March 2019

17 April 2019 | Volume 94 | Issue 7

ON THE COVER |

THE NERF WAR

THE Talk | THAT’S TEA

Evaluate different types of teas and their health benefits.

Voice | SHOP SMART Investigate the negative effects of plastic bags on the environment.

whats inside

06

PUBLIC PROBLEMS Students struggle to choose a public bathroom.

15 PLASTIC PROBLEM Shoppers and store aim to cut back on plastic consumption.

NERF OR NOTHIN’ pg.11

06 17

AVOID THE SPRINGING CRAMPING INTO SEASON The best remedies Senior Quentin Carlberg steps up to the plate.

for athletic cramping.

Investigate the positive and negative effects of a LSHS student tradition with photoeditor Renee Haskell, and editor-in-chief Makenzie Kraxberger.

24

LIGHTS, CAMERA ACTION

Connect with us | @jlabmag

hilife.jlabmag.com

from the ONLY GOING UP

LSHS

editor

has taught me so much more than just solving math equations over these past four years.

Growing up in Lee’s Summit has been a privilege to say the least; I have received a phenomenal education and had opportunities other school districts simply cannot offer. However, it is easy to get lost in the faults of our district, when our standard of education is based off of one interpretation of what education is supposed to be.

As with anything else, the district has room for improvement. For example, I think they could expand on options for kids who want to pursue trade schools, or other options directly after high school other than traditional university educations. And of course, there was the lockdown malfunction incident that I believe could’ve been handled quite a bit better, and really made me question the security of our school if a situation were to actually arise. But overall, LSHS has been an excellent school providing an incredible highschool experience and I’m said to be saying goodbye. Newspaper has taught me so much more than just how to write a story, and my staff this year especially has pushed me consistenly to be and do better. This issue, our staff editorial centers on pushing the school to do better. The school has significantly improved their safety measures already, but it can always be better.

STAFF Editor-In-Chief

Makenzie Kraxberger

Managing Editor Audrey Badgerow

Design Editor Tyler Williams

Photo Editor

Renee Haskell

Sports Director Clayton Couch

Content Editor Jordan Turner

Junior Sports Director Mike Smith

Reporters

The 20172018 staff proudly shows off at J-Day in front of Jesse Hall.

MEET JESSICA

Written by: MAKENZIE KRAXBERGER Jessica Winkler is a third Photographed by: RENEE HASKELL year editor who’s conquered Designed by: MAKENZIE KRAXBERGER

Makenzie Kraxberger Editor in Chief

it all. “I was able to branch out and really express myself in three different ways, all while telling the stories of people I love” said Winkler.

Winkler will pursue Northwest Missouri State to further her journalism and education career.

Max Almaguer, Amari Childs, Megan Curless, Izzy DeMarco, Chloe Doak, Leah Haskell, Micaela Helvey, Mackenzie Henks, Makayla Holmberg, Tommy Hicks, Cheyanne Kennedy, Blake Lemon, Alana Makowski, Lilian Mann, Katie McKitterick, Jaeden Miller, Faith Roach, Alana Rogers, Cesar Rutiaga, Daltyn Schafer, Samantha Schierholz, Rachel Schouten, Camera Schulenberg, Bianca Stewart, Veta Wareing, Emma Wesseldine, Lyric Westley, Ava Whitney, Jordan Wilson, Kenna Witske Advisor: Mr. Marc Russell

What we Think

Thoughts from the staff.

all it did was just made the situation worse than it should have been,” staff member Makayla Holmberg.

The false alarm, while the cause remains unknown and although it remains a traumatic event for a large portion of students,

“

Honestly, I think my teacher was more scared than the students,

“

W

hen the muffled voice over the intercom sounded on Tue. Mar. 26, blaring hard lock down activated, an unexpected wave of commotion wiped over the school. While the administration was almost immediately aware of the falsity, students and faculty were left unaware and fearful for their lives.

