U ARE
afraid?
Maleah Ray, Alissa Perkins, Sarah Higgins, and Joe Lee celebrate a touchdown during the football jamboree at Hickman High School.
2
THEME
Ja’Kaia Bynoe
Ava Kitzi
FEARLESS Step into the unknown We
dare
Adam Lake
to battle
courageously
you to doubt us
“Rage, rage against the dying of the light” Humble in
A
confidence
BRAVE man acknowledges the STRENGTH of others
She’s
dauntless through and through
Unwavering “Fortune favors the
determination
audacious”
Perserverence till the end
WE ARE
unafraid. OPENING
3
weld
together
W
hen walking into room A165, welders will be spotted wearing orange outfits, goggles, and working hands-on with material. While this is a great opportunity for potiental welders to experience the field first hand and to build their portfolio with the projects they make, welding is typically famed as a dauting hobby. Ian Melville, a junior who plans to attend Missouri Institute in Nevada, Missouri, had fears about welding when he first started. “I was scared about catching myself on fire,” Melville said. “There’s a very elaborate way to weld, which is common for most activities, but for welding we have one chance because with one mess up, we could potientally harm ourselves or others.” Despite his fears, Melville decided he would try
welding and has conquered the fears he first had two years ago when he started welding. “I think learning the right way to the technique and taking the beginning process of it seriously helped me get over my fear,” Melville said. “It was easy for me to look forward to getting my hands on materials and welding, but actually listening to the technique and being patient before going out and producing material helped eliminate the fear because it all starts with technique.” Once overcoming his fears, Melville completed memorable projects including a scrap bin and more. Now, when he steps out into the garage in room A165, he enjoys just simply getting to weld. “I can’t explain how welding makes me feel. I feel fearless,” Melville said.
Teacher John Goddard demonstrates a technique for the Welding Club.
“I can’t explain how welding makes me feel. I feel fearless.”
-Ian Melville
Above: Ian Melville and Levi Hinshaw practice technique during welding club after school.
24
AUTUMN
penne for your thoughts
Students in Family Consumer Sciences (FACS) get hands-on work in the kitchen. Despite the students being in classes, taking quizzes, and having lectures, FACS stresses the importance of hands-on experience. Lauryn Shepard, senior, likes the hands-on learning of the class. “It’s one thing to learn what boiling water is or what measurements are, but it’s another thing to put it into practice of measuring and making sure the boil is just right,” Shepard said. Students look forward to coming to class to learn more about cooking, but also getting to work in the kitchen. Above: Lauryn Shepard turns on the stovetop to boil water. Left: Hanna Egbert mixes up the butter to make the sauce for mac and cheese.
and sew it
facts about
begins
welding
Sewing is typically an underseen class at Battle. However, students in sewing class get to learn the foundations of sewing. Students in the class make things like pot-holders, mittens, Kleenex holders, and more. Not only do students get to keep the things they make, it is a class that gives back. For each project, they make two. The extra will be given to homeless shelters like the Salvation Army and more to give back to the community.
The earliest form of welding was done around 3500 B.C. in Egypt.
The most common form of welding is SMAW “stick” welding.
Destiny Dollinger sews a potholder in class.
SEPTEMBER
25
m(AG)nificent day O
n October 2nd, FFA held the annual Agriculture Day where students and faculty can go and learn about the many aspects of agriculture and FFA. Many students were able to help talk about animals, make butter, express how to weld and many more, while others got the opportunity to experience everything. On Ag Day is students can see farm animals that they wouldn’t see in their everyday life. College representatives also attended to recruit students who could potentially major in agriculture. Junior Amara Reichert has been to the event every year of her high school career. “My favorite part of Ag day is learning about agriculture and seeing all the different animals,” Reichert said. Although Reichert is not part of FFA, Ag Day is still something that she loves to experience every year. Reichert expressed, “Everyone should go to Ag day because there is so much to learn.” The Future Farmers of America (FFA) have run Ag Day for the past 6 years. According to the national FFA organization, “FFA is a dynamic youth organization that changes lives and prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education“. A lot of students that work at Ag Day typically have an agriculture background, but for sophomore Mya White that isn’t the case. Although White did not grow up in agriculture, she still is an active member in FFA. “Last year I brought my pet rabbit, and this year I helped run Ag Day,” White said. “Being around all the animals and meeting new people is fun at Ag Day.” White has only been a part of the event for 2 years, but she is excited to help out for more years to come. Another student that was involved in this year’s Ag Day has been a part of it for four years. Senior Isaiah DeShon has brought his horse every year, and has also brought his four chickens for two years. DeShon expressed, “Not only is FFA a good way to learn about leadership, but it’s also a day for those without agricultural backgrounds.” This was DeShon’s last Ag Day, but he is looking forward to coming back in the future. “It’s a really good opportunity for kids to be around agriculture that don’t usually have the chance to be around those things in their personal life,” DeShon said. Ag Day welcomes everyone, even if they don’t take agriculture classes or are in FFA.
