Issue 4 KHQ Volume 53

Meet The Staff

Reporters: Brooklyn Collins, Jackson Hill, Sophie Webb, Amiah Pierce, Ireland Kelsey, Morgan Brownson, Nyah Warren, Aubree Sims, Annemarie Wilhite, Savannah Summers, Alex Walsh, Ryan Roberson, Kessa Adee, Aaron Hardy, Evelyn Nelson, Zhana Owrey

ONLINE COORDINATOR:

COMMISSIONER:

PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR:

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Liz Eike

COPY EDITOR: Nadia Warren

OPINION EDITOR: Keegan Bukovatz

Emma Franklin

SOCIAL

Kat Owsley

NEWS EDITOR: Madison Turner

FEATURE EDITOR: Alley Ackerman

SPORTS EDITOR: Cayden Harman

MARKETING MANAGER: Madison Bryant

Abby Galyean

From the Editors

Goodbye...

Ihave spent approximately 915 hours in Room 201 since 2020. We only have four fridays left of high school, so that means that my time left in 201 is ticking. This classroom has seen every version of me from freshman to senior. I am truly ecstatic about finally reaching time for graduation. However, I dread my last day in this room. I met friends here, found a passion and learned lots of lessons. This classroom holds memories from when I was in yearbook and was a reporter the next year. It’s going to be a little hard to let go of something so familiar. Firstly, thank you to the viewers. Without you all there would be no magazine. Also, thanks to all of the KHQ staff members for supporting me always. My biggest thank you will go to my awesome, tough, and super smart advisor and mentor, Mrs. Orman. From you I learned how to be a leader, handle any situation, and be the bigger person. Nadia, you have come a long way. I am really excited to see what next year holds for you

Leading this specific group of people for two whole semester gave me a brand new set of tools that I can use for the rest of my life. I want to thank everyone that I have interacted with during this school year because each interaction shaped me to be who I am now.

Nadia Warren

Liz Eike

...Hello!

Going into this year, I was unsure of what it meant to be a leader. I had this brand new position of Copy Editor and had no idea I’d be walking out as next year’s Editor in Chief. Through navigating all the uncertainty, I’ve learned how to step up, take risks, and that my contributions really do add up in the end. While I still have so much to learn, being this year’s Copy Editor has helped me build my confidence and find my voice. With the support of Mrs. Orman, Liz, and the rest of our staff, I now feel ready to take on a position much greater and I have high hopes for the coming year. Finally, I wanted to give a special thank you to Liz for all the help you’ve given me. Your endless encouragement and guidance has meant the world to me and I doubt I would’ve gone after this position without you. You’ve modeled what it means to be a leader and it’s an honor to be following in your footsteps. I cannot wait for what this upcoming year holds; I just know it’s going to be great!

Photo courtesy of McGee Creative.

Table of Contents

By Jackson Hill

By Nadia Warren

By Annemarie Wilhite

Amiah Pierce

Cayden Harman

Sophie Webb

By Alley Ackerman

The Prairie Panel

THE PANEL

kat owsley social commissioner

aaron hardy reporter

alex walsh reporter

zhana owrey reporter

Who is the Spring Sports MVP?

What is your favorite olympic sport?

What is your coolest summer plan?

What is the best summer treat?

“I don’t know what is considered a spring sport.”

“Gymnastics” “Working full time.”

“Everything, I have a giant sweet tooth”

“What does that mean?”

“The one where they take the ball and spin it around and they throw it

“Dolly Parton Stampede with my boyfriend.”

“Watermelon, obviously.”

“I honestly don’t know.” “Diving.”

“Visiting family in Germany.”

“Ice cream.”

“I really don’t know.”

“Figure skating.”

“Trying to convince my family to go to Alaska.”

“Frozen fruit.”

NEWS

NDetrimental Addiction

Widespread addiction of pornography is a problem in America. It’s important to know the facts behind the addictions people struggle with.

BY JACKSON HILL

The world is often consumed by instant gratification and pleasure that people do extreme things to entertain themselves. They are sometimes going as far as unintentionally harming their bodies with what they watch.

According to the Institute for Family Studies (IFS), “roughly 6 in 10 Americans report watching porn at some point in their lives, including more than one in four who have watched it in the last month.”

The IFS is dedicated to strengthening marriages, families, as well as ensuring the well-being of children.

Pornography is something many people watch, yet rarely admit to. And it isn’t just men, although that is frequently assumed.

“There is solid research that shows that brain functioning changes the more you watch pornography. Now you can get a blip up (spike in serotonin) when the pornography is totally new, but totally new soon becomes old. The more you watch, the less likely you are to be aroused,” Dr. Philip Zimbardo, a psychologist and professor at Stanford, said in an interview with Fight the New Drug (a non-profit dedicated to fighting porn addiction).

The human mind is full of curiosity and desire for novelty but porn dulls that and causes individuals only to be satisfied by it.

“What pornography does is it puts a straight-jacket on our mind to say, no, this is the only thing I’m interested in and then ultimately any kind of compulsion is destructive,” Zimbardo said.

The harm of pornography goes beyond the brain too, and ends up protruding

Research proves that repeated exposure to pornography actally changes the brain.

into relationships, causing addictions to hurt other individuals as well.

“Pornography is a safety issue. It does not create safe homes or relationships. We know that this material increases our desensitization and respect for women. We know that that happens for males and females, so males consuming pornography they have more negative attitudes towards women, but females do the same thing. We see more females objectifying themselves,” Dr. Jill Manning, a licensed marriage and family therapist, said during her interview with Fight the New Drug.

Not only does the addiction harm those who consume it, but it also increases the sexual exploitation and human trafficking involved in the production of porn. This can include children as well.

The porn industry is a business; the more demand for it, the more they need

to supply it.

According to the Asservo Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting sex trafficking, “The Human Trafficking Hotline identifies pornography (939 cases) as the top ranked industry for sex trafficking, and the online ads and unknown venues category (447 cases) takes fifth place. In essence, sex traffickers profit from pornography viewers in two ways: their trafficking victims are sold for sex acts, and their sex acts are recorded for pornography.”

If you’re struggling with a porn addiction, talk to a family member or someone you trust. Letting people know you’re struggling is a great first step to moving forward. For those who feel alone and are struggling, call 855-9454310 to get help to break the addiction.

Similar to an English class, Spanish VII students will be diving into various forms of Spanish literature.

Adding to the Department

Next school year, Spanish students will have the opportunity to take their education to a brand new level.

BY NADIA WARREN

Starting next fall, our school’s language department will be offering Spanish VII as a brand new advanced placement (AP) class.

Led by Spanish teacher Krista Wyrick, she explains the class came to light as a result of high student demand.

“We decided to add another AP class because the Spanish students were really eager to do it. A lot of students would get done with AP VI by their junior year, so their senior year there was nothing left for them to take,” Wyrick said.

Wyrick notes that our school is the only one district-wide offering both Spanish VI and VII, making it a great student privilege. It was ultimately their drive to continue studying Spanish that led to the addition of this class.

Having taken six total Spanish

classes, future Spanish VII student

Sarah Trotman explains her love for the language is what keeps her motivated.

“I wasn’t gonna take [Spanish] VI this year and then I ended up taking it just because I really liked it and I want to get the Distinguished Seal of Biliteracy,” Trotman said.

The Distinguished Missouri Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to graduating high school students with a proficiency in two or more languages. Trotman hopes that in taking Spanish VII, she will be fully prepared to earn her seal.

“Spanish VII is going to be more literature based, so it’s going to be a lot more reading and writing. I think because it’s AP, it’ll be different than the previous Spanish classes that I’ve taken. It’s completely new which will be really exciting,” Trotman said.

Spanish VII will officially be titled AP Literature and Culture, following

a college board curriculum. Wyrick elaborates further on what’s in store for future Spanish VII students.

“You start in the 1500s type of literature all the way to modern times. We’ll be reading lots of short stories and novels in class and analyzing characters like you would in a literature class,”

Wyrick said.

Much like an English class, Wyrick is thrilled to begin reading short stories, poems, and other forms of literature with her students.

Taking on a brand new curriculum is a hefty task, but the support of her students has kept her motivated.

“I’m super excited to be with the students that want to be there, the students that want to read and learn and try something new with me. I think it will be fun to read stories and act them out and have a different experience,” Wyrick said.

NWhat is GLADE?

BY ANNEMARIE WILHITE

All sophomores and juniors have the opportunity to participate in the GLADE program during the summer. Although application deadlines have passed, the program will be available every summer to apply!

The Green Leadership Academy for Diverse Ecosystems (GLADE) is recognized nationally as a youth leadership academy. The program educates students on the awareness of others and the natural world, advanced ecological concepts applied to modern day conservation practices, and allows for the discovery of potential career choices through exposure to experts in the field.

The program was developed in 2008 by the Greater Ozarks Audubon, which gives grants to GLADE projects and makes the incredible experience feasible. There are sixteen students chosen to participate in the program each year.

They are looking for sophomores and juniors with a love and passion for the outdoors and a desire to impact the world and ecosystems around them. The purpose is to develop ecologically literate youth and allow students to participate in hands on habitat restoration projects that benefit some of the Ozarks rare and endangered species.

Former biology and ecology teacher

Justine Lines is the official GLADE Director for the second year. Lines is involved in many local environmental organizations. Her mission is to teach students land ethic and inspire them to be environmental leaders.

“I worked at Kickapoo from 2001-2007, and I taught Biology and headed up the Environmental Club. It was one of the best times of my teaching career,” Lines said.

After teaching here, she took a job teaching high school biology in Costa Rica. When she returned, she taught at Glendale. Eventually, she retired from teaching in 2023 and led her first GLADE class that summer.

Participants of a past year’s GLADE program engaging in educational activities. Photo courtesy of Justine Lines.

Lines has always had a passion for nature and the natural world. During her teaching career, she helped over 15 students apply and get accepted to GLADE.

“I saw how it changed their lives, and I wanted to be the person who carried the torch after Greg Swick, the founder of GLADE, retired,” Lines said.

When Lines was a teenager, she went to summer school at Greenwood. Her teacher took her on nature study trips to Wilson’s Creek Battlefield, and they did field studies, water quality tests, and caught lizards and frogs.

“It was the best experience. It was at the right time for me, as a teenager, to be influenced to study nature and care about the planet. That is what I am trying to recreate with students in GLADE,” Lines said.

Overall, Lines encourages students to look into the program, especially those who like nature and want to learn more about conservation. Not only will you learn more about leadership, conservation, and community, but students will create lifelong friendships throughout the experience.

The program will take place from June

9-15. During the selected students’ week long stay, they will engage in leadership activities, prairie walks, fire ecology, bird banding, reptile and insect research, habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, and bumble bee surveys. It also includes visits from a wide range of professionals in the area.

The GLADE camp is located on the Frank Childress Scout Reservation near Diamond, Missouri, which is about an hour and ten minutes away from Springfield. The camp includes 180 acres of land, a large dining hall, bunkhouses, shower houses, hiking and biking trails, native plant and animal habitats, and a swimming pool.

To apply to the program, students must fill out the application, write an essay, and provide a letter of recommendation from a teacher. This program is free for all students who are selected. All applications were due April 21, 2024.

GLADE is an extraordinary opportunity for students to put themselves out there and try something new, apply themselves to the diverse Missouri ecosystems, and earn valuable experience working with conservation professionals.

During the end of the school day, the lunch ladies work tirelessly to clean up and keep us healthy

Behind the Cafeteria

Being a lunch lady is a job that is seems easy and overlooked. This is only the tip of the iceberg.

BY AMIAH PIERCE

Being a lunch lady seems easy to some, but a lot goes on behind the counters that keep them here all day long. Becoming a lunch lady depends on the school. For SPS, their website has a place to apply for a cafeteria worker position.

Theres a lot of people in the kitchen that are unknown, like our kitchen manager, Debbie Dexter. Dexter became the manager in 2012 but has been working here to have a matching schedule with her children.

”I just took this job so that I could have basically the same schedule as them,” Dexter said.

Many students don’t have positive thoughts about our food here with plenty of reasons. Only kitchen

faculty are allowed to go back and bring the food to the front of the cafeteria.

“We have an order guy that we are allowed to order from, so what you see is what we get,” Dexter said.

Having a person to order the food from and to get what you need is helpful. There are plenty of foods they have already purchased but they still have many things to do, for example, hand making the taco meat.

Now, the food that is served comes from student demand. They observe the reactions of the students and notice how many people line up for certain foods. The lunch ladies base the food choices entirely on student choices.

“It depends on what you all want to eat. Nacho days are very popular and pasta day is our biggest right now,”

Dexter said.

At the end of the day, that’s when the lunch ladies clean up and get ready for the next day. They have basic rules to keep everything clean, such as not being allowed to go in the back without a hair net or gloves.

After the last lunch, everything is filled and restocked, things are thrown away, and all this work keeps them here until the end of the day.

Sometimes they start making food and sometimes they clean, but it depends on what is needed for the next day. They clean machines, clean out containers, and make sure everything is sparkly and sanitized. Dealing with students and food from before school even starts takes time. These lunch ladies do it with a smile and should be recognized more.

NSchool board elections have a direct impact on our communities.

Let’s Get On Board

School board elections are often cast off as another political distraction. However, these elections impact the future and wellness of others in the community.

Everybody sees the signs on the side of the road: “Sherman-Wilkins for SPS”, “Scott Crise for School Board”, along with many other promotional postings. To most people, this political signage is an annoying eyesore. In reality, each sign represents one of seven candidates running for the Springfield Public Schools Board of Education.

These prospects come from a wide variety of backgrounds, each holding their motivations for a board position. Let’s dive deeper into each candidate’s views, history, and involvement in the local community.

It starts with Dr. Maryam Mohammadkhani, who seeks a second term in this year’s election. She is endorsed by the National Education Association (NEA) and has been an active member of the community. Three of her children have attended SPS schools and she has

BY CAYDEN HARMAN

served as a tutor for the RSVP program through the Council Churches of the Ozarks.

One advantage Mohammadkhani describes is her background as a pathologist. A quote from her website, maryamforsps.com, elaborates on that.

“As a pathologist or “doctor’s doctor”, she is experienced in analyzing data and the art of effective communication and difficult decision making. She knows how to tread change without losing sight of the guiding tenet of excellence in education,”

She is also an active promoter of responsible technology use and a transition towards a mixed-learning system, with both online and paperwork in use. Communication is something she places emphasis on, encouraging an education system that creates well-balanced students who can easily enter the workforce.

