Issue 1 Volume 53 by KHQ Magazine

KHQ

Kickapoo High Quarterly

KHQTODAY.COM VOLUME 53

ISSUE 1

@KPOOMAG FALL 2023

Meet Our Staff Editor in Chief: Lizzy Eike

Copy Editor: Nadia Warren

News Editor: Madison Turner

Opinion Editor: Keegan Bukovatz

Second Year Reporters: Braxton Liebert, Amiah Pierce, Savannah Summers, Zhana Owrey, Alex Walsh

Sports Editor: Cayden Harman

Social Commissioner: Kat Owsley

Feature Editor: Alley Ackerman Not Photographed: Abby Galyean, Sarah Trotman Business/ Advertisement Manager: Madison Bryant

Social Media/Website Coordinator: Emma Franklin

First Year Reporters: Kessa Adee, Aaron Hardy, Jackson Hill, Ireland Kelsey, Evelyn Nelson, Kaci Perry, Ryan Roberson, Aubree Sims, Sarah Trotman, Nyah Warren, Sophie Webb, Annemarie Wilhite

From the Editor LIZZY EIKE

Photo courtesy of McGee Creative.

n my first day of freshman year, I took my first step into room 201. At that time, I did not know Mrs. Orman and I definitely did not know journalism. Admittedly I decided to take journalism because I was told it was an “easy A” class. Boy, was I wrong. Taking journalism was one of the best decisions I could make because it led me to my inspiration. After spending almost four years being a journalist under the guidance of Mrs. Orman, I know that there is no better mentor than her. Over these four years, she has taught me how be sensitive but strong, hardworking but organized, and judgmental but loving. With that being said, journalism has given me everything that I never knew I needed, which has

made my senior year already more memorable than any other. Being granted the position of Editor in Chief is a little scary but also an amazing opportunity. Speaking of amazing, my staff work incredibly hard to ensure that we can have an incredible magazines. Thank you to all of the senior staff members who have shown me endless support. This magazine is more than just about current events, it’s something we can truly be proud of and use to represent our study body. Now, as a senior, I am nearing my last “first” step into room 201 and although I dread that step, I cannot wait to see what the future holds. I am so incredibly grateful to be where I am and how I got here. We have have so much in store for everyone!

The Prairie Panel

THE PANEL

JACKSON HILL REPORTER

NICK JENSEN REPORTER

MADISON TURNER NEWS EDITOR

SAVANNAH SUMMERS

What are you going to be for Halloween this year?

Fred from “Scooby-Doo”

A firetruck.

An inflatable dinosaur.

Kyle from “South Park”

“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

“Hocus Pocus.”

“Coraline”

Best candy to get while trick or treating?

All of it except candy corn.

Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme

Sour Patch Kids

Peanut butter cups.

Favorite past Halloween costume?

Clifford.

A school bus.

T-Bo from “iCarly”

Bride of Frankenstein

What is your favorite Halloween movie?

REPORTER

Table of Contents NEWS 06 ADHD Awareness Month BY NADIA WARREN

10 Pantry Positive BY JACKSON HILL

16 The Best of Biliteracy BY IRELAND KELSEY

FEATURE 23 Foreign Fall Thoughts BY ALEX WALSH

29 Picture Perfect BY KAT OWSLEY

35 A Nugget of Nut Knowledge BY NICK JENSEN

OPINION 41 Awkward Conversations BY ANNEMARIE WILHITE

48 Why The Disrespect? BY CAYDEN HARMAN

51 Eras Tour: Was it Worth it? BY SAVANNAH SUMMERS

SPORTS 59 Polar Opposites Q&A BY JACKSON HILL

62 Keeping the Team Running BY NYAH WARREN

63 Hanchey’s New Beginning BY ABBY GALYEAN

NEWS

ADHD Awareness Month With all of October’s flair and festivities, ADHD Awareness Month often goes unrecognized. Let’s take some time to support and address this misunderstood disorder.

BY NADIA WARREN

ot only is October a month of carving pumpkins and admiring the colorful leaves around us, it’s also ADHD Awareness Month, and it deserves our attention as well. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s ability to stay focused and keep organized as they struggle with restlessness and impulsivity. Note that ADHD is a spectrum and because of this, it may manifest differently in those with the disorder; some may lean much further towards the inattentive side, and others the hyperactive side. Academic struggles may easily arise regardless of where they fall on the spectrum, which is what makes this month of acknowledgment so important in a school setting with roughly three to seven percent of students affected nationwide. Starting with where it all began, ADHD Awareness Month was initially just a single set day in September to raise awareness and support for those struggling and address some of the stigma. The day quickly gained traction and thus evolved into a week of awareness. Later in 2004, the entirety of October was finally deemed ADHD Awareness Month. A frequent myth surrounding ADHD is that those struggling are merely using the disorder to justify laziness, but there is a clear distinction between the two. With ADHD, a person’s brain chemistry differs from most which can create conflict with memory, concentration, and overall structure. Their brains are constantly in motion and therefore must work harder to overcome these difficulties. On the other hand, laziness implies a lack of drive and care about what they do. Those who are simply lazy will not experience the same sense of dread and guilt surrounding

tasks as those with ADHD do, because that extra effort is not required of their brains to complete said tasks. As a matter of fact, the ADHD mind is often associated with higher levels of creativity, problem solving abilities, and can hyperfocus on a sole subject in ways that other people cannot. With ADHD, managing academic challenges can be done with coping strategies and accommodations, some of which are offered directly in the district. For coping strategies, music can actually promote attentiveness and motivation in those with ADHD. It releases dopamine while following a clear structure and beat, which greatly appeals to the ADHD mind that craves this sense of organization. During at home studies, limiting distractions and establishing set breaks to move around and let out energy is of course a good method to improve productivity, but in an actual school environment, this may seem harder to accomplish. However, those with an ADHD diagnosis actually qualify for a 504 plan, which would provide accommodations at school to achieve a more comfortable and productive environment. These accommodations may include a quiet area along with extra time complete work and tests, preferential seating to eliminate distractions, and many other benefits to ensure struggling students get the help they need. “In the building, students can utilize their 504 accommodations in the classroom and work with teachers to address their individual needs. Students can also come to the counseling office if they need a break and to reset before returning to class,” counselor Shawn Wallace said. This October, while it is of course a time to watch scary movies and bust out the fall scented candles, be sure to spend some time considering any loved ones with ADHD as well.

Speaking out and sharing your experiences with others is a great way to spread ADHD awareness this month.

Natural Disasters on the Rise We have seen a increase in devastation from natural disasters. It is essential we all pay more attention to our planet.

BY ANNEMARIE WILHITE

limate change is more widespread than ever. Fires have burned an average of five million acres every year from 2013 to 2023. It’s no secret that recently the frequency of natural disasters has been concernedly dangerous. It seems like the weather is a big topic of conversation on the news every day; tornadoes, wildfires, heatwaves, hurricanes, extreme ocean temperatures causing a rise in sea levels, and more. In August, the Ozarks saw record breaking heat index topping out at 122 degrees. We see all of the tragedy and devastation every day. Is this a change in weather patterns, or is there more information at our fingertips from the Internet? Justin Drane, Earth Science teacher, weighs in on natural disasters. In earth science, the class discusses climate change from the standpoint of earth history and how it goes through climate phases like the ice age. “When we talk about climate change now, I think why it’s such a big buzzword is not because it’s occurring, but more at the

rate of which it’s occurring because it’s occurring substantially faster,” Drane said. In 1980, the US had about three billion dollar natural disaster events per year and now we’re averaging 18 billion dollar events per year. “We have all the information in the world at our fingertips at any given point so we might just be more aware of those things occurring because the information is just spread a lot faster than what it has in the past,” Drane said. Our view of natural disasters may be affected by the constant expansion and migration of our population. “Before where that wildfire happened it might not have touched anybody’s homes or impacted anyone, but now people are being impacted.” Drane said. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), global temperatures have risen by about 1.98 degrees Fahrenheit from 1901 to 2020. The rising global temperatures are leading to many changes

One of the largest coral bleaching events that occurred in the Great Barrier Reef occured in Australia. Photo Courtesy to Wikimedia Commons.

The Simi Valley Fire burning a mountain side in Southern California. It burned ten thousand acres an hour at its maximum. Photo Courtesy to Wikimedia Commons

in weather patterns as well as ocean conditions. These changes are influencing the intensity of different types of natural disasters. For most of the 1900s, the sea levels were rising 1.7 millimeters per year. Ever since 1993, we have seen the sea levels rising 3.2 millimeters per year and 30 studied glaciers have receded by more than 60 feet since 1980. In the past five years, 34 percent of the billion dollar natural disaster events occurred. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased by about 40 percent since beginning of the Industrial Revolution. The ocean absorbs about 30 percent of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is why the sea levels are rising at a higher rate. Coral reefs are being affected by the extremely warm temperatures of the waters, leading to coral bleaching. Ecosystems in the ocean are heavily relying on coral reefs to survive and thrive. When the reefs are unhealthy, these ecosystems become endangered. Everyone can agree that fewer natural disasters are better, however, not everyone can agree that human activity is causing climate change. Not all meteorologists agree that humans impact the climate. KY3 meteorologist Ron Hearst shared his professional opinion on climate change. “Man wants to find answers and when we can’t we seek blame. We want to blame man,” Hearst said. With the increasing number of natural disasters, this has become a big topic of conversation in politics. According to the Pew Research Center on the Politics of

Climate Change, only about 36 percent of Americans are concerned about climate change. This may affect the way that we address the issue. If indeed we can impact climate change, we would need a unified nation to agree that there is an issue. In 2023, there have already been more than one thousand confirmed tornadoes. In just the last few months we have witnessed the wildfires destroy Lahaina, Hawaii. Wildfires around the US and Canada have affected major cities and even here in Springfield, Missouri. According to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, as of September 10, 558 Canadian wildfires are deemed out of control. On September 7, there was a haze surrounding Springfield that blew in from the wildfires in Canada according to Ozarksfirst. Breathing in contaminated air can cause worsened asthma symptoms, respiratory distress, and heart problems. It was advised to not go outside as much as possible. This shows that wildfires can affect a large number of people, even people hundreds of miles away from the fires. Due to extreme weather conditions, there have been many shortages of types of food around the world as well as water. The Arctic is warming at twice the rate of the global average. Due to the speed of these changes, ecosystems and organisms are struggling to adapt. Climate change is affecting all parts of the world. It’s affecting water, food, human health, and the environment. We should all be mindful of these effects and cautious of the roles that we may play.

My School What?

