JagWire Newspaper: Volume 19, Issue 2

JAGWIRE MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL VOL. 19 ISSUE TWO OCT. 18, 2018 MVNEWS.ORG

NOLAN SPRAGUE: how he’s doing and how we’re helping pages 11-15

02 CONTENTS

Cover by Anika Roy

Oct. 18, 2018

JagWire

table of contents

06

04

11

08 NEWS

FEATURES

OPINIONS

SPORTS

04 career cruise 08 blended families 16 staff editorial 20 student referees 10 foreign exchange 17 opinions 05 bark for life 21 6A count 06 band changes 11 nolan sprague

A&E

PHOTO ESSAY

22 fall

24 a look back

2018-19 staff editors-in-chief Annie Myers

jagwire.anniemyers@gmail.com

Ally Nguyen

business manager

a&e editor

Hunter Ristau

jagwire.stevencurto@gmail.com

jagwire.hunterristau@gmail.com

jagwire.allynguyen@gmail.com

Anika Roy

jagwire.anikaroy@gmail.com

managing editor Hunter Ristau

jagwire.hunterristau@gmail.com

photo editor Andrew Tow

jagwire.andrewtow@gmail.com

news editors Hannah Chern

jagwire.hannahchern@gmail.com

Tatum Elliot

jagwire.tatumelliot@gmail.com

features editor Sophie Lecuru

jagwire.sophielecuru@gmail.com

Steven Curto

mill valley news editors-in-chief

reporters & photographers

Katya Gillig

Sophia Armendariz

jagwire.katyagillig@gmail.com

opinions editor Ben Wieland

jagwire.benwieland@gmail.com

Jonathan Atchley

jagwire.elizabethjoseph@gmail.com

jagwire.jonathanatchley@gmail.com

Marah Shulda

Sam Hanson

jagwire.marahshulda@gmail.com

sports editor Jakob Twigg

jagwire.jakobtwigg@gmail.com

jagwire.sophiaarmendariz@gmail.com

Elizabeth Joseph

social media editor Hannah Chern

jagwire.hannahchern@gmail.com

jagwire.samhanson@gmail.com

Addie Kemp

jagwire.addisonkemp@gmail.com

John Lehan

jagwire.johnlehan@gmail.com

Anna Owsley

jagwire.annaowsley@gmail.com

Tanner Smith

jagwire.tannersmith@gmail.com

JagWire

Design by Annie Myers & Ally Nguyen

Oct. 18, 2018

on the web

STAFF

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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.

professional associations 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.

social media Twitter: @millvalleynews Facebook: Mill Valley News Instagram: @millvalleynews1

censorship policy 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.

MILL VALLEY NEWS ONLINE JAGWIRE NEWSPAPER | JAG YEARBOOK | MVTV

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editorial policy 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.

letter from the editors

i all, we’re so happy you’re back for issue

two of the JagWire. Yet again, it’s been rewarding to witness the learning curve experienced by our staff members, as they’ve spent even more time soaking in all that high school journalism entails.

Perhaps one of the most enriching learning opportunities for all aspiring high school Kansas journalists, the annual Kansas Scholastic Press Association fall conference at the University of Kansas, occurred during this production cycle.

The majority of our staff attended this all-day event, sitting through three individually-selected sessions in which taught more advanced skills in areas of design, interviewing, advertising and social media usage. It was a great oppurtunity to spend time interacting with journalism staffs and

advisers from other schools and learn alternative methods to running a successful publication.

Typically, in our coverage for special section, we tackle a large or controversial topic that relates in some way to our student body. In this issue, however, we took a different approach, highlighting the remarkable story of one student, senior Nolan Sprague.

Nolan suffered a life-altering spinal cord injury less than a week before the beginning of this school year, and since, the community has come together in numerous ways to aid him and his family. While it was a bit of a struggle to line up his busy schedule with our own, we were ultimately successful in conducting an interview via FaceTime and are incredibly grateful to Nolan and his family for being so kind and cooperative.

We can’t wait for you all to flip to page 11 and read all about where he’s at and where he’s going. An extended version can also be found on Mill Valley News online.

We thank you so much for reading and we can’t wait to see you all next issue.

all our love,

04 NEWS

Design by Tatum Elliott & Addie Kemp

Oct. 18, 2018

JagWire

PROFESSIONAL PURSUITS Career Cruising-based programs introduced for every grade level

I'M CRUISING Student opinions on the addition

During Career Cruising on Monday, Oct. 1, senior Ryan Williams completes the assignments assigned to him. “I used it to understand what careers I might be interested in, in the future but overall, as a senior, I feel like we have a general idea of a possible career.” Williams said. // Hunter Ristau

by elizabeth joseph mill valley news editor-in-chief

by ben wieland opinions editor

T

he district has introduced a new curriculum designed to help students discover career opportunities and passions using the Career Cruising software.

Every Monday, seminars will be closed for students to take part in the curriculum. A different grade will participate each week, with freshmen having started on Monday, Sept. 3.

The program will continue until Saturday, Feb. 2, and requires students to research different professions and participate in exercises from Career Cruising.

The district developed the Career Cruising program to meet state standards requiring students to fill out an Individual Plan of Study each year.

Preparing students for future careers is the main objective, according to associate principal Jennifer Smith. “[The goal is] to get students to be forward thinking about college, military and trade school interest in the future,” Smith said. “We are trying to get students to try out some of those classes while they are here, so in college you can be on a path to help you get to where you want to be.”

The activities students will partake in depends on grade, according to coun-

selor Elizabeth Molgren.

“Each grade level is going to do four different lessons, and a lot of that’s going to be centered on learning style, matchmaker, career exploration, college planning, planning what comes after high school,” Molgren said.

Reactions to the program from students have been mixed. For freshman Garrett Cumbie, it was a positive experience.

“It can give you stuff you might like to do, it can give you ideas of jobs that are out there that might interest you,” Cumbie said. “It was pretty helpful.”

