Home of the Scots
t he bagpiper October 2013
Senior Girls show spirit at the Homecoming Parade. From left: La Tina Vance, Katie Addington, Samaj Ross, Kayla Hugghis and Brittany Strayhorn
Pg 4 HP’s New “Jobs For Americas Graduates” Program
Pg 5 Highland Parks social media accounts
Pg 6-7 Homecoming
Pg 12 Corey Jackson class president
2Staff
October 2013
Editor In Chief Isaiah Nance Newspaper Editor Brianna Stamps Web Editor Watson Samuelson Sports Editor Kameron Emery Business Editor Alexus Lacy Photo Chief Jesus Gallegos Staff Writers Rosa Flores Guliet Diaz Justice Wallace Yiovanna Alverado Phantasia Greene Paulina Rodriguez Tori Cornwell Analisia Galicia Keimara Darr Letters to the Editor: The Bagpiper encourages all readers to submit letters to the editor. The letters can be mailed to The Bagpiper at Highland Park, dropped off in Room 225 or turned in to any of The Bagpiper staff. Submitted letters must be under 300 words and signed by the writer or writers. The Bagpiper will not accept any obscene, personally offensive or irrelevant material, and reserves the right to edit or refuse publication. Editorial Policy: The diverse opinions expressed in editorials are either those of The Bagpiper staff or individuals. The editorials may never purposely attack or ridicule anyone. Views in this newspaper do not always represent those of the staff, faculty or the school board of Topeka student publication of Highland Park High School. The mission of this paper is to inform students and staff of current events, to entertain and to serve as a forum for thoughts and opinions of students and faculty as accurately and tastefully as possible. The Bagpiper is published monthly and distributed to the students and staff at Highland Park High School.
Meet the Pub Staff
The newspaper and yearbook staffs have combined this year into one Publication Staff. Bring us your story ideas, photo events, compliments and complaints. We are here to tell your story. Front: Tori Cornwell, Isaiah Nance, and Paulina Rodriguez. Row two: Yiovanna Alvarado, Brianna Stamps, Analisia Galicia, Keimara Darr, Rosa Flores and Phantasia Greene. Back row: Jesus Gallegos, Justice Wallace, Watson Samuelson, Alexus Lacy, Avae Peppers, and Guliet Diaz. Not pictured, Kameron Emery
Great Scot! Freshman honored for doing the right thing
By Tori Cornwell If you found an envelope with money in it on your birthday, would you keep it? Freshman Terrell Ray found an envelope with $40 lying in Mr. Scott Kickhaefer’s room. He didn’t want to just take it, so he asked a few people if they were missing an envelope. No one claimed it. So he gave it to Mr. Kickhaefer not knowing that Kickhaefer had lost the envelope containing a donation for the trip to Scotland, Kickhaefer was so grateful he sent out an e-mail to all
teachers bragging about the good deed. It caught Link Crew’s attention, so they decided to throw a surprise celebration for Ray. When asked why he didn’t keep the money for himself, Ray responded, “I would have been hurt if someone took $40 from me.” Ray was surprised after walking into the Link Crew room; he said, “I felt like people cared, and I didn’t think it was a big deal.” Ray said he had a great time and was proud that he did it.
Terrell Ray is surprised with card from Link Crew.
OCTOBER 2013
Garden Club Gathers Harvest
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By Paulina Rogriguez After school hours most students head home to relax after a long day. But some dedicated students stay afterwards and work hard in the Highland Park garden. The garden was an idea started by a student three years ago. Neil McKay, a science teacher, and Victoria Peoples, a social worker, decided to continue it with the students. McKay grew up gardening and thought having a garden would be a great idea. and successfully harvested was crop failure.
caring for the garden is coming during the summer. The gardening class tends to it during the summer and McKay comes up a couple times to check on it. The garden club has been donating most of its crops to students, families, teachers, and harvesters for the past two years. They donated about 150 lbs last summer to Harvesters. They donated 25 lbs in early September and the number is increasing. McKay said most of the crop is donated to students and staff. Students gather up the food they grew in the school garden.
Scots Theatre Presents
Here We Go Again Scots Theatre invited back to Scotland By Justice Wallace The Scots Theatre were invited back to perform at the arts festival in the world. Theater teacher Scott Kickhaefer will take seven students and two adults to Edinburgh Scotland in August. Each student is required to raise $6,500 dollars, making that an overall total of $65,500 dollars. They are earning the money by selling discount cards, off quilts, and have created a website to make donations.