Similarly, Chad Rollins has extensive experience with the Springfield school system. He has lived in Springfield for 44 of 47 years of his life. Rollins uses this point as leverage during a

Springfield News-Leader interview.

“Four of my seven children still attend SPS schools. Not only do I have my thumb on the pulse of our schools, I have eyes on the ground at every level. I’m committed to bringing personal excellence with clear guidelines to our students, teachers, and administration,” Rollins said. He aims to enforce strict discipline plans and hire more school resources, such as resource officers and support staff. Data driven analysis is also a priority. One of Rollins’s large goals is to raise local teacher salaries, as Missouri ranks 47th in the nation overall at around $59,000.

Kyler Sherman-Wilkins is well respected within his community. He is the only candidate endorsed by both the Springfield NEA (National Education Association) and Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA). Accompanying that, he is also backed by the local Teamsters chapter, the Springfield Labor Union, and Southern Missouri Professional Firefighters. Sherman-Wilkins aims to enact

disciplinary reform, which he elaborated on with a social media post earlier this year.

“Any fix to the discipline issues we’re facing has to be data-driven. It has to be done with the student’s well-being in mind. We cannot have policies that contribute to student pushout, or the school-to-prison pipeline,” ShermanWilkins said.

He has been endorsed by many SPS parents as well as former educators. He hopes to bring in qualified educators and keep them here. As an educator at Missouri State University, he understands the struggles of student behavior.

He currently serves as the first vice president of the local NAACP branch and is a board member for both GLO and the Missouri Foundation of Health.

Real-world connections are something incumbent Scott Crise is looking to expand upon. Programs like GO CAPS, OTC Middle College, and Fly SPS are job-oriented programs that Crise hopes to expand. He works towards an increase in language proficiency, which he hopes to continue into his next term.

Crise is an active member of the SPS community. He has served on the PTA of at least three different local schools. From 2000 to 2006, he served as a Foundation for SPS board member, who helped usher in the Back to School program, which partially funds teachers’ classroom needs and expenditures.

Outside of his school board responsibilities, he volunteers for Isabel’s House, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks, and Missouri Girl Scouts.

Susan Provance is another candidate who is very engaged with the community. She has received endorsement from the Missouri State Teachers Association, as well as United Springfield and Vote 417.

Her goals on the board are “doing what is best for Springfield’s Students.” In her view, that covers educational excellence in difficult situations to financial responsibility.

In her community, she serves more

than 1,000 students a year in her position for SPS archery and Missouri Department of Conservation and National Archery in the Schools Program. Besides that, she facilitated many state, local, and national tournaments in her role at Springfield Park Board.

Her knowledge of board activities is something she expressed pride in during a Springfield News-Leader interview.

“Since announcing my board candidacy, I have been attending every board meeting. I will be ready from day one,” Provance said.

Landon McCarter casts a wide net when it comes to tackling pressing school board issues. On his website, landonmccarter4sps.com, he has a multitude of articles covering his goals and campaign progress.

McCarter cites five key benchmarks to reach once he enters: Classroom Learning and Achievement, Behavioral Expectations and Classroom Dynamics, Supporting Educators and Staff, Resource Allocation for Academic Success, and Parent and Community Involvement.

These values are not only projections, as they are exemplified through his participation in community boards and non-profits in the surrounding area. He also serves as a youth basketball coach.

McCarter shares similar ideologies with other candidates who wish to acquire more aid and support staff and paraprofessionals. He shares more in a quote from his website.

“I recognize the pivotal role of paraprofessionals and support staff in maintaining a conducive learning environment. I am dedicated to prioritizing their well-being, acknowledging the challenges they face, and ensuring they receive equitable compensation and opportunities for professional growth,” McCarter said.

Incumbent Danielle Kincaid intends to retain her presidential position with a successful vote this year. Many writeins from former teachers, political support groups, and anonymous voters have helped sponsor that effort.

She strongly believes that participation in board elections shapes the foundation and future of our schools.

“My professional career would not be possible without that education and the time, energy, and efforts of the countless people who made and make our public schools great—teachers, administrators, staff, volunteers, etc. As a community, we must support our public schools and participate in school board elections. The students sitting in our classrooms are the future of our community, and we each have a vested interest in ensuring our future workforce enters our community as success-ready adults”, Kincaid said.

Kincaid also acknowledges the difficulties of adapting to new students. She understands that the students of today are not those of ten years ago and strategies have to change.

She has adapted by increasing teacher pay. Kincaid has realized the need for unity within the SPS community.

Kincaid collaborates with many advisory, planning, and community organizations during her free time. She believes advocacy starts within the local community, so she ensures that she stays involved.

“I recently spoke with Dr. Lathan about enacting a “Professional for a Day” program for SPS students. This idea came to me as Dr. Lathan and I were speaking about the “Principal for a Day” program, where local community leaders job-shadowed principals in our 50+ school buildings. I would like to see SPS institute a Professional for a Day program where our high school students would be invited to job shadow our local community leaders,” Kincaid said.

Candidates Kincaid, Mohammadkhani, and Provance secured all three available spots this year. However, it is still important to understand the impact the other candidates could have in the future and understand the thought process behind your education’s largest leaders.

Screen Smart

Kids are spending an absurd amount of time on social media which can harm them in many ways. It has an impact on their mental and physical health.

It’s important to keep kids safe online. Whether it’s on social media or just some games they play in their free time.

The internet can be dangerous. Social media is a place where children are exposed to sex trafficking, sexual exploitation, body shaming, and much more. These things don’t just happen on social media, they can happen on online games as well. In fact, Roblox was recently named one of the top five platforms for child exposure to inappropriate sexual content despite their policies that prohibit sexual themes.

Some apps have restrictions based on age, when you download an app like Instagram or Snapchat you are asked for your age. If you put your real age and you’re under 18, restrictions will be put on your account limiting what you can read, watch, and post. The problem with this process is that people can lie and say they are over 18 so they don’t have these restrictions on their account.

The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), passed by the senate in mid December, is a bill that forces social media platforms and other apps to put heavy restrictions on their sites to prevent

BY SOPHIE WEBB

issues like cyberbullying, harassment, sexual exploitation, anorexia, and self harm.

The bill states that they have come up with a way to heavily enforce the age restriction. This age verification system will be enforced by a study that will gain information on how much they would need to improve the accuracy of the verification systems already put in place on some social media platforms.

Children and teenagers are glued to their screens more than ever. According to Blumenthal.senate.gov a website that simplifies bills and senator Richard Blumenthal voices his opinion, children ages eight through twelve spend an average of over five hours per day on their devices, while teenagers spend over eight hours every day.

People can see this negativity in the content we consume, especially when we compare ourselves to celebrities. Platforms are now required to enable the strongest privacy settings for minors by default to ensure that they will not be influenced by these issues.

According to The Washington Post, these restrictions will be put on users accounts that are under 18.

“It would also require the services to turn on the highest privacy and safety settings by default for users under 18, and it would allow young people to limit or opt out of features like personalized news feeds, smartphone notifications and auto playing videos,”

This doesn’t just apply to social media platforms but also video game sights and messaging apps. This bill is being put in place to keep minors safe and restrict what they are able to view.

“Covered platforms must take reasonable measures in the design and operation of products or services used by minors to prevent and mitigate

certain harms that may arise from that use (e.g., sexual exploitation and online bullying).” The KOSA bill reads.

Once the KOSA bill gets passed by the house, within the next year the following restrictions will go into place. Minors will be limited to whom they can contact, the platform is allowed to delete the minors account if they see a reason to, and the platform can block content like sexual exploitation or criminal activity.

Parental controls will be provided on the platforms. These controls would allow parents to view the account and the settings, if needed the parent(s) could change the privacy settings, parents are able to restrict financial transactions, and limit the amount of time spent on the app.

“If passed, it would become the first major consumer privacy or child online safety measure to clear a chamber of Congress in decades. Congress has failed to pass major new internet laws despite years-long attempts to rein in Silicon Valley giants.” Christiano LimaStrong writer for the Washington Post said.

This KOSA bill has yet to be passed by the house and will go into effect 18 months after the enactment date.

Get The Lead Out

Recent independent testing found concerning levels of lead in our water system in school.

BY EMMALYNNE ROBINSON AND AUBREE SIMS

About 2,000 students use our school’s water fountain daily to fill their water bottles.

In early April, Principal Bill Powers sent a message to the KHS community detailing recent findings about lead levels at water sources around the school.

According to a preliminary report issued to Springfield Public Schools (SPS), Axiom Service Professionals, an independent testing firm, tested 191 potential water sources at the school. Results indicated that 38 sources contained lead levels higher than five parts per billion (ppb). Five ppb is the acceptable level of lead set by the Get the Lead out of School Drinking Water Act. Prior to this act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had set an acceptable level of lead in water at 15 Additionally, of the 38 sources where lead was found to be present, 18 were

higher than the EPA’s recommended 15 ppb. Some sources were well into the hundreds with one source on the first floor testing at 500 ppb.

According to SPS communication to KHS families, some water sources would be turned off and others would be clearly marked unsafe for drinking and cooking.

Lead is a heavy metal that can be found in old paint, pipes, and other building materials.

“Exposure to lead can be a significant health concern. Lead builds up in the body over time, affecting almost every organ and system. Although children are especially the main concern about lead exposure, lead can also affect adults. It may cause health problems such as nervous system dysfunction, kidney problems, and high blood pressure,” Shawn Bond from the Missouri Department of Health said.

Lead in the body can be very harmful and damaging to the blood. Once swallowed, lead levels in the blood rise

and can get higher and higher. Once the lead exposure stops, the amount of lead in the blood will slowly decrease. Lead can be released through urine, sweat, and feces.

All test results for all schools tested are available to the public on sps.org, but some students believe more should be done to spread awareness.

“I have not heard much about lead exposure only because there hasn’t been much going around about it. There should be more of a concern since the levels are completely off the grid,” junior Emma Clemens said.

Given the health risks associated with lead consumption, blue and white NOTICE stickers have since been posted around sources that tested positive for high levels of lead. Additionally, a remediation plan is in place, which means that the school will replace contaminated pipes and retest periodically to maintain compliance with federal law.

The bottle filling station in the upstairs English hallway is safe for student use.

NMaking Our Mark

Journalism strikes again as the yearbook and magazine went to the state and national journalism events, and came back with many achievements and awards.

BY ZHANA OWREY

This year journalists have been busy once again, not just creating the magazine and yearbook, but receiving state and national recognition.

In November, students went to Boston, where a variety of students attended the National High School Journalism Convention, and returned with a second place best of show award in the Specialty Magazine category.

More recently, yearbook and magazine both went to scholastic journalism day on March 27th. Students attended sessions and competed at state wide competitions at the University of Missouri.

They came back with 10 awards at the state level, along with KHQ Magazine winning the All Missouri award.

In April, multiple students attended the National High School Journalism Convention, and returned with eight awards in categories such as writing, photography, and graphic design.

The magazine also returned with a second place overall in the best of show category for the second time this year.

Liz Eike, the editor in chief who made it possible, was placed in the top 10 for Editorial Leadership in the nation.

Magazine staff attending the journalism day at the University of Missouri also got to explore the campus where the first journalism school

The Kansas City convention also came with opportunities to explore the local area freely such as sophomore Sophie Webb senior Kat Owsley.

FEATURE

According to the CDC, nearly 40% of overdoses happen with another person present. Naloxone provides a safe way to counter opioid overdose that can be used by bystanders.

Reducing The Risk

As Missouri’s drug problem increases, harm reduction is a growing strategy for saving lives. Naloxone and other programs are helping to reduce the stigma and overdoses.

Now, more than ever, drugs are more frequent in society. In Missouri alone, there were 1,878 drug overdoses in 2020, and in 2021 this number shot to 2,163 according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Substance abuse is a taboo topic not often talked about, but the stigma causes many deaths. However, a rapidly growing movement reforms society that by taking away the shame and hate towards drug users.

Harm reduction is a practice used to save lives through actions such as free needle programs and overdose training. An array of harm reduction resources are available both in Springfield MO, and online.

For example, the online resource Next Distro, a harm reduction website supplies one time packages with items such as syringes, naloxone, and medical supplies.

BY ZHANA OWREY

There are also programs such as the Missouri Empowerment Project in Springfield which provides free naloxone (Narcan) to combat opioid overdoses. Naloxone is a competitive antagonist to opioids such as heroin or fentanyl that blocks opioid receptors and is safe to use on anyone, even if they are not having an opioid overdose.

Many use naloxone to reverse an overdose, such as Springfield resident, Amber Hofmann, who used it on a coworker on a seemingly normal day.

“I went to use the restroom during work that ended up with me and a couple other co-workers saving another co-worker’s life because she had overdosed in the bathroom and was so far gone she was purple. If we didn’t get our hands on the Narcan when we did, there is no way would have been able to save her,” Hofmann said.

As for harm reduction, there are also syringe service programs (SSPs) which

provide free syringes that prevent severe bacterial infections (SBI) and human immunodeficiency disease (HIV) by supplying safe options for drug users. The Harm Reduction Journal finds that effective healthcare and community prevention can decrease healthcare costs, as well as death and hospitalization rates.

However, Springfield does not have one of these locations, which limits safe access to hygienic supplies such as sterile syringes, alcohol pads, and clean water.

Harm reduction does not actively fight against addiction, but it does promote safer drug use and saves lives every day.

With these harm reduction programs and services, we can encourage safer use and connect people to addiction recovery resources in the process. With time, Springfield can pave the way for the recovery of many addicts.

Summer Sips

There is nothing better than a refreshing drink on a hot summer day. However, making the same drinks all the time can be boring so here are some fun beverages to make at home this summer!

BY MADISON BRYANT

Watermelon Smoothie

A sweet fruit drink that is perfect for a sunny day. Almost any fruit can be used, but this recipe uses watermelon.

Ingredients: (Makes six)

6 cups seedless watermelon chunks and some smaller ones to garnish (optional)

6 tbsp sugar

1/3 cup lime juice

1/3 cup water

Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Combine watermelon, sugar, lime juice, and water in a blender. Puree until smooth (approximately 30-45 seconds).

Garnish with the optional watermelon chunks and mint leaves. Can be chilled for up to 3 days.