“I was at Summit Tech and started getting loads and loads of text messages from my friends who were fearing for their lives. The stories I was hearing from them, and from my classmates made me glad that I was not here for that,” online managing editor Jessica Winkler.

The rumor and textmessaging aspect was a variable that provided comfort for some, however for others involved, it was something that made students only more fearful for their lives.

“Honestly, I think my teacher was more scared than the students. While we were in the lockdown though, there were a lot of rumors going around through text and Snapchat, because everyone was texting everyone about what was happening and

assisted in highlighting many of the problems with the current system that is implemented.

“I think that they really need to make sure that all the alarms work because I heard that not all of them went off, and that would be awful if it there were a real case of this.

It probably also made teachers

4 TALK | MARCH 2018 | HILIFE.JLABMAG.COM

Are you content with the how the lockdown was handled?

more prepared,” Kennedy said.

Initially, students and teachers were bothered by the lack of consideration for the trauma they underwent, however, Dr. Faulkenberry and the administration became more considerate and open to hearing their stories.

“I think it was really great of administration to respond how they did, with the counselors visiting with the students and all,” Kennedy said.

15% of staff members said yes Many students found that discussing the events with 85% of staff members said no their teachers, and working through what happened, assisted them greatly.

43 staff members were polled “I think that the teachers were really sympathetic with everything and made us feel like our emotions were validated, because they were there in it with us,” online editor-in-chief Christina Felix said.

“Going through that was very unfortunate for everyone involved, but I am really glad that it got resolved and that administration got everything under control,” Winkler said.

Although the entire situation was equally unprecedented and unfortunate, certain weaknesses have been pinpointed in the system and thus resolved, furthering and solidifying the safety of students and faculty alike.

HITTING CLOSE TO HOMEBOUND W The benefits and negatives of homebound, with reasons ith works with said in the situation of as to why people use it. over teacher for up to five being ill, homebound one

hours a week. The student does all of their assignments at hundred different home or with said districts around the teacher, and once country offering they finish, they give homebound services, the assignments to it is a mystery as to the teacher to turn why most students do in. not even know what it “When a student is. Many districts do goes on homebound, not offer information they have been on homebound until considered by asked, so a student the school board, might not even know which then decides it is an option. if they will benefit “Homebound is from being on a way for us to work homebound,” with students and Hilltop teacher Rachl families where the Aguirre said. student has become Any student that ill in such a way that decides homebound they are unable to may be right for attend school for an them must go to extended period of the school board time,” principal Dr. and give all of their Faulkenberry said. reasons. The school Homebound is an board will then come alternative form of to a consensus on school that allows whether they believe for a student to stay the student belongs home from school, on homebound or but still receive a not. Often times, proper education. The a doctor’s note will student is assigned a increase the odds of teacher, often from a student getting on another school that homebound. is not their own, and “If a student is

becomes a very good option,” Faulkenberry said.

Homebound is not always just for physical illness.

Many students go on homebound for mental illnesses as well. If a student struggles with severe anxiety or depression, homebound is oftentimes a better choice than physically being in school. Even though the school has many different options for students who are struggling in the building, it still is not always the best place to be for a student.

Students need to know about all options in school, considering the amount of injuries and cases of mental illnesses in this country. If a student is struggling with any of these aspects, homebound could be a viable option for them.

Written by: JAEDEN MILLER Photographed by: MAKAYLA HOLMBERG Designed by: MAKENZIE KRAXBERGER

PUBLIC PROBLEMS Students struggle to choose a public bathroom

S

tanding before a door, looking at the figure that does not resemble the correct gender. Though the other door would not be preferable either.

In society, if the more suitable door is chosen many will disagree. This is often the case with people who are uncomfortable defining who they are, and who they want to be.

“I think you would have numerous students who would feel uncomfortable,” Principal Dr Faulkenberry said.

Though this does not give much information about the different issues it does make a point that if one student does not feel comfortable about this change, is it okay that if makes different students uncomfortable.

