As the rates of gun violence within schools increase year by year, are the current intruder drills enough to prepare students for the worst?
Editor in Chief: Nadia Warren
Copy Editor: Annemarie Wilhite
News Editor: Brooklyn Collins
Feature Editor: Kessa Adee
Opinion Editor: Aubree Sims
Sports Editor: Bryce Ruder
Website Manager: Sophie Webb
Social Media Coordinator: Nyah Warren
Business/Advertisement Manager: Evelyn Nelson
Social Commissioner: Erin Hardy
Reporters: Brady Powers, Caroline Trotman, Jessica
Vincent, Madeline Swenson, Reagan Smith
From the moment my advisor informed me that I would be this year’s Editor-in-Chief, my work for this particular
issue began. Knowing that our third issue is created during the longest quarter of the year and by that point, I’d be familiar with the ins and outs of Adobe InDesign, I wanted it to stand out as something truly meaningful. My magazine staff has gone above and beyond this quarter to bring this dream to life, as they have taken on a variety of heavy stories with weeks and weeks of interviewing, researching, writing, and editing each other’s papers to make them the best that they can be. I cannot thank my staff enough for all the work they’ve put in this issue—it has not gone unnoticed.
For this issue, I emphasized stories that the student body and SPS staff needs to hear—stories that affect each and every one of us. Having been in a real life lockdown myself, I can say the intruder drills practiced every year beforehand did not leave me prepared or sure of what to do in the situation I experienced. With the rate of school gun violence increasing year by year, it’s important that we know what to do in a variety of different circumstances; you won’t always be hiding behind barricaded classroom doors when a situation occurs. I commend Madeline Swenson and Annemarie Wilhite’s coverage of school gun violence this issue, and I encourage every reader to take a look at their work. Thank you again to every reporter that has contributed to the final product of this magazine—it is such an honor to be working with you all.
What are your plans for spring break?
What inspired you to join magazine?
What reality TV show would you be on?
Thoughts on the Easter bunny?
“I’m working.”
“Orman told me to join.”
“Love is Blind.”
“The dude’s creepy, that’s all.”
“I’m gonna clean up my closet and do soccer practice.”
“I like to write and Mrs. Orman told me to be here.”
“Love Island.”
“I like the concept, but the dressing up part is creepy.”
“I might go to Florida and study for the ACT.”
“I thought it would be fun. I wrote a story in J1 on the website.”
“The Kardashians.”
“I’m going to study for the ACT.”
“I did it at my old school.”
“Survivor.”
“He’s real and I like finding eggs.”
“I wanna know how big he is.”
BY MADELINE SWENSON
“Guys, there’s an intruder at my school.”
I will never forget the panic and terror I felt when I read a text from one of my best friends that her life was at stake. Photo by Sophie Webb.
Several months ago I was sitting in my English class when I received a text from my friend saying that there was an
intruder at her school.
My friend was at lunch and she didn’t know what to do. She said that the policeman had a gun out and all of the teachers were terrified because it wasn’t a drill.
She started running through hallways and trying to enter classrooms. However, all the doors were locked and the windows covered, so she couldn’t get in.
She didn’t know where the intruder was and became fearful that she would turn a corner, face a threatening individual, and possibly end up losing her life. Eventually, she was able to get outside with a group and wait until she could go back inside.
Her school had not adequately prepared her for this situation. They had never done any drills during lunch blocks, or covered what to do if a student is not in a classroom during an intruder alert.
Later she told me that it was a false alarm, but that situation raised the question in my mind of what would happen if an intruder entered our school during my lunch period? Would I really be prepared? What would happen if I was unable to get to safety?
School should be a place where students aren’t looking over their shoulders or down hallways for a safe place to go, but sadly safety isn’t always guaranteed in our world.
According to CNN, there were 56 K-12 school shootings in America in 2024. That’s more than one a week. Even in 2025, we are seeing headlines of more school shootings plaguing this year already, for example, there was a gun that went off in Tennessee where one student died. These acts of violence have left many students either dead or injured.
You may think “this will never happen to me; the odds are just too low,” but I’m sure that the people who perished in these deadly shootings once thought this as well.
Our drills are supposed to prepare us for many situations that may arise from this threat, regardless of what class we are in or where we are in the building. However, our drills haven’t prepared us for what to do when we are at an assembly, in the hallways, or sitting in a crowded lunch block.
I understand why we do not have drills during third block, because that would interfere with our lunches. However, if we can interrupt the schedule for
assemblies, then we can change around the other blocks and add extra time to third block to practice what to do during lunches. I would rather take a few extra minutes out of third block and know what to do in the case of this happening than never practice and be unprepared. Administrators and police could also give us instructions for the chance of there being an intruder during our lunch blocks. They can say where to go, whether it be outside or try to get into a classroom and what to do when we are in the hallways and not in our classrooms.
Think about what would happen if the alarm went off during your lunch. What would you do? For me, if the alarm went off while I was in the middle of lunch, I would not know where to go, similar to my friend. I do not know how I would react in a situation like this. However, I know I would be frightened, and I could run down a hallway and potentially see a person whose goal it is to harm me.
I’m afraid that something like this could happen again, but my hopes and pleas will crumble and more tears will fall when I hear that a loved one is gone for good.
If I tried to enter a classroom I would most likely run into the same situation as my friend, where she wouldn’t be able to get into a locked classroom.
Since I was in elementary school, I remember being huddled in a corner away from the door with the lights off and being as quiet as a mouse, pretending the classroom was empty. An administrator would come by the room and knock on the door or try to enter to simulate an intruder attempting to break into the classroom.
However, because of my friend’s experience, I see a different side of this.
What happens to students who try to enter a classroom but it doesn’t open because the people in the class are worried that the student could be the intruder?
The windows that look into classrooms are usually covered for safety reasons, which makes sense, but students need to be taught what to do if they are locked out of rooms and where to go when faced with these situations.
Teachers’ number one priority in the event of an intruder is to keep their
students safe. My friend was running through the hallways of her school, panicking because no classroom would let her enter in case she was the intruder.
These types of situations put teachers in a heartbreaking choice: crack the door open and see if the individual outside is a student looking frantically for help, or keep the door closed and perhaps guarantee the safety of the kids in their class. Either way, each choice carries a serious and life-endangering threat.
Our school should prepare students for what to do if they are not in a classroom when an intruder alarm goes off. Students and staff need to be aware of if they need to try and leave the building immediately or hide in a room somewhere until the danger passes.
The terrible truth of our lives is that safety is not one hundred percent guaranteed. While school police and staff members all care about student’s safety, horrible things can still happen. However, we can try our best to ensure that every student, teacher, staff member, and administrator has the best chance to survive an unimaginable situation like this.
When I first got the text from my friend about the intruder, it didn’t seem real. Eventually, reality dawned on me and my thoughts started putting up a futile fight, preparing me for the worst. I began shaking and silently crying when my friend didn’t reply to my texts of what was happening and if she was safe. I’m afraid that something like this could happen again, but my hopes and pleas will crumble and more tears will fall when I hear a loved one is gone for good.
One of my biggest fears is that I will receive the same text that my friend sent from my loved ones, but instead of getting a response saying they are alright, I won’t receive a response at all. I might wake up every day knowing that I would never hug one of my siblings again, never laugh with a friend, or talk to the student sitting next to me.
Sometimes talking about this dark subject can make people uncomfortable, but these efforts are essential and will help all students in the long run. We need to act now before it becomes too late. Schools should increase our efforts to prepare students for the worst so that if and when the worst happens, our students have the best chance of surviving a horrific event like this. The harsh reality is that we can’t be prepared for every situation, but we can prepare for what to do if and when there is an intruder during a lunch block.
It’sTime
One of the largest topics of conversation in America today is the widespread levels of gun violence in schools. However, students are still unsure about their safety.
BY ANNEMARIE WILHITE
Firearms have become the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States. After the
COVID-19 pandemic, mortality rates from gun violence have shown a surge in growth. I believe this has a lot to do with the conditions imposed upon the world during the pandemic, which led to an uptick in mental health problems worldwide. This combined with the extremely loose gun laws in the United States has made gun violence much more prevalent.
According to CNN, from 2013 to 2019, school shootings in the United
During intruder drills, students and teachers are encouraged to practice barricading or evacuating their rooms to prepare for a real intruder.
States began to increase, averaging around 30 to 50 school shootings per year. Then they dropped in 2020 due to schools being out from the COVID-19 outbreak and quarantine. Following the return to school in 2021 to 2024, they skyrocketed to averaging 70 to 80 per year.
The United States is almost incomparable to other countries in terms of gun violence. However, despite all the chaos, the government has seemed indifferent to the cause.
As news stories rapidly spread nationwide over the damage automatic weapons have on
communities and schools, there has been almost nothing proposed by politicians to resolve these issues.
This leaves students feeling hopeless and scared, fearing that this could one day be our schools’ fate. It is exhausting to witness constant news coverage of families being torn apart by the effects of gun violence, with nothing to offer them but “thoughts and prayers.” It is time to provide some concrete changes and find a solution to weapons of mass destruction that have ripped apart our communities.
Schools across the nation have made
efforts to expand security, fearing the possibility of an armed individual making their way into the building. Intruder drills to prepare for the dreadful possibility of gun violence have become widespread across the nation, starting as early as elementary school. Our school in particular has made many enhancements to ensure our safety in case of an intruder, including training for staff members, safety audits, bulletproof safety film for all first-floor windows, and secure doors.
“Once the bell rings at the beginning of the day, the only way in and out of the building is the two main entrances, and both of those doors are secure and you have to be buzzed in by one of the secretaries,”
Principal Bill Powers said.
A couple of years ago, our school started the “Stop the Prop” movement to prevent students and staff from propping doors open due to the security risk. Last year, food and drink deliveries from any company were banned. Since then, our safety has drastically improved.
Our school resource officers are extremely beneficial to our safety, and do frequent security checks to ensure we are prepared for any emergency.
“Our officers do safety audits to check doors to make sure they are closed and secured. They also check classroom doors because they are supposed to be in the locked position at all times, so sometimes our officers will just go through and check that all doors are in the correct position,” Powers said.
In addition to exterior door checks, our exterior windows on the first floor all have a safety film that would keep an intruder from attempting to break in through a window.
“We know the safety film works because previously, windows by the PAC (Performing Arts Center) and band room were hit by a rock which shattered the window, but it still held in place. Bullets and rocks aren’t exactly the same, but the purpose is that it wouldn’t shatter or penetrate through the window to allow someone to get in,” Powers said.