Ocean Water

A copycat recipe of Sonic’s popular ocean water is sure to bring a refreshing bliss to your kitchen.

Ingredients: (Makes two)

2/3 cup water

2/3 cup sugar

1 liter of sprite or 7 up (approximately two 12 ounce cans works)

1 tablespoon coconut extract Blue food coloring (optional)

Directions:

Combine water and sugar in a bowl and microwave for 40 seconds or until sugar dissolves. Pour into cup.

Add lemon lime soda, coconut extract, and the optional blue food coloring. Mix well and serve over ice.

Virgin Raspberry Mango Margarita

A smoothie drink that combines tart flavors to create a delightful nonalcoholic beverage that looks difficult to make, but is actually super easy.

Ingredients: (Makes two)

Mango Layer

2 cups frozen mango

¾ cup coconut water

¼ cup lime juice

2 tsp honey

Raspberry Layer

2 cups frozen raspberries

¾ cup coconut water

¼ cup lime juice

2 tsp honey

Lime wedges to garnish (optional)

Directions:

Make the mango layer by combining all ingredients and blending until smooth.

Fill the glasses halfway.

Make the raspberry layer by combining all ingredients and blending until smooth.

Fill the glasses the rest of the way.

Garnish with lime wedge (optional)

Italian Soda

A simple drink that can be made with minimal ingredients to cool off after a long day at the pool.

Ingredients: (Makes one)

Ice

1 ½ ounces flavored syrup of choice

8 ounces of club soda

1 ounce to 1 ½ ounce heavy cream or half-and-half

Directions:

Fill a glass with the desired amount of ice. Add syrup.

Pour in the club soda.

Stir and then top with cream.

Money, jewelry, or friendship notes can all be given as graduation presents.

Greatest Grad Gifts

Picking the perfect graduation present can be hard, but here are six of the most thoughtful options.

BY KAT OWSLEY

Money

The tried and true option of giving cold hard cash is always a great way to go. $15 to $20 is typically the standard amount for a friend. It may feel a bit impersonal, but it’s something they’re sure to use to reach their future goals. If you feel awkward about putting a 20 in an envelope, you can write a sweet note about what they mean to you to make it more meaningful.

A Jar of Friendship Notes

Nothing says “I care about you” like an actual note! Fill the jar of things you love about your grad to cheer them up on rainy days. Fold them into little stars or keep them as slips of paper and top off your container with compliments, jokes, quotes, or phrases that the two of you consider important. It’s a cost effective way to give something from the heart to someone you care about.

Memory Book

If you’re the type of person who always takes photos, your gift would be the perfect way to reflect that. Fill a photo album or journal full of yours and your grad’s favorite moments for a special gift they’re sure to treasure for years to come. Include photos, what happened, and what it meant to you for the perfect present.

Scrap Book

While it may be time consuming, a scrap book is a cost effective and thoughtful gift for your friend in the graduating class. Pick your favorite memories together and put them in a book full of colorful papers, dried flowers, and decorative tape to show how much you care about the person as they start their next journey.

T-Shirt Quilt

High school is about collecting memories, and sometimes those come in the form of t-shirts. Since graduates won’t be bringing high school tees to college, use 16 of them to make a blanket big enough to use on the couch. Not only does this serve as a cute dorm decoration but also helps remind your friend of home while they’re in a new place.

D.I.Y Jewelry

A small necklace or a dainty pair of earrings can be a perfect gift to remember someone by. Since jewelry is small, it’s easy to take it anywhere, and it doesn’t have to be expensive to be beautiful. Whether you make a bracelet from beads and string or from diamond and gold, what matters most is the person giving it. Look up the meaning behind the colors for an additional touch.

Voting can

feel overwhelming, but it’s still important. When you register to vote, a card comes in the mail that gives you everything you need know about voting.

Every Vote Counts

Once a person turns 17 and a half they can register to vote, but it’s crucial to understand why voting is important and what you can do to make sure your vote counts.

When you walk into the polling station and you are given a ballot, which is a small piece of paper with a series of text and check boxes. After filling it out, your ballot is counted along with everyone else’s, but does this one vote matter?

History teacher Kristen Wilson thinks voting is vital for our community and country.

“Voting is important because it is the whole premise of our government. The people are supposed to rule the government and how we do that is by voting,” Wilson said.

There are two different types of elections: general and primary. Primary elections are where political parties selects candidates for the public to vote for in general elections. In general elections citizens vote for local, state, and federal officials that were nominated during primary elections. This includes the presidential election. Although

voting is important in all elections, votes in local elections affect lives more directly.

“I think that local elections get overlooked, but they are more relevant to our lives because they affect us more on a day to day basis. In the local elections your vote really does matter,” Wilson said.

In local elections, the majority is often incredibly close. Just a handful of votes can sway the results.

In 2023, there was a local election for the Springfield mayor and it was very tight. According to a KY3 article, there were two people on the ballot, Ken McClure and Melanie Bach. McClure won with a 53 percent majority. Bach narrowly lost with 47 percent of the vote.

To put this into perspective, McClure had about 10,500 people vote for him while Bach had about 9,200 people vote for her. That is just around a 1,300 person difference. So yes, one vote does count. Springfield has a population of roughly

BY EVELYN NELSON

170,000 people as of 2021. And only about 20,000 Springfield citizens voted during the 2023 election.

According to the Pew Research Center, 70 percent of U.S. citizens who were eligible to participate in all three presidential elections between 2018 and 2022 voted in at least one of them, with about 37 percent voting in all three. These statistics are even lower for local elections.

According to the National Civic League, only 15 to 27 percent of eligible voters cast a ballot in their local elections.

“I think it’s very important for high school students not just to vote, but to learn about who the candidates are so they make good choices when they vote,” Wilson said.

There are a lot of local resources available to learn more about upcoming elections before you cast your vote.

A local source is the Missouri State University club, Paws to the Polls. You can visit their website (publicaffairs. missouristate.edu) which has local unbiased information and voting guides to look at along with general information on upcoming elections.

League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri is another source that provides additional non biased information. If you support a political party, there are a lot of local groups to look into and join.

“I think that getting involved young means that you are entering the world along with the work world. It is going to affect you guys as much as it affects adults. Every vote counts, but I do think it is just as important to just be aware of what is happening politically especially as a young person,” Wilson said.

In high school, you are learning how to be an adult in the real world and voting is part of that. By educating yourself on the importance of voting, you are actively helping and involving yourself in your community.

High school is the perfect time to explore your beliefs and discover what political party and issues you align with. Let your opinion be heard and get registered to vote when you are of age. Educate yourself, and vote in the elections. Your voice matters.

FMeet the Cabinet

The 2024-2025 cabinet has officially been decided but who are they and what do they have in store for next year?

BY SAVANNAH SUMMERS

Taryn Hagardt, Hannah Gardner

Question One:

Hagardt: “I hope to help lead the student body by talking to students and making everyone feel included and comfortable in school and their own clubs and passions, in the community and overall create more of a family aspect at Kickapoo,”

Gardner: “I will bring energy to school events and remind everyone how much fun Kickapoo is,”

Question Two:

Hagardt: “I was just really excited. It was a very surreal and exciting”

Gardner: I was super excited and I played Rockstar by Hannah Montana on my drive home,”

Question Three:

Hagardt: “I am looking forward to this next year and just building relationships with people, and really just creating that positive impact on their lives”

Gardner: “The dances and the first week of school when we get to meet new students,”

Sophia Winders, Brooke Chaffin

Question one:

Winders: “I will help lead the student body next year by encouraging our students to get involved and meet other new students,”

Chaffin: “As the assemblies commissioner, i’m so excited to be able to lead the student body in a way where we all feel like we can have fun at school and for it to be a safe place,”

Question two:

Winders: “I am most excited for being a part of this team and meeting new students

Chaffin: “When I found out I was on cabinet, I was jumping up and down like crazy, hugging people and just overall so excited,”

Question Three:

Winders: “I am most excited for being a part of this team and meeting new students,”

Chaffin: “I’m really excited about all the events we’re going to have next year! Next year I will be in charge of games for assemblies and I am thrilled about it,”

Questions Asked:

1.How will you help lead the student body next year?

2.What

was your reaction when you found out you were elected?

3.What

are you most excited for next year?

Hannah Green, Hannah Burks

Question One:

Green: “I’m going to be the cabinet secretary for the 24-25 school year so I’ll be helping lead the student body by keeping records of events, Student Council meetings, and encouraging our student body to get involved with the school,”

Burks: “I am the Media Commissioner so I will lead the student body by creating a more welcoming environment when it comes to getting people to come to events,”

Question Two:

Green: “I’m most excited to help plan events for next year and think of new ways to get the student body involved. Im also super excited to see all the behind the scenes of how cabinet plans events,”

Burks: “I was so happy! I had worked so hard on everything I had to do for it and my work paid off!”

Question Three:

Green: “I’m most excited to help plan events for next year and think of new ways to get the student body involved,”

Burks: “I’m really excited to make the videos and getting to show the student body my videos,”

Sidney Pierce, Abie Baltz, Question One:

Pierce: “I will help lead the student body by getting everyone involved by going to school events as well as participating in spirit days, and donating at blood drives and overall creating a positive school environment!”

Baltz: “As spirit commissioner I will lead the student body with positivity and energy. I will bring even more spirit to our school. Encourage more students to come to games and participate in our spirit days!”

Question Two:

Baltz: “I was insanely excited and so grateful I get to be apart of Cabinet. I was almost brought to tears and I immediately called my mom”

P: “I was super excited when I found out that I was going to be in the cabinet,”

Question Three:

AB: “Im looking forward to bringing spirit to the school I love”

SP:”I am most excited for working with everyone in the cabinet and being able to be a part of something so special by helping lead the school,”

Mr. KenHS

A Kickapoo student led fundraiser raised thousands of dollars for Wish I May.

Each year Kickapoo Cabinet holds a charity event called Mr. KHS. This year things looked a little different.

This year the charity was Wish I May. Wish I May is a non-profit local charity that focuses on children whose families are experiencing extreme financial difficulties and find it impossible to provide even the smallest birthday celebration.

“Our Cabinet sponsor Mrs. Highfill suggested it, and when I looked into Wish I May more, I knew it was the perfect charity for our show. I love what they do and all of the Cabinet and the guys were so excited to fundraise for them! Wish I May is truly making a big difference for so many kids in our community,” said Delaney McCormick. McCormick not only put together the show but she organized every little detail.

“I was in charge of the show. I oversaw all of the moving parts and

assigned jobs to everyone involved. I also choreographed the guys’ opening dance number which was super fun,” McCormick said.

On March 27th guys from all grade levels competed in a pageant type event. Events ranged from a talent face-off to a very deep interview hosted by cabinet members.

“My favorite part was watching the guys work so hard to not only put on a fun and entertaining show, but also to fundraise money for Wish I May. Also watching the guys learn their big dance number was super fun. They got really into it and I really enjoyed teaching it,” McCormick said.

Sophomore Gage Garrison talked about his time while competing in Mr. KenHS.

“I learned really to go with the flow and trust the process because it was everyone’s first time doing this. Delaney did an amazing job making sure everyone was staying prepared and I made sure to do my part as well,”

BY MADISON TURNER

Garrison said.

These excellent Ken’s helped raise $5,000 for the Wish I May foundation.

“All the money raised was put towards the Wish I May foundation and put them beyond what they initially budgeted for,”

Mrs. Harris said.

It’s safe to say that Mr. KenHS was a success, and they couldn’t have done it without the help of the students and staff.

“Thank you to everyone who donated, bought tickets, and watched the show! We are so appreciative of everyone’s donations and support,” McCormick said.

Big congratulations to these Kens for their awards.

Jacob Lomosi winning Mr. KenHS. Till Schumacher as Mr. Runner up. Meechie Beasley for being Mr. Money Bags. Van Current for getting Mr. Congeniality.

“If you ever get the opportunity to be involved, do it! It may seem embarrassing but to be honest I could not even see the crowd which helped with me being nervous,” Garrison said.

Students performing during the talent section of the show.

Seal of Biliteracy Success

BY SAVANNAH SUMMERS

The 2023-2024 Seal of Biliteracy recipients have worked tirelessly to prove their abilities in their chosen language and receive the honor of the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy.

The end of the year marks the commencement of all classes and with that, language classes have begun the process of determining who qualifies for the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy test and who has already achieved that Seal.

The Seal of Biliteracy (SoBL) is open for all language students who are in levels three, four or five and are graduating in May.

Students must take the American Conference of Teaching Foreign Language or ACTFL, Assessment of Performance Towards Proficiency in Language (AAPPL) exam which tests both your writing and speaking with the language, as well as your listening and reading skills. Each class has a different level requirement but for most, the goal is to get at least an I-3 (Intermediate three) in all tested categories.

This year, several students have earned this award and some are even working towards receiving the distinguished seal which requires another test besides the AAPPL.

35 Spanish students, two French students, one Arabic, one Ukranian, one Porteguese and Russian, one Vietnamese and two Japanese students earned the award and will be honored at a ceremony before graduation.

Senior Angelina Senina, is in French V. Since her freshman year, Senina has been working towards trilingualism, already being fluent in Russian and English and this year, she has achieved just that.

“I was ecstatic when I found out I was able to get the award this year. I really wanted to prove that I could learn another language and now this kind of proves it even if I don’t always feel fluent,” Senina said.

Receiving this award creates various

Students have worked tirelessy throughout their high school career to achieve this prestigious award. Photo courtesy of Madison Bryant.

opportunities for recipients. Missouri State University, Benedictine College, Truman State University and many other colleges offer scholarships or even up to 18 college credit hours to further their education before even beginning their college career. Besides college credit, this award open up job opportunities as well. Many companies seek out bilingual applicants for specific jobs like medical professionals, legal and law enforcement, international business and so much more.

Students who receive this award get recognized and honored at graduation with a certificate and a chord, as well as a trip to Silver Dollar City at the end of the year with other SoBL recipients.

