Olathe East Hawk's Eye September 2015 by Olathe East Hawk's Eye

THE OLATHE EAST

VOL 24 | ISSUE 1

A Watchful Eye in the Sky: The Lowdown on the Security Cameras Page| 7

THE

CONTENTS

HAWK'Seye

FEATURE NEWS

SPORTS

10&11| Welcoming the Football Coach

12&13| Summer Award Roundup 14&15| What’s Special About JoCo Kids? 16| The Flipped Classroom

ENTERTAINMENT

17| Movies of 2015 18&19| The Future Voters of America 20| What’s in Your Lunch?

EDITORIAL

21| Gay Marriage Legalized 22| The Rise of Atheism 23| Letter From the Editors

d n a n o i t a c u Ed l o o Sch /Social Friend/ e li ta a N

UB D

hair Media C

Amount

to g n i n e p Hap s i t a h and W t e g d u B l o o h c S Our Why

T E G

Year News

chool budgets and oceanic tides have more in common than most would think. They both ebb and flow and ebb again, like our budget appears to have done quite recently. The Olathe School District budget for high schools has been cut ten percent since last school year, a number that may not be catastrophic, but may not be chump change either. Dr. Bill Weber, the school principal, said, “It’s my firm belief that just because adults can’t agree to what’s appropriate in terms of educational funding, I don’t think you as kids should suffer from that. In terms of the reduced money coming to Olathe East to operate our building, what we’ve really tried to do as a staff is -the key word here is common good- we’ve tried very hard to share our resources inside the building whether it be simple things like file cabinets or paperclips. Because it’s my firm belief that if we operate from that common good, everything you guys have been able to do in the past -whether as a student body or as student groups- shouldn’t look any different to you.”

What?

For More Information On Olathe School Budgets: olatheschools.com : under District tab, click Budget Info On Olathe School Legislation: olatheschools.com : under District tab, click Legislation On the 2013 Bond: olatheschools.com : under District tab, click Bond 2013 On Possible Solutions: olatheschools.com : under District tab, click Local Option Budget To Contact Your Senator, Sam Brownback: Mailing Address: Senate Office SH-303, Washington, DC 20510 Phone number: (202) 224-6521 “Due to changes by the state Legislature, districts in Kansas are now required to include its Kansas Public Employees Retirement System money and the capital outlay and LOB state aid in the total operating budget, which it hasn’t been done before. Previously these figures were part of a separate fund. So it might look bigger, but is actually frozen below 2014-15 levels.” -Olathe School District Website

However, it’s not just about paperclips and cabinets. OE is also operating with only 11 custodians instead of last year’s 13. “The positive piece for that was we didn’t have to get rid of anybody; we had a retirement and we had a resignation. So I was very happy that it didn’t come to the point where somebody had to lose their job,” said Weber. Now that there is fewer custodial staff, placing the trashcans outside their rooms everyday remains the teachers’ responsibility. When the staff fully realized the extent of the financial situation, there was some worry. Mr. Thuston, the head of the social sciences department, said, “there was quite a bit of concern about how they would directly affect us and our ability to work with our kids and actually run our classrooms. There’s just a big question of the unknown. We knew potentially it was coming, but the levels...I don’t think anyone was truly aware.” The elementary schools in Olathe c o m pletely lost their Spanish programs, a loss which has upset some parents and overjoyed some kids. The middle schools within the district also lost parts of their custodial staff, a shortage that can be felt. Many parents and community members were concerned to discover that while programs had been cut and custodians are fewer, there were brand new security systems and iPads in the middle schools. However, the funding for the new iPads and security systems has nothing to do with the current budget situation. They were part of a bond given to the district to improve technology and infrastructure for safety, and did not come from state funding. Part of that bond included East’s new security cameras, flip locks on the doors, and window breakers for the ALICE protocol. Other amenities provided by the bond include the newly constructed entrances to the elementar y schools and the iPads at the middle school level.

Why?

In a high school, the amount of money allocated for the school is dependent on the number of students within that school. OE’s enrollment decreased from last year, but not as far as the district thought it would be. “As a district they needed to cut back a certain amount of money ... Inevitably, the folks that are in charge decided that at the high school level this was the percentage that each high school would be cut,” said Weber. Ms. Smull, a Spanish teacher, and the head of the language department, said, “I think people have known for years that it’s been creeping in this direction, even though it seems sudden to a lot of people, it’s been happening gradually for a long time. Its discouraging, there are already challenges in anybody’s job, and anytime you have to do more with less it is stressful and challenging.”

Olathe East Hawk’s Eye

What Now?

“You lose ten percent of your budget; you’ve got to adjust things. Rather than us sitting here complaining about what happened to us, we’ve got to make adjustments and we’ve got to make it work. That’s the key piece,” said Weber. To help adjust to the changes, all of the supplies and supply requests within the school have become centralized. “We have to give a written rationale as to how that purchase is going to help students. The idea is that we’re not buying frivolous items, which most people don’t do anyway, but this just kind of helps ensure that there is a purpose and a direct correlation to helping students,” said Mrs. Goddard, the head of the English department. This new system, which incorporates the “common good” requires that all faculty come to the office and directly request their supplies, which allows the school to spend less money on extra supplies, because they can be easily found. However, the process is more time-consuming and stringent than before. “The emphasis is on not letting the budget affect students, so that’s good. I think that the alternative is that teachers absorb a lot of it,” said Smull.

What Next?