While MySchoolBucks advertisements are played on the lunchroom TVs during the school year, it’s not commonly known what the program is about. BY RYAN ROBERSON

ySchoolBucks is a program used by Springfield Public Schools (SPS) to pay for student fines and expenses. It was designed to be an easily accessible program that allows parents and students to pay for fines added to a student’s account. MySchoolBucks is not used to pay for student lunch or breakfast options. Alternatively, a program called MealPay Plus is used. The program boasts numerous benefits and advantages compared to physical payment. One major advantage of using MySchoolBucks is the ability to receive alerts when your funds are low. Another advantage of the program is the ability to set up automatic payments into the account. An untold benefit of using it is the digital portion of the process. For people who are prone to misplacing items, MySchoolBucks makes it so that you are unable to lose a check or cash. Furthermore, the program is used in cohesion with Home Access Center (HAC) in order to view a student’s fines. A major concern of any Online service that handles money and payments is security. MySchoolBucks ensures that they are compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security standards, which is a set of strict security requirements set by Visa, MasterCard, and numerous other payment brands. Additionally, all payment transactions are encrypted to be transmitted securely, thus limiting a lot of security risks while using MySchoolBucks. A downside to it though is the tax imposed on transactions. For each transaction, MySchoolBucks charges 3.8 percent for program fees, helping to cover the running expenses of the program. However, tax is calculated and shown before each manual transaction so you can keep track of how much you will actually be spending. On the programs website, some SPS schools offer the ability to purchase different products. These products range from school movie tickets to senior ads. Overall, MySchoolBucks is a highly important program to have. While here it may seem that it is of little use, it has numerous uses across the district as a whole. Especially with the automation features, it makes it much easier for students to pay their fines digitally.

The financial office handles students’ finances on a daily basis.

Pantry Positive The Kare Team Pantry offers a wide variety of items for students in need. BY JACKSON HILL

t’s easy to underestimate the reality of financial struggles as a teen, but there are many students have difficulty meeting basic needs.. “I started a food pantry because we have students here that are lacking food and hygiene at home,” Amy Moran, counselor and Kare Team sponsor said. Kare Team plays an important role in making sure the food pantry is up to date for those in need. “We stock and shop for the food items or supplies in the pantry and we also check expiration dates on the food,” Kare Team member Sophia Winders said. The food pantry is so crucial to some families at school but is oftentimes overlooked.

“A lot of times Kickapoo is thought of as the rich school, but we have over 2,000 students and our free and reduced numbers (for lunches) is at 30 percent,” Moran said. That 30 percent turns out to be roughly 600 kids out of just over 2000 enrolled. “That’s as big as any of the title one elementary schools (largest federally funded educational program) that get all the funding. So we don’t get any assistance but we have all of those kids who are on free and reduced lunch. I think that’s a problem within our district is that people think this is the rich school,” Moran said. According to a census in 2021 by census.gov (the federal government’s largest statistical agency) the median household income is around $40,000, this is livable for one person, but if it’s a single parent family with multiple children, a food pantry like this is extremely important. “We had kids who were not eating from when they left here at lunch ‘till the next morning, so several of the teachers came to me with concerns, so I started that pantry,” Moran said. To get access to the pantry, all a student or parent must do is let Moran or any of the other counselors know and they’ll bring them to get what they need free of charge. “It’s available for all students and parents and they can go down there and shop for what they need. We have school supplies, hygiene stuff, boxed food, and canned food for anyone who needs it,” Winders said. Coming to the realization that many students aren’t as privileged as others, is the first step to making a change.

Winders agrees and is aware of this, and sees the Kare Team is truly making a difference in student’s lives. “I know some students out there that may not have all the hygiene needs, school supplies or food in general so I think it really does help them,” Winders said. The pantry is being used, not just every so often, but multiple times a month. “I would say at least ten families use it a month, so it helps a lot of people,” Moran said. The pantry grows from the help of families who are willing to donate, and the money that is specifically set aside for it. “We do have a lot of kids who are well off and have money and so why don’t we have our families that are; and are more than willing to help donate to start this pantry,” Moran said. Getting involved can change a person’s life for the better and even if it’s a small donation, it’s a donation worth giving. All the money given to Moran to help will go straight into the pantry fund. “The easiest way for someone to help is just to donate money because we go shopping every month,” Moran said.

Canned foods that were donated by the student body and kept safely in the Kare Team food pantry.

Springfield Underground Learn the history of the Springfield Underground and what exactly is stored under our city.

BY MADISON TURNER

pringfield Underground started as a limestone quarry in 1946. In 1954, mining operations went underground using the room and pillar method of mining in order to reduce dust and noise to the surrounding area. Warehousing in the underground excavated caverns began in 1960. Mining and warehouse construction continued for the next five and a half decades, removing over 31 million tons of limestone. By 1994, the mine had excavated around two million square feet, and the Springfield Underground was created by its owners to market and further develop it as an underground business park. The largest of the Underground’s warehouse space is Kraft Foods. This has been one of their principal bulk cheese storage facilities for decades, along with Highland Dairy, Vital Farms, Amazon boxes, Pepsi, Starbucks, and many more. “Buske Logistics is a 350,000 square feet warehouse with over 13,000 Starbucks products and 33 delivery doors for semi trucks to load and unload at,” Wes Crawford, the operations manager at Buske Logistics ,said.

Around 70 to 170 semi trucks will get to Buske Logistics located in warehouse 11 at around 4 a.m. and leave around 10 am full of Starbucks ready to deliver products across the country. 40 percent of Starbucks products in the country have gone through the Springfield Underground Buske Logistics warehouse. “We have empty glass bottles and cans, and they will get shipped to the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) and they will refill them,” Kimberly Murray, the HR generalist of Buske Logistics, said. All together Springfield Underground contains 3.2 million square feet of leasable space. Everything stored is free from exposure to the outdoor elements with 224 dock doors and over three miles of railroad. The ceiling has a height of up to 30 feet, along with immediate accessibility to I-44 and US-65.

Two pillars holding up the ceiling in the Springfield underground.

Jars of Starbucks stacked up all the way to the ceiling waiting to be processed.

Transitioning to No Rights? The transgender community has faced a wave of anti trans and minor safety legislation, with many bills specifically targeting transgender youth.

BY ZHANA OWREY

n Missouri, two bills passed on June 7, 2023: SB 49 and SB 39. SB 49, also known as the SAFE Act (Save Adolescents From Experimentation), prohibits gender affirming care to minors who have not received treatment prior to August 28, 2023. SB 39 would prohibit school students from participating in the sports team that aligns with their gender identity, including in postsecondary education. Baleigh Moore, a Gender and Sexualities Alliance (GSA) officer, does not agree with these bills. “It shouldn’t matter what their biological sex is, they should be

able to participate in whatever they want to, and they shouldn’t be discriminated against because of who they want to be,” Moore said. While these are the only anti trans bills to have passed this legislative session, many more have been introduced with the Equality Federation, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, tracking 34 bills so far. Another bill introduced was the Missouri HB1258 which would require public schools to implement a policy that students cannot use pronouns that differ from the biological sex listed on their birth certificate. It would also make it so

After a record number of anti-trans legislation that was recently introduced, Canada put a warning for traveler’s to check state and federal laws that would effect LGBTQ+ travelers.

any employee or independent contractor would not have to use a student’s preferred pronouns if it did not align with their religious or moral beliefs. While the bill is dead, Missouri’s SB134, also known as the Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act was introduced, and it’s being heavily compared to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Bill SB134 was supposed to mandate school officials notify a student’s parent if a student brought up changes in their gender identity. It would have also made it so parental consent was needed to wear certain items of clothing, or go by a different name from what they were registered as in the school system While the majority of the transgender community is against these bills, many groups are in support of these bills for protecting children and their rights. The non profit organization, Gays Against Groomers, shows strong support for SB 39 and 49. “Missouri’s SB 49 acts as a safeguard against the premature decisions which could have lifelong ramifications for minors.

We believe that children should be shielded from irreversible choices about their bodies at an age where they may not fully comprehend the consequences,” the group said in a recent statement. While Gays Against Groomers wants to prevent minors from making life altering decisions, they also want to protect the legitimacy of student athletics. “Furthermore, SB 39 ensures a level playing field for female athletes. Every individual deserves the opportunity to compete fairly, without any disadvantages,” the organization said. These bills have been introduced all over the United States and passed with a recent uptick in anti trans sentiments. There seems to be no sign of this stopping anytime soon in Missouri. “There are going to be protests, there are going to be riots, and it’s just not going to help anything. They’re going to keep going until we get those rights we need. We just want to be who we are, it’s just us expressing ourselves. There’s nothing wrong with that,” Moore said.

N Major Rules Makeover S

Get ready for the ultimate shake up this year in classrooms with these new rules. BY SOPHIE WEBB

pringfield Public Schools District (SPSD) is implementing new rules effective this year. What students and staff are now calling “The Matrix” is something that all schools in the SPS district are creating to help enforce the rules and inform students about what is expected of them in certain locations of the school. Since COVID-19, school attendance reached an all time low. In order to improve those numbers, SPS has implemented a new policy for school dances. “Students must have at least 90 percent attendance in order to attend dances like homecoming, court warming, and prom,” Principal Bill Powers said. Additionally, with 90 percent attendance and a grade above an 80 percent in any class, students are now eligible to opt out of their final exams as long as they avoid suspension for the semester. In the past, this was exclusively for seniors, but now it has been extended to be available to all grade levels. Students must be present on the day of final exams regardless of whether they are testing or not. If a student with this exemption still prefers to take the final, it can only improve their grade. New to freshmen this year is the grading scale. They have omitted the plus and minus, so freshmen will instead receive a flat letter grade. Now it’s just the even percentage that defines the letter grade. Above 90 percent is an A, 80 to 89 percent is a B, and so forth. “It used to be that, in order to get a 5.0 GPA, you had to take a specific amount of weighted classes each year and that’s the only way you could become a valedictorian,” Powers said.

The amount of weighted classes that students would have had to take were four freshman year, five sophomore year, five junior year, and four senior year. The new grading system for freshmen should help alleviate some of the stress of trying to become a valedictorian. “Hopefully this removes stress and anxiety off of students shoulders,” Powers said. One of the classroom rules that will affect all grades is the new phone rules. Teachers regulate these according to their classroom. Some teachers are taking students’ phones in exchange for a restroom pass. Choir director Nathan Cornelius brought this up in one of the staff meetings right before the school year started. “If you keep their phone and they go to the bathroom, guess what? They’re coming back because they don’t have their entertainment with them,” Cornelius said. SPS worked with Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) this summer to cultivate “The Matrix.” PBIS is a support system for students’ academic, social, and mental health in order to help them perform well in school. This is the program that all schools in the district are using to better their academic spaces. PBIS helps to create positive, safe, and healthy learning environments for the wellbeing of students and faculty. Powers stated that we will have another meeting in January to restate and better enforce these rules throughout the year. With the new rules going into place district wide, SPS hopes to reach its goals of bringing attendance and grades back to where they were before COVID-19, and to encourage students to reach these goals.

Here is an example of what students and staff call “The Matrix.” This was designed to visually advertise a consistant message of the rules to the student body.

Biliterate students shine Multiple Chiefs have been awarded the Seal of Biliteracy. BY IRELAND KELSEY

n October 2017, the Seal of Biliteracy was adopted by Missouri. The Missouri Seal of Biliteracy (SoBL) and Distinguished Missouri Seal of Biliteracy (DMSB) are awarded to graduating high school students in districts with a state approved program who have demonstrated achievement in English, a Language OtherThan English (LOTE), and sociocultural competence. Put simply, the SoBL is an award given by a school, district, or state in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. French teacher Jeffery Karr said that there were 39 seal recipients at Kickapoo for the class of 2023. The languages consist of French, Spanish, Tagalog (Filipino), and Mandarin. “Students must earn a qualifying score on the English II EOC or the ACT Reading or English section, they must also receive a qualifying score on the AP language test or AAPPL,” Karr said. Students who take four, five or six levels of a language class are usually the students who are eligible for the award. “These students also have to set the goal of earning the seal. it

doesn’t happen for students who aren’t trying to reach that level of language proficiency,” Karr said. Most importantly, these students love their new language and take every opportunity to interact with the culture. Spanish teacher Melissa Rowden echoed what Karr had to say about SoBL. “80 SPS students earned the SoBL this last school year; 39 were Kickapoo students,” Rowden said. “These kids typically find ways to get involved within the community with native speakers through our language clubs, community events, or chatting with native speakers friends.” The SoBL encourages students to pursue biliteracy, to honor the skills students attain, and can be evidence of skills that future employers and college admissions offices are looking for. The seal also provides the opportunity to earn college credit hours based off of the score earned on the AAPL test. For more information, see any World Language teacher.

