The Pride October 3, 2012

Pride

The Wednesday, october 3 20 1 2 volume XV, issue i

Harrisonville High School

www.hhsnews.com

Questionable dress code enforcement Story by Kayley Brock-Staff Writer kayley.brock@hhsnews.com

Teachers and administrators see masses of students walk to class and push past one another through the halls daily. However, the crowded halls are not what frustrate them.

“You can wear whatever you want to wear outside of school, but you have to be appropriate in school,” said history teacher Andrew Rives.

Last year at a staff meeting this particular issue was found to be the number one problem according to teachers and staff administrators. Following this conference, the staff was determined to put dress code violations to a halt.

Yet, the 2012 school year has arrived and teachers

“We as a faculty need to get better at bringing it up with students.”

-Kari Bliss Photo illustrations

by Alison Krenzer.

feel the problem still has not been addressed; tired of seeing cleavage and sagging pants in the halls and classrooms.

“I don’t like seeing people’s rear ends hanging out of their pants,” said Rives.

Counselor Kari Bliss feels that standing or sitting clothes should still be covering

your bodies in an appropriate way.

“Shorts and skirts are the biggest problem. It can be distracting when girls sit down because what looks good standing up doesn’t always sitting down,” said Bliss.

According to Bliss, it can be difficult to find appro-

priate clothing that is tasteful for girls.

“For females it can be harder to go shopping because it is hard to find in-style and modest clothing. Girls also have sense of having to wear form fitting clothing,” said Bliss.

Although Bliss feels

in can be difficult for female students to follow the dress code, math teacher Pam Joseph believes it could be more strict.

“The dress code needs to be stricter, I think it’s getting pushed to the limit,” said Joseph.

However, Bliss expects the dress code to always be somewhat of an issue.

“There hasn’t been any changes in the dress code, we have been working on discouraging PDA. We will always have to work on the dress code. It would be nice if students had a way to report dress code violations that they see,” said Bliss.

Though a teacher cannot address all students that violate the dress code, it is clear that they are not pleased with the attire of students disturbing the learning environment in a classroom.

Dissections

Lunch Guidelines

Cancer hits home Fashion trends

PG. 3

PG. 4

PG. 8

PG. 12

staff

Table of Contents

The Pride Staff 2012-2013 Editor-in-Chief: Maria Sanchez Managing Editor of Copy: Crystal Warden Features Editor: Lexi Eghbali News & Opinion Editor: Audrey Marshall Sports Editor: Lauren Aman Photo Editor: Alison Krenzer Columnist: Nick Campbell Adviser: Brad Lewis Staff Writers: Mackenzie Eisel, Brently Probasco, C.J. Semler, Madi Dahn, Madi Phillips, Tyler Cardinal, Austin Royal, Kayley Brock, Lara Floyd & Joe Cramer

Teacher supplies by Kayley Brock page 3

Counselors by Brently Probasco The play by C.J. Semler page 5

B

Homecoming by Madi Phillips Politics by Nick Campbell page 4

page 8

Drought by Joe Cramer

Staff Photographers: Jamie Hasenyager & Cassie Long Coach and student bond by Madi Dahn New coaches by Austin Royal page 9

Harrisonville High School 1504 E. Elm Harrisonville, MO 64701 (816)380-3273 Follow us on Twitter @ HHSwildcatnews

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page 12

Fashion Trends by Lara Floyd

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.

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news

Budget cuts have affect on teacher supplies Story by Kayley BrockStaff Writer kayley.brock@hhsnews.com Many things are needed in order for a classroom to run smoothly. However, based on a yearly set budget, teachers’ hands are sometimes tied when they are in need of new equipment.

Supplies play a significant role in what students can get done in class. Teachers receiving or not receiving items that they need can put a class behind or really help them throughout a school

year.

Teachers have to send in purchase orders to be able to receive the items they need throughout the school year.

The school budget is split up in different categories. All of the categories are controlled by different people.

When business teacher Lisa Moore updated the software for her classes, she sent in a purchase order for ADOBE CS 5 and waited for CS 6 which came out in the end of August.

“You have to be creative and just think up of

different projects, we’ve been very supported. Very few times have we haven’t gotten anything or have received them late,” said Moore.

Some teachers share their budgets with one another if they teach similar subjects.

