BUDGET
Lawrence High School
07 Schools address mental health
18 Athletes face
extra pressure
30 Equity Requires Effort
Volume 124, Issue 23 — Nov. 17, 2016
2 • THE BUDGET
IN THIS ISSUE 05
Vine app goes away
14
New construction plan for LHS
06
Total Equality Alliance display
14
Wedd’s close to 100 wins
08
Anxiety high in millennials
18
Mental health in athletics
BUDGET
Lawrence High School
Volume 124, Issue 23 — Nov. 17, 2016
BY CONNER SCHMAUS
STAFF WRITER
07
Schools address mental health
18 Athletes face
extra pressure
30 Equity Requires Effort
10
Mental health resources
20
Winter sports seasons start
12
Energy use high at LHS
22
Gala entertains
ON THE COVER — Students have a lot on their minds, raising anxiety levels. Illustration by Ella Denson-Redding
lhsbudget.com STORIES
+ Live kidney donors save lives + Staffer tries basketball conditioning
VIDEOS
Annual Zombie Walk
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+ @lhsbudget on Instagram and Twitter + lhsbudget on YouTube
BLM CLUB PLANNED
Protests at Halloween Stores
Adding to the extensive list of preexisting clubs, LHS will soon sponsor a Black Lives Matter Club. The club is not expected to begin until the second semester. Students brought the idea to Andrew Bricker, an avid participant in the Black Lives Matter movement, to begin the club. “Some students brought me a petition fully signed to start the club here,” Bricker said. Students hope that this will give others at LHS an opportunity to become more knowledgeable about growing social concerns. Freshman Isabelle DeamerSantee is working with Bricker to start the club to provide this opportunity, however teacher Ameshia Tubbs will be the sponsor once it gets underway. “[I think it’s] good for the students to get more involved and aware about things like the Black Lives Matter stuff,” Santee said.
KU HOSTS CITY SHOWDOWN BY KIRA AUCHENBACH ASSISTANT ONLINE EDITOR
The much-anticipated Lawrence High School vs Free State basketball game will be even more hyped this year. The match-up will be held at Allen Fieldhouse, home of the Jayhawk basketball team. The boys and girls games will take place there Dec. 21. “It’s a game that everybody in the community looks forward to, and every year I’ve been here we’ve had to turn people away,” athletic director and assistant principal Bill DeWitt said. When the games are held in the high school gyms, there is not enough room to
NOV. 17, 2016 • PAGE DESIGN BY ALICIA RUDER
seat all of the spectators, so many have to be turned away. The high school asked Kansas University and the KU Athletics Department if it could host the big game. The idea was proposed about six months ago and is in the process of being planned. “We talked with our building principals, we talked with our superintendent, and I asked him if we could just start talking to KU about what it would take to get that game out there,” DeWitt. Unlike traditional rival games, fans will have to buy a ticket to watch the game. Ticket sales will help the schools cover the cost of renting the fieldhouse. “I do think it’s a win-win for everybody involved,” DeWitt said. “I just hope it goes really well.”
THE BUDGET • 3
TRUMP’S VICTORY Donald Trump addresses the country after winning the 2016 election
“NOW IT IS TIME FOR AMERICA TO BIND THE WOUNDS OF DIVISION — HAVE TO GET TOGETHER. TO ALL REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS AND INDEPENDENTS ACROSS THIS NATION, I SAY IT IS TIME FOR US TO COME TOGETHER AS ONE UNITED PEOPLE.” —DONALD TRUMP
TALENTS ABOUND AT ANNUAL SHOW
BY ZOIE GERMANMARTINEZ
OPINION EDITOR
Students of all grades and ages came together last week to perform in the Talent Show. It was sponsored by the FYI Club and led by school social worker Lynisha Thomas. Junior Grayson Rodriquez performed in this year’s competition. “This is my fourth year doing what I’m doing with my friend, Aubrey.” Rodriquez said. “We sing together a lot.” Seniors Sam Allen and Josh Bell won first place, but the positive effect the Talent Show had on its participants went beyond awards. They got to meet new people and show their talents to fellow students and people in the community. For junior Grayson Rodriquez, it keeps the show fun. “Getting to meet new people is
probably my favorite part,” she said. This is how students placed: First: Josh Bell and Sam Allen. Second (tie): Maria Buskirk; and Cheyenne Clifton-Mooney. Third (five-way tie): Ashley Dykes and Alexis Moulton; Jakobi Johnson; Chisato Kimura; Nolan Smith; and Mikayla Downs and Kristian Russell. Fourth (tie): Graham Edmonds, Calvin DeWitt, Keaton Hoy and Jackson Hoy; and Mia Talley. Fifth (five-way tie): Grayson Rodriquez and Aubrey White; Sophia Walters; Crosby Dold; Sydney White; and Macy Landes, Inez Robinson and Griffin Nelson.
ON STAGE — Juniors Tim Flournoy and Connor McClaskey perform “Broken” by Seether at the annual FYI Talent Show. McClaskey remembered “feeling hyped, like I could do anything in the world.” Photo by Addisson Thornsbury
SAVE THE DATE: 5 EVENTS YOU SHOULDN’T MISS
1
NOV. 19 Kick Ball Tournament •12 p.m. •Football Field
2
NOV. 21 Pack the House •Main Gym •7 p.m.
3
NOV. 23-27 Fall Break
4
DEC. 3 Debate Tournament •Annual Invitational •Throughout school
5
DEC. 6 Winter Prelude Choir Concert •Auditorium •7:30 p.m.
PAGE DESIGN BY ALICIA RUDER • NOV. 17, 2016
Let the competition know you're serious... ... about protecting your teeth! Because we are! Call for an appointment for a custom LHS Red & Black athletic mouthguard. Mention this ad and get it for 25% off — just $45.
831 Vermont Street • (785) 843-6060 www.thedentistsinlawrence.com
THE BUDGET •5
Features
SAYS GOODBYE
Students mourn the social media app that hosted six second videos BY KANSAS GIBLER
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Twitter announced Oct. 27 that it planned to shut down the popular video app Vine. Videos will remain playable
MARY CARR
on social media sites, like Twitter and Facebook, which integrated Vine links to automatically embed into posts. Additionally, content producers will be able to download their own content to keep. Rumors have circulated that Twitter
BRYSON CUMMINS
Junior
Sophomore
Is it true that you used to Vine? “Yes.”
Did you use Vine in the past? “Yes.”
What did you make? “I tried to make relateable posts, and I liked to take videos of my dog.”
What did you make on Vine? “Anything that was funny.”
How do feel about it ending? “I am so sad. When I found out I was almost in tears.” What’s your favorite Vine memory? “Probably all the really weird vines that don’t make sense.” Why do you think it’s ending? “Probably because it doesn’t get any attention.”
How do you feel about Vine ending? “I don’t really use it anymore, so I don’t care.” What’s your best memory from using Vine? “Nicholas… whatever his name was that’s like, ‘Yo, I’m Nicholas.’” Why do you think Vine is ending? “No one uses it anymore. It’s out of date.”
ISABEL HARDY Junior
Did you used to use Vine? “Yeah, I was obsessed for a second.” What did you make on Vine? “I was watching a video of the ‘Grind On Me’ dance. I cut that scene then put me in the shower like it was really hot or something.” How do you feel about it ending? “I didn’t even know it was until everyone kept saying ‘RIP Vine.’” Why do you think it’s ending? “Annoying people started making Vines, so people were like, ‘I’m done with this.’ ”
might sell the app to another company that would keep it running. Regardless, students will miss the iconic nature of the content produced on Vine. Reporting by Noah Kucza and Sydney Pritchard.