Seal of Biliteracy banner in the language hall on the second floor advertises this program that awards students many hours of college credit.

After a brief tenure in

Welcome Back

Due to growth in the World Language Department, Mrs. Marshall returns. BY AARON HARDY

ew 2023-2024 teacher, Mrs. Jessica Marshall, travels through the hallway to her classrooms, neither of which she is permanently settled in. However, Marshall is embracing the challenging turn of events she’s been put in. Marshall is a world language teacher for Spanish I and II, but really, she’s not that new at all. She taught here a decade ago, working here for five years before moving to the countryside. Now, she’s back here after selling her chicken farm, but she doesn’t have her classroom as she did before. “The world language department is thriving, there are so many students who want to take a foreign language class. There was a need to add another teacher, but there’s just no space for them,” Marshall said. But the main question is, can teachers operate like this full time? Turns out, our school isn’t the first to have this issue. This happens internationally, and these teachers are labeled as “Floating Teachers”. Dr. Bill Powers, has expressed his thoughts on the situation. “It’s not ideal, and it affects multiple people. When Marshall is teaching, that displaces the teacher that is on conference,” Powers said. Powers understands the possible frustration that might come from this but wants to keep a positive attitude. However, he has been organizing a plan to solve this complication. He wants to remodel the old auditorium between the gym and the band room into at least two new classrooms. The only problem with this is that it goes through many chains of command and often either gets lost or pushed down for another school’s project. Our school also needs time and the budget to plan this type of renovation. “However, that process and the money involved is not something that is going to happen very quickly,” Powers said.

Marshall is making the best of her situation for now. She says this isn’t a deal-breaker for her long term. “The world language department is so amazing, I feel so comfortable being in the different classrooms I’m in. They’ve all been very welcoming and very generous of letting me use the resources that they have within their classroom,” Marshall said. The main thing Powers and Marshall are trying to focus on is having a positive attitude about the entire situation. It’s hard, it’s not perfect, but they stay organized and look on the bright side. “I think there is a little bit of a pro without having to set up a classroom or pack up a classroom,” Marshall said. Marshall says that at school, she stays really put together, and it helps her in her ever day life here. She wants to leave an impact on her students and teach them a lesson from this whole experience.

The office in the back of room 201, where Marshall works for her second block conference.

FEATURE

Autumn Aromas There is nothing like the smell of pumpkin and apple spice to signal the fall season is here. These are some fall candles ranked to help decide which one is the best. BY MADISON BRYANT Pumpkin, waffles, brown sugar, and maple syrup can all be used to describe the smell of Pumpkin Pecan Waffles. This candle is super fragrant without being overpowering. The scent of toasted pecans and waffles hot off the press perfectly complements the classic pumpkin smell. Pumpkin Pecan Waffles definitely takes the first place spot. The only thing that could make this candle better would be a warm brown or orange color because the white is a little boring, but the smell makes up for it.

Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin is a gourmand combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, vanilla, and pumpkin. This candle has everything someone would be looking for in a fall candle. Not to mention, the warm color is very inviting. However, the cinnamon tends to overpower the other scents. That is why this one will be taking second place. In fact, this could almost be mistaken for a Christmas candle because of the amount of cinnamon. Some people may look at that as a positive thing because this candle can be used for two seasons. However, as far as true fall candles go, this one was a bit of a disappointment. This candle is a perfect mix of a red delicious apple, cinnamon spice, and a pumpkin. Not to mention, the color of this candle is a vibrant shade of burgundy that gives off all the fall vibes. Pumpkin Apple is the candle to burn while sitting on the couch watching the leaves turn colors. However, it isn’t the coziest candle in the bunch and will be taking third place. It’s a good scent but it’s very basic and could use a little more depth because this smells like every other fall candle on the market. The fruity touch of the apple is what saves this candle from being completely boring.

Vanilla, pumpkin spice, and cupcakes topped with buttercream is what comes to mind when smelling Pumpkin Cupcake. This candle emulates freshly baked cupcakes coming out of the oven while still smelling seasonal. The plain color is underwhelming, but it’s simple and classy which is never a bad thing. However, the plainness of this candle helped it land in last place. Pumpkin Cupcake has too much cupcake and not enough pumpkin. The sweetness totally overpowers the subtle autumn flair this candle is trying to give off. It is debatable whether this really qualifies as a “fall candle.” For that reason, it rightfully deserves last place.

How Well Do We Know Dr. Powers? Principal, father, Tenessee fan, and the voice behind “Gooooo Chiefs!” BY EVELYN NELSON Q: What is your educational background? A: I graduated from Meigs County High School (Decatur, Tennessee) in 1991. I earned a Bachelor’s of Science in English Journalism from Tennessee Technological University in 1996. I earned a Master of Education in Education Leadership from the University of South Florida in 2006 and an Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Southwest Baptist University in 2016. Q: What was your first job in high school? A: My first job in high school was at a grocery store chain called Piggly Wiggly. I worked there when I wasn’t in season with basketball and baseball for my high school team. Q: Is it true that you have a background in journalism? A: Yes, I worked for a few small newspapers in Tennessee before moving to Florida and working for another small paper in Punta Gorda, Florida. I then worked for the Bradenton Herald before becoming a teacher. My first year as a teacher I continued as a Sports Stringer with the Tampa Bay Times covering high school football.

Tony Dungy. This book is about leadership. How would you describe your leadership skills? A: Always evolving. The leader I am today is not the leader I was when I first became a principal back in 2008 – 2009. Even in my six years at Kickapoo I have grown and evolved. I believe we can all get better and we should all strive to be better. I’m not perfect, but I try to do my best for everyone. Q: What is an average day of work like for you? A: Great question. That is almost impossible to answer. Every day is different. Most days I’m like a fireman putting out fires left and right. Everyone has an emergency or needs something. At that moment they are the most important person and I do my best to lock in and support them with their needs. That goes for students, families, and staff. It is hard, but I love what I do. I love Kickapoo, the students, families, and staff.

Entering his sixth year as principal, Dr. Powers strives to be his best each day.

Q: You used to be a sports writer, what was your favorite part of that? A: I loved covering all sports! I moved to Florida to be able to cover baseball, but also love covering high school sports, college sports, and several professional sports. It was exciting to me. Q: Are you messy or clean? A: I am not either. I would probably describe myself as organized chaos. When you look at my office it is a mess… however, I know where everything is and I meet my deadlines, and get things done in a timely manner. I pride myself in working hard and admittedly work too much outside of the school day. Q: You said your favorite book is “A Mentor Leader” by

Practical Pumpkins From Halloween decorations to drinks, pumpkins can be used in a variety of ways during the fall season. Let’s carve our way into some things pumpkins are used for. BY AMIAH PIERCE

Decorations: Second to Christmas, people take Halloween decorating very seriously. Looking around a well garnished house, you will definitely see a variety of pumpkin themed items. Using unique carved pumpkins can add a special touch to a home. Since they are the known symbols for the spooky season, without pumpkins something seems lacking.

Pumpkin Carving: Pumpkin carving is a staple for the Halloween season. It’s a fun activity to do with friends and family while showing off your artistic skills. However, pumpkin carving isn’t for everyone as it does take incredible patience and a lot of time for it to turn out well. Afterwards, you get a lovely art project you can put around the house. Carving a picture of something a friend likes can also turn it into a spooky special gift.

Health: Although people do relate pumpkins to Halloween and fall, pumpkins are actually really good for you. They are very heart healthy and improve your vision. They are high in beta carotene which is what brings pumpkins as well as carrots it’s orange color. It’s an easy way to stay in good health while keeping up with the ever changing seasons.

Food: The second the fall season comes into swing, pumpkin flavored foods are found everywhere. From coffee shops to bakeries, pumpkins are in ever display case. The most popular fall themed food is pumpkin spice, more importantly in drinks and desserts. These drinks draw a lot of teens in for their annual fall personality.

Buying your decorations from a local farm is a great way to help their support and grow their business.

F Foreign Fall Thoughts Noah Conte, 12

BY ALEX WALSH

Do you celebrate Halloween?

Guadeloupe

“No, we don’t celebrate Halloween, so I am excited to see how you celebrate Halloween here in the states.” What are your thoughts on Halloween here in the States? “This is my favorite party and I like to scare people.” Do you celebrate any fall holidays that we don’t in the United States? “We celebrate Carnaval. Some people celebrate it but not a lot. It can be a small party but not big.”

Till Schumacher, 11 Germany

Do you celebrate Halloween?

“Yeah, we celebrate Halloween in Germany. We go from house to house and collect candy.” What are your thoughts on Halloween here in the States? “It is not that big in Germany and kids are not as dressed and not everyone has a pumpkin in their yard.” Do you celebrate any fall holidays that we don’t in the United States? “Not really. We only really have Halloween and Thanksgiving.”

MinJun Cho, 12 Do you celebrate Halloween?

South Korea

“We celebrate Halloween but not like in America. We don’t go to other people’s houses. We just decorate our houses too.” What are your thoughts on Halloween here in the States? “I’m not sure but it looks very large and like Christmas.” Do you celebrate any fall holidays that we don’t in the United States? ”Korean Thanksgiving is in the fall. Most are excited to celebrate, they are all together playing games and eating a big dinner. Gathering family in Korea is not very common.”

Autumn is celebrated differently all over the world. What do foreign exchange students think of Halloween in the States? Melissa Gomez , 11 Brazil

Do you celebrate Halloween? “No, we are not used to it. We do sometimes but it is not a tradition.” What are your thoughts on Halloween here in the States?

“I think it’s really cool how the kids go to houses and ask for candy. I think it’s a moment when people can make friends.” Do you celebrate any fall holidays that we don’t in the United States? “We have a party in June. It’s like a country party but everywhere we have some traditional food and dances. We have a lot of corn with the food.”

Lucia Coto Gonzalez, 12 Do you celebrate Halloween?

Spain

“Yes, we kinda get dressed in Halloween costumes and it’s like a Halloween party where you can party with friends.” What are your thoughts on Halloween here in the States? “I always saw Halloween in the states as a big party and all the houses are decorated and it is more celebrated here than there.” Do you celebrate any fall holidays that we don’t in the United States? “I think we just have Halloween and Thanksgiving.”

Arinchaya Sukprasert, 11 Do you celebrate Halloween?

Thailand

“No, not in my house.” What are your thoughts on Halloween here in the States? “I think it is an interesting festival because my country doesn’t celebrate Halloween. I thought it would be fun to dress up as a ghost and have a lot of snacks. I love knocking on other people’s houses and asking for snacks, but I don’t know what Halloween is like in America.” Do you celebrate any fall holidays that we don’t in the United States? “In Thailand, we have celebrated Songkran Day as New Year’s Day here in America.”