“Mrs. [Becky] Bruens and I split our budget down the middle. We save a little money in the account for things if needed,” said art teacher Melissa Chaney.

The school uses grants from the state to pay for supplies teachers need or

Many teachers are needing new things for their rooms.

Brooke Rogers uses a drawing board instead of an art table because the tables are so unstable.

Photo by Alison Krenzer.

want for the year. With only so much money set aside, administration determines what is needed or not needed.

“Budget cuts come from the state, depends on how much money they want

to give to different districts and this district has to use the money we have been given to run the district. If they cut money, we have to cut spending,” said Principal Andy Campbell.

Dissections spark questions about origins Story by Brently ProbascoStaff Writer brently.probasco@hhsnews.com

“It was gross at first, but then once you figure it out, it is pretty cool,” said sophomore Ashley Underwood.

Many students can relate to Underwood and the queasy feeling that she felt before really getting into the dissections.

These dissections that turn students’ stomachs and help them to learn more about the makeup of an organism’s body often bring up questions that go unanswered. Questions asked frequently include where do the animals come from and how are they disposed of?

According to science teacher John Dyck, the animals come from different science supply companies such as Science Supply, Carolina Biological Supply, and Sargent-Welch.

There are also other

3

Students dissect a frog, not always knowing where the animals actually came from.

Photo by Alison Krenzer.

ways that they can receive animals for dissections according to science teacher Dennis Kocher.

“Sometimes they come from animal shelters because they want to keep the animals, but money is tight so they utilize them for science. Sometimes they are raised because rats and mice reproduce very quickly,” said Kocher.

The Humane Society confirms this saying that

there are certain standards and conditions that must be met in order for the animals, often cats, to be donated for use in science.

The cat must have a severe injury, an illness, or have been kept for a reasonable amount of time without finding a good enough home.

Another requirement is that the cat’s former owners must have been notified.

Not all animals are donated by animals shelters.

Dyck dissects sharks, which are caught in the wild and later donated. The fetal pigs that students dissect are collected from slaughterhouses.

The frogs can be raised or, according to the Humane Society, may be caught in the wild along with fish and many other vertebrates.

Those students not taking biology or anatomy courses often notice the dis-

sections because of the odd aroma that fills the halls.

“A lot of times everyone is always aware of the dissections because of the smell.

It is not terrible, but it comes from the preservative so they do not rot,” said Kocher.

According to Kocher, the preservatives also keep the animals from drying out.

The animals sit in the preservative in the package that they come in. This year the frogs came in sealed plastic bags with the preservative.

When disposing the animals, there is no special procedure.

“Well, we throw away the parts that have been removed,” said sophomore Laura Hamilton. ”And we do not put them down the sink, that is like the main rule.”

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News

My view: both sides are wrong

Federal guidelines change lunches Story by Mackenzie Eisel - Staff Writer mackenzie.eisel@hhsnews.com

Column by Nick Campbell - Columnist nick.campbell@hhsnews.com

In this ever changing world, politicians and governmental figures grow more and more important but fall short of giving our country what it needs.

The United States is approximately 16 trillion dollars in debt as of June 2012.

Even with this debt and with the economy the way it is, the only thing the government is worried about is the middle class, raising taxes, rebuilding health care and other proceeding problems. Think about the lower class. If the government could focus more on the families barely scraping by rather than the families that don’t have to worry about making a house payment or feeding their family, maybe there wouldn’t be a lower class.

Now the main goal of the Democratic party for the presidential term is to lower the annual spending for the next four years by over $260 billion dollars. I strongly disagree with this. The whole point to fixing the economy is to lower costs of products and increase sales. Not to stop spending and save $260 billion dollars that families don’t see any of.

I’m all for the Republican Party, usually, but this year it seems they are not

See Campbell pg. 10 the pride

This year, HHS is offering many new lunch choices. Jeannie Englebrick prepares to purchase a new chicken salad.

Photo by Cassie Long.

As students walk into the cafeteria kitchen to get their lunch, they are faced with an unfamiliar visual aid of a lunch tray and the nutritional guidelines of each option.

The school menu has undergone revisions as a

result of new national regulations put in place on school lunches. One of the main new regulations is that now the school must offer a whole cup of fruits and vegetables instead of the original half cup.

According to the

food manager of the high school kitchen, Jody Gilbert, the ways of preparation have remained the same for the most part, but the content of the meals were subject to the changes.

