Hi Life ✳
Volume 96 ✳ Issue 04 ✳ 11.25.14 ✳ Lee’s Summit, Missouri
Contents NEWS
5 Tips to know about staying safe online 7 Choir kids sing their way to state
READERS 8 Devin Mart prides himself in his involvement with LSHS
FEATURES 11 New movies to look out for 13 Recylcing saves the earth 15 Students plunge into action
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TOP STORY 20 Retweets, likes, and comments take over the web
OPINIONS 24 Holly Jolly too overdone?
SPORTS 30 Dalton Souder shares his soccer life POLICY: The Hi✳Life is an open forum to provide up to date and pertinent information compiled by high school journalists. The Hi✳Life is a student led publication. None of the opinions in our publication reflect the views of the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District
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Hi✳Life
From the
Editor
Editors in Chief Megan Terry
Page Designers
Carter Moore Eden Fitzgibbons Annelise Hanshaw Breona Porter
Writers
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nside the walls of high school, people’s personal lives are often hidden from the familiar faces they interact with every day. The bonds students make with each other inside school can only last so long. For me school has been somewhat of a safety net. School is not always fun or enjoyable, but not everything in life always is. Over the past few months I have realized and recognized the benefits of my safety net and the people who surround me there. Take my newspaper family for example. I have met so many high school newbies since freshman transition day; who would have thought they would truly become my family. The support they have shown me has indeed made in impact on my life and where I am today. There are so many things I have taken for granted daily. A place to live, a support system, and good health. I never truly valued these things to their full potential until I had lost them. So here’s my challenge to you. Always look at the bright side of the events that happen in your life. Say I love you to the ones who need it and the ones who already know it. And lastly, simply listen. Listen to the people around you the people you are and are not close to. While you are reading this edition of our HiLife publication, remember to keep your chin up. There are always problems you will face in life, and there are a plethora of people who will listen if you give them a chance. Take it from someone who knows first hand. Megan Terry
Morgan Jenkins Haley Townley Summer Given Angela Lendhardt Dia Sims Sage Young-Streich Gabe Spaulding Jared Shepherd Madie Wylie Alexzandria Fielder Cydney Harris Cristina Herdiz Miranda French Ian Nickens Maddy Antey Amanda Coney
Photographers
Zach Boyle Nick Gardner Amber Gates Aaron Hagan Aaron LaPaz Abby Ault Rylan Gregg Cori Matney Miles Ward Aaron LaPaz Julia Ngega Makenna Nickens Tristan White Zion Marischler Avery Kloth Jaymes Dickinson Kennedy Spaulding Victoria Morrow Alexis Williams Hannah Foster
Sydnee Pointer Matt Rellihan Trevor Martin Mariah Walkenhorst
KayLee Roumas Anna Myers Mack Cooney Aspen DePeralta Johanna Holmberg Elizabeth Marszalek Da’Quon McGee Sydney Roberts Sierra Terry Gabe Thursby Brent Weber Preston Anthony Alicia Wurtz Ava Worthy Molly Goetz BJ Gaunt
Copy Editor
Chance Copeland Grace Rogers Garrett Stroginis
Ads Manager
Payton Seymour
Cartoonist
Sarah Spencer
Web Editor
Jude Spaulding
Advisor
Marc Russell
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NEWS READERS FEATURES
The 411
TOP✳STORY
OPINIONS
Written by Morgan Jenkins
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or the first time in over 20 years, the varsity boys’ soccer team secured their slot at state. The quarterfinal elimination game was played at LSHS Nov. 8 against Kickapoo, with a 1-0 win for the Tigers. The boys proceeded to the semi-finals Nov. 14 at Blue Springs South, beating Francis Howell Central 2-1. The State Championship game, completed at the above venue, found the Tigers with a 5-4 win against Chaminade. One penalty kick away from a state title, captain Romen Peña scored and triumphed. “Everybody really bought in this year; everybody really believed we could win a state title,” Pena said.
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Photographed by Sydnee Pointer
t is turkey time, as well as time to turn back the clocks and turn in yearbook orders. This year, placement orders end Dec. 12 and online ordering concludes Jan. 9. So, what does the dough go towards? In terms of yearbook aesthetics, students can look forward to colossal photographs, captivating design, and creative feature stories. “The photographs are awesome: I have fantastic photographers,” yearbook advisor Karla Thompson said. “I also have strong writers who have really embraced what feature writing is for the yearbook.” Not to mention, each student’s beautiful smile and/or grimace that will flatter every page. The yearbook distribution will be similar to last years: students shall be dismissed by lunch shift and will retrieve their yearbooks from the Field House or B gym. The tentative delivery date is May 4, but the schedule may shift due to EOC testing. Save the date, save Photographed by Amber Gates the page.
Upcoming Events Nov. 26-28 No School- Thanksgiving Break Dec 2. Poetry Coffee House (6 pm, LMC) Dec. 9 Winter Choir Concert (7 pm, PAC) Dec. 13 ACT Testing (8 am, B Building) Dec. 19 Early Release- Winter Break 4
SPORTS
This Month
Written by Morgan Jenkins
Check this out
Song of the Month Shake It Off Taylor Swift- 1989 Influences: For her first purely pop album, Swift racks in the listens with this retro chart topper. The songstress has cited late 80’s pop as her inspiration: from Phil Collins to Madonna, the smooth vibes roll from one decade into the next. It has spent 12 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. Album cover provided by Big Machine Records
Android app of the Month Autumn Wallpaper Cost: Free Description: Let the spirit of fall surround, or at the very least, live on a phone screen. This app allows scenic escapes of autumn leaves and forest photographs to be at the tips of one’s fingers. Users can even modify the speed and size of the leaves that drift across the screen. Apple app of the Month Candy Crush Soda Saga Cost: Free Description: This novel game from the Candy Crush creators has 140 levels that include vivid graphics and neon candy/soda combinations. Players can sync their games between mobile and tablet networks, as well as compete with friends. Quotes of the month “Thanksgiving, man. Not a good day to be my pants,” Kevin James. “Thanksgiving is an emotional holiday. People travel thousands of miles to be with people they only see once a year. And then discover once a year is way too often.” Johnny Carson
Hi Life ✳
Volume 96 ✳ Issue 04 ✳ 11.25.14 ✳ Lee’s Summit, Missouri
About the Cover Cover design by Julia Ngega “In social media, like is the new love,” Ngega said.
Interact with us
Questions, Comments, or Suggestions? We would love to hear them.
Twitter: @jlabmag Facebook: LSHS HiLife Instagram: @jlabmag On the web: jlabmag.com
CInternet A + Safet y U TION S CAUT
Hi✳Life
Written by Alexzandria Fielder Photo by Hannah Foster Design by Carter Moore
he logs onto a website that her parents have forbidden her to go onto. She talks with a boy that she does not know. He asks her if they can meet. She says yes. They meet the next day, and she figures out that he is a lot different than his profile on the Internet. This is one of the reasons why parents and teachers are protecting teens from going on certain websites. This is one of the many reasons why we have Internet safety. “There are a lot of programs online and many people who are malicious and students need to be aware of who is on the Internet and protect themselves from danger” personal finance and computer apps teacher Shannan Booth said. Internet safety was made
to protect teens from going on certain websites and meeting someone they have not met. “Internet safety is knowing to not post any personal information about yourself on the Internet. If you don’t want your parents, friends, or pastor to see what you wrote on the internet, don’t put it on the internet, because what’s up there is up there forever. Also a great thing to do to block out strangers is to block their messages and sites secured” Booth said. What Internet safety does is not only block out strange people on the internet, it also helps stop bullies from ruining a young
adult’s life. Cyberbullying is when someone bullies someone on the Internet instead of doing it face to face. Most teens
“If you are being cyber bullied, report it immediately and print all of the evidence” -Booth would try to handle it themselves and keep their problems to themselves away from parents, friends,
and teachers. “If you are being cyber bullied, report it immediately and print all of the evidence of the bullying” Booth said. The internet can be fun to go on, chat with friends, and make new friends, but it can also be dangerous. There are reasons why parents and teachers teach about the dangers of the Internet: to keep personal information and people safe and
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away from strangers “There is also a great resource to go to. If you go to www.NetSmartz. org you will learn all about the safety and dangers of the internet” Booth said.