Congratulations to Lainey Adler, Addison Albaugh, Alexandra Bartels, Lauren Brawner, Madison Bryant, Gabriella Cotner, Baylea Davis, Chloe Dinamarca, Nguyen Do, Alyse Elliott, Silham Elzofri, Bryan Florez, Douglas Graver, Sienna Hagan, Gabriella Haley, Andrew Haskins, Pamela Higbee, Ethan Hoffman, Pryson Houzenga, Kylie LaPoint, Katherine Le, Preslee Lunnen, Jacob Lipari, Emily Morales, Yadira Malaga, Jenna Perryman, Elise Pope, Ashlie Pierce, Peter Ramazani, Samuel Riley, Natalie Rivera, Lynae Robbins, Artemis Sackreiter, Angelina Senina Abigail Stowe, Emily Thomas, Makayla Trieu, Emma Washburn, Summer Weems, Sophie Young, and Liia Zhyhun.

FSummer Staycation

BY SOPHIE WEBB

Lake Springfield

Open from sunrise to sunset

Boathouse Hours:

Mon-Sat: 9am-5pm Sunday: 11a.m-5p.m

Prices: Free (unless you’re taking lessons or renting kayaks)

Lake Springfield is a great place to go hiking, fishing, and kayaking. There are three trails you can take depending on how long you would like to walk, run, or bike. If you are looking for an excuse to get outside more, or wanting to stay active but not go to the gym, this is a great way to get moving. You are able to rent kayaks and canoes and they offer lessons. See their website for details on renting and scheduled lessons at parkboard.org.

Wonders Of Wildlife Hours: 9am-7pm

Prices: $15 on student days and $38-$50 normally

Johnny Morris’ Wonders Of Wildlife is a great place to go on a rainy day. If you have at least three hours to spend, this is well worth the money. This is a great place to take kids if you are babysitting this summer and a fun place to go with friends and family. They have a lot of hands-on activities, literally, you can pet stingrays. The aquarium and museum offer student days where tickets are only 15 dollars if you show your student ID. See their website to purchase tickets and check the calendar for student dates at wondersofwildlife.org

Ice Skating and Roller Skating Hours: See their websites for days and hours

Prices: Skateland: $7-$9 Ice Park: $9 ($6 student discount)

If you’re missing the cold in the summer months, Jordan Valley Ice park is a fun place to go to cool down and see your friends struggle to stay standing and laugh at them. Springfields Skateland is pretty much the same concept but to some people its easier to learn to roller skate since your feet are more balanced on four wheels rather than a singular tiny blade. It takes some time and some patience but if you and your friends are struggling together it just becomes more enjoyable watching yourself and your friends fall.

Want to make this the best summer ever without spending a ton of money? Here are some places to keep you from getting bored.

Pythian Castle

Hours: Ghost tours are scheduled to pick from on their website

Prices: $18-$20 ($17 with student discount)

Pythian Castle is one of the most historical places in Springfield dating all the way back to 1913. This is a haunted castle that you can visit year round and not just during the spooky season. Many people report seeing “the lady in white” looking out the window of the castle. This ghost is rumored to be a bride that was killed there. They host ghost tours and investigations that you can sign up for online. Even if ‘you ain’t afraid of no ghosts’ it’s still fun to go and scare your friends a little and maybe call Ghostbusters if needed.

Volleyball Beach Ozark

Hours for open play: Wednesday: 5pm9pm Friday: 5pm-10pm Sunday: 3pm6pm

Prices: $5

Sadly, we don’t have a beach in Missouri, but if you’re wanting sand between your toes and some heat then go play some sand volleyball. This is a great place to bring friends and get competitive with each other. Even if you don’t know how to properly play volleyball, it’s still fun to play this advanced hot potato with your friends.

The admission fee is five dollars plus tax, but during certain events there are student discounts on food and drinks. Go to volleyballbeachozark.com for details and prices.

Nixa Aquatic Center

Hours: Monday-Friday: 1pm-8pm Saturday: 12pm-8pm Sunday: 12pm-6pm

Prices: residents: $5

Non-residents: $6

The Nixa Aquatic Center is a great place to go to cool off and still have fun in the sun. The outdoor swimming pool has entertainment ranging from lap lanes to water slides. This is another great place to bring kids if you plan to babysit this summer. There is a kiddy area, floating sea animals to climb on, and buckets full of water that dump on your head, all in the shallow water of course. There are lounge chairs and shady areas to take a break from the sun. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Capturing the importance of graduation festivities while carefully considering and balancing the advantages and disadvantages.

The True Value of Graduation Parties

Seniors have been hosting personal graduation celebrations for years. A common question upcoming graduates have is whether or not a party is worth the time and money.

“I chose to have a graduation party because we have seen other seniors doing it for years and wanted the benefits from it. My older brother had one and it was very successful so I thought I would do it as well,” former Kickapoo student Anna Wilkinson said.

Having a graduation party often entails a lot of gifts and donations given to the graduating student. The success of the party can greatly impact a student’s future when it comes to paying for things like college.

“My graduation party really benefited me and my future because of how much money I got. I still am living off the money I got at the party. I was so

blessed to have so many generous people show up and give me gifts and money that have benefited my future here at college,” Wilkinson said.

For Wilkinson the gifts she received at her celebration substantially helped her as she’s in her college career. If someone is considering going into college after school, a graduation party may help them greatly.

“I think that it is important to have grad parties and to get all your friends and family together to celebrate you. It’s an opportunity to say goodbye to people you may not see as much when you go off to college and mostly everyone brings presents and money so it gets you prepared to take the next step in life,” Wilkinson said.

Receiving gifts is not the only important aspect when it comes to a graduation. Saying goodbye can hard, but having everyone all in one place to celebrate and encourage you it’s very impactful and a memorable experience

Caps off to celebration: Why graduation parties mark more than just milestones.

BY NYAH WARREN

that remind you of how loved you are during hard times in your new beginnings.

“I think that there were long lasting impacts on my life from my grad party. There were some people I hadn’t seen in a while and being able to connect with them recreated a bond that we were able to keep as I moved on to college,” Wilkinson said.

Wilkinson’s graduation party has left a lasting impression on her life, having her final goodbyes and conversations with people she loved and supported really helped her be able to move on to college without feeling like she was leaving her loved ones behind. After all the chaos that came with planning her party, Wilkinson was rejoyceful that she decided to host one.

“There were some challenges when planning this grad party. Getting everything put together wasn’t the easiest. There were so many little details and I was really stressed that we forgot something. In the end it was worth it,” Wilkinson said.

When it comes to any type of intense planning it tends to be stressful, but the outcome of the party is much better than the overwhelming hard work before the party. If Wilkinson could go back and do anything differently, she would start her planning earlier because she thinks everyone should have a graduation party and it is totally worth it if you prepare and keep it simple.

“I would recommend that recent graduates host a graduation party. All of it is so worth it. You get to see friends and family you haven’t seen in a long time, you get tons of money and gifts online, and you get to say goodbye to the friends and family you wouldn’t see after moving to college. It is such a fun celebration and I am so glad that I did it,” Wilkinson said.

Student Lore

A time capsule of student life at our school throughout the decades taking the form of a creative writing magazine.

John Mello, an English and creative writing teacher at our school, has taken on the responsibility of documenting high school life through a student published magazine called Lore.

“Lore is basically a magazine with a bunch of creative writing pieces. It’s usually short stories and poetry. This year, we will only be focusing on poetry,” Mello said.

Normally the pieces are from his students, but anyone who wants to submit pieces can. Mello takes the pieces, edits them, then puts them into a published book.

Publishing Lore has been a tradition passed down from one English teacher to another.

“It’s a tradition that dates back years and years. It used to be called ‘Think’ but I changed it to Lore. I think it’s important to give students a voice and the ability to write creatively and have an outlet to publish their work,” Mello said.

Mello feels that this magazine is important because in high school, there is a tendency to focus only on academic writing. Usually there are 20 to 30 artistic pieces featured in this magazine.

“We are kind of starting from scratch since COVID but it is getting bigger and bigger as years go on,” Mello said.

For the cover of the magazine, Mello either uses Canva or has it created by a student who enjoys graphic design.

The cover of the 2022 to 2023 issue was created by recently graduated Grace Keech. Keech has a passion for graphic design and drew the cover of the magazine which features deer in a library in a fantasy style piece.

Junior Sarah Trotman’s photos were also included throughout the magazine, featuring rustic woodland nature that instills a sense of nostalgia as you flip through the pages.

The topics of the contents vary but all focus on student life. The Pandemic by Nora Curry is a poem that explores how the pandemic affected her as a student. There are similar pieces that feature

BY EVELYN NELSON

students’ struggles. Such as ‘Math’ by Senior Emma Washburn, which is a poem that talks about the struggle of understanding math. As well as ‘Graduation’ by Trowa Birdsong and ‘Game Day’ by Kenlee Rankin, which are short stories highlighting what it is like during your last year of high school.

Senior Eva-Mae Royal wrote a story titled ‘The Trouble with Brothers.’

“I wrote this story in my creative writing class last year. He had us write a short story about a family situation, so I wrote mine over brothers since I have an older brother,” Royal said.

Royal’s story is a very personal one. It is based on memories of her childhood and her relationship with her older brother. The story was about a teenage boy and his brother being afraid of telling their parents about one of the them getting an understudy role in a school play. They were expecting their parents to have a bad reaction to the news, but they were met with acceptance and love.

“When I was growing up our parents worked a lot so my brother kind of looked after me for a majority of the time. We would get into a lot of fights but my brother raised me essentially,” Royal said.

Stories like Royal’s reflect what growing up is like and the relationships we build as we grow up. It’s creative work like hers that documents all parts of being a student, not just what it’s like in school itself.

Creativity is an aspect that is stifled in high school, so having creative outlets such as Lore is important. Since it has been a tradition for so long, it’s interesting to see the difference in students’ writing throughout the years.

For instance, the latest publication’s topics about COVID-19 and technology will become mementoes of our generation. If not documented in Lore, they could be lost and inaccessible to future generations.

Lore features timeless qualities of shared experiences, emotions, and similar student life across generations. Hopefully this tradition will continue for many more years and feature future student’s creativity and writing.

Eva-Mae Royal’s work was featured in Lore. She wrote a story about a teenage boy being afraid of telling his parents bad news.

Enhancing Education Sooner

Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) offers high school junior and senior students from nearby schools to attend college level classes before graduating high school.

Ozarks Technical Community College is a post-secondary college in southwest Missouri with many campuses in the region. Its widely known for the low tuition costs, and transferable classes.

The college offers high school students entering into their junior or senior year a college program called the OTC Middle College. For select schools, they have students during their junior and senior years of high school to attend classes at the college’s campus in Springfield. They integrate both of the high school courses they need to graduate with a sprinkle of college classes to make a full day.

James Fauch is the Assistant Director of Middle College at OTC.

BY RYAN ROBERSON

“Middle College is a great opportunity for juniors and seniors who are looking for a change in their academic environment.” Fauch Said.

One of the main points of the program is to provide students with flexibility in their schedule and classes. Middle College offers that high level of flexibility. At first, students only take classes with other Middle College classmates, before slowly integrating into the regular college environment with students that aren’t doing the Middle College program.

The program is also highly affordable to students only costing a total of $60 each year they attend until they graduate. In total only $120 is spent to earn a college level education that is transferable to

The OTC Springfield campus is home to many student amenities such as a cafe and many different study locations. Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

most colleges in the United States. This covers all costs including textbooks, technology, apps, and everything else you may need for your classes. To attend OTC after high school without any aid, the semester tuition cost is $1,075 which is over 35 times the cost of using Middle College.

Students receive all the benefits that normal alumni receive, such as access to the weights room, eSport rooms, lunches, and many other smaller benefits.

While students attend the campus, they have a wide selection of classes they can choose. They range from creative choices such as Electronic Media Production or Graphic Design to more hands-on courses such as Automotive Repair and

Electronic Media Production is one of the many technical programs offered, featuring state of the art equipment

Heating Refrigerating & Air Cooling.

Each of these fields lead to a widely recognized credential, often looking more appealing to a business that they apply to.

“Students who are on course to graduate on time have over 14 technical programs and career pathways to choose from.” Fauch said.

Another choice for students is to earn their associates degree. They attend courses that are dual credit and by the end of the two years, they will graduate from the program and high school having their associates.

The affordable Middle College Program to help students get into college or into an alternative learning environment, it has presented a rare opportunity that is extremely beneficial to most students going into their junior year.

Photo Courtesy of OTC.

Students receive hands-on learning in the pathway they choose to help them learn.

Photo Courtesy of OTC.

Whatcha Gonna Do When They Come for You?

What to do if you are stopped for any reason in Missouri by a police officer.

BY ALLEY ACKERMAN

Officer Anderson on a traffic stop with a local high school student.

1. Pull Over Safely

Pulling over for a cop is crucial because it’s the law, and it ensures safety for everyone involved. By stopping, you are acknowledging the officer’s authority and contributing to the orderly flow of traffic.

When you see the police lights, signal your intention to pull over by turning on your hazard lights. Look for a safe spot to stop, such as a wide shoulder or a well lit area. Slow down gradually and come to a complete stop. Keep your hands on the steering wheel where the officer can see them, and follow their instructions. Remember, staying calm and cooperative is key.

2. Keep Hands Visible

It’s important to keep your hands where the officer can see them when pulled over because it helps the officer feel more at ease and ensures they can clearly see that you don’t pose a threat. It’s like showing your empty hands to someone to let them know you’re not holding anything dangerous. It’s just a precautionary measure to maintain a safe and calm environment.

To keep your hands visible, just place them on the top of the steering wheel and wait for the officer to approach. From here, stay put and wait for the officer to tell you what to do next. If it’s dark, turning on the interior light will help.

Besides keeping your hands on the steering wheel, it’s smart to avoid sudden movements and wait for the officer to ask you for your information before reaching for anything. If you need to grab something from your glovebox or elsewhere, tell the officer first.

3. Be Polite

Being polite to a police officer when you’re pulled over is key because it sets a positive tone and can make the interaction go more smoothly. Plus, they’re more inclined to go easier on you, depending on what they stopped you for. It’s like using kind words when asking a favor; it just helps everything go better.

Address the officer respectfully, like saying “officer” or “sir/ma’am.” Listen carefully to their instructions and respond politely. Avoid arguing or getting confrontational. If you have questions or concerns, express them calmly and respectfully. Remember, being polite can help keep the situation stay calm and cooperative.

4. Provide Proper Identification

Police will ask for your license, registration, and proof of insurance to check that you’re legally allowed to drive, and that the car is properly documented and insured. It’s a quick fact check to make sure everything’s in order.