From left to right: Taylor Reed holds a bunny while talking to the Ag class about different animals. Andrew Hill pose with animal signs. Destiny Deener pets a dog. Deener said, “Agriculture day allows students to learn more about agriculture. I feel like students aren’t aware about what surrounds them.”
44
WINTER AUTUMN
The
1 bunny
Julie and Robert Gastler share a bunny between their science and math classes.
2
fish
Rachel Tinsley had multiple fish; however, they have since passed away.
Class Pet
3 dogs
Bella is the guidance dog. Jordan Rockett’s dog Kona comes to school on special occasions. Cammi also comes to school with Bob Thalhuber.
1 snake
Julie and Robert Gastler also have a snake.
Keepin’ It
Future Farmers of America (FFA) is an organization worldwide that allows students to explore education agriculturally. Students in FFA compete in competitions nationwide and have the chance to attend districts, state, and nationals at the end of their season. Students in FFA typically take other courses offered at Battle that focus on agriculture, aniamls, and more. Audrey Cornell, member, says “FFA has really helped me prepare for future jobs I see myself in,” Cornell said. “I love animals and would love to become a vet in the future.” Left to Right: Isaiah Deshon, Audrey Cornell, and Mya White eat at the FFA Thanksgiving dinner. Landon Viers and his FFA Grasslands Team placed third at Districts. Audrey Cornell and Emma Schudel take vitals during their Vet Sciences class. Aeryn Yonke writes a lab report after taking vitals.
Rural
OCTOBER
45
S
Too Cool for School
tudents continue to stand out in academic opportunities including in standarized tests, leadership positions, and challenging themselves. Battle stands by the belief of their CHARGE, which stands for challenge, honor, advocate, respect give, and engage. Students like Audrey Cornell keep CHARGE in their minds when making decisions about future class, choices, and decisions. “When
,
I’m confused about a topic in one of my classes, I’m never afraid to ask for help,” Cornell said. “I have to be in charge when it comes to my learning because my teacher can’t tell when I don’t understand a topic.” The CHARGE was established the first year that Battle opened with the intention of allowing students to achieve more and excel past the expectations.
Sean Keene After growing up in a family that aspired to cook, Sean Keene developed his love for the kitchen. Keene is an outstanding cook in Culinary Arts and believes he takes after his dad who loves to cook. “I love just feeling like I’m in the kitchen like my dad loves to do,” Keene said. Keene doesn’t necessarily see himself pursuing cooking as a career, but he hopes to work as a part time chef for a period of time in the future.
Culinary Arts
Adam Lake Adam Lake, a senior, has excelled in his scholarship since he was young. Lake has taken Advanced Placement(AP) classes throughout his high school career as he readies himself for his college degree. Lake said, “I would like to work in politics, but not as an elected official. Probably as a lobbyist, analyst, or adviser of some sort. Right now, I am applying to colleges to get an education to pursue that goal, and have mostly decided on what colleges to apply to based on their reputations in political science.”
Social Science
46
AUTUMN
Sydney Livingston
After starting EEE in eighth grade, Sydney Livingston started Battle Corps in her Advanced Seminar and Investigations class. Some events she has organized for students to contribue to the community include the Toy Drive. “This course has given me the time to explore what my values are, as well as recognize and implement my vision for my community,” she said. “I’ve learned that there is a variety of factors that go into what shapes who someone is and the culture of a community, and I am working to evolve the culture of Battle into something more positive and kind.”
Extended Education
Amariah Woodson Amariah Woodson excels in her art. She currently takes AP Studio Art 1 and continues to look forward to taking AP Studio Art 2 next year. She hopes to pursue her career in art in the future, and believes Studio Art has helped her grow in her knowledge about art. “It teaches me a lot about the different techniques and mediums in art. You can have the same drawing but the different medium could change it competely,” Woodson said.
