October 3rd, 2013

the

PRiDE

Harrisonville High School | hhsnews.com | Thursday October 3, 2013 | Volume XVI, Issue I

Homecoming review Page 15 Photo by, Cody Hart

Information about the Pride

Editor-in-Chief: Crystal Warden

Managing Editor: Madi Dahn

Copy Editor: Brently Probasco

Opinion/News Editor: Mackenzie Eisel

Sports Editor: Joe Cramer

Feature Editor: Lara Floyd

Online Editor: Kayley Brock

Photo Editor: Cassie Long

Video Editor: Amy Roach

Adviser:

Brad Lewis

Staff Members: Alison Schmidt Elizabeth Thayer Emily Priesendorf Tyler Cardinal Ruby Kahr Brittany Starr Myers

Videographers:

Casey Ambrozi

Coressa Ervin

Jacob Ross

Photographers:

Cody Hart

Anne Haugen

Ashton Taber

Bethany Travis

Harrisonville High School 1504 E. Elm Harrisonville, MO 64701 Phone: (816)380-3273 Follow us on Twitter @ HHSwildcatnews The Pride is written, edited and published by the newspaper production class at HHS. The paper is an open forum, distributed to the students, faculty, parents, alumni, and other members of HHS. All decisions concerning grammar, layout, content, and photography are made solely by the editors themselves.

Our mission is to report news truthfully and accurately and to act as an open forum for student expression. Opinions in editorials do not reflect the views of the Cass R-IX school district, its staff or the adviser.

All comments, concerns, and complaints should be forwarded directly to the Editor-in-Chief. If readers would like to submit letters to the Editor, they can do so in room 304.

the pride

Bullying escalates in cyber world Story by, Elizabeth Thayer-Staff Writer elizabeth.thayer@hhsnews.com

Transmitting words, actions, or thoughts anywhere through social media is a responsibility that has been made apparent of the good and evil in society. This is evident when it leaks into the cracks of the school system by bullying.

As stated from the National Center for Educational Statistics, since the arrival of social media, cyber bullying has skyrocketed. Sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Ask. fm harbor all types of criticism and hurt.

The latest source for cyber bullying is Ask.fm. The uncontrollable questions of this site, mainly asking inappropriate or rude questions, makes many see the truth about what Ask.fm is about.

Junior Shania Snell is one of the many students who have been targeted with sexually explicit and inappropriate questions.

“I responded to the rude questions with sarcastic answers to

show them it didn’t bother me,” said Snell. “I had to delete my Ask.fm because it got so bad.”

Poor recognition on Ask. fm has made an uproar in the teen community. MailOnline shows how teenagers may be ‘trolled to death’ on Ask.fm. Cameron (the creator of Ask.fm) was urged to ban the controversial website following suicides of seven students who suffered horrific online abuse.

Beyond the online abuse there are still thousands of bullies in the schools.

According to the National Education Association, approximately 150,000 students miss school every day due to the fear of attack or the pure intimidation of bullies. This accounts for 15 percent of all absences in America’s school system today.

With all these absences psychologists believe they have some insight as to what makes bullies bully.

“I deal with the bullies in my work as a psychologist,” said Dr. Richard Thayer. “What I mainly see is neglect, abuse, and the need for

attention from my patients.”

Although it may seem the victim is alone, that’s not the case.

Any adult could share their experiences and show that bullying is a universal theme in schools.

“It [being bullied] hurt,” said counselor Kari Bliss. ”This was one of the reasons I chose to work in a high school. I learned to not let others dictate who I am as a person, and what I do.”

The sufferer of the bully’s anger can have some deadly side effects.

As stated in an article from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, children and adolescents who are bullied are at an increased risk for mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, headaches, and problems adjusting to school.

Though the shallow reasons for judging someone are many, most are only skin deep.

In accordance to the As sociation for Psychological Science, the brain is such a good beauty

detector, in fact, that it can judge the appeal of a face before you’re aware you’ve even seen one. At all ages and in all walks of life, attractive people are judged more favorably, treated better, and cut more slack.

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Photo illustion by Lara Floyd Ask.fm started out as a way for people to ask questions but is now used as a way to cyber bully

High school students urged to stay in school Story by, Madi Dahn-Managing Editor madi.dahn@hhsnews.com

Students generally assume the only way to get out of high school is to wait until graduation day, but every 26 seconds, one student anywhere in America decides to quit school and dropout.

According to dosomething. org, every year, over 1.2 million students drop out of high school in the United States alone; this adds up to 7,000 a day. With this estimate, the Alliance for Excellent Education predicts that 12 million students will drop out in the next decade.

Two years ago, one of those students was senior Cole Hipple, who dropped out his sophomore year.

“I felt like I didn’t need an education,” said Hipple.

In Harrisonville alone, an average of 3.6 percent of students drop out each year, though that amount differs each year.

“The number changes,” said counselor Andrea Laughlin. “The state gives a student four years to complete high school. It is calculated from the year a student enters the 9th grade. If the student does not complete, then he/she is considered a non-graduate. Often this is the student who will drop out and not return for a 5th year to earn their

high school diploma.”

The number has decreased from 2008 to 2011; starting at 4.2 percent, it has gone down to 3.0 percent.

There are factors that play into the decrease, such as the change in policy as to what categorizes a student as a “dropout” and programs to help students in school and earn credits, such as the alternative school and HCATS.

There are 28 students currently attending the Cass County Alternative School.

According to Alt school facilitator, Todd Mercer, the Alt school is for students who may be working part or full time, as they can earn credits for working, as well as earn regular credits for their course work.

This is a beneficial alternative to dropping out as it is estimated that a high school dropout will earn $200,000 less than a high school graduate will over his lifetime; almost a million dollars less than a college graduate.

The U.S. Department of Education reported in 2011 that a high school dropout would expect to earn an average $19,540 annually in income, while a high school graduate could expect to make $27,380 in average annual income, this means

a difference of $7,840 annually for those who drop out.

“Not all of them are considering dropping out,” said Laughlin. “Many students need to support themselves. Some have missed/ lost a semester of credit and need to recover those credits in order to graduate on time, while some do not learn well in a traditional classroom.”

Though some students who go to the Alt school or drop out return to school.

“Being dropped out separates you because you don’t talk to people,” said Hipple. “A lot of family influenced me to come back. In order to come back, I had to come to HCATS.”

In addition to the Alt School, the program HCATS, directed by Chad Morehead, is another program designed to help at-risk students.

“It is for students who are struggling,” said Morehead. “It’s like credit recovery; to get upperclassmen caught up with their peers, and for underclassmen, it’s to prevent them from getting behind credit wise.”

Now in its fourth year, HCATS has expanded to working with students ninth through twelfth grade.

“We have 48 students total; we’ve

grown from thirteen we had the first year,” said Morehead. “We’ve graduated 27 kids in the last three years, that some might have dropped out had it not been for HCATS.”

Though there are distinct differences between the Alt school and HCATS programs.

“Our students go to school for 2 hours and fifty minutes, and then many of them work 6 to 8 hours a day,” said Mercer. “At the high school, the day is longer as for classes.”

Though students at the Alt school go through a different class structure, it is still possible for them to graduate the same as other students.

“Students can graduate with a high school diploma, just as students at the high school, same requirements for our students as for those at the high school,” said Mercer. “ We also offer an Alternative School diploma, which is a couple of credits fewer than the high school diploma, but it is a HS diploma.”

That diploma is what motivated Hipple to return.

“I wanted to get a diploma,” said Hipple. “I realized I needed an education.”

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Teen abuse all too common

Story by, Brently Probasco-Copy Editor brently.probasco@hhsnews.com

Take a look at your best friend, the one that has the “perfect” boyfriend/girlfriend. When you look at them, they may seem happy and head over heels, but there is a 33% chance the person you know so well is in an abusive relationship.

Of those students being abused, almost 1.5 million of them are physical cases. Furthermore, over a fourth of teen girls say they have experienced repeated verbal abuse.

“I put up with being called names, and he liked to use words to convince me to do things,” said one victim. “I also had to deal with his grip being severely tight, to the point of often leaving bruises.”