To provide proper identification during a traffic stop, keep these documents easily accessible, like in your glovebox or wallet. When the officer asks for them, calmly and politely hand them over. Remember to follow their instructions and avoid reaching for anything else without their permission.

5. Follow Instructions

Following all instructions of a police officer when you’re pulled over is detrimental because it helps keep both you and the officer safe. It also shows that you’re cooperating and can help the situation go more smoothly. Plus, it’s the law to comply with an officer’s reasonable orders. It’s always the best move to listen up and follow along so things don’t get escalated.

Tips:

During a traffic stop, some common instructions an officer might give include:

• Asking you to provide your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.

• Requesting you to step out of the vehicle for further questioning or to perform a sobriety test.

• Instructing you to remain in your vehicle while they approach and speak with you.

• Advising you to turn off your engine and keep your hands visible on the steering wheel.

• Asking you to provide a valid explanation for any traffic violations or suspicious behavior.

Remember, you have rights, but it’s also key to cooperate for everyone’s safety. Once the stop is complete, you can always ask questions or even file a complaint later if you feel it’s necessary. Stay safe!

The Art of Acrylic

BY ALLEY ACKERMAN

Emma Franklin (12)

Q: What salon do you go to?

A: “I go to Merveilleux Nail Lounge & Spa. I was recently hired there as a receptionist back in November.”

Q: What do you typically ask for?

A: “I don’t really ask for anything, I just let my boss do whatever she wants. If she has a design she wants to do, I let her do it.”

Q: What do you typically pay?

A: “I used to pay anywhere from $50-70 but since I work there, I get them for free.”

Q: What was your inspiration for this set?

A: “I’ve never done chrome nails before and I wanted something that would pop for the spring season. My boss always picks out the right designs and colors that match my personality.”

Danika McDade (11)

Q: What salon do you go to?

A: “I go to Katie at Nails By Kim off of Campbell. I go here because they aren’t a chop shop and do me good every time.”

Q: What do you typically ask for?

A: “I typically ask for French tips with design and super long square nails.”

Q: What do you typically pay?

A: “I pay around $120 for a full set and $80 for a fill.”

Q: What was your inspiration for this set?

A: “I saw this design off of Pinterest and really like the stars and the black, white, and pink. I also wanted to be a little over the top for my birthday. I do deep dives.”

Nails are a great way to show off your style and creativity. Plus, who doesn’t love a little pampering? Here are the best nail girlies in each grade.

Evelyn Journagan (10)

Q: What salon do you go to?

A: “I go to Nails By Kim Studio. I started going there because they get the shape I want and the quality is really good, also it’s never super busy so it’s easy to schedule.”

Q: What do you typically ask for?

A: “I typically ask for an acrylic set and get coffin tapered with a design normally.”

Q: What do you typically pay?

A: “I paid $95 for my last set.”

Q: What was your inspiration for this set?

A: “My inspo was pink aura nails and I let my nail lady pick a design and she did a star in the center.”

Erin Davison (9)

Q: What salon do you go to?

A: “I go to Gallery Nail & Spa. I go here because it’s close to my house.”

Q: What do you typically ask for?

A: “I usually ask for coffin.”

Q: What do you typically pay?

A: “I usually pay $70.”

Q: What was your inspiration for this set?

A: “I just found designs on Pinterest.”

Made with Love

BY AARON HARDY

Picture Frame

You can save those special memories between you and your mom with a personalized picture frame.

This craft can range from simple and cute, to elegant and memorable based on the items you use. You could paint the item frame and you could glue special items to it like rocks, crystals, flowers, shells, and more. Everything you need can be found at typical craft stores or even your nearby Walmart.

This is a simple gesture but it’s certainly a meaningful one. Not only does it hold precious memories, but it makes those photos stand out on a wall or a table.

Flowers

We know that flowers as presents are an amazing option, but why go out to the store and buy them? Only the fake and plastic ones are cheap. If you want good quality ones, you have to pay a hefty price. You can go to the store and buy some seeds to grow fresh flowers. All you need is a pot or container, some seeds, and a small mount of soil.

The only issue with this gift is that it needs to be done a few weeks in advance. It can take six weeks, but that’s a still a long time to wait. Still, if you get your timing right, this is an excellent gift for your mom. Who doesn’t love flowers?

Whether it’s a last minute gift idea or just wanting to add a little something to your Mother’s Day present, these homemade gift ideas are for you.

Cross Stitching

Stitching might not be everyone’s thing, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty easy. You don’t need to do some extreme and sophisticated pattern, something simple can get the point across just as well. This craft requires a few easy things. You’ll need special cloth, a frame to hold the cloth in place, a needle, and some colored thread to your liking. You don’t even need to use a lot of cloth either! Some frames can be as small as an inch and a half.

It’s a cute and cozy craft that shows meaning. This project might been difficult, but it was stitched out of love. It shows great effort, especially if you’re not that experienced with cross stitching.

Painting

This is one of the more advanced crafts you can make for Mother’s Day, but it all depends on how comfortable you are in your painting skills.

Nobody needs a Renaissance style portrait, it can be as simple as you want it to be. You can paint small things, like flowers or hearts. This is another thing you can display up on your wall with pride. It takes a lot of confidence and a handful of skill, but it’s very worth it in the end.

This craft is surely a labor of love that will make your mother proud!

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Goodbye 201

The Journalism room has given these seniors some unique memories. Here are students who will share them.

WRITTEN BY SENIORS AND ARRANGED BY ALEX WALSH

DAlley Ackerman

ear Kickapoo,

As the final pages of my high school chapter come to a close, I find myself reflecting on the journey that's been. That being said, journalism is one thing that has stayed consistent throughout it all. It's been a whirlwind of deadlines, interviews, and the relentless pursuit of truth that only a passion for journalism could sustain. I've learned that journalism is more than just reporting—it's about giving a voice to the voiceless and uncovering the stories that need to be told. I'm grateful for every lesson learned, both inside room 201 and out.

To Mrs. Orman, thank you for pushing me beyond the who, what, when, where, why, and how, and teaching me to always seek the deeper story. To my peers, thank you for being the sounding board for every lead, the support on every deadline, and most importantly, taking the time to flip through our lengthy magazine.

As I move forward, I carry with me not just the knowledge of AP styles or the ethics of reporting, but the understanding that our stories are powerful, capable of change, and essential to the fabric of our society. So, here's to the late nights, the relentless editing, the search for the perfect lead, and the unwavering commitment to the truth. May we all continue to tell the stories that matter, in whatever form that may be.

For the rest of my time outside of room 201, it was a blend of laughter-filled hallways, mornings where I had no motivation to get out of bed, challenging exams, spirited sport events, dances, and the invaluable lessons learned.

To my teachers, thank you for your unwavering dedication. Your wisdom has not only educated me, but also shaped the person I am becoming. A special shoutout to Coach Peterson, (the best teacher ever) who has spent hours listening to my rants. I thank you for your dedication, guidance, and support.

To my classmates who turned into friends, our shared memories will always mean the most. We've supported each other through triumphs and trials, and those bonds will outlast the clock.

To my family, thank you for always being there for me, in ways I couldn't imagine. Your love, encouragement, and unwavering support have been the foundation of my success.

High school was more than a building; it was a community full of dreams and ambitions. I can't stop picturing myself in my cap and gown, surrounded by my graduating class, and my friends and family who have supported me, even though this is bittersweet. I can't help but get a sneak peek at my life ahead.

#IWillMissYouPooPoo

With fond memories, Alley Ackerman

Back Row, Left to right: Savannah Summers, Keegan Bukovatz, Kat Owsley

Middle Row, Left to Right: Madison Turner, Zhana Owrey, Emma Franklin

Bottom Row, Left to Right: Alley Ackerman, Madison Bryant, Alex Walsh

Photo Courtesy of Abby Galyean

DEmma Franklin

ear KHQ, we need to talk. I know we’ve been together for two years, four months, and 14 days, but I think we need to break up. The two of us have been through so much.

We’ve had a good relationship. I was your Feature Editor my junior year, your Website Manager/Social Media Coordinator my senior year, writing 46 articles together, and so on. Yes, I will miss those moments, but I can’t become the person I want to be without letting my past go. The two of us had ups and downs and I won’t forget our journey.

I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning working on stories/spreads, experiencing numerous breakdowns in the darkroom, while simultaneously taking my migraine medications. Also I was editing photos for a spread, stuffing Schlotzsky’s ad’s into hundreds of copies of the magazines, and so many other things. The way we met was quite the tale. I took Journalism I the first semester of my sophomore year because the guy I liked at the time recommended it to me and I wanted to impress him. Never did I imagine we would end up here. Initially, I thought it would be the two of us against the world. Looking back, I’m not quite sure what I was thinking.

Sure, you were a large portion of my high school career, but I still have 50 to 60 years left to live. You helped me graduate high school with 19 English credits, the Journalism Seal of Excellence, and a Quill and Scroll Honor Society member. We also placed third in the state for the December photo of the month, but it wasn’t all rosy.

Whenever it was a brainstorming day, I hoped I wouldn’t get a big opinion piece because I was scared I would offend someone. Guess what? I don’t care what you think, and I will write my opinion about whatever topic I see fit.

I also used to hate when we would have to make our spreads for our articles. InDesign, I will not miss you at all. If anything, you can self-destruct into oblivion and never be seen again.

Sometimes, you must realize enough is enough, and it’s time to let go. Not to make you jealous, KHQ, I found a new and better man.

His name is Missouri State University, but he goes by MSU for short. He treats me so much better than you do and is better looking. (SPEAK IN THE FUTURE) He’s tall, has maroon hair, and his favorite animal is a bear. MSU will support me as I get my high school English teaching degree. I don’t know what to tell you; I’m ready to move on. We can stay friends, I guess, as long as you promise to behave.

KHQ, I know everyone says this, but it’s not you; it’s me. We’re over; goodbye.

Kat Owsley

Dear Room 201,

It’s taken me four years to find myself, and you’ve been there for all four of them. I’ve grown so much from the nervous freshman I once was, and although the road was long and difficult, it all made me into the person I am today. I’ll always remember the three random strangers at my desk who became my closest friends, and how that circle grew to include the newest members of our magazine family. Ms. Orman has been one of my closest confidantes and one of the strongest women that I’ve had the privilege of knowing. I joined magazine to make my brother proud, but the connections I’ve made ties that connect me to a lineage of work that will always be made by amazing people. These past four years have been truly the best years of my life and with how much this group has grown I know it will continue to improve. Sincerely, will all my heart, Kat Owsley

Madison Turner

Dear room 201, Thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell stories that are kept quiet. Thank you for being a room I can go to during tough times and of course when I’m bored during the school day. I will never forget the life lessons that I’ve learned through my time in room 201 and the life long friends I’ve made.

Mrs. Orman, thank you for being a teacher I can go to with all my problems and troubles. Thank you for being a second mom to me and many others here in room 201. I will miss many things in the room, but most importantly I will miss the shame bell and our amazing birthday song. Through lots of deadlines and brainstorms, and brick throwing I will miss this class. Thank you room 201 for making my high school experience enjoyable. Love you and peace out and WOMP WOMP!

Final Farewells

BY KESSA ADEE

Annie Jenkins (12)

What advice do you have for underclassmen?

“Quality over quantity, no matter what it is. Whether that’s friends, school work, whatever. Pick good friends.”

What is your favorite memory from high school?

“Joining theatre, because before I struggled in high school with my friends and grades. I just joined for makeup and I didn’t know anyone, but I was immediately welcomed in by a great group of people and I found what I really love to do.”

What was your favorite class?

“My first is definitely drama. Even though I’ve had three teachers in the two years I’ve been in drama, it was immediately my favorite since it introduced me to theatre. My other favorite is Film as Literature with Dr. Bilyeu because I want to go into film and writing and he is very passionate and inspiring.”

Cole Dobbs (12)

What advice do you have for underclassmen?

“Whenever you’re going through the college application process, don’t stress about it too much. Just enjoy everything and make good friends and memories. You’ll realize you’re doing a lot better than you think you are.”

What is your favorite memory from high school?

“When I dropped all of my sports to pursue the arts. It was a very hard thing to do because I hate quitting, but I realized it was a great decision because now I’m going to college for music.”

What was your favorite class?

“I have two. One would be choir because of Mr. Corn. I really like how he makes it a community where you can just stop thinking about everything else and just think about music. My other one is AP music theory with Mr. Scriven. He’s a great guy and I enjoy his in depth music class.”

Seniors of the 2023 to 2024 school year leave behind some helpful life and school advice to their underclassmen peers.

What advice do you have for underclassmen?

“Try not to get brought down by any assignment that you fail. I failed the first quarter of an online class just recently, and I thought, ‘Oh crap life is gonna be terrible,’ but then I was like, ‘What if I just moved on,’ and I realized everything actually is fine.”

What is your favorite memory from high school?

“I can’t pin one down, but Ms. Stevens is the best teacher in the world and every moment I spent in her class talking with her was amazing and just the best time.”

What was your favorite class?

“English II with Ms. Stevens.”

What advice do you have for underclassmen?

“Don’t be afraid to be involved in many things, and you aren’t going to always have the same friends. It’s okay for some friends to come and go. It’s just how life happens and it’s going to be alright.”

What is your favorite memory from high school?

“I was part of swim all four years and my freshmen year we won Southwest MO, which was like the biggest swim meet, so getting to experience that was really cool.”

What was your favorite class?

“I like a lot of science classes and in my freshmen year I took Physics First Honors with Hostetler, and I cried every night, but then I took his ecology class and that was one of my favorite classes ever, so just because one class is bad it doesn’t always have to be because of the teacher.”

Ryan Wolf (12)

Grace Everett (12)

Dorm Room Essentials

With seniors graduating soon, most are starting to think about their housing arrangements next year. In an attempt to make life easier, here is a list of essentials for college dorms.

BY MADISON BRYANT

Rolling Laundry Basket

One thing that is essential in a dorm is a laundry basket. However, it is important to think about having to transport it often. Here is a laundry basket that has wheels, pockets for storage, is waterproof, and is only $25 on Amazon.

Space Saving Hangers

Living in a dorm is all about learning how to save space because most people will be sharing a room with someone else. In order to downsize your closet space, these space saving hangers are definitely a must have for any college student. You can find these on Amazon in a ten pack for $10

Damage Free Command Strips

Another important item to have in your dorm is Command Strips. These are small things to keep on hand for a reasonable price. You never know when something will need to be hung up and these strips won’t damage the wall when removing them. Different packs are available at Walmart, Target, or online for $13.

