2424 S.E. CALIFORNIA AVE. / TOPEKA, KANSAS
VOL. 57, ISSUE 3 November 11,2009
You can get there from here
Earl Brooks: A true success
By Ta’Micka Cavitte Earl Brooks, a 2004 Highland Park graduate, is a now attending the University of Kansas and is a currently competing for the Rhodes and Marshall scholarships. Rhodes scholarships, first offered in 1903, fund two years of study at Oxford University for 32 recipients nationwide; Marshall scholarships allow students to study at any British university. Rhodes competitions take place Nov. 20 and 21. If invited, KU nominees will interview in Kansas City, Mo. alongside competitors from a district that includes Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Mississippi. The Rhodes Foundation selects two winners from each district immediately following the Nov. 21 interviews. (KU Press Release) “Winning one would be a dream come true for me,” said Brooks. “It
would mean the chance to study at one of the top universities in the world.” “I would be able to work with brilliant professors and do some really interesting research.” “In the athletic world it would be equal to being a first round draft pick! To say the selection process is tough would be an understatement. I feel blessed to even be in the running, ”said Brooks. Brooks is an American Studies and Music Major at the University of Kansas. Brooks chose to pursue music and jazz. “I love it for how it sounds and for what it means to African American culture. I love R&B, Gospel, Rap and Jazz is a major influence in all those genres. If you can play or at least understand jazz, you can do almost anything musically.” Brooks served as vice
president to the Black Student Union in 20072008 and is a member of Black Men of Today and International Gospel Voices. He is also a participant in the Deans Scholars Program and the McNair Scholars Program. Brooks was recently selected as a Hall Center Scholar for the upcoming 2009-2010 academic year and will have the opportunity to help with the Humanities Lecture Series and to meet with prominent scholars. As a Highland Park student, Mr. Dale Cushinberry constantly says, “You can get there from here.” and Brooks believes this is a very true statement. What Cush is trying to tell you as students is that it’s easy to focus on all the things you don’t have...money, connections, whatever. But ultimately you can still fail
even if you have all those things. You have to know what it means to work hard, to struggle and to know yourself well enough to make decisions that take you towards your goals despite friends, family etc. I’ve seen gifted students who were in school on academic scholarships drop out. “You have to have a vision of yourself and what you want to do because once you can see it, you start believing it.” Brooks plans to become a professor and return to Topeka where his family is located. His current goal is to get into graduate school and began pursuing a master’s degree. Earl Brooks advice for those pursuing the college dream. Pg. 5
Photo Submission by Earl Brooks
Next Top Chef Senior Joseph Minjares to attend culinary school By Yara Arreola Italian manicotti. Have you ever had it? If not senior Joseph Minjares can hook you up. It’s Minjares’ favorite food to cook, and he’s been cooking for 10 years. Minjares was offered a full ride scholarship to Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School in San Francisco. He starts classes in January. “I plan to major in hotel management and culinary arts,” said Minjares. Since he was little, Minjares would watch his grandmother,
Cecelia Ramirez, who was a pastry chef when she was younger. She would bake cookies, soufflés, and her specialty cakes. Through watching her, cooking became more than a passion, but it became his dream. When Minjares was 8 years old he cooked his first meal alone. He cooked an omelet.
One of his creations is spaghetti with brown sugar. This is a result of experimentation. So far he has not had a disaster meal. Minjares plans to finish college and open up his own Italian and Mexican restaurant.
He now finds his recipes from other family members, online and sometimes just from being creative.
Photo Taken by Yara Arreola
Joseph Minjares in the kitchen.