“Instead of ‘men’ and ‘women’ they should be labeled ‘with urinal’ and ‘without urinal,’ as that would be much more inclusive,” sophomore Veronica Dyer said.

Making the change would make some feel more included and also less uncomfortable when choosing a restroom to go to. It could also cause others to feel uncomfortable as well. Some think that once gender is removed, it may lead to some uncomfortable situations in the restroom.

“I do not see the impetus to do [make restroom changes] at this time,” Dr Faulkenberry said.

If there are no changes to the facilities, or remodeling inside the bathroom, then we can be sure that money is not the issue. To be sure, there would be hurdles, but at least we can be certain that cost is not one. “[Making restroom changes] is not a big issue right now,” Dr Faulkenberry said.

Maybe it is not a big deal now, but it is definitely a big deal to admit to others about being transgender. That is why we should be more inclusive when dealing with bathroom issues.

Entering and leaving a restroom with confidence and comfort should not be limited to individuals who “conform” to norms of yesterday.

“I do not see the impetus to do [make restroom changes] at this time,”

6 TALK | MARCH 2018 | HILIFE.JLABMAG.COM

Written by:LILLIAN MAAN Photographed by: RENEE HASKELL Designed by: MAKENZIE KRAXBERGER

VETA’S VOGUE Fashion column by Veta Wareing.

P

rom is one of the events that everyone looks forward to, but finding the perfect promdress can be so stressful. Walking into the shops and seeing all the sparkles and colors can be overwhelming, and there is even more pressure in choosing just one to wear, especially since they are not cheap.

The type of dress can make or break the evening fun, if the dress requires constant pulling up to prevent it from falling down it will not be very fun to dance in. Which is why I am here to help inform you on the pros and cons of some of the popular styles and cuts of dresses.

The first type of dress is one of the classics, strapless. This style of dress is nice to have if it is hot weather so that there is a lot of ventilation that makes the dress nice and breezy. It draws attention upwards and is overall a cute style. Cons about this dress would be that it could fall down if it is not properly fitted, or would have to be continuously pulled up throughout the night. This can be prevented by trying on the dress beforehand and maybe getting it tailored to fit the individual’s shape.

The next style of dress is is the low cut style this is overall a style that can be loved or hated. The low cut is definitely an eye-catcher and is personally one of my favorites. It also draws attention towards the neck and is always a daring look for the night. Cons about this dress style would be that you could have an accidental slip, but that can be prevented by double sided tape.

Prom can be stressful to get ready for and sometimes even stressful at the dance since it is a new environment and nobody wants to get their new dress dirty or ruined. Hopefully though with this article it makes getting ready for prom a little less stressful in picking out the right dress.

Written by: MAKENZIE KRAXBERGER Photographed courtesy of: CREATIVE COMMONS Designed by: MAKENZIE KRAXBERGER

TALK | MARCH 2019 | JLABMAG.COM

7

DYSLEXIA DYSLEXIA DYSLEXIA DYSLEXIA DYSLEXIA DYSLEXIA DYSLEXIA Investigating the hardships dyslexic students face.

A

student is in front of the whole class answering a math question on the board, they mix up the numbers and embarrassment arises as the class begins to laugh.

“Dyslexia is a term used for a pattern in a person’s learning,” school psychologist Kay Melander said.

This is a common situation for children and adults with Dyslexia. Brielle Magee, a student teacher, has first hand experience with Dyslexia and the troubles that come along with it.

“I was always scared to misspell or switch up things on the board while in front of the class but I have learned that Dyslexia is just apart of me and if I mess up a student can correct me and spell

proof me,” Magee said.

The way she found out about her Dyslexia was during the eighth grade in her advanced math class.

“The numbers in the math equations would move or switch around,” Magee said.

Dyslexia is more common than one would think, one out of every five students has a learning disability which is commonly Dyslexia and over 40 million adults have Dyslexia and only 20 million would ever know. Dyslexia is also not tied to an IQ nor does it affect the amount of effort someone can put into their work.

