THE BAGPIPER
VOL. 57, ISSUE 5 / February 3, 2010
HOME OF THE SCOTS
2424 S.E. CALIFORNIA AVE. / TOPEKA, KANSAS
Flying High: Sgt Parker inspires cadets By Yara Arreola From the White House to Highland Park Senior Master Sergeant Joyce Parker is the new aerospace science and aviation instructor to freshman who are part of the Junior Air Force ROTC program after 24 ½ years in the United States Air Force. In the military Parker was in command and control. They are people who are in charge of emergencies and make action plans. In the White House she was a non-commission officer in charge of the Presidency Emergency Operator Center. There they insure not necessarily the President’s safety, but if something was to happen to the President what action they would take to keep the presidency secure. Parker said she became an AFJROTC instructor to give back to the youth and to model service and duty to the country. “It’s not very difficult to adapt
to teaching since in the military I taught soldiers,” Parker said. “The only big difference is the amount of discipline.” She taught soldiers from all the branches in the military how to structure union status reports. The reports are sent to the Pentagon to make war-time decisions. She says the hardest thing about her new job is getting her students to realize the importance of education and changing their behaviors for better education. She wants her students to get a sense of commitment, develop a purpose, and to focus in their futures. She dedicates about 14 hours a day to her job. She is also the instructor in charge of the unarmed drill team. Master sergeant Robert Thadison said, ” It’s been a joy and a pleasure to work with her. She is a welcomed fireball of energy.” Parker was born in Long Island, NY. She decided to join the United
States Air Force because she was working a dead-end job and wanted to get out of New York. She has traveled all across the United States and Europe. Some of the countries she has traveled to include Germany, France, England, Spain, Poland and Italy. In her spare time, Parker enjoys flying her own airplane. It’s a single engine four seat Beechcraft Plane. She flies three to four hour a week. She also enjoys reading and is very involved in her church. She also volunteers at the correctional facility. Every quarter four cadets from every grade level get selected as a “Cadet of the Quarter.” As a reward the cadets will get to experience flying with a round trip ticket to Atchison aboard Parker’s plane to visit the Amelia Earhart Museum.
THE HIGHLANDER Courtesy Photo
The freshmen ROTC instructor Master Sergeant Joyce Parker comes to Highland Park from a stint at the White House.
‘The Final’ chronicles students’ last days
By Kira Southall Speculation about the end of the world reached the tips of pens in Mr. Shawn O’Brien’s creative writing class last semester. Recent movies and theories about the end of the Myan calendar inspired this project. Each student was assigned to write a chapter of their last two weeks of life. The book was titled “The Final” and consists of about 35,000 words and 15 chapters. Each student is going to receive a copy of it all put together. Most students chose to write about the emotions they were going through, and the obstacles they chose to overcome in their last days. “We got to be creative about it,” said Senior Ashley Hanson. Along the way students had struggles that are different from one another, “I didn’t know when to stop or how to transition into an event and that was difficult because I wanted it to be simple to read and not confusing.” sophomore Staci
If you knew the world were going to end how would you spend your last days?
Burch said. Each student chose what their character was going through, the things that they wanted to do giving each chapter had its own personality. Burch wrote about a girl who struggled with the desire to have a baby and when she gets the chance too, there isn’t time left. On the other hand junior Morgan Andrews wrote about a girl who newly found love. Her character went through the emotion of having no control over her future and dreams and what was planned ahead. The student’s chapters were put into order for the book. Mr. O’Brien wrote the beginning chapter, and Mrs. Teri Walton wrote the ending chapter. The last chapter doesn’t go into much detail. There is a large white flash and its finished. “I loved the idea. The premise of the whole book,” said Walton.