C N O I T U A C
I T U A
NEWS READERS FEATURES
Gender Equality
New club brings a fresh outlook
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enior Marisa Gates walks down the hall, constantly hearing people call her a ‘Feminazi’ and being told that she will ‘never find a boyfriend if she keeps it up.’ Everything she does seems to be compared to the same feat by a man, and she is seen as a weaker person just because of her gender. It is time to stand, she decides, and she walks in to start another discussion in the Gender Equality Club. “Contrary to popular
TOP✳STORY
OPINIONS
thought, feminists are not all lesbians hoping to take over the world,” copresident of the Gender Equality club Marisa Gates said. Gates, along with Madison Pugh, started the Gender Equality club this year, under the sponsorship of English teacher Diana Lehman. “Madi and I were having a sleepover, like we do weekly, and we decided that we needed to start a club to promote equality here at LSHS,” Gates said. It has been proven through research that schools with women’s studies courses do better, so Gates and Pugh wanted to bring that success here. “It was not difficult to get the club started,” Lehman said. “Marisa put together an awesome proposal and
SPORTS
the administration was very supportive.” Nowadays, feminists are often shown in a bad light, thinking that they believe in women’s superiority, or dominance over men. “Feminism is good for the world because it really helps everyone. It helps men, trying to rid the ‘macho’ stereotype as well as other stereotypes.” Gates said Gender equality is often an issue that is seen as
not important; it is brushed under the rug by lawmakers to make way for the “more important” issues. “It really isn’t simply gender equality, our club has come to more equality in all aspects of the word, not simply women and men, but equality.” Lehman said. Written by Carter Moore Photographed by Aaron Hagan Designed by Annelise Hanshaw
Choose RED. of all Lee’s Summit teachers have a degree from UCM.
ucmo.edu/ced
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Hi✳Life
The Real Pitch Perfect Choir students represent the school by performing in a top Missouri choir
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very audition is rough, especially when you have to do what you have been practicing for in the tiny minutes given, which took more than weeks practice. “The audition process is always very difficult when you have a bunch of students who really go for something,” choir teacher Chris Munce said. The audition for District choir is a series of steps that involves practice and determination from every student that tries out. The student will audition for an all around choir and then follow their way to state. But getting to state is difficult and takes a lot of practice and hard work. Junior Abby Gast followed her way to state with an amazing start in all-district choir. “Choir itself is enjoyable; it’s a way to let out my creative side,” Gast said.
Abby has always been involved in music. In drum line and choir, Abby continues to excel. Abby is one of the top eight from each section that has made it to state, but the hard part is not over. There is still work and focus that needs to be kept for all three students heading to all-state choir. Students Madison Paige and Parker Jenkins will be on their way to state, along with Abby Gast to represent the choir. For the audition ahead, Lee’s Summit is truly proud that our three students are headed to all-state. They will do their best to represent choir and our school. Written by Sierra Terry Photographed by Zion Marischler Designed by Annelise Hanshaw
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NEWS READERS FEATURES
TOP✳STORY
OPINIONS
SPORTS HL: What activities have you been involved in during your high school career. What are your favorites? Devin Mart: Tiger Smarts, National Art Honor Society, Track, Cross Country, Student Senate, Gender Equality Club, Earth Club, Robotics, and German Club. My favorite activities are Cross Country and Student Senate. HL: How did you feel about winning the coveted position of “Homecoming King?” D: I felt fantastic. I thought that it was an honor to win and I was lucky to have a wonderful queen. HL: What is your spirit animal? D: A narwhal, because they are very free, always smiling, and they are friends with the other fishes. HL: What hobbies do you partake in? D: I run. I also do a little baking here and there. HL: What songs are you going to throw on your next mix-tape? D: There is going to be “Careless Whispers,” and “Soaring,” from High School Musical. HL: Coke or Pepsi? D: Coke, because it reminds me of polar bears. It tastes better and is the original. Pepsi is just a knock-off. HL: Where do you see yourself in ten years? D: I see myself as a millionaire sipping a martini on the beach. Q: How does this hat look on me? D: Awful. No, that hat looks awful. HL: What comes to mind when I say dust? D: Bunny. HL: Alligator? D: Crocodile. HL: America? D: Sarah Palin. HL: Dessert? D: Diabetes. HL: What is your philosophy on life? D: I think that people should always have fun with no regrets, and live life to the fullest while still making good decisions.
HAPP INESS IS KEY Written by Ian Nickens Photo by Zach Boyle Photo Editing by Julia Ngega Design by Carter Moore
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Hi✳Life
Trey Turner Takes on the World More than just hair, Trey Turner causes a ruckus in the stands as well as in the shop.
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tie-dye shirt and long voluptuous hair hang off Trey Turner’s body effortlessly as he struts down the school halls. He smiles and waves to more people than he can count in the six minute time period, his pure essence demanding attention from other students. When he sits down in his next class Trey smiles to himself ‘Ruler of this school,’ he thinks proudly. “I love Trey because he always wears flip flops and bracelets, and you can try to tell him not to but he still will. Trey is his own person and if I did not have him in my life I would have to work on race cars alone and I do not like that,” senior Tanner Fann said. Tanner Fann is just one of the people in a close-knit group of friends, with whom he spends the majority of his time with. “My best friends are a group of guys. We call ourselves The Donkeys. There are a lot of boys in The Donkeys but some of the main ones are Hunter Allee, Phil and Nick Propst, Tyler Behymer, Tanner Fann, and a few other people,” Turner said. Outside of spending time with his best friends, Turner’s social life holds loud cheers and feet on bleachers. Loud Crowd is a group of students who attend school sporting events and pump up the crowd, it is also a big part of Turner’s life. “I love being part of the Loud Crowd. It can be a struggle, but I like that I get to spend time with my friends and make people smile. I think I’ve been to every sporting event this year except for a few soccer games,” Turner said.
When he is not spending time with his friends or pumping up the crowds, Turner can be found doing what he loves, working on cars. “My last car was a 1984 red Mustang GT that I basically completely rebuilt. I had that for a few months during which I restored it, and I just sold that car for a new 1997 black Mustang GT. I just thought it was time for a change and this new car is faster,” Turner said. Turner is already planning ahead to his future in the car repair world. “When I grow up I plan on opening my own garage with Tanner Fann, we plan on calling T&T Car Repairs,” Turner said. The final bell rings and Trey is out of the school and in his new car in seconds. He rolls the windows down and turns the music up; the wind and music blast him at the same time. His hair and shirt slap against his body as he heads over to his friend’’s house to get ready for the game tonight.