SUFIA SHARIFF Sophomore
ABBY LATESSA Sophomore
Have you ever used Vine? “Yes, all the time.”
Have you ever used Vine? “Yes.”
What did you make on Vine? “Anything. If I thought it was funny I just Vined it.”
What did you make on Vine? “Documentaries, just random stuff around the school, or anywhere.”
What’s your best memory using VIne? “I remember going to Java Break with Abby LaTessa, and she was throwing up in the bathroom so I Vined it because I thought it was funny.” Why do you think Vine is ending? “Because [Vines are] only six seconds long, and it hasn’t been updated for a long time.”
What is your best memory using Vine? “I was with Sufia Shariff, and we were downtown and we just Vined everything.” Why do you think that Vine is ending? “There are better things to use, and it is such a short video that it doesn’t even make any good videos sometimes.”
PAGE DESIGN BY KYLE BREY • NOV. 17, 2016
6• THE BUDGET Features
PROMOTING AWARENESS
TEA uses display to inform students about LGBT domestic abuse BY JAZZMIN MATCHETTE
STAFF WRITER
T
otal Equality Alliance (TEA) president senior Tatyana Younger discusses the meaning behind TEA’s library display on domestic abuse.
Why is the board outside the library important to TEA? Because October is LGBT history month and October is also domestic abuse awareness month. And something that’s commonly overlooked is LGBT domestic abuse. So we thought what better way to talk not only about our history but ways that our relationships need fixing. Domestic abuse, it is not only an LGBT issue, obviously, so everything on the board applies to everyone, but we had a hyper focus on LGBT issues within it. What information is being used on
your posters? I know on the right side is more of the historic aspects and we have like newspaper clippings from when same sex marriage was legalized everywhere, when every middle school in town got a GSA, because now that means that everywhere in Lawrence there is a GSA at every public high school and middle school. We have numbers to call, and check lists on how to check for domestic abuse. What can we do as a community to help or raise awareness to victims of LGBT domestic abuse issues? We have to be careful about what we share on the internet because I see a lot of people that are glorifying unhealthy relationships constantly, and it’s like no that’s not really good for anyone involved. One of the major reasons why LGBT people stick in those relationships is because their partner threatens to out them without their permission. So, if
NOV. 17, 2016 • PAGE DESIGN BY ABBY PERCICH
SHOWCASING INFORMATION — Senior Tatyana Younger stands next to the library display regarding domestic abuse in LGBT relationsips. Photo by Addisson Thornsbury
they don’t feel safe coming out to people around them, they aren’t going to feel safe breaking up with their partner. What does TEA hope to accomplish through raising awareness to this issue? Now there’s a check list up there so people can check themselves and their partners and be like, “hey am I being problematic and abusive are they being problematic and abusive?” Because another problem is a lot of people don’t realize that they’re being abusive so it’s good to help people check themselves and the people around them.
Features THE BUDGET •7
News
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES PRIORITIZED W
Schools, district place efforts into helping students cope, get help
BY KANSAS GIBLER
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
ith a world full of immediacy and constant contact, outreach to students with mental health needs has become both easier and harder. The school’s faculty, along with
the district’s mental health team, are equipped to aid students with mental illness. This readiness is not without reason, as the number of students suffering from mental illness has gradually increased over the years. Every staff member is required to undergo a one hour suicide prevention training. Continued on page 8
PAGE DESIGN BY KANSAS GIBLER •NOV. 17, 2016
8 • THE BUDGET News
“NEEDS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THERE, BUT I THINK NOW IT’S BEEN BROUGHT TO OUR ATTENTION BECAUSE THE NEEDS ARE GREATER WITH SOME OF OUR STUDENTS.” —JOSE CORNEJO, DISTRICT MENTAL HEALTH FACILITATOR
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
Continued from page 7
“All of our staff members in the district have gone through suicide prevention and intervention training,” district mental health facilitator Jose Cornejo said. “So everybody’s been educated [on], ‘What are some of the warning signs when it comes to suicide?’” According to a 2013 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as one in five students exhibits signs of a mental health disorder. Only 20 percent of those with a disorder will receive any form of treatment. All schools have teachers as well as counselors available to students to aid them in seeking help or to identify changes in behavior that may signal something is out of place. But in a school of nearly 1,600 students, those opportunities may be fewer. Each counselor at our school has a caseload of nearly 400 students. On average, most counselors have about 500. This makes it more difficult for mental health outreach to happen. “We know we could use more counselors,” Cornejo said. “The reality of it is, in this budget climate, we’re not necessarily going to get them. But that’s a challenge that all schools are facing across the state.” Coupled with resources being stretched, the number of students with mental health needs is increasing. “I think we’ve definitely seen a rise in that, which is why we are trying to be proactive and saying, ‘Hey, we’re here, lots of people, here to help and support students,’ ” counselor Natalie Konkel said. It’s unlikely that USD 497 will come into funding for expansion of mental health resources without applying for local, state or federal grants, so resources are often focused on those who express needs, Cornejo said. “I think needs have always been there, but I think now it’s been brought to our attention because the needs are greater with some of our students,” he said. “I think there’s a small percent of students that have greater needs than all students, and I think sometimes we need to focus resources and attention on that small percent of students that need support.”
NOV. 17, 2016 • PAGE DESIGN BY KANSAS GIBLER
Because the schools can’t treat students with mental illnesses as if they were their patients, students who express or demonstrate need are referred to those who can help them. “At the school level we don’t diagnose our students,” Cornejo said. “We work with them based on what they come to us with. If they need additional support, based on information we receive from the kids, we’re going to refer them out to Bert Nash or an outside agency that has the staff to work with them.” In order to reach all students, faculty members have had to gradually adjust the way they teach students to handle mental health issues. “One area that I’ve seen change, especially at the high school level, is more direct teaching about things that, for example, this year we got in all the health classes, counselors, social workers, to talk about anxiety, depression, help kids recognize some of the signs and also some tools to help deescalate when that cycle begins to build,” assistant principal Mark Preut said. The mental health staff visited freshman health classes earlier this semester to talk about stress, anxiety, coping strategies and other aspects of mental health. As students become more comfortable reaching out for help with mental illnesses and more acute stressors, the mental health team has been more aggressive in helping students identify the counselors and WRAP staff who can help them. “The mental health team went into health classes this semester and we’ll go in again second semester just to make sure that students are aware of who’s on the mental health team, and what supports we can provide to students who are dealing with stress, anxiety, any of those things,” Konkel said. Some students, however, choose instead to talk to close teachers. “Individually if you have formed relationships with any teachers, many teachers will let you talk to them or just chill in their rooms,” senior Margot Lockwood said. Lockwood said that the school’s resources for students suffering with anxiety aren’t obvious enough. “Even if the school did [make them
News THE BUDGET • 9
obvious], I think it would be hard for it to be actually helpful unless a strong relationship is built with each student, which would be difficult to do,” she said. “If anything, more guidance counselors could be a resource for students. Or students could individually pick a teacher advisor their sophomore year.” Regardless, the current effort seems limited to students like Lockwood. “I have seen a couple posters in the hallways about mental health and ‘warning signs,’ but those always felt like a joke to me,” she said. Preut also sees the importance of students having at least one faculty member they can confide in. “We have an amazing staff,” he said. “Students aren’t going to connect with every teacher they have. My hope is that there’s always that one staff member, that
one person they can connect with. Every day we have, it’s called LHS mental health, it’s an email group, so teachers know, ‘Hey, if you’ve got a student you have concerns about, they’re struggling, something’s come up.’ We have probably five to 10 emails a day from teachers saying, ‘Hey does anybody know this kid? They seem to be really struggling today.’ Those students are always followed up with, there’s a meeting with a counselor or social worker, somebody’s going to make contact with that student that day.” Regardless, the mental health team is prepared to aid students who come to them for help. “There’s a lot of caring adults in this building who are going to do what they can to help kids be successful,” Cornejo said. “It’s just communicating that someone’s here to help if you’re willing to ask.”