“It’s the amount of food and kinds of foods that have changed,” said Gilbert.

“Recipes have changed and we have to offer more fruits and vegetables.”

Students are definitely feeling the changes, but they are not necessarily appreciating them.

“The vegetables are just there,” said junior Jack McCleave. “I get them, but I don’t eat them.”

Junior Sam Riffle’s fruit and vegetables go to waste daily as well.

“I don’t like fruit and vegetables so I don’t eat them,” said Riffle.

Although there are healthier additions to the

lunch trays, students are walking away from lunch still hungry.

“I feel as if there is less to eat this year,” said McCleave. “I don’t get full. I have to go back and get two lunches.”

Riffle agrees that the lunches are not enough to fill him up for the rest of the day.

“I go to football practice hungry,” said Riffle.

According to Gilbert, most students don’t understand the way the regulations work and all of the planning that takes place to make sure our school meets the requirements.

“The hardest part is the menu,” said Gilbert. “We have a minimum of certain foods we have to meet, but we also have a maximum too.

See Lunches pg. 10

HHS shows homecoming spirit Story by Madi Phillips Staff Writer madi.phillips@hhsnews.com

Wildcat spirit took over the school as Homecoming rounded the corner nearly three weeks ago.

A month before the dance, the homecoming candidates were announced over the intercom. There were six couples this year rather than five due to a tied vote.

The candidates were Anisa Alexander and Tanner FoerCandidates are seated during the Homecoming pep assembly schler, McKinnon Blalock while watching fellow students participate in games. and Matthew Baer, Emily Hix Photo by Alison Krenzer. and Maxwell Galeassi, Audrey crowned king and queen to be king.

Marshall and Mitchell Haug,

by Shelby Lavery and Dal “He’s been through Mackenzie Hocker and Tyler so much.

I think it’s neat how las Stackhouse, the previous Bundt, Amanda West and the school chose to honor year’s queen and runner-up Jameson Knox. for king. him like that,” said Alexander.

Out of those 12

Alexander was ex According to Alexancandidates, Maxwell Galeassi der, she had not fully expectcited that Galeassi was chosen and Anisa Alexander were

ed to be queen and was taken aback.

“There was a possibility since I was a candidate, but there is always the unknown, too,” said Alexander. “I was really shocked and really, really excited. I was focused on smiling, but that wasn’t hard because Max had kept making me laugh. I just didn’t want any bad pictures.”

Hairband Day was the kickoff for the spirit days on Monday, September 10.

Students and teachers alike trotted around with ratted, teased hair, messy wigs and scrunchies. Senior Brook Riley wore a dark brown wig from a beauty store with a

See Homecoming pg. 10

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Features

Cast, crew of musical begins preparation

Story by CJ Semler-Staff Writer cj.semler@hhsnews.com

“Our motto here in the theater department is excellence in theater, so I think that is what we’re going to do,” said drama teacher Annetta Snowden.

The cast and crew of the upcoming musical “Little Shop of Horrors” have been hard at work to bring the high school a show stopping performance.

According to Snowden, this British comedy is about a man who owns a small flower shop on skid row, and with business going poorly he decides to add some new exotic plants.

Everything is turning around until they find out that the plant is really an alien man eating plant.

“It’s hilarious, it’s funny, it’s really funny,” said Snowden.

Cast members have

The cast of “Little Shop of Horrors” is hard at work with Mrs. Snowden.

Photo by Alison Krenzer.

high hopes for the performance.

“I’m really excited for how the show’s gonna turn out. We have a really good cast this year; it is going to be fun,” said cast member, junior Kaitlyn Austin.

The music and drama department have been work-

ing on musicals together for two years now. This year they wanted to do a play that had good characters and vocals the students would be able to perform well.

“That’s why we chose this play, we thought it would be unique, different, and something that we could do

in an excellent manner,” said Snowden.

According to Snowden almost everything for the play is going as planned.

“We thought we were going to be renting the puppet for the plant from one theater but they double booked their plant so we had

to find a new place to rent it from,” said Snowden. “But as far as scenery and set, my theater production classes have been working extremely hard. They already have the platform and base for everything. The welding class down at the CCC has already put together the railings that we need for the balcony.”

With each practice the cast members look forward to putting on a great show.

“I’m looking forward to when we start performing, obviously thats what we’ve been working towards for every rehearsal,” said Austin.

