JAGWIRE MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL | VOL. 20 | ISSUE 7 | MAY 20, 2020 | MVNEWS.ORG
SO LONG, SENIORS!
02
Table of Contents | Cover by Tatum Elliott
contents celebrating 20 years
04 school timeline 08 principal waldeck 10 20-year teachers 12 retiring teachers 14 photo essay
class of 2020 senior issue 16 college destinations 22 senior
superlatives
26 self-proclaimed superlatives
28 senior survey 30 college signings 33 covid-19 impact 36 senior opinions
letter from the editors hey mill valley!
For the final issue, the senior issue, of the JagWire, we wanted to not only celebrate the exceptional group of students that made up the graduating class of 2020, but also the 20th anniversary of Mill Valley High School itself. This school has been a home for many of us this academic year, and we’ve taken this opportunity to recognize what has led to Mill Valley becoming what it is today. While putting this issue together, our staff faced some unprecedented adversity due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Typically, our staff would work in the presence of each other, but for the entirety of this issue’s production,
mvnews.org
our staff followed social distancing recommendations and worked remotely. Learning how to overcome this challenge was not an easy feat, but thanks to the dedication of our staff and the generous support of our community, we were able to make this issue a reality. We hope that this issue reminds everyone of the accomplishments of our school over the years.
your editors,
staff 2019-2020 editors-in-chief
Hannah Chern
jagwire.hannahchern@gmail.com
Tatum Elliott
jagwire.tatumelliott@gmail.com
mill valley news editors-in-chief
reporters & photographers
Isabel Aerni
jagwire.isabelaerni@gmail.com
Aiden Burke
jagwire.aidenburke@gmail.com
Julia Fair
jagwire.juliafair@gmail.com
Anna Owsley
Claire Franke
Ben Wieland
Quinn Franken
jagwire.annaowsley@gmail.com jagwire.benwieland@gmail.com
photo editor Andrew Tow
jagwire.andrewtow@gmail.com
assistant editors Steven Curto
jagwire.stevencurto@gmail.com
Sophie Lecuru
jagwire.sophielecuru@gmail.com
Tanner Smith
jagwire.clairefranke@gmail.com jagwire.quinnfranken@gmail.com
Jordin Harris
jagwire.jordinharris@gmail.com
Anastasia O’Brien
jagwire.anastasiaobrien@gmail.com
Jordan Prestia
jagwire.jordanprestia@gmail.com
Hayden Resch
jagwire.haydenresch@gmail.com
Evan Sherman
jagwire.evansherman@gmail.com
Zach Shrader
jagwire.zachshrader@gmail.com
jagwire.tannersmith@gmail.com
@millvalleynews
find us at:
May 20, 2020
@millvalleynews1 Mill Valley News
jagwire office
5900 Monticello Road Shawnee, KS 66226 Phone: (913) 422-4351 Fax: (913) 422-4039 Email: jagwirenewspaper@gmail.com Adviser: Kathy Habiger khabiger@usd232.org JagWire, a monthly publication of Mill Valley High School, is printed by Valley Offset Printing, Inc.
JagWire
Design & Illustration by Tatum Elliott | Staff
Editorial
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LOOKING AHEAD What the history of Mill Valley can teach us about the future that lies ahead of us
TANNER SMITH
n August of 2000, the first class of students walked through the halls of Mill Valley. While the Mill Valley of today is vastly different from the one back then, those students were the first of 20 years of students to succeed because of Mill Valley. Although COVID-19 has made things increasingly bleak, Mill Valley has survived for 20 years through hard work and determination, something that won’t change anytime soon. Since 2000, Mill Valley has overcome a rained-out homecoming parade, a few competitive state championship games and many other hurdles.
The 2006 Homecoming parade may have been rained out, but that didn’t stop us from moving the entire parade into the school. The school may have started with an unknown sports reputation, but now Mill Valley has won state championship after state championship in football, basketball, girls cross country, girls golf, and wrestling. Each and every time, we rose to meet the challenge and came out even stronger. In addition to our accomplishments, Mill Valley has consistently grown bigger and stronger. With construction projects in 2004, 2010 and 2020 Mill Valley grew from having less than 600 students into a 6A school with more than 1300 students. This
has allowed Mill Valley to serve more and more students every year, giving everyone the opportunity to succeed. This success would not have been possible without the great teachers that Mill Valley has always had. While we may only have 12 teachers who have taught here the full 20 years, Mill Valley has always made good teaching a priority. While the future may be uncertain, Mill Valley has found a way to thrive during the last 20 years and will continue to do so. Although it won’t be easy, the strong staff and students of Mill Valley will continue to achieve many milestones for the next 20 years.
professional associations
censorship policy
editorial policy
assistant editor
I
Kansas Scholastic Press Association National Scholastic Press Association Journalism Education Association Journalism Educators of Metropolitan Kansas City The 2018 JagWire earned an All-American rating from NSPA and an All-Kansas rating from KSPA. It is also a member of the NSPA All-American Hall of Fame.
The Kansas Student Publications Act guarantees the same rights for student journalists as are guaranteed for professional journalists. These rights include, but are not limited to, all First Amendment rights, including the rights of freedom of speech and the press, insofar as published items may not contain libelous, slanderous or obscene statements, may not incite or promote illegal conduct and may not cause a substantial disruption to normal school activity. This law also prevents censorship of any kind by the adviser, building or district administration.
We value your opinions. If you wish to submit a column or a letter to the editor to the JagWire, you can do so by handing it in to a member of the staff or to the print journalism room (C101). Additionally, you may email any member of the staff with opinions, as well as tweet us at @millvalleynews. Anonymous content will not be accepted. Please understand that we have the right to edit all copy that runs in this publication.
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FROM PAST TO PRESENT
May 20, 2020
A visual timeline of the school’s history over the past 20 years STEVEN CURTO
CLAIRE FRANKE
assistant editor
BEN WIELAND
mill valley news editor-in-chief
reporter/photographer
2004: New Addition on School The 2004 addition to the school added 15,000 square feet bringing the total to 143,000 square feet. The 2004 addition included a football stadium, press box, lights, etc which have since been a staple of the school’s sports program. Prior to the 2004 addition, all school football games before fall 2003 were played at De Soto High School. Science teacher Eric Thomas remembers what it was like having to travel away to play football games. Thomas felt that not having a home field was a disadvantage for the football team. “Football did well against DeSoto, but even when we were the home team it felt like we were the visitors. Home field advantage is real,” Thomas said. “It is much better to have a stadium in your community.”
2000
2001
2002
2003
2005
2005: First Girls Soccer Season
2000: Mill Valley Opens
A bond issue to create another high school was passed on the third try in 1998 under superintendent Dr. Layman’s direction. Construction of the building took approximately two years, creating a 128,000 square foot building which opened in August 2000. When the building opened in August of 2000 enrollment was 534 students and 65 faculty members. There were 14 clubs and 15 sports when the building opened.
2004
When the building originally opened in 2000 the school had 15 sports. Over the course of a few years, the school added sports teams including the first girl’s soccer team in 2005. The program has continued to be a staple in athletics.
Prior to 1999, a lone tree guarded the empty landscape that would become Mill Valley High School. The land is now occupied by Mill Valley, Monticello Trails Middle School, Prairie Ridge Elementary and the Grey Oaks subdivision.| Photo from JAG Yearbook
Avoiding her opponent, junior Breana Hoener attempts to turn the ball Tuesday, April 26, 2005. The team defeated Basehor-Linwood, 2-0, in the school’s first girls soccer season. | Photo from JAG Yearbook
JagWire
Design by Sophie Lecuru
2006: Indoor Homecoming Parade
In the fall of 2006, rainy weather on the day of the Homecoming parade prevented the event from taking place along its usual outdoor route. Instead of canceling the event, principal Joe Novak moved the parade indoors. During the school day, students were dismissed from class to line the walls as the parade marched down the central hallway. Since cars couldn’t be driven through the building, club floats were crafted from shopping carts.