“I live with it, I once thought it was bad but it’s just apart of me and I have learned to live with it,” Magee said.

Magee does not let her

8 TALK | MARCH 2018 | HILIFE.JLABMAG.COM

Dyslexia bother her and continues to do the things she loves such as teaching her art class.

“I choose to teach art because it is the only class that does not have a specific outcome and increases creativity in the students,” Magee said.

Magee is a devoted teacher who has overcome her fears and is taking the steps to becoming a full time art teacher.

“Lee’s Summit school system this year released screenings throughout k-12 for training and instructions on if the student has a learning disability or not.

Most student in elementary will often come to find they have Dyslexia,” Melander said.

Missouri passed a new

law in 2016 demanding that schools have a better program for students with Dyslexia or who wants to know if they have Dyslexia or any other form of a learning disability.

They now have screenings that can be done to tell whether or not a student is affected by a learning disability. There are also programs you can find online to help students with their Dyslexia that have read aloud books.

Many students never will know if they have a learning disability and won’t get the right help which can affect their school work and mental health.

Written by: MICAELA HELVEY Photographed by: KENNA WITZKE Designed by: AUDREY BADGEROW

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G N I H T O N OR

F R E N

Weighing the losses and benefits of an LSHS tradition.

H

oards of students rush into the streets firing carelessly at each other while disturbed neighbors peek out their windows at the chaos below, a loud battle ensues in the peaceful suburbs. The assailants leave shortly after, leaving only a few Nerf darts behind as they go hunt their next target.

The Nerf war has been a Lee’s Summit student body tradition for nine years and consists of Twitter-based bracketing and battling coordinated by four quadrant judges, typically senior boys.

Teams pay thirty dollars to play and may consist of up to six people, who for one week will go against another team in their quadrant to determine who moves on to the next round. At the end of the war, the winning team receives the majority of the money all the players paid into play, with a small stipend removed for the judges. Though the war is a fun way for students to get involved among their peers, the school is completely disconnected from the war.

“The Nerf war has no relation to the school

Written by: MAKENZIE KRAXBERGER Photographed by: RENEE HASKELL Designed by: MAKENZIE KRAXBERGER

because the school if they had a choice, would probably shut it down because it can lead to problems with the law and stuff that could be considered bullying,” quadrant judge Austin Smith said.

A message from the administration and police department was sent out to all parents towards the beginning of the war, it highlighted that the police had been called due to trespassing and careless driving and asked for these sorts of things to cease.

“They (The Lee’s Summit Police Department and the LSHS administration) told parents the Nerf war can lead to speeding and being out past curfew, and they talked about not bringing guns on school grounds, I don’t know if it was necessary because the rules we outlined state you can’t do these things or you get disqualified, but I do understand

them wanting to inform parents if the parents hadn’t talked to their student that was participating,” Smith said.

The nerf war is also notorious for ‘nerf war beef ’, or tweeting and taunting between teams.

“The nerf war brings a sense of community to the school”

tweets get personal the line between bullying and taunting becomes blurred, two teams specifically this year may have crossed that line. Though the Nerf war can lead to unsafe behaviors or bullying, the judges have a set guide of rules that prevent and disqualifies players who do break those rules.

“There were things being said on both sides

- Josh Nazworthy Nerf Judge However, when

being said that I as a person wouldn’t want to hear so we stepped in and asked both teams to not go there anymore, they could still have Nerf war beef but nothing personal, so we asked the teams to take down specific

JUDGES

JOSH NAZWORTHY

AUSTIN SMITH

NOAH KOONTZ

RILEY NOFZIGER

they keep up with us tweets, but a couple of days later and that draws the community together someone tweeted something that they and provides a sense of comradery,” Smith shouldn’t have, we said. thought it crossed The Nerf war is another life and it a very unique way put me in a place for friends to hang where I felt I had to disqualify them, out, with actions which I didn’t want ranging from waking up at early hours of to because it’s just the morning to sit for fun but I don’t outside someone’s want to negatively impact someone’s life house, to public duels at favorite Lee’s in the nerf war or especially outside the Summit locations.