Although the budget losses will tighten and shift how things are run at Olathe East, these changes may lead to more innovative methods of resourcing and funding. The performing arts, in particular, have more leeway and opportunities for student-led fundraisers and activities to

raise funds. Although not applicable to all departments, fundraisers like student-held car washes, bake sales, and other activities not only raise money for the students but provide another activity for them to do. Mrs. Mayer, the head of the performing arts department, said, “fundraising will definitely have to be a much bigger part of my job and the students’ responsibility, not just to keep the extra things anymore, but also the things that we are going to be needing for the program over time. I think that will have to play a bigger role then it has in the past.” In August alone, three car washes held by student groups; the Talons Dance Team, the Orange & Blue Brigade, and the Theatre Department. Meyer Music on 133rd Street, a supporter of arts programs at East, hosted all three events. Plans and ideas for other fundraisers throughout the year and in years to come are already underway. “We’ve tried really hard, although we have less money, to focus on that common good piece. And I think in the end we’ll either come out just as good as we have in the past, or it’s quite possible that we could make improvements because we’re all working together,” said Weber. But the nature of the changes in the school won’t go unnoticed or unfelt by students, even just in small ways. “There’s some cosmetic things they may start to notice, there’s some things they may have been given in the past or done, and they may not have that opportunity anymore. To suggest the kids won’t notice that is not giving them credit for like they deserve,” said Thuston.

News

All in Her Timing

Olathe East’s First Production of the Year is Directed with a Fresh Perspective Ryann Smith//Staff Writer

teacher at East, was sad to leave and transfer to North due to budget cuts, The Director but change has the possibility of greatness. uest director Ms. Catherine Lewis gladly picks up her directing “So far I like it a lot. I like the students; I like the other teachers ... they again with Olathe East’s production of All in the Timing. She was give me a hard time for coming over from East, but so far so good,” she first introduced to theatre in high school at Shawnee Mission said. South by her influential teacher, Mark Swezey. “I fell in love with theatre then,” she said. “The first opportuThe Stage Manager nity I had to direct was when I taught in Baldwin High Shannon McLeroy, Ms. Lewis’ head stage manager, School. I got to direct for about four years and gives her take on the guest director. really did enjoy it.” “It’s different because she’s new and she Lewis directs with a backstage doesn’t know us as well, I guess. There’s mindset, differing from direca few that have studied with her tors with on stage experibefore as a teacher. But we’re all ence. meeting each other, learning “I see how the big about each other, learning picture fits tohow we all work together, gether,” she said. which is really nice be Her produccause it’s nice getting tion consists a fresh perspective of six differand seeing someent short one figure things shows. In out in a different one, three theatre than monkeys their own.” are stuck McLeroy in a cage thinks they with work well typewrittogether. ers and “She’s super being nice and she’s asked very personto type able and open Hamlet. to comments; In another, any additions that viewers see we have,” McLeroy the death of said. Leon Trotsky Her favorite part, repeatedly with however, is how comslightly different fortable she is working changes each time. with Lewis. And in a third show, three “It’s not awkward that you’re Poster courtesy of OE Theatre Department. construction workers sit on working with an adult, it’s more like the top of a girder having lunch, you’re on base with each other; workall having secret identities. Lewis ing together instead of working under her provided these descriptions as her show ... Getting ideas; bouncing ideas off of each other.” highlights. McLeroy also said she would work with Lewis again. Ms. Lewis, a former sophomore English All in the Timing will be a show to remember. Shannon McLeroy begins the process of Director Mrs. Lewis leads one of the first producing a play. rehearsals for All in the Timing.

Olathe East Hawk’s Eye

REC

Smile, You’re On Camera A Look at the Updated Security at East Jacob Wilson//Staff Writer

f your friends can read your shirt, so can the cameras. Yes, even the little Nike “swoosh” in the corner of the shirt. The shirt may say “just do it,” but with the new cameras watching, you may want to “just [not] do it.” According to Dr. Bill Weber, principal of Olathe East High School, the school had some security cameras before, but the change to the system was a much-needed upgrade to outdated technology. He compared the upgrade from the approxiCourtesy of Logan Brockschmidt mately 10 year old system East had before, to the advances in cell phone technology. He said, “If you had a cell phone ten years ago, compare that to what a cell phone looks like now, and that’s really the difference... The advancement in technology is huge.” The large amount of new cameras added being the most noticeable change. There are now over 80 cameras according to assistant principal Kraig Taylor. They have been added to new areas such as the commons, stairways, and in front of bathroom doors. According to Weber, these key locations need monitoring for any high school. Along with the cameras, the computers are now equipped with software that allows the administration to log on and check any of the cameras they choose throughout the day. Along with streaming a live feed, the cameras record motion. These recordings allow the faculty to check the cameras from any time throughout the day and view who moved through the area. Weber said, “I pull mine up in the morning… and I’ll look at them periodically… so we can monitor a little bit better what’s going on in seminar class and things like that.”

He also said that the resource officer has three screens in his office displaying the cameras at all times to monitor the students and campus. The idea of cameras constantly watching however, doesn’t bring peace of mind to everyone. Some find it domineering and condescending. Dean Fry, sophomore, is troubled with the new system. He said, “I feel like I’m in a prison, constantly being watched.” He believes the cameras sacrifice students’ peace of mind for the sake of having a little extra security. Senior Kyler Kennedy, sarcastically joked, “I feel a lot safer knowing that my guardian angel Kraig [Taylor] is constantly watching.” He said that the cameras don’t make him feel any safer, “It’s just weird knowing they’re always there.” This upgrade has caused controversy between the students and the administration. Student security is important Courtesy of Logan Brockschmidt for the Olathe School District, as shown by their allocation of money for such a large security system. Some students, however, worry about constantly being watched, putting a strain on their learning. Other students feel that the school isn’t acting out of the best interest of the students; that the cameras were just added because the school can. For now students have to live with the cameras . And to answer the question on all of your minds, as Kraig Taylor said, “Yes, Big Brother is watching.”

News

Teachers’ Oddest Jobs And You Thought Your Summer Job Was Bad?

Kaitlyn Shacklett//Staff Writer

hey preside like the professionals of their field. They grade at maximum speeds. They burst music from their rooms to brighten their student’s moods. They greet with huge smiles. They lecture like their students are their own children. Yet, teachers have some deep, dark secrets like a skeleton in their closet, a weird, odd job the Hawk’s Eye forced them to retell.

