2011 JAG student life

decorate floats to make time for a pep rally before the parade, a giant change considering the pep rallies had been held during seminar before.

“I thought that was pretty practical,” sophomore Alex Maupin said. “We finished the musical float in an hour and a half, so two hours was more than enough time.”

Students then moved to the pep rally where the large amount of school spirit surprised them.

“I think school spirit improved,” senior Emilie Winn said. “The seniors were more active at the assembly.”

The school spirit remained for the game that night with a final score of 62-7 against Bishop Ward.

“The game was my favorite part of homecoming week,” Maupin said. “There was lots of blue and silver and there was so much spirit.”

By Betsy Wendorff

Senior Alexis Williams’ birthday party competes with the school’s Homecoming dance What was the party for?

It was for my 18 birthday.

Why did you decide to have the party on the same night as the Homecoming dance?

Because it was my birthday and I didn’t want to spend my birthday not having fun.

Why do you think the party

By Lauren King was a success?

I was able to pay my mom back, and it was a great way to celebrate my 18 birthday.

“I got locked out of the school...coaches were having an intense b-ball game.” sophomore Zac Ferren

Above Coloring a poster for the Club 121 float, junior Alyssa Young prepares for the Homecoming parade on Friday, Sept. 24. “[Float building] went really well,” Young said. “We have a lot of new people this year, so we got it

By Aleksandra Milewski done faster.”

Dominant With the morning sun shining down on them, sophomores Ryan Magner and Avery Laluk transport materials as they build their cross country float on Friday, Sept. 24.

“It was fun to be able to give candy to all the kids,” Magner said. “Being on the float was the best part though.”

By Braxton Matlock

“I found my friends backpack in the trunk of my car when I got to school.” junior Austin Ross

Above Left in the Homecoming parade on Friday, Sept.24, social studies teacher Chris Dunback flashes a peace sign to parade goers while riding in the UNICEF club float.

Dunback also sponsors the club. “I believe in the cause and I also like to see kids help something bigger than themselves,” Dunback said.

By Trenton Webster Left Gathered with friends at the pep assembly on Friday, Sept. 24, senior Liz Stroder cheers from the sidelines of the gym. “The best part of the assembly was when all the seniors stormed the floor,” Stroder said.

By Lauren King

“Karlton Kinley sang ‘What’s Going On’ by Marvin Gaye to the class.” sophomore Jillian Mullin

A crisp wind whipped across the front parking lot where students decorated floats with posters, balloons and streamers for the homecoming parade.

Floats lined the parking lot as students busied themselves by drawing, face painting and chasing after balloons and posters blowing away in the wind.

Though much of Homecoming week remained similar to earlier years, Friday’s schedule changed significantly.

To work on a float, the administration required students to sign up in advance. Those students received wristbands, which excused them from class to work on the floats.

“I thought the wristbands were really unfair,” sophomore Rachel Allen said. “People who didn’t sign up were stuck inside while other people got to have fun.”

Students received a time limit of two hours to

Fishnets, feathers, boots and many other odd accessories filled the hallways on Pop Culture Icon day. Among costumes depicting actors and singers, many chose to portray pop artist Lady Gaga.

“I was originally going to do KISS with another student, but then he refused to do it,” sophomore Hailee Windsor said. “At 7 a.m. I just decided to pull random stuff out of a costume box and be Lady Gaga.”

Lady Gaga, most well known for her unique and crazy costumes, inspired the students to add their own odd materials.

“I used cardboard, tape, safety pins, paper, and iPods

By Lauren King for my outfit,” sophomore Susan Dietrich said, pictured right with sophomore Jillian Mullin.

Students admired the unique outfits throughout the day.

“Around 20 people complimented me on my outfit that day,” Dietrich said. “The best was when someone called me a Rocking Gaga.”

By Betsy Wendorff

WHAT’S THE MOST UNEXPECTED THING THAT’S HAPPENED IN YOUR DAY?

Students have a bad romance with dress up days

Students adapt to the changes in the Homecoming schedule

WHAT’S THE WEIRDEST WAY YOU’VE BEEN WOKEN UP?

The Iskra sisters balance Australian origins with American life

“By someone trying to see how many Nerds they could fit in my mouth.” freshman Brooks Danahy “My stepdad burst into my room with a shotgun because the alarm went off.” sophomore Michaela Jamison

“You don’t remember,” Kimberly Iskra said as she teased her husband Robert Iskra. Their three daughters giggled on the couch as their parents continued.

Robert proved he remembered and told the story of how his family came to America. Robert lived in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia before going on vacation in the U.S. There he met his wife Kimberly.

“I ended up staying where she was for three weeks instead of five days,” Robert said. “After that, I asked her to travel with me and she said yes.”

Kimberly moved to Australia after she graduated from the University of Northern Iowa and married Robert. There they had senior Tenille Iskra and sophomore Brenna Iskra. Tenille and Brenna received Australian citizenship through birth, but registered for U.S. citizenship through the American Consulate.

Four years later the Iskras moved to Fort Madison, Iowa to be close to Kimberly’s mother.

The family noticed the differences between the countries with the change in scenery. “[In Australia] you can turn one way and see mountains, the other way you see the ocean, and another way countryside,” Brenna said.

Students attended school all year round in Aus-

tralia and graduated from high school at 16, where they continued to either vocational school or a four year college.

Both Tenille and Brenna decided to attend Wollongong University after visiting. “[College in Australia] is a good growing experience,” Kimberly said. “We’ve told them it’s not mandatory but an option.”

The Iskras visited Australia every two to three years, but the established relationships in both countries created emotionally difficult experiences.

“I think it is hard because you have your friends, family, home in one place, but you want to be somewhere else that’s far away,” Tenille said.

Despite the hardships of having citizenship in two countries, the family remained positive.

“It’s hard, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I get to experience two very different and diverse cultures and ways of life,” Brenna said.

Even though she desired to reside in Australia one day, Tenille agreed.

“We are just lucky that we have a mom from here and a dad from Australia,” Tenille said. “ [We] can experience the best of both worlds.”

By Paige Hamilton

Exchange students adjust to high school life Two foreign exchange students, seniors Susanna Donati (top left) from Vercelli, Italy, and Jozze Cevallos (bottom left) from Ibarra, Ecuador, arrived in June and instantly dealt with obstacles in addition to nerves.

“In the beginning, I could not understand the language,” Cevallos said.

Donati and Cevallos learned English with ease but encountered homesickness. However, they adjusted quickly as they started high school.

Cultural changes such as a lower driving age, high school football and the American hamburger proved an enjoyment instead of a hindrance.

“The more I learn about this counPhotos by Trenton Webster try, the more amazing it is,” Donati said. “It was boring to see the same faces and places everyday.”

In Italy, students focused on learning in school instead of sports or clubs, while entertainment consisted of conversations in bars.

“I was not really alive until I came here,” Donati said.

By Paige Hamilton

Sophomore Lamese Madi strives for citizenship

“My friends put a spider on my face. The spider was in my mouth.” freshman Toby Parrish

Above Wishing their stay in Australia would last longer, sisters Tenille and Brenna Iskra spent their last day on the Shell Harbour Beach Tuesday, June 29, along with younger sister Tatum and cousin Tonja. “We love going to the beach,” Brenna said. “Just the atmosphere it has makes it a place you want to be.”

By Ally Garton Above Right Missing their home country, Tenille and Brenna look back at photos on Friday, Oct. 15 from their summer 2010 trip to Australia. “Looking back makes me miss it more but also love the memories I have,” Tenille said.

By Ally Garton Right Enjoying a unique opportunity, Tenille and Brenna climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge with their family on Wednesday, June 16. “All I could think was how breathtaking it was and how lucky I was to spend it with my family,” Tenille said.

By Ally Garton

Junior Lameese Madi wanted to achieve American citizenship by taking the U.S. citizenship test. Scotland, Madi’s birthplace, did not accept her as a citizen and through circumstance she acquired a Libyan passport.

Due to her father’s job, Madi and her family moved to the U.S. and received green cards, making it difficult to go to other countries including Lybia where her family lived. “[The green card] makes it difficult to leave the country,” Madi said.

Madi studied for the citizenship test her junior year and planned on taking it the summer of 2011. Despite Photo by Carly Granato difficulties with not having U.S. citizenship, Madi gained positive experience from the situation.

“This has shaped my beliefs on how a government should work and how day to day things should go on,” Madi said.

By Paige Hamilton

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU GET A TEXT IN CLASS?

Right Talking about the advantages and disadvantages of living in a single parent household, senior Sara and sophomore Austin Gillespie sit with their mother, Kelly Gillespie,on Monday, Feb. 7. “It would be easier on holidays and birthdays to have a two-parent household and sometimes you just wish you had two parents there,” Sara said.

