JagWire Newspaper: Volume 23, Issue 7

Gabby Delpleash

Luke Wood Elizabeth Summa

Natalie Merley

Baylen Monson

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

Professional Associations

Kansas Scholastic Press Association

National Scholastic Press Association

Journalism Education Association

Journalism Educators of Metropolitan KC

The 2023 JagWire earned an All-Kansas rating from KSPA. It is also a member of the NSPA All-American Hall of Fame.

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.

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.

@millvalleynews

@millvalleynews1

@MillValleyNews

Madelyn Welch

Sydney McGlasson

Anna Zwahlen

Maggie Wieland

Leah Dresvyannikov

Hailey Perrin

Abby Riggs

Ian Chern

Luci Guess

CHANGE IS CONSTANT

Three years ago today, May 19, 2020, we were uncertain on what the future would hold. COVID-19 numbers were continuing to climb charts at an alarming rate, a federal election was only a few months upon us and we, naïve freshman, sat in our kitchens, bedrooms and basements finishing up the school year over Zoom.

While that day may seem like an ordinary day from the pandemic now, our lives were rife with complexion and ambiguity at every turn. We threw our hands up in frustration, complaining that we missed the days when life was predictable, when, in reality, predictability is never the case when it comes to anticipating the next chapter in our lives.

Even in the relative absence of COVID-19, no two years of high school, let alone no two years of our lives, have ever been the same nor they will ever be because we are meant to be unpredictable. This constant state of change is what keeps our lives going, what made these past four years fly by. If those last four years only taught us a single thing, it is that change is inevitable.

Though we can all attest to having a high school experience like no other, our time at the Valley exposed us to many changes that have well prepared us to operate in an ever-changing world. Being sent home for two extra

We have experienced classes online, in-person and everything in between. These changes were not met with welcome arms, but we learned to make do. High school is supposed to be a place where students learn to be more independent and to prepare for the real world. Arguably, COVID-19 forced us to learn that lesson, perhaps more strongly than any class preceding us.

Although it largely dominated our high school careers, COVID-19 is only the defining factor if we let it be. We also faced plenty more “standard” changes as a class. We experienced a new principal, new technology and new additions to the school. We’ve also been lucky enough to experience constants like back-toback state championships, traditions like Blue Bomb, and to be able to walk across the stage to receive our long-awaited diplomas.

weeks at the end of third quarter freshman year turned into staying home for six months. Wearing face masks for the first two weeks of school evolved into some wearing face masks up until the end of our junior year.

While we had to wait patiently for four years to get back to a sense of normalcy, we mustn’t forget that change is the only real constant on life’s path. The sooner we learn to be adaptable, the sooner we are able to be compliant with the unexpected.

PRINCIPAL HOLDER

As the seniors prepare to enter the real world, the only constant in their life is change by jagwire staff

If the last four years only taught us a single thing, it is that change is inevitable.

Jagwire Staff

SENIOR STATS

Seniors answer questions about their experiences in high school *Survey of 109

67% of seniors were in a relationship in high school

33%

of seniors stayed single in high school

29% of seniors have pulled an all-nighter to study z z z z

68% of seniors NEVER used their locker in high school

TOP 5 FAVORITE CLASSES

1 2 3 4 5

ANATOMY

ENGLISH

TEAM SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY U.S HISTORY

61% of seniors said SENIOR year was their favorite

on average, seniors rated their high school experience a 3.6/5

37% 32%

21% of seniors said JUNIOR year was their favorite

of seniors are left-leaning of seniors are right-leaning

4% of seniors said SOPHOMORE year was their favorite

14% of seniors said FRESHMAN year was their favorite

on average, seniors rated their school lunches a 2.7/5

94% of seniors have attended a school dance

IT’S JUST A SIGN

Trends, news and all things popular things from the years

MILL VALLEY

CLOTHING

Source: Vogue

COSMETICS MOVIES

Source: Vogue

CURRENT EVENT

Source: Box O ce Mojo

MUSIC

Source: History.com

In the early 2000’s they could make an amazing song without the need of curse words

Senior Alyssa Dierking

Source: Billboard

OF THE TIMES

2004 to 2005 and 2022 to 2023

MILL VALLEY

CLOTHING

COSMETICS

Senior Sean Olin

Source: Vogue

MOVIES

Source: Vogue

CURRENT EVENT

Source: Box O ce Mojo

MUSIC

[With social media] communication is a lot more accessible, but it’s a lot less personal.

Senior Jameson Beran

1. Bad Bunny

2. Taylor Swift

3. Harry Styles

Source: History.com

1. SZA

2. Morgan Wallen

3. Miley Cyrus

Source: Billboard

Fashion is definitely helpful… because I think that it is a very helpful tool [to help people express their personal identity].

