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Lawrence High School Established 1893 1901 Louisiana St. Lawrence, Kansas 66046 Volume 123, Issue 3 November 19, 2015

Online pornography skews teens’ sexual

expectations

Page 4

NEWS IN BRIEF

2 • NOV. 19, 2015

IN this issue:

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Lawrence High School Established 1893

Online pornography skews teens’ sexual

1901 Louisiana St. Lawrence, Kansas 66046

expectations

Volume 123, Issue 3 November 19, 2015

Page 4

Cover by Ian Jones

Cover Story

Experts say pornography instills unrealistic expectations for youth.

Story on pages 4-5

Sexual consent ............................. page 6 Concealed carry............................ page 8 Open entrances............................. page 10 Bone marrow match................... page 13 Students celebrate Royals...... page 15 Talent show photo gallery....... page 16 Football postseason................... page 18 Bledsoe storms toward D1..... page 20 Basketball preview...................... page 22 Winter sports preview............... page 24 Pumpkin spice taste test........ page 26 Women’s studies needed........ page 28 Cross-dressing skits offend .. page 30

AP Environmental class studies nature at Konza Prairie during field trip

By Krista Hopkins AP Environmental Science teacher Lisa Ball has taken her classes to the Konza Prairie for three years to study the native biome as a part of the ecology unit.

The Konza Biological Research Station is maintained as research grounds for Kansas State University. It is one of the few native prairies left.

“The prairie has been wiped out all from all but a few spots and this is one of the last intact prairie sites we can visit,” Ball said.

They have gone for the past two years in the fall to study prairie grasses. They also spend part of the day looking at native bison.

Students hear from

THE BUDGET • PAGE DESIGN BY NIA RUTLEDGE

the researchers at the Konza about experiments done by K-State students as well as scientists from around the world.

“Being a Kansan, I feel like you should have some pride in your native biome and know something about it even if just small patches of it still exist,” Ball said.

“It’s important to know about something to preserve it and have some value in it.”

one with nature — Junior Natalie Cote looks out the window of a school bus at bison during an AP Environmental class field trip to the Konza Prairie on Nov. 12. Students made the trip to study nature. Photo by Kansas Gibler

LHSBudget.com VIDEO See a tour of the new Lawrence College and Career Center.

PHOTO SLIDESHOWS Photos from the music department’s annual Gala.

LHS first postseason victory over SM North.

FOLLOW US Follow us on Twitter for new stories and videos, photos, polls, live tweets from school events and more. @lhsbudget

NOV. 19, 2015 • 3

Engineering students excel at competition at University of Kansas

By Krista Hopkins Engineering students competed at the University of Kansas School of Engineering for the annual High School Design competition on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Sophomores Ian Henricks, Ethan Taylor, Devin Lauts and Ryan Hafenstine tied for first place and ended up in second place after the tie breaker.

The competition’s theme this year was “The Heist.”

The four students participated in three competitions: the Egg Drop, Crack the Safe and Break Out. During the egg competition, the goal was to keep the egg protected during the fall and impact, have the vehicle descend as slow as possible to

aFTER THE wIN — Sophomores Devin Lauts, Ethan Taylor, Ryan Hafenstine and Ian Henricks pose victoriously with their medals after their second place win at the University of Kansas engineering competition.

Photo courtesy of Charlie Lauts

the ground, and land the egg as close to the middle of the target as possible.

In Crack the Safe, the goal was to have students work together to break into a safe using different methods to reveal the correct key number.

For Break Out, students had to design a self- propelled car to race across a level track to escape from the bank.

“We executed our plan pretty well. We put together a pretty solid car,” Henricks said. “For our fishing pole, it

worked on a job... We practiced it pretty well. We came out tied for first, but we lost

the tie breaker and ended up in second.”

Young Feminist Club fights against catcalling

By Krista Hopkins The Young Feminist Club spent last week raising awareness of catcalling and street harassment.

Members took pictures of volunteers with signs that read “Catcalling is not a compliment. They also let people share their personal stories about sexual harassment, with the goal of bringing awareness to the issue.

Cat got your tongue? — The Young Feminist Club is taking a stand against catcalling by putting door hangers around the school and other efforts. Photo by Hannah Gaines

“We’ve gotten a bunch of people who have came in after school people who are in Feminist Club and not in the club just to take pictures because it’s happened to everybody,” said junior Brendan Connor, a member of Young Feminists Club.

Members also put up signs around the school explaining what catcalling is and other signs that said “Catcalling free zone.”

“I think it’s overall just getting people aware because I think some people are oblivious to it happening in public and now maybe people can make a stand for themselves and others,” Connor said.

Middle schools teach social media safety

By Krista Hopkins As more middle school students start connecting on social media, the school district is trying to keep up by providing lessons on digital citizenship.

LHS Student Resource Officers took a trip to Liberty Memorial Central Middle School to teach students about dangers of irresponsible behaviors online.

“If you talk to them while they’re...middle schoolers, by the time they get to high school they're

going to have a decent understanding of what to look out for,” SRO Bill Brantley said.

This is his third year being in the SRO program and he goes to Central every quarter to talk to sixth-graders about online safety dangers and how to use social media correctly.

“There are so many technological mediums that people can use that they don't really think about what they may have done or not done until later and by then it’s almost too late,” Brantley said.

Graphic by Briuana Huffman

PAGE DESIGN BY NIA RUTLEDGE • LHSBUDGET.COM

NEWS

4 • NOV. 19, 2015

Pornography

Porn distorts views Research says young people get unrealistic expectations about sex from pornography

By Kansas Gibler In the age of smart phones and easy internet access, unlimited amounts of pornography are available to just about any American at just about any time.

On average, first exposure to pornography comes at age 14 — before teens start high school, according to a 2008 study published in CyberPsychology and Behavior. For most, that also comes before any sort of sexual education or experience. And that, many worry, can create problems as students seek to form real relationships.

“Although I don’t personally watch pornography, I think that it gives people an unrealistic expectation of what women and men are supposed to look like and be sexually, even though that’s not how the real world works,” junior Amelia Dunlap said.

Health teacher Adam Green sees pornography as a threat to parents’ ability to teach their children about safe and consensual sex.

“I guess my feelings on pornography on the internet are that it’s prevalent, and if you don’t talk with your children about the subject of sex, then they’re going to get that conversation other ways,” Green said.

Green stresses the meaning of those conversations, having co-taught comprehensive sex ed at Lawrence High with his wife, Cori.

“It’s very, very important that you have that conversation,” Green Exposed — Pornography depicts unrealistic situations and body images in people. Photos by Cooper Avery and Ian Jones

THE BUDGET • PAGE DESIGN BY NIA RUTLEDGE

said. “You don’t necessarily make that subject as taboo as what we like to. It needs to be a little bit more open to conversation. That has to start with adults. It’s not going to start with children, and it shouldn’t start with children.”

As a parent, Green says it’s apparent that students need an education about sex that goes beyond the acts portrayed in pornography.

There is a popular idea that adolescents, particularly heterosexual boys, internalize sex acts portrayed in porn to be normal and expect them in relationships.

“There’s an obvious double standard that exists when it comes to talking about sex between men and women,” Green said. “I hope, speaking as a father, my wife has done a really good job of making a conversation happen with our girls.

If you do that, you don’t necessarily have to worry about their roles.”

Psychologist David J Ley published “Common Sense About the Effects of Pornography” on psychologytoday.com, though it’s not his first work on pornography.

Ley disagrees with the idea of “porn addiction” and with the practice of shaming those who watch porn.

In an interview with The Budget, he said he believes that pornography is used as a stand-in for sex ed because students aren’t given what they want and need.

“If adequate, pragmatic, real-world sex education was happening, issues and concerns with porn would be minimized,” said Ley, whose practice is in Albuquerque.

“Teens go to porn because sex education they are provided is unhelpful and unsatisfactory.”

A problem with porn standing in for sex ed is that many teens see acts and don’t realize that they are not practical in everyday, healthy sex lives.

NOV. 19, 2015 • 5

about teen sexuality availability of pornography that “Sadly teens don't understand exploits women and shows violence that porn is a fantasy, just like against them encourages behaviors the ‘Fast and Furious’ movies are in everyday life, Ley disagrees. He fantasy,” Ley said. “We don't expect said availability of porn can give people to learn to drive safely from viewers an outlet for those thoughts those movies — porn is no differand urges. ent.”