Beyond physical and verbal abuse, sexual abuse has intensified. According to statistics, one in four girls in a relationship have been pressured into sexual intercourse or oral sex.

“Though sexual abuse was never my own personal issue, I could see how that could affect a girl,” said one student who has experienced abuse first hand. “You feel so low, and like you’re beyond worthless already. I think at that point, a girl feels as if she is being used, and as if she isn’t good enough for someone else.”

Ten percent of high school students have been hit by their boyfriend/girlfriend. Beyond the bruises and temporary extreme emotions, the abuse can cause permanent damage.

According to Counselor Kari Bliss, those in an abusive relationship are more likely to smoke, use drugs, have eating disorders and engage in risky sexual behaviors than those who are not abused. It also may cause extreme depression and anxiety, low self-esteem and the inability to concentrate or rest.

According to the National Abuse Hotline, the sexually abused are also six times more likely to develop a Sexually Transmitted Disease.

Studies show that 50 percent of those who are being sexually or physically abused will attempt to commit suicide, and though these numbers alone seem shocking, only about a third of teens who are in an abusive relationship confide in someone or ask someone for help. That means that 66 percent of students within a high school mask the hurt until it is too late, or until they find a way to escape.

“I think unfortunately we all choose relationships and we do not realize that it’s unhealthy at the beginning,” said Counselor Kari Bliss. “The challenge becomes getting out of it when we do realize it’s an unhealthy relationship.”

The use of cellphones has also contributed to the increase in abuse, as it allows one’s boyfriend/ girlfriend to take control. TEAR (Teens Experiencing Abusive Relationships), an organization made by those who have personally lived through abuse, have reports revealing that 24 percent of teens are waking, or staying up, and texting their boyfriend/girlfriend hourly between midnight and 5 a.m.

Beyond that, one in three students receive texts anywhere from 10 to 30 times in an hour, inquiring what they are doing, where they are, and who they are with.

“He could easily find out what I was doing, and he did so hourly, if not more,” said one victim.

And, though women can be just as abusive as a men, females between the ages of 16 and 24 have the highest rate of being the abuse in an abusive relationship, and 80 percent of those girls will continue to date their abuser out of fright.

According to TEAR, students often do not report being abused because they do not understand the laws, or they are afraid of being exposed.

“I finally had enough; I was nervous and scared when I first did it [broke it off], but I knew it was for the better,” said one abused student.

One student that is currently in a relationship says she

would do just as she has always been told if the relationship becomes abusive.

“I would break up with him, and tell my parents, along with talk to a counselor,” said the student.

One student said they would take action immediately if they were ever a witness to physical abuse.

“I would say something,” said junior Christia Stein (who has never been in an abusive relationship). “It may not be directly, but I would say something so they know that I am there and I know exactly what is happening.”

Though eight states do not grant protection for the abused under their domestic violence policy, Missouri does, enabling those who are abused to try for a restraining order.

Bliss finds that it is important to recognize what is going on, and then find a way to escape, but through the aid of those significant to them.

“I think they need to reach out for support: friends, caring teacher, a parent, or all of the above,” said Bliss.

According to one victim, it is never worth staying in an abusive relationship “Get out, and tell someone,” said the student. “Do not stay in it. You deserve so much better.”

are giving up in exchange for the use of the item. Doing so is incredibly dangerous.”

Snapchat is a mainstream app that is used by students and adults alike. Consumers think that once they send a picture, and the timer stops, the photo is gone forever, however according to theguardian.com, Snapchat photos on Android phones are simply hidden, not deleted. The photos taken are hidden in a folder called RECEIVED_IMAGES_SNAPS, which can be accessed by anyone intelligent enough to find it.

Snapchat states that they attempt to delete all image data as soon as it is transmitted, but they never guaranteed it would be gone forever.

“There is solid data that their claims of destroying data simply are not true,” said Lafferty.

Users should be aware that both iPhones and Androids have

apps which automatically save photos to the phone without the sender knowing; iPhone users should know the name Snap Save and Android users should be aware of SnapKeep.

The new iOS7 for iPhones, the receiver can take a screenshot of the photo and the sender will not be notified.

Snapchat users should know they are agreeing to little protection on their photo. The privacy policy has a disclaimer, informing consumers that they have no control over anyone who chooses to copy and distribute the photo.

Snapchat is a prime example of users not reading the fine print, and being unaware of what could happen with the stuff people choose to share with others.

“We have found with new knowledge about the National Security Agency, secret laws and secret courts in the United States, corporations are legally and secretly

prohibited from telling you all the things they do with your data,” said Lafferty.

Snapchat not as fool proof as believed to be Story by, Crystal Warden- Editor In Chief crystal.warden@hhsnews.com

As students download new apps on their smart phones, they do not notice what is in the fine print, warning and telling them what may occur; instead many students agree to these terms and conditions, hardly taking a second glance at the personal information and permissions they state.

The Snapchat Privacy Policy states that the services may access users’ phones, contacts and photos with consent; users gave that consent when they agreed and accepted these “terms and conditions”.

“Terms and conditions are written to discourage you from reading them,” said Professor Patrick Lafferty from Johnson County Community College. “If you don’t read them all the way through and understand them, you are signing contracts without knowing what you

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University Scholarship Application Deadlines

Compiled by, Mackenzie Eisel-Opinion and News Editor mackenzie.eisle@hhsnews.com

Northwest Missouri StateAdmission Based ScholarshipsDeadline of May 1st Missouri State UniversityPresidential Scholarship ($12,500 a year) deadline: December 1 Other University Scholarships (Board of Governors, Provost, Dean’s Scholarship): January 15 Missouri Western UniversityAll University Scholarships: March 1 University of MissouriGeneral/Departmental University Scholarships: December 1 Truman State UniversityBest consideration for university scholarships if application is sent

by December 1 University of Central MissouriBlack and Red Scholarship (University Scholarship): December 1 Pittsburg State UniversityWill receive priority for admission based scholarships if application is submitted by February 1 Kansas State UniversityK-State Scholarship Application: November 1 UMKCAutomatic Scholarships(Require no further application other than admission application): February 1

Photo by, Anne Haugen Students do not realize that the photos they take on Snapchat can be saved in a data base.

AvilaUniversity Scholarship Priority Date: December 15 University of KansasTo be considered for all university scholarships and University Honors Program: November 1

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Students unaware of Syria crisis News

Story by, Lara Floyd-Features Editor lara.floyd@hhsnews.com

Aggressive, unethical battling and mistreatment among fellow citizens abroad in Syria continues to leave the United States in a dumbfounded state.

President Barack Obama and congress are now compelled to make a rapid, critical judgement that can affect the lives of not only students, but all Americans.

Whether it is broadcasted over the local news channel, or splashed on the paper’s front page, students may not be paying attention to what could very well have an impact on their life directly, or indirectly.

“The U.S. does not live in a bubble, and we all need to be aware of what is going on in the world, and how it might affect us,” said UMKC Curators’ Professor of History Emerita Carla Klausner. “Students are going to be future leaders and can even affect policy, either directly or through their elected representa-

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tives. It is imperative, therefore, that everyone be as well informed as possible on all issues, both domestic and foreign.”

What is happening 6,754 miles away may not seem like it pertains to anyone in the U.S. personally, but in all reality it will affect our country as a whole in different ways if they make the decision to strike against Syria.

It all began as peaceful protests that were being carried out by civilians who were against the dictatorship governed by Bashar al-Assad in the middle eastern country in mid-2011.

The uproar arose when Syrian government took action against the activists by killing them and their families. Rapid firing between Syria’s military and citizens initiated the ongoing civil war in their country.

This civil war led to the organization of rebel groups, which are protesters and commoners that want freedom and democracy for Syria. This organization’s job is to defend against

the Syrian troops deployed throughout the country that are unmercifully killing the Syrian population.

Allegations against Assad were made that there are chemical weapons being stored and used against his own people.

On September 11, Obama briefed the U.S. population that Syria did in fact carry out the use of chemical weapons to gas hundreds to thousands of citizens in the previous weeks, and numerous times before that.

