May 2016 by jcredblack

Red & Black Newspaper 5.10.16 • Volume 85 • Senior Issue Jefferson City High School Jefferson City, MO

Peace out, JC

The things we will miss about JCHS “I will miss getting dressed up for school dances and being with my best friends.” -Hannah Gerard

“I will miss the pep rallies because it was always fun hanging with your friends and being rowdy for your school.” -Courtney Fitch

“I will miss my friends because I’ve formed close relationships with everyone throughout high school.” -Makenzie Slater

5.10.16//SENIOR ISSUE

...and the things we won’t miss about JCHS “I won’t miss all the stairs, because since I’ve been injured it’s hard to get around on crutches.” -Mick Thomas

“I really won’t miss the schedule. I couldn’t focus on my classes and really give all my effort to each class.” -Joel Breedlove

“I won’t miss lunch because the food never filled me up and no one understood that there is not a line.” -AJ Howard

www.jcredblack.com 5.10.16//SENIOR ISSUE

Most Likely To... Become President of the U.S.

Sam Goeke

Be the next Dr. Phil

Andrew Warbritton

Become a professional athlete

Destiny Woods

Win the lottery and lose the ticket

Joseph Hartman

Work at Google

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JT Bohlken

Live in a different country

Camilla Ryan

Get a divorce by the age of 25

Dave Rogers

Cure cancer

Become famous

Emilie Carafeno

Break some type of world record

Brooke Berendzen

Own an exotic animal

James Luther

Die in a zombie apocalypse

Kent Uhlmann

Erich Wegs

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glo ups Many students have “glo’d up” over their time here at Jefferson City High School. Whether it be a growth spurt, better fashion decisions, or a fresh haircut, many of the seniors are graduating better looking than they were.

Jordan Rosner

“Mom I swear, this was a phase.”

Alexandra Lewis

“You’ll regret not dating me in high school.”

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Adam Weaver

“Eat big to get big”

Michael Ray

“New phone, who this?”

Lindsay Greene

“I turned my 6 upside down, if you know what I mean”

www.jcredblack.com 5.10.16//SENIOR ISSUE

The teachers who changed us Ms. Beth Miller

Years at JCHS: 26 Classes: AP Statistics, AP Calculus ABII, Intro to Geometry Why she teaches: “Being a brain surgeon did not work out.” Why we appreciate her: “You can tell Ms. Miller is very passionate about what she does and knows her stuff. She is also clutch because she tells us what’s on the tests.” -Hunter Swanigan

Coach/Mr. Curt Yaeger

Years at JCHS: 26 Classes: AP Calculus AB-1, Algebra 1B, Math Analysis/Trig Why he teaches: “I like working with kids, and it was a job that put math and coaching together.” Why we appreciate him: “If I didn’t have Coach Yaeger in my life I would have failed every math class at JCHS.” -Jacob Boss

Mrs. Beth Dampf

Years at JCHS: 9 Classes: Intro to Music Theory, Chorale, Concert Choir, Jazz, Pop, Rock Why she teaches: My mom and dad were both teachers and my older siblings were all music teachers. It seemed as if that was my destiny.” Why we appreciate her: “Mrs. Dampf has the unique ability of making music enjoyable for everyone.” -Jason Myers

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Mrs. Rhiannon McKee

Years at JCHS: 6 Classes: BioLit and Medical Terminology Why she teaches: “Teenagers are so important to our future and I happen to really like spending time with them.” Why we appreciate her: “She pushed me to become drum major this year, and has been a valued mentor.” -Lunden Brent

Mrs. Courtney Parker

Years at JCHS: 7 Classes: AP US History, World HistoryWorld Foods, AP US Government & Politics Why she teaches: “So I can teach students how to break the rules at historical sites and not get arrested.” Why we appreciate her: “She connects with her students.” -Joey Hartman

Mrs. Debbie Schmidt

Years at JCHS: 15 Classes: Advanced Placement English Literature, Pre-AP English Literature Why she teaches: “I many teachers who made a difference in my life and I wanted to do that.” Why we appreciate her: “She’s been very supportive and understanding, even when I’m not the best student.” -Heaven Black

Mr. Aaron Gillam

Years at JCHS: A long, long time Classes: Psychology, ED Psychology Why he teaches: “Lifeguarding was just a summer job... and I have always wanted to be a teacher.” Why we appreciate him: “Mr. Gillam always makes Psychology interesting and I learn a lot from it. #gillamisfreudreincarnated.” -Joel Pashi

www.jcredblack.com 5.10.16//SENIOR ISSUE

Letters from the Seniors

Dear Underclassmen, Everyone in high school dreams of being perfect, of doing everything, of being popular. I mean, it sounds great. High school is supposed to be one of the best times of your life. You’re meeting people, making friends, having fun. High school is full of opportunities. Or at least, that’s what’s expected. But let’s be serious for a minute. There’s a lot of things about high school that stink. A lot. You’re meeting people that hate you, making enemies, having the most stress you’ve ever had. High school is full of disappointments. It’s impossible to think about my time in high school without thinking about the good and the bad. Maybe there’s no way to end this on a positive note, but I can say this much: the one piece of advice I’d give to anyone in high school is that whatever happens, remember every single person you meet and every single thing that happens to you. It’s going to shape everything about who you are, and without both the good and the bad, it’s going to be pretty boring. Moving forward, Daniel Gernander