“Consistent, careful research English teacher and Young done around the world Feminist Club sponsor shows that access to Shannon Draper pornography actually believes that exposure decreases rates of sexuto pornography before •A Google Trends analysis al violence — particularreal sexual experience indicates that searches for “Teen ly in adolescent males,” pushes false ideas on Porn” more than tripled between he said. “Having a safe, teens.

2005 and 2013. legal, private sexual “I think that consuming anything that •87 percent of young men and outlet decreases sex crimes, including sexurepresents negative 31 percent of young women al abuse. That's a piece relationships involving report using pornography, of this debate rarely intimacy has a negative according to a 2008 study by discussed — pornograimpact on the people Jason Carroll in the “Journal of phy decreases rape and who consume that Adolescent Research.” sexual abuse — it does particular product,” •67 percent of young men and not increase them.”

Draper said. “So, for Still, students example, if students 49 percent of young women anticipate pressure under the age of 18 are agree that viewing pornography from partners based on watching those things, is acceptable, according to the pornography. they haven’t had their same 2008 study.

“I think it can be own unique, individual • Youth who look at violent pressuring for those relationships that have X-rated materials are six times in a relationship to an intimate compomore likely to report forcing do things they don’t nent, they may believe that what they’re someone to do something sexual want to do or in ways they don’t want to do seeing is how those online or in person compared just to live up to each relationships should to those not exposed to X-rated other’s expectations play out.” materials, according to a 2010 that they’ve acquired,” Draper maintains study by Internet Solutions for junior Brendan Conthat porn doesn’t show Kids. nor said. real, healthy sexual As access to pornogrelationships. raphy becomes increasingly easier, “Most of those filmed encounsex ed can be worked around its ters don’t have a relationship at existence, Ley said. the center of them at all,” she said.

“What we need, is for these “So it can make the people who young people (male and female), have consumed those products to have support to ask questions, believe that they don’t have to have understand themselves, each other, a relationship, that they can just and learn how to interact with each get to that point without knowing other around sex in a thoughtful, a partner, and I think that that’s respectful and responsible way,” he detrimental to the healthiest way to said. engage with each other.”

Though many believe that the

porn Exposed

PAGE DESIGN BY NIA RUTLEDGE • LHSBUDGET.COM

6 • NOV. 19, 2015

Active consent becomes new norm ‘Yes means yes’ is changing how sexual consent is taught, policies aim to ensure mutual agreement

By Zia Kelly and Kansas Gibler The old sex ed doctrine of “no means no” is on its way out as active, enthusiastic consent is on its way in.

The concept of giving consent is one of the biggest gray areas in sex education, especially as the commonly-accepted definition and expectations of what consent means are changing.

The long-standing rule that “no means no” is being challenged nationally as students, sex educators and state legislatures redefine sexual consent as “yes means yes.”

“Yes means yes” or active/ affirmative consent requires all parties involved in sexual activity to verbally consent before and during the acts.

Rachel Gadd-Nelson, director of community engagement for the Sexual Trauma & Abuse Center, said people need to be comfortable having a conversation about consent.

“What makes navigating consent and sex so complicated is that it can be hard to know what to do or what’s expected of you,” she said. “It can be hard to communicate your feelings. It’s a lot of work to be able to have those conversations, and it’s something that we’re not taught a lot in our society.”

Although the issue of consent is more often discussed at the college level, students at LHS have questions, too.

“Sometimes high school

Graphic by Joaquin Dorado-Mariscal

THE BUDGET • PAGE DESIGN BY Kansas Gibler and Zia KElly

students get confused about the idea of consent because so many times we take no answer at all as a yes,” junior Bridget Smith said. “Both male and female students feel peer pressured at some points to do things they don’t want to do/don’t agree with, but don’t say anything and others take their silence as a form of consent. Consent means saying yes.”

At Lawrence High, freshmen in Health 9 are taught to only proceed in sexual acts when “enthusiastic consent” is given. That means consent with no hesitation.

Gadd-Nelson explains it like this: “Consent has to be ongoing. It has to be enthusiastic. It has to be mutual, and it has to be communicated.”

To ensure that students are getting accurate information about consent and sex-related issues in general, universities often have resources to promote sexual health and relationship education, as well as regulations enforcing that active consent is followed on campus.

“Affirmative consent really puts it on both parties to be in agreement,” said Rep. Barbara Ballard, who introduced a bill in the state legislature last session that would require each university to adopt an active consent policy.

Two states, New York and California, have passed laws requiring all parties partaking in sexual activity to verbally consent.

Although Kansas does not have the same laws in place, it isn’t far behind. Ballard proposed a

bill modeled after California’s law, which would require each regents school to adopt an affirmative consent policy as well as outline a sexual assault response procedure.

The bill proposed in February defines affirmative consent as “affirmative, conscious and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity.” It specifies that lack or protest or silence does not suffice as consent, and that consent cannot be given by someone who is heavily-intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.

It also says consent must be maintained throughout the duration of a sexual act, not just beforehand, and that someone accused of not getting consent cannot be pardoned by saying they believed they got it. Consent must be actively confirmed by both parties.

Ballard is experienced in the area of sexual assault policy. She started KU’s, and in 1993 she passed a resolution through the state legislature suggesting each regent school establish education programs about sexual assault and date and acquaintance rape.

Although a resolution is non-binding, KU created the program promptly after its passage.

Twenty-two years later, Ballard has decided to push her policy through as a bill, with the goal of it becoming a binding law.

“This is an important enough issue and enough students are being affected by this so that we should have a law that says what protections this person should have if they are sexually assaulted,” she said.

The bill mandates that schools establish a course of action if active consent is not given or another form

NOV. 19, 2015 • 7 of sexual assault takes place.

Policies must be “detailed and victim-centered,” meaning they outline the sorts of expectations someone who is the victim of a sexual crime should expect from the school.

“It’s assuring people quality of life, that they’re going to get fair treatment, that there’s consequences for actions that you do and it’s not just your rights, it’s other people’s rights as well,” Ballard said.

“And it’s a part of a government’s responsibility is to protect all of its citizens.”

It also says the school needs to establish an outreach program for victims of sexual crime, that it should be in charge of educating the student body about the affirmative consent policy and that the outreach program will be included in incoming students’ orientation.

The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Center, formerly known as GaDuGi SafeCenter, teaches patrons about the importance of consent as a way of ensuring healthy sexual relationships.

“Consent is really...a big part of our education because if you don’t have consent, then it crosses into the definition of sexual assault,” Gadd-Nelson said. “The education around consent is crucial.”

KU is, in many ways, ahead of the bill as far as sexual assault policies go. The university sexual harassment policy, for example, goes into specifics when defining consent, among other terms.

Sex educators on campus use the acronym KAV, for Knowing, Active and Voluntary, to explain consent.

The KU Peer Health Educators function much like what would be mandated by the bill. It is an organization of students and staff who go to different locations on campus and give information-

Consent in plain text We break down Kansas law in layman’s terms.

Did both parties consent?

12:00 A.M.

Yes

12:01 A.M.

GOOD, because otherwise it would be rape. Are both parties at least 16 years of age or older? 12:03 A.M.

•AGE OF CONSENT: 16

Yes. Would it be OK if we weren’t? 12:04 A.M. Well, if any party is younger than 14, it is rape.

If any party is 14-15, it is indecent liberties with a child. Is any party incapable of consent due to impairment by alcohol or drugs? 12:06 A.M. No

12:08 A.M.

If any party is a K-12 student, is the other person a teacher, para or other school employee?

12:09 A.M. No Then it’s legal!

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE CONSENTING •RAPE/SEXUAL BATTERY: -—Could apply to unwanted touching or intercourse -—Applies if the victim is overcome by force or fear —Applies if the victim is unconscious or physically powerless —Applies if the victim was unable to consent due to a “mental deficiency or disease” —If the victim is unable to consent due to being impaired by alcohol or drugs —If the victim is younger than 14

12:10 A.M.

12:11 A.M.

al presentations and health resources to students.

“Whenever we talk about healthy relationships, we talk about consent as well,” said Jenny McKee, the sexual health coordinator for the Peer Health Educators. “And consent can be kind of confusing for students on our campus, or for anywhere. It’s not something that’s typically taught in sexual health education classes before students come to college.”

Graphic by Anna-Marie Turner

McKee said that many students who attend the university come from school districts that don’t discuss consent in their health classes and are often only provided with abstinence only sex ed. She said USD 497 is likely one of the few districts in the Midwest that provides comprehensive lessons about consent.

