Issue 1 final

The Bagpiper SEPTEMBER 2014

HOME OF THE SCOTS

Senior Class has a

What’s Inside Page 2 Ferguson

BUCKETof fun Page 4 Scotland

Page 5 School Changes

Page 9 Paying It Forward

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September 2014

Ferguson shooting highlights race issue A big topic of discussion has been the Michael Brown Jr. case in Ferguson, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis.

News reports have stated Darren Wilson shot and killed an unarmed 18-yearold African American man Michael Brown Jr. after asking him to move from the street onto the sidewalk.

The incident led the town to riot. There are different versions circulating through the media about what really happened. Some say there was an altercation between the two where Brown tried to reach for

Brown was shot with his hands in the air.

I could not imagine any unarmed person trying to I strongly believe that the

unarmed person. I think that been more acceptable than this.

There was no need to pull out a weapon and kill!

According to statistics by the United States Department of Justice, white police American men at the rate of

What is your opinion of the Ferguson incident?

By: Keimara Darr “ It was really stupid for the cop to shoot him. Cops need more common sense about suspects. This is like war on black males. He needs to be put in jail.”

Laseanissy Davis

until it happened to my African American godson. They said

innocent so he fought the case and won.”

“I feel it was pathetic that a cop killed a man that had family and friends who loved

or spend time with him again.”

Will Crawford

two per week between the years of 2005-2012.

As many remember, there was the Trayvon Martin case that happened back in 2012 that also struck a nerve all over the media and country.

There was also Eric Garner, Ezell Ford, and many more whose cases did not get as much attention as others. It so happened that all these men were unarmed as well as Michael Brown.

My honest opinion is that it was another race case, not American myself but because of the statistics and that this is

happening repeatedly.

This is an emotional topic for me, because it seems that African American men are the ones that are always being targeted in these kinds of issues. I feel they should have the same kind of respect and treatment as everyone else.

It seems to me that the police overstep their rights to a gun or feel they can do anything they want because of their “title.” I think it is time the police quit getting away with killing innocent people because of the authority that they have.

September 2014

Meet the New Teachers

By Alejandro Castillo

By Juliet Diaz Mr. Vincent Omni, who has had a variety of different jobs, is the new Communities in Schools’ coordinator.

Where did you come from and why did you come here to HPHS? I was born in California and attended St. Olaf College in Minnesota.

Before moving to Topeka, I lived in the Virgin Islands and Washington D.C. When I heard Ms. Teresa Canty was hired to teach JAG at Topeka High School, I applied for this position with Communities in

Schools.

What did you do before you came here? I wrote for the Topeka Capital-Journal.

What do you like to do during your free time? I like to read, write and watch What did you do before you were a teacher? I worked fast food restaurants, cleaning ing, tutoring, and residential counseling at a mental health facility.

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Donald Finch is a new history teacher with a unique personality. Get to know a little bit about your new teacher at Highland Park.

Where did you come from and why did you come here to HP? I lived in Topeka for 35 years and went to Shawnee Heights and graduated from Washburn University. HP seemed like a good place to teach.

What did you think about

Highland Park before you came here and what was you got here?

Since I went to Shawnee Heights, HP was always a good; everybody was friendly and nice to me.

What are some of your hobbies?

My hobbies are driving around my sports car, a 1979 MGB, and also I like old cars.

By Lenny Baltazar Carol Reuman, is a new English Teacher that came from England. Get to know a little about her.

Where did you come from?

I grew up in Los Angeles then I lived in New York then I worked in England.

How was your time in England?

It was good. It’s different. It’s a public international school with students from around the world.

Why did you come to Highland Park?

My husband is a professor at KU and he got a job there, so we moved here.

What do you think about HP? It’s good. It’s entertaining and the kids are fun. It’s a good place to be.

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Trend

By Alan Castillo Over the last few weeks the ALS ice bucket challenge has been trending on social media.

It was gone so mainstream that even A list celebrities have given it a push and made it more popular.

Actor Charlie Sheen put a twist to his ice bucket chal$10,000 that he donated to the

ALS Foundation.