Casts member are not the only ones who are excited for opening night.

“It’s a play that most teachers remember,” said Snowden. “They went to see it, or saw the movie when it came out.”

The dates for the performances are currently undecided.

Student services office has new company

Story by Brently ProbascoStaff Writer brently.probasco@hhsnews.com

Walking into the Students Services Office at the beginning of the school year, students not only notice a physical change but an unfamiliar face as well.

At the end of the last school year, the district said goodbye to counselor Carolyn Johnston. Coming into the school year there were two additions made to the counseling department.

Math teacher Kari Bliss now works as a part-time teacher and part-time counselor. Erin Dennis was also welcomed, not only new to the department as a third counselor, but to the district as well.

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“It has been an adjustment period,” said Dennis. “I’m coming from a small school where I had 250 students instead of 450 plus students here.”

According to Bliss, the hardest thing for her is being open for everyone.

“Schedule wise, the only challenge is ninth hour and how to make myself available to two different sets of people,” said Bliss. “Sometimes I have to figure out which hat I’m wearing and making myself available.”

Unlike counselors Andrea Laughlin and Dennis, Bliss plays a more specific role in the process.

“I think it benefits them because it helps us help them deal with more,” said

Dennis. “Bliss has taken the role for college and career readiness. Without that not all students might be able to meet with us.”

The changes have not just included the staff, but also the arrangements of the SSO including new paint and furniture.

While the SSO staff seems to enjoy these changes, some students do not and say it will not have many benefits to them.

“Probably won’t do anything,” said junior Mat Bartlett. “I mean, you can have three [counselors] and that’s great but it’s really not going to do anything. The only time I ever go there is if I need my schedule changed.

I don’t really go for anything

New counselor, Ms. Dennis works in her office when she’s not helping students. Photo by Cassie Long.

else.”

Others think it will help out with the amount of stress on the counselors.

“It’ll make each counselor less busy because they get to lessen their workload,” said sophomore Sydney Hoffman.

According to Price,

no matter the day it is always a crazy place.

“Overall, it’s a busy atmosphere here and I think it’s a good thing,” said Price.

“The counselors seem like they have worked together forever. It makes for a very smooth transition and that helps the students as well.”

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Features

Where do

If you are not following politics,

V.S.

V.S.

Barack Obama Democrat

Guns

Mitt Romney Republican

Guns

Barack Obama believes in protecting the Second Amendment. But with more thorough background checks when purchasing firearms.

Mitt Romney opposes gun control laws and has suggested that existing gun laws should have tougher enforcement.

Abortion

Abortion

President Obama is the most pro-abortion President in U.S. history.

Gay Marriage

Obama originally was opposed to same-sex marriage but now supports it.

Taxes

Obama believes that the current tax rates have only benefited the wealthy and is an advocate of ensuring a level of taxation for every income bracket.

War

Romney supported abortion rights but is not opposed to them and would end federal aid to Planned Parenthood.

Gay Marriage

Romney is against same-sex marriage and believes it should be banned with a constitutional amendment.

Taxes

Romney would drop tax rates, lower corporate taxes and end minimum tax for individuals/families making below $200,000.

War

Obama ended the war in Iraq and approved U.S. air power that helped Libya overthrow Moammar Gadhafi’s government.

Romney does not believe a set date can be made on when American troops will end combat in Afghanistan.

Religion

Religion

Obama is Christian.

Romney is Mormon.

Presidential the pride

Claire McCaskill Democrat

Guns

Claire McCaskill supports Second Amendment rights (the right to bear arms).

Abortion McCaskill fought to preserve funding for Planned Parenthood.

Gay Marriage

McCaskill is against gay marriage but supports civil unions.

Taxes

McCaskill favored taxes being significantly increased for the wealthy.

War

McCaskill was against the war in Iraq but supports the moving of troops to Afghanistan.

Religion

McCaskill is Catholic.

Todd Akin Republican

Guns

Todd Akin opposes any restrictions to the Second Amendment.

Abortion Akin is pro-life. He made comments about abortions in cases of rape, saying a woman’s body can shut down during a “legitimate rape.”

Gay Marriage

Akin voted for a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

Taxes

Akin is against cutting corporate taxes, bailouts and stimulus spending.

War

Akin is very supportive of the war on terror however was opposed to the operations in Libya.

