The Budget Vol_125 Issue 8

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HELP GET CHESTY TO GRADUATION

LAWRENCE HIGH SCHOOL • LAWRENCE, KANSAS • VOLUME 125 • ISSUE 8 • MAY 15, 2018

SENIOR REVVED FOR RACING CAREER

10 STUDENT TO WORK FOR DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAM

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MAPPING PLANS FOR SENIORS AFTER LHS

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Meet the valedictorians Roxy completes her fourth year at LHS Discover seniors’ future plans

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What teachers wish they had known in high school

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IN THIS ISSUE

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HELP GET CHESTY TO GRADUATION

LAWRENCE HIGH SCHOOL • LAWRENCE, KANSAS • VOLUME 125 • ISSUE 8 • MAY 15, 2018

SENIOR REVVED FOR RACING CAREER

10 STUDENT TO WORK FOR DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAM

Athletes sign to play sports in college

15

Senior editor Luna Stephens says farewell

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•Students Participate in National Walkout •Student creates Mel’s Muffins

MAPPING PLANS FOR SENIORS AFTER LHS

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ON THE COVER — Senior year is full of twists and turns. The Budget takes a look at the different paths seniors have chosen in and outside of Lawrence High. Illustration by Sami Turner and Anna Parnell

CONDUCTOR SAYS GOODBYE

BY IZZY HEDGES

ONLINE EDITOR

Rachel Dirks, orchestra teacher for 17 years at LHS, has made a lasting impact on her students and the orchestra program. However, at the end of this year, students will bid her farewell, as Dirks becomes director of orchestras at Kansas State University in the fall of 2018.

“I have enjoyed 23 wonderful years of teaching in the public schools of Kansas. I have recently been feeling that before I finished my career in music education, I would like to spend some time at the collegiate level,” Dirks said. “When K-State called and asked me to apply for the position, I felt like this was an opportunity I could not pass up.”

Before Dirks’ career at Lawrence High, she received her bachelor of arts from Bethel College and went on to receive a masters of music from the University of Texas at Austin. Dirks is currently working toward her doctorate degree at the University of Kansas and works alongside her husband,

Mike Jones, head of the band program at Lawrence High.

“I was shocked when I found out, but I’m also excited for her, because I know she will do great things at K-State,” junior violinist Emily Guo said. “She’s definitely changed the LHS orchestra program for the better.”

After working 23 years in the Kansas public school system, Dirks said she’d miss the sense of community at Lawrence High, tradition that Lawrence High has continued to stand for and working with her husband.

“She’s genuinely one of the most kind and genuine people I’ve ever met in my life,” junior violinist Karenna Peterson said. “She is always reassuring when it comes to anything you’re doing. That’s what I will always remember, just how kind and supportive she was.”

JOYFUL — Rachel Dirks enjoys conducting the orchestras at the February concert. She will begin her new position as director of orchestras at Kansas State University this fall. Photo by Emily Kruse

MAY 15, 2018 • PAGE DESIGN BY ANNA PARNELL

THE BUDGET

GOING OUT

WATER WARRIORS

BY CONNOR SCHMAUS

COPY CHIEF

IN STILE

EDITOR

After seven years at LHS, English teacher Matthew Stiles will teach at Olathe West in the fall.

Stiles, known for his involvement with basketball, football, FCS and Graffiti Literature Magazine, made the decision to shorten his daily commute from Olathe.

“It sucks but it’s good that he’s going to the next step,” senior and Graffiti Editor Kaziwa Abdulqader said. “He needs to be able to support his family.”

Stiles was known to let students engage in conversations about class topics with each other before offering any of his own input. Abdulqader found this style to be especially helpful in Graffiti.

“He just steps back and lets [the students] handle it,” Abdulqader said. “He lets us play out our roles.”

Stiles’ coworkers in the English department recall his friendly mannerisms. “[The best parts were] lazy mornings where we either got breakfast or just sat around drinking coffee talking about a lot of stuff,” English teacher Jon Harrison said.

TEACHING — English teacher Matt Stiles helps senior Tia Herrman with an assignment during his sixth-hour AP Literature class. Photo by Jacob Lashley

BY JACKSON HOY

Assassins, a non-school sanctioned game played every year by members of the senior class, has come under fire from district officials.

On March 30, parents of seniors at LHS and Free State received a letter via email describing the game, the concerns held by both schools’ administrations and the district, and potential punishment for students who play the game on school grounds.

The letter describes the game succinctly: “[S}tudents pay an entry fee to play. They are assigned a peer as a target, and then they attempt to shoot that target with a water gun within a given time.

The last student standing wins the money collected.”

In an email interview, interim USD 497 superintendent Anna Stubblefield said the letter was intended to share concerns as well as inform students the game can’t be played on school property.

“We indicated in the letter we did not have any jurisdiction outside of school and school sanction events,” Stubblefield said. “However, we felt it was our responsibility to communicate to parents the concerns we had as well as those shared by commu-

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nity members and parents.”

Students said the letter affected participation levels. But while many seniors were scared off by the letter, senior Calvin DeWitt chose to play in spite of the potential consequences.

“I understood their concerns, I just wanted to play the game and have some fun, because it is a fun game,” he said.

One aspect of the letter that stood out to many was a comment about how Assassins seems to counter movements against school violence that have gained steam in recent months.

“The Assassins game is of particular concern to us at a time in our community, and our country, when school violence weighs heavy on our hearts and is at the forefront of our minds,” the letter reads. “We have been proud to watch students step up as articulate and committed advocates for school safety. The playing of this game seems counter to those admirable efforts.”

Students playing the game believe there are positives to it that the letter glosses over.

“I think it’s a good bonding activity,” senior Megah Shah said.

“I think people really get to know each other. It’s just fun. It’s a good way to end the year.”

SAVE THE DATE: FIVE EVENTS YOU SHOULDN’T MISS

1

2

May 15

May 16 & 17

Spring Orchestra Concert 7 p.m.

Auditorium

Senior Finals

3

4

May 21-23

Underclassmen Finals

May 23

Graduation 7 p.m.

Football Stadium

5 May 24

First day of summer vacation

PAGE DESIGN BY ANNA PARNELL• MAY 15, 2018

BIRD

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Go Lions!

535 Gateway Dr. Lawrence, KS 66049 785-331-0106

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THE BUDGET

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TOP OF THE CLASS

Class of 2018 Valedictorians share their high school experience REPORTING BY FREEMAN SPRAY PHOTOS BY EMILY KRUSE

GRAHAM EDMONDS

What’s it like to be valedictorian?

“It’s pretty cool...It’s cool also to see all my friends that have stood by with me and been on this journey.”

JACKSON HOY

SATORI GOOD

Has your time at LHS prepared you?

“All my teachers have been fantastic in terms of teaching me essay writing, valuable critical thinking skills, problem solving and that sort of thing. “

WILLIAM KAMPA

What sacrifices have you made?

What’s it like to be valedictorian?

“I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s sacrifices, “It feels great to see all my hard work paid more just getting myself in line, trying to off.” work on things, just regimenting myself and getting to where I’m consistently having that work ethic.”

MIA TALLEY

Has your time at LHS prepared you?

“I think so, and I think the experience of transferring has helped me a little bit, too”

CHLOE THORNTON

Has your time at LHS prepared you?

“I think it has prepared me well. I liked English with Mrs. [Shannon] Carriger and PreMed with Mrs. [Jennifer] Hare, and Mr. [Matt] Ellis, with Calc.”

CALEB HOGAN

What sacrifices have you made?

“I spent a lot of nights staying up late and just making sure I could get all my stuff done.”

LEAH MARETT

Has your time at LHS prepared you?