Nerf war where they “My favorite part of the nerf are feeling down,” war is going out in Smith said. the mornings, and Despite some of the negative impacts following people that accompany the home and getting kills, I loved going to Nerf war, there are the duels too because plenty of positive everyone was there,” effects as well. participating player “The Nerf war Holland Easterla brings a sense of said. community to the The war can school everybody focuses on this one bring more than just friends together, as thing at a time,” quadrant judge Josh even families get Nazworthy said. involved to root on “I participated in their students team. the nerf wars my first “I love the nerf war because it’ll be such a three years of high school, and it’s a very fun memory to have, fun way to hang out I enjoy watching my brothers team with your friends and even getting to and my parents enjoy it because it’s tag along at duels, it’s something I and a lot better than other students look watching TV,” forward to all year,” Nazworthy said.

It can even bring a Emma Perry, sister of sense of community a participant (Tyler even beyond LSHS. Perry) said.

The Nerf war “The Nerf war brings a lot of people is a Lee´s Summit together, people pick tradition that will continue on for years their favorite team and then they kinda to come. go for them, and not just our school but I know Blue Springs and Blue Springs South, West and North follow our war kinda closely,

BSHS and BSSHS, West and North follow our wars closely, they keep up with us and that draws the community together and provides a sense of comradery - Austin Smith Nerf Judge

FACTS FAST

LSHS 2019 NERF WAR REVENUE

$1,600 YEARS LSHS STUDENTS HAVE PLAYED IN THE NERF WAR

9 2

NUMBER OF DEATHS CAUSED BY A NERF WAR NATIONWIDE BEST MATCHUPS

1 2 3

God Squad vrs KS Cooka vrs The Mob Dilly-Dilly vrs TT

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SHOP SMART NOT PLASTIC

Shoppers and stores try and cut back on plastic use.

A

ccording to National Geographic each year it is estimated that 18 billion pounds of plastic waste entered the ocean from the year 2017. The United States produced 100 billion plastic bags in one year.

“We’ve never used the plastic bags at the other retailers, we try to encourage shoppers to reuse the bags they currently have. People use boxes or the reusable canvas bags or the paper bags we have,” Jim one of the managers at Aldi’s said.

Aldi’s is not the only store that tries to keep the numbers of plastic from rising by using more economically friendly ways of carrying purchased items instead of using plastic and encourages others to do the same.

Retail store H&M also tries to be as economical as

possible.

“H&M always tries to be as resourceful and conscious of what materials we use, so that it is as environmentally friendly as possible. We also have a garment donation and when you donate you can get 15 percent off your purchase.

You can bring in up to two bags a day, I’ve seen people bring in bags stuffed full with clothes.” Jared Battle a manager at H&M said.

Stores like Aldi’s and H&M are able to have lower priced items because of the fact that they do not use as much plastic and are more resourceful with the materials they use in the everyday bustle.

“The reason we have people bring their own bags, is so that we don’t have to put the price of the bags onto the product, so we don’t actually charge for bags unless people don’t

bring their own.” Jim said.

At the end of the year there is a total of 300 million ton of plastic that is put in the ocean nationally each year.

Being able to be a part of a community that tries to reduce that amount can be difficult, but finding alternative ways can be tricky especially finding efficient ways to carry the purchased items.

“I would recommend using a backpack to carry your stuff, when I worked at the H&M in Chicago people would use backpacks to carry their items.” Battle said.

Cutting plastic out can be difficult since the world basically runs on it, but if there is an opportunity to use a more environmental way to carry items, it would help the earth just a little bit.