By Ally Garton

Junior Brittany Zarda adjusts to changed living arrangements

“I text back.” sophomore Alexa Mallow

Sitting in her living room on Wednesday, Dec. 15, junior Brittany Zarda, her aunt Connie Zarda, and her uncle Steve Zarda, reflected on the time when Brittany had first opened up to them about her relationship with her mother. Upset that her mother did not show up to her ninth birthday, Brittany and her aunt talked about her disappointment.

During Brittany’s childhood, her mother became heavily addicted to drugs. Connie and Steve discussed the idea of becoming Brittany’s legal guardians, eventually deciding to adopt her in 2001. “[The most challenging part] was the moral issue of feeling like I was taking Brittany away from her mom and her immediate family she knew,” Connie said. “[But] we could not stand seeing her on an emotional roller coaster.”

Adjusting to her new life presented a challenge for Brittany in the beginning.

“I wasn’t really that close to [my aunt and uncle] but it took me a while at first. I just really missed my mom,” Brittany said. “They’re always there for

me, I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

Despite the hardships, Brittany continued to keep in touch with her mother by visiting her every few months and talking on the phone. Due to the fact that she and her father did not have a relationship, Brittany planned to find him when she became older.

“He’s a part of me even though he hasn’t been there for me,” Brittany said. “I want to know what’s a part of me.”

Although she had difficulties adjusting, the benefits of a more stable life outweighed the negatives of separation from her immediate family. “[It’s rewarding] knowing that Brittany is doing well,” Steve said. “It’s a good feeling knowing that we’ve made a difference and helped change the course of her life.”

By Megan York

The Gillespies adjust to living with one parent Perched comfortably on the couch of their warm home, senior Sara, sophomore Austin and their mother Kelly Gillespie seem at ease. The light from the kitchen illuminates their faces as they discuss the divorce their family went through about seven years ago.

“A lot of [the divorce] was mom and dad growing apart as people,” Austin said. “They were just completely different. Looking back, I know it’s what was best for them and easiest on them.”

Kelly and her husband, Devin, decided to divorce when they realized that they were simply incompatible. Though they separated, they continued to communicate for the benefit of Sara and Austin.

“Our relationship is cordial and businesslike, because we have to communicate,” Kelly said. “You have to communicate, because of the kids.”

Though the divorce happened quickly and cleanly, the family still had to make adjustments to their everyday lives.

“You settle into a new routine, a new way of doing things, and now it seems like that’s the way it’s always been,” Kelly said. “It all turned out okay.

Kids take your lead on how you handle things, and [Sara and Austin] are doing really well. I’m very lucky.”

The Gillespie family believed that through communication and tact, the separation was best for all of them.

“Looking back, it wasn’t that bad,” Sara said.

“I understood what was going on, so it was kind of hard, but not devastating. Now, it’s for the better.

That’s how I see it.”

By Aleksandra Milewski

“I look at the teacher then look at the text. If it is easy to answer I do. If it will take a while I wait.” junior Jameson Colin

Left Home from school, sophomore Andrew McQueen chats with his younger brothers Joshua and Victor on Thursday, Jan. 27. “My relationship with my brothers is probably the same with anybody else who has younger brothers,” McQueen said.

By Braxton Matlock

“I ignore it until passing period.” senior Kayla Vognsen

Above Reminiscing about the past, junior Brittany Zarda and her family look at pictures from her childhood. “[My family] is always there for me,” Zarda said. “I love them and love when we’re all together.”

By Lauren King Right Along with her aunt, junior Brittany Zarda helps put her baby cousin in his high chair on Thursday, Jan. 27. “My aunt is like my mom and my baby cousin Waylan is like my little brother,” Zarda said. “I’m really close with them.”

By Lauren King

Sophomore Andrew McQueen balances extended family “Is your spelling test tomorrow too?” sophosaid. “It’s fun, we just mess around.” more Andrew McQueen asked his younger brother Even though he lived with his mom and stepas he looked through his homework. “Do you know father, Andrew had a stronger relationship with his your words?” dad.

“No, Monday,” Andrew’s 9-year-old brother “I can talk more to my dad than to my mom,” Josh answered.

Andrew said. “My stepfather is gone a lot. If he Andrew cared for his half brothers, Josh and stayed around more when I was a kid we probably Victor, while their parents worked. His parents would have a better relationship.” divorced when he was five, and both parents remar- While he occasionally became upset over his ried, giving him five half brothers. He lived with his parents, he accepted his different family. mother, stepfather and two half brothers, but visited “Sometimes I wished my parents were still marhis dad and three other half brothers every other ried,” Andrew said. “But I realize that I wouldn’t weekend. have my brothers.”

“I enjoy being at my dad’s house,” Andrew

By Betsy Wendorff

Sophomore Cameron Summers expresses his passion for cars WHAT’S THE WEIRDEST TECHNOLOGY ISSUE YOU’VE HAD?

Row after colorful row of over 400 miniature collectable Hot Wheels cars ranging from street cars to school buses to race cars covered sophomore Cameron Summers’ dining room table.

Inspired by his father’s hobby of revamping classic cars, Summers’ interest in collecting cars began around second grade. “[My interest] started when my dad bought [and began to renovate] his 1969 Camaro,” Summers said.

Summers’ father taught him much of what he knew about cars. The knowledge that he gained

Freshman Alana Flinn connects with her parents through concerts

“My dog set his head on the keyboard, and the whole screen rotated 90 degrees.” senior Catie Mellott

Two corkboards filled with rows of an estimated 250 ticket stubs made up a collection in freshman Alana Flinn’s home. Her parents and she saved and posted the tickets from all the concerts that they attended, dating back to the 1970s.

“It’s one thing to say that I went to a concert but another when I can show off my ticket,” Flinn said.

The musical influence on Flinn began early.

Her parents started taking her to concerts at a young age; when she was seven years old, she saw Fleetwood Mac for her first concert.

Flinn’s parents raised her on the music of Billy Joel and David Bowie. This influenced her music taste and the concerts she attended. “[The] shows I’ve been to, my parents [saw] in the 1970s,” Flinn said.

Shows that both Flinn and her parents saw

included Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac and David Bowie. Flinn’s parents went to the David Bowie concert in 1978 and they took Flinn to see Bowie in 2004.

“There’s some exhilaration from being in a crowd that you get [from going to a concert] that you can’t get from listening to a CD,” Flinn said.

The Flinn family typically attended rock concerts – bands such as Evanescence, Foo Fighters, The Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd. Flinn expanded her interests to include modern artists such as Justin Bieber and Kid Cudi. After going to the shows, Flinn kept and collected the ticket stubs to remember the concert experience.

“I’m always singing and I’m really into stereos,” Flinn said. “[My collection] shows that music is my thing.”

By Lauren Shurley

“Lightning struck and all of my faucets, showers and alarms turned on.” sophomore Hunter Winget

Above Reflecting on her over 250 tickets, freshman Alana Flinn explains her love for music on Tuesday, Oct. 12. “I feel really successful with all the tickets I have gotten,” Flinn said.

“Going to concerts and getting the tickets is something I’ll always do because of how much I enjoy it.”

By Jaclyn Carpenter

from his father made an impact on his personal interests.

“I’d call myself a car guy and [the cars in the collection] represent who I am,” Summers said.

In order to add to his collection, Summers bought basic cars at retail stores and the older, more unique cars from flea markets or online stores. “[The collection is] continually growing,” Summers said. “I get one or two new cars every other weekend.”

By Lauren Shurley

Above Examining one of his favorite Hot Wheels, sophomore Cameron Summers explains details of his collection on Monday, Oct. 18. “My favorite car is a Camaro,” Summers said. “My mom has one, my dad has one, and I just really like them.”

By Austin Becker Right Displayed on his dining room table, Summers has a collection of more than 450 Hot Wheels cars. “I don’t plan to break the record for having the most Hot Wheels,” Summers said. “I just enjoy collecting them.”

By Austin Becker

Senior Haley Bensel collects teapots to remember her travels

“Smoke started pouring out of my iPod touch, and sparked sparks, it almost killed me.” junior Tyler Kile Photo by Lauren King

Hues of washed out blue, pastel yellow and green colored a teapot that sat on a white shelf in senior Haley Bensel’s room.

Bensel collected the six teapots in her collection as souvenirs of places she visited, from Barcelona to Savannah, Georgia. “[The teapots] show off the culture of the places I’ve been,” Bensel said.

Bensel bought the teapots in the places she visited as unique representations of the memorable trips.