2008: First Girls Golf Season
A stormy day forced the Homecoming parade indoors for the first and only time in the fall of 2005. Students decorated shopping carts donated by Price Chopper instead of traditional floats and the band led the parade from the main gym through the main hallway and down the A-wing hall. | Photo from JAG Yearbook
2010: New Addition on School
+ 93,000 sq. ft 2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2010: Principal Novak Retires Mill Valley’s first principal, Dr. Joseph Novak, retired in 2010. He led the school during its growth and helped start many important traditions that students still cherish today. Since retiring, Dr. Novak has taught as an associate professor at the University of St. Mary’s and currently works at the University of Kansas, where he has been teaching for seven years. “I coordinate the master’s program in educational leadership, work to assist the Dean of the School of Education on a number of initiatives, teach 6-9 hours per semester, and serve on several school committees,” Novak said. While working as principal at Mill Valley, Dr. Novak was able to watch students grow and express themselves through many different activities and athletics. He worked with various different teachers and educators, some of which are still at the school to this day. Novak says that he misses a lot about Mill Valley, ranging from his students, to his educators, to the events that make the school itself, like the homecoming traditions. “I miss watching and being a part of each stuAfter serving as Mill Valley’s dent’s entry as a 9th grader and eventual gradprincipal for ten uation as a senior,” Novak said. “I miss the school years, Dr. Joseph Novak retired musicals, Homecoming and Spirit weeks, and the in 2010. He was fabulous group of staff members who made my the school’s first principal. job one I looked forward to each day.”
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May 20, 2020
2011: First Evening HoCo Parade
2016: New Turf Field Added
In an effort to give more community members the chance to view the Homecoming parade, the administration and Student Council decided to move the parade route from Monticello Road to Grey Oaks subdivision in the fall of 2011. | Photo from JAG Yearbook
2012: First Swim Season
2011
2011: First Bowling Season
2012
An aerial view shows the new turf installed on the football field in the summer of 2015. The project cost the district $1.2 million and allowed the field to be used by more than just the football team, as PE classes, the band and outside the school teams could now use the fields.| Photo from JAG Yearbook
2014
2013
2012: First Blue Bomb In a tradition that began with the senior class of 2012, seniors have been annually continuing the tradition of decorating the school in blue, the color of the senior class. Seniors wake up early and collectively decorate the interior of the high school. In tradition, the students also blast music and dance in the main hallway. As the years progressed the band would perform some pep band music for the seniors as they celebrated the last year of high school. It’s the senior class tradition to participate in Blue Bomb. The seniors gather in the main hallway to blast music and dance.
2015
2016
2015, 2016 and 2019: Football State Champions In 2015 under the leadership of 22 seniors, the football team brought home the first athletic state title in school history with a 35-14 win over the Bishop Carroll Golden Eagles on Saturday, Nov. 28 in the 5A state championship game. Carnie Smith Stadium at Pittsburg State University was filled with over 3,500 Jaguar fans. The following year in 2016 the Jaguars won its second consecutive 5A state football championship with a 35-34 double-overtime win over the Goddard Lions on Saturday, Nov. 26. Again, after three years, the football team brought home another state title after a 40-31 shootout victory over Wichita Northwest on Nov. 30.
JagWire
Design by Sophie Lecuru
2019: School Catches on Fire A fire broke out near a construction site on the north side of the school around 9:30 p.m. Thursday, June 6. Firefighters put the blaze out within an hour, no one was injured and no seLeft photo is the progress of demolition rious damage to the interior that started on Thursday, June 6, right photo is of the fire that started at 9:30 of the building occurred. p.m. | Hunter Ristau and Molly Smith Custodian Hugh Dondobbels was the only staff member inside the building when the fire began. He was the first person to detect the fire. Upon discovering the fire, Dondobbels left the building to contact the police department only to discover that the police and fire departments were already on the scene. According to a statement from the Shawnee Fire Department, the fire was accidentally caused by demolition crews working on the north end of the school.
2017
2018
2018: Bond Issue Passed A proposed $85 million bond issue was passed in 2018 providing funding for six needs: safety and security, educational technology, career, and technology education, early childhood, school facilities, and future needs. A large portion of the funds is allocated to larger facilities, such as a bigger theater, competition gym, weight room and a new fieldhouse.
2020
2019 2020: Principal Waldeck Retires
After a ten-year tenure as principal, Tobie Waldeck announced in December that he would retire from the position at the end of the school year. Waldeck, who taught math at the school before his promotion to principal, was just the second principal in the school’s first 20 years. He will be succeeded next year by former Olathe East administrator Gail Holder. Principal Tobie Waldeck gives his commencement speech to the senior class on Saturday, May 21, 2011. It was Waldeck’s first graduation speech after taking over as principal in the fall of 2010.| Photo from JAG Yearbook
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STANDING STATISTICS
A comparison of the school’s original statistics to present STAFF
65
150+
faculty
faculty
BUILDING SIZE
128k 285k sq. feet
ENROLLMENT
534 students
CLUBS
14 clubs
SPORTS
15
sports
CHOIRS
2
choirs
BANDS
2
bands PRINCIPALS
2
principals
sq. feet
1,312 students
36 clubs
21
sports
5
choirs
3
bands
4
principals
8
May 20, 2020
END OF AN ERA Retiring principal Tobie Waldeck shares the highlights of his career at Mill Valley BEN WIELAND
mill valley news editor-in-chief
F
or retiring principal Tobie Waldeck, whose ten years as the school’s principal will come to an end this summer, managing a pandemic has just been the latest challenge in a job that he says “nothing fully prepares you for.” The unprecedented event, which required school buildings to shut down for the year’s final nine weeks, added chaos to what Waldeck expected to be a farewell year. Waldeck believes that instead of feeling sorry for himself, he should recognize his privilege compared to those affected directly by the virus and continue to do his job. “I ran around here a little bit, just feeling sorry for myself. I did want my last year to be as normal as possible,” Waldeck said. “Still, rather than feeling sorry for myself, I put it in perspective and understand that there are people that are dealing with a lot more than me. I’m still blessed to be working in Mill Valley.” Waldeck also adds that one group of students at Mill Valley has experienced the most upheaval as a result of the pandemic — the school’s graduating seniors. “Our seniors have had a hard road with regard to graduation,” Waldeck said. “I know they understand what’s most important, but it’s been hard on them.” While it’s made the end of Waldeck’s final year more hectic than he expected, the pandemic hasn’t
Staff members hold up pictures of Tobie Waldeck at the 2015 graduation.| Journalism staff
completely prevented him from being able to reflect on his three-decade career in education and reminisce about his favorite memories. To him, one stands out in particular as his best experience as principal: the football state championship in 2015, which handed the school its first athletic state championship in its 15 years. “That was a magical time, and that magic is still here,” Waldeck said. “That [is my favorite memory] without question, because everybody in all sports worked hard to try to get that first title, and when it did finally come
it was amazing.” Waldeck’s fondness for school sports comes from a long history with them — at the beginning of his career, while he was still a math teacher at De Soto, he coached football, baseball and wrestling. In fact, coaching isn’t the only thing
Waldeck misses about being a teacher. “I miss the daily constant contact with students that are learning from me directly,” Waldeck said. “That was a lot of fun.” It’s been two decades since Waldeck last worked as a teacher — before his ten years as principal at Mill Valley, he spent four years as an assistant principal at Monticello Trails and then six years as principal of Monticello Trails. During his time as an administrator, Waldeck developed a reputation for cracking down harshly and honestly on students who broke the rules. He says that, looking back on his legacy as an administrator, that’d be the one thing he would want to change. “In hindsight, I would probably still have high expectations, and I would expect people to behave appropriately, but I probably would be less blunt,” Waldeck said. “I would still want to be direct — if I have an issue with you, I’m going to tell you — but maybe I’d be a little bit less blunt.” In contrast with his admittedly confrontational attitude toward rule-breakers, Waldeck also became known for his ability to lighten the mood around students and faculty. Some of his most well-known jokes, like his tendency to tell students he saw in the halls “good morning” no matter what time of day it was, became staples of the school’s culture. While having fun with students and staff was just a small part of Waldeck’s daily routine, it’s something he thinks he’ll miss in his retirement. “I like to joke around more than people realize, and the teachers, coun-
Retiring principal Tobie Waldeck speaks at the 2017 graduation ceremony.| Journalism staff
Waldeck stands with the crowd at the 2019 football game against De Soto.| Allison Gourd
“MOSTLY I WILL MISS JOKING AROUND WITH THE STUDENTS — ALL THE SILLY THINGS I DO JUST TO GET A REACTION .” retiring principal tobie waldeck
Design by Anastasia O’Brien
JagWire
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Retiring principal Tobie Waldeck sits at his desk in 2011. After being Mill Valley’s principal for 10 years, he has decided to retire. | Journalism staff
selors and all of the staff have had a lot of fun with it. I will miss that,” Waldeck said. “Mostly, I will miss joking around with students — all the silly things that I do to just get a reaction, like saying good morning when it’s afternoon. They just look at you like you’re crazy, but I will miss all of that kind of contact and joking around with students.” Perhaps Waldeck’s biggest takeaway from twenty years in administration, though, was the revelation that his job is impossible to do alone. According to Waldeck, there are so many moving parts and scenarios that his training and education never could’ve
prepared him for, and — referencing the ongoing pandemic as an example — he’s had to rely on help, advice and support from people around him. Waldeck credits former principal Joe Novak, the district’s superintendents and his students with helping him improve at his job. He saves his biggest praise and thanks, though, for the teachers he’s worked alongside during his time at Mill Valley. “The people that have impacted me the most are, overall, the teachers… When you jump into administration, you may think you know everything you need to know, but you don’t. You end up learning from teachers. The
teachers actually molded me into the principal I am today,” Waldeck said. “I’m a different principal now than I was 10 years ago, because teachers helped me along the way. They helped me see my mistakes, and they helped me correct those mistakes over time.” Looking back on his thirty-one years in education and decade as principal at Mill Valley, Waldeck is ultimately satisfied with the job he’s done and the experiences he’s had. “You can’t find a job that’s fun all the time. That’s not the way life works. For me, though, it’s been very rewarding,” Waldeck said. “It’s been hard, but very rewarding.”