Miracle Mix Teens mentor with students at Williams Elementary
Photo by Christine Labrador
Students at Williams Elementary who participate in Miracle Mix
By Christine Labrador Great Scots are back at it again. Highland Park has a new program called “Miracle Mix,” where a few students are selected to help and mentor fifth graders at Williams Magnet Elementary School. Some activities that they may do with kids are eat lunch with them, play with them at recess or do an educational activity like a scavenger hunt. The purpose of Miracle Mix is to raise the child’s self-esteem and help them develop social skills for the future. It also helps the teens because it is a good experience in case they want to pursue a career in education. Mr. Fred Willer, Division Two
social worker, and Ms. Susan Mills, a social worker at Williams proposed this idea. But, not everyone can be involved. “I hand-selected four kids based on leadership qualities and kindness towards children,” said Willer. According to most of the students involved they think it is a great thing to do and has been achievement. Ajali Jones, senior, said, “Yes it has an been achievement. We are able to see the students grow and change from when we first started.” Some of the kids have also enjoyed the presence of their mentors. I like talking to them, they bring
out the inner you,” said Breana Tiffany, a fifth grader at Williams. Another fifth grader said they like to hang around older kids because they are more mature. Some other things that the Miracle Mix teens have helped with is unpacking boxes from Harvesters Feed America, which is a meal pack that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is given to 95 students at Williams who do not have food for the weekend. They do a lot of positive things, which makes a difference in many young lives. Miracle Mix meets every Tuesday and Thursday during Scot time. They include: Adrian Douglas, Cody Pollock, Jones and Angelina Estrada.
NOVEMBER 11, 2009
• THE BAGPIPER 2
SALUTE TO OUR VETERANS
Fred Maisberger US Airforce 1988-2008
Dennis Ransone US Navy 1968-1972
Joyce Parker US Airforce 1985-2009
Peter Kind US Airforce 1985-2006
George Hampton US Army 1988-1994
Robert Thadison US Airforce 1969-1993
Other Veterans Include: Bill Baird US Army 1987-1992
Gerald Toledo US Marines 1974-1976
Robert Johnson US Navy 1964-1983
Craig Haugsness US Navy 1972-1976
SEN10R CHECK LIST >> Turn in your yearbook portrait by Jan. 29 >> Reserve you senior salute by April 15 >> Order your 2010 yearbook pay half now, half later. >> Come to Room 219 for more info.
Check Out the Literary Magazine
“Paranormal Activity” will keep you up at night
“Straight From The Pipes” www.hpbagpiper.com
By: Jordyn Kelly It’ll make your cringe, it’ll make you scream, it’s “ Paranormal Activity”. Writer-director Oren Peli introduced this horror film in only seven days on a $15,000 budget. The movie was filmed using a video camera in an overnight room with the time showing in the right corner of the screen. So as the audience watches its almost as if being in your living room watching a home video This thriller takes place in San Diego, when a young couple, Katie Featherstone
and Micah Sloat, move into their new home an evil spirit constantly taunts them. Katie believes the spirit has followed her since childhood. After finding it hard to believe, Micah finally decides to set up a camcorder and catch everything on video. Micah decides to bring out a Ouija board to talk to the spirit, a move that deeply offends the ghost. It keeps the audience on edge because the audience never leaves the couple’s haunted house. All that we
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.
see is what is recorded on the video camera. Sorry guys, you’ll have to go buy your tickets and find out what happens to this young couple. This movie is at 21.1million in ticket sales right now, surprising taking the lead of Saw VI, according to Bloomberg.com stats. I give this movie literally 5 stars, It’s a must see movie! Lines will be long, but its so worth the wait. It’ll definitely leave you having nightmares.
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.
NOVEMBER 14, 2009
• THE BAGPIPER 3
Entrepreneurship fair David Brooks, Will Muldrow, Tony Montoya and Alex Hubbard maching in a recent parade.
Marching Scots receive “Excellent” ranking By Christine Labrador
Cupcakes, nachos, and ice cream shakes were some of the top sellers at the annual entrepreneurship fair held during both lunches Nov. 5. Tre’Ona Hickerson, junior had the most successful booth with her Tasty Cakes. She made about 300 cupcakes for the fair and had a brisk business. Her team cleared about $100 in profit. Danielle Jones, junior, was part of the Waco Taco team which drew large crowds. “We would have made more money if we didn’t run out of meat,” she said. Mrs. Anita Aubert said each of the six teams made a profit this year.