An obsession formed when it became so important for Bensel to represent each trip she took with a teapot. During a trip to Paris, Bensel struggled to find a teapot but was determined and finally found one.

“I went in every shop on every street in Paris [looking for a teapot],” Bensel said. “I couldn’t just tour Paris and leave without one.”

Bensel found meaning in searching for a significant souvenir, knowing it would add to her collection and memories.

“It’s not just a picture, it’s something you can hold,” Bensel said.

By Lauren Shurley

Above Taking apart her teapot from Paris, Bensel showcases her unique teapots from around the world on Monday, Oct. 11. “My favorite part of having this collection is that it’s something different. I’ve never heard of anyone else with one,” Bensel said.

By Austin Becker Left Reflecting on the teapot she acquired in Barcelona, senior Haley Bensel remembers how she bought it during a trip to Europe. “We were walking around and saw a lot of tile. I really wanted a teapot with the same design,” Bensel said. “It’s one of my favorites.”

By Austin Becker

Dominant Inspecting a train ticket, Ambrose Kemper, played by junior Brandon Burnworth, attempts to help Ermengarde Vandergelder, played by junior Holly Hampton, catch her train on time on Monday, Nov. 8. “I loved working with everyone because it’s so much fun and everyone on the cast is so nice,” Burnworth said.

By Camden Bender

Senior Asia Yates shares her role, Minnie Fay WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH ONE DOLLAR RIGHT NOW?

How did you feel about being double cast?

I was fine with it. I thought it was great because it gave both of us an opportunity to be in the musical. The other girl [senior Alyssa French] was so sweet.

What were some difficulties Photo By Camden Bender you had to overcome?

We had to get two different costumes because we were different sizes. I also told myself that I wouldn’t compare the two parts no matter what.

“Get change for 100 pennies, go to a wishing well and make 100 wishes.” sophomore Luke Marx

What did you take away from this experience?

It was interesting to see the two casts interpret the musical in their own individual way.

Far Right Cornelius Hackl, played by senior Ronnie Sloop, sings “Put on Your Sunday Clothes” at rehearsal for the musical Hello, Dolly! on Thursday, Nov. 4. “I love performing in the musicals because they are so much fun and allow you to be yourself,” Sloop said.

By Jaclyn Carpenter Right Finishing the parade scene, sophomore Hailee Windsor leads the chorus of dancers at rehearsal on Monday, Nov. 8. “I got to choreograph the dances,” Windsor said. “It has been the biggest [cast] we have had in a long time, if ever.”

By Allison Weis

“Go to the vending machines just to find our they are closed.” sophomore Brian Benzing “Buy a five piece spicy chicken nugget at Wendy’s.” junior Ashton Proctor

Musical cast saves money and gains authenticity Racks filled with colorful, vintageinspired clothing in various stages of alteration lined the front of the choir room. These pieces of clothing did not all come from the same source.

They were a collection of pieces chosen from closets, community theatres and thrift stores.

“We had a lot of costume moms.

[Senior] Kelsie Schuman’s mom borrowed a lot of costumes from the Christian Youth Theatre,” Irene Molloy, played by junior Paige Hillebert, Photo By Rachel Mills said. “She also got some from thrift stores and churches.”

The decision to borrow costumes stemmed from having a large cast requiring extravagant, early 20th century costumes.

“I though the costumes were great,” Hillebert said. “We had 75 costumes for the show and they went really well with the time period. The big hats were my favorite part.”

By Camden Bender

Above Left Clapping during a transition, a member of the Sunday Singing Trio, played by senior Hayley Janner, performs “Put on Your Sunday Clothes” on Monday, Nov. 8. “[To prepare for the musical] I would make sure I knew all of my cues,” Janner said. “I also wouldn’t let myself get distracted by other things that were going on and just focus on the musical.”

By Camden Bender Above Right At the conclusion of the polka during Act II, Scene 2, Rudolph Reisenweber, played by sophomore Alex Maupin, pauses while the audience applauds on Monday, Nov. 1. “[The most difficult part of the musical was] getting the German accent down,” Maupin said. “I even had to practice accents all the time outside of rehearsal.”

By Camden Bender Right Focusing on keeping in step, Barnaby, played by sophomore Alec Santaularia, tangos with Dolly, played by senior Kelsie Schuman, in the Nov. 8 dress rehearsal. “I felt like the musical went really well this year,” Santaularia said. “Especially since it was Mr. Copeland’s first year.”

By Rachel Mills

Seniors teach underclassmen theatre technique Lights flickered on in the little theatre as Hello, Dolly! cast members filled in row after row of seats while chatting amongst themselves. Musical director Jon Copeland called for silence as he sat swinging his legs on the edge of the stage. He waited for a calm to settle over the cast before beginning a post-rehearsal meeting.

Throughout the discussion senior cast members chimed in with advice for their underclassmen counterparts in order to provide direction for the less experienced cast members, ranging from stage cues to handling nerves. “[The seniors] gave me words of encouragement and told me when I was doing a good job,” freshman ensemble member Tori Kilkenny said. “They were very accepting of all the freshmen.”

Copeland believed many upperclassmen acted as mentors by instructing younger cast members who lacked previous musical experience.

“There were a lot of kids who had never been in a show,” Copeland said. “[I had to explain] the traditions of theatre and

operating procedures such as when you check in. [The seniors] also helped the underclassmen learn the ropes.”

In addition to the large amount of underclassmen, the cast also underwent a transition with the introduction of a new director in Copeland.

“[Copeland] had a fresh eye on the situation, so some things that we had done previously were done differently this time,” senior Kelsie Schuman said. “As a senior I knew how things had been previously. This allowed me to carry on a lot of traditions from years past.”

Despite a new director and a younger cast, Copeland believed that his instruction and the guidance from upperclassmen culminated in a well-executed production.

“The students were so great, they were positive, encouraging and a lot of fun to work with,” Copeland said. “Everyone made their part better each night. I consider myself lucky that I got to work with all of the kids.”

By Camden Bender

WHAT IS THE WORST INJURY YOU’VE HAD?

Starbucks provides more than just coffee to students and staff gift cards from her dad and sister. Almost all of the money dwindled to nothing within a month of receiving it.

“I was really excited [to get the money] because it’s hard to afford Starbucks,” Kelsey said. “When I had the gift cards, it was a little bit easier to feed my addiction.”

Although junior Shannon McGraw did not describe herself as a coffee addict, she went to Starbucks about twice a week. Attracted by the positive atmosphere of the cafe, McGraw thought of the coffee as an added bonus.

“I feel like I can always go [to Starbucks] to study or catch up with friends,” McGraw said.

“It’s almost like my boyfriend when I’m single.”

McGraw also went to Starbucks for the good study environment.

“The coffee gives you energy to focus,” McGraw said. “The environment is quiet but not too quiet and the music gives you a creative edge [for studying].”

By Megan York

Students share their cup of Joe “[I get a] Java Chip Frappuccino. [I like the] nice, quiet atmosphere to do homework and it’s the best coffee I know. Also, it’s close, convenient and the service is really good. Usually [I spend] around $4.12. [I go] once [per week] because it’s not very good for you.” junior Kelsey Wakefield “[I get a] Caramel Apple Spice. I love the music and the way everything you’re worried about or stressing goes away. Usually [I spend] three or five dollars. [How often I go] depends on how busy I am; sometimes once a week, other weeks it’s about 3-4 times.” junior Taylor Young

“I get a tall Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino. I always spend $3.75. I go four times a week, it’s addicting.” junior Kaitlyn Beeson

Above To combat the stress of grading a stack of homework, math teacher Kristen Chavez enjoys a grande Chai Tea Latte on Friday, Jan. 21. “My addiction started two years ago,” Chavez said. “I blame it on [math teacher] Amy Welzenbach.” By Rachel Mills Above Right Chatting with a friend at Starbucks, junior Shannon McGraw drinks a tall White Chocolate Mocha on Tuesday, Jan. 18. “I love going to Starbucks because it’s a place where I can reconnect with friends and study,” McGraw said.

By Jaclyn Carpenter

Above Fueling her Starbucks addiction on Sunday, Jan. 30, sophomore Allison Kelsey drinks a Sweetened Iced Green Tea. “You can ask anybody I know, I’m addicted,” Kelsey said.

“I go there one to three times a week, sometimes more.”