On the other hand, junior Cael Duffin feels that the program is not helpful because students must find their passions for themselves.

“You shouldn’t rely on a test or multiple tests on a website to decide what you want to do, because the test has no insight into how you live your life or what skills you possess.” Duffin said. “I took the quiz and I want to be a pediatrician, but I got a psychiatrist. I can see where the link was, but I don’t know if that’s what I want to do.”

However, Molgren does not see the current curriculum as being permanent, and she looks forward to seeing how the program will change to better benefit students.

"The idea is to have curriculum set up so it flows each year and goes deeper," Molgren said. “We want you guys to start thinking about what [your future is] going to look like.”

“It can show kids ... what they want to pursue, but it does take time out of seminar.”

SOPHOMORE AIDAN MAXWELL

“For someone who already knows what to do it’s not very effective, but if you don’t know what you want to do, it’s useful.”

JUNIOR GRANT FROST

“Career Cruising doesn’t seem very applicable to seniors just because we mostly have an idea of what we want to do for the rest of our lives."

SENIOR DEANNA NEWMAN

JagWire

Oct. 18, 2018

Design by Marah Shulda

BARK in the PARK A Bark For Life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 20 at Garrett Park to benefit the American Cancer Society by tatum elliott news editor

by anna owsley reporter/photographer

B

ark For Life, a new preliminary event for the annual Relay for Life, is being held Saturday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Garrett Park on 47th St. At the Bark for Life event, participants are invited to take their dogs out for a few hours of games, contests, food, and even a visit and show from the Shawnee Police Department’s canine unit.

Relay for Life sponsor and advisor Cory Wurtz has helped Jaguar Nation, Mill Valley’s Relay for Life event, take charge with this year’s Bark for Life event.

“We are incorporating dogs into [the event] for people to do something outside with their animal that raises money for cancer,” Wurtz said.

“Just like Relay [for Life], there will be onsite fundraisers, vendors, there will be food, and there will be activities.

It’s just three hours, and it’s outdoors for the dogs.”

At the committee meeting on Thursday, Oct. 4, senior Fatima Hernandez discusses the upcoming Bark for Life event. // Andrew Tow

One of the co-chairmen for Bark For Life, junior Abbie Morgan, wants to see the Bark for Life event grow to become just as successful as Jaguar Nation. “[Bark for Life] is going to be really fun, and we worked really hard to get it organized,” Morgan said. “Relay for Life is already such a big event, and we just want to make [Bark for Life] just as great. We really want to establish our event this year.”

While Bark for Life of Johnson County and Wyandotte County had previously been its own entity, the task was given to Jaguar Nation to host the event for the two counties this year.

“Because we had done a good job planning it, and we had some kids in Bark for Life, they knew that we had an interest,” Wurtz said.“[Johnson County and Wyandotte County] thought we could increase the participants at their Bark for Life event so they asked if we could take it over. We willingly did because all of the money raised at Bark for Life will go toward our overall total for Jaguar Nation.”

All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society, which Morgan views as one of the primary reasons for her excitement, dedication and involvement with both Bark for Life and Relay for Life.

“I think that being involved in something that is not just about you, and is about the community, and raising money for something that affects so many people like cancer does is important,” Morgan said. “You can’t just focus on yourself for your whole life. I think you have to be involved in something that helps other people, and I think that [Bark for Life] is a really great way to do that.”

FEATURES

05

THE SCHEDULE A timeline of the event and activities planned to occur

9:30 a.m.

Vendors Arrive Registration Begins

10 a.m.

Event Starts Opening Ceremony

10:15 a.m.

Pupsicles

10:30 a.m.

Shawnee PD Demo

11 a.m.

Contests

11:30 a.m.

Survivor/Caregiver Lap

11:45 p.m.

Obstacle Course

12:15 p.m.

Luminaria Ceremony

12:30 p.m.

Tennis Ball Contest

12:45 p.m.

Closing Ceremony

SIGNUP Scan for the link to participate

06 NEWS

Design by Elizabeth Joseph

Oct. 18, 2018

JagWire

MARCHING TO A The band now features pit percussion and allows freshmen to march with upperclassmen

by sophia armendariz

NEW BEAT

reporter/photographer

C

hanges affect the band this year with the arrival of new pit percussion instruments and freshmen gaining the ability to join the marching band.

The arrival of new percussion instruments, including xylophones, bells and marimbas, to the marching band holds new potential. In competitions, something as seemingly small as a new instrument can change the way a piece is viewed, according to band director Debra Steiner.

“It’s a very different color that it adds to the band, a different texture,” Steiner said. “It’s a thing that almost all schools use. It’s very helpful for us to be able to compete with [other schools] to be able to have that tonal structure and color.”

The instruments aren’t the only change to the band. Starting this year, freshmen are now able to join the marching band. In order to join, incoming freshmen must sign a contract when choosing the class, like one would for an AP class. Though it wasn’t implemented until this year, this idea wasn’t new to Steiner.

“I had a few really good freshmen last year, and I thought to myself maybe they would’ve liked to be a part of the other band if they had the opportunity,” Steiner said. “So, I decided last year in December that I would open it up to any freshmen that were interested.”

Luckily, there were some incom-

FAR ABOVE: Hitting the bells, the newly established percussion pit, made of junior Cahill Eckardt, sophomore Aiden Hazlett and junior Logan Arnold, perform at the Emporia State Marching Festival on Wednesday, Oct. 3. // Anika Roy ABOVE: Holding his instrument high at the Emporia State Marching Festival on Wednesday, Oct. 3, freshman mellophone player Cameron Long plays “Uprising” by Muse. // Anika Roy LEFT: Marching in line with her bandmates, freshman sousaphone player Olivia Franco warms up before the Emporia State Marching Festival on Wednesday, Oct. 3. // Anika Roy

ing freshmen ready to change the established status quo of the marching band. These freshmen were flutist Nora McQuain, horn player Cameron Long, baritone player Max Gosch and tuba player Olivia Franco. According to Steiner, the addition of freshmen may have increased the quality of the band’s performances as a whole.