“I think so. All my teachers have really pushed me to work my hardest and do my best.”

KACEE TRUONG

What sacrifices have you made?

“My sleep. I’ve slept less and less each year.”

Not Pictured: Kiana Hajiarbabi

PAGE DESIGN BY SAMI TURNER• MAY 15, 2018

6• THE BUDGET

ENJOYING SCHOOL’S

DOG DAYS

Therapy dog Roxy wraps up her fourth year as a Chesty Lion

REPORTING & PHOTOS BY NOAH GINSBERG

SIERRA MAGDALENO

What was your favorite moment with Roxy from the last four years? ”When I would come from lunch and she would be cuddly and sweet.”

How has Roxy’s presence changed your experience at LHS? “Her presence brightened the room and my learning experience.”

What times of the day do you see Roxy? ”I would see her in the hallway and in Lauxman’s room during lunch, which would always brighten my day.”

JACOB FOSTER

JOE HESS

What is your favorite moment with Roxy the last four years?

“When I was a sophomore, I was reading in class and Roxy came to my feet and chewed on my shoes, and laid by them, which made me really happy.”

What is your favorite moment with Roxy the last four years?

“During my sophomore year, her presence would always brighten my day because of her positive energy, which would make me and the others happy.”

How has Roxy’s presence changed your experience at LHS? “I feel like other classrooms don’t have enough energy and encouragement to do enough, but with Roxy, she helps you relax and get you through the class.”

How has Roxy’s presence changed your experience at LHS? “Her presence changed my life because everyday I would see her, and she would brighten the day from being a good day to being the best day ever. Just seeing Roxy made the sun shine each day.”

What times of the day do you see Roxy? ”I would see her a bit between classes, and How did you react to knowing that one she would come to some of my other classes.” of the teachers brings her therapy dog to school everyday?

“At first I was confused because I didn’t know anything about Roxy until I learned that Roxy was a therapy dog. Everyday, I would always pray to see Roxy.”

JUST ONE THING

Seniors answer: If you could only take one personal item from home to college, what would it be?

“

All my prom pictures.”

—Cesar Smokowski

“

My cat, Megatron.”

—Andrew Noline

“

My racing simulator.”

—Mason Koger

MAY 15, 2018 • PAGE DESIGN BY NOAH GINSBERG

“

LFK shirt.”

—Paul Loupe

“

All of my shoes.”

—Jaelin Horne

UP FIRST

THE BUDGET

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Senior section leaders share their experiences leading other musicians

REPORTING BY SOPHIA RODGERS

SATORI GOOD

BEN MATTHEWS

SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA BASS

“Everyone in the section is really good, so It’s not really that difficult.

Everyone does a really good job.”

“It’s fun. I really enjoy working with all the people in my section. It is a responsibility because you need to know the literature, but it is a privilege. I love working with everyone in my section. It’s the best section.”

SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA 1ST VIOLIN

LACY GREENFIELD

CALEB HOGAN

BAND FLUTE

“You have to learn their music and make sure they’re doing what they’re suppose to all the time.”

“

A picture of me and my dad.”

—Garett French

“

Childhood spider toy.”

—Tyler Talawyma

“

JOHN ELY

BAND TRUMPET

BAND SOUSAPHONE

“It’s a lot of fun, one of the key points is encouragement.

You just have to make sure everyone is doing alright and be supportive. Just make sure everyone is having a good time and doing their work.”

“You just have to make sure everyone knows what they’re doing and where they need to be on time.

Communication within your section is really important.”

My fuzzy blanket.”

—Maryam Ahmed

“

My old GameCube.”

—Tia Herrman

“

My Nemesis Prime action figure.”

—Parker Davis

PAGE DESIGN BY NOAH GINSBERG• MAY 15, 2018

8• THE BUDGET

ADVANCING

Graduating artists showcase their best art, share future plans REPORTING BY SYMON KNOX

SATORI GOOD

What kind of art do you make?

“I am in photography and an independent study for drawing and painting, so I’ve mostly been doing oil painting and portraits.”

What motivates you in your art?

“I’ve always loved creative expression, and oil is a medium that I’ve been hesitant to use until this year.

I’ve done acrylic and other mediums, but I didn’t feel like I have the level of control over my work like I do with oils, so I really feel like I can express myself more with oils. Photography is also very

logical and easy to express ideas more directly.”

What teacher has affected you the most in your art?

“Ms. [Angelia] Perkins has pushed my creativity to its limits. She really stresses combining mediums using all different kinds of things mixed with photography. Mrs. [Wendy] Vertacnik has taught me a lot of technical skills that are essential to painting.”

Are you going to continue art after high school? If so what do you plan to do?

“I plan to go into English and creative writing, photography and painting is more of a hobby and a de-stressor in my life.”

ANASTASIA SCHUETTE What kind of art do you make?

“I mostly create portraits and figure drawing, and my favorite medium to use is oil paint.”

What is your favorite thing about making art?

“I get to express myself, and it’s really relaxing to me.”

How have you grown as an artist while at LHS? “I learned to express myself more and learn more techniques.”

MAY 15, 2018 • PAGE DESIGN BY ANNA PARNELL

What teachers have benefited you the most?

“Mrs. [Wendy] Vertacnik, she has taught me a lot and I’m always comfortable in her classroom.”

Are you going to continue art after high school? If so what do you plan to do?

“I’m definitely going to continue to make art. I don’t know exactly what I’m going to do. I might go to college or just start selling my art, but I will continue for sure.”

ARTISTS MAYA FRAZIER

What kind of art do you make?

“I make all kinds of art, from ceramic to paintings, fusing glass, and mosaics, but my favorite is ceramics without a doubt.”

What drives you as an artist?

“My life experiences drive me as an artist whether they be good or bad. I translate my emotions and personal feelings into my art. I also, push my limitations by trying ‘tricky’ or abstract forms. I find serenity in learning from the endless lessons that being an artist teaches you.”

What class has affected you the most in your art?

“Ceramics is the class that most affects my art. Just sitting in the ceramics

ALLISON DAY

What kind of art do you make?

“I mostly do photography, sometimes film but mostly digital. I usually do more minimalist centered photography, with objects rather than people.”

What is your favorite part about creating?

“I like thinking of a story behind a photo or even taking something as an inspiration and representing it in a new way that makes people

THE BUDGET

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room with all of the materials around me opens my mind to let creativity in.

That room is where I am most in my element and most comfortable to just do my own thing.”

What is your favorite thing about your art?

“My favorite thing about my art is the multiple ways that I represent meaning.

I can hide meaning within the simplest of objects that don’t look directly linked. I translate the beauty of words into a visual playground.”

Are you going to continue art after high school?

“I plan to continue my art education at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

I will get my bachelors in art and design, with an emphasis on art education.”

think about it before they realize what it’s about.”

What teacher has affected you the most in your art?

“Mrs. [Jamie] Johnson has taught me how to branch out and become more confident through theater which helps me create stronger art.”

Are you going to continue art after high school? If so what do you plan to do?

“I plan to keep taking photos and I plan to do quite a bit of literaturebased art.”

PAGE DESIGN BY ANNA PARNELL• MAY 15, 2018

10• THE BUDGET

RACING AHEAD Family passion for racing infused in senior’s plans for the future

BY DANIEL DAVIDSON

STAFF WRITER

F

or most people, being behind the wheel of a car for the first time is a stressful teen experience.

But by senior Vance Weber’s 14th birthday, he had already been driving cars for a decade.

But Weber wasn’t just driving any car. At the age of 4, he was speeding down oval dirt tracks in mini race cars, competing with kids years older than him. His early start into competitive racing was no coincidence.

“It’s something that runs in my family,” Weber explained. “My father did it, and so did his.”