By Katie Harris

Photo by Lauren King

“Shattered the growth plate in my right wrist when I fell off the balcony at the Shawnee Civic Center.” junior Jake Waters

“I order a tall White Chocolate Mocha. I spend around $3.25. I only go three times a week.” junior Maddy Wood

“Broke my left arm/wrist three times.” junior David Murphy

“[I get] a Carmel Macchiato, extra sweet, with one and a bit pumps of caramel and chocolate. The workers are hilarious and make it enjoyable to go in. [I spend] about $4.26. Usually, [I go] once on the weekend, going is a treat for me.” junior Jameson Colin

“Head injury, I cut my head open in the school parking lot.” sophomore Jayce Knowles

“Mrs. Chavez is in the drive-thru!” the Starbucks barista said as he started making her grande Chai with whole milk, no water and extra hot. During the school year, math teacher Kristen Chavez went to Starbucks before school at least three to four times a week.

“I really go during the winter when it starts to get cold,” Chavez said. “I love getting up in the morning and getting something warm to drink.”

Chavez received Starbucks gift cards for birthdays and holidays.

“I rarely ever have to pay for my Starbucks,” Chavez said. “I have all kinds of gift cards. $20 here and $20 there, it adds up.”

Sophomore Allison Kelsey also visited Starbucks in the mornings three to four times a week and always got a White Chocolate Mocha.

Kelsey, a self-described “coffee addict,” estimated she spent about $15 per week on coffee from Starbucks.

“If I can’t go to Starbucks that day, I buy the packaged Starbucks coffee and make it at home,” Kelsey said.

For Christmas, she received $50 in Starbucks

Junior Michaela Willoughby keeps in touch with her mother HOW DO YOU PROCRASTINATE?

“I don’t procrastinate, I do it one I get home.” sophomore Alex Owen

“Speaking of Michelle, you need to e-mail her my Christmas list,” junior Michaela Willoughby told her mom, Laura Willoughby, as they sat on the couch together on Monday, Oct. 6.

Because of an open adoption, Michaela knew her birth mother, Michelle, growing up. She frequently visited Michelle on the weekends. “[Michelle] has always been there for me so I’ve always had a relationship,” Michaela said. “But now that I’m older I can make our relationship better. She’s kind of like an older sister.”

Laura laughed about a few set backs to Michaela’s relationship with Michelle. “[Michelle] spoils her,” Laura said. “She’ll go down for a weekend and we have to despoil her when she gets back.”

Accustomed to life with Michelle as part of the family, the Submitted Photo Willoughby family considered it ordinary.

“It’s just like normal,” Michaela said. “I just have an extra set of family members that I don’t see as often.”

By Allie Love

Right Sophmore Hattie Doolittle and her parents smile back on the memories from China on Thursday, Dec 27.“I’m really fortunate that my parents made the choice to adopt me,” Doolitle said. “I feel like I’m living a better lifestyle here then I would in China.”

By Bailey Crosbie

“I usually watch Glee instead of doing homework.” junior Shannon McGraw

Bottom Left Eating lunch together on Wednesday, Feb. 16, freshmen Kayla and Kyra Claire talk about the benefits of having a twin and spending time together. “I love always having someone to talk to,” Kira said.

“If I am having a bad day I can go to her to talk to her face to face. It’s someone to lean on.”

By Ally Garton Bottom Right On Thursday Dec. 27, sophomore Hattie Doolittle reviews an article over how she was adopted. “My parents got interviewed for The Kansan because they had to go all the way to China to get me,” Doolittle

By Bailey Crosbie said.

Dominant Sophomore Hattie Doolittle recalls memories with her parents on Thursday, Dec. 27.“It was really fun to be together with my parents looking back on the memories,” Doolittle said.

By Bailey Crosbie

Students appreciate the opportunities in America “I play football with my friends.” freshman Jordan Collene

Senior Cassie Gerhart connects with her adoptive father Why did your stepfather adopt you?

[Brandon Gerhart] has been more of a father figure in the past years. He adopted me so I would have my own last name, and I wouldn’t be associated with my dad. I wasn’t under my dad’s custody.

Photo by Jacyln Carpenter

How did you feel about your stepfather adopting you?

I’m happy about it. He’s treated me like I was his real daughter since I first met him. It has been

really nice to have more of a father figure. He’s really goofy and fun to be around.

What challenges did you face when you were adopted?

Adjusting at first was hard. I adjusted really quickly because that’s what I wanted. I wanted Brandon to be my dad.

What is your relationship like with your stepfather?

We are like typical teenage parents. We fight sometimes.

I can go talk to him almost about anything if I want to.

At the mention of her mother, a wide smile spread across sophomore Hattie Doolittle’s face.

She brushed her long, dark hair out of her eyes as she explained her Chinese heritage and her adoptive parents, Jamie and John Doolittle.

“I’m fully Chinese, but I don’t really feel like I am,” Doolittle said. “I’m living a better life than I probably would have over there. I’m kind of thankful for it.”

Adopted from Russia, freshmen twins Kyra Claire and Kayla Claire also felt thankful for their lives in America.

“We are really close with our [adoptive] mom and dad,” Kyra said. “It just makes [Kayla and I] more appreciative because our lives would be different without our [adoptive parents].”

Life as an adopted child from another country challenged Kyra and Kayla at times. Upon entering the country as babies, their birth certificates were confused, resulting in an exchange of names. The twins also left eight of their siblings behind in Russia and did not maintain contact with them.

“We were told that they have just as good of lives as we do,” Kayla said. “I’m just really glad that

I have one of my sisters with me.”

Although Doolittle faced challenges at first, she grew comfortable with her adoption, despite looking different from her parents.

“I used to be self-conscious about [being adopted] because I didn’t want people to think I was weird,” Doolittle said. “But now people think it’s cool. It makes me kind of unique.”

Kyra and Kayla planned to visit Russia their senior year to see their history.

“It will be fun just to go back and see where we came from,” Kayla said.

Doolittle also planned to visit her country of birth, China, when she turned 18.

“I want to go [to China], but I’m scared almost,” Doolittle said. “It’s so different over there. I might be kind of shocked. I feel really fortunate to be over here.”

Though Doolittle planned to visit China, her true home was with her adoptive family.

“A parent is someone that raises you and takes care of you,” Doolittle said. “They’ve done that my whole life.”

By Allie Love

Below Passing time before the premiere, senior Kaitlyn Butko explains how to play the card game Apples to Apples on Thursday, Nov. 18. “I got to the theater two hours early,” Butko said. “I jumped in line with my friends at the front [to get a better seat].”

By Rachel Mills HOW DO YOU AVOID CLASSES?

Dominant Anxiously waiting for the famous scar to be painted on her forehead, junior Jill Applegate sits with her friends before being let into the theatre for the highly anticipated Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 premiere on Thursday, Nov. 18. “[I went to Westglen] because it was the only place not sold out,” Applegate said. “[It was fun] because everyone got to sit around and talk.”

By Rachel Mills Left Laughing with her friends, senior Lauren Proctor lays down a humorous card in the game Apples to Apples before seeing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 on Thursday, Nov. 18. “The movie was epic,” Proctor said. “I will definitley be seeing part two.”

By Rachel Mills Below Wearing the trademark Harry Potter glasses, senior Dani Niemann practices spells before entering Westglen theatre on Thursday, Nov. 18. “I have an obsession for Harry Potter,” Niemann said. “I really want to go to Hogwarts.”

By Rachel Mills

“I don’t raise my hand, and go to the bathroom.” freshman Tyler Willard

Self-decorated t-shirts show HP pride

“I just don’t go to class and hang out with my friends instead.” freshman Josh Vest

In anticipation for the premier of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, juniors Lindsay Mason and Kilee Nolen spray painted a Photo by Cassie Linville gold lightning bolt onto black T-shirts on Sunday, Nov. 14. They used characters from the books as names on the backs of the shirts.

Mason approved of the way the shirts turned out.

“We showed our spirit in a more subtle way rather than dressing up as a character,” Mason said.

Nolen believed the shirts displayed her love of the Harry Potter series.

“I’m not ashamed of my love for Harry Potter,” Nolen said. “I don’t mind wearing [the shirt] in public because I’m a big Harry Potter fan and I do what I want.”

Nolen received many compliments on her shirt when she wore it on the day of the premier. “[The fans] were jealous of our cool shirts,” Nolen said. “Nobody else made T-shirts. It was pretty much a big deal.”

By Allie Love

Students share in the excitement of Harry Potter

“I run away from school when I don’t want to go to class.” freshman Brendan Feiders

Concentrated on painting a lightning boltshaped scar, sophomore Kristina Milewski dipped her brush into a small jar of black face paint beside her at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18. Junior Sarah Darby laughed as she felt the brush and face paint tickle her forehead while waiting in line to see the midnight premier of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 at Westglen Theatre.

“Everybody just wanted [a scar] so it was a way to have some Harry Potter spirit,” Milewski said. “I became the lightning bolt lady.”