On September 5 the senior class was challenged to do the ALS ice bucket challenge.

After the football game against Junction City, 15 of our they were gleefully dumped on by faculty and underclassmen.

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September 2014

Scots to Scotland Take Two

For the second time in three years, the Scots Theatre traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland to attend the American High School Theatre Festival.

The year before they went, they had to fundraise $65,000.

The last $15,000 was raised after the last day of school, including $4,630 worth of online fundraising on Fundrazr. com, as well as performing, participating in a 5K run, and a In the last month before their trip an anonymous donor named “Grandma Nancy” donated $10,000 and they got a grant for $6,000.

The extra money they raised went to Darren Canady who wrote the play, “Play Till

We Get it Right” that they preformed in Scotland.

While there, they visited The Globe Theater in London, climbed Arthur’s Seat a hill that looks over Edinburgh, and saw many different sights.

They started their two week journey in London and came back August 10.

“It was so fun I would go back in a heartbeat but I wouldn’t do any more fundraising,” said senior Liz Thompson.

“My favorite part of the trip was going on the strip called the Royal Mile. There were street performers and merchants and it was amazing,” said junior Korynne McWilliams.

Corey Jackson, Heather King and Korynne McWilliams gives playwrite Darren Canady a giant hug in Scotland.

Heather King takes a nap after a long day of travel

airport.

September 2014

Young Life Camp more than just for fun

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By: Leigh Amado Young Life is a Christian organization for young people that helps them get a closer relationship with God in a fun way. It also helps them build a relationship with God and understand Him in a way that they can relate to. We asked a couple questions to some students about the camp.

Javion Bullocks Q: What did you like most about the camp? Why? A: The atmosphere, mountains, stars, it was all just very beautiful.

Q: In a few words describe your experience at the camp.

A: Exciting, never boring, and fun.

Q: How would you describe Young Life to someone who doesn’t know about it?

A: Keeps you out of trouble, and good leaders that are like second parents to me.

Eli Minson Q: What were some of the things that you did at YL Camp?

A: Got to go swimming, play basketball, bike through the mountains, zip line, chill in the game room, ride horses, and ride go-karts.

Q: What made you want to be in Young Life? thought it would be childish. Then I ran into Kyle by Avondale East and he told me to try it out.

Q: What did you like most about the camp? Why? A: We all had freedom. A chance to be ourselves.

Bre’Anna Harvey

Antonio Pead

Q: What did you like most about the camp? Why? A: Real Talk. The talks about God. Q: In a few words describe your experience at the camp.

A: Best week of my life.

Q: What was one of the most memorable moments from the camp?

A: Western night dances with other states and I almost drowned in an 8 ft deep lake.

Q: What did you like most about camp?

A: First time in my life someone was there and really brought me closer to God. Q: How would you describe YL Camp to someone who doesn’t know about it? to God.

A few of the HP students who attended the Young Life Camp in Colorado. Back row from left:

I Know What You Did Last Summer...

Jose Paredes, 11

Q: What did you do last summer?

A: I went to Mexico to visit my family and I hiked up an active volcano and saw the lava.

Garyn Kickhaefer, 11

Q: What did you do last summer?

A: I went to Minnesota and went skydiving out of an airplane.

By: Clayton Williams

Mark Calloway, 11

Q: What did you do last summer?

A: I took a trip to California and rode in a hot air balloon.

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September 2014

Back to School Fashion HPHS Fashion

By Analisia Galicia

Harem Pants

Crop Tops

Catalina Munsell

Skater Skirts

Rompers

Alexandra Dilone

Karla Arollo

Maxi Dresses

Overalls

September 2014

Vocal Department Adds Concert Choir

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By: Harley Vinsonhaler

The vocal department is bigger than ever this year.

They have expanded in students and also added a new class named Concert Choir.

It is the highest ranked choir class and is auditioned.

In the past years, the vocal department hasn’t been very large. There has only been Scot Singers and Mixed Chorus.

This year, there are 92 students total in all three classes.

In order to pass through auditions, you have to have a good voice and must be able work well with others.