Twentyfour years ago, Richard Fergola, a resource teacher, stood in a sand pit with approxi mately ten “They would ‘get rid’ of the dogs using the bathroom dogs. It was pretty harsh.” around him. -Richard Fergola He wasn’t a dog walker, a dog sitter, or even a foster parent to dogs. Fergola’s job at age 19 was a “Lead Out” at the Wichita Greyhound Park race track. This job required him to walk the dogs before the race so they could do their business, weigh them on a scale, take them to the starting gate in front of all of the people watching the race, sprint to the end of the track to pick them up, and then take them back to their cages. His job was thought to be important because if a dog went to the bathroom, spectators thought the dog would run faster. Fergola was not a fan of the job for two reasons. One, a lot of running was involved. He and the others had to run to the finish line after the race started to pick up the dogs. Not to mention, there were about ten races a night. Second, he found difficult to handle the information of what happened to a dog who wasn’t winning enough. “They would ‘get rid of the dogs,’” Fergola said. “It was pretty harsh.” The plus side to the job was that Fergola had the insight on every dog. He would place good bets to earn a little extra money in his pocket. “I kinda had an advantage,” said Fergola. “The job also served as a building block to learn dif-

ferent skills.”

Olathe East Hawk’s Eye

Glenn Daniels wasn’t allowed to go into the break room to eat his lunch at work. Not because of his ethnicity, religion, amount of payment, or presidential party of choice, but because he stunk to high heaven. Daniels, now a science teacher, worked at a tannery (“no fake bake”) in Santa Cruz, California when he was sixteen years old. A friend found the job for him because it was the only one available in the area. This occupation required him to unload animal hides off of trucks so that they could later be made into leather. However, the hides were not cleaned completely out. “You could imagine all the stuff on those hides,” said Daniels. Other workers had to bring lunches out to the unloaders because they didn’t want the other part of the building to smell. “My mom hosed me off outside after work before I could come inside,” said Daniels. Surprisingly, a plus side emerged from this job. Daniels was paid $3.25 an hour, which was almost double minimum wage at the time. He also got off at 3:30 every day so he was still able to go to the beach. Valuable lessons were gained from this smelly job. Daniels said, “Stay in school so you don’t have to do a job like that for a living like a few 40-yearolds I saw working “My mom hosed me off there.”

outside after work before I could come inside.”-Glenn Daniels

Other Teachers Admit their weird jobs:

Mary Ann Davenport: main secretaryfuneral home Kathy Falen: history teacherlaundromat Stacy Goddard: English Teacherworked in a factory putting junk mailings together Glenda Guile: school bookkeepermade Chuck E. Cheese come alive Michael Ralph: AP Biology- industrial roofing Gretl Shelton: English teacher-cleaning drains at a public pool Stanford Spurlin: science teachermeat-packing plant Pamela Valentine: Spanish teacherWinstead’s Tim Weible: Art teacher- gave tick baths at a vet office

New Faces, New Faculty Abigael Gaghan: School Psychologist

A Look at the Latest Faculty Members at Olathe East Ashley Bell*: Mrs. Bell

Before coming to OE, Mrs. Gaghan, the new full-time school psychologist worked at the elementary level for 11 years, between Clearwater Creek Elementary, Mahaffie Elementary, and Madison Place Elementary. At East, she is responsible for consultations, working with the special education staff, and counseling. “I do counseling on all kinds of issues, from anxiety, to depression, to social issues; anything. I’m just a mental help support person here for students who need someone to talk to,” she said. “I just love the excitement that I Mr. Kendall feel among the staff and among the students. It’s a totally different feeling from being in an elementary school. It’s fun, there’s never a dull moment. I like the pace here, the excitement, and how receptive everybody has been,” she said. She can be found across from Room 309. “I hope that students feel comfortable getting to know me, and that they know I have an open-door policy. I want people to know they can come in at any time. It doesn’t even have to be a mental health issue; it can just be a place to just cry or to get something out, and that’s what Calin Kendall: we’re here for. So I just want kids to know that I’m excited about being Physical Science Teacher here and I’m excited to help anybody that I can,” she said. Mr. Kendall, the new sophomore science teacher, has worked in the district for a while now. He held a non-teaching position for the last five years in the Olathe District before starting here this year. “I’m very happy to be here ... The staff here has been great at welcoming me,” he said. Kendall is very excited to be in a teaching position once again. “I have a passion for teaching; it’s something I went into because I feel that I have a lot to offer students. I’ve been doing it now for nearly two decades and I continue to enjoy it every day.” In his own high school youth, he really enjoyed school. “I enjoyed the academics; I enjoyed the Mrs. Gaghan opportunity to learn new things, to take the opportunity to figure out what I was *Note: Mr. Bell and Mrs. Bell are interested in.” unrelated.

Natalie Friend//Social Media Chair

Spanish I/II Teacher Mrs. Bell, the Spanish teacher, comes from four years at Frontier Trail Middle School. “I’ve always wanted to try high school. I thought it would be fun to work with older kids and teach some different classes,” she said. Although only a few short weeks into the school year, Bell already has positive feedback for East. “I’m really excited to be here at East, and I’m really excited to see students I had at Frontier Trail and see how they’ve grown,” she said. Her love of Spanish goes back to her own high school days. “I really enjoyed my Spanish classes in high school. I had great teachers and good friends. That’s what matters.”