Winter equipment to keep in your car
Snow brush - to brush off extra snow Ice scraper – to clear your windows Shovel – get rid of snow underneath wheels Bag sand or kitty litter – good to give it traction Windshield washer fluid – help keep your windshield clear Blanket and winter clothes – stay warm just in case Flash light – a source a light Jumper cables – in case your car does not start Candle and coffee can – a source of heat
HOME OF THE SCOTS
Winter Driving Be safe, drive smart By Prentice Inyard
Winter driving is not as easy as you think. Driving through the snow during these winter conditions requires a little bit of knowledge. Auto mechanics teacher Steve Atherly said, “Good tips for winter driving are to slow down, stay further behind other cars, don’t tail gate. Another tip is to lower the tire pressure, this allows the rubber to make better contact with the surface and that gives you better traction.” Mark Knernschield from California Tires said, “Most new cars have ABS which is a breaking system. This really helps you car stop in harsh conditions during the winter. I suggest you drive as fast as the weather allows. And four wheel drive is great but just like two wheel drive its worthless on ice so
Lataishla Fondal
Amber Edgett
Doralicia Fuentes
“I’d do all of the things I wanted to do.”
“Spend the rest of my time with the people I love.”
“Go to church.”
be careful.” Knernschield also said warming up your car before you leave is a great way to make you car last longer. Even in the summer warming the engine helps the car run more efficient. Two to four minutes in the winter will do you just fine and about one minute in the summer. Along with all the snow Topeka has been getting there are plenty of potholes that could damage your car. Potholes damage the tires, rims, suspension, and sometimes motor and transmission depending on how deep the pothole. It is now a law that you cannot sue the city for damages that potholes cause.
Alison Adams
“I would confess all of my secrets to everyone, and I’d let the person I’ve loved all my life know how I feel and hope that it’s works out. And if not, I won’t be mourning for much time.”
The Bagpiper 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. The Staff
Editor in Chief- Ta’Micka Cavitte News Editor- Jordyn Kelly Features Editor- Bianca Greenly Editorial EditorChristine Labrador Sports Editor- Antwan Robbins Business Editor- Kira Southall Web Master- Prentice Inyard Staff Reporter- Yara Arreola, D’Marco Smith Contributors: Taylor Childers & Jesenia Alcantara 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.
OPINION
FEBRUARY 3, 2010
• THE BAGPIPER 2
Book Review Teen novel deals with friend’s death By: Christine Labrador “Tears of a Tiger” by Sharon Draper is a must read book. It is the fictional story about a boy named Andy who deals with the death of his best friend Robert. Andy is a high school junior who plays on the Hazelwood High varsity basketball team. His best friend is Robert Washington, the most popular guy in school. The book takes places right after a basketball game in the locker room.
Living the Dream winners named The Living the Dream events of that took place from January 9 to January 18 made for several prize-winning Highland Park Scots. Scots took home prizes in several competitions held to celebrate the late civil rights
leader. Mr. and Mrs. Darting were awarded the Vivian Scales Education Award, which honors those who have given outstanding service to education. Seniors Ta’Micka Cavitte and Mashayla Ross received
the Living the Dream Scholarship for $1,000. Junior Isaiah Keith took home a second place win and a $75 prize in the poetry competition. Fred McDowell took home a $50 prize with a third place
To celebrate their victory, Andy and Robert, Tyrone, a teammate and BJ, a friend, decided to drive around while drinking a few beers. Not watching the road, Andy crashed into a wall and the car burst into flames, which caused the death of Robert. In the aftermath, Andy appears normal like nothing happened. He fools everyone except his girlfriend who knows better What happens towards the end just may shock you. Get
the book and find out what happens for yourself. If you like this book, check out the rest of the Hazelwood series “Forged by Fire” and “Darkness Before Dawn”. Both are books I recommend. Draper writes about issues related to teens. Also, stay tuned because this Draper will be coming to HP to speak to freshmen and sophomores on March 2.
win in the 11-12-grade essay competition.
Scholarship winners Mashayla Ross & Ta’Micka Cavitte celebrate with Principal Dale Cushinberry.
AtTENtion Number 1 School in Topeka
501 Driver’s Ed
First all color yearbook Come to room 219 and order your book before April 30th. Cost is $50.