Dear Underclassmen, The main thing I would pass on to underclassman is to not be afraid to step out of your shell. Whether its joining a club, going to a sporting event, or going to a dance, it is worth the effort. With a big school like JC, there are many people you can meet and get to know. I have met good friends of mine that I met in my junior and even senior year just because I got involved in clubs and school events. The process might be awkward and difficult at times, but I feel like it’s an important part of the high school experience. Also, don’t get mad at lunch when an upperclassman cuts you, its not middle school anymore and there really is no line. So go out, meet people. Talk to the upperclassman. At JC, its easy to find people with common interests. You just have to be willing to go out and find them. Sincerely, Brandon Christian

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Dear Underclassmen, You may be intimidated by everyone around you. I promise the upperclassmen won’t eat you alive. Most will even become your friends at some point. You will step on a couple toes, but you can make it easier on yourself. Don’t make a line at lunch. It just doesn’t work. Stop trying to make it work. Trust me. Whatever you do, do not play on your iPad while walking in the hallway. If you take any piece of advice at all, take that one. Always use your common sense and always be kind. People will have bad days, it’s a given. I promise if you go out of your way and give someone a compliment in the hallway, you’ll make their day.

Best of luck, Jenna Massie

Dear Underclassmen, Luckily for you, I was forced to write a letter providing you with advice for the rest of your high school career. I have a word limit, so I’ll make it simple. My biggest piece of advice to you all is this: if there is anything you’ve been wanting to do, do it NOW. Senior year is the year for completion, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until the August of your graduating year to start enjoying yourself. The big kids aren’t lying when we tell you that 12th grade is busy and we have too much on our hands. The longer you put something off, the less likely to are to do it later. So start going after the things you want the second you finish reading this letter. High school flies by much faster than you’d think. Don’t leave this place with any regrets.

ADVICE COLUMN

“Don’t walk slow in the middle of the hallway. That’s a good way to get shoulder checked.” Yours truly, -Lucas Jessica Edoho Sochinski

Dear Underclassmen, My biggest piece of advice to you is to stay focused on school and grades from freshman year, day one. A lot of students run into the problem of goofing off freshman and sophomore year and then when they begin to look for colleges or what they want to do after high school during their junior and senior years, they are unable to do what they want because of their low grade point average or ACT score. Of course, high school is supposed to be a fun time and a time to be a little reckless...but maybe choose to not let your grades be the things that are wrecked! Sincerely, Emilie Folz

“It gets better.” -Keran Nkongolo

Dear Underclassmen, Get involved. Whether it is joining the Medical Club, being a part StuCo, or “Trust me, you participating in a sport, do your can function on best to get involved at JCHS. less than four Extra curricular activities are hours of sleep a the best way to meet friends night.” that will last a lifetime. The -Michaela time commitment isn’t always Thomson easy but when you look back on your high school memories in a “If you ever few years, the time spent outside need help don’t of the classroom at Jefferson be afraid to City High School will be your reach out to best. Everyone has the ability to others.” be involved in something; go to -Anish the Friday night football games, Patel attend the school dances, and make sure you get a team for the dodgeball tournaments. Sincerely, Jack Pervinich

“Just do your homework and don’t procrastinate.” -Brenda Murillo

www.jcredblack.com 5.10.16//SENIOR ISSUE

most embarrassing moments... “During a softball practice a coach hit a ball high in the air and as I was running backwards to catch it, I hit the fence, flipped over it, and ended up breaking the fence with the ball then hitting me in the back.” -Katie Tambke

“One day I was leisurely walking around school when someone decided to tell me there was a huge hole in the back of my jeans.” - Mara Busch

“During a Saturday band practice I never drank any water and passed out on the field. I was in the hospital for two days.” -Landon Schwartz

“My most embarrassing moment was at prom when I realized I did the same dance the entire prom.” -Pavel Glebov

“Coach P left me on the Katy Trail during a practice. I didn’t have a shirt or phone. I had to go up to a random stranger and ask him if I could use his phone to call my mother. No one noticed I was gone.” -Austin Baker

“Sophomore year when Zach Brooks told me to lean back in my chair during reading discussion and I fell.” -Matt Buzard

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and most memorable moments

“My most memorable moment was when Evan Wilde locked me in a locker and Sierra Tackett got me out.” -Evonne Wilson

“My most memorable moments were cheering on the football sidelines.” -Amelia Garrison

Jay Debate congratulates

Delaney Anderson, Delaney Brunk, Kyle Craft, Steph Rauba, and Jonathan Satterfield!

www.jcredblack.com 5.10.16//SENIOR ISSUE

Jacob Worsham

“Red and Black has made my high school experience so much better. May we meet again, fam.”

Erica Overfelt

“The people to the left and right of me are my besties, and they sorta laughed at my jokes, so that’s cool too.”

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Mackenzie Allen

“The people I met on staff are now my really good friends. We’ve all made memories I know will last forever.”

“They keep me laughing and laugh at me 24/7, but it’s really okay.”

“Together we make a family, and family is everything”

Megan Newton

Brenna Duncan

“I met some of my best friends through Red and Black and I would not have wanted anything else out of it.”

“I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for the Red & Black. I can truly call them my family.”