John Thomas:

Frank Bell*:

Assistant Principal The assistant principal now responsible for leading curriculum and instruction, Mr. Bell, has a special connection with OE. “Olathe East is kind of home for me,” he said. While he helped to open Olathe East back in 1992, he also worked in various capacities inside and outside of education, including being a science teacher, basketball and baseball coach, administrator, and in the private sector. “I feel very lucky and blessed to be back at East,” he said. Currently, Bell has two students here, a daughter Mattie (senior), and a son Charlie (freshman). He is very proud of East’s progress. He said, “The building is much bigger, with more students and with

10th & 11th Resource Teacher Mr. Thomas is another new addition to the Olathe East family. “From what I’ve heard, it’s a great school; it’s one of the best, I think, in Olathe. When I saw the job opening, I just jumped on it,” he said. Before coming here to East this year, he worked at Gardner Edgerton High School. He said, “It’s a great school, with great administration, great teachers, and great students.” Similar to many, he loved sports in high school. “When I was a student, my favorite thing was high school football. I did also really like a lot of my teachers; that’s one of the reasons I became one,” he said. Mr. Thomas

Mr. Bell more staff… in my absence of 15 years it has really grown. There are a lot more trophies in the trophy case! There’s been a lot of success academically, athletically, and through activities.” When he looks back at high school, Bell was reminded of his passion for education. “All teachers, all educators, point back to people in their high school where someone made an impact on them that helped them become a teacher. They were inspired by somebody. So when I look back - I graduated from Olathe South in 1986 - I see my friends and all the fun we had, and then I see teachers; all the people who inspired me to become a teacher or to become an educator,” he said.

News

A New Beginning: Owen Takes Over for the Hawks New Head Football Coach Jesse Owen is Ready to Return Hawks Back to Prominence

Coach Owen Looks onto an Oklahoma Drill All photo courtesy of Logan Brockschmidt

nd so it officially begins. A new coach. A new era. A new first season. The first replacement in the football program’s history, Jesse Owen and his team of five new assistant coaches arrived at Olathe East last spring with introduction meetings and an expectation: to win. As Owen and his team head into the season, he thinks beyond the X’s and O’s. He talks about character, morale, and the little things on and off the field, about getting everyone on the same page, and to invest in themselves and in their future. “I’m a passionate guy. I love football. I don’t know where I’d be if it weren’t for football,” Owen said, “If it weren’t for the sport of football, I don’t know what I’d be doing right now.” After leading Olathe North to their first of eight football state championships in 1996, he graduated and went to Pittsburg State University. After playing running back for four years at Pitt State, Owen student taught under Jeff Hulse (former Olathe East tennis and softball coach) for physical education, while simultaneously assistant coaching under former coach Jeff Meyers. His first teaching job in the district took place at California Trail for three years, but coached for Olathe North football at the same time. Owen then went to Olathe North to teach and to coach for eight years, Owen left Olathe North and went to Eudora High School to be the head football coach.

Olathe East Hawk’s Eye

Logan Brockschmidt//Co-Editor Ben Kohl//Senior Staff Writer “So, I’m excited, not nervous,” Owen said, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” After last year’s debacle/controversy and termination of Jeff Meyers, Olathe East was forced, for the first time in school history, to search for a replacement football coach. Owen still has respect for his first coaching mentor as he said, “Coach Meyers was very successful and the remarkable thing about Coach was he had so much sustained success over such a long period of time; it’s really remarkable when you think about it.” In fact, Meyers posted a record of 163-74 over 23 season including 13 straight postseason appearance. The furthest of those took the 2005 Hawks to the state title game only falling short to Hutchinson in a 24-7 loss. The first week of summer workouts wasn’t a walk in the park. The coaches led a boot camp- a grueling, grinding workout session that pushed the players to their brink. “Rather than the false, fake, phony swagger, or whatever you want to call it, bravado. Doing the boot camp, having the guy come in to work with the players is all about developing mental toughness and discipline and paying attention to detail,” Owen said, “And for us, both offensively and defensively, it’s all about attention to detail. It’s all about focusing on the little things.”

While meetwatch film. Quarterback Connor O’Malley and the rest of the ing with Kenny And we offense awaits the play call Wheaton, a coach still do that, in Arkansas, Owen we’ll do that got the idea to look throughout at Joey McGuire’s the season.” boot camp to get his “Change players ready for the can be difseason. In the past ficult, not decade, Joey Mcjust for the Guire’s football team players, it at Cedar Hill High can be reSchool has won ally hard on three state titles. the coaches. “So I googled it and Coaches got on YouTube and have went, ‘Man, we need worked to do this.’ So I got with somehis phone number, one, they called him up, arranged a time for us to hook up and meet, and that’s who are friends with them, like they would hang out outside of school, their I got it from.” families eat dinner together; it can be hard on coaches.” Owen said, “I don’t Departing from the gritty identity of Olathe East football which was think students and players really grasp that, everyone’s attitude has been running the ball between the tackles all game, Owen plans to change the ridiculously sick. And I say that in a positive way.” philosophies of the football team on and off the football field. The most With the coaching transition, the football team’s culture and morale of noticeable change is the change to an up-tempo playstyle. the players will be fluctuating throughout the season, as the previously ac “It’s a triple option offensive philosophy, running the ball, hogging the customed tempo and regiments are upended. Owen will be ramping up the clock. We can speed the game up; we’ll have some no huddle,” Owen said, speed of the game to what tempo at which they want to run the game. “We won’t run the play into the huddle from the sideline, we’ll call it “So our quarterback is always out there barking, letting the players from the sideline, know ‘Hey, this is the speed we’re gonna move at.’ We can be really with hand signals, but deliberate, we can kinda be regular, or if we want, we can NASCAR we also have ways to it, and we’re getting up on the line and we’re going.” manipulate tempo.” Teeming off the student body, the hate between Olathe South The triple option and Olathe East continues to run rampant; from rushing each will stem from the other’s courts to questionable chants during the game. Owen’s apamount of running proach to rivalries varies a little bit from the average student. “To backs in the game. me, they’re all rivalries, if it’s another Olathe School it’s on,” Owen “We’ll basically said, “North, South, Northwest, if we can be the best school in our have four running backyard, chances are we’ll be at the top of the league.” backs, because our Owen looks to set a new team M.O.: play hard for those who quarterback’s a dualcame before them, and set the standard for those who come after. threat guy. So, I count him as a ball carrier.” Instead of having the same 11 guys on the field all game, Owen is running a platoon system to keep kids fresher and grow his goal to increase participation. This platoon system benefits the team not only on the game field, it’s also useful on the practice field. “When I was at Olathe North,” Owen said, “the model that we did for years, and it works, is you take your best players, and practice for an hour and a half, 90 minutes, on offense. Then you take those same guys and you go practice for 90 minutes on defense. When we platoon, we take our defense [to one end] then we take the offense [to the other] and we practice for 90 minutes simultaneously. That’s why colleges and big high schools two platoon. Because it’s efficient.” Off-the-field, Owen deviates from the traditional “twoa-day” model that Olathe East has become accustomed to, which had conditioning and workouts in the morning, and running standard offense and defense drills in the afternoon. Instead, Owen has changed what takes place in the early hours of the day. “Not like it’s been done here before. Not outside. What we will do in the morning is bring the players inside and The offense huddles around Coach Owen Coach Owen teaching QB Connor O’Malley

