Spotlight Issue 1 2017-18

Spotlight

Volume 16 Issue 1 - September 19 - Andover Central High School

The effects of changing schools INSIDE:

Rootin’ for Rita update

Warren Theatresvs. Regal Cinemas

2017 Girls Cross Country forcast

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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ICT Fest Proud locals enjoy ICT Fest and perform with her band, Honeyblush.

Courtesy Photo

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Rootin for Rita Art teacher Rita Frakes accepts a quilt from Foods teacher and friend Gay Troiani. Photo by Drew Wiens

Check out online at spotline.org:

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Warren vs. Regal Moviegoers decide whether they prefer the old or the new. Photo by Sydney Sagehorn

14. Behind the Stage Learning the ropes of the back stage scene and having some fun. Courtesy Photo

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22. Reagan Jones Profile Underclassman takes on the role of quarterback. Photo by Jason Thompson

23. Girls Cross Country Juniors remain victorious while running in the September 2 cross country meet. Courtesy Photo

Kansas Best robotics / Boys Swim outlook / Homecoming pictures

Copy Editor

Production Staff

Photo Editor

on the cover:

Maddie Spurlock Claire Monroe Sydney Sagehorn Colton Trowbridge

Kinsley Ochsner

Grace Blackman

Photo illustration by Grace Blackman Visit page 12 for more

Webmaster

Sports Editor

Holli Dreiling Sage Edwards Clark Schoonover Brent Lane Huntor O’Connor Grace Pool Kylie Roman Holly Shortt Video and Jillian Primm Aurasma Ashley Zellers Al Genovese

Editors in chief

Evan Byers

Buisness Manager Alexandra Shumann

Austin Zellers

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Photographers Jason Thompson Drew Wiens Megan Johnson

Page by Maddie Spurlock and Ashley Zellers

Sports:

Sept. 26

18th- 9:00am Golf - Girls Varsity Andover @ Crestview Country Club, 3:00pm Golf - Girls JV @ Augusta Country Club, 3:00pm Tennis - Girls JV @ ACHS Tennis Courts, 4:15pm FB - 9th Abilene @ Andover District Stadium, 6:00pm FB - JV Abilene @ Andover District Stadium 19th- 3:00pm Golf - Girls JV Newton @ Fox Ridge, 3:00pm Tennis - Girls JV @ Andover HS, 5:00pm Soccer - Boys JV @ Salina South HS, 5:00pm VB - Varsity/JV @ ACHS Gym A, 6:30pm Soccer - Boys Varsity @ Salina South HS 20th- 3:00pm Tennis - Girls JV @ AHS 21st- 3:00pm Golf - Girls Varsity Maize S. @ Auburn Hills, 3:00pm Tennis - Girls JV @ Wichita Collegiate, 3:00pm Tennis - Girls Varsity Andover @ Crestview, 4:00pm XC - Varsity/JV Goddard @ Lake Afton, 4:30pm Soccer - Boys Varsity @ Berean Academy, 5:00pm VB - 9th @ Newton HS, 6:00pm Soccer - Boys JV @ Berean Academy 22nd- 3:00pm Tennis - Girls Varsity @ AHS, 7:00pm FB - Varsity @ AHS 23rd- 8:00am VB - 9th @ Clearwater HS, 8:00am XC - Varsity/JV @ Rimrock Farm, Lawrence, 8:30am VB - Varsity @ Newton 25th- 3:00pm Tennis - Girls Varsity @ Eisenhower HS, 4:15pm FB - 9th Andover @ Andover District Stadium, 6:00pm FB - JV Andover @ Andover District Stadium 26th- 3:00pm Tennis - Girls Varsity @ Augusta HS, 5:00pm Soccer - Boys JV @ Goddard HS, 5:00pm VB - Varsity/JV Andover, Eisenhower @ ACHS Gym A, 6:30pm Soccer - Boys Varsity @ Goddard HS 27th- 1:00pm Golf - Girls Varsity North @ Sims Park 28th- 4:00pm XC - Vasity/JV @ Winfield Veterans’ Home, 5:00pm Soccer - Boys JV Valley Center @ Andover District Stadium, 5:00pm VB - 9th Andover, Goddard, Valley Center @ ACHS Gym A, 6:30pm Soccer - Boys Varsity Valley Center @ Andover District Stadium 29th- 7:00pm FB - Varsity Pittsburg @ Andover District Stadium 30th- 8:00am VB - Varsity @ Andover HS, 10:00am Soccer - Boys JV Wichita Trinity Academy @ Andover District Stadium, 12:00pm Soccer - Boys Varsity Trinity Academy @ Andover District Stadium

Inservice No School!

Band Fall Fundraiser

Oct. 11 Career Fair

Oct. 19 Parent-teacher conferences

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Super spirit Page Colton Trowbridge Story Ashley Zellers

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ollowing an enjoyable summer vacation, school spirit was reignited thanks to the fall pep assembly.

The outcome of the morning impressed sophomore cheerleader Sarah Stefanek.

“I think this was the best pep assembly I’ve ever experienced. The students liked the stunts we did, and they really seemed to enjoy it more than they have in the last year,” Stefanek said.