MOVING ON ALABAMA

University of Alabama

Tate Nekola Biology

ARKANSAS

University of Arkansas

Sydney Barge

HAWAII

University of HawaiiManoa

Amaiya Manirad Nursing

IDAHO

KANSAS Baker

University

Haley Bryant

Sociology

Sidney Claeys

Exercise Science

Barton Community College

Parker Volski

Business

Butler Community College

Casey Cunningham Marketing Communications

Lauryn Daly

English Literature

Studio Art Dylan Dedrickson

Criminology

Emma Dempsey

Nursing

Jayda DeWitte

Nursing

Eden Hakes

Nursing

Cadence Mayhugh

Nursing

Taylor Modrcin

Elementary Education

Jack Ward

International Business Management

COLORADO

Colorado School of Mines

Jack Gilmore Electrical Engineering

Western Colorado University

Halee Evans

Undecided

FLORIDA

Florida Gulf Coast University

Jayden Mendenhall Marketing

University of South Florida

Eli Olson Business Management

Brigham Young University - Idaho

Katherine Hereth Psychology

Payton Ross Elementary Education

ILLINOIS

Illinois State University

Adisyn Hopkins Molecular Biology

Loyala University Chicago

Amit Kaushal Information Systems

Western Illinois University

Savannah Harvey Forensic Psychology

IOWA

Indian Hills Community College

Brooks Jahnke Business

Iowa Central Community College

Dylan Miller Business

Southwestern Community College

Julia Jones

Business & Sports Management

University of Iowa

Nick Ravnsborg Business

Dylan Massey No Response

Spencer Vaka

Business

Coffeyville Community College

Baruch Hasabu No Response

Hayes Miller

Finance & Business

Emporia State University

Makenna Arnold

Elementary Education

Ashlyn Hogg

Elementary Education

Sarah Huffman

English Education

Johnson County

Community College

Chris Adams

Graphic Design

Noah Basso

Liberal Arts

Halie Becerra

Nursing

Jameson Beron

Electrical Engineering

Aubrey Brooks

Dental Hygeine

Adam Budimlija

Nursing

Kassidy Byrne

Nutrition

Magen Clauder

Undecided

Aliyah Cloughley

Dental Hygeine

Quinten Daza

Business

Alyssa Dierking

Elementary Education

Yalena Forshay

Sports Law

Jaden Fox General Science

A look at the class of 2023’s post-high school plans*

JagWire

Kaden Friend

Business

James Gardner

Astronomy

Icycies Gray

Business Management

Karsyn Gullach-Ruiz

Architecture

Christian Haltom

Physical Education

Tamia Hamilton

Dental Hygiene

Madeline Hanna

Nursing

Kate Hendrix

Undecided

Samuel Imes

Finance

Ricardo Kelley-Padilla

Undecided

Ryleigh Kennedy

Nursing

Magen Clauder

Undecided

Diego Martin Del Campo

Business Administration

Jacob McDonald

Electrical Technology

Bella Mehner

Nursing

Macee Moore

Nursing

Matt Morgan Finance

Charlize O’Dell

Undecided

Owen Prosser

Metal Fabrication

Sophie Sena

Psychology

Xander Shields

Entomology

Justin Sivilayvong

Undecided

Kayla Sparks

Business

Layna Suman

General Studies

Kansas City Kansas Community College

Yasmine Derritt No Response

Luke O’Neal

Liberal Arts

Andrea Rios Rico

Psychology & Theater Technology

Zac Serrano

Undecided

Manny Shepard

Carpentry

Kansas State University

Mark Bauer

Construction Management

Connor Bauer

Computer Science

Brant Benson

Mechanical Engineering

Mikey Bergeron

Business Administration & Accounting

Dylan Blazer

Undecided

Grace Brookshire

Architecture

Madison Burrow

Undecided

Leo Chen

Computer Science

Alex Cobin Psychology

Noah Coy

Undecided

Garret Cowen

Chemical Engineering

Nikola Cubric Biology

Sienna DelBorrell

Music

Alayna Dill

Biomedical Engineering

Keegan Gracy

Kineseolgy/Pre-PT

Darrelle Hillmon Jr.