“When you get abstinence only sex education, you’re not talking about consent,” she said.

McKee emphasized that exploring sexuality is healthy and that students should have the tools to engage in sexual activity safely. She also said students often respond best to hearing about consent from their peers opposed to authority figures.

“We have a sex positive culture,” McKee said. “I believe that we’re also working to prevent acts of sexual violence on our campus.”

PAGE DESIGN BY Kansas Gibler and Zia Kelly • LHSBUDGET.COM

8 • NOV. 19, 2015

GUN SAFETY

s e s u p m y r a r c a c s a d s e n l a a e K c n o c w o l l a to State law exemption expiring in 2017 will permit concealed weapons in college buildings

By Zia Kelly Kansas college students will soon be getting a real-word case study about the Second Amendment.

A 2013 state law allows concealed carry of guns in public buildings. However, when the law was passed universities were granted a four-year exemption to secure their buildings or adjust their weapon policies.

As of July 1, 2017, the exemption will be over and anyone over the age of 21 will be able to carry concealed weapons into campus buildings, including classrooms and residence halls.

Kansas will among five states that allow guns on college campuses, and among six states that allow people to carry weapons without a permit.

“Self protection is not a right that we believe should be checked at the admissions office, as universities do not exist in a bubble but rather in the real world,” said Edwin Stremel, the Kansas state director for Students for Concealed Carry, a national organization devoted to promoting the legalization of concealed carry of guns onto college campuses.

However, despite the fer-

vor of supporters, including shootings. In 2015 alone, there in the state legislature, many have been 47 mass shootings remain unconvinced gun vioon school campuses according lence will be solved with more to shootingtracker.com. guns on campus.

Those who worry about Senior Gabe Mullen will the change have concerns that be attending KU next year, go beyond school shootings. and is concerned about what “Most people recognize effects the concealed carry that if someone who doesn’t laws will have on campus really care about their own safety. well-being “That decides to “We’re talking about just [campus walk into a everyday, and the possibility classroom and carry] would certainly shoot a lot of that your attitude, your make me people there’s ability to think what you feel a lot not a lot we more scared think, is changed because of can really do because you about that. the presence of guns.” never know So in many ­—Michael Williams, ways that’s who is going to use their University of Kansas Senate chair not really what gun in an we’re talking irresponsible about,” said manner,” he University of said.

Kansas Senate According to The Budget’s chair and associate journalism survey of last year’s seniors, professor Michael Williams.

62 percent of LHS graduates “We’re talking about just attended a postsecondary every day, and the possibility institution in-state. The that your attitude, your ability remaining 38 percent may to think what you think, is be subject to similar laws, as changed because of the prescampus carry laws are being ence of guns.” discussed and passed in state To prepare for the 2017 legislatures across the nation. gun laws to take effect, the With the national discusKU Senate has begun adsion about loosening gun dressing potential issues and control laws comes another brainstorming ways to get the national concern: school community involved in creat-

THE BUDGET • PAGE DESIGN BY NIA RUTLEDGE and Zia Kelly

ing policies. Williams chairs a subcommittee devoted to the issue.

One of the first tasks of the subcommittee, Williams said, is identifying concerns about allowing concealed weapons into public buildings. Several worries, they found, pertain specifically to the college environment, about everything from classrooms to student life.

The laws will primarily affect classroom buildings and dorms. Having armed students in the classroom is a worry among KU professors, Williams said.

“Professors are very worried that it will have a very negative effect on the ability to discuss controversial things in the classroom to tell other students who disagree with each other and with the professor,” he said. “If you disagree with somebody and that person has a gun you may not be inclined to express yourself or express your own opinion.”

Williams also said that drinking, a common college activity, mixed with weapons could pose serious risks.

Dorm walls, he said, would be easily penetrable by a bullet, which could injure someone.

The Senate also recognizes the heightened risk of suicide

NOV. 19, 2015 • 9 for stressed-out college students and worries that having guns available could lead to more attempts.

In a study done by the Harvard School of Health, suicides are significantly more likely to be attempted in households with guns.

Despite possible risks, many believe arming student and faculty will make campuses more secure.

“I feel like it’s more safe for everyone,” senior Jeremiah Barbe said. “A lot of things happen on college campuses — anything from rape to unnecessary fighting. People need to be able to protect themselves, and I’m comfortable with it.”

Students For Concealed Carry, a national organization,

believes campuses are safer with armed students and professors, and branches of the group at different universities advocate for pro-gun policies in their states.

Stremel founded the organization’s branch during his time at Pittsburg State University and has since advocated at the campus and state level to loosen gun control policies on college campuses.

“We worked on our campus to educate students on the current laws and to dispel common myths and misplaced fears that often surround firearms,” he said.

“We also advocated for our cause at the state Capitol in order to counter efforts by various Student Government Associations from across the

state who were opposing the legislation with the specious claim that the student bodies they represented opposed campus carry.”

Stremel said most campus shootings have taken place on campuses that prohibit weapons, so colleges should allow people to carry guns to protect themselves.

However, two of the most recent school shootings — both on Oct. 1 at Oregon and Texas community colleges — happened in states that allow guns on their campuses.

Williams said that although there were armed students on the campus, they weren’t necessarily prepared to take their weapons out at the time the shooters appeared.

Although the KU cam-

pus police denied comment for the story, Williams said they’re concerned about active-shooter situations. The police department completed an active-shooter training on campus last year, but the way they are trained to confront a shooter could result in more than the attacker being hurt.

When called into an active-shooting environment, police are trained to shoot at anyone holding a gun. So if a student who carried a gun had it pulled out, the police may not know who to target.

“When the police go into a classroom, they don’t know who the bad guy is,” Williams said.

Continued on next page

How other states’ gun laws compare

Kansas has, in recent years, loosened its gun control policies. Here’s how it measures up nationwide

19

Carrying concealed weapons banned on college campus

23

Concealed weapons allowed or banned depending on college decision

8

Carrying concealed weapons allowed on college campus

August 21, 2013 — Campus buildings must allow concealed carry unless the building has adequate security.

April 2, 2015 — Carrying concealed firearms without a permit allowed throughout the state.

July 1, 2017 — Campus carry laws go into effect.

Graphic by Claire Robinson Headline Graphic by Briauna Huffman

PAGE DESIGN BY NIA RUTLEDGE and Zia Kelly • LHSBUDGET.COM

10 • NOV. 19, 2015

Carry Continued from Page 9 The only way for universities to keep weapons out of campus buildings would be to secure each entrance. But universities have long said they can’t afford to provide metal detectors or guards at each entrance of their sprawling campuses. However, Williams said for large sporting events, KU is looking at getting temporary metal detectors and paying officers to man them.

A large issue the KU Senate will be confronting is finding a way to make the student body more comfortable seeing guns on campus. If the police are called for a gun sighting, Williams said, the entire campus is put on lockdown.

The Senate will be putting on educational seminars to help students better assess threat, as well as other gun-related safety lessons.

Universities will also be affected by a state law passed last May that allows concealed carry without a permit. This may cause more concerns in the university setting.

“The fact that people are not getting permits further contributes to this idea that everyone should have a gun,” Mullen said.

“I think it also promotes this mistaken view that the Second Amendment was to be taken so literally that we wouldn’t be able to protect ourselves...I think we still need to put in some common sense regulations on who can...carry around a gun. I think that permits are an important step in that.”

For now, guns are largely off limits in elementary, middle and high schools. Although a bill passed in 2013 authorizes school districts to allow their teachers to carry guns in schools, USD 497 has no plans to allow it. It’s unclear if any districts throughout the state have allowed concealed carry by teachers. The Kansas Association of School Boards said it doesn’t collects data about such policies.

THE BUDGET • PAGE DESIGN BY Zia KElly

WHAT’s On Your mind?

‘The Budget’ asked students if they think the new front entrance will make the school more secure

“I think it’ll be effective as long as people use that entrance. If they use the other entrances and the other doors that are unlocked, then it’s not going to do anything.”

—Megan Williams, senior

“If they keep the other doors locked during the school day, yes.”

—Chelsea Lynn, sophomore

“I don’t think anyone who doesn’t go here is going to come in if they’re smart. They wouldn’t come in with weapons.”

—Cindy Anderson, sophomore

NOV. 19, 2015 • 11

Secure entrance, unsecure school

District initiative to make building safer will secure front entrance while leaving most doors unlocked

By Zoie German-Martinez Along with construction of the front parking lot, the front entrance of the school has been a work in progress in an attempt to make the school more secure.