Students attend Chicago Area leadership conference By: Ta’Micka Cavitte Five Highland Park students didn’t spend Oct.31 trick or treating but getting educated at the Mid-America Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (MAEOPP) student leadership pre-college conference in St. Charles, Ill. The leadership conference was held from Oct. 30 to Nov.1. The conference hosted more than 500 students from 10 different states The purpose of MAEOPP is leveling the playing field of educational opportunity for first generation, low income, or disabled students. Seniors Ta’Micka Cavitte and Mashayla Ross and junior Heloice Steele attended the conference this year sponsored by the University
of Kansas and sophomores Phillip Wade and Christopher Harris attended on behalf of Kansas State University. The conference theme this year was TRiO: The Ticket to your Success. The conference focused on inspiring students to reach their full potential and focus on being leaders as well as life skills and educational career development. Students selected the sessions they wanted to attend and then did various activities and attended a college fair that hosted over 22 colleges and universities. Ross said,” The conference was fun and informative. My favorite part was the relationships session.” The conference featured several guest speakers such as Dr. Ngondi
Character Of The Month October :Patience Nominated by the Science Department
Grade:9
Kyle Garcia is able to complete his assignments in less than a third of the time it takes for his classmates, yet Garcia patiently and quietly sits and waits for his classmates to finish. He shows patience with fellow classmates when conversing with them or helping them understand a concept. He has many good qualities one is definitely patience.
Grade:10
Alysia Majette is a great example of patience. According to the dictionary, patience means a state of endurance under difficult circumstances. She grasps some concepts very easily but some are a little more challenging. Instead of giving in and giving up, she works that much harder to master the concepts. She never gives up and asks for help when she feels she needs it. Zach Martinez starts on his work immediately and never lets up until it’s complete. He finds some of the work in Physics hard and sometimes needs help but continues to work until the work is complete. He has many good character traits but one is certainly patience.
Grade:11
Grade:12
Channing Allen is very helpful with providing her classmates with information if I can’t get around to everyone. She is definitely a leader in the group and is willing to work with anyone in the class. She is not afraid to participate in class and works with others with diverse backgrounds. She is very patient with her classmates .
Kamatuka, the MAEOPP President and motivational speakers Ryan Moran, Courtney Snowden, Leslie Love, and Patrick George. Wade said he took away many things from the conference but the most important was learning social skills. “I learned how to expand my social life throughout society.” MAEOPP is the representative professional body for colleges, universities and agencies that host federally funded TRiO educational opportunity programs within 10 states in the Midwest. Formally established in 1975, MAEOPP advocates on behalf of those persons least likely to enroll in and obtain a college degree at our nation’s higher education institutions.
Canned food donations needed Bring your canned food and non-perishables to Rooms 115C and 225. All donations will go to support Let’s Help.
The Highland Park Marching Band was involved in the Washburn Marching Exhibition on Oct. 28, where they received a ranking of 2 (which means excellent). The musical pieces selected for this event were some of Michael Jackson’s songs, including “Thriller” and “Don’t Stop Til’ You Get Enough.” Band Director Chad Hughes said he chose the Michael Jackson pieces for field show because he was strong and popular musician.
In addition to performing well, the band’s goal was to gain positive publicity the community “I don’t think any coach or director has achieved what they want, but we have goals which we are reaching for,” said Hughes The band also participated in two elementary school parades. Their next performance will be a Jazz Festival on Nov.20 at Baker University.
Volunteers clean up The Park By Prentice Inyard On Saturday, October 24 Share Fest, an organization of community churches, sponsored a community clean up. Fellowship Bible Church led the third annual community clean up. More 200 people came out to help beautify the community, including 13 Highland Park teachers and Highland Park clubs such as AVID, SADD, Community Service Club, district school psychologists, and the Highland Park football team members.
During the community cleanup poles, signs, parking lines were painted and bushes and trees were trimmed. Assistant Principal Valerie Patterson said, the community clean up was a very nice thing to do. “It was good because the community, together as a people, helped beautify the community.”