The United States cannot assist the rebels in combat or even take down Assad without starting a chain reaction.

In accordance to a Washington Post article, Worldviews Journalist Max Fisher explains how the alternatives we have could have detrimental actions that follow.

“The military options are all bad. Shipping arms to rebels, even if it helps them topple Assad, would ultimately empower jihadists and worsen

rebel infighting, probably leading to lots of chaos and possibly a second civil war,” said Fisher.

Though there are other options that are being deliberated, these actions also have appalling consequences.

“An Iraq-style ground invasion would, in the very best outcome, accelerate the killing, cost a lot of U.S. lives, wildly exacerbate anti-Americanism in a boon to jihadists and nationalist dictators alike, and would require the United States to impose order for years across a country full of people trying to kill each other,” said Fisher.

It is clear that either strategy Obama chooses will lead to a bigger conflict down the road. So why is he pushing so hard to take it out on Assad with no positive outcome for either side of the battling?

“It’s true that basically no one believes that this will turn the tide of the Syrian war.

But this is important: it’s not supposed to,” said Fisher. “The

strikes wouldn’t be meant to S shape the course of the war or b to topple Assad, which Obama thinks would just make things worse anyway. They would be meant to punish Assad for allegedly using chemical weapons and to deter him, or any future military leader in any future war, from using them again.”

What the government is pushing for is a “peace deal”. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry was the one to introduce this compromise. It consists of Syria’s biggest and most important ally, Russia, halting any operations that were to be carried out by the U.S. to do the deed themselves.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov agreed to handing over all chemical weapons found in Syria to international control within the week. Though, it will need plenty of time to be completed, Assad agreed to this proposal. The details are still being worked on.

that runs Apple iOS, Android, Blackberry or Windows software, the NSA can take control of that device, through hacking the device in “traditional” hacking means and through partnerships whereby the NSA pays corporations to insert “backdoors” into their software,” said Lafferty.

People may not know that it is not just cell phone, but it

is all devices.

“This isn’t limited to phones,” said Lafferty. “Tablets, media players, webcams, desktop computers, all kinds of devices are vulnerable.”

Beyond that, students should know that their life is no longer private with all the technology which is surrounding them.

“They [students] are carrying a live feed of their lives accessible to anyone that the NSA sees fit to share that information,” said Lafferty.

According to Lafferty, the NSA may share your life with anyone from corporations, to other branches government, and all the way to foreign governments.

Verizon, Sprint and AT&T customers should be informed that their phone records can be accessed by the government at any certain time.

Gizmodo.com stated that a secert court order revealed that the NSA is spying on all customers which trust Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint.

“If anyone in your circle doesn’t maintain privacy, everyone they communicate with loses their privacy,” said Lafferty.

“That’s why it is so important for everyone to be aware of this and be moving towards securing our communications.”

Lafferty is supporting new applications which work at keeping devices private. Hemlis (http://heml.is), an end-to-end S encryption application is for a those who use iOS and Android; it, in simple terms, runs like WhatsApp and Blackberry s i Messaging, which have been infiltrated in the past. Another d to look for is MailPile, which fo- m cuses on the protection of emails. W t The third is Trsst; it decentralizes data and has a Twitter-like r c atmosphere. Lafferty feels as though teens should be looking s for options as these.

“Young people should i be clamoring for these options c and many more like them,” said Lafferty. “They were all recently c funded through crowdfunding on a sites like kickstarter and idiegogo. w n It is the only way to combat the NSA, GCHQ, and all other C governmental entities that seek to destroy or co-opt our privacy.” c a

Electronic privacy nonexistant Story by, Crystal Warden-Editor in Chief crystal.warden@hhsnews.com

The National Security Agency has access to everything; they can find out who you are, where you are and who you are talking to, and how long you are in contact with them.

“Take your device in the bathroom with you? They could be watching and listening.

Leave your device on your bed when you are getting dressed?

They could be watching and listening. Are they listening? We currently have no reliable way of knowing. We wouldn’t know this much right now if it weren’t for the bravery of Edward Snowden,” said Professor Patrick Lafferty from Johnson County Community College.

The NSA has full access to any smartphone device, viewing all your calls, texts and emails, and has the capability of turning on your camera or mic at any time.

“If you own a device

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Photo by, Anne Haugen Cameras on the back of phones can be turned on and accessed at anytime.

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Fast food strike yet to hit Harrisonville

As protesters strike for higher wages, your $6.96 Whopper meal could soar to an even higher price.

Thursday, August 29, fast food workers in over 50 cities across the U.S. walked out on their work in protest of low wages, also known as the “Fast Food Forward” movement. The main targets of this movement include New York, Boston and Chicago.

Their request is to raise the minimum wage from around $7.25 to $15 an hour. Movements in Congress have also been circulating around, and President Obama has mentioned moving minimum wage to $9 an hour.

However, McDonald’s Corporation brought up the point that an overall rise in wages means a raise in menu prices as well.

The Service Employees International Union is funding “Fast Food Forward”. This movement started last November in New York City, and has been gaining support ever since.

These strikes have hit

the big cities hard, but the affect they have on a small town such as Harrisonville probably is not as adamant.

“[The strike] hasn’t really spread to Harrisonville,” said James Castaneda, Shift Manager for the Burger King on Commercial Street. “I’ve heard they might raise minimum wage but it won’t be as severe as they [the protesters] want it to be.”

According to Castaneda, no employees have walked out on the business in protests, and he does not think they will.

Mike Johns, General Manager of Wendy’s, agrees with Castaneda.

“It could [affect business] but I don’t think it will,” said Johns.

These protesters are asking for an annual salary of about $30,000 a year, assuming that employees are working forty hours a week, and taking two weeks off a year as vacation. Some people believe that this is asking for too much.

“I believe minimum wage is what we deserve to be paid, unless you’re a manager or higher up on the pay scale,” said

Story by, Ali Schmidt-Staff Writer ali.schmidt@hhsnews.com

With lunch shifts starting as early as 10:15 a.m., it is not uncommon to see students crowding around vending machines throughout the day.

Whenever these machines start to run low, they are updated and re-stocked so that students will continue to use them.

Before the school year started, the school decided to invest in a new vending machine company.

“The old vending company was not fulfilling their agreement with the school, [so we decided to hire someone new],” said Principal Andy Campbell.

Coming with the new company is a new machine which accepts debit and credit cards.

Many students have recently found an extra charge that comes up while taking advantage of this change.

When making a purchase with a card, an additional 10 cents will come up in your total. This change will mainly affect the students who use the vending machine multiple times a week.

This 10 cents has the ability to add up quickly. If a student was to buy 10 candy bars throughout the week, there would be a dollar already spent.

“I think it’s worth it,” said senior Samantha Geier.

“I like candy bars a lot and [the cards are] handy to have.”

Some students find this change inconvenient, and think it could have been handled differently.

“[I think] it’s stupid,”

Story by, Bethany Travis-Staff Writer bethany.travis@hhsnews.com

Zac Ross, who works as a cook at the Sonic Drive-In here in Harrisonville. “What we do in a fast food restaurant isn’t hard it’s just fast paced and time consuming.

The only people who deserve to be paid more are law enforcement and teachers because they actually do something for society.”

James Norman is an American History teacher at Harrisonville Middle School with a Masters in Secondary School Administration. He also disagrees with the claims of “Fast Food Forward”.

“I don’t believe that unskilled labor, like fast food positions, are meant to support a family,” said Norman. “I believe that labor unions are desperate for support and this is one area of jobs [that] they are trying to get that support.”

Harrisonville’s fast food restaurants will remain open, unless the “Fast Food Forward” movement reaches an extreme climax.

According to CNN, the largest movement they have to boast of is 2,200 people. They attained this number just this

summer, when the strike spread to seven cities. While larger cities like New York or Chicago are

feeling the blows the protesters intend to inflict, they have not yet overtaken Harrisonville.

Photo by, Cody Hart Wendy’s is one of the fast food restaurants that could possibly be effected by the “fast food forward” movement.