Undecided

Colin Hirner

Engineering

Sophie Jaworski

Early Education & Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Carter Johnson

Business

Camden Kaiser Accounting

Zack Kellog

Sales

Carter Kemp

Business

Kate Kline

Public Relations & Advertising

Tyler Larson

Architecture

Tyler Marsh

Undecided

Ian Matchette

Business

Nen Matlock

Construction Management

Jane McDaneld

Nursing

Hannah Mcleod

Marketing

Anthony Molinaro

Engineering

Reece Moulthrop

Sociology

Sophie Pringle

Dietetics

Laney Reishus

Sports Medicine

Emma Schaeuble

Animal Science & Industry

Colin Scherzer

Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Madeline Schnepf

Business

Collin Schroeder

Construction Science

Luke Shideler

Business Finance

Marko Skavo

Construction Management

William Smoots

No Response

Izzy Sommerfeld

Animal Science

Andrew Spellman

Computer Science

Isaac Steiner

Chemical Engineering

Ethan Sutton

Engineering

Skylar Szoke

Marketing

Acacia Weis

Communications

Matt Weis

Kinesiology

Grant Werner

Finance

Simon Wunder

News Sports Media

Sophia Yang

Computer Science

MidAmerica Nazarene University

Gabe Martin

History & Secondary Education

Ottawa

University

Jacob Riester

No Response

Pittsburg State University

Avery Blubaugh

Exercise Science

Shayla Fosburgh

Conservation & Wildlife

Brayden Harris

Automotive Management

Joel Knernschield

Electrical Engineering

Madison McClure

Nursing

Carson McElroy

Business & Construction Management

Torri Olivarez

Nursing

Dylan Reynolds

Construction Management

FEATURES

Hayden Rider

Family & Consumer Science

Parker Schwartz

Construction Management

University of Kansas

Tamerlan Ardasenov

Microbiology

Alex Armstrong

STEM

Lovelean Bassi

Nursing

Charles Beal

History

Gagan Biswa

Computer Science

Mallory Botts

Nursing

Finn Campbell

Business

Ava Cash

Unified Elementary Education

Anissa Chavez

Business Administration

Bri Coup

Administration & Political Science

Paige Dinslage

Psychology

Asa Esparza

Undecided

Audrey Facer

Computer Science

Tierney Fields

Speech Pathology

Josie Foltz

Nursing

Alec Forristal

Mechanical Engineering

Dalton Gabbert

Aerospace Engineering

Codey Geis

Business Administration

Ava Gourd

Marketing

Mary Caroline Graves

Elementary Education

Aidan Greer

Chemical Engineering

Vincent Guess

Buisness

Ella Hannah

Business

Brayden Heath

Music

Foster Jonasson

Biology

Kenzie Keltner

Speech-Language Pathology

Toby Kornis

Architecture

Katelyn Krosky

Biology

Andrew Kruckemyer

Computer Science

Natalie Lawson

Psychology & Education

Rose Lee Nursing

Abby Martin Nursing

Bryce Martin

Computer Science

Natalie Merley Biology

Chloe Miller

Behavioral Neuroscience

Baylen Monson

Psychology

Dylan Nguyen

Finance

Caleb Nguyen

Aerospace Engineering

Atticus O’Brien

Anesthesiology

Sean Olin

Undecided

Olivia Page

Sports Science

Sonny Pentola

Graphic Design

Anna Rains

Psychology

Colin Riley Business

Abhilasa Raut

Behavioral Neuroscience

Lucas Robins

Business

Sophia Rossetti Business

Nathan Rugenstein Business

Grant Rutowski

Business

Brody Shulda Music

Helen Springer Psychology

Analia Stevens

Neuroscience

Anna Stottlemyre

Health Science

Libby Strathman

Finance

Ally Sul Biology

Oliver Taylor Business

Michelle Twum

Undecided

Adelina Valdez

Marketing

James Walker

Environmental Science

Samuel Wambua

Business & Entrepreneurship

Max Weber Business

Kylie Wilson Nursing

Washburn University

Cassidy Eckhoff

Radiology

Wichita State University

Andrew Dodge

Business

Sydney Downey

Forensic Science

Avery Gathright

Secondary Education

Madison Koester

Electrical Engineering

Chase Neville

Aerospace Engineering

Zack Pickett

Aerospace Engineering

David Thomas

Computer Science

Cody Warmke

Business

Madelyn Welch

Health Sciences

Jackie Wilhoit

Creative Writing

MINNESOTA

Southwest Minnesota State University

Cassie Frias

Exercise Science

MISSISSIPPI

University of Mississippi

Jenna Myres

Broadcast Journalism

MISSOURI

Missouri Western State University

Broc Worcester

Undecided

Northwest Missouri

State University

Hayden Jay

Pre-Med

Lucy Pearce

Public Relations

Holden Zigmant

Business Management

Rockhurst University

Owen Peachee

Mechanical Engineering

Southwest Baptist University

Bryce Jennings

Business Administration

Design by Chloe Miller

University of Central

Missouri