Written by Maddy Wylie Photo courtesy of Sunny Days Studios Design by Carter Moore
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NEWS READERS FEATURES Written by Victoria Morrow Photos provided by AP Images
TOP✳STORY
OPINIONS
Popular TV Shows
American Horror Story is an anthology horror series in which each season is a completely different story. The show is currently on its fourth season, American Horror Story: Freak Show. The season is about one of the last remaining freak shows during this time located in Jupiter, Florida in 1952. The show struggles to stay in business and the freaks do anything to keep it in tact. The season focuses on the conflict between the freaks and the outside forces that either don’t understand them or wish to do them harm. How I Met Your Mother is a sitcom-comedy series that aired originally on CBS. The series begins with future Ted sitting his kids down to tell them the story of how he met their mother. He starts the story in the year 2005 when his roommates, who have been dating for nine years, get engaged, then Ted realizes he wants to meet the one. Future Ted tells the story to make his kids believe that Robin is their mother, but it turns out she is just their “Aunt” Robin. The real story of how Ted meets their mother is a long journey of Ted and his best friends who each have something to do with how Ted met their mother.
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SPORTS
NCIS: New Orleans is a spin-off series of NCIS on CBS. The show is currently on its first season. In this version of NCIS, Agent Dwayne Pride commands the New Orleans office. The office’s jurisdiction ranges from Mississippi River to the Texas Panhandle and almost everything in between. Pride and his agents, Chris Lasalle and Merri Brody, work to keep the great metropolis of New Orleans safe.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a comedy series on Fox. The show is about the fictional 99th precinct of the NYPD. The immature yet cunning detective Jake Peralta has bad chemistry with the new commanding officer of the precinct, Captain Ray Holt. He is Jake’s polar opposite, serious and responsible. The show also follows the detectives of the precinct as they solve cases and their crazy adventures while doing so. Throughout the series all the characters become closer and more like a family. Pretty Little Liars is series based on the book series written by Sara Shepard. The show revolves around the lives of four girls, who are all the close friends of Alison DiLaurentis, the missing girl. The girls lose close contact after Alison’s disappearance. One year later, they are brought together as they start receiving threatening texts from an anonymous figure named “A.” The texts threaten to expose their darkest secrets. At first, the girls believed it was Alison because many of the secrets “A” knew were only told to Alison. They find their theory was not true when Alison’s body is found. The girls then realize someone else out there is trying to ruin their lives and they need to figure out who. New Girl is a sitcom series on Fox. The series begins by introducing the main character Jessica “Jess” Day, a young woman who is a teacher living in Los Angeles with her boyfriend. Jess comes home one day to find her boyfriend cheating on her, so she decides to break up with him and move out. She then goes on a search for a place to live and comes across an ad on Craigslist for a new roommate. She ends up moving in with three men. The overwhelming change in living conditions makes for some interesting situations.
Written by Mack Cooney Photos provided by lionsgate, blumhouse, and asylument
New Movies
Hi✳Life
These movies are a must see for November
Interstellar
In Earth’s future, they have been devastated by drought and extreme hunger. When humanity is facing extinction, a mysterious rip in space is discovered, giving mankind the opportunity to widen their lifespan. A group of explorers must travel beyond our solar system in search of a planet that can sustain life. The crews of the Endurance are required to think bigger, and go further than any human in history as they embark on an interstellar voyage into the unknown. Source: Warren D’Souza
Happy Valley State College, the home of Penn State University, has long been known as Happy Valley. Its iconic figure for more than 40 years was Joe Paterno, the head coach of the school’s football team. Paterno took on the national stature as Saint Joe. Then, in November 2011, everything came crashing down. Longtime Assistant Coach Jerry Sandusky was charged with 40 counts of child sex abuse, setting off a firestorm of accusations about who failed to protect the children of Happy Valley. Source: Sundance Film Festival
Mockingjay Katniss Everdeen is in District 13 after she destroys the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss goes on to fight and save Peeta, and a nation moved by her courage.
Jessabelle
Jessabelle returns to her childhood home after a terrible car accident. She encounters a long-tormented spirit that has been waiting for her to come back, and has no intention of letting her go. Source: Lionsgate
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NEWS
READERS
FEATURES
TOP✳STORY
OPINIONS SPORTS
Activities to fill your planner
Find the solution to a boring day
Get Into Film
A film festival should last all day, so call up some friends to come over, have plenty of snacks and choose an array of movies from Netflix. Start the festival off with with an indie movie such as; Pulp Fiction, Office space or Blue Valentine. For the second movie maybe choose horror; The Shining, The Silence of the Lambs, and Psycho. Next , the host should try to lighten the mood with a comedy; Ted, 21 Jump Street, The End. For the final movie, end with an intense drama or action like; The Avengers, Braveheart, The Crow.
Build a Fort
Do Some Card Tricks
Learn to Meditate
Forts are fun and easy to make. One can build a fort with most anything. Step one: Grab three sheets or blankets, four to five pillows and some sofa cushions. Find a couch, chairs or a bed. Safety pins clothes pins or rubber bands. Step two: Reject adulthood. Step three: Lay down comforters or unzipped sleeping bags between two couches. Step four: Clip together sheets and lay them across the two couches so that they are surrounding all sides. Step five: Add lights for effect and some snacks and enjoy.
Take a deck of playing cards and separate into three piles of three cards each. Flip one of the piles over to reveal the bottom card and then combine all three piles but make sure that the pile you flipped over is on top. Then, spell out the card you saw on bottom. If a person got the five of hearts just yell out F-I-V-E while dealing a card face down. After that, spell out M-A-G-I-C while dealing the cards but when you get to the C flip the card over and it will be the original one you saw on the bottom.
One way to relieve that stress and clear our heads is to meditate. Meditation is a Buddhist ritual in which a person clears the mind. The easiest form of meditation is breathing meditation. To meditate a person must go to a quiet place, rid of all distractions; sit in an upright, comfortable position, close their eyes and focus only on breathing, focus on the air entering and leaving the lungs. If the mind starts to wander, snap it back to focus on the breathing. After about ten minutes the meditator can enjoy a clearer, more relaxed mind.
Learn a new language 12
It is always a good thing to be bilingual, it is impressive and looks good on applications. There are several free language learning websites such as Open Culture.com or livemocha.com. Learning new languages can be a fun and interesting way to spend your time.
Written by Kaylee Roumas Photographed by Amber Gates Designed by Annelise Hanshaw
Hi✳Life
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Life skills students set an example by recycling
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veryday high school students go to clean out their papers. Throwing away the papers they no longer need. “Collecting recycling brings money back to the life skills program every year,” said life skills teacher, Kevin White. Recycling is such a simple task, and it actually comes back and helps the school out. Who would not want to do that? It also is a great learning experience for the life skills students. “It is important to the kids because it sets up a system of a job,” White said. The students can monitor what they
are doing, and get feedback on their work. At the same time it is important to not abuse the recycling program. “Students must keep in mind that other students are the ones who sort through the bins,” White said. It is important to only put recyclable goods into the bins because it leaves unnecessary work for the students. “It is also important to set an example in your own home,” White said. This can be done by conserving water, electricity, shopping at whole food stores, and recycling, and just trying to reuse as many old things as much as possible,
instead of just throwing them out. “90 percent of what is thrown away can be recycled,” art teacher Melissa Woody said. A game can be made out of it too. Try to see how little the amount of trash in the trash can is each week. Each week try and make it less and less. Recycling is so much more than what it is made out to be, and with a little bit of education on it the world can see.
Written by Haley Townley Photographed by Aaron Hagan Designed by Annelise Hanshaw
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NEWS READERS FEATURES
TOP✳STORY
OPINIONS
SPORTS
New Students
Students share their insight
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Written by Ava Worthy Photographed by Rene Ybarra Designed by Eden Fitzgibbons
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4 Junior Kylie Perry moved from North Carolina due to her mom’s job transfer. Her first day was extremely nerve racking. “[I was] nervous; this school is huge. This school is intimidating,” Perry said. Kylie also shared how she welcomed herself to this school. She joined Tiger Act, theatre club, and is planning on joining book club. Kylie told how her life changed since moving from South Carolina to Missouri, and explained that although she lost some things she gained others. “I lost my boyfriend [and my] house because I used to live in a nice house, and when we moved here we moved into a town house. Me and my friends don’t talk anymore. I have to wear warm clothes, [but] I met some awesome people and got a job at a tanning salon by Raintree,” Perry said.