Games of Apples to Apples and Catch Phrase ensued around the anxious fans, while some worked on last minute homework. Sophomore Sidney Snyder felt the enthusiasm around her at the Westglen.

“I feel like there is more anticipation in the crowd,” Snyder said. “It’s the really diehard fans that come at 12 a.m. If you see [the movie] any other time, the excitement isn’t there.”

The fans showed their excitement in different ways. Snyder talked about the movie for most of the day.

“I basically changed everything in my life that day to Harry Potter,” Synder said.

Milewski bought her tickets a week in advance in anticipation for the premier.

“I was afraid they’d sell quickly,” Milewski said.

“I held onto them for dear life because I was afraid I’d lose them.”

The midnight premier did not come without its consequences, however. Even though the premier showed on Thursday, Snyder still attended school the next day. The lack of sleep affected her despite the coffee she drank in the morning.

“I was probably the meanest person in first block,” Snyder said. “It kind of threw off my sleeping schedule for a while.”

Regardless of being tired the next day, Milewski enjoyed the premier.

“I was definitely tired the next morning, but it was so worth it,” Milewski said.

Snyder had strong feelings about the last Harry Potter installment.

“The fact that it’s the last movie set in,” Snyder said. “After the next movie, it’s done and over with.

The books that we grew up with won’t be there anymore.”

Experiencing Part 1 heightened the anticipation for the next Harry Potter movie. “[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2] better be good,” Milewski said. “If they mess up the last part, my life will be a joke.”

By Allie Love

Senior Kelsey Waller explains bonding benefits

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN LATE TO SCHOOL? WHY?

How did you decide that the senior girls should get together?

We realized that our school had a lack of school spirit.

Senior girls bond during their last year together

What was your favorite part about the bonding?

Everyone became friends, there weren’t certain cliques. Everyone got along.

How did you guys stay together?

We tried to get all the girls together for the [WPA] dance.

Photo by Marcia Ebb

“Yes, I woke up then fell back asleep and forgot to wake back up.” sophomore Schylar Burleson

Is it hard to plan things for everyone to enjoy?

Yeah, but there is always a good outcome. Everyone has a busy schedule.

How do you guys plan things?

I’m usually the one they go to to communicate with everyone.

Then we’ll plan something.

Right Girls from the senior class gather at Kansas City Ice Sports on Friday, Dec. 17 to celebrate the end of the first semester. Senior Christian Ochoa joins in on the ice-skating train. “[Bonding events] give us a chance to set an example for younger grades,” Ochoa said. “That all the girls can get along and put aside their problems.”

By Carly Granato

The front rows of the bleachers at Friday night football games overflowed with senior girls wearing matching tie-dye Jag Swag shirts.

“Everything was planned and everyone was together to have better spirit,” senior Jordan Jones said. “We tried to get everyone to go to the games.”

The girls got together before the school year started to reconnect with one another.

They enjoyed one of their last summer nights having a barbeque and playing volleyball.

“It’s our last year together and we’re all going to different colleges,” senior Mackenzie Hampton said. “It’s good that we can enjoy our senior year together.”

As part of their bonding, the girls decided to make tie-dye Jag Swag t-shirts. On Wednesday, Sept. 1 the school parking lot was full of buckets of ink. “[The bond] was really strong at the begin-

ning,” senior Taylor Bellus said. “It brought a lot of us together that don’t normally hang out.”

During football season, the girls kept in touch most Friday nights. Once the season ended they started going their separate ways again. They then planned an ice skating party at the end of the first semester. On Friday, Dec. 17 a large group spent their first day of winter break ice skating together.

“I wish that more [senior girls] would have made more of an effort to go ice skating,” Bellus said. “It would have been cool if every girl went.”

The senior girls hope that they made an impact for years to come.

“I hope that the lower girls will decide to continue the tradition and create bonds and not wait until it’s too late,” Bellus said.

By Lisa Galvan

“Almost, the power went out and reset my alarm clock.” junior Devin Ellison

Dominant Running away from a friend after stealing her hat, senior Taylor Bellus attempts not to fall at Kansas City Ice Sports on Friday, Dec. 17. “We wanted to make the most of our senior year,” Bellus said. “Because it does go by fast.”

By Carly Granato

“No, because I enjoy coming to school.” freshman Ashley Kitchen

Above Senior Taylor Bailey grasps classmates’ hands on Sunday, Aug. 8 for a friendly game of red rover at the senior girls barbecue. “[Senior girl bonding] is good because we haven’t been close this past year,” Bailey said. “It really helped.”

By Lauren King Above Right At the senior girls barbecue on Sunday, Aug. 8, seniors Nicole Martin and Kelcie Marquardt snack and mingle with other seniors. “The bonding helped to make us all talk with each other and set aside our differences,” Martin said. “Cliques were not an issue at the barbecue.”

By Lauren King Right Out on the ice without skates, senior Courtney Griffin tries to talk to as many of the girls as she can at Kansas City Ice Sports on Friday, Dec. 17 for the senior girl ice skating party. “I like how our entire class is trying to bond together,” Griffin said.

By Carly Granato

DESCRIBE A TIME YOU HAVE FALLEN ASLEEP IN CLASS.?

Right During a group sleepover on Friday, April 8, junior Heidi Mustapich concentrates on applying purple nail polish to junior Alex Harper’s nails. “I’m very good at [painting nails]; it calms me down.” Mustapich said. “I express my creativity abilities through painting nails.”

By Rachel Mills

Junior girls create memories through sleepovers

“I finished my quiz early.

My teacher said I could take a nap. I woke up to her yelling my name.” junior Madeline Webb

Gathered around on the bed, juniors Regan Godwin, Alex Harper and Heidi Mustapich peered at Harper’s phone to read a text message. Expressions of shock took over their faces and giggling filled the room. Harper recieved an invation to prom via text from a friend at another school. As the girls began discussing plans about dinner, dates and dresses their voices filled with excitement.

Godwin invited over her best friends, Harper and Mustapich for sleepovers regularly. They traditionally picked up burritos from Moe’s and a movie from Redbox to take back for the night.

“Moe’s and movies go hand in hand for us,” Godwin said. “That is how we relax after the week is over.”

Freshman Madison Plouvier also had sleepovers with freshman Emily Rice to unwind over the weekend. They played Wii Sports and challenged each

other in baseball, tennis and bowling.

“I like being able to see my friends outside of school,” Plouvier said. “We can just relax and hang out.”

Plouvier’s favorite part of sleepovers consisted of sharing things about each other’s weeks. She enjoyed talking with her friends and sharing jokes.

“We just talk and usually one of us will say something dumb,” Plouvier said. “We will just end up laughing at each other.”

The junior girls snapped pictures in between eating and their movie watching. They posed with one another, switching off taking pictures. They made fun of silly pictures and kept their favorites.

“When we take pictures, we just act goofy,” Godwin said. “We enjoy each other’s company and it shows when we are having a good time.”

By Kelsey Barrett

“I fell asleep in Trig and I woke up screaming and everyone was looking at me and laughing.” junior Robbie Weber

Above Right Playing tennis on the Wii with freshman Madison Plouvier, freshman Emily Rice boasts about her win during their sleepover on Friday, April 8. “[I love sleepovers because] there’s always a lot to talk about and it’s great to have someone always there for you,” Rice said. By Aleksandra Milewski Right Looking at an unexpected text message on Friday, April 8, juniors Regan Godwin, Alex Harper, and Heidi Mustapich surround a cell phone to read the message together. “A guy from another school was asking me to Prom,” Harper said. “Because Regan and Heidi were there, it made it more fun.”

By Rachel Mills

“I fell asleep on my hand, then my hand fell out from under me. I thought I was falling so I yelled.” senior Alex Wallace

Senior Alex Ferren sums up slumber parties What is the stereotypical sleepover to you?

Pajamas, doing each other’s hair, cookies, talking about boys.

What is your opinion on girls’ sleepovers?

They talk about them a lot.

Photo by Rachel Mills

Do you, as a guy, have sleepovers with your friends?

No, when we hang out, we leave.

What is your favorite thing about not having sleepovers?

I like sleeping in my own bed as opposed to sleeping on the floor at someone else’s house.

What do you do in place of sleepovers?

We just hang out at each other’s houses and then go home whenever.

Dominant Before going on a Jose Pepper’s run, junior Regan Godwin braids junior Alex Harper’s hair on Friday, April 8. “[My friends] ask me to do it because I’m good at it,” Godwin said. “We can [also] talk about things we don’t have time to do at school while I’m doing their hair.”

By Rachel Mills

WHAT DISTRACTS YOU MOST DURING TESTS?