FEBRUARY 3, 2010
By: Taylor Childers
• THE BAGPIPER 3
2009 most watched Youtube videos
Susan Boyle
Britain’s got talent
(120+ million views)
She defined the odds and Simon will never judge a book by its cover.
David after dentist
JK wedding entrance dance
New Moon trailer
Evian Roller babies
(37+ million views)
(33+ million views)
(31+ million views)
(27+ million views)
Child had been drugged to get stitches. The video shows the result after going to the dentist.
The bride, groom, bridesmaids, and groomsmen dance to the altar.
The preview of New Moon the Twilight saga introducing the new Jacob Black and the heart ache between Bella and Edward.
Babies roller blading and break dancing to promote bottled water.
Top 5 music videos Pitbull
“I know you want me”
Miley Cyrus “The climb”
Miley Cyrus
“Party in the USA”
The lonely Island
“I’m on a boat”
Keri Hilson
“Knock you down”
(82+ million views)
(64+ million views)
(54+ million views)
(48+ million views)
(35+ million views)
Mature- Pitbull dancing with ladies.
Miley Cyrus encourages to never give up.
Miley Cyrus at a rodeo/ country party.
Vulgar language- SNL song featuring T- Pain.
A love story that didn’t work out. Shows the heart ache of seeing her ex.
Money collected for Haitian relief efforts Due to the recent disaster in Haiti, countries from around the world are contributing towards the relief effort. Many schools and organizations are raising donations. Highland Park is among one of many schools who are participating. The goal is to collect between $50 to $100. The total collected so
far is $10. Mr. Fred Willer, Division Two social worker said, “If every student gave 50 cents then we would have $400 dollars.” The money will be contributed to the Red Cross. The donation box is open from January 19, through February the 5.
Character Of The Month December: Self Control Nominated by: PE Dept. Juan Cedillo Moreno Grade:9
Alex Haines Grade:10
Jeffrey Wilkins Grade:11
January: Punctuality Nominated by: Math Dept. Kennedy Simpson Grade:9
Vanessa Torres Grade:10
Ryan Strahler Grade:11
Luis Astorga
Rita Eldridge
Grade:12
Grade:12
ROTC Drill Competition Win The AFJORTC had an early start Saturday morning when they traveled to Nevada MO, Jan 23. Cadet Harvey Pickering and Ricky Escamilla won first place in Dual Exhibition. The armed regulation drill team one also won a trophy for 3rd place.
Capture the moment! Get a $5 photo package at the Winter Royalty Dance Saturday, Feb. 6 6 to 9 p.m. in the cafeteria
4 THE BAGPIPER • FEBRUARY. 3, 2010
Winter Royalty and the Candidates are..
KaNesha Mock and Fred McDowell
Jessica Ramsdell and Dezmond Ogles
Andrea’ Rhoiney and Russell Ortiz
& Q
QUEENS
How do you want to be remembered? “Outgoing funny hooper”
“The good kid that had fun”
“I was known as a shy girl but proved everybody wrong.”
A
“The one that was involved in everything and being me which is being real.”
“Kind, out going, funny and a caring person.”
The Winter Royalty Dance will be held Saturday February 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. Ticket costs are $5 for one person and $8 for couples. The last day to get your tickets and sign up people from other schools is Wednesday February 3. Sign up and get your tickets in the main office. It is a formal so dress to impress!!!
Jalen Boyd and Jesenia Alcantara
Makhala Giardina and Tyrell Carstarphen
KINGS
Who’s your hero and Why? “Steve Irwin he treated everybody with the same respect he would want and tried to help the world.”
“Batman, because he is the hero.”
“My dad because he inspires me to never give up and never quit.”
“Donkey Kong because he protects his friends.”
“Maiseberger because he is small and tough.”