“To me, they’re all rivalries, if it’s another Olathe school, it’s on.” -Jesse Owen

Sports

HONORABLE HAWKS

Sports Receive Much of the Recognition, But These Awards Deserve Mention as Well

Melanie Eszter//Staff Writer

Senior Jenna Lillian not only participates in NHS and The Madrigal Choir,

but she also has been selected for KMEA, or the Kansas Music Educators Association Honor Choir and National Honor Choir through the Association for Music Education. Jenna comes from a family of singers and has been singing her whole life. Lillian said, “You can express something [in singing] that you can’t really say in words”. She also said, “If you look at peoples faces after you sing and they are just moved by the music, you know you’ve done something right”. Lillian has participated in KMEA four times, making this her second time in High School KMEA Honor Choir and her first time in National Honor Choir. Lillian said, “We had to prepare three audition songs. We learn them in class, and then we practice them outside of class. We [also] had rehearsal before and after school”. The Saturday audition featured a sight-reading portion and auditioners also had to sing unknown cuts from the three different songs that they learned. Jenna happily performed in KMEA last February and then sent in her video to the national honor choir judges two solo and ensemble songs. She was selected over 1,000 people that also sent in their auditions. Extremely excited be a part of the National Honor Choir, Lillian will get to travel to Nashville in October. Jenna Lillian has been paving the way for future singers at OE by setting an excellent example for all of those who want to follow in her footsteps someday.

Courtesy of Google

Olathe East Hawk’s Eye

Courtesy of Melanie Eszter

nd ear ns an i w e e fiv r g hom ble fo takin y b s Ensem the d r g a n i w and nd lastly ar A Outst a lue St Role, You Can, n. the B t d a e Me if r d u f e a t i t a a C e e n i u F M Catch o a m y h r c o f o n t i i f d a e s eatre ctres sign for C Catch M roduction ce r ing A e ast Th P rman stand ostume d oddard fo t Overall t athe E nations. l u O O perfo Stars. s : C r G i e i d g e a B m e c n h r o i i fo nd ess clud 2n ith t 015 Blue ing 1 awards in n, Outsta t Design J ominated 2 e ony w e . erem ent of the ter becaus Ca Se on t c s r u n l e o e o a f h Y s t Th t r m a a e if n m n e v e w e e a o e t i p h m Th M o h S fe e l en tm Catch cal Achiev Departm quite an ac ids got to as the bes igh Schoo area”. for g over k i r in w H the Techn OE Theate onsidered said “The ge”. That rtant for er in ds produc o ta r e er Theat sc Th n which i , Mr. Shaf fessional s ds are imp h School e Star awa ed a o ig ar lu or receiv You C ter direct ple on a pr e Star aw honors H t in the B d also n r a a t lu a o e a B e y p h p n t ake Th r 2,000 mo “The ization that t e n said: Star 5 cere Blue for ov r. Shafer ward orga 55 schools e 201 h t n i or 34 Schools a M r f s s e y d l d v r A e n a o t o e at aw na . re the Olath nomi aid th e Star hools they a afer also s als. nts st Blu peting sc t has been han all the o m c h e i t n artme m Mr. S rent mus rtme are more me th all the co r dep a o e p t h e a e k e D f o ff al th 60 di he East to ons, out o st Theater ards which music a ti at w hool c s Ol st nomina e Olathe E lue Star a h g hi o B h cy for the m ve years, t on 9 total a lega fi w g s n n I a i t h a d n cre ds, an s b ee Awar ed. er ha time. t a n e i b com he East Th g of their at in Ol e beginn h t e c sin