The Scots will be performing a play that currently is being written by Darren Canady, head playwright at Kansas University. The students will be part of the American High School Theatre Festival, which is held in conjunction with the Fringe Festival each August. Schools must be nominated and invited to participate. Kansas high school invited to perform at the festival in 2012.
Zombie Prom is a girl loves ghoul rock and roll OffBroadway show where the law is laid down by a zany, cruel principal. Pretty senior Toffee has fallen for the class bad boy. Family pressure forces her to end the romance, and he charges off on his motorcycle to the nuclear waste dump. He returns glowing and determined to reclaim Toffee’s
heart. He still wants to graduate, but most of all he wants to take Toffee to the prom. The principal orders him to drop dead while a scandal reporter seizes on him as the freak. Performances are 7 p.m. November 7 - 9. Teri Walton is directing the play.
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October 2013
Changes to the building By Guliet Diaz and Isaiah Nance Walking around school, money spent on one thing this visitors will notice many summer. changes that took place over Dr. Bruce Babin said, the summer. “These robots will help my Most of the big changes advanced students better learn have happened in the science programing.” Other changes throughout the school would be new was installed, and also new doors, new asphalt around the doors and cabinets were added. science building, new guttering “I love that I have more outside the ROTC classroom, space and everything looks and the large electronic sign at nice,” said biology teacher the entrance of the school. Becky Finck Improvements were paid Another change in the with money that was left from school is in robotics where two the grant and partially district large robots were installed. funded, said Mr. Dustin Dick, These robots are intended assistant principal. The costs to give students a chance to were more than $500,000. experience the way it would be More changes are soon to in an actual factory. The robot come. The north gym will soon work station simulates a real have new folding chairs with job area. the HP logo and a new score The whole system cost table. roughly around $125,000 The woodshop will also be which was the most amount of renovated into a computer lab.
New JAG Program
Gov. Sam Brownback receives a plaque by Lillian Jackson and Randi Wheat.
New robot work station area simulates a factory conveyor belt.
By Brianna Stamps Governor Sam Brownback visited Highland Park to introduce the new program, Jobs for America’s Graduates or JAG on August 26. He brought many supporters of the program including the Secretary of the Department of Children and Families Phyllis Gilmore, and the Director of JAG Kansas Matt Fering. JAG is a program to keep students in school and to help provide a pathway for attending a two or four year college, a trade school, the military, or full-time employment after graduation. It is also to help build students. The program is aimed towards at-risk students as another resource to aid in their
success. The Department of Children and Families fund the program. Michael Munoz is the JAG specialist here at Highland Park. His plans with the program are to inform the students of the expectations and the skills that are demanded from the business community like team building, resume building, community service, and fundraising. He will also inform the business community that there students to be a part of their dynamic work force. Students interested in being part of this program contact Mr. Munoz in room 203.
OCTOBER 2013
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Bring Your Own Device By Isaiah Nance Are you connected? Bring Your Own Device is a new way for students to connect their devices to one networks. This is a separate network where staff and students both can use devices that they have brought and use here at the school. internet and requires a password for the authentication login. created to give students an Many students were using the TPS501, which was not intened to be a shared network. “Technically students aren’t
supposed to be able to, but in some situations the password has been comprimised allowing them to access it,” said Brandy Robben
tps-Guest. This one is intended for substitues and student teachers. The network does not have
I learned how to do Bantu Knots on YouTube. -senior Lashon J. Hyster How to jailbreak my phone. - senior Brittany Brown
same as the one for students. Kay McWilliams said, “This idea is good because now we can access internet whenever we want to and we don’t need to sneak around doing it.”
By Isaiah Nance “It’s mainly for the students who need help with homework or can’t make it to tutoring”, Jackson said.
I learned how to be a ninja! - senior Shaffee Carr I looked up how to curl my hair - senior Selene Tavarez
Currently in the group there are around 105 members and about a dozen teachers and tutors involved. Jackson says that more people are using it every day and sending request to be in the group.
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@ATHLETICS Twitter
Things students have learned through YouTube tutorials.
Along with BYOD network
Highland Park StudyShare Struggling with homework? Highland Park Study Share has the solution. Log into Facebook and add the study group. There, students post homework problems that they have. With the help of math teacher Cheryl Delacruz, other teachers and tutors, the students recive the help they need. This page was created by senior and student body president Corey Jackson.