Religion

Akin is Christian.

U.S. Senate

6

you stand?

Features Editor’s note: Candidates’ positions on issues were found from a variety of news sites and official campaign websites.

we believe you should be.

V.S.

Teresa Hensley Democrat

Guns

Teresa Hensley supports the Second Amendment.

Abortion Hensley is pro-choice and will preserve funding for Planned Parenthood.

Gay Marriage

Hensley is a supporter of samesex marriage.

Taxes

Hensley supports an increase on taxes for the wealthy.

War

Hensley supports her district’s bases by supplying resources to “help protect our country abroad.”

Religion

Hensley is Methodist.

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V.S.

Vicky Hartzler Republican

Guns

Vicky Hartzler supports the Second Amendment.

Abortion Hartzler is pro-life and voted in favor of the amendment to prevent funds from going to Planned Parenthood.

Gay Marriage

Hartzler is opposed to samesex marriages and believes that marriage is between a man and a woman.

Taxes

Hartzler is supportive of spending cuts and lower tax rates.

War

Hartzler voted against removing troops from Afghanistan.

Religion

Hartzler is Christian.

Congressional

Jay Nixon Democrat

Guns

Jay Nixon supports federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.

Abortion Nixon is against late-term abortion, or “partial-birth” abortion.

Gay Marriage

Nixon is against same-sex marriage and believes marriage is only between a man and a woman.

Taxes

Nixon is supportive of lowering taxes for small businesses so they will have the capital they need to create jobs.

Death Penalty

Nixon supports the death penalty and feels it should include drug traffickers.

Religion

Nixon is Methodist.

Dave Spence Republican

Guns

Dave Spence opposes gun control.

Abortion Spence is against abortion, unless it is for the safety of the mother.

Gay Marriage

Spence is opposed to same-sex marriages.

Taxes

Nixon is not supportive of increasing taxes, especially for small businesses.

Death Penalty

Spence supports the death penalty.

Religion

Spence is Catholic.

Gubernatorial the pride

Features

Wildcats come together against testicular cancer Story by Maria SanchezEditor-in-Chief maria.sanchez@hhsnews.com

“It didn’t phase me as much as I thought news like that would have. Just like hearing any other unfortunate news.”

This summer, senior Max Galeassi visited the doctor with pain in his testicles, hoping to find out what was causing it.

“He gave me antibacterial medicine and shots to make it go away,” said Galeassi.

However, the solution given by doctors was not a solution at all and two weeks passed with no change. Galeassi returned to the doctor and had an ultrasound test to see what exactly was being dealt with.

“An ultrasound confirmed the malignant tumor,” said Galeassi.

Soon after the ultrasound, Galeassi was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

“The only thing I was really concerned about at first, though in retrospect it

Life to the Max #13.” Other said Bayli. doesn’t really matter all that high school football teams

Along with chemomuch, was losing one of my have fundraised as well as a therapy, fundraisers are also boys. Which is inevitable for Lee’s Summit mother whose helping Max fight TC. testicular cancer,” said Galeson had fought the disease,

“I don’t really try assi. too.

Junior Bayli Galeassi to get involved too much

“I as well as my fambecause I don’t like attention, ” was in shock when she first ily thank everybody for their said Max. “But the support is heard the diagnoses of her support,” said Bayli. overwhelming.” brother.

Not only does Bayli

According to Max,

“I honestly didn’t wish to thank those who have about four or five fundraisers believe it at first, I was so supported them, but she also have contributed to helping scared,” said Bayli. “Then wants people to know how the Galeassi’s.

I realized that it was my Max feels.

“It means a lot how brother and I “He doesn’t knew it would “Self exam [yourself] if you’re want people be okay. He’s feeling sorry a really tough a man, or lady parts if you’re for him,” said guy.” a woman, because cancer is Bayli. “I just

Max hope he can began a three an evil, poisonous demon to get back out cycle chemowork with,” on the football therapy treatfield and be an -Max Galeassi ment in July even greater that lasted for inspiration to nine weeks. willing everybody was to lend everyone.”

“Chemo is very borThrough these past ing, same length as school but a hand. We have a great com- three months, Max has bemunity, ” said Bayli. no friends and one period,” Junior Brianna Ken- come all too familiar with the said Max. nature of cancer and wants drick created bracelets and

About three weeks others to be aware of themsold them for $3 to students ago Max finished up his treatselves. and community members in ments.