The

Seniors Dalton Ellis and Kaitlyn McGuire share social differences

“People tapping their pencils or making noises.” freshman Jordan Townsend

Users descibe web phenomenons Skype

“When people chip their fingernails together.” freshman Haley Woods

Allowed video chat and videoconferencing between users all over the world.

Users: Over 405 million “I use skype so I can talk face to face with my friends that I don’t get to see very often,” sophomore Brooke Helton said.

Twitter

Let’s people stay connected with friends and celebrities through brief text message updates up to 140 characters.

Users: 175 million “I don’t use Twitter and I never will because tweets are just a waste of my time,” freshman Joe Vincent said.

Allowed users to create profiles, upload pictures and videos and send messages to keep in touch with friends, family, and colleagues.

Users: Over 600 million “I like Facebook because it adapts with our ever-changing society, enabling me to stay in contact with family and friends,” senior Margaret Simanowitz said.

Senior Dalton Ellis (picutred above) sat down at his table and pulled a black ink pen and a sketchbook out of his backpack on Wednesday, March 30.

He flipped through the pages filled with sketches Above Scooping out ice cream with her of clowns and moons as sister junior Brianna Young on Sunday, April well as other drawings 3, freshman Maryah Young relaxes at home before opening it to after completing her daily chores. “There’s less drama without Facebook,” Young said. a sheet of paper. He “You can hang out with your family more.” picked up the pen and

By Aleksandra Milewski started a new drawing.

While the majority of students spent their time on Facebook or Twitter, Ellis refrained from all types of social media.

“I don’t need that self assurance and instant gratification in having everyone know what I’m doing every waking moment,” Ellis said.

Freshman Maryah Young agreed with Ellis, saying that she’d rather spend her time doing other

things.

“I’d rather go outside or listen to music and actually hang out with my friends,” Young said.

While Ellis did not approve of social media, he did find that it offered benefits.

“The cool part is that you can talk to someone all the way in China and have their response within seconds,” Ellis said.

Even though he admitted the benefits, Ellis found that the downside of stunting social skills outweighed the benefits.

“Communication in person is now lacking because it’s all done over the computer or on the phone,” Ellis said. “Our grandparents are the best at talking to people they’ve never met before, but our generation can’t do that.”

Young also discovered that social media interfered with her friends’ face to face communication.

“I think they spend too much time with it,” Young said. “Sometimes I hangout with someone and they will get on Facebook and ignore me the whole time.”

By Paige Hamilton

Students share their distractions due to social media Senior Kaitlyn McGuire (pictured above) logged onto Twitter after finishing her Spanish test on Thursday, March 31. Several other students around her followed suit, starting a conversation with one another.

Students like McGuire used Facebook and Twitter to communicate with friends and family all over the world.

“The best part about Facebook is that I can keep in touch with the people I don’t get to see everyday, mostly my family,” McGuire said.

Freshman Dyllan Culp also used Facebook to stay in contact with people, but for a different reason.

“I use it to talk to my friends about stuff we can’t talk about face to face,” Culp said.

While criticizers of social media suggested that it crippled social skills, McGuire thought that she could enjoy the sites without allowing them to take over her life.

“I think for some people their whole life is on the Internet, but for me it’s not,” McGuire said.

Culp agreed with McGuire, saying that social

media did not affect his social skills.

“It doesn’t affect my face to face communication skills,” Culp said.

“I’m able to maintain a conversation.”

While McGuire did not think that socialAbove Hanging out with friends after class izing over the Internet on Thursday, April 7, freshman Dyllon Culp consumed her whole life, (second from left) looks at the updates on she did find it took up his Facebook. “I just use Facebook when I am bored and to joke around with friends,” Culp time.

By Ally Garton “It’s a pretty big dis- said. traction, especially when doing homework on the computer or in class when you have it on your phone,” McGuire said.

Despite the fact that social media interrupted her studies, McGuire still found it beneficial.

“It’s kind of like a digital scrapbook,” McGuire said. “They keep track of all the funny pictures and moments that happen in life.”

By Paige Hamilton

“My thoughts because tests are boring.” freshman Nickolas Harper

Facebook

Non-comformists stray from networking sites

WHAT DO YOU DO BEFORE THE FIRST BELL RINGS?

A glance at news throughout the world

Libya becomes led by violence

Dominant Retreating rebel fighters crowd into the back of a pickup truck leaving Bin Jawwad, Libya, after encountering stiff resistance from loyalist forces on Tuesday, March 29, 2011. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times/MCT)

his citizens because of his campaign of violence.

“He is abusing his power,” Robertson said. “He doesn’t really deserve to be ruling.”

The western allies put Operation Odyssey Dawn into action. They targeted Gadhafi’s military resources including tanks, radar warning systems, missile launchers and communication centers.

The United Nations gave permission for countries to use all necessary force to protect the citizens of Libya from Gadhafi’s actions. With those privileges granted, the U.S. and its allies took violent measures.

“I honestly think that it is making matters worse,” Robertson said. “They are using more violence but that is only going to lead to harder relatio ns.

By Kelsey Barrett

Right wing sweeps seats

The famous song lyric, “hide your kids, hide your wife” made Huntsville, Ala. resident Antoine Dodson a star in August 2010. Dodson expressed his anger to the media about the invasion of his home and the safety of his sister, Kelly Dodson.

He warned the perpetraAbove Unintentional YouTube star, Antoine Dodson got tor “we got your t-shirt, over 70 million hits for his autotuned Bed Intruder song. you done left fingerprints Screen capture By Lauren King and all.” He went on to inform people in the area to “hide your kids, hide your wife, hide your husband ‘cause they’re raping everybody out here” due to the rapist on the loose. The original newscast aired July 29, 2010.

Two days later, viral video producers The Gregory Brothers published an auto-tuned song from the report by manipulating the pitch of Antoine’s voice to create a melody. The song increased in popularity as it reached over 75 million views on YouTube by March and earned the title of the top-viewed video of the year.

“It is really catchy,” junior Alex Harper said. “I know every word to the song and just sit there hitting the replay button.”

Antoine worked with iTunes to sell over 1,000 copies of the single, splitting the profits between himself and the company. Antoine used the money to move his family out of the projects.

“He became famous on accident but it worked,” Harper said.

“Millions of people now know his name and problems he has faced just through one song.”

By Kelsey Barrett

The results of the midterm elections on Tuesday, Nov. 8 gave the Republicans control of the House of Representatives. Republicans easily picked up the 39 seats needed to take power of the Above Incoming Speaker of the House Rep. House. The Democrats John Boehner salutes the floor of the House remained in control of chamber on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 in Washington, D.C. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca the Senate.

“When the Republi- Press/MCT) cans became the majority of the house, I wasn’t surprised,” freshman John Beck said. “I feel as if the House is always fluctuating between Democrats and Republicans.”

Voters took note of the Republican campaign, which emphasized scaling back government and negating President Barack Obama’s agenda.

Following the pattern of many states that shifted from Democrat to Republican leaders, Kansas also elected a new governor, Republican Sam Brownback. The amount of Republicans elected in all regions of the country reflected the frustration Americans felt about the economy.

“I think that it was bound to happen,” Beck said. “People want immediate change and when that didn’t happen, they think voting for new people will fix the problem.”

The House elected Republican Rep. John Boehner of Ohio as the Speaker of the House. He continued to express his party’s goal to downsize the government and undo President Obama’s executive accomplishments.

By Katherine Beck

Above Christina Aguilera sings the national anthem before the start of Super Bowl XLV where the Green Bay Packers face the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, February 6, 2011.

(Louis DeLuca/Dallas Morning News/MCT)

“What so proudly we watched at the twilight’s last gleaming,” or is it “so proudly we hailed”?

Singer Christina Aguilera did not seem to know the difference during her performance of the national anthem at the Super Bowl in Dallas on Feb. 6. She mixed up words when repeating one verse and leaving out another.

“I thought it was funny, but kind of sad in a pathetic way,” junior Regine Payne.

Aguilera defended herself by expressing her love for the country and that the true spirit of the anthem still presented itself.

“She is a professional singer, she should have been more prepared,” Payne said.

By Kelsey Barrett

Actor Charlie Sheen makes news with antics Warner Bros. Television fired actor Charlie Sheen from “Two and a Half Men” on Monday, March 7. In a letter to his lawyer, the studio dismissed Sheen due to destructive public behavior.

“I think it’s right for him to get in trouble because it shows people that just because he’s a movie star, he can’t get away with everything,” sophomore Abby Ostronic said.

Controversy surrounded the actor’s extreme partying and raging public battle against his bosses, especially producer Chuck Lorre. Warner Bros. cancelled production on the remaining eight episodes of the show’s eighth season.