“EVERYTHING IS OKAY” Graphic by Alicia Ruder
PAGE DESIGN BY KANSAS GIBLER • NOV. 17, 2016
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MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Features THE BUDGET • 11
Information compiled by Abby Percich Sources: WRAP Brochure, Lawrence High School Mental Health Team’s Brochure, www.BertNash.org and mentalhealth.gov
SCHOOL RESOURCES What are some school resources we have available? The LHS Mental Health Team serves all students in need of mental health support. They are trained to help students with emotional, behavioral and psychological needs. The mental health team is made up of 10 staff members. In 1997, the WRAP program began with a mission to provide therapeutic, skill-building and supportive services in Douglas County schools. WRAP is available to talk with any student who may be experiencing personal, home or school difficulties.
All Contacts
What does WRAP provide? • Individual and small group counseling • Family support • Crisis intervention • Student advocacy and mediation • Communication between school, home and community • Resources for social and emotional development and academic support • Assistance with after-school programs and activities
Info
Edit
SAMHSA
Treatment Referral Helpline
Tap a number to call main
1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727)
Information
COMMUNITY RESOURCES What are some community resources we have available? Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center is open to students outside of school, but LHS has Suzanne Nicolet and Renee Robinson from Bert Nash to directly help students here. KU has resources such as CAPS (just for university students) and the Psychological Clinic. Many students seek help from CAPS for psychological, interpersonal, family problems and other issues related to succeeding at the university. Individual and group sessions are available. The KU Psychological Clinic has been providing low-cost outpatient mental health services to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families associated with the University of Kansas, the Lawrence community, and the surrounding area since 1952.
notes Get general information on mental health and locate treatment services in your area. Speak to a live person, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.
ONLINE RESOURCES What are some online resources available?
If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day. For suicide or emotional distress National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours, seven days a week. You can call 1‑800‑273‑TALK (8255) or Live Online Chat.
Get general information on mental health and locate treatment services in your area from SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline. Speak to a live person, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.. They can be reached at 1‑877‑SAMHSA7 (1‑877‑726‑4727).
PAGE DESIGN BY PAIGE BELLMYER •NOV. 17, 2016
12 • THE BUDGET
ENERGY COSTS HIGH
LHS energy use far exceeds that of neighboring high school BY MACY LANDES
NEWS EDITOR
O
utside temperatures are about to drop, and that means one thing to teachers — things are about to get really unpredictable. Classrooms like that of environmental science teacher Lisa Ball are prone to unpredictable temperatures when climate conditions are more extreme. “My room is freezing almost yearround,” Ball said. “Actually, it’s freezing when it’s hot outside and it’s usually hot when it’s cold outside, and I have no control over it...If I could control it, I would love to make it more comfortable and that would probably save energy for us. Some days I actually have to open the window to try to let cold air out which, again, is wasting money so I feel bad about it, but it’s just really uncomfortable for students. Sometimes they’re wearing gloves and hats in here.” For teachers like Ball, it’s no mystery that Lawrence High isn’t energy efficient. Just how inefficient the building is shows up when comparing the energy bills of Free State and LHS. Throughout the past five years, electricity and natural gas bills for the school have been an average of nearly 30 percent higher than at Free State. That’s a combined $422,000 in additional funds spent during those years. Tony Barron, USD 497’s executive director of facilities and operations, provides a simple reason for Free State’s
advantage when it comes to energy efficiency: it’s a newer building, and there’s less of it. “It [Free State] is a newer building... We base everything on the square foot. So Free State, it’s not as big as Lawrence High. I’m pretty sure the square footage is less...It’s just a building that’s 20 years old,” he said. Energy efficiency of the building is one of the issues that’s being considered as architects draw up new plans for a large overhaul of LHS. “We’ve been working on it for several months now,” Barron said. “There’s an LHS steering committee that we’ve engaged...and I’ve been working with them on a schematic design to make LHS a secure campus, and not only that [but] to do several improvements to the building also.” Specifically, the district hopes to address the multiple external entry points into each of Lawrence High’s three energy-using buildings. Cutting the amount of times each door opens and closes every day would save the school money. “Every time you open and close a door it’s affecting the temperature on the inside,” Barron said. “Right now I believe there are several...exterior entries to Lawrence High....If you have an enclosed campus where you could get to the annex and possibly get to the west gym without going outdoors, that would just lessen the amount of outside air...that could get inside.” In addition to doors, Barron pointed
out that Lawrence High’s windows, insulation and heating and cooling systems could be more up-to-date as well. “We have a lot of room for improvement with our exterior facade, particularly our windows,” he said. “I believe we move a lot of energy through there, and also we need to look at our roofing envelope a little bit closer...because we have the proper insulation there….We have several different HVAC systems right now, some of them are a little bit more efficient than others. And so just get the total evaluation of the system. A great example is if I have a rooftop unit that serves eight classrooms, and we’re only sitting in one on after-hours event, we have to turn on the whole unit just to cool or heat one classroom, so that’s an example of some of the systems we have.” Ball noted that the district used to be better about teachers picking up energy efficient habits. “I think certainly there have been periods in our district in the past where we had a person who [we would call] the energy czar,” she said. “And that was their big initiative, was to look for ways we could cut costs in energy usage, and it used to be something that was a pretty big deal….They used to ask teachers to do things like unplug their mini fridges over the holidays and make sure and shut down, turn lights off, turn off computers, all of those things definitely make a contribution...people used to make fun of it but you know I bet they actually did
ENERGY LOSS
When comparing gas and electricity costs at LHS and Free State, it’s easy to see costs add up at the older building YEARLY ENERGY EXPENDITURES 2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Average
LHS Total
$324,237.08
$307,739.41
$333,411.63
$488,405.56
$374,228.32
$374,228.32
FSHS Total
$274,738.63
$271,851.19
$272,273
$294,187.23
$292,759.68
$281,161.95
Difference
18.02%
13.20%
22.45%
66.02%
27.83%
29.50% Source: USD 497
NOV. 17, 2016 • PAGE DESIGN BY KYLE BREY
THE BUDGET • 13
“...IT’S JUST REALLY UNCOMFORTABLE FOR STUDENTS. SOMETIMES THEY’RE WEARING GLOVES AND HATS IN HERE.” —LISA BALL, TEACHER Photo Illustration by Ian Jones
save a chunk of money.” Students have noticed that the building could use some upgrades as well. Junior and environmental club president Mia Waters, like Barron, thinks costs could be reduced by installing more windows. “[We need] more natural light, so we could cut down on fluorescent lights,” she said. “And with LHS being an older building if we did have some way of getting in more natural light that would really help cut down on costs.” Though the majority of cutting
energy costs will have to be done by improving technical aspects of the buildings, there are ways students can help to reduce spending. “Technical solutions are better windows [and] better roofs, but just simply turning lights off when you leave a room,” Barron said. “The students do not have much control of the HVAC systems, I know that, but...that’s probably the best way, in an unoccupied room make sure the lights are out.” No matter how the energy efficiency problem is solved, Ball thinks teachers
and students need to be involved in the process. “I hope that they [the architects] consider the needs of the students and money but also sustainability, kind of those three things have to be kept in mind for making the plans,” she said. “So it would be great if teachers could provide some input and students could provide input in addition to administrators and architects because we’re the ones who know the daily conditions and what it’s like in the building.”