Claire Shipley

Dalton Wheeler

“We are all dysfunctional and crazy but in a good way. If I could describe us as a whole it would be like the TV show Friends.”

“Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.”

Madeline Moats

Taylor Johnson “Newspaper taught me that it’s not about ideas or whose idea it was, it’s about making ideas happen. That is what we all accomplished.”

“I never knew you could have so much fun with reporting, and I never knew several strangers could become your best friends in less than a year.”

Brandon Eigenman

Ainsley Grey

www.jcredblack.com 5.10.16//SENIOR ISSUE

Midnight Rendezvous Marcullus Court Court Sarah Martin

Court Natalie Vance

Queen Unique Allen

Court Nicole Martin

Court Ellie Severance

A letter to our senior staff...

ecause the time we have to say goodbye draws nearer, we as underclassmen are left reflecting on how much time has passed and how much time we have left. While we still have time left to go until we leave the school, your time has finally arrived. Four years of sitting through classes, eating lunch in the cafeteria, and roaming the halls is all worth it now, and we are so proud of all eleven of you for making it to the end of your high school career. Without you, this newspaper wouldn’t even be half of what it has become over the past year. At the beginning of the year, we started from nothing, with a blank design and an idea, and now we’re wrapping up our eighth issue in this new style. You all have worked relentlessly to make Red

& Black better than ever and to set precedents for years to come. No matter what happened, you helped us pull together and work through whatever we were facing. You have been a source of daily inspiration and a helping hand to all of us, and we will miss your familiar presence in the room. When we think about our memories, we not only remember hours spent working together to publish something we’re proud of, but also hours spent laughing and bonding as a family. Now, it seems crazy that it’s already May. It feels like just yesterday we were having our first work night of the year, or learning how to sell ads, not submitting our last issue to be printed. From Brandon strutting across the stage at Mr. JC to Erica almost catching a car on fire, the memories we’ve made here

will last forever, even if your time at the school is up. As you leave the newspaper in the hands of a new class, we want you to know we’ll strive to continue the amazing progress we’ve made together to make Red & Black the best it can be. We’ll do our best to make you all proud, just as you have made us proud, and will continue to beyond the walls of JCHS. After you walk out of the building for the last time, we can’t wait to see what kind of great things you do in the future. Just remember that we’ll always be behind you, and if you ever feel the need to come home, we’ll be waiting here in Room 141.

Sincerely,

your underclassmen

WHERE THE FUN BEGINS

Special offer for Jefferson City High School Students and their families Bring this ad and get a multi-purpose ticket for $15 Multi-purpose ticket is good for: 1 go-kart ride at Gran Rally Go-Karts 1 round of mini-golf at Putt-n-Stuff’s Gran Expedition mini-golf 1 ride on the Viper Bumper Cars Ad can be used for up to 5 people Offer available on Weekdays only - Monday through Friday Offer expires Oct. 1, 2016 Located at Osage Beach Pkwy in Osage Beach Phone: (573) 348-2012

2015-2016 school year

Did you see a good movie? Read an interesting book? Hear a great song that’s stuck in your head?

Stop by room 141 with your suggestion.

Veronica Townsend

ver the 2015-2016 school year at Jefferson City High School, a lot of changes were made. Many felt that the new ten-block schedule did not work; students had to deal with double the amount of classes and homework from last year. Mobile classrooms were added to deal with the demand of academies and more students. The academies continued for their second year, which were a semi-success. The concept was good enough to continue but was condensed down from seven to three academies. A reserved parking system was put in place to help with the overcrowding of parking lots, but students had mixed reactions based on their parking assignments.

LIFEGUARD-JCYMCA.ORG LANDSCAPING-ALLSEASONSMIDMO.COM CAMP COUNSELOR-TURKEYHILLRANCH.COM SWIM INSTRUCTOR-JCYMCA.ORG BABYSITTING-CARE.COM GOLF CADDY-TURKEYCREEKGOLFCENTER.COM TUTORING-TUTORZ.COM CAR WASH-KWIKKARMO.COM DOG-WALKER-CARE.COM MOVIE THEATER-GOODRICHQUALITYTHEATERS.COM HOUSE SITTER-HOUSESITTER.COM

Inside the school, we saw the fine arts programs and sports programs thriving. JC Riot had a successful Mary Poppins themed season. The Addams Family musical had the audience dying from laughter. Band had a victorious season. JCHS sports were highlighted with a record-breaking wrestling season. They earned second place at state. JCHS sports also gained a Super Bowl champion, Sylvester Williams, and Jefferson City gained a Women’s National Basketball Association champion, Maya Moore. Overall, though the school year was not perfect, students made the best of the 20152016 school year at JCHS.

[graphic by Brooklynne Propes]

www.jcredblack.com 5.10.16//ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

A&E in one word... What does it mean to be a Jay? The Jefferson City High School community was asked to describe what it means to be a Jay in one word. These were some of their responses.