The entrance will be in the same spot it already is, but another set of doors will be put in. Those second set of doors will be locked, and visitors will be required to buzz into the main office in order to access the school.

Assistant principal Mike Norris has overseen the construction to the building.

“The only difference is that when you come straight in, there will be another set of doors put in right there, and in those you can only leave through them,” he said.

“Except at the beginning of the school day, when they’ll be open wide for students to come in.”

Although the front entrance will be secure, 18 other entrances remain throughout the day.

“It doesn’t change the fact we have other doors to the building,” Norris said. “Kids are still going to be going back and forth from the annex, and back and forth to the west gym. All those entrances they always use are still going to be exactly where they are.

If we made all those kids go through that main entrance and get buzzed in to get to the annex, that would take 15 minutes. It’s just not doable.”

Student Resource Officer Bill Bradford said security measures need to allow students and staff to navigate the building during the day.

“It’s a school, not a prison,” he said. “You can lock the whole building down and say no one can go out for lunch. There’s all kinds of things you can do, but the students are young adults and this is a school. They’re supposed to be able to make good decisions and have free movement between two buildings. It’s not like the students need to live under

Unsecured entrances

the thumb.”

Although the new entrance will not secure the building, Bradford said it will still increase school safety “Any time you have a defined entrance, more often than not, people are going to use that,” he said. “If you have more control and an idea of where people enter and exit the building, they could always have the potential to improve safety. Any time you have an open campus, though, and open lunch, you’re always going to have the risk for issues of safety and security versus freedom of movement.”

In sophomore Chisato Kimura’s Spanish 2 class last year, a stranger walked into the annex classroom during the middle of class.

“From what I remember, it was actually kind of scary because you hear about bad things happening at schools,” she said. “And then to have a random person walk in there, who just seemed a little out of it, we were kind of scared.

We were just like ‘What’s going on? I hope we don’t get shot.’”

Although the stranger was harmless, Kimura continues to worry about school security. She said the safe front entrance will not make much of a difference.

“Not a lot of people use the front entrance anyways when they’re going from place to place,” she said. “[They use doors] from E2 or the annex. People can still walk in there.”

After the event last spring, Kimura believes that safety is a big issue.

“But I think Lawrence High needs to find better ways to deal with it because what they’re doing right now isn’t effective.”

Blocked off — Construction on the front entrance is underway and due to by finished in mid-March. It will include two sets of doors and a guest entrance rerouted through the main office to check in visitors. Photo by Hannah Gaines

West Gym

17 entrances will remain open after major construction project

key Secure entrance (under construction) Open entrances Open at discretion of teachers

Cafeteria

Art/Tech Ed

Office SPED Foreign Language

Business

Family and Health Consumer Sciences Gifted

Language/Special Ed

Auditorium Library

Science

Music

Film Social Studies Graphic by Claire Robinson

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NOV. 19, 2015 • 13

LHS alumnus paired with person in need of bone marrow through LHS initiative in its inaugural year

By Abby Percich There is a one in 500 chance to be selected as a bone marrow donor.

But despite those slim odds, the LHS bone marrow drive made a match in its first year.

Bobby Davis, an LHS alumnus, was one of the 80 people who signed up for the bone marrow drive on the way to Showtime last spring.

“I had always wanted to sign up for it [a bone marrow drive] but never really had the opportunity,” Davis said. “So when I came to Showtime and there was a booth to sign up, it was a no-brainer for me.

If I could help a person see their children grow up, or at least prolong their life to get things in order, I would help any way I could.”

Retired Spanish teacher Patricia Wittry is the one who got in touch with the Be the Match foundation and helped organize the drive. In an interview with the Red & Black yearbook last year, she shared that she donated bone marrow to her sister, who required a marrow transplant because of Leukemia.

“I was miraculously a perfect match, which in 70 percent of families doesn’t happen,” Wittry said.

She thought it would be fitting to start a drive at LHS and raise awareness of bone marrow transplants.

“I think it’s really important because it’s so easy to save someone’s life,” Wittry said.

Anatomy teacher Jo Huntsinger said the diversity of people at LHS makes it a prime location for holding a drive, especially during a high-traffic event like Showtime.

“It’s important we do it at Lawrence High School because we have a very diverse community here,” she said. “That’s one of the problems of bone marrow donations is that a lot of them come from just one kind of person, and at Lawrence High School we have all kinds of people, and I just can’t think of a better place to do a bone marrow drive than here.”

It was not until this school year that Davis was contacted about being a match. He was matched to a 50-year-old man in need of the transplant.

“I was elated,” Davis said. “Just having the chance to maybe give somebody something that could literally save their life is an incredible feeling. I was still pretty excited that night and couldn't calm down to go to bed.”

After being matched, there are two methods bone marrow can be extracted, depending on the age of both parties and the doctor’s opinion.

The more intense way is putting the donor to sleep and having the doctors extract the bone marrow from the pelvis. This happens only 30 percent of the time. The other 70 percent of donors get their blood drawn to get the marrow.

Davis will have his blood drawn.

“They will take peripheral stem cells simply by drawing my blood,” he said. “It will be as if I am donating blood. It just takes a little more time.”

Although the extraction process could be intimidating for some, Davis said no one should be scared away from becoming a donor because it could benefit someone in need.

To donate bone marrow, a candidate must be between 18 and 44 years old with no health problems and a healthy BMI. Davis and Huntsinger encourage all to get involved in the bone marrow drive when given the opportunity because it helps people who are ill.

“You can give someone a gift that money can't buy,” Davis said. “I can't stress enough how important it is to get out and get signed up.

Some people are dealt some pretty tough cards in life, and you could be that person’s chance at a new beginning.”

In the year to come, Huntsinger, pre-med teacher Jennifer Hare and the Pre-Med Club hope to expand the drive, finding more donors that can save people’s lives. It only takes a Q-Tip swab from the inside of the cheek to discover if a match is made.

“A very, very small price to pay for giving someone a new chance at life,” Davis said.

FEATURES

Match found through marrow drive

Matched — LHS alumnus Bobby Davis poses with the letter that informed him he was matched as a bone marrow donor.

Photo by Cooper Avery

PAGE DESIGN BY VEDA COBB • LHSBUDGET.COM

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NOV. 19, 2015 • 15

Major league baseball

Students celebrate a Royal event

Students celebrate when Royals take World Series title for first time in three decades

By Amanda Coatney Students joined in to celebrate the Kansas City Royals’ first World Series victory in 30 years.

Several students went to postseason games to experience the team’s success in person.

“It gets pretty intense,” sophomore Taylor Covert said. “Everyone’s screaming and cheering and whipping their towels around. It’s fun.”

Growing up as Royals fans, winning the World Series had been a lifelong dream for many students.

“As a kid, I grew up and always asked him [my dad] why we were Royals fans because they were bad,” junior Jackson Mallory said. “He would just say ‘some day they’ll be good, and we’ll be happy about it.’ So we just kept fighting through it.”

Being a longtime fan made the World Series win that much sweeter for Mallory.

“I was in Kentucky for a basketball game [when I found out],” he said “I was sitting in my hotel and just went insane.

There was a bunch of Royals fans down at a bar, so we went and celebrated with them.”

Baseball is a sport of many strange superstitions, and students have their own ways of helping out the team. Fans prefer anything from their favorite shirt to a stadium food to give the Royals luck.

“When I go to the games, every time I get cotton candy they win,” senior Elaine Harris said.

Some also had the opportunity to go to the celebration parade on Nov. 3.

“It was insane.” Covert said. “There were so many people you could hardly even walk around.”

Although an estimated 800,000 people attended the parade and it was on a school day, students who went found it well worth the time.

“Even though it was hard to see all the players, it was so fun being able to be there and experience it,” senior Parker Kirkpatrick said.

Not only has the win brought joy to Royals fans it has also made the tight-knit community closer and more

Posing in the crowd — Juniors Renae McNemee, Noah Kucza and Skylar Drum attended the Royals parade in downtown Kansas City on Tuesday, Nov. 3. “The never-ending sea of blue was inspiring and awesome to see people of all shapes and sizes come together because of a team,” Kucza said. Photo courtesy of Noah Kucza up close — Freshman Hannah Stewart watched the Royals play against the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday, Oct. 10. “It was really fun because we came back in the seventh inning and won,” Stewart said. Photo courtesy of Hannah Stewart involved.