Scot Singers perform at Washburn University The Highland Park Scot Singers under the direction of Tiffany Bonnewell performed at the White Concert Hall, at the Washburn University on Nov. 2. They were other groups performing there from across the area, which included Topeka High Madrigals and Topeka West Singers. The concert was co –sponsored by the Civic Music Club of Topeka and Washburn University, which
has been held annually for nearly 40 years. The proceeds raised will be for a music scholarship at Washburn University. The students participating included seniors: Mayshala Ross, Gerald Schmidt, Tyrah Talbert, Jared Lange, and Christina Thompson Juniors: Isiah Keith, Josh Litscher-student accompanist, Tony Montoya and Sabrina Ramsey
4 THE BAGPIPER • NOVEMBER 11, 2009
Hot Winter Trends So what if it’s getting colder, Highland Parks fashion life is only starting to spice up! By: Jordyn Kelly
Shaka Thomas, Tre’Vell Luarks, and AJ Downing rocking the beenie hats.
Jessica Cohee shows off her Monique Young and Alyssa Holloway looking great in the fur-lined hooded coats.
snow boots. La’ Destiny Crawford wearing the popular plaid coat.
Dezyon Clark shows off a light jacket perfect for the chilly weather. Chariece McCreary ,Briana Ortega, and Jasmine Jaimez rock the famous Jordans.
5 Top Winter Picks
Snow Boots. They come in different brands and colors. Best worn with leggings, or skinny jeans.
Dashayla White wearing a Fur hooded coat. Both the coats and jackets are really popular. Not only for girls, but for guys as well. They come in different colors and styles.
Christine Labrador shows off a scarf. There is such a variety of colors and patterns. They can be worn in different ways.
Jaylen Boyd, wearing a Rockawear sweat suit with some Jordan Ones.
Amir Peppers rocking the fitted hat with some Jordans.
Sindy Dominguez wearing a half sweaters. There are all different kinds of sweaters.. Usually worn with jeans. Sweater dresses with leggings or big waist belts and snow boots.
Prentice Inyard wearing a fitted hat to top of his outfit. Hats are a traditional winter trend. Coming in different colors and styles, even patterns you can top your outfit off with one of these.
November 11, 2009
Getting Ready for College By Bianca Greenly Getting ready for college isn’t an easy thing to do especially if you don’t know where to start. You may find yourself asking questions like, what school is right for me? What should I major in? Do I want roommates? Can I even afford to go? At Highland Park we have a woman dedicated to helping you answer those tough question and get you started into the next
chapter of your life. Sherlice Spicer works in the Career Center (across from division 1). Need to take the ACT or get in touch with a college rep? Then Ms. Spicer is the woman to see. Here are the helpful hints she wants all students to know. ✓ Students should start preparing a resume their freshmen year of all the activities they do through out their high school years, such as sports any honors
and awards they receive and community services they do. Keeping a resume of all these things will help when its time to fill out scholarship and college applications. ✓ Take the ACT and or the SAT at least one time by junior year. ✓Set goals and make plans. ✓Talk to your guidance counselors or career center coordinator about what you want to do after high school.
Words of advice from Earl Brooks By: Ta’Micka Cavitte Earl Brooks HP alumnus and senior at KU offers some advice for being successful in college. The fist step is you have to decide how bad do you want it and how hard are you willing to work for it. Once you decide you want it more than anything, all
the obstacles you come across will only make you want it more and work harder. After that I would say start reading as much as you can on what you want to do and where you want to go. And for all of those excuses like “I can’t pay for it” “I don’t want to go
in debt” “I’m not smart enough” etc. shouldn’t concern you because there is an opportunity or program out there that can get you past whatever it is your facing and people that will help you find them if your serious. I’ve done it and seen others do it too.
• THE BAGPIPER 5
College Life
Two former students give the inside scoop on college. By Bianca Greenly For all you seniors and juniors getting ready for college and wondering what it’s like the Bagpiper staff has conducted an investigative interview to help you.
Two Highland Park alumnae who are now in college have answered many of your common questions.
College senior Brittani Crith and freshmen Raven Crawford attend two different universities and have very different views on college life.
Brittani Crith Senior at KU. BP: What College do you attend? BC: Kansas University BP: What is college life like? BC: It’s fun, way different from high school lots of freedom, but really time consuming. Your life becomes school 24/7. BP: Is it hard or more fun? BC: I think its fun. School work can be tough at times but you have to learn how to balance school work and going out along with other stuff. BP: How do you balance friends, college and work?
