirit on the first day of school with freshman of 2013.
While some freshman enjoy the tour others yawn from boredom.