Class of 2015 Senior Issue

Olathe East Hawk’s Eye

2015

Class

of

Senior Edition

Class of

senior issue

2015 TABLE

OF

The

Hawk’s Eye

STAFF A student-run publication Olathe East High School 14545 West 127th Street Olathe, KS 66062

ADVISER

Karen Bourland

EDITORS

Courtney Child Paige Schick

BUSINESS MANAGERS Hannah Cruise Amy Du

COPY EDITORS Lauren Hart Lauren Heinrich

SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Annie Beurman Camille Denis Matthew Gwin Brock Holmes Aaron Rhodes Brenna Thompson Katie Thompson

STAFF WRITERS Logan Brockschmidt Alexa Buechler Natalie Friend Jordan Meier Gavin Miller Jacob Stofer

CONTENTS

College Destination Map....................4-5 Senior Profiles.....................................6-24 Thank You’s.......................................25-27 Favorite Moments............................28-30 Wills...................................................31-33 Senior Year in a Title.............................34 Unused Senior Pranks...........................35 Senior Picnic Photostory.......................36 Prom Photostory....................................37 Senior Best........................................39-41 Senior Most Likely............................42-43 Teacher Best......................................44-45 Teacher Most Likely.........................46-47 Retiring Teachers..............................48-49 Staff Profiles.......................................50-55 Advertisements.................................56-57 Letter From The Editors........................58 [Senior Issue ‘15] 3

Alabama

University of Alabama Maddie Sanders

Arizona

Arizona State University Haley Street

Grand Canyon University Lauren Heinrich Bailey Terry

Northern Arizona University Mikayla Cates

Arkansas

University of Central Arkansas Nick Bosworth

University of Arkansas Maddie Bolen Nicole Gozovalitis Taylor Spillers

California

Biola University Austin Bland

San Diego State University Jordan Hosier

The Relativity School JD DeNeff

Colorado

Colorado State University Thea Tanuis

Florida

Pensacola State College Bailey Walker

University of Central Florida Emily Baugher

University of Miami Erica Chang

Georgia

Savannah College of Art and Design

Western Illinois University Dylan Walters

Iowa

Briar Cliff University Zachary Sortino

Indian Hills Community College Chris Lyon

Iowa State University Ryan Gabrielson Justin Kearney Ben Shraeder

University of Iowa Kennedy Poro

Kansas

Baker University Brenna Thompson Haley Thompson

Barton Community College Daniel Kohl

Benedictine College Lauren Hart Hayley Malmgren

Butler Community College Brycen Hinson

Cloud County Community College Kannon Casey

Coffeyville Community College Mia Her Patrick Kirby Alex Mura Tyler Olson

Cowley County Community College Payne McCutcheon

Emporia State University Chloe Davis Tyler Houton Sancia Scharhag

Rachel Hannah

Highland Community College

Brigham Young University

Johnson County Community College

Idaho

Leah Bluhm Jessica Wood

Illinois

Loyola University Chicago Maggie Jacobsen

Olivet Nazarene University Emma Yourdon

Olney Central College Allison Blythe

4 [Senior Issue ‘15]

Derek Miller

Michaela Alexander Jacob Anderson James Anderson Nathan Arnold Feker Ashenafi Drue Bailey Sean Baltimore

Miko Balvyot Annie Beurman Devonte Brown Karah Brown Linnea Brown Tyra Brown Rubens Davanso Merissa Delgado Daniel Diaz Shelby Downey Jacob Emberton Austin Fitzgerald Nick Geiger De’jahne Gray Caitlin Gosik Lexus Green Victoria Greenhalgh Ty Herrenbruck Grant Hoppock Nate Hornung June Iregi Cameron John Jeremy Johnson Naomi Kalolia Komal Kaur Christian Kenkel Rachel Kivett Lauren Kporlor Bobby Lange Cody Leach Zachary Leonard Tyler Lott John Lozano Noah Marks Lindsey Meinhart Nasra Mohamed Kristyn Moreno Tafadzwa Mpofu Caleb Mushinski Becky Myers Essence Nelson-Deloney Kimberly Nguyen Leticia Ortiz Bailey Ostrom Kelsea Puice Amanda Ramsburg Douglas Reed Aaron Rhodes Andrew Rome Selena Mary Santhan Carolyn Schmidt Ashly Smith Courtney Sottile Tommy Steuber Joshua Thomas Leah Thomas Madison Walden Troy Wilson

Kansas State University Ryan Ash John Borum III Hunter Bravence Morgan Burlingame Logan Coates Leah Collins Riley Corbin Abigail Dressler Eric Dudgeon Paige Engle John Fink Ryan Fischer Megan Fish Nicholas Goss Evan Graham Austin Greever Graham Harton Heath Helmick Dalton Jennings Hannah Jewett Abbey Johnstone Kira King Ashley Lamb Molly Lenhausen Cole Marsee Dylan Mathieu Cole McEntee Colby Miller Allie Mullaney Brooke Munch Erin Newkirk Jacob Ockerhausen Elijah Pardue Madison Rebel Aubrey Reigel Kimberly Rosa Maddie Rowland Carson Scott Jack Schierling Kylee Smith Mackenzie Smith Jakob Sola Skyler Stern Dallas Ungerbuehler Alex von Bevern Allison Walker Ryan Walker Albert Winemiller Natalie Wolfe

Manhattan Christian College Evan Graham Shadren Walker

Mid America Nazarene Univeristy Michael Crow

College Desti

University of Nebraska at Omaha Jensen Gramling Zac Marquess

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Madi Augustyn Katie Loecker Matthew Rosa

New York

Le Moyne College Robert McCarthy

Nicholas Yi

North Carolina

Ottawa University Drew Carrier

Duke University

Kelli Kalinowski

Pittsburg State University Emily Goodman Matthew Riley Henry Zimmerman

University of Kansas Reem Alam Hannah Bettis Sasha Betzer Allie Bractenbach Jake Butler Alex Caedo Tyler Carr Aryn Cochran Carly Cole Jordan Cronan Robert Curtis Steven Davis Megan Farenden Mercedes Foster Elizabeth Gorby Jordan Graves Shannon Growney Matthew Gwin Renae Hill Brittany Hohenadel Lauren Howell Ashly Johnson Jilsha Jose Rachel Kimberling Michael Kitchen Lindsay Kistler Monica Knese Andrew Kramer Brad Krull Angela Li Emily Luder Brett Malinowski Max McClellan Kaitlyn McCullagh Heather McGee Quinn Meier Trevor Miller Marcella Monnett

North Carolina State University Michelle Oboro Justin Olsen Megan Petheram Lucas Reynolds T.J. Rowe Jadrian Salmans Anna Schmeeckle Shelby Scott Jeremy Shaw Christian Sheppard Vincent Sisillo Addie Sjogren Jen Smith Kyndall Stegman Elizabeth Steil Molly Taitt Jessica Teegarden Katie Thompson Matthew Thuston Bailey Votipka Linda Vu Skyler Wang

Washburn University William Bingesser Javion Blake Camille Denis

Wichita State University AJ Stephens

Maryland

United States Naval Academy Clarissa He Thomas Williams

Massachusetts Boston University Samantha Kelley

Mississippi

Mississippi State University SC Larson

Missouri

Crowder College Nathan Best

Drury University Carlie Fangman

Lindenwood University Jessica Goddard

Morgan Martin

Ohio

Ohio State University Jack Freeman Addy Ruby

Oklahoma

Oral Roberts University Rebekah Hernandez

Metropolitan Community College

Southern Nazarene University

Missouri State University

University of Tulsa

Cassie Carlson Erin Harold Wes Renfrow

Missouri State Technical College Austin Neighbors

Rockhurst University Polina Sterkhova Viktoria Sterkhova

Southeast Missouri State Natalie Kopplin

Thomas Cherian Erin Felter Emma Clark

Pennsylvania

University of Pittsburgh Brendan Carpenter

Tennessee

Vanderbilt University Justin Lee

Texas

Rice University

Saurabh Harohalli

Truman State University

Texas A&M

University of Central Missouri

Texas Christian University

Brennan Bukaty

Halle Robertson

University of Missouri Hailey Hochanadel

University of MissouriKansas City Cameron Little Taylor Roberts Jacinda Xiong

William Jewel College Lydia Sturges

Nebraska

Creighton University Courtney Child

inations 2015

Atarah Redman Alli Heckmann Emily Nicholson

Texas Tech University Mia Burns Paige Schick

International Sweden Lund University Petur Petursson

Military

Christian Ganda Taylor Welliver Jacob Moreno Isaiah Ringoen Navy Stone Prough

Army Marine Corps

[Senior Issue ‘15] 5

Olathe East Class of ‘15

Jilsha Jose

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any students are faced with new and challenging situations throughout their school careers; however, Jilsha Jose’s challenges were not typical of a young girl. Though of Indian descent, she was born in Kuwait and moved to the U.S. in 2005 with her parents and older brother. The entire Jose family would need to make adjustments, especially in the year following their move. Jilsha’s father had to move back and forth from Kuwait for an entire year due to work until he was able to permanently move here in 2006.

“I brought my personal belongings, but I had to leave my friends and a few of my relatives,” Jose said.

Moving to an unfamiliar place can be scary for anyone, especially for a third grade girl moving to a completely new country.

“The move was scary and tough at first,” she said.

Jose and her family were only able to see her dad every three months when he would come to visit for a brief period of time before he would have to return to Kuwait.

Coming to America was quite the culture shock.

Jose said, “I didn’t feel like I belonged here, mostly because I was missing my friends and school. I had thoughts of going back, but I knew life was much better here. I had more opportunities and a greater freedom to live my life.”

Jose needed to adjust to American lifestyle. She easily stuck out

from the rest of her classmates with a recognizably different accent and completely different cultural background.

“I had to work on catching up to the students in my grade level because my reading skills were weak. It was hard to get

“I had thoughts of going back, but I knew life was much better here.

I had more opportunities and a greater freedom to live my life.”

-Jilsha Jose accustomed to the new life, but I managed,” Jose said.

Although Jose had to make some changes in her life upon moving to America, her Indian culture remained a constant.

She said, “I still love my culture, and my parents have done so much to make sure I don’t miss my old life too much.”

In hopes to keep her background present in her life, Jose was enrolled in classical Indian dance classes at the age of six. This type of dancing, called Bharatanatyam, requires an essence of gracefulness and tenderness.

When initially enrolled, Jose hated Bharatanatyam.

She said, “In eighth grade, I found my current teacher, who helped me realize that I had started to love dance and do it with a passion that I had never had before.”

This passion helped Jilsha to graduate from her Indian dance school last summer after years and years of dedication and hard work.

This hard work and dedication present in Jilsha, a member of SNHS, will continue to be carried with her in the next few years. Jose holds a passion for sciences of all types and plans on attending The University of Kansas in the fall with the hopes of going to medical school and one day becoming a physician.

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-Lauren Hart

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Olathe East Class of ‘15

Since he did not have any of the traditional friend groups from middle school, he would meet one person one hour and become friends with their little friend group, then another person second hour and so on. He ended up getting friends in every class, and that is how people got to know him.

“I used to be really shy,” Saurabh confesses, “My mom and my friends always tell me that freshman year I was really shy. Coming out of freshman year, I became more outgoing, gregarious, and more confident.”

His parents have always been rigid on making sure that school came first, even with all of the extracurricular activities he was involved in.This priority is evident in his studies: Advanced Orchestra, AP Government, AP Literature, AP Chemistry, College Physics, AP French, and Multivariable Calculus.

Despite being unable to fit it into his schedule, Saurabh still attempts to be involved in Biotech which is currently working with methanotrophs native to the pond near school, to find if methanotrophs can be cultivated to battle the effects of climate change.

Harohalli plans to pursue his future plans at Rice University in Houston, Texas. He wanted to do something in biology, but researched and saw that biology was too narrow of a focus for him.

If his past is any evidence, he will have no trouble fitting in wherever he goes.

-Logan Brockschmidt

“[Being elected president of NHS] made me feel very good. I was always afraid that people would only view me as only a ‘booksmart’ person, and they would not realize that I was able, too, in the community. So when I was elected president I was really happy and ready to be a good leader.”

-Saurabh Harohalli

Saurabh Harohalli

lthough his stature may seem ordinary, Saurabh Harohalli stands larger than life around the halls of Olathe East.

Split across various niches, Harohalli was involved in NHS, FNHS, Hawk Leaders, Science Olympiad, Biotech, Math Club, and Orchestra in school. On top of the scholastic activities, he simultaneously serves his community by working at Perfect Tutors, serving as a member of two youth groups plus being the vice president in one, playing for Olathe Youth Orchestra, learning Carnatic music, and going to Hindu Sunday school. “[Balancing everything] is pretty hard, I just have to prioritize everything and know what to do when, so that way I can get it done.

I often end up procrastinating a lot, but I get everything done. I have a list that says ‘So today I have to get this done and get that done’,” Harohalli said. “[Being elected president of NHS] made me feel very good. I was always afraid that people would only view me as only a ‘booksmart’ person, and they would not realize that I was able, too, in the community. So when I was elected president I was really happy and ready to be a good leader.”

“For a while, I just thought that nobody knew who I was. I was kind of intimidated at first like, ‘Oh wow, this is interesting,”’ Harohalli said, “I think it hit me the most when I told Hannah Bettis my ACT score during first hour, and then by third hour my entire class knew before I even told them.

And I was like ‘How do you guys know this?’”

This amiability was not always there for Harohalli, as he was one of the handful of students that came over from Frontier Trail. He knew a dozen or so people, and he had an interesting freshman year. He continued Science Olympiad, joined debate, and math club.

In those clubs, he was able to branch out.

[Senior Issue ‘15] 7

Olathe East Class of ‘15

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Sasha Betzer

ome people were born to be in front of a camera, but others are destined to be behind it. For as long as Sasha Betzer can remember, she has loved the feeling of capturing life from behind a lens.

She said, “I got my first real camera in the sixth grade as a Christmas present, and I took it with me everywhere I went.” Sasha first started falling in love with photography through watching other photographers.

“Some photographers that inspire me are Davis Ayer, Bliss Katherine, and Britt Ernst,” Sasha said. But Sasha’s inspiration does not come directly from other people’s work. She believes in her own ability to inspire herself along with others.

“A lot of the time inspiration comes when I’m listening to music or right before I fall asleep. I think a person’s best work comes from being in a vulnerable state,” she said. Sasha strives off of her own vulnerability. Sasha has captured everything from the Alaskan tundra to the skyline in France, however her passion truly comes out when she is photographing people.

“A lot of the time inspiration comes when I’m listening to music or right before I fall asleep. I think a person’s best work comes from being in a vulnerable state.”

-Sasha Betzer

“I really enjoy taking pictures of people. When I go on a shoot, I normally take a friend with me and just say, “don’t stop moving.” The human body can show so many emotions, and I like to capture people in their most authentic state,” she said.

Sasha’s pictures reveal so much emotion, yet she does not want to tell people what to see when they look at her creation, instead she wants it to be open to however their eyes view her work.

Sasha believes, “I don’t want to tell people what to feel when they see my photos. I like to keep things subjective and open for interpretation.” Although Sasha does not have any set plans for her photography in the future, she is going to pursue something similar as her major next year at the University of Kansas.

Sasha said, “I’m going to study Film because it sounds fun. I have created a couple short films and travel documentaries, and I think it would be really awesome to become a filmmaker. I’m going to study French, because I have plans to travel to France multiple times throughout my life.”

Sasha is open to wherever this life takes her. Whether she ends up traveling the world taking pictures of people from every aspect of life, or making documentaries and short films in France; in the end all she wants is one thing.

“I just want to be happy, really,” Sasha said.” No matter where Sasha ends up, one thing is for sure; She will never stop living her life through the flash of her camera, and seeing the world from the photographs she captures..

-Katie Thompson

“I really enjoy taking pictures of people. The human body can show so many emotions, and I like to capture people in their most authentic state.”

-Sasha Betzer 8 [Senior Issue ‘15]

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Olathe East Class of ‘15

In addition to his mother’s fight with MS, Meier has faced health problems of his own. From a young age, he has battled the relentless monster of depression.

“There are days where you just don’t want to get up – you don’t want to get out of the bed,” he said.

Unfortunately – like Yvonne’s MS – depression cannot be cured, only managed.

Luckily, Meier has found ways to at least cope with the beast.

“I think the biggest thing people need to realize about dealing with depression is that you can’t force yourself to be happy, but you can make a conscience effort to not just wallow in your own sadness,” Meier said.

One of Meier’s main coping mechanisms for depression is the very thing he finds everywhere around him: music.

“For me personally, music has been a really big part of dealing with depression,” he said. “Without music, I’d be a much different person – our world would be much different. The world would be a lot more dull.”

In this aspect, Meier mirrors his foremost passion – the world would be much more dull without him in it.

-Matthew Gwin

“When I think of music, I don’t just think of notes on a page or chords being played on an instrument. I think music is everywhere.”

-Quinn Meier

Quinn Meier

usical instruments, vinyl records, concert tickets, Jimi Hendrix posters, and other assorted music memorabilia litter his bedroom. On the weekends, he plays guitar in his local DIY punk band Gridlock. Occasionally, he can be found – and heard – strumming some soothing tunes around the school.

For Quinn Meier, music quite literally follows him everywhere he goes.

“When I think of music, I don’t just think of notes on a page or chords being played on an instrument. I think music is everywhere. Even human voices and the sounds of the world around us – there are tones and pitches and rhythms to everything,” Meier said.

Meier first picked up a guitar in third grade, and eventually fell in love with the instrument in middle school. Since then, he has added the bass to his musical repertoire.

“I’ve always enjoyed listening to music, and I’ve always appreciated it as an art form. I think it’s just always been in my life,” he said.

However, Meier’s life has been characterized by much more than music.

Four years before his birth, Meier’s mother Yvonne was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), an incurable autoimmune disorder that attacks the central nervous system. As a result, she has difficulty walking and sometimes suffers cognitively, becoming easily confused or forgetful.

“My mom has been sick for as long as I can remember,” Meier said. “It’s definitely been one of the biggest struggles I’ve faced in my life.”