BC: Simple weekdays are for work and school weekends are for friends and fun and Sundays are reserved for homework. BP: Did you get any scholarships or pay do you pay straight out of pocket? BC: Out of pocket and it is very hard. BP: Do you live on campus? Why did you decide to live on/ off campus? BC: I live off campus in student housing I chose to do this because it’s cheaper more privacy and more space.
BP: What are you majoring in? BC: Nursing, I’m going to be an ARNP (advanced registered nurse practitioner) in the NICU (neonatal intensive care) BP: Did you go to the college you wanted to or the one that gave you the best deal? BC: I go to the college I wanted to. BP: What advice do you have for teens going to college? BC: Stay focused, be organized, get all your work done and turned in on time.
Raven Crawford Freshman at WSU. BP: What College do you attend? RC: Wichita State University!! BP: What is college life like? RC: It’s like one big party and you go to class in your spare time. College life is something I believe everyone should at least experience I love it! BP: Is it hard or more fun? RC: Fun, fun, fun! It’s very different from high school; it’s not as much work but it’s more about paying attention and being responsible. You are not bombarded with homework every night it’s more about tests and projects. Due dates do not change because you forgot your paper or left it at home. These professors don’t care about your personal problems like teachers in high school. You actually earn the grade you get. It’s more fun because everyday feels like the weekend. You have the power to do what you want, when you want.
BP: How do you balance friends, college and work?
RC: It’s not hard. I only work three days a week (for the school newspaper), I have morning classes so I’m done with school around 12:20 everyday, and whenever I’m not busy with that I’m with my friends. However, it is hard to balance old friends because college life can keep you busy, there’s always something going on. I don’t make time to call my friends and family as much as I should, but I miss them all very much! BP: Did you get scholarships? RC: Not as many as I could have. I didn’t really apply for any, I was too lazy my senior year, but being a college student who’s already in debt I now know how important scholarships are and I have been applying for scholarships for next year ever since the beginning of October. BP: Do you live on campus? Why did you decide to live on/off campus? RC: Yes, I do as a freshman at Wichita State you required to live on campus. At first I was kind of shaky about living with a roommate but I now love living on campus.
It’s the best way to meet people and there is always something to do. It’s very hard to get bored living on campus here. BP: What’s your major and minor? RC: My major is psychology and I minor in ethnic studies. BP: Did you go to the college that you wanted to or the one that gave you the best deal? RC: The one I wanted to go to. Wichita was actually the only school I applied to. BP: What advice do you have for teens going to college? RC: Go to college for the right reasons, once you get to school it can be very easy to adapt into the party life but don’t let that stop you from going to class. Apply for scholarships! It may seem like it’s a waste of time now but it will indeed help you once you get to school! Take the time out to write that essay and go the extra mile; come on its free money! Last bit of advice is LIVE ON CAMPUS it’s the only way to get the real college life experience; it makes college 10 times better.
6 THE BAGPIPER • NOVEMBER 14, 2009
Top fall sports performances Football: Aaron Douglas 300 total yards against Bonner Springs Soccer: Daniel Corrall with 4 goals against KC Washington Cross-Country: Demarus Kelley qualified for state, which the first for a female cross-country athlete since 1991.
Volleyball: The team made it to the finals of sub-state Girls Tennis: Lindsay Brooks placing in the majority of the tournaments
Girls Golf: There was no team this year for the first time since 1994
Makhala Giardina kills the volleyball at the Highland Park invitational.
Photo By: Taylor Wilson
Close Finish for Volleyball team By: D’Marco Smith
The end has come for the volleyball team. Highland Park made it to the finals in substate by routing Kansas City-Washington, 25-8, 25-14. The Lady Sots who are (13-25) couldn’t pull off the upset against the No.1 seed Lansing (356) in the championship match, however, with the Lions posting a 25-9, 25-13 victories.
Senior Taylor Wilson describes the team’s season as very disappointing and said, “We could have done better if I didn’t get injured. Maybe the season would have ended off better.” Makhala Giardina led the team with 113 kills in 22 games, senior Andrea’ Rhoiney led the team with 87 blocks and 121 touches in 22 games, senior Katie Wilson led the team with
180-189 serves, and senior Jessica Cohee led the team with 96 saves. Junior Chanaya Kershner said the season was not as good as the last years team, even though they should have been, To be better the team needs work harder in the off-season and just work on playing as a team for the next season, Kershner said.