Abbigail Gierer

Accomplishment Dedication

Family Passion Tradition

Pride

Loyalty Trust Enthusiasm

Excellence

Unity

Success

Teamwork Courage Triumph

5.10.16//ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Head TO Head

Can’t beat the classics

Originals vs Sequels

Maddy Bergstrom

Sequels continue the hype of the original

Kaylee Klosterman

he original song is always better than the remix. The original book is always better than the fanfiction. The original bubble gum flavor is better than the cinnamon. The original brand is better than the knockoffs. The original cartoons, such as Pokemon, Teen Titans, and Scooby Doo, are all better than their remakes. This formula also applies to movies, where countless times we see the story become drawn out and repetitive as movie after movie is released with the same title and a different number. There are many movies that were meant to stand alone, and would have been better off so, but now find themselves followed by two, three, or even four sequels. Many find themselves begging producers to make a second movie, and even sometimes getting angry when they’re left on a cliffhanger. But that simply adds to the magic. Great movies leave you wondering and thinking about them for days after, but this never seems to be the case with the sequel, where you only find yourself disappointed. The most prominent [photo by Brooklynne Propes] example that comes to mind is the 2004 release of Mean Girls, a movie that can be heard quoted on a daily basis. However, the only thing that could be said of Mean Girls 2 is “that’s sooo original,” in the most sarcastic of tones. It may be an extreme, but the best example of overdone sequels goes to 2Fast2Furious, Fast & Furious, Fast & Furious 5, Fast & Furious 6, and Furious 7. The list of unoriginal sequels goes on: Cinderella II, Mall Cop 2, and I think we’ve all had enough Frozen to last a lifetime. In contrast, The Breakfast Club and Inside Out are all fantastic original movies that stand alone. Leonardo Da Vinci didn’t paint the Mona Lisa II, just as Gustave Eiffel and Stephen Sauvestre didn’t build a second Eiffel Tower. The most beautiful works of art have the ability to stand alone, and are better at doing so rather than being tainted by sloppy seconds.

ry and tell me that you do not beg for a sequel after seeing your new favorite movie in theaters. There is no argument there because we all do it. Of course some sequels are trash and could have been better, but that doesn’t mean sequels should completely be thrown out the window. Many, many times the sequel is better than the original. Again, I am not saying that is always the case, but just think about it. The James Bond 007 series has produced more than twenty movies over the last fifty years and the list of awards nominated for and earned continue to grow rapidly. If James Bond isn’t your cup of tea, then maybe Bring It On is. Bring It On has produced five movies from the year 2000 to 2009. The Fast and Furious series currently has seven movies and is going on eight, which broke ticket sale records and carried us through the death of Paul Walker. The list of sequels continues to go on and on. A lot of people believe that sequels ruin the original movie or that the original movie is the best one and should be left at that. While those people are completely entitled to their opinion, I completely disagree. Sequels give you the opportunity to watch your favorite movie again, but with a twist. Also, sequels allow you to get attached to the characters. We’ve all seen that heartbreaking tragedy where we get completely attached to a character and by the end of the movie we are dying to see what happens next. Well, sequels allow you to move past the tragedy of one character and become attached to another. Whether or not it is how you pictured the ending, sequels provide an answer to how the previous movie ended so that you can see what happens next in a character’s life instead of leaving you hanging. As said before, not all sequels are good, but not all originals are good either. As a teeneger who watches a lot of Netflix, I can genuinely say that there are numerous scenarios where I will only watch the sequel to an original. Part of being human is wanting more, which is why it is completely normal for us to crave the next big thing or in this case the next movie, so why shouldn’t we get what we want?

www.jcredblack.com 5.10.16//OPINION

OPINION

Summer assignments: Needed or evil? Ariana Pauley

s school comes to a close, everyone breathes a collective sigh of relief. The ACT’s have passed, finals are almost over and the seniors are gearing up to graduate, leaving the underclassmen with only a week left to bear - except for those taking advanced placement and honors classes. These students sit in the corner, staring at the manila envelopes that have been plopped onto their desks that will condemn much of their summer fun to be filled with introductory units and essays. Summer assignments entail either taking time out of your plans to work or leaving them for the weeks or days before the start of school. There are cons to both situations. In the case of the former, students may take the initiative to work during their first

weeks of freedom and finish their assignments early, meaning they will file it away and not touch the content for a month or more. This puts these students at a disadvantage because much of the information they learned can easily be lost over such a large period of time. In the latter situation, students begin to cram in information in order to finish by the first day of school. In this case, performance suffers under such stressful time constraints. Points may even be lost on the assignment due to the rushed effort put into it. It is understood that teachers hope to introduce their first units during the summer to give their students a jumpstart on the school year, but when multiple teachers are all hoping to do the same thing it can feel like a

giant burden. Students look forward to summer from the time they walk in the front door on the first day and having that precious free time taken up by multiple assignments can discourage them from taking advanced courses at all. It could be argued that if students are worried about summer assignments then they should take less of the courses that require them. However, this only limits their potential in their academic careers. In order to compromise and bridge this gap, teachers should lessen the work load handed out to students during summer break and keep in mind that if a student is enrolled in one advanced placement class, chances are they have more on their plate.