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Kurtis Hopkins is a new senior this year. He came from Independence, Missouri to live with his mom, and how he elucidated on the school. “Yeah, there’s a lot of good people around here,” Hopkins said. Junior Collin Guthrie came to the school at the beginning of his sophomore year. He moved from Raytown, Missouri with his mom. “My mom got tired of living there and she grew up here. So we ended up here,” Guthrie said. “It was different, starting over. It was hard at first but once I got friends it was easier,” Guthrie said. Collin explained that his life has changed in many ways since he has moved. “My mom lets me walk outside by myself,” Guthrie said. Besides this, his house is nicer and there is less police activity where he lives. He came to the school with
a word of advice for other new students. “Do not be shy [and] get involved in clubs,” Guthrie said. Senior Angel Smith is a transfer from Lee’s Summit West and was originally from Alaska. She started at the school during her junior year. “We were living with a roommate, but they moved so we had to move,” Smith said. “I’ve been to a lot of different high schools so it wasn’t really different. But it was hard to get around since the school is so big,” Smith said. Angel got involved in FBLA and SBE to help her make new friends and to help her get used to the large school, but she also gives advice to the new students who are not sure what to do here. “Get involved in clubs or sports,” Smith said.
Students Chill for Charity
Hi✳Life Written by Miles Ward Photos provided by Julia Ngega Designed by Eden Fitzgibbons
Each year students experience an icy blast of cold water as they go for a swim in the middle of winter. The way to experience this Cold Feet Sophomores, now juniors, is to participate in the Polar Bear Plunge. Icy Endeavor Students at LSHS wade their way through the icy water of Longview Lake.
make their way to the red carpet finish line at the end of their plunge.
“The plunge raises money for Special Olympics,” The money raised stays right here and directly student senate advisor Marc Russell said. affects the Olympians in Lee’s Summit including The Polar Bear Plunge is an event where teams those here at LSHS. All of this money goes straight and individuals raise money for Special Olympics. to the Special Olympics program. The money pays In return for raising money, students go to the for equipment needed to participate in the sporting Longview Lake Beach fortoreni a briefreribusanis swim. well cus. as for the personnel needed to assist. Rum hil modit occus audic ersperis alicievents offic toas intiae Students will also get to see the kids they are The money also personnel and covers Cum, ut aspedig nimendis ea dolecat quatis magnat ipsantis mil maximi, utprovides ute vit alitinit eliberoviti reic te the dolensupporting, because the special needs students are cost of renting the venue. danditi et alictatem quaeceatqui voluptatur doleniet aut voluptus modiolast ommos thereoptat to support the plungers. Plungers pay $75sequi to blaceatas “Weeriande had about 100 people participate year, perum, ullaut dit exces plicilibus accatem pediani dolorehent destiis aut plicilit optatus et quo cus sequatquod minusaperia run into the water from the beach and run out to a including partners of the school,” principal John groupcommolor of firefighters waiting 20 feettoout 3 feet ofidellit Faulkenberry said. quaest, sitate endi ommo teminconsequ atatiisi rempos ipit ipis ra denieni hiliquaspero quiatur, The whole plunge takes lignam about two Not everybody who goes takes the plunge; there sedwater. etur minctat facerib eribusam que to autthree que dolor ad untiamene dolupic iatibusant verum ideniscit ute cum minutes. are some people that come to watch this event nus maioritibus. “Last year our school raised about $13,000,” which will take place Jan. 3. Generally, there are Erumqui iunda mod eos atumet dis70sae vollorem solorep velluptaere pa studentbustior senateiatemquas president as Nola Trannesequas said. about actual plungers withtatusae another 20 who wait cumquia nonsenist inverum repedisqui tota nonsequis ant ad ea nus et hil inctotat et ad ut aliquam cuptur acca The school’s goal is to raise $16,000 for the Special on the beach. Not everyone wants to get in the Olympics program. Some waysdi that are voluptaquam water because of theest forty degree temperatures. tur? Ligendus aperfer orionsequo autpeople ma doloriae es qui autem rerum la volectis dellendi quam getting the to participate in the Polar “You can money, butIta sleep that morning,” doloreium lammoney ium dollecesti que voluptiam sumBear aligenis doluptas milraise iur moluptatio. ilitatestiis alibus sed ma is askingaciumque relatives for a coupleacessimi, of dollars, Russell id Plunge quia nossitatur nonsequas invent harunt autsaid. laciis inctat erecabor aut lam labor ma sinctecte getting some business sponsors, and using social To sign up and participate in this event, go to the intmedia dolorerum Uciae. Git alit elit ifparum incilla dolupta volorei untur, is andaeclick explignimin reristrum to seteriorem. up fundraising sites. Even students Special Olympics website, on the Kansas City untur? Ecearumque dia pre consequi bea nia cumqui te si rem nimus mo quam res ad mo vit aut volecep udaesti do not swim in the lake, they are still considered link and join “Tigers On Ice.” You can sign up fororerum, this participants they raised event the quatum way up until the morning the plunge. quiaturias volesifsequi beatemmoney. ipit dundam esto beati volupta et aballidias experiore doloriatofautempe libusam “The funds directly Special The earlier they start the easier it is to reach their rest omnihicabo. Perumsupport fugitibus, quamOlympics at. which is a year roundienihillum opportunity for disabled goal. You can et donate money through yourQui advisory Ignis doloriorit quiaerc fuga. Pe nonsedis sinisqu idellorempe andebis endendent latur? dipit labo. students to play sports against other disabled peers” teacher. Iquam est iliquundi simKevin eostius remsaid. dem lati vid quam autat quibus corio. Nequatu repuda Special Olympics blam director White Forquod moreevelit information, go todolorem www.somo.org
volupta voloreiusa sunt eatium dita nos et fugit et estis unt fuga. Nemo volupti volecat eumque maximai onsequos
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Test stress
Written by Sydney Roberts Photographed by Tristan Whtie Designed by Mariah Walkenhorst
How to deal with test anxiety
T
here are endless reasons for students to become stressed, one being test anxiety. Test anxiety is an issue that students may struggle with. Although test-taking can be difficult, there are many ways to properly prepare for a test. Counselor Sally Sabata, and psychology teacher Debbie Baanders show students what test anxiety is, and how to get higher test scores without feeling anxious while taking it. “Test anxiety is the feeling that you won’t do well or finish on time while taking a test,” Sabata said. Students tend to manufacture such a worry when others begin to finish and turn in their test with ease after a short period of class time. “Make sure you are prepared for the test; know that each student tests differently. Be confident and only compare yourself to you,” Sabata said. Going in to take a test with a positive mindset and being able to easily recall what was reviewed in class can make test taking quicker and more simple.
How to prepare
A good way to prepare for an upcoming test is to simply study. Study not only the day before the test, but multiple days before. Studying days before can help with remembering important information for the test. Sleep is another important factor for test taking. A good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast can easily improve test scores. “Take slow, deep breaths to slow down your heart rate,” Baanders said. One way to stay calm and relaxed before a test is by practicing breathing exercises. This method of relaxation helps with slowing down the heart rate. This is a great way to calm nerves and stay relaxed. A common effect of test anxiety is for a student to become sick the morning of the test. The healthier an individual is, the less likely it is for them to become sick the day of the test as Sabata said.