“I like [Sheen] on the show, but my respect for him as a (Francis Specker/Landov/MCT) person went way down,” Ostronic said.

By Katherine Beck

Pastor Terry Jones put on trial

Above Pastor Terry Jones tells members of the media he’s going to burn Qurans at the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Wednesday, September 8, 2010. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/MCT)

Pastor Terry Jones sparked an international controversy with his plans to burn the Koran on his church property in Gainsville, Fla. He intended to burn the religious book on the 9th anniversary of 9-11, titling it “National Burn a Koran Day.” “You shouldn’t burn a religious book,” junior Tara Brinkoetter said. “It starts more trouble rather than fixing anything.”

Although Jones never burned the Koran on the anniversary of 9-11, he followed through with his plans months later on Sunday, March 20. Jones held a trial and found the Islamic book guilty of “crimes against humanity.”

“I’m a big advocate for people practicing what they want and being what they want to be.”

Brinkoetter said.

By Katherine Beck

“I get to school and sit in a group of friends to talk before the five minute bell.” sophomore Juliana Ayala

Antoine Dodson receives top-viewed title

“I run out of the locker room from zero hour and rush to class.” sophomore Carter Jardon

Singer Christina Aguilera flubs anthem

“Before school I sit around talking to friends just to hang out.” senior Austin Henrich

Libya’s president for over four decades, Moammar Gadhafi, followed through with attacks directed toward the civilian population, a tactic prohibited by international humanitarian law. The citizens of Libya retaliated as a result of Gadhafi’s harsh leadership. They believed overstepped his boundaries as a leader. The United States made the decision to intervene on Saturday, March 19.

“It is good to see them rebelling and trying to get rights, but they are going about it in the wrong way,” sophomore Trace Robertson said. “Violence is never a good option.”

The U.S. allied itself with France and Britain to execute attacks on Gadhafi’s forces in order to protect the people. Government officials said they had legitimate reason to believe Gadhafi was a threat to

Dominant Prince William and Kate Middleton share a kiss on a balcony at Buckingham Palace after their wedding in London, England, on Friday, April 29. (Abaca Press/MCT)

WHEN WAS A TIME YOUR WERE SAVED

BY THE BELL?

Additional news that appeared throughout the year

Two billion people tune in for The Royal Wedding “A freshman who I don’t like tried to ask me out, but then the bell rang.” sophomore Jessica Dominguez

As a Rolls Royce Phantom IV pulled up in front of Westminster Abbey in London, England on Friday, April 29, thousands of cameras began flashing, the owner of each hoping to get the first picture of the bride in her wedding dress.

The dress belonged to Kate Middleton, who married Prince William Windsor as billions watched around the globe.

“I got up at 4 a.m. to watch it with my mom,” sophomore Gracie Presley said. “Then I watched with [Physical Education teacher Sara] Haub as they said the ‘I do’s’.”

The Royal Wedding commanded the attention of the world, with over one million people visiting London for the wedding and another two billion watching on television. “[My mom and I] always watch weird news stuff that happens,” Presley said. “My mom’s obsessed with royalty.”

Between the decorations, food, clothes and music, the wedding cost about $ 35 million.

“I thought her dress was a big disappointment,” Presley said. “I’d thought there’d be more bling.”

Betsy Wendorff

“When I was taking a test, the bell rang and I got to finish it after school and got more time to study.” junior Matt Eber “When the bells aren’t working, you don’t have to worry about getting to class on time.” junior WhitneyWalsh

Terrorist Osama bin Laden captured

Aftermath of Arizona shooting

Miners live months in the dark

Japan rebuilds after earthquake

After 10 years of searching for Osama bin Laden, the leader of the terrorist group Al Qaeda and the mastermind behind the 9-11 attacks, the Navy SEALs shot him in the head at his safe house in Abbottabad, Pakistan on Monday, May 2.

In a speech confirming the death of bin Laden, President Barack Obama said that “justice has been Above Residents of Abottabad, Pakistan, said done.” He also warned Americans of they believed the two men who were hiding the possible retaliations to come.

Osama bin Laden were either smugglers or “His death is providing closure gold merchants. Details emerged Tuesday, May 3 about the compound where a U.S. to all those who lost someone in the Navy Seal team killed bin Laden early Monterrorist attack,” junior Sarah Gonzales day. (Saeed Shah/MCT) said.

Within 24 hours of his death, the Navy buried bin Laden in the ocean due to Islamic practice and tradition. However, many believed that the government planned a conspiracy surrounding bin Laden’s death due to the lack of proof. “[Following Islamic tradition] was a very dignified and respectful move,” Gonzales said. “I don’t think that this is a conspiracy because Obama is our commander in chief, and he has no reason to lie to us.”

The death will be remembered as a major event in history.

“People will always remember that the U.S. killed Osama bin Laden because he killed thousands of us,” Gonzales said. “He got what he rightfully deserved.”

By Paige Hamilton

On the morning of Jan. 8 Jared Lee Loughner donned sunglasses and a hood as he approached Representative Gabrielle Giffords outside of a Tucson, AZ supermarket. Loughner took out a .9-mm pistol Above Photographs of Congresswoman and opened fire.

Gabrielle Giffords, (D-Ariz.) and U.S. District In the aftermath of Judge John M. Roll were displayed at a memorial in front of the University Medial Center the shootings, Giffords in Tucson, Arizona, Sunday, January 9. (Gina was one of the 13 Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times/MCT) wounded, sustaining a critical shot to the head. Nine were killed, including a federal judge, one of Gifford’s aides and a nine-year-old girl.

“It was really sad,” junior Jacob Kidney said. “It was so random and unfair.”

Loughner was mentally unstable and had posted videos online about illiteracy rates and brainwash methods. He also had a blog and had posted a “Good-bye Friends” message hours before the shooting.

Giffords made a remarkable recovery following the shootings.

She relearned how to walk and talk with the help of daily three hour therapy sessions and, despite not remembering the shootings, has no other problems with her memory.

By Betsy Wendorff

After enduring 90 percent humidity and constant darkness, on Oct. 13 33 miners took a breath of fresh air for the first time in two months.

Following a rock collapse on Aug. 5 in the San Jose Mine, 32 Chilean Above Rescue workers sing Chile’s national men and one Bolivian anthem with Chilean President Sebastian man were thought dead Pinera and and Luis Urzua after the rescue operation at the San Jose mine, near for 17 days.

On Aug. 22, rescuers Copiapo, Chile, on October 13, 2010. (Alex Ibanez via Abaca Press/MCT) drilled a hole roughly the size of a grapefruit and discovered all of the men still alive. The small hole was used to pass food, water and Bibles to the miners.

The men were trapped for 69 days before engineers were able to deploy the escape capsule, Phoenix, down to where the miners were trapped, roughly 2,050 feet below the surface.

“People were really nervous to see if they would come out okay,” sophomore Cierra Patterson said.

The miners approached the surface through Phoenix one by one, the first reaching the surface just after midnight and the last freed around 22 and one-half hours later. After the final miner exited Phoenix, Chilean president Sebastian Pinera along with the miners and their families sang the Chilean National Anthem.

By Betsy Wendorff

A 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck Japan on Friday, March 11, creating a 23-foot tsunami that traveled over 20 miles inland. Dozens of aftershocks hit the island and continued until mid-April. Widespread destruction killed more than 13,000 people and left thousands more missing.

“This was such a shock because this earthquake killed so many people,” senior Logan Vincent said.

“It just seemed like Japan was on top of the world and then this crisis hap- Above A scene of destruction left by tsunami in pened.”

Kamaishi on March 13, 2011.

The earthquake caused instability (Yomiuri Shumbun/MCT) with the country’s nuclear reactors, as radiation leaked from the plants. This forced thousands to move away and led to radiation poisoning.

People around the world collectively donated millions of dollars to the aid of Japan, which assisted in the rebuilding process as the nation attempted to overcome the devastation.

“I’m glad that they are now rebuilding and moving on and have the means to do so,” Vincent said. “It’s going to take a while, but I think they are going to be okay.”

By Paige Hamilton

Dominant Crying after her daughter ran away, Mrs. Bennett, played by senior Asia Yates, is consoled by her sister on Tuesday, May 3. “Having an audience was fun because they kept my energy up by laughing and it kept me motivated to stay in character,” Yates said.

By Katherine Beck

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU HAVE A CLOTHING MALFUNCTION?

Director Jon Copeland adjusts Jane Austen’s novel them made it easier to understand Jane Austen’s language,” Mackey said. “He definitely stayed true to the time period. He found the balance between making the time period real and making it identify with the audience.”