QUICK TAKE How much more money LHS spends on electric and natural gas on average per year than Free State
$84,442.45
How much more money LHS has spent on utilities over the past five years
$422,212.27
LHS spends, on average,
29.5%
more on electricity and natural gas than Free State
Number of classrooms with one type of multi-zone HVAC system that heats and cools
Current enrollment at both schools (approximately)
1,500 students
8 PAGE DESIGN BY KYLE BREY • NOV. 17, 2016
14 • THE BUDGET NEWS
NOV. 17, 2016 • PAGE DESIGN BY CADE BURGHART
NEWS THE BUDGET • 15
Gould-Evans makes plans for construction projects planned for 2018 BY CONNOR SCHMAUS
STAFF WRITER
ith cramped classrooms and dysfunctioning utilities, the current LHS building could up for its biggest makeover in its 62-year history. Over the years, the school district has attempted to compensate for the growing student body and vocational needs by adding the West Gym and annex. Since this construction, periodic renovations have also occurred, addressing science classes, ventilation and general fixes to floors and ceilings. Now, plans for new construction are in developmental stages. Architect drawings released in October show the school could be up for significant changes, including connecting the annex and the main building with a first-floor classroom addition. The idea is that students will no longer need to go outside, and the district will eliminate the many unsecured entrances to the building. “[Our goal is to] create a secure campus by connecting the three separate buildings, upgrade aging infrastructure
PLANNED CHANGES These are some of the changes included in a plan drawn up by Gould-Evans. The district is considering how to proceed and may go to voters with a bond issue in the spring of 2017. Source: Gould-Evans
Gut and reconfigure classrooms in annex
and incorporate 21st century learning environments,” said John Wilkins, principal at Gould-Evans, the architecture firm working with the district. For students, traveling between buildings can be problematic during bad weather. In recent years, teachers, parents and students have worried that the open doors allow random people to walk into classrooms in the annex and other parts of the school. “The desire to connect the two buildings is a desire of safety and security concerns,” assistant principal Mike Norris said. “Every hour you have about 300 students that are outside in an unsecure area.” But the unconnected buildings are a financial concern as well. The repeated opening of doors in all buildings causes a waste of energy used in heating and cooling, which strains the already outdated ventilation systems. Starting in March of this year, Gould-Evans took on the task of planning a large-scale renovation. The plan targets these issues, along with the need for a modernized school. Other than the connection of the buildings, classrooms will also be expanded to a minimum of 720 square
HVAC upgrades and expanded seating, deck spacing
feet, with science classes specifically being enlarged to fit 30 people. This accommodates the increasing class sizes, which have grown to 28 to 30 students. Students have split opinions on the connection with some liking the idea of being sheltered from the cold but others feel it’s a waste. “I think it’d be bad because it’s fine right now,” sophomore Freeman Spray said. “It’d be a waste of money and resources, [and] I do not think it would be useful.” Gould-Evans was also was responsible for construction of the Lawrence Public Library, South Middle School, past LHS renovations and seven separate elementary school projects. One of the only issues with the construction is phasing the construction work. Gould-Evans predicts that creating an understandable, outlined work contract will be difficult, if the project is funded. Lawrence residents are expected to vote on whether to fund this project in spring 2017. “[It will] kind of bring us to a more school atmosphere, unify us in a sense,” teacher Carolyn McKanna said.
Covered walkway to gym Expanded food service
Administration offices and student center relocated adjacent to main office
Outdoor cafeteria seating Light and sound upgrades in auditorium
Locker room and reconfiguration and expansion
Relocate storage within orchestra room to expand usable space
Connect science and tech wings
Old black box to be converted to instrument storage
Classroom addition to connect to annex
Breakout pocket
Maker courtyard
Innovation commons
Breakout corridor Expand choir robe, sheet music storage
PAGE DESIGN BY CADE BURGHART •NOV. 17, 2016
16 • THE BUDGET
Sports
HITTING THE MARK
Players, coach reach milestones as season wraps up BY WILLIAM YANEK
STAFF WRITER
COLE BRUNGARDT
TREY MOORE
SURPASSES 100 KICKING POINTS
SURPASSES 1,300 YARDS RUSHING
D
T
uring the season, kicker Cole Brungardt reached 101 career point milestone. “We’ve definitely accomplished a lot in what some consider to be a down year and a rebuilding year,” Brungardt said. “I feel like I have done a really good job for the team in being able to make all of my PAT’s and really being solid on kickoffs, so the defense has good field position to work with.” His favorite games included the Shawnee Mission North game, Shawnee Mission West game and the game against Blue Valley West. KICKOFF — Senior Cole Brungardt kicks off the ball during the Lion’s 51-12 win over Blue Valley West on Oct. 28 at home. Brungardt was good for eight extra points that night. Photo by Addisson Thornsbury
NOV. 17, 2016
his season, running back senior Trey Moore racked up 1,307 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. Moore said it was good to beat expectations. “Before our season, a lot of people doubted us and said we were going to go two and eight and whatever, but we’ve turned a lot of heads,” Moore said. “I have improved more mentally than ever, and I have been watching film more and studying the defenses.” His favorite games were playing against Shawnee Mission Northwest and Shawnee Mission North. The Lions won their season opener against Northwest, 50-20. They beat North during the regular season, 52-26. KICKOFF — Senior Trey Moore pushes past a Free State defender during the Oct. 21 game. Moore scored the Lion’s solo touchdown in the 56-7 loss. Photo by Cooper Avery
THE BUDGET • 17
COACH DIRK WEDD
REACHES 99 WINS
D ith 1,068 passing yards, 802 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns, junior Dante’ Jackson has proved himself to be a formidable dual-threat quarterback this season. “I think [the season] has gone pretty good despite all my injuries in my ankle and my shoulder,” Jackson said. “My running game has been really good but since the injury I have improved a lot in my passing game and being more accurate.” Some of Dante’s favorite games this season included the Shawnee Mission North and the Shawnee Mission West games.
W
uring his 18 years as the head coach at Lawrence High School coach Dirk Wedd has achieved 99 career wins and won the 2015 Sunflower League coach of the year award. Wedd said he was pleased with the team’s work. The Lions advanced into the post season with a big win over Blue Valley West before a narrow loss to Shawnee Mission North in the playoffs. “We were picked ninth in the league in preseason polls,” Wedd said. “People expected us to win two or three games, and we finished 6-4, so I think the kids did a great job of overachieving, which is a huge compliment to them.” Wedd said. Wedd said his favorite game this season was the Shawnee Mission West game. “They came in ranked No. 5 in the state and had beat Free State a couple weeks before, 42-41, and we beat them 49-19,” he said. “It was good to see the smiles on all the kids faces and how happy they were and really how well we played. The first half was as good a half as any of my football teams have had in maybe forever.”