Towels

Towel sets are obviously an important thing to keep in your dorm, but can sometimes be forgotten since it’s such a simple item. Make sure to have a decent supply of towels, you will probably do laundry less often than you would like to in college. Many colors and sets are available for an average of $25.

Kitchen Storage Containers

When it comes to kitchen items, you also need to think about storage containers. Leftovers are easy things to eat while in college, so a good set of containers is a must have. You can find different sets at any home store that range from $20-$40.

Plates

Another important thing to have is plates and other kitchen essentials. However, you may want to talk to your room or suite mates and decide who buys what so you don’t end up with too much of one thing. Plates are available at any home store for $20-50 depending on what set you want.

Alarm Clock

A bedside alarm clock is a must so you won’t be late to those 8AM classes. This particular one doubles as a phone charger so it eliminates the need for multiple cords everywhere. You can find one that works for you, but these usually cost around $15.

A Future Bob Ross in the Making

Within the span of two years, sophomore Ady Thompson went from a newbie artist to having her work displayed in the Springfield Art Museum and Banter Brewing.

With each stroke of a pencil and every swirl of a paintbrush, sophomore Ady Thompson becomes closer to completing another painting to be displayed and sold at Banter Brewing, a local brewery located on West Farm Road 182 near the Eagle Stop gas station.

Along with the brewery, there’s another room dedicated to games, chatting, relaxing, and displaying a wide range of artwork.

Thompson is one of the lucky few that gets to display her artwork.

“I never pictured having anything displayed or sold like that, but now they are. It feels really good,”

BY BROOKLYN COLLINS

Thompson said.

Her journey started the summer going into her freshman year. Thompson and her family went on vacation to Eureka Springs, where she bought watercolor paints. Thompson used the paints and realized how much she loved creating art. Along with having materials to use, she was also able to watch others, inspiring her love for painting even further.

“My mom has always painted, I liked to watch her, but my art teacher really got me into it,” Thompson said.

When Thompson stepped foot into her freshman year Art Foundations

class, she was exposed to the art environment and her future art teacher, Rachel Wood. These classes include Art Foundations, Painting I, and Painting II.

“Whenever I was in my Art Foundations class, she recommended that I sign up for painting. She was super encouraging any time I was working on anything,” Thompson said.

With a diligent work ethic, and copious amounts of support from friends and family, Thompson was able to go into her two new classes. Thompson worked on multiple projects throughout the courses of

Every artwork has a starting point. Thompson is pouring and mixing paints to begin a base for her newest project.

This piece of art was done so well that it had to be printed. It is now featured in both the Art Museum and Banter.

these classes, but her favorite is a piece called ‘Still Life Oranges.’

“The ‘Still Life Oranges’ painting is something I’m extremely proud of, I spent more time on it than any of my other paintings, and more care. It brought me joy to paint it, and it makes me happy knowing that I finished,” Thompson said.

With extraordinary work comes many problems along the journey, and like every person, Thompson experienced many different hardships.

“Finding the motivation to keep going during the early stages of a painting is hard,” Thompson said.

She later added that one needs to trust the process or it wont be worth it.

As many artists have their commodities they prefer to paint, Thompson has hers placed around different sightings of the outdoors.

“I feel that nature is comfortable for me, it’s something I enjoy and it doesn’t feel like a chore when I paint

it,” Thompson said.

She not only paints nature, she paints portraits and different colored collages as well. All of Thompson’s artwork is for sale at the Brewery.

“I have my Venmo and Cashapp hung up on the walls [of Banter], and we accept cash. So whenever someone wants a painting, they let me know and I put a sold sticker on it. At the end of the month I give them their painting,” Thompson said.

Along with her paintings being displayed in Banter, she also had art displayed in the Springfield Art Museum.

“She has always been a talented artist from day one, but I have seen “She has always been a talented artist from day one, but I have seen her grow and build confidence with painting and it shows through her work. I’m so proud of her,” Thompson’s mother, Rebecca Eidson said.

Her mother isn’t the only person

to see exceptional qualities within Thompson and her artwork.

“Ady is one of those exceptional students who shows up and develops her art practice by putting in the research, planning, and work every single day. Even when she encounters challenges in her process, she experiments and uses artistic problem solving until she is able to overcome the challenge she has faced. Ady’s work ethic is admirable and she always has a great attitude in class,” Wood said.

Thompson plans to continue her journey in the art world. She is going to try and make time for painting and is thinking about starting up commissions for her artwork. Everything Thompson completes in her artwork is nowhere close to a happy little accident, but so much more than that. It’s a journey that will bring Thomspon through many ups and downs.

Camp Barnabas Bound

Volunteerism meets purpose at Camp Barnabas. This is the place for those looking to grow and get out of their comfort zone.

BY JACKSON HILL

Summer is just around the corner and that means summer camps are near. Oftentimes camps are places to relax, but there’s an opportunity to put others in front of yourself and still find enjoyment.

Camp Barnabas is a camp that is dedicated to making sure those with special needs can enjoy a week of summer camp full of fun, as well as making Jesus the forefront of the experience.

“Barnabas Ministries is a ministry organization dedicated to advancing God’s kingdom through evangelism, missionary assistance, and helping believers fulfill their calling in Christ,” Barnabas Ministries said.

There are many ways to volunteer each

summer ranging from Counselors to barnstormers. These are the kids who help clean the camp, serve food, and work in the background. Both play a huge role in allowing Barnabas to thrive.

“Counselors are our greatest need each year. These incredible individuals experience the week side by side with their camper while providing unconditional love and care for all of their needs during the week,” campbarnabas.org said.

Not only can those who work there feel like they’ve grown over the week, but they can also earn volunteer hours. This could be a great opportunity for those who are in Kickapoo U or just want to go serve. According to their official website, counselors can earn up to 75 volunteer hours for a week at camp. To become a counselor, you have to be 14 and up and watch some educational videos on how to treat and how to take care of the

campers throughout the week.

Counselors will go beside their campers every day of the week and help them enjoy their experience as much as possible. That may include helping the campers walk around the grounds, caring for them, hanging out, and playing games with them. It’s like any other camp and people get to see the joy campers get to experience in a whole new way.

“The campers who attend, they have a lot of fun there and it really helps them grow closer to God in a really beautiful way they don’t see anywhere else. The whole purpose of camp is letting them have a great time. As a volunteer it allows you to connect with people you may not normally connect with,” junior, Ukiah Burgess, previous Barnabas volunteer counselor said.

If you are willing to get out of your comfort zone and serve others this summer, Barnabas is the place.

Camp Barnabas staff gathering together after a day of fun activities. Photo credit, Marty Vaughn

OPINION

Social Media Showdown

Instagram Reels and TikTok are arguably the two most popular ways people consume short-form content. Choosing between the two is difficult, but I am here to make the tough decision to decide which is better.

BY KEEGAN BUKOVATZ

When I go to bed every night, I am faced with a dilemma. Am I going to go to sleep, or am I going to mindlessly scroll through my phone until my thumb hurts? My decision is usually to exercise my thumb. The next decision I make is what I will scroll through. On the one hand, there is Instagram Reels, where I know I’m probably going to see someone die in a car wreck for the 15th time in one day. Then, there is TikTok, where I am going to accidentally scroll onto an eight year old dancing provocatively to a strange song.

When choosing between the social media behemoths of TikTok and Instagram Reels, it is challenging to determine which one is better. Both platforms offer users the opportunity to create and share engaging content, but each has their own unique features and appeals. As the battle for short-form video supremacy rages on, I am going to dissect the strengths and weaknesses of both TikTok and Instagram Reels to determine which platform reigns supreme.

Quickly becoming a global sensation after merging with Musical.ly in 2018, TikTok now boasts over one billion active monthly users. Instagram Reels was launched in 2020 as a direct response to TikTok’s ever-growing popularity, also possessing a monthly user base of over one billion.

With both platforms having a very large usership, it is hard to compare

vs.

them in this category. In my opinion, both apps are equally popular and cater to a huge number of users.

One of the biggest differences between TikTok and Reels is that TikTok’s main purpose is video content, while Reels functions within the Instagram app. This allows TikTok to have better layout and design tools for the purpose of seeing

your liked and saved content, and I find it much easier to navigate through TikTok for that reason than I do Reels. With Reels being a part of Instagram, you have to navigate through lots of different tabs and settings just to see what reels you have liked.

Another pro of TikTok is it is basically a search engine. If you have a general question that Google struggles to answer, chances are that someone has made a video about it. Reels does not have a function that works as well as TikTok for this.

I can’t talk about TikTok without talking about TikTok shop. A feature that Instagram has yet to add, TikTok shop is an incredibly cheap online shop that offers just about everything. I have never used TikTok shop, but from what I’ve heard, the quality of the items is typically good.

I’ve really just talked about the pros of TikTok thus far, so I feel like I need to give Instagram Reels some love.

Firstly, I think Reels has a much better algorithm than TikTok does. When I scroll through Reels, almost everything appeals to me and is something I find funny or interesting. TikTok has too many videos that I find myself bored when scrolling through.

Another aspect of Reels I enjoy is its tendency to put low-quality videos onto my feed. Low-quality videos are always funnier which brings me back to the good old days of Vine, and the closer you are to Vine, the better the app is. Instagram Reels also has the plus of being part of an already popular social media app, and it fits seamlessly into the existing app. I think that despite not being the main function of Instagram, Reels fits well and is now an important and necessary part of Instagram. However, when it comes down to it, and my thumb hovers over Instagram or TikTok, it is more likely to press down on Instagram. As a person who is only in search of being entertained, I think Instagram Reels beats TikTok by a wide margin, and I will almost always choose to watch Reels over TikTok.

Summer’s Best Five Reads

Summer is the ideal time to catch up on reading and relax in the pleasant weather with a good book. This is a compiled list of my favorite thought provoking book recommendations, which capture a wide range of genres and themes.

BY ANNEMARIE WILHITE

While summer is eagerly anticipated throughout each school year, the blazingly hot months of May through August can become isolating and repetitive after falling into the summer groove. This creates the perfect opportunity to sit outside and fire through a few phenomenal page turners.

The Grace Year by Kim LiggittDystopian Fiction

This novel quickly became my favorite because it mixes many of my preferred themes into one. It contains themes of survival, horror, mystery, gender roles, and more. The story is set in a dystopian fictional society where young girls are sent away to the formidable and daunting “grace year” upon reaching the age of 16. The women of Garner County are repeatedly told that once they turn 16, they will come into their magical abilities.

The magic is said to manipulate men into losing their purity which is why they are sent to an isolating camp to rid themselves of it. After ridding themselves of the magic, they are supposed to come home purified and ready for marriage. However, the grace year is forbidden to speak of, and many girls never return home.

My first impression of this book was that it was a fantasy book, but I quickly realized it was more about social constructs than magic. I recommend it not only for the intriguing plot but also because Kim Liggitt has an enchanting writing style that is fast paced and effortlessly flows powerful topics and

symbolism together seamlessly.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid - Historical Fiction

My initial impression of the novel was that it would be a forgettable read about an unimportant fictional celebrity. However, once I got about 50 pages in, I was exceptionally invested in the plot and how it would end. Some of the topics of this book include patriarchal societies, using beauty as power, and the struggle to be your authentic self.

The fictional main character, Evelyn Hugo, was considered one of the most famous and beautiful actresses of all time. After her retirement, it had been years since anyone had heard from her. Out of the blue, Hugo reaches out to an unknown reporter named Monique Grant to do an exclusive interview, surprising many and leaving Grant wondering why she was selected.

Hugo begins to tell her scandalous life story for the first time, starting with her unfortunate upbringing in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan, to her rise to stardom and her seven husbands along the way. She reveals her darkest secrets and even her most raw and regrettable moments. Despite this, there is still the question of how Grant and Hugo could be connected.

Hugo might be one of the most realistically written characters of all time. She can be manipulative, cold hearted, and selfish, but it only makes her character seem much more real. She is the epitome of confidence and humanness. She accepts all her

mistakes and chooses not to regret them but to decide she did the best she could.

Overall, this book was inspiring and incredibly thought provoking which took me by surprise.

We Were Liars by E. LockhartPsychological Thriller

We Were Liars is the most interesting, complex, and sophisticated suspense book I have ever read. Without spoiling anything, it also has one of the greatest plot twists of all time. The plot is very intense, and it contains an abundance of genres and topics including wealth, greed, privilege, memory loss, death, romance, and mystery.

The story starts with an extremely wealthy family that spends every summer on their private island. It follows the main character, Cadence, who suffered a massive head injury and lost most of her memories. After being forced to spend time away from the island by her mother for unknown reasons, she is finally invited back.

She spends the whole summer trying to remember what happened on the island and how she got into the accident that led to her head injury. What she discovers is something she could have never dreamed of happening and it changes her life forever.

There are fewer extreme topics in this book, but it is mysterious, fast paced, and difficult to put down

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn - Thriller

This book is an incredible reading experience with elements of suspense,

These amazing books are guaranteed to keep you hooked and intrigued.

horror, and irony. It is an intelligent plot thickening story that gets better and better as you read. It is jaw dropping and almost physically pained me from the dreadful horrors depicted.

The married couple Nick and Amy Dunne have a troubled marriage that is outwardly positive. On their fifth wedding anniversary, Amy mysteriously disappears, leaving Nick as the main suspect in her murder. It appears to be the perfect homicide because every trace of evidence leads back to Nick.

Nick discovers a scavenger hunt left by Amy before her disappearance that leads him to many clues. As he goes through the hunt, more intricate details of their marriage come to light. This novel quickly consumed me and

left me wanting more every time I put the book down.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson - Mystery

When I completed this book for the first time, I immediately felt the intense urge to tell everyone around me how much I loved this book. I even wrote a summary to convince everyone how exceptional this book is. The plot kept me hooked and I could not put it down after I started. Most mystery books I read are cliche and easy to figure out, but this book had me second guessing until the very end.

It contains topics of racism, public shame, death, and more. This book follows the main character, Pippa, who decides to reopen a murder case for her capstone school project. Five years

prior, high school student Andie Bell went missing, and her boyfriend, Sal, committed suicide after confessing to her murder through a text.

Andie’s body was never found, and the case was soon closed. Pippa decides to start her project by interviewing Sal’s younger brother Ravi. He agrees to help Pippa with her project and attempts to prove his brother’s innocence.