Courtesy of Google t erpre n int a c e on ard y rew r h how o wit g but ver Award fo d o t n l s i a a g i . t h n d e n also ry chall side his awar s; t but it he Re er ve bers, can be a MST or t receiving ool teach ing m u n e E h s t be c c n A u s i r n P o scie the s ab expla . Afte ntary ite alway Math and winner of eaching, by eleme l teachers each, wr f t o n t . , T t o s n y h e so o n t n e o r c e a h o h M nt situati Flynn; rec and Scien , will be w or high sc a lesson t three lette e . d s r e r r e c r e l m i a i l t M ff d u a q aw , fi di id t. ation athem by m nd ac , this ubjec ee ing s ence in M t one year ll be won ut inform aching, a p thr e i l a t o l the to ndation. k c i Exce n said th s award w ad to fill sophy of ne rs p ce Fou n i h lo ith o n ucato Fly xt year, th pplicants their phi te ed ional Scie h state, w wo a t a e s g , n e n c e i t at ea tat the ok d, th describ the N the s from t it to inate t into cations to applicant long tha nom age paper . n e s at are i e n l o p r p rs th a 20- mendatio cations a their app cts the to ss takes s e n n i e li w e d recom r the app they sen ation sel The proc award. ames e award. i, d e r e r. her n h Aft ants. Then ence Foun er winne ceived th all the ot ceiving t This expe . e e i . h c s le r ” r i c c a l y g S a t n d p n g e l s a i o t p l a n , a ation e science out if he h bled” seei t they do ery humb r teaching ure will N e n ei Th d m fut tha d it is v and o ut th to fin t the ry hu ings math or Flynn feels “ve reads th group an learn abo ows wha s f r n e r d , is, a years n said, h d about o rt of thei chers an so who k g big a n a a e n l i e e y p l t r p a h F t t o s ] e en pe ha am om ou differ t of great le he w [I ing s hat y peop said, “No to meet chiev ngs t i a a lo t h Th u t m i e . i abo ort H llowed h ontact w king in eff c a e thin is joy r ence ut me in e a r o e p wh t. Th lynn. ents “It he said. poin lity. F r stud ” disap ng,” said me a rea t o n hold, advice fo i o s c h e t e o b d d l s l o Hi s: od. It s are a go reams wi There is nothing like watching Olathe East lacrosse beat three time state champ t d lly go follow ort is rea see resul nd your Shawnee Mission East. Lacrosse, a game of strategy; features two different teams try a d ff n d E har at a “ to score goals on each other hard working k r o p w “[We only have] ten people on the field at a time: three people playing tag, three st kee u J playing midfielder, and three playing defense plus one goalie” explained varsity Courtesy of Logan Brockschmidt senior Cole Heier, who has played on the varsity team since sophomore year. Lacrosse season begins in February, and the team practices after school for two hours every day, all the way through May. Even though the lacrosse team has not been accredited as being a school sport, this sport still has a bright feature. “The sport is growing a lot, in maybe like the next 10 or 15 years it could be a school sport. About 20 kids play in the Varsity team and about 20-25 that play Junior Varsity” said Heier. Fifty people belong to the club. Lacrosse, a school club that advertises at the club fair, allows people to sign up. The lacrosse team will be willing to help anyone that wants to sign up. “We want to grow the game,” said Heier “Winning state was such a great feeling, there were a lot of fans there which was really cool because we usually don’t get a lot of support,” he said. Lacrosse seems to be growing in popularity, as a new generation has The outstanding Olathe East band, has accomplished many things, including get- found an increasing love for the game.

ting to go to St. Louis later this year for the Bands of America, or BOA competition. Senior percussion ensemble member, Sam Douglas, also shared the news that the percussion ensemble was accepted into a Yamaha-sponsored event. According to Douglas different Yamaha events happen throughout the year, but in this one, 10 percussion groups got selected to play. Douglas, a four mallet and Marimba player, said, “Our band teacher said that his career aspirations were to go to a national competition, and we are already going to it!” This event will present such a monumental honor for the ensemble as they are the first group in the Olathe District to be accepted into this national competition. This Yamaha contest differs from normal marching competitions because it solely based on mallet use and excludes wind players (i.e. trumpets, clarinets, etc.) Another unique thing about the Yamaha contest: everyone will get to use new Yamaha equipment, although the exciting equipment won’t get to practiced on until the actual performance. The ensemble will have practice outside of school, once a week. Luckily, this year there are a good number of percussionists that will get to go to the competition. As Douglas said “There about 26 percussionists that would go”. Although the percussion ensemble does not know the songs they will have to perform yet, they cannot hide the anticipation that they feel as they prepare for this exciting competition. Looks like this year will an award-winning year for Olathe East Percussion Ensemble.

Courtesy of Cole Heier

Feature

Outsid

Johnson County: An Outer Perspective From New Students

urrounded by half a million dollar homes, award-winning blue ribbon school districts, endless job opportunities, and seemingly marginal criminal activity, Johnson County students revel in their

Margo Dulny//Staff Writer

county’s abundant blessings and easy lives. Two stories show an outside perspective perceived of Johnson County.

Elizabeth Luke

To Elizabeth Luke, her previous school’s teaching and curriculum was not as complex or advanced as East. She had trouble with the advancement. At her previous school, homework was not assigned. Luke said, “It’s close learning there and here, you’re open to everything ... you’re open to new languages, just so many differences than what they had there.” Luke has also struggled socially here at Olathe East. Her previous school was even smaller than any of the middle schools in this district. With a larger number of people in the school, she has struggled making friends. “It can be very overwhelming ... I’m just used to

Cassandra Berit has a different opinion of being in a richer area. “There’s more opportunity,” Berit said. They didn’t have enough money for hiring teachers for advanced classes in her previous school. People weren’t as inclined to go to college. Since people have better educations here, they have a chance of getting well-paying jobs. She didn’t have a job or a car until just recently moving here. Berit said, “Richer areas will stay rich because they have the money for better education and education is the key to getting good and better paying jobs.” Berit’s former community had a struggle with granting a good education to their students. To her,

e the B

Olathe East Hawk’s Eye

knowing who everybody is and what they’re doing. And instead, [I’m] just coming here not knowing anything and just everybody’s new,” Luke said. For Luke, fitting in a new environment of people is frightening. “This is a richer area; the people dress more scandalously,” said Luke. She feels like she has to be cautious of things she talks about or she will not fit in or will be taken the wrong way. She had to work hard on living in a new environment. “It’s a wider space. Getting used to a small town then coming here and having to handle all these big places and everybody, it’s more faces to see,” she said.

Cassandra Berit with a richer area, crime and hardship seem less common.

Berit believes people in Johnson County have been shielded from the “real world”. “A lot of learning is through experience. People [here] have experienced healthy family relationships. Also, they don’t need to worry about their next meal,” she said. Many students have said that they understand they live in a richer area and understand that stereotypes have been said about them, but Berit believes people here will not understand the differences of places outside Johnson County. Berit said, “Their perceptive is limitless because they live in a better environment...Money by innocence can buy happiness.”