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“Some signs of test anxiety are low test grades and high homework grades, or even being physically sick the day of the test and trying to get out of it,” Sabata said. Trying to avoid a test is never the answer because it can come back around and the situation can become even worse than it originally was. “Be well prepared and do what you can to relax. Practice breathing even when you are not in a stressful situation,” Sabata said.
How To deal with it
Preparation is key when it comes to dealing with test anxiety. Relaxation methods such as breathing exercises are important, but it is also important to practice your breathing exercises both when you are and when you are not stressed. This can help to train the body to handle stressful situations in a better manner. “Talk with your teacher and let them know that you struggle with test anxiety; know that the teacher cares about you and your grades,” Sabata said. Another helpful way to deal with test anxiety is through communication with your teacher . Teachers often understand that test anxiety is a difficult thing to struggle with. A teacher’s job is to help, so let them know about the situation because test anxiety is something most teachers can help with. The best way to deal with test anxiety is to prepare, try to develop good study habits. Many students go through some kind of test taking stress, weather it be struggling to remember what they studied the nights before, or simply just not knowing when to turn in your test. Try not to stress, because it is something that many students struggle with, and it is avoidable. As mentioned before, a good nights rest can contribute to scoring higher on a test. having a positive mindset, and maintaining a healthy diet will ultimately result in better scores.
Hi✳Life
Students pull their hair out Stress weighs on students’ lives Written by Amanda Coney Photographed by Tristan White Desgined by Mariah Walkenhorst
Of the many factors that affect students, stress proves to be one of the most common. No matter how complex or simple the cause may be, students all experience stress throughout high school. Ranging from academic pressure to friendship fallouts, stress is a prevalent issue. Counselor Sally Sabata and psychology teacher Debbie Baanders talk about stress. “I think self esteem is probably one of the biggest factors of students’ stress,” Sally Sabata said. As a teenager, many feel as if they must prove themselves to their peers in social situations, be it by befriending certain people who are deemed to be worthy, along with wearing the right clothes and saying the right things. Many feel pressured to blend in with the popular crowd. “The amount of homework and the resulting grades from tests provide students the most academic stress,” Sabata said. The best way to prevent test and homework stress is to be sure to fully prepared the night before a test. Study as much as possible to make the testing go smoothly, and start studying in advance for a test, not just the night before. “With excess academic and social stress comes many long-term effects, such as lack of resilience, vulnerability, and not being able to bounce back from adversity,” Sabata said. Often, if a person who is overwhelmed with stress is teased by a peer, they tend to take it personally and easily become offended. Other stress effects include physical illness, anger issues, anxiety, and depression. “If there is any concern with stress, it’s a good idea to talk to a teacher about it at the beginning of the year to work out a calm, quiet testing environment,” Sabata said. It is also important to know that although teachers may seem to
hold their students to incredibly high standards, they do care about helping them achieve the grades they desire and will likely work something out with them to assist them if necessary. “Knowing what is causing your stress is vital to reducing the effects of stress,” Sabata said. Journaling daily is a simple way to figure out what is causing the most stress. The thing that causes the most stress may be what is journaled about most. Knowing that, the problem should be easier to approach. “Some students are wired to be more stressed out, as it is part of their personality,” Baanders said. Many students fear failure, causing them to make situations more serious and stressful than they appear to be to other students “Having lots of homework for a particular class or all classes, or an upcoming test makes students anxious. Many seniors worry about which college they would like to attend, and how to get an ACT score that will get them into that said college,” Baanders said. A way to deal with stress is simply being aware that it is occurring. Try to take note of what triggers stress and anxiety. Notice when it happens most and if the stress is seasonal, such as only during the time of finals or when school starts in August. Realizing when anxiety is most common can help it be better dealt with. “Another way to deal with stress is to have a constant routine. Doing your homework at a certain time every night and getting plenty of sleep helps keep daily activities consistent,” Baanders said. A little bit of anxiety and positive pressure is healthy, and can push students to strive to do better, but excess stress can be harmful.
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Do you really know them?
You may know them as teacher or principal but in there own time they are shopping, going to royals games or golfing.
Traveling, playing golf, and reading are things that assistant principal Jamie Argotsinger enjoys doing when he is not at school. Argotsinger enjoys playing golf, and so does his son that plays it in college. It is a good way to spend time with family. His trips to Silver Dollar City have also become a tradition. Just like any dad, he loves when his children visit home to see him and his wife. “I relax too. I like to watch television, and clean around the house, pretty much do what my wife says,” Argotsinger said.
Diana Lehman English Department
Traveling, working, and concerts are a big part of English teacher Diana Lehman’s life. She has been to Ireland, Italy, Greece, and many more. “I love going to concerts, plays, festivals, and especially holiday concerts,” Lehman said. Of course, family and friend time is important too. “I have game night with my family and friends. I also go painting with a couple teachers that work here. It took some convincing, but we love it,” Lehman said. Not only does Lehman teach here, she also helps tutor people for test preps like the ACT at her second job. “I spend lot of time helping students prepare for large tests like the ACT and SAT,” Lehman said. A love for teaching does nott stop after school for Lehman.
Written by Summer Given Photographed by Brent Weber Designed by Mariah Walkenhorst Working and shopping is not only for teenagers. Business teacher Tammi Krones has a second job working for Fort Osage high school’s concessions stand at sporting events. She does it to help out with her kids’ activities, just like she helps as much as possible any other time. She also has a shopping tradition. “My family and I go black Friday shopping every year. We also share what we are thankful for at Thanksgiving dinner every year,” Krones said. Traditions are common among families as well as Krones’s.
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Tammi Krones Business department
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I A L
Butterfly
Most Most teens fall for the teenssocial fall forlives the that promising promising social lives However, that social media advertises. little social advertises. little does our media generation know, However, we are adding this generation know, they are adding ondoes to yet another statistic. onone to yet another statistic.the decisions of a person No is there to change No one there to on change the decisionsMost of aof creating anisaccount famous networks. person creating anborn account famous networks. Most these accounts are from on pure boredom, an easy of these accounts areorborn from pure boredom, an easy way to communicate, because of selling a product or way to Millions communicate, or because of sellingluring a product or service. of individuals are constantly on these 255 service. Millions individuals are constantly on these pages, trolling, orof being outspoken. We have luring all found that million active pages, trolling, or being all found social media allows us to outspoken. break out ofWe ourhave comfort zone.that It is users. 500 million tweets are social media allows to break out of ourto comfort is of something about theus ability of being able choosezone. whatItkind sent per day between all active something thehave, abilitythat of being able choose kind an account about one can provides a to small sensewhat of power. users, which is nearly double the of an account one is can thatit provides smallusers, senseand of is Although Facebook lesshave, popular, has 1.28 a billion amount of active users itself. It only takes power. still counting how many inactive users there are. two tweets from each user to reach that Although less popular, it has 1.28 users, Google + hasFacebook 540 millionisactive monthly users, butbillion has 1.6 billion statistic. 391 million users on Twitter actually andinistotal. still counting how many inactive usersminutes there are. users On average, users spend seven per do not have any followers. Lastly, Instagram has Google has 540+.million active monthly users, but has month on + Google gone through many changes in the past couple 1.6 billion users insupport total. On average, users spend Twitter has gained and popularity over timeseven of years. System updates, ‘buying likes’, etc. minutesit per on Google +. to reach friends because is anmonth easy and quick way Instagram has maintained 200 million followers, other Twitterpeople. has gained support network and popularity over and The growing has one and is still counting. time because it is 255 an easy and quick way500 billion users, but only million active users. With people adding on to the building of to reach and million tweetsfriends are sent perother day people. between all social networks, statistics will only continue to The growing one the active users, whichnetwork is nearlyhas double grow. They all serve as a place for social users, but itself. only It only amountbillion of active users interaction and it connects users from all takes two tweets from over. With just the click of a button, each user to we can communicate with the world and broaden our horizons.