As they dig deeper into the case, the suspect list begins to grow, but it is clear that someone wants her to stop digging.

These books are incredible and I highly recommend each one. They are filled with captivating storytelling and insights, making them perfect for laid back summer reading.

O“

POV: I’m a Woman.

‘Oppenheimer’ is based on a 721-page Pulitzer Prize-winning book about the Manhattan Project, and ‘Barbie’ is on a plastic doll with big b***ies,” comedian and actor Jo Koy said.

This joke was made at the January 2024 Golden Globes and caused quite a stir in the news. Many attendees were upset, shocked, and outraged by his comment but chose to sit silently and not give Koy the reaction he was searching for. The joke was ill humored and rude; frankly, I was embarrassed for him.

The silence that filled the room was loud. Who goes to an award show, makes a crude comment about a wildly successful film, and expects to get a positive reaction?

The message behind “Barbie” is to show the difficulties of being a ‘perfect’ woman and dealing with sexism through comedy. One of the best quotes in the movie explains what it is like to be a woman, as stated by America Ferrera’s character, Gloria.

“It is literally impossible to be a woman. You are so beautiful and so smart, and it kills me that you don’t think you’re good enough. Like, we have to always be extraordinary, but somehow we’re always doing it wrong,” Ferrera said.

I have never heard something so genuine and relatable. We are always doing something wrong, yet we are expected to be perfect at everything we do. But this isn’t the only time womanhood has been misinterpreted and ridiculed.

In March, transgender TikTok creator Dylan Mulvaney released a song and a music video to show what

Birth Control is claimed by doctors to be too risky but medical experts limit options for reproductive healthcare.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

being a girl is all about. The song was called “Days of Girlhood,” and it has gone viral for the wrong reasons. Mulvaney is famous for transitioning from male to female and has been documenting their transition on TikTok.

The song “Days of Girlhood” is intended to represent what a day in the life of a woman is like and represents femininity.

Here is a portion of the lyrics from the song, “Monday, can’t get out of bed Tuesday morning, pick up meds Wednesday, retail therapy ‘Cash or credit?’ I say yes Thursday, had a walk of shame Didn’t even know his name,”

When I first heard the song, I was stunned. I felt mocked and hurt. To me, all it does is make women look empty-headed and debauched. Because yes, all we do is recklessly spend money and sleep around with whomever we please. In reality, on a Wednesday night, I’m clutching my keys in my fists, paying attention to my surroundings, and walking back to my car after work. On a Thursday, I’m taking four Ibuprofen and two Tylenol, applying a sticky heat patch to my lower abdomen, ignoring the pain throughout my body, and hoping my cramps will subside as I continue with my day like nothing ever happened.

A few days after the music video

Ribbons, curls, mascara, fighting for equality, and offensive jokes made left and right—welcome to being a woman!

BY EMMA FRANKLIN

was released, Mulvaney made a TikTok explaining the situation. The music video was a fun project to celebrate her early transitioning days and the joy she found along the journey. Mulvaney admitted that the lyrics were supposed to be dumb and silly.

In the TikTok video, she explained that in “Barbie,” there were songs like “Pink” by Lizzo and “Dance The Night” by Dua Lipa, which are lighthearted and taken with a grain of salt. But the film also contains music such as “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish, which left viewers with tears.

“If a cis pop star came out with one of those songs, I don’t think it would have had this negative of a response,” Mulvaney said.

I have been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community for a long time. I have many friends and family who are part of the community, and I support them with my heart. I don’t have a problem with Mulvaney’s identity; I have a problem with their usage of stereotyping women, pushing them to the extreme, and monetizing them.

For centuries, women have fought for their rights in everything they do—from voting and opening a bank account to reproductive rights. This spring is the 50 year anniversary of a woman who was able to get her credit card. To put that in perspective, that was 1974, which was when some of your parents were born.

Roe legalized abortions in the United States for the past 49 years. This changed on June 24, 2022, when the Supreme Court ruled in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The case entailed challenging a Mississippi ban set in

place that abortions after 15 weeks are no longer legal within the state.

The ruling overturned Roe v. Wade in Dobbs’s favor. This means that abortion laws and mandates are left up to decision by the states. On that day, Missouri banned abortions unless it was a medical emergency, and a delay in childbirth would create a severe risk of harm to the mother or child.

I remember waking up and seeing “Roe v. Wade has been overturned” as the first thing I noticed when I checked my phone. Tears streamed down my face, and panic set into my mind. My rights as a woman were being taken away from me.

Never did I dream I would have to fear my reproductive rights being controlled by someone. I now have to ponder what I would do if I were raped, not financially ready for a child, or have a medical condition that would take my life during childbirth.

I should not be having to research the closest abortion clinics outside of Missouri in case of an emergency, yet here we are.

Generations of women before us spent years fighting for our rights, only for them to be stripped from us years later. Us women can fight as hard and as much as we want, but it doesn’t guarantee that we will get a say in the decision at the end of the day.

“The emphasis must be not on the right abortion but on the right to privacy and reproductive control,” Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginsburg said.

I am sick and tired of constantly defending myself because I’m a woman while I sit here and listen to

men make inappropriate jokes, false statements, and regulations about my body. As women, we are told to stay quiet and be polite, but for guys, it’s “boys will be boys.”

Growing up, teachers told me and other female students that if a boy was being mean to us at recess, pulling our hair, or teasing us, it was their way of getting our attention. I never agreed with them but stayed quiet to avoid appearing rude if I talked back. I never understood how being mean was a way to get someone’s attention.

“A man is allowed to react. A woman can only overreact,” musician Taylor Swift said.

Something that has enraged me forever were the stereotypes that people swore up and down upon. For example, girls should always dress femininely, yet boys can cover themselves in dirt and speak crudely, and nobody would bat an eye.

I lived on a farm most of my life and wanted to get dirty and have fun. But at the same time, I had ballet and gymnastics in the afternoons. I remember watching my little brother running around in mud-covered jeans while I was wearing the little pink leotard and tights, waiting for my mom to take me to my lessons.

While I know this article doesn’t change the world, I hope it will change your perspective on gender roles. Being a woman isn’t just dressing up, doing our hair, and hanging out with our girlfriends; it’s so much more complex than that.

OIt’s time to pull out the vinyls and record player to really set the mood for this graduation playlist. It’s safe to say that grandma and grandpa will approve of these songs.

Cap & Chords

“I don’t know where I’m going from here but I promise it won’t be boring,” musician David Bowie said.

Here are some songs about growing old, graduating, and moving forward in this big world.

BY EMMA FRANKLIN

“Slipping Through My Fingers” by ABBA

“Slipping Through My Fingers” is told from a mother’s point of view as she watches her daughter get ready for school. Suddenly, the realization that her daughter will not be this little girl forever hits her, making her want to reach out and hold what is left of her childhood close to her heart. This song was used in the movie “Mamma Mia!” to help showcase the relationship between Donna and Sophie, a mother and daughter. This song is perfect for those mother-daughter Facebook posts you know your parents will make once you walk across that stage. “Slipping Through My Fingers” has a good balance of sadness and joy that shouldn’t make you and your parents cry too much when May 18 approaches. Enjoy your last days of senior year with your schoolbag in hand as you leave in the early morning.

“In My Life” by The Beatles Life is a journey of triumphs and defeats. Along the path, you will experience the love of friends and family, past or present. “In My Life” by The Beatles explains this and tells the listener not to forget the important people, places, and events from your past.

High school is a small fraction of your life, but it’s important to remember. The Beatles beautifully tell how life is only given to us once to experience. There will be places in your life that you’ll remember, and some will change.

“Danny’s Song” by Loggins and Messina

“Danny’s Song” will bring some tears to your mom and dad’s eyes when they hear it on your graduation playlist. You’re never going to have this perfect life everyone dreams of having, but having you in their life is something they will never forget and

cherish forever.

You may think your parents are ‘cringe,’ but they genuinely love you and want the best for you. Experience the little things with them, as you only get one set of parents in a lifetime. Tell them that everything will be alright occasionally, and they’ll do the same for you.

“Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac

Stevie Nicks is the queen of tugging on heartstrings. She created yet another song about life’s woes in the 1970s that is still relevant today.

“Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac is about the challenges and changes one will face.

When I was little, I never understood why my mom would become tearyeyed when this song came on. Now I do. Growing up is something we must do, whether we like it or not. You’ll learn to handle the seasons of your life and not to be afraid of change.

“Leaving, On A Jet Plane” by John Denver

Moving away from the ones you love is always challenging, but John Denver sings about it in the song “Leaving, On A Jet Plane.” Denver is known for his soothing voice and heartwrenching songs about love, and I don’t think this would be a graduation playlist without one of his songs. Life is an adventure with an everchanging plan. You step onto a plane without a destination and go with whatever happens. Your bags are packed, and you’re ready to go.

“Vienna” by Billy Joel “Vienna” will make your grandparents sing along and sway to the beat if you add this to your graduation playlist. Many listeners think the song is about a woman Billy knew in his younger years, but that is false. “Vienna” is a metaphor for growing old and learning to adapt to life.

I only understood why I deeply

loved this song once I researched its meaning, and it left me speechless. Joel has always had a way with his lyrics and mending the soul. You can’t be everything you want before your time, so slow down and take a breather every now and then.

“You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor

Throughout your school experience, friendships are made. Many are so firmly bound together that you graduate as best friends and enter the adult world together. “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor is about finally finding the person you can count on in your life.

When you’re down on your luck, sometimes you need a gentle reminder about who you have in your circle. Life can sometimes ‘crumble’ around you, but this song reminds you that you’re surrounded by many people who love and support you, even if it doesn’t feel like it now. You call their name out loud, and soon, they’ll knock at your door to help you get back on your feet.

“Time” by Pink Floyd

It’s impossible to tell where life is going to take you. You could have everything planned out, but one decision could improve it. “Time” by Pink Floyd shows how you can never prepare for what will happen next; instead, you can grab hold of your destiny and not be afraid.

This song is fitting for graduation because many of us are trying to find our footing in this world. It reminds us that it’s never too late to start or end something. Plus, if you have a musicloving family member, you’ll be sure to score some bonus points if you have this on your graduation playlist. Don’t just sit around and wait for someone or something to show you the way; do it yourself.

Due to state statute, K-12 schools are not to make condoms or other contraceptives available to students.

Campus Contraceptives

BY AUBREE SIMS

There truly is no way of stopping teenagers from having sex. Bodies change and people get curious about the new feelings they’re developing. That being said, schools should offer free contraceptives such as condoms, birth control, or Plan B to students.

“Unfortunately, offering condoms to our students just isn’t a decision that’s up to me, or even Dr. Powers. It’s the state’s decision,” Assistant Principal Leslie Helfrect said.

According to the Missouri Reviser of Statutes, section 167.611, “contraceptive devices or contraceptive drugs shall not be provided by school personnel or their agents. When a child seeks contraceptive devices or contraceptive drugs, the child shall be referred to the previously designated family practitioner.”

This Statute is applied to students K through 12, and not concerning those in higher education.

Some students in high school have

sex. The district and the state know that. With all of the assignments and lectures in health classes and about staying safe, they need to provide students with proper protection and make it easily accessible to those who want them.

While it is understandable that administrators or state representatives would be worried that making contraceptives available to students would promote sexual activity, the facts don’t support that.

“I know a lot of adults would be worried about liability and seeming as though they were encouraging sexual behavior by allowing these contraceptives to be provided by the district,” Registered Nurse Rachael Presser said.

The Centers for Disease Center (CDC) has a Condom Availability Program known as CAPs. This program is a way for free contraceptives to be allowed in places such as school nurses’ offices, bathrooms, or any safe space in a school. As of now, CAPs is available solely in the Northeast region of the U.S.

While many adults in our district and

State

guidelines don’t allow schools to provide condoms, but maybe they should? Why does it matter?

state worry about an increase in sexually active teens, CAPs proved that there was not an increase in sex, but an increase in protected sex. According to the CDC, there was also a decline in STDs and STIs in the states that adapted the CAPs program.

Condoms have more than one use. While they’re used as an act of birth control with a 98 percent protection rate against pregnancy, they are also used to protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) with a 95 percent protection rate. The CDC states that one in four teens contract a form of an STD or STI.

We have to hear multiple lectures and write detailed essays in the few health and human development classes that actually talk about sexual health. Instead of actually helping us, we have to sit in a quiet classroom for an hour and thirty minutes writing about nonsense. This does not help us when they can’t offer anything to actually aid us besides a phone number to Planned Parenthood or Jordan Valley Health centers.

“Schools providing condoms would be beneficial. I am not the first or last to get pregnant so I think even if one student took advantage of the school offering condoms, it would be worth it,” junior Kenzie Wallace said.

Wallace got pregnant last year in 2023 and she is now at home with twin babies.

The state, as well as Springfield Public Schools, claims providing such protection to students would promote the idea of sex to students. However, all it’s doing is forcing kids who are sexually active to perform the act without any type of contraceptive. This law gives the idea that teenagers practicing safe sex in Missouri isn’t important.

The Missouri Statute needs to be revised into allowing school districts and cities to be able to enforce their own restrictions and guidelines when it comes to providing health contraceptives.

Explore, offered by SPS is a great way to get ahead on your educational journey this summer.

Summer Studies

We all know that summer school is not well liked, but it truly can make a difference in the future. Being able to graduate early and more room for classes you love is only one pro of what summer school can bring

BY ABBY GALYEAN

With summer right around the corner a good way to spend your free time is by attending summer school classes. This is a great opportunity for students to get out of the house and engage in entertaining, learning activities.

Explore is a Springfield Public School (SPS) summer school program for students K-12. Explore offers seated and virtual classes. These classes are offered for grades 1-12, session one is from June third to 23 and session 2 is July eight to August second.

For high school students this program has a lot of benefits such as credit recovery and can also earn up to two credits during the summer.

There are more than 100 virtual courses available, some popular courses taken are health, personal finance, physical fitness, creative writing, and

drivers education.

Taking summer classes is a good way to knock out classes and make room for the ones you actually want during the school year.

“I would recommend summer school. It’s how I got my PE done. It’s good for easy classes so you have room for classes you like. I also took personal finance online because I did not want to do it in school and It was faster to do over the summer,” Junior Izzie Keach said.