Written by: VETA WAREING Photographed by: MAKAYLA HOLMBERG Designed by: CHEYANNE KENNEDY

PLACES MAKING A DIFFERENCE SAN FRANCISCO: was the first city to ban plastic bags and charges an additional 10 cent fee for recyclable bags making the plastic bag pollution drop by 72% SEATTLE WA: banned retail stores from using plastic bag, but they allow bags that are at least 40% recyclable and charge a 5 cent tax CHINA: has banned plastic bag use in grocery stores and shops, companies face a $1,593 fine for illegal bag distribution KENYA banned plastic bags country-wide, people can face up to four years in jail and a $40,000 fine for using or distributing plastic bags

PLAY | MARCH 2019 | JLABMAG.COM

15

Move Oolong Oolong, Nothing to Tea Here

Written by: JORDAN TURNER Photographed by: JORDAN TURNER Designed by: JORDAN TURNER

Brewing health benefits of tea.

1

Oolong Oolong was originally grown in Fujian, which is a province of China.

Oolong is fermented similar to black tea, however, it is only about half of the degree. Oolong tea can help with weight loss, improve heart health, help prevent diabetes, improve brain function, improve teeth and bone strength, and can help relieve eczema.

2

Green Tea

Green tea is made from Camellia sinensis leaves that are pale in color, and slightly bitter in flavor. It is mainly found in China and Japan. Green tea provides nutrients and antioxidants that improve overall health (protects cells, helps with aging, and helps reduce risk of multiple diseases). It can also improve brain function, increase fat burning, improve dental health, reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, and lower risk of obesity.

3 4

Herbal Tea Herbal tea is made from the infusion of plant materials, herbs, and spices in hot water. Although it is a tea, it does not contain caffeine. Herbal tea improves digestion, helps the immune system, reduce inflammation, is antiaging, relieve stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and is healthy for the skin. It originated in Ancient Egypt and Ancient China.

White Tea White tea also uses Camellia sinensis plants, however, it is used while the plant is still young. White tea has many antioxidants, it reduces risk of heart disease, helps with weight loss, protects teeth from bacteria, lowers risk of insulin resistance, protects against osteoporosis (a health condition that makes bones hollow), fights skin aging, and can help protect against Parkinsons and Alzheimers diseases.

16 PLAY | MARCH 2019 | JLABMAG.COM

5 6

Black Tea Black tea is the most common type of tea. It is completely fermented before drying. It is served without milk or cream. It originated in India. Black tea has antioxidants that help the heart, it can lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and improve focus.

Yellow Tea Yellow tea is similar to green tea in appearance, but it goes through more oxidation and a longer drying period. It can delay signs of aging, has many antioxidants, helps with weight loss, helps with cholesterol, protects liver from diseases, can treat bowel disorders, may help prevent diabetes, helps prevent brain disease, specifically neurodegenerative diseases, prevents tooth decay, and can also extend lifespan. Yellow tea comes from China.

SPRINGING INTO SEASON Senior Quentin Carlberg looks to build his young team from the ground up.

B

all launches off of senior Quentin Caliberg’s bat with a loud crack that echoes throughout the field house. Despite not stepping foot on a baseball diamond Calberg is confident that his team has put in the work.

“This season is definitely going to be a work in progress, it is going to be a build up.

I’d definitely rather be on the field, we have a game on saturday and we have not even stepped foot on the field,” Calberg said.

Coach James Mellody understands his players frustrations about the lack of field time early in the season.

“Despite the fact that we have yet to be on a baseball field due to the weather, and we have practiced entirely in the field house, or the football field we have been getting a lot of work done. Baseball is an outside sport, and the kids like the sunshine on their face and leaving practice dirty,” Mellody said.

Indoor practices have hindered some key drills for the team that could negatively affect them in games. To Mellody indoor practices do not compare to being outside.

“It is the grass under your feet versus the wood floor, it is

the ability to hit fly balls and pop ups. It is the ability to get a live at bat off the mound instead of being in the batting cage. Being in the field house is okay every now and then, but we need to be outside.”