His father, Rocco Weber, said he had always hoped his son would race.

He said he picked the name “Vance” because “it would look good on the side of a race car.”

Vance Weber races a few times each year, sometimes driving up to four hours away to a race track. Both father and son stressed the importance of preparation leading up to a race.

“Races are won in the garage,” Rocco Weber said.

While working on race cars in his

garage, Vance has learned the inner workings of what he races in.

Despite the hard work, a factor that challenges his competitive ability is the expense to race and buy quality cars.

“You have to have drug dealer money to be real competitive,” Rocco Weber said. “But we spend wisely. You can’t buy desire and hard work, and that’s how we challenge people with nicer stuff than us.”

Because of the long distance from tracks and preparation required to race, practice races outside of competitions are not an option. One way Vance deals with this is by practicing on a racing simulator and wheel he has set up at home, designed to imitate being on the track.

But nothing can fully imitate what being on a track feels like.

“It’s on dirt so the track changes through the night,” Vance Weber said.

“It starts out as wet and tacky, but as the night goes on, it’ll be really slick and it takes a lot of precision with the throttle and brake… you gotta keep your car going as straight as possible, which is pretty hard because of the way the track conditions are most of the time.”

When it comes to winning, most rac-

es offer a cash prize for those who finish first. Vance has claimed several second place finishes while racing, and won a first place prize of $750 last year.

“I don’t win every race, and I’m not the best,” Vance Weber said, “but when I go to the track, I have a chance to win every race.”

For Vance and his father, the sport is about more than just winning, it’s about bonding.

“A family that races together, stays together,” Rocco Weber said. “In most sports, you’re just on the sidelines. This sport is really with him, and the preparation involves the whole family, which is what it’s all about.”

Racing isn’t just a hobby for Vance, either. After he graduates, Vance plans to go to Kansas State University and study mechanical engineering and then, hopefully, find a job in the racing industry. Whatever the future holds, Vance Weber is confident it will involve racing.

“Once racing gets in your blood,” Rocco Weber said, “it stays in.”

SPEEDY — Vance Weber races in his Micro Racer at a race. Photo courtesy of Vance Weber

ANY ADVICE?

Seniors give advice to their freshmen selves about making their way through high school High school isn’t the most Feed your passions at important time in your life.” least twice every week, or —Olivia Morgan they will die.”

—Brisa Andrade

Please try not to be cringey.”

—Jeremy Rangel

MAY 15, 2018 • PAGE DESIGN BY ALEX LANE

Don’t play FNAF [Five Nights at Freddy’s].”

—Christian Spoula

Don’t cut your hair and stop skipping classes!”

—Lisa Criswell

THE BUDGET

Take chances! Even if you’re afraid, it’s better to try than to not do it at all.”

—Allison Wilson

It goes by so fast. So just enjoy it.”

—Gracie Scott

To get involved with the school more because it goes by fast and you’ll miss a lot of opportunities.”

—Ryan Hemming

Be more outgoing, care less about what other people think.”

—Rafaela Silva

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Work on your study habits and hit them books kid!!

And run track you weirdo!”

— Jakobi Johnson

PAGE DESIGN BY ALEX LANE• MAY 15, 2018

12• THE BUDGET

BUILDING THE FUTURE

Senior looks into bettering the future through studying engineering

BY NIKKI AQUI

STAFF WRITER

A

s the school year draws to a close, Lawrence High loses a class of students who are literally building a better future.

One of those students is senior Mia Waters. Mia was adopted when she was only 1 year old from China by Julie Waters and Mark Lumpee. Waters was found at a bus station as an infant and taken to a orphanage where she, and every other child, were named “Gong.”

It was not until adoption that Mia was given her new name.

This year, Waters gave back to the youth in the community when she and students from Free State designed and built an “educational playhouse” for

Googols of Learning, located in downtown Lawrence.

Charlie Lauts, Waters’ engineering teacher, describes Mia as “driven,” later adding that when Waters’ drawing was chosen to be built by Googols of Learning, “Mia had immediately stepped up to be the leader of the team and just led the rest of her crew for the rest of the project. That’s the best way I can describe her.”

In her four years at Lawrence High, Waters has stayed busy. She runs her family’s farmer’s market booth, works a second job, plays sports and is involved in school activities, including a having leadership role with the Environmental Club for her entire Chesty Lion career.

“I am so impressed that she has been able to juggle all of these things and has still been so successful academically,”

MAY 15, 2018 • PAGE DESIGN BY CECILIA SANCHEZ-VARGAS

science teacher Lisa Ball said. “She’s pretty much a rock star.”

As Waters leaves Lawrence High, her teachers are sure she will only continue her success.

“I know she is going to be successful no matter where she ends up, even after college,” Lauts said.

Waters will be attending Lehigh University this fall to continue to pursue engineering.

DESIGNING — Senior Mia Waters works on designs during her engineering class with Charlie Lauts. Photo by Aidin Manning UNVEILING— Waters and her engineering class debut the educational playhouse for children at Googols of Learning childcare center. Photo courtesy of Charlie Lauts

THE BUDGET

HIT THE LIGHTS

• 13

Senior will continue his passion for theater

BY MACY LANDES

STAFF WRITER

A

fter working behind the scenes for most of his high school theater career, senior Liam Romano will continue designing and building in

college.

With a variety of shows and work experience under his belt, Romano plans to pursue his lifelong interest of technical theater by majoring in theater design and technical production at University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film.

In Lawrence High’s theater department, Romano has been known for creating professional-looking sets and his willingness to take on responsibility.

“He was in the first play that I directed here, ‘Our Town,’ ” theater teacher Jamie Johnson said. “He played this character that was kind of like the town drunk….And I remember in that show we were like, ‘OK, it’d be cool if this character had a belly, like if he was kind of bigger,’ and Liam was like, ‘I can do that, I can make that,’...so that was kind of my first introduction to who he was as a person, and that perfectly sets the tone for him as a human being. He’s always like, ‘Oh, I can build that. Let me figure

that out, I’ll go do it,’ which has been such a huge asset.”

Senior Caitlin Treviño, student director of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” worked with Romano on the musical. He acted as technical director.

“Without Liam, there wouldn’t have been a set for the musical,” she said.

“And it’s a show that could have been done without a set, just some bleachers and tables and chairs, but he made it look professional. And I think the cast benefited from having their little world in that gymnasium created.”

In addition to designing sets for high school shows, Romano is one of the youngest technicians on staff at the Lawrence Arts Center. On an average day, he could be moving heavy equipment, painting walls, assisting in preparations for outside groups using the facility or anything else that day requires of him.

“That requires a certain amount of professionalism, dedication and flexibility,” Romano’s boss, Samaria Flieg, said in an email. “Liam is such a calm presence in high-stress situations and is able to problem solve issues quickly.”

Romano first discovered his love for theater while seeing a play at the Arts Center in elementary school.

“It was about these bugs,” he said.

“And I recall at the very end, they brought up all the curtains and everything as we were leaving. And I turned around and I saw all the stuff backstage and I was like, ‘This is crazy, what?

There’s like 40 people I didn’t see, what?

Magicians. Yeah, get me involved.’ ” Romano committed to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln because he felt it provides him with the most on-the-job experience and updated technology.

“I’ve been in those situations before where I haven’t used certain things, like equipment or tools because I didn’t know how,” Romano said. “Getting that knowledge in college will definitely help.”

Johnson believes his work ethic and creativity are what set him apart from others in his field.

“He just has this way of seeing the world that’s just a little bit different,” Johnson said. “And I think that being able to have that kind of skewed view, in a positive way, gives him that edge creatively because he’s not afraid to do something that’s a little different.”