If you are interested in graduating early or scared you may not have enough requirements to graduate at all, taking summer school classes can help you reach the requirements.

“I think it’s definitely worth it, it helped me reach my graduation requirements,” Keach said.

Summer school can help you be prepared for next year but it can also help you make new memories.

“My favorite memory was during PE

and taking walks and swimming, it was a lot more fun choosing what I got to do rather than doing it in class during the school year,” Keach said.

If you are struggling with your GPA or working towards a certain GPA summer school can help you meet those goals.

“It helps your GPA and it gives me something to do but sometimes can be overwhelming with all the work,” Junior Bella Mycoff said.

Not only is summer school beneficial for GPA and staying on track but can also help you meet new people and help stay busy during the break.

“When I took summer school in person I met some fun people and they made it more enjoyable,” Mycoff said.

For more information about summer school this year you can visit fueledbylaunch.com/summer or you can go down to the counseling center.

Players’ sports equipment laying on the field.

Lost in the Pursuit of Victory

Coaches can sometimes crush the joy of the sport players once loved.

BY MADISON TURNER

Have you ever played a sport and just immediately fell in love with it, but years later you have a coach who just ruins your passion and love for the sport?

When you are a part of an athletic team, whether it’s school related, a club, or at a random facility by your house, once you’ve been doing a sport long enough you’ll have a coach or two that drives you crazy and makes you hate the sport you once loved. Any athlete that has played a sport for a long time can tell you no matter how long they played the sport, no matter how hard you work towards winning, that one coach can make everything change.

“I have been in a sport since I was three years old, I’m a cheerleader for my high school team. I have had my fair share of good coaches and bad coaches,” an anonymous cheerleader said.

I’ll give it to all the coaches out there, it’s not easy to coach. That itself takes a lot of work and motivation to help make your team a winning team. Some coaches, though, take it too far and are too hard on their athletes. They yell and scream at them for a small mistake, in return making the athlete worried about making mistakes granting less motivation and the strive to do good.

A coach’s responsibility is to be a mentor for every single one of their athletes, that’s hard when one of them makes a mistake and you go off the deep end with them.

Coaching is a privilege and when a coach takes advantage of that privilege it can get nasty. You have coaches who take advantage of their privilege by mentally and physically draining their players.

When a coach has favorites and bluntly shows off the favoritism it makes the team as a whole divided, especially when you aren’t a coach’s favorite. The coach can be extra mean and rude to you, which can lead to the athletes feeling worthless and belittled for all the diminishing words.

“I had a coach who would scream

and yell at me backstage, on the warm up floors for not throwing a skill. I had another coach tell me constantly to quit because I would never be good,” an anonymous cheerleader said.

When coaches verbally shame athletes, it can cause more than just a burnout of the sport.

“That same coach also made fun of me for my weight and gave me nicknames like Big Mac which caused me to stop eating and caused me to develop an eating disorder and have really bad body dysmorphia even years later. I’ve had coaches who had their favorites and if you weren’t one they did not care one bit about you,” an anonymous cheerleader said.

Doing that to an athlete not only will make them feel afraid but can also cause long term damage mentally and physically depending on how bad it got. Coaches who physically abuse their athletes obviously deserve to be fired but also charges should be pressed because in most cases the athlete is still a child, meaning it’s child abuse.

A former soccer player talked about their physical abuse and how it affected them.

“When I was about 14, my coach made me and my teammates who didn’t score or didn’t do great that night lineup on the goal line and he and all of the assistant coaches would kick soccer balls at us so hard it left marks and bruises. This made me hate practice because I was always worrying about messing up and being embarrassed by my coach. In games I worried about what he would say or do if I made a mistake, so I became less aggressive,” an anonymous soccer player said.

I do realize that there are exceptional coaches out there that truly make differences in the kids they coach. Those coaches know how to communicate properly with athletes, they can make a bad experience into a good one, they may be able to help their athletes love the sport again, and they can change an athlete’s mind about quitting.

I’ve had a few coaches who have been absolutely amazing to me, they never gave up on me even when I have given up on myself, they helped me gain confidence in myself, they showed me what a good coach could look like, they supported every decisions I’ve made, and most importantly, they taught me how to love my sport again.

Yes, it is ultimately the athlete’s decision to quit and I know some people think the coaches aren’t a reason and that the athlete just isn’t tough enough. But some sports have a more mental like structure than physical and if a coach is being a bully or abusing their power and athletes it can make anyone no matter how old or young, how strong or weak or how badly you want to quit.

Coaches who demand excessive commitment, leading to burnout, can quickly diminish a player’s love for the game. When the sport becomes an overwhelming burden instead of a source of enjoyment, players may begin to resent their involvement and eventually walk away.

Coaches who also use harsh criticism, belittlement, or negative communication can create a hostile atmosphere. This not only affects a player’s self esteem but also diminishes the enjoyment of the game. The fear of making mistakes can lead players to avoid taking risks and experimenting with their skills, hindering their overall development.

Organizations, schools, and companies that employee coaches should have to do the same things coaches have to do, to make sure children are in a safe, nurturing, and loving environment.

Because a player’s mental health is more important than winning a game.

SPORTS

SWith

A Striking Success

over 12 years

of bowling practice, senior Landon Coble takes a trip down memory lane in his achievements.

With 10 perfect bowling scores and counting, senior Landon Coble’s years of practice has led him down a lane of endlessly impressive feats.

Coble began bowling with his brother at the age of five and was immediately captivated by the sport, practicing consistently ever since.

He started at Enterprise Park Lanes but later moved to Sunshine Lanes, noting his love for the place’s mechanics.

Coble elaborates further on why the mechanics of Sunshine Lanes are so important to him and his practices.

“It’s hard to explain but because [string pin] doesn’t exist there, which is what a lot of bowling alleys are switching to, which is where the strings will lift pins instead of actual machinery which is kind of annoying, so that’s the main thing because the mechanisms are actually correct there,” Coble said.

BY NADIA WARREN

In recent years, an increasing number of bowling alleys have switched to a string pin system as a means of saving money.

With this system, strings are used to rest the bowling pins instead of the old mechanical arms. Professional bowlers such as Bryanna Cote take issue with this setup as well as it makes strikes much harder to score.

With routinely practices for years on end, a professional environment to bowl in has proved vital for Coble’s success. The bowler details what goes into his daily practices.

“Usually, I practice about two or three hours a day, depends on if I have work or not, and usually I kind of just start off with spare practice and then just go and throw like 20 games,” Coble said.

This routine has paid off in the form of 10 perfect bowling scores over the years. A perfect score of 300 is achieved

by throwing 12 consecutive strikes, a performance dreamt of by bowlers worldwide. Coble recalls his first time making this score.

“I remember it was the last shot of the first sanctioned one. I threw a horrible throw. It just worked out somehow. I just got really lucky on that last shot, but it felt really good,” Coble said.

In a tense sanctioned bowling tournament, Coble’s final shot led him to a victory of consecutive strikes. Despite this accomplishment and the many that have followed, Coble’s favorite memories of bowling are the lifelong friendships he has made.

Being a part of our school’s bowling team, Coble shares a final piece of advice for anyone interested in taking up the sport.

“Just join, honestly. We have a bowling team at Kickapoo. I’d say just join it. It’s a lot of fun. You get to make a lot of good friends,” Coble said.

For Coble, fond family memories grew into a long line of achievement. “I got into the sport when I was five with my brother. We both joined a league over at Enterprise Park Lanes and it kinda just grew from there on interest,” Coble said.

SBig Changes and Broken Records

Faced with conflicting interests, junior Micah Owonubi had to make a change that would alter his athletic career.

BY NOLAN THOMPSON

Junior Micah Owonubi, a former football player and varsity track athlete, had a big decision to make. He needed more time for track practice, but still had love for football. Ultimately, he had to swap turf for asphalt.

“It took many weeks and months to make a decision to quit football because my coaches and teammates tried to convince me otherwise. However, once I found a good track coach for the offseason the decision was sealed,” Owonubi said He surprised many friends, family members, and teammates with this decision, sparking a question for where his love for running began.

“I’ve always loved running, I was the fastest kid in elementary school and once I broke a four by one relay record at Willard in middle school I fell in love with it from there,” Owonubi said.

Owonubi had a lot to look forward to this Spring season.

“Some of my goals for this track season are to break the school record for the 400, 200, and four by one relay,” Owonubi said.

Owonubi’s teammates rely on him, as he heads up the last leg of the race.

On April five and eight he did just that. Owonubi and his relay team broke not only the 4x1, but also the 4x2 record.

“ I felt very ecstatic and happy because I knew in that moment me and my teammates’ work paid off,” Owonubi said.

Outside of himself, his head coach also offered some praise.

“I’m proud. Last year, it took all the way till the second to last week to break the record and this year they broke it in the second and third weeks,” Jeremy Goddard said,

Owonubi also went on to talk about his accomplishments through the offseason and the changes that have taken place since last year.

“Last year, I wasn’t on any relay teams but after the work I’ve put in, I’m now the anchor which is usually your fastest runner,” Owonubi said.

The anchor in track is the final position or runner in a relay race. Typically, this is given to the fastest runner and they are responsible for making up ground on the leader or keeping the lead.

Owonubi had to put lots of effort

over the offseason to gain that much speed. He spoke on a lot of the obstacles throughout this process and the mental toll it took on him.

“One of my biggest obstacles has been dealing with some of the mental struggles and having to deal with all of the doubts or loss of confidence when you’re not getting the result you want,” Owonubi said.

Owonubi knew he had many things to focus on headed into the offseason. However, with the practice Owonubi had he developed many strengths.

“My biggest strength is probably my top end speed but now I need to work on holding that speed longer,” Owonubi said.

Mentality in sports can be a big deal to athletes. It often helps athletes get through doubts or inspires them to play better.

“Mind over matter is my mentality because your performances are usually better when you block out your thoughts, giving you more confidence in your sport,” Owonubi said.

Sometimes a loss of confidence can cause athletes to give up and quit. Loss of confidence can come from many things, some being as small as a bad day, others being a major injury or setback.

“After really hard practices I get those mental doubts, it definitely makes me want to quit, but I know I need to push through and I’ll be fine,” Owonubi said.

Owonubi coach recognizes this effort and knows how well he pushes himself.

“Owonubi is a very hard worker, track is a spring sport and Micah has made the decision to work with a private coach to run year round which shows his dedication,” Goddard said.

Owonubi also explained that sometimes at meets you can get lots of doubts or feel discouraged.

“At a meet last year we missed a handoff in the 4x1, which really affected me because it was an important meet and hard to lose because of that,” Owonubi said.

Ever since he quit football, many teammates and some family members have wanted him back.

“Many of my teammates from football say they miss me and that can make me reconsider my previous decision. My mom also wants me to play again since it will be my senior year and she thinks I will regret not playing, so football is still a thought,” Owonubi said.

With football being in the back of his mind, it makes many of his friends or peers wonder if there were any regrets with quitting football.

“I wouldn’t say I have any regrets but I definitely miss playing football,” Owonubi said.

Owonubi is on pace to have many accomplishments in track and hopes it takes him far.

“I definitely think track will play a role in my future because I want to run in college. I would really like to be able to run track at either Arkansas, Mizzou, or Pitt State,” Owonubi said.

SOdd Balls

BY AARON HARDY

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Bossaball

Starting off tame, bossaball is a combination of several sports. The game takes inspiration from volleyball, soccer, and a significantly involves of gymnastics.

However, it isn’t played on a traditional court. Instead, it’s more of a fun sized bouncy house. Inside is a net and a trampoline on each side for both teams. The goal of the game is to be the first team to score 25 points at the end of the match by making the ball land on your opponent’s floor. There is no time limit, so these matches can go for however long is needed to score. You can buy your own bossaball court for around 500 dollars, but that’s too large and expensive for the average person. If you browse local sources or social medias, like Facebook, there are certain groups that hold bossaball tournaments you can participate in.

Muggle Quidditch

Yes, that’s right, quidditch is a real sport. It’s referred to as quidditch, muggle quidditch, or quad ball as of recently.

If you’ve heard of the famous Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, this sport might sound familiar to you.

There are two teams, both with varying roles amongst each other. The roles are chasers, keepers, beaters, and seekers. Along with these, there are four balls in play at all times during the game.

At one point, a little tennis ball called the Golden Snitch is released into the area for players to find and catch. It counts as 150 points, it is the seeker’s job to find the snitch and get it in the goal to bring victory for their team.

If you have a group of friends that all love Harry Potter, this is a fun adaptation of the fictional sport!

Soccer, football, tennis, and everything else becomes the same after a while. We all need some excitement and an occasional switch from the ordinary. If typical sports are becoming too boring for you, try some of these unusual games this summer with your friends.

Cycleball

Speaking of danger, this sport tops them all. It’s a game of soccer, but you play on a bicycle. If you’re a master biker and you have excellent control, then this game could be a fun idea. However, if you’re not a pro, this sport might not be for you.

The typical rules of soccer apply here, but instead of using your feet, you have to use the wheels of the bike, in order to hit the ball and score points for your team.

Other than trying to compete on bicycles, the normal rules of soccer still apply to this game. Even though this game sounds scary, if you watch actual tournaments, it seems pretty enjoyable. This sport is recommended for all the daredevils out there, if you’re brave enough!

Sepak Takraw

This too goes by many names, such as buka ball, kick volleyball, or foot volleyball. However, the name is literally translated to “to kick a rattan ball”, since rattan is the material the ball is made out of. Essentially, this game takes the idea of volleyball and applies soccer rules to it. Players are only allowed to use their feet, legs, or heads to serve. It’s a fun and interesting twist on the popular sports we already love as is.

This sport is particularly popular in Southeast Asia, but there are plenty of teams and competitions here in the States. While this sport might take a lot of flexibility and practice, it’s certainly a fun take on volleyball. Just be careful, the kicks can get pretty high.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Pro vs. Joe

Witte has been a gymnast for 13 years and her favorite trick is the roundoff back handspring double back.

“I like the rush of adrenaline it gives me and the feeling of nailing the skill is unbeatable,” Witte said.

Split Jump Somersault

Freshman Van Current, who has never done gymnastics before, goes up against experienced sophomore Hattie Witte.

BY KAT OWSLEY AND BROOKLYN COLLINS

The Splits

Cartwheel

Volume 53 | Issue 4 | khqtoday.com | @kpoomag

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