"They’ve made some of the upperclassmen step it up a bit,” Steiner said.

“We have some really strong freshmen in there, and they are on a lot of key instruments that are very helpful for us to have extras of.”

Including freshmen in the band hasn’t changed the social dynamics of the group either, according to McQuain.

“I’m considered to be an upperclassman to them because we’re all the same,” said McQuain.

Ultimately, Steiner is looking forward to the future of the band with the addition of freshmen.

"What I need in marching band is kids that want to be there. ” Steiner said. “They’re going to have fun, they’re going to try and those are the type of students I like and need.”

JagWire

Oct. 18, 2018

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08 FEATURES

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Oct. 18, 2018

JagWire

FINDING THE Students form strong bonds with their step-siblings after their parents remarry by steven curto a&e editor

by sophie lecuru features editor

W

aking up in a rush in the morning, senior Alec Schiffman and junior Emma Smith get dressed and hurriedly push past each other as they leave the house to commute to school in separate cars.

While many students attend school with their biological siblings, a few students attend the same high school as their non biological siblings. These select few students encounter this experience daily from living in a blended family.

A blended family consists of a married couple and their children from all previous marriages that have combined and now live together.

Living in a blended family can produce some unusual challenges. For Smith, these challenges were presented with learning and adapting to her new stepmother’s rules and parenting style.

“At first dealing with my stepparent and understanding that they have different rules was a bit challenging at first. As time went on my stepparent got more lenient and trusted us more than they did in the beginning,” Smith said.

Along with the struggles of a blended family comes the compromises that one has to make with their siblings. For sophomore Makenna Kacsir, these compromises consist of working on communication between her and her new stepsister, sophomore Taylor Huddleston.

“At first [Huddleston] would take

Over the course of nine years, junior Emma Smith and senior Alec Schiffman have developed a close relationship as siblings. “Our family has grown very close and I consider my step brothers just as close to me as I consider my blood brother,” said Emma Smith. // Steven Curto

“[WE] HAVE REALLY BONDED AND GROWN AS SIBLINGS AND THAT’S A VERY COOL EXPERIENCE TO HAVE WITH SOMEONE.” sophomore taylor huddleston

my clothes without asking, and she would bring them to her mom’s house which was annoying if I wanted to wear the item of clothing she took,”

FAMILYFAVORITES

Smith-Schiffman: BOARD GAMES

Kacsir said.

For some families like the Smith-Schiffman family, bonding was a little rocky at the beginning of the marriage so they came up with activities to do to get to know each other and spend more time together.

“We play board games together as a family, and we all eat dinner together and that’s one of the main ways that we bond,” Schiffman said.

“Family dinners and playing Cards Against Humanity has also become one of my favorite family activities that we do.”

The Gustafson-Scheelk family that includes freshman Brooks Scheelk and sophomore Greyden Gustafson enjoys being a blended family, but making choices on food has not always been something that brought them happiness.

“Having a large blended family

Students in blended families pinpoint their favorite things to do together

Kacsir-Huddleston: TRAVEL

Gustafson-Scheelk: VIDEO GAMES

JagWire

FEATURES

Oct. 18, 2018

09

PERFECT BLEND

HEAR THOSE WEDDING BELLS CHIME

Students recall details from their parents’ wedding

Ever since the third grade, sophomores Makenna Kacsir and Taylor Huddleston have lived together after their parents got married. // Andrew Tow

The bond between freshman Brooks Scheelk and sophomore Greyden Gustafson has strengthened since the two families joined. // Andrew Tow

makes it difficult to make decisions on certain things like where to eat,” Gustafson said.

The transition from the start of the marriage to present day has changed drastically for each student with a blended family. This change was particularly extreme for Scheelk who found it difficult to bond with his new siblings at first, but through family activities became closer to them.

“In the beginning when our parents first got married is was a little awkward for me and my siblings since we didn’t really know each other that well,” Scheelk said. “[Now] as a family, and as siblings, [Gustafson and I] have grown very close since the start of the marriage.”

After living in a blended family for nearly six years, Huddleston described her experience of living in a blended family as enjoyable and ex-

tremely interesting.

“It’s very fun to share a room and have another sibling that’s around your age that you can talk to and hangout with,” Huddleston said. “[Kacsir] and I have really bonded and grown as siblings and that’s a very cool experience to have with someone.”

Encountering certain situations in life that are unexpected like a divorce, or a death in the family can be very challenging to overcome and persevere through. Smith-Schiffman family has persevered through living in a blended family.

“Living in a blended family, in the beginning it took a bit of time to overcome the new parenting styles that our new step parent, or parents, used,” Smith said. “Our parents eventually compromised and mixed together their parenting styles over time, naturally.”

FROM AFAR National survey shows prevelance of blended families

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Percent of people have a step or half sibling Source: Pew Research Center

“I really enjoyed the reception after the wedding because it was really fun to be around family and to eat and dance.”

SENIOR ALEC SCHIFFMAN

“I was the person who brought the rings [down the aisle.]”

FRESHMAN BROOKS SCHEELK

“At the wedding, I got to walk my mom down the aisle.”

SOPHOMORE GREYDEN GUSTAFSON

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FEATURES

Design by Steven Curto

Oct. 18, 2018

JagWire

BROADENED VIEW

With her host family, the Hanson's, senior foreign exchange student Gabriella Silva Moura stands in front of their house on Tuesday, Sept. 25. “It was always my dream to go to another country to know another culture and language,” said Silva Moura. “So I chose the United States.” // Hannah Chern

During a JV football game on Monday, Oct. 8, senior foreign exchange student Francesco Spanakis stands on the sideline. // Steven Curto

A look into the student foreign exchange program

that individual students attend in their home countries. For example, Spanakis will be taking exams back in Italy to receive credit for the classes he was unable to take at the school.