breakdown of the years retiring principal EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCES ATobie Waldeck has spent in education
31
years total spent in education
11
years total spent teaching
10 years at De Soto High School 1 year at Olathe East High School
20
years total spent in administration
4 years as Monticello Trails assistant principal 6 years as MT pincipal 10 years as Mill Valley principal
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RETIRING
May 20, 2020
Mill Valley High School says goodbye to retiring teachers
TEACHERS
CARMEN SHELLY & ANDY SHELLY 20 years at Mill Valley High School AIDEN BURKE reporter/photographer
ZACH SHRADER reporter/photographer
I
n the 20 years since the school’s founding, only a select few teachers remain from the original faculty. Out of a pool of only 11 staff, two of these original faculty members are retiring at the end of the school year. Gifted services facilitator Carmen Shelly and school librarian Andy Shelly have both been in the district for over 20 years and have been educators at Mill Valley since its first years. Carmen first arrived in the district 36 years ago, when she took her first teaching job. For the first 16 years of her career in the USD 232 school district, she taught at De Soto. Andy was a librarian at Sumner Academy prior to his years in the district; he went to De Soto in 1995 and came to Mill Valley five years later. Their 20 years at the school have come with a lot of changes in regard to the staff and students; being one of the few who can say they have been there through it all makes Andy feel nostalgic, yet lonely. “It is fun to know the history and to have seen all the changes ... in the building, but it’s kind of lonely now,” Andy said. “There are only 11 of us left. When we opened the building, we had close to 45 teachers.” Carmen feels that being one of the few remaining teachers of the original faculty can seem lonely, but it also includes meeting a lot of new people and having a lot of new experiences that can’t be forgotten. ”One might feel like you are losing friends sometimes and that those relationships that you always relied on aren’t there to support you anymore,” Carmen said. “While it can feel like you are losing things, you also have to look at the other side of the coin and
The Shellys have made the decision to retire working at Mill Valley after 20 years | Kathy Habiger
see that you are gaining a lot.” Both agree that the staff and stu-
“WHILE IT CAN FEEL LIKE YOU ARE LOSING THINGS, YOU ALSO HAVE TO LOOK AT THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN AND SEE YOU ARE GAINING A LOT.” gifted services facilitator carmen shelly
dents at the school have made a long 20 years worth it. Even when they left, graduated and retired, those people are what made Andy’s job worthwhile. “The entire time I’ve been here, I
have enjoyed the people,” Andy said. “I have appreciated everyone who has been here in the building while I have been here.” In regards to the staff, Carmen thinks that her fellow educators never hesitate to push the boundaries and do whatever is necessary to promote education for their students. “I really enjoy the people that I work with and the care that they take to create meaningful learning experiences for students,” Carmen said. “I also like that they are willing to work on the edge and be a little rebellious at times to push education forward.” Carmen, expecting school to have been back in session for fourth-quarter before spring break, feels like her opportunity to say a final goodbye was taken away. “It does feel just a bit unfair not to have the opportunity to savor some of those moments with students and colleagues,” Carmen said. “We went on spring break fully expecting to be back with students for fourth-quarter, so I don’t think I really sat back and appreciated my ‘lasts’ with students -
Design by Jordan Prestia
JagWire
BOB LEWIS
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20 years at Mill Valley
A
fter 20 years teaching at Mill Valley, At-Risk teacher Bob Lewis announced his retirement. Lewis has taught in the Physical Education department, the Special Education department and has recently directed his focus to the At-Risk program. Lewis also spent many years as a track coach, coaching the sprinting and mid-distance running teams. When Lewis first made the move to Mill Valley 20 years ago, he and his wife were looking to “take a risk and move to a bigger city.” USD 232 was one of his first picks, and him getting hired at Mill Valley as a Special Education teacher was the start of his
journey here. After 40 years of teaching, one thing that kept Lewis motivated was being able to see students who he had taught grow up into successful adults. “Seeing students grow into responsible adults is what has motivated me throughout those 4 decades,” Lewis said. “Running into former students and seeing them succeeding in the ‘real world’ is truly a rewarding experience.” Those students and the experiences, memories and friendships he formed at Mill Valley are what made the job enjoyable to Lewis. “Mill Valley has always had great students who have been very enjoyable to work with,” Lewis said. “The teachers, administration and staff have always been supportive in all the positions I have held during my tenure at Mill Valley.” Lewis enjoys coming to work every day at Mill Valley because he likes “working with the students and
creating positive relationships.” With fourth-quarter schooling in-person being cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lewis feels that he is doing his same job but without being able to meet with students in-person, which is what he enjoyed most. “I am having to do the same job at home, but without the feeling of the students’ energy,” Lewis said. “It is definitely not as enjoyable.” Lewis added that the thing he’ll miss most is the everyday energy of students. Lewis wants to leave a legacy at the school as a teacher who was able to help students when they needed it. He not only wants to be remembered as a teacher, but as a coach and mentor for students. After his retirement, Lewis wants students to look back and remember him as a teacher who “was kind, understanding of different needs and always available for those who needed me.”
CONNIE HENDERSON 17 years at Mill Valley High School After 17 years teaching special education at the school, retiring educator Connie Henderson knows what she’ll miss the most in her retirement: the feeling of helping and connecting with students. “Being able to connect with people on an educational level is very rewarding,” Henderson said. “ Whether it’s a student or a staff member that you’re assisting, when that ‘a-ha’ moment hits, there’s no feeling like it.” Through assisting and teaching her students Henderson worked to make her students more independent and better critical thinkers. “Being a special education teacher, I hope I can say I’ve impacted student lives to the point where they have become more independent learners and more able to solve problems on their own,” Henderson said. She wanted to reassure her student’s confidence in their abilities but also wanted to let them know they can ask for help. “I want them to believe in themselves and all the incredible things they
are capable of doing. But I also hope they have learned that it’s okay to not know everything and that there are
“BEING WITHOUT THESE WONDERFUL PEOPLE EVERYDAY WILL BE THE HARDEST PART OF RETIRMENT.” special education teacher connie henderson
places and people they can go to when they need assistance,” Henderson said. “I hope they realize how much I care about all of them and wish them the best.” By staying in touch with some of her former students, Henderson has
gotten to see what her impact on their lives was. “I still keep in contact with a lot of students. It’s great to see how their lives have played out and know that I’ve been a part of it,” Henderson said. Henderson will miss all of the people she got to interact with every day while making countless memories. “Being without these wonderful people everyday will be the hardest part of retirement,” Henderson said. “There have been so many wonderful memories. Each person and each year have added to the incredible list of experiences I’ve had that I will always cherish.”