Although Meier admits that dealing with her illness has been difficult, the situation also has produced some positives.

“I think that in some ways it’s been positive for my development as a person,” he said. “I have learned to appreciate my health more than most people do – a lot of people take being healthy for granted.”

“I think I learned empathy at a really young age, and I also think that I had to grow up a lot faster than other kids. Overall, it’s had a pretty positive effect on who I am now.”

Meier on his visit to Toledo, Spain last summer

[Senior Issue ‘15] 9

Taber Fisher

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Olathe East Class of ‘15

aber Fisher has his hands full. Whether it’s as the Vice President of National Honor Society, a member of SNHS, Biotech, founder of Olathe East’s Coding Club, and a former member of the golf team, he has fully immersed himself in the academic culture of Olathe East. In addition to his already extensive list of feats, Fisher added a unique and outstanding exclamation point to his high school career.

He currently holds an internship at Garmin, the well-known technologic empire based in Kansas City, performing a task usually done by highly-educated college alumni.

“I would say most of the people in my department are in their late twenties or early thirties, and most of them have college degrees,” said Fisher.

Fisher described the tasks he performs for Garmin as inventive and challeging.

“I have to know the ins and outs of what I have to do. I have to teach myself how to use the features of the product”, said Fisher, “Right now, I’m designing an automated test script so we don’t have to manually test some of the features,” said Fisher, “It’s not a highly intelligent machine, you have to tell it where to move the files, but it does thirty minutes of work in about thirty seconds” He values the experience as useful to his future career.

“I would like to start my own business, and seeing the inner workings of a large, successful company like Garmin has been very helpful. It also helps me with what I want to do, because I love software quality testing for high school, but I would rather not do that in college. I’d prefer to be on the development side with electrical engineering, instead of just testing.”

“If I can’t start my own company, I’ll probably fall back on rocket science. If I did rocket science, I would love to work at SpaceX out in California.”

-Taber Fisher Fisher continued to explain how the experience will assist him in his future endeavors. “Being at Garmin has allowed me see what I want to do with my education versus what I don’t want to do” said Fisher, “the experience, overall, was really good and productive.”

Whatever Fisher decides to do after he completes his education, he aspires for greatness.

“I’d like to start my own business in something based in computer science or engineering. If I can’t start my own company, I’ll probably fall back on rocket science. If I did rocket science, I would love to work at SpaceX out in California. I also might want to go on to get my Ph. D in Theoretical Engineering, but that’s still up in the air,” said Fisher.

Taber Fisher will attend Virginia Tech in the fall and double major in in Computer Science and Engineering Physics. After Virginia Tech, he may go on to post secondary school and get a Ph. D in Theoretical Physics. We wish him the best of luck with his future success in scholastic endeavors.

-Brock Holmes

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Olathe East Class of ‘15

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needed, allowing the extras to be put into storage to help in the future.

He said, “Sometimes we take things for granted – even the small things, like backpacks.”

“During my time at Nazarene theological seminary, I want to be a youth pastor of a church and reach out to teens and be a support system for them. After achieving my Masters degree I want to become a missionary somewhere,” said Thomas.

Thomas is also very athletic; in addition to basketball, he enjoys weight lifting. Thomas enjoys going out and living life, something he wants to strongly incorporate into his work in ministry and an ideal which he strives for in life.

Seemingly wise beyond his years, and full of a sense of maturity that few other high schoolers posess, a quote which Thomas said he lives his life by is,“Why spend so much time worrying about tomorrow instead of using that time to better today?”

A laid back, confident and kind person, Thomas Cherian’s life and passions are visible in his personality and sense of humor, and these traits will surely show themselves as he lives out his dream – to help, inspire and be a positive figure in the lives of others and those in need of support.

-Gavin Miller

“Why spend so much time worrying about tomorrow instead of using that time to better today?”

-Thomas Cherian

Thomas Cherian

homas Cherian, known to friends as “Chocolate Thunder”, will be attending Southern Nazarene University in the fall to obtain his degree in Youth Ministry and Business Administration.

His moniker comes from his recreational enjoyment of basketball, which he says people know and have named him for, as well because he is “Big and brown and loud.”

Thomas also likes driving, spending time with his friends, and getting out and doing things.

“Sitting at home is boring,” Thomas said in an insight to his character traits.

Thomas plans to pursue youth ministry, and after college he wants to do mission work overseas.

“After college I want to get married, before coming back to Kansas City and attending Nazarene theological seminary to further my studies,” he said.

One of Thomas’ biggest and most noteworthy accomplishments in his field of interest came when he helped students at Oregon Trail by providing backpacks for children in need.

With his church staff, Thomas told of the project to friends and family, which allowed the word to get out – resulting in 200 backpacks for students in need at the middle school. In fact, they raised twice as many backpacks as the school even

[Senior Issue ‘15] 11

Roman Scott

Olathe East Class of ‘15

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o put it lightly, the childhood and upbringing of Roman Scott did not parallel those of many students at Olathe East.

Before moving back to his grandparents’ house here in the suburbs, he spent many of his childhood years living in downtown Kansas City in a loft, as well as at a place off Rainbow Boulevard.

“My mother is Irish and my father is Hispanic. I grew up with a wide range of different ideals like proper table etiquette, dealing with bullies, and respecting your elders. Because I grew up with these cultures, this kind of helped mold me into who I am today.”

Scott enjoys a wide variety of music from rock to soul and Motown to hip-hop. Some of these things were influenced by his immersive upbringing.

“Going to Mexican barbeques and not hearing The Temptations or The Delfonics was unusual. Jazz on the other hand was discovered through hip-hop and being so intrigued by instrumentals being produced by Madlib and J Dilla. I would find samples of Art Blakey, Miles Davis, and the Jazz Messengers being used in their beats.”

Scott also learned about Mexican and traditional American cuisine growing up. His top local picks include Rico’s Tacos Lupe, Los Compas Hamburguesas, El Patron, Town Topic, and Hamburger Mary’s.

However, these two strong cultures didn’t overshadow Roman’s Midwestern roots. While today Scott often retreats into more introverted activities, he fondly remembers his incredibly outgoing past.

“I have a lot of really great memories from my childhood.

Going to car shows, road trips, barbeques, and baseball games in the summer. I was always a very imaginative and playful child growing up. I spent a lot of time playing army in my backyard or pretending to be a Power Ranger in public (specifically the Red Ranger). I loved dressing up and acting, I’m not quite sure where the outgoing side of myself went. I definitely am very thankful for the family I have – they have always been very supportive.”

Near the end of the wild ride of preadolescence, he discovered something he now holds as one of his main passions: skateboarding.

“Being a skateboarder, it is impossible to not like art. Skateboarding in its own sense is an art form. It’s an expression for creativity and imagination.”

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“I started skateboarding at the age of 10. I got my first skateboard on Christmas; it was a cheap Walmart board. The odd thing was I didn’t ask Santa (my mom) for a gift. I just received it for the fun of it.”

After he got his footing down in skateboarding itself, the world slowly revealed to him another passion that is now inseparable from the first: filming skateboarding.

“Being a skateboarder, it is impossible to not like art. Skateboarding in its own sense is an art form. It’s an expression for creativity and imagination. I started photography because it allowed me to capture a new sense of feel skateboarding has with a camera.

That camera can pick up the aggression and emotion of skateboarding. You can capture the personality of someone through a lens. You are allowing yourself to be creative and that’s what really drew me towards it.”

Scott skates every day, progressing, meeting new people, and becoming part of a community. Part of that community involves other filmers. Scott citedthe films of locals Dylan Burke and Andrew Lovgre as some of his biggest influences. And while he also shoots still photography, Scott said that he feels more creative when making videos.

“I’m definitely more self-conscious about my filming videos than my photography. I feel like when I’m filming I bring out more a more creative mindset.”

With so many activities and interests flooding in, schoolwork wasn’t always his number one priority, but he does well in his classes and has plenty of positive experiences at East to talk about.

“I remember leaving Horticulture and always being so calm and relaxed because of Snozek’s cheery and happy attitude. Also, Mrs. Tow is always looking for way to allow our creativity to flow through our writing.”

Scott plans on taking two years of classes at JCCC before moving to UMKC. All the while he will be grinding away at his feature-length video “Phun Daze” and moving on to capture whatever else inspires him in life at that point.

-Aaron Rhodes

-Roman Scott

Olathe East Class of ‘15

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Madison Rebel

adison Rebel grew up with kids all around her.

“I have grown up surrounded by kids. I’m the oldest of 16 cousins, and my neighborhood is all kids,” she said.

“All my aunts, grandparents, and my mom are all teachers, so being around kids has been my life.”

As she grew older, several activities began to turn her into the person that she is today.

“I was a part of Girl Scouts, and that has taught me to love service,” she said. “My family and friends have shaped me into the person I am today.”

When Madison entered into high school, she became involved in sports. “My [freshman] and [sophomore] year I played basketball at Olathe East. I started playing golf my junior year of high school and played my senior year as well. My senior year I was on varsity and we as a team made it to state,” Rebel said. “[In college] I will be on the Kansas State Rowing team as well! ROWCATS!” Madison has also visited Haiti twice and will be going again this summer.

“When I go, my job is to show love to the kids that live in the orphanages,” she said. “My first trip to Haiti was [at the] end of [my] freshman year over July 4. My church was taking a group of kids down. I honestly didn’t feel like I needed to go, but I went anyway.

My first trip down there, I hated it. I didn’t have fun and I didn’t see the Lord work in me as I thought I would. I didn’t fall in love with any of the kids or the country. I just wanted to [go] home.”

However, the second time around, her opinion changed drastically.

“On my second trip to Haiti is when I fell in love and knew the Lord had called me to work with kids in a different country. Every day, I grew in a bond with the same kids and as of today I [still] Facebook message a couple of them,” Madison said. “I can still hear the girls singing and then cornrowing my hair. [I can still remember] the boys playing soccer and wanting to race. I can still hear ‘Mwen Renmen Ou’ (I love you) in Creole.”

“Every trip I go on is a new experience with new memories but I would say my favorite memory is watching the kids laugh,” Rebel said. “Here I am sweating and exhausted and here are these kids in the same clothes for three days, owning nothing but those clothes, but holding all the joy in the world.”

She said, “I plan on attending Kansas State University. I will be majoring in elementary education and will use that to travel to third [world] countries and teach kids and adults English as well as other subjects. [As far as] where [I will] be going? That, I have no idea.”

-Annie Beurman

“I can still hear ‘Mwen Renmen Ou’ [I love you] in Creole.”

-Madison Rebel

All photos courtesy of Madison Rebel

[Senior Issue ‘15] 13

Olathe East Class of ‘15 “

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usic is the highest and most evolved form of human expression.”

This is only but a taste of what music means to senior Brennan Bukaty. Despite his busy schedule, Brennan always finds time to practice the cello every day of his life. Because of this, it’s no surprise that he’s made the Kansas All-state orchestra all three years he’s been eligible and earned a one rating in state solo and ensemble.

In addition to playing the cello, Bukaty plays bass in both an Irish folk band and the school’s jazz band. Furthermore, Bukaty also participate in playing in the Kansas City Youth Symphony. He can be also be found around the halls of Olathe East listening to music and enjoying all it has to offer.

No matter which instrument he’s playing, it’s no secret that Bukaty holds a deep passion for music.

He believes that all forms of music are special in the way that they convey ideas and inspire something deep within others, something Bukaty does daily.

Brennan Bukaty

“Whether it’s 900-year-old choral music written by German nuns, a Bach organ toccata, Eastern European folk songs, a Tchaikovsky symphony, jazz or even bands like Vampire Weekend or Mumford and Sons, music is the most powerful and raw form of human emotion,” Bukaty said.

Bukaty’s interest in a variety of music shows not only an appreciation of some of the most classical pieces, but also the modern songs we hear today.

With his knowledge of many different genres of music, Bukaty can bring together the finest musicality with his instrument.

As advice to any young aspiring musicians like himself, Bukaty said “Practice, practice, practice.”

This concept is no stranger to Bukaty. Like many other musicians, Bukaty said that in order to succeed, you need to have determination.

“Set goals for yourself,” Bukaty said.

“Pablo Casals, the legendary Spanish cellist once said, ‘music will save the world,’ I couldn’t agree more” - Brennan Bukaty Bukaty is not only a prodigy when it comes to music, but he is also the president of the Gay-Straight Alliance club at Olathe East. “We basically do a lot of stuff about raising awareness for the LGBT cause,” Bukaty said.

“Music ties together people of all races, ages and cultures and it is a truly beautiful facet of humanity.” Bukaty said.

After high school Bukaty plans on majoring in music performance and Spanish at Truman State University, continuing to spread the joy of music to people everywhere.

-Amy Du

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Olathe East Class of ‘15

A

enroll in the University of Kansas in the fall as a Social Welfare major.

Matt said, “I just like to help people, and it’s a really good major for me to be able to do that.”

Even though he won’t be on KU’s division I track and field team, he plans to continue athletics through intramurals. He doesn’t have any specific plans after college as of now, but he is interested to see where life takes him.

As for the incoming and present Hawks, he said, “Be yourself.

And get on the good side of all your teachers and coaches. It will make your life a lot easier.”

Even though East is losing an irreplaceable track star and major fan, Matt doesn’t want those to overshadow his personality.

“I want them to remember me as a person, not just my achievements. Just being me,” he said.

-Courtney Child

Matthew Thuston

s one of the most prominent high school seniors at Olathe East, Matthew Thuston is hard to miss. He’s a state champion in track, a well-known, spirited student, and an all-around friendly person.

Starting high school as the son of Mr. Thuston, a well-known teacher at East, as a father made high school a slightly different experience for Matt.

Matt said, “My freshman year, most people knew me as ‘Baby Thuston.’” But, since then he has left quite a mark of his own on East.

“I consider myself as a part of a lot of different friend groups as where a lot of other people stay in one. I just try to branch out as much as I can,” Matt said.

One of the groups he took part in was Hawk Nation, the class that tries to increase the amount of school spirit and also leads the chants in the student section at games.

Matt said, “[Hawk Nation] just gave me a bigger role in the pep of the school. Just being a leader of the student section…was really fun.”

Even though he did not participate in Hawk Nation his senior year, Matt still played a major role in school spirit. As did James McGinnis, one of his best friends, until his infamous collapse during a football game in September last fall.

“James is one of my best friends, so that hit kind of hard when he was hurt. Through all of the recovery, I was just trying to be there for them and him as much as I could,” Matt said.

However, one of his favorite parts of high school is second semester, when track and field season rolls around.

“I am a jumper on the track team. I do long and triple jump,” Matt said. “The [best part is the] competitiveness of the sport and the bonds between the teammates and coaches.”

Many years of hard work and practice paid off big time last spring when the boys’ track team took home the State title.

“Winning State was my favorite memory. Winning was a huge relief after all the hard work we put in,” Matt said.

After his memorable high school career, Matthew plans to

All photos courtesty of Matthew Thuston

[Senior Issue ‘15] 15

Rebekah Hernandez

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Olathe East Class of ‘15

ebekah Hernandez shows true leadership within the halls of our high school, but what makes her a forerunner in the real world is her helpfulness outside the walls of Olathe East.

She actively participates at her church, Church of the Harvest.

“Usually I’m there Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, but right now, I’m only there Saturdays and Sundays because I’m so busy,” said Hernandez She attends church to engage in a multitude of activities other than mass.

Hernandez said, “I used to be involved in the Kids’ Ministry as a leader in the preschool rooms.

Now I’m part of the worship team.

I was on the Adult Worship team by freshman year. I do this three out of four weekends a month. I’m involved in Youth Group a lot.

I do the Student Ministry. We have a Student Leadership team.

Basically, we help our pastors. We set up chairs and get the early set up for practice. I’m also part of the Student Worship team called Third Rail.”

Her favorite responsibility within the church is worship because she wants to continue it for the rest of her life.

She will be attending Oral Roberts University in the fall and plans to major in Worship Arts.

She said, “I don’t really have my future planned out as much as a lot of people do. I want to go into music. I want to go into ministry. I’d like to get a recording contract.”

“I’m going to a Christian college. There are at least two chapels a week. Once I get there, I’m planning on being involved in a worship team. The way they have it set up is kind of strange, so I can’t be involved in the chapel service till I’m a sophomore, but I can be either part of a team that gets ready the entire year and goes on a mission trip over the summer, or I can be a part of our prayer tower team. Underneath is a prayer room that has live worship going on twenty-four-seven,” Hernandez said.

Other than all the activities through Oral Roberts University, she will also find a church to attend in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“I’ll probably be on the worship team there. It depends on how much time I have.” she said.

Hernandez also plays a part in activities around school as a member of the choir and National Honor Society. She even participated in last year’s musical, Beauty and the Beast.

She said, “[High school] didn’t start out that great, honestly. I had just come off of losing my best friend to a different school, so the beginning was kind of rough, but it’s gotten better as time has gone by. I’ve made some

16 [Senior Issue ‘15]

great friends that I hope to keep for the rest of my life.”

Hernandez also said, “My senior year has been pretty great. It’s been really rough with all the school work; I’m in five AP classes.

That’s been stressful, but other than that, it’s been great. I really enjoyed the freedoms that I’ve had.”

This year proved to be very memorable with the Neon Run and the many dances which provided her opportunities to hang out with her friends. “[The Neon Run] was really fun. My entire group of friends got together. We were just hanging out, cheering people on. I enjoyed that a lot,” she said.

Lastly, Hernandez said, “I enjoy [participating]. I know the church is where I want to be for the rest of my life. I really like doing the worship and the ministry. When I’m up there on the stage just worshipping and playing, I just know it’s where I’m supposed to be and where I belong. You know. You just have those feelings.

I love it.”

-Alexa Buechler

All photos Courtesy of Rebekah Hernandez

Olathe East Class of ‘15

“At one point hey took all our boots because just one person’s laces weren’t tucked into their boots. They took them all together, tied them up and sprinkled foot powder on them like a giant pie.”

-Luis Valencia

Luis Valencia

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s of 2010, military personnel make up less than one percent of the American population. Olathe East, sends off five students to protect our country including Luis Valencia.