Written by Dia Sims Photographed by Johanna Holmberg Design by Megan Terry
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The Good, the Bad&the Ugly Parents, students, and teachers share their views on social media.
Hi✳Life Written by Aspen DePeralta Photos by Johanna Holmberg Design by Megan Terry
Nikki Cravens Q: How do you believe social media affects kids now? A: “Some of it can put down kids and make them self harm or maybe suicide. Also, most of the nice comments some kids get may put a smile on he kids face or raise their self-esteem. It just matters how social media is used” Sophomore Nikki Cravens said. Q: What are some pros and cons of social media? A: “Some pros include interacting with friends and communicating with family but also sending out and receiving information quickly, but some cons include bullying, judging but most of all, fake profiles. Fake profiles seem to be quite popular and it can really put down and hurt kids by finding out that the person they talk to is not even existent” Cravens said.
Chris DePeralta and Millie Hawkins Q: How do you feel social media affects kids now? A: “Social media is very time consuming but it is also adding some pressure on kids’ lives by showing them how to look, who to date and how to talk. Instagram and Vine likes seem to mean a lot to some kids because it may determine where they stand in a group. Kids do not know how to have fun today without social media, mainly because everything happens over social media. They may not know exactly what to do in certain situations without their phones and electronic devices” Parents Chris DePeralta and Millie Hawkins said. Q: How does social help others? A: “Social media makes everything really easy to access ad easy to take it one place to another, making social media portable, but easy is not always better and there is different information for so many different types of things at the push of a button” DePeralta and Hawkins said.
Chris Homan Q: What are some pros and cons of social media? A: “Social media is a good way to keep up wit family, friends and many more. But social media also makes people think that they can say anything because it is the anonymity of it. Social media can also cut others down which can lead to misuse” Guidance counselor Chris Homan said. Q: How does social media help you? A: “The department uses Twitter for school uses to update the students on what is going on around the school, but also helps information get out quickly. Also depends on who is following the school Twitter and who is not” Homan said.
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Wired with side effects Social media influences teens
Her eyes water from the brightness of her screen; her Twitter feed is full of #alexfromtarget, #WCW, and #daquanfromstaples. Her focus is on that one little screen; the world around her is invisible. Around 90% of teens in the world have a social media account. Some posts are harmless jokes, shoutouts, or quotes; but often posts can be rude, depressing, or jealous. Friendships are tested on social media; friends show their friendship on Twitter or Instagram with shoutouts or nice comments. “It’s all about the posts. It really depends on what’s posted that affects a friendship on social media,” social studies teacher Debbie Baanders said. There are some people who use social media to hide their true identity or to be rude to get back on others who have hurt them. Some people post harmless things or just block people. Teens spend time on their phones without even realizing they are even checking Twitter. Parents and teachers think teens are always on Twitter for hours, but really it’s a lot of checking to make sure they are not missing their favorite celebrities next post “The time spent on social media is not continuous, but it’s a lot of checking, but when it’s more than just checking its an hour a day. Social media is a distraction no matter how it’s used,” Baanders said. “I like Twitter. I must spend about 2 or 3 hours on it each day,” sophomore Sydney Lewis said. Celebrities are often the first to show up on a Twitter feed to tell about new music, new movies, or new trends they want to show their fans. When teens see this, sometimes they want to copy that celebrity’s trend, style, and personality and make it their own. “Celebrities who inspire me are Wiz Khalifah, Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé, and Adele because they are real and the songs are too,” Lewis said. Some people however do not like changing their style and do not use celebrities to determine their style or trends. These people can be called independent because they make their own style and make their own trends. “No one affects my fashion choice or influences my trends,” Lewis said. Twitter and Instafamous teens have hundreds or even thousands of followers, and all those followers expect a new post every day. This can be a lot of work for these social media stars. “Sometimes I feel obligated to post something new or people might unfollow me,” Lewis said. Sydney has a 1,081 followers on Instagram and 528 followers on Twitter “The more followers someone has makes them feel like they must post something new,” Baanders said. Social media can be a helpful tool, but posts can lead to others getting hurt or yourself. Although it’s a great tool for connecting with friends, family, and those who have the same interests as you, it can also cause internal or external issues. So social media can be a good tool but it can only go so far. If you or someone you know is being cyber bullied contact your guidance counselor.
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Written by Da’Quon McGee Photo by Johanna Holmberg Designed by Sydnee Pointer
HiâœłLife
B y T h e N u m b e r
s 100
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of women believe social media influences how we define beauty today
Female users on Twitter
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of people say they would their smartphones
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of social media users think social media has impacted their life in a NEGATIVE way
46%
of web users will look towards social media when making a purchase
million active members on Twitter
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By Sydnee Pointer
Social Media Usage by Age
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Social media rose to become the number one activity on the web
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Sources: Search Engine Journal, Social Times, Media Bistro, jeffesposito.com, Our Social Times, jeffbullas.com
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Wrapped Up in Christmas S
The holidays may come too soon
ome may not notice at first, but the holiday is always looming, lurking in the corner of their eyes. It feels like it’s always just around the corner. They don’t want to look but something silently compels them to sneak a glance. They turn, get a good look at the sight, and stand in horror for a few seconds. The Christmas decorations are back. “Shops put Christmas decorations out early so that they can make more money off of us. They release decorations earlier and earlier each year. It’s like an expanding desert that never ends, and soon they might keep the decorations out year round,” freshman Isaac Lundergan said. Many stores set out Christmas decorations months in advance. Shop owners attempt to thrust the Holiday spirit upon shoppers to persuade them to buy the items. The
companies devise plans to set up their displays throughout stores as focal points so that they seem appealing. “I think the date to release Christmas decorations should be November 1. It’s a time in between Halloween and Thanksgiving, allowing you time to get your shopping done before the rush, yet still reasonably close to the holiday. It’s a nice median,” Lundergan said. Some believe that stores should seriously consider a specific release date on holiday decorations and displays alike. If a release date was officially set, people may tolerate the displays more. Consumers would be able to time when to expect the decorations they find so annoying. “However, sometimes the early released decorations and deals make it easier to shop. The deals and price cuts come earlier, and you can get a majority of your
Christmas shopping done before the holiday rush and the enormous crowds. So sometimes I do believe that the early Christmas season is a good thing. It gets people in the Christmas spirit,” Lundergan said. Though decorations that are released early can become obnoxious, they can occasionally help. Once Halloween is over, consumers begin really looking at the Christmas decorations. For some, this puts them in a happier peace of mind. When consumers come to terms with the rapidly approaching season, and start listening to the holiday jingles, they appear to be happier. “There are a few advantages to the season starting earlier than wanted. Consumers can get everything before most of the rush. If they wait until during the rush, there becomes a supply and demand problem. A specific
Written by Molly Goetz Photographed by Jaymes Dickinson and
25 Cori Matney Designed by Annelise Hanshaw
item might be extremely popular during the rush and that store might run out of that particular item. At that time you have to be placed on hold and wait for that item, wasting even more time,” Lundergan said. Shoppers find the displays and decorations that are set out too early annoying. Supply and demand becomes an enormous difficulty during this time of year for many stores. Items shift in popularity each year, so no supplier really knows what is going to sell out until it does. So it is good idea to
start shopping before the rush starts. That’s when shoppers will be thankful that those displays, and decorations are out early. When people walk into a shop next time and see a Christmas display out, they may groan out of annoyance. Stores will not back down in this race to see who can put out displays first, but maybe consumers can adjust to the reality that Christmas is only going to keep coming earlier and earlier each year.