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May 20, 2020
STILL STANDING
After 20 years of the school’s existence, there are only 12 of the original staff left
ANNA OWSLEY
EVAN SHERMAN
mill valley news editor-in-chief
reporter/photographer
Standing in pride are all the teachers and staff who have stuck with Mill Valley since its start 20 years ago. There are 12 of them left. |Faith Bileyou
I remember looking at Tobie right after we won state basketball and we both had tears in our eyes.
BOB LEWIS
“
The greatest reward is running into former students who successfully made it with the help of the at-risk program.
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I used to teach all levels since I was the only full time Spanish teacher. Now we have five teachers teaching Spanish.
SARA SEDGWICK
“ “
“
“
We have great academics, activities, athletics and great people that are involved in our programs.
Some of my favorite memories include ... the time the ceiling collapsed in the cafeteria right before lunch.
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KATHY HABIGER
“
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“We had a local television station come for [being voted a] ‘Cool School’ … This is when I first saw our school spirit.”
EDITH PAREDES
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TRAVIS KEAL
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LAURIE DEUSCHLE
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Design by Sophie Lecuru
JagWire
THE FIRST FACULTY
A list of the 12 original faculty members that remain from when the school opened
4. Bob Lewis
7.
2. Kathy Habiger
5. Edith Paredes
8. Carmen Shelly 11.
3. Travis Keal
6. Sara Sedgwick
9. Deana Thom
Laurie Deuschle
ANDY SHELLY
ARLAN VOMHOF
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My wife and I were excited about the challenge of helping open a new building after working at De Soto High School.
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Each year different groupings of students find my room a comfortable place to gather before heading off for class.
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I was on the bond committee that worked to get [Mill Valley] approved … I am so happy for the theater addition.
ERIC THOMAS
“
When they built the new stadium it was much better, but not having turf meant we still walked in cleats and equipment.
[The soccer program] used to be small and co-ed, but it has grown into two strong individual programs.
Arlan Vomhof
12. Edie Waye
“
One year the weather was not cooperating, so we got shopping carts and did the [Homecoming] parade inside.
COACHING CORNER
Teachers that have continuously coached their respective sports since the school’s opening TRAVIS KEAL BOYS WRESTLING COACH 2 state titles 3 state placings 4 regional titles
ARLAN VOMHOF BOYS AND GIRLS SOCCER COACH
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DEANNA THOM
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CARMEN SHELLY
10. Eric Thomas
EDIE WAYE
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Andy Shelly
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1.
0 state titles 6 state placings 12 regional titles
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Pushing through the Wichita Northwest defense, senior Tyler Green continues to make his way down the field. Mill Valley beat Wichita Northwest in the state title game 40-31 Saturday, Nov. 30. Aubrey Beashore
May 20, 2020
A LOOK BACK
From state football to “Newsies,” this issue we look back at some of this school year’s biggest moments
During the talent portion of Mr. Mill Valley, sophomore Declan Taylor holds a board for senior Kevin Lee to break. | Avery Liby Before releasing his Science Olympiad build, sophomore Patrick Mack adjusts the propeller. |Hannah Chern Toward the end of the race, sophomore Katie Schwartzkopf runs to clinch second place at the state meet.| Avery Liby Jumping in the air, junior Leif Campbell recreates the signature Newsies jump.| Abby White
JagWire
Design by Andrew Tow
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Waving to the crowd, seniors Morgan Bluebaugh and Cline Boone ride in their homecoming Camaro.| Emma Adams
During the regional tournament on Saturday, Feb. 22, senior Zach Keal wrestles with his opponent. Keal went on to take first place in the 132-pound weight class.| Jordin Harris
Concert: Playing their trombones, seniors Abby Lee, Nico Gatapia, junior Molly Smith and sophomore Olivia Franco look at their sheet music. | Aubrey Beashore
On the shoulders of senior Jacob Doyle, senior Cameron Schwegman reaches towards the ceiling to hang a banner. | Abby Steiger
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May 20, 2020
PUTTING OUR
NAMES ON THE MAP 1 1
1
1
4 1
1
150
7 8
2 2
Design by Tatum Elliott
JagWire
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Looking at where the 2020 senior class plans to pursue their post-high school plans
*Only those students who filled out the college survey by Friday, May 8 are included on this map
CLAIRE FRANKE
HAYDEN RESCH
reporter/photographer
reporter/photographer
STATING
STATISTICS
1 1
1
1 1
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Breaking down the numbers on seniors’ future destinations
TOP 33 MOST MOST TOP POPULAR POPULAR DESTINATIONS DESTINATIONS 1
KANSAS
2
ARKANSAS
3
MISSOURI
OUT OF OF STATE STATE OUT VS. IN IN STATE STATE VS.
1 2
150 IN STATE 38 OUT OF STATE
HOW FAR FAR WILL WILL HOW WE GO? GO? WE
MILL VALLEY SENIORS ARE HEADED TO A TOTAL OF
20 STATES
survey of 210 students as of Friday, May 8
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May 20, 2020
FUTURE DESTINATIONS Taking a look at the post-high school plans for the graduating class of 2020 *Only those students who filled out the college survey by Friday, May 8 are included on this list
JULIA FAIR
JORDIN HARRIS
reporter/photographer
ARIZONA Arizona State University
Isabella Baker Criminology and Criminal Justice
Grand Canyon University Meghan Sherman Worship Arts
“I chose to attend Grand Canyon University because I really enjoyed the atmosphere ... and I knew I would fit in and belong there.”
ARKANSAS Arkansas State University Kyle Kelly Business
University of Arkansas Ethan Baranczuk Electrical Engineering Jacob Jones Medical Engineering Emerson Kaiser Public Health/Biology Jenna McDonald Finance Management Whitney Van Dyke Public Health/Psychology Samantha Volkamer Business Management
University of Arkansas Little Rock Austin Keal
reporter/photographer
CALIFORNIA American Musical and Dramatic Academy Anna Paden Musical Theatre
COLORADO
University of Colorado Colorado Springs Faith Archibong Pre-Medicine
FLORIDA
Ringling College of Art & Design Anna Rold Illustration
University of Central Florida Kiley Phlieger Hospitality & Tourism
GEORGIA
Savannah College of Art & Design Aidan Thomas Film
ILLINOIS Illinois College Colby Beggs Criminal Justice
IOWA
Iowa State University Asher Wilson Engineering
KANSAS Baker University William Coacher Computer Science Ian Carroll Undecided Tabari Johnson Pre Veterinary Science
Benedictine College Annabelle Hoog Excercise Science
“I am really excited to meet a lot of new people and make new memories. I’m also excited to be a part of the women’s soccer program [at Benedictine College].”