From a young age, he always had a strong inclination to join the Army and to help people.

He said, “After watching the news and seeing what goes on around the world, the US Army is there helping and with all the terrorists, 9/11, and ISIS stuff going on, I want to help out like they do. Not many people join and serve our country and I feel like if anyone should do it, it could be me.”

However, he didn’t act on his desires until his older brother came home one day exclaiming that he was going into the military and would be sworn into oath the next day. This action was the push that gave Valencia the courage to act on his dream. Of course, his parents were reluctant to permit another son to become a soldier, but eventually accepted and supported his decision.

Unlike many, Valencia has already been through Basic Training.

Most go through the intense training the summer after graduating high school, but Valencia will already be taking the next step, training at AIT (Advanced Individual Training) where one learns the skills to perform his or her chosen Army job. He will attend AIT in either North Carolina or Virginia as an Army Reserve specializing in wheeled vehicle mechanics.

During his summer stay at Basic Training in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, they test and push physical and mental endurance. Recruits begin to learn obedience and discipline. Drill sergeants are nothing short than the movie descriptions of them yelling in ones face and being tougher than nails.

Valencia said, “At one point they took all our boots because just one person’s laces weren’t tucked into their boots. They took them all together, tied them up and sprinkled foot powder on them like a giant pie.”

Over 20 people lived in a bay (Marine’s living quarters) and each had at least three pairs of boots besides the ones on their feet. So in the entanglement and displaced pile of shoes, if they didn’t have their names on them, most of times they’d get stolen or lost.

Valencia faced one of the most challenging moments when going through Basic Training when he was required to enter a gas chamber. He entered with a gas mask, but the chemicals burned the skin-making it itch and hurt. At one point, everyone was ordered to take the masks off and breathe in the gas. To make sure that the soldiers experienced the effects of the gas, they were forced to recite their platoon motto or a common army song. Their eyes watered and breathing became so difficult that at one point that they began to cough and gasp.

Drill sergeants are permitted any form of intimidation and punishment for any type of behavior they feel needs to be corrected.

However, they cannot physically touch you. In Valencia’s case, his drill sergeants disliked their behaviors so as a battery, his platoon was evicted from their bay.

At Basic Training, the soldiers are not allowed to bring many personal items. The only items that Valencia brought were the clothes he were wearing , an extra pair of clothes ,and his cell phone.

He said, “Last summer I got my phone for less than 30 minutes the whole summer, and that was to make phone calls at the end of each cycle.”

As mentally and physically demanding Basic Training was, Valencia couldn’t help but appreciate his time there. He was able to meet an array of interesting people, and some of them were the funniest people he has met.

He said, “I really enjoyed Basic Training, I got to meet a lot of different people I still continue to talk to now. Especially knowing that not a lot of people go through what you did that summer, these people share a bond with you for going through that.”

While most high school students were busy enjoying their carefree summer, Luis was becoming a soldier. Not many people can say they’ve shot an M16 or thrown a live grenade.

And again this summer while the graduated students will worry about the college years to come-saying to goodbye to family, friends and even pets- Luis will be attending AIT, honing his skills to serve our country.

-Camille Denis

[Senior Issue ‘15] 17

Olathe East Class of ‘15

Jadrian Salmans

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ou may recognize him from the many theater productions he has been involved in over his high school career. From a dancing sugar bowl in Beauty and the Beast, to a womanizing pilot/doctor/lawyer in Catch Me if You Can, Jadrian Salmans is no stranger to the spotlight.

Salmans has enjoyed his leadership role in the musicals this year, specifically when he starred in the Drowsy Chaperone as Aldopho, and Catch Me if You Can as Frank Jr. “It was awesome to be able to showcase everything we had all worked so hard for, and finally be able to step up to the big role and have everyone look up to you,” Salmans said.

However, playing the lead was no easy task and Salmans definitely experienced his fair share of challenges when he was preparing for this role.

“The most difficult part was the memorization, stress, and feeling like you owe it to everyone to give it your best,” he said.

While Salmans has enjoyed all high school theater has given to him, his entrance into the spotlight began long before high school.

“It started in middle school when I got asked to audition at Olathe East for the role of Gavroche in Les Miserables,” Salmans said.

After receiving that role in middle school, his love of performing has only grown as he became one of the leading men in the Olathe East theater department.

Theater is not the only thing Salmans finds himself involved in though, he also happens to be a member of the most elite choir at East, the Madrigals, and has loved every second of it. “[I love] the comaraderie between friends, and just getting to perform in front of an audience,” Salmans said.

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As Salmans’ last days at East come to a close, he has recently been nominated for Oustanding Actor in a Supporting Role for the 2015 Blue Star Award--he is being recognized for his role as Aldopho in The Drowsy Chaperone.

“It was great to be nominated for Aldopho because it was a very comic role, which is my strong suit. I obviously was hoping to get nominated, but [I] was still very surprised to receive the nomination. It’s especially great because I got the nomination along with my best friend Molly Munyan who played my counterpart in the play,” Salmans said.

Despite Salmans’ love and success in theater, it will not be his major during college.

“I’m going to KU next year to study engineering, probably like chemical engineering or something like it,” he said.

Even though the Olathe East theater department will be losing one of its valuable assets, we wish Jadrian the best of luck as he leaves the hallowed halls of Olathe East and goes on to bigger and brighter things.

-Jordan Meier

“[I love] the comaraderie between friends, and just getting to perform in front of an audience.”

-Jadrian Salmans

All Photos Courtsey of Jadrian Salmans

Olathe East Class of ‘15

rom freshman to senior year, I absolutely loved attending Olathe East,” said Allison Walker.

A dancer, an artist, and a school spirit enthusiast, Walker made the most of her time at East.

Since she started dancing in her first dance class at the age of four, she has always had a passion for creativity and expression.

“I loved dancing right from the start and knew that I would be a big part of my life in the years to come,” she said.

When Walker became a freshman at Olathe East, she was hesitant to join the Hawk’s Dance Team, the Talons. However, she wanted to be involved and went for it. She found that being a part of the dance team really helped connect her to other students.

“Being a Talon definitely gets you involved, because you work with the band for field show and perform at the football games, you then perform at basketball games, all the while preparing for your own team’s competition season,” she said.

Dance took up an extensive part of her life and became one of her favorite things about Olathe East.

“Even with seven o’clock practices every morning, my love for the dance team grew and grew because of the relationships I was building. Looking back on it, I am so glad I was a Talon. My high school experience would have been completely different, if I hadn’t been a part of this special team,” she said.

Not just a dancer, Walker became involved in many areas of the school. A member of both photography and ceramics classes, she found another passion in creating art not just with music and movement but also with paintbrushes and sculpting clay.

“I was super involved in all things art,” she said.

She has a found recently that she has a real passion for ceramics and spends at least two hours of her school day in the art room.

“I love being able to transform a plain cylinder or bowl into something intricate and personal. I have recently been creating a line of animal mugs, which has challenged me quite a bit. It

has forced me to start experimenting with various sculpting techniques that I have really enjoyed,” she said.

Vocally strong and adept onstage, Walker performed as a key member of the choir and musical productions.

“I have always enjoyed performing, so naturally I loved being a part of Beauty And The Beast and this year’s production of Catch Me If You Can. I made countless memories and friendships through being involved in those two shows!” Her quartet, Breaking Point, competed at Harmony Explosion for years.

Many students may know Walker for reason other than her role in the arts: her spirit week attire. She won the most spirited Talon on dance team for three years in a row and every time that wonderful week of wackiness came around, Walker was prepped and ready.

“Over the many spirit weeks throughout my high school career I have learned not to care as much about what others think about me.

I think it is super important to have this mentality. I think it’s important to make others feel welcome and accepted ... one of the biggest highlights of my high school career was spirit week. I always went all out for every [one]. I just loved to dress up and didn’t care,” she said.

Next year Walker will be attending Kansas State University and although she has not declared a major, she loves children and has looked into teaching and elementary art education.

“Being a dancer has taught me different ways to express my emotions, and that hard work pays off. But most importantly, dance has given me so many lifelong friendships. Without dance, I would not have some of my very best friends.”

-Allison Walker

Allison Walker

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“

-Natalie Friend

[Senior Issue ‘15] 19

Olathe East Class of ‘15

Jacob Moreno

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iddle linebacker, shot putter, brother, son, and friend, are just a few of the many titles that intertwine to form the person that is Jacob Moreno. Like the rest of the senior class, Jacob is eager to graduate and start his future. However, unlike a good majority of his fellow classmates, Jacob will not be attending college in the fall. Instead, his focus will be on the Marines. This August he will begin Basic Training in San Diego.

“I’m really excited for [Basic]. It’ll be fun,” Jacob said. “I’ll be there for 12-13 weeks. Since I’m going full Marine, I’ll be deployed somewhere. I’ll be back for a week and then I will be deployed either half way across the world or somewhere in America.”

Jacob’s interest with the military stems from his family. His grandpa was in the Army, and his aunt and uncle were both in the Air Force.

“I saw that [my family was in the Army] and was like ‘Oh, that’s cool! But I don’t want to be like any of you guys; I want to be my own guy.’ And I didn’t like the Army, and so the Marines was like ‘Oorah! Let’s go!,’” Jacob said.

Jacob likes engineering and mechanic work, and after taking a career placement test, his assigned job reflects his interests.

He commented, “Right now my MOS, which is like your job that you get assigned to, is Aviation Mechanics. Because I scored so well on my ASVAB, that was one of the things you could do. What I really want to do though is sniper work, like Scout or anything with sniper work.”

Throughout his decision-making process, Jacob has had his family’s support through it all.

“My mom’s side has been very supportive, because they have people in the military and they think it’s a great thing.

My dad’s side, they’re supportive, but they were a little cautious at first, because they are not originally from America (they’re from Nicaragua). So, they were a little sketchy about going to war for no reason and stuff like that; just looking out for me,” Jacob said.

Being the oldest of five, Jacob wants to set a good example for his younger siblings.

“I feel like it’s my job to protect them from everything and anything bad. That’s part of the reason why I’m joining,” he said.

Some of his good friends, like Luis Valencia, Kiah Cockrell, Isaiah

Ringoen, and Christian Leonard are joining the military as well.

Here at East, Jacob plays middle linebacker and defensive lineman for the football team. He’s played a total of five years, including one year at Pioneer Trail and he has also been involved with track for two years.

Jacob said, “I do shot and I’m trying to do javelin, but I also do the hog relay, which is the 100-meter dash pretty much. It’s really fun.”

When he’s not playing sports, Jacob enjoys playing video games, weightlifting, and working at Sheridan’s Frozen Custard.

“My schedule goes: wake up, eat, school, eat, work out, eat, and then sleep and repeat,” Jacob said.

One of the things Jacob will miss the most about Olathe East is the lunch ladies.

“They’re super nice. They all know my name, first and last. They always give me a hook-up on food,” he said.

After the Marines, Jacob plans on attending college either at K-State for their engineering program or LSU for their medical school. “[The Marine’s are] going to pay for my college, 100% of tuition is covered while I’m in the military,” he said. “I’ll be in the Marines, for right now, for eight years where I’ll have four active and then four non-active [years]. I’ll have to stay for four years, and then after that four years I’m on a thing that’s kind of being like the Reserves in a way, except you’re only needed if we go to war. After those eight years, if I really want to do more, then I might, but I don’t know if I will.”

The Olathe East Hawk’s Eye wishes you luck on your future endeavors, Jacob! Thank you for wanting to serve our country!

-Lauren Heinrich

“I feel like it’s my job to protect [my younger siblings] from everything and anything bad.

That’s part of the reason why I’m joining.”

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-Jacob Moreno

All photos courtesy of Jacob Moreno

Olathe East Class of ‘15

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“I had always been drawn to crime shows and movies, but my freshman year I took a class at East called Intro to Law and learned a lot about the law aspect of things.”

-Halle Robertson

Halle Robertson

alle Robertson walks the hallways of east always smiling, happy, and friendly. She not only excels in school, but also has a tough side most people would be surprised to discover.

Underneath her girly girl appearance, Halle can hold her own and is much more than just a sweet girl with a country-loving heart.

Halle has always been drawn to physicality and doesn’t mind getting down in the dirt. She started boxing at Title Boxing Club when she was in eighth grade and goes every summer to spend time in Iowa on her grandfather’s farm. However, what may be the most remarkable accomplishment in Halle’s high school career remains her participation in the Police Explorer Program at the W. Jack Sanders Justice Center.

“I decided to get involved in criminal justice my freshman year. I had always been drawn to crime shows and movies, but my freshman year I took a class at East called Intro to Law and learned a lot about the law aspect of things. I decided it was something that interested me enough to get involved in. I realized that it’s a field of work that will always be needed and it was something that I could see myself doing,” she said.

However, she was dedicated but the Police Academy began to take up time she needed to put towards her academics and future.

“I was heavily involved my sophomore year and the beginning of my junior year, but I wanted to focus on my grades the end of my junior year and during my senior year. I also wanted to have time to step back and think about college,” she said.

She explained Police work was definitely something she was glad she became involved in, and her favorite memories include going on a ride along and participating in a summer camp.

“It was something we had to schedule on our own time, but you would ride along with an officer during their shift and go on all of the calls with them. It was really neat just getting to see what they actually do all day and the types of calls they have to go on,” she said.

“Another favorite part was the week long camp that we did in the summer. We went to a police academy, met the SWAT team and ran real life scenarios with them in abandoned houses. We would play out scenarios in empty middle schools with the lights off… they taught us how to search the building and look for the threat. At the end of the week we would have a competition with other explorer programs from around our area. We did things like finger printing, building searches, traffic stops, crime scene processing, and target practice. We got evaluated by the police officers on how well we did,” she said.

Although Halle doesn’t know exactly what field, she knows she wants to be involved in the law and plans to study Crime Investigation at University of Central Missouri next year.

“I may wind up switching majors due to the reality of the hours you have to work as a police officer. It would be hard for me to have children and a family. If I can find a way to swing it, I would love to be in the Law Enforcement Field somehow,” she said.

Whatever Halle decided to do with her perseverance and hard work she can overcome any challenges she encounters.

- Brenna Thompson

[Senior Issue ‘15] 21

Olathe East Class of ‘15

Allie Brachtenbach

S

he led the band for two years as a drum major, yelling out ‘SET” during 7:00 AM and Monday night rehearsals during the fall and was a star on the bowling team for four years.

Allie Brachtenbach will leave behind two programs that she led in her time at Olathe East.

When previous drum majors, John Meyer and Natalie Alton graduated to The University Of Kansas, and Kansas State University, respectfully, Brachtenbach and co-drum major Katelyn Chapman where tasked with leading the Orange and Blue Brigade on the field at football games, marching competitions, parades and pep rallies.

“I’ve always liked helping people and it seemed very fitting, also inspired to create new ideas and structure to make more successful,” said Brachtenbach.

Not an easy task, but Brachtenbach made it look easy. With hard work and energy from the band members, drill team, and staff, Brachtenbach and the band continued their dominance and kept building their reputation as a powerhouse marching band in the Kansas City area and in the Midwest, with successful years in 2013 and 2014.

After a 2013 season that was filled with award-winning performances of Tribal Dances, the marching bands halftime show, which at the time was the Orange and Blue Brigade’s most successful year, up to that point.

Brachtenbach and the drum majors led the band in three highly competitive competitions including a Fifth place at Webb Stock IX, Grand Champions at both Missouri Western Tournament of Champions , and KU Heart Of America tournament of Champions. The band repeated it success in 2014 with Moving Waters, by repeating as grand champions at KU and MOWEST, and placing fourth at Blue Springs Marching Festival, the highest finishing for the band at that competition since a sixth place finish in 2003.

Besides being a drum major, Brachtenbach was excellent at playing her saxophone. She was a four year-player in both the pep band, and the Jazz band.

Even though she is excellent at playing her instrument, she was an even better bowler, she started playing the sport at a young age.

“I started when I was in kindergarten and have done it every

“I’ve always liked helping people and it seemed very fitting , also inspired to create many new ideas and structure to make more successful.”

-Allie Bractenbach

22 [Senior Issue ‘15]

since. My step-dad, Dante, had always been a 220 average bowler, so I always strive to be like him. I ended my high school career with a 206 average,” Said Brachtenbach.

Her honors include winning city and regionals twice, placing 10th and 13th at state her junior and senior year, and female bowler of the year 2014-2015 for the sunflower league.

Along the way, Brachtenbach encountered many challenges.

“I’ve always had problems with trying to make everyone happy, but through my four years, I’ve learned there are about 10 true people. I know they will always be there and besides them, I ignore the rude comments from everyone else,” said Brachtenbach.

Her experience at East took her from band to bowling to friendships.

“I’ve had a wonderful time at East. Starting school was easy my freshmen year, because I had my brother, Zach. East treated me well, hopefully carrying out many friendships later in life,” Said Brachtenbach.

Brachtenbach made many memories in her high school career. “[On] the Chicago band trip, we were talking about how many people you can fit in a charter bus bathroom. We started putting people in and got six people in there!” said Brachtenbach.

While she loves playing her instrument, Brachtenbach will not continue her band career as she will be attending the University of Kansas and work to become an chemical engineer in the fall.

“I am going to KU for a five-year track. My major for the first four will be chemical engineering and my fifth year, I’m also specializing bio-medical engineering. It’s an up and coming branch of research and I always love to help people.”

She leaves Olathe East with one more thing to say.

“Life is a roller coaster, so it’s up to you whether to scream or to enjoy the ride,” said Brachtenbach.

-Jacob Stofer

Olathe East Class of ‘15 “

I

can say that confidently. My training has set me apart tremendously [from the competition of other artists].”

Pursuing dance he knows will be no easy task, but having inspiration like fellow dancer Mikaila Morgan and teacher Tara Wells “showed me you can make a life out of dance.

It’s extremely difficult but, in every aspect, worth it,” he said.

To J.D., dance isn’t something he can simply choose not to do, it’s something that breathes with him naturally.

J.D. plans to receive a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree in Commercial Dance and will be attending Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania next fall.

His study for a commercial dance degree as opposed to a dance degree will focus on a wider range of dance forms. This will help him further in the commercial dance industry where a mastery of various dance styles are needed.

