Bagpiper Issue 6

Page 1

THE BAGPIPER

VOL. 57, ISSUE 6 MARCH 22,2010

HOME OF THE SCOTS 2424 S.E. CALIFORNIA AVE. / TOPEKA, KANSAS

Sharon Draper visits HP Author visits as part of Ron Farrell lecture series By Kira Southall Award winning author Sharon Draper came and spoke to an estimated 1,500 students on March 2 as part of the second-annual Ron Farrell lecture series. Draper came on the invitation of Academy English teacher Juli Hutchinson. “A lot of my students loved her books and her writing,â€? said Hutchinson. Even students, who didn’t necessarily like reading, read her books and liked them. Sharon Draper has written 30 books in just 15 years time. Her Ă€UVW ERRN ZULWWHQ LQ ZDV “Tears of a Tigerâ€? which is still being read by youths today. Draper was requested sometime last year, and in her speech she explained that a school request is always complied with, but the wait is long enough to make an impression. In her visit to Highland Park she

kept her audiences engaged in four presentations throughout the day, with her creativity and sense of humor. During her assembly, she even pulled a few students out of the audience and had them participate in role-playing to explain her book theme. “To write a book you have to read a book. You have to like reading,� Draper advised. “I don’t want to discourage you but if you want to be a writer you have to keep writing. Type it up and take it to a teacher that isn’t your teacher and say your friend wrote it and get their opinion.� Visitors from Eisenhower, Jardine, Seaman, Topeka High, and many other schools also came to hear her speech. This professional author is also a high school English teacher in Ohio. She says her inspiration comes from teenagers from

different backgrounds. Rather then preach about the wrongs and rights for teens today she’d rather let them take the knowledge from the characters in her books. Draper has won numerous amounts awards for her teaching DQG KHU ERRNV +HU Ă€UVW ERRN received awards by ALA Best Book for Young Adults, and American Library Association/Coretta Scott King Genesis Award, and best book of the year by Children’s Book Council for Social Studies along with many other awards. Draper believes it is about time for one of her books to be made into a movie, and hopes one day one will. She said if she were to choose she’d have one of her trilogies made into a motion picture. Her next book, “Out of my mindâ€? is coming out soon.

THE HIGHLANDER Author Sharon Draper visited Highland Park March 2.

HOME OF THE SCOTS

Big changes, big opportunities Singer dispels rumors of school closings, outlines vision for future By Ta!Micka Cavitte More than 100 community members came to the school in two meetings over spring break worried that the school was going to close. Superintendent Dr. Kevin Singer was quick to dispel the rumors. “There are no plans that exist on closing schools,� he said. Instead, he said that plans are being drafted for “creating the new and improved Highland Park for the 21st century and beyond� The school has until May 1 to create a plan in order to apply for federal grant money of $50,000 to $2 million. “It’s in our hands to do something right now and do something unbelievable,� Singer said. “I’ve never seen this opportunity in 32 years in education.� It was recently announced that Highland Park was ranked the sixth worst school in the state based on test scores according to the Kansas

Department of Education and that meant very big changes were to come. Despite the fact that Highland Park has made great progress with test scores over the past 10 years, reading and math scores have yet to meet the required standards. The school was given four options for the future. 7KH ÀUVW RSWLRQ ZDV FORVLQJ WKH school and allowing the students to transfer to other area schools. 7KH VHFRQG LQFOXGHG ÀULQJ DOO RI the administrators and half of the teaching staff. Because teachers are contracted through USD 501, that would mean VKXIà LQJ WHDFKHUV EHWZHHQ WKH various district schools. Principal Dale Cushinberry announced his retirement a month prior to the Kansas Dept. of Education’s decision so he is not affected by the ruling.

The third option was closing Highland Park and opening a charter school. 7KH ÀQDO RSWLRQ ZKLFK WKH ERDUG and school are behind, involves transforming the school into a model that has worked in other parts of the country. The school has one month to come up with a plan to transform the school and gain board approval at the April 15 meeting. The plan includes applying for a federal grant to make the changes by May 1. The transformation model comes with requirements that include removing the current principal, setting up an evaluation system for teachers and principals, which takes into account student growth, implementing merit-based rewards for teachers who help students achieve and removing those who have not increased student

achievement. Singer said he sees this as an opportunity to rethink what public education is all about. A committee of about 25 teachers and staff worked over spring break to gather information about programs that work in other parts of the country. Student and community input ZLOO EH VRXJKW WR ÀQG WKH EHVW model for Highland Park. Singer said he had some dreams of what HP could look like including computers for every VWXGHQW à H[LEOH VFKRRO KRXUV IRU working students, offering college credits in high school, online classes, a tutoring center and adult education classes. One of the biggest questions from community members was what happens to the school if the grant is not approved. Singer said there is a chance we

could apply again next year, but WKH PRQH\ LV JLYHQ RQ D Ă€UVW FRPH basis. The school will still move forward with needed reforms, but the future is a little more uncertain. Compounding the problem of low test scores is the district budget. The money just isn’t there for the schools; things are very tight within the state’s overall budget due to decreased tax revenue in the state. USD 501 has an annual budget of $120 million and Singer and the school board have to decrease WKH EXGJHW E\ DERXW PLOOLRQ because the district faces a budget VKRUWIDOO EHWZHHQ PLOOLRQ WR million. The hardest part of the process is realizing that there is no “bad stuff,â€? to cut, Singer said. Everything is important to someone. See: Budget page 5

Students injured in separate accidents

By Ta!Micka Cavitte Life can change in the blink of an eye. Two Highland Park students learned that lesson the hard way last month in two separate injury resulting car accidents. 2Q )HE DW DERXW D P VHQLRU Samantha Blanton was in an injury resulting accident that would change her life. When making a left turn into RQFRPLQJ WUDIÀF RII RI th and Randolph, after purchasing doughnuts at the Kwik Shop before taking her boyfriend to work, Blanton was t-boned directly in the her driver’s side door. Blanton suffered a fractured pelvis and two broken vertebrates

in the lower back. She underwent surgery and two metal rods were inserted to restructure her pelvic bone. She was hospitalized at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City for several days before being released with no mobility for six weeks. ´ ,W¡V UHDOO\ GLIĂ€FXOW , FDQ¡W ZDON until maybe after my six-week check up when I can hopefully start rehab,â€? Blanton said. “I can’t cheer or really do much of anything for myself at this point.â€? Blanton’s day consists of being FRQĂ€QHG WR D KRVSLWDO EHG QHHGLQJ help with everything, and being in pain from time to time.

“I’m lucky to be alive; I could have died and they say it was a rare case that it was good for me not to have on my seatbelt.� Blanton encourages everyone to drive safe and be cautious. Everyone who visits hears the words “Be safe� as they leave. Blanton admits that while recovering from her injuries she feels depressed but knows she can make it through this. Blanton currently uses a wheelchair; she gets in the chair by sliding across a board supported by someone it takes about three minutes. It can be uncomfortable and she can’t stay in the chair for

long periods of time. “I have so much respect for handicapped people, they are strong. They have to be mentally, emotionally, and physically. “It’s time like this that you realize who really cares for you and who’s real.� 2Q )HE VRSKRPRUH 9LFWRU Medlock was hit by a car in front of Highland Park while crossing California Street. Victor suffered a broken ankle, busted knee cap, fractured tibia and was checked for neck and spinal injuries. He underwent surgery on his leg. Principal Dale Cushinberry

visited Victor in the hospital on February 25 and updated staff that his surgery went well and the hospital determined he had no spinal injuries and he would start physical therapy soon. Victor was due to be released from Stormont-Vail hospital on 0DUFK DQG LV WR UHWXUQ WR VFKRRO after spring break on March 22. He has a full leg cast on his right leg and a leg brace on the other. He WRR MXVW DV %ODQWRQ LV FRQĂ€QHG WR wheelchair and has had to make life adjustments. Attempts to reach Medlock were unsuccessful.

MARCH 22, 2010 ‡ 7+( %$*3,3(5

OPINION

The Bagpiper Spring sports practices put on The Bagpiper is hold as KSHSAA rules enforced WKH RIĂ€FLDO VWXGHQW 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 ChiefTa!Micka Cavitte News EditorJordyn Kelly Features EditorBianca Greenly Editorial EditorChristine Labrador Sports EditorAntwan Robbins Staff ReportersPrentice Inyard Yara Arreola, D!Marco Smith Kira Southall Adviser: Heather Hooper

By: Jordyn Kelly One day some of my soccer teammates and I were in the gym hall for soccer conditioning, when we were approached by athletic director Colin Cathy. He informed us that if he caught us practicing before March 1st he would turn us in to KSHSAA (Kansas State High School Athletic Association). When he came up to us, I felt angry and really confused. I wanted to take this a step further. I wanted to look between the lines and see why this rule is enforced. I just think it is really unnecessary to have a set time when a team is able to practice. Even though Cathy seems a bit strict when it comes to this, in reality I do know he is only doing his job. The KSHSAA soccer rules and regulations handbook states that

practice shall not begin for girls prior to Monday of standardized calendar week # 35. In other words the girls can!t start practice with their coach until a certain date. Which means no use of balls around the coach whatsoever. Don!t get me wrong, this goes for softball, baseball, football, and basketball. I am not just speaking for soccer, but I!m talking for every sport. My personal opinion is it!s unfair. The reason I say this is because what is the harm in practicing a couple weeks before actual season, especially if we have a game right around the corner? To add insult to injury rumors are that the other high schools had already started practicing with their coach. “It isn!t okay some schools just break the

rules,� said Cathy. I totally understand that, and the last thing I want is Highland Park girl!s soccer team to add fuel to WKH ÀUH , -XVW GRQҋW JHW how preparing to have a great season contributes to breaking some silly KSHSAA guidelines. I don!t recommend rule breaking at any cost, but I do highly stand for equal rights. If other schools are doing it, then Highland Park should be able to as well. There!s a lot the soccer team needs to work on this year, and that!s not going to happen in a matter of days. We need weeks, and though we will eventually get our time yet it would KDYH EHQHÀWHG XV ZD\ more if we could have just started earlier. I guess we will just have to see how this soccer season turns out for Highland Park.

Spring Break Special Get your yearbook by March 31 & Save $5. Come to order your book in Room 219.

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 8QLĂ€HG 6FKRRO 'LVWULFW 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.

First ALL COLOR Yearbook

Letters to the Editor My roots run deep in Highland Park. My grandfather bought the house my mother lives in when California Avenue was just a dirt road in the country. Highland Park wasn’t a part of the city then. He raised dogs and provided a Scottie mascot back before we were the Scotsmen. My parents both graduated from Highland Park. My dad played both football and basketball for the “Scotties� and my mom was a cheerleader and the drum major for the marching band. I graduated in 1972 with a class of 410 students. I sang in Scots Singers and had the lead in the musical. Highland Park had a big part in making me who I am today on many different levels. “Park Pride� isn’t just something that is printed on my t-shirt. It is my life. Highland Park was built on families. There are students

here who, like myself, are the third generation to attend Highland Park. My grandfather used to tell everyone, “keep your money in the Park.â€? He believed that if there was a store in the Park selling what you need, you should spend your money here. There are traditions here at Highland Park that are important. I will always stand for the school song. It is MY school and I’m proud to say so. We have lived through JURZWK UDFH ULRWV Ă€UHV Ă XFWXDWLQJ VWXGHQW VL]H racial diversity, bad reputation and low test scores. We have triumphed with sports, academics, racial diversity and school pride. I AM proud to be a Scot. It is a GREAT school. You should be proud to be a Scot. We’re all in this together, hand in hand and heart to heart. It is great to be a Scot. Ms Teri Walton

When I heard about them maybe shutting down our school my heart sank. This is where all my family has gone and I want all of my kids to go here. Here is where my family is. Not just any family but my basketball family. We are all tied together through this even though we come from different backgrounds. Our coach, Coach Darting, has been a very SRVLWLYH IDWKHU ÀJXUH WR DOO of us. He not only teaches us about the game we love. He also teaches about life. If it wasn’t for basketball I don’t know if I would even come to school. I would probably end up like most of my friends and family. That’s either dead, a father, or in jail somewhere. I could go play somewhere else but there is not a coach like Coach Darting. Also Highland Park keeps us kids

involved with our parents. It makes us all family. There’s not a little kid that does not want to be part of what we have here at Highland Park. They look at us and see what we are doing out there on that court and they believe in us. They just think we are the best thing ever. If they take this school away from us, I don’t know what we will do or where we will end up. This will stick with us for the rest of our life. We will never be the same as individuals. I just can’t say enough about how much this school means to me. “Park Pride� is not only a saying; it is also a way of life. It is how we live and what we stand for. So please don’t take that life away from us. Tre’Vell Luarks

I am a 15 year old junior attending Highland Park; I transferred from Topeka West after freshman year. My initial reasoning for transferring had nothing to do with the academics, and from what I could understand Highland Park has always had a poor reputation around town which is frightening to an outsiders’ point of view. 0\ ÀUVW \HDU KHUH , ZDV showered with attention from staff and students, because of my age. I have always been the type to keep to myself, and the intellectuals that attend this school really helped to bring me out of my shell. I was always just another face in the crowd at Topeka West. Contrary to the beliefs of many, Highland Park offers pretty much the same curriculum as Topeka West, honors classes included.

There may be more people in the honors classes there but that means nothing, I’ve been in the classrooms with some of the best from both schools and to be honest we’re all equally intelligent. Taking nothing away from all the wonderful staff and students at Topeka West, I feel that I’ve been able to grow from all of the learning experiences at Highland Park. I will be 16 years old next year when I graduate, and the counselors have found a way for me to get my LPN by the time I get my high school diploma. They’re opening so many doors for not only me but countless others, it’s impossible to say that Highland Park is an inadequate school. Seeing “how I got there from here� will be impossible if “here� is no longer around. -Aliyah Durant

March 22, 2010 ‡ 7+( %$*3,3(5

)% 3DJH 'UDZV 6XSSRUWHUV By: Yara Arreola As rumors began circulating about closing Highland Park, one Scot took matters into her own hands. Danielle Jones, junior, began a fan page on Facebook titledâ€? Keep Highland Park High School A 9-12! Please Join To Save Our School!â€? She wrote, “The rumor is that Highland Park is going to be turned into a city-wide Freshman Academy because of the success HP has had with it. The school district is having trouble with budgeting and they are closing many schools and changing others.â€? So far the page has accumulated 1,183 fans. Jones said she was mainly wanting current students to join the group. She wanted to get out the message that she loves HP. She did not think she would get that many alumni to join as well. The fans include teachers, alumni, friends of students and even people that are planning to attend Highland Park. The idea of creating the group came from watching the news about possible school closings on T.V -RQHV VDLG ´$W Ă€UVW , WKRXJKW LW ZDV D MRNH EXW ZKHQ , KHDUG LW around school then the news kinda PDGH LW RIĂ€FLDO , WKLQN Âľ The news made Jones feel both angry and upset because she doesn’t want such a “awesomeâ€? school to change and upset that students don’t even get a say in the decisions.

Most of the comments on the page are very supportive of Highland park. Some alumni write about their memories at HP. Here are some comments posted on the page. James Miller: ´, ZHQW WR 7RSHND +LJK EXW , YRWH WR VDYH +LJKODQG Park. At THS there was no bigger rivalry than HP. Basketball, Football, Volleyball, Wrestling, (7& ,I WKLV LV FKDQJHG DFFRUGLQJ to the rumor it will destroy the great rivalry in Topeka.....Let’s vote to change Topeka West...lol.â€? Sarah Hall: “This is very distressing. This is completely insane and will not work! How can bussing kids all over the city help any of the education issues? Bigger class sizes will not help the issues. Besides 501 doesn’t bus over middle school anyways. HP Pride 05.â€? Kimberlee Main Munoz: â€?HPHS was my 4th school...being D PLOLWDU\ EUDW , KDG VHHQ PDQ\ VFKRROV , KDYH WR VD\ WKDW E\ IDU , HQMR\HG +3 WKH PRVW %HVLGHV the females with attitude and ego LVVXHV , KDG WKH EHVW \HDUV DW +3 Hopefully this won’t come to pass HP is a great asset to icky little Topeka KS.â€? Jones posted on the site: “You guys are amazing. Thanks for all the support and consideration for Highalnd Park. This may not be the solution for the problem but at least it shows that we care what happens to our community and our school.â€?

Danielle Jones a junior that started the Facebok group to keep Highland Park a 9-12 school.

Character Of The Month February:Resourcefulness nominated by: Special Education Dept. By:Yara Arreola

Spencer Johnson

Grade:9

Samantha Tabor

Grade:10

Spring play takes on Shakespeare By:Yara Arreola

´$V <RX /LNH ,WÂľ LV DERXW D JLUO who pretends to be a guy to get a guy. This play inspired the popular Ă€OP ´6KH LV WKH 0DQ Âľ

to change the language from the modern language to a usage of more slang language but the cast decided to stick with just the modern version.

Mrs. Terri Walton was selected to go to a Shakespearian class at K-State, which helped her with an understanding of Shakespeare both on the classroom and on stage.

Walton wants the kids to get a better understanding of Shakespeare’s ability to play with ZRUGV :DOWRQ VD\V ´, WKLQN LWV going to be really fun.â€?

Walton said that rehearsal so far is going really good the language has been modernized so that the audience will be able to understand it better. Walton said her favorite part was that the cast had an option

There is not really a purpose to the play other than just a love story. The audience will be on stage to achieve a more intimate setting. Opening night will be on April 8-10 at 7:00 p.m.

Cast List: Cody Hansmeier

Grade:11

Taylor Childers

Edward: Austin Gwinn Frederick: Fred McDowell Orlando: Josh Litscher Rosalind: Staci Burch Oliver: Jarod Lange Celia:Allyson Dresch Buddy:,VDLDK *DUGHQKLUH Audrey: Trenese Wheeler Sean:Will Muldrow Phoebe: Antwanique Peppers

Jack:Dominique Stamps Father Jude: Cameron Brooks Anna:Amanda Ward Cora:Zhane Evans Dana:Mayshala Ross Women’s Understudy (all parts):Christine Labrador Stage Manager: Matthew Miller

Grade:12

Art Students Showcase Their Work Students from got a chance to display their own art work March 5 at the Topeka Art Guild’s event for the Marian Clinic’s “Share Your Heart� and the First Friday Art Walk. Other High Schools were invited to display as well.The artwork is on display through the end of March at the Art Guild, in the Fairlawn Plaza. The participating artists included:

Alesian Bolden Angelica Baldwin Anthony Harris Apolonio Cardona Chrtistian Ortiz Cierra Sommers Danielle Jones DaShayla White ,HVKD 1DQFH Jesenia Alcantara Jessica Cohee Samantha Blanton

Joseph Elrod Junior Soto Marissa Bass 0LFKHDO 1DQFH Myrissa Bingham Pablo Rentana Shelby Frye Tony Pham Dezmond Ogles Adrian Rentana

Forensics Update Dylan Wathall -Feb 5 @Washburn Rural won 4th place in student senate -Feb 20 @Santa Fe Trail won 2nd place in Oratory ZKLFK TXDOLĂ€HG KLP IRU VWDWH and also 3rd in informative -March 5 @Topeka West he won 5th place Josh Johnston Jan 29 @ Shawnee Heights won 2nd place in student congress Isiah Keith & Demarus Kelley Feb 20 @ Santa Fe Trail won 4th place in duet acting Michael Murdock Feb 27@ Olatha won 8th place

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March 22, 2010 ‡ 7+( %$*3,3(5

Say cheese no longer! go off memories. “That’s why I take pictures and give them to students free of charge so they can have memories to cherish.â€? Before Banks started his photography career he worked for the city, He was in public transportation for 34 years and retired in 1998. He started a photography business shooting weddings. Over the last 30 years Banks has attended about 450 weddings and has taken DERXW UROOV RI Ă€OP DW HDFK RQH Banks was born in Topeka in 1934 and has been taking pictures for about 35 years overall.

“My wife bought me a little 35 millimeter camera and I went to Vo-tech and took night classes to learn how to take photos and learned different techniques,â€? , Banks said. Even though he is a Topeka High graduate of 1952 he stays faithful to Highland Park. Banks has two grandkids currently attending Highland Park, who are junior Amir Peppers and freshman Antwanique Peppers, but over the years has had eight other grandkids come to Highland Park. Banks has eight children, LQFOXGLQJ Ă€YH VWHS FKLOGUHQ

Prentice Inyard

Long time photographer Charles Banks retires

By Prentice Inyard Say Cheese! You can catch photographer Charles Banks at any major Highland Park event with a smile on his face capturing every moment with his camera. For the past 20 years, Banks has taken photos at events such as Homecoming, Winter Royalty, and Prom. Banks goes through about WKUHH UROOV RI Ă€OP DW D +LJKODQG Park event; each roll contains 36 shots. Banks said, “ When I went to school they didn’t have someone take pictures of us so when I try to tell my kids and grandkids about what I did in high school I have no photos to show them. So I have to

Photographer Charles Banks retires after 20 years of snapping photos

‘27 Dresses’ more like 27 Quinces Junior Alecia Arizpe helps friends with quinceanera choreography By Christine Labrador Next to your wedding day, a quinceanera is the most important day of a Latina’s life. Planning the perfect day takes PRQWKV RI SODQQLQJ IURP Ă€QGLQJ the reception place, buying the dress to choreographing a dance. With all the madness going on you might need some suggestions or help getting all the things together. Junior Alecia Arizpe is the girl to ask. “I have done quite a few Quinceaneras, around 27,â€? said Arizpe. “I had a lot a friends that have had quinces and they asked me, plus, I love to dance. So I said yes.â€? Arizpe helps organize the quinceaneras with the help of her mother. She choreographs dances for the court. The dances are usually

durangueses or cumbias, which originated from Mexico. Rehearsing for these dances takes from one to three hours. “The hardest part of practicing is getting the girls to practice. Usually, they either don’t arrive or they just want to hang out,� said Arizpe. A quinceanera is a Hispanic tradition when a girl makes a transition from a little girl to a young lady when she turns 15. Originally the girl was called the quinceanera and the celebration was named after her. The ceremony takes a whole day to proceed, starting with the mass where the priest blesses the girl. Afterwards, in the evening is the dinner. Ending the night with the party where there is a tradition that the court, which usually 14

girls and the quinceanera, do a few dances. A special part of the ceremony is when the girl’s low-heeled shoes are exchanged for high heels. It’s the symbolic change of growing from a little girl to a young woman. One of the quinces Arizpe participated was her own. Unfortunately during her quince her grandfather was very sick. Thankfully, some people arrived at the party and took her to go see him and her grandmother. At her quince there were many memorable moments including one ZKHUH WKH\ FRXOGQ¡W Ă€QG KHU KLJK heels for her dance. Another was dancing with her father where she cried, of course, but she eventually pulled it together. “I’m grateful that I had it, I expected it to be bigger but I loved

it with or without more people,â€? said Arizpe. Arizpe’s closet looks like the movie “27 Dresses,â€? with so many different styles and colors of dresses. From the worst dress to the best dress, Arizpe describes why both where named worst and best. “The worst dress is too busy, a lot JRLQJ RQ LW GLG QRW Ă DWWHU P\ VKDSH and it was really hard to dance in. 7KH EHVW GUHVV Ă DWWHUV P\ VKDSH , ORYH WKH FRORU DQG LW¡V Ă RZ\ ZKLFK you can dance in,â€? said Arizpe Arizpe plans to continue helping with the Quinces and choreographing. She doesn’t know the date of her next quinceanera, but there are many more to come.

Budget talks & proposed cuts

Continued from page 1 ´:H KDYH WR Ă€JXUH RXW KRZ ZH can all cut back a little bit,â€? Singer said. In addition, Singer said USD 501 has seen decreases in enrollment over the last ten years. Highland Park’s enrollment has gone down about 100 students. Overall the district has lost 1,700 high schoolers, mostly to outlying school districts, since the 1970s. Declining enrollments and tight budgets force the school board to consider closing and consolidating

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schools. Singer said there are no plans to close schools in the next year, but options will be presented to the public in meetings over the summer. If that means combining two schools and saving $500,000 rather than laying off 10 teachers, the best decision has to be made, Singer said. Consolidation is very realistic, when is a different story. Decisions on consolidations will EH ÀQDOL]HG LQ 6HSWHPEHU RI WKH

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upcoming school year. A group composed of taxpayers, teachers, students and community members made a list of proposed budget cuts, which is prioritized from numbers one to 139, roughly totaling about $20 million. Finalized decisions will be made in June, when the Legislature is out. Last year the district made about $3 million or $4 million dollars in cuts, and $2 million more in December, there are more proposed cuts for April and May. And state

aid payments are currently being delayed. Singer said that he’s been through cycles of tough times, but he tries to keep in mind that for students this year is all that they have. “This is not a cycle for students. We as adults need to realize this is a time period for us,� he said. “The students don’t get to have this year again. They only get one,� said Dr. Singer. At the meeting, junior Aliyah Durant asked what students can do

to help. Singer said, “Set your goals high, make sure your classmates take these tests seriously, and put yourself on the committee so you can be a part of the design.� The outcome of the grant will be known just before school releases for the summer. Principal Dale Cushinberry was optimistic at the community meeting. “Grant or no grant Highland Park is going to make it.�

7+( %$*3,3(5 MARCH 22, 2010

SPORTS

RUNNIN’ SCOTS

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Lizvette Sanchez shows her fourth place medal at the regional wrestling tournament.

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Lizvette Sanchez getting ready to wrestle at the state tournament.

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6FRWV IDOO VKRUW RQ URDG WR VWDWH WRXUQH\ By: Antwan Robbins The Runnin’ Scots ended their season earlier than expected. 7KH ÀUVW URXQG RI VXE VWDWH WKH\ GHIHDWHG WKH 6KDZQHH +HLJKWV 7KXQGHU %LUGV Then in the championship round WKH 6FRWV ZHUH VKRFNHG E\ WKH .& :DVKLQJWRQ ZLOGFDWV This meant that the Runnin’ 6FRWV ZRXOG QRW SOD\ LQ WKH VWDWH SOD\RIIV DQG ZRXOG QRW KDYH WKH FKDQFH WR GHIHQG WKHLU WKUHH WLPH state title. 7KLV ZDV WKH ÀUVW WLPH WKDW WKH\ ORVW DW VXE VWDWH VLQFH ZKHQ WKH\ ZHUH GHIHDWHG E\ 7RSHND :HVW 7KH WHDP ÀQLVKHG WKH VHDVRQ ZLWK D UHFRUG DQG VHFRQG LQ WKH &HQWHQQLDO /HDJXH ´,W·V D WRXJK IHHOLQJ EXW , GRQ·W WKLQN ZH SOD\HG OLNH ZH VKRXOG RI µ VDLG FRDFK .HQ 'DUWLQJ 7KH 6FRWV ZHUH RQ D URFN\ URDG WKLV VHDVRQ :LWK VXUSULVLQJ ORVVHV WR :DVKEXUQ 5XUDO DQG -XQFWLRQ &LW\ %XW WKH WHDP VWLOO KDG VRPH JRRG WKLQJV JRLQJ IRU WKHP DQG KDG VRPH TXDOLW\ ZLQV ´,W ZDV D WRXJK VHDVRQ WKLV \HDU LW ZDVQ·W OLNH WKH SDVW \HDU µ VDLG MXQLRU JXDUG $- 'RZQLQJ

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Tyrell Carstarphen looking for a tilt at the state tournament.

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1001 SE Quincy St. O Topeka, KS O giovanipizzeria.com Monday Student Special

Tuesday Special

Students of all ages come Buy any two 14” or 16” in and receive a 10% off pies, and get any topping your order! Just show us pie free! your ID!

Lent Special Buy a 14” cheese pizza for $7.99 or a 16” veggie pizza $11.99. All month long, buy 2 pastas and get 1 free!

Mar. 27, 2010 ‡ 7+( %$*3,3(5

Making a Splash

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Swimmer trains with T-High By: Antwan Robbins We have a swimmer on the 7RSHND +LJK VZLPPLQJ WHDP MXQLRU 5LFKDUG (VFDPLOOD +H LV WKH Ă€UVW VZLPPHU WR MRLQ their swimming team in almost nine years. His swimming events are the 100 and 200-meter front stroke. “ I played football and tennis EXW , ZDQWHG WR WU\ D QHZ VSRUW Âľ Escamilla said. He is one of the top tennis players at our school and he also SDUWLFLSDWHG LQ IRRWEDOO KLV Ă€UVW two years in high school. He said that he has been swimming since he was a little kid and always wanted to swim for a team. ´, ZDV YHU\ QHUYRXV ZKHQ , Ă€UVW VZDP DW P\ VZLPPLQJ PHHW Âľ

+H Ă€QLVKHG LQ WKH WRS DW WZR of his meets. He plans to continue to swim for the team. “I wish Highland Park had their RZQ VZLPPLQJ WHDP LW ZRXOG EH D FRRO WKLQJ Âľ The swimming coach Sgt. Gunner Kelly of Topeka High said that Escamilla is a fast learner and will be a great swimmer down the road. +H SDUWLFLSDWHG LQ WKH FLW\ OHDJXH DQG UHJLRQDO VZLPPLQJ meet but he didn’t qualify for state. “It’s a tough and physical sport so I’m not disappointed that I didn’t make it to state this \HDU Âľ KH VDLG ´,W¡V RQO\ P\ Ă€UVW year so I’m pleased with my DFKLHYHPHQWV Âľ

By: Antwan Robbins

5LFN\ (VFDPLOOD FRPSOHWHG KLV ÀUVW swimming season.

Shanise Brook with the drive Andrea! Rhoiney goes for the jump shot

Lady Scots end season with a bang By: D!Marco Smith The Lady Scots basketball team ended their season with a 7-15 UHFRUG DQG KDYLQJ D EHWWHU UHFRUG than last season. Sophomore Devyn Edwards said not only was their record better but their fundamentals have gotten better and their shooting has improved. Sophomore Shantae Talbert VDLG ´:H KDYH OHDUQHG WR EH PRUH SDWLHQW OHDUQHG WR WDNH EHWWHU VKRW VHOHFWLRQV DQG ZH VWDUWHG SOD\LQJ PRUH DV D WHDP Âľ Lady Scots beat KC Schlagle in WKH Ă€UVW URXQG RI VXE VWDWH ZLWK D score of 53-35 with senior Andrea Rhoiney and sophomore Shanise Brooks leading the way with 13 pts for Rhoiney and 12 pts for Brooks. -XQLRU $VKOH\ /XW] VDLG ´, IHHO WKH UHFRUG ZDV EDG EXW DV D team we got better as the season went by. For next year’s season we have to get better. We have to

work harder as a team like we did WRZDUGV WKH HQG RI WKH VHDVRQ Âľ Junior Brianna Roberts agreed. ´, WKLQN ZH KDG D WHUULEOH UHFRUG but we came together as a team at WKH HQG RI WKH VHDVRQ DQG IRU XV to have a success season next year we’ve got to work during the offVHDVRQ DQG JR IURP WKHUH Âľ 5KRLQH\ VDLG ´,W¡V KDUG WR HQG my last year with a record like RXUV %XW ZKDW , ZLOO VD\ ,¡P proud of the progress we made WRZDUGV WKH HQG RI WKH VHDVRQ , MXVW KRSH RYHU WKHVH QH[W FRXSOH RI \HDUV WKH /DG\ 6FRWV ZLOO OHDUQ that working in the off-season and during the season is going to win games.

The North Carolina Tar Heels are having a horrible season this year with a 13-13 record. They received a pre-season ranking of fourth in the nation and now they aren’t even ranked. But with this record I’ll bet \RX WKDW WKH\ ZLOO ÀQG D ZD\ WR get into the NCAA tournament. With this record coach Roy Williams will continue to get paid his millions but let this happen to a coach that’s only been around for a few years they ZRXOG ÀUH KLP Did you watch that horrible Slam Dunk Contest during NBA All-Star Weekend? That had to be the worst contest ever. They were doing dunks that they would do in games. The contest is meant to showcase the best dunks and be creative with it. I wasted my time on watching that when I could watch a college basketball game instead. C’mon now. I bet the when the college players have their dunk contest it will be more entertaining because they actually try and give an effort. But the ones in the NBA do it because they receive a paycheck. OK now lets talk about Tiger Woods. He recently apologized for his bad behavior and all. This is how I see it; he didn’t have to apologize to anyone in the PGA organization. He’s not the only one

to cheat on his wife. Now we’ve got Tom Watson and Ernie Els calling Tiger Woods ´VHOĂ€VK Âľ 1R VLU WKH\¡UH MXVW PDG that nobody is watching them on TV. With Tiger out of the picture the viewers have gone. Everyone is waiting for his return. All I have to say is Tiger keep your head you are still the multimillionaire and making more money than the other golfers. It’s DOO JRRG 7LJHU MXVW VWD\ VWURQJ Just recently Mark McGuire’s younger brother told ESPN that the book that he is writing tells that McGuire did take steroids. Now this is something that came out of nowhere and he basically snitched on his brother. %XW VWLOO 0F*XLUH LV VWLOO denying the whole steroid situation. Why don’t you come out and be real with everyone so years later we don’t have to turn on ESPN and hear the same about you? The New Orleans Saints won the Super Bowl and for all the things they’ve been through in WKH SDVW Ă€YH \HDUV WKH\ UHDOO\ deserve it. Drew Brees was the MVP of the game and was really the best player of the year in my eyes. But did you see Peyton Manning leave the stadium without trying to shake anyone’s hands? That is poor sportsmanship. Better luck next year.

Goodbye Cush

7+( %$*3,3(5 ‡ March 22, 2010

By: Kira Southall

Mr.. Dale Cushinberry has been a part of Highland Park High School for most of his life. He graduated from here in 1965, was a counselor, assistant principal, and principal here for 16 years. The man known as Cush to his students and staff announced his retirement plans to the school board February 4. In May Cush will say goodbye, but he does plan to make visits. “You reach a point in your life when its time to redirect,� said Cush. He has no big plans that he is committed to. He plans to live in the moment and to be open to possibilities that come his way. Mrs.. Pam Gentry has worked directly with Cushinberry for 10 years. She said her most

memorable moment with Cush is riding down on the bus to Liberal for a football game. “He put me in charge. He had me sitting at the front of the bus and he just took off that principal role.� Said Gentry. Gentry says she is and isn’t sad to see him retire because she is retiring with him. Gentry said. Cush has a great connection with the staff and students. The students can come to him with anything and he is there and understanding. “With him leaving it will be a big change because he has his own special touch and is what Highland Park stands for. He’s one of the best bosses I’ve ever had. He’s just awesome. He’s my buddy,� Gentry said.

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Cush Quotes: ‡ “It’s great to be a Scot� ‡ “You can get there from here� ‡ “Defense is personal� ‡ “Almost chicken, doesn’t make soup� ‡ “The power is in your response� ‡ “We are a 5A school with a 2A participation� ‡ “Don’t worry that the mule is dead. Just keep loading the wagon.� ‡ “Today’s been fun, but I gotta run�

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Cush eats with the students in the cafeteria

Students and Staff Comment

Cush Q & A

We are going to miss:

Why are you sad to see him go? “Because he is such a good principal and such a good guy.� - Staci Burch, Sophomore

By: Kira Southall

1. Q: How do you feel about retiring? A: “Mixed feelings, I enjoy my profession and the students.â€? 2. Q: Are you disappointed to be leaving right before so many changes are about to occur at Highland Park? A: “Not disappointed, there will always be changes. I would certainly like to be a part of the change and Highland Park’s future. 3. Q: What are your plans now? A: “Recharge my battery.â€? 4. 4 ,V WKHUH D VSHFLĂ€F memory you have that stands out? A: “There are so many. Having a positive relationship with the students and the teachers and the community. Having life long friends and associates is just so positive. And seeing the

students grow and become productive.� 5. Q: Are you going to make visits? A: Yes 6. Q: What convinced you that it is time to retire? A: I’ll be 63 in August. You reach a point in life where it’s time to redirect.� 7. Q: What are you going to miss most? A: “My relationships with the students and staff.� 8. Q: How would you like to be remembered? A: “As a person who cares beyond the textbook and test score and be a success at the same time. Someone who enjoys life.� 9. Q: Do you have any worries for Highland Park? A: “You always hope with all the challenges, that Highland Park will continue to grow and continue the legacy of the past.

“His compassion. He’s got an upbeat attitude. He has ignored other people’s fear about getting close to the students. Most teachers keep a boundary line between them and their students but he knows that some students need praise and a kind of friendship, and he isn’t afraid to provide that. As long as a student is willing to try, he’s got their back. Whether its’ listening when they need to talk or taking them out to lunch, he isn’t afraid to go that extra mile.� - Vernon McFalls, TV Productions “His cheery attitude and his determination to make everyone feel welcome at HP.� - Cristian McDonald, junior “His hospitality� - Angelina Estrada, senior

“I’m going to miss him greeting me in the morning, he always has a smile on his face.� - Cameron Brooks, Senior “Because he’s awesome. I wish he were here when I graduate.� - Diana Campos, freshman,

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When you walk past him in the hall even if he doesn’t know you he acts like he’s known you your whole life. He makes you feel loved. He lifts your head up. - Deanna Robledo, sophomore

“His friendliness and how much he loves the school.� - McKenzie Grabauskas, Junior.

I will miss a lot about Cush. Just being that I can go to KLV RIÀFH DQG WDON WR KLP about anything and everything. I will miss him so much. Andrea’ Rhoiney, senior

When you lose a game he makes you feel like you’ve won. He looks at the positive.

His style. He has on a different colored suit every day.

Shantae’ Talbert, sophomore - Hannah Davis, sophomore

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