FEBRUARY 3, 2010
Valentines Day Candy
The Lonely Hearts Club
By Jesenia Alcantara
If you’ve ever been like me lonely on V-day (again! AS ALWAYS!). What do you do? Luckily we have a guide for single people on V-day! Enjoy!
A dozen Roses
Top 7 things SINGLES can do on
Valentines Day.
Write down poetry or things you wished would happen
Visit family and make them feel the love
Chill with the girls/boys and just hang out Fight people for their Valentine
Pretend its not Valentines Day and just sleep
$25
Dinner for Two
Listen to sad/love songs
Sit at home throw candy in the air and catch it in your mouth
$15
$50
Being there for her and telling her you love her everyday...
PRICELESS
The Cycle of Love
By Jesenia Alcantara
• THE BAGPIPER 5
SPORTS 6 THE BAGPIPER • FEBRUARY 3, 2010
Wrestlers Fighting Till the End By D’Marco Smith Highland Park wrestling coach Freddy Maisberger is excited and surprised with the performance of his wrestling squad so far this season. Maisberger said, “I’m surprised with how sophomores Dakota Cott and Jarron Ogles are wrestling. They are performing very well, and I’m happy and surprised with Lizvette Sanchez and how she has not quit the team. And we are a little surprised that Xavier Barksdale has moved to Pittsburg, but we are going to work around it.” At the Bonner Spring Invitational senior Dylan Flowers and Ogles took fourth place in the 140-weight class and 171-weight class, and senior Tyrell Carstarphen took first. At the Topeka High Invita-
tional all of the varsity wrestlers placed in the top four, except for Terry Greeno in the 152-weight class took first place. On January 20 the Scots wrestlers had a Triangle Dual with Topeka West, and Hayden High School, beating Hayden 42-36, and beating Topeka West 59-36. On January 23 the varsity wrestlers traveled to Paola for its invitational with Flowers who took fourth place and Ogles also took fourth place. On January 28 the Scots will be in another Triangle Dual with Rossville High and Ottawa High. January 30 the Scots will be traveling to Junction City for a varsity tournament, which is the toughest tournament before state.
Sophomore Terry Greeno battles his opponent in the152-weight class.
Jarron Ogles getting back points
Photo By: Hannah Davis
Twan Talks Sports By Antwan Robbins
Professional sports are starting to get boring. Athletes in the league just go through the motions but the college athletes are more exciting to watch because they are working harder to get to the league. For example Freshman guard John Wall for Kentucky University The defending Super Bowl champs the Pittsburg Steelers didn’t make it to the playoffs this year. They had disappointing loses to the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Oakland Raiders C’mon now, these were the worst teams in the NFL and you lose to them. The Steelers were the defending Super Bowl champs they are supposed to make it to the playoffs. Mark McGuire and the whole steroid issue. Why are you now coming out about it when you should of came out in 1998 when you were
Runnin’ Scots battle Trojans, Win fourth tourney title
DaVonte Grant shoots a free throw in a packed house against Topeka High.
By: Antwan Robbins The Scots defeated the Lawrence Lions in the Championship round of the Topeka Invitational Tournament 68-50. The Runnin’ Scots have won their forth consecutive Topeka Invitational Tournament. Freshman guard Jamon Fulton who scored a game and career 16 points that surprised the Scots in the victory. In the second round the Scots bounced back in the second half to pull out a 50-45 victory against the Trojans. The highlight of that night was when sophomore center DJ Johnson went up and put in a dunk tip, which also was game changer and gave the Scots the energy to pull out the victory. Junior guard AJ Downing led the team with 13 points. The Scots defeated KC Washington in the first round of the Topeka Invitational Tournament 7145. Senior forward Jalen Boyd led the team with a game high of 21
points. They received a helpful 14 points form senior guard DaVonte Grant. In the second round they will face our arch rivals Topeka High with the season series tied at 1-1. The Runnin’ Scots basketball team is looking to rebound after a stunning lost to our cross-town rivals the Trojans. It was the first time Topeka High defeated the Scots since 2002. The team stands with a solid 9-2 record and 4-1 record in Centennial League play. They stand second in League and City. The team is has a lot of pressure on their backs, to get back in the state tournament, and win their fourth state tournament. “Right now as a team we just want to stay focused and continue to win games,” Downing said. Grant leads the team with 14.9 points a game. He is helped by Boyd who is averaging 11 points a
Photos By: Ta’Micka Cavitte
Shaka Thomas puts the pressure on Trojan forward Onzay Branch
game also. “As a team we doing good but we have a lot of areas to work on if we think we can get back in the state playoffs.” Downing said. He is the third leading scorer with averaging 7.9 points a game, and 5.4 assist a game. “Right now we have a lot of things to improve.” Coach Ken Darting said. He was happy with the performance his team showed in the tournament. January 29 the Scots will face the Washburn Rural Jr. Blues the only team that defeated the Scots last year.