F Here Lies My Screams Do you have what it takes to go through these three haunted attractions? I put my bravery to the test to find the scariest one so you don’t have to. BY KACI PERRY

A girl sitting on a bloody bed in a rundown room at Field of Screams, waiting for vulnerable teens to walk by.

aunted houses, mazes, and forests are all perfect destinations for an adrenaline and endorphin rush. They allow people to face their fears in a controlled enviornment where no harm can be done. Popular haunted attractions in the area include Field of Screams, Hotel of Terror, Dungeons of Doom, as well as many others within an hour distance. How do we know which ones are the best? Of course there are ratings on the internet, but teens may trust their own student body better to judge the scare factor and price fairness more than the outdated ratings from the internet. Therefore, I decided to visit a few of the haunted attractions in Springfield, Missouri and surrounding areas to do exactly that. I will describe the experience and rate them out of five. The tall Hotel of Terror expands into the dark night sky as people wait in line for a walk through the horror hotel.

Field of Screams Field of Screams is a haunted forest located in Nixa, Missouri right off of West Guin Rd. It is a three quarter mile trail filled with scares. Trails/Forests are a great option for the ones who do not like enclosed spaces. I loved this trail and it was an overall thrilling experience. Even while waiting in line there is still entertainment, so there’s never a dull moment. The actors are funny and entertaining when you make conversation with them. I also love the array of characters hiding in the trees. Though I love this trail and believe it is a great way to get some good chills and spend time with friends, I do not think it is the scariest haunted attraction of southwest Missouri. Price: $25 for the trail, which is very fair and affordable for highschoolers. Is it worth it? Absolutely. If you are looking for a well priced, conveniently located, and not super cramped haunted attraction, then Field of Screams is perfect for you and your friends. Rating:

Dungeons of Doom

A haunted girl across an open space blending in like an animatronic, waiting to jump out at gullible people walking by.

Dungeons of Doom is a terrifyingly amazing attraction located in downtown Springfield off of West Wall street. This haunted hotel is definitely where my screams lie. I did get lost at the beginning due to the lack of direction. We kept walking by the same caged anaconda which was terrifying. Though the lack of direction was not great, it caused us to get scared by the same actor over and over even though I knew she was there. There were so many rooms and things to distract me so when an actor appeared, I would be caught off guard every time which shows how thought out this whole attraction truly is. There is also one part when we had to find the hidden door throughout five rooms while being chased which was the scariest part. Price: $23 is the entry fee or a $42 combo pass for Dungeons of Doom and Hotel of Terror. Is it worth it? I can not express how worth it is to go through Dungeons of Doom if you are looking for a scary, well priced, and fun attraction to get some good screams out as well as adrenaline pumping through your blood. Rating:

Hotel of Terror Hotel of Terror is a haunted hotel located in downtown Springfield off of North Main Ave. It is one of the oldest and largest haunted thrills in the area. There are many levels, small spaces, and rooms in this attraction. I never knew when someone would pop out of a corner and scream. One of my friends was holding onto me the whole time as I waited for the next horror to appear from the dark corners. My heart was racing, but as someone who loves the feeling of adrenaline, I would 100 percent recommend Hotel of Terror. The best part is at the end. After all of the screams and scares, there is a 96 foot slide back to the outside of the building for a fun and happy end. Price: It is $23 for entry which includes a free hay or hearse ride between Hotel of Terror and Dungeons of Doom. For the quality of this attraction, I believe $23 is a fair price. Is it worth it? 100 percent. Hotel of Terror is an exhilarating attraction that never disappoints. Rating:

A pirate skeleton hiding around the corner of a long hallway. He is hidden behind the colorful bars to stand out in the black lights.

F Putting the ‘Yee’ in ‘Haw’ BY EMMA FRANKLIN

Cowboy/Cowgirl Boots Whether you’re from the concrete city or the dirt roads of the south, cowboy/cowgirl boots have jumped in popularity. With boots, they can be worn for almost any occasion. Are you doing some farm work? No problem, go throw on your trusty pair of ranch wranglers. Are you going out for the night? Slip into those white cowgirl boots to dance the night away.

Bell Bottom Pants Bell bottom pants have been brought back in style with the help of Lainey Wilson, the queen of these wide legged pants and country music star. From singing about having a heart like a truck to always wearing a festive pair of bell bottom pants, these are a go to staple in many closets. You can wear them with t-shirts, tank tops, blouses, sweatshirts, and more.

From boots to Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee,” the country scene has made a comeback within this recent year. Let’s rope in these rootin’ tootin’ trends before the cows come home.

Leather Belts with Buckles You’ll need a belt to keep those bell bottom pants from falling. Not just any kind, but a leather belt with a big shiny buckle of your choosing. These belts are made from thick leather with unique designs carved into them and are typically accessorized with buckles. In traditional southern culture, belt buckles are won in rodeo competitions. Nowadays, you can find them just about anywhere.

Turquoise Jewelry Is this a country comeback if turquoise is not involved? Turquoise jewelry is a staple in country fashion. You can get turquoise earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and even belts. The bright teal pop of color will have all eyes on you and people wanting to know where you got your snazzy accessories.

Picture Perfect BY KAT OWSLEY

Fassnight Creek Farm Hidden away off Sunshine Avenue, it might be hard to believe there’s a beautiful farm where you can pick your own flowers, fruits, and vegetables right here in town. Fassnight Creek Farms provides the perfect spot to have some fun while taking pictures. Not only are there a few spots already set up, but the opportunities are endless with beauty that fills the area.

Fellows Lake Fellows Lake is one of the lesser known spots in Springfield with loads of hidden beauty. The lake takes up 860 acres, has stunning hiking trails, and makes for a more secluded shoot. Despite this being a lake, it’s surrounded by forests making it exceptionally beautiful during fall.

Downtown SGF Sunflower Patch One of the newest fall photo opportunities, the SGF flower patch is a community centered project for anyone in Springfield to visit downtown. This project started in 2022 by Alyssa Lindsay and a group of volunteers. “The downtown community came together to execute the project, Urban Roots tilled the first lot, Hector from Vantage watered it, and many more that helped plant. This year, the CID (Community Improvement District) helped us purchase a tiller by giving us grant money,” Lindsay said. Not only does this spot make for some excellent fall photos, but it’s also great for Springfield’s environment as it works against urban blight and brings some nature back to a more crowded area.

From seasonal social media layouts to a fall themed photo shoot, having an autumnal spot to take pictures can be a fun way to add some pumpkin spice to your portrait. Here are some of the best, free places around Springfield for anyone looking for the perfect fall photo.

Lost Hill Park This hidden beauty of a park lies on 60 acres of land that was purchased by the Springfield park board in 2004 from the Owen family. Not only are there a few paths for you to explore and take photos on, but there are also some buildings to preserve the Owens family legacy. For a more Halloween themed approach, the old, decaying buildings are fun to explore because of all the history in this park.

Springfield Nature Conservation Center The conservation center might not be the first place people think of, but it’s beautiful nonetheless! It’s tucked away next to James River Freeway and it’s one of the quieter trails so it won’t be too hard to get good photos by yourself or with friends. With 80 acres of land, it won’t be difficult to find the perfect spot while the leaves are changing colors.

Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park This park is packed full of family friendly farm themed fun. Spanning 207 acres, the Rutledge-Wilson farm park has been a Springfield staple since the approval of the Vision 20/20 project back in 2001 whose goal was to create a better community for Springfield. Not only can you explore the corn maze, you can also pick some pumpkins while you’re taking your photos. The signature red barn stands out and since it’s a fall color, it couldn’t be better for the season.

Falling For My ‘Fits BY ALLEY ACKERMAN

Warm & Cozy Shacket: American Eagle Bralette: Target Leggings: Lululemon Slippers: Amazon

Sweater Weather Sweater: American Eagle Boots: Amazon

Four simple fall outfit inspirations that are ideal for upgrading your seasonal wardrobe! PHOTOS BY DANIKA MCDADE

“You’re Cute Jeans” Flannel: American Eagle Halter Top: Forever 21 Jeans: American Eagle Sandals: Birkenstock

Coffee Date Long Sleeve: Shein Puffer Vest: Amazon Leggings: Aerie Shoes: Nike Dunks

Cars Of Kickapoo BY AUBREE SIMS

Essence Smith, 11

“The car is an 86’ El Camino, and something cool is you don’t see a car like it driving around everyday,” Smith said.

Liza Coulter, 11

“Something about my car is the top comes off, They love it when I take the top off,” Coulter said.

Levi Phillips, 11

“It’s a 1972 C10 Chevy Cheyenne. It’s the exact same age as my dad, Mr. Phillips, and has a whole new interior, wheels, and rebuilt engine,” Phillips said.

Kickapoo’s Classic Collection: the vintage vehicles in our very own parking lot.

Jack Viehland, 12

“My car is a 1989 Jeep Wrangler, and it is still completely stock,” Viehland said.

Kaden Morrison, 12

“So far I’ve put over 3 grand in restoring it over the past year, I call it the Baby Benz,” Morrison said.

Scot Phillips

“1963 Chevy Truck, Its been lowered and completely restored, and its around 60 years old,” Phillips said.

A Nugget of Nut Knowledge BY NICK JENSEN

Pistachios: The Digestion Delight These green gangsters have a unique property that no other nut can match. Research reported by healthline.com shows that the fiber in pistachios increases beneficial bacteria in the gut more effectively than other nuts. If you want to get your gut to flow, pistachios are the way to go.

Almonds: Protein Powerhouse “Almond” almost rhymes with “diamond” and that’s no coincidence because these protein pods are truly a gem. Almonds contain the highest protein concentration of any nut, boasting six grams per ounce. As a result, almonds are an excellent option for postworkout muscle recovery.

Peanuts: Phony but Functional Peanuts aren’t real. They’re not real nuts, at least. Classifying as a legume, meaning beans or peas, peanuts are actually part of the pea family. Peanut, get it? However, they still serve a purpose as a food high in biotin, a vitamin that keeps skin and nails healthy.

As an accessible, delicious, and nutrient dense food group, it’s time nuts get the recognition they deserve.

Walnuts: Eat Brain, Gain Brain Zombies aren’t the only individuals who can benefit from eating a few brains. The brain resembling walnut is ironically the best nut for brain health. It has a significantly high concentration of DHA, a type of beneficial Omega-3 fatty acid. DHA has been shown to protect brain health in newborns, improve cognitive performance in adults, and improve memory.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Pecans: The All Rounder The pecan is the nut you reach for when you’re unsure about your life. It was given the title as the “All Rounder” because it comes full circle. It has a bit of everything when it comes to vitamins and minerals. Pecans are a good source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and many other nutritional staples.

Brazil Nuts: Shelled and Dangerous Brazil nut intake is to stay at a maximum of three nuts per day. Brazil nuts contain a humorously high amount of selenium, a mineral that is typically beneficial. However, Brazil nuts have so much selenium that it’s very easy to “overdose”. On average, three Brazil nuts contain 300 percent of the recommended daily amount of selenium. Be cautious, as an abundance of selenium in your body may cause nausea, rashes, and even organ failure in rare cases.

OPINION

Mindful Schooling School and mental health? Admin and others talk on the effect school has on students.