ADJUSTING — Senior Liam Romano runs the lights in his position at the Lawrence Arts Center. Photo by Addisson Thornsbury

PAGE DESIGN BY CECILIA SANCHEZ-VARGAS• MAY 15, 2018

14• THE BUDGET

SERVING SENIORS

Students talk about plans to join the military to serve their country REPORTING BY EMERSON EASLEY PHOTOS BY MIRA SIMMS & EMILY KRAUSE

LYDIA MORROW 35 FOX INTELLIGENCE

ALEXIS POOL ARMY

What will you be doing in the military?

What are you looking forward to?

“35 Fox which is an intelligence analyst. You analyze data on what’s happening and send up the important information to the people of higher ranks.”

Why did you choose to do this?

“Most of my family has served. My dad is Air Force. My uncle and grandpa were in the Army.”

“[I’m] looking forward to having the structure in my life and a newfound family in the Army.”

What do you not look forward to about being in the Army?

“I really don’t look forward to deployment.”

DAMIAN SUMNER ARMY

ETHAN FLORES MARINES

Q: Why are you joining the military?

Why did you choose to join the Marines?

What are you looking forward to?

“Out of all my family members who have been in the military, none of them have been in the Marines. The Marines have always been something I’ve thought about, and getting closer to graduation it seemed like the best fit to do something active duty.”

“My family has always been military themed, so I thought I might as well carry on the tradition.”

“At some point I’ll get to travel to either Italy or Germany for a week or two, and I’m looking forward to that.”

MAY 15, 2018 • PAGE DESIGN BY SAMI TURNER

THE BUDGET

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INTO THE STORM

John Ely decides to serve his country by working for FEMA

BY SYMON KNOX

STAFF WRITER

W

hile fellow classmates gear up for college, the workforce and more, senior John Ely is preparing himself for the opportunity of a lifetime.

Shortly after graduation Ely will join the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA. FEMA is a disaster relief agency that has been around since the

Carter administration. It coordinates the federal government’s participation in preparing for, preventing, responding to and recovering from disasters. The agency covers natural and manmade disasters. It also responds to acts of terror.

“I was thinking about doing a gap year, but someone at my dad’s office asked me if I had ever considered AmeriCorps,” Ely said. “I didn’t know what it was, so after a bit of research I found a program through FEMA. There was an application process that I started in December.

I went through some clearances and submitted applications to different listings across the country.

There are five campuses, and my application went out to all of them. The Sacramento campus

contacted me, and offered me the job.”

Ely plans to travel to Sacramento, California, in a few months where he will begin his two months of training.

Training will include everything from disaster relief to public outreach. After completing his training, FEMA will be able to send him anywhere in the country or to any U.S. territories to assist before and after disasters.

Most of the job will be physical labor. Much of what FEMA does after a disaster involves debris removal, as well as cleaning up or rebuilding damaged public buildings. Transitioning from a full-time student to a full-time physically demanding job is a change Ely looks forward to.

The job will require Ely to be available all year round in order to travel anywhere disaster may strike.

“The experience will be really different for me,” Ely said. “I’ll be held to a high standard of accountability, because you can’t really take time off, and you can’t go home much, so I’ll be more independent than I ever have before.”

Ely’s dad, Erik Ely, has nothing but good things to say about his son’s decision.

“It will be a real positive for him, being in situations where he is going to have to work hard physically and take on leadership roles,” Erik Ely said. “Being able to minimize the effect of a disaster on whatever he is working on will take a lot of leadership and hard work. It should really benefit him in the rest of his life.”

SOAKED — Senior John Ely will be running toward disasters this year when he begins volunteering with FEMA after graduation, acting as an emergency responder during natural disasters. He will be deployed in August to work with FEMA through AmeriCorps. “I knew I wanted to do a gap year with something that was important,” Ely said. “I wanted to feel like I was making a difference. I hope I find more self-direction and narrow down what I want to do with my life.” Photo Illustration by Aidin Manning and Emily Kruse

PAGE DESIGN BY SAMI TURNER• MAY 15, 2018

16• THE BUDGET

MOVING ON Seniors take off from high school to begin a new stage of life

INFORMATION GATHERED BY ABBY ENGLISH & STAFF

SOUTH DAKOTA University of South Dakota Stephen Johnson

NEBRASKA University of Nebraska-Lincoln Liam Romano, Grace Lynch, Abigail Murrish, Luna Stephens University of Nebraska-Omaha Maya Frazier, Isabelle Ginavan, Eliana Seidner

IDAHO Brigham Young University-Idaho Caleb Bash

COLORADO Colorado Mesa University Alexander Heckman, Kendra Yergey Front Range Community College Belle Ray University of Colorado-Colorado Springs Audrey Kaufman University of Northern Colorado Dante’ Jackson, Caitlin Trevino

KANSAS

Baker University Zoe Brewer, Harrison King, Hunter Krom, Jacob Mills, Olivia Morgan, Diamonique Vann Barton Community College Ian Henricks, Andrew Stewart Bellus Academy Jalene Perez Bethel College Victoria Mosakowski Butler County Community College Ethan Bayliff Coffeyville Community College Alaina Barnes, Jalen Dudley, Talima Harjo, Tyrin Cosey Community Transition Travis Barfield Cowley County Community College Sakira Mattox Emporia State University Rebecca Gordon-Ross Fort Hays State University Laura Leach Haskell Indian Nations University Raven Andersen-Rolland, Neo Astorga, Carson Jumping Eagle, Andrew Noline II, Fawnshay Rowland, Gracynn Scott, Adonis Stanwix, Tyler Talawyma, AJ Holder, Shikeyah

Brunello Highland Community College Nathaniel Kearney Johnson County Community College Kira Auchenbach, Isaiah Hite, Jenica Adams, Liberty Allensworth, Kaiden Ambrose, Savanah Amnotte, Jalen Atkinson, Makia Austin, Quyen Banh, Trevor Blackbourn, Brian Camarena, Oscar Cerenil, Izzy Christiansen, Chelby Coleman, James Cooper, Ariana Cox, Parker Davis, Remington Eakin, Jacob Foster, Armando Gaeta, Tristen Gillespie, Mason Glazer, Samuel Greene Jr., Lacey Greenfield, Bailey Greer, Kiana Hajiarbabi, Isabel Hardy, Ruben Haro-Villa, LaShonte’ Harris Jr., Miranda Hernandez, Talmage Hill, Krista Hopkins, Molly Howell, Ethan Huslig, Mason Koger, Sierra Magdaleno, Zach Malsbury, Jafet Martinez, Connor McClaskey, Quinlin Muller, Brandon Nottingham, Billy Phiavilayvong, Austin Quick, Zarintaj Ramaley, Jeremy Rangel, Heather Raw, Ethan Ruggles, Benjamin Slimmer, Keifer Smith, Indi Soileau, Noah Stowe, Steven Strickland, Damian Sumner, Sydney Teichmann, Alexander Torke, Luis Torres, Treyton Trujillo, Riley Turpin, Katie Vickers,

CALIFORNIA FEMA John Ely University of Southern California Jackson Hoy, Graham Edmonds

WORK Dylan Bierschbach, Lenley Bonham, Darian Chamberlain, Cheyenne Clifton-Mooney, Kayla Cottrell, Lisa Criswell, Stephen Duvall, Josh Evans, Riley Fowler, Emmaly Fuller, George Haff, Joe Hess, Jaelin Horne, Tristen

Lansing, Nicholas Marshall, Chris Moland, Hunter Mooney, Izzy Pennewell, Candy Porter, Sera Riedesel, Maxwell Schilling, Ian Sotomayor, Sina Stanford, Donovan Tabares, Jacob Tooley, Tim Vongphachanh, Dustin Welcher, Blair Whaley, Aubrey White