However, he believes the opportunities at the school are worth it.

“You meet a lot of new people and you start to know a new culture,” Spanakis said. “School is easier, and there are sports that are not in Italy.”

It is possible for students at the school to take part in a foreign exchange program, but Wallace doesn’t “recall having any students do that [though he] knows it can be done.”

Moura recommends the experience of studying abroad.

“I’m learning that the world is not just my country, my city, my house, my culture, my life [or] my mind,” Silva Moura said. “The world is more than I was thinking before I came here. I’m learning to be more adaptive."

by elizabeth joseph mill valley news editor-in-chief

by tanner smith reporter/photographer

E

very year, up to two foreign exchange students can come to the school to pursue different educational opportunities and experience a new culture. The school currently has two foreign exchange students, seniors Gabriela Silva Moura and Francesco Spanakis, who are from Brazil and Italy respectively.

In order to be accepted as foreign exchange students by the school, both Silva Moura and Spanakis had to undergo a rigorous vetting process, according to counselor Chris Wallace.

“We will only accept foreign exchange students from accredited and

approved providers or organizations that have thoroughly vetted the potential students,” Wallace said. “[This is] to ensure the wellbeing of our school [and] community but also to make it a seamless process for students who are joining us.”

Spanakis went through the Council for International Educational Exchange or CIEE in order to be placed at Mill Valley. Silva Moura and her host parents, Katrina and Chris Hanson, went through the non-profit organization Academic Year in America.

“In December, I had to test my English,” Silva Moura said. “I started my application in January and I sent my application in February … and after that I just waited for my host family.

Until June, I was [an] orphan.”

Foreign exchange students at the school are required to take U.S. History, English, a math class, a science class and electives, but how credits transfer depends on the school

ProgramProcedure October 20, 2017 Francesco applied to the Italian Agency's high school foreign exchange program.

A look into senior Francesco Spanakis' process to becoming a foreign exchange student

July 31, 2018 Francesco left Italy and headed to the U.S. on a nine hour international flight.

August 1, 2018 Francesco landed in New York where he stayed for the next three days.

August 3, 2018 Francesco arrived in Shawnee, Kansas and met his host family for the first time.

Design by Annie Myers & Anika Roy

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THE ROAD TO RECOVERY How senior Nolan Sprague has progressed since sustaining a spinal cord injury and how the community has helped by ally nguyen editor-in-chief

by jakob twigg sports editor

A

fter senior Nolan Sprague suffered an injury to his C5 and C6 vertebrae near the top of his spinal cord in a diving accident on the night of Thursday, Aug. 9, he was paralyzed from the neck down. The accident has changed the lives of the Sprague family forever and now the road to recovery begins.

THE MOVE After the accident, Nolan was treated at Overland Park Regional Hospital, where he was met with the support of his family members and friends while he underwent surgery.

Then, he was transferred to Shawnee Mission Medical Center where he stayed while his family decided where to pursue treatment next.

As of Wednesday, Oct. 11, Nolan has been receiving treatment at Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colorado, a renowned rehabilitation center specializing in spinal cord and brain injuries. Since beginning therapy at the .

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FEATURES

Design by Annie Myers & Anika Roy

MOVINGFORWARD LALALALA-

Oct. 18, 2018

JagWire

day of accident

prayer vigil

t-shirt fundraiser

A timeline of past and future events following his accident

8/10/18

8/11/18

8/25/18

life at craig

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Information regarding Nolan’s recovery and the facility in which he’s currently staying at

Nolan suffered a spinal cord injury, specifically to his C5 and C6

300 Number of people with spinal cord injuries admitted to Craig Hospital yearly

Craig uses a singlephysician management model that ensures Nolan is under consistent care

facility, Nolan has regained feeling in both of his arms and in various spots down both of his legs, ankles and feet, and shows signs of increasing progress, according to his father Kevin Sprague.

The move from Shawnee to Englewood has been a tough experience due to the 600 miles between their home and the facility, according to Nolan’s sister Ali Sprague. Ali lives full time in Shawnee, while Kevin and Nolan’s grandfather travel back to Shawnee on the weekends. Nolan’s mother Carmen Sprague and his grandmother stay near Nolan at the facility along with his two younger siblings, who attend school in Colorado.

The distance has impacted the way the Spragues interact, according to Ali. “The [eight-hour drive] is just long enough to where it is hard to get down there and back.” Ali said. “It’s not like driving down to Manhattan, and that’s the furthest that any of us had ever been, so it’s been a big change.”

According to Ali, the separation of their family has caused communication issues as they’re kept on separate schedules.

“The weekends are the only time that you can see and visit them while you are down there,” Ali said. “I’m generally lucky if I talk to my parents even twice a week.”

To further complicate the separation, the Spragues decided to sell their house in Shawnee to prepare for Nolan’s return as their current house is not handicap accessible. Ali and Kevin are overseeing the move, and when Nolan returns from Colorado, the family will move in with his grandparents.

Nolan attends varying classes from morning to early evening

Moving into Nolan’s grandparents’ ranch-style home also came as a result of the flexible time frame that comes with the move, according to Kevin.

“ONE OF THE BEST THINGS FOR HIM IS WHEN HIS FRIENDS COME OUT BECAUSE OF HIS ENERGY LEVEL AND HIS EXCITEMENT.” father kevin sprague

“We don’t know the level Nolan will be at when he leaves the facility, so we won’t know for sure what we need to do,” Kevin said. “We aren’t really rushing the process. We are going to see where he is at and find out what works.”

THE RECOVERY Craig Hospital individualized Nolan’s treatment program by having upwards of 11 medical professionals

Nolan attends occupational and physical therapy daily

JagWire

FEATURES

Oct. 18, 2018

admitted to craig

chick-fil-a night

could feel several toes

bingo fundraiser

8/29/18

9/5/18

9/17/18

9/22/18

work with him and his family. From Monday through Friday, he does a variety of exercises in his 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. schedule.