In the future with his commercial dance degree, J.D. said, “I would love to be on a company and really establish a name for myself and then hopefully settle down at a studio.”

Wherever dance takes him, J.D. will always be creating art with the same passion he has held onto since he was four.

“I live a life full of art and full of passion and I can only hope that continues.”

“It was an escape, and I knew it was more than an escape. It was honestly something I knew I could do for the rest of my life. I felt it.”

- J.D. DeNeff

J.D. DeNeff

went to dance and it was just a world of its own. I would go to dance and I’d improve and be with the people I love,” said J.D. DeNeff detailing his passion for dance.

Since a young age, J.D. has been drawn in by the beauty of art and the creativity dance renders.

Before attending his first dance class, J.D. could be seen drawing, writing, or loving every minute of art class. His mother and grandmother saw a potential passion and enrolled him in a combo class at Miller Marley School of Dance and Voice at the age of four.

“I absolutely fell in love with it. My mom started getting me involved with theatrical productions in the community, like Theatre in the Park and Christian Youth Theatre.

I knew I loved it at that young of an age and that expanded to what it is now,” said JD. At Olathe East, J.D. participates in the Musical Repertory Theatre, choir classes, and has appeared in numerous musicals such as Catch Me If You Can, Drowsy Chaperone, and Beauty and the Beast.

J.D. has been a member of the Miller Marley Competition Team for eight years, the Miller Marley Ballet Company for four years, and the Miller Marley Entertainers for one year as well as attending the studio’s classes on a daily basis.

He expresses gratitude for his studio and said, “Miller Marley is outstanding... I’m trained in every single genre of dance and I

- Hannah Cruise

[Senior Issue ‘15] 23

Addy Ruby

Olathe East Class of ‘15

All Photos Courtesy of Addy Ruby orking a job in high school 40 plus hours a week cruits to join proves to be a brave task in itself, but senior Addy their college Ruby spends the same amount of time tumbling team. her way into college gymnastics.

“Ohio State saw me there and contacted me the next week “I’m at the gym almost 40 hours a week. Mondays, and I was like ‘okay, let’s go on on a visit,’” she said.

Wednesdays, and Thursdays I go from 2:30-8:00. Tuesdays Ruby decided to visit to Ohio State University in Columand Fridays are from 2:30-7:00 and Saturdays are 8:30-11:00,” bus, Ohio—a ten-hour drive away from home promptly fell in said Ruby. love with campus upon sight.

Ruby has been taking gym She said, “I was shown around the nastics since she was three years campus and I was like, ‘oh my gosh, old, but really fell in love with the even if I didn’t do gymnastics, this is sport after moving gyms at the where I’d want to go.’” age of eight. Diamond Gymnas Even though Ruby is going to miss tics has become a second home to her family this coming fall, she knows Ruby since gymnastics is a year that Ohio State is the school for her. round sport. Ruby is currently in “It’s going to be completely new, level ten in competitive gymnastics, which is the highest level which I’m excited about,” she said. you can rise to before elite. Elite gymnasts are those who have Ruby was granted a partial scholarship to attend the unidecided to try and make the Olympic team. versity and after the first two years if she does well, they will Meet season began in late December to early January and pay for the rest as well. ends with nationals in May. Ruby has made it to nationals She plans on majoring in either nutrition, dietetics or before and placed sixth in beam, a formidable task facing sports psychology. gymnasts from all over the country.

Her family and gymnastics have always had a major influ Like any kid with a talent, Ruby dreamed big. ence on her life and she couldn’t be more thankful for them.

“In seventh grade I was dead set on going to the Olympics, One of her favorite quotes comes from a sign hanging in her but in eighth grade, I realized that it was kind of unrealistic. gym and constantly reminds to her: “Let your faith be bigger I then decided I wanted to do college gymnastics, so I started than your fears.” looking at colleges,” she said.

We wish Addy all the best next year as she takes her talents Ruby attended a regional camp in Texas where college to Ohio State University gymnastic’s team this fall. recruiters throughout the nation came to look at potential re-Paige Schick

W

“Let your faith be bigger than your fears.”

-Addy Ruby

24 [Senior Issue ‘15]

Thank You

Thank you, Mrs. Donham for turning a topic that is hard and making it easier and entertaining. Thank you, Mrs. Swyers for stopping Carson’s profanity.

–Jeremy Shaw

Thank you, Mrs. Swyers for making English a class I don’t consider skipping.

–Justin Olsen

first hour has opened opportunities to choreograph, and work with some phenomenal people. Cathy Alcorn has brought out more in me than I thought possible. Thank you Cathy, all of my love. –JD DeNeff

feel more confident from being in your class. Thanks so much! –Rachel Kivett

I’d like to thank all my teachers.

–Skyler Wang

Thank you Mrs. Alcorn for always caring for me and my life. You are such an amazing role model to not only me, but many other girls. –Allison Walker

I want to thank Lucas Reynolds for loving me unconditionally all these years. –Maddie Bolen

Thank you Mrs. Jacobsen for being the sweetest and best teacher to aide for.

–Brooke Munch

Thank you, Ms. Donham for being a fantastic science teacher for two years and making learning fun.

–Carson Scott

Thank you, to my awesome math, quest, and English teachers for changing my life. –Megan Petheram

Thank you, Mr. Stevens for mentoring me when I needed it most.

–Keshav Dang Thank you, Cathy Alcorn for sharing so much love with her team.

–Emily Luder I would like to give thanks to Todd Keach and Kevin Bosworth for teaching me to think differently. Pat Flynn, Jeff Smikahl, and Jennifer Creek for teaching me to strive for success.

–Michael Kitchen I would like to thank my teachers for helping to guide me. And my friends for being there for me.

–William Bingesser Kelly McKenny. –Merissa Delgado I want to thank Mrs. Snozek for giving me an opportunity to volunteer with her after school last year when I needed some hours and she stayed in with me.

Not only is she a teacher, but a mother and friend. –Selena Mary Santhan

I would like to thank Mrs. Earnshaw for being the most helpful English teacher ever! –Hailey Hochanadel Thank you, Mrs. Rushing. She is the reason I finally overcame my fear of math. –Michaela Alexander I want to thank both librarians for not only introducing me to new books, but for being so kind to me. –Mia Her Thank you to Mr. Williams for putting up with me and Megan Fish’s love for One Direction. –Morgan Burlingame Thank you, Wally for the amazing coaching. Thanks, Evans for letting me chill in your room. –Matthew Thuston I’d like to thank Mrs. Ockerhausen for feeding me and writing me hall passes.

–Jacob Ockerhausen Thank you to Mrs. Hiatt for helping me throughout my whole high school career, I’ll miss you.

–Essence Nelson-Deloney

Mrs. Talcott for being the first teacher I met to help me on my journey as a new student my senior year at Olathe East.

–Lexus Green

Mr. Brown, thank you for being a nice teacher to me and your students. God bless. Ms. Davenport, thank you for buying me a present for my 17th birthday and for the cake. –Naomi Kalolia

Ms. Parker would spend hours helping me with the ACT. –Troy Wilson

I want to thank my best friend Selena Santham. –Nasra Mohamed

Thank you, Mr. Gunn for supplying me with a lifetime supply of “The Office” quotes that can fit every circumstance in life. –Riley Corbin I thank Mrs. O for always believing in me and for the free food she always has.

–Lauren Kporlor

I want to thank Mr. Larson for working with me every single day and encouraging me to pursue a career in woodworking. Being in your classes made me feel so at home and was the one place that could take my mind off the rest of the world. I hope our friendship lasts a lifetime. –Andrew Rome

Cathy Alcorn, a generous, kind-hearted woman who has strived to push me along my junior year through senior year. Being her independent study in

For my final year of high school, I would like to thank Mrs. Bourland for making me enjoy English. I feel like our 5th hour is more like a family. I

Thank you, Ms. Miller for being such an incredible teacher. You truly are the best. –Courtney Sottile

Thank you, Mrs. Tjaden for inspiring me to pursue psychology.

–Erin Newkirk Thank you, Mr. Umphrey and Mr. Stephens for being great teachers and always being there through all four years of high school. –AJ Stephens Thank you, Ms. Bourland for being the best CP English teacher out there!

–John Borum III

Class

of

2015

Thank you, Mrs. Hanna for encouraging my love of art and always taking the time to help me. And for staying late after school so many days.

–Molly Lenhausen Thank you to Mr. Reynolds for making math somewhat enjoyable and easy to learn. –Dylan Mathieu I thank Mr. Young for never counting Abbey and I late all year.

–Alli Heckmann Thank you, Lil Pat for Flynn-spiring me! –Erica Chang Thank you, Mr. Young for calming my amygdala. –Ashly Johnson Thank you, Madame Swetz for helping me discover my passion for the French language and making your class my favorite one to go to. –Sasha Betzer

Thank you, Ms. Bourland for being a great newspaper teacher, Silks and Sellers for being great photo teachers, and all my friends for keeping it 100 every day. Gridlock Gang, Spine Crew, IQ32, Phun Daze 2K15. –Aaron Rhodes

I want to thank Mrs. Etherton for being so wonderful and encouraging. –Leticia Ortiz

Ms. Valentine, thank you for being a teacher who truly cares about her students and for sharing your love of the world and travel with us.

–Morgan Martin

Mrs. Swyers, for actually preparing me for college. –Tyler Houghton

Thank you, Mrs. Ellie for being here from the start. Thank you, Mr. Reynolds for being the coolest teacher my freshman year. Thank you to all the friends who have been here all four years and to all the teachers and my coaches who have helped shape me into who I am.

–Mackenzie Yohr I want to thank all my teachers who have guided me throughout my high school career. –Jilsha Jose I would like to thank my German teacher Frau Hanks because she helped me get rid of my stage fright. Also the students in my German class (German 3) for making the class more unforgettable. –John Lozano Thank you, to all my teachers for inspiring and encouraging me to never give up. Thank you to squad for always being there to make my days brighter.

I couldn’t have asked for better friends.

–Lauren Hart Thanks to Mr. Gunn for always having the best attitude and always being a friend. –Brad Krull

Thank you, Mr. Flynn for Flynn-spiring me all the time. –Jake Butler

S/O and thank you to the janitors for always holding the doors open for me after the bell has rung! They’re the real MVPs! –Bailey Terry

Thank you, Olathe East! Once a hawk, always a hawk. You are all my family. –Rubens Davano Thank you Frau Hanks (German Teacher). You taught so much and you are like family to me. You’re an amazing and passionate person and I will always stay in touch with you!

–Brittany Hohenadel Thank you Vohs for putting up with me for so long and for being my mom away from home. Love ya lots! –Mia Burns I thank Mr. Mays for keeping English class entertaining with his zobmondos and the other thing he does at the beginning of block.

–Linda Vu

[Senior Issue ‘15] 25

Thank you, Mr. Stephenson for being open with your students and giving us a unique take on life.

–Cameron John

Thank You

I would like to thank Coach Meyers and Coach Wallace for believing in me throughout all four years of school and football. –Brycen Hinson Thank you, Mr. O’Grady for helping me get a job. –Robert Curtis Thank you, Shafer for always believing in me and pushing me to do my absolute best! –Jessica Goddard Thank you so very much to Mr. Kidder for always pushing me to do my best and always being there for everybody! Another huge thank you to Mrs. Noteboom for helping me out throughout some difficult times as well! -Bailey Ostrom Thank you Mr. Shafer for being not only my teacher, but a real friend and father figure to all of us in the theatre department. I speak for all senior thespians by saying thanks, Shaf!

–Emily Baugher To the federal government for cutting the education budget. –Cameron Little Thank you Ms. Fox, I cried multiple times in your class – but you helped me become the BO$$ that I am today. –Feker Ashenafi Thank you, Spurlin for teaching me to love science. –Christian Sheppard Thank you, Cassidi Birnbaum, for being my best friend since 4th grade, and being my tumblr girlfriend for 4 years. –Mikayla Cates Thank you to Tjaden for being the best teacher. –Reem Alam

26 [Senior Issue ‘15]

Feaster for making me realize I am actually good at English and pushing me in my writing skills.

–Jordan Graves I, Kaitlyn McCullagh thank Mr.

Gunn for being Mr. Gunn.

–Kaitlyn McCullagh Thank you, Mr. Thuston for teaching me how not to act around kids.

–Thomas Williams I would like to thank Mrs. Mayer for always pushing me to become a better violinist. –Kimberly Rosa Although no longer here, I’d like to thank Ms. Fox for her awesome teaching style in my Pre-AP English II class. –Jakob Sola Both Mr. and Mrs. Goddard for putting up with my Illinois pride.

–Abigail Dressler Thank you, Mr. Goddard for teaching me so much about building and sets.

Wouldn’t have got my scholarship without it. –Kannon Casey I would like to thank Mrs. Stephenson for being the best and always having a couch in her room.

–Drew Carrier To Silks, for being the chilliest.

–Hunter Bravence Thank you, Mrs. Donham for teaching me to believe in myself and my abilities. –Brenna Thompson Thank you, Mrs. Donham for showing me I can do anything through hard work. You inspire me to be a better version of myself.

–Katie Thompson I would like to thank Mrs. Etherton.

–June Iregi Thank you, Mrs. Snozek, for believing in me when no one else did and for supporting me and helping me stay on track. –Amanda Ramsburg Thank you to all my best friends who made my high school experience so much fun. –Rachel Kimberling Thank you to everyone who helped me realize my untapped potential.

–Matthew Gwin Thank you to Mrs. Bourland for everything you’ve done for me. Without you, my high school wouldn’t have been nearly as memorable. I will always cherish my time spent in room 612. –Paige Schick I’d like to thank the administration, for always being fun and outgoing as well as understandable –Zac Marquess Thank you for Flynn-spiring me all the time, Mr. Flynn. –Clarissa He Thank you to Mrs. Donham for showing me a new perspective of learning, and preparing me for the future. –Nicole Gorzovalitis Thank you to Mrs. Davidson and Mrs. Davenport for making me feel so much more comfortable.

–Allison Blythe Thank you, Mrs. Swetz for taking me to France and helping me discover my love for language.

–Jensen Gramling I wish I could write a thank you to every single teacher I’ve had because, whether I was in the class for the whole year or not, each one of you left your marks on me that helped me become who I am today. A student with the knowledge to make a difference. –Jen Smith Thank you, Mr. Young for really helping me “learn” how to learn and retain information. Your teaching will help me in many classes ahead.

–Drue Bailey Thank you, Miss Fox for teaching me so much about English and always asking “What does this mean?”

–Polina Sterkhova I want to thank Nicole Friend and Cierra Thuston for immediately making me feel extremely welcomed to the track family. I don’t know where I would or been without you two.

–Anna Schmeeckle

I want to thank Mr. Umphrey for always being there for me, and making sure I was always on top of my school work. –Michelle Oborro Thank you, Mrs. Mayer, for inspiring me to be a better musician and person, and to continue to strive for greatness. –Brennan Bukaty Thank you to Ms. Bourland for helping me progress as a writer and keeping me calm on my first plane ride. I also want to thank Mr. Super for encouraging me as a writer.

–Annie Beurman Thank you to Ms. Beck and Mrs. Tjaden for being great teachers and being there for us students when we need it the most. Also, thank you Ms. Faunce for all you do.

–Leah Collins Thank you, Ms. Snozek, for being my favorite teacher ever. I didn’t know plants could be so interesting. Thank you for always being positive and making your class fun.

–Lauren Heinrich Thank you to Boggs, Parker, and Rushing for being bomb coaches & putting up with me for so long!

–Paige Engle Thank you, Mr. Young for teaching me how to use my brain.

–Taylor Spillers Thanks to Ms. Ludwig, who helped me gain my headband collection.

–Cassie Carlson Thank you, Ms. Donham for pushing me to be a better student and being an amazing teacher.

–Allie Brachtenbach Thank you, Mrs. Strange, best lunch lady in the 913. –Andrew Kramer Thank you, Mr. Young and Ms. Donham for the inspiration and determination to enter into the medical field. –Katie Loecker Thank you Mr. Smikahl and Mrs. Creek for encouraging me to follow a career in music. –Shelby Scott Thank you Mrs. Schmidt for the never-ending Diet Coke.

–Kelli Kalinoski

–Megan Farenden Thank you to all of the teachers who helped me throughout my high school career. –Chloe Davis Thank you, Madame Swetz and Mrs. Bourland for inspiring me and encouraging me to be a better leader and for being all-around fantastic people. –Courtney Child Thank you, Mrs. Schmidt for teaching me to never argue with you, no matter what. Even if I literally know 100% that I am right.

–Jack Freeman Thank you to Mrs. Hair for brightening my day every morning and letting me keep my lunch in your fridge. –Maddie Sanders Thank you to Mr. Umphrey, Mr. Gunn, Mr. Hutchison, and Mr. Weible for being teachers that inspire and work their hardest with all students. –Jeremy Johnson Mrs. Tow, I just want to thank you for being the teacher who prepared me the most for college.

–Kelsea Pulce Thank you to Mrs. Falen for being one of the nicest teachers in the school and genuinely caring about your students. –Cole McEntee Thank you, Mr. Gunn for making every class period fun! And for genuinely caring about all of your students. –Halle Robertson Thank you Talcott for being one of my favorite teachers.

–Dalton Jennings Thank you Mrs. Tow for being so cool and a great English teacher.

–Komal Kaur Thank you, Madame Swetz, for being the most amazing teacher I could have asked for. French will never be the same without you. I love you! –Shannon Growney Thank you, Jessica Goddard for helping me through some tough times throughout senior year, wish I’ve would’ve been friends earlier.

–Madison Walden

Mrs. Sellers and Ms. Silks, for pushing me outside my comfort zone in photography. –Hannah Bettis

Thank you Mrs. Stephenson for being clutch and helping me with all my English projects. Also, you were an awesome teacher to aid for for 3 years. –Leah Thomas

Thank you Ms. Donham for always challenging me to do better and to accomplish more!

Thank you for all the teachers who didn”t give up on me and pushed me to do my best even though I

resisted -Sean Baltimore Thank you, Mr. Young; you honestly made me feel more confident in my abilities in general. Your teaching helped me realize I could work on intensive subject matter.