Although additions like these to our building have been incredibly influential, they still do not eliminate the risk. Staff and students must be prepared, and one of the main ways we can do this is through intruder drills.
“We encourage that during intruder drills we have our staff treat it like
it’s a real situation and have real responses. Years ago we would just do lockdowns where we would just lock the classrooms and try to get out of sight, and sometimes we still do that. But now we encourage classrooms that would stay in place to practice barricading the doors and those who would evacuate to practice getting out,” School Resource Officer Dennis Goss said.
Our school has been focused on making intruder drills as accurate as possible to ensure the most preparedness in the case of an actual emergency.
“During a recent drill, for the first time, we utilized that prerecorded overhead announcement. In past intruder drills, we have had Dr. Powers on the intercom giving somewhat detailed information, but that is not very realistic in an actual situation. We have those recordings currently in a couple of offices where all we have to do is lift the phone off the receiver and hit a button, so that’s why we utilized that because it would be more realistic for something similar to occur in a real event,” Goss said.
In addition to practice in intruder drills, staff members are required to
Depending on the location in the building, some classrooms are forced to stay inside their rooms and find areas to hide in during intruder drills.
do yearly training with a program called ALICE which is an acronym that stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate.
“What we have used the last several years is a program called ALICE which is based in Texas. The one thing we can’t really address in intruder drills is the ‘counter’ section of the ALICE training because we don’t have a bad guy to defend ourselves against. We try to encourage staff to find what they might have available in a classroom that could help defend themselves and students,” Goss said.
Goss wants to make sure that staff knows there’s always something that could be used in a life-or-death situation and a lot of the times it’s necessary to think quickly and outside the box.
“We show a video demonstrating that you could throw anything to distract or get the attention off of you because it doesn’t matter what you throw, the natural reaction for everybody is going to be to put your hands up, which buys time. We also talk about a bum rush or a group tackle where you can control that person and take them down,” Goss said.
The main goal of these strategies is to increase the likelihood of survival for staff and students until first responders could arrive.
In addition to every security measure implemented recently, last year, the district hired a company to conduct a safety audit of our building. The company evaluated some areas for improvement, and from there, we will make additional security enhancements.
“I imagine some of these changes will be in effect by the end of this year or by next fall. We’re changing how some of our doors function, how they lock, entry points, and things like that to help ensure the safety of our students and staff members,” Goss said.
Despite all of the efforts from schools nationwide, there is almost no way to directly eliminate the risk of an intruder. This is why I believe the government should prioritize acting on the safety risk inflicted upon the children of America.
One of the main reasons why no actions have been taken is because of the large divide between those who want to uphold the right to bear arms and those who think gun laws
should be stricter. Many Americans use guns for protection or non-violent purposes, which I believe should still be preserved.
Instead of focusing on the gun laws, which haven’t seemed to budge due to the push-back from gun-owning Americans, we should focus on allocating more funding and resources to school districts.
With the recent expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) use, I believe it could be extremely beneficial in preventing school shootings. If AI was implemented in school security systems, it would be easier to detect firearms and increase the reaction time for schools to contact law enforcement and neutralize the situation.
AI can do facial recognition, which could identify weapons or someone unauthorized to be in the area much quicker than humans. AI could also surveil social media platforms for warning signs or threats to specific locations.
Regardless of what the change is, it is time for our government to take action on the increasing and mass amount of devastation caused by school shootings.
AP classes offer college credit at many schools, but are these classes actually aiding in high school students’ education?
BY REAGAN SMITH
Over the last few years across the country, AP enrollment has steadily increased.
According to the College
Board, from 2013 to 2023, there was a three percent increase in high school students taking AP courses, which is around 600,000 students.
There have been many more students participating in AP classes in recent years, and the increased enrollment is beneficial for students’ education and experience through high school and college.
Students who take AP courses are offered the chance of college credit for preparation and the experience of taking a college course. This can benefit students in the future while being enrolled in real college classes.
Those who prefer the rigorous course load of AP classes can earn college credit hours if they pass the AP test in May and the college they plan on attending accepts their score, which will help them graduate college early and save money for tuition. Students who graduate early get a head start in the workforce, earning valuable life experience before their peers.
The AP test is scored on a scale of one through five, and you need a three to pass. Depending on which college students are enrolled in, they might only accept scores of four or five.
The larger responsibility put on AP students gives them opportunities to learn crucial time management skills and build confidence. The skills learned not only help students build their education throughout high school, but assist them further going into college.
When colleges look at admissions, students with AP credits stand out as students who are willing to challenge
Our school offers 19 AP courses, giving students many classes to choose from depending on what they choose to study in college.
themselves with above-level work.
According to the College Board, 85 percent of colleges prefer students with AP credits over those without them.
While some can feel overwhelmed by the concept of AP classes, those
who know how to utilize them will succeed in college and the future. AP classes help students have the opportunity to graduate early and learn life skills early in life.
According to College Board
NWith spring ACTs about to begin, students should be aware of some new modifications.
With the ACT right around the corner, here are some tips and information for this years’ junior class.
BY SOPHIE WEBB AND BRYCE RUDER
Starting in April, there will be new rules regarding the ACT. According to the ACT official website, there are numerous
changes coming that will help colleges decide who to accept based on scores.
For starters, the test length is being condensed drastically, taking 44 questions away from the whole test. This means that students will have more time in each section.
The new sections are as follows: English is 50 questions in 35 minutes, Math is 45 questions in 50 minutes, Reading is 36 questions in 40 minutes, and Science is 40 questions in 40 minutes. These are pretty drastic
changes for specific portions, such as the infamous math section where you had 60 minutes to answer 60 questions.
Additionally, the math test is getting another rework. The amount of answers per question changes from five choices to four. This may not seem like a huge difference, but it can definitely help a student if they have one less wrong answer to choose from.
There was originally only one optional section. The writing segment has been optional since 2005, and now, another portion will be joining the ranks. The science test is now optional, making life much easier on
students and universities.
However, it is still advised to take the science section for a couple of reasons. One being that most top-tier colleges and universities still require a science score. Two, if you are planning on entering into a college for a science field, it would make a lot of sense to take the test.
As for the students here at our school, it completely changes the preparation aspect of the test. Now, students no longer have to worry about studying for a whole section and instead can focus on another section they struggle with. The good news is that even with these changes, students will still be offered a free
test their junior year. According to assistant principal Dr. Cheryl Hall, these new changes won’t affect much beyond the preparation and test process for students and staff being shorter.
“We are still going to offer the test for free no matter what a student decides to do. I would suggest some students still take the science test because most schools around the midwest still require a score,” Hall said.
These new changes will definitely create higher scores and give more students a chance of attending the colleges of their dreams.
Studying for the ACT can be very stressful for some students. Most ACT prep books don’t tell students the
tips and tricks to get through all the questions on time and help students score higher.
One basic tip that can apply to the whole test is using the process of elimination. When looking through the answers, there’s always one that’s definitely not correct, so cross it out. When it comes to “select all that apply,” it depends on how many options there are. If there are five options, select two answers. If there’s more than five, select three answers unless the question tells you otherwise. Select the best answer. Even if there are two answers that sound or look the same, there’s always one that is worded better. For some more help, our school offers an ACT prep class.
On the English portion of the test, read the sentences “out loud” to yourself and make sure you have read all of the answers carefully to pick the right one. It’s important to know correct punctuation and study some simple spelling techniques like the “i before e” rule. Make sure to study up on grammar as well.
On the reading portion of the test, read the first sentence of every paragraph to save time and you will most likely get the main idea of the text. If you don’t, continue to read the paragraph until you understand. Always read the questions first to know what to look for in the text. Even if the question doesn’t make sense, you will understand once you read the text or the section it asks for.
For the math portion of the test, if you can’t figure out the answer right away, skip it and come back to it later to save time. If you don’t know the answer, formula, or how to solve, use the process of elimination and pick your best guess. Study some common formulas especially geometry and algebra. When in doubt, just pick C.
On the science portion (if you choose to take it), even if the graphs and tables don’t make sense, read them carefully and get the most information possible. To prepare, study some refreshers on basic chemicals and biology. Give yourself 10 seconds to study the graphs and tables then answer questions. The last question that goes with each table or graph is normally the hardest so come back to them later.
The average composite ACT score in Missouri is around a 20. Colleges start looking at students when they get a score of 28 or higher.
At the end of the day, you just need to breathe and relax. Don’t stress about it too much, just study hard and try your best!
Taking a look at the accomplishments our clubs and sports have made last semester as well as their upcoming events.
BY BRADY POWERS AND JESSICA VINCENT
These are some of the clubs and sports at our school that are interesting to students but don’t get covered often.
Color guard kept themselves very busy during their 2024 season, competing in Pride of the Ozarks Marching Festival, the Bentonville Marching Invitational, Missouri State Marching Association Championships, St. Louis Band of America, and Indianapolis BOA all between September and November.
At their first event, the Ozarks Marching Festival, they won the award for best color guard competing against the surrounding schools. They also won state at Colombia in October, making this the second year in a row that they have taken home a state trophy.
Sophomore Khloe Jones explains that last season was a lot of fun and she’s looking forward to Winter guard.
“We’re hoping to rank high again this year but also have fun,” Jones said.
DECA Distributive Education Clubs
of America (DECA) has been busy preparing themselves for the upcoming competitions in the 20242025 season. DECA competitions are consistent with their formats in terms of competitions meaning they will look the same as last year.
Their first competition is districts held on February 6 at Missouri State, in which the team had 45 competitors, 33 received on stage awards, and in March of last year, 22 advanced onto State competition.
Business teacher and DECA advisor, Cara Posegate, says they have been doing several practices to prepare themselves for the upcoming district competition as a team.
“We had 45 out of the 50 DECA members participate in a practice training day to learn about competitions, go through their roles, and then guest students that were former students of mine come in to judge their tests,” Posegate said.
After districts, depending on how the 50 DECA members compete, they will move on to state. State is held March 23rd to 25 at the Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
Depending on how the DECA members do this year, they will be
moving on to internationals which is held in Orlando, Florida.
The team is hoping for strong showings to get them into state and internationals
The robotics club has been getting their portfolio and engineering notebooks ready for their upcoming Drury competition that is on the 25th of January. The Drury competition is the biggest of the year for them and everything they have been working on throughout the year has led up to this point.