Craig treats upwards of 2,500 patients each year and, according to their website, the average cost to treat spinal injuries is $311,000. Nolan is currently considered an inpatient, staying inside one of Craig’s two, three-story buildings on the main campus. According to Nolan, the rehab center has benefitted his healing process.

“Everyone here is super helpful and they have a ton of different equipment for me to use that helps me improve faster,” Nolan said. “They have special [equipment] I can use to be more self-dependent too.”

The amount of resources available to Nolan is the biggest shock to Kevin, and he believes the combination of equipment and staff that’s unique to Craig is beneficial to Nolan’s recovery.

“The facility has more rehab equipment for quadriplegic injuries than we knew existed. Their knowledge of what he is capable of doing and going to be capable of doing is phenomenal,” Kevin said. “The staff and really everybody there is great and upbeat.

[They’re] positive and encouraging; they push him hard.”

In addition to the motor skills Nolan is building, Kevin says Nolan has also regained feeling down his body.

“He can feel down his chest into his stomach more than he could before,” Kevin said. “No real new movement yet, but they always say before you ever get any new movement, you get feeling first, so that’s a positive sign.”

Despite the “giant push for independence” at the facility, Carmen assists him in most of his classes, and believes she’s learned valuable infor-

Nolan’s favorite exercise is in the pool

mation on how to help Nolan adjust.

“They keep him really busy; his schedule goes from one class to the next. There isn’t even really a passing period,” Carmen said. “People sometimes assume that he does all the work and as parents we’re kept aside, but we’re actively involved in all of his therapies. One of the things they really stress here is getting parents involved and teaching us how to help him.”

His classes change from day to day except for physical therapy and occupational therapy, which are daily. The activities he does within those classes also varies, from using specialized equipment like the standing chair for improving balance to practicing life skills like making his own meals.

“The pool [workouts] are my favor-

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ite. It’s nice to get in there because it’s a heated pool and I like to swim,” Nolan said. “It’s just nice to get back in to the water.”

On the weekends there are no classes, but Nolan still has plenty to do. In addition to his own personal commitments, such as competing

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1

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3 1) After the diving accident, seniors Quinton Hall and Cole Moore got matching tattoos in support of senior Nolan Sprague, consisting of a cross and Sprague’s baseball number. // Hunter Ristau 2) At the Chiefs versus Broncos Monday Night NFL game on Monday, Oct. 1., senior Nolan Sprague cheers on the Chiefs with his younger brother. // submitted by Carmen Sprague 3) After arriving in Colorado on Friday, Sept. 28 seniors Grace Goetsch, Kaija Kristensen and Isaiah Santilli spend the weekend with senior Nolan Sprague. // Hunter Ristau

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Design by Annie Myers & Anika Roy

kickball & cuts for cause

jerry’s bait shop fundraiser

9/23/18 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 with his friends in a Fantasy Football League, Nolan has the option to participate in outings put on by Teen Recreation at Craig, or TRAC. These outings allow teenage patients to go into the Englewood community.

4

Oct. 18, 2018

attended chiefs game

9/29/18

10/1/18

These trips restrict adults from attending, however, friends from home are encouraged to join.

Craig also offers another program called Therapeutic Recreation, or TREC, that does allow for the participation of parents and other adults.

Most recently, on Monday, Oct. 1 Nolan was seen sporting a Travis Kelce jersey on the sidelines of the Chiefs versus Broncos game he attended with his father and brother.

Besides what the facility has to offer, Nolan has been kept busy with visits from his friends and family, according to Kevin.

“About every weekend somebody has been down. I generally find out around Thursday who’s coming in,”

5

6 4) At Hello Beautiful Hair Salon on Sunday, Sept. 23, hairstylist Jimmy Garcia-Estrada cuts a

community member’s hair for the Cuts for a Cause event. // Hunter Ristau 5) During the kickball tournament on Sunday, Sept. 23, junior Brynn Ayers and senior Margaux Porter sell cupcakes to raise money for the Sprague family.“We only had 7 teams signed up at the end of school on Friday, so we got a few more teams [to play],” Porter said. “It was a pretty long process, but it was worth it in the end.” // Jonathan Atchley 6) After school on Thursday, Sept. 20, sophomore Lucas Mahoney helps move a box into a trailer while the baseball team helps pack up the Sprague house. // Hunter Ristau

JagWire

baseball clinic

10/13/18

Kevin said. “That is one of the best things for him is when his friends come out because of his energy level and his excitement. Like any teenage boy, it’s a lot cooler to see his friends than to see his mom and dad.”

However, traveling to Colorado can be difficult, so Nolan’s friends and family keep in touch via technology, whether it be Snapchatting him or checking Carmen’s daily Facebook updates on his day and condition.

“I keep the Facebook active because there’s no way that I can update our family and friends every day,” Carmen said. “I take a lot of videos because I think from day one to now, it’ll be really nice for Nolan to look back on and see the journey that he took and the progress that he made, both in the short term and the long term.”

Members of the community may

THE SUPPORT not be able to physically visit him, but regardless, there’s no shortage of support. The community has showed its support in a number of ways, from organizing meal drop-offs to hosting different fundraising events in Nolan’s honor.

Multiple fundraisers and events raised money. There were community fundraisers like the GoFundMe set up by family friend Jennifer Smith, which has raised over $140,000 as of Thursday, Oct. 11. Additionally, there were school-sponsored events such as the kickball tournament organized by seniors Max Immenschuh, Kate Backes and Margaux Porter that raised $1,756. Other events included Salon Hello Beautiful’s haircut benefit, which raised over $2,000, and the Bigger than Baseball clinic and slowpitch softball tournament, which took place on Saturday, Oct. 13.

One of the first events in Nolan’s honor, however, wasn’t a fundraiser.

It was a prayer vigil held the day after Nolan’s accident, organized by a Sprague family friend, Lacey Rios.