-Linnea Brown Thank you, Mr. Smikahl, for understanding percussionists instead of making us play quietly.

–Trevor Miller Thank you Mr. Reynolds for answering all my questions and not rolling your eyes at them!

–MacKenzie Smith Thank you, Lauren Howell for showing me what a best friend truly is. I can’t thank you enough for your love, support and friendship. I love you! –Elizabeth Steil

students. –Ashley Lamb I’d like to thank Ms. Hanna for fueling my passion for arts, even when I was missing a finger, and for being a friend within a mentor.

–Bri States Thank you to all the teachers who wrote me college recommendation letters.

–Misbah Karamali Thank you, Mrs. Hiatt for always bringing me back up when I was feeling down.

–Kimberly Nguyen Vohs for teaching me everything I know today about fashion.

–Tyler Olson Thank you to all the teachers that didn’t give up on me.

–Josh Thomas

Thank you Mr. Umphrey for helping me every time I needed it.

You saw my potential when I didn’t.

–Ryan Ash

Thank you to all the teachers who wrote me college recommendation letters. –Samantha Kelley

Thank you, Mrs. Swyers for making senior year English fun. –Tyler Lott

Thank you to Mrs. Tow, basketball coaches, and Mrs. Alcorn most importantly. –Javion Blake

Thanks to all my teachers through the years for letting me graduate.

–Alex Caedo

I would like to thank Jasmine for being a great friend. –Cody Leach

Thank you Paula Donham for loving me like your own child.

–Collin Shepard Thank you to Mrs. Swyers and Mrs. Robinson for being like a second mom to everyone. Thank you Thuston for being extremely hilarious!

–Kristyn Moreno Thank you pervious security guards for letting me leave to get QT. –Taylor Roberts Thank you to Vohs for helping me realize that I really am one of your “dumb kids.”

–Carolyn Schmidt Thanks to the OE Baseball. You gave me a killer four seasons and I loved every second.

–Nathan Best Thank you, Ms. Stiles for being so humble and understanding. You are truly a teacher I’ll never forget.

–Bailey Walker Thank you Mrs. Earnshaw for genuinely caring for each of your

I would like to thank my mom for calling me out of school all these times. –Abbey Johnstone Thank you Mrs. Schmidt for teaching my least favorite high school class. –Jordan Hosier Thank you Mrs. Hansen for all your help and love. –Karah Brown Thanks, Mr. McDonald for staying late after school every time we had a quiz or test so I could finish it.

–Caitlin Gosik Thank you Mr. Flynn for getting me through calculus. –Ben Schraeder Thank you to Mrs. Etherton for basically setting Parker and I up (technically it was the chance of the same class, but thanks <3) –Sancia Scharhag Thank you Jordan Hosier for always hugging me after a long day at school. Xoxo –Molly Taitt Thank you, Mr. Thibodeau and Mr. Yuratovich for always believing in me. –Devonte Brown Mr. Super, for being absolutely Super. –Colby Miller

[Senior Issue ‘15] 27

“I think the time my trumpet’s bell was squished flat after the band competition at St. Joe. Smikahl will always have a story to warn kids to keep their instruments off the ground.” –Jen Smith “My track career. The team is so close and I love being able to cheer on all my teammates as they reach their goals and strive for the best.

It is amazing how we all come together to support one another to be the best team we can possibly be.” –Drue Bailey “1) Being a state champion is pretty nice. 2) ‘Hey, can you send me the homework?’” –Andrew Kramer “Going to state three years in a row with a bunch of great guys and coaches.” –Devonté Brown “Going to France.”

–Jensen Gramling “‘You’re Gorby’s little sister?’” –any and every upperclassmen.”

–Elizabeth Gorby “Cheering and witnessing all of the moments our sports teams and other activities have succeeded, and progressed throughout the year. [It’s] an unexplainable feeling.” –Nicole Gorzovalitis “Winning Grand Champions two years in a row in Marching Band and beating North.”

–Dalton Jennings

“Going to San Francisco with the newspaper staff my sophomore year.” –Lauren Heinrich “Late Start.” –Cassie Carlson “Being Female Bowler of the Year!”

–Allie Brachtenbach

Class

of

2015

Favorite M

“Spilling pop all over our Field Show flags and the senior class made an assembly line complete with hair dryers and damping stations to get them clean.” –Katie Loecker

“This was nothing like High School Musical.’” –Amanda Ramsburg

“Everyday in Music Theory class.”

–Shelby Scott

“Wait, digital cameras don’t use film?” –Matthew Gwin

“The moment that I found out that I made Wind Ensemble, the top band, after only playing the bassoon for six months.” –Lydia Sturges

“My senior year.” –June Iregi

“Winning the KU band competition for the second year in a row.”

–Madison Rebel “Having a laugh with my good friends!” –Megan Farenden

“Journalism trip to San Francisco.”

–Katie Thompson “My two years as a staff writer for the Hawk’s Eye newspaper.”

–Brenna Thompson “Getting 2nd in both my individual events.” –Dylan Walters

“Talking to Mr. Evans about Grey’s Anatomy.” –Chloe Davis

“Junior year beating Gardner-Edgerton in Sub-state football.”

–Abigail Dressler

“Junior year beating Gardner in football, because we were huge underdogs.” –Jordan Cronan

“Being able to perform on the Starlight stage at Blue Star Awards.”

–Megan Fish

“Sophomore year when Carley Mitus and I took 5th place at State in doubles.” –Courtney Child

“At the Legally Blonde cast party playing Mario Party 5 on the Gamecube with Tristan Jordan at Maddie Cole’s house at 4 in the morning while everyone else was sleeping.”

–Jake Sola

“Winning State as a senior.”

–Zac Marquess

“Selfie we took in our dance junior year (filthy fifteen).” –Jack Freeman

“Rachel’s challenge assembly.”

–Michelle Oboro

“When Boggs told me my crocs would keep me abstinent.” –Maddie Sanders

“Winning a State Championship for soccer senior year.” –Lucas Reynolds

“Latin class, and the field trips we took.” –Colby Miller

“When Jalen B. said, “I’m not afraid to fight an old man!”” –Elijah Pardue

“The newspaper trip to San Francisco sophomore year.”

–Paige Schick

“Making varsity drill team my sophomore year.” –Jordan Graves

“Basketball game against South this year.” –Drew Carrier “Going to all of the hype football and basketball games and doing the ‘I believe’ and ‘When the Hawks go soaring in” chants and rushing the court.’” –Cole McEntee “Every 1st hour orchestra class was amazing.” –Brennan Bukaty “Hearing the audience crack up when performing “In-laws, Outlaws, and Other People (that should be shot).”” –Annie Beurman “Punta Cana 2015.” –Leah Collins

28 [Senior Issue ‘15]

“Storming the court after beating “Evan and Umphrey giving me free South at South.”

–Kaitlyn McCullagh pretzels.” –Jeremy Johnson

“Mash-potato Johnson will teach you the blues.” –Michael Kitchen “When Rachel Kimberling got lost in the woods during Student Nat. and started crying.” –Maggie Jacobsen

“Bowling with the best bowlers.” – Reem Alam “Hanging in Snozek’s room every other hour.” –Mikayla Cates “When I became a wolf over spring break.” –Christian Sheppard

“Designing a FunPants fashion line with my best friend Addy Ruby and having all my best friends be my models for the fashion show.” –Carolyn Schmidt “The Filthy 15.” –Nathan Best “When Congressman Kevin Yoder came to Olathe East. He has opened my mind to the political world to the point where I think I want to look into politics in college.” –Bailey Walker “When Greg and Tafi dressed up as a monk and a banana in the pep assembly dance.” –Ashley Lamb “Leaving school every seminar and every day at 3:00.” –Samantha Kelley “Winning State Soccer Championship my senior year is my most cherished moment.” –Zach Sortino “Freshman year when lunch food was actually acceptable.” –Lindsay Kistler “Freshmen year when lunch food was actually really good.” –Feker Ashenafi “The first basketball game of my senior year when I sang the National Anthem.” –Emily Baugher “It’s impossible to forget playing in three State Championship games three consecutive years, especially when you win them twice.”

–Madi Augustyn “Aiding in the office two years, partaking in the Superintendent Student Advisory Council (SSAC), peer mentoring” –Bailey Ostrom “Muy fuerte.” –Brad Krull “Hanging out and working with my friends.” –William Bingesser

“Watching Alex Ouler and Nathan Milford win the Emporia Debate tournament and the car ride home.”

–Robert Curtis “When I was a part of the State Track team and we walking in front of the whole school to present the title.”

–Brycen Hinson

Favorite Moments

Moments

“Closing night of Catch me If You Can.” –Jessica Goddard

“My entire senior football year.”

-Ben Schraeder

“When the filthy fifteen beat the seniors our junior year.”

–Graham Harton “Everyone has an angel, a guardian that watches over us. They are not here to fight our battles, but to whisper form our hearts. Reminding that it’s us, its everyone of us who holds the power over the worlds we create.”

– Rachel Kirett “Accounting class with Tori, Nikki and Saurabh playing monopoly.”

-Courtney Sottile “Meeting the squad, Kennedy Poro, Lauren Hart, Emily Nicholson, Abby Ruby, Carolyn Schmit and not creating one favorite memory but creating 1000! Because high school would suck without you.” –Madison Rebel “When I locked myself in Sasha’s locker to surprise her for her birthday but then started laughing and eventually crying when I popped out.”

–Allison Walker “Being a star, Jadrian Salmans.”

–Jadrian Salmans “My favorite moment was sophomore

“Closing night of the show Don’t Try and Wake Him, Hand me the Shovel my junior year.” –Cameron John “First day as a freshman and the principal danced with the trophys-wasn’t expecting that.”

– Patrick Kirby “Hitting the game winner against Olathe North.” –Javion Blake

“When I peed myself while I was cheering at my first high school football game and had to run all the way to the locker rooms, peeing the entire way.” –Jordan Hosier “Welcome to hell on Earth.”

–Random senior “Hard work pays off literally.”

–Selena Mary Santhan

“The senior prank during a pep assembly last year.” –Cody Leach

year in general.” –Leticia Ortiz “Attempting to crowd surf Allison Walker at Cheerball 2k14.”

–Sasha Betzer “The 2014 girls’ golf season and shocking the nation when we qualified for state.” –Lauren Hart “Getting slammed in the face with a ball the first soccer game I actually attended.” –Allie Heckmann “Beating South in basketball.”

–Dylan Mathieu “My favorite moment in Olathe East would be in my Drawing 2 class with Mr. Wieble. The students there are funny and Mr. Wieble is awesome letting us draw out what’s in our imagination in a specific lesson like surrealism.” –John Lozano “My favorite moment was the first time I dove off the block for my first swim meet.” –Mackenzie Yohr “Getting tackled by Taiylor Sharp my junior year during the Powder Puff game. It’s my claim to fame, and everyone I met after that was like ‘Oh,

you’re the girl that got tackled!’”

–Kennedy Poro “My buddy Isaiah ran out of class and puked and it splattered on the window and Mrs. Earnshaw stopped class 30 minutes early.”

–Aaron Rhodes “When the Olathe East basketball team beat Olathe South at South last year and we rushed the court.”

–John Borum “Winning the 110 hurdles at the State meet my junior year.”

–AJ Stephens “My favorite high school moment was probably junior year when the gate to the field wasn’t open and the visual MI Shandiering class had to jump over it for photos of Zac Marquess, Max McClellan and Josiah Talbert.” –Lauren Kporlor “With my choir and theatre families.

Through endless rehearsals, sheets of music, hours of dance practice, the performances. It is a special thing to share a passion for the arts with one another.” –J.D. DeNeff

[Senior Issue ‘15] 29

“Seeing a fight sophomore year.”

– Tyler Carr

“When we beat south in football my junior year.” – Linda Vu

“Everyday when we get to leave.”

–Michaela Alexander

“The OEXC banquet.”

–Nate Hornung

“The worst chapter of your life is not the last chapter of your life.”

–Merisssa Delgado

“Having lunch with my friends and our attempts to laugh with our mouths closed.” –Mia Her

“When I walked out at 3:00pm.”

–Tafadzwa Mpofu

“Tripping over the mat in mat ball…multiple times.”

–Morgan Burlingame

“When James walked across the field.” –Brendan Carpenter “Showing up to fooball/basketball games 3+ hours early with Nathan Best and Grant Hoppock.”

–John Fink

“Running into a door inside of Shawnee Mission before the FIRST track meet, resulting in a concussion.” –Brittany Hohenadel

“When I was able to reconnect with an old friend I thought I’d never see again. We’ve been dating for three years now.” –Rachel Hannah

college.” –Jeremy Shaw “Finishing my sophomore season of soccer.” –Justin Olsen “Walking in on two kids getting freaky in the back room and seeing them on the news four months later.” –Maddie Bolen “Being crowned Homecoming king.” –Saurabh Harohalli

“The great times I was able to spend with my friends.” –Justin Kearney

“When we went to the state playoffs my junior year on the football team.” –Tyler Lott

“Performing in two world-famous symphony halls in one year.”

–Trevor Miller

“When I was aiding for Mr. Gunn and we were looking of bullfrogs and he fell in trying to catch one while I caught one with a fishing pole without getting wet.”

–Ashley Smith

“When William Bingesser got drilled in the face with a clicker in freshman year English.” –Kylee Smith

“Who I was “forced” to join guitar club after playing, “You and Me”

by Life House, that was just cool.

I told myself I would never join a club but the group of people there were really awesome.” –Jacob Anderson

“Driving my Datsun to school for the first time.” –Alex von Bevern

“Throw papers and graduation.”

–Nasra Mohamed

“When I finally got state cut in the 500 freestyle after working my butt off the whole year.”

–Mackenzie Smith

“Game’s club, Game Night (Smash Brothers Tournament).” – Christian Kenkel

“Homecoming 2011.”

– Naomi Kaloli

“Let’s do this.” –Keshav Dang

“When Mr. Thuston came into Mrs. Falen’s government class singing to the school rock “How a Bill” becomes a law song.” – Lindsey Meinhart

“Flying 69 at the assembly. 2013 seniors.” –Brett Malinowski

“Lunch time roast sessions are the bomb.” –Skyler Wang

“Playing mat ball everyday.” –Troy Wilson

“Football games/ sports event.”

–Brooke Munch

“When the bell rings at 3:00pm.”

–Thea Tanuis

“Writing a 40-minute timed essay.

There is nothing I would rather do than write a 40-minute timed essay.”

–Jacob Ockerhausen

“The first day of senior year.” – Carson Scott

“Being on the soccer team my freshman year.” –Alex Mura “Flying 69.” –Ryan Gabrielson, Leah Thomas, Brett Malinoski, Kristyn Moreno, Rachel Kimberling, Austin Greever, Tyler Houghton

“Aways listening to Mrs. Swyers be mad and yelling every time she misplaced her phone. It was the funniest thing because she called whoever took her phone a thug.”

–De’janne Gray “The 2013 senior classes interesting assembly dance.” –Petur Petursson “The day I cried in every single one of my classes and proceeded to burst into tears when Jadrian told me I looked pretty.” –Emily Nicholson “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the times that tried mens’ souls.” –Daniel Diaz “Basically not having to be at school.” –Noah Marks “Meeting people from all backgrounds and discovering new interests and hobbies in high school. I changed these four years.”

– Pamela Ramirez “Hanging with friends.”

–Douglas Reed

30 [Senior Issue ‘15]

“Winning state and getting my ring.” –Chris Lyon

“Meeting Evan Graham and Nick Yi. Then Cameron John and I combined our best friendship with theirs.”- Ryan Ash “Going to my sophomore homecoming dance.” –Sean Baltimore “Every musical I was in. There were countless memories and friends made.” –Elizabeth Steil “Getting to include my friends from IPS in my freshman show line. Hearing the crowd cheer for them and seeing the smiles on their faces was amazing.”

–Mia Burns “I’m in a glass case of emotion.”

– Collin Shepard “When I don’t have homework/ tests.” – Taylor Roberts “Being apart of Olathe East theatre department by being involved with drama club, Thespian society, and preforming in plays.” –Lexus Green “My most cherished moment was winning Grand Champion at KU and MO West in Marching Band.”

– Megan Petheram

“The whole year of Student Nat with Jacob Gunn, “It’s going to be a bit muddy outside on block day, so wearing your freshest ‘J’ probably isn’t the best idea, I’d wear your less fresh ‘J’s’”- Bailey Terry “Ms. Alcorn demonstrating flag techniques with her crutch.”

–Marcella Monnett “Senior night basketball game when James was finally back home.

I’ve known him since 4th grade; he became like a brother to me. His return brought tears to my eyes and I couldn’t thank God enough.”

–Tyra Brown “I don’t have just one single moment that I cherish. I cherish my entire high school career because it was the best years of my life.” – Nicholas Yi “The last day of last year, realizing I only had one more year before

“Spilling slushies all over the field show flags and teaming up with hair dryers before Brian could find out.” –Emily Luder

Wills

I, Cole McEntee, will my shorts to Nate Sims, because he needs to ditch those cargos.

I, Halle Robertson, will my senioritis to my little sister Megan.

I, Dalton Jennings, leave my humor and musical talents to Sam Bond and my good looks to my sister, Makenna Jennings.

I, Shannon Growney, will French to Ashlee Edler and Emily Schukai. Keep the party alive and take care of Madame Swetz for me. Don’t worry, I’ll be back, and I’ll bring food!

I, Andrew Kramer, will Emi Sanders my heart, because I love her.

I, Madison Walden, leave my comedic wit to Brooke Worrel.

I, Nicole Gortovalitis, leave my outgoing personality to my shy little sister, Natalie. She’s desperate.

I, Wes Renfrow, will my facial hair-growing abilities to Maddie Greeley because she’s going to need it when she becomes a father.

I, Jensen Gramling, will my French skills and love of life and all the dogs in the world to Ashlee Edler, because she is the light of the earth.

I, Andrew Kramer, will Jacob Lindenlaub to Brad Beller. Party on.