Rashawn Baker gives the Seaman defender the stiff arm.
Photo By: Joseph Minjares
College recruiting for athletes By: Antwan Robbins Many athletes want to go to college and excel in the classroom as well as in sports. There are many ways to go to college and play sports. Football coach Sadiq Muhammed has been through the experience as a college athlete. He explained the best way to play sports in college is to be recruited, which is very common for a lot of athletes to get college scholarships. Getting recruited is when a college is interested in you and sends scouts to watch you in your sport. The first contact from a scout is usually by a letter, which lets you know that they are looking at you. Anther method is they call or text you. Also, some will come and watch you play in your sport. Then they may invite you to summer camps or AAU competitions. There are some rules
that the recruiters have to follow or they will have some consequences from the NCCA. One, if any recruiter talks to an athlete younger than a junior they will be fined $15,000 dollars or will be put on a recruiting probation. Also, they are not allowed to talk to a student’s parents. Recruiters can not contact an athlete by phone; they are just allowed to send letters for those younger than a junior. Senior Rashawn Baker is one of the top recruited track athletes here at the school. “I got a lot of junior colleges, Kansas University, Kansas State University, and Nebraska recruiting me,” Baker said. At this time not many athletes have many recruiters contacting them. Baker explained how the recruiters would get in touch with him “They sent
me a few letters. Also, they talked to me at the KU Relays.” A lot of the recruiters come and watch the athletes when they play in tournaments or up against their rivals. Then they also like to come to the state tournaments and state events. Senior LaZerrick Richardson is a top recruited football player at the school. “I got many junior colleges and Washburn University, KU, and K-State,” he said. After recruiting, the athletes can sign their letter of intent on a day called National Signing Day. It’s a day where you sign to the college or your choice and you could call a press conference and let the people and peers know what school you chose. For football it is the first week of February and for basketball it’s in the month of November.
NOVEMBER 11,. 2009
The Season Ends
LaZerrick Richardson with the touchdown catch against Seaman.
• THE BAGPIPER 7≠
History is Made
Photo by Joseph Minjares
Prentice Inyard A long hard football season finally over. They had new coaches, new plays, and a new outlook on the season. Despite ending 0-9, the team still felt like it was a successful season. At the end of the season senior Khiry Crawford had to say, “I feel like this season was one of the hardest we worked for, and things just didn’t turn out the way we wanted it to. “Despite the record I think this year’s team was one of the best
Highland Park football teams I’ve seen in my four years. I’m just going to miss it like crazy” Senior Rashawn Baker said, “I felt like I learned a lot and we got way better.” When asked what he would have done different this season, Baker said, “Lift more weights and stay more dedicated.” The team is going to continue to work at becoming the best team they can be said senior LaZerrick Richardson.
Demarus Kelly runs for history
Picture by. Hannah Davis
Demarus Kelly Makes it to state Antwan Robbins The cross-country team ended by making history when freshman Demarus Kelley qualified for state. She is the first girl to qualify for state since 1991. This was also the first year Kelley has run crosscountry. “I’m proud of myself. This is something that I knew I could accomplish and this is only the beginning of my cross-country career,” Kelley said. To get ready for her competitions, Kelley ran about four miles on the weekends. Prior to this season, Kelley had run track, but never for distance. She was a sprinter.
She learned a lot from her cross country experience. “This sport is a mental sport not a physical sport. When I run I just stay focused.” Her secret to success is simple. “All you have to do in the sport is just run with your mind set that your going to finish the race strong,” Kelley said. Coach Freddy Maisberger said qualifying for state is a huge accomplishment. It’s hard to get a girl to go out for the sport but to get a state qualifier is something big, Maisberger said. “I’m very proud of her, she is really committed to the sport even though she’s only done the sport
for the first time,” he said. The rest of the cross country team finished strong as well. Two runners came up short. Juniors Will Gray and Dylan Walthall could have qualified for state. “Dylan came close. It was 48 seconds off, but Will just kind of fell off towards the end of the race, Maisberger said.” But overall Maisberger said the team had a great season. They ended on a record setting note. “I think the season went great. I wish there were more runners but I made things happen with the runners I had, Maisberger said.”