10 THINGS AN AVERAGE JOHNSON COUNTY KID DOES

according to an OE student survey

Eating at Chipotle

Shopping/ Goes to Mall

Going to Games

Vapes

2 Going to Starbucks

Hangs Out With Friends

Goes to Parties

Plays Many Sports

Is On Social Media

Goes on Vacations Feature

Flipping

Flipped

in g s

Classes

featured flipped learning. She liked the idea, so she brought it back to Olathe. Stephenson said, Flipped learning removes the sit and get of a traditional classroom and that “having flipped classes keeps her more involved with her students.” In flipped learning, Stephenson

Become

Olathe East Hawk’s Eye ducation is being flipped on its ear. When the morning bell rings for Mrs. Stephenson’s class to start, students get into their small groups and discuss the videos and the notes they had to take that night before. After that time is over, students are able to ask questions to the teacher and their classmates. They discuss in class, do some practice questions, and get assigned another video to take notes on for homework. This is the life of a student in flipped classes. Flipped learning classes can provide a low-stress environment, where students don’t have to feel pressured to finish an assignment because everyone already did the night before. The state, school district, and school board make the rules that the Olathe School District follows. The same rules are applied for the twelve flipped classes at Olathe East. Dr. Bill Weber, Principal at Olathe East High School, said, “Some kids do better in a flipped environment, and that the teacher can choose to use a flipped classroom or not. The administration has to be flexible to students who struggle with this new type of learning.” Having flipped classes, however, helps balance learning with technology. Recently the Olathe middle schools have given iPads to the students to help increase learning with new technology. Weber hopes that the high schools will become more one- onone in the near future. Nominated by her colleagues for the “Teacher of the Year Award”, English and reading teacher, Lindsay Stephenson is one of the flipped learning teachers. Stephenson has taught at Olathe East for ten years, but two years ago, Stephenson attended a teacher’s conference that

und

Aro

rriculum

Cu Part Of

Blythe Dorrian// Staff Writer

flipped learning in their own class. This year, she taught at Michigan State for the Flipped Conference 2015. Stephenson has done some extra training to go above and beyond by completing the Sophia.org program to become a certified flipped classroom instructor. As the second

switched to flipped yet, but they are thinking about it. Math teacher, Madison Parker, said that she has thought of switching to flipped, but the lack of technology in the school makes it difficult. “Some kids don’t have access to the internet, or a printer,” she said. Parker says she does try to incorporate some aspects of flipped classes into her own to create a mixed class. She provides guided notes to all of her students each class so they don’t have to write and listen at the same time. She occasionally flips a lesson or two, especially when she will be absent. One thing Parker wishes was that there was more time in class for students to start homework and ask questions needed for that night. Parker said, “Teaching normal and flipped is a good way of teaching, “In the future she will look for more ways to flip her class more.” More classes are becoming part of the new flipped curriculum. Some science classes, such as AP Biology, and some other math and English classes have made the change. Flipped learning continues to grow in colleges as well. Teaching flipped does not require any certification either, only optional conferences, to help increase knowledge of the style of flipped learning.

provides personalCourtesy of Blythe Dorrian. ized videos she creates person in at the beginning “Flipped learning classes the Olathe of the school year. District provide a low-stress envi- to She teach ronment, where students flipped said,“Though flipped takes efdon’t have to feel pres- learnfort, this strating, she sured to finish an assign- continues egy makes the ment because everyone to inspire class run more smoothly because more to did the night before .” everyone is doing switch. the same thing.” Students, however have mixed Currently, Stephenson teaches opinions on flipped classes. Not all flipped English classes, and one students appreciate them. regular reading class. She said that Tierra Carter, senior, said, the downside to flipped learning is “Flipped is a good way to learn. You that some students still don’t want can learn at home or in class. The to watch the videos or do any work, videos are in the format, and they and she is figuring out how to solve are easy to understand.” that problem better. However, Quinn Cole, junior, Stephenson has also presented said, “It is hard to learn on a comnationally on flipped learning. puter, and I think that flipped classes should be eliminated.” She is taking the reins to help pro- spective teachers looking to teach Some of the teachers haven’t

Weber said that he likes both ways of instruction, and that he allows flipped classes into Olathe East so teachers can try something new in teaching. Teachers around the area and at Olathe East still debate if they want to switch, and what they can do to either make a partial change, or a full switch to the developing curriculum of flipped learning.

OE’S picks for top Movies in 2015 Addis Sharpe//Staff Writer Students Vote For Top Past and Future Movies of 2015

ollected data from 83 people from grades 9-10 classrooms was recorded to determine what would be the next top movies of 2015.

The survey rated Jurassic World, Pitch Perfect 2, and D.U.F.F. as the top three earlier releases of 2015. Jurassic World shows an amusement park for scientifically engineered dinosaurs. When the indominus rex escapes , an ex-military man and animal expert must stop the dinosaurs from harming tourists. In Pitch Perfect 2, the Barden Bellas try to redeem themselves after an incident that stripped them of their title by winning the world championships. The D.U.F.F. stands for Designated Ugly Fat Friend. Bianca learns at a party her title as D.U.F.F. but she wishes to escape the title by getting help from a charming jock. Most students loved these movies because they have seen previous releases of the movie, have read the book, and found them funny and exciting.

EARLIER RELEASES

G IN

M CO

The survey rated Mockingjay, Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens as the top three movies coming in the fall of 2015. In MockingJay Part 2, “the Mockingjay” Katniss joins together with close friends Gale, Peeta, and Finnick to liberate all districts from President Snow’s power. In Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, a group of Gladers fight against WCKD and try to escape the Scorch. In Star Wars: The Force Awakens picks up from where Return of the Jedi left off. Some students want to see Star Wars “because it is Star Wars”. Most students want to see these movies because they have read the book, they loved earlier movies, or consider themselves huge fans.

Pictures Courtesy of Google

Courtesy of Addis Sharpe

Entertainment

? ?

? Lacking in Knowledge Olathe East ? ?