Junior Malayia Reece, who played Charlotte Lucas, agreed with the difficulty of the lines because of the setting of the play, England in the 1800s.

“Most of [the lines] were really lengthy,” Reece said. “The words would get all mixed up in your head because we wouldn’t normally talk that way.”

Because Copeland wrote the script, he highlighted his favorite parts of the story.

“I wouldn’t say I improved it, because how can you improve upon Jane Austen?” Copeland said.

“But it emphasizes the parts of the characters that I liked. I emphasized the humor and the warmth of the family in the interactions between them.”

Reece enjoyed the character development Copeland added.

“All of the characters had a good amount of depth and were all funny in their own way,” Reece said. “They all had a sense of drama to them also, so it was a good balance. I thought his script was perfect.”

By Allie Love

Above Elizabeth Bennet, played by sophomore Allison Mackey, reacts to her mother’s wish for her to marry her cousin on Wednesday, May 4. Mackey experienced the challenges of playing the lead role in Pride and Prejudice.

“I had to memorize a ton of lines and I had to make sure my character was likeable at all times,” Mackey said.

By Marcia Ebb Above Introducing herself to Elizabeth, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, played by sophomore Hailee Windsor, quickly reveals her arrogant personality on Wednesday, May 4. “My character’s very prim and proper,” Windsor said.

“She’s very rich and likes to let people know about it.”

By Katherine Beck

“I would go get my gym clothes and change into them.” freshman Natalie Beashore

Above Elizabeth Bennett, played by sophomore Allison Mackey, accepts Mr. Darcy’s proposal on Wednesday, May 4. “I’m super proud of myself for getting the kissing scene down because when we practiced it, we did about 20 takes because I kept laughing in his face,” Mackey said.

By Katherine Beck Right Kitty Bennett, played by sophomore Misty Adkins, concentrates on reading after learning of her sister’s disappearance on Wednesday, May 4. “Sometimes it’s hard to stay in character,” Adkins said. “My character’s pretty much the exact opposite of me.”

By Katherine Beck

The lights dimmed and a scene change ensued at the end of Act II on Thursday, May 5. The dark silhouettes of the stage crew could be seen as they rotated the sets constructed by assistant director Jerry Howard. Howard created seven different scenes that all fit on the stage, but also managed to stay true to the time period.

“The sets felt like the period but they were theatrical and colorful too,” director Jon Copeland said.

Howard used his art and construction hob- Photo by Marcia Ebb bies to his advantage when designing the sets.

“I like that part of it,” Howard said. “Not just getting to paint, but combining it with building. That just makes it double fun.”

Both Copeland and Howard were driven to make the sets great for the show.

“We got more and more ambitious with the set because we wanted to make it as good as the kids’ acting,” Copeland said.

“We had to make choices because we couldn’t do everything, but almost always we said, ‘let’s go for it.’”

The risks they took paid off. Howard received compliments from students on the sets he created.

“I think when the students can look and see the work that’s been put into the things that are around them, they take more ownership of them,” Howard said.

By Allie Love

“I awkwardly try and cover it up, usually turn bright red and walk away.” freshman Emily Meier

Jerry Howard shares his creations

“I would call my mom or try and cover it up with another piece of clothing.” sophomore Courtney Felshaw

A thermos and walkie-talkie in hand, director Jon Copeland observed from the eighth row in the Little Theatre at dress rehearsal on Tuesday, May 3.

He periodically interrupted scenes to make adjustments to the actors’ and actresses’ lines. Copeland decided to create a script based on Jane Austen’s classic novel, Pride and Prejudice, after reading five to six unsatisfactory scripts. “[The versions I read] just left out some of my favorite parts,” Copeland said. “At least if I write it, I get to choose what stays out and what stays in.”

After nine weeks of rewriting and working on the script, Copeland was pleased with the final product performed at the show on Thursday, May 5.

“I don’t think I would have been as satisfied [if I had not rewritten it],” Copeland said. “I felt a kinship with Jane Austen too, not that I talked to her ghost or anything, but I felt she would approve.

I was paying tribute to her and the great stuff she did.”

Rewriting the script challenged Copeland. The dialog of the time period particularly did so, but sophomore Allison Mackey, who played Elizabeth Bennet, thought he successfully adjusted it.

“The lines he chose and the way he tweaked

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOUR LOCKER COMBO DOESN’T WORK?

Students venture out of Shawnee’s perimeters

“I keep trying and then I look up my locker combo to make sure I have the right one.” junior Elaina Brower

The bright sun flashed in senior Jerica Leiby’s face as she walked down the bustling main street of the downtown arts district Westport on Sunday, May 22. The smells coming from the bars and cafés on almost every corner permeated the humid midafternoon air.

“It has the city feel we don’t get in suburbia,” Leiby said. “And lots of shops that are unique to the area.”

Students found the locally-owned stores and restaurants of Westport, such as Big Dude’s Music Shop, Bunker, and Westport Café, more interesting than the shops in Shawnee.

“I like how a lot of things are independent rather than a chain,” junior Zach Latas said.

Latas enjoyed visiting music stores in the area with junior Kyle Hoener and a group of friends, often staying to browse for hours at a time. He and his friends also enjoyed the casual atmosphere prevalent in the area.

Maria Vannicola explains store credit

The store rang with laughter and acoustic music as people trickled in and out from the busy streets of Westport. Arizona Trading Company (A.T.C.), was one of the many consignment stores in the area. Students could bring in new or gently used clothing, shoes and accessories to trade in for store credit. While many consignment stores priced their merchandise reasonably, stores with older and more unique pieces were considerably more expensive.

“The prices really depend on the store, some are cheap and some are really pricey,” sophomore Maria Vannicola said.

Students enjoyed the atmosphere and the changing selection of items.

“It’s much more unique, not like Target around here,” Vannicola said. “Everything is one of a kind.”

By Aleksandra Milewski

“It’s more open, and the people are more open,” Hoener said.

Though they enjoyed visiting Westport, making the trip became a difficulty for some students due to a lack of resources to get there and the distance from their homes.

“I wish the public transportation [to Westport] was a little better,” Hoener said. “It’s a little hard to get down there.”

Students were also unable to go to some of the restaurants and clubs in the area due to age restrictions.

“There are a lot of things we can’t do because we’re underage, which is a little annoying,” Leiby said.

Despite some setbacks in going to Westport, students enjoyed the general atmosphere of the area.

“It’s a nice setting outside of school,” Leiby said.

“I like the cool bar feel and all the hipster places.”

By Aleksandra Milewski

“ I don’t really ever have to worry about it, because I always get it on the first try.” junior Stephen McCabe

Right Looking through a kaleidoscope, junior Zach Latas shops on Sunday, May 15, a store in Westport known for its wide range of products such as incense, records and clothing. “I like the peaceful and happy atmosphere,” Latas said. “But it does smell funny in there.”

By Carly Granato Far Left Enjoying a cupcake, sophomore Jillian Mullin takes a break in the Westport Café on Sunday, May 22. “The coffee shops are all unique and it’s not something you usually see,” Mullin said. “It’s almost like I’m not in Kansas anymore.”

By Aleksandra Milewski

Senior Dylan Floyd shares his tattoo tales from Freak’s Why did you decide to go to Freak’s Tattoo in Westport?

[A friend and I] were going to get one in Panama over spring break, but they were way overpriced. So I called all the tattoo parlors in the area and [Freak’s was] able to get us in.

What is the atmosphere like in the tattoo parlor?

On the outside it looks a little sketch, but they keep it nice in there. You just kind of jump right into it when you get there.

“I have my friend try to open it.” junior Tyler Sheridaan

Did the tattoo artist at Freak’s do a good job?

It took a lot of ink, but they did a good job. There aren’t any blemishes or anything.

Would you recommend Freak’s to anyone else?

I would definitely recommend it. They were very professional and did a great job.

Dominant Looking at a few of the books set out on display, junior Kyle Hoener looks around at the odd variety of items It’s a Beautiful Day contains. “[The most interesting thing] there was a wrestling magazine and a polka album with 54 of polka’s greatest hits,” Hoener said.

By Carly Granato

Above Taking a break from her walk around Westport, senior Jerica Leiby looks at clothes at Bunker on Sunday, May 22. “I like the unique shops down there, and it’s nice to walk around with friends,” Leiby said.

By Aleksandra Milewski Left Strolling down the main street of Westport, sophomore Jillian mullin and senior Jerica Leiby walk towards the Westport Café on Sunday, May 22. “I’m kind of picky about food, but I like all the litte cafés [in Westport],” Leiby said.

By Aleksandra Milewski