Students discover hidden charges

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Photo by, Lara Floyd The new vending machines cause issues for students as they find out about the ten cent transaction fee.

said senior Haley Parker. “It should be posted that it will charge an extra 10 cents.”

Even though some students don’t agree with this

is used. This service charge was established by the vending company; the school had no influence on whether or not it would be added.

There is also a small sign located above the slot that states the situation but does not word it clearly.

“The wording they use is slightly confusing,” said Campbell. “I could see where students would get confused.”

The school is looking into posting more signs that will help students understand the charges that could come up.

charge, it is unlikely that it will change.

The charge is related to the transaction fee that is issued whenever a debit or credit card

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Features

Mackelmore gets it right

Storyby,MacKenzieEisel-OpinionEditor mackenzie.eisel@hhsnews.com

In a world full of judgement and criticism, it is so easy to conform to what society accepts is normal. It is so much easier to keep silent rather than “stir the pot”, especially when it comes to controversial issues.

But sometimes, all it takes is one person to speak out, and if you’re Macklemore, millions will hear and millions will listen.

Macklemore won the hearts of Americans everywhere with his catchy hit, “Thriftshop”, and once he had grabbed everyone’s attention, he really stirred the pot.

Macklemore’s new single, “Same Love”, which features Ryan Lewis and Mary Lambert, outlines the struggle for equality that is a harsh reality for many people all over the world.

Homosexuality, and the rights of homosexual individuals, is highlighted by Gallup Politics as currently one of the most controversial issues that divides America.

“No freedom ‘til we’re equal, (dang) right I support it,” raps Macklemore.

Regardless of rather or not you support the efforts to equalize homosexuality, we can all agree that it takes serious guts to risk your whole career singing about an issue that revolves around so much hatred and division.

See Macklemore pg. 7

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Separation affects student lives

Story by, Emily Priesendorf-Staff Writer emily.priesendorf@hhsnews.com

More than half of America’s teens are living in an unconventional household. This can mean anything from foster care, to adoption, to divorced parents. The separation of a family is detected frequently in high school student’s lives and affects a wide population.

According to the Step family Association, 68.7 percent of the youth in America are currently living in a non-traditional family household.

One student who has experienced life with foster parents is freshman Star Flores.

Flores was placed into a foster home when she was about five years old. Despite the hardships that can come from foster care, Flores believes that it is beneficial and a positive thing.

“Most people think it is horrible to be in it,” said Flores.

“It might stink at first, but if you are in it for a while then you think to yourself ‘I’m not in this because of me; I’m in this because of my parents, I didn’t do anything wrong.’ Then you finally get to realize you are in this because other people are caring for you.”’

Adoption is another common type of separated families, which can affect students.

Senior Patrese Shanks was adopted when she was a year and a half.

Shanks believes that her adoption does not really have an affect on her life, because she was so young. Even though adoption can be tough, Shanks thinks if you have recently been adopted you should have an open mind.

“It depends on the kid if

they were adopted recently, they would have to be open to new change,” said Shanks.

According to The Effects of Divorce On America, 50 percent of all the children born to married parents today will experience the divorce of their parents before they are 18 years old.

Junior Zach Knox is one of many students that has experienced divorce first hand.

“Now it’s not that bad, but a couple years ago when it first happened, it was kind of stressful,” said Knox. “ Because it’s not fun going through a divorce. I usually would just try to relax and get my mind off of it.”

Counselor Kari Bliss knows how much living in a household with a separated family can take its toll on students and can cause different types of

feelings to develop.

“Students may feel lonely or grief-stricken,” said Bliss.

“They may feel like a failure and it’s their fault. Anger, jealousy, or guilt are all emotions they may feel. It impacts their academics, peer relationships, basically everything.”

Even though it may be tough, Bliss recommends some ways to cope with these type of situations.

“Students can try to make the best of the situation, and gain self-confidence by keeping communication lines open,” said Bliss. “They can talk with friends, teachers, and counselors to help rebuild their lives. It takes time and support to cope with living with separated families.”

Social media becomes common in the classroom

Story by, Ashton Taber-Staff Writer ashton.taber@hhsnews.com

Between Twitter, Facebook, and Remind101, social media buzzes through the halls.

Though at one time phones and other forms of devices were prohibited in the classroom setting, teachers have recently became more adept to letting students use them.

"As long as they are on task, I think it’s fine for students to use their phone, but as soon as they abuse that trust, the privilege is gone," said social studies teacher Andrew Rives.

Teachers use Twitter to tweet messages about upcoming test, and events.

"Professionally, I have a Twitter, and that's mainly to get information out to kids, send positive messages to remind us all of the right thing to do, and encourage kids to give back," said Assistant Principal Jason Beavers.

This year the district has added their own hashtag to twitter, #WildcatKindness. Using this tag, students and faculty watch the halls and community. If they see an act of kindness that stands

Photo illustration Dr. Beavers is one of the many teachers and administrators that uses Twitter to get information out to students.

out to them they can tweet what happened and hashtag #WildcatKindness.

"From some of the tweets I think the idea behind the hashtag is good," said Beavers.

“It's really positive but too many times it takes a tragedy to come together and right now we need I come together, and build a community."

More teachers are beginning to use Remind101 in order to keep students informed.

Remind101 is a online network teachers use to text students as a group to remind students of test, homework and other information.

“I like it because I can communicate with my students,” said English teacher Brian Bliss.

“I don’t have to worry about hear-

ing back from them. It’s a way to communicate outside of school that they’ll get, and not respond to.”

According to English teacher Ryan Schinstock, the school still has much more to learn with the topic of social media.

"I think at this point we've barely scratched the surface," said Schinstock. "Going forward, its usage will guide us to prepare students for a tech driven society."

Not all students find the use of social media a positive aspect.

“I don’t have a Twitter or Facebook, so it’s not really helpful to me because I don’t get the updates,” said junior Annie DeVenney. “It’s not helpful for the students without it.”

Social media is not just a source for information, it is also a way to acknowledge students who succeed.

"It allows a gateway to highlight our achievements with competitions, and activities," said Beavers.

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Features

Electric cigarettes pose problems to teens

Story by, Ashton Taber- Staff Writer ashton.taber@hhsnews.com

Smoking cigarettes has been an undeniable trend in society for decades, but the latest development to this habit has students lighting it up in more innovative ways, electronically.

“Electric cigarettes give the smoker the feel of the nicotine without delivering the toxic elements in ‘real’ cigarettes,” said nurse Rachel Lindsay.

According to the American Lung Association, electronic -cigarettes contain multiple harmful chemicals. Most recent studies by the Food and Drug Administration, shows e-cigarettes hold scancer-causing chemicals. The popularity of e-cigarettes continues to rise, and is becoming more and more common for adolescents, and even small children.

“What most people should take in consideration while using these products is the heater and battery cartridge within the cigarette,” said Lindsay. “The car-

tridge holds liquid alcohol similar to that found in antifreeze and other chemicals.”

The FDA has recently noticed that not only adults are using e-cigarettes; it is now being found more relevant within students.

According to the ALA, from 2011 to 2012 the increase has more than doubled within students grades 6-12 from 3.3 percent to 6.8 percent. There also has been an increase from 1.1 percent to 2.1 percent within children of the ages 6-12 using e-cigarettes.

The smoker is not the only person affected by the ecigarette; people around are also harmed. Two additional studies have found multiple flammable substances such as formaldehyde, benzene, and tobacco-specific nitrosamines, within the secondhand waste.

According to an article, Rise Is Seen in Students Who Use E-Cigarette, producers promote e-cigarettes as a healthy alterna-

tive to smoking, but researchers say their health effects are not yet clear, though most acknowledge that they are less harmful than traditional cigarettes.

E-cigarettes are not the only tobacco products students are attracted to.

A recent study shows students are also using cigars, having multiple flavors this attracts the students for their taste.

White grape, strawberry, pineapple and Da Bomb Blueberry, only being a few of the flavors offered.

Making cigars available for students to purchase, cigars are much cheaper than cigarettes.