In their past events with several of them held at our school, one in November and one in December, they have done quite well getting first in many of these events. However, these competitions were ultimately just tests to see what they can improve on and fix for their upcoming competition. They have had four months to build a program robot to score the highest amount of points possible.
There are many different Kansas and Missouri schools at this competition, but our school represents all of the Springfield area, with no other schools
entering the competition. After districts is state held on March 7 at the University of Missouri Science and Technology in Rolla. It is called the FIRST Tech Challenge.
In hopes to get to state, freshman Andrew Baasgaard said this year the teams have been time efficient and have prepared ahead of time to be ready for all competitions.
“We have done really well so far leading up to the Drury event. I know that in many past years, Betsy Cannella, our schools robotics coach, has said that they have been scrambling to get ready days before competitions, but this year we had everything solidified in terms of and ready to go ahead of time before our first competition and we won,” Baadsgaard said.
The speech and debate team has been working on polishing themselves up over the past couple of weeks. They have a series of important tournaments coming up.
These tournaments are in Liberty, Missouri which is on January 17, and at Glendale high school where our school will compete against Central and Glendale. These are usually the hardest tournaments they have all year. Compared to last year, the debate class size has shrunk, but they still have about 40 members that are working on putting their cases together to be prepared for these events.
Most members come after practice and work on whatever event they are competing in. Everyone is striving
to make their acting and speaking the best it can be so they can have a district spot which is very important to everyone in debate.
After upcoming debates, tournament districts are their main priority. Many members of the club think they have an opportunity to make state and want to take advantage of this. Following the district tournament is the National Speech and Debate Association, which is the national district for debate located in Iowa.
So far in the season, the debate team has done well having lots of members earn trophies in different categories.
Senior Cayden Harman has many
accomplishments he is proud of.
“When I competed in the novice division, I won a second place trophy and won two more trophies in my first ever event. I’m really proud of it because I was hopping into something I had never done before and was happy I was able to succeed at it,” Harman said.
Harman also said that the debate team has gone against some of the states best debate schools that have very high ranking kids. This is encouraging for the team as they can compete with top debate programs, which proves they can compete in state and nationals.
Color guard and winter guard practice and get ready for their first competition.
NOTC’s Middle College is a unique way for students to learn and experience a college life while still in high school.
Middle College is one way to get ahead in education, so how do you best present yourself to get in?
One way to get more out of education in a short amount of time is by attending Ozarks Technical Community
College’s (OTC) Middle College.
Middle College is a program for juniors and seniors in high school to attend college classes at OTC full time. It is a way for students to explore possible majors and careers after high school and mature individuals who want to transition into an adultoriented college environment.
“Students can get a head start on their career or college education. We have smaller class sizes, a lot of extra support, and we know every student by name. Students enjoy the freedom and a more mature environment as well,” Middle College Counselor Sunshine Loveland said.
Middle College is designed for people who want to start college sooner and students who see education as a way to pursue their dreams and goals.
For a student looking into applying to OTC’s Middle College, asking our school counselors for information and help is the first step.
Admission officers look at grades, recommendations, discipline records, and, of course, the student’s application.
Students can apply online yearround and are later expected to attend an interview on OTC’s campus with a parent to see if they are ready for Middle College.
“[Students] can apply to OTC and choose Middle College. Once them and their parent/guardian submit their application portions, Middle College will reach out via email to set up an interview,” Loveland said.
OTC looks at the entire student, not just who they are on paper. They look at their personality and if they have any unique life circumstances that Middle College would benefit from. They want to see if the student will be ready for the college lifestyle.
“This is why the interview is such an important aspect of the process so that we really get to know who the student is and what they want to do,” Loveland said.
OTC’s Middle College has a limited number of students with around 140
BY MADELINE SWENSON
students in attendance. While many of the students who apply get in, if an applicant has had behavior, attendance, and/or disciplinary issues, then their chance of being accepted will decrease.
Since Middle College has a limited number of seats, students may end up being waitlisted if there is not more room left to attend.
OTC wants to put time and effort into students who show up everyday that are ready to learn and grow. Students need to put their best effort into their regular high school lives to prove they are ready for Middle College.
“It’s beneficial for students to be caught up on their credits to have the best opportunity to be in their career pathway choice. If they are behind on credits, it helps if they can take credit recovery classes. Most importantly, attend school,” Loveland said.
They want students who are caught up on their credits and classes so they will have the smoothest transition from the high school life to a college experience.
Middle College is for students who want a different high school environment than the normal public school can offer and also begin to make the transition to adult life a little earlier than normal. This includes providing your own transportation to and from OTC’s campus.
“We are looking for students who are willing to work hard and attend classes. Students who are able to handle freedom and will be able to blend into an adult environment,” Loveland said.
If a student gets into OTC’s Middle College and wishes to attend, they receive a scholarship that covers the cost of books and tuition. Students and their families are expected to cover a $60 annual enrollment fee that needs to be paid by the student’s first class.
OTC wants all kinds of students to attend their Middle College and welcomes people from many different backgrounds. They encourage all who are interested to apply.
If you are interested in OTC’s Middle College, contact your counselor for more specific information.
Feeling the pressure of planning for the future, many students find themselves overwhelmed by the multitude of decisions that need to be made.
To graduate high school, students must take the ACT, ASVAB or WorkKeys. The ACT is a college
admissions test. Some colleges use the ACT to determine admissions.
“The ACT can also be used as a factor in determining scholarships. The ACT has five sections: English, Math, Reading, and an optional Science and Writing test,” counselor Shawn Wallace said.
While the ACT is more education based, the WorkKeys test is focused more on job skills.
“Some colleges now have a test optional application. Students should visit colleges about this before deciding how to apply. Usually, once ACT scores have been submitted to a college, a student cannot apply for the test optional. Test optional could help students who feel their ACT score does not reflect their academic ability,” Wallace said.
If you are considering or know you plan to attend college, you should
take the ACT. Some students may not be sure what their plans are after high school. If they have an ACT on file, it will make the process easier if they decide to go to college.
“Most community colleges do not require an ACT score, but it does not hurt students to take the ACT. There are scholarships that students need an ACT to apply for even if they are going to community college,” Wallace said.
Students planning to go into the military should take the ASVAB. If you know you are not going to college, joining the military, you can choose either the ASVAB or Work Keys.
The ASVAB is the test required to go into the military because it helps determine whether an individual has the mental aptitude to enlist. It tests over Math, Science and English along with more hands-on topics like Mechanical Comprehension and Assembling Objects.
The WorkKeys test is best for
Here’s a guide to navigating the ACT, ASVAB, and WorkKeys tests.
BY NYAH WARREN
students going straight into the workforce. It helps employers select, hire, train, develop and retain a high-performance workforce. There are many great resources for test preparation. ACT.ORG has test preparation materials for the ACT and WorkKeys. There are many free ACT, WorkKeys, and ASVAB practice tests online. Our school offers an ACT Prep class and we also offer Launch ACT Prep during the summer and during the school year. Students can also use their Naviance ACT Prep to determine what areas to focus on as they study for the ACT.
The ACT, ASVAB, and WorkKeys tests serve as valuable tools in helping students chart their future paths. Whether they are aiming for college, military service, or direct entry into the workforce, these assessments provide a clearer picture of individual strengths and areas for growth. These tests don’t only open doors to opportunities, but also equip students with insights to make informed decisions about their careers and education. By understanding their purpose and preparing effectively, students can use these tests to take meaningful steps toward achieving their goals and building a successful future.
It’s becoming more complicated each day to stay focused in a world full of notifications.
BY AUBREE SIMS
In an experiment performed in classrooms, one student received over 176 notifications in just 60 minutes.
Social media is designed to be addictive, and students are victims of it every day. Most can’t go 30 minutes without
as much as a glance at their devices, let alone an hour.
An experiment using a total of 34 high school students split between two classrooms showed they received over 900 notifications on their phones in just 60 minutes. Students were given an assignment to complete a page of notes while having their phones as well as a sticky note in front of them. They were asked to tally each notification they received. These notifications were from Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and messages.
According to Dr. Nancy Deangelis, Director of Behavioral Health at Jefferson Abington Hospital, social media and cellular devices release multiple dopamine surges, similar to surges caused by gambling or drugs. These platforms release dopamine into the brain’s reward center.
After experiencing such a high after extensive use of social media, teens often find themselves craving more and wanting to keep binging for hours on end.
On January 18, 2025, TikTok was banned on all devices in the United States. While the app was taken away three hours earlier than everyone had anticipated, many citizens were upset, while others took it to a whole new level.
According to Fox News, a 19 year old man admitted to setting fire to an office space used by U.S. Representative Glenn Grothman. After police questioned him, the 19 year old said he was upset by the ban of his favorite social media app, TikTok.
The University of New York states that many outbursts of rage and aggressive behavior are linked to social media and screen time.
“I deleted TikTok when it was first banned because I didn’t think it was coming back, then it came back the
next day. I was so upset that I started resorting to using the app on my computer and Google,” junior Averie Henderson said.
When exposed at such a young age, the brain naturally adapts to the familiarity of viewing screens as well as the noises produced from cell phones and apps. Reduced screen time can cause children to grossly overreact to small issues.
While for adults, the temporary good feeling or “boost” from lack of screen time can be anger or aggression for children and teens. And teens especially can show this by developing depression at an early age.
One in three high school students in the U.S. has reported feeling sad or helpless when they lose access to a certain app on their phones or their phones altogether.
The impact of social media on students is undeniable. It’s crucial to address the issue before it worsens.
Do you need an activity this spring break or want to learn how to garden? Here are some easy, beginner to advanced at home gardening techniques to try.
If you have the ends of green onions, parsley, or cilantro, stick their roots in a glass of water. Periodically change the water in the cup and these vegetables will start to grow.
BY CAROLINE TROTMAN
A pothos plant is a house plant that is difficult for anyone to kill. These plants can thrive in no sunlight or a lot of sunlight. Once you grow a vine, you can cut parts off and make more plants with those cuttings.
If you love to cook and you also want to garden, then a herb garden is for you. You can go buy seeds and plant them. You will have a houseplant and a small garden for your home.
With all the careers Marten Heij could choose, he decided to explore forensic science by utilizing the classes offered at our school.
BY EVELYN NELSON
Heij was accepted to study at Ozark Technical College and plans on going there for two years to get the basic curriculum out of the way before studying forensics.
Senior Marten Heij is currently taking Forensics I as a way to pursue his career goals in forensic science.
“I decided to take forensics because I want to go into criminology later in life. I want to be a Forensics Scientist. What got me interested in forensics is watching a lot of Criminal Minds and playing murder mystery games,” Heij said.