I, Jennifer Smith, will my snarky comments and over competitiveness at sports games to Hannah Schmidt. I leave the verbal yelling of team encouragement and occasional frustration to Katherine Frieze. I leave Shee Deloney my role of annoying the boys in the trumpet section.

I, Tori Greenhalgh, leave the stress and misery of

Class

of

2015

trying to pass and stay sane to all the junior class.

You’re welcome.

I, Megan Farenden, will my fantastic art skills to Addy Milford.

I, Drue Bailey, will my sister my procrastination because I want her to have to suffer from it all her years just like I have had to. Good luck, bro.

I, Hannah Bettis, leave Rafael to the trumpet section and whichever section leaders that follow.

I, Colby Miller, present my C-team leadership to Scott Johns and Henry Cannon. Raised by wolves.

I, Jeremy Johnson, will to Cole Gryfonn, Jason Umpier, and Clayton Ramsey the power of the Gum Gum fruit and the powers of the renagon.

I, Addy Ruby, will the first beam to Anna Hiller.

I, Emma Yourdon, will my younger sister, Claire, the ability to be on time to school every day.

I, Maddie Sanders, will my awesome taste in shoes to everyone who has crocs for keeping fashion alive.

I, Logan Coates, will my broken foot to Logan Steen. Good luck with soccer.

I, Jack Freeman, will Logan Steen the ability to grow gorgeous chest/ nipple hair.

I, Courtney Child, will my intense love of French to the next president of FNHS. I, Jordan Cronan, will my intellectual knowledge and common sense to my baby bro, Joe, because he needs it.

I, Chloe Davis, leave my discuses to Ashlyn.

I, Hunter Bravence, will the 500 to Austin Lee.

I, Lydia Sturges, will Dano Martin and Emily Carlson the ability to be the most fun and amazing flutes out there.

I, Kelli Kalinoski, will BAM to Emily Blais, Abbey Bart, and the rest of the volleyball team.

I, Shelby Scott, will my mad music theory skills to Michael Meier.

I, Katie Loecker, will my captain skills to Kylie McCune. Good luck.

I, Allie Brachtenbach, leave you a tea+lemonade peace tea.

I, Cassie Carlson, leave my sassy attitude to Malik Jackson.

I, Taylor Spillers, will my large handwriting to Glen Holmes.

I, Paige Engle, will my devastating good looks, sparkling personality, and humility to my little brother, Jack.

I, Lauren Heinrich, will all newspaper shenanigans to Jordan Meier, because she can handle them.

I, Leah Collins, will my luck in English to Erika Boohar, because she deserves not to stress next year.

I, Annie Beurman, will my senior staff writer position to Jacob Stofer, Natalie Friend, and Logan Brockschmidt.

I, Brennan Bukaty, will my disruptions and interjections in orchestra to Bryce Paratore. Allow my legacy

of annoyance to live on.

I, Clarissa He, will my ability to get work to done to Deanie Chen, because she really needs it.

I, Michelle Oboro, will my hatred for the school lunch to all underclassmen.

I, Zac Marquess, will my good decision making to Jeremy Edds and Brad Beller.

I, Matthew Gwin, will my biting wit and undying cynicism to Natalie Friend, because the newsroom cannot function without them.

I, Paige Schick, will my little brother, Lucas, my impeccable music taste and legacy on the NHSJC trips.

I, Rachel Kimberling, will Manuela Gonzales the ability to jokingly make fun of all the cheer underclassmen.

I, Katie Thompson, will self-confidence and power to all the beautiful girls at East.

I, Steven Davis, will my awesomeness to my sister Kayla.

I, Dylan Walters, leave the water buffalo quote with my brother, Trevor, because the team needs to be like the water buffalo.

I, Kannon Casey, will a roll of paper towels to Cina because tech.

I, Brenna Thompson, will the ability to not care about what others think about you to all the girls at East.

I, Abigail Dressler, will my fierce Hawk spirit to Dalton Dressler, because one cannot have too much Hawk pride.

[Senior Issue ‘15] 31

I, Jake Sola, leave my procrastination to no one—not even my worst enemy.

I, Carolyn Schmidt, will my spot in Vohs’ fridge to my sister Sarah.

I, Megan Fish, will my insane and outrageous personality to Mia Valentine because someone needs to burst out into song in rehearsal when we’re not singing of course.

I, Lucas Reynolds, will Jared Cox my ability to talk to women.

I, Misbah Karamali, leave my brother, Ali, my sarcastic, witty sense of humor.

I, Elijah Pardue, leave Harrison Branson the keys to the Infiniti.

I, Zach Sortino, will my God like tennis skills to Avery Don because he is the worst player ever.

I, Jordan Graves, will my obnoxious sarcasm to any underclassman who can’t handle idiots here.

I, Rebekah Hernandez, will my Burger King crown to my brother Josh, because he needs to feel like the top dog.

I, Matthew Riley, will Dakota Ungerbuehler my height. He needs it.

I, Maggie Jacobsen, will Jacoby and Clite to Abby Pfannenstiel and Maddie Greeley and Haley Wagner.

them.

Emily Schukai.

I, Nathan Best, will my ability to talk to girls to Jared Cox.

I, Madi Augustyn, will the softball pregame prayer to “senior,” Kaylee Byers.

Try to be inspiring.

I, Angela Li, will my curves to Deanie Chen.

I, Ashley Lamb, will my rapchats to Lauren Westervelt because they’re gold.

I, Bailey Ostrom, leave to Ciz Hannoun her sense of humor and encourage other to do their best.

I, Feker I. Ashenafi, will leave my squad’s library corner to the little cousin, Meron Solomon, and her squad.

Enjoy your next two years there. XOXO I, Cameron Little, leave all my Bill Murray shirts to the one and only Mr. Keach.

I, Emily Baugher, will my musical talents to Mia Valentine. Use it wisely.

I, Renae Hill, will my tennis skills to Daya Chimacadke because she needs

I, Jessica Goddard, will my awesome stage management skills to the beautiful, talented, and wonderful Cina Murray.

I, Robert Curtis, leave my old debate box to Andrew Schoonover to pass the torch of debate. Use it wisely, for it wields great power.

I, Brycen Hinson, will the truffle shuffle to Alex Broyles and Kevin Easterwood.

I, Cameron John, will my acting skills to Zander Balsky. He’s gonna be good.

I, Lety Ortiz, will my Pinterest addiction to Susanna Burris.

I, Natalie Kopplin, will my woodshop skills to Emily Wetzel and Megan Vollink.

I, Alli Heckmann, leave Jordan Roberts the ability to actually go to school a full week.

I, Dylan Mathieu, will my tradition of walking into class sharply at 8 o’ clock, no earlier or no later.

I, John Lozano, will my luck and courage to Destin.

I, Mackenzie Yohr, will my parking spot to Makayla Winfrey just because I know you love it when I park far away.

I, Saurabh Harohalli, will Zaid Umar the position as overachieving brown kid.

I, Naomi Tiffany, will my unique hairstyles and dressing to my best friend Yulissa Delatorre.

I, Justin Lee, will my immaturity to Carter Wade because he is immature.

I, Jacob Ockerhausen, will my swimming and towel-whipping skills to Sam Ockerhausen.

32 [Senior Issue ‘15]

I, John Fink, will my fire tweeting ability to anyone who wants it during South week next year.

I, Michael Crow, will my season tickets to the Chiefs game.

I, Lauren Howell, will Lauren Taylor the madrigal pearls, and I will Lindsey Hart my love of all things preppy. XOXO I, John Borum, will my Spanish speaking skills to Jake Gartenburg and Ty Alhom.

I, Quinn Meier, would like to leave Brendon Langmack my luscious locks.

I, AJ Stephens, will Cole Griffin the gift of Byakugan and to beat anyone in signs with it.

I, Nate Hornung, will the power of Gareth Bale to all of the OE goons.

I, Jacob Emberton, will my sister my spot at lunch.

I, Kennedy Poro, will my drum and sense of rhythm to Kaylee Byers because she is too white to handle, and she could use some school spirit.

I, Evan Graham, leave my dope flow and subpar man bun to Brandon Mills.

I, Shelby Downey, will my “love” for choir to Kennedy Tinsley and Sarah Vrablic.

I, Morgan Burlingame, will my abundant love for Disney Channel movies to Lindsey Hart.

I, Hailey Hochanadel, will my seniority at Olathe East to my little brother, Hunter.

I, Mia Her, will my extreme speed walking skills to all of those slow freshmen out there.

I, Megan Petheram, leave the band kids my crazy talent to excel towards becoming a BOA group.

I, Maddie Rowland, will my squat workout routine to Kassady Smith.

I, Brooke Munch, will my 40+ absences for first hour to any first-hour aides because sleeping in always wins.

I, Jacob Anderson, will my guitar skills to anyone who wants it.

I, Miko Baluyot, leave my Asianness for my fellow Asians.

I, Nick Bosworth, will my special theatre swag and parking spot to Parker Davey.

I, Matthew Thuston, will the title of jump squad captain to Boobie and Kelsh because the legacy must go on.

I, Michaela Alexander, will my legendary chess skills to my dear amigo, Emily Blais. Check mate.

I, Dallas Ungerbueler, will my devastatingly good looks to my brother Dakota.

I, Morgan Martin, will my split leap and a bucket of cheese puffs to Lauren Duval.

I, Aaron Rhodes, will my brother Josh Rhodes the newspaper legacy (if he wants it).

I, Lauren Kporlor, will my beautiful hairstyles to Monica Williams.

I, Leah Bluhm, will my Sonic addiction to Britnie Harston.

I, Sasha Betzer, will my sneezes to I, Ashly Johnson, will my uncontrollable laughter to my little brother Daniel Johnson, because it will make him more attractive.

I, Riley Corbin, leave the caretaking position of Jared Cox to Elise Zissman.

I, Lauren Hart, will my sister, Lindsey Hart, the responsibility of continuing to go to QuikTrip and become known by all the workers. I also leave Bailey Runchey my unbelievingly impressive golf ability.

I, Aubrey Reigel, will the fun and stress of the combined Cross Country and Marching Band season to Emily Tucker.

Sleep or good grades? Pick because you can only have one.

I, Lindsey Meinhart, will Grace Welsh my artwork because she would appreciate them.

I, Linda Vu, will my cooking skills to Jose Zuniga.

I, Skyler Wang, will my laziness to Levi Wang.

I, Tommy Steuber, will all of my tardies to Ricker Lee. I, Tyler Carr, will the MVP to Dylan Ashlock.

I, Brendan Carpenter, will the ownership of Mr. Kling to Jayme Mannier.

I, Jacob Moreno, leave the underclassmen my weight room to use under the condition they keep it clean and get stronger.

I, Pamela Ramirez, would like to give confidence to all underclassmen because in high school it’s so easy to give up and lose confidence.

Wills I, Albert Winemiller, leave all my athletic talent to the underclassmen, because I know I won’t be using it in college.

I, Caleb Mushinski, leave my common sense to all of those freshmen, because they obviously have none of their own.

I, Anna Schmeeckle, want to leave my love for Grey’s Anatomy and my unpronounceable last name to my lovely sister Emily Schmeeckle.

I, Abbey Johnstone, will my spots on the state relays and my state cuts to Kalli Elliott and Emily Keamer.

I, Jordan Hosier, leave my foot for Haley Wagner and Jayd Sprecker, so you never have to take it off the gas and I will Maddie Greeley my dance moves and cankles.

I, Rachel Kivett, will my spontaneous personality to my little brother, Gabriel, because I want him to have the best four years of his life.

I, Leah Thomas, will Kristin Wingate my amazing hand-eye coordination to be able to stop and not cause car accidents in front of East.

Class

of

2015 I, Mackenzie Smith, will my procrastination skills to Sophia Smith so she can have a fun high school experience.

I, Ryan Ash, will my little brother Joel my style because bro…sweats and a Polo don’t go together…love you!

I, Mia Burns, will my Russian Tortoise, Helga, to Jared Cox. Take care of her!

I, Karah Brown, will my “love” for swimming to Tori Adcock because she’s my favorite junior.

I, Brittany Hohenadel, leave Maddie Greeley Pepto-Bismol, because I don’t want it nor can I pronounce it.

I, Ben Schraeder, will my ability to procrastinate to the last possible moment to my sister, Amy.

I, Emily Goodman, will my P-Murgh green shirt and motherly instincts to Mia Gamma.

I, Trevor Miller, will Andrew Wray my mad beatz, cause he needs all the help he can get.

I, Taylor Roberts, leave my charisma/ awesomeness to my younger sister Jordan. You’re welcome.

I, Molly Tait, will Lauren Kirk the job of making Evans punt a basketball in practice.

I, Graham Harton, will my love and affection to Sidney Ruisch.

I, Alex von Bevern, leave my courage to speak in front of others to my sister Katie.

I, Javion Blake, will my ambitions and swavyness to all my lil bros.

I, Tyler Lott, will my mad poker skills to Alex Broyles, because he can’t keep losing.

I, Tyler Houghton, will “go home freshmen” to every freshmen class to ever come.

and money to Joey Olson.

I, Christian Kenkel, leave my beloved turtle to those left in my Japanese class.

I, Courtney Sottile, will my aiding chair in Ms. Miller’s room to Alyssa Capine.

I, Brad Krull, will my GABL abilities to Scott Johns, may you wet many buckets.

I, Madison Rebel, will my varsity golf skillz to Bailey Rvnuney , Kalli Elliott and Jack Rebel. ParTEE it up! And remember your driver is your bigger club.

I, Allison Walker, leave my love for Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em to the soon-to-be junior drill teamers. Sparkle and shine kids.

I, Jadrian Salmans, will my beautiful brown skin to Nic Skinner so he doesn’t have to fake bake anymore.

I, TJ Rowe, leave Annalisa Rowe the crown of the Rowe family and the pedestal on which our monumental obelisk of a name rests.

I, Tyra Brown, will my fashion creativity to anyone who needs it. Holla if you need me!

I, Nick Yi, will my polka-dot backpack to my friend, Owen Richards, because I want people to remember our friendship when they see him wearing it.

I, Jeremy Shaw, will my random breakfasts of Panda Express and other outrageous things to the juniors so they can continue to have Mrs. Schmidt microwave students’ food.

I, Justin Olsen, will Micaela Stohs my expert birding skills, because the next generation needs my influence.

I, Maddie Bolen, leave all of my love

I, Keshav Dang, will my eating habits to my friend Katelyn Struckle, because eating is great.

I, Emily Luder, will my amazing flag and rifle skills to Kaylie McCunne.

I, Michael Kitchen, will my metal to the trombones, incoming and remaining.

I, Selena Santhan, will pass down my pictures to the underclassmen Brooke Robinson so she could remember she’s such a unique woman.

I, Thomas Cherian, leave Matthew Cherian the tendency to get “randomly selected” at security checkpoints.

I, Thea Tanius, leave my ballsiness to Maddie Greeley. God knows she needs it.

I, Kylee Smith, will my procrastination skills to Kassady Smith.

I, Collin Shepard, will my homework skills onto my sister Krisin.

I, Max McClellan, will the rights to Jamieson Loren Westbrook to Daniel Reed.

I, Rachel Hannah, leave my artistic talent. Someone else is going to need to be the next huge artist.

I, Justin Kearney, will my FIFA skills to my friend Will, so he might be able to win next time.

I, Ashly Smith, leave my brother Zachary Smith the table under the stairs to eat at during lunch. I also will Elijah Wood Guitar Club and to carry on out jam sessions for Mrs. Falen in her room.

I, Emily Nicholson, will my overalls to Emily Kaemmer to be given to Jill Nicholson in the 2016-2017 school year.

I will the duty of motivational Monday morning tweets to Kaylee Byers.

[Senior Issue ‘15] 33

My High School Experience in a Title The Best Day -Leticia Ortiz

The Breakfast Club -De’janne Gray

Gone in 60 Seconds -Alex von Bevern

Soulja Boy Tell ‘EmCrank Dat -Sasha Betzer

Clueless -Lauren Kporlor, Feker Ashenafi

iRobot -Trevor Miller

Really Don’t Care -Leah Bluhm

The Drama Queen -J.D. DeNeff

I Hate This Part -Haley Street

12 Years A Slave -Aubrey Reigel, Mackenzie Smith, Bailey Terry

We Made It -Alli Heckmann In The End -Carlie Fangman Home Alone -Dylan Mathieu Ferris Bueller’s Day Off -Ty Herrenbruck, Tyler Carr, Dallas Ungerbuehler, Nate Hornung Young -Mackenzie Yohr Out of Step -Aaron Rhodes

Those Were the Days -Brooke Munch High School Musical -Megan Petheram, Kelsea Pulce, Emily Luder, Bailey Ostrom, Emily Baugher Living on a Prayer -Jessica Teegarden 1984 -Hailey Hochanadel

It’s Kind of a Funny Story -Kennedy Poro

1000 Ways to Die -Shelby Downey, Wes Renfrow

Fast and Furious -John Borum III

The Last Ride -Mia Her

Titanic -Albert Winemiller

Should’ve Tried Harder -Morgan Burlingame

Sex and the City -Noah Marks

Mean Girls -Matthew Thuston, Lexus Green, Courtney Sottile

Dazed and Confused -Petur Petursson Selfie -Lindsey Meinhart

Shake It Off -Essence Nelson-Deloney

Accepted -Austin Greever

Gas Monkey Garage -Austin Neighbors

Super Trooper -Miko Jasen C. Baluyot

I Don’t Care -Kristyn Moreno

The Fantastic Four -Jacob Moreno

Live Free or Die Hard -Alex Caedo

Bill and Ted’s Totally Radical Adventure -Brendan Carpenter

It’s The End of The World -Linnea Brown

A Series of Unfortunate Events -Emily Nicholson Still Fly -Evan Graham This Is The End -Nick Bosworth

34 [Senior Issue ‘15]

Awkward -Becky Myers

We Gotta Pray -Jacob Emberton

Life -Sean Baltimore The Longest Day -Tyler Lott The Perks of Being A Wallflower -Ryan Ash Scott Pilgrim Vs. the Wand -Samantha Kelley

Procrastination’s Revenge -Brittany Hohenadel Secret Life of an American Teenager -Linda Vu Home Alone 2 -Joshua Thomas Entourage -Cole McEntee Perseverance -Halle Robertson Scary Movie 5 -Dalton Jennings Never Going Back -Mercedes Foster The Jesus Generation -Madison Walden Project X -Nicole Gorzovalitis A Walk to Remember -Allison Blythe High School -Jensen Gramling The Hangover -Andrew Kramer OWAYAH! -Jen Smith Stunt It -Brad Krull The Awful Truth -Tyra Brown Free From It All -Nicholas Yi Boring -Troy Wilson Love and Hip-Hop -Selena Mary Santhan Metapocalypse -Michael Kitchen Helluva Life -Carson Scott Madness -Justin Olsen Did I Shave my Legs for This?