Hi✳Life Written by Preston Anthony Photo provided by AP Images Designed by Annelise Hanshaw
A New Kind of Therapy Music soothes the soul
A
s the teen walked through his front door, he hoped his father wasn’t home. His day was bad enough. He failed his Algebra final, he got pushed around after school, again, and to top it off; his car broke down. He knew his dad would only make it all worse; he would2 somehow blame it all on him. So, the troubled teen rushed up the stairs to his room to try to make the day better. As he locked the door, he grabbed his headphones, hit play on his favorite playlist, and laid on his bed to try to escape this reality. “If I’m not at work or sleeping, I’m probably listening to music,” senior Aj Tippin said. The average teen listens to music two and a half hours a day. Some do it to pass time, others do it to avoid their problems. Music can express emotions that words can’t. A lot of people have problems that they have a hard time dealing with, and music can be a huge help. Music has been known to try to match what the artist interprets the emotion to sound like. For example, a long, slow sound makes the brain feel sad, but a upbeat sound makes the brain feel happy. “I usually study better when listening to music because it gives me something to focus on that’s not schoolwork if I need a short break, plus it adds background noise so I focus better,” Tippin said. Studies have shown that listening to music while studying can improve test grades; if it is the right kind of music. “If my [music] is up too loud, I can’t focus, but if it’s silent, I can’t focus either. When I have it down to the perfect volume, I actually study with it really well,” senior Tessa Shrout said. Some music like rap and other fast paced melodies can make it hard to concentrate on your task, but classical music or something slow can help your mind process it and slightly cut it out and help focus on studying. It honestly depends on the person. Some people get too distracted and can’t focus on their work. “Music has given me a way to express myself as a person without actually saying anything. I’ve found that you can oftentimes tell a lot about a person based on the
kind of music they like,” Tippin said. A lot of students turn to music to get them through the day. Some students are in choir, some are in band, but most just listen through their headphones. Music can even help people with mental disorders. People who suffer from anxiety, depression, autism, or down syndrome can look to music therapy. “I listen to more hardcore music because it helps me express the way I’m feeling. Some of the songs are meant to lift you up, and some are meant to portray sadness or anger,” Shrout said. Music can calm you down, lift you up when you’re down, or just make you feel relaxed. People use music as a release, like people in choir. Singing in a choir can be exhilarating and can give you a “singer’s high”. Almost all songs that are sung in choir have a lot of feeling involved, and when students sing these songs, they are singing their heart out. “I think my life would be significantly more boring without music,” Tippin said. Most students are involved in an activity at school. and a lot of those students are in music related activity. These students have shown to do better on tests, be more social, and go on to a better college. In these music programs, it teaches kids to study better, because they must learn to study sheet music, and it improves their memory, because they have to remember the right words to sing and the right notes to hit. It also forces kids to communicate and interact with each other, which helps with social anxiety and social awkwardness. Studies have shown that students that were enrolled in some kind of musical activity had a better chance of getting into college and graduating. The teen was awoken by his alarm. He had completely slept through the evening, probably for the best. He got up out of bed and looked at himself in the mirror. He smiled and said, “Today is a new day,” and he kept that smile as he walked out the door, determined to make this day better than the last.
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Brittany Lietz didn’t think that indoor tanning could hurt her. She didn’t know UV light from indoor tanning can actually increase your risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Brittany, a frequent indoor tanner since she was 17, was diagnosed with melanoma when she was 20. She is a melanoma survivor, but current estimates show that one person dies from melanoma about every hour. Don’t be one of them. Indoor tanning is out. To read Brittany’s skin cancer story or to learn more about protecting your skin go to www.aad.org/media/psa
Hi✳Life
Student IDs Underutilized Cards could open doors
When I buy a new wallet, I transfer everything from the old one to the new one. From the dollars to all the pennies and debit cards, one thing in my wallet that I have no use for is my student ID card. Is there a true use for it, or is it really just a waste of space? “The student ID cards were issued to certify that students go to LSHS, and so they can get into dances; but in reality, if a student forgot their ID cards, rather than having them drive home irritated, we’d rather have them be identified by a teacher who has seen or had them before,” Principal John Faulkenberry said. Students never think about how much they could be using their cards. “I’ve only seen two students do it, but you can scan your ID card in the lunch line, instead of typing in your number. It might make the lunch line go a bit faster,” Carrie Rodebush said. “Instead of having to log onto the copier, teachers can scan their cards. It would be much easier and quicker if students had that ability,” librarian Allison Donahay said. “The funding for outdoor eating would be close to $10,000; but if students really wanted to do that, it could be easily funded,” Faulkenberry said. I personally would love to be able to eat outside when it is warm out.
Written by Cydney Harris and Aspen DePeralta Photographed by Brent Weber and Nick Gardner Design by Mariah Walkenhorst
At North, well-behaved students get an ID card with a special stamp, and they have the privilege to eat outside. At West, everyone has the option to eat outside. Our school is the only one without that privilege, but according to Faulkenberry, if students really wanted it, they could fundraise to get us outdoor tables. “We’re not getting everything out of the ID cards. We could even use them for API privileges, instead of having lines to sign in,” Faulkenberry said. If students could just scan their cards, they would be able to quickly get in and out without the hassle. “Most teachers still use their fobs, but in the future we’d like the teachers to use their ID cards,” Faulkkenberry said. Although Faulkenberry never said anything about students being able to use their ID cards to open doors, I personally think it would make coming in early to school easier if we could unlock the doors.. This could be solved by restricting their electronic codes from opening doors. They could also be ineffective before 8:10 on late start Wednesdays. So that when I buy my next wallet, I’m actually afraid of losing it instead of not caring if a dog ripped it to shreds.
on the
Word street
Is LSHS safe? Hunter Parrish Senior “Yes, we have enough people patrolling the place. Plus, nobody would be dumb enough to break into a school and just take whoever.” Seth Dreilling Junior Yes, the school is safe, because of the teachers and they are always there for you. You will also have
back-up in the situations.” Ana Arth Sophmore “depends on what crowd you are with, LSHS is kinda safe. It matters what friends you are with or the people that students see you with, it all depends.”
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NEWS READERS FEATURES
TOP✳STORY
OPINIONS
SPORTS
NFL Award Predictions.
As the NFL playoffs approach, the winners for the End-ofSeason awards are anyone’s guess. A few LSHS experts are here to give their opinions. Trevor Martin
Matt Rellihan
BJ Gaunt
Aaron Lapaz
Demarco Murray
Andrew Luck
Peyton Manning
Marshawn Lynch
Offensive Demarco Player Murray of the year
Andrew Luck
Andrew Luck
Defensive JJ Watt Player of the year
Justin Houston
Offensive Brandin Rookie Cooks of the year Defensive Khalil Rookie Mack of the year
Drew Lock
Adam Howe
Blake Lines
Ryan Tannehill
Andrew Luck
Andrew Luck
Peyton Manning
Ryan Tannehill
Andrew Luck
Andrew Luck
JJ Watt
JJ Watt
Luke Kuechly
Luke Kuechly
Sammy Watkins
Sammy Watkins
Kelvin Benjamin
Brandin Cooks
Mike Evans
Mike Evans
CJ Mosley
CJ Mosley
CJ Mosley
CJ Mosley
CJ Mosley
CJ Mosley
Rolando Comeback Ben Roethlisberger McClain Player of the year
Marshawn Lynch
Robert Griffin III
Steve Smith Sr.