Gracie Knight

Business Management

Hadley Lockhart

Business & Interior Design

Emma McCall

Kinesiology

Maya Parks

Professional Pilot

University of Missouri

Nick Hodson

Marketing

Alex Shank

Business Administration

University of Missouri

Kansas City

Dylan Ashford

Business

Malaina Hercules

Criminology/Criminal Justice

Carson Roche

Undecided

Washington University in St. Louis

Sarah Johnston

Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology & Romance

Languages

NEBRASKA

Creighton University

Gabby Delpleash

Biochemistry & Journalism

Southeast Community College

Nolan FitzSimmons

Welding

University of NebraskaLincoln

Suzette Donovan English

NEW YORK

Long Island University

Carter Harvey

Musical Theater

Rochester Institute of Technology

Jordan Serna

Game Development & Design

TEXAS

Texas A&M University

Jackson Day Animal Science

Texas State University

Sarah Hunt Nursing

Marquette University WISCONSIN

Nico Pendleton No Response

WORKFORCE

Lane Burson No Response

Sophia Chang

Real Estate

Carli Dupriest No Response

Nas’Juan Durham Real Estate

Luke Gramke Auto Mechanics

Makayla Hilman Real Estate

E’Laya Johnson Real Estate

Jack McKinnon No Response

Zach Murphy

Heavy Equipment Operator

Jesse Wood Business

TRADE SCHOOL

Edward Hughart Electrical

Mason Maxwell Electrical

Preston Oliver Electrical

Brennan Whisler No Response

MILITARY

Clint Allen

Marine Corps

Israel Cabellero Air Force

Alex Schmidt Marine Corps

THE BRIDGE

Max Holland

Jackson Stutheit

Austin Tomandl

Jobe Vash

UNDECIDED/ GAP YEAR

Briana Bruno

Layla Cordill

Raleigh Lanningham

Jack Melvin

Jayden Phale

Dean Sisney

Katana Walker

*only includes seniors who filled the survey out by May 5.

by hailey writer/photographerperrin

by avery gathright editor in chief

SENIOR SUPERLATIVES

SENIOR SUPERLATIVES

Most likely to travel

“I loved winning this superlative. Traveling the world is my biggest dream so I am happy my peers believe in it too. I really want to go to Europe, specifically France, because I have relatives there.”

AMAIYA MANIRAD

The graduating class of 2023 voted on which superlatives they think best fits their classmates

THE WORLD

Most likely to be on

THE WORLD THE VOICE

“I feel good about winning. It makes me want to travel. I think a big reason [I won] is because I went on a very memorable trip to Europe over the summer. It was really fun and I’d love to do it again.“

SONNY PENTOLA

THE VOICE

“ I am so excited I won. I won the same award in eighth grade so this is exciting. I think I won because I have sang my whole life. I would perform “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood.“

“ I think I won because a lot of people know I’m in choir and going to college for B.F.A. in musical theater. I would probably sing “Mack the Knife” by Bobby Darin. I think my voice sounds good with that style of music.“

BRIANNA COUP CARTER HARVEY

CLIMATE CHANGE

CLIMATE CHANGE

“I was kind of surprised to be nominated for this, but I’m glad my classmates think I am capable of achieving something so important. I think I won because a lot of people know I enjoy science and math.“

SARAH JOHNSTON ISAAC STEINER

Most likely to be on

MAX WEBER

“I am really happy with the win, it’s reflective of the grade thinking highly of me to solve a very big issue. I have taken 12 math and science classes and have been active politically which is kind of the perfect storm.”

SNL DUO

Most likely to solve DUO REECE

MOULTHROP

Most iconic ASA ESPARZA FINN CAMPBELL

“I feel happy that I was picked for this award. My banging jokes finally paid off.”

“Not only do I love watching old SNL, but some skits are an integral part of my humor.”

“I think we won because we are known for getting along really well together.”

“[I am] super excited I’m glad people think we’re iconic, but I’ve known it all along.”

Design by Julia Shumaker

Most likely to become a professional

Most likely to write a

BEST SELLER ATHLETE

ATHLETE

BEST SELLER

MIKEY BERGERON BRANT BENSON

“I feel honored because our school is full of athletic talent and many great athletes.”

OLIVIA PAGE

“I feel honored as Mill Valley is filled with many successful and hardworking athletes.”

“I think I won because I show off that I read a lot more than others usually do.“

Most likely to be in

GABBY DELPLEASH

“It’s a great feeling knowing that my peers recognize my involvement with the journalism department.”