BY IRELAND KELSEY

rom 2016 to 2018, there were 537 suicides that among people aged 10-24 in Missouri, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The state of Missouri is ranked 14th in the US for highest suicide rates and mental health problems. Issues with school can be a contributing factor. Since students sometimes struggle in school, do administrators see the effect school has on students’ mental health? For the most part, yes. It all comes down to the mindset of a student. According to the Greater Good magazine by Berkeley, the students’ attitudes, beliefs and expectations about people, home, school and more all contribute to mental well-being. As we all know, school can be extremely draining and can dramatically hurt our mental state. I believe that admin understands the student mindset to an extent, but they don’t understand our mental struggles, such as depression, anxiety, grief and more. Victoria York, school clinician, talks on mental health seen in students while at school. “Throughout my career, I’ve worked primarily through depression and anxiety,” she said. When talking to a trusted adult about your mental health struggles, it is way different than talking to your best friend. Sometimes, when talking to either one of those trusted people in our lives, it’s hard to feel like we are being understood. “I do understand what they’re [students] talking about most of the time,” York says. I feel like this is something that we all need to understand when it comes to struggling with mental health. Knowing and realizing that people are willing to help get through our battles helps increase hope. “I probably don’t completely understand because that is their experience unique to them, but I can empathize and help them process through it,” York said. Struggling with mental issues along with trying to do multiple assignments at once, affects everything else along with it. “Mental health and academic success are tied together,” York said. Imagine you’re a student athlete or if you are one, think back on a time when you had tons of homework and late practices or games. You have no time to get your work done, which means you soon get behind and then you’d be under loads of stress. “It’s pretty hard to pay attention in class if you’re feeling anxious about something at home or worried about where

18.8 percent of high school students have reported considering suicide in the past year, 8.9 percent have attempted it. your next meal is coming from,” York added. Struggling at home with parental issues, meal issues or sleeping problems, all can easily bleed into school. Soon, your personal issues start to become all you can think about. Your A’s start to turn into B’s, then C’s and eventually, you’re failing a class or more. “Mental health problems can affect a student’s energy level, concentration, dependability, mental ability, and optimism, hindering performance. Research suggests that depression is associated with lower grade point averages, and that co-occurring depression and anxiety can increase this association,” according to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC.) Situations such as a death in the family, divorce, split in the family and more can affect your mindset while at school. I believe that the admin does understand the student mindset to a certain extent. They may be able to understand our emotions, attitudes, and beliefs on certain topics, but they don’t understand what we feel when we go deeper into our emotions. Hopefully ur leaders and teachers can express in meaningful ways that they are willing to listen, truly listen, and learn where struggling students are coming from.

O Pumpkin Spice-Off BY KAT OWSLEY

Dancing Mule Pumpkin Spice Latte This was by far my favorite coffee personally. It’s great for anyone who doesn’t want a super strong coffee since the flavor of the espresso is surprisingly light and the foam on top compliments it well. While the pumpkin syrup enhances the coffee in a good way, it doesn’t quite scratch the autumnal itch. It feels more like a pumpkin pie. I enjoyed it, but in terms of flavor, it could be stronger. Overall, I’d say this is perfect for those who don’t love a synthetic flavor in their coffee but still want an iconic fall drink.

Travellers House Pumpkin Pie Latte

This reminds me of Thanksgiving and makes me want to put pumpkins on my porch. The actual espresso had a more forward taste in this latte, which could be from the foam on top having more structure. I tasted more pumpkin in this drink, but it had an artificial sweetness to it that reminded me of cola. The foretaste is so sweet it’s a bit hard to comprehend like a soda. I didn’t mind this since I’m a fan of sweet coffee but it’s definitely something to keep in mind.

Big Momma’s Pumpkin King Since it’s called the Pumpkin King, I thought it would taste like pumpkin on some level, but my drink was just pure cinnamon. The pumpkin is almost nonexistent and feels like an afterthought in this beverage. I could see this being good for someone who likes their coffee more bitter since it has a sharp after taste. The espresso and foam worked well together but there was so much cinnamon that it all clumped together and made drinking the last bit of coffee a bit lumpy. Even though this does have a good flavor, there’s no pumpkin taste. It would work better for Christmas time.

With Halloween right around the corner and the leaves starting to change, coffee shops locally and around the world are starting to bring out the pumpkin flavor, but where should you spend your time and money? Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte This latte had a very different flavor than any other drink I had. The foretaste was strictly nutmeg with some cinnamon and it had a consistency that was really similar to warm milk. I couldn’t find any pumpkin or coffee flavor in the drink, but it did taste like the scent of fall. While I was drinking it, I almost felt the leaves changing color, and I was taken to a time where the high temperature for the week wasn’t 100 degrees. Even though it triggers some nostalgia and it’s a fall staple, this drink is very mediocre and doesn’t taste like coffee or pumpkin, which were the two things I was expecting it to be.

Dunkin’ Donuts Signature Pumpkin Latte This was the only latte I got that was iced, which I found strange since every other shop offered it hot. This coffee had a really good blend and I kept going back for more. It did have a fair amount of cinnamon, but it was made in a way that complimented the pumpkin flavor. I felt the aftertaste more in my throat than on my tongue and it really stuck there. Before I mixed the whipped cream with the latte, it just felt like drinking an iced coffee with some cream on top. However, when I mixed it in, it felt more like a latte.

7Brew Pumpkin Blondie This pumpkin blondie is good at being sweet, and bad at being pumpkin. I didn’t mind the intense sweetness since I already have a preference for sugary treats, but when looking for an autumn drink, maybe try a different menu item or a different store. As a blondie it’s okay, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed in the lack of fall flavor.

According to the American Society for the Positive Care of Children, three in ten women in America get pregnant at least once before they are 20 years old.

Awkward Conversations The lack of sex education in Springfield Public Schools is impacting the way we look at our sexual health. Students are overdue for a change in the way we treat learning about sex.

BY ANNEMARIE WILHITE

early half of all sexually transmitted diseases reported (46 percent) are reported by teens and young adults from the ages of 15 to 24. I believe this correlates with the lack of sex education that we receive as students. The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that only about 50 percent of students who get pregnant receive a high school diploma by the age of 22. Not receiving a diploma can set someone up for decreased job opportunities and limited income. Many students are left uneducated about their anatomy as well as the correct preventative measures against STDs and teen pregnancy. Sex education may seem like an awkward subject to discuss in school, but I think it’s just as important as human development and science classes. I think the reason why students feel so uncomfortable and

dread the sex education course is because we, as a society, have created a negative atmosphere around sex. We have been taught that it is a forbidden subject not to be spoken of in a setting like school. The main purpose of school is to set students up for success and to educate us in ways that will help us be successful in our futures. We should be educated to our full potential on all aspects of our health and bodies. Coach Mitch McHenry is one of our health teachers here. McHenry explains that he usually teaches sex education in the third unit in health class and it takes a very short amount of time. “Usually we can cover all the information that we have to cover in a day, which is a 90 minute class,” McHenry said. With as much information as there is on this subject, I don’t feel that a 90 minute class could cover everything that needs to

According to the American Society for the Positive Care of Children, teen parenthood is the leading reason that women drop out of school.

be taught. Health is only a quarterly class, making it difficult to reach all of the topics that need to be addressed. The current sex ed curriculum, which is enforced by the state education policies, strongly suggests that abstinence is the most effective way for students to prevent all STDs and pregnancy. I understand that the goal is not to encourage sex. Regardless, it is still important to discuss what students should do if they are not abstinent. According to sexeducationcollaborative.org, Missouri policies do not require the curriculum to be comprehensive. It also does not require Missouri schools to teach sex education, but it does require subject matter about HIV/AIDS prevention. I think it is unfair to allow schools to ignore such an important course when it’s the only way some students might be able to seek reliable information. The non enforced course includes information about STDs, health hazards, forms of contraception, consent, ways to identify sexual predators, sexual harassment, and sexual violence. Although these are significant topics, I question how often they are being covered thoroughly, if at all. I do not recall being taught any of this information during health class and many students I have spoken with have said the same. I think it is vital that students are properly educated on these topics. Not only do students get a single class period to learn about all of those topics, but parents are allowed to opt their kids out of this course completely. “Part of our routine is we send home a waiver so if parents want to opt their kids out of the sex ed unit, then we have alternate assignments they can do. So really it’s up to the

parents what they want their kid to go through,” McHenry said. I feel like it is negligent for parents to be able to opt their kids out of something that can be so detrimental to their health and future. I think everyone deserves the right to be able to learn about their bodies and without a negative connotation on learning about sex. Not being taught sex education in school can make students seek information from sources that may not give accurate or reliable information. Often, the media showcases very unrealistic expectations that can confuse or scare students. The media had the opportunity to give us what we need at the touch of a finger, but they feed us all the wrong ideas. Other than the Internet, a different option is students talking to parents. I believe not all parents are equipped to delve into all of the important details and statistics the school should be providing. Parents should not have to be responsible for all of the information given to their children about sex. Out of a poll, 44 percent of students said they remember learning about sex ed. However, 29 percent of those felt it was not valuable information. Some students even included comments on their polls saying they felt like the information would have been valuable if it were given to them. A solution to all the misconceptions and lack of education would be to give sex education its own class. I think a quarter class would be adequate to teach all of the information that’s needed. This class could be directed at sophomores to take after health. I feel like giving sex education a separate class means students will be taught memorable information that will be relevant to them. It may be awkward, but our very health and well-being is at stake.

Most students won’t have a weighted GPA for their first two years.

Weighted GPA Goes Away? What is the new system for weighted GPA? Was it a good change, or an unnecessary alteration that simply serves to further complicate how our grades are calculated?

BY BRAXTON LIEBERT

he grading systems that we have in place can be confusing at times, especially when they’re constantly changing. Most recently, the way that weighted courses work has been changed for all new students after the 2022-2023 school year. Core honors classes for freshmen and sophomores such as English IH, Algebra IIH and World History H, will not count for weighted credit. Core classes during their junior and senior years, including but not limited to trigonometry, English IIIH, AP calculus, will count for weighted credits. Keep in mind that the difference is the classes, not the year that the student is in. If a sophomore took advanced classes, they would still be able to receive weighted credit. Of course, there is the worry that without the reward of weighted credit, students won’t feel the need to take honors classes. This implies that they won’t be prepared for harder classes down the line. Alternatively, students who know that they want to take advanced classes will most likely take honors classes, regardless of weighted credit. Even so, I would expect a slight downturn of students in honors classes. It might take a little more pushing to get students to challenge themselves in this way. I think this change will serve its purpose, that being to reduce stress on students in the earlier years. I strongly feel the benefits will outweigh the downsides. Along with the change to weighted GPA, there will also be an alteration to academic recognition. Students will now be able

to receive Cum Laude recognition for their academics and can be recognized even if they don’t maintain a perfect GPA. This award is awarded on three levels. A 3.5 GPA is awarded Cum Laude, meaning “with honor” in Latin. A 3.8 is awarded Magna Cum Laude, meaning “with great honor” and a 4.2 GPA is awarded Summa Cum Laude, meaning “with greatest honor”. Valedictorian will no longer be an award, as this new system makes it impossible to achieve a 5.0 GPA without the weighted credit from their freshman and sophomore years. This is a massive change to the way that academic awards work and could be disappointing to students who see themselves earning that prestigious award. On the other hand, I believe the new recognition makes up for this, and will make many students happier about their academic efforts. I’ve always gone the route of honors classes and I think that without the extra challenge, school would be less engaging. I wouldn’t have been as prepared for the advanced placement classes I’m taking now. If I had the choice, I would rather take classes that operate on this new system. Because, although my grades aren’t bad, they are not perfect. So I and many other students in a similar position will not receive any academic recognition. In addition to this, my weighted GPA would be higher because my grades as an underclassman were lackluster compared to my grades in my later years. This change is for the better. Less stress and more time to prepare will always be helpful. I think that although it’s not a drastic change, it’s definitely a welcome one.