Teachers were equally as impressed as the students.

“The best pep assembly I’ve seen in 15 years,” math teacher Jesse Herrmann said.

Excited for marching season to begin, sophomore band member Ruby Maderafont introduced a different perspective.

“I think there needs to be a bit more band participation. Junior and sophomore band students didn’t exactly have enough time to get to their sections for the spirit stick competition. All in all, it was pretty hyped up though,” Maderafont said.

Both students and staff hope that the same spirit brought to the pep assembly will carry over into the beginning of the fall sports season.

Seussical starts strong Story Jilian Primm

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fter two serious natured productions in 2016 (“The Crucible” and “The Pajama Game”), the theatre department decided to switch gears and put on Lynn Ahrens “Seussical” for their first show of the year.

“Seussical” weaves a story of friendship, loyalty, and love, teaches the power of being unique and the importance of fighting for your beliefs.

“It’s light hearted and fun, it allows us to be creative.” Theatre teacher, Cassandra

4 News Briefs

The mascot( Will Rainey, senior) leads sophomores in the roller coaster chant for the first time at the homecoming pep assembly. Photo Maddy Miles

Silverware switchover Story Holly Shortt

T

he kitchen management and administration recently made the decision to switch plastic utensils for metal silverware in hopes of saving money at the school.

Haley Simon, freshman, is excited about the impact this new change will have.

“It’s definitely better for the environment.

Students are throwing away tons of plastic utensils each day,” Simon said. “We also won’t have to keep buying new silverware since you can reuse it.”

However, the kitchen staff and administration are more concerned about the potential money loss.

Conley said.

It revisits characters including Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, and Gertrude Mcfuzz. The show’s choreographer this year is Jerry Weary and the music director is Paden Towne, who is returning from last year.

On audition night, students were thrilled

“Personally, I believe it is a waste of time and money. I see a lot of the silverware going in the trash. It’s more of a hassle and it seems like most students preferred the plastic utensils,” lunch lady, Christy Page said.

Despite initial concerns, Cheryl Hochhalter, principal, believes this change will benefit the school.

“I think the new silverware is great, it’s a lot more durable so it will hold up nicely.

It’s environmentally friendly which is great because we all need to do our share,” Hochhalter said. “Our main concern is the students throwing them away since we’ve always used the plastic utensils. If that continues to happen, we’ll have to go back to using the plastic silverware.”

to finally be back in the theater; show season is highly anticipated by everyone involved.

“I’m super excited to finally perform, sophomore Madison Fleske said. I did makeup last year, and I have been looking forward to this year’s auditions since the day The Crucible ended.”

A showcase of art “Music is like an art form.

Visual art is really cool but I connect with music more. I feel like it’s more expressive, and that’s why I’m glad we have live music in Wichita,” senior Mya Acosta.

Top: Claire Monroe, senior, performs with her band Honeyblush at the ICT Fest pre-show. Photo courtesy of Matthew Clagg Bottom: Spectators watch a series of bands at the Harvester Arts venue. Photo Claire Monroe

Page Claire Monroe, Story Alexandra Schumann

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round forty local bands came together to perform in various locations in Downtown Wichita in celebration of ICT Fest.

The three-day event gave many alternative groups the chance to showcase their music to high school and college students.

“ICT Fest is very exciting. It allows all the different bands around Wichita to express themselves and get themselves out there and I think it’s very good,” senior Sydni McKnight said.

The concerts hosted different styles of music, but Alternative Rock was the main genre of the weekend.

“I like alternative music because it’s completely different from mainstream music.

The music shows a lot of emotion than any other genres of music. Most of the music has a bright tone that is fun to head bang to,” junior Allison Uhlenhop said.

According to Wesley Poore, junior, the idea behind the festival goes beyond the music itself.

“The vibes of these concerts are really good and they’re always performing at cool places.

There’s that and seeing high school and

college kids in my age group do this kind of music is pretty inspiring to me,” Poore said.

One of the biggest parts of ICT Fest is getting to know new people and exploring what the live music scene has to offer.

“ICT Fest a great opportunity to get to know new people and bop to some really rad music. The live music scene lets new bands play their art and everyone is super supportive of them,” Uhlenhop said.

Claire Monroe, senior, performed in one of the concerts over the weekend with her band, Honeyblush.

“This was really cool to me because last year was my first time going to ICT Fest and I would’ve never been like ‘oh I’m performing at it’ last year, and that’s weird to think about. I never thought that I would get here, but I’m glad I did and it’s really cool,” Monroe said.

With all of the different aspects and pieces of ICT Fest, the music itself was most important to those who attended.

“Music is like an art form. Visual art is really cool but I connect with music more. I feel like it’s more expressive, and that’s why I’m glad we have live music in Wichita,” senior Mya Acosta said.

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Left: Students, family, and friends attend the softball tournament put on to support Frakes. Photos by Kaytee Hunter Above: Frakes accepts a quilt gifted to her by FACS teacher Gay Troiani and Suzanne Collins. Photo Drew Wiens

Hitting, throwing, catching, rootin' for Rita Story Holli Dreiling Page Kinsley Ochsner

R

ita Frakes: teacher, coach, friend, fighter.