PARIS FASHION WEEK

PARIS FASHION WEEK

“I feel honored but l’d be lying if I said I didn’t use the superlative as motivation for my style’s evolution. I think I won because I’ve been putting myself out there since sophomore year and learning from a trial and error system of outfits.”

“I feel surprised because I don’t feel I represent Paris Fashion Week. I used to want to major in fashion so I think people still had that idea of me. [My favorite accessory is] my black Christian Dior bag because it goes with everything.“

BRAYDEN HEATH AVA GOURD

Most likely to

Most likely to come back and teach at

MILL VALLEY

MILL VALLEY

“I feel awesome winning this award. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, so seeing people pick me for this is so great. I think I won because I’ve been very passionate about wanting to become a teacher forever.”

“I feel honored. History is the subject I’m the most passionate about. [My favorite class was] probably AP European History with McAfee. AP U.S. History with Wieland was a class I really liked too.”

HAYDEN RIDER CHARLES BEAL

MAKE SOMEONE’S DAY

MAKE SOMEONE’S DAY

“I’m so grateful to win this superlative. I’m so glad to hear that I bring people joy. I’d like to think that I won because I try to be as kind as possible in any situation. It’s cliché to say, but it’s true that you never know what someone’s going through.”

JOSIE FOLTZ

“ I feel super honored that the senior class voted for me. I wasn’t expecting to win, which was a nice surprise, and I’m excited that people view me as a happy and positive person. I always try to be kind to everyone.“

BRYCE JENNINGS

CONGRATS CLASS OF 2023! CONGRATS CLASS OF 2023!

LAST LESSONS LAST LESSONS

Seniors from the JagWire staff reflect on their high school experience

LIVE IN THE MOMENT

Don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future, be present.

by chloe miller design editor

Throughout our time in high school we are constantly fed this idea that these years will fly by us and that it is important to cherish each moment we have. However, this advice has become a cliche and is increasingly becoming overlooked and undervalued. As my four years at Mill Valley come to a closing, I find myself wishing that I had understood the truth that this cliche held.

From freshman to junior year I definitely took my time for granted. I spent my time anywhere but the present and instead dwelled on the past or yearned for the future. As

the end approaches, I’ve been able to sit back and realize that from the first day I walked in those doors four years ago to right now, I have met the people and lived through the experiences that have allowed me to grow into the person I am today and will affect me for the rest of my life.

You only get to experience high school once so you might as well make the most of it. Spend time finding the people and things that make you happy and make sure to embrace every moment, expected and unexpected, because you’ll never get to experience it again.

23 DESIGNS 0 PICTURES

0 STORIES 2 YEARS

DON’T CHANGE YOURSELF, IMPROVE YOURSELF

To improve relationships with others is important to first reflect on yourself

by natalie merley assistant editor

We often find ourselves in situations where we feel we don’t belong. Especially in high school, finding yourself makes the years go by quicker because you become so wrapped up in other people’s opinions of yourself, changing yourself based on others perceptions of how you should be is not something that works in the long run.

Since the first day of freshman year I found myself longing to feel important by those around me, when in reality I had a lot of work to do for myself. Whether that be getting organized, or working on

my mental health, I really avoided any topic that had to do with what I stood for as a person and my original personality. However, stepping back and taking a look at myself at what I needed to improve only helped me grow as a person, which made the relationships around me stronger.

Working on myself also allowed me to develop real relationships with those around me, and gain friends who I hope are around for the rest of my life.

Spending time developing yourself is never a bad idea, and give yourself grace for wanting to put your best foot forward for other people.

16 DESIGNS

24 PICTURES

0 STORIES 2 YEARS

HIGH SCHOOL IS NOT EVERYTHING

Your time in high school is just a stepping stone to a more fulfilling future

by gabby delpleash online editor in chief

Iwas the personification of 14 going on 41 my freshman year when I attended my first party. No, this was not a party with alcohol and drugs but the environment provided a contrast stark enough to shock me into avoiding anything fun in fear of getting into trouble and losing focus of what was important to me.

At the time, I saw high school as the only chance I had to prove what I was capable of academically in order to get into the college I wanted. As I devoted myself to academics, I inadvertently distanced myself from the very support system that could have helped me navigate the challenges ahead and help me destress from the complex life of being a regular teenager.

Once COVID-19 hit and students were forced to do school from their home, I was blessed with a co-

pious amount of free time I hadn’t had since the previous summer. I realized how much I was missing out on relationships I had pushed aside to focus on building the picture-perfect college resume. I felt a greater sense of fulfillment in laughing with my friends over the phone and cooking meals with my family while also making time to focus on my school work and continue to reach my academic and scholastic goals.