Butler Community College Zachery Mills Marketing/Advertising
JagWire
Emporia State University
Maya Chapman Elementary Education Molly Dunn Undecided Austin Hall Psychology Kaylee Koester Music Education
Fort Scott Community College Clint Chappell Undecided
Johnson County Community College
Ethan Anderson-Alexander Metal Fabrication/Welding Technology Tyler Barge Undecided Katherine Barker Graphic Design Taylor Bruce Psychology Keegan Byrne Undecided Jacob Contreras Graphic Design Michael Crocker Software Development Tyler Draper Undecided Cameron Everhart General/Automotive Studies Gavin Fangman Business Allison Gourd Undecided Zane Harris Animation Ashley Hays Industrial Organizational Psychology Jacob Hodson Undecided Grace Kauffman Undecided Sarah Kauffman Undecided Lance Kelley Business Jonte Krantz Undecided Jurgen Langegger Undecided Kailee Lynn Undecided Benjamin Mason Electrical Technology Cole Moberly Electrical Technology Alexandria Pinney Elementary Education Kylie Pitts Nursing/Oncology
Design by Tatum Elliott
Callie Roberts Environmental Studies Griffin Schenk Molecular Bioscience Charlie Schwartzkopf No response Aleksa Skavo Management Tripp Star III Business Administration Loren Thomas Food & Beverage Management Adam Tilden Atmospheric Science Natalie Velez Liberal Arts Megan Walkup Animal Science Jenna Zuch Music & Theater
Kansas City Kansas Community College Brett Bellmyer Machine Technology Spencer Endsley Equipment Technology Noe Gonzalez III Construction/Carpentry Rylee Greene Physical Therapy Assistant Reese Hernandez Nursing Brandon Majerus Undecided
Kansas State University
Ashley Baranczuk Psychology Adrien Blazer Construction Science Taylir Charest Biology Chase Cline Accounting/Finance Kaylea Cummings Secondary Education Hannah Davie Nutritional Science Justin Deas Microbiology Ashlyn Dempsey Kinesiology Jacob Doyle Finance & Entrepreneurship Gavin Fangman Business Gabrielle Fitterer Architecture Hunter Flack Architecture Rylee Fouts Human Development & Family Science
Grant Frost Biological Systems Engineering/ Pre-Medicine Joseph Gillette Undecided Joshua Glunt Accounting/Finance Allison Godfrey Psychology Grace Hanson Political Science Molly Haymaker Kinesiology/Physician Assistant Alexander Heinking Computer Science Lauren Johnson Elementary Education Ellie Kerstetter Computer Science Abigail Lee Biochemical Engineering Nolan Leininger Chemical Engineering Avery Liby Psychology Nathan Lillich General Engineering Eli Lockhart Criminology Joshua Mansfield Environmental Engineering Ava Modin Political Science Abbie Morgan Elementary Education William Morris IV Construction Management Brandon Rader Business Anna Ricker Social Work Angelina Rico Graphic Design Shay Rodriguez English Justin Sanders Computer Science Grace Stoneburner Architecture Planning & Design Aidan Taylor Business & Leadership Andrew Tow Secondary Education Jenna Walker Nursing Colton Weber Business Analiese Wilhauk AP Design Carly Willett Graphic Design
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May 20, 2020
SENIOR SUPERLATIVES most likely to move out of the country “I wasn’t too surprised because people know my family travels a lot.” SENIOR AVERY LAWSON
“I think it is a very accurate result because I love traveling.” SENIOR DILARA KING
most likely to cure the coronavirus “I’ll be sure to get on that right away.” SENIOR JOAN DOWNEY
“Im suprised [that I won]. I think it’s because my academics are good.” SENIOR KEVIN LEE
most likely to have the best playlist “I thought that wining the best playlist was very fitting because all of my friends always give me the aux.” SENIOR OLIVIA KNIGHT
“I didn’t think that people thought I had good taste in music, but it’s a good compliment.” SENIOR BENNETT DOYLE
JagWire
Design by Tatum Elliott
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Showcasing which students the 2020 senior class voted in for each superlative JORDIN HARRIS reporter/photographer
ZACH SHRADER reporter/photographer
most likely to start their own business “[It] feels good to know people think I could be successful.” SENIOR JOSHUA GLUNT
“I think I won this because ... people know that I am very motivated to become a doctor when I’m older and open my own practice.” SENIOR SOPHIA KLAUDT
most likely to give the best hugs “I appreciate that people think I’m a likable guy.” SENIOR TYLER GREEN
“I have always been a pretty touchy person, but I didn’t think people thought I gave good hugs.” SENIOR CHLOE GRIFFIN
most likely to make a TikTok during class “I’m not surprised [I won] at all. I’m a big, hairy, American winning machine.” SENIOR COLE MOBERLY
“I went viral a couple of times, so I think everyone just associates me with TikTok now, which is so funny to me.” SENIOR MALLORY SCHEELK
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May 20, 2020
most school spirit “School spirit is such an important aspect of high school… I’m happy to be seen as someone who provides spirit as a Jaguar.” SENIOR CLINE BOONE
“I’m proud to have that title. I’m sure my peers voted for me because I am involved a lot in the school.” SENIOR ANNIE BOGART
most likely to trip down the main staircase “I fall down the stairs commonly, especially at parties.” SENIOR WYATT LINDSEY
“I feel I have tried to conquer those stairs everyday, but they have beat me most of the time.” SENIOR ASHLEY GREGA
most likely to come back to MV as a teacher “One day, I will be the next Jeff Wieland.” SENIOR ANDREW TOW
“I’ve always been really passionate about being a teacher. I want to be a third grade teacher, but I’ve considered teaching FACS.” SENIOR LAUREN JOHNSON
JagWire
Design by Tatum Elliott
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best glow up “I think it is quite funny. It makes me aware how much I have changed over the years, and in a good way. I have changed a lot and my peers must’ve noticed as well.” SENIOR ASHLYN DEMPSEY
“I’m ugly, and I’m proud.” SENIOR ALEXANDER HEINKING
best Netflix binger “It made me laugh because [my friends] actually interrupted an episode of The Office to tell me.” SENIOR KELLY BRACKIN
“I’m really lazy and never finish watching shows. I guess Netflix is associated with laziness. I’m glad to be the face of laziness for the class of 2020.” SENIOR NICHOLAS GATAPIA
best person to go on a road trip with “I was surprised when I won because I don’t consider myself much of a road trip person.” SENIOR JAKE KELLER
“I’m always the one to carry snacks. I’m generally one step ahead. I’m also good with a map. I would definitely have the whole trip planned out.” SENIOR RYLEE MCELROY
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May 20, 2020
WHAT’S YOUR
Students imagine possible futures for themselves after high school quarantine
BE A ROCK STAR - cael duffin
OPEN
OWN A BUSINESS
BE A SOUNCLOUD RAPPER
- jake esser
BECOME A NURSE - maddie valencia
- wyatt hofstetter
TO SAY SHE’S ITALIAN - annie hoog
TRAVEL THE WORLD - kaleigh johnston
WATCH TIK TOK ALL DAY - grace hanson
LIVE IN SHAWNEE FOREVER - jacob miller
JagWire
FUTURE?
Design by Anastasia O’Brien
JORDAN PRESTIA reporter/photographer
BE AN ARCHITECT
BE 7 FEET TALL
OWN A COFFEE SHOP
BE WEARING A HOODIE
- jackson mays
- brooke koehler
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- jake keller
- travis babcock
YOU’RE
YOUR
BE A POLICE OFFICER
TO CORRECT YOUR GRAMMAR
COACH LITTLE LEAGUE
BE A STEROTYPICAL DAD
- tyler draper
- jessica garcia
- rebecca hertog
- ethan baranczuck
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CLASS OF
May 20, 2020
ANNA OWSLEY
TANNER SMITH
mill valley news editor-in-chief
assistant editor
TODAY’S SCHEDULE
WHAT IS YOUR FA SOCIAL VORITE MEDIA A PP?
7:30AM - STOP BY THE LIBRARY
44% 23% SNAPC
OK FROM HAVE YOU EVER CHECKED OUT A BO L USE? THE SCHOOL LIBRARY FOR PERSONA YES
RAM
7:50 AM - CLASS
HAVE YOU EVER FALLEN ASLEEP IN YES
19%
81%
CLASS?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCHOOL
MEXICAN BAR
16%
ASIAN BAR
LUNCH?
15%
PASTA BAR
14%
1:45 PM - PEP ASSEMBLY HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN A SPIRIT DAY?
YES
96%
OTHER
NO
11:25 AM - LUNCH
55%
TIK TOK
20% 13% INSTAG
NO
84%
16%
HAT
4% NO
OTHER
PRACTICE @ 3 P.M.