HANGING ON — Junior quarterback Dante’ Jackson runs through Shawnee Mission North’s defense as he crosses the goal line for a touchdown during the Sept. 9 football game. The Lions won 52-26. Photo by Hannah Gaines
DEBATING — Coach Dirk Wedd talks to a referee during the game against Free State High School. The Lions lost 56-7 but overall it was a winning season for the coach, who is on the cusp of his 100th win. Photo by Hannah Gaines
DANTE’ JACKSON
MORE THAN 1,000 PASSING YARDS
NOV. 17, 2016
18 • THE BUDGET SPORTS
GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME Student athletes less likely to discuss mental health issues BY GARY SCHMIDT
SPORTS EDITOR
F
or student athletes everywhere, stress is a normal part of life. The jam-packed schedule many sports demand, in addition to the normal academic demands expected of a student leave little to no time for social interaction independent of the sport, let alone sufficient time to allow their bodies to recover from the rigorous activities they engage in daily. Pair that with the stress in high-level athletic environments, and it leaves little to the imagination of just how taxing the daily life of an athlete may be. Often times, mental toughness is emphasized as a key attribute of a high level athlete. However, the line between mental toughness and disregard for mental health is an unclear and dangerously unestablished line athletes toe each and every day. The physical and mental effects of stress often arise in athletes, even at a rate higher than non-athletes. According to a study conducted by the University of Michigan, one in three students face a mental health concern, however a mere 10 percent of student athletes seek help. There are numerous factors that contribute to why student athletes are less likely to discuss mental health issues that arrive as a result of the
stressors related to sports. One of the biggest issues, according to health teacher and coach Adam Green may be that athletes are afraid to discuss these issues, because they are incorrectly correlated with weakness. “When you are a competitor and a person out there looking for an edge, whether it be mentally or athletically… to admit that you might be dealing with some things obviously might in your own belief put you at a disadvantage,” Green said. To school social worker Lynisha Thomas, another reason is that as an athlete, there is a certain persona and identity you carry. Any move you make outside of that image presents a mini-identity crisis, and seeking out help for mental health issues would conflict with the prototypical idea of an athlete that many strive so earnestly to follow. Another fear associated with this idea is how the team and specifically coaches would respond to an athlete seeking out help. “I think as an athlete there are a lot of stressors, because if you do want to continue doing sports down the line you don’t want to have someone think that you are not able to do something because of that, or that you will have to be treated differently because of that, so maybe they don’t even speak up to their coaches, for fear of not going played as much,” Thomas said.
NOV. 17, 2016 • PAGE DESIGN BY ALICIA RUDER
As a soccer player, junior Mikayla Downs finds it difficult to speak up. “Sharing your mental health with people that can help you is important, but as an athlete I never want to tell people that I am not OK, because I always want to play. If I am not OK, then they would be like, ‘You can bench,’ ” Downs said. Even though approaching coaches may be difficult, Downs stresses the importance of talking to coaches if necessary. “I don’t know about many of the other sports, just because I haven’t participated in them, but in soccer and volleyball the coaches were always really understanding about taking time off if you needed to,” she said. “They were always really supportive.” While athletes may have difficulties discussing their problems, the coaching staff at LHS in addition to the support team provided by the school provide a resource for anyone, athlete or not, who may be in need of support. “Whether it is an athlete or not, we have a great mental health team: Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Santelli, any one of our counselors,” Green said. “They are wonderful resources for anyone that is struggling with anything.” HEAD DOWN — Athletes may face unique challenges in seeking help for mental health concerns. Photo Illustration by Ian Jones
SPORTS THE BUDGET • 19
PAGE DESIGN BY ALICIA RUDER • NOV. 17, 2016
20 • THE BUDGET SPORTS
WARMING UP FOR WINTER With tryouts underway, teams anticipate coming seasons BOYS BASKETBALL FILLING SHOES
Despite dealing with cramped gyms and inconsistent schedules due to space, the boys basketball program has thrived in the recent years. After placing second and third in state the past two years, the boys hope to compete at that level consistently. But after losing talented seniors, the question is if the boys can continue to win games and do well in state this upcoming season. Younger players have the goal this year of filling the graduated players shoes. Senior Austin Miller discusses what
it will take for the team to succeed. What have you been doing to prepare for the season? “We’ve been training as a team, we’ve been doing conditioning every Tuesday and Thursday. We’ve had fall league, working inside the gym, and working outside of the gym.” Can students expect another state run like the past two years? “Oh easily, they can bet on that. We are a good team, we have good bench players, we have good role players, we’ve got good scorers, we have good defensive players. Everybody knows their role so we’ll be good.”
BOWLING
MORE BOWLERS MORE RESULTS While the bowling team has had an issue with depth recently, the boys and girls teams expect to add members to their teams as they prepare for the upcoming season. Last year, teams finished fourth at regionals and had two bowlers finish in the top five at state. Junior Hunter
Krom shares what he expects from the upcoming season: What are you striving for this season? “Do a lot better than I did last year and keep improving and do everything I can to help us succeed.” Do you think you will top off your high score this season? “Well, I got a 300 in practice last year so...I can’t really top that off.”
NOV. 17, 2016 • PAGE DESIGN BY TREY HULSE
SPORTS THE BUDGET • 21
WRESTLING
DATES TO CATCH
CONTINUING EXCELLENCE The wrestling program graduated a two-time state champion last year and must seek another path to success. Juniors Melle and Relle Dye are twin brothers who hope to bring success to the program, along with the other wrestlers. How does wrestling affect your lifestyle? Relle Dye, junior: “It affects a lot with cutting weight every wrestling season then gaining it back for the football season.”
What are your goals this season? Melle Dye, junior: “Oh yeah, you know taking home the state championship baby. It’s going to be light work out here for me because you know, it’s just too easy for me. There’s nobody in my weight class now, so it’s like ‘Who’s going to beat me?’ There’s no one out here to beat me.”
Nov. 24
Pack the House for all winter sports
Nov. 30
Home varsity boys swimming quad
Dec. 2
Boys and girls first home game against Topeka at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Dec. 14
Wrestling team hosts dual
Jan. 13
SWIMMING AND DIVING
Bowling invitational at Royal Crest Lanes
STATE PLACEMENT
This past year, LHS swimming had their most successful finish in state since 2002, finishing eighth. Junior Alex Heckman said the team goal this year is to, “place high in state.” Unfortunately, there is a roadblock. “We don’t have the greatest team this year,” Heckman said. “I hope to
break two school records this year.” This goal may seem extreme, however, Heckman is just a half a second away from the records.