BRAVE intentional courageous
TOUGH
Bright
scholarly brilliant
SMART
UNAFRAID
kind
ENERGETIC
ACADEMIC STUDY
CLEVER
INDEPENDENT
INTELLIGENT
hard working
DISCIPLINED
strong
Diligent
ADAPTABLE
attentive
studious
Studio Art
PROFILES
47
I CAN SHOW YOU THE
world
Advanced Placement World History students are reading A Thousand Splendid Suns. Published in 2007 by Khaled Hosseini, it is a story about a young girl surrounding her birth and her marriage. Sophomore Sean Keene has enjoyed reading the story. “I think it’s a really
cool story,” Keene said. “I think even though the setting takes place in Afghanistan, there are many things we can take away from it even though we don’t know that culture very well.” Students continue to look forward to other books they will read in World History.
Above: Rachel Jeffries talks to her book group during collaborative discussions. Below: Emily Hammond writes her response to the prompt about A Thousand Splendid Suns. Brandon Hess answers the prompt on a post-it note.
a glimpseof cultural
diversity ia
an
s
p Ja
d
ite n U
e at t S
ce
an Fr
ia
ss u R
co
i ex
M
74
WINTER
d In
C
ulture Club’s annual Multicultural Week was held Feb. 19-21. In past years, Culture Club has organized food days and cultural dress. This year they brought South African speaker Velaphi Thipe from the University of Missouri’s Kaleidoscope group. Nikki Aguero, the Culture Club sponsor, contacted the director of Kaleidoscope, an organization that allows international students to speak to other students in Columbia about their home country, in August to see if there would be any students interested in speaking with Culture Club members as they prepare for their Multicultural Week and to spread awareness about the topic of diversity. “We want our students at Battle to have a voice and for them to share their own heritage,” Aguero said. “I think bringing in other international students that live in our community can help show our students that we are not alone at Battle and that diversity and this beauty is everywhere. We just need to open our eyes to it.” Approximately 50 students attended the Jan.1 Culture Club meeting to hear Thipe speak about his story in South Africa, a country with very diverse people. As he transitioned from South African culture to American culture he learned valuable lessons on the topic of race and language. “In South Africa, we aren’t taught color,” he said during his
we are
ONE
Above: Prey Meh smiles as she gets dressed for the slide show. Meh enjoys culture club and what it offers her. “I love to take part in culture club because it allows us to take pride in where we come from,” Meh said. Below: Prey Meh and Jennifer Villela listen to the speaker. Velaphi Thipe speaks to students about his culture in South Africa. Prey Meh and Jennifer Villela watch a video. Velaphi Thipe speaks, while Nikki Aguero and Toks Adegbuyi listen. Yarelly Laguna, Vanessa Rivera, and Ricardo Rodriguez attended the meeting.
speech. “I’m black. I’m white. And I’m colored.” This specifically stood out to Jennifer Villela, a member of Culture Club. “Whether we are black or white, what makes us the same isn’t our skin tone, but that we are all made of the exact same thing deeper than our skin,” Villela said. “And in the same way, what makes us different isn’t our skin tone, but how we perceive different words or actions because of what that culture taught us. “Thipe described the idea of perspective, and how one word to one person may be perceived in a completely different way based on their experiences or beliefs about the word. This specifically stood out to stood out Aguero. “Hearing people’s perspective about their community can help open our minds to the possibility that we are not alone; there is not one way to do things, or say things.
There are so many perspectives out there,” Aguero said. “When we are aware of that, we are a lot more of accepting of those different voices. I think that is the only way we can stop prejudice or stereotypes, because we can break down those misconceptions or misunderstandings that may be there.” Thipe shared his experiences of walking on campus and how he has these expectations of how someone should respond when someone smiles or waves. Sometimes those expectations aren’t necessarily a reality and when that happens, he’s had to learn that it doesn’t make them a bad person but that they are just different. He’s had to acknowledge that people respond to others differently and it isn’t a bad thing. “I hope this is the culture we can create in our hallways. High school is a time when many
students feel scared to be themselves because they are afraid of rejection or being made fun of,” Aguero said. “I feel like students need to just accept who they are and where they come from and just shine. We have 50 [members of Culture Club] who want to embrace where they came from, compared to last year when we had 15. If it keeps growing, I think this will be the reality of the culture at Battle High School.” “I want our school to be like the flag he described to us today. Their flag represents 3 different countries and they speak over 7 different languages,” Toks Adegbuyi a junior said. Culture Club looks forward to bringing Thipe to speak to the student body during Multicultural Week and hopes it can be the start of embracing diversity.