TEXAS

MILITARY Army Lydia Morrow, Alexis Pool Marines Isaac Cox, Ethan Flores Navy Patrick Steinbach, Casey Willis Bailey Air Force Alexander Bennett

MAY 15, 2018 • PAGE DESIGN BY NATHANIEL KEARNEY

Texas State University Brittany Collier University of North Texas William Kampa

OTHER Gwentessa Alfie, Harrison Easley, Rilee German-Martinez, Sabrina Holloway, Anton Martinez de Velasco, Avery Mulally, Edward Rockhold, Joe Slaugh, Claire Walther, Jeffrey Wilson

THE BUDGET IOWA

WISCONSIN

INDIANA

Coe College Mia Comparato Iowa State University Taeghan Sharpe University of Iowa Satori Good, Adelaine Horan

Lawrence University Lilias Hull

VERMONT

Goshen College Mariah Kaufman

Middlebury College Nicholas Matthews, Benjamin Matthews

NEW YORK

MINNESOTA Minneapolis College of Art and Design Elijah Jackson Southwest Minnesota State University Maria Duncan

OHIO University of Dayton Laurel Bird

• 17

Pratt Institute Paul Loupe New York University Robert Kleibohmer

CONNECTICUT Fire Fighter Training Alex Givotovsky

MARYLAND Deidric Voigt, Danielle Walters Kansas City Kansas Community College Louisa Delnevo, Jacob Horton, Morgan Husman, Jackson Maher, Katelyn Mask, Alexis Neal Kansas State University Kaziwa Abdulqader, Ekow Boye-Doe, Stephen Cory, Nick Englebert, Garett French, Mason Phelps, Christian Spoula, McKenzie Stevens, Mia Talley, Nikita Watts, Vance Weber, George Woolverton, Mary Carr Neosho County Community College Ruby Cruse, Holly Evans, Madison Keim Ottawa University Tori Grammer, Talyn Jefferson, Abigail Warren Peaslee Technical Training Center Colton Hyatt Pittsburg State University Maxwell Gottschamer, Alex Haynes, Monica Steffes, Sheldon Wilkerson Project Search/Transition Jessica Brabant, Bryson Chareune, Brandon Lawrenz University of Kansas Maryam Ahmed, Daisy Blitch, Alexi Boller, Chris Boyd, Allison Brown, Ashlee Brown, Maria Buskirk, Jay

Cheatham, Reggie Clemons, Bryce Cooper, Taylor Covert, Bess Davison, Allison Day, Matthew De Guzman, Nicole De la Torre, Mikayla Downs, Abby English, Kenton Felmlee, Luther Fuller, Thurston Garrison, JD Grammer, Bryce Hadl, Ryan Hafenstine, Caleb Hogan, Youla Iskandrani, Grayson Johnson, Tyler Johnson, Emily Lepine, Zac Lindemann, Hunter Lomshek, Rollin Love, Katelyn McIntyre, Nicholas Miller, Brian Myers, Arthur Nammychai, Grace Odrowski, Anna Osterhaus, Jake Rajewski, Stephanie Reed, Ally Rood, James Rossillon, Thaliah Ruiz-Chavez, Elijah Rupprecht, Mert Sapci, Megah Shah, Ethan Taylor, Stephen Teska, Chloe Thornton, Samantha (Sami) Torres, Justin Truong, Kacee Truong, Gabriel Wagler, Sydney White, Braden Williams, Megan Wisbey, Javier Lemmons, Julie Vasquez Washburn University Alicia Ruder, Kristian Russell Wichita State University Colin Bradt, Kylee Broekemeier, Gavin Jones, Grayson Rodriquez, Ainsley Agnew, Jacob Lashley

ARKANSAS University of Arkansas Sofia Dominguez

UNDECIDED Michael Aldridge Jr., Ghadeer Almohsen, Aaron Barnes, Matthew Cummins, Melle Dye, Jessica Harris, Jakobi Johnson, Donald Rayton, Allison Wilson

UNKNOWN Alexander Baldwin, Timothy Choitz, Jonavon Jacobs, Morgan Kabler, Alex Khampannha Rath, Jeremiah Liska, Jacob Lytle, Elijah Mikel, J’Den Nichols, Christopher Smith

University of Maryland, College Park Leah Marett

PENNSYLVANIA Carnegie Mellon University Omar Roth Lehigh University Mia Waters Temple University Tia Herrman, Brock Morris

MASSACHUSETTS Clark University Sarah Krambeer Mount Holyoke College Chisato Kimura Newbury College Michael John-Clement

WASHINGTON, D.C. George Washington University Calvin DeWitt V

VIRGINIA Virginia Tech Cesar Smokowski

MISSOURI TENNESSEE East Tennessee State University E’Lease Stafford

PREP SCHOOL

Lincoln University Asia Goodwin, Lamisha Hollywood-Johnson Park University Van Dave Jacob University of Missouri-Kansas City Paige Bequette, Chris Conway, Katie Gleason, Dario Ramirez

Anthony Selden

?COLLEGE-UNDECIDED Brisa Andrade, Lindsay Arriaga, Joseph Ayon, Ryan Byrn, Reese Carmona, Hunter Castillo, Kobe Copp, Ralph Dumas IV, Ja’Relle Dye, Angel Garcia, Mark Garcia, Katrina Groenhagen, Sam Guengerich, Quentin Harrington, Ryan Hemming, Devin Lauts, Jesica Leabo, Rafaela Lima Ribeiro

Silva, Reginald Mitchell, Garett Pfeifer I, Dani Saunders, Jordan Schoepf, Anastasia Schuette, Gracie Scott, Tino Singkeo, Brady Talkington, Gabi Thomas, Jaiden Younger, Tory Hamon, Coryena Hardy, Brittany Henshaw, Matthew Kabler, Eli Gatewood, Joseph Minder

PAGE DESIGN BY NATHANIEL KEARNEY• MAY 15, 2018

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THE BUDGET

• 19

LOOKING BACK Teachers share what they wish they had known when they graduated

REPORTING BY JAYLYNN HICKS

“I wish I had learned to schedule doctor appointments.”

—Randall Frye, assistant choir director

“I wish that I had studied more languages because it’s a lot harder to learn as you grow older.”

—Angelia Perkins, photography teacher

“I would have studied harder in high school because college was harder than I expected.”

—Shannon Wilson, culinary teacher

“I wish I knew how to take time “I wish I had known how to “You have lots of second and enjoy high school and that prioritize my time better.” chances if you make a mistake.

—Russel Clark, Taking risks is worth the effort.” all the little things don’t matter in assistant orchestra director the grand scheme.”

—Dwayne Dunn, —Matt Ellis, choir director math teacher

“I would have taken more different types of electives and exposed myself to different types of classes.”

—Scott Lane, history teacher

“I wish that I had known more about civil rights and the unfairnesses to African Americans.”

—Janet Rovenstine, history teacher

PAGE DESIGN BY JAYLYNN HICKS• MAY 15, 2018

20• THE BUDGET

BEST OF THE BEST

BY PAM VUE

STAFF MEMBER In a strong year for LHS sports, several seniors join E’Lease Stafford in the school’s record books with dominance in their sports. Here we feature a few of the brightest athletes from the class of 2018 and the records they’ll leave behind.