GIRLS BASKETBALL BOUNCING BACK
The girls basketball team has many returning players, including the five starters of the 2015-2016 season. The talent and skill should help the young team to a successful season. Sophomore Hannah Stewart discussed the season:
What can the students expect from the basketball team this year? “The students can expect us to be hardworking and competitive. They can expect us to play well together as a team and be the best we
RETURNER — Senior Jackson Mallory dribbles down the court during the Jan. 15 game against Olathe East. Mallory was part of the varsity team that took third at the state tournament. Photo by Ian Jones
PAGE DESIGN BY TREY HULSE •NOV. 17, 2016
22 • THE BUDGET Art
Art
MUSIC DEPARTMENT HOLDS ANNUAL GALA Nov. 1 marked the 10th anniversary of annual Gala concert
BY IZZY HEDGES
STAFF WRITER
M
ore than 600 students in the music program performed at the annual Gala concert on Nov. 1. Students in band, choir, pom and orchestra worked toward the combined concert throughout October. “One thing that we changed this year was having the freshman orchestra and freshman band students play together in the auditorium,” choir director Dwayne Dunn said. “In the past, the strings played in the Rotunda before the concert, and the band played alone in the auditorium. Combining them was pretty exciting.” Gala serves as the department’s largest fundraiser of the year. But with the
first KU basketball game on the same night as Gala, there was a chance the concert would not raise as much. Still, the department raised $14,000. “Gala is unique because it’s the only time the whole music department performs on one night,” senior Mary Reed-Weston said. “It’s a great opportunity for younger students to see what it’s like to be in an advanced music class, and at least for choir, it’s the only time every choir sings together all year.” Gala is a vital event at Lawrence High because the concert showcases all parts of the music program, providing an opportunity for students to see what each music class has to offer. “There are tons of unique things about Gala. Gala is a tradition and our school does an excellent job to promote it,” sophomore Tiffani Smith said. “The staff and music department are so
UNITY — Randall Frye, assistant choir director, and the music program are applauded by the audience during Gala on Nov. 1. Kaileb Ordiway stood among his peers at his first Gala as a freshman. “It was really cool to listen to everyone’s part as we were singing,” Ordiway said. Photo by Cooper Avery FAMILY — Bryce Dunn and Brendan Blanco stand with drumline, during the last performance of “Fortune Teller” at Gala. “Having the power and volume of performing in the auditorium is much different than performing on the field,” Dunn said. Photo by Cooper Avery
NOV. 17, 2016 • PAGE DESIGN BY EMMA HOWARD
amazing and Gala helps unite students to show the importance of all music.” Gala never ceases to amaze parents and students with an excellent performance. It would not be a success without the support from families of students a part of the music program. The Gala has and continues to display talent within the Lawrence High music department. “The Gala concert was a big success once again,” Dunn said. “It is always amazing to see how many LHS students participate in music ensembles and to hear them sing and play in combined groups.” FOCUS — Bassist Meriel Salisbury, freshman, performs amongst her peers at Gala. “I liked the playing the freshman piece, The Tempest,” Salisbury said. Photo by Cooper Avery
Art THE BUDGET • 23
QUICK TAKE
Number of Attendees
1,400
Length of Gala in minutes
50
Annual Galas throughout LHS history
10 OCT
Days taken to prepare
31
Pieces performed at Gala
5
Groups that performed
8 PAGE DESIGN BY EMMA HOWARD •NOV. 17, 2016
24 • THE BUDGET Art
OBSERVING THE ART — Senior Toby Weston explains a woodblock carving that Hang12 members made for a recent show to junior Mia Romano and sophomore Olivia Rothrock. Photo by Aidan Rothrock GETTING INVOLVED — Members of Hang12 pose for a group picture in front of their carving during their art show at The Percolator on Oct. 28. Members spent the month working together on the carving. Photo by Aidan Rothrock
CREATING — Seniors Allie Fischer and Toby Weston screenprint T-shirts at the Percolator as part of their show. Photo by Aidan Rothrock
NOV. 17, 2016 • PAGE DESIGN BY ABBY PERCICH
Art THE BUDGET • 25
STUDENTS CURATE ART
Hang 12 program allows students to showcase art in the community MACY LANDES
NEWS EDITOR
F
or students in HANG12, there’s much more to art than painting a picture and showing it to their friends and family — there’s a business side as well. HANG12 is an art curatorial board composed of students from Lawrence High, Free State and other area high schools who are interested in learning about the curatorial and organizational aspects of the art world. Their first curated show was for Art Tougeau, Lawrence’s annual Art Car parade. Since then, HANG12 has done 20 shows in 20 months, including one that’s on display now at the Percolator Art Space. The show features wooden panels carved by the members of HANG12 themselves. “I think the show that we have up now at the Percolator has definitely been our most successful show,” senior Toby Weston said. “This wasn’t one that we took submissions for, we actually carved a bunch of wood panels ourselves, and then we took the panels and we made big prints of them and we sold the prints at the show….We were all pretty happy with the outcome.” In terms of the types of art curated, the possibilities are endless. Each show has a different theme with artwork to match. “It [types of art] has varied a lot depending on the show,” Weston said. “We’ve done shows that are pretty open….We’ve done a show where we gave everyone the same kind of piece of wood or canvas and said, ‘You can do
whatever you want with this.’ We’ve had shows where we took 3D submissions, we did a 3D show at SeedCo last year, and we’ve also had shows where we contact groups of people to collaborate on a piece for us, so it totally depends.” Neal Barbour, director of youth education at the Arts Center who helps to facilitate the group, stresses the importance of a creative outlet and professional atmosphere like HANG12 being available to high schoolers. “This program offers a glimpse into the real arts world, where deadlines loom large, your artwork must be impeccably crafted and displayed, and the marketing, documentation, and business side are so important to your success,” he said. For many participants, HANG12 is not only a creative outlet but an organization that provides unique opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have thought to pursue. “I had my own show at the Lawrence Arts Center,” senior Margot Lockwood said. “And I know that I definitely would have never even thought to do that or have had it be as successful as it was if I wasn’t a part of HANG12.” For others, it serves as a foundation for the career path they want to follow later in life. “I’m thinking about going into fibers or textiles in the future so sewing, fashion design, that kind of thing,” Weston said. “So I think the major thing for me has been just getting more comfortable in the arts community and being able to talk to people and make connections and stuff, and that’s been really helpful.” Those who have attended the gallery
showings can immediately see evidence of the passion and hard work going into the execution of the final product. Collaboration and problem solving skills play a large part in the process of putting on a show. “Ultimately, they make their own decisions and take their own risks,” Barbour said. “Sometimes those risks pay off and other times not. It is all an amazing experiment that we are in together. They have had many a late night arguing over what is best decision for the strength of a show. Many problems arise, and they have to solve those distinct problems.” The effort and passion that’s put into each show is evident to regular attendees like sophomore Olivia Rothrock. “I thought it was really cool,” she said. “A lot of the work was put on by the people in it, and it was a good community….It’s a good group of people. And I think they want to support each other but they also want to support the sense of letting younger people get involved in art.” HANG12 members encourage any and everyone to attend their Final Friday shows. Submissions for future events are welcome as well. “We want everyone to come to HANG12 shows, young or old, but it is very important for the youth of our community to not only feel that their voices are heard, but to have a safe and supportive venue to talk about art and ideas,” Barbour said. “We encourage all high schoolers to come to the shows, challenge yourself, [and to] become engaged.”
QUICK TAKE Number of Hang 12 participants
Number of art shows had since establishment
Establishment of Hang 12
Meetings every month
Hang 12 members get paid
14
20
April 2015
2
$9/hr
PAGE DESIGN BY ABBY PERCICH•NOV. 17, 2016
BIRD
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Go Lions! 535 Gateway Dr. Lawrence, KS 66049 785-331-0106
Lawrence High School Winter Sports 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21 in the Main Gym Prizes, Skits and performances by athletic teams, cheer, pom, band and drum line. Purchase shirts in the finance office or at Pack the House.
Admission Price: A non-perishable food item* or cash donation
Our community needs these donations more than ever. Come support Just Foods and Adopt-a-Family organizations! *Items needed: non-sugared cereals, whole grain pasta/rice, cans of fruit soaked in its own juices (not high fructose corn syrup) or canned meat.