However, she isn’t alone on this battle.

On July 29th, a Clearwater high school alumni, who Frakes taught and coach, secretly put together a fundraiser to help Frakes with medical expenses. Parents, teammates, past and present students all came to support her.

“I saw a lot of people I haven’t seen in 20 years and some of my national championship team and came back to visit and surprised me and that was real exciting. Kids that I hadn’t had in school for 30 years came to see me. Kids played, moms of kids that I coached played in the tournament, kids that I currently coach played, kids I past coached played. So, it was almost like a reunion day to see everybody,” Frakes said.

Not only did friends and family come from all over to play in the tournament, but the breast cancer awareness fire truck also came out to the softball fields. Frakes got the opportunity to write her own message on the side of the truck.

“I wouldn’t trade cancer for anything. It’s

almost like you get a disease and you fight for yourself and you fight for your life,” she said.

Being diagnosed with a disease has helped Frakes realize a large number of things about herself as a person.

“You get to realize how much you love people and that maybe you’ve made some sort of an impact and just to see people you knew so long ago that still care. I feel very blessed, but I’ve probably never felt this humble in my entire life,” she said.

Frakes has taught her students to always be a fighter. Now it is her turn.

“I’m just not ready to go. I just want to beat it. I want to watch all my nieces, nephews, and god-children grow up. I want to hold their children. I’ve just got too much to do. For all my life I’ve tried to teach my kids you’ve got to fight, you’ve got to not give up. You can’t just quit. And now I’ve got to practice what I preach” Many past and present students told her she is too tough. You can do this.

“I almost feel like I would disappoint people if I go because that’s what I’ve been trying to hard to instill in them. They help me remember that I got this. I can do it.”

Everyone at Andover Central is rootin for you Coach Frakes.

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Ticket for Takeover

Moviegoers voice concerns with theater shakeup Story, page Sydney Sagehorn

One pristine morning in mid-May, Kansans were suddenly hit with the news of Regal Entertainment Group’s corporate takeover of Bill Warren’s meticulously engineered film haven.

Many Wichita and Andover residents were understandably anxious; the Warren theater was always a symbol of luxury and the best way to beat the heat and flee the cold. In the months that have transpired since the news broke, some major changes have already begun to take hold.

Movies are no longer preceded by the short film that takes the audience soaring through the theater’s doors and around the lobby, reminding them to silence cell phones and keep feet off the seats in true 20’s fashion.

“I’m pretty upset honestly,” junior April Page said, “it’s like everything I knew is now gone.”

The familiar “voice of the theater” has disappeared as well, along with the Warren 21 promotion, the Dolby sound preview, and the Warren Wave showcase. These changes cause the feature film to start closer to the posted time, but some argue that it’s at the expense of the Warren’s charm.

“It was such a trademark part of the Warren,” senior Amanda Perez said, “I’m glad they didn’t tear down the building and rebuild it, but I bet that’s just out of convenience.”

Customers might notice the most change at the concession stand. Small and medium popcorn sizes now come in bags rather than tubs, something that raises concerns about the stability of the bags.

“I feel like it’s a lot easier to drop and spill a bag than a tub,” junior Abby Williams said.

Pepsi has since yielded to Coke, and prices and sizes have both seen slight increases.

Tickets are no longer printed on yellow

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cardstock, but rather on flimsy receipt paper that rarely reads the full title of the movie unless it is under 11 characters long.

“A little bit of the novelty’s kind of been taken from it,” junior Aireana Lang said.

Employees are still donning the classic Warren tuxedos, but that is expected to switch to a Regal-branded polo in the near future.

For consumers, one of the biggest perks of going corporate is the introduction of the Regal Crown Club, an online program that rewards frequent customers with credits that can be used in a myriad of ways. For example, a drink upgrade costs 1,500 credits, a Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature-themed fidget spinner costs 9,500 credits, and a free movie ticket costs 15,000 credits. Each dollar spent at any Regal-owned locations earns 100 credits, so this program essentially rewards customers with a free movie for every 15 tickets they buy at the evening price. The staff seemed to struggle a bit with the new technology, but this is expected to improve within a few weeks.

While these changes are unsettling to many frequent guests, employees see the theater taking a step in the right direction.

“The company policies and health code regulations are much more strict now, but in

return for more employee benefits from the company,” former employee and senior Julian Acosta said.

A few other minor changes were instituted; the website displaying show times was surrendered to Regal, the theatre now premiers anniversary showings of classic films, and AT&T customers can get buy one get one tickets on Tuesdays through a text promotion.

Despite these changes, most will continue to see the theatre as the best hangout spot in the area.

“I’ll still go see the movies,” Page said, “but my Yelp reviews won’t be as high.”

[Walking through the Warren] [Box office]

Bad news for collectors: Tickets are now printed on receipt paper, rather than yellow cardstock. Ticket prices are still the same, however, and money spent on tickets can be attributed to your Regal Crown Cub account.

[Concession stand]

Small and medium popcorn orders are served in bags rather than tubs. Coke products are now offered in place of Pepsi. Prices have increased slightly along with the serving sizes. Concession stand purchases also count for credits through the Regal Crown Club.