This year, Director Patrick Kintendo said that he plans on reaching new voices, to share music with the school

and the community, and most importantly, participate in concerts.

Junior Korynne McWilliams said she’s been in choir since her freshman year.

“We’re held to high standards,” she said. “We must have good grades and be extremely responsible.

I’ve been elected president of Concert Choir for this school year.”

Concert choir sings more classical and different language music. Scot Singers, which is also auditioned, is more glee, pop music and dance. Mixed chorus isn’t auditioned and is for beginners.

Patrick Kintendo directing the concert choir while they sing.

New Year brings new changes

By: Liz Thompson

students noticed this year is the lack of uniforms.

Highland Park has had a uniform policy since fall

Brenda Maciel demonstrates how to wear a badge

freshmen. The polo shirts were introduced in 2010, but not all of the grades wore them until 2012.

Getting rid of the polos has made it mandatory to wear school badges.

Most kids complain about the badges but the teachers say, “If we have to wear them so do you.” Badges must be worn for security purposes.

Highland Park has also acquired a new program, biomedical that is taught by Gabe Dalton, the class is a premed class taken after CNA. A new club offered is

anime club, they meet every Wednesday from 3:30- 5 p.m.

The school has 75 more students enrolled than last year.

Ever since Highland Park has stopped requiring students to wear the uniforms the amount of kids enrolled here has grown.

Some students who left Highland Park because they had to wear the uniforms have come back this year.

We have gained 16 new teachers and two new counselors this year. “We lost as many as we gained,” said by Dr. New. New said she is looking forward to the school year.

“You all have met and exceeded my expectations.

Everybody gets along like a family here.”

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September 2014

Not Your Average Dad

By: Cindy Alfaro-Avila

Senior Colby Randles’ father is “Tommy Snow” professional wrestler

“Al Snow” and “Tommy Snow” posing with a fan

Courtesy photos

“Tommy Snow” doing the beginning of his act for a crowd

SADD STUDENTS TAKE SUMMER TRIP TO D.C. By: Erica Willige

September 2014

Saying Goodbye to Dr. Babin

By Emily Novak

About one week into the school year, Dr. Bruce Babin the robotics instructor for the past three years, announced that he was leaving to take a professor job at K-State.

The industrial robotics class is one of a kind in the country. It was brought to the school through the $6 million improvement grant.

The move affected less then 20 students, who suddenly found themselves without a robotics and physics teacher.

At Babin’s farewell reception, Mr. Dustin Dick, who hired him, said it was

“When we were searching for someone to take on robotics, we were lucking to country again I don’t think Dr. Babin. He was perfect.”

Dr. Beryl New said,

“Even though the program is dissolved for this semester it will be available next semester. We have three good prospects lined up for the job but one of them is really strong. Those who were enrolled in robotics semester.”

Other staff members were sad to see Babin go.

“He raised the bar of what our kids believed they can do,” said Mrs. Teri Walton.

John Swift of the Kelly Center, said, “Dr Babin was an awesome guy. He took the time to visit with me, and we encouraged one another.

We come from very different backgrounds but found a common ground, which is working with kids.”

For his parting words, Babin said, “It’s great to be a Scot! It’s been fun to be here and I’ll miss it a lot.”

Started From The Bottom

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Nursery babies now HP students

By Sophia Snepp

When most people think about Highland Park they think of how many years they have attended. I started at the HP nursery in 1998.

My mom was a sophomore in high school when she had me. With my dad out of the a daycare that would be easy to drop me off and pick me up that was also affordable. That’s when she realized the school offered a daycare though at the time it wasn’t at the school, it was a reasonable distance.

The Highland Park United Methodist provided a space for parents who had nowhere to take their children starting in 1992. They also provided a parenting class in the last

two hours of the day to help the young teen parents get to know more about raising their children.

In 1998, the daycare moved here and I was almost 3 at this time. My mom and uncle came up with a plan that she would drop me off in the morning and my uncle would pick me up after class. I was one of 17 kids that graduated from the daycare in the class of 2000.

I am not the only one who ended up here for high school. of us who go here Koryeene McWilliams, Stephaun Gales, Baileah Flynn, Erica Willige.