Athletes of The Month
taking them then? If it were Barry Bonds the MLB would be on his case forever until he would come out and tell them he took steroids. The New Jersey Nets with the worst record in the NBA. With a 3-37 record that is horrible. A record like this it tells you that they go out there and don’t even try. They shouldn’t even receive they pay check for playing and having a record like that “C’mon now”. The Indianapolis Colts will face the New Orleans Saints in the 2010 Super Bowl. These two teams led the NFL in scoring and yards per game. It was long journey for the two teams they both have the two best quarterbacks in the NFL right now. Drew Brees threw over 4, 000 yards and 30 touchdowns. Peyton Manning who was the NFL MVP of the year with more than 4,500 passing yards and 30 touchdowns.
Photo By: Bianca Greenly
Tyrell Carstarphen for athlete of the month
WRESTLING: Tyrell Carstarphen, with an 11-0 record and ranked first in the city and ninth in the state at 130 pound weight class. He took first at the Ottawa Invitational and the Dick Burns Mat Classic. Out of his 11 wins seven of them were pins and two other were tech falls.
Photo By: Ta’Micka Cavitte
DaVonte Grant is catching his breath.
BOYS BASKETBALL: DaVonte Grant, he leads the team in scoring with 14.9 points a game. He scored a season high 25 points in the games against Junction City and Topeka High.
Photo By: Jordyn Kelly
Andrea Rhoiney drives the lane to score
GIRLS BASKETBALL: Andrea Rhoiney, she leads the team in scoring averaging 11 points a game and six rebounds. The last few games she is averaging almost 12 points and six rebounds.
FEBRUARY 3, 2010
• THE BAGPIPER 3
LADY SCOTS PUTTING IN WORK AND SEEING RESULTS By: Jordyn Kelly
With a league record 3-3 and an overall record 5-5, the Highland Park girl’s basketball team has surprised everyone. The Scots team has definitely been on a roll this season.
The Scots biggest weakness is coming together and playing hard on both ends of the court. Also being dedicated to the game and the team has been a great factor in the team’s losses and wins.
The last victory was against Topeka West with a score of 85-53 with junior Ashley Lutz scoring the game high of 19 points. The last lost was against Washburn Rural 46-53 with Deyvn Edwards scoring a substantial 22 points.
“Little things, like being on time to practice and working hard help win games,” said Lutz.
Overall the team has improved their assist to turnover ratio. Individually each girl has better ball skills and the goal is to play a lot in practice while keeping the focus on vision decisions. “It’s like we win every other game,” said senior Jasmine Kingcannon.“It’s certainly better than last year.”
Senior Kanesha Mock said the team is doing a lot better than the past seasons. They have done a lot to help improve their skills and prepare for the season. They worked really hard during the summer and conditioning was a great benefit to the team. “We didn’t really have no set goals, more of it was just to have a successful year and for everyone to play better,” said senior Andrea Rhoiney.