Students can purchase a package of 20 cigars for only two dollars, whereas a single pack of cigarettes is six dollars.

Cigars may be an alternative to smoking, but they can be just as harmful as smoking cigarettes.

Smoking cigars can cause oral cavity cancers (lip, tongue, throat, and mouth), also

it can cause larynx cancers (voice box, esophagus, and lungs).

Instead of believing the ads which tell all the positives on e-cigarettes, students may want to do their homework before lighting up or pushing that one button.

Photo by, Cody Hart Students believe e-cigarettes are a healthy alternative to smoking, but it may prove to be otherwise.

Apple introduces updates, new phones Story by, Ali Schmidt- Staff Writer ali.schmidt@hhsnews.com

Cell phones come and go; they get tired, destroyed, and thrown around. Throughout the past six years, Apple has continued to come out with a different version of the iPhone. Many students happen to be owners of an iPhone. They have experienced the changes that make each phone unique and up to date.

Students see the iPhones as a new headway in technology.

“The iPhone is different from other brands,” said freshman Landon Getz. “The accessibility and software is so advanced that you can get to most things on them.”

Since the iPhone 4s, each phone has been equipped with Siri, audio and video calling, a FaceTime camera, video recording and an iSight camera. In order to stay up to date, Apple tries to create new updates and versions as they find that they starting to become outdated.

In the past month, a new update and two new generations of iPhones were released. The update, known

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as iOS 7, caused students to race to their phones to try download the update as soon as it became available.

“I always get the newest [update and version] as soon as possible,” said junior Lance Beavan. “As soon as I can get an upgrade, I do.”

Not all students stay up to date on the modifications that are available to their phone.

“My apps don't automatically update themselves, but I do get an alert when the newer version is available,” said Getz. “I usually let the list pile up to about 10 or so before I update, so I can get it done all at once.”

Students who update their phones regularly notice that the apps change. However, not every characteristic is changed during an update. With this update many modifications were made to the iPhone.

“I wasn't expecting so many new things,”said sophomore Courtney Allen. “The update definitely met my expectations.”

According to Apple’s web-

Photo by, Cody Hart The iPhone 5c is one of the two new iPhones that came out September 20.

site, with the iOS 7 we took something millions of people already love and refined the experience to make it even more effortless and useful.

So the everyday things you need to do are the everyday things you want to do.

It is made so that you will not have to completely relearn how to navigate your phone; it is meant to be instantly familiar.

“I saw iOS 7 as worth the

wait because it really has improved my iPhone,” said junior Madison Phillips. “Although it is confusing at first, I appreciate it so much; it has become easier to understand through time.”

One modification that the iOS 7 made had to do with the lockscreen. The numbers are now in a page that slides over to reveal round numbers.

Along with this, there is now an iTunes Radio. This app resembles Pandora.

“[I find that] it's similar to Pandora with free music to listen to whenever you want,” said Allen.

The font on the phone is also different than the last update.

“It is a lot clearer and easier to read,” said Phillips.

Apple used these modifications to assist with the actions that consumers are most likely to use on the iPhone. According to Apple Company founders, it provides oneswipe access to things users choose to do on a moment’s notice.

I applaud Macklemore for his efforts to influence people in such a way that reflects positivity and equality. Beyond the one issue of sexuality, the song could also be an effort to express general ideas of acceptance and love.

While the song expresses the need for acceptance, it provides a parallel by explaining the pain that is caused for the outsiders.

“When kids are walking around the hallway plagued by pain in their heart, a world so hateful some would rather die than be who they are,” raps Macklemore.

Although the line of this song is very blatant and just downright heartbreaking, it was an image that Macklemore felt needed to be painted for people who do not understand the downfall of our lack of confidence to step up and say, hey, this is not right.

If people were more eager to step up and speak, or sing, about issues like these, maybe a difference would be made.

Instead of using his popularity to sing about posting up in a strip club, or spending money on drugs, Macklemore laid his career on the line for a cause. He risked everything he has earned in order to give people who have no voice a chance to be heard. Rather or not people would like it or hate it, Macklemore knew that people would hear him.

If everyone had the guts to stand up and speak about issues that matter to them like Macklemore did, then and only then, we would see change. It may be scary to give yourself a voice and to use it to make a difference, but even if you are not able to reach millions of people, there is always one person listening. And maybe your voice can make a difference to just that one. People need to stop focusing on the things that they are not able to do, and devote their time to the things that they can. That is when there will be change.

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Features

Illegal drugs becoming mor

Subtance abuse for 6-12 graders in Cass County data

30 day use in Cass

Age of first use

Cigarettes 6.9% 12 Alcohol 11.6% 12 Marijuana 3.2% N/A Inhalants 2.2% 13 RX Abuse

4.1%

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OTC Abuse

3.6%

N/A

Synthetic 2.8% N/A

Substance abuse for ages 18+ data

30 day use

in Cass

Cigarettes

28.7%

Alcohol

55.3%

Marijuana

5.7%

Binge

Hardcore drug

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25.0% 2.8%

Story by- Joe Cramer- Sports writer joe.cramer@hhsnews.com

It could be someone down the block. It could be your neighbor. It could be a close friend. It could be a family member.

It could even be happening in your own house without you even knowing. Drug use and distribution is a real issue that citizens and police officers alike face in Harrisonville.

According to Police Chief John Hofer, there are over 30 houses in the city limits of Harrisonville which are reported to be under suspicion of selling drugs, or being used for the consumption of drugs.

“The suspicious houses are all over the city of Harrisonville,” said Hofer. “There isn’t one section that is more predominant, and there isn’t one without any.”

The reports do not just appear by themselves however. Residents, or people in nearby areas, are the ones that give the needed information to the police officers of Harrisonville.

“All of the potential places are based on suspicion of illegal activity by surrounding houses, neighbors, or other residents,” said Police Officer Mike Prindle. “They contact us to report these things.”

With different drugs potentially available, the substances suspected of

being purchased or consumed at the houses are not limited to a handful of narcotics.

“[The drugs] can vary anywhere from marijuana to meth to ecstasy,” said Hofer.

More modern drugs are also making their way into Harrisonville according to Prindle.

“Synthetic marijuana has become very prominent lately,” said Prindle. “Things such as K-2, king kong, diablo, and pump it are examples of synthetic marijuana. In the last twelve months there has been a highly unusual amount of synthetic drugs being reported or used.

Marijuana in general has always been the most common drug though. That has held true for 30 to 40 years.”

According to WebMD, cannabinoids and bath salts are also some drugs that are potentially being distributed throughout the city. Cannabinoids, which are a group of compounds found in cannabis, or marijuana, are found in natural and synthetic marijuana. Bath salts ,however, are a drug variation of their own. Common street names include Ivory Wave, Purple Wave, Vanilla Sky, and Bliss. This drug contains synthetic chemicals that are similar to amphetamines.

Student safety is one of the many concerns the Harri-

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Features

re prevalent in Harrisonville sonville Police Department are facing with the number of possible drug houses throughout the city.

“We’re always concerned about student safety as far as drugs,” said Hofer.

“We have pushed for several years for a drug policy in the school and encouraged it at different levels.”

The Harrisonville Police Department has set up an application to help with student and citizen safety as a whole. Anyone can download and send in tips to alert officers of a potential crime or problem.

“We want the students to use the tip line we have set up,” said Prindle.

“It’s a tip 411 which is a texting program.”

The system works in two different ways.

The application works by anonymously sending in a tip.

Once the tip has been sent to the police department, an officer will respond back or engage in further contact if needed.

The other option for users wishing to notify an officer of an illegal act is to text the Harrisonville Police Department at 847-411 with HPDMOTIP in the text body followed by the tip for the officers. Hofer and Prindle hope for this application to help cut down on illegal activity and danger in the city.