-Thea Tanuis Trivial Pursuit -Christian Kenkel

Happy -Max McClellan, Justin Kearney Boy in the Striped Pajamas -Tafadzwa Mofu Thanks for the Memories -Ashley Smith Couple Months Left -Tyler Houghton The Road That Has to Come to an End -Polina Sterkhova I’m Going Slightly Mad -Ben Schraeder My Humps -Molly Taitt, Jadrian Salmans All I Need Is -Javion Blake 8 Mile -Cody Leach Party Rock Anthem -Jordan Hosier Numb -Karah Brown Dude, Where’s my Car? -Graham Harton Baddest of them All -TJ Rowe Naked and Afraid -Caleb Mushinski Mac and Devin go to High School -Christian Sheppard The Wonder Years -Cameron John Started From the Bottom -Brycen Hinson Be Somebody -Robert Curtis Next to Normal -Jessica Goddard Drinking Class -Madi Augustyn For Whom the Bell Tolls -Cameron Little Conqueror -Kimberly Nguyen The Art of Getting By -Zachary Sortino La La Land -Misbah Karamali

Unused Senior Pranks All seniors bring roses to school and give every single teacher one with a note attached to it, thanking them for their hard work with us for the last four years.

-Emily Baugher

Set up tents on the bridge and sleep in them through 4th hour. –Elizabeth Steil

Filling cups with water and filling hallways. -Drew Carrier, Lexus Green, Rachel Hannah

Super glue all the outside doors shut. –Trevor Miller

“Out of Order” [signs] on [all the] bathroom doors in the school. –Reem Alam Taxidermy animals at the end of the hallways. –Jordan Graves, Sasha Betzer Fill the commons with a thousand helium balloons.

–Hunter Bravence

Putting dead fish in the air vents.

–Bailey Walker Crickets/ladybugs in the vents/ hallways. –Ashley Lamb, Justin Olsen, Tyler Lott, AJ Stephens, Matthew Thuston, Hailey Hochanadel, Jeremy Johnson, Evan Graham, Tyler Houghton Covering a teacher’s desk in peanut butter. –Bri States Putting spiders all over the hallways. –Kimberly Nguyen Putting an explosive that reacts with water into the pond.

–Lindsay Kistler Mattress surfing down the main stairs. –Madison Walden All the seniors bring their dogs to school and let them loose. –Tyler Olson, Taylor Spillers, Kelli Kalinoski, Marcella Monnett, Maddie Bolen Canola oil on the stairs.

–Hannah Bettis Tumbleweeds in the parking lot.

–Kannon Casey Bringing jelly filled doughnuts for the whole school but put laxatives in the jelly. –John Fink Tee-pee the school.

–Joshua B. Thomas

Eat all the expo markers so the teachers have nothing to write with. Mwahahaha!

–Andrew Kramer

A giant squid… -Nathan Best

Dropping bouncy balls from the bridge. –Jen Smith, Mackenzie Smith

Senior Flash Mob! –Annie Beurman, Emily Luder, Leticia Ortiz, Kennedy Poro, Morgan Martin, Alli Heckmann, Megan Petheram

Pigs/cows [labeled] 1, 2 and 4.

They’ll look for #3. –Victoria Greenhalgh, Brennan Bukaty, Allie Brachtenbach, Michael Kitchen, Nicole Gorzovalitis Walk a cow up the stairs at school, because cows can’t walk downstairs. -Brycen Hinson, Dylan Mathieu, John Borum, Jacob Moreno

Scooter race in school.

–Javion Blake

Senior skip Tuesday instead of Monday. –Lauren Heinrich, Ashley Smith Have a mariachi band follow Mr. Taylor/Dr. Weber. –Cassie Carlson, Quinn Meier, Maddie Rowland

Swapping senior classes with another school. –Robert Curtis

Covering literally everything with canola oil. And fruit flies. –Colby Miller

Turning the pit in the theatre into a foam pit.

–Jessica Goddard

Replace every light in the school with a black light.

–Thomas Williams

Tie Dr. Weber’s shoe laces together. –Feker Ashenafi

Get a vehicle inside the [school.]

Have it just sitting in the commons. –J.D. DeNeff

Moving the big hawk in the lower commons. –Michelle Oboro OE Tea Party. Basically just dumping a ton of tea into the pond. –SC Larson Letting all the [Student Naturalist] animals go around the school.

–De’janne Gray

Cut off the power in the school on the last day.

-DeAnna Autmon Seniors parking wrong way in the parking lot.

–Lindsey Meinhart Actually paying attention in class.

–Jacob Emberton

Put alarm clocks everywhere and have them go off randomly. –Paige Schick Converting Olathe East into a Quiktrip. –Jadrian Salmans Unscrew all of the lug-nuts on every administrators tires. –TJ Rowe All seniors bring pillows and blankets and we take naps in the hallways during passing period. –Courtney Sottile, Daniel Diaz Wrapping the hallways in plastic wrap. –Cody Leach Tying all the cars together.

–Keshav Dang Let 15 hawks into the school and [let them] fly around.

–William Bingesser Water gun/water balloon fight.

–Selena Mary Santhan Letting a (nice) bear run loose in the school.

–Brittany Hohenadel Fill the halls with tarps and put soap and water [on them to make a] slip and slide. –Troy Wilson, Aubrey Reigel, Taylor Roberts

Dump a bucket of paint on Dr. Weber on the last day of school. –Sean Baltimore

Stink bombs everywhere!!!!

–Linda Vu Launch water balloons off the bridge, but filled with flour/paint/condiments.

–Leah Thomas, Jacob Anderson Having my 30 year old sister Becca come to school for me and act like me for a day. –Leah Bluhm Unlocking the gates, blocking teachers’ cars, go mudding and ride dirt bikes. –Austin Neighbors Putting any animal in the school.

–Jacob Ockerhausen Putting laxatives in the apple sauce.

–Morgan Burlingame Everyone rides something other than a car (bike, scooter, unicycle, etc.) to school and park them all in their own individual parking spots/staff parking lot. –Michaela Alexander, Jakob Sola, Miko Baluyot Changing the locks to every door in the building.

-Cameron Little Putting tires over the flag pole. –Brooke Munch Set up little green army men ALL OVER the school and set up a ‘fake battle.’

–Becky Myers Block all entrances to the school. –Nick Geiger, Austin Greever, Austin Greever, Taylor Welliver Everyone just drop out and never return.

–Petur Petursson

[Senior Issue ‘15] 35

Senior Picnic

2015

When: April 28, 2015 Where: Sar-Ko-Par Park Activities: Seniors spent a day in the sun playing multiple sports, games or just walking around. A lunch from Celebrityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and a Kona Ice truck topped off the day.

Photos Courtesy of Kevin Mays and Karen Bourland

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Take Me to the Drive-In Prom 2015

James McGinnis and Caitlyn Gosik 2015 Prom King and Queen All Photos Courtesy of Kevin Mays

[Senior Issue â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15] 37

38 [Senior Issue ‘15]

Best Leader

Best Smile

Madi Augustyn & AJ Stephens

Ashly Johnson & Vinny Sisillo

Best Artist

Best Actor/Actress

Angela Li & Austin Bland

Jadrian Salmans & Lauren Howell

Senior Best [Senior Issue â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15] 39

Senior Best Best Personality

Best Sense Of Humor

Paige Engle & Lucas Reynolds

Greg Hodges & Jordan Hosier

Best Athlete

Best Musician

Valencia Hilton-Scott & Javion Blake

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Katelyn Chapman & Henry Zimmerman

Best Hair

Best Dressed

Lindsey Benson & Alijah Norris-Wright

Taylor Spillers & Zac Marquess

Best Student

Best Fan

Emily Nicholson & Logan Coates

Nathan Best & Kennedy Poro

Senior Best [Senior Issue â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15] 41

Be Mistaken For A Teacher

Cure Cancer

Jessica Goddard & Wes Renfrow

Erica Chang & Adam Khan

Be President

Saurabh Harohalli & Leah Collins

Get Married Marcella Monnett & Brad Krull

Senior Most Likely To 42 [Senior Issue â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15]

Senior Most Likely To Never Grow Up

Be A Model

Nick Yi & Megan Fish

John Donley & Riley Corbin

Win Jeopardy

Be A Millionaire

Selina Tucker & Ken Xue

Taber Fisher & Lydia Sturges

[Senior Issue â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15] 43

Teacher Best Best Personality

Best Coach

Mrs. Miller & Mr. McDonald

Coach Rippee & Coach Wallace

Best Singer

Best Sense of Humor

Mrs. Schiebler & Mr. Mays

Mrs. Vohs & Mr. Reynolds

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Best Dressed

Best Friends

Mrs. Evans & Mr. Adrian

Mr. Stephens & Mr. Umphrey

Best Hair

Best Overall Teachers

Mr. Feaster & Mrs. Hair

Mr. Williams, Mrs. Swyers, & Mr. Super

Teacher Best [Senior Issue â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15] 45

Be Late to Class

Assign Homework Over Break

Mr. Thuston & Mrs. Francis

Mrs. Goddard & Mr. Stohs

Leave The Parking Lot Before Students

Win The Lottery, Then Lose The Ticket

Mrs. Britton & Mr. Weible

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Mr. Flynn & Mrs. Falen

Teacher Most Likely To

Teacher Most Likely To Be Asked For ID

Follow You On Twitter

Inspire Students

Win The Bachelor(ette)

Mr. Umphrey & Ms. Dawson

Mrs. Donham & Mr. Gunn

Mrs. Quick & Mr. Taylor

Mr. Schelp & Ms. Parker

[Senior Issue â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15] 47

Leaving the Nest A

Five OE Teachers Finally “Graduate” High School

fter 27 years in the Olathe School District, the last 23 spent teaching accounting at Olathe East, Mrs. Sandy Keating is trading time in the classroom for time with her family.

“I still love the classroom, but there are other things I don’t enjoy as much. I didn’t want to be one of those teachers who stays too long and ends up being that grumpy, old person,” Keating said with a smile.

In her newfound free time, Keating plans to take care of her two-year-old grandson once a week and work at Junque Drawer Boutique and Studio in downtown Olathe for a couple of afternoons.

From a young age, Keating seemed destined to claim a spot at the front of the classroom.

“I liked school – I was very involved in high school – so for me going into education was almost an extension [of that],” she said.

Although she always envisioned herself as a teacher, Keating’s career did throw her a few curveballs along the way.

“I think my career did meet my expectations, but the part that I didn’t expect was the close relationships [with students],” Keating said. “I’ll say that over and over again. That’s absolutely the best part about teaching.”

“Every day is different in education, every day is different in your classroom because you don’t know what kids have gone through before coming into your classroom,” she added. “If you can keep that even temperament, the relationships will come. They will trust you.”

It’s those bonds with her students Keating says will be the hardest to leave behind when she walks out the doors of Olathe East for the final time.

“I know what I’m going to miss most, and that’s the relationships with my students,” she said. “That’s, to me, the key to being happy in teaching is those relationships. That’s why we do it.”

F

or four decades, Mike Wallace and the Olathe School District have been practically inseparable. From five years at Olathe High to opening Olathe South in 1981 to opening Olathe East in 1992, Wallace has just about done it all in this district.

“I remember the first day I walked into this school,” Wallace said. “I taught at Olathe High when there was just one school in the whole district. When I first started, I knew everybody. I still remember the superintendent at the time calling me to go play tennis with him.”

“When I was a kid, you could count the houses east of I-35 – and there were under 10 – and now there are 80,000 people.”

Like so many others in his field, Wallace seemed destined to coach and teach. His father was a teacher, as was his brother, so following in their footsteps only felt natural.

“I’ve looked at doing other things – in fact I’ve tried other things and failed horribly – but I’ve come to the conclusion that this is what I was supposed to do,” he said.

Failure has certainly not been a theme of Wallace’s teaching or coaching careers, however, where he has suffered only four losing seasons as an assistant football coach and racked up nine state titles as the head track and field coach.

48 [Senior Issue ‘15]

Y

Matthew Gwin//Senior Staff Writer

et another faculty member who helped open Olathe East 23 years ago will grace these halls for the final time when classes wrap up this May. Math teacher JoAnn Hiatt has decided to retire from the state of Kansas and will jump across the state line to continue teaching mathematics at Belton High School. Although Hiatt will still be doing what she loves, the move remains bittersweet nonetheless.

“I think Olathe East is home for many of us [teachers],” she said.

“I’ll miss the colleagues I’ve worked with, the staff in the office, and then the bonds with the kids I know. There are always some kids who hold a special place in your heart, and those are the ones you miss.”

Hiatt came to Olathe East after 13 years teaching in Grand Island, Nebraska and a five-year hiatus spent caring for her kids at home.

In addition to teaching math in Grand Island, she also coached everything from gymnastics to golf. However, at OE Hiatt focused on an even more important coaching position.

“When I finished high school, I wanted to teach geometry and coach gymnastics,” Hiatt said. “That never did change, except that I changed from wanting to coach sports to wanting to coach kids in math. I look at my job as a teacher more as me coaching them every day to get better at math so they can have more opportunities for their future.”

Even though her ride into the sunset is still a few years down the road, Hiatt did offer some advice to any young teachers willing to accept it.

“If you love what you do, then your job becomes a passion,” she said. “That passion needs to come across to the kids. They have to know that you care about them, that you love your subject matter, and that you want to share that with them. And that becomes the top priority in your classroom.”

Hiatt had one more nugget of wisdom for any students interested in pursuing a career in education.

“It’s the most worthwhile career you could ever have.”

“I was ecstatic that we were fortunate enough to win one state title, and to have won nine is just beyond any dream I could ever think of,” he said. “It took a long time to get there, and a lot of work and a lot of great kids and a lot of pretty committed coaches to bring all this together.”

Wallace won’t completely disappear from his old stomping grounds by next fall, though. He hopes to continue his post as coach of the track team, and will get his football fix in by coaching sophomores at Shawnee Mission West. He has a couple other plans lined up as well.

“I swore I was never going to substitute, but I’m probably going to substitute,” he added with a laugh. “Just to cut ties and walk away from here would be really, really hard, so hopefully I can stay and coach track for a while and gradually ease my way out.”

Of course, when the halls and gyms lack the larger-than-life Wallace next year, the absence certainly won’t go unnoticed. However, the memories of his championship coaching and kind-hearted spirit will forever be engrained into the school he helped build.

“If I have to be remembered for one thing as a coach, it’s that I tried to bring the best out of kids,” Wallace said.

Consider that just one more goal accomplished.

F

or the first time in nearly two decades, the science department will be lacking the expertise of Paula Donham when the 2015-16 school year begins this

fall.

After 22 years teaching in the district, the last 17 at Olathe East, Donham has decided to hang up her lab coat for good, instead focusing her attention on volunteering, traveling, and her family.

“Teaching, at least the way I try to do it, is exhausting, and I’m starting to be concerned that the exhaustion is catching up with me and might impact my teaching,” Donham said of her decision.

Exhaustion or otherwise, Donham admits that leaving her students behind will be anything but easy.

“It’ll be the kids [who I miss most]. I came to teaching from business because I wanted to do something more important, and the interactions with the students have been the most rewarding part of it, especially when students have some sort of success and get excited about science,” she said.

As she alluded to, Donham’s path to becoming a teacher came with its fair share of twists and turns.

“I had wanted to teach all the time when I was in elementary and high school,” she said. “When I got to college, I got distracted by other things and there was an overstock of teachers, so I didn’t go straight into teaching.”

However, seeing her own daughters feel such a special connection with their teachers reinvigorated her hunger to teach.

“As I watched the impact that just one or two teachers could have on my daughters, it reminded me of that desire of mine [to teach]. That has been the thing that I’ve found most rewarding, is when you have a handful of students who feel a special bond with you and feel particularly inspired by you,” she added.

“It makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

P

erhaps no retirement will leave a bigger pair of shoes to be filled than when Mr. Jeff Hulse wraps up his illustrious 38-year coaching and teaching career – at least in Kansas. Hulse will officially retire from the state of Kansas this year and join his longtime colleague JoAnn Hiatt at Belton High School in Belton, Missouri this fall.

“I’ve had a wonderful 38 years in Olathe,” Hulse said. “I’ve been at all different levels – elementary, junior high, and high school – and I’ve had great experiences at all those and at Olathe East. Olathe East will always be home.”

Hulse helped open his second home 23 years ago after stints at Ridgeview, Westview and Countryside Elementary as well as Oregon Trail and Frontier Trail Junior High.

During that time, Hulse had the opportunity to witness the city, community, and school grow exponentially.

“When my wife and I came to Olathe as teachers, it [the city] had about 22,500 people. It was a one-high-school community with a handful of elementary schools and a couple junior highs. To be a part of that growth has been exciting and rewarding, and has also provided me a great opportunity to grow as an individual in my career,” he said.

Hulse certainly did grow throughout his time at OE, taking on the responsibilities of head girls’ tennis coach from 1995-present, head softball coach from 2000-present, and head girls’ basketball coach from 1996-2010.

Along the way, he compiled seven State championships in softball, coached 34 State qualifiers in tennis, and made one State appearance in basketball.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think it would be as good as it was,” he said. “I’ve been blessed . . . I look back and reflect, and I feel extremely humbled to have been in those positions to lead kids and to model what I think is how they should be and to experience their growth.”

Of course, Hulse will still get to shape students in the gymnasium and on the field, at least for a few more years. At Belton, Hulse will continue coaching softball and physical education and might add one more sport to his busy schedule.