Forensics is the use of scientific methods and knowledge to investigate crimes or examine evidence related to crimes. There are two half credit forensics classes, Forensics I and Forensics II, taught by Andrew Schanfarber.
“Schanfarber is a really good teacher. He is very open with his students, and if someone has a question he is always willing to help,” Heij said.
Along with having a good teacher,
the way material is taught is just as important.
“In a typical day of class we usually go over a crime that happened and take notes. Then we have an assignment to do,” Heij said.
In forensics, students learn about different cases and apply forensic techniques and principles to them.
“My favorite part of the class is watching forensic documentaries and learning about evidence. We have been learning about how to tell whether evidence is classified or individual,” Heij said.
Classified evidence is evidence that can be categorized to a group, such as hair color and blood type. Individual evidence is evidence that only ties to one person, such as DNA and fingerprints. Heij mentioned a recent case that forensics has learned about,
“The most interesting case for me is
the Amanda Knox case. It is complex and there are interesting characters,” Heij said.
The Amanda Knox case follows a college girl that was falsely accused of murdering her roommate. It follows the extensive legal procedures and court decisions behind it and the use of new technology to prove Knox as innocent.
Throughout Forensics I, students learn about many cases and explore the different careers within forensics.
“I would recommend forensics to students who are also interested in a career in it, and it could also be useful if you were ever in a situation where you would need it,” Heij said.
Our school offers many different classes that allow students to pursue their careers, similar to how Heij was enabled to pursue Forensic science.
Who do you look up to?
“I have two female athletes that really inspire me. They are Simone Biles and Bethany Hamilton.”
Why do you look up to her?
“They are a huge motivation to keep going especially after things get hard. I feel both athletes have overcome huge challenges and they inspire me to do the same.”
Do you feel like they motivate you in bowling?
“They remind me to keep going when things get tough.”
Who do you look up to?
“I look up to Alex Morgan.”
Why do you look up to her?
“Because she is an icon and plays to the beat of her own drum. Anytime I mess up in soccer my parents started this thing called, ‘what would Alex Morgan do?’ and it would push me to keep going, to be tougher mentally and physically.”
Do they motivate you in games?
“Yes, she motivates me to perform the best I can.”
BY EVELYN NELSON
In honor of Women’s History Month, female athletes share who they look up to in women’s sports.
Who do you look up to?
“Ona Carbonell.”
Why do you look up to her?
“Because I think she has achieved many things. I want to be like her. She’s a national synchronized swimmer and that’s why I got to know her. I would watch her on TV with my parents at home.”
As a foreign exchange student from Spain, how does she relate to you?
“I know her because I used to do synchronized swimming and she represented it for Spain in the Olympics.”
Who do you look up to?
“I look up to senior golf player Sarah Trotman.”
Why do you look up to her?
“She’s a good example of a dedicated athlete. She inspires me to do better in my sport.”
Do you know her personally?
“I am friends with her. I’ve known her since middle school and we connected more this year in my classes.”
Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that most hotels and Airbnbs need someone 21 or older to check in with an ID.
St. Louis
Photo credit: St. Louis.com
This is an overview of St, Louis,
Bentonville, Arkansas
Travel Time: 2 hours
Hotel Pricing: $70-$200
There’s plenty of cool things to do in Bentonville, Arkansas that you can easily fit into a day trip. The Crystal Bridges Museum is full of artwork and many interesting exhibits that change periodically. While at the museum, you can walk multiple trails and visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s house that uses usonian architecture. You can go through the Walmart Museum and get groceries from the first Walmart in America. There are tons of beautiful parks and trails for hiking or biking and some nice places to eat.
Travel Time: 3.5 hours
Hotel Pricing: $50-$250
Six Flags is a fun amusement park and definitely a bucket list location. Sightseeing is a must in St. Louis. See the Arch, the St. Louis zoo, the aquarium, and tour the Cardinals stadium. The City Museum and the Museum of Illusions have fun, interactive exhibits that could keep you busy for hours. There are a bunch of national and state parks to visit and wonderful places to eat.
This is a photo from the Power and Light district.
Kansas City
Travel Time: 3.5 hours
Hotel Pricing: $50-$250
There’s a lot to do in Kansas City, such as taking a day trip to shop at the country club plaza or going to the aquarium. If you’re a Chiefs fan, take a tour of Arrowhead stadium. If you visit the Power and Light District, there’s most likely a festival going on and nice restaurants to try. Go to the City Market District where they have a farmers market, small events, local shops. If you’re looking for something more exciting, Worlds of Fun is a great amusement park with big roller coasters. It’s a great place for a quick day trip.
For those who want to travel on a budget, check these places out.
BY SOPHIE WEBB
Jefferson City
Hotel: $50-$150
Travel time: 2.5 hours
Jefferson City is Missouri’s state capitol. The town is full of history and agriculture with plenty of sights to see. Visit the capitol building and tour the first floor, and take a peek at the governor’s mansion. The Missouri State Museum takes you back through Missouri’s history. Take a tour of the Missouri State Penitentiary and walk through the museum. There are a ton of historical buildings with beautiful architecture with places to shop and eat. If you’re a history nerd, this town is perfect for you.
This is what our capitol building looks like in Jefferson City.
This is Branson’s Aquarium.
Branson
Travel Time: 40 minutes
Hotel Pricing: $40-$250
Eureka Springs
Travel Time: 2 hours
Hotel Pricing: $50-$200
Visit the infamous, haunted Crescent Hotel where you can go on ghost tours or even stay the night for $170 to further investigate and explore. ThornCrown Chapel is a very famous wedding chapel with its gorgeous thorn-like architecture and big windows making for the graceful pictures. There are tons of caves and paranormal attractions to explore as well. Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is a beautiful place to go for pictures, hiking, biking, or a nice place for lunch. They have incredible entrees and homemade potato chips that are to die for.
Go to Silver Dollar City for the day and enjoy all the fun roller coasters and hillbilly music. There are tons of Go Kart tracks to ride and bumper boats where you can shoot water at each other. Go shopping at the Branson Landing and check out the outlet mall for some great deals. Fritz Adventure is similar to Urban Air but twice as much fun. There are tons of museums to visit. The most popular ones are the Hollywood Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, the Wonderworks Museum, and the Titanic Museum. Take some time to rent an Airbnb and hang out at Table Rock Lake. There are a million things to do in Branson; you’ll never get bored.
org. This is the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs.
BY BROOKLYN COLLINS
BY CAROLINE TROTMAN
O P I N I O N
Presentations to high schoolers need direct language to convey meaningful messages without confusion.
BY BROOKLYN COLLINS
With limitations in wording, it can be difficult for students to grasp the severity and sensitivity of a topic.
High schoolers must be treated their age if anyone expects a serious reaction out of them.
Last semester, laughter had
throughout the classroom as a speaker from the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) played a video that referred to sex as tea. The immaturity of it had me questioning what their idea of serious was.
According to the CAC website, their mission is to support child abuse investigations, provide access to critical services, and raise community awareness to prevent and reduce child abuse and neglect in southern Missouri.
Although they do a phenomenal job of spreading major details on the topics of child abuse, sexual abuse, and more, there is a video on the presentation that infantilizes their formal information.
This video called “Tea and Consent” replaces the word sex with tea and dismisses the seriousness of the topic. Because of this, the video needs to be replaced. This video does give helpful information about how to say no to
things you don’t want, and it explains what consent is in a way that is applicable to all situations.
Unfortunately, to a high school student, this word choice diminishes the overall takeaway. I personally don’t remember much from the
“We envision a community where justice is accessible, prevention is possible, families are resilient, and children can heal.”
- The CAC Website
presentation except the things that made a ruckus to the class. If talking about a serious topic, there shouldn’t be anything that could be used to take away the sensitivity of the topic.
English teacher Makayla Jordan-
Diemler who has watched this presentation before believes it represents what consent is very clearly.
“This video can make it less intimidating or embarrassing to talk about for those who are more immature or less educated about sexual topics. I think the rest of the presentation does a good job of tackling very serious issues, and that the video is just a supplement to those more serious conversations,” Jordan-Diemler said.
Although this could be beneficial to younger students, trying to lighten the mood of consent is what ruins the important message.
As a high school student, it’s harder to take two different moods and relate them to the same topic, especially a sensitive one.
When talking about consent and sex, it should be said as is, no matter the circumstance. It’s a serious topic and should be treated as such without limitations to sensitive wording.
For years, the school system has worked perfectly without robots doing all our work for us, so why should we implement them now?
BY ERIN HARDY
For the past couple of years, teachers have had to modify their syllabus to contain a
One AI engine will produce as much CO2 as five cars will in their entire lifetime. new section under plagiarism: Artificial Intelligence (AI).
New ways to blow off schoolwork have popped up. A lot of students in recent years have discovered that a robot can do all of their work for them.
This exact concept has made teacher’s have to change some things when it comes to their curriculum’s, and has caused a new sort of anxiety amongst faculty when it comes to grading student-made work, whether it be art, or essays.
There is no ethical use for AI when it comes to schoolwork. Even if it’s for “something small” like your title or just ideas for stories or something of that nature.
Students aren’t actually learning by making an AI generator write papers and figure out assignments for them. It might just be the little things, but all of the work is necessary to understand the material.
Using AI just promotes laziness. It might blow off what you’re doing in the moment for that class, and sure, you might not need any of that knowledge in the future, but you’ll still need that information to at least graduate and finish that class.
AI steals from credible sources that work hard putting their research together. The way these AI models work is by absorbing information from the internet, and when it comes to academic question, it will steal from the published work of professionals. Doctors, teachers, scientists, graduates, philosophers,
Teenagers now won’t bother to examine entire pieces of work now, instead, they resort to using AI to solve all their assignments.
professors, and so many more have their research stolen by these robotic engines so they can simulate a tiny little response. All of that money and those years spent on school are for nothing, thanks to these machines. With an AI that can pump out such a fast thought without any research, these professions become useless.
We were all taught that stealing from other people and not doing our work was bad, so I don’t see why that has to change in high school.
Not only is it harmful to these professionals, but it’s harmful to the environment too. What a lot of people don’t realize is that AI engines take a lot of power to run.
According to a Colombia Climate School research article, AI answers and images are produced from large data centers. These databases run around the clock to produce the smallest bit of information for you and billions of other people worldwide. Of course, in order to run, these data centers use up fossil fuels and electricity. This adds to pollution and it ruins our air quality when these fuels are burnt so regularly.