The issue of gun control and gun rights Gillian Burks

ecently, a Jefferson City school bus was hit by stray bullets. Thankfully, no children were harmed in the process, but the event does bring forward a heated topic of debate. Gun control arguments have been gaining popularity in recent years. Every coin has two sides, just as there are two very different sides of debate over gun control; The extreme of one side being that guns are an unneeded part of our lives that only cause destruction, the other being that we are entitled our right to bare arms and are thereby giving up part of our freedom in giving up our guns. A common argument made for strict gun control laws is that it lowers the rate of gun violence. In the year 2007, Missouri repealed one of its gun control laws which made consumers able to purchase a gun with no permit and no background checks, only the money was needed. According to a study held by Professor Daniel Webster, there was

a spike in lethal violence, from 2008 to 2012, at least 60 more homicides a year were caused by gun violence. Some people argue that the right to bare arms is a liberty bestowed upon us by the Bill of Rights, but the Bill of Rights is an example of various rights that were changed because they no longer made sense in society. We also used to not let women vote, but then we changed that because we grew with time and realized it was an outdated thing to do. Strong supporters of gun rights point to situations in which an armed citizen was the savior. Just last year in Kansas City, an armed robber attacked a Spalitto’s pharmacy, but was forced to flee as the pharmacist retrieved his hand gun. To deny citizens the right to guns is to deny them the right to feel protected and safe in their own lives. If we are banning guns, then we are also banning recreational activities such as hunting and firearm related sports.

“Assault weapons” is a strong term for something used for recreational activities. Also, gun owners aren’t the only ones benefitting from firearm sales. In a 2011 study, there was a total of 7.7 billion dollars made in the United States on firearms, firearm accessories, ammunition, and hunting equipment alone. Both sides of the coin have their strengths and their downfalls. In any debate, such as this, there needs to be a middle ground. A place in which gun control does not reach the point of infringement on a citizen’s ability to feel safe in his own home, while not allowing the mass population to acquire lethal weapons whenever they feel like it. Guns hold their benefits and should be purchased with the correct requirements, extensive background checks, and owner’s permits should be required. Everything in moderation, finding a safe middle ground is a necessity in creating a safe society.

5.10.16//OPINION

Mathias in a word...

Remembrance Bracelets: If you would like a bracelet, contact Elizabeth Lehmen at (573)-694-8568. Bracelets will be ordered per request. $2.00 each

www.jcredblack.com 5.10.16//IN-DEPTH

In-Depth

[photo by Madi Baughman]

JCHS remembers Mathias Bennett Ariana Pauley Megan Cassels

efferson City High school junior Mathias Bennett died on April 4 in a single-car automobile accident. Junior Khristian Layton Estes was passenger and sustained serious injuries. Mathias’ sudden passing left the school and community with heavy hearts and the memory of a young man regarded as kind and loyal by those closest to him. “He was the kind of person that would give his shirt off his back for you. He loved everyone,” Dawn Bennett, Mathias’ mother said. Mathias is remembered by some for his genuine friendship, and closer friends referred to him as a brother or family. His peers describe him as adventurous, loving, honest, faithful and spontaneous.

“He was a very honest, faithful friend,” junior Elizabeth Lehmen said. “You could always count on him to have your back against anything.” Mathias’ interests mainly included automobiles. His mother expressed how he was very drawn to his mechanics class. He was in the Auto Technology program at Nichols Career Center. He also carried this passion with him into the summer time. Last summer, Mathias was involved in Figure Eight Derby racing and had plans to participate in it again this year. “He wanted to do something with cars. He knew what he was doing and he definitely had a career ahead of him with that,” said Lehmen. He enjoyed spending time with friends. Estes spoke of one of his favorite memories with Mathias. “We went out to the land that my family owns, and me and his sister were sitting in the back of his blazer.

It’s real rough out there,” said Estes. “So Mathias decides to say ‘whatever’ and guns it through the hills, throwing me around and up to the middle of the seat. After we were done, he said it was fun.” Lehmen, along with junior Morgan Bunting, organized the selling of bracelets in Mathias’ honor to help his family with expenses. The bracelets feature Mathias’ initials and his date of passing on one side, while the opposite side displays a favorite quote of his: “Only God Knows Why”. As JCHS transitions into summer months, the memory of Mathias is carried with his family and friends. Mathias’ mother calls on all of his peers to be cautious of their driving, especially in regards to speeding. “Watch your speed,” Dawn Bennett said. “ We have speed limits for a reason; you’ll get there.”

5.10.16//IN-DEPTH

A day in the life of a sub

tudents walk from class to class in their daily routines and see teachers they interact with and learn from everyday. On certain occasions, those teachers are gone and in their places are the substitutes that keep the classroom running in the regular teacher’s absence. The experience the students have when a substitute is present is discussed often, but a point of view that is not explored as much is that of the substitute themselves. Even though it seems to students that a substitute’s experience begins when they walk into the classroom, it can actually start much earlier. Specifically as early as 4:30 a.m. according to Nicole Schaben, a teacher who substitutes often for JCHS and is employed through the Kelly Employment Agency. “A JCHS teacher that needs to be gone for a day or more enters the dates into the online system and the assignment appears to all subs employed through the Kelly sub assignment web page,” Schaben said.Substitutes interact with many

people throughout their day and these interactions can either help or hinder. “I am working with several people between the students, faculty and support staff. They all bring a sense of uniqueness that is needed in order to get the job done.” Karen White, a newer substitute teacher who began subbing for JCHS in early March said. “JCHS has given me the most positive experience and I really appreciate all that everyone does to make that happen.” The benefits of a substitute teacher include part-time work, new scenery and experience that employers are looking for. “Substitute teaching is the best way to get your foot in the door because school faculty get a chance to witness your dependability, rapport with students and ability to teach,” Schaben said. Once substitutes begin their classroom day, they will have an idea of what to expect from the absent teacher’s prepared lesson plan. “This really varies depending on the plans left by the absent teacher. It