“Everyone’s a family there and no one’s rooting against anything bad for the other team,” Mallory said. “It’s just a big family.”

Having waited so long for the win, fans said they would remember it for the rest of their lives.

“Before we were a sports town,” Mallory said. “But now we’re a true sports town with a winning team and everyone knows that.”

PAGE DESIGN BY NIA RUTLEDGE • LHSBUDGET.COM

16 • NOV. 19, 2015

Students perform at FYI Talent Show Students exhibit their skills for friends and family during annual show on Nov. 11 in the auditorium

Masked — Sophomore Gage Strahl (above) won first place in his first live performance. “The reason I chose to do the act is simple: I love to dance,” he said. “Don’t let anyone tell you can’t because you can accomplish anything as long as you keep trying.” He said he uses the quote “When life knocks you down try to land on your back because if you can look up, you can get up” as inspiration. Photo by Abbey Damron Pointing at nothing — Junior Joaquin Dorado Mariscal (right) tied for second place in the FYI Talent Show with his impersonation comedy act. “I thought, ‘Might as well just go out there and have fun,’ ” Dorado Mariscal said. Photo by Ian Jones Sweet serenade — Sophomore Tim Flournoy (center left) sings “God Bless the Broken Road” by the Rascal Flatts. Photo by Ian Jones

THE BUDGET • PAGE DESIGN BY zia kelly

NOV. 19, 2015 •17

Belting — Sophomore Chisato Kimura (above) sings “Bridge of Light” by P!nk. “I just love being on stage and I think it’s such a great experience,” she said. “The best part of being on stage is doing something you love, like singing or dancing, but it’s still a lot of fun.” Photo by Cooper Avery Strumming it out — Sophomore Emma Fuller (center) performs Iron and Wine’s rendition of “Such Great Heights” by The Postal Service. “I chose the song because I have a deep connection to it,” Fuller said. Photo

by Cooper Avery Squatting — Junior Jakobi Johnson (center left) gives a rap performance at the FYI Talent Show. Photo by Ian Jones Anticipation — Senior Taylor Cummins (left) waits for her vocal entrance. “The worst thing is the nerves, and once you get passed the nerves it’s a good experience,” she said. Photo by Hannah Gaines

PAGE DESIGN BY ZIA KELLY • LHSBUDGET.COM

18 • NOV. 19, 2015

Perfection interrupted

Lions end season 10-1

After best season since 2004, football team drops sectional game to Blue Valley

By Colton Lovelace For the first time since 2004, the Lions football team finished the regular season undefeated and entered the district playoffs ranked first on the east side of the bracket.

The Lions went from a commanding win against Shawnee Mission North on Nov. 6 in regionals to a crushing defeat at the hands of Blue Valley High School on Friday night.

Fans and players went to Twitter Friday night to mourn the end of the post season.

“Lawrence High has blessed me and my teammates with something that can’t be broken, and that’s brotherhood,” varsity running back JD Woods said on Twitter. “It was a great ride and I will always remember this team and everyone, friends, family, coaches, I thank everyone for all you have done.”

On Nov. 6, the team hosted its first home playoff game since 2012 when it played host to the 3-6 Shawnee Mission North Indians.

North quarterback Will Schneider, statistically the best quarterback in the Sunflower League, thrashed the Lion defense on 323 passing yards and three touchdowns, and ran for 120 yards and a touchdown.

But the Lions capitalized on SM North’s missed opportunities and turned it into a 56-32 win.

“North played us really tough, their QB is outstanding,” Coach Dirk Wedd said during the week after the game. “I personally think we played a little tight. We definitely could have all played better, and I should have coached better. That won’t be a problem next week.”

SM North actually had 19 more yards than the Lions with 579, but the Lions defense came up big when the team needed it the most.

“I actually thought we did really good,” senior cornerback

Ivan Hollins said.

42-17 win.

“The front seven The Lions rush really contained defense, which had him (Schneider). been a strong suit He completed a all season, gave few key passes but up 230 yards on other than that he 32 carries and two LIONS OPPONENT didn’t really throw touchdowns to all over the first Blue Valley running team D.” back Will Evans.

BLUE VALLEY WEST North ended The Lions were up running for 256 lead by senior yards. These yards quarterback Alan LEAVENWORTH were a result of the Clothier as he ran defense focusing for 155 yards on mostly all of their 13 carries and a FREE STATE attention to the touchdown.

North passing Junior Jacob game.

Unruh said that SM NORTHWEST “One thing I while the loss endwould say is we ed a special season, were too focused it wouldn’t take SM SOUTH on the passing away the bonds game. They ran the players formed this ball really well,” year.

Hollins said. “We “Our season OLATHE SOUTH ended up allowing was something speway more yards cial,” he said. “It than we would was something that OLATHE NORTHWEST have liked, too.” won’t be forgotten The offensive at this school. We game plan, which brought an undeOLATHE NORTH got the Lions to feated season and a the 10-0 mark, was Sunflower League a relentless ground Championship into OLATHE EAST game. the school. Did Senior runwe want a state ning back JD championship? Yes, SM NORTH Woods, once again, but the season was thrashed SM amazing.”

North’s defense, Next year could BLUE VALLEY this time running be just as exciting, for 186 yards on Graphic by Briauna Huffman Unruh said.

18 carries and four “Our plan for touchdowns. Senior quarterback next year is to lead off where we Alan Clothier also added 93 yards were after this last game,” he said. and a touchdown.

“We have very talented players comA week later, the magical season ing up to play with us. I already have came to a close. The offense never so much trust in all of them, and I got going, and the defense couldn’t know we will bring back an amazing get a stop as Blue Valley cruised to a season.”

THE BUDGET • PAGE DESIGN BY Briauna Huffman

LIONS 2015

SCOREBOARD

NOV.19, 2015 • 19

SPORTS Tackled — Senior running back JD Woods is tackled by a player from Blue Valley on Friday. Woods scored one touchdown in the game against Blue Valley High. Photo by Cooper Avery Victory — The team hoists the District Title trophy after their game against Shawnee Mission North on Nov. 6. The Lions made it past regionals, surpassing SM North by 24 points. Photo by Ian Jones Cheering ­— Senior Chase Odgers cheers with the rest of the student section on Nov 6. Photo by Aidan Rothrock Big Win — Senior varsity cornerback Ivan Hollins blocks an SM North player in the regionals game. Photo by Aidan Rothrock

PAGE DESIGN BY Briauna Huffman • LHSBUDGET.COM

20 • NOV. 19, 2015

Bledsoe’s season 72 tackles 11 for loss 7 sacks 6 batted passes 2 forced fumbles 2

blocked punts *Stats taken as of Nov. 6

THE BUDGET • PAGE DESIGN BY NIA RUTLEDGE

Lined up — Senior defensive end Amani Bledsoe plays during LHS’s first postseason game against Shawnee Mission North.

“We came into that game with the mentality not to lose and that’s something I think is special especially during playoff time,” he said. “You have to take what you want and don’t play like you could lose or let bad things happen that don’t usually happen.”

LHS won 56-32. Photo by Ian Jones Tackled — Defensive lineman Bledsoe moves in for a tackle against SMN on Nov. 6. “Our team is based off defense,” he said.

“We’re strong in that area.” Photo by Ian Jones Touchdown — Bledsoe celebrates a teammate’s success. “We really have to take everything because nothing has been handed to us,” he said. “Everyone works really hard and has a great mindset.” Photo

by Ian Jones

NOV. 19, 2015 • 21

College prospect

Bledsoe storms toward D1 Senior receives offers from D1 colleges, as well as invitation to bowl game

young person, and he’s so unselfish and such a good teammate. He’s just a great person, so any honors that he gets are well-deserved over and above being a really good athlete.”

With a name with so many hits, the No. 1 recruit defensive end has had a huge demand. Yet Bledsoe is in a minority of players in this year’s

By Kansas Gibler bowl who have yet to choose which Run a Google search of “Amani university they’ll be accepting an Bledsoe” and you’ll get more than offer from.

4,000 results.