“We thought there’d be a lot of people, but it was overwhelming, the support from the community. Baseball is family, and it showed,” Rios said. “No-

JagWire

FEATURES

Oct. 18, 2018

could eat with fork

becomes outpatient

returns to school

by 10/31/18

1/7/19

10/7/18

lan’s going to need us forever. Our friendship is what’s going to help him through this difficult time.”

“OUR FRIENDSHIP IS WHAT’S GOING TO HELP HIM GET THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME.” family friend lacey rios

One of Nolan’s closest friends, senior Quinton Hall, who was with him the night of the accident and helped secure an ambulance at the scene, believes the distance doesn’t change the nature of their relationship.

“It’s hard knowing that my best friend [is in this condition,] but it doesn’t change that we’re best friends,” Hall said. “I still FaceTime him every night to talk to him and I’m going to [visit him.]”

Hall and Nolan originally bonded over baseball, leading to their seven-year friendship. In addition to being a focal point of their friendship, baseball also plays a huge role in Nolan’s life.

He was a pitcher for the varsity baseball team, and he helped his dad with their family business, Strike Zone Baseball, a training facility located off of Martindale Road.

Following Nolan’s accident and as a show of continued support, Hall and senior Cole Moore tattooed his number 34 in a cross with baseball stitches and the Bible verse Joshua 1:9 on their

left and right arms respectively. “[My tattoo] means everything to me, even down to it being on my left arm since he was a left-handed pitcher,” Hall said.

“It’s something I’m grateful I have with me and I’ll have it for the rest of my life.”

The overarching support from the community is “phenomenal,” according to Kevin.

“There’ve been many people that have reached out, whether it’s through sending encouraging [thoughts] to him or coming over to the house,” Kevin said. “It sucks that something like this has to happen for you to really see the hearts of people.”

Likewise, Carmen is thankful for support not only in the community, but all over the region. “[The support] has been overwhelming at times because everybody has been so helpful and supportive,” Carmen said. “I know that we knew a lot of people, but there have even been people we don’t know from all over the country reaching out.”

According to Nolan, the logistics of his return remain up in the air, but he’s looking forward to returning home.

“I stay in-patient, so I stay inside the facility until the end of October. Then I stay in the apartments they have [available at the facility] and I’ll be considered an outpatient for about a month,” Nolan said. “Then, I’ll come back to Shawnee in November.”

Although the Spragues are uncertain about the exact details and dates of Nolan’s return, they are hoping to get him home for Thanksgiving and enrolled back at Mill Valley in the second semester. According to Kevin, despite the “extensive knowledge” of the Craig staff, the Spragues are unsure what the future holds.

“We don’t know what it will ultimately lead to, but there are a lot of prayers going on,” Kevin said. “It’s in God’s hands now.”

15

it takes a village Ways the Sprague family has been helped by the community

17

coaches signed up for baseball clinic fundraiser

10

teams participated in kickball tournament

50

haircuts given at Cuts for a Cause

1

1,317

UNIT ED S TATE S OF

1 ONE DOL LAR

AME RICA

1

people donated on GoFundMe as of Oct. 11

1

700

shirts with Team Nolan logo sold

16

OPINIONS

Design by Ben Wieland

Sept. 20, 2018

JagWire

STAFF

DON’T STOP HELPING

Keeping up the good work by helping the Sprague family is important for our community

A

fter senior Nolan Sprague was in a diving accident on Thursday, Aug. 9, he has been receiving inpatient care in Colorado to help him regain his motor skills, thanks in no small part to donations of both time and money from our community. Although our community’s effort so far has been impressive, we cannot forget that the accident will affect Nolan for the rest of his life. As a community, we have to continue helping the Sprague family and make sure that what happened is not forgotten.

A GoFundMe page for Team Nolan has raised almost $140,000 for the Sprague family as of Tuesday, Oct. 2 through over 1,300 individual donations. Community events, such as the #TeamNolan kickball tournament, the Bigger Than Baseball event and the sale of Team Nolan merchandise also contributed to raise funds for Nolan and his family expenses during his recovery. Other efforts by community members to help the Sprague family, such as helping them move and redesign their house, giving them meals and assisting with the upkeep

JAGWIRE STAFF VOTE

AGREE

21

DISAGREE

0

of Strike Zone, Nolan’s baseball club, has helped the Sprague family more easily cope with the tragedy.

Oftentimes, tragedies are forgotten in favor of new events and occurrences. Older crises, such as the ongoing water crisis in Flint, Michigan, or even newer events, such as Hurricane Flor-

“AS A COMMUNITY, WE HAVE TO CONTINUE HELPING THE SPRAGUE FAMILY.” jagwire staff

ence, may have already been forgotten by the community as our minds turn to more recent events. Forgetting these tragedies is understandable even if it is not helpful, as our community has no personal connection with these disasters. However, to forget Nolan when so many of us have known him for so long would be inex-

cusable.

However, our community has proven before that we will not forget these local tragedies. After former Mill Valley student Bobby Dyche was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 2016, the community rallied in support of him and his family and continued to do so as he fought and recovered from the disease. Just as our community has done before, we will be able to once again band together and continue supporting Nolan.

What has been done so far for Nolan is an incredible result of our community’s hard work and dedication.

The time and effort that our community has given to help him and his family thus far is amazing and should be appreciated. However, we have not yet done enough. We must not let ourselves forget about Nolan before he returns to our community. When he comes back, we need to continue to give him support and offer his family help. Our community must do what it has done so many times before: come together to help one of our own.

JagWire

OPINIONS

Oct. 18, 2018

ANALYSIS IS BETTER THAN FACTS

this avoids testing the most important facts that were purposefully made readily accessible.

“MEMORIZATIONFOCUSED TESTS IMPAIR STUDENT LEARNING”

Memorization doesn’t prepare students for the real world by john lehan reporter/photographer

D

onald Trump is the 45th president of the United States. This is a simple fact, not unlike the many others students memorize throughout high school. This fact is so simple, looking it up online is easier than taking notes over it. Students can look up simple answers on Google. To combat this, teachers should give tests focusing more on deeper analysis, which benefit students better in the long run.