If I were to walk away from Mill Valley having learned only one thing it’d be this: high school is just a chapter in the larger story of your life. Anything that happens in those four years will virtually have almost no effect on what you want to do with your life. Rather than allowing high school to be the end all be all, allow the experience to be a stepping stone toward the more fulfilling future.

5 DESIGNS

23 STORIES

TAKE CLASSES YOU’RE INTERESTED IN

Pursue your interests and take advantage of the opportunities high school offers

by katelyn krosky assitant editor

Throughout high school, I have taken many honors and AP classes. While I feel that these classes were beneficial and taught me how to study and work effectively, looking back I wish I would have put more thought into which AP classes I took. My mindset for deciding which classes I took usually consisted of what I thought would be easiest or what my friends were taking, rather than what I had genuine interest in. Being a senior with the decision of choosing a major looming over me, I cannot help but regret this failure to explore and establish my interests.

I wish I would have taken classes that related to careers I may pursue in the future. For most of high school, I wanted to pursue a medical career, and am leaning towards majoring in something medical related in college next year. Despite knowing this,

I chose not to take any of the AP science classes Mill Valley offers. Not only could I have had credit for classes that I will actually take next year, but I also could have seen if I actually enjoy these classes enough to make it my future career.

Also, throughout high school I tended to avoid joining clubs and activities that would force me out of my comfort zone. I would not join a club or even attend a single meeting without ensuring that I have at least one friend with me.

Similarly to my situation with AP classes, my lack of willingness to actually participate in what I wanted, ultimately aided my indecision and lack of set interests. Looking back, I wish I would have taken more of the opportunities provided to me.

High school is the perfect time to pursue your interests, so take advantage of it.

14 PICTURES

3 YEARS

19 DESIGNS 3 PICTURES

1 2

STORY YEARS

YOU HAVE TO KNOW YOUR LIMITS

It is important to take care of yourself to keep your mental health stable

by avery gathright editor in chief

While I think I managed to avoid most of the dreaded “senioritis” that can come with the last year of high school, I have still felt the burnout. This past Fall, I took my first of two mental health days during my time in high school, at my parents’ recommendation. I was stressing myself out to the point that I was starting to make myself actually sick. I had stayed up far too late for several nights in a row completing assignments, studying for tests and making preparations for college.

I hated staying home that day. I felt like I was failing where everyone else was succeeding. I was just missing out on more things to stress about and catch up on. The more I look back, though, the more I see it was necessary. Taking one day to breathe and take care of myself was

not going to be the end of the world. I don’t condone skipping school, but you have to know your limits.

Looking back on my high school career, I realize I spent far too long equating my GPA with my selfworth and a packed schedule with high levels of success. What’s worse is that it’s not just me.

This mentality is ingrained into so many students. There are so many of us who work so hard to be a success on paper that we ignore the fact that we are struggling in reality. Don’t misunderstand me, I have loved all of my extracurriculars and am extremely grateful to have had the opportunities to take AP classes and earn college credit. I would not be the same person I am today without these experiences. I just wish I had spent more time focusing on my mental health rather than my resume.

1 DESIGN 0 PICTURES

28 STORIES

3 YEARS

LOSING FRIENDS IS A PART OF GROWING

It is important to evaluate relationships and their role in your life

by grace brookshire assistant editor

In reflecting on my experiences and journey through high school the last four years, I realized that I have been able to grow and develop as a person through all of the relationships that I have built, maintained, and, sometimes, have ended.

All relationships change over time, but especially so during these formative years. Friendships can come and go as fast as the changing seasons and it is important to realize that it is a customary experience. By the time that we graduate, we are such different people than when we started as freshmen. We need to realize that sometimes what we need in our lives at certain times does not always line up with the people around you; and because of that, some friendships wax and wane during more tumultuous years.

Friendships develop and change through reflection, experience, and conflict.

I have learned that some relationships are meant to come to an end as we learn more about ourselves and learn more about others. I have realized that evaluating your relationships and their role in your life is an important part of your well-being. I have also learned the value of prioritizing your needs and maintaining the friendships that are healthy and fulfilling and letting go of the ones that are not.

As hard as it is to let go of relationships that you had, if they are not adding joy or positive outlooks on your life it might need to be let go of. I hope that as you navigate high school you soak in all the relationships along the way and use them to better yourself.

18 DESIGNS 0 PICTURES 0 2

YEARS STORIES

PROCRASTINATION CAN BE USEFUL

Some of your best work can be done at the last minute, when you’re most focused

by baylen monson assistant editor

One obstacle that so many people face during their high school career is procrastination. There always seems to be a lingering assignment, paper or chore to be done, and never enough time to actually do it. School and extracurriculars take up an incredible amount of time, yet sometimes the easiest choice seems to be putting off your work. This procrastination habit is something that I’ve been dealing with for years.