Ariana Pauley

could be putting a video for each class or actually carrying out detailed lesson plans.” Schaben said. In either case, the experience of a substitute teacher can be determined solely by the students they teach. “I’ve been very impressed with JCHS. The students are very good to work with and I think that they are courteous and respectful,” White said. “This makes a day for a substitute so much easier all around.” Substitute teachers are being depended on to sometimes pick up an entire lesson plan and run with it on short notice. Under these circumstances, substitute teachers are being judged much like students feel they are judged in a teacher’s absence. “A teacher being away from their class means that the teacher is expecting their students to follow the expectation of JCHS and set a good example of that expectation,” White said. “When this happens I feel that I have met the expectation that the teacher has for me, leaving me with a good experience.”

Jays bid farewell to Asst. Principal Wilson Madi Baughman

new schedule is not the only change students at JCHS will be experiencing when they walk down the halls next year. This year, we say farewell to assistant principal Dr. David Wilson, who is retiring after working at the school for seven years. During Wilson’s time at JCHS, his daily work as an assistant principal has never ran along a constant schedule. He believes his daily duties fall into two categories of work: instructing leaders in the building, or being a

building manager. Whether he’s planning a meeting or sitting in on a lesson, no two days are exactly alike. “There’s not a ‘normal’ day,” Wilson said. “We do whatever needs done.” Before working at the school, Wilson originally planned to pursue journalism as his career, and has always participated in journalistic opportunities on the side. However, he decided to take the path of education instead, and plans to continue being involved with education even after retirement, whether it’s substitute teaching or just helping out at the school.

As Wilson considers his final days at the high school, most of what he remembers are people that he’s had the privilege of working with or teaching. In his opinion, the physicalities aren’t what stick out to him - a school is made up of people, and it’s the people of JCHS that he will remember the most. “I want students to know that in many ways, your life is what you make of it,” Wilson said. “I know that everybody has hard times, and things can be difficult, but at the end of the day, the only person that can make your life happy is you.”

www.jcredblack.com 5.10.16//FEATURES

Features

Below: (from left to right) Sabria Hendricks and teammates Ronisha Mondaine and Amarielle Allen finish their performance strong in the ending line of steps as they leave the gym floor.

[photo by Veronica Townsend]

[photo by Madi Baughman] Above: (from left to right) Jahvaria Boyd and team captain Sabria Hendricks display syncronizatitoin in their team dance.

[photo by Madi Baughman]

Above: Amarielle Allen, a member of the step team, shows off the team’s well rehersed dance.

JCHS step team gets into formation Veronica Townsend

veryone who tries to move like Beyonce finds it difficult. Where can students try to learn the queen’s moves? The hip hop and step team at JCHS has got the students covered with the Beyonce formation. They perform at all the assemblies and practice every day. “My favorite part of the step team was Beyonce’s ‘Formation’,” junior Quiana Young said. During assemblies, they start with their hip hop routines, and then move to their step routine. They integrate both hip hop and step with their stroll in and out, step moves, to hip hop music. At practice, the team tries to make a family atmosphere

with keeping the mood light with funny jokes, homework help and life lessons. “I like how we are all like a big family on the team,” junior Amarielle Allen said. “We argue, we fight, we say mean things, but at the end of the day we love each other.” Although most assemblies go without a problem, the speakers went out during their Marcullus Assembly performance. The team kept going, but it was hard for the students to hear the music. After the Lincoln Day and ACT, the team was given a chance to redeem themselves. “Kind of disappointed when the speakers went out, but there is nothing you can do about that,” sophomore Amy Naaman said. “They did pretty good

about picking it right up after that happened.” In August, any student in grades 9-12 can try out for the team in room J215. Anyone that goes needs to prepare a one to three minute dance and/or step routine, have a grade/behavior sheet completed by each of their current teachers, and an interview. The team encourages people to not be afraid to try out and to have fun. “We have an amazing talented team of young men and women,” team sponsor Lauren Patrick said. “I love their drive, their motivation to dance, and their spirit. We had an amazing year, and I am proud of the team and their performances.”

5.10.16//FEATURES

Lincoln Blue Tigers getting ready to roar Veronica Townsend

incoln University is creating the loudest roar in Jefferson City with their athletics. Lincoln has many programs like basketball, track and field, tennis, baseball, and softball. Lincoln wants more Jefferson City High School athletes to have the eye of the blue tiger. This year, the track and field and basketball teams have strived. Lincoln track and field has the 2016 coach of the year and are the Women’s Division II Indoor Track and Field National Champions, and the men’s and women’s MIAA Indoor Track and Field champions. The success comes from recruiting high school athletes that are not the top of their sport and coaching them to their peak. The basketball team has had a lot of firsts this year with the first winning season since 2001-2002, the first postseason since

1986-1987, and the most conference wins since 1981. The firsts came from the young team gaining chemistry quickly. “The kids are determined to keep the tradition going,” track and field head coach Victor Thomas said. “I hope our kids do their best with no injuries and hard work.” Some rebuilding teams at Lincoln are tennis, baseball, and softball. The tennis team is trying to keep six players on the team. The softball team is trying to keep the mood light with funny chants to the batters. The baseball team is trying to play a complete game against a tough conference. “Although we are not having a great season right now, the group of guys we have is probably the best experience I have had and is something I will