JANUARY
75
Who’s Game FOR
Tabletop?
Students in Tabletop Gaming Club got together to play Pokemon. Auston Theberge, senior, attends Tabletop Gaming Club for many reasons. “It allows students to get together who love to play games,” Theberge said. Above: Dominic Sinclair competively awaits to hear about the Pokemon the other students have. Dominic Sinclair, Jaycob Mieves, and Kayden Streu look at their cards and laugh. Below: Dominic Sinclair, Jaycob Mieves, and Kayden Streu talk about their Pokemon to exchange them. Dice are popular neccessities when it comes to board games. Many games include dice such as Yahtzzee, Shoots and Ladders, and more. Dice in board games are important to help move your player further along or to collect points for a point system.
I’M JUST HERE FOR THE
butterbeer
Students in Dumbledore’s Army got together to create butterbeer, a famous drink in Harry Potter world. Butterbeer contains cream soda, caramel and butter and is topped with butterscotch whipped cream. Students who participate in Dumbledore’s Army are students who enjoy and want to learn more about Harry Potter. Students get to make food, posters, and more. Jonas Ferguson, freshman, enjoyed getting to make butterbeer. He said, “It was really fun because everyone knows what butterbeer is, but to actually try it and make it is another thing.” Right: Lauren Wright consumes her butterbeer. Audrey Shively takes attendance for the event. Jonas Ferguson measures his cream soda to pour into his cup.
82
WINTER
Girls Who Code teaches girls how to code for designing websites and other code programs. Students who participate have a wide variety of coding abilities. Amanda Arbuckle, freshman, enjoys the club for multiple reasons. “I think it’s important regardless of your interests because it helps you become more familiar with technology,” Arbuckle said. “Technology usage is more of a skill people need and it looks good if you can work with a variety of different programs with coding.” Below: Amanda Arbuckle uses her computer to work with different coding programs. Julia Albay looks at her computer.
SIDE EFFECTS OF PARTICIPATION Students who participate in extracurricular activities often gain many qualities that they can use in and out of their classes. Extracurricular activities not only have the potential to mold students into being harder workers, but also helps students communicate with their peers better. Those who participate in such activities have more determination and a sense of self advocacy than those who don’t.
Cracking Codes While most are headed home, five girls come together on their laptops to work on a new project for Girls Who Code club. This club started at the beginning of the year when math teacher Evan Schilling was approached by Kaitlin Weegman, an analytics consultant who was trying to inspire girls to try coding. Coding is what makes it possible for us to create computer software, apps and websites. Girls who Code, which was founded in 2012, is a national group. At each meeting the girls follow along with girlswhocode.com and watch an inspirational story or video posted weekly to teach them the importance of coding. Then they work on their newest project: a video game for elementary school children to practice math skills. Schilling said, “They will definitely learn more than just coding. They’ll learn how to work together as a team, take on leadership roles, how to organize their work, and how to delegate tasks.” Weegman is a woman in the community who is very passionate about the tech field. She made this club in order to give girls the opportunity to try coding in high school, because Weegman said she didn’t know
about coding until she went to college. Getting into this field made her see the gender gap in the technology field. Weegman explained, “On a very basic level they’ll start to learn a couple different computer programming languages but I’m also hoping that teamwork and collaboration, problem solving skills, working creatively, and in the end feeling proud to have worked on a project together.” Amaya Daniels, sophomore, heard about this club in the announcements. Daniels joined this club to widen her range of technological knowledge. She believes others should join this club because “it helps you be familiar with different coding programs.” Angelina Path, sophomore, had just heard about this club in the announcements. Path said, “It’s the technology age and this has always intrigued me.” Path explained, “I thought if I joined this club I could learn new things and even impress myself. You get to meet new people and learn new things.” Schilling believes that the world needs more coders. “There’s a shortage of quality coders out there in the world, it’s a good job opportunity.”
Improved academic performance
Enriched skills outside of the classroom
Increased brain stimulation
FEBRUARY
83