The University of Kansas, the UniFrom his personal Twitter account versity of Missouri, North Carolina to profiles on Hudl, ESPN and State University, the University of Yahoo Sports, Bledsoe’s recruiting Oklahoma, the Unipresence is hard not versity of Oregon to see. and the University Autumn for most Baylor University of California Los high school athletes Angeles are the six University of Kansas is the beginning of whose offers Amani the season, getting University of Missouri is still considering. into practices and North Carolina State University “[It’s important] playing rivals. For University of Oklahoma to find a school that Bledsoe, a senior University of Oregon is a good fit for me, defensive lineman, University of California, Los Angeles what I feel is a good it has meant cutting fit for me,” Bledsoe his list of Division said. “What that inI schools to accept volves is feeling like I an offer from, while belong, feel wanted, spending his weeks Price Morgan good relationship in and out of pracJD Woods with the coaches, tice and accepting Trey Georgie good academic an invitation to play Ivan Hollins programs, good in the Semper Fidelenvironment. Gotta is Bowl. feel good about it The Semper Fidelis Bowl is put over-all.” on by the American Marine Corps.

Bledsoe went on an official visit Players are selected through interto the University of Oklahoma in views with coaches along with naOctober. tional rankings and game stats. The “It was fun,” he said. “I had a invitation was among many honors good time. I went up there with my that Bledsoe has received or is set to mom and brother. It was a pretty receive. good experience, a good visit over“He’s a highly recruited kid, and all.” we knew he was going to receive a Bledsoe’s success came during lot of honors, he’ll receive a lot of a strong year for LHS football. The post-season honors also, whether it’s Lions went undefeated in the regAll-State or All-American or whatevular season and won their regional er,” varsity football head coach Dirk matchup before losing their sectional Wedd said. “He’s just a very talented

top Choices for college

Other LHS college football prospects

matchup to Blue Valley High.

“It’s been really exciting,” Bledsoe said. “Lawrence High hasn’t had a year like this in a long, long time. It brings back a lot of memories for a lot of people, and we’re just trying to keep it rolling.”

Bledsoe has come a long way from his first season as a Lion, after being overlooked initially by freshman coaches.

“It took a while for him to grasp this level of football, but he tells this story that he didn’t even start his first freshman football game,” Wedd said. “I think the freshman coaches were missing some obvious talent there.”

Senior varsity tight end Price Morgan has watched Bledsoe progress at Lawrence High.

“It’s been great, we’ve been playing together since freshman year,” Morgan said. “He justs get better and better each year. It’s been a lot of fun.”

Regardless, the highlight videos online show a young athlete with even more potential.

“He’s got a bright future,” Wedd said. “His best football is still ahead of him. He’ll get bigger and stronger and faster.

He’s got a great work ethic.

That’ll take him a long way. Like I said earlier, he’s a great character kid. You put all that in a package, and that’s a pretty good recipe for success.”

PAGE DESIGN BY NIA RUTLEDGE • LHSBUDGET.COM

22 • NOV. 19, 2015

Basketball team back at it Back on the court Six returning JV/Varsity players will make an impact this season Justin Roberts LIONS

05

Senior Point guard Scored 438 points last season

THE BUDGET • PAGE DESIGN BY NIA RUTLEDGE

Fred Brou

Price Morgan LIONS

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Senior Forward Grabbed 145 rebounds last season

LIONS

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Senior Forward Had 13 assists last season

NOV. 19, 2015 • 23

Basketball team fills holes left by grads, relies on returners

By Zia Kelly To win a state championship, the boys basketball team will need hard work, camaraderie, the desire to improve and a little bit of luck, said head coach Mike Lewis.

“It’s a bit of a mountain you have to climb,” he said.

“You get there in a number of ways, and you have to have some things go your way on occasion.”

Following a noteworthy season and more-impressive post-season — including a painful fall at the state championship game — the basketball team will be looking to follow up its 24-2 record with a team Lewis describes as having “a new look.”

Although the team lost three starters, who are all now playing college ball, it will fight to maintain last year’s success with a strong lineup of returners and young talent with potential.

This year’s team has some size, Lewis said. Larger play-

“On the line!” — Junior Anton Bratton runs drills at preseason conditioning on Nov. 5. The team started conditioning in September and will play its first game at Emporia on Dec. 4. Photo by Hannah Gaines

LIONS

25

ers, like seniors Price Morgan, Fred Brou and junior Kobe Buffalomeat will give the Lions a strong presence around the rim and on defense.

Senior point guard Justin Roberts has experience as a play maker and, with the help of new guards, will continue to make an impact by passing around opponents.

Despite retaining some experience, Lewis will still have holes to fill.

“We’re focusing on picking up the slack we lost,” Brou said. “AB [Anthony Bonner], J-Two [John Barbee] and Ben [Rajewski]... [We’re] really filling up those roles and stepping into the roles we’re leaving.”

With losing the graduate players, the team also lost some leadership, speed and more than half of the starting lineup. However, some varsity players from last season will be ready to fill those roles.

Lewis listed junior Jackson Mallory, senior guard Anthony Harvey and Brou as likely starters but said another four to six players could be competitive for positions in the starting lineup as the season progresses.

“We’ll have to build a little bit with three other starters to go along with Justin [Roberts] and Price [Morgan] but I think we’ve got our guys in a good position to do that,” he said.

The Lions also have some strong underclassmen who will likely make varsity debuts.

Lewis said the jump from

freshman and sophomore level to varsity basketball can be a hard one for players, but they should be able to get into the swing of things by late in the season.

Transfer students coming onto the team may also get some playing time. Sophomore Anthony Selden came to LHS from Boston, Mass., with his family to support his brother, a KU basketball player. He played varsity his freshman year at a ranked school and will be looking forward to working his way into the lineup for LHS. “Its going to be a fun season,” he said. “It’s going to make me a better as well, as a person and as a basketball player.”

The team’s “new look” will mean some changes or tweaks to both the offense and defense.

Lewis said the team will have a more balanced attack between the forwards and guards, whereas last season the floor was guard-dominated.

Play will look a bit different in the half court, Lewis said. The team played pretty fast last year with Bonner and Barbee running the ball, which gave the Lions a bit more freedom in terms of making plays and offensive runs.

However, with the new formation the team will gain some depth and have the potential of running a true center with Buffalomeat.

Lewis said the balanced

Anthony Harvey

Jackson Mallory

Senior Guard Contributed 17 assists last season

Junior Forward Caught 35 rebounds last season

LIONS

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lineup will make the team competitive in the Sunflower League, which the Lions look to dominate for the second year running come February.

Olathe East will be the team to beat, with several returning players. Shawnee Mission South will likely be high in the rankings as well.

“It’ll be really, really tough, and it’ll be fun to compete,” Lewis said of the Sunflower League.

The team will have some time to warm up to the season, tipping off against a smaller school for their first game. They play their first regular-season game on Dec. 4 on the road against Emporia.

The Lions will be up against not only stiff competition from the Sunflower League but will also be burdened with high expectations from last season.

With the loss last year’s core group of seniors, this year has been viewed by onlookers largely as a rebuilding season. The Lions will look to prove them wrong.

“We had a target on our back all of last year and some people overlooked us I think this year for the rankings,” Brou said. “We’ve got a great fan base and a good team so we’ll just do what we know.”

The team has a long way to go before looking at post-season play, but players will be preparing for that state run one game at a time.

“We’ve definitely got a chance,” Lewis said.

Kobe Buffalomeat LIONS

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Junior Center Made varsity debut

Graphics by Briauna Huffman

PAGE DESIGN BY NIA RUTLEDGE • LHSBUDGET.COM

24 • NOV. 19, 2015

Winter sports athletes gear up for their seasons Winter sports schedule looks promising for Lions with many returners in each sport

By Mason Phelps

Swimming & Diving

The swimming program brings back many returning lettermen from a squad that performed well last season.

Among those coming back is first-team all-state sophomore swimmer Stephen Johnson (pictured far right), who looks to build off a fantastic first season on varsity by going even further and breaking school records.

“My personal goal for this season is to break the school record in the 200 meter freestyle,” Johnson said. “I’ve been working twice a day everyday all offseason, and doing a lot of Saturday morning practices to get better.”

Other returners are seniors

Jack Ryan and Chase Odgers, who look to provide quality senior leadership and help get the team back to the state meet.

Senior Izaiah Bowie (right), the only varsity diver, returns for his final season after qualifying for the state meet a year ago.

“My goal is to be first in state by the end of the year,” Bowie said. “I’ve been practicing to get better whenever I’m not at school or work.”

With a lot of young returnees in each program, the season for both of these teams looks promising.

Their first meet is Dec. 2 at the Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center against Free State.

Boys Basketball

Looking to back up one of the best seasons and roster in school history can be a daunting feat, but the boys basketball team looks to do that and even more.