[In the theater]

The “voice of the theater� along with other Warren-centric previews are gone, but the seats are velvety as ever.

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English department implements cell phone pockets, policies to focus students Story Grace Pool Page Kinsley Ochsner

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ith the new school year comes new cell phone policies. A current common procedure with teachers are cell phone pockets. In many classes, specifically English, students are required to either leave their phones inside of their lockers or put their phones in the phone pockets located on the walls.

“I think the phone pockets are helpful for the students because we’re more engaged in the activities and acting more respectful towards the teachers, instead of sitting on our phones and not paying attention,” sophomore Sophia Buchanan said.

The pockets may benefit some, but for others it can seem a little extreme.

“I think it’s kind of excessive, but I know disagreeing or fighting it is only going to make it worse.

It’s easier to just go along with what the teachers say,” sophomore Malia Flores said.

Teachers offer an opposing viewpoint and a different perspective towards the pockets.

In previous years, the phone policy has been to leave phones in backpacks or lockers, but many teachers have their own personal system. English teacher Chesley Kilgore has implemented the phone pockets.

“I do think the phone pockets are beneficial. It gets students to focus on the task in class so that they don’t have to work on an assignment at home. It also forces

10 Feature

people to have real conversations instead of scrolling through social media. I still have students use them in class when I want them to look something up because phones can be a great learning tool,” Kilgore said.

Although it may bother the students, Kilgore sees the importance in student connections and getting assignments finished during class.

“Students probably don’t love putting their phones in the pockets, but they do get more done in class. The pay off is that they can engage with others better. They can ask their peers and teachers questions in class and get assignments completed,” Kilgore said.

Other teachers have different approaches towards ridding cell phones during class. History teacher Kevin Wiebe is one of the teachers to not obtain the pockets.

“I’ve thought of implementing the pockets, and still may, but I haven’t tried it yet. Right now I have just said that there should be no phones during class. I will evaluate as the semester progresses. There is no doubt that phones serve as a distraction, and need to be restrained,” Wiebe said.

Based on the different perspectives of students and teachers the pockets may be considered a pro or con. It can be frustrating as a student to not have possession of their personal property, but at the same time, school is a place of learning and should be treated as such.

Faith Crane, senior, places her phone in the cell phone pocket found in most English classrooms. Photo Drew Wiens

Do you think the new cell phone pockets are beneficial to classrooms?

NO: 75%

YES: 25%

75 students surveyed

New teachers on the block

Nine fresh faces join faculty to kick off the 2017-2018 school year and many more to come Sydney Rummery After student teaching at North High School and Robinson Middle School, Spanish I and II teacher Sydney Rummery is ready to tackle the new school year. She attended Friends University. “I love seeing students grow every day in language and getting to be a part of their future success,” Rummery said.

Angel McGill

Sarah Wilborn

Angel McGill went to Kansas State and Fort Hays State University in order to become a Special Education teacher. McGill taught at Rose Hill Middle and Meadowlark Elementary previously. “I always had good teachers at school,” McGill said. “ I would like to have that impact on the lives of others as well.”

Study Skills teacher Sarah Wilborn has been teaching on and off since 1999 and has taught in California and at Hutchinson Community College. She received an Atmospheric Science degree from Kansas University and left her meteorology job to become a teacher. “I love to teach and see student success,” Wilborn said.

Bryanna Riddle

Anna Calven

In her third year teaching, Anna Calven also taught as a substitute for five years.

She went to Ozark Christian College, Missouri Southern State University, and is getting a Masters in Special Education (Gifted) from Fort Hays State. “My favorite thing about teaching is that I get to be part of shaping the future,” Calven said.

English Language Arts teacher Bryanna Riddle is in her tenth year of teaching. She has taught at Derby Alternative High, Derby Middle, and Winfield High. Riddle went to Wichita State for undergraduate and Friends University and WSU for graduate. “My favorite thing is to learn something new everyday,” Riddle said.

Mary Kilgore

Fred Sims is in his 19th year of teaching and has taught in Skiatook, Oklahoma; Altus, Oklahoma; Elk City, Oklahoma; and Dodge City, Kansas. He has previously taught Business and Computer classes and is now a Special Ed teacher. “I wanted to be a teacher and a coach because I love helping people,” Sims said.

A first year teacher, Mary Kilgore was previously a student teacher in Manhattan, Kansas. She graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Secondary Education-English. “I love watching kids soar past their goals and accomplish much more than they thought they were capable of,” Kilgore said.

Laura Scaglione

Fred Sims

Deborah Eades

In her ninth year as a teacher, Deborah Eades has taught at Derby, Bishop Carroll, and Goddard High School. She has taught English, Newspaper, Creative Writing, Humanities, and AP Language and Composition. “My favorite thing about teaching is that I am always learning,” Eades said.

Laura Scaglione has taught at East High, Neosho, Junction City, and eCademy. For her first seven years she taught math and for the last nine she has been a counselor. “I enjoy teaching and building relationships with students because kids are smart, funny, talented, and fun to communicate with,” Scaglione said.