Looking Ahead
1. Highland Park Classic Dec. 3-5 (Basketball) 2. The Gardner Invitational Dec 5th (Wrestling) 3. Melvin Douglas Invitational Dec. 11th (Wrestling) 4. Paola Invitational Dec. 7th (Girls Basketball)
8 THE BAGPIPER • NOVEMBER 14, 2009
Atchison: the most haunted town in Kansas! Photos & Story by: Kira Southall
The Annie House is haunted by the ghost of a girl who died in its parlor.
This photo was taken in the living room of the Pet-Lovers house. A mysterious shape appears to the right of the candle.
The creaky stair case in the Annie House is delicate to a single touch. The Sallie House is haunted by the ghost girl who died during surgery.
Have you ever seen a ghost? Maybe communicated with one or been saved by one? Not many have had ghostly encounters, but several Atchison families have. In the town known as the most haunted in Kansas, you will find fright and unbelievable stories. A ghost known as the PetLovers Ghost peacefully haunts a family of three. The home owner once saw his dog perched up on his back legs, eyes closed as if his ears were being scratched. At another time the ghost led the owner down the stairs late at night by creating numerous sounds down to the basement. Melting plastic had fallen and landed onto a box and if it had not been found ahead of time, it quickly would have caught fire. The family still has the box of which is slightly burned where the plastic had once laid. Atchison has more than 15 haunted houses and a variety of haunted parks and pieces of land all over. The Atchison ghost tour is an hour long narrated tour that takes the visitors to 20 different haunted grounds and shares the many haunted events that have occurred and why it is haunted. First stop on the Atchison ghost tour, is the Atchison County History Museum. This landmark had numerous haunted artifacts on display, such as a haunted typewriter, old time coffins, and Ouija boards. The Atchison County History Museum alone, receives 30,000 visitors a year, who travel from, places such as Russia, South Africa, Australia, China, France, Ireland, and numerous other
countries. “It is interesting to see who and where people come from, all around the country
and hear what different people ask.” said volunteer, Verbena Siskey. “Not every day is the same.” Next stop, Jackson Park, which is full of twisty steep roads and hills, and is an easy place to get lost in. As a matter of fact, an elderly couple disappeared in Jackson Park this year. The legend with this haunted land is that a young girl, who had broken up with a long-term boyfriend, jumped to her death off of a cliff that now is filled in. Scared yet? The Sallie House is one of the most popular in Atchison. It is told that a young girl was to have surgery from an illness she had. Once she was medicated and put to sleep the doctor began working. With the first slice, she awoke and screamed at the doctor. With her last look of terror and anger she died. The Sallie House is owned and is home of a family today. The Annie House is yet another stop for most tourists. The owners of the house believe that the ghost they have encountered multiple times over the years is the daughter of the man
who had built this house for himself and his 16 children. The daughter died of scarlet fever when she was about the age of 12. The owners do not fear her nor have they had any frightening occurrence. They have however felt cold spots, heard the piano being played while no one was in the room, and even at one point while tutoring a neighbor’s child, the parlor room grew very cold and a bright lighted girl stood across from the owner and her guest. The two continued to work, trying not to frighten Annie away and after about a minute, she disappeared and the temperature returned to normal. This house has had 3000 visitors since the family has lived there. They do not mind the visitors and actually quite enjoy decorating the home just for the guest’s occasion. The Highland Park T.V. Production class took a trip to this haunted treat for a story. They achieved all they expected and much more. Sophomore Stacie Burch was the producer for this chosen story. One of TV Productions reporters is senior Joe Lillibridge. The trip itself excited Lillibridge because it was his biggest project so far. “I came to see if the rumors are true. Because I don’t believe it,” said Lillibridge. Although this trip didn’t seem to be able to change his mind set, it still had been an experience to remember.
Haunted Atchison Trolley Tours 200 S 10th Street Atchison, Kansas 66002 (913) 367-2427 (800) 234-1854 First Saturdays in May - August plus Fall evenings - reserve early. $14/person all ages. For more details visit the Web site: trolley@atchisonkansas.net