“Obviously we had some big names in Anthony Bonner, John Barbee and Ben Rajewski leave, so that’s three of our five starters from a year ago gone, so there’s more opportunities for big players to step up and become leaders,” said senior guard Anthony Harvey (left).

“A good chunk of our scoring from a year ago is gone, so it’s time for me to step up and get buckets.”

THE BUDGET • PAGE DESIGN BY Zia Kelly

Returning players from last season include seniors Harvey, point guard and three-year letterman Justin Roberts, forwards Price Morgan and Fred Brou and junior guard Jackson Mallory.

“We definitely want to prove people wrong,” Harvey said. “People are talking about how last year we choked in the title game and how we thought we were better than we really were. We definitely want to make it back to state and hopefully bring back a title because we’ve been working really hard.

I feel like we have a real good chance to do so. We’re going to be flying under the radar this year, so we’re going to catch some teams slipping.”

The team’s first game is on Dec. 4 at Emporia.

NOV. 19, 2015 • 25

Bowling

Many leaders from last year’s team will return for the girls’ and boys’ bowling teams this year.

The girls team returns senior Miranda Krom, who represented the team at state, and the boys returns seniors Montez Sanchez and Triston Decker (left), and sophomores Adonis Stanwix and Hunter Krom.

“My personal goal is to average

Wrestling

above 200,” Decker said. “The team goal is to improve on last season and maybe to go to state.”

The team will look to build off a successful season last year by replacing a few seniors that played a huge role, but that shouldn’t be a problem with the solid underclassmen, such as sophomore Diamonique Vann and Javier Lemmons and junior Morgan Daniels.

Their first match is on Jan. 8 at Royal Crest Lanes against Free State.

A year after many freshman competed their first-ever season of organized wrestling, a good majority of last year’s team returns as they look to go to bigger and better heights this season.

One of those is senior and three-year letterman Alan Clothier, who has a state title and two third-place finishes to his resume.

“Every year I have the same goal: to go undefeated and be state champion,” Clothier said.

“When football season is over, I’m going to get back in the room and grind, sweat and put my heart back into it. I’ll have to lose some weight, but I’ll be ready. I know I have the coaching staff behind me to help me out and get me to where I want to be.”

Girl’s Basketball

A long, hard-fought season did not end up how the girls wanted it to go, as the team went 7-14 last season.

However, a lot of underclassmen got experience that will help going into year two of Coach Jeff Dickson’s tenure.

“We’re really trying to establish a winning season this year,” said senior forward Alexis Boyd (left). “We made it to sub-state last year but didn’t go any further, so this year we want to win more games and work really hard.”

Team members have been going to Rock Chalk Park together to train for the upcoming season as well as build team unity, getting them closer together

This season will be a special one to Clothier, who said he will be thinking about former LHS wrestler Reece Wright-Conklin and others who have died since the end of last season.

“This is senior year, so I’ve got to step it up,” Clothier said. “With Reece passing away, that’s a big one, and also some others that were close to me, and Anthony [Harvey]’s dad always talks to me encouraging me to do my best and tells me he believes in me. I just have to go out there and do it for my family and Lawrence High.”

Other returnees who qualified for state a year ago are sophomores Ja’Melle Dye, James Cooper and Carson Jumping Eagle.

The team’s first match is on Dec. 5 at Leavenworth.

and more prepared to work together on the court.

“The three senior girls have been gathering everyone up and going to Rock Chalk to do skill work and pick up games,” Boyd said. “We’re just getting ourselves ready for the season.”

The freshman class this year also looks promising, looking to provide height and depth into the core group returning from last year.

“We have a lot of good incoming freshman, which gave us a lot of size and agility,” Boyd said. “Their cardio is really good, so I think we’re going to run forever.”

The team’s first game is on Dec. 4 at Emporia.

PAGE DESIGN BY Zia Kelly • LHSBUDGET.COM

OPINION

26 • NOV. 19, 2015

STAFF EDITORIAL ‘The Budget’ staff scavenged town for interesting pumpkin spice flavored treats and tried them all so you don’t have to. You’re welcome.

Milano Cookies We had no negative comments about the cookies.

They smell like pumpkin and according to Aidan Rothrock, they’re the “best ‘pumpkin spice’ thing” with a good balance of pumpkin and spice.

They have a perfect fall feeling.

Overall, these cookies got the best pumpkin spice score of 4 out of 5.

Sugar Cookies

These cookies had the most disgusting taste ever. But it’s not the pumpkin spice variation that we hate, it’s the type of cookie itself.

We would not eat these again because the consistency feels like you’re taking a bite of a dirt patty. We would not recommend these to pumpkin spice extremists.

Little Bites

We thought the Little Bites muffins didn’t taste pumpkin-y or spice-y. They had a rubbery and bland taste — a processed, manufactured flavor that defeats the fall feeling.

After a while, the taste would probably get old — so old that you feel like little pumpkin muffins are oozing out of your pores. That’s how gross they were.

They were probably the worst sample out of all of them. But they get creds for trying to conform to the pumpkin spice trend.

THE BUDGET • PAGE DESIGN BY NIA RUTLEDGE

NOV. 19, 2015 • 27

Pumpkin Spice Oreos “They’re less pumpkin and more spice.

They taste like heavily-processed fall festivities,” Zia Kelly said.

Most of us thought these had more of a spice taste than pumpkin. The flavor “leaves you feeling those fall vibes,” Krista Hopkins said.

In conclusion, the Oreos tasted good, but weren’t completely pumpkin spice.

Pumpkin Spice Pop-Tarts

These are basically a glob of pumpkin flavor smashed in between two pieces of cardboard.

But hey, we like our cardboard.

Pop-Tarts are fast and good when you’re on the go.

“They weren’t very pumpkin-y, but very Pop-Tart-like and sugary,” Abby Percich said.

We would probably eat these again.

They deserve a 3 out of 5.

Pumpkin Spice Donuts These donuts look like pumpkins, but they don’t have any pumpkin spice taste.

Although they tasted good, they didn’t have that good pumpkin flavor or that fall synesthesia about it. Also, they get old after eating a couple.

It’s basically like the feeling after Thanksgiving dinner — you are so stuffed and regret eating four slices of everything.

LHSBudget.com

Go online for our review of Pumpkin Spice products

PAGE DESIGN BY NIA RUTLEDGE • LHSBUDGET.COM

OPINION

28 • NOV. 19, 2015

Education

LHS should offer womens studies class Women’s history is under-represented in the high school curriculum

By Zoie German-Martinez In 415 AD in Alexandria, Egypt, a mob killed the popular philosopher and mathematician Hypatia, who was accused of heresy.

Hypatia was a professor at the Neoplatonic school in Alexandria and edited many works by scholars such as Ptolemy. She tutored notable historic figures such as Synesius of Cyrene, who constructed an early version of the astrolabe, an astronomical tool used to find the position of the sun and stars.

While most of her works are unknown, many historians claim that her death signified the decline in Alexandrian intellectual life and classical antiquity.

Doesn’t this sound like something we should learn in history class?

Most universities offer multiple courses about gender and sexuality studies. They have professors who specialize in women’s history and, at many colleges, gender and sexualities is offered as a major.

But why are these topics reserved for the college setting?

Our generation is more aware of the issues of gender than any generation before. Many high school students are interested in the topics of study, so why isn’t there a class at LHS dedicated to women’s studies?

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Currently there are no classes devoted to gender studies, and the only opportunity we have to learn about the influence of gender in history is in an advanced-placement class with a textbook that discusses it.

Gender and sexuality topics aren’t reserved for hardcore feminists. It is a legitimate study, not only because it’s a university major, but because it gives insight into what affected people of the past. To truly understand history, shouldn’t students have the chance to be exposed to women’s history?

An interest in gender and sexuality is already prevalent in our student body. Our school has an active feminists club that discusses societal issues related to gender and sexual inequalities. They reach out to

the student body and educate others on these topics, and since the club is fairly popular, there is a potentially large group of people that would enroll in a women’s studies elective.

The structure of the class could be similar to other social studies electives: a one-semester course that would count toward half of one of the three and a half social studies credits required to graduate.

The issue, however, would be if anyone would take it seriously. Last year, English teacher Shannon Draper taught Women’s Lit, an English elective that wasn’t continued this year.