Photos Megan Weiser, Page Claire Monroe, Stories Colton Trowbridge

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From place to place How moving affects the process of learning Stories by Sage Edwards, Page by Maddie Spurlock

Staying for the long haul

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argaret Crutchfield, senior, has gone to eight different schools. Crutchfield’s dad was in the Air Force, so her family moved about every two years.

Although Crutchfield likes attending Central, there are things that she misses from her last school.

“It had a different

type of atmosphere. It was in the Northeast and I really liked that part of the country.” she said. “Central also doesn’t have the sports I like, like lacrosse.”

Crutchfield also has complaints about how moving around has effected her learning.

“I have a lot of gaps in my education since most curriculums differ

from state to state,” she said.

She notices some differences between her old schools and Central.

“Students at Central are a lot more affluent than some of the other schools that I have gone to,” she said.

Crutchfield says her favorite thing about Central are the people.

From 2,000 miles away

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ydni McKnight, senior, spent her childhood moving around the continent.

McKnight attended five different schools before settling down at Andover Central.

“I don’t necessarily like Central very much, but it is nice to be living in one spot for a long amount of time because when you meet friends,

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you get to stay with them,” McKnight said.

McKnight has lived in Lawton, Oklahoma; St. Maarten, where she was homeschooled; and Detroit, Michigan.

“I liked living in Michigan because it was very diverse, it was a lot different than Central,” McKnight said.

McKnight didn’t enjoy moving so often

when she was a kid because of the impact it had on her education.

“I think when I was younger it put me behind. When I was homeschooled I didn’t really learn well so when I went back to real school, I was behind.”

McKnight’s dad is a psychiatrist, which caused their family to

move from place to place often.

“Moving around a lot makes you terrified of change,” said McKnight, “but I’m glad I got to experience living in different places.”

McKnight and her twin brother, Jarret, have stayed in Andover longer than they have stayed elsewhere.

Just a few blocks down

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mari Lipscomb, senior, moved from Andover High School to Andover Central this year.

Lipscomb has been in the district all her life.

“Nothing is too different between Central and Andover High. They’re about the same schools, just a different name and location,” said Lipscomb.

Although Lipscomb says she enjoys being at Andover Central, there are things she misses.

“I miss my teachers and my friends from my old school. I felt the love there,” Lipscomb said.

“I don’t dislike anything but the fact that you don’t get to paint your own parking spot. I was looking forward to doing that

when I moved here.”

Lipscomb moved away from Andover High because her parents preferred that she attend Andover Central instead.

“I love Andover High a lot because I’ve been there longer than I have Central,” said Lipscomb. “But, it does seem super chill here and I am starting to like it a lot.”

Coming to America

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ndover Central is the home to many students who have learned all over the world during their academic careers.

Paulina Droege, senior, is one of them. Droege is a foreign exchange student from Germany.

“I really like all the things you can do, like drawing, and theres a lot of sports you can do and clubs that you can join,” said Droege.

Droege speaks three languages: English, French and German.

“Being at Andover Central has helped my English

get better already,” said Droege.

Though Droege says that Andover is her favorite place she’s lived in, there are still some things about the school that she doesn’t like.

“Its so big and there’s long hallways, I can’t find my way,” said Droege.

Droege has gone to 4 different schools and has moved 7 times.

“I don’t really miss anything about my last school. At the moment, I like Andover,” Droege said.

Droege is one of several foreign exchange students to attend this year.

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Hunter learns ropes of backstage scene Page Colton Trowbridge Story Kylie Roman

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usic Theater Wichita (MTW)’s summer productions provide a multitude of opportunities for aspiring young actors to earn on-stage practice. However, unbeknownst to most, the shows offer a look into the world of stage management as well.

Jade Hunter, senior, worked as a stage-crew apprentice, learning all the ups and downs throughout MTW’s summer season.

“I did Hairspray with construction crew, The Hunchback of Notre Dame with electrical crew, and Newsies with stage management,” Hunter said. “It was a very interesting experience; the professional theater versus high school theater is completely different.”

As delightful as it may seem, she still had to earn her place in the production crew. Working as a trainee amongst the higher-ups in the MTW staff was not a simple task.

“They don’t treat you very well as an apprentice: you’re basically the go and get it person. At the same time, though, it’s good to build your background because now I can get an internship with them this coming

summer,” Hunter said.

Running the performances took a toll on everyone involved. It was extremely important for the stage-crew to have everything working correctly or else the show could result in disaster.

“I ran the shows, which means I did all the scenery while the show was going on and it’s very high stress. It’s live theater so there’s always stuff that happens right then and there that you have to handle,” Hunter said.

“I think the stress made me a better worker because there’s always going to be a repercussion for not doing something.”

Hunter spent her summer creating shows that gave back to the entire community, and it only raised her interests in a similar career.

“It’s really awesome to be a part of an art that everyone can enjoy; you don’t have to be an art connoisseur to go enjoy a musical production.

I think it only solidified for me that I want to be in theater for the rest of my life. Even though it’s crazy and hectic, at the same time it’s very rewarding,” Hunter said.

Although it was no easy task, the apprenticeship shed a light into the theater world which only fed Hunter’s interest in pursuing a career in the field of performing arts.