God’s Children Are Not For Sale

Photo illustration by Liz Eike and Keegan Bukovatz.

O Review BY ALLEY ACKERMAN

hat do you think happens to the children who are on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) posters? 1.2 million innocent children are trafficked every year. Sound of Freedom is a movie based on a true, yet “worse than death” experience. The release of Sound of Freedom back in July was one of the most anticipated releases of the summer. Did the expectations live up to the hype? Or did the movie fall flat and disappoint? Here’s my review of the most controversial film of the year. When a federal agent, Tim Ballard, learns that a boy’s sister, Rocio, is still held captive by ruthless child traffickers after saving her little brother, Miguel, from them. He then decides to go on a risky mission to free the sister. In order to save her from a living nightmare, as time is running out, he quits his job at the Department of Homeland Security and ventures deep into the Colombian jungle. He risks his life in the process, but he did not do it alone. The movie prioritizes its message over its plot. “God’s children are not for sale.” Its purpose is to increase our concern for the heinousness of child sex trafficking. Child sex trafficking is a topic that needs to be brought to everyones attention, and this film did so in a clean way while being overly graphic. It was effective in informing movie goers about what actually occurs everyday in the shadows, but also in broad daylight.

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A review of the summer’s biggest box office surprise. Jim Caviezel, who played Tim Ballard, did a superior job at the role. Playing such a serious role requires a skilled actor. Not to mention, the similarity of looks between the two added to the perspective of the true story. It was also interesting to see the actual operation footage of him at the island. 55 children were among the 123 survivors who were saved as a result of that joint operation. However in the movie, the raid near Cartagena that’s shown, only about 50 victims are saved. Since the movie’s big release, the criticism has been flying around. “...controversy around the movie is on the rise, too, with critics alleging it paints an inaccurate picture of human trafficking and that the film has ties to the conspiracy group, QAnon,” today.com said. Regardless of the expressed hatred since its July 4 release, it has generated more than $182 million in revenue, and in the end, it’s kind of humorous that the haters contributed towards the proceeds. I’ve only seen a handful of movies that have made my throat hurt from trying not to cry, but this was definitely one of them. Ultimately by the end of the film, nearly the whole theater had tears rolling down their cheeks. I would recommend this movie for ages 13 and older, but only children who are emotionally capable of comprehending this film. The earlier the children of the world know the dangers of being naive, the better they can be protected. The world is a very scary place.

You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know. “

A rant about one of the most controversial and talked about movies of 2023.

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Sound of Freedom: the QAnon-adjacent thriller seducing America,” “Sound of Freedom Is a Superhero Movie for Dads With Brainworms,” “Sound of Freedom review – manipulative take on a harrowing topic.” Those are just a few of the published headlines that came out alongside the independent smash-hit “Sound of Freedom.” Although the film became one of the most successful indie films of all time, its content and message led it to also be one of the most controversial films ever. I had known about Sound of Freedom long before it hit theaters. The message of “God’s children are not for sale” struck the hearts of countless Americans across the country. I was one of them. Leading up to the movie, the mainstream media was trashing the film before it even hit the big screens. Headline after headline came out dissing the movie, the cast, and the message. This brings me to my biggest ick about the coverage of Sound of Freedom. Why would the media be against such an important message? Why would they twist the words and ideas of the movie just for the cause of being “politically correct?” Time Magazine was a culprit of this political correctness. Here’s a quote pulled directly from the article: “While Sound of Freedom doesn’t take a direct political stance or invoke QAnon, the fervent support for the film from the right has resulted it in being labeled “MAGAfriendly” and embraced by both mainstream conservatives and far-right conspiracy theorists. Former President Donald Trump recently hosted a screening of the film at his golf club in New Jersey, while Republican Senators Ted Cruz and Tim Scott have publicly praised it.” I even saw several outlets minimizing the issue of child sex trafficking, claiming that the problem isn’t as big as the movie is making it out to be. Some sources claim that contrary to what Sound of Freedom’s messaging is, there are only a couple thousand children nationally trafficked every year. In reality, the movie only scratched the surface of the issue. According to arkofhopeforchildren.org, over one million, possibly even close to four million children are trafficked globally every year. It is a hundred-billion dollar industry that is rapidly growing day by day. The United States is

Rant BY KEEGAN BUKOVATZ ranked one of the worst nations for exported children, and is the worst country for imported children and for outsourcing child pornography. For some unknown reason, the media has long tried to shrink the issue of child trafficking into something that it just isn’t - just a nationwide issue that produces so little numbers that it isn’t worth looking at. In my opinion, any number of exploited children going through the disgusting and repulsive industry of trafficking should be an issue to be immediately addressed. Minimizing the issue only makes the problem worse. One hundred, one thousand, or one million. It’s revolting no matter how many children are involved. On top of everything, the media tried to manipulate the message of the film to make it out to be some sort of “right wing conspiracy theory” flick. Sound of Freedom takes no political stance. Yes, it may bring up God a couple of times but it’s hardly a “faith-based” thriller. It’s timely, upsetting, and according to me, a mustsee experience. And calling this movie a “conspiracy theory” is instantly false because it’s actually based off of a true story. It may be a little overdramatized at times, (because it’s a movie) but the structure and general summary of the movie is true. I find it highly embarrassing that our news is ignorant enough to call a film based on a true story, a “conspiracy theory.” People have taken the concept of a conspiracy theory too far, and its usage has become a little too trite. Imagine spending so much of your time and energy attacking a movie that calls out child sex traffickers, who actually exist and commit unspeakable atrocities. Imagine a rich man named Jeffrey Epstein, who created an entire network dedicated to under-age sex slaves for global elites to buy, use, and sell, but when he died under mysterious circumstances the mainstream media looked the other way. Imagine praising movies like Netflix’s Cuties, which shows little girls wearing revealing and provocative outfits, being sexualized and dancing in sexual manners. Imagine labeling people who want to spread awareness of the child sex trafficking industry “conspiracy theorists” because their political ideology may not align with yours. All of this to say, we have a common enemy here. It’s clear as day. Child sex trafficking is an abomination to the world. It is a vile, horrible and disgusting thing, and suppressing awareness of it is almost as disgusting.

Horror or Borer? Halloween is one of the best seasons of the year and with the upcoming holiday, the same question pops up year after year. What horror movie is the best? BY SAVANNAH SUMMERS

Scream:

I really enjoy the Scream franchise and I like that although it’s kind of a similar theme throughout the whole series, you still can learn about new characters and discover new mysteries and each movie is unique in its own way. I think Scream 5 and the original Scream are the best because you can really connect to the story as highschoolers and feel like you’re a part of the movie. Overall Rating: 11 scares out of 10

Halloween:

I really enjoyed the Halloween series but there were many points where I was bored or left wanting a little more action in the first three movies. I think the series got better as it got closer to the end because you could sense the character’s desperation to keep fighting and it spiked the mood which I really enjoyed. Overall Rating: 6 scares out of 10

Nightmare on Elm Street:

Although at times scenes seemed cheesy, that’s what makes the series so good. This series is a classic for a reason. The storyline of battling nightmares and trying to escape someone who is never physically there was so entertaining and I loved seeing the development throughout each movie. Overall Rating: 9 scares out of 10

Conjuring Universe:

The Conjuring Universe is one of my all time favorites. I hardly ever get scared from horror movies but this series is able to create storylines that keep you guessing and jumping at even the slightest bump on the screen. I think the connecting storylines throughout the whole series makes the series complete and helps you get to know the characters and helps you piece the stories together. Overall Rating: 10 scares out of 10

Why The Disrespect? Teachers are the foundation of education. Unfortunately, disrespect continues to flow from the student body. BY CAYDEN HARMAN

very year, teachers spend many hours off the clock grading assignments. They furnish their classroom with basic hygiene items the district should provide. Hard work is put in to ensure high quality lessons. The student body is mostly indifferent to any behind the scenes activities. Teaching occurs the way lesson plans describe and students follow along. Issues arise when students choose disrespect, which ranges from excessive cellphone use to distracting speech or noises. That decision creates a disruptive environment for both the student and those around them. Noise disruption is also a huge problem. There is no need for students to speak every minute of class or make odd noises. Listening to a teacher when they talk is nothing more than a sign of basic respect. You attend schools to learn new things and gain new perspectives. That can not and will not happen if your face is buried in your phone. Whether you know the information being taught or not, you should respect the potential to gain new information from teachers. You may not like the way a teacher teaches or have differing opinions on the way things operate. Whatever the case may be, it does not justify any disrespect or disruption towards a teacher. Agreeing to disagree on certain topics solves that problem easily. One opinion that students are especially strong-minded about is the idea that teachers must earn their respect. In this case, proof is needed to show the “validity” of the teachers. To that, the idea of compassion comes into play. As a student, you see the bad actions of your peers. Teachers often deal with these situations throughout the day, which can take a toll on their mental health. Especially with the national shortage of teachers, a focus on teacher authority would fix the problems caused by student disrespect. We are dealing with highly qualified adults who do not need their hand held. Instead, plain respect and an attentive classroom is all they seek. The most simple way to solve this issue is to arrive prepared. Have a pencil, a charged computer, and the intention to learn. Arriving prepared is a standard that should be followed without reminders. There is no need for daily or monthly reminders. This isn’t intended to shame the student body into respect.

Instead, it should serve as a time of reflection and gratitude. We should move to change the treatment of teachers in a better way. Teachers deserve fair treatment and respect, just like anybody else does. Learn to appreciate the teachers who stand in front of you every day. They come with good intentions and information to share. Give them respect and you will learn so much in return.

Students often get distracted and preoccupied with their social media entertainment instead of listening to their teacher lecture.

Matrix Mayhem The Chief Matrix is the latest strategy to combat behavioral concerns. However, students will also enjoy new privileges this year. BY SARAH TROTMAN

nce upon a typical school day last year, I entered the restroom while passing between my classes. I was on autopilot, thinking about nothing other than making it to my next class on time. Then I noticed that a soap dispenser had been ripped off the wall and dunked in the toilet and I thought to myself: this doesn’t belong here. While students might think that placing a soap dispenser in the toilet is a kick, most school administrators would frown on this discretionary rearrangement of such bathroom supplies. Our school administrators aren’t alone. Springfield Public Schools (SPS) reported a 30 percent increase in disciplinary infractions last year from the previous year. Because of this, SPS has implemented new behavior management tactics that encourage schools to be more proactive in handling issues. The goal of these tactics is for there to never be a question as to how to behave at school. This leads to the newest poster that’s visible in nearly every hallway and common space; the Chief Matrix. From afar, the Matrix resembles a giant bingo board with school colors. Up close, it details specific instructions for how to behave in different spaces around school. It entails expectations for students behavior when using the library or walking the halls, while also including expectations for sporting events. The Matrix was developed by a group of teachers who narrowed down the most important rules and expectations that students should be following at all times. The Matrix is thorough and provides lots of useful information. However, it seems like teachers have better things to do than write a detailed rule poster. It’s unfortunate that the student body has behaved so poor, and it’s also unfortunate that teachers and administrators now have to crack down on behavior. I see that the administrators need to specifically lay out what is expected of students. However, rules as basic as keeping your hands to yourself cannot give students much credit and can also invalidate the importance of the rules. Additionally, the volume of rules on the Matrix is overwhelming and makes it hard to read. Sometimes less is more. On the contrary, it’s clear that SPS is looking to reward

students who are doing the right thing. This year, new final exam exemptions have been put into place. The exemptions will allow students to skip their exams if they meet certain criteria. They must maintain an overall attendance of 90 percent or higher, receive no suspension, pass classes with at least an 80 percent, and attend school on the day of finals. Since this used to be a privilege that only second semester seniors were able to enjoy, it seems SPS is looking to reward students who put effort into their classes all year. This rule not only alleviates stress for students, but also gives students a goal to work towards during the year.