We already have a bad problem with climate change as is, but these AI data centers are only contributing more. It damages our environment further, all for the smallest bit of information.
AI creates a harmful atmosphere in the classroom, and there is truly no upside. It’s stunting student’s education and growth.
Using these AI models is not only unfair to the people they’re stealing the information from and the environment, but it’s also unfair to your peers.
One kid can put in hours of studying with notes they worked hard on in order to pass the class, and I don’t think it’s fair that another person can cheat and pass the class with flying colors when they didn’t put in even half the effort.
Sometimes, I’ve witnessed students using AI in class in front of teachers with no shame whatsoever. It really discourages me from doing my own work anymore when I can watch someone plug it all into an AI generator and get a perfect grade for nothing. While I’m on my third note page, some kids are on their third refresh on ChatGPT.
It’s become so normalized in groups of teenagers too, where AI will be the first thing they resort to, rather than
a last ditch effort on an assignment. Neither of which are okay, but at least it’s more respectable if you actually put in some effort first before using robots.
On top of all of this, if none of that matters to you personally, it also will affect your grade. If you’re caught using most forms of AI, teachers will give you an automatic zero if you’re lucky. Things like plagiarism or using AI to write a paper for you can land you in serious trouble, potentially even leading to detention or some sort of reprimand.
Sure, AI could be a helpful tool. It has unlimited access to the internet, but why use a harmful AI generator when you can ask your teacher just two steps away from you? After all, they’re the ones who put together the curriculum, so it only makes sense. They’d know more than any robot would.
Besides, certain assignments have
to be done a certain way with explicit instructions given by the teacher. The work is unique to that class, so you can’t have a robot write everything for you.
If you need help on an assignment, there are plenty of resources you can use instead. Talk to a teacher, a friend, a classmate, maybe even see a tutor after school once or twice. Of course, there’s also always regular old Google that can help you as well.
It can be easy to fall into the hands of AI usage to pass off an easy assignment. I understand the temptation.
When it comes to being a well performing student, it’s best to stay away from AI all together, even if it’s used for a small amount of research.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to teachers or friends for help, and don’t let AI suck you into its trap by allowing it to take over your academics all together.
Students can make use of use of AI to help them learn more effectively and get their work done more efficiently.
As our society and technological world advance, so does Artificial Intelligence. We as a society must learn how to utilize this technology effectively.
BY CAROLINE TROTMAN
At the beginning of every school year, our teachers specifically tell us that plagiarizing will result in a
zero on the assignment or project. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), teachers may even say that using artificial intelligence is prohibited and could be considered plagiarism.
When I heard my teachers talk about AI usage in the classroom, I wondered about AI’s role in school. What if AI could be a tool to give us an extra resource, rather than a forbidden technology?
While students can use AI to cheat, there are ways to utilize AI that are not against the rules.
Artificial Intelligence is a versatile
tool and once we can learn how to use it, AI will become a valuable resource for not only students, but people in the work force, teachers, doctors or engineers.
Some may feel apprehensive about using AI, but we can compare it to other technical advances. For instance: the cellphone. Initially, it was not widely adopted, but we learned how to integrate it into our everyday lives and. Now 98 percent of Americans have a mobile phone and use it every day.
We can also see this in the adaption of the calculator. When the calculator was first introduced in classrooms, many were skeptical about it, similar to the use of AI in classrooms. The
more this device was used as a tool, the attitudes of teachers and parents changed. They saw the potential this resource offered for learning.
There are many platforms we use often that rely on AI without us even realizing it. For example, services like Grammarly, PhotoMath, Siri, Google, and Uber all use AI to operates, so would using these platforms, which also utilize AI to function, be considered cheating or plagiarism? Would using Grammarly on an English paper be cheating?
As a straight A student, I have used AI to aid my learning. I specifically remember the first time that I used AI to help me with a math assignment. My teacher was absent,
and I did not have any notes or resources to help with this assignment. I went onto ChatGPT and asked it how to solve a type of problem step by step, with explanations of each step. The AI did not solve the problem for me; rather it gave me a step by step explanation of the problem for me to then try and solve on my own.
I have since used AI for a variety of other things, not just for math problems. I had to take a business law test and there were many concepts and terms that I was not familiar with. While studying and preparing for this test, I would ask the AI what certain terms meant and to give me examples.
When I had to learn about court procedures, I asked for full explanations and step by step information. I even had the AI write me an outline for studying, along with practice questions and tests.
Another way that I have utilized AI as a learning resource/tool rather than a cheating device was in my biology class. We were learning about macromolecules, which was a very confusing concept for me.
The question that I was confused about was how to use macromolecules in an organism’s diet to understand and predict their main functions.
The question I typed into the Chat AI was, “I am a biology student and I am confused about macromolecules. Can you explain to me how I can identify the main functions of macromolecules and in what way can we predict them in the diet of an organism?”
Instead of asking the AI the question I had to answer and it giving me the answer, I asked by what means or how to go about something. I did this by asking my questions with the word how, so the answer the AI would give me is as an explanation or with steps of the problem so that I can then solve it for myself.
Lastly, to further prove this notion that AI is a tool we can use, I asked the AI how to use AI in school without cheating. Here is what ChatGPT told me in response.
To wrap up their answer, which I
wrote in my own words, the AI stated that when we use AI, we must use it as guidance and assistance, and not to complete assignments or do all the thinking for us. We must use AI as a tool to strengthen our academic skills, learn, and add to our creativity.
When using AI in an academic setting, we must ask the AI questions that will help us learn, thus guiding us to the correct answer, rather than giving us the answer.
I asked ChatGPT if they believe that
using AI in school, as an extra tool/ resource, is cheating.
“AI can help develop problemsolving, critical thinking, or research skills when used responsibly,” the AI stated. “If you use AI to clarify concepts, generate ideas, or check your work, it’s similar to using a tutor, study guide, or online resources.”
AI is already becoming a form of technology that is being incorporated into our lives. We can’t hide from it and say that using it is prohibited.
AI is not cheating if used properly. We must learn how to use this tool correctly. I urge you to test this out for yourself. Play around with the AI, and find ways to use this tool effectively without cheating.
ChatGPT and other AI platforms are easily accessible resources students can download on their devices as another tool.
High school seniors deal with various decisions regarding their future post high school.
Are high school students scared of following their dreams because of societal pressures?
According to the National Center of Education Services, 40 percent of college students who start a four year degree,
end up not finishing it after those four years. If going down the college path is the only way to be successful, why are so many college students finding themselves unemployed with thousands of dollars in college debt?
No one is directly telling nervous high schoolers that they should not go to community college or start an apprenticeship; rather it’s more of an unspoken opinion of society.
There is this stigma that any schooling that is not college is less than or not as successful as going to a four year college. No post secondary school plans should even be compared as they are all in their own leagues.
However, I do not believe that the best way to be successful and make a lot of money is by going to a four year college. Going to a technical school and obtaining an associates degree is just as impressive as getting a bachelor’s degree from a university.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average of those with an associate degree make $50,076 annually after graduation. For those with a bachelor’s degree, the average salary is $33,964.
Keep in mind that the average amount of student loan debt, nationally, for a bachelor’s degree is $29,714, according to The Institute of College and Access and Success. I have witnessed this firsthand. I knew someone who lived in an affluent community, with a small
BY CAROLINE TROTMAN
high school. Being in a society where everyone was applying to a four year college, this person could have felt societal pressure to do what everyone else was doing.
They graduated from high school and went to a public four year college. During this time in their college experience, they felt like they were not in the right place. Eventually, they dropped out of college, and coming with them was two years’ worth of college debt.
Dropping out of an atmosphere that was not a good fit also brought emotions of uncertainty. Eventually, this person was given an opportunity to learn a trade and make money at the same time. This is called an apprenticeship.
The apprenticeship allowed them to learn something that interests them and still make money. They got all of their loans paid off in 2 years.
Society has pushed this notion on teens that the best way to be successful is to go to a four year college. At the end of the day, no education path is better than another. They are not comparable and students should choose what is best for them.
“The unemployment rate is lower for college graduates than for workers without a bachelor’s degree, and that gap widened as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.”
- The Pew Research Center
According to Fairtest, high school grades are a better predictor of grades in college than an ACT score.
Standardized tests like the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and American College Testing (ACT) have been
BY REAGAN SMITH
Knowing that these standardized tests do not accurately measure the college readiness of the student taking it, but instead the resources that student has access to is very discouraging.
Fairtest has also found that the ACT uses a biased format that favors quick decisions and guessing through their multiple choice format and time limits. Males are more likely to risk those guesses than females.
Aptitude Battery test in order to graduate.
Standardized tests are a requirement for many college admissions, but they are not fairly measuring the college readiness of every student due to biases in their scoring. known to have underlying biases in their tests. Students who are white, wealthy, and male, have an objectively better advantage going into the ACT and SAT. These biases within the test make it unfair to be required to submit scores to colleges.
According to Fairtest, an organization aiming for test equality, students with wealthier parents directly score better on standardized tests due to having more resources for better tutors and education opportunities.
During my junior year of high school, I have worked towards getting an exceptional score on the ACT.
The ACT also uses phrases and sayings that are strictly used in America, such as “ball and chain,” which can cause students whose first language is not English to possibly choose the wrong answers, negatively affecting their scores.
At our school, students are required to take either the ACT, WorkKeys, or the Armed Services Vocational
When these standardized tests only cater to a specific group of people who have better resources than others, being required to take one of these tests to graduate is unfair. While our school provides resources for students planning to take any one of the required tests, the prejudiced questions still shine through in student’s scores.
Many colleges require scores from at least one standardized test, but if these tests are known to have a bias towards white wealthy boys, it is unjust to submit these scores for colleges to judge knowing that certain groups of people have the upper hand.
About one in three high school seniors reported using illicit substances within the last year.
We need to start promoting integrity and protecting student athletes by making drug testing mandatory.
BY SOPHIE WEBB
It’s reasonable to assume there are some student athletes at our school that use street drugs like marijuana, and some use
Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) like steroids. Both of these are prohibited in Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) guidelines. Using PEDs during sporting events can negatively impact the games, scoring, and the athletes ability to play. MSHSAA sends a clear message that cheating, in any form, will not be tolerated.
Drug testing would level the playing fields by ensuring that no athlete should gain an unfair advantage through the use of PEDs. Without testing, students who are using PEDs could potentially dominate competitions, leaving the athletes that play by the rules at a disadvantage. The use of PEDs not only affects the student, but also harms the reputation of the team and school.