Alex Heckman

50 Freestyle 21.56

Hunter Krom Javelin 204 ft, 2 in

Stephen Johnson

200 IM 1:59.46 100 Backstroke 54.75 100 Freestyle 47.48 200 Freestyle 1:40.74 DRIVE — Senior E’Lease Stafford, an East Tennessee State University commit, aims her eyes at the rim as she prepares her next move during the Feb. 27 substate win over Shawnee MIssion East. Photo by McKenna White

MAY 15, 2018 •

THE BUDGET

• 21

SPORTS

BORN TO BALL

Star senior plans to continue her career at East Tennessee

BY GARY SCHMIDT

EDITOR IN CHIEF

I

t was seventh grade when senior E’Lease Stafford first realized she could be special in basketball.

She scored with ease, and ran toe-to-toe with any and all of her competitors. What separated her from the rest, however, was the fact that she was the only female on her AAU team.

“I knew that I could be something special when I used to play on a boys AAU team back in like seventh grade, because if I could get some buckets against them, then I could dominate playing against any girls team,” Stafford said.

Stafford always found herself drawn to the physical nature of basketball. Her rough, downhill style of play has characterized the Lady Lions program over the past four years, during which she has been a regular starter.

She demonstrates killer versatility in her scoring ability, but every time she holds the ball in her hands, there is a sense in the air that the ball is going straight to the hoop.

Playing with this reckless abandon was a blessing and a curse for Stafford. It transformed her into one of the most feared scorers in the Sunflower League and opened up countless open shots for her teammates.

However, with each full-effort drive came a toll on her body. And eventually a torn ACL. This setback for Stafford was

momentary, however. Almost immediately after the injury, she was determined to come back with a renewed energy “Obviously it wasn’t a great experience tearing my ACL, because of the pain I had to go through,” Stafford said. “But I knew that I wanted to be back better than ever, so I sucked the pain up and just dealt with it cause I wanted to be back to my old self.”

Transferring this same energy that she put into each drive to the basket into each week of therapy, little by little Stafford came back to the same level she was before surgery.

Being away from the game for nine months was a challenge for Stafford, but it also taught her a lot about the game and herself.

“Taking a break from basketball showed that I don’t need basketball to define me, because of the other great qualities I have,” Stafford said.

Coming back from her nine month rehab, Stafford had a career year, earning her first trip to the state tournament and being named the Sunflower League Player of the Year.

No longer was she simply a threat driving the basketball. In her time off, she honed the skills she needed to become a true star. A refined midrange game in addition to much-improved outside shooting transformed Stafford into a threat to score the ball from anywhere on the court at any time.

Stafford credited the physical

work she put into the game, but also stressed the impact a belief in herself and her teammates made.

The success Stafford enjoyed was noticed by more than just the Sunflower League. In her senior season, Stafford was nominated for the McDonald’s All-American Game and received interest from numerous Division 1 colleges.

This past November, Stafford announced her commitment to East Tennessee State University. Despite being more than 13 hours away, Stafford cited its feeling of home as one of her main reasons for committing.

“ETSU made me feel like it was home, even though it’s a lot different than Lawrence,” Stafford said. “The atmosphere, players and coaches made it feel like home. Plus, I never really had the opportunity to play for a female coach. So being able to experience something different is what drew me there.”

Basketball has taught Stafford how to make the most of any situation, whether it is recovering from surgery or learning how to play with the boys. In this next chapter of her life, Stafford remains positive that she will continue to see basketball for the positives that first drew her to it.

“What first drew me to basketball was that it is a fast moving game which requires physical inputs from everybody,” said Stafford. “Basketball in particular teaches you how to optimize what you have... so being a tall, skinny player I had to learn how to be quick and dominating.”

PAGE DESIGN BY GARY SCHMIDT• MAY 15, 2018

22• THE BUDGET

SENIORS TO PLAY

REPORTING BY TREY HULSE AND COOPER WRIGHT

“I’m looking forward to competing with a lot of other guys for a spot and playing in a competitive league. I got along with the coaches really well, and it just felt like home.”

“Just bettering my volleyball career because I really like the coach, and she can help me play after two years” KATELYN MASK VOLLEYBALL

KRISTIAN RUSSELL FOOTBALL

“Barton felt like the right fit for me. When I visited, it just felt like I belonged there. The distance away from home was definitely a challenge, but the more I thought about it, three hours wasn’t too bad.”

ANDREW STEWART BASEBALL

OTHER SIGNEES UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO

COFFEYVILLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Tyrin Cosey Basketball

Alaina Barnes Dance

Dante’ Jackson Football

Jalen Dudley Football

KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

COE COLLEGE Mia Comparato Soccer

Morgan Husman Softball

SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

NEOSHO COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Maria Duncan Soccer

Ja’Relle Dye Wrestling

MAY 15, 2018 • PAGE DESIGN BY SAMI TURNER

CENTRAL CHRISTIAN Ja’Melle Dye Wrestling

THE BUDGET

• 23

AT NEXT LEVEL UP “ETSU made me feel like it was home, even though it’s a lot different than Lawrence. The atmosphere, players and coaches made it feel like home.”

“I choose Baker because I really liked the coach, and I really liked the campus and when I was visiting other schools I kept comparing it to Baker. ”

“I’m really looking forward to the swim team. It’s really good, like I’ve met a lot of the swimmers, and they are really fun to be around, and they are very supportive.”

E’LEASE STAFFORD BASKETBALL

ZOE BREWER SOFTBALL

STEPHEN JOHNSON SWIMMING

OTTAWA UNIVERSITY

BAKER UNIVERSITY

Tayln Jefferson Cheer

Hunter Krom Javelin & Bowling

UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS

KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Tori Grammer Cheer

Abby Warren Cheer

Austin Quick Baseball

BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Ian Henricks Baseball

Harrison King Football

Diamonique Vann Bowling

Ekow Boye-Doe Football

BETHEL COLLEGE Tori Mosakowski Soccer

PAGE DESIGN BY SAMI TURNER• MAY 15, 2018

24• THE BUDGET

SENIOR CLASSIFIEDS GHADEER ALMOHSEN Dear Ghadeer, It is the day we have waited for. It represents the future prospects after years of seriousness and diligence. Success is the most beautiful stage of achieving goals.

Achieving goals is the culmination of happiness in the way of success. We are so proud of you!

ALAINA BARNES CONGRATULATIONS Kitte!!!

I am so proud of you and all your accomplishments. I’m excited to see what you do with your adult life. You are beautiful, smart and kind and I love you so much.

Love, Mom Go Red Ravens MARIA BUSKIRK Congratulations on graduation. The time has gone so quickly. Four years as a Lion flew by, highlighted with band and choir, trips, festivals, marching band and Showtime. You are now ready to be a Jayhawk!

We love you, Mom, Dad and Sierra.

CHELBY COLEMAN Congratulations on your graduation from high school! We have enjoyed watching you in all of your performances during high school! The future is yours!! Love —Mom, Dad, Quint, Kimball, Katy, and Oliver BRITTANY COLLIER I’ll keep this short. There are not enough words to describe how proud I am of you and who you are. You have been the greatest joy of my life, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. I love you beyond measure.

—Mom ISAAC COX We are so proud of you Isaac! Don’t be a stranger. Come back and visit us!

Your 403/303 Family

MATTHEW DE GUZMAN Congratulations Matt! We are so proud of you. We wish you all the best at KU. Rock Chalk! Work hard, make it happen, and enjoy every part of it. Godspeed.

We love you. Mom, Dad, and Hannah REMINGTON EAKIN Rem, We are so proud of your hard work and dedication! You have kept us on our toes and laughing since the day you were born.

It will be exciting to see the plans God has for your life as you start your next adventure. Your life will have long and winding roads as well as short climbs, live to the fullest, take risks, be happy and as coach Jared says, “Play your game.” Congratulations!

Love you, Mom, Dad, Mae and Matt GRAHAM EDMONDS Graham, we are so proud of you! You have worked very hard and everything you have done so far has been amazing!