Teaching memorization over analysis is certainly easier. Simple an-

swers have an objective right answer, whereas analysis may be subjective, so grading becomes simpler and less disputable if tests focus only on memorizing facts. Additionally, many standardized tests don’t require analysis, so teaching analysis doesn’t directly prepare students for those tests.

Despite this, only encouraging students to memorize facts is inherently flawed. Why annotate a book or discover how an equation works if tests only focus on facts that could be looked up effortlessly? Teachers may try testing facts that cannot be easily looked up to encourage students to do assignments properly. Unfortunately,

ASSASSINS BRINGS US TOGETHER Assassins is a great way for the seniors to bond and have fun by jakob twigg sports editor

T

he humid, hot, bright Sunday afternoon I spent waiting for my target for Assassins at Lake Quivira drained me. During this 90-minute period of impatience I mentally went over my plan to splash water on my target. Finally, after growing increasingly anxious, I saw her walk out of the Lake Quivira clubhouse. All the aches of the day disappeared as I crouched down, ready to spring like a cat for my prey. While clutching my 98 cent Walmart squirt bottle, I dashed up behind her and squirted her in the back of the head. I had knocked out my target for round one out.

17

Games bring people together. That is what Assassins is to me, and what I hope it is for the rest of the senior

“ASSASSINS IS THE GAME THAT BROUGHT OUR CLASS TOGETHER” jakob twigg

class. Over the past few weeks, most students I spoke to brought up the game Assassins during conversation, providing relief from bland discus-

john lehan Not only are memorization-only tests flawed, they rarely teach anything useful. If everything on the test can be looked up in preparation for the test, it can be looked up later in life. Tests that include analysis, on the other hand, help develop critical thinking skills that can be applied to anything students may choose to pursue.

Although it may be simple to test only over objective truths, students learn nothing by looking up and memorizing facts, so tests should focus more on developing critical thinking skills through questions that require analysis.

sions of college and schoolwork. Assassins brings us together, despite the not so pleasant namesake.

Over this first round of the Assassins, walking with the slight paranoia always at the back of my head was exuberant. Knowing that some random person could drench you with water at almost anytime is exhilarating to think about. I almost did get drenched a couple of times because of the game. Assassins forces us to get out in to the world and interact with someone whom we may never meet otherwise. Hearing stories of people who hid in bushes or under cars to get their targets often makes my day.

With this knowledge, it was feasible to approach any senior participating in the game and ask about their status in the game, knowing everyone’s answer would be unique in its own right.

With this knowledge in mind, I am looking toward the next rounds with sharp anticipation, high expectation, and most of all for the enjoyment of watching my fellow classmates interact and have fun. So, for those who students who might play in the future, remember that Assassins is a game. And games, if played right, will bring us together.

20

SPORTS

Design by Marah Shulda

by sam hanson reporter/photographer

by tanner smith reporter/photographer

Standing on the sideline, sophomore Adam White raises his flag on Sunday, Oct. 7. // Addie Kemp

A

Oct. 18, 2018

s many teenagers search for a job to give them a steady income, students across all grades have turned to their passion of soccer as a solution.

Sophomore Adam White became a referee through the Metro United Soccer Club. He feels that reffing is a great opportunity because it allows him to continue his passion of the game of soccer.

“I decided to start reffing in order to start making money,” White said. “[I picked] soccer, [because it] is my favorite sport and I am familiar with all of the rules.”

Senior Noah Smith also chose to become a referee, but through the Heartland Soccer Association instead. His best memory of being a referee came early in his career. “[My favorite memory was] the second time I center refereed, and both of the coaches came up to me and told me I did a fantastic job,” Smith said. “[They coaches said] it was a fair and clean game. That was a sign of respect and I really appreciated it.”

For White, another benefit of reffing is how easily he can balance it with school activities.

“The best part about it is being able to have a very flexible schedule and being able to watch a sport that I enjoy while making a good amount of money,” White said.

The fear of how overbearing parents and coaches bother referees throughout a game is overlooked by Smith.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say they affect me since I know that it’s just a game, and I know that they are just really passionate about their team,” Smith said. “If they tell me ‘hey, you suck at being a ref,’ I can’t do anything about it, it’s just a game.”

According to Smith, being a soccer referee requires full knowledge and enjoyment of the sport, and students should not become a referee if they are only looking for another part time job.

“If you’re not engaged in the game [then] it is a very taxing job,” Smith said. “If your entertained by what’s

happening on the field then you are going to have a good time. If your just wandering off aimlessly then it is not going to be fun.”

White also enjoys how streamlined the process is to become a referee, because it is “fairly simple” and only requires you to go to a one weekend class.

Smith’s worst memory of being a referee came when he was a side judge during a 6 v. 6 game featuring two academy teams. “[During] a tournament at Stump Park … there was this one offsides that I should have called, but I didn’t, and that team ended up scoring and that was the [goal] that won the game,” Smith said. “I got thoroughly yelled at by a coach, and I really do regret that [call]. I feel so bad for letting that team win, but you have got to let go of it, the past is in the past.”

Another reason why White loves his job is due to the kindness of the reffing community.

“I like the community of referees,” White said. “People are always happy to help.”

HOW MUCH? Amount that referees make for 11 v. 11 soccer games

28 dollars for center refs

18 dollars for assistant refs

MAKINGTHERIGHT Many students work as a referee for youth soccer games in order to make money and continue their passion for the sport

JagWire

CALLS

JagWire

Oct. 18, 2018

Design by Hunter Ristau

NEWTOTHECLASS Due to enrollment and the expansion of the 6A, Mill Valley moved from 5A to 6A, for the first time in school history

SPORTS

21

HOW IT WORKS

Information regarding moving classifications

1,371

Students enrolled as of Thursday, Sept. 20

Information sent to KSHSAA to be put into a class

With the opponent trying to block the hit, sophomore Molly Carr, attempts to score a heavily contested point against 6A opponent Blue Valley West on Tuesday, Sept. 11. // Marah Shulda

by john lehan reporter/photographer

F

or the first time in its history, Mill Valley is included in the 6A classification, which expanded from 32 schools to 36 for non-football activities and was announced by KSHSAA on Sept. 26.