MSHSAA should require student athletes to be drug tested in order to ensure fairness in the sports, safety amongst the players, and avoid longterm health issues for the young student athletes.
Participation in sports is a privilege to students, allowing them to understand teamwork and develop a close relationship with their teammates and coaches. With privilege comes responsibility, where students are in charge of staying out of trouble and taking care of
their bodies. This would be teaching students important life lessons like responsibility, discipline, and accountability.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, over 10 percent of high school seniors report using anabolic steroids or other PEDs at some point in their high school years. With our school’s highly competitive environment, it’s likely that this issue is more prevalent where the pressure to perform is more intense. It is for this reason that some students turn to PEDs, or street drugs, to “take the edge off” or enhance their performance entirely.
Many PEDs, including steroids, stimulants, and other illicit substances, have side effects that can harm athletes both physically and mentally. These substances can stunt growth, damage organs, and increase the risk of injury because of the rapid physical changes they’re inducing. Some even have long-term effects such as cardiovascular issues, hormonal imbalances, and can cause severe mental disorders.
Teenagers’ bodies are still developing. Most PEDs are man-made steroids that use synthetic hormones. Drug testing would act as a deterrent and also serve as a safety measure for student athletes.
MSHSAA can implement this by making student athletes sign a contract before they join the team stating that they consent to being drug tested randomly throughout the season with or without suspicion. If they don’t sign the contract, they
can’t join the team. According to FindLaw, the United States Supreme Court has found that random drug testing of student-athletes is not a violation of privacy. This is under the interpretation of the fourth amendment.
School districts are responsible for funding their own drug testing programs. With our school district containing five high schools, it will be tough to cut the cost. There are some different approaches to this situation such as applying for a grant that would fund the process, having student athletes pay $15 to $35 to be drug tested when they sign the consent form, or hiring a company to do the process while we provide the space for it.
According to MSHSAA, if someone were to test positive for drugs, they would be suspended from the team for 30 calendar days. If the student’s activity is not in session at that time, then the 30 days will begin once the season starts.
Some coaches feel strongly about drug testing high school athletes and believe that it would prepare them for college where the NCAA mandates randomized drug testing.
Schools have a duty to prioritize the physical and mental well being of their students, as well as keep an even playing ground during competitions. Mandatory drug testing would be a proactive step toward preventing students from using PEDs and keeping them safe and in good physical condition.
As more and more students take up partial online schooling, let’s explore the challenges of online classes affecting attendance.
BY NYAH WARREN
These students are engaged in the Launch classroom, also referred to as the Launch Lab, because they opt to remain on campus during their launch classes.
Launch classes monitor attendance based on weekly student assignment submissions.
Students are expected to submit at least one assignment per course each week.
To support student participation, Launch uses a tiered intervention system:
After five days without a submission, the student is placed on Tier 1. The Launch counselor contacts the student and their family to check in about class participation. After ten days without a submission, the student moves to Tier 2. A Launch Assistant Principal reaches out to the student and family to discuss participation and provide reminders about assignments. After 15 days without a submission, the student is placed on Tier 3 and suspended from courses due to inactivity. Parents can submit an appeal to reactivate the courses in Canvas. If an appeal is approved, the student must complete assigned work by a specified deadline to remain enrolled. This system ensures students receive the communication and support needed to stay engaged in their courses. If a student were to have two Launch blocks and two seated blocks, missing their seated classes would
impact their attendance by dropping much more than a student only missing two out of their four seated blocks a day. This is because the system recognizes this as a full day being missed due to their Launch classes not being considered as “present at school,” although Launch has their own effective and monitored attendance system ensuring students are “present” and involved in their school work.
Launch classes should count towards overall school attendance, rather than penalizing students drastically when they miss their seated classes.
The primary reason for this is that students are still “present” and actively engaged in their schoolwork online, and this should be recognized as attendance. If students are consistently submitting assignments and achieving good grades in their online classes, their attendance should be considered valid, just as if they were physically present in a traditional
classroom setting.
To illustrate this, I can share my own experience. During the second quarter of this school year, I was enrolled in three online classes and one seated class. Unfortunately, I missed my seated class a few times, which resulted in a significant drop in my overall attendance record. This was because the system recognized my absences as missing full days of school rather than just one block due to my three online classes. Consequently, I was denied a ticket to the school dance, which felt incredibly unfair.
When I signed up for online classes, I was unaware that the attendance policy worked this way. I believe it’s unfair to penalize students who are diligently completing their schoolwork and participating in online classes, even if they are not physically present at school. Online education is a legitimate form of learning, and it should be treated with the same respect and recognition as traditional classroom attendance. By adjusting the attendance policy to account for online participation, schools can better support their student’s diverse learning needs and ensure that all forms of engagement are valued.
Students may be denied dance tickets due to their low attendance, and the significant impact of Launch classes on attendance can play a substantial role in this outcome.
Most sports require specific equipment, and that equipment costs money. Expenses for sports also include uniforms, travel, and team fees.
Not only does time and energy go into playing sports but so does a lot of money.
BY KESSA ADEE
Many of our students play sports, which means they and their families must pay a substantial amount of money to participate. Every player’s budget is different, and because of this, many families struggle.
Senior Ray Hall has dealt with financial problems because of her commitment to the sports she loves. She’s played softball, basketball, and soccer all four years.
“I don’t come from a wealthy family. We live paycheck to paycheck. Sports for school and clubs aren’t cheap. The reason why my family does live paycheck to paycheck is my fault because I do so many sports,” Hall said.
Unfortunately expenses can make or break whether players stay in sports or not. Many participants must make sacrifices like quitting or cutting out fun things in their personal lives.
“My family has had to stop eating out and doing fun things together as a family because of costs. I have never been on a vacation because of our financial struggles. During sports season, which is every season for me, we have to be very strict on what we buy. I don’t have a gym membership because my family can’t afford it and I can’t get a job because of my tight schedule,” Hall said.
Hall has played softball, basketball, soccer, and club soccer all four years of her high school career. These costs add up quickly with her family paying a grand total of $2,650 per year.
Fortunately, there are some ways to deal with high costs. Many school sports offer fundraisers for players and their families to bring down totals.
“For softball and basketball we do Raise365, where you just ask people for money. Which I feel kind of bad using, because the people that give
money don’t get anything in return,” Hall said.
These large costs are why some students are forced to retire their sports early. Junior Hailey Tuttle had no choice but to quit cheerleading.
“That’s why I didn’t cheer when I moved here. My dad couldn’t afford it as a single parent,” Tuttle said.
Tuttle had been cheerleading throughout middle school, but when she transferred here during high school, the high expenses were too much and left her no choice but to quit the sport she loved.
Even though students cherish their sport, some have no idea the true cost that it takes to play. Sacrifices are often made for extravagant fees. Some athletes behind the scenes find it hard to keep up with the costs, and many quit their dreams because the price outweighs the love for their sport.
What do some of our own bowlers think: should bowling being considered a club instead of a sport?
BY BRADY POWERS
Just like all the other sports, bowling has many long practices, but it doesn’t get nearly as much credit as it should. Here is junior Danny Stewart practicing at Andy B’s.
Bowling is an activity that everyone can relate to from their childhood, since almost everyone has played at
least once in their life. It is fun in groups and can create lasting memories.
In many schools, bowling is often considered a club or a recreational activity. However, in the context of athletics, people wonder why bowling is considered a club and not a sport.
Many believe the characteristics of bowling compare equally to those of other sports. The competitiveness, along with the repetitive action of rolling the ball, puts it seemingly on the same level athletically as sports like basketball, football, soccer, and more.
When you think of these other sports, you can play them competitively and recreationally. You can also do this with bowling, so it leaves the question as to why bowling doesn’t get the respect it deserves. Our bowling team went up against Nixa’s team in the city championship last year. However, Nixa considers bowling a sport, whereas Kickapoo does not. Sophomore Robert McClure and junior Danny Stewart are players for the our school’s bowling team. Both of these athletes have their own outlook on bowling.
“I think for a sport to be a sport, people have to want to do it and compete for their team by trying their best. I feel like bowling has these same characteristics even though it is listed as a club,” McClure said.
This year, McClure said he has felt impressed compared to what he had done in his rookie season on the bowling team. He has achieved higher scores and has hopes to keep growing on his skills as a bowler. Danny Stewart was on the bowling team that went to the state finals to compete against some of the top schools in the state and ended up barely missing the top five with a sixth place achievement. He had insight into what he thinks about bowling being named a club instead of a sport at our school and explains his reasons
behind it.
“A former Kickapoo graduate, Spencer Robarge, is working his way into a pro league for bowling while he is in college at Wichita State University. This league rewards hundreds of thousands of dollars and Robarge competed in a pro tour once during high school. Bowling is a sport because it’s an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment,” Stewart said.
To decide whether bowling is a club or a sport, both of these Chief bowlers believe that bowling has the characteristics to be a sport. In reality, it doesn’t matter if it is considered a club or a sport, but if other schools in the area have it as a sport and our own chiefs think so as well, it might be something to wonder as to if or when our school may look into this.
Being competitive in bowling is considered the fun of the game.
“Bowling is a sport because it’s an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for,” Stewart said.
Track and Field athletes make their sport look easy, so we put them up against an average “Joe.”
BY JESSICA VINCENT
Our school’s track and field program is filled with talented student athletes who make the sport look easy. In order to highlight how hard our track athletes work, we put them up against an average “Joe.”
The average “Joe,” sophomore Ava Neally, has never done track before and had some tough competitors. Her opponents included senior Micah Owonubi, senior Morgan Nicholls, and sophomore Eli Burkhart.
Neally had to compete in each event against the track “bros” in order to declare a winner.
Neally plays the violin and clarinet in advanced band and orchestra. She is also second chair violin for the Perfect Fifths Quartet. Neally has won gold for both her clarinet solo and for her violin duet at state her freshman year. She’s only a sophomore now, but continues to improve her talent every day.
Neally’s first competitor was Nicholls. He started track in fifth grade because of the influence of his older brother. Nicholls would
often practice with his older brother and father and eventually found his passion for the sport in eighth grade.
His high school season had a delayed start due to a detrimental knee injury and later on knee surgery. Nicholls came back with a bang his junior year, finding that shot put was his greater strength and winning All State thrower. Nicholls is now a senior and is still throwing shot put.
Her next opponent was Owonubi. He started running track in seventh grade when his season was cut short by covid. He came back to track his eighth grade year, wanting to compete against some of his close friends.