“Self exam your an effort to raise money for

“His last treatment [yourself] if you’re a man, or Max. The bracelets say “Live was on the [September] 10,”

Max Galeassi watches a football game from the sidelines. Although he can not play at the moment, he is still supporting the team.

Photo by Alison Krenzer.

lady parts if you’re a woman, because cancer is an evil, poisonous demon to work with,” said Max.

Max will know just how effective his treatments were in early October after taking a computerized tomography scan.

And when it comes to football, Max keeps the positive outlook that he holds for everything in life.

“Optimistically,” said Max. “The next couple of weeks maybe.”

Midwest drought effects lifestock industry heightened in mid July, it was Story by Joe Crameraffecting citizens of the MidStaff Writer west throughout June, July, joe.cramer@hhsnews.com

Heat waves on the horizon, sweat dripping down someone’s face who is desperate to find relief from the heat, a dog panting profusely.

These were common sights last summer. With temperatures peaking over 110 degrees, people were forced to take extra precautions to keep themselves, people around them, and animals safe from things such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, or possible risk of death.

Though the drought

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and August. According to the Missouri Department of Agriculture, it was the worst drought Missouri had experienced in about 30 years. But humans were not the only living things at risk.

Farmers especially felt the effects of the drought.

Keeping track of all of their crops or livestock is a tough enough job. But dealing with the struggle to keep them alive and thriving is a whole different challenge.

Keeping crops and livestock alive is only part of

the issue. Farmers need to supply food for their livestock and with limited rain, they have to find alternate ways to give their crops the hydration they need to survive. With hay prices jumping from $85 to over $200, it was becoming highly expensive to make a living on a farm.

Junior Carter Neill works for his father on a dairy farm. The extreme heat the Midwest has experienced within the past few years has made it hard for them and the drought this summer did not help much either.

“We’re a grass based operation,” said Neill. “And

with the drought, the grass obviously didn’t grow. We’ve had to use hay the past two years due to the lack of rain which has made it very expensive for us to run. Lately we’ve been importing alfalfa from Nebraska and also barley,” said Neill.

Keeping the cattle cool is another step the Neills have been forced to take recently.

“Since the trees didn’t have as many leaves as they usually do, we’ve had to find shade for them, use fans, and make sure they have plenty of water to keep them cool,” said Neill.

Luckily for The Neill’s, they have access to the appropriate resources to keep their cattle well-nourished and producing like they should.

“We’ll be using corn silage and bean silage,” said Neill. “We should have over 1,000 each of these. That’s what going to get us through the winter.”

Neill also mentioned that the plants and native grass they will be feeding the cattle in the spring will serve more than one purpose.

See Drought pg. 10

8

Sports

Sports create coach-athlete connections

Story by Madi DahnStaff Writer madi.dahn@hhsnews.com

In sports, students normally hear about the score, wins and losses, how much practice was put in by the team, and how much the coach yelled or celebrated with the team. Rarely do they ever hear about how the team and coach(es) bond together.

Most athletes would agree that it is important to have a bond with their coach; they spend so much time with them, but different athletes believe that bond is important for very different reasons.

“They’re telling you how to be successful, so if you don’t respect them as a person, you don’t respect them as a coach; if you don’t listen, you won’t learn,” said senior Genevieve Allen.

While Allen believes the relationship is important because it is necessary for success, other athletes think it would just be odd without it.

“It’s definitely important to have that bond

because it would be awkward if you didn’t,” said senior Walter Eastwood.

Although Eastwood believes it is uncomfortable not to bond with all coaches, senior Summer Livingston explains it is easier to bond with her female coach rather than her male coach.

“I’m closer to [Coach] Eagle, she’s more comfortable being with females,” said Livingston.

With smaller teams, coaches are able to spend more time with each athlete individually and bond with the team as a whole.

“We’ve got such a small group so I get to spend a lot of time with each kid,” said coach Layne Anderson. “We’re always running together and we spend a lot of Saturdays together. It’s that time that we spend doing what we do; running the town.”

However, on larger teams with multiple coaches, athletes being closer to one coach over another is inevitable.

“I’m closer to Cunningham, because he’s my position coach,” said senior Tyler Bundt. “I would say each player is closest to their position coach in most cases.”