“Everything that can go wrong will go wrong. It is your job as a stage manager to make it work on the fly .”

Jade Hunter, senior

[ ]

Jade at a glance...

Years in show biz: 4 Years of training: 3 shows Shows worked on: 13 Skills needed and used: Cool-headed, organized, methodical, paper oriented, and passionate.

14 Student Profile

“I’m in love with theatre. It’s wonderful and awe-inspiring all while being extremely fast paced and stressful.

The thing that keeps me going is thinking about opening night and all the people I get to show live art that I got to be a part of,” Hunter said. Photo Megan Weiser

It’s a Jungle out there..

Go gettem” Jags!!!

Ads 15

More involvement means more opportunity Story Kinsley Ochsner Page Alexandra Schumann

H

igh school provides many opportunities to become involved, whether it be through sports, honor societies, musicals, or clubs. Andover Central encourages all students to join a club to participate in once a month in order to connect students with common interests and explore them.

With the wide variety of clubs available, it is difficult to restrict oneself to a single club to attend for the entire year.

It should be allowed and encouraged to explore and join multiple clubs, which would consequently expand connections and broaden horizons throughout the school’s community.

Clubs are interest and hobby-driven.

They encourage students to branch out and try something new. This results in a mixed group of people who would not typically interact and build bridges between “cliques” in the school, simply because they would have more chances to collaborate and meet new people.

One of the downsides to this proposed change is the complicated organization that comes with it. More club time would be necessary in order to fit the needs of clubs, and fitting this into the schedule could become complicated.

To solve this, attention given to clubs currently needs to be increased exponentially. Groups should meet weekly on one of the scheduled semiar class periods; meeting roughly once a month does not allow for much within the clubs. Meeting more frequently during and outside of

"I do not want to define myself early. I want to expand my horizons." sophomore Grant Hoofer "When you do more than one thing you may be conflicted on what to do, this can lead to chaos and a conflicted soul." sophomore Kate Cailteux "I was in a club last year and I was bored by the second meeting. We should be able to switch it up.” junior Amaya Harris

school hours would also make joining multiple clubs more feasible.

Clubs should also organize events and meetings outside of school hours and offer opportunities that require students to make somewhat of a commitment to their club. For example, baking club could meet to try new recipes or offer a cooking class.

Joining a second club would be easier with more outside of school club meetings because there is more time available after school hours to organize meet-ups.

In order to fulfill the purpose of clubs, it should be accessible to the student body to join more than one club. This not only broadens the spectrum of involvement, but by allotting more time to clubs both inside and outside of school, the groups would have more opportunity to be productive and grow closer together.

Spotlight staff vote Students should be allowed to be in more than one club.

Agree: 14 Disagree: 8 22 staff members surveyed

The Andover Central Spotlight is the official student newspaper of Andover Central High School and makes an effort to supply readers with unbiased stories and accurate detail. The Spotlight is a forum for student expression and not subject to prior review in accordance with the Kansas Student Publications Act. The staff is comprised of Andover Central High School newspaper students. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect upon the views of the faculty, students or community as a whole. Letters to the editor are appreciated. Please note that letters and messages are subject to editing for clarity or brevity.

The editorial board reserves the right to reject a letter that is perceived as inappropriate.

16 Staff Editorial

When gender roles go too far Changing the perspective of society’s eyes

than serve any other purpose within their role (Huffington Post). This display of roles within the most popular shows on television tells young girls, that their only identity should be as a housewife. By diversifying women’s roles in popular media away from homemaker or sex-symbol, yet another gender misconception will be shattered.

Gender roles have been a

toxic aspect of society since their creation. From women being constantly shamed for dreaming of anything more than motherhood, to toxic hyper masculinity being forced onto little boys, gender roles have done more harm than good for modern society. The only way to accept one another as equals is to eliminate gender roles from any form of modern ways of thinking and living.

Story, page by Maddie Spurlock

doing what women have been doing for years. Girls who aspire to be president and boys who aspire to be ince the dawn of human civilizafathers should not be denounced for tion, men and women alike dreaming. have been subjected to gender Men and women who come off as roles that are intended to define feminine and masculine respectively who they are. In patriarchal societare fighting against the norm as well. ies, encompassing a large majority Expecting people to act a certain of modern ways of life, men are the way based on their sex assigned at breadwinners and women are the birth is society’s biggest flaw; due homemakers. to a human’s However, as overwhelming years tick by and need to fit in, “Girls who aspire societies progthey are going to to be president ress, it becomes adapt to these increasingly roles in hopes of and boys who frequent for these not being framed aspire to be roles to switch; a social outcast but just because it (Role Reboot). By stay at home fahappens, does not society accepting thers should not mean society acthat they cannot be ashamed of cepts it. If society force normality can tear down the upon different dreaming.” walls of gender people, everyone roles that separate can comfortably be men and women, themselves and further progress society then true gender equality lies within for future generations. its grasp.