Your kindness, intelligence, creativity, and motivation are inspiring and we can’t wait to see what you do at USC. Be happy and enjoy your next adventure. We love you very much and wish your life’s very best.

Fight On! Love, Mom, Dad, Jack and Sarah ABBY ENGLISH Congratulations, Abby! We are so proud of the woman you are and look forward to seeing where life will take you. When you first started walking at nine months old, we knew you were going to go places!

We love you very much! Love Mom, Dad, Keely, Connor and Libby

GRACYNN SCOTT, SYDNEY TEICHMANN, YOULA ISKANDRANI, VIC, AND SALWA. To my girls — Gracynn Scott, Sydney Teichmann, Youla Iskandrani, Vic, and Salwa.

It has truly been an honor to meet each of you and get to know you. I wish each of you the best. Know I’m always here if you need me.

Texas Mom

INDY GARRISON Indy, We are so very proud of you and all you have accomplished! We love you.

—Mom, Dad, and Ione SATORI GOOD “You dun did good” Luv, Mom and Dad KATRINA GROENHAGEN Katrina, we are both so proud of you for setting a goal of graduating a year ahead of schedule and meeting that goal. We realize how difficult it was getting up early for zero hour and doing your satellite high school classes.

Love, Mom and Dad. ALEX HAYNES Since you were born we have been blessed to watch you grow up into the young man you are today. We have had the privilege of walking beside you and sharing your triumphs and your challenges. We know you will be a success at whatever you do in your life. As you prepare to go to college we want you to know, we could not be prouder of you or love you more! Love you always, Dad and Mom I <3 U AJ HOLDER Micinksi, we have enjoyed each milestone you have achieved, from learning to crawl, learning to sew and bead, and committing yourself to our cultural ways. Your high school accomplishments and actions are proof we have done something right!

Thechihila, Dad, Mom, Stanley & James CARSON JUMPING EAGLE, THALIAH RUIZ-CHAVEZ, MCKENZIE STEVENS, MEGAH SHAH, & MAKIA AUSTIN Thank you to my friends who supported me throughout high school! Thanks for the laughs! Thank you to my parents for loving me unconditionally and being good role models. Thanks to my siblings for reminding me there is more to life than school. I truly appreciate you all!

—AJ Holder

THE BUDGET

• 25

SENIOR CLASSIFIEDS AJ HOLDER Grand Daughter this is a great time in your life. I remember you the first time they brought you to me. I still have your picture with your Red Indian Dress and Medallion on. I knew from that time that you were a special Baby Girl. I have watched you grow through the years and have been blessed with feelings of pride and gratitude for your beautiful transitions from infancy to childhood, to becoming a beautiful young lady.

You have been provided a strong responsibility for the family, however I cannot think of any other I would have chosen to carry our Weekeetis. You are a representation of all creation and our humble Tospia. However, you walk with a beauty and confidence that is so important in

life. When you call me KaKa, your words pierce my heart and bring me such joy and happiness.

I know you will be successful in your walk in life in both worlds that we live in today.

Your intelligence and strength are evident; however you use them for the sake of the people and Creation. You are blessed with a drive and desire to achieve and make the world a different and better place. Always know that I love, Respect, and Depend upon you. I see in you the reason that I was able to have a life. You are truly a blessing to me and to creation.

All My Love KaKa Stanley R Holder Sr.

JACKSON HOY Your ability to seek out and master each challenge since your first words has been an amazing thing to watch. You are an outstanding leader, scholar, and a wonderful young man. The future is yours to define.

With our love and blessings.

FIGHT ON Grandpa and Grandma Hoy. JOURNALISM SENIORS I’m not sure I’ve ever laughed as much as I did with this group. Thank you for your hard work, your thoughtfulness and your energy. You make my job easy and wonderful.

Tholen

FRESHMEN FLASHBACKS

Seniors look back on how far they’ve come and changed since freshman year

REPORTING BY BRIAN MYERS

Quentin Harrington (center) with Gavin Jones and Ben Matthews “The thing that has changed the most about me from freshman year to present is my outlook on life. I’ve lost some of the optimism and excitement for the future, but I do not think that it is necessarily a negative occurrence. I think that I am now grounded more in reality, and I will hold tightly to the optimism and hope I do have left.”

Sami Torres (second from left) with Chelby Coleman, Grayson Rodriquez, Megah Shah, Taeghan Sharpe, Diamonique Vann “My friends have changed. Also the way I live my daily life, because back then we were all kind of shy and innocent and now we aren’t. We kind of have a grip on the world and see the way people truly are. I’m not as shy as I used to be, and now I’m not scared of people.”

Maryam Ahmed (left) with Leah Marrett “I used to be a lot more introverted. Not so much now. I’m a lot more blunt now. I think it’s for the better. I’m pretty similar to how I was personality wise. I have new and different friends as well.”

Mikayla Downs (left) with graduate Keeli Billings “People come and go. People break your heart. You get some crazy diagnosis. You get your college education paid for. I’ve gone through a lot. That’s part of life; the ups and the downs.

But everything that happens is for a reason. I’ve learned to keep my head up, and I’m stronger because of it.”

PAGE DESIGN BY STAFF• MAY 15, 2018

26• THE BUDGET

SENIOR CLASSIFIEDS JACKSON HOY Jackson, We are so proud of you! USC is extremely lucky to have acquired you as part of their Trojan family! Through all of the academic and extracurricular madness that is school, you have managed to always be a kind and generous model to those around you. As you branch out into the world beyond Lawrence, we know that others will see your humanity and be glad for your contributions to making every place you go better than it was when you arrived.

Love, Mimi, Papa, Uncle Ben, Aunt Sue, Aunt Jacqui, Chloe, Rob, and Phoebe

ZACHARY LINDEMANN Zac, you have a heart of gold and I hope all of your dreams come true! I am so lucky to have you in my life! Love you! Mom

MARIAH KAUFMAN Mariah, We are so very proud of you and you accomplishments! We greatly admire your perseverance and passion for peace, social justice, and all things music. You have such an amazing journey ahead of you as you strive to be the change.

Love, Mom, Dad, Sophie & Mikayla

NICK MARSHALL We are so proud of you Nick! Don’t be a stranger. Come back and visit us!

—Your 403/303 family

CHISATO KIMURA Chisato, Keep drawing your own map. You are the one who determines the heights of your peaks. Believe in yourself. You are an uncommon young lady who strives for success. Just remember, you are leaving your comfort nest, but your heart can be home anytime you need. Love, Mom STEPHEN JOHNSON AND NICK MILLER It’s been a blessing to rarely toss leftovers; share bandwidth with your internet-hogging games; and bring you up in manners, etiquette, and fun-loving sarcasm! The dogs will miss you, so you will always have a home to come home to… for a short while.

MASON KOGER Dear Mason, we are so proud of you!

Good luck next year. Study hard. Have fun. Be you. We can’t wait to watch you grow and succeed. Our love and support are always with you. Mom, Dad, and Elliott

DANIEL LYNN Memories of ‘choo-choos’, hot-wheels, a big wheel, heelys, and puppies are happy early memories. As you grew, you became a student ambassador for People to People, a 2nd degree black belt, and entrepreneur, and Eagle Scout, and ready to embark on a new adventure. Love you, son.

—Mom

NICHOLAS MILLER Congratulations on your graduation! It has been a joy watching you grow into a thoughtful talented young man. Here’s to the next chapter in your life. Your determination and hard work will take you far.

We wish you much success at KU. Have fun! We love you.

Your Family MCKENZIE STEVENS McKenzie, our darling little girl. May God continue to bless you in every way possible. Never stop growing and always wear your beautiful smile. We love you to the moon and back. <3 Love Mom + Dad WRITING & COMMUNICATIONS SENIORS Remember: Effective written, verbal and nonverbal skills will open doors for you.