Donald Trump as President Being the Bright Future for the United States!

ongrats to Donald Trump for becoming the next president of the United States, according to an Olathe East survey! Although Trump would only win, because he emerged as one of the only nominees that most of our students could name but, of course, Hillary Clinton and the classic fifteen-year-old candidate, Deez Nutz, were close seconds. The 2016 elections are right around the corner, and between the large amount of nominees for the Republican and Democratic parties, this election will most likely develop into something a bit different from the usual election year. Due to the many new entries for electoral nominees, there has been much more talk around school about the new amusing candidates, especially Trump and Clinton, than there usually is. Other than those two specific nominees though, what else does our school know about the upcoming election? With the vote for our new president being held next November, all our seniors this year will have the chance to vote for our nation’s new leader. Making it time to ask the age-old question to the students of Olathe East;“What do you truly know about politics and the government in general?” To test this question, three different surveys were handed out to three separate classes, and trust in the fact that a wide variety of responses were received. Some questions consisted of answers that even adults could not supply, while other questions consisted of more simpler responses. One survey asked the question “Who is John Roberts, Jr.?” our supreme court justice. A common consensus between one class resulted in the answer of “he is an important man” who is “the son of John Roberts.”

Olathe East Hawk’s Eye

Nikki Lansford//Senior Staff Writer

Another question on the same survey asked “Is Kansas a Democratic or Republican state?” and amusingly enough, one-fourth of the students chose Democratic, even though our state consistently goes Republican in most elections. “Which state has the most senators?” another class was questioned. A bit of a trick question, yet the answer was nonetheless disheartening. Many students at least wrote down large states such as California, which does consist of the most representatives, and Texas. Though in truth every state only has two senators, and has only ever had two senators. The final class survey handed out had a few promising replies. Practically all of the students could name our last four presidents, so good job on that. About half of this class also, surprisingly, knew the amount of senators Kansas had. The only main question this class struggled with was, “Who are the two senators for Kansas?” to which an abundant amount wrote “I don’t know” or “Brownback.” Many of the responses given back, although not all disappointing replies, in total these surveys shows that East students do not possess a keen knowledge about politics. And why should they? In truth, in the 2012 election only about 50% of the population eligible to vote actually did. The number of voters continue to drop more and more every year. Though with the knowledge our nation holds about politics, it is best we all do not vote, for if we did we might just live in “the United States of Trump Land.”

28% of our students said Kansas was a Democratic state 25% of those who affiliate with a political party get their views from their parents

70% of the students knew there are...

Entertainment

What’s in Your Lunch?

Jacob Stofer//Staff Writer

Looking At The Various Lunches At School

S 1.

ince students aren’t allowed to leave school to go drive to their favorite taco or hamburger joint, they have the following choices to make: eat the school lunch, bring a lunch from home, or go hungry for hours. You may be wondering: what do students and teachers munch on at lunch? The Hawks Eye gets down to the bottom of the lunch bag. Here is what tasty and appetizing foods that we found:

2 4

1. Carrots: “Because it’s healthy” 2. Sandwich: “Main part of lunch and delicious” 3. Sour Cream chips: “Favorite type of chips to eat” 4. Fruit Snacks: “Because they are one of my favorite desserts” 5. Oreo Minis: “They are my favorite type of cookies in the world” “I prefer to bring it over the school’s [lunch],” - Ryley Schools, Senior

3 1

1. Quesadilla: “I love the taste of fresh produce” 2. Clementine: “It helps energize and fuel my body” “[Eating theses types of foods] sends the message “I love you” to my body,” -Mallory Newberry, Senior

10 2

“Eating healthy and got a hip replacement this summer, now I can walk better,” - Cathy Alcorn, Physical Education

Olathe East Hawk’s Eye

1. Grilled Chicken: You have to have protein with every meal; it is lower in fat” 2. Green Beans: “They have a lot of vitamins that I need. Vitamin B and C” 3. Water: “Because it’s healthy”

7 2

1. Special Dark Chocolate: “It’s healthy” 2. Carrots: “It’s healthy” 3. Broccoli: “It’s healthy” 4. Apple: “It’s healthy” 5. Pretzel: “Gives me a crunch and are healthier than potato chips” 6. Cheese: “I like Cheese” 7. Cantaloupe: “It’s healthy” 8. Mustard: “Adds a little spice to the veggies” 9. Water: “Drink water, because it’s healthy” 10. Peppers: “It’s healthy”

5 1

“Because I think I can make more helpful choices for myself,” -Jim Super, Junior English Teacher Pictures 1,4 : Courtesy of Jacob Stofer Picture 2: Courtesy of Mallory Newberry Picture 3: Courtesy of Cathy Alcorn

Same Sex Marriage Legal,

At Last

Court Ruling Affects Olathe East Students Nathan Rapue and Dash Schneeberg

Alexa Buechler// Head Copy Editor

ur nation woke up normally on June 26, 2015 and fell asleep a changed nation. On this day, the highest law of the land declared same sex marriage legal for all states. Obergefell v. Hodges ruled state level bans on same sex marriage unconstitutional under the 14th amendment. The ruling made the United States the 17th country to legalize gay marriage.

Nathan Rapue

With a mom, two brothers, four stepbrothers, two stepsisters, and most of all three dads, a biological dad and two step-dads, Senior Nathan Rapue knows exactly what an unique family looks like. “I think it’s pretty cool because it’s another guy. I like having a houseful of guys,” Rapue said. Curtis Rapue and Mike Karstens met through church. Curtis, Nathan Rapue’s biological father, helped Mike with his divorce. “My dad knew Mike wasn’t happy and knew he was gay but never told his wife,” Rapue said. They will probably get married, but they don’t consider marriage a priority, although they appreciate the opportunity that the ruling has given them. “None of my friends have parents who are divorced, so it is kind of weird having to go back and forth and adjust to having two houses, but I don’t think anything [in everyday life] is different because my parents are gay,” he said.

Rapue also said, jokingly, “I probably would’ve been normal or something. I’m fun. I don’t really know how to describe it.” His dads’ demonstrate their support for gay marriage and altogether equality in many ways. “They go to every gay thing ever,” Rapue said. “They go to all the parades. They help people through [coming out] and are there for support. They have their own gay friend group. It’s kind of funny.” A record of 61% of Americans supports the idea of gay marriage as of 2015 according to the Washington Post. “When people don’t like it, I try to explain that there is nothing wrong with it and try to convince people that it’s okay,” Rapue said. “If someone did pick on