Often, coaches and athletes being closer can lead to what may seem like favoritism on a team.

“I definitely think there’s favoritism. It’s mostly position coaches who favor their players over other positions-it’s playful favoritism though,” said Bundt.

Other athletes take favoritism more seriously however.

“There will be favoritism in any activity,” said junior Kayley Martley. “Some people on the [dance] squad favor some people more than others.”

Although Martley believes favoritism is unavoidable, some athletes do not find any signs of favorites on their team.

“I think [our soccer coaches] treat everyone evenly,” said junior Alec Sloan.

Coaches also believe

With the end of the 2011-2012 school year, many coaches left to find new opportunities.

The empty shoes left behind were filled with new coaches that brought past experiences along with them.

To some, the job did not appeal to them solely for the love of the game. According to running back coach, Ruben Hartzler, coming back to roots was a motive.

“I went to school here,” said Hartzler. “I love the tradition of Harrisonville athletics and wanted to continue to be apart of that tradition.”

Like Hartzler, Cheer

coach Heather Emokpae is familiar with the wildcat way.

“I grew up in Harrisonville and I graduated from the high school,” said Emokpae.

Defensive line coach Ryan Peters also agrees that his roots brought him to the coaching position.

“One reason was so that I could live closer to my friends and family,” said Peters.

In addition to being closer to family, Peters simply enjoys the Wildcat’s play.

“The players here at Harrisonville already know what it is like to win and

Teachers and coaches have special bonds with their students and players. Coach Eagle laughs with softball player, Reagan Osborn.

Photo by Cassie Long.

the bond is important and do their part to create a bond with the athletes and amongst the team all around.

“I just talk to them.

We can’t do much outside of school, but we like to do bonding games at practice,” said coach Alisha Schutz.

Anderson also agrees

that it is important to have a relationship with the team.

“If you have a good relationship, they’ll do what you ask them to,” said Anderson. “They’ll do things they might not want to and you can tell them things they may not want to hear, but it’s all to make them better.”

know how much hard work it takes to be a champion,” said Peters.

Peters believes that one of the jobs a coach has is to push athletes to perform their best on the field.

“I will drill the fundamentals so that they become second nature and instill confidence in each player. When my players do not have to think and can just play with confidence then I am confident they will play to their best of their abilities every down,” said Peters.

To some coaches the only thing new is the title.

Head softball coach David

Hix was the assistant coach for six years and is head coach this year.

“We will do more instruction and teaching on the little things that will help us to be successful on the field and continue to do the big things that have been successful in the past. This years seniors have really worked to change the culture of our team than what it has been in the past. They have been mentoring the younger players both on and off the field in a positive way and that translates to a more cohesive team which makes our job as coaches easier,” said Hix.

District coaching staff continues to grow Story by Austin RoyalStaff Writer austin.royal@hhsnews.com

Heather Emokpae (above) and Ryan Peters (below).

Photo by Cassie Long.

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the pride

Opinion: Playing dumb can only get you so far

Column by Audrey MarshallNews & Opinion editor audrey.marshall@hhsnews.com

We all know that one girl and sometimes boy who subjects his or herself to dull, attention seeking behavior that emulates a not-so-high IQ

benefitting them the title of the “ditsy” one.

I find it difficult to acclaim to this behavior myself or find the appeal in others because my opinions on self sufficiency through true presentation of intelligence are ten times more appealing. But the issue here is not how it is annoying to me but rather the reasons behind such actions. Is playing dumb and receiving the chided laughs really a confidence

booster or furthering a lack of self assurance and how large a role does society play into this behavior?

Often in life we are lead to believe particular theories that although seem true, really are not.

I feel many girls fall into the trap that showing how intelligent they really are around the opposite sex poses them as a threat so rather they dumb themselves down to appear more approachable. Failing

to reach one’s true potential is most likely linked to an idea that they don’t feel their potential is sufficient.

When boys acclimate this behavior it is most frequently related to the idea that by “trying hard” or doing well scholastically is a sign of weakness because it means he cares about his education.

Society has played a major role in developing this type of attitude towards pursuing and achieving an

education. Yet what both parties don’t understand is that staying true to yourself and fulfilling the actual person you are meant to be encompasses your brain power also.

All in all, getting back to the basic principles of self fulfillment includes staying true to the person you are, your ditsy side, and more importantly: your smart side. Don’t be less than who you are to please anyone else.