Drug and pharmaceuticals use by 12th graders in 2012 37%

Marijuana/ Hashish

12%

Synthetis Maihuana

8% 7.6% 6% 5% 5%

Adderall Vicodin Cough Medicine Tranquilizers hallucinogens OxyCotin Ectasty (Molly) Inhalants Cocaine Ritlain

4% 4% 3% 3% 2%

= Illicit Drugs = Pharmaceutical

Photo illustration by, Starr Myers- Cartoonist, Illustrator

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feature

Senior finds her place playing volleyball Story by, Lara Floyd- Features Editor

lara.floyd@hhsnews.com

A volleyball court feels nothing less than home to senior Mady Berkenpas. The desire of being on the court continues to keep her engaged and become more passionate towards volleyball daily. Since the age of 11, she has felt a strong adoration for the game.

“The feeling I get when I play is amazing,” said Berkenpas.

“I can let out my frustrations and do something I love doing.”

When she steps on the court, Berkenpas feels a deep connection forming. She is always ready to bring her A-game.

“I feel at peace in a sense,” said Berkenpas. “I don’t know how to describe it. Putting on my knee pads, fastening my ankle braces, and tying my shoelaces gets me focused and ready to play.”

Being introduced to this sport has not only grown on Berkenpas, but it has become a major aspect in her life.

“I played constantly so it kind of just became a part of me,” said Berkenpas. “I really don’t know what I would be doing if I didn’t have volleyball.”

Varsity Head Coach Jamie Walruff has worked with Berkenpas for the past couple years, and has seen her grow into the player each girl wishes to be.

“Mady is a very serious volleyball player,” said Walruff.

“She loves the game and plays with passion. She strives to be the best and come through for her team.”

Since volleyball consumes a large part of her time, Berkenpas has established close bonds with her teammates to have a better functioning team.

“Most of our bonding was over the summer at MU

camp,” said Berkenpas. “We just all really opened up to each other and that has made this season go smoothly so far.”

As this is the final high school season Berkenpas will be playing, she is preparing for her first college season come next fall.

“I plan on playing college ball somewhere,” said Berkenpas. “I’ve got two offers already. So I’ve just got to decide or wait for more offers if they come.”

Walruff is excited to see what Berkenpas has to offer her future team. As she sends her off, she offers valuable advice to succeed in her first college season next fall.

“Stay focused on your goals, and give 100 percent,” said Walruff. “Keep being a leader by communicating on and off the court.”

Photo by, Anne Haugen Senior Mady Berkenpas

Junior expresses passion for running

Story by, Lara Floyd- Features Editor

lara.floyd@hhsnews.com

The variation of terrain and courses is what makes cross country the ideal sport for junior Madison Phillips. Her strength combined with her endurance is what gives her the skill to compete in each race.

“You have to be strong mentally; 99 percent of cross country is mental,” said Phillips. “You have to be constantly thinking, ‘I can do it’. If you don’t, you’re going to regret it.”

This type of mentality has been instilled in Phillips since she first started running her freshman year. Cross country had just been reintroduced to the high school when she began her running career.

“When I heard about cross country coming back, I decided to try it,” said Phillips. “[I] might as well be involved in something I love.”

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Photo by, Cody Hart Junior Madison Philips

Ever since cross country has returned to the school, Phillips has faithfully used it as her main method to continue training during track’s offseason.

“The fact that it helps with track contributes to why I

like it so much,” said Phillips.

“I like to stay in shape for track, since it’s my main sport.”

Despite the fact that track is Phillips’ primary sport, she displays her devotion to running by doing all she can to succeed, and to stray away from being unsuccessful.

“I run to clear my mind, to detox it as well as my body,” said Phillips. “I run for my family and peers, too. They push me to run, and I would hate to fail them.”

Not only does running cross country keep Phillips in a positive mindset, but it teaches her to keep pushing through until the end.

“These kinds of things don’t come along often in your life,” said Phillips. “If you love to do something, hold tight to it and don’t quit.”

Even though cross country is just a training season for Phillips, she pushes hard and makes sure that things get done.

Since the season is so short, she does not have too much to worry about.

“Cross country is such a short sport,” said Phillips. “It gives me so much extra time for stuff like homework and my social life.”

Though the sport is short-lived, Phillips adores all of the moments that have been and will be spent with her teammates and coach.

“I absolutely love the team,” said Phillips. “All of our personalities combine together and we just mesh so well. I feel like I work better with these people than a lot of other teams I’ve seen.”

Cross Country Coach Layne Anderson believes that Phillips is a large portion of the team morale.

“She has always been like our team mom, a team leader and a manager for us,” said Anderson.

Though Phillips is only a junior, she is planning her last

high school season and college plans for running.

“Next year is probably my last year of running cross country,” said Phillips. “If I get a scholarship for it, then great. If I don’t, it’s not a big deal.”

Phillips is going to continue her running career past her sports. She would like to include this activity throughout her whole life.

“After high school or even college, I want to run recreationally,” said Phillips. “I’ll build up from there. Especially from 5Ks and things like that.”

Despite the fact that her cross country career is coming to a close, she realizes that it not only was there for her throughout high school, the running experience will continue to live on.

“Running is a lifetime thing,” said Phillips. “You can’t just give up. You have to keep pushing and believe you can do it.

It’s pretty ideal for me.”

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sports

Silver anniversary marks 25 years Story by, Tyler Cardinal- Sports Writer tyler.cardinal@hhsnews.com

As she sits in the stands and watches the game, current school counselor, former coach and player Kari Bliss recollects her senior year of playing on the very first softball team Harrisonville had.

Between the varsity and junior varsity games, today’s team has been giving acknowledgement to the those who have been apart of the teams since 1988.

“During each of the five home games we are celebrating five years,” said Bliss. “[If there are] any alumni in the area we contact them and ask if they want to come back and participate. In between the varsity and junior varsity games, we announce the stats from that year, who the coach was, and who the seniors were. And then Coach Hix has the [current] players line up and shake

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hands with them.”

Bliss did not just play, but was later a junior varsity coach for two years before becoming the head coach for nine. It makes Bliss proud that the team wants to recognize those who have been apart of the growing sport.

“I think its neat that coach and the players are wanting to do this,” said Bliss. “They can always say that they were on the team during the silver anniversary season.”

One of many things the team has done is wear old jerseys at the blue and white scrimmage that was held preseason.

Former head coach of the very first softball team at Harrisonville, Sheryl Burgener, feels as though it is an honor that she was apart of starting the sport.

“I think thats really an exciting thing it shows a lot of past history,” said Burgener. “It’s really great for me because I get to see a lot of

my players that I have not seen in awhile. You see different players that remind you of players you had. It’s just a sense of pride to be apart of the first team.”

Though it is a part of the school’s history, Burgener does not feel as though it has truly been 25 years since the team’s debut.

“Yeah, it probably sounds like a long time, but it seems like it just started,” said Burgener.

Burgener also feels that softball in Harrisonville has had a few miniscule changes that led to a lot of difference in the skill of current teams.

“Well there have been a few rule changes, but the game is still the same. But there have been more opportunities to play at a younger age, girls have had a chance to play better before high school,” said Burgener.

Burgener put a lot of effort into getting softball added to the school,

Photo by, Alison Schmidt Past softball players get regonized at each home game by meeting and shaking the players hands.

it was not plain sailing to get Harrisonville a softball team.

“Again it makes me feel very proud. It took a lot of work to convince the school and the administrators that we needed a girls softball program,” said Burgener. “Its

hard to start a team from scratch.

We kind of had to develop our own talent. We did not have a losing record when I coached and have not had very many since. Being that successful, thats what makes me the most proud of the team.”

Comic by, Starr Meyers- Cartoonist/Illustrator brittany.myers@hhsnews.com

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sports

Sideline switch helps football focus Story by, Tyler Cardinal- Staff Writer tyler.cardinal@hhsnews.com

As the crowd drowns out the vital calls that coaches are hollering from the sidelines, quarterback and senior Zach Davidson strains to hear them from his position on the field.

This became a constant struggle for Davidson and other members of the football team last year when the Wildcats were on the sideline nearest to the grandstands.

Davidson feels like the football team can accomplish more with the team’s switch to the opposite sideline during games.

“I like it a lot because we see all the fans and its a lot quieter on that side, also because it is a lot easier to hear calls and not get distracted by

Photo by, Sydney Hoffman Football players holding hands prior to the start of the game.

the fans,” said Davidson.