“The new exam exemptions are seeking to reward students who are working hard and putting effort into classes,” Assistant Principal Stephanie House said.

Overall, the school rules implemented this year are an attempt by the district to not only be proactive in preventing behavioral infractions, but also to reward students who have worked hard all semester. While the Chief Matrix might not be the most effective way to accomplish this, I do look forward to seeing if it has any effect on the behavioral infractions this year. It’s my hope that the somewhat complicated Matrix that is displayed up and down the halls will have an impact. I’m uncertain if the exam exemptions will encourage students to attend school more or improve their grades. If nothing else, the Matrix has highlighted issues that have caused a gap in the trust between administrators and students. Ultimately, it seems we all share a common goal of less rules and more freedom for students. Perhaps next year the Matrix will be simpler with less mayhem.

Eras Tour: Was It Worth It? Taylor Swift singing during her concert with the seventh set of the show, Folklore. Photo courtesey of Wikimedia Commons.

BY SAVANNAH SUMMERS

shows, 20 cities, ten eras, all in five months summarizes the Eras Tour. After nearly four years of global shutdown due to covid, Taylor Swift began the US leg of her sixth tour on March 13, 2023. The tour was announced shortly after her tenth album, Midnights was released. Despite this being her sixth tour so far, this one is vastly different from the rest. The focus is to showcase every album Swift has made in the past 17 years of her career. I’ve loved Swift since I was really little. My mom and I always sang along to her songs and we followed her music journey since she began her career, so when the tour was announced, I

knew I had to go. The day of the presale, Ticketmaster crashed and I had to sit on the website and fight for tickets for over five hours. After almost giving up, I finally got tickets for the July 8 show in Kansas City and the countdown began. From the moment I stepped in line, I felt so welcomed and everyone I met was so caring and ecstatic to be there and I even made two friends while in line that I still talk to. Before the tour started, fans created the “Friendship Bracelet Project” as an ode to Swift’s song, “You’re on Your Own Kid”. Before the show even began, I had traded so many bracelets that they went up to my elbows and I had more in my bag.

This summer, Taylor Swift opened her sixth world tour; The Eras Tour. Although this stretch of shows has captivated the world’s attention, I’m here to answer one question. Was it worth it? While everyone waited for Swift to take stage, Swift and her crew were able to build up the anticipation by broadcasting behind the scenes clips of her music videos on the screens and playing music that kept everyone tuned in and ready for the show. I loved how she made sure there was never a dull moment even when she wasn’t on stage because she wanted us to have fun the whole time. Once the show began, it was a rollercoaster. Dazzling pastels, visuals of glitter, and streaming colors painted the stage as each era of Swift’s life was explored. Swift’s energy was palpable and contagious as she sang and danced her way through over 17 years worth of songs. Each era brought a new atmosphere to the stadium. Evermore brought a haunting and bewitching feeling, Red wrapped the audience in the cozy feeling that is fall, and 1989 turned strangers that surrounded you into your best friends.

Throughout the tour, Swift made it her mission to make each show unique by playing two surprise songs not included on the setlist. No one knew what they were going to be beforehand and it became a game of guessing what she would sing. At my show, Swift sang “Dorothea” from “Evermore” and “Last Kiss” from “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)”. Now whenever I hear those songs, I am transported back to the best night ever. Although the waiting period was long and tickets were expensive, I would do it all over again to experience the show once more. The kind, joyful, and magnetic atmosphere Swift created would make people who weren’t fans of Swift excited to be there. I would say the show was one of the best concerts I have ever been to and if you ever get the opportunity to experience the global phenomenon that is Taylor Swift in concert, take it because I guarantee you will not regret it.

Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City lit up with hundreds of lights during the Folklore set as fans gathered to hear Swift sing some of her most known hits.

O How Old Is Too Old?

Halloween is one of the most beloved holidays nationwide for the fun and spookiness but as we all get older the question is, is there an age limit for trick or treating?

BY MADISON BRYANT

ressing up in costumes, walking around neighborhoods, and getting candy are some of the essential parts of Halloween. Some people seem to think there should be an age limit on trick or treating. However, the fun Halloween tradition should not be exclusive to small children. Once children reach high school, it becomes a debate on whether they should still be trick or treating. I think teenagers should not be looked down on just because they want to snag some candy. After all, I don’t consider teenagers full grown adults, so it shouldn’t be too shocking when they still participate in traditions like trick or treating. I think a teenager who wants to trick or treat has the right to, and they shouldn’t feel pressured by anyone saying that they are too old. If someone wants to spend their last few years as a teenager trick or treating, then they should be able to do that with no questions asked. Some people may have younger siblings and go trick or treating as a family, which is somehow more acceptable. Nevertheless, even for those who don’t go trick or treating as a family, it’s still justifiable to want to go get free candy. Not every teenager may want to trick or treat, which is

A basket full of candy after spending a night going door to door collecting candy on Halloween.

completely understandable. As I get older, staying in with friends on Halloween or handing out candy are things I tend to enjoy more. Regardless, there are only so many years until handing out candy is the only normal thing to do. I think kids should enjoy getting candy while it lasts because eventually, they will be sitting by the front door every year instead of going out. Even though I have chosen to stay in with my friends for some years, I still support those who want to go hunt for sweet treats. There is something nice about having some wholesome fun at an age where a lot of stress and pressures are common. However, even though I support teenagers trick or treating, throwing on a costume is definitely part of the whole experience. I think if someone won’t put in the energy to find a costume, even if it’s something simple, trick or treating is not for them. For people handing out candy, they probably won’t even question age as long as a well thought out costume is worn, or at least something that shows a little effort. I don’t think the costume has to be anything fancy, but something other than regular clothes to distinguish from any other day and show you are serious about this tradition.

Vroom or No Vroom? Student drivers are lacking the education they need to improve their driving skills. Drivers Education would help solve this.

BY SOPHIE WEBB

urning 16 is a huge milestone in any teenagers life. Overnight, 16-year-olds gain freedom, independence, and a huge responsibility. With all of this freedom, they need to know how to be careful and responsible with it. Drivers Education would be the class that would teach them those things and students will learn from their mistakes. This would also help students with parallel parking. It would clearly demonstrate the rules of the road, how to stay out of trouble, and how to stay safe. The Drivers Education course was pulled from the Springfield Public Schools (SPS) district in early fall of 2017. This change left students to depend on a singular online LAUNCH course and private driving lessons they would have to pay out of pocket for, in order to receive the education they need to pass their drivers test. Drivers Education was an optional course which would benefit students by keeping them safe on the road and learning how to drive confidently. The classes were always full with students eager to get their licenses and drive their friends around. If this class was still offered, I would’ve been begging my counselors to be in that class my freshman year. Drivers Education class used to benefit students by having an instructor in the car telling them right from wrong and to give different, if not better advice than parents would. “There’s some things my parents didn’t teach me so there are things I could still learn from another person,” sophomore Luke Meyer said. Something students used to benefit from the most was the discount they would get on their cars insurance. Now, parents and students don’t have that advantage anymore.

Drivers Education was fully funded by a grant for teachers and students in the district so students and parents wouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for it. In 2013, they took the driving portion away from the curriculum, but still had the seated class. After that, it was up to students to schedule driving time outside of class with the instructor. This summer, I took private driving lessons and I learned much more than what my parents taught me. It made me feel more confident when driving with someone else in the car besides my worried mother. When it came time to take my test, I felt really confident about it and ended up getting a 91 percent. This just shows how helpful the driving lessons were. The fact that this class was completely free is such a bummer because now students and parents have to fully pay for insurance, driving lessons, and a car. Drivers Education was taken away from the SPS district because they lost the grant that funded the whole program and we didn’t have teachers who were certified for the curriculum. Students need to learn how to drive defensively so they don’t get into wrecks and so they know how to avoid them. Another thing that causes wrecks is speeding. Students need to learn they don’t have to speed to school or to their jobs, no matter how big of a rush they are in. I think we should bring back Drivers Education as a seated class to help students better understand driving and to prepare new drivers for the road and encourage teachers to get certified in teaching Drivers Education.

Young drivers who haven’t completed Drivers Education courses are 24 percent more likely to be involved in a car accident.

O Old and Outdated The elderly have governed the United States for too long, and the people need and deserve a change.

BY ZHANA OWREY

he government of the United State’s job is to manage and protect its people, but can it do that when the government is too old to function? On both social media and news platforms, there has been popular debate about whether elected politicians should have an age limit. Our oldest and current president, Joe Biden, who’s eighty years old, has drawn major controversy about his age and suspected dementia. Prior to Biden, president Donald Trump, who was seventy when he was elected, was the oldest president at the time. Why are we letting the elderly control the country more than ever before?

“We want to go and start working for our kids, to make sure we have a strong national security, to make sure we have a stronger economic policy, to make sure that America is safe. And we can’t do that if these individuals refuse to give up power,” GOP nominee, Nikki Haley said. In recent events, Dianne Feinstein, a ninety one year old senator, began giving a speech during a vote when another senator stepped in and told her to just say aye to vote. After the incident, a spokesperson said she was just preoccupied and didn’t know the debate was over, despite the fact she has been a senator since 1992. Soon after that, eighty one year old senator Mitch McConnell, froze twice while speaking in one month but was still able to promptly return to the Senate after Capitol physician, Brian P. Monahan, claimed he did not suffer a seizure or a stroke, TIA

(mini stroke), or Parkinson’s Disease. Retirement is encouraged in the mid sixties and some occupations have required retirement ages. Pilots have to retire at sixty five, military officers at sixty two, police officers and the FBI at fifty seven. The same should go for our government. Another issue is just how out of touch older politicians have become, not fully adapting to the world they’re expected to lead. One example was the viral TikTok hearing back in March, where social media was criticizing hof students ow unaware representatives were during the hearing. One incident that particularly stood out was when fifty one year old representative, Richard Hudson, was disturbed with the fact TikTok was able to access Wi-Fi. If our representatives are only representing a small portion of the United States, they aren’t representing very well. The United States population needs proper representation, or else the government will lean more and more towards a gerontocracy, which is a government ruled by people older than the majority of the adult population. Republicans and Democrats alike believe there should be an age limit for elected officials according to a YouGov.com poll. In a survey done at Kickapoo, eighty percent believe that there should be an age limit with the majority saying sixty to seventy is a reasonable age limit. Experience is not worth the cognitive decline we’re seeing in this country, and the elderly politicians we have need to step aside and retire. The elderly should not have one foot in the grave, and the other in the most powerful positions in the country. Not only do their actions influence our country now, but the future of America, the future that they won’t be present for.