“Highland Park has always been home to me,” said McWilliams.

Paying It Forward

By Paulina Rodriguez

Homelessness has always been a problem in America and, according to National Alliance to End Homelessness, 610,042 people are out on the streets every night; over 9 percent of them are veterans.

This week a student from Highland Park has decided to help make a difference with those in need.

Shaharra White, a senior, is putting together a fooddrive, gathering clothing, and contacting barbers to come help the homeless and less fortunate.

Food will be given away, along with clothes and there will also be free haircuts for those in need.

The event will be held at Highland Park on October 23 from 5 to 6 p.m. White is looking for help gathering as much food and clothing from anyone that can help.

Fred Willer, in room 230, will take food and clothing donations.

“It’s more of a pay it forward movement. Give back to the community that gave to you,” said White.

Sophia Snepp and her mother, April Snepp, standing in top left with other daycare mothers.

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September 2014

Hustle, Hit, Never Quit.

Cross Country Burning time in Manhattan

By: Earl Wallace III

Before the Quad on Wednesday, I caught Coach Sasha Wallace to see what she had to say about the team.

Q: Does the team look better than last year?

A: Yes, new attitudes and more effort.

Q: Do you have enough for a Freshman/JV/Varsity?

A: Large variety in numbers, we have about 45 girls come out this year.

Q: Who are your top returners?

A: Kloey Hartzell, Quinesha Jones, Pejanae Inyard and Teresa Bayless Q: Top newcomers?

A: Analisa Ramos and Dontajah Jones

By: Carley Flowers

day, September 6 in Manhattan.

Coach Freddy Maisberger said he was very pleased with the team’s performance because a lot of people don’t really have experience with Cross Country.

Q - What does the team look like this year?

A – It’s too early to tell, but I have some early prospects.

Q – Who are your top returners?

A – Angelique Kyles, Kavshun Boykin and Tanner Cornwell.

Q – How many runners do you have?

A – Four girls and Four boys Q – Does the team look better than last year?

A – Yes, because we have more people going out this year.

Q – What’s one thing you look forward to seeing this year?

A – Willingness to get better each meet.

Kloey Hartzell preparing to serve.

A: Topeka west at Topeka west September 4th Q: How does the team respond to the heat waves in the gym?

A: Still working hard, lots of water breaks but the effort is still the same.

Soccer kicks off season with win against Eudora

By Eduardo Gamez

The boy’s soccer team started the season out strongly with a 1-0 victory against Eudora.

With team captains, Valente Carrillo, Antonio Vega, and Cesar Guerra Garcia, leading the team, the Scots were able to close out the match with a game-winning penalty kick scored by Garcia in overtime.

The team grew in size since last year.

Last year the team only had about 26 people and this year the team has 46 people.

Coach Jeremy Hall said that the biggest obstacles for the team this year include

“getting frustrated because it’s a long season and they’re facing tough teams. “ Hall hopes that the team, including team stars Carrillo, Maikol Acosta Martinez, and Robert Martin-Foster, will be able to push through and come closer as a team.

Coach Hall’s main focus for this year is “improving and moving forward.”

The Scots had a disappointing match with an 8-0 loss against Washburn Rural.

The team will go on to face tough teams throughout the year.

“I don’t care how [the season] ends, as long as we know we tried our best,” said Garcia.

Cesar Garcia scoring the game winning goal in 2OT.

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September 2014

Disappointing Start to Season

Girls tennis in full swing A – The top returners are Alexander Rodriguez and Jaime Taveion Lamb.

A – A lot more competitive and people will see the team has improved. The best years are yet to come.

as long as were competing and giving the crowd a good game.

yet.

4th at Emporia -

A – 62 team and so are we so it should be a great game.”

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September 2014

Running in the Halls

By Analisia Galicia

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5 1. Band directors Neil McKay-Jones and Mr 2. Heather King posing with the tuba 3. The cheerleaders performing a dance for the running of the halls.

4. Terrell Rey saluting the camera.

5. Latasha Evans posing for a picture.

6. Dance team making their way to the front of the school building. music.

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