Opinion THE BUDGET • 27
Opinion DEBUNK MENTAL HEALTH MYTHS Lack of understanding prevents adequate care
BY ZOIE GERMANMARTINEZ
OPINION EDITOR
I
n commercials for depression medications, people are depicted wearing sweatpants and sitting in dark rooms. They frown, brows furrowed, as they stare off into nothing. Such images feed the stereotype that people who have depression just don’t get enough time outside. When someone says they have depression, they’re told they are responsible for it due to their lack of outside activity. I’ve been told that my preference to stay inside and do nothing all day makes my depression worse. People need to start regarding mental health issues the way they see any other disease. There are no quick fixes, and no amount of sun can “cure” them. There’s a stigma wrapped around mental health issues and millions of misconceptions result from it. These misconceptions have lasted centuries. Psychiatric hospitals and asylums didn’t exist until the mid-1800s, leaving mentally ill people to be stuck in the attics or basements of their family’s houses. It isn’t like asylums or hospitals solved the problem, either. In a majority of cases, patients were neglected or abused by their caretakers. No one understood how these illnesses worked, or how they could be addressed. One of the many dark eras in psychiatric care include the 50s and 60s, when patients were subject to induced comas, purposeful malarial infections and lobotomies. Not to forget, being gay was seen as a mental illness and required shock therapy. The radical techniques used to help
By Ella Denson-Redding
mentally ill people have faded from the psychiatric community. Now medications are prescribed, and therapists and psychiatrists are available. Many individuals still believe, however, that this is all that is needed to “fix” someone. Mental illnesses are seen as temporary, not a life-long issue people have to deal with. For teenagers specifically, their mental health problems are seen as a result of hormones. Mood swings are common while going through puberty, so changes in someone’s personality — a symptom of depression — are taken with a grain of salt. When teenagers try to explain that they have a mental illness, such as anxiety or depression, adults often dismiss it. During the last decade, teen suicide rates have risen 2 percent, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). No one takes mental illnesses seriously until someone’s life is in danger. Yet it’s still commonplace to make jokes about killing yourself or
having a panic attack. And not many people realize that calling someone crazy is derogatory. For students dealing with mental health issues, the support system isn’t always easy to find. While we have psychiatrists at both the school and district level, too few students know about them. We don’t have enough opportunities for mental health education in classes. And no, joining the Yoga and Mindfulness Club doesn’t count. It can help someone destress but doesn’t get rid of their mental illnesses. Education is all people need to be more helpful. It isn’t like mental health problems aren’t uncommon; one in four people have anxiety or depression. The discussion is undeniably heavy and hard to have, yet the longer we let these misconceptions about mental health continue, the longer people have to be marginalized for problems that could become dangerous.
PAGE DESIGN BY ALICIA RUDER •NOV. 17, 2016
28 • THE BUDGET Opinion
THE POST-TRUMP REPUBLICAN PARTY Republicans need new vision for the future BY WILLIAM YANEK
STAFF WRITER
I
t was hard enough being a Republican in the liberal capital of Kansas, Lawrence. When you say you’re a Republican in Lawrence, it is usually met with an inaudible whisper or a sideways glance. But once Donald Trump became our nominee, people just couldn’t contain themselves. “So you think all Mexicans are rapists?” No, that was an incredibly bigoted and stupid comment. “So you think all Muslim immigration should be banned?” No, I believe no person should be denied the right to achieve the American dream because of their religion. “But you still think it is OK to objectify women. No, Donald Trump is a serial philanderer who objectifies women to make himself feel more powerful. Trump’s numerous offensive comments, as evidenced by these interactions, put Republicans in a tough spot. This is why many Republican politicians chose to distance themselves from Trump, like Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse and former presidential candidate Mitt Romney. The 2016 Republican nominee has also fluctuated on a number of political issues throughout his life and is closer to Democrats on many of them. On abortion, he has varied from punishing wom-
en to being totally pro-choice. On multiple occasions, even as recently as the Republican primary debates, Donald Trump has been in support of a universal healthcare system similar to Canada. As for gun rights, Trump was a vehement supporter of assault weapon bans and preventing those on the no-fly list from buying guns, violating their fifth amendment right to due process, until the NRA endorsed him. Trump claimed he had always been against the war in Iraq despite saying otherwise at the time. On trade, Trump supports protectionist policies contrary to many conservatives of the party. What this suggests is that Republican voters are interested less in “presidential” behavior, adherence to party doctrine and ideology and more interested in change. The Republican and Democratic establishment should have seen this coming, as they were the ones who created this populist attitude by ignoring the plights of ordinary, working people. Donald Trump emerged in large part because the Republican establishment had stopped listening to the voice of its base. The base had already shifted to belief in stronger immigration policy, more stringent trade deals, ending political correctness and ending interventionist policy while Republicans politicians con-
NOV. 17, 2016 • PAGE DESIGN BY ABBY PERCICH
tinued to push the Bush ideal of “compassionate conservatism.” Establishment politicians like Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, for example, did not listen to these calls for reform, as he supported a massive amnesty bill pushed by the “Gang of 8.” Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush also failed to garner support due to his amnesty views as well
Opinion THE BUDGET • 29
ethnically diverse electorate in history with 31 percent of the voting population being Hispanic, black, Asian or any other minority group. These numbers will continue to grow, which does not spell victory for Republicans as the vast majority of minority voters vote Democrat. While courting the white working class may have worked this election cycle, it will not work much longer. A major reason why Trump won was not just because of white voter turnout but also because of low turnout for Hillary Clinton. This means the Republicans must expand their base to survive in future elections.. While the population of women isn’t growing as significantly as minority voters, they still represent a half of the country that consistently votes Democrat as well. Donald Trump’s disrespect for women throughout his life revealed through the Access Hollywood recording and other things he has said has most likely dissuaded many women voters from voting Republican. The Republican party must adopt a higher moral standard when it comes to the candidates they select, not just because it would be beneficial to them, but because character truly matters in a president. But probably the most concerning reality for the Republican party in terms of vote according demographics is young voters. to NBC news. He also put states Graphic by Ella Denson-Redding In a national survey of 18-26 year olds conducted by pollster in play that have Frank Luntz, it was found that not been in play 44 percent identified as Democrats, 42 for Republicans since the 1980’s like percent as independents and 15 percent Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania as Republicans. This will most definitely by courting working class voters. Is this affect Republicans in the long term. the future formula for victory for the Believe it or not, there are doctrinal Republican Party? and political changes the Republican Well, not exactly. party can enact to solve these problems, It has been projected by Pew but they will take time. From a doctrinal Research that this year had the most as his hawkish foreign policy approach. This desire for change materialized in Donald Trump’s shocking presidential win Nov. 8. Trump won by cobbling together a coalition of disaffected Republicans, uneducated whites of both parties and college-educated whites while winning 29 percent of the Hispanic vote and 8 percent of the African American
standpoint Republicans must listen to calls for reform as well as modify these reforms to attract new voters. On immigration, Republicans should support the enforcement of immigration law while at the same time treating immigrants with respect and realizing the absurdity of deporting millions of people all at once. If Republicans seek this middle-ground and acknowledge the importance of immigration to this country’s prosperity, they will see the slow return of Hispanic voters. On trade, Republicans should recognize that all trade deals should be made in the best interest of the country and its people, not in the interests of multinational corporations. These are things Republicans must do to maintain their voting base and disaffected Republicans who supported Trump. But to expand this voting base to people of all colors, genders and ages will require a Republican rebranding. The Republican party can no longer be the party of Wall Street, war, greed, hatred and racism as so many have portrayed it. The Republican party must become the party of individual rights and liberties. This means supporting one’s right to freedom of speech, which is becoming more and more restricted on college campuses; defending people’s religious liberties when it comes to discrimination laws and forcing employers to provide contraception to employees; preserving people’s right to self-defense; allowing people to choose the healthcare plan that best suits their needs; keeping the prying eyes of the NSA out of our personal lives; allowing economic mobility in society through less regulation; allowing parents to choose a school that’s best for their child; protecting the rights of the LGBT community and safeguarding the rights of the unborn. If framed correctly, these issues can be winning issues for Republicans and provide a sharp contrast from the Democrats who seek to incorporate government into every aspect of daily life.