Coach Baird said the team spent a lot of time in the weight room working on core strength. Each player also shot 1500 free throws in which resulted in improvement in their shots and confidence at the line. Baird believes the team has a lot of potential, and a lot of weakness. For now the focus is one day at a time. They play basketball for fun, but also keep it competitive. Their next step is to work on execution. “While the job does have it’s challenges, I would never quit or give up because the desire to succeed and to see the girls succeed outweighs everything else”, said Baird. “Plus the job is so much fun!” The Scots will play Seaman at Highland Park February 5 and Manhattan at Highland Park February 9.
Kanesha Mock looking to make a pass.
Shanice Brooks with the shot over the defender.
HPHS Top 5 Sports Stories of 2009 By: Antwan Robbins
5. Demarus Kelley becoming the first girl to qualify for state in cross-country.
4. Tyrell Carstarphen placed sixth at the wrestling state tournament. 3. Rashawn Baker placed second in the 100-meter race at the Kansas state track meet. 2. The big melee between Topeka High and Highland Park during the football game, which drew a lot of bad attention to the football program, and Highland Park itself.
1. The Runnin’ Scots winning their third straight basketball state championship, with a last second shot by then senior forward Michael Copeland.
Starmites
8 THE BAGPIPER • FEBRUARY 03, 2010
By: Kira Southall Starmites is out of this world, literally. It starts out with an earth girl Eleanor, wishing she were in a comic book series that she is obsessed with. Her mother is upset that her daughter is too involved with the series to be living in real life. Eleanor is packing up her comic books when Space Punk, leader of the Starmites, appears calling to her by the name of Milady. From that point, Eleanor and the Starmites embark on an adventure to inner space. Along the way they come across a lizard who was once loyal to the evil Shak Graa. They decide to let the lizard tag along as they seek out Shriekwood Forest where Diva and her six Banshees are in control and hold the all powerful Cruelty. When confronted with the Diva and her Banshees,
the Starmites are powerless and Diva decides to spare their lives if Space Punk marries her daughter. Space Punk first agrees and then declines, because of his love for Eleanor. Diva decides to put a spell on her daughter to make her appear as Eleanor, and to marry her to Space Punk. As things begin to set in place with the marriage ceremony, Shak Graa appears to capture Milady and steals the Cruelty. Diva is devastated when her daughter is captured in the place of Milady. As Space Punk discovers Eleanor is safe and alive they set out after Shak Graa who mistakenly has thrown Diva’s daughter to the dark spirits. Shak Graa instantly realizes his mistake as Eleanor appears with Space
Punk. He uses the Cruelty on Space Punk about four times to where he is near death, and Space Punk and Eleanor confess their love for one another. After defeating Shak Graa with the power of Milady. The almighty spirit speaks through Maligna, one of the Banshees. It is then discovered that, Diva’s daughter was sent to the earth world in place of Eleanor and Eleanor has the choice to stay or return. With a glance towards Space Punk, Eleanor decides her destiny is to remain in inner earth with the starmites Space Punk and Eleanor celebrate with a simple kiss as everyone cheers. Then Eleanor get the most shocking surprise, she wakes up.
Cast List
Eleanor-Demarus Kelley Space Punk-Isiah Keith Herbie-Josh Litscher Dazzle-Matthew Miller Ack Ack-Jarod Lange Chico-Will Muldrow Tiko-Cameron Brooks Shak Graa- Scott Kickhaefer Diva-Teri Walton Balbraka-Carlie Klingman Canibelle-Staci Burch Maligna-Taylor Childers Beelzebabe-Lataisha Fondal Lucifera-Alison Adams Tormentia-Ally Dresch Droids-Isaiah Gardenhire, Spenser Johnson. Lizard-Scott Kickhaefer
Eleanor and Space Punk
The Notorious Banshees
Shak Graa
The Diva and her daughter
Canibelle and Maligna
Diva Lucifera scares the life out of Dazzle. Space Punk
Diva’s Daughter Starmites scream in terror at the sound of Cruelty
Ack Ack
The Lizard
Eleanor Prisoner of the Diva