HAVE YOU BEEN ON A SCHOOL SPORTS TEAM?
56% 44% YES
NO
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2020 STATS Design by Isabel Aerni
JagWire
Survey of 99 seniors reflect on their years as high school students
FAVORITE YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL?
53%
SENIOR
WHAT IS YOU R POLITICAL LE ANING?
48% 37 %
22% JUNIOR
DEMOCRAT REP UBLICAN
15%
18% SOPHOMORE
OTHER
7%
FRESHMAN
LET’S GO JAGS! HAVE YOU ATTENDED/PLAYED IN A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME?
89% YES
11% NO
HAVE YOU EVER MET JJ THE JAGUAR?
82% YES
18% NO
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May 20, 2020
THEY’RE NOT DONE
AIDEN BURKE
reporter/photographer
JULIA FAIR
reporter/photographer
AIDEN BURKE reporter/photographer
JULIA FAIR
reporter/photographer
Senior athletes plan to pursue their varying athletic careers at the college level
FUTURE COLLEGE ATHLETES
A list of all the students playing collegiate sports
BASEBALL ISAAC AMMANN DRURY UNIVERSITY ANDREW BRUBECK HIGHLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE CLINT CHAPPELL FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE BRANDON MAJERUS ALLEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE BASKETBALL BRAEDEN WILTSE CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CROSS COUNTRY/ TRACK MORGAN KOCA CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL CARSON CALDWELL BENEDICTINE COLLEGE
TABARI JOHNSON BAKER UNIVERSITY KYLE KELLY ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY SOCCER IAN CARROLL BAKER UNIVERSITY WILL COACHER BAKER UNIVERSITY ANNIE HOOG BENEDICTINE COLLEGE
LANIE WHITEHILL UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA SOFTBALL KYLIE CONNER UNIVERSITY OF SAINT MARY LAUREN FLOREZ PITTSBURGH STATE UNIVERSITY
SWIM/DIVE COLBY BEGGS ILLINOIS COLLEGE KAYLA MIDDAUGH UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA VOLLEYBALL ADA AVILA UNIVERSITY OF SAINT MARY EMMA FOX DRURY UNIVERSITY WRESTLING AUSTIN KEAL UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS LITTLE ROCK ZACH KEAL US MILITARY ACADEMY WEST POINT
Design by Quinn Franken
JagWire
KAYLA TEASLEY
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Teasley will swim at University of South Dakota
W
hile looking through potential college candidates, senior Kayla Teasley found the University of South Dakota, and it immediately stuck out as a perfect-sized Division I school to continue her swim career at. In order to get this far, Teasley has been inspired and motivated by her coaches, teammates and friends both at school and from her club swim team. “My teammates have always been there for me,” Teasley said. “They keep me going both in and out of the water because they are some of my
best friends.” Teasley looks forward to being able to make new friends through the sport and is excited for the new dynamic that college will bring to the sport. “I look forward to making new friendships and continuing my training,” Teasley said. “I love the sport of swim, and I’ll get to experience a different type of swimming because of the differences between college and high school sports.” Another deciding factor for Teasley was having friends and familiar faces also attending the same university.
Celebrating her first state title, senior Kayla Teasely high fived her opponent Saturday, May 18, 2019. | Chloe Carson
JESSICA GARCIA
Garcia will play softball at Wichita State University
A
Senior catcher Jess Garcia threw the ball back to the pitcher, May. 9. | Gabby Cabrera
fter months of making recruitment videos and emailing them to colleges throughout her junior year, senior Jessica Garcia was able to commit to continuing her softball career at Wichita State University. According to Garcia, her coaches played an integral role in her being able to commit. Garcia said that her coaches talked with colleges and “built a connection with colleges to open that door for me.” One of the best aspects of college sports for Garcia is being able to play with a competitive team and always
having a competitive opponent. This makes the appeal of college softball much stronger to Garcia, giving her a strong team to rely on and an equally strong opponent. “I look forward to having the opportunity to play for a winning softball program,” Garcia said. “I can’t wait to compete against the best teams.” Garcia looks forward to becoming one of the integral components of the Wichita State team, saying that the Wichita coach “recruited me for hitting mainly, but also for my versatility. She is able to put me wherever she wants.”
TYLER GREEN
Green will play football at Dartmouth University
T
o senior Tyler Green, the Ivy League has always been a “dream and goal” that he wanted to reach. Committing to Dartmouth football gives Green the opportunity to both continue his football career and to go to a great medical school. “[Dartmouth is] a perfect environment in terms of school size and the resources available for a future in medicine,” Green said. “Plus, it has the most successful football program in the Ivy League.” Without his teammates and coaches, Green believes that he would never
have made it this far. “Coaches fought for me throughout the recruiting process and reached out to so many schools and contacts,” Green said. “I am truly blessed for these coaches in my life, and I’ll always have so much love for them.” Green’s aspirations to continue his career in the Ivy League were reinforced when he saw the “family” dynamic in Dartmouth’s program. Green emphasized that a selling point for him was that the recruiters for Dartmouth “were the most honest I’ve ever met through the process” of committing.
Senior Tyler Green runs the ball downfield scoring a touchdown Friday, Oct. 4. | Gabby Cabrera
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Design by Molly Smith
May 20, 2020
JagWire
Design by Hannah Chern & Quinn Franken
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LIVING IN THE
NEW NORMAL Seniors have learend to adapt to changes in their daily life due to COVID-19
STEVEN CURTO assistant editor
TANNER SMITH
assistant editor
O
n March 17, Gov. Laura Kelly ordered all K-12 schools across the state to close for the rest of the academic year and transition to remote learning plans. The district was forced to cancel prom and postpone graduation until July 25, which has taken a toll on the senior class. To cope with the sudden upheaval of the rest of their senior year, seniors Mallory Scheelk, Whitney Van Dyke and Clint Chappel decided to have athome proms. Van Dyke’s father pre-
sented her with the idea of doing an at-home prom, which she obliged to and asked Chappel if he would want to be her date. “My dad ordered us Olive Garden, and my mom set up our table and drinks to make it look like a restaurant,” Van Dyke said. My mom and my dad acted as our waiter. We got dressed up, ate dinner and then had dessert.” Although Chappel was disappointed that there wouldn’t be an official senior prom, he’s thrilled that he and Van Dyke had an at-home prom. “I mean I would have loved a senior prom but it was kind of a fun special time because I wasn’t expecting anything at all,” Chappel said. “I had so much fun with it and it is something I’ll remember for a long time.”
Similar to Van Dyke, senior Mallory Scheelk and her date were surprised with pictures of them on the big screen at the Legends Outlets mall. Although having an at-home prom was fun for her, Scheelk feels like it wasn’t quite the same as the real event as she didn’t get to spend the night alongside her friends. “It was very fun to be with my family and boyfriend, but I wasn’t surrounded by all my friends and the atmosphere of actual prom,” Scheelk said. “I am still disappointed, but I had a lot of fun.” In addition to losing prom, many seniors have lost their ability to compete due to the cancelation of spring
CONTINUED ON PAGE 34
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May 20, 2020
CHANGE OF PLANS
Many changes have been made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
“I was planning to tour a few colleges over the summer, but a lot of them are closed until the fall at this point.”
“In June, I was going to attend a BTS concert, my very first concert, but it has been postponed.”
“My family was planning to go to the Mall of America and an amusement park called Valley Fair.”
“Freshman orientation, which was supposed to be a two-day event in Wichita, for college is now online.
“I was planning some summer trips those ended up getting cancelled. Baseball plans got cancelled, too.”
“This summer, I was planning on joining a couple of recreational leagues, but I don’t think any of them are playing.”