The perpetuation of gender steAs American society progresses, reotypes are alive and well, in both women have shifted away from society and popular media. According the idea that they are limited to to a recent study conducted by Martha housework and motherhood, and M. Lauzen of San Diego State Universimen are growing more attracted to ty’s Center for the Study of Women in the idea (Huffington Post). This does Television and Film, in which she closely not make them bad mothers; they studied over four thousand television are simply women with a dream, shows and movies, women are more and this does not inherently make often used solely as a two-dimensional men the superior parent just by “wife” or “mother” character rather

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Editorial 17

Page by Brent Lane

VOLLEYBALL SOCCER FOOTBALL Record: 0-2 Record: 9-9 Record: 4-0 Mitchell Allison, Photo Darryl Givens

Lauren Stover, Photo Maddie Meyers

Bryce Fimreite, Wil Ulmann, Photo Cailan Stewart

RESULTS

RESULTS

RESULTS

9/1 vs Andale Andale 28, Andover Central 21 9/8 @ Buhler: Buhler 37, Andover Central 7

8/26 @ Hutch: 7th place (3-3) 8/29 @ VC: vs VC, vs Heights (2-0) 9/7 @ RH: vs RH, vs Maize (0-2) 9/9 @ Ark City: 2nd place (4-2) 9/12 @ Eisenhower: vs EH, vs MS (0-2)

8/28 @ Winfield: Winfield 0, AC 5 8/29 @ Augusta: Augusta 0, AC 10 8/31 vs Newton: Newton 0 AC 3 9/12 @Derby: Derby 1, AC 3

XC

TENNIS

GOLF

Lindsey Kane, Hannah Weibe, Photo Cailan Stewart

April Page, Photo Darryl Givens

Audrey Bishop, Photo Darryl Givens

RESULTS

RESULTS

RESULTS

9/2 @ JK Gold Augusta RAFT:

8/31 @ Emporia: 2 of 9 9/5 @ ACHS: 2nd of 4 9/7 @ Circle: 3rd of 8 9/9 @ Hesston: 2nd of 9

9/5 @ ACHS: 4 of 9

Girls 2nd of 9 Devin Gerber 7th, Alexandra Schuman 8th Cailan Steward 9th

Boys 5th of 9

18 Scoreboard

Team Score: 356

9/11 @ @ Wellington: 3 of 5 Team Score: 229

9/14 @ Eisenhower: 8 of 10 Team Score: 222

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G IN A W A UP

R D

T F A

R D

Page, story by Austin Zellers

A

s the temperature begins to drop and leaves begin to fall, football returns to the national spotlight. Many fans have been awaiting the opening week kickoff, but for fantasy team owners, Sunday afternoons hold higher stakes. Strategy, commitment, research, and the will to win make up the world we call fantasy football.

“Fantasy football provides me with non stop entertainment for five months,” senior Brett Blackman said, “Nothing beats sitting around a TV on a Sunday afternoon with the boys.”

From the stressful decisions on draft day to the excitement of the playoffs, fantasy season can be an emotional roller coaster. Through the ups and downs fantasy forces team owners to follow every player in the league which makes any given game important and exciting to watch.

A fair amount of time and dedication goes into prep work before the weekend begins, but watching your perfect lineup play on Sunday makes it all worth it.

“I spend anywhere from 15-30 minutes a day looking at lineup news and videos,” senior Nolan Crawford said, “My favorite part about playing is being able to watch every football game while keeping track of my player’s stats.”

The competitive environment that fantasy creates among groups of friends is the real reason the game has team owners continue to play each and every season. Trash talking during the week and willing your team to a victory on the weekends forms and endless circle of excitement for all sixteen weeks of the regular season.

“It is really nice to immaculate my friends by imposing my sports knowledge on their sorry teams,” Blackman said.

For some leagues the fantasy season means more than just attempting to beat your closest friends. League owners get together at the start of every season and decide on a punishment that the last place finisher will have to endure. For the senior guy’s league this year holds higher stakes than ever, as the punishment consists of the other league members shaving the head of the unfortunate looser.

“I think our punishment makes our league more challenging than most because a lot of team owners are scared they will get last,” senior George Cartwright, “I predict that either Nolan Crawford or Brett Blackman will get last in this years fantasy football season.”

Regardless of how the season goes for fantasy owners, the competition and comradery of watching football with your friends on a Sunday afternoon will keep competitors coming back for years to come.

“Joining my first fantasy league was one of the best decisions of my life, it makes every weekend so much more enjoyable and keeps me occupied all throughout the week,” Cartwright said, “Anyone who has never played fantasy needs to give it a chance, it can change your life.”

Kareem Hunt

Ezekiel Elliott

David Johnson

"I drafted Kareem Hunt after Spencer Ware's injury. There were other options but I trusted my pick after seeing projections."

Senior George Cartwright

"I think he will perform well this year, He is basicailly Dallas’ whole offense and should preform well.” Sophomore Bryce Claphan.

"Hopefully he can run well in the red zone again, that was a key for his last season.”

Sophomore Ben Canfield.