Youtube Lessons
a tutorial I found on YouTube. - sophomore Noah Johnson By Jesus Gallegos
@hpbagpiper
HP Bagpiper
HP Student Section
Highland Park Marching Scots
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OCTOBER 2013
Homecoming Elijah Reed, Korynne McWilliams, Cynthia Gross, and Heather King on the theatre float.
Carley Flowers and Malik Keith on the sophomore float.
Jazmin Soto painting faces. Earl Wallace handing candy out to the crowd. History teachers show off their history dynasty.
Kaylin Dach and Mckenna Hobart with the GBSA float
october 2013
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King and queen homecoming candidates
What was your favorite moment at Highland Park?
“When i made varsity my freshman year in soccer.” -Maribel Alcantara “The team won the homecoming game sophomore year and I got to keep the game ball.” -Kameron Clark
What was your most embarrassing moment?
“ When I was texting and going down some stairs, I fell.” -Jasmin SotoRoberts “When i was about 8, I was walking home from school and i peed my pants.” Alex Ruiz
Queen Jasmin Soto-Roberts and King Logan Flowers
What do you do on your free time? “I sing.” -Diaalo Clements “Spend time with my niece and hang out with friends.” -Sha’Von Ray
What was your favorite moment at Highland Park? everyday.” –Nancy Raska
What do you do on your free time? “Hang out with friends.” -Logan Flowers “Hang out with Bri.” -Destini Gilian
Queen candidates
How did you feel when you were nominated? “ I thought they made a mistake. I was shocked to hear my name announced.” -Jesus Gallegos
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October 2013
New Teachers By Yiovanna Alvarado
Gabe Dalton
ROTC Increase Freshman By Watson Samuelson ROTC has had a tidal wave of freshman cadets eagerly joining the program this year. A total of 67 freshman signed up this year and only 9 have dropped out the program so far. Major Peter Kind and Sergeant Fernando Adams are both eager for the cadets in learn what the programs about. “Like we tell freshman every year, ROTC is not for just joining the military, it’s teaching them to become a
leader and a better citizen and to prepare for the life after high school,’’ Adams said “I joined ROTC because when I graduate high school I want to go into the Air Force Academy.” Freshman Paige Porter said as the students went around the room to say why they joined ROTC. ROTC has already started preparing the cadets already the program with drill practices to prepare them for the drill
team, saber team, and color guards. A total of 12 cadets have been going to practice and if they stay and are hooked they have their new cadet team already. “Were taking this year to another new approach entirely,” Kind said. “We set up a leadership team caste and they will be mostly teaching the freshman and make sure there ready to wear the uniform right and proudly.”
Subject: Biology How long have you been teaching? First year. Why Highland Park? Biotech is offered here. Fun Fact: Has met Bill Clinton.
Is Friday School a Success? By Keimara Darr Highland Park has put a new tardy policy into action. This policy allows students to get eight tardies and then a Friday School is assigned. A Friday School is a three hour detention served in the media center. The rules are as followed: -No gum or candy -No food or drinks -No sleeping
-Assigned seatings -Must report to the media center by 3:10 p.m.. Students who do not serve Friday School will receive a full day of ISS the following Monday. On average there are 15 students scheduled to serve Friday School but only half of them actually serve. “I think this tardy policy is very effective, we have
students stop by room 101 to ask how many tardies they have to ensure they don’t reach eight,” said Jessica Johnston, division principal. Some students say it has detoured them from being tardy. “It was so boring I promise to never be late again,” said junior Alysia Stewart-Davis.
Bria Collins Subject: English 9 How long have you been teaching? Two years Why Highland Park? Mr Ackerman talked about how passionate he was of the school. Fun fact: open water scuba diver
OCTOBER 2013
Football
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Questions and Answers with Coach Nick Cummings Q: Do you have a freshman, junior varsity and varsity team?
Quotes from the players:
A: “There are not enough players for a freshman and junior varsity team.” The freshmen and sophomore players are joined together to play on the junior varsity team.
“This year is not going how we planned. If we keep taking steps forward, we will be good in the long run.” -Kameron Clark
Q: What the goal of the season? A: “We want to go 500 this year and win the last three games.” Q: What players should we be watching?
“Hardwork pays off if you put in work.” -Miguel Roberts
A: “Kameron Clark, Miguel Roberts, and Shawn Knox” Q: Who is the biggest rival this year? A: “Traditionally it is Topeka High, but since we want to win the last three games to move on, it is going to be with Shawnee Heights.”
By Alexus Lacy
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OCTOBER 2013
Soccer
Q & A with Coach Jeremy Hall By Rosa Flores What are the goals for the season? To get through the season and to get better every day.