5A also increased from 32 schools to 36 for non-football activities, which means classes 4A through 6A will all have the same 36 school postseason format.

According to the KSHSAA Study Committee Summary, the postseason consistency between the classes could result in “the ranking of the teams to get the best teams matched up in the post season to get the best team to win.”

The change means Kansas-City Wyandotte, Liberal, Olathe West and Leavenworth will also move to 6A. Wichita Northwest will move down to 5A. According to volleyball head coach Deborah Fay, the shift is important for the school to properly reflect its increasing population.

“I think the kids will like [the change to 6A],” Fay said. “Our school population is growing so [6A is] where we belong.”

The regular season opponents will remain EKL teams. In the postseason, the school will now compete in 6A. For junior cross country runner Nathan Greenfield, the change is an opportunity to face the best from both classes, including St. Thomas Aquinas at EKL and Olathe North at 6A state.

“Hopefully we will be able to compete [against] the top 5A teams at EKL,” Greenfield said. “Then … go to regionals and state and fight for the 6A state title.”

Volleyball will face Kansas-City JC Harmon, Wyandotte and Leavenworth at substate. They will also face Shawnee Mission, Blue Valley and Olathe schools. The team has lost to Blue Valley twice and anticipate challenges with Blue Valley North and Olathe Northwest. Still, the shift will be beneficial according to senior volleyball player Sydney Pullen.

“This is our first year [in 6A] so we might have a lot of success,” Pullen said. “It might be ... easier than 5A because in 5A they have private schools like St. James Academy and Aquinas.”

The change has Greenfield excited to work with the coaching staff to succeed in 6A. “From a cross country stand point, I’m excited to be able to prove that

36

Biggest 36 schools get put into the 6A class, up from 32

2,462

Largest 6A high school: Wichita-East High School

1,320

Smallest 6A high school: Leavenworth High School

we are the best team in the state, regardless of class,” Greenfield said. “We have one of the best coaching staffs in the state … to help us adapt.”

For Pullen, the change will be challenging yet fresh. “[The change] will be hard and tough,” Pullen said. “It is going to be something different and new and I think it will be good.”

22

A&E

Design by Ally Nguyen

Oct. 18 2018

JagWire

the FAULTS and

by hannah chern news editor/social media editor

by anna owsley reporter/photographer

season stand� WHAT IS THE BIGGEST FACTOR IN MAKING YOUR DECISION?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON?

FALL 36%

43%

WINTER 24%

SUMMER 24%

SPRING 16%

32%

holi� days and

25%

activi�

the pros and cons WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF FALL?

WHAT IS THE WORST PART OF FALL? 40

WEATHER HOLIDAYS

22

SPORTS

22

FASHION PUMPKIN FLAVORING

10 6

51 26 13

SICKNESS/ALLERGIES DRY SKIN WEATHER

5

IT’S OVERRATED

5

LEAVES

*all numbers in percentages

festive photos Students share the unusual photo locations they use during autumn that aren’t at the pumpkin patch

GRINTER FARMS During a photoshoot with a friend, junior Alli Livingston stands in a sunflower field. “Unlike a pumpkin patch, there’s not an admissions fee,” Livingston said. // Submitted by Alli Livingston

JagWire

Photos by Addie Kemp

Oct. 18, 2018

FEATS of

A&E

23

A survey of 208 students shows their opinions on the fall season and things associated with it

fall favorites

I love fall

A survey shows whether or not students enjoy different items associated with fall

CANDY CORN “I really like how the weather is cool enough for you to wear warm clothes but not to a point where you’re freezing. I love candles, pumpkins and Thanksgiving.”

56% yes

HAUNTED HOUSES 60% yes

JUNIOR ABBY WHITE

I hate fall

WARM DRINKS 75% yes

“My least favorite part of fall is how cold it gets. I don’t like leaves, they remind me of things dying. Fall is just an introduction to winter, and winter is even worse.”

SCARY MOVIES 58% yes

LAYERED CLOTHING 63% yes

PUMPKIN FLAVORING 53% yes

FRESHMAN PARKER TROLLINGER

THIRD SPACE COFFEE Sitting on a couch in Third Space Coffee, sophomores Emily Harris and Emma Hookstra laugh together.

“It’s a cozy spot to hang out and they give us food and drinks.”

Harris said. // Addie Kemp

A RED BARN Outside of a barn, sophomore Ainsley Shank sits atop her horse. “The pictures here are more personal and shows the bond I have with my horse,” Shank said. // Submitted by Ainsley Shank

24 PHOTO ESSAY

Design by Andrew Tow

Oct. 18, 2018

JagWire

a look back A photographic representation of the past month’s happenings

ABOVE: Before a Jaguars kickoff to the Saints on Friday, Sept. 28, seniors Aidan Veal, Quinton Hall and Killian O’Brien join the student section in yelling. // Ally Nguyen RIGHT: During “Uprising” at the Central States Marching Festival on Saturday, Oct. 6, sophomore John Fraka and junior Joey Gillette prepare to lift their saxophones. // Ally Nguyen

Carrying boxes full of school supplies on Friday, Sept.

28, seniors Zachary Bossert and Noah Smith deliver donations to Kansas City International Academy as a part of the club Youth for Refugees. // Abby Doughty

Inductees and members of Spanish NHS share their candle flame during the final segment of the year's induction ceremony on Thursday Oct. 4. // Jakob Twigg

At the Rim Rock Cross Country Classic on Saturday, Sep. 22, freshman Katie Schwartzkopf runs past another runner.

She placed fifth overall in the varsity gold division. // Andrew Tow