20 Sports Feature

“Fantasy football is equivalent to money, the more you have the better it gets.” Senior Brett Blackman

“I tried to assemble a group of good people so that collusion wouldn’t be an issue. However we are all very competitive so I’m always on the lookout for it.” Sophomore league commissioner Blake Ullmann

Jameis Winston

Jordy Nelson

Rob Gronkowski

“I think that Jameis is going to have a big upside this year and the bigs will imporve alot becuase of it.” Senior Grant Bell

“I think my man Jordy is going to have another great season and carry me to a fantasy football title." senior Grant Bell.

"If he can stay healthy, he has proven to be one of Brady’s favorite targets making Gronk a top tier tight end once again.”

Senior Jake Adams.

Sports Feature 21

Droppin Dimes all the time Page Colton Trowbridge Story Hunter O’Connor

L

ast season, sophomore quarterback Reagan Jones became the first freshman in school history to start a Varsity Football game. Jones didn’t manage to pick up a win in his two starts late in last year’s season, but after working with a Quarterback coach and Andover Central’s all time leading passer Peyton Huslig, Jones feels much more confident in his game heading into this season.

“Working with my Coach, he really helped me with my mechanics and form, but working with guys like Peyton, they really helped me develop the little things of being a Quarterback, beyond the big picture of throwing the ball,” Jones said.

This season, Jones leads a completely retooled offense with hopes of bringing the Jags back to their winning ways. Jones will be able to showcase his ability to think and play on the fly, with the Jag’s most flexible offensive scheme ever. This year the Jags are opting to use a dynamic offense, giving Reagan a lot more material to learn and adjust to.

“It’s difficult sometimes because of all the new plays and signs, but it’s nice, I like it, I like the RPO stuff,” he said.

Even though the offense is changing, Reagan thinks there is still a lot of his core game to improve on. Namely, Interceptions, Jones threw five interceptions in his two games last year, something that disappoints him.

With the success of the offense weighing heavily on his shoul-

22 Player Profile

ders, Jones is setting lofty goals for himself.

“I want to throw less interceptions this year than I did all last year,” Jones said.

As he puts a lot of pressure on himself, Jones believes that there is more outside pressure on him to perform this year compared to his freshman year, due to a new environment for the young quarterback.

Jones’ two starts last year were both away games, this year the Jags open at home, where Jones plays in front of more fellow students than ever.

“I think there will be more as a sophomore, because I’m actually starting at home, and last year I just started away games, now, I’ll be playing in front of people I know, and they’ll expect a lot out of me,” Jones said.

Despite the pressure and learning curve of the new offense, Jones is gratified to be in the position he’s in. With an impressive record at summer conditioning, as well as the aforementioned quarterback training, Jones feels that this is just the start for him.

“All of my work has led up to this point, and I just want to keep getting better and help the team win. I feel that if I play to my potential, we can be real contenders this season,” he said.

Statistics Week 1 Statistics Passing:

12-24

Touchdowns:

3

Interceptions:

1

Long: QBR:

52 yards 102.4

Jones throws a pass midway through the Jags versus Andale football game. Photo by Jason Thompson

Young runners strive for state Story Clark Schoonover Page Sydney Sagehorn

T

he girl’s cross country team found great success in the 2016 season. After a second place finish at state, the jags look to bounce back and build off of their accomplishments.

One main point of attention is the absence of seniors. The team graduated three runners last year and have zero seniors this season.

Nevertheless, through summer running and preseason preparations, the girls are ready and excited to pursue a championship.

“I think everyone’s expectation is to return

to state. With fewer runners, we will need to improve individual times. Since we have no senior girls, the juniors have really had to step up and set the tone,” junior Devin Gerber said.

The team is built of runners who have worked together for several years. This season, the girls are making a point to push each other at practice every day.

“It’s cool to see how close we all get by running together and motivating each other every day. The team aspect really gives cross country a positive environment where we can encourage each other and make friends in and outside of practice,” junior Hannah

Wiebe said.

Head coach and 2015 Kansas 4A cross country coach of the year Kevin Wiebe, returns this season and has high expectations for the team, despite the lack of seniors.

“It’s refreshing to see the junior girls commit to the team the way they have and set an example. With the team we have, I hope to compete for a state title,” head coach Kevin Wiebe said.

The team opened the 2017 season at Augusta on Saturday, September 2. This was the girls’ first opportunity to make strides towards the title they desire.

“It’s cool to see how close we all get by running together and motivating each other every day... We can encourage each other and make friends in and outside of practice.”

Hannah Wiebe, junior

Devin Gerber, Alexandra Schumann, and Cailan Steward, juniors, pose with their medals after placing 7th, 8th, and 9th respectively at the WSU cross country meet. Courtesy Photo.

Sports Feature 23

Return of the Jungle

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1. The Jungle gets loud at kickoff during the Andale game, in which the theme was USA. Photo by Jason Thompson 2.A group of seniors tailgate the first football game. The parking lot party started at 3:45 PM and included burgers, brats, and cornhole.

Photo by Jason Thompson 3. While throwing a hard juke, Xavier Bell, sophomore, runs for a Jaguar touchdown off a pass from Reagan Jones, sophomore. Photo by Darryl Givens 4. Turlo Friesen and Jack Steiner, seniors, take down the Andale Indian’s running back in the 21-28 loss to open the season. Photo by Jason Thompson. Page Evan Byers

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