Mellody said.

Calberg believes that he has grown into the leadership role and thinks there are some underclassmen that are ready to make the jump to the next level.

“I definitely stepped up as a leader. We have a couple of young underclassmen that can help the team, Tommy Lock is going to be one of the new developing underclassmen that will bring the team into the next couple of years.” Calberg said.

Mellody faces the challenge of uncertainty as he presses into the season with a new roster.

“I am very curious, I only have three returning players, so I essentially have a brand new team. My expectation is I am anxious to see how they are willing to go and compete. I really do not know what the expectation is until I see them play,” Mellody said.

Catch Calberg and the rest of the Tigers as the compete all spring.

Written by: CLAYTON COUCH Photographed by: RENEE HASKELL Designed by: MAKENZIE KRAXBERGER

“I “I definitely definitely stepped stepped up up as as aa leader,” leader,”

PLAY | MARCH 2019 | JLABMAG.COM

17

AVOID THE CRAMPING

Best advice to avoid athletic cramps from beating performances of athletes.

A

s Johnny Brackins Jr prepares for his race he fears the possibility of cramping and not being able to finish his race.

Right before he gets into his blocks he closes his eyes and is focused on nothing less than getting first place.

“The cramps do not really affect my performance, but after catching one I am usually sore for some days,” Brackins said.

The best way to avoid cramps is to drink stay hydrated and get a fair amount of sodium before doing any activity that requires

athlete to run perform at their top level and a cramp does cause serious pain.

“By drinking a lot of water and eating high amounts of sodium, because a lot of times if you drink too much water you will flush out the sodium in your system,” Brackins said.

Some cramps can be so bad that an athlete cannot run or even walk they the only thing to do is to stretch and get lots of water back into the body so they cramp’s can go away.

“I have had athletes cramp up so bad they could not walk, one person actually fell over like a fallen tree from

cramps in both legs,” head track coach Craig Heeney.

Nutrition is the biggest factor in cramping if athletes do not get the proper amount of water and sodium they will cramp up and possibly not be able to attend their sporting event that day some cramps can take a while to go away.

“Drink water during the school day, proper nutrition, cool down stretch is good after practices,” Heeney said As Brackins gets into his blocks he is ready to run, he has prepared for this race the whole day and is now ready to get first place.

18 PLAY | MARCH 2019 | JLABMAG.COM

Written by: CLAYTON COUCH Photographed by: MAKAYLA HOLMBERG Designed by: CHEYANNE KENNEDY

REQUIRING RUNNING Assessing the physical education requirement.

B

eing required to take PE has many effects on students mental health.

For some students, PE can be a good break in their stressful day, a time to let go and have fun. For others, PE is stressful trying to squeeze into their schedules.

“PE should be required in school because it keeps kids active and in shape,” senior Carson Whitney said.

There is a long standing debate regarding whether or not PE should be required to graduate.

“There are too many overweight kids nowadays. PE is supposed to be fun and playing games, it’s not meant to be stressful, it’s meant to an easy class that is also beneficial to kids health,” Whitney said.

Mental Health plays a key role in students well being.

PE can have a negative and positive effect on students mental health.

“It’s sort of stressful trying to fit PE into my schedule along with the other classes I want to take that will help me with college and my potential career,” sophomore Tia Shrout said.

Being required to take PE can be beneficial to some students at LSHS. “I personally like having to take PE because it’s a stress reliever sometimes.

Instead of sitting at a chair all day in class, I can get up and run around while having fun during school. It’s like recess for high school,” sophomore Megan Lewis said.

Other students say PE can have a negative effect on their mental health.

“I don’t like PE because then I stress about the work I could be getting done but instead I’m in PE,” Shrout said.

Written by: ALANA ROGERS HOLMBERG Photographed by: MAKAYLA Designed by: CHEYANNE KENNEDY

PLAY | MARCH 2019 | JLABMAG.COM

17

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