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33
the pandemic, has had to reduce her spending to counter her lessened income. “I have no money to buy anything because all my money is going towards bills,” Armstong said. “I have reduced how much I go out and drive my car
junior patty mcClain
senior ashley grega
Senior Mallory Scheelk poses in front of a homemade picture set up with her date, Samuel Hashagen, at their own at-home prom on Saturday, April 25. | Submitted by Mallory Scheelk
freshman sophia chang
senior harrison canning
sports. This was the case for senior Nico Gatapia, who has been running track since seventh grade. This season, Gatapia was hoping to accomplish his goal of breaking 50 seconds in the 400-meter dash, something he had come close to previously with his 50.45 second personal record. “I’ve been dropping in time since freshman year, and I was hoping to shave off that last half second and possibly compete for the school record,” Gatapia said. “I’m also disappointed I won’t be able to see my teammates reach their goals either.” With the cancelation of the season, Gatapia feels that keeping inspiration has been difficult. “A lot of the distance runners have kept running and stayed in touch,” Gatapia said. “A few of us have been running on our own, but it’s hard to stay motivated.” Another major hurdle brought on by COVID-19 is the lack of available employment. In concurrence with state regulations and recommendations, many businesses have been forced to close their doors and lay off their employees. Senior Ella Armstrong, who worked at Mill Creek Activity Center before
junior morgan botts
senior anna ricker
“I WOULD HAVE LOVED A SENIOR PROM BUT IT WAS KIND OF A FUN AND SPECIAL TIME BECAUSE I WASN’T EXPECTING ANYTHING AT ALL.” senior clint chappel
so I don’t have to buy much gas.” For senior Kelsey Butler, the pandemic has caused her to lose money she would have used for college next year.
JagWire
Design by Hannah Chern & Quinn Franken
ENTERTAINMENT
source: Vulture *as of May 11, 2020
60+
movies have a new release date
SPORTS
Mulan original release date: March 27 new release date: July 24 Black Widow original release date: May 11 new release date: November 6
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Wonder Woman 1984 original release date: June 5 new release date: August 14 Ghostbusters: Afterlife original release date: July 10 new release date: March 5, 2021
source: ESPN
the Olympic Games Toyko 2020 postponed until July 2021
COLLEGES
2020 Wimbledon Championships cancelled
MLB proposed an 82-game season to start in July
source: Fair Test, ACCEPT Group *as of May 11, 2020
43
total colleges went test optional in 2019
“When I found out I would be unemployed for a few months, I was pretty upset,” Butler said. “I was looking forward to getting more hours to pay for college classes, gas and other things.” Despite the risks, senior Belle Baker felt it was important to continue working during the pandemic. “At Starbucks they offered a 30 day paid leave for people who felt uncomfortable working. However, if you stayed you got a raise and more benefits,” Baker said. “Since I’m going to be in large debt with college soon, I decided to stay.” With the setbacks of the pandemic, Butler is hoping she will be able to start working again by the time summer rolls around. “I am planning on working a lot more hours this summer,” Butler said. “I tend to save more than spend, so working more hours will definitely be beneficial for the future.” Outside of being temporarily unemployed, some seniors’ family lives have shifted drastically. Senior Avery Altman’s sister was working at a hospital in Overland Park, which was not hit as heavily with COVID-19 cases as other areas of the country. With help being needed in hotspots such as New York and Loui-
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colleges have gone test optional in spring of 2020*
siana, Altman’s sister asked her supervisor to send her to a hospital in New Orleans to help the hospital staff there. “As her family, we knew that although we were fearful for her this pandemic was much greater than us,” Altman said. “Once she told her supervisor at the hospital she was interested, a flight was booked to New Orleans for that next week and she was off.” With Altman’s niece Rosalie still needing to be taken care, she volunteered to look after her for the time being. “I decided it was best for me to take on the responsibility of caring for my niece,” Altman said. “It was a very new experience to care for a five-yearold day and night but I know that was time with her I will never forget and I am very thankful for it.” After Altman’s sister had finished being a volunteer in a New Orleans hospital treating COVID-19 patients, she was allowed to return home which was a complete relief to Altman and her family. “After working 48 hours a week in a New Orleans COVID-19 unit and being tested herself, Mary was more than eager to get back home to her family,” Altman said. “We were relieved to have her back.”
325
colleges have extended admissions deadline to June 1*
NATIONAL IMPACTS
Unemployment rates increase due to COVID-19 Unemployment rate from February 2020 and April 2020
3.5% 14.7% Unemployment Claims in the U.S. Unemployment claims in the U.S. March 28, 2009 (665,000) Nov. 10, 2012 (446,000)
March 28, 2020 (6,867,000)
1
2
3
4
5
6
Number of Unemployment Claims (Millions) source: NPR
7
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May 20, 2020
PARTING WORDS Seniors involved in Mill Valley’s journalism program reflect on their time in high school
WHAT I LEARNED FROM GETTING A WHISTLE STUCK IN MY TRUMPET
ANDREW TOW
w W photo editor
e were midway through my least favorite song, “Sir Duke” and A plastic whistle sat in my hand because there was a part in the song where we used the whistles for effect. Then I had an epiphany: What sound would my trumpet make if I put this whistle in it? I proceeded to drop the plastic whistle down the bell of my trumpet, not realizing the depth of the bell was deeper than I thought. The whistle fell down the bell and, inevitably, got stuck. I began to panic. Admitting to my band director that I got a whistle stuck in my trumpet filled my stomach with nerves. There was no way I could admit to my band director that I had gotten a whistle stuck in my trumpet. What on earth could I do? I tried to
get the whistle loose, but it wouldn’t budge. The people around me told me to, “Just fake playing,” but I knew that would be impossible, so I made the decision to admit my mistake. Once I made it to the front of the room all I could say to Steiner was “Uhh, I messed up,” and I explained how I got the whistle stuck. A look of disappointment took over her face as she began to disassemble my trumpet. While it was completely embarrassing admitting my mistake, I learned an important life lesson from this experience. Embarrassing myself showed me that it’s OK to make mistakes. I don’t know what made me admit my mistake rather than acting cowardly and trying to get the whistle unstuck at home, but I am glad that I decided to endure the embarrassment. Prior to this experience, I had always had a hard
time admitting when I had messed up. Through this experience, I learned that it takes a strong individual to admit their mistakes and that we should not be timid when we make mistakes. As I move forward in life I will certainly make more mistakes. Hopefully, they do not include getting something stuck in my trumpet, but even if they do, I will know how to face them. Getting a whistle stuck in my trumpet was not really that big of an issue, but it did help me develop as a person. I know now that it is OK to make mistakes, but facing those mistakes is what is important. Don’t be scared when you accidentally do something that gets you into trouble because we all make mistakes and there is no shame in admitting your mistake.
JagWire
Design by Tatum Elliott
YOU’RE JUST NOT THAT GREAT AVERY LIBY JAG editor-in-chief
M
y freshman year was a rocky one thanks to the promise I made to myself going into high school. After being separated from all my middle school friends, I made the conscious decision to avoid forming new relationships. There was no way my 200 new classmates could have anything to offer me that I didn’t already possess. Looking back, I’m not sure how, as an awkward 14-year-old, I had such an inflated ego. Towards the end of my sophomore year, I realized how detrimental this mindset was to my happiness, so I slowly started making an effort to branch out. It took me some time, but I focused heavily on relaxing my judgmental mindset and to my surprise, I found new friends that were vastly different than me. Andrew Tow showed me
how to have empathy towards others and challenged my pessimistic views. When I start to be dramatic, Taylir Charest would always help me put things into perspective and tell me to “chill.” In trying times, Crystal Sivilayvong taught me how to be resilient and persevere no matter how big an obstacle may seem. Even now they continue to help me become a more well-rounded person through their unique strengths. These people, along with many others, have made me a better person by being themselves. Although our differences come with occasional disagreements, I’ve learned when to bite my tongue because the relationship is more than whatever minuscule thing we disagreed on. Even people who aren’t in my life anymore taught me things that I value and will always remember. I’m so thankful to have found friends that accept me for who I am, while still helping me to learn and grow. They
opened my mind to so many different perspectives in life that I would have never learned on my own. Most importantly, I learned that everyone has unique experiences that have shaped them into the person they are, and we all have something to offer each other. The best way to become a better version of yourself is by opening up to different types of relationships.
MAKE AN IMPACT ciety and being on the Relay for Life committee, I was able to gain experience volunteering throughout my high school career. Although I have been volunteering here and there throughout my whole life, it never amounted to as much volunteering that high school brought me.