Ahmad Bradshaw
Ben Roethlisberger
Coach Bruce of the year Arians
Mike Tomlin
Andy Reid
Bruce Arians
Joe Philbin
Joe Philbin
AFC Champion
NFC Champion
Super Bowl XLIX Winner Most Valuable Player
Biggest Let Down Team
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Bruce Arians
Luke Kuechly
Hi✳Life
Trampoline Cassidy defies gravity As trampolinist Cassidy Wright goes up and up and up, she sees the world in a whole new way. She sees that gravity is no match for her, and the she can rise above anything of this world. Not only can she fly high above the sky, but she also looks good doing it by adding flips, and twists that bring the audience to the edge of their seat. Once she is done and lands perfectly, she takes a bow and the crowd cheers wildly at an amazing routine. “I first started with gymnastics at Xtreme at age 7. The trampoline coach asked me if I
wanted to try trampoline and I said yes,” Wright said. “My favorite part of trampoline after eight years in this sport is jumping high and learning new and more challenging skills. My least favorite part is probably falling and landing on my face,” Wright said. When an athlete strives to be the best they can be, the outcome surely will be favorable. They will reap the benefits of looking at their awards knowing that all of their hard work paid of. “Some of my achievements include winning the state
Jump On It. Wright launches into a half-out pike during a two-hour practice at Extreme Gymnastics. “It [trampoline] takes a lot of time, you don’t have a lot of free time, but it’s really rewarding”, Wright said. competition four times, winning the regional competition three times, and placed top 15 this past year at Nationals as a Junior Elite. This will be my third year competing Junior Elite, which is the second highest level under Senior Elite,” Wright said. When it is game time and everything is on the line an athlete needs to learn how to stay cool. They need the support of their of their teammates to encourage them to give it all they got. “Trampolining has impacted my life by teaching me how to be confident and how to control my emotions when i’m stressed or under pressure. I’ve also met amazing people by doing this sport and it’s made me stronger person,” Wright said Once an athlete has proven what they can do, it is then necessary for an athlete to challenge themselves so they can keep moving forward. When they have finally mastered the skill they have been working for months on, they can look back on all their hard work and be proud of their accomplishments.
“The hardest skill I’ve had to master is called a rudi out pike. It’s a double front flip in a pike position with a one and a half twist in the second flip,” Wright said. Wright is not the first person to have dreams of becoming a phenomenal trampolinist. Many have come before her and have paved the way to show Wright what it take to truly be extraordinary. “ I look up to Savannah Vinsant who competed who competed in the 2012 Olympics and was the first American woman to place in the top 8 since trampolining became an olympic sport in 2000,” Wright said. As Wright goes up in the air, she is the only one in control of what happens up there. She thinks of every technical thing she has learned till she just lets go and is one with the air. She is in her own special zone, where nothing can hurt her. Up and up she goes”, where she lands nobody knows. Written by Angela Lenhardt Photos by Makenna Nickens
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NEWS READERS FEATURES
TOP✳STORY
dalton souder
OPINIONS
SPORTS
Written and photographed by BJ Gaunt Designed by Matt Rellihan
Souder assists his way to the first State title in history.
S
trikingly, with an astonishing progression towards the goal, a ball travels through the air. The crowd on their feet, the players gazing. A ball strikes a net with great velocity, senior, Dalton Souder runs to celebrate as his supporting players rush towards him in amazing excitement. The scoreboard transitions to add one on the board for the Tigers, yet the board remains at zero for the Visitors. His name is Dalton Robert Souder. To soccer players he is an absolute star, and for friends and family he is a guy who always has a enticing smile on his face. He started playing soccer at the young age of five, yet to this day he wows people with his passion and determination that he shows on the field. “I’ve learned how people can change just by the people they are surrounded by. And over these four years, I have greatly matured,” senior Dalton Souder said. Over these four years Dalton has lettered four times, he has won the district title twice and won a conference title. He has received something much greater than any award out there. He has received priceless friendships that have grown, and
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become a humorous outreach, every single day. Souder is the proud brother of Quentin and Madison. Dalton has committed to Furman University and has signed there during this past summer. “The coaching staff, and the Campus scenery”, Souder Said. Eric Palmer Brown, and Austin Pace, two very well known names here. They are also two of Souders friends that have remained most constant throughout his whole life, for they have made an impact on his life that is very influential. His dreams and aspirations were absolutely achieved this postseason. The 2014 class four Missouri, mens state champions are Tigers. The game exhaustingly continued for an astounding one hundred ten minutes and the Tigers went in to PK’s. One after another penalties were striking the back of the net. Dalton capitalized on his. As the Red Devils of Chaminade approached their fifth PK Romen saved it with astonishing agility. With the final PK Romen converted on his, and the state champions emerged, the Tigers.
Hi✳Life
Written by Angela Lenhardt Photographed by Eden Fitzgibbons Designed by Mariah Walkenhorst
Taking a stab into
fencing
Wes Fitzgibbons looks up to the crowd. The moment countless hours of training has lead to. It is here; it is now. If he messes up, it’s all over. His dreams gone in a second. He has watched fencers succeed with honor and glory. He watched some go away with nothing. He is determined to not let this be him. “I’d seen fencing in the Olympics and knew I wanted to try it, but there is almost nowhere in Missouri that does it, so when I saw a flyer at Mizzou for the fencing team I had to go try out. I didn’t know how to fence as a freshman, but they had nationally-ranked club leaders, who were graduate students teach beginners. Four years later, I am nationally ranked and running the club,” Fitzgibbons said. It takes more than desire to truly succeed at a goal. It takes practice and knowing skill inside and out. “There is a little electrical button on the swords that tell you who hit who when. Fencers are to stay on a mat, called a Piste, that is about 3 feet wide and several feet long. The opponent is allowed to go past the middle and charge the other fencer, but only to a certain mark, otherwise if they go too far in their attack, they will be penalized. Balance and agility are important, but technique is important too,” Fitzgibbons said. Once training is done, it is time for the skill to be proven in an epic duel. “The tournament starts out with pool matches, in which you fence several people in short 5 point bouts to determine ranking. After everyone’s been ranked they make the bracket, and it is on to Direct Elimination.
Piece
by Piece 1
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The kevlar jacket is bullet proof. It is woven together with metal thread, so blades cannot go up you sleeve.
DE bouts are three minute periods or 15 points, whichever comes first. Direct Elimination rounds are single elimination, and although they take more time than preliminary rounds, once you lose you are out,” Fitzgibbons said. The adrenaline rush of pure competition can make all the blood, sweat, and tears worth it. “Other competitions are obscured by rules and regulations about how you beat your opponent -- and fencing has those too, but at the end of the day, if you can hit your opponent faster or harder, you win the bout,” Fitzgibbons said. The thrill of fencing has not yet caught on in the U.S. “There are about 30 fencers on our team because Mizzou is a large college, but other smaller colleges have fewer, such Rolla, which only has about 8. It is not a sanctioned sport yet in Missouri, so no scholarship money is available,” Fitzgibbons said Even if a trophy is not won, an athlete can know they worked their hardest and had fun doing it with their teammates. “It’s a great workout and when else are going to get to fight someone with a sword? Its definitely different from any other sport you have ever played,” Fitzgibbons said.
The mask is made up of small pieces of metal. It covers your neck so you cannot get punctured.
3
Gloves are padded scross the knuckles and back of the hand. A piece of metal covers the rest of the hand.
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4
3
1
2
5
The saber is used to score touches on the opponenet and to block opponet’s attacks.
5 The shoes are shaped for fencing. Theyare made of hard leather to protect from hitting the foot.
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