Records: A year in sports

cherish the rest of my life,” outfielder and JCHS graduate Jackson Weaver said. Although Lincoln is near JCHS, most JCHS student athletes go elsewhere. The few JCHS graduates at Lincoln have enjoyed their experience. Most Lincoln coaches are wanting to recruit more JCHS athletes and to work more closely with JCHS. “Most people have not ventured across to see what Lincoln has to offer,” Intern Athletic Director and head basketball coach John Moseley said. “A better Lincoln means a better Jefferson City.” For a photo gallery go to www.jcredblack.com

Kaylee Klosterman

www.jcredblack.com 5.10.16//SPORTS

Sports

Athletes discuss pre-game rituals Makenzie Baldwin and Brooklynne Propes

hen it comes to sporting events, a common topic of conversation tends to be how the players did, what the scores were, or how well the team did as a whole. But what about what goes through the mind of an athlete right before each game? “The zone” is a common term referring to the place where athletes’ minds go while they are focused on getting their minds right before a game. “I’m usually thinking about what I have to do to win and making sure I do everything right,” junior Adam Huff said. Huff has been playing football since kindergarten and currently plays on the varsity football team. The locker room is one of the most common places for athletes to get pumped up before a game. The atmosphere and encouraging attitudes help athletes get in their right mindset before their sporting events. “Being around the other players when they are all pumped up makes it easier for me to get motivated too,” junior Gaven Strobel said. Strobel currently plays on the varsity baseball team and has been playing since first grade. Some athletes have specific pre-game rituals that they do in order to help them get in their zone. Whether it is in the locker room or somewhere around town, some athletes find specific things they like to do before every game to help them get their minds ready. “I go through the same routine of

putting my uniform on in the same order. I always put my shoes on with the right shoe first, then left,” senior basketball player Seth Stegeman said. Stegeman says focusing on doing whatever he can to help the team is what motivates him. Going out to eat with teammates and listening to music is also a very popular activity that athletes do to get themselves prepared for games. Several athletes listen to specific playlists to get them in their zone. “Cameryn, Bailey and I always go to Subway and blast the music in the car on the way there and back,” junior volleyball player Madisyn Stone said, “When we get to the locker room, we turn the radio all the way up and just dance around.” Another factor that plays a part in how athletes get pumped is what team they are playing against. Athletes tend to get more in “the zone” when they are the “underdog” or when they are facing rival teams. “Cheerleaders from rival teams pump us up because we want to be better than them,” junior cheerleader Katelyn Hackman said. Hackman has been cheerleading for eleven years. Although athletes have several different ways to get in “the zone”, they all work toward the same goal.

5.10.16//SPORTS

Paint The People Brooklynne Propes

JCHS Latin Club hosts Latin Banquet A Maddy Bergstorm

dorned in tunics, togas, and ivy wreaths, the students of Jefferson City High School’s Latin Club gathered in room 301 on April 30 at 6 p.m. and began their Roman festivities with a chariot race. “We are going to be watching bloodsport and eating a lot,” senior Chris Fitch said of the event, as the students tried to make it as authentic as possible. The Latin Banquet took place on the third floor of JCHS in George Vellios’ room with six members of the club, two “slaves” or student volunteers to

help with the event, Magistro Vellios himself, and English teacher Tucker Snider. “I’ve [attended] every year I’ve been here, so this is my seventh year,” Snider said. “It’s a really cool thing I like to support. Mr. Vellios [and] the students put a lot into it.” After the entertainment, the students entered the Triclinium (room 306) for a four course meal that the students themselves made. The feast began with Roman deviled eggs and was concluded with various fruits and nuts. “ab ovo usque ad mala or from eggs to apples was Roman for beginning to end,” Vellios said.

The students reclined on raised tables surrounded by Roman style paintings and masks that previous Latin students made in past years. After the feast, there was the reciting of poetry, and four of Vellios’ Latin students passed a musical instrument known as a lyre as they recited verses from the Odyessy of Homer in Greek. “It is a great experience and get together among people with a common fascination of the ancients and a chance to try some new food,” junior Jimmy Chen said. “A pretty good way to spend a Saturday night, if you ask me.”

www.jcredblack.com 5.10.16//NEWS

News

Senior citizens throw back to Prom

Makenzie Baldwin

enior Citizen Prom is the one time each year when senior citizens and the students of Jefferson City High School can gather and share dances, music, and conversation. Jefferson City High School’s Student Council hosted their tenth annual Senior Citizen Prom on Saturday, April 30 in the high school’s cafeteria. Each year, the Student Council members provide food and refreshments, invite Kapital Kicks to play live music, and select a Senior Citizen Prom king and queen. Ten years ago, it was AP US History teacher, David Gale’s first year being a sponsor for student council. The members of his council were eager to do something for the school that had never been done before. “They challenged themselves to begin doing Senior Citizen Prom and I think they did a really good job,” Gale said. Gale and his wife have attended every Senior Citizen Prom since it first began. This event continues to be carried out