PAGE DESIGN BY ABBY PERCICH•NOV. 17, 2016
30 • THE BUDGET Opinion
EQUITY TAKES EFFORT LETTER
Progress can’t happen without action INEZ ROBINSON
STAFF WRITER
I
’m a sophomore, a yearbook editor, a French student, a Marching Lion, an androgynous girl who can play the guitar, a girl who makes dinner for five siblings every night and ultimately, a strong indigenous student with big, far-fetched goals. Because those are the best kind of goals to me. I couldn’t do any of that without having some kind of motivation. As unfortunate as it is, my motivation relies on me proving my worth and proving I’m not the racial stereotype my country and community forces onto me. My experience at South Middle School ate my confidence to the core as not just students, but faculty members, reinforced dehumanizing standards. Two years ago, these standards were reinforced when one of my social studies teachers made us watch a young Lakota boy sing an honor song while he wept and cut his hair. I cried. I connected with his grief. Afterward, my teacher made us reenact the scene, memorizing that Lakota honor song and singing it in the funniest voice for extra points. I was emotionally conflicted. Cutting your hair out of grief isn’t funny. When my great grandma passed away, I watched my mom, grandma and aunties cut their hair and sob. I remember my grandma
holding me — like a teddy bear — in her most vulnerable moment. She wept into my ear as we lowered her mother into the earth. I remember the singing, the hollering, the paint on our faces, the dancing. Native funerals are different. Native grief is different. But my teachers and peers didn’t understand that when we had an entire unit on my culture. They became comfortable with their ignorance, and everything I knew became a joke. As you can imagine, the problematic lessons in that classroom continued for weeks, and my 13-year-old mind had no idea what to do or how to feel. I recall always struggling with being who I was. I grew up wanting blue eyes and a pointed nose with every bone in my body, and my 9-year-old self would cry when I saw my brown face in the mirror. I restricted myself from being traditional. So, when my teachers made fun of my culture to the class, I didn’t know if I should defend myself or hate myself even more. My young, non-native peers started making fun of my native friends and I, because the teacher showed us it was OK to do. I loved South and I still do. But to know that this kind of unacceptable teaching is still happening two years later is disgusting. Even as a middle school student, I reached out to adults I hoped could help. While I was comforted,
NOV. 17, 2016 • PAGE DESIGN BY ALICIA RUDER
changes didn’t result or at least weren’t apparent. I worry that’s what’s happening even today during the most recent event. Progress is slowing down, and the spotlight on South Middle School is dying out. When tensions were still existent, the principal of South went as far as to contact my mother and myself, but we’ve never had the face-to-face meeting we expected. She made it very clear to me that she’s sorry and acknowledges that so many indigenous kids left that school damaged, but we need to know that the school is finding justice for us. We need follow-ups. We need a formal apology. The school board can make as many equity teams as it wants, but until teachers actually start working for equity, the institutionalized racism in USD 497 will not end. I encourage all students and staff to take the time to research what is OK and what isn’t when your lessons regard any sort of controversial or racial topics. To the teachers and administration, don’t let this slide. When you’re silent during these kinds of serious allegations, you’re choosing the side of the oppressor. To the students, find the strength in yourselves to call out what makes you uncomfortable, because these buildings and curriculums were built for you, your education and your safety.
FROM THE EDITOR
BY KANSAS GIBLER
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
As fall is turning into winter, many students may find themselves plagued by a lack of vitamin D, and therefore feeling a bit lower than they did when night started at 8 instead of 5. Thankfully, there is an almost endless list of resources for students feeling depressed, anxious or even just stressed — about school, work or maybe even the President-Elect. This issue is about mental health, but the article that will stick with me most is “Equity takes effort” (on this page). The piece identifies issues the district and its schools have with achieving progress. Providing staff members with a one-time, two-day equity training is clearly not effective enough in ushering into schools a new culture where all students are accepted and have their backgrounds respected. Without a real attempt to get students — or even other teachers, who are the adults in these situations — to have those “courageous” and often uncomfortable conversations, our race to equity is stagnant and rendered wholly ineffective. It’s not enough to simply not be racist. Clearly, this bar may not even be met by all teachers. Regardless of how many editorials the Budget runs on the issue, no printed words could have the effect that the leaders of this school could have in initiating a culture of acceptance, awareness and justice at Lawrence High. The more that administrators, teachers, upperclassmen and brave underclassmen go out of their ways to challenge injustice, the more students we might have R.O.A.R.-ing with pride.
Opinion THE BUDGET • 31
THE STAFF
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.
READ MORE: Follow Chesty and Jacinda into the other dimension in an eerie 24-part special at lhsbudget.com.
EDITORS Kansas Gibler.......................................... Editor in Chief Alicia Ruder................................................Design Editor Hannah Gaines..........................................Photo Editor Abby Percich.......................................Managing Editor Macy Landes............................................... News Editor Zoie German-Martinez..........................Opinion Editor Gary Schmidt..............................................Sports Editor Trey Hulse..................................Assistant Sports Editor Veda Cobb....................................................Copy Editor Abigail English.................................... Captions Editors Krista Hopkins..................................... Captions Editors Meredith Chapple.................... Online Editor in Chief Kira Auchenbach.................... Online Assistant Editor Griffin Nelson...............................................Video Editor Lourdes Kalusha-Aguirre ��������������������������Video Editor Noah Kucza.....................................Ad Sales Manager Alison O’Trimble.............................Ad Sales Manager STAFF Nicole Aqui, Cooper Avery, Paige Bellmyer, Kyle Brey, Kylee Broekemeier, Cade Burghart, Anna D’Ercole, Ella Denson-Redding, Harrison Easley, Allie Fischer, Emily Gordon-Ross, Isabella Hedges, Vanessa Hernandez, Ian Jones, Lourdes Kalusha-Aguirre, Jazzmin Matchette, Griffin Nelson, Etana Parks, Olivia Percich, Sydney Pritchard, Emma Howard, Kate Rettig, Inez Robinson, Aidan Rothrock, Connor Schmaus, Chandler Sells, Clara Severn, Nolan Smith, Skylar Steichen, Luna Stephens, Addisson Thornsbury, Jacinda Warren, William Yanek.
PAGE DESIGN BY ALICIA RUDER •NOV. 17, 2016
32 • THE BUDGET
PHOTO OF THE MONTH TALENT — Junior Chisato Kimura sings “Don’t You Remember” by Adele during rehearsals for the FYI Talent Show. Kimura finished in fifth place in the annual event on Nov. 9. Photo by Addisson Thornsbury
OCT. 20, 2016 • PAGE DESIGN BY ALICIA RUDER