He and his friends set the school record for the four by one hundred meter relay that year. He then started his high school career at the bottom of the chain and worked his way up. After spending freshman and sophomore year on junior varsity, for his junior year, he decided to make track his only sport in order to improve.
After years of trying different events, now in his senior year, he has decided
that the four hundred meter dash is his all time favorite. This event includes a sprint around the entire track once.
Neally’s final competitor was Burkhart. His track career also started in seventh grade. He started with running sprints but quickly realized it was not for him.
In eighth grade, he discovered hurdles. Despite not being fast at first, he was determined to get faster and stronger. He dedicated his athleticism to track and made it his only focus.
By the end of his eighth grade season, he ran a personal record of 15.79 seconds at All-City and won first place. Now, as a sophomore, he still wants to get stronger, faster, and better as his track career continues.
Neally gave each event her best effort but lost all competitions to the track “bros.”
With this year’s track and field season coming up, come watch our track athletes make their events look easy. Show your support and remember how hard they work to get to where they are.
“I’m feeling very nervous about jumping over the hurdles,” Neally said.
“I was really scared before the competitions but I actually had a lot of fun,” Neally said.
“It gets pretty easy to do when you’ve been jumping over hurdles for years,” Burkhart said.
“I’m not a runner, and I’ve never claimed to be a runner,” Neally said.
Neally’s attempt at hurdles compared to Burkhart’s.
With everyone talking about teams and brackets, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos that is March Madness.
BY ERIN HARDY
Basketball season is upon us and there’s all this hype around March Madness.
There’s people talking about the teams they hope win some sort of bracket, and while this might be confusing at first, it’s simple.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) hosts the tournament around mid-March. According to the official NCAA website, it should begin on March 16 this year.
The first day of March Madness tips off with Selection Sunday, where 68 college basketball teams are chosen to compete against each other. The top teams qualify by winning conference championships, and the other are hand-selected by a committee made up of NCAA members to compete.
March Madness was created for men in 1939. Then, a female division of the sport was first played in 1982, and is still widely watched today.
When these teams are chosen, they are given a number or a “seed” that dictate where they are put within a massive bracket. These seeds also dictate a team’s standing in the bracket and how good they are out of all of the teams. Each team is put against each other until there is only one team standing.
The first couple of days are called the “First Four,” where eight teams will play off against each other.
Technically, this is before the bracket begins, and this is what starts the games. These are usually the lowest ranking college teams or teams who just barely made the cut. Only four will make it to the next bracket to compete in the actual tournament.
From then, the remaining 64 teams go on to compete in the next bracket, the Second Round. A few of the higher ranking seeds (or teams) are littered throughout the beginning, just to add some interesting scenarios in the bracket and see who comes out on top.
In this round, the teams get cut in half, where only 32 will emerge. The pool of teams gets smaller and smaller as they go onto the different sections of the bracket.
After the teams are cut in half by the Second Round, teams will enter
the Sweet Sixteen bracket, then the Elite Eight, Final Four, and the final Championship Game where two teams go toe-to-toe to win the bracket.
The Championship Game typically takes place towards early April, and it marks the ending of the games. According to the NCAA website, it is predicted for the bracket to end on April 7.
People will often make bets on which team or bracket section they want to win. A lot of people thoroughly calculate stats or look at past games to pick the best teams, but don’t be afraid to get a bit silly with it if that sounds too overwhelming.
Don’t get stressed out with the entire thing, just grab some friends and make some fun bets on your favorite college teams.
It’s that time of year where basketball fanatics go crazy over their brackets!
“I played basketball at Kickapoo so to be able to come back as a coach has been really special,” Hanchey said.
Leslie Hanchey is a passionate and dedicated teacher and coach who has spent 16 years coaching basketball as well
as 14 years teaching adapted Physical Education within Springfield Public Schools.
Hanchey described coaching adaptive P.E. as never having a dull day, reflecting her love for her job, as well as the rewards and experiences that come with teaching her students.
“We teach K-12, so we get to be a part of these students’ lives from the time they’re in Kindergarten until they graduate high school which is really cool,” Hanchey said.
Hanchey’s enthusiasm for working with her students shines through when she mentions “every kid we see loves P.E. regardless of what grade they are in.”
While Hanchey initially pursued a career in nursing, she quickly realized it wasn’t the right path and returned to Kickapoo after graduating in 2005, where years prior she had been a student-athlete. Her involvement in coaching was initially to help out former head coach, Stephanie Philips,
Leslie Hanchey is building champions on and off the court by teaching adaptive Physical Education and coaching our Lady Chiefs.
BY AUBREE SIMS
while she had been diagnosed with cancer.
“That one season has now turned into 16 seasons with Kickapoo,” Hanchey said.
Her love for the program shines through when she talks about her girls.
“The girls are what make the program as special as it is. They come in everyday ready to work. They know it’s important to keep the rich tradition of Kickapoo Lady Chiefs going year in and year out,” Hanchey said.
Hanchey was born and raised in
“I was hooked and I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”
Springfield. She has strong ties to her community with both her parents and siblings being Kickapoo graduates. Outside of her professional life, she has three young daughters ages seven, and four-year-old twins, who keep her on her toes.
Reflecting on Hancheys’ career, she notes how last basketball season was her first season as head coach and how significant of an experience it was being able to take her team all the way to the State Championship.
“It made me realize just how truly special each group is,” Hanchey said.
Hanchey’s commitment to her community, family, career, and experiences show how truly remarkable of a person Leslie Hanchey is.
Here are some tips and tricks for young student athletes who are about to begin on a stressful path.
BY BRYCE RUDER
With recruiting season about to begin, it’s important for future college athletes to know what to look out for.
The amount of work it takes to be an athlete is often understated. While most people can wrap their heads
around the early mornings and late nights that athletes sacrifice in order to become great, there is more work that goes on behind the scenes.
The truth of it is: the process of recruiting starts way earlier than most people expect, and it can sometimes catch athletes off guard. I am going to pull back the curtain on the recruiting process as well as some major deadlines athletes should be aware of.
The first major aspect of recruiting is understanding when exactly it starts. According to Next College Student Athlete (NCSA), a major recruiting platform for athletes, the day recruiting opens depends on the sport. Typically, it is either June 15 or September 1, the summer before your junior year. The next step is reaching out to coaches.
As somebody who has been through the recruiting process, I can say that emailing coaches is one of the most important aspects of recruiting. Most athletes may think that coaches reach out first, but unless you are a top recruit nationally, you’re going to be severely disappointed.
Reaching out can come in many different ways ranging from emails to recruiting questionnaires. These forms are super important because they give coaches your contact information that can further progress your recruitment. Depending on the sport, you will either talk with a coach of the team or a designated recruiter. A recruiter’s job is like the name suggests; they are in the program to bring new athletes in.
Recruiting emails should be presented professionally and should include a mix of athletic and academic accomplishments, as well as any special skills that may make you more appealing to recruiters.
After the first interaction period, some coaches may be quick with answering back, but some may take a while, so patience is key.
However, that does not mean you should take a hands off approach to the process. Athletes also need to keep
performing well, or else some coaches will lose interest and start looking elsewhere. For example, if you were averaging 20 points per basketball game and you suddenly dropped down to averaging five points, some coaches may become uninterested.
Another important aspect of emails is knowing the difference between emails composed by a real person or an automated email. College generic emails will follow a pretty simple format with lots of pictures and lots of encouraging words and punctuation. These emails typically appear more than once and they are easy to spot. On the other hand, personalized emails don’t include pictures, and instead are all words. Try your best to respond to every handwritten email, because you never know what kind of connections these coaches have.
The next part of the process is going on visits. There are two types of visits that an athlete can go on: official or unofficial. Unofficial visits are geared towards looking at schooling and typically are no longer than a few hours. Official visits are focused more on the athletic side, as athletes are allowed to stay with the team for two days. This time is mostly spent doing team bonding activities as well as showing the recruit what life on campus looks like.
There are some periods called a “recruiting shutdown.” During this time, coaches are not allowed to host recruits on visits or communicate with athletes. It’s important to know when these deadlines are so that you don’t get upset when coaches don’t answer back. Some universities may even send reminders to prevent this from happening.
The whole process can be different for each person. The one piece of advice that I found most important was considering all the factors of a college. Going to a place that doesn’t have the right education for you but has athletics is not a smart decision. Eventually, athletics will end so it’s important to keep in mind what you want to do after your athletic career is over.
Depending on the type of coach and athlete involved, offers may come
before or after visits. There is no offer deadline until after a recruit receives their National Letter of Intent (NLI). The NLI is a contract with all the legal information that is involved when an athlete decides to commit to college. An athlete has 10 days to sign the NLI and submit it before the college can take away the money given. Once it is signed, there’s no turning back and you are officially committed to that school.
After you are done with all of that, you go through the regular application process and progress from there. While these events can be stressful, it’s important to know that there is always someone to help. High school coaches, parents, and trusted friends are all great resources to use if the extra work of recruiting ever becomes overwhelming. At the end of the day, recruiting is just one big stepping stone on the path to athletic success.
Most athletes may think that coaches reach out first, but unless you are a top recruit nationally, you’re going to be severely disappointed.
round Southwest Missouri, our school is known for its top tier sports programs compared to other schools
in the area.
Strong team captains can play a major part in what makes our sports typically above the rest of the competition.
There are many different aspects that coaches look for when choosing captains. Our cheer coach, Sarah Tate, has high standards for her captains.
“Someone who is a leader, respects the other cheerleaders, and someone who truly sees the work the team puts in is great for the program,” Tate said. These are key characteristics that can improve a team overall, especially for cheer. Cheer is a sport that requires effort and teamwork from everyone involved. All teammates must work together or there could be bad results and disappointing finishes. Another trait known that a good captain must have is to lead in different ways, such as through actions or through words. Doing this can set the team expectations of what is desired from everyone.
Coach Mason Hutchins, our schools Footballs’ Safeties Coach and former defensive backs graduate assistant, is familiar at the collegiate level with what is required from a captain for a team to be successful.
“There are different ways to be a captain, such as leading by actions or by being a vocal leader that people want to emulate. The way captains do this is by leading their team to these goals,” Hutchins said.
This is good insight on what coaches want from player captains.
Soccer is a sport that always has an abundance of students trying out. With about a third of the team being underclassmen, making them aware of what it takes to be a strong team captain is imminent for the future growth of the program.