with the help of the current Student Council advisors and members. Chad Rizner, current Student Council advisor, says his favorite part of the event is to see the interaction between the students and senior citizens. “To just see the nostalgia in the older people’s eyes is something that I think is really special,” Rizner said. A current member of Student Council, Jessica Edoho, was the one in charge of setting up and going through with the event. Edoho is the head of the community service committee in Student Council, which is the committee that puts on Senior Citizen Prom. “I would say this is my number one favorite event that Student Council does. Interacting with the older generation is something that I really enjoy,” Edoho said, “Getting to participate in planning it and getting to see what goes on behind the scenes is probably my favorite part of it all.” Not only is Senior Citizen Prom a place for students to interact with an

older generation, but it is a time for the older generation to interact with each other. Some groups of senior citizens return each year for the same music and atmosphere. Polly Dinning, former Senior Citizen Prom Queen, has attended every Senior Citizen Prom since it first begun. “There really is nothing bad I can say about the event; I like it all. There is always good music and good people,” Dinning said. Another person who has been attending Senior Citizen Prom for several years is senior citizen Joe Laprise. Laprise says what keeps him coming back to the event each year is the children and their willingness to interact with the older generation. “My favorite part of the whole thing is dancing with all the kids,” Laprise said. Senior Citizen Prom is something that Student Council plans on continuing each year. It is a free event and the Student Council advisors encourage anyone who is interested to feel free to attend in the future.

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[photo by Kaylee Klosterman]

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[photo by Kaylee Klosterman}

[photo by Makenzie Baldwin]

5.10.16//NEWS

Your guide to the 16-17 school year! Every student next year will have an iPad for schoolwork. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget yours at home!

7:50

! arts ol st

o - sch

& man ugh trom i Ba gs Mad y Ber d Mad

Rather than the past alternating 7:55 and 8:25 starting times, school will begin at 7:50 everyday. Make sure sure to set your alarm!

5:00

Instead of 6 minutes to get to class like in previous years, students will have 5 minute passing periods to maximize learning time. Make sure you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get left in the halls!

Thanks to our sponsors! Silver Sponsors: Canteen Vending Services, Candlewood Suites, Castleparke Properties Bronze Sponsors: Louis & Kaeleen Maylander, Mainline Fire Protection, The Hatfields, The Pauleys

Basic Sponsors: Joe Machens Capital City Ford Lincoln, The Boyz, Thomas Hatfield Productions, 5-6-7-8 Dancenter

www.jcredblack.com 5.10.16//SPOTLIGHT

As we bring the school year to a close, I’m left thinking about how everything has played out for us. For students in every grade, the year was an unforgettable one. Through ups and downs alike, we loved and lost together as a student body. No matter who we are or what we did, each of us made an impact of our own. To the underclassmen: With the schedule changing again next year, it may seem like the adjustments will never end. We’ve been through a lot of changes over the past few years, but we’ve survived them, and we can do it again. I believe in us! To the seniors: You made it! You’ve reached the end of your high school career, and I’m proud of every one of you. I hope your time at JCHS has been a good one, and you don’t forget the memories you’ve made here.

3 4 4 5 5 6 7 7

SPOTLIGHT

A guide to the 16-17 school year schedule

NEWS

JCHS hosts the Mr. JC pageant A banquet to celebrate Latin Key Club holds Paint the People 5K Students and seniors dance the night away

SPORTS

Get in the game: songs to get pumped up to Ready to roar: athletics at Lincoln A record of JCHS sports over the year

Over the past two years, Red & Black has become my home. I don’t know who I would have been without newspaper, and I am so grateful I was able to join this staff my sophomore year. To me, this is a place where I feel like I belong - like I’m doing something bigger than myself or my friend group. Once you find your home, it changes you permanently - for the better. For everyone, home can mean something different. It can be anything, from a close-knit friend group to a school organization. Maybe to you, it’s the locker room or the Little Theater or anything in-between. To those of us leaving and those of us coming back alike: during your time here, I hope you’ve found, or will find, your home. Have a great summer, JC. - Madi Baughman

9 9

FROM THE EDITOR

CONTENTS 5.10.16

April 12, 2016 Volume 85, Issue 7 Red & Black is a student-led newspaper which serves as a public forum for the school and the community. Opinions expressed in the paper are not necessarily those of JCHS nor the faculty, staff or administrators. These entities do not exercise prior restraint, nor do school funds go towards printing costs of the paper.

Editors: Madi Baughman Abbigail Gierer Brooklynne Propes Gillian Burks Kaylee Klosterman Makenzie Baldwin Website Manager: Veronica Townsend Staff Reporters: Ariana Pauley Maddy Bergstrom Megan Cassels Advisor: Timothy Maylander Jefferson City High School 609 Union Street Jefferson City, MO 65101 (573)659-3193 redblack.jchs@gmail.com

FEATURES

Taking the floor with

hip hop dance and @jcredblack 8 step team 2 5.10.16//CONTENTS

A day in the life of a substitute teacher JCHS says farewell to Dr. David Wilson

IN-DEPTH

Summer assignments: useful, or extra work? The issue of gun control and gun rights Head to Head: originals v. sequels

Students pay tribute to Mathias Bennett

10 12 12

OPINION

A&E

Summer job ideas for students

In a word: what it means to be a Jay The school year in review

Red & Black Newspaper 5.10.16 â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 85 â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 8 Jefferson City High School Jefferson City, MO

From beginning to end

JCHS takes a look back at the year and remembers Mathias Bennett p. 10-11