This adjustment in the routine was made after a rule change by MSHSAA (Missouri State High School Activities Association). Head Coach Chuck Lliteras made the final call on which side the players would stand on.

“State modified the rule again so that we could go

back to the other side during the regular season, opponents choice during the playoffs,” said Lliteras. “[It was] my decision.

It gets us away from the crowd noise, [and it’s] easier to communicate.”

The previous rule stated that the visiting team got to choose the sideline they wanted if only one side had

stands. Now that rule only applies during the playoffs.

Even though they get the other sideline during regular season, in the playoffs the Wildcats might not get that advantage.

“MSHSAA allows the opponents, during the playoffs, to choose the sideline without bleachers if you have permanent bleachers, not portable bleachers. When playoffs come we will be on the grandstand side because every team that comes in here chooses the side opposite of the grandstands.” said Athletic Director H.T. Adams.

Adams also states that moving to that side would prove less of a distraction to the players.

“Rather than moving,

being there [during the regular season] is less of a distraction than our regular routine,” said Adams.

Adams believes that Harrisonville football fans are a very boisterous group during games, and believes that the home team should have the right to choose their side.

“Harrisonville is a lot like Arrowhead with noise, so it is easier to communicate on the opposite sideline,” said Adams.

“Home Field advantage should never be taken away from players or coaches. We should be able to keep our sideline regardless.”

New helmets hope to improve safety Story by, Austin Royal- Staff Writer austin.royal@hhsnews.com

Protecting the players; that is the most important thing when it comes to choosing new equipment and laying down rules. A main concern when it comes to football gear is preventing, or reducing, the risk of a concussion.

These helmets will hopefully help on the prevention for concussions. According to Head Coach Chuck Lliteras the helmets were a donation.

With the emphasis of safety, Missouri State High School Athletics Association is making sure that helmets are safe for players to compete in.

With making decisions for the helmets there is analysis on what equipment to get for the players.

“Every decision that we make we go over and make sure that it is the best and the safest equipment out there,” said Athletic Director H.T. Adams.

MSHSAA goes by a

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ranking system called the Virginia Tech Star Rating System, which rates the helmet based on an analysis.

Both the white Riddell Speeds and the blue Schutt Vengeance are rated from four to five stars. The white helmets have a five star rating while the blue helmets have a four star rating. Based on the ratings, both helmets are tops in the Virginia Tech Rating System.

Adams feels like because of the sport there is always a chance of getting injured.

“Football is an extremely dangerous sport; with that there is always a chance for a concussion even with the new helmet,” said Adams.

With the ratings, Defensive Back Coach Zach Cunningham feels time will tell how the helmets will react to game situations.

“We will have to wait and see; the blue helmet is supposed to be at the top of the line,” said Cunningham.

The color of the new blue helmet was decided on by the donor.

“It was his money so he decided on what the color of the helmet would be,” said Adams.

This is the first time in over 56 years that the Wildcats football program has had blue helmets.

Offensive linemen and Photo by, Cody Hart senior Jack McCleave feels safer For the first time in 56 years football gets blue helmets with the new logo. with a particular helmet.

“On the white helmets

“With getting the sec “I personally don’t get it is tradition with having the ond helmet we will slow down headaches from the blue helmet blue ‘H’ on it but on the blue the wear and tear of the white as much as the white helmet,” helmet just having a white ‘H’ helmet,” said Adams. said McCleave. didn’t look good so we added the

With the two helmets

With the use of more logo with it,” said McCleave. brings something only a small than one helmets now, players With a new look on percentage of schools have in the feel like they have more options the blue helmet, Cunningham United States. when it comes to uniform selecbelieves that the new decal will

“There are few high tion. find it’s way to the white helmet. schools that have two helmets

“With the two helmets

“The blue helmets came and it is a great pleasure to be a we have a variation of uniforms with the decal and maybe soon part of those few schools,” said since we can wear four different we will have the same decal on Adams. uniforms,” said McCleave. the white helmet,” said Cun With the new helmet

Another reason for ningham. came a new decal. The decals getting the helmets this year is to were made from Creative Signs slow down on the usage of one in Belton, Missouri. helmet.

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Fall sports come together

staff

Compiled by, Cassie Long and Cody Hart

t e

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opinion

Abortion needs to be an option to teens

Story by, Kayley Brock- Online Editor

kayley.brock@hhsnews.com

When teenagers get pregnant they have three choices; adoption, raise the baby, and abortion.

Abortion is probably the one option people are too timid to bring up.

According to the National Abortion Federation, 35 percent of teenagers who become pregnant choose to have an abortion rather than bear a child. Basically, every third of teenage pregnancies are aborted.

One of the problems is

that teenagers are making adult decisions and having to face adult consequences. Teens are having sex and doing things they are not mature enough to handle. They can not handle the complications that go along with having sex.

Doctor Jay Giedd, a neuroscientist at the National Institute of Mental Health, did a scientific study over teenagers brain development. Giedd stated that a teenager’s brain will not reach its adult potential until they are over 20 years old.

Even if you are 18 your brain is not fully matured. Therefore, teens should not be making detrimental decisions when it comes to sex because then they have to make a decision that will affect them for the rest of their lives.

Society is wondering why teens are making these terrible decisions. It is because these teens are not fully matured and they do not understand the consequences because no one is teaching them.

Although I admire teenage girls who decide to keep their

babies, I think that it is extremely unrealistic and irresponsible of society to expect these young girls to be able to care for another human being successfully. Society expects these teenagers to make the best decisions for their pregnancy, but they are not doing anything to educate them about all of their choices.

Classes like health and sexual education are not educating teens on abortion. Those teachers don't even bring it up as an option.

They just talk to us about what types of birth control to use, and they dictate us to say no.

“We never teach anything over abortion because it’s such a sensitive subject,” said health teacher Nicole Ortiz, “We teach more about protection and abstinence.

It’s something we need to look into.

Teenage pregnancy is common, and we need to look into what options teenagers have.”

This isn’t the 1920’s, that is the past, we are now in the present . Teenagers are not scared to hold hands and kiss in public. Teenage

girls and boys are doing things that mature adults are doing. We have to learn to adapt to reality instead of turning a blind head to it. I do think that teenagers should be allowed to have abortions. It has got to be more appropriate than having a kid raise another kid.

Teenagers should not be expected to handle these things.

They are not mature, and they are not even a little knowledgeable on the topics that they have to make a decision on. We, as a society, need to work together to figure out how to teach teens to be more responsible and learn from the mistakes of others. Society also needs to realize that things are different.

Teenagers think they are mature enough to handle adult situations, but they should stop and rethink that. I know we are growing and learning as human beings, but we have to be able to grasp the idea that we are still kids, and we have no idea what we are doing. Yes, we are capable of making decisions, but that does not mean that we need to

take on these adult matters. Teenagers need to stop being so arrogant, and realize that we are kids. We need to pay attention to the things we are doing.

Some of the decisions we are making now can, and will,affect us as we grow into adults. Think about the kind of person you want to be and the kind of parent you want to be when making these decisions. There are consequences to everything in life. Whether or not you want to learn from them is your option. But I beg you to not make the same mistake others have made.

Abortion will always be an option to every single girl and a choice that a third of teenage girls decide is the right choice for them. Teens are still kids in my mind, and no matter what, no one should expect that a teenager will be able to raise a child successfully. I know that this is a sensitive topic but society needs to figure out a way to make this an acceptable topic so teenage girls can fully understand all of their options.

the softball girls with bows in their hair and numbers on their backs, or the soccer boys sporting their slick uniforms. Every Friday the football players can be found displaying their colors, and the cheerleaders donning their regalia in anticipation for that night’s game. What they will not see, is a tennis jersey. Not a single one.

Well who cares about tennis anyway? We do. We: the hard working athletes who would like the student body to understand the effort we put into our sport, and the pride we take in it; the dedicated players of an unrecognized sport, searching for a way to revive it. We, the tennis players.