As much as waiting until the last minute can be viewed as a “bad habit”, it can be useful for getting things done quickly and efficiently. Sometimes being under pressure allows you to work harder.

This isn’t so effective for things that need to be completed over a long period of time, such as studying or working on a big project. Rather,

writing a paper, finishing math homework or cleaning your room can be done even if you have limited time on your hands.

Procrastination has the ability to spark a creative flow of ideas, more energy and more direct focus.

For me personally, being on a time limit is oftentimes the one factor that “forces” me to finally get something completed. It may be more stressful trying to write an entire unit of AP Psych notecards two days before they’re due, but I will be more intensely focused because of it.

Another thing to consider is that waiting until the last minute is okay occasionally. If prioritizing your wellbeing and rest is taking up your time, that may be more important.

This shows procrastination is not always a negative, and learning to work with it is what’s most important.

SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS

Prioritzing your commitments is important if you want to enjoy high school

by madelyn writer/photographerwelch

Phones can be hazardous to your high school career. So many times I have found myself sitting in my room at midnight or after scrolling through my phone while I still had a pile of work to do. I started turning in assignments late junior year because I thought that snapping people back at one in the morning was worth me failing classes. I had to get out of this mentality senior year when I started taking hard classes, but I wish I knew then what I know now. It’s not that deep. People are still going to be there when you wake up in the morning or after you finish your homework. People who truly care will not like you less because you took an hour to answer instead of a minute. That time to disconnect really helped wih my mental health and allowed me to

realize that there were other things I liked to do.

Along with keeping my grades up I have learned to play the ukulele, take care of my physical health, and have enjoyed more reading in my free time whereas a few months ago I would have used that time to send half pictures of my face to people I may not even know. Don’t get me wrong I’m still on my phone more than I’d like to be, but having priorities and setting boundaries has been very helpful for me. It has helped me stay in the moment and be ok with where I am instead of always comparing my life with others. Comparison is what held me back my first three years at Mill Valley, but now, knowing that I don’t have to win the approval of others, I feel I truly enjoyed my last year of high school.

1 DESIGN

14 STORIES

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2 YEARS

5 DESIGNS 14 PICTURES 23 3

YEARS STORIES

Baseball

Dylan Blazer

Kansas State University

Brooks Jahnke

Indian Hills Community College

Gabe Martin

MidAmerica Nazarene University

Parker Volski

Barton Community College

Design by Katelyn Krosky & Photos by Luke Wood

Hadley Lockhart

University of Central Missouri

Olivia Page

Kansas University

Owen Peachee

Rockhurst University

Laney Reishus

Kansas State University

Acacia Weis

Kansas State University

SIGNING REACTIONS

Signees thoughts about signing to play at the collegiate level

Softball

Jake Riester

Ottawa University

Mikey Bergeron

Kansas State University

Hayden Jay

Northwest Missouri State

Dylan Massey

Butler Community College

Hayes Miller

Coffeyville Community College

Spencer Vaka

Butler Community College

Broc Worcester

Missouri Western State University

Holden Zigmant

Northwest Missouri State

E-Sports Football Soccer

Dylan Ashford

University of Missouri Kansas City

Sidney Claeys

Baker University

Gracie Knight

University of Central Missouri

Haley Bryant Baker University

Adisyn Hopkins

Illinois State University

Emma McCall

University of Central Missouri

Macee Moore

Johnson County Community College

Swim & Dive

Cassie Frias

Southwest Minnesota State University

Halee Evans

Western Colorado University

Dylan Miller

Iowa Central Community College

Track & Field

Savannah Harvey

Western Illinois University

Nen Matlock

Kansas State University

SIGNING

The seniors who have signed to continue their education and respective sports

by ian chern writer/photographer

Brooks Jahnke

“I look forward to playing at the next level and better competition. [Indian Hills] is a really good JUCO and will be able to get me into a four-year college after.”

Dylan Blazer

“I look forward to playing for my dream school and the new competition and pressure. I’m just excited.”

Laney Reishus

“I look forward to getting to play at the next level and making new teammates and friends.”

Spencer Vaka

“I look forward to the competition and getting better at my sport.”

WORDS OF ADVICE

WORDS OF ADVICE

As the seniors prepare to graduate, teachers give them one last piece of advice

SCIENCE TEACHER CHAD BROWN

“Surround yourself with the people you want to be associated with for the rest of your life. Surround yourself with people who will raise you up as opposed to stepping on you to get themselves up.”