President Joe Biden has caused widespread controversy due to his age, he himself going to be a legitimate issue back in and he stated himself that his age would be a legitimate issue back in 2018.

SPORTS

Varsity football is one of the many popular sports during the fall season due to the team’s success.

How ‘Bout Them Chiefs Sports are in full swing. Here’s a recap and comparison of last years autumn athletic season to now.

BY CAYDEN HARMAN

all sports season is upon us and it has captivated the attention of our students. To recognize that, here’s an objective look at the fall sports performance this year compared to last year. Football: Last year, our varsity football team put together a seven win to three loss record, which included a six game victory streak. During that streak, the team kept their opponents under ten points per game. This was the largest number of consecutive wins the football team had achieved within the past five years. They brought forth an excellent performance against Hillcrest with a 49-0 victory. Another impressive victory spawned from the game against Glendale, a 22-2 triumph. The team eventually lost against Lee’s Summit West, ending their high-win season. ” It’s another good group. I have kind of told them we are old young. The young guys have bought time and are cashing it in now,” head coach Nate Thomas said. The young players waited their turn and they came out with a bang this year, at a 5-1 record. Again, they had a large victory against Hillcrest, a 63-0 win. One large defeat of the season came against Lebanon, a 34-0 loss powered by the opponent’s very successful run game. Softball: The Lady Chiefs were high achievers last year, claiming

26 victories compared to nine losses. One great success came early in the season with a 19-0 victory against the Central Bulldogs. The team was able to hold their opponents to zero points eight times during the season. This year, the team has started with an 22-7 record. The largest success so far came against the Central Bulldogs once again, with a 16-0 win. This extends the win streak against Central to five wins, with a success margin of 79-0 within those contests. The team has been over a .500 win percentage for the past eight years. Cheer: Competitive cheer stunted off to a first place spot in their division during last year’s season. They received no deductions on their performance. The first place at divisional gave the team a bid to the national competition in Orlando, Florida. The team ranked 22 in the nation at the competition. Coming off a successful run at nationals, the team’s expectations are different than before. The competitive cheer team still aims for nationals, but are inspired by a larger motive. “ I don’t care what place we get. None of us do. We decided to continue with the competitive season because we knew how much Mrs. Barron loved it. The goal is to put something on the mat that would make her proud,” Coach Nikki Love said.

S Polar Opposites Q&A Senior Shaun Campbell, football captain.

Junior Patrik Quinn, football player.

Boys Football What do you think is the most difficult part of practice? “Going up against the defense. That’s a real challenge.”

How many hours a week do you practice?

What is your favorite part of practice? “Team competitions or seven on seven (practice scrimmage).”

What is something you’ve learned from your coach?

“From 3:20-6:30 p.m. (about ten hours a week).”

“The importance of respecting people of authority. Saying yes sir and yes ma’am and knowing when to be quiet and listen.”

Best snack for traveling? “A chocolate chip cookie.”

“Chipotle burrito.”

Best before or after practice snack?

Hard working student athletes share insight on their practices and their love for the game.

BY JACKSON HILL

Sophomore Ellie Shevey, softball player.

Junior Sidney Pierce, softball player.

Girls Softball What do you think is the most difficult part of practice?

“The foul poles (setting up the poles that determine whether the ball is in or out) they get me going.”

What is your favorite part of practice?

“Being with my girls and I love when we do fielding practice. We always have a lot of energy. It’s really great seeing everyone lift each other up.”

What is something you’ve learned from your coach? “Giving 100 percent and doing what you can will help you in life and in sports.”

How many hours a week do you practice? “About four hours a day.”

Best snack for traveling? “Jersey Mike’s Subs.”

Best before or after practice snack? “Clif Bar and a Celsius.”

We Don’t Offer That Here Beyond our fields: A look at some of the sports we don’t offer here and why they are not available at our school.

BY AUBREE SIMS

ere at Kickapoo, we have both athletic sports and athletic clubs. Yes, there is a difference. Sports such as boys’ volleyball and stunt cheer are gaining popularity throughout the Springfield Public School District. However, the planning and officiating of the sport takes a lot more than most students think. The first thing to note is that clubs are different from sports. Activities like football and basketball are official sports. However, boys volleyball and lacrosse are not official as of right now. That’s because these activities are clubs, and not sponsored by Missouri State High School Sports Association (MHSAA). When MHSAA doesn’t sponsor a sport, all the money comes from the sponsors. However, lacrosse is fully funded in the Republic School District. The school does this because there is a high demand for students who want to play. Currently, students haven’t been interested long enough for it to become an official sport. Many athletic activities won’t be at SPS for quite some time. The main reason is that there are usually no nearby schools that offer the same program that we could compete against. “If we bring in a sport such as field hockey or lacrosse, we’re basically mandating that we will travel to St. Louis, or Kansas City where these sports are played for every game,” SPS athletic director Josh Scott said. Several of the neighboring schools prefer clubs rather than sports. They are cheaper, easier to organize, and do not take as long to get approved. According to Scott, several schools have bass fishing and skeet clubs. Skeet club is similar to competitive shooting. You go out to gun ranges and practice your aim instead of shooting live targets. When bringing in a new sport, we must be aware that students may face overlaps when playing multiple sports. “One of the things I have to look at when looking at a new sport is; what impact am I having on the current sport? We don’t want to impact sports already going on at all negatively,” Scott said. For example, girls and boys soccer have to have separate seasons since they use the same field. Boys play soccer in the fall, girls in the spring. After that is sorted, it comes down to interest and whether anyone would play the sport.

“I would love for lacrosse to become a sport, but as of right now, the numbers are too low to have a Kickapoo team. So, definitely in the future,” senior Keegan Clark said. According to Scott, When the interest rate is too low, it’s easy for a sport to be pushed to the back until there is a bigger crowd. Sports like pickleball have begun to catch the attention of our school board due to the amount of students who are willing to play. This is precisely how boys’ volleyball became more critical to our schools. “I actually had some adults and boys approach us and reach out. Kids actually showed up and showed us that they were interested in playing,” Scott said. It’s easy to lose interest when you always see the same sports everywhere. Students want more sports but don’t realize the planning it takes actually to officiate one. So, getting organized and showing commitment is the best way to get noticed. Bowling, archery, and ping pong are examples of non traditional sports that are offered here.

The soccer fields where girls soccer and boys soccer share practice time in the fall and the spring.

Keeping the Team Running The football Chiefs have a long tradition of a managerial staff that helps keep the team running smoothly. BY NYAH WARREN

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Last year, I was in weights and I asked Coach Thomas for an uncrustable. He said if I agreed to become a football manager next year, I could have an uncrustable,” sophomore Jada Lansberg said. Head coach Nate Thomas keeps uncrustable sandwiches in his refrigerator for his players to eat after practices. Who would have thought that an uncrustable sandwich would have led Jada Lansberg to becoming a football manager? “So, for my uncrustable I said ‘deal’ and shook his hand, but I had nobody to do it with, so this year I asked Sophia Lowry if she would do it with me,” Lansberg said. Sophomore Sophia Lowry then took up the position of a football manager with their friend Jada. Coach Thomas ordered the girl’s uniforms after they officially joined. Uniforms are required and provided for the managers to wear during games. They are equipped with a gray button down with a black version of our school logo, white shoes, a light gray sweatshirt, and light gray jacket. “For 20 years, ever since I’ve been here, we’ve had them. When I got here they were already established,” Coach Thomas said. Despite being under the radar, our football managers have been working for over 20 seasons. “We didn’t really have to go through much training, we were mostly just shown how to turn everything on and use it,” Lansberg said. These girls use a lot of equipment on the field, therefore most of their training was centered around their equipment and less around filling up waters, and moving things from place to place. “I fly the drone to record the guys during practice, so they can review their plays,” Lowry said. Recording with the drone provides the players with the ability to watch portions of practice and improve their skills by seeing what they are doing on the field. “We get them water and pretty much anything they need,” Lowry said. Their responsibilities on the field vary. These girls stay fairly busy during practices and games, but still have fun. “Once we were filling up water bottles and I got sprayed with water,” sophomore Leah Henry said. Leah Henry is another manager for the football team. When managing practices and games, it can get hectic.

“We go to practice on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. As long as one of us is on the field, one of us can leave,” Lowry said. Managers attend practices and games while the girls mainly remain busy on the field throughout the entire game. However, they are allowed to leave if needed. “It’s been pretty hot, and we don’t get home till later,” Lowry said. Between uniforms and the weather, the girls warm up fast. As the girls also ride the buses to and from away games, they aren’t getting home until around midnight on most nights. After away games the managers are exhausted. “We have to wear black leggings and it gets really hot. I wish we could wear shorts,” Lansberg said. Wearing leggings as part of the uniforms on the field definitely makes the girls sweat, especially in the sweltering heat. Although it’s hot on the field, the environment is enjoyable. “I like being around all the cheering,” Henry said. The girls love the field’s welcoming environment, and everyone’s intense cheering. They really enjoy all the support they are given by the coaches, and players.

Leah Henry, Sophia Lowry, and Jada Lansberg filling up water bottles for the football players to share prior to their game.

Hanchey’s New Beginnings The Lady Chiefs are pleased to welcome Leslie Hanchey as the new 2023-2024 head coach.

BY ABBY GALYEAN

he Lady Chiefs are introducing a new head coach for the 2023-2024 season. Leslie Hanchey who has been the girls basketball assistant coach for 15 years is taking over. Everyone is excited to see the positive impact and dedication Hanchey brings to this team. “It feels amazing, I can’t imagine coaching anywhere else,” Hanchey said. Hanchey is not new to the Lady Chiefs not only has she been a part of the coaching staff for years, but she was once a chief herself and won two championships under the coaching of Stephanie Phillips. “I played basketball at Kickapoo when I was in high school and it’s the only school I’ve ever wanted to coach for,” Hanchey said. Becoming Head Coach comes with a lot of responsibilities, such as getting to know your team and how they play. “I’m excited to work with this group of girls. They love basketball and want to get better every day. I’m excited to see how much they improve as the season progresses,” Hanchey said. Being a coach can have its ups and downs but it’s all worth it in the end. They’ll experience tough losses and amazing wins, but basketball isn’t just a game, It’s also a valuable learning experience. “The life lessons this program taught me are lessons I hope to pass on to our players,” Hanchey said. Having complex, strategic plays are important for wins but the bond between coaches and their players is crucial for success on and off the court. “One of the biggest rewards is seeing how much our kids grow and improve. Not just by improving their basketball skills, but seeing the young women they become at the end. Watching them go out into the world to leave their mark,” Hanchey said. With a new head coach it gives the players an opportunity to learn different skills and build new bonds. “I’m excited to see how far we can make it this year and I am excited to watch how much we are able to grow as a team with learning new things,” Junior Emily Crain said. Not only is this a big change for Hanchey but also for the athletes.

“I think it will be a good impact because we all know and trust Hanchey and can’t wait to see what’s coming for the season,” Crain said. As we say goodbye to Coach Jim Pendergrass, who coached the Lady Chiefs since 2010, we appreciate all he did for our school and the girls basketball team. However, we look forward to the exciting journey ahead as we welcome a new head coach.

A look into morning practice scrimmage between t-shirts versus jerseys with Coach Hanchey.

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