Politics: Parties’ Drought: Student takes precautions with crops, lifestock frustrating easier to get out or off of your there isn’t another drought sick. Also we’ll be using From pg. 8 clothing.” next summer and if we have prairie grass for the cattle inplants for the inconsistencies cattle in “Our

According to Neill, a fair winter,” said Neill. stead of spring grass. It’s also the spring should

From pg. 4

organized. It seems to me that they are just desperate to take the presidential office back.

However, if they don’t grow up and get their act together, they won’t. It seems the Democrats are organized and united while the Republicans are split and can’t agree on one plan.

Everybody has their own opinion that they feel is right; however I feel mine is not only right, it is logical.

The Democrats want to cut spending to fix the economy but they don’t realize cutting spending is not the solution.

Like I said before, they must cut the cost of products. This will make consumers want to buy more which will increase sales and the circulation of currency while also helping the economy fix itself. Another solution I feel would work is making more products in the United States. This would cut down costs on taxes and transportation while putting more money in the banks and becoming less dependant on foreign countries.

the pride

sprout right off the hay,” said Neill. “Our cattle can’t eat the grass right out of spring because it will be very rich which will make the cows

helpful for when the cattle ‘do their business’. It makes it easier to clean the stalls and barn and if one of the cows decides to ‘do its business’ when you’re behind it, it’s

he and his father are optimistic that their farm will recover fairly quickly and they will be back to normal soon.

“It will more than likely be into next year if

“We should be back on track by the end of next summer mainly because we’ll have grass to feed the cattle again.”

Lunches: Requirements leave students feeling hungry for more From pg. 4 We can’t serve some meals very often anymore because they have so much of one food group.”

Along with meeting guidelines for certain food groups, there are calorie and fat restrictions that must be met during the planning of

the lunch menu.

According to lunch room supervisor Mark Rorvig, not all students are ever going to be happy with school lunch.

“Kids complained last year, they complain this year and they will complain next year,” said Rorvig. “Students

have always complained about school lunch.”

According to McCleave, kids are going to continue to complain as long as the food stays the same.

“It’s the same low quality food as last year,” said McCleave. “It’s not good food.”

Students are not getting the amount of food or the quality of food needed to satisfy their hunger. However, the kitchen departments’ hands are tied when trying to please the students and meet national guidelines as well.

Homecoming: Students participate in rock-themed spirit days From pg. 4 headband wrapped around it.

“I got an innumerable amount of stares everywhere I went and lots of double takes,” said Riley. “I just felt it was a fun way to participate in spirit week.”

Tuesday’s spirit day was Classic Rock Day. Senior Taylor Ricker participated by

wearing a black mesh shirt with a white tank top and a black wig. He also carried around a guitar case slung over his back.

“I wanted to show some school spirit and kickstart the year,” said Ricker, “I was in uncomfortable clothing and I had a lot of uncomfortable stares.”

Alternative Rock Day

took place Wednesday. Senior Tyler Bundt called senior Tanner Foerschler Tuesday night. Bundt planned to borrow his sister’s clothes and dress as a woman. “I figured the school would get a good laugh out of it,” said Bundt.

“Almost everyone stared. But it was a good day because when you look nice, you feel nice.”

Punk Rock Day was Thursday and most students dressed in ‘80s style.

It was finally Friday and Homecoming had arrived. The colors blue and white engulfed the school as coronation and the game were that night.

After coronation the Wildcats defeated Warrensburg 44-0.

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the pride

Features

Fashion Trends This year’s style in the ‘Ville...

Nike Elite Calf Socks: $12 - $18

“They feel good on my feet.”

- Freshman Jonathan Allen.

V-necks: $10 - $50 “I feel like a man when I wear them; I’m sexy and I know it.”

- Junior Anthony Franco.

Sperry Topsiders: $50 - $125

“They aren’t flat footed. They include arches like most shoes.”

- Freshman Savannah Nash.

Crop Tops / Half Shirts: $15 - $60 “They’re cute and go good with tank tops.”

- Freshman Nicole Crawford.

TOMS: $20 - $70 “They’re cute, comfy and inexpensive.

I love them.” - Junior Kelly Warden.

High Waisted Skirts: $24 - $148

“It shows off your flat stomach.” - Senior Kassy Conner. the pride

Photos by Jamie Hasenyager.

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