MEDIA SPECIALIST ASHLEY AGRE

“Get to know your professors and ask lots of questions. You are an 18 or 19 year old kid. No one expects you to know everything so don’t act like you know everything and get yourself into a bad situation. Instead, just ask people for help.”

PAGE ANDERSON

“Be yourself. There are a lot of expectations out in the world for what you’re supposed to do, who you’re supposed to be but just stay true to who you are. Be yourself.”

SCIENCE TEACHER JILL

LLOYD

“Life is a journey and everyone’s journey is unique. Own your experiences, good and bad, and focus on what is happening in the present moment. Don’t focus on the past. Don’t focus on the future. It’s important to focus on what you’re doing now.”

SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER

JEFF STRICKLAND

“Don’t feel like you are entitled to anything. If you can get past that feeling, you’ll be OK. Also, don’t eat too much fast food and make sure to stay hydrated because chronic dehydration is a big problem in the United States.”

STRINGER FACS

“Get involved. There can be a lot of change all at once so the best thing that I do is try to get involved in your community. I always say sit in the front of the class because that way you’re obligated to pay attention to your teacher.”

ENGLISH TEACHER LAUREN

TEACHER

Photos by Elizabeth Summa and Leah Dresvyannikov

SHINING MOMENTS

Seniors share their highlights from the past four years and offer advice to freshmen

“Taking on leadership roles in my extracurriculars because I was able to make a lot of connections with underclassmen and pass on my knowledge”

“Surviving APUSH”

“Senior spring break in Mexico”

“Finding out where all my friends are going to college and talking about our plans for the future”

“Winning journalism state”

“Science Prom”

“Tech week during “Music Man””

“Keeping my GPA while being very involved”

“The people and just knowing that this is our last year and enjoying the last moments we have”

“Italy trip with APLAC”

“Overcoming mental health issues”

Best part of being a senior Favorite high school memory

Proudest Accomplishment

Survey of 110 students

“Expectations

away from grades and in to us as people”

“Do the things you love not the things that will make anyone else but you happy.”

“Join groups and meet new people. You shouldn’t spend high school in a bubble.”

“Going from last chair in the bottom band to first chair in the top”

“Be more confident and try new things. Don’t be afraid to fail.”

“Don’t be afraid to stop being friends with people who don’t appreciate you.”

“Literally don’t care about what other people think of you. Their opinions don’t matter.”

“Slow down. Four years isn’t a long time, at least it won’t feel so in retrospect, so don’t waste your time doing something you hate.”

OUR BEST ADVICE

The senior class gives their recommendations and tips for navigating high school

shifting

“Winning all four years of state football”

“Late nights after robotics practices spent with the team in whatever random spot we could find”

“Scoring ones at state solo and ensemble”

“Getting to see how much I’ve grown and changed as a person for the better”

“Letting myself not worry about anything at prom and having fun with friends”

PICTURE

THIS

north

Wearing masks, required for most of 2020, 2022 graduate Claire Franke whisks while then sophomore Aliyah Cloughley helps during Nutrition and Wellness, Nov. 18, 2020.

Storming the field, students yell as they charge toward the team after winning the fourth straight football state championship, Nov. 26, 2022.

Teachers

now

in

On Wednesday August 14, 2019, then freshmen Lauryn Daly and Sophia Yang walk up to school, being greeted by members of StuCo Photo by Avery Liby

honor

retired principal Tobie Waldeck during a clap-out

his honor Wednesday, May 20, 2020, as Waldeck bid farewell after 10 years as principal. Photo by Kathy Habiger

Holding up a “W,” junior girls pose for a picture after their Powder Puff win over the seniors, September 28, 2021 Photo by Amit Kaushal

Giving his team a hype speech before his final home meet before retiring from coaching Jan. 20, 2022, head coach Travis Keal lifts his team’s spirit Photo by 2022 JAG Staff

Holding the camera up, senior Macee Moore poses for a picture alongside her friends at Blue Bomb, Sept. 16, 2022. This year’s Blue Bomb was the first “normal” one in three years. Photo by Hailee Ford

Smiling, seniors Olivia Page, Emma Dempsey and Madeline Schnepf dance to “Wobble” at prom in the Ball Event Center, April 1, 2023. Photo by Audri Brizendine

Photo by Damara Stevens

Students gather in the

parking lot to watch firefighters extinguish flames in the new construction area Thursday, June 6, 2019. Photo by Lori Habiger

Photo by Luke Wood

Design by Grace Brookshire

A look at the graduating class of 2023’s last four years of high school