“I REALLY FELL IN LOVE WITH HELPING OTHERS.” SAMMIE VOLKAMER JAG editor-in-chief
G
oing into high school, I would have never pictured myself being where I am today. I didn’t even know that half the things I became involved in existed on my first day of freshman year. Through various classes, National Honor So-
senior sammie volkamer
When I joined NHS my junior year, I started to volunteer more because of the 20 hour semester requirement. After becoming a tutor for a seventh grader in our district, I really fell in love with helping others. Week after week, I really started to see the impact I was making on her.
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This sparked my love for volunteering because I was able to witness firsthand how I was helping someone else. My previous volunteer work always helped others, but I never saw in person the impact it had. When picking out my classes for senior year, I knew right away that joining Mr. Wurtz’s community service class was something I wanted to do. For my daily commitment, I was assigned to Melissa Mendez’s second grade class at Prairie Ridge Elementary. After my first day there, I immediately knew I was going to love it. Even though my time with them was cut short due to COVID-19, I know I made an impact on their class. The volunteer work I did over the course of my high school career made me realize that volunteering doesn’t positively influence people in one direction. My volunteer work didn’t just impact who I was volunteering for, it also benefited me. Simply taking action to help someone else has done so much for me as a person, and I know others feel the same way.
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May 20, 2020
JUST GO FOR IT matter what you can find something you’re interested in. Trying new things and putting yourself out there can be nerve-racking but in the end, it’s definitely worth it. Whether it’s playing sports or joining clubs, I guarantee you will make friends and connections that are so valuable in the grand scheme of things.
ABBY WHITE
A
JAG editor-in-chief
s a senior, I have had the opportunity to look back at my past four years at Mill Valley. The most important lesson I have learned is that getting involved makes all of the difference. I wasn’t involved in a lot during those years but, what I was made a huge impact on my life. Mill Valley has so many clubs and activities to offer, which means no
“TRYING NEW THINGS ... CAN BE NERVE-RACKING, BUT IN THE END IT’S WORTH IT.” senior abby white
Freshman year I was apprehensive about joining things. I only played soccer and basketball; however, even
then I made a lot of friendships that continued to grow as the years went on. But it wasn’t until junior or senior year that I actually tried things out of my comfort zone. I joined yearbook, became an RFL ELT, tried out for the tennis team, continued playing basketball, and was a part of a few clubs. No matter what it is or how much you do, you will be happy that you have a place at Mill Valley. Being involved with things like sports and activities made high school meaningful and memorable for me. I always had something going on and made friends along the way. Being involved in yearbook and sports helped me make new friends and create skills I will use later in my life. I am so happy I got involved in things at Mill Valley because I know they are memories I will back on when I get older. High school went by so fast for me and I wish I was able to do more. These are supposed to be some of the best years of our life so get involved and make them count.
LIVE IN THE MOMENT TAYLIR CHAREST JAG editor-in-chief
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othing ever happens like you imagine it will, so live in the present. Experience what life has to offer you today, and don’t wait for what life has to offer you tomorrow. Living in the moment alleviates anxiety or stress about the future and keeps you from dwelling on the past. You can’t change what you’ve already done, so stay in the present and focus on what you can do in this moment. Not enough people truly understand what living in the moment means. I believe people need to enjoy what they are doing while they’re doing it; focus on the beauty each moment has. I’ve stopped looking so far ahead in my life. Freshman and sophomore year I wanted everything I didn’t have. Eventually, I discovered I was unsatisfied by hoping for what I thought
would happen in the future. My junior year is when I really started to challenge this. I stopped looking ahead for the next chapter in my life and started living in the now. There’s so much to be grateful for and happy about if you just look around and appreciate what you have. It can be overwhelming and unrealistic concentrating on the future that you look past what great things are right in front of you. I found so many amazing people in my life when I took off the blinders and really started living in the moment. I put myself out there. I got rid of the mindset that the future was going to be so much better. As I got older, I built relationships with more people in high school, including teachers. I now realize just how big of an impact these people had on me. Living in the moment has allowed me to understand other people’s perspectives. I can put myself in their shoes and imagine what they’re feeling. I’m more connected with oth-
ers and I’m more connected with myself. I want to live in the moment every day and make every day the best that it can be. You don’t get to experience high school twice, so make the most out of it. Embrace what you didn’t expect would happen, give everything you encounter your full attention and stay fully present with what you’re doing. .
JagWire
Design by Tatum Elliott
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOUR HAPPINESS
ANNA RICKER
mill valley news assistanteditor
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o just like that, high school is over. I found it humorous when teachers would constantly tell students “high school will be over just like that,” but I never realized how true that was. Usually my response would be “yeah, I hope so,” or something else
sarcastic. Now that high school is over for me, I wish now that I had more time at Mill Valley High School. For the first two and a half years I wished for high school to be over. I hated it and everything about it. I was not the best academically, I was socially awkward and I wasn’t very involved like I wanted to be. All those seem like clichés when discussing high school, but sadly it is all true. High school sucked for me for way too long. The first semester of my junior year was the hardest time of my life. I had just joined yearbook, I was in APLAC, I was struggling in a lot of my classes and I was juggling two sports. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but it weighed very heavy on me. My mood and emotional stability was struggling and I found it exceedingly hard to want to do anything. Life began to seem way too hard but luckily for me it got easier. I
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reached out for help, and my life turned around. With the help of my new found love for running with my cross country ladies and support from my family, my high school experience has become one that I will love and remember. I believe that this high school experience has come from what I was involved in because from the second semester of my junior year on, I ensured that everything I did made me happy. Having a busy schedule and making a lot of new friends is where I found happiness. I can’t stress this enough: only do what makes you happy. The world becomes better when you can smile and be content with what you are doing. Finding what makes you happy in life and in high school is the key to the success you want to see in yourself.
DON’T CHANGE TO MAKE OTHERS HAPPY ALLISON GOURD JAG assistant copy editor
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alking in freshman year, I was friendless. Living on the border between Mill Valley and De Soto forced me and my best friends apart, lowering my standards for my high school experience. I was never really good at making friends, and standing in line for my picture was no exception. I tried talking to the girls in front of me, but ended up on the sidelines, listening to them talk about the cute boys in our grade. I was desperate. So, I changed. I started talking to the girls that had the most friends, and I hung around them awkwardly until they started getting used to me. I talked differently, dressed differently, and treated people differently than I was raised. It was miserable, but it worked. I got a boyfriend, I had tons of people
around me, but I was unhappy. So, walking in my sophomore year, I turned myself around. I dropped all of the friends who I had deemed toxic, dressed how I wanted and made friends who I knew would stick around. I joined clubs like yearbook and created my own family. I finally found out who I was and who I wanted to be, and I was happy. I decided right then that I would never change to please other people. Stay yourself, even if it means having to cut out some of the most important people in your life. Most times, it’s for the better. Even though it’s scary, change can be a good thing. You just have to embrace it, and figure out how you can learn and grow from your experiences. Knowing where I was then and where I am now is somewhat of an accomplishment. I am much better mentally and physically, and I wouldn’t change a single thing.
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May 20, 2020
THANK YOU FOR THE bernie
A look at the memes that made us
MEMEORIES “My favorite [meme] is the Bernie Sanders ‘I am once again asking for your financial support’ because it is classic Bernard.”
jordan crying
junior adam white
“I would say my favorite meme is probably the crying Michael Jordan meme. I like it because it is very versatile and is a timeless classic.” senior nathan greenfield
“This meme is depressing but true and relateable, but isn’t that the true spirit of memeing?”
covid-19
thanos
junior zachary botkin
“The simp meme reminds us that the boys are more important than girls and it reminds us to never simp for a girl.” senior riley ferguson
“I like this quote and meme because sometimes you have to do things against your own thinking to help others.”
favorite records
senior collin mckinnon
“My favorite meme is definitely Bill Clinton holding your favorite records. It’s fun to see other people’s music taste and his face really ties it together.” junior ellie boone
simp