Although the location will change, Hulse’s beliefs about teaching will remain the same.

“The more you put into teaching, the more you get out. It’s like a bank – make a lot of deposits, and with those deposits you get a heck of a great return. And we’re not talking money, we’re talking relationships,” he said.

In addition to those relationships, Hulse will take with him his mantra, which he reminds his teams of prior to every game.

“Do the very best you can with all your heart all the time. Nobody can ever ask for more than that.”

Jeff Hulse

JoAnn Hiatt

Pictured (from left to right): Mike Wallace, Paula Donham, and Sandy Keating

[Senior Issue ‘15] 49

Hawk’s Eye’s Senior Staff With the warming temperatures, the greening of the grass and trees, the flowering bushes, the skipping of students out to lunch or sneaking out to a Royals game arrives the advent of graduation. Which to the rest of the Hawk’s Eye staff means that we must say good-bye to our seniors. No easy feat for us as we have laughed, cried, yelled, hugged, listened to everyone’s weird music choices, and traveled to journalism conferences with most of these students for two or more years each. They’ve led us and set forth a model for future staffers to follow. We are forever lucky to have known them. The memories created with them are some that will last a lifetime. Their legacy will forever be remembered in room 612.

So Paige, Courtney, Aaron, Matt, Brenna, Annie, Katie, Lauren, Lauren, Brock and Camille, we’ll miss your shenanigans and your leadership. Remember, when you come back to visit, bring bagels!

-Mama B. and the underclassmen

Q: What is your favorite part of being a newspaper editor?

A: Knowing I’m respected as a leader as well as a journalist and working with a group of close friends doing something we all love: writing.

Q: What do you want to be remembered by?

A: I want to be remembered as being an effective leader, a caring friend, and an overall nice, positive person.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world for an entire year, where would you go?

A: Definitely India, Ireland, Italy, and Morocco. And France, duh!

Q: What is your greatest fear leaving high school?

A: I won’t stay in contact with my close friends, and I’ll just see them at our high school reunions.

Q: What will you miss most about high school?

A: Definitely all the friends I’ve made since I’ve been in school. Also, I’m going to miss newspaper, FNHS, and Hawk leaders so much because they’ve helped me grow and find things I’m truly passionate about.

Q: What do you wish to gain from college?

A: I wish to gain new leadership skills, new friends, and new knowledge to help me survive the nursing world.

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Courtney Child Editor

Q: If you could have one animal as a pet what would it be and why?

A: I would have a penguin because penguins are cool…literally.

Paige Schick Editor

Q: What would the title of your memoir be and why?

A: “Don’t Tell Me What To Do” by Air Traffic Controller because I like doing my own thing and I also just really like that song.

Q: What was your favorite part about being a newspaper editor this year?

A: I think my favorite part was being able to see all my ideas and hard work and the whole staff come to life in a new newspaper every month.

Q: If you could bury something in the school, what would you bury, why and where?

A: I would bury a box of snacks and a blanket because I feel like I’m always either hungry or cold in this school.

Q: If you could see any band in the world live in concert, dead or alive, who would you chose and why?

A: I would want to see Air Traffic Controller because they’re my favorite band even though no one knows who they are.

Q: What is your dream job?

A: My dream job would be working as a public relations agent for a record label or music company. That would combine two of my favorite things in life: writing and music.

Matthew Gwin Senior Staff Writer

Q: What was your favorite newspaper memory?

A: Sophomore year, when we had the incident of me trying to figure out how to work a digital camera.

Q: What are your future goals?

A: I don’t really have any specific goals or aspirations. I want to enjoy what I’m doing. I just want to live with no regrets, die with no regrets.

Q: Anything that you’ve learned later in high school that you wish you had known earlier?

A: Things work themselves out; people grow into themselves; it does settle eventually. Things that seem major freshman, sophomore, junior, and even the first half of senior year are so minuscule by the time you’re ready to graduate you almost forget they happened. Everyone eventually winds up at the same point.

Q: If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A: Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah” or John Lennon’s “Imagine” Q: What are some of your passions?

A: Writing, it’s a good form of expression. Writing is the expression of things that go unsaid. I tend to use music as a lot of my escape, I forget about the surrounding world for a while. Sports, ever since I was three, I have played, read, and have written wrote about sports.

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Q: What is the song/album which you would describe as the “soundtrack of your life”?

A: Double Nickels on the Dime by Minutemen. The album has about 50 songs so it’s great to just throw on for a drive and has plenty of variety.

Aaron Rhodes Senior Staff Writer

Q: If you could have a conversation with anyone alive or dead, who would it be?

A: Malcolm X. I would want to know all of his opinions on specific cases of injustice happening today and what kind actions he would want to take.

Q: If you could live anywhere outside of the US, where would you live?

A: Vietnam. I imagine the food is great in some parts and it’d be cool to have a small house near the jungle to just sit around on the the porch at.

Q: Who is an artist that you strongly connect with?

A: Keith Haring when I’m in a good mood (his paintings are incredibly vibrant and sometimes thought provoking) and Mark Rothko in a bad mood (he could create a stirring, dark masterpiece like no one else).

Q: What would your dream job be?

A: A music journalist. Someone who could review albums for a magazine or go on the road with a band and write a story about it. Hearing new music early is always cool.

Q: As the first four-year newspaper student at East, what was your favorite year and why?

A: Probably my junior year. We had our strongest and most fun staff and I made some of my favorite pages. Sophomore year was close though because of our crazy trip to San Francisco.

Lauren Hart Copy Editor

Q: Describe Your High School Experience in Three Words A: Let’s Get Quiktrip Q: How have you changed from freshman year to senior year?

A: I came to Olathe East as a timid freshman who knew only about three other people in my entire freshman class. My sophomore year, I got more involved in school and started to meet more people, which really transformed my high school experience. I like to think that I’ve come out of my shell since freshman year and become more well-rounded and confident.

Q: What are your plans for college?

A: Next year I will be going to Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, and I plan to major in Elementary Education and minor in Piano Performance. While at Benedictine, I hope to study abroad at their Florence, Italy, campus.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: In 10 years, I want to be teaching either 4th or 5th grade. I would also like to have my own piano studio to teach private lessons.

Q: What do you want to remember about high school the most?

A: One of my favorite things about high school has been my group of friends. We have had some pretty great adventures together and I wouldn’t have wanted to spend these past four years with any other group of friends.

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Q: Do you have any hidden talents?

A: Hm...Well if you consider knowing when my stomach wants pizza a hidden talent, then yes.

Q: What is your favorite memory from being on the newspaper staff?

A: My favorite memory would have to be…Darn, this is a hard one. Probably when we went to San Francisco my sophomore year. It's a beautiful city and I had a great time getting closer with the staff. Oh, and I learned a lot from the conferences too....wink, wink.

Lauren Heinrich Copy Editor

Q: If you could time travel, where would you go and what would you change?

A: I would go to the hospital waiting room the day I was born to hear my dad come out and tell our relatives 'It's a girl' and hear my family's reactions.

Q: What is your biggest fear?

A: My biggest fear is not completing the goals I have for my future, including traveling the world.

Q: If you had three wishes what would you wish for?

A: Endless airline credit so I could fly anywhere anytime, that everyone on Earth would know about Jesus, and world peace.

Q: If you could have dinner with a famous person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

A:I would have dinner with Nick Jonas, because he's gorgeous. I also think the conversation would be great, since he's done a lot in his life with his music and has a solid, Christian family upbringing.

Brock Holmes Senior Staff Writer

Q: What is your favorite newspaper memory?

A: Being able to connect with a diverse and inviting group of people. I would not have been able to otherwise.

Q: If you could go back in time and meet any historical figure, who would you meet and why?

A: George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, because I’m a history nerd like that. Watching the formation of America through these men would be fascinating.

Q: What would you do if you had a million dollars?

A: Probaly blow it all in a week and then slip into bankruptcy like every other person that recives that much money out of the blue.

Q:If you had a chance to see any band in the world in concert, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?

A: If I’m not going to be cliché and say the Beatles, then I would definitely see The Smiths. The Queen is Dead is one of my all time favorite albums.

Q: If a genie offered you three whishes, what would you wish for and why?

A: World peace (because you kind of have to). Then I would just save the other two, because everything is good.

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Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

A: I do not want a “plan” for where my life will be; I honestly just want happiness that is what is most important. I do not know where I will be, but all I can do is strive to live a joyful life every single day and bring that joy to others.

Katie Thompson Senior Staff Writer

Q: What’s your favorite newspaper memory?

A: My sophomore year I had the opportunity to go with almost our entire newspaper staff to the beautiful city of San Fransisco, California. Not only does that trip remain my favorite newspaper memory, but one of my favorite high school memories, as well. I got to experience one of the most amazing places in our country with people I love. I will never forget those couple of days walking on the pier watching street performers, finding cute little pizza shops to have lunch at, spending all my money in clothing stores they only have on the coasts, and ultimately making the best memories I could ever ask for with my staff.

Q: What is one quote that you live by or describes your life?

A: I live by the word of God and one specific verse that gets me through each day is Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Another “quote” I keep very close to my heart are the lyrics of my tattoo, “the dragonfly ran away but it came back with a story to say.”

Q: How has newspaper changed your life?

A: This staff is my family. I am so blessed to have been able to share three years with these wonderful and talented people. I am so lucky to have something in my life that makes saying goodbye so hard.

Brenna Thompson Senior Staff Writer

Q: What color best describes your personality and why?

A: I would say sky blue because it strikes me as a happy color. I believe it’s important to radiate happiness and kindness, especially onto those who may not be having a good day.

Q: What is one quote that you live by or describes your life?

A: “You don’t have to make it right, just hold your head up.” It’s a quote from the song Round and Round by Imagine Dragons, which has a ton of meaning to me. I went through a lot during high school, and when I would get depressed I would remind myself to just hold my head up and keep going. I didn’t have to fix everything right then and there, as long as I kept going.

Q: What’s your favorite newspaper memory?

A: My favorite newspaper memory is without a doubt driving to meet and interview Daisy Coleman. Her story was incredible and I was blessed and privileged to cover it. She is an inspiration and I am passionate about preventing rape, so to be able to write about her was incredible and something I will never forget.

Q: If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?

A: I would definitely have to say either Caesar salad or smoothies. I figure if I’m going to eat something for the rest of my life, it should be kind of healthy.

Q: What’s your biggest pet peeve?

A: When people judge me before they get to know me, especially off of my appearance. I have the biggest heart, and I’ll be friends with anyone.

I try not to obsess over what people think about me. Reputation is just what other people think about me but what really matters is how they see

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me after they get to know me.

Q: Who is someone who made a big impact on you in high school and why?

A: My parents have had an impact on my entire life, but especially during my high school career. They are always for me and I don’t know what I’d do without them.

Camille Denis Senior Staff Writer

Q: What do you want to be remembered for?

A: I want to be remembered as Ca-mee not Ca-meal.

Q: What is your most embarrassing moment in high school?

A: I have to say that I don’t have one huge embarrassing moment. It’s more like a continuous list of being awkward, falling, and just being clumsy.

Q: What was your favorite part of newspaper?

A: I love that the class gives you the opportunity to write about current subjects and not your normal English essay. Plus on deadline you get good food… who doesn’t like food?

Q: What is your bucket list?

A: 1. Travel the World, 2. Go to an Arsenal game in London, 3. Take a road trip with my best friends.

Annie Beurman Senior Staff Writer

Q: If you were an ice cream flavor, what would you be and why?

A: I would either be chocolate or French silk (chocolate and vanilla swirled with chocolate shavings). Chocolate because it’s sweet and so am I. French silk because it’s my favorite flavor.

Q: What is the top thing on your bucket list?

A: I’m not exactly sure. If I were thinking more short term, I’d say going to both Disney World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If I’m thinking long term, I’d say get married, have a child, and adopt another one. Generic, but true.

Q: If you could have any pet in the world, what would it be?

A: If we’re talking about something that actually exists, then I either want a panda or a tiger. If I can dream, then I want a dragon!

Q: What will you miss most about newspaper?

A: I will miss looking forward to reading a completed newspaper and having a feeling of accomplishment. I will also miss all the friends I’ve made and the trips we go on. I REALLY wish I could go to Orlando next year.

Q: Do you have any funny habits?

A: I’m a person who likes to laugh, but unfortunately, I do it a little too often. I sometimes chuckle when something isn’t supposed to be funny.

Also, I think it might get on other people’s nerves.

[Senior Issue ‘15] 55

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56 [Senior Issue â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15]

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[Senior Issue ‘15] 57

Letters from the Editors If you would’ve told me I was going to be editor of a newspaper my senior year in high school, I probably would’ve laughed and said you’re crazy. But here I am working on the last newspaper issue I will ever have as an Olathe East Hawk. Room 612 has become my home away from home. From the national journalism conventions in Washington D.C. and San Francisco, to staying at school until 10:00pm making the final touches on a deadline night, newspaper has been an experience I will never forget. Thank you to Mrs. Kimmel for seeing my writing potential and pushing me to join my sophomore year. To Mrs. Bourland—I don’t think words can describe how thankful I am for your support and encouragement over the years that I’ve been a part of this staff. I am truly thankful I was able to have the opportunity to be an editor this year. It’s taught me so much. You really have inspired me to grow as a writer and a person and have taught me the power of words, and to me that’s irreplacable. I will forever be grateful for finding my love of writing through this class. You’ve not only been an amazing teacher, but also a second mom to me. To Courtney, I am so incredibly happy I had you by my side when we wanted to pull our hair out because things weren’t done. You are such an amazing girl with so many talents and I’m excited to see all the accomplishments you achieve at Creighton.

Matt, I wish you all the best at KU next year. You really have a talent for writing and I’m not going to be surprised when I see your name a lot in the journalism world in the near future. Brock, it just won’t be the same without all your sarcasm and insults next year. Don’t get dehydrated at any concerts without me. To Brenna, I’m really happy we became friends through newspaper. You have a lot going for you, and I know you’re going to do a lot of awesome things at Baker. To Katie, hopefully someone will take over your spot of screaming whenever something good happens with Mama B. I’m really happy you were on staff. I know you’re going to be amazing at KU. Aaron, I know the remaining staff will miss your solid music choices. You have a lot of talent and I hope to see more of your work in the future. Annie, your smile and positivity were great to have this year on staff. Wish you’d been on staff longer! Lauren Heinrich, it seems like just yesterday we went to San Francisco. I’m so happy you’ve been on staff all these years. Have fun in sunny Arizona next year. Lauren Hart, I sure hope Atchison has a QuikTrip...haha. You’ve always worked so hard and I’m glad I always had you to count on when I needed something done. Camille, I’m glad you joined our staff for a year. Kick some butt next year in soccer.

Jordan, good luck next year leading these guys. I know you’re hard work and dedication will lead to success. It was awesome having you on staff and always being able to count on you. Logan, it’s been a pleasure having you on staff. I trust that the sports pages will be taken care of next year. Alexa, I’m so happy you joined staff this year. Way to get our newspaper on the news!

Amy and Hannah, you guys were amazing with ads this year. It seemed like you both were always raking in more money for us. Keep it up next year!

Gavin, I trust you will inform next year’s staff about what movies are acceptable and not. Jacob, keep up the good work next year. Thanks for being the lone sophomore this year. Natalie, I’m so happy you joined staff this year.

You are such a hard worker and a bright light.

It’s crazy to think that my time here on The Hawk’s Eye staff has come to an end, but I wouldn’t trade my experiences and friendships made for anything. I will miss you all and I can’t wait to see what you guys will accomplish next year. I’ll be cheering from Texas.

58 [Senior Issue ‘15]

-Paige Schick

When Mrs. Kimmel, my former English teacher, referred me to the Hawk’s Eye staff after my freshman year, I had no idea how quickly I would fall in love with it. The unique bunch of people welcomed me into the crazy family I feel so fortunate to be a part of. My high school experience would not be half of what it is without my family in room 612. Being co-editor helped me realize one of my biggest passions—leadership—and I couldn’t have spent my three years on staff with a better group of people.

Someone who helped foster my love of newspaper is our great advisor, Mama B, who taught me not to use words like “great” in my writing. In all seriousness, though, Mama B, you always make me smile, and you’ve taught me so much. I feel very fortunate to know you.

I could not have gotten through this year without Paige. You work your butt off to put out a quality paper, and I could not have worked with anyone better. You are such a unique and wonderful person, and I can’t wait to see where life takes you. Your name will be splashed all over the future newspapers of the world.

This year and this newspaper would not be what it is without the staffers I love so much.

Third hour always keeps it chill. Sometimes a little too chill, but they always somehow get work done. Matthew, your writing talent never ceases to amaze me. Your future in journalism is very bright. Aaron, your design skills are crazy, even if your music taste is sometimes questionable. Logan, your dedication to photography is admirable, and your photos just get better and better. Camille, I’m so happy we were able to share newspaper this year. You’ll always be my go-to girl for typical single girl Valentine’s Days. Katie and Brenna, I can always count on your squeals of happiness to make good news brighter. Natalie, you inspire me with your total individuality. Keep it hipster, girl! Annie, you have such a sweet heart.

Jacob, you gotta cover sports with Logan next year since Matt will be gone.

Seventh hour always wraps the day on a positive note. Alexa, my Frenchie buddy! You were the best Secret Santa ever, and DC was so fun with you.

You are such an awesome person. Jordan, you are a talented dancer and an even more talented journalist. Your hard work does not go unnoticed.

Brock, your squeals almost beat out Katie and Brenna’s. Gavin, when I read your very first rough draft at the beginning of the year, I knew you would be a strong addition. You’ll always be the movie guy. Lauren H, you are truly one of the sweetest people I know. I can always count on you to put a positive spin on even the worst situations. Hannah and Amy, your dancing is beautiful, and you two brought in the monayyyyy this year! Lauren <3, I love your outlook on life, and you’ll always be my fighter plane co-pilot.

Good luck to all the stafflings next year tasked with rebuilding. It’s going to be hard to lose so many amazingly talented staffers. You’ve definitely learned from the best. I’m confident, though, that you will figure it all out.

I’ll miss you guys!

-Courtney Child