Also, most people won’t have 18 weeks to realize your brilliance. Give your best every day to land in the “Yes Pile.”

I can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish!

Mrs. Lauxman & Roxy

MAY 15, 2018 • PAGE DESIGN BY STAFF

MIA LYDIA TALLEY Congratulations, to our Granddaughter, Mia, who has transcended into a beautiful lady of song, love, and grace.

We know our Angel will change each new chapter of her life with success!

Never looking back, she will turn each page with passion, perseverance and music in her heart, for “life without music would be a mistake,” (Friedrich Nietzsche).

She will continue to awe herself and the world as she creates a life of her dreams.

With each stroke of her magical pen, a song from her own heart, her desires will continue to unfold right before her!

Mia, KNOW with each step you take, your path will open windows of promise, doors of more hope, love, and opportunities!

Blessings and Love Always Gamma Lily, & Putt-Putt Nate The Cessna’s MIA TALLEY We are so very proud of you and all you have achieved. You have set the bar high my dear! We are thankful for your kind heart and sweet spirit and can’t wait to see what God has planned for your future!

Always trust him.

Wishing for Happiness-Praying for Joy. ALEX TORKE Alex!

You did it! Your family is so proud of all you have done! We love you so much!

Love, Mom, Mike, Dad and Max DIAMONIQUE VANN Your family wants you to know and always remember how very proud we are of you and all of your accomplishments. You set a goal, put your skills and ability into it and before you know it another performance well done.

Congratulations Diamonique, senior 2018!

We love you very much!

THANK YOU

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28• THE BUDGET

OPINION

JOURNALISM SHAPED ME Saying thanks to a life-changing teacher

BY LUNA STEPHENS

YEARBOOK MANAGING EDITOR

F

our years ago, I walked into Ms. Tholen’s room as a 21st Century Journalism student, not knowing what to expect from my time as her student.

I was on the middle school yearbook staff so I thought I knew what I was getting into, but I didn’t.

I had so much to learn. Most of all, I had no idea that four years later, I would be enrolling as a journalism major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, thanks to the experiences I had in her room.

How did I grow to love journalism enough to pursue a career in it? Through hours spent in room 139 planning, interviewing, writing and having a whole lot of fun. Besides producing award-winning publications, time in the J-room included watching Vine compilations, having Thanksgiving feasts, running to get Ms. Tholen coffee and engaging in constant laughs.

Before my years in room 139, I didn’t know how to avoid dead-end interview questions or how to structure a lead. I didn’t know AP Style rules or storytelling action verbs. And I definitely didn’t know how much hard work, determination, as well as fun, goes into producing The Budget and the Red and Black. Journalism is hard; it’s tedious, time-consuming and something you have to be careful not to get wrong. It takes a special teacher to be able to effectively advise and mentor students through journalism’s difficulties and for me it was Ms. Tholen who was able to make that happen.

I could have chosen to major in journalism at UNL even if I hadn’t ever stepped foot in room 139; many students step into college without prior experience in their career field. However, very few could feel as prepared as I do to study journalism, as Ms. Tholen has

HOW DID I GROW TO LOVE JOURNALISM ENOUGH TO PURSUE A CAREER IN IT? THROUGH HOURS SPENT IN ROOM 139 PLANNING, INTERVIEWING, WRITING, AND HAVING A WHOLE LOT OF FUN.” ­—LUNA STEPHENS provided me with immense knowledge and experience before I’ve even stepped in a college classroom.

Many in the local community know of Ms. Tholen and the journalism program at LHS, but what proved the caliber of her advising to me was seeing LHS become a Pacemaker finalist, for both the 2017 newspaper and yearbook, something fewer than 50 schools in the nation can boast of being awarded. While visiting the UNL J-School, the professors were impressed I came from such a distinguished staff, recognizing LHS as one of those Pacemaker finalists. That’s when I knew that the knowledge I had gained in room 139 was truly special and will always form the backbone of my career.

While not all journalism seniors graduating will continue into the field, I know that we have all thoroughly enjoyed and are grateful for our time with Ms. Tholen, both the heartfelt and hilarious moments.

That gratitude extends to all of the editors and staff members that make things happen. Without them, our publications wouldn’t be what they are.

MAY 15, 2018 • PAGE DESIGN BY ASHLEE BROWN

THE BUDGET

• 29

GRAPHIC BY ASHLEE BROWN

PAGE DESIGN BY ASHLEE BROWN• MAY 15, 2018

30 • THE BUDGET

‘FAREWELL’

MAY 15, 2018 • PAGE DESIGN BY GARY SCHMIDT

BY ELIJAH JACKSON

THE BUDGET

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2018 JOURNALISM SENIORS

THE STAFF 2018 EDITORS THE BUDGET NEWSPAPER Gary Schmidt ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Editor in Chief Connor Schmaus ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Editor in Chief Macy Landes ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Editor in Chief Emily Kruse �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Photo Editor Aidin Manning �������������������������������������������������������������������������������Assistant Photo Editor Nikki Aqui �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Opinion Editor Anna Parnell ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Design Editor Sami Turner ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Design Editor RED & BLACK YEARBOOK Harry Easley ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Editor in Chief Kira Auchenbach ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Editor in Chief Addisson Thornsbury �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Photo Editor McKenna White ����������������������������������������������������������������������������Assistant Photo Editor Luna Stephens �������������������������������������������������������������������������Managing Editor/Writing Emma Howard ������������������������������������������������������������������������Managing Editor/Design Skylar Steichen �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Senior Ads Editor Maya Weslander ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Portraits Editor LHSBUDGET.COM William Yanek ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Editor in Chief Anahita Hurt ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Editor in Chief Izzy Hedges ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Assistant Editor Anna D’Ercole ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Webmaster Sahra Barker-Hastings �����������������������������������������������������������������������Zenfolio Manager JOURNALISM EDITORS Alicia Ruder �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Special Projects Jackson Hoy �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Copy Chief Freeman Spray ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Copy Chief Nola Levings ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Video Editor David Obadare �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Video Editor Cooper Wright �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Sports Editor Trey Hulse ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Sports Editor Sydney Pritchard ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Captions Editor Veda Cobb �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Business Manager

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 Shayla Brillhart, Abby Brown, Ashlee Brown, Mary Carr, Daniel Davidson, Emmy Easley, Abigail English, Noah Ginsberg, Emily Gordon-Ross, Izzy Hedges, Jaylynn Hicks, Elijah Jackson, Nathaniel Kearney, Symon Knox, Emily Kruse, Alex Lane, Jacob Lashley, Brian Myers, Tabby Peters, Allison Ramaley, Mia Robinson, Nadia Sanburn, Cecilia Sanchez-Vargas, Taeghan Sharpe, Mira Simms, Monica Steffes, Pam Vue, Samuel Webb, Andrew Williams, Allison Wilson, Elyzebeth Workman

JUMPING AHEAD — Journalism seniors take a leap, including, Luna Stephens, Ashlee Brown, Elijah Jackson, Kira Auchenbach, Veda Cobb, Harry Easley, Jackson Hoy, Taeghan Sharpe, Jacob Lashley, Nathaniel Kearney, Abby English, Brian Myers and Alicia Ruder.

PAGE DESIGN BY GARY SCHMIDT • MAY 15, 2018

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

DEEP CLEANSE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Senior Kaziwa Abdulqader splashes in water as firefighters spray down participants at the end of Mud Volleyball on May 6 at Broken Arrow Park. The annual muddy tradition enjoyed a day of warm weather.

Photo by Emily Kruse