She said not many people knew about it and only some of the students took the class seriously. To others, it was only a way to get their

NOV. 19, 2015 • 29

Achievement gap figures don’t tell the whole story Comparison of schools creates controversy

Graphic by Ella Denson-Redding

English credit.

“We only had 10 students, so the larger projects I had envisioned weren’t possible,” she said. “We looked at the role of women in different cultures around the world [and] studied the novels Winter’s Bone and Salvage the Bones.”

Finding students that would take the class, as well as getting past challenges to establish it would have to be overcome.

“Finding passionate students willing to use an elective on a course of this nature would be a challenge,” Draper said. “Also, women’s studies could fall in either

the English or the social studies department. But because the district requires both high schools have to offer the same courses, the course would have to be approved and implemented at Free State.”

While these challenges are evident, a women’s studies has a lot of potential. Finding the course’s scope would be difficult, as Shannon Draper also said, but the student body at LHS has the interest. The feminists club proves that so why wouldn’t women’s studies be a good idea?

By Zia Kelly This story was originally published on lhsbudget.com on Nov. 8.

Earlier this month, the Lawrence Journal World published an article entitled “Numbers show achievement gap between Lawrence high schools.”

In the article, education reporter Rochelle Valverde presents a series of statistics comparing the academic and socio-economic conditions at LHS and Free State.

In every scenario listed, Free State won and LHS lost.

As the numbers indicate, Free State is more economically privileged and higher-achieving academically whereas LHS has more economically-disadvantaged students and lower academic achievements.

Well…yeah.

The strong correlation between income and academic achievement is no secret. The socio-economic differences across the 15th Street boundary are no secret.

So why would anyone be shocked?

While Valverde’s article makes a valid assessment of the gaps between the two schools, she uses stats that — while important and worth considering — should not be taken personally.

Before the town gets up-in-arms about a fairly narrow comparison, let’s put some things into perspective: The article itself said the same resources are made

available to students at each school. The difference is demographics.

Again, this isn’t new knowledge.

The number of students who qualify for free lunch at LHS is 11 percentage points higher than at Free State. Students enrolled in AP classes at Free State is 10 percentage points higher than at LHS. As far as I’m concerned, this isn’t information worth making a “who’s better?” comparison over.

While the district is doing its best to accommodate the very real struggles of economically-disadvantaged students, such as providing more spots in the AVID program and creating a slightly higher staff-to-student ratio at LHS, Superintendent Rick Doll said himself in Valverde’s piece that the discrepancy still exists.

It should also be kept in mind that the only academic achievement is considered in the article.

For the breadth of resources available at the district high schools, this is an incomplete comparison.

There is no comment on co-curricular, extracurricular involvement or vocational training.

If both LHS and Free State students are provided with the same opportunities and assistance, judging the quality of the schools by an insignificant achievement gap is a shortsighted assessment.

PAGE DESIGN BY NIA RUTLEDGE • LHSBUDGET.COM

30 • NOV. 19, 2015

Cross-dressing skits are outdated

Graphic by Ella Denson-Redding

Skits at Pack the House, school assemblies should respect identities and presentations of all

By Meredith Chapple Boys strutting through the gym in short tutus and skirts have been featured entertainment at Pack the House for years.

It tends to get big laughs.

The shock-value of seeing a person in attire they don’t typically sport is considered funny, but upon further consideration, those jokes come at the cost of others.

The traditional (and frankly, overdone) cross-dressing skit is outdated and might just be on the way out as LHS becomes more aware and accepting of its LGBTQ+ students.

So far, there are no plans to do any cross-dressing skits with the senior boys during this year’s Pack the House, a kickoff to the winter sports season planned for Nov. 23.

They’re planning on wearing suit vests and short shorts,

said senior Austin Butell, who is performing in the skit.

“It’s kind of provocative,” Butell said. “I think it’ll make everybody laugh. It’s not something that you see senior guys do.”

Cutting cross dressing from Pack the House is a good move. The event is about fun with food donations to benefit charity, prizes and scrimmages, and that fun should be inclusive of every student. Cross-dressing for jokes marred the event as a form of disrespect to people in the LGBTQ+ community — even if it wasn’t meant that way.

After the legalization of same-sex marriage in June, a more diverse range of LGBTQ+ issues are being brought to the forefront.

In Kansas, we still have a long way to go. Discrimination against people who identify as gay or trans is legal, regarding issues like jobs and buying a house. Thanks to Gov. Sam Brownback, an order that protected members of the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination in state jobs was repealed earlier this

THE BUDGET • PAGE DESIGN BY NIA RUTLEDGE

year. Even though it’s (hopefully) on the path to change, we need to help accelerate that change toward equality.

That can only happen by eliminating stereotypes toward people in the LGBTQ+ community — especially in high school, where we’re establishing our basic sense of morals.

“School should be a safe, welcoming environment for all people and all students,” Lindsay Buck, co-sponsor of the Gay-Straight Alliance, said.

“Even if it’s meant as ‘just a joke’ or ‘to be funny,’ it comes across as offensive and demeaning toward women and toward members of the LGBTQ+ community.”

A national survey conducted by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network has revealed that 75 percent of transgender youth feel unsafe at school. Making insensitive jokes in the form of skits about someone’s style or gender identification is a possibility for this statistic to be increased.

“It might be discouraging to some of the LGBTQ youth,” freshman Adam

Leonard said.

Discrimination was never the point. Spirit squad sponsor Gwen Wedd, who is in charge of Pack the House, said the skits started after students wanted to recreate performances from KU’s Late Night.

But as we become more aware of the needs of our LGBTQ+ community, it’s important to step back and reevaluate for the future.

There’s a hard line that needs to be watched to stop discrimination from happening.

“We have to keep in mind that there are people in the crowds that won’t find this funny and that might feel bullied by such performances,” Buck said.

Although cross-dressing skits are meant to funny, turning it into a joke can be hurtful to those who identify as transgender or dress opposite to societal norms. It is important to be sensitive and respectful toward all types of students.

“You can be funny and fun and pump up the crowd without poking fun at other groups,” Buck said.

NOV. 19, 2015 • 31

JOURNALISM

LAWRENCE HIGH SCHOOL

MISSION STATEMENT The Budget is committed to providing the Lawrence High School community with objective, inclusive news coverage that ensures relevance to its readers. The staff devotes itself to the exercise of First Amendment rights and upholding the highest of journalistic standards. While the paper is a vessel to publish student voice, it conjointly acts as an educational entity holding the intent of bettering student journalistic ability and reader’s access to information.

ABOUT US The Budget is published every four weeks and distributed free of charge to students

and faculty at Lawrence High School, 1901 Louisiana, Lawrence, Kan. 66046-2999.

The Budget is produced by students in the Digital Journalism and Digital Design and Production courses with occasional contributions from 21st Century Journalism and guest columnists. The newspaper’s goals are to inform, entertain, and present a forum of expression for students, faculty, administrators and community members. The newspaper is financed through advertising and staff fundraising.

The editorial staff is solely responsible for the content of this newspaper, and views expressed in The Budget do not necessarily reflect those of the administration of Lawrence High School or USD 497.

STAFF Editors-in-chief: Zia Kelly & Kansas Gibler Design & Layout Editor: Nia Rutledge Graphics Editor: Joaquin Dorado Mariscal Photo Editor: Cooper Avery

Captions Editor: Hannah Gaines Zenfolio Editor: Ian Jones Webmaster: Jacob Parnell Video Editor: Griffin Nelson Social Media Editor: Meredith Chapple Sports Editor: Colton Lovelace Ad Sales Representative: Nicole Owens Journalism staff members: Kira Auchenbach, Mary Carr, Amanda Coatney, Veda Cobb, Abigail Damron, Ella Denson-Redding, Abby English, Allie Fischer, Zoie German- Martinez, Krista Hopkins, Briauna Huffman, Lourdes KalushaAguirre, Ahnya Lewis, Kenneth McLaughlin, Jaycee Mountain, Abigal Percich, Mason Phelps, Kaitlyn Preut, Kate Rettig, Claire Robinson, Susan Rockhold, Aidan Rothrock, Clara Severn, Monica Steffes, Madeleine Stegman, Carli Stellwagon, Luna Stephens, Anna-Marie Turner, Eric Wheatman and Julia Wilson.

Adviser: Barbara Tholen

Editorial graphic

Graphic by Ella Denson-Redding

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The Journalism Staff thanks our supporters Lending a Lion Paw Red & Black Donors Dick & Kathy Stuntz Edmonds Duncan Advisors Sprint

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