How many returning players? Seven How many players do you have? About 29 total.
What players should we be watching for? players are on the verge to
How many games have you won? Variety has none and JV has won one and tied one.
Who is the biggest rival? T-High or T-West When is your next game? Oct. 8 and we play Topeka High.
Pedro Cruz-Garcia talks Soccer
What has been your favorite part about this season? Meeting new people, having
What are your goals for the rest of the season? -
William Corona battles for the ball against Washburn Rural.
season.
Volleyball Destini Gillian returns the ball.
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Questions with
Oct. 1 against Topeka West.
keeping their grades up. Assistant coach Kiley Taylor
winning the last two. Junior Kloey Hartzell served the win-
season went well. The players had jitters but were able to She also went on to say that
coach this year with Jackie they need to prosper. Coach Taylor ended saying, about having a new coach, returning player Hartzell said, “We are still adjusting to her.”
whole.”
that this year’s coach is harder
October 12.
Tiffany Smith
How long have you played? -3 years What’s your favorite thing about the sport? -It’s like a big family Any family members play? -No, I wish Plan to play after high school? -Yes, if I gets a scholarship Play for fun or competition? _ Both. By Kameron Emery
1 1 Going The Extra Mile OCTOBER 2013
By Phantasia Greene
The Cross Country team has been adding up the miles. The team runs three miles on average every day after school and has been competing in several meets. Coach Freddy Maisberger said he thinks everyone should look out for seniors Salene Tavares and Elijah Miller. Recently Tavares took fourth place at the Shawnee Heights High School Run. Tavares said the Manhattan Invitational will be the toughest race yet but she just told herself to keep moving forward and it’ll be over soon.
Earl Wallace, a 10th grader, said, “The toughest race for me that one person who I will watch and beat.” Wallace likes the fact that cross country builds up his legs. His best time so far has been around 24.35. Maisberger said, “I would really like for the students to enjoy it and would really hope they would run a lot in their adult lives.” The team will be competing in Junction City on Saturday Oct. 5.
Tennis
Cross Country Elijah Miller running at Lake Shawnee.
White & Coach O’Brien Q withByAlisha Tori Cornwell & Q: Has anyone medaled or A Q: What is the hardest thing placed? about playing? A: Practicing. Q: How did you feel when you placed third? A: I felt like I deserved it, it was hot outside like 104. Q: What’s the worst match you have had? A: Last year in the second round at regionals when I lost
A: Yes, Alisha White and Camille Sanders Q: How many players are there? A: There are 8 players with tennis this year. Q: What’s next? A: Bonner Springs on Thursday is last tournament before regionals.
Alisha White returns the ball from her court.
What do you think about HP going back to 5A? How will this affect your team? By Avae Peppers Freddy Maisberger: I am very excited. It will allow my team in all three sports (crosscountry, wrestling and track) to be more effective. I feel it will give a better chance for our athletes to complete at the state level.
Chad Brown: Nick Cummings:
Shawn O’Brien:
The football team never got to go 4A. Nothing has changed for us. I wish the District would follow the district lines for kids, so our school and football team would grow and get the players who should attend here. That would
Since many of the opponents we face in the Central League are 5A, and it is a very competitive league when it comes to tennis. I liked competing on the 4A regional. I felt like we had a lot more opportunity there based on the size and experience level of the team.
well as academics.
Jackie Cummings: I didn’t coach last year so when the school was 4A it didn’t effect me. I think going back to 5A isn’t going to effect the team because the team plays 5 and 6A teams in the League anyway.
For baseball it will make loaded with good teams. Seaman and Shawnee Heights have combined for 9 or 10 state titles and they will be our regional opponents. We do have familiarity with them, though, so that can make the players a little more comfortable. It will be interesting.
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October 2013
Hello, Mr. President
When did you decide you wanted to become school president? “Right after hearing Victor Ortega’s speech when he was elected.”
What do you expect to get out of your experience as president? “I want to learn how to become a much better leader”
What were your goals when “I wanted to have the students together by talking to them about taking care of the school. I wanted them to have more school pride.”
Have your goals changed since then? If so, how? “I’m more focused on representing the students now by advocating with the administration and with community members.”
You have been one of the most involved presidents Highland Park has had in a while; Why do you think that is? “I’m not letting things distract me. I think the problem with other presidents was that they were working more toward the staff than the student body.”
By Jesus Gallegos
Corey Jackson