Girls soccer coach, Philip Hodge, has seen what it looks like to be a captain and tries to express to his underclassmen what to take away from their older teammates.
“Absorb what the previous captains have done for the team before them, and study what leading is by examples of upperclassmen. Even if it is not considered the cool thing to do, do what it takes to get there and to mature,” Hodge said.
This notion goes for all athletes. Understanding what tasks you will have as a captain in the future can give you a more mature mindset about what the team is trying to accomplish. Knowing ways to improve this mindset will help our school’s athletes all around.
“Something that is majorly overlooked by athletes when it comes to improving their leadership role is reading books by people who have been leaders at the highest levels, such as NBA players, NFL players, and even former coaches like Tony Dungy, who have advice from their own personal experiences of what it takes to be the best. Also, coming out of your comfort zone is the first major step I see when it comes to athletes trying to get to that next step to become that key leader,” Hutchins said.
Over the years our schools teams have either made deep runs in the playoffs or won state titles. Our coaches have noticed that being a good captain starts with having someone who respects the
teammates they have, and someone who the other athletes respect as a captain. This can improve performance and chemistry in the team.
“A captain that can’t make proper decisions
Being named a captain at our school is considered team captain badge for the football
The best sports teams have the best players and the best leaders.
and that the team doesn’t respect just causes a weaker team and it creates internal team disputes. But a strong team captain that knows how to manage time and treat others with respect will lift the team very
considered to be a very high honor. This is the football team worn by team captains.
strongly when competing,” Tate said.
From his years at Arkansas and from recently coming to Kickapoo Coach Hutchins has seen what keeps and grows a team together individually.
“This is something that really unifies a team when a strong captain is present, because whenever there are tough times, the teammates need light to see into the future. Making a stable and well balanced team will create positive results,” Hutchins said.
Most coaches have seen through either their own personal experiences, or through connections to teams they have been on, what a weak or a strong leader can do to a program. Team captains don’t just play a role in sports, but also when it comes to academic quality and honesty.
The way team captains reflect on the team doesn’t just apply to the court or the field, but it also applies to the class room as well. Having a captain that puts school first as a student-athlete can make underclassmen do the same. Work ethic, consistency, and communication all promote the way students perform in the classroom so having a leader that can emphasize and boost this for a team will contribute back to the field in performance.
The consensus that team captains must be strong leaders is one that is shared by anyone, including freshman Turner Hale, who plays basketball and football.
“Team captains are responsible for what happens
BY BRADY POWERS
on the field and on the court. I look up to captains to give me advice or help me with anything I need since they have been through these sports themselves,” Hale said.
To everyone involved in high school sports, especially underclassmen, being able to ask questions from a captain that has been through the process can improve the team morale and individual progression. As an underclassman you should ask every question you have, whether that be what time practices or games are, how to excel in a certain area of your sport, or even just wondering what you can do outside of school to help the team out.
Helping teammates succeed is a necessity for all high school athletes wanting to compete for State or national recognition, including the Chiefs.
“The best teams I’ve ever been a part of are player-led teams who have a strong captain,” Hutchins said.
Our school has multiple sports programs filled with amazing coaches who mold players into amazing athletes.
However, some great work goes on behind the scenes that comes from assistant coaches and trainers.
“I prefer being behind the scenes,” athletic trainer Nate Comer said.
Comer has been a certified athletic trainer for over six years. He’s spent the last year working with our athletes and enjoys what he does.
A typical day here for Comer starts around 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and ends when all sports are finished with their practices, games, or training sessions. After school, injury evaluations or treatments are done prior to the start of practice for most sports.
Comer explains what a game or meet day can look like for him as a trainer.
“My day can differ depending on the sport I’m dealing with. For example, we are only required to travel with the football team,” Comer said.
Besides traveling with football, trainers do their best to attend every home game or meet for all sports.
They usually get to the field/court one to two hours before the start in order to get their sideline kit and table set up. During this time, they also get any necessary pre-game taping, wrapping, and prepping done for the athletes.
The trainers meet the referees and head coaches to go over their emergency action plan. This plan is put in place in case an athlete is in need of serious medical attention and paramedics are called.
For the rest of the game, trainers are on the sideline, ready for an athlete in need of first aid or more.
“We’re right up there in front of all the action, hoping that nothing happens, but prepared if something does,” Comer said.
In the months that Comer has been with our school, he has witnessed
some memorable victories, including the football game where we took the unexpected win against Webb City, and when the Softball Lady Chiefs won districts against Republic.
Comer states that his most unforgettable moments were watching athletes grow from their setbacks.
“Being able to see athletes who suffer an injury, go through the rehabilitation process, and come back to be successful is always a good memory,” Comer said.
Comer cares for the relationships he builds with athletes, the success they have in recovery, and the victories they achieve in their future. He feels that this is the recognition he prefers.
“Looking forward to the growth of them as athletes, students, and people is always rewarding,” Comer said.
Johnson has been an assistant coach for our boys basketball team for three years. He is also an administrator here and does a lot for our school.
“My job is to help build a culture and environment that the school can be proud of,” Johnson said.
Johnson’s day starts as an administrator, but then ends as an assistant coach. After a full day of work at the school, he is then met with practices and games after school almost every day.
For Johnson, game days are different based on whether or not they’re home or away. When a home game is upon them, preparations begin right after school and usually contain watching film, practicing drills, and warm-ups for the boys.
Assistant coaches and trainers are huge assets to our sports programs and we wouldn’t be where we are without them.
BY JESSICA VINCENT
Away games look a bit different because they require travel. On school days, the boys may leave early depending on where they’re playing. This is so they get there with enough time to prepare and warm up for the game.
“For away games we are usually getting on a bus and going somewhere,” Johnson said.
On game days where the boys and coaches don’t have school, an early morning practice is held hours before the game. These practices contain the same preparations that they do before every game such as watching film and doing drills.
In his years with our school, he’s made some fond memories with the teams he’s worked with. His first year
working with our school, the boys went to the State Championship.
“It was a really cool experience, especially since it was my first time going to the final four,” Johnson said.
He spent last year coaching a great team and helped lead them to many victories. Their season ended with only six losses and was arguably a very successful one.
“Last year’s team was just so much fun to coach. We had a really good group of guys who had a really good season,” Johnson said.
This year, Johnson and the rest of the coaching staff helped lead the boys to victory in the Blue and Gold Tournament during winter break. They all are hoping for more wins and great memories for the rest of this
Johnson enjoys coaching boys basketball alongside coach Mitch McHenry. He feels that his job is to assist him in any way that is needed in order to help the players.
“McHenry’s built a really good program here and I’m just honored to be a part of it,” Johnson said.
Johnson hopes to continue to uphold a program our school can be proud of. For the future, he wants to see more victories from the boys, more support from our student body, and to “Keep up the good work,” as Johnson said.
Our assistant coaches and trainers are often the backbones of the sports we have here. Our athletic programs would not be the same without them.
Resting doesn’t just mean sleeping. It requires a variety of factors that often go unnoticed.
BY BROOKLYN COLLINS
Many supplements like protein can make it easier for people to hit their goals.
Teach day.
hroughout years of schooling, it’s drilled into our brains that we need 30 to 60 minutes of exercise
I’ve never been a fan of exercise until recently. I lift weights and do cardio multiple times per week. This is only because I’m allowing myself productive time of an hour to two hours of exercise a day for half of the week. The other half of the week I spend on rest and recovery.
According to University of North Carolina Health Talk, an organization that focuses on physical health, micro tears are made in your muscles when you exercise, but that’s not what grows muscles, or improves overall health. It’s actually the 24 to 48 hours of recovery after a workout that heals those micro tears and strengthens your muscles to increase overall endurance.
After exercising, other than rest, it’s extremely important to eat. According to the American Diabetes Association, glucose levels drop after physical activity, making the body more sensitive to insulin. Insulin has to combine with glucose to create energy. Without one, the other seemingly goes to waste.
To ensure these levels will rise after exercising, make sure to eat. Eating anything high in protein and carbohydrates is the most beneficial after completing a workout. Protein helps repair the micro tears in muscles more quickly and carbohydrates raise glucose level. Anywhere from 30 to 50 grams of carbohydrates per meal is what’s most beneficial.
The human body won’t have enough energy to recover without glycogen.
Glycogen produces energy and energy is what makes an exercise beneficial. Without energy, it’s hard to have a functional workout.
According to the Center for Disease Control, 150 minutes per week is the recommended limit when it comes to light to moderate exercises. For a more high energy workout, it’s important to listen to the body before stopping.
Signs to be on the lookout for
include fatigue, a decrease in performance, changes in appetite and even mood swings. When any of these signs occur it’s crucial to take a rest, replenish energy, and prepare for the next workout.
Athletes and students who consistently train the body to its max are more likely to see a decrease in performance and increase for injury.
Without rest, your body resists new growth. Junior Brady Edwards who is in weights takes resting seriously as it helps him repair the muscle fibers broken when exercising, leading to new growth.
“I incorporate this into my weights class by making sure I get good sleep every night and take at least one day
off on the weekends,” Edwards said.
Although classes such as PE, weights, and aerobics can push students physically, students are still able to incorporate rest into their active life.
All this exercise does not increase the ability of the athlete and can actually worsen performance.
“Everyone’s body recovers differently, so you should pay attention to how sore you get. I usually take one to two days of rest during the week,” Edwards said.
Rest is extremely important and it shouldn’t be overlooked otherwise it could lead to serious injuries. Always make sure to incorporate rest.
Sophomore Nick Long lifting weights in the Strength Training room. Remembering to rest the muscles being used in each exercise is extremely important.
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Volume 56 | Issue 3 | khqtoday.com | @kpoomag
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COVER PHOTO BY: NADIA WARREN
BACK COVER BY: JESSICA VINCENT
INSIDE COVER BY: JESSICA VINCENT
NEWS DIVIDER BY: BROOKLYN COLLINS
FEATURE DIVIDER BY: JESSICA VINCENT
OPINION DIVIDER BY: AUBREE SIMS
SPORTS DIVIDER BY: BRYCE RUDER
Kickapoo High Quarterly (KHQ) exists as a quarterly student publication produced by the Kickpaoo High School Journalism Department. It operates as an open forum with the intention of accurately and fairly reporting to the needs of readers. Staff members take responsibility for reporting honestly and without bias and for printing material that is not considered libelous or invasive. Advertisements that appear in KHQ do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of Kickapoo High School administrations or Springfield Public Schools. KHQ does not support any one political party, candidate, or campaign.
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