Teachers and students, both, notice when the whole team comes to school in their jerseys. The players are asked questions about when and where it is and what the

competition will be like. If the player comments on how it should be a good game that night, the initial asker may consider showing up.

Even if they do not attend, they at least knew about it and are able to follow up with the player the next day, sharing in the joy of winning or consoling them in the aftermath of a loss. As a tennis player, I do not get that luxury.

Many times, it feels as if no one even knows that this high school has a tennis team. More often than not, this is reality. The student body is not overly involved in the tennis teams affairs, in fact, that is an overstatement. They are not involved at all. When a cheerleader walks through the hallways in her cheer outfit, or a soccer boy in his jersey, it is meant to be obvious to the rest of the school that their sport will be

competing that night. It is a simple message that gets attention subtly.

When teams wear their jerseys to school, it tends to be how students are aware of the games of the high school’s sports teams, since there are a lot of teams, and the games are not always on a certain day. By wearing a uniform to school, that team is communicating with the rest of the school that they have a game tonight and they would like you to come and support them. Why else would they do it? As a tennis player, I do not even have that opportunity.

Some might say that the tennis jerseys go against school dress code. However, I find the dress code largely up for interpretation. The Student Dress Guidelines, which can be found in the student agenda on page 11, uses the words “bare backs” and “backless”, of which the tennis

uniform has neither. Again, this can be largely debatable.

As for the thickness of the tennis uniform straps, they are about two and a half inches wide or the width of about four fingers. The dress code does not mention specifics when discussing sleeve thickness except with the mention of “spaghetti straps”, which the tennis uniform has not.

Throughout the dress code, it mentions that the discretion and enforcement of these guidelines is up to the staff. Thus, the question with this particular issue is: what is/ will be deemed inappropriate by the staff or administration? I would hope that this issue is readdressed and the tennis team’s wishes be taken into consideration by the school cabinet.

Tennis team feels left out

Story by , Bethany Travis- Photographer bethany.travis@hhsnews.com

When one walks through the hallways of this high school during the fall sports season, there is a considerable chance that they may catch a student wearing the jersey of their sport. They might see

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Have an opinion on something in this issue? the pride

G u ide li ne s -Letters must be signed by the author and verified.

Letters are submitted to room 304 or Mr. Lewis’ mailbox.

- Letters must include the author’s phone number for verification.

-Letters should not exceed 300 words.

-Letters will not be printed if content is obscene, invasive, enouraging descrption of school and/or implies libel.

-Letters may be edited for length, grammar, spelling, and content.

-Author will be notified if any changes are made to the letter by the editorial staff.

Submit a letter, and tell us about it!

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sports

Students become rivalries to celebrate homecoming Story by, Austin Royal- Staff Writer austin.royal@hhsnews.com

Only during the week of homecoming is it expected that the student body express their school spirit by wearing mismatched clothes, capes with inside out underwear, and put on display their all out blue and white wardrobe.

“Thursday, super hero versus villain day [was my favorite day] because everyone gets to honor their real or fictional hero,” said senior Jon Tracy.

Each day had a theme, as Tuesday was mismatched, and Wednesday students rocked their favorite decade.

Throughout the week, many events were scheduled to prepare for the upcoming Friday.

The city wide pep rally was held at Memorial Stadium on Thursday night after the softball and volleyball games.

During that time the fall coaches explained how their seasons were going. After this event, Senior Mania auctioned off senior jerseys for fans to wear on Friday, which was citywide blue and white day.

Friday started off in full swing, as the high school held a pep assembly to get the students pumped, and that afternoon more than 25 organizations were

represented in the Homecoming Parade. Students voted for their favorite homecoming candidate during the day, in hopes their nominee would be the one to win.

As the crowd sat quietly and listened in anticipation of the coronation announcement, the duration of time until the names were revealed seemed be unending for those who had been nominated.

As Jon Tracy and Kayley Martley were declared the 2013 Homecoming King and Queen, each were shocked, yet privileged to take on these titles.

Tracy was surprised by the announcement.

“I didn’t expect it at all I really thought it was going to be either Nathan or Luke but I am

happy that my peers chose me,” said Tracy.

Martley was honored by the announcement on Friday.

“[I am] in shock because out of those group of girls I was chosen; I was honored,” said Martley.

After the coronation the game took place as the Wildcats took on the Tigers from Excelsior Springs.

The football team would end up defeating the Tigers 3514, and after the game students attended the Homecoming Dance at the high school.

Photos by, Cody Hart and Dylan Young

Dates to know October through November October 4- Scholarship Due Date: AES Scholarship

October 9- College Fair, 9 a.m.

October 11- End of First Quarter; half day and Hesston College 9 a.m.

October 11-12- Mizzou Engineering High School Weekend October 14- University of Missouri-Columbia Representative 8:30-9:30 a.m.

October 15- Parent-Teacher Conferences 4-8 p.m.

October 16- PSAT Testing and Missouri S&T 9 a.m.

October 17- Half day; Parent-Teacher Conferences 12:30-8 p.m. and

Northwest Missouri State 10:30 a.m. && UCM Representative 9:30-10:30 a.m.

October 18- No School October 23-October 30- Red Ribbon Week October 25- Scholarship Due Date: Global Lift Equipment and Horatio Alger Association October 26- ACT Date October 29- Avila College Representative 8:30-9:30 a.m. and

Hannibal LaGrange University Representative 9:30-10:30 a.m.

October 30- Scholarship Due Date: Carrington Dental Centre October 31-Halloween

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November 1- No School; Professional Development Day November 5- Avila Representative 8:30-9:30 a.m.

November 8- ACT Registration Deadline for December 14 Test November 11- Pittsburg State 10:30 a.m.

November 21-24- “Sound of Music” November 27-29- No School; Thanksgiving Break November 28- Thanksgiving Day

the pride

feature

Dreamland

Do you often find yourself dreaming and you’d like to know what in the world it means?

Here are the most common types of dreams and what they could potentially symbolize.

If you would like to look into the meanings further or if your dream is not mentioned here, login to www.dreammoods.com to explore.

Naked dreams

Becoming mortified at the realization that you are naked in public, reflects your vulnerability or feelings of shamefulness. Nudity also symbolizes being caught off guard.

Dream catchers were originally hung above a baby’s cradle to give the infant peaceful, beautiful dreams. Good dreams are clear and know the way to the dreamer, moving downwards through the feathers. Bad dreams however, are confused and cannot . find their way through the web. They are trapped there until the sun rises and evaporates them like the morning dew.

Information compiled from www.dream-catchers.org

Chase dreams Instead of confronting the situation, your dream indicates that you have a tendency to run away and avoid the issue. Ask yourself who is chasing you, so that you can gain a better understanding and insight on the source of your fears and anxieties.

Flying dreams If you are flying with ease and are enjoying the scene and landscape below, then it suggests that you are on top of a situation. You have risen above something. It may also mean that you have gained a new and different perspective on things. Flying dreams and the ability to control your flight is representative of your own personal sense of power.

Falling dreams Falling is an indication of insecurities, instabilities, and anxieties. You are feeling overwhelmed and out of control in some situation in your waking life. You have lost your foothold. When you fall, there is nothing that you can hold on to. You, more or less, are forced toward this downward motion without any control.

Test dreams To dream that you are taking an exam, indicates that you are being put to the test or being scrutinized in some way. These dreams highlight some anxiety or agitation that you are experiencing in your waking life. These dreams usually have to do with your self-esteem and confidence or the lack of. You may also experience the fear of not being accepted, not being prepared, or not being good enough.

Sophomore Alli Bomer

“Chucky was trying to kill me and I locked him in my closet. Then when I woke up, I was too afraid to open it and get dressed.”

Sophomore Myyon Davis

“So these guys from the Purge showed up and were knocking on my door. I was so scared.”

the pride

Senior Haidyn Ramsey “I was running from people in a cornfield trying to hide.

I tripped and they caught me and started to drag me away. Then I woke up.”

Freshman Katy Stuckey

“The woman from the Conjuring popped up over my bed while I was sleeping.”

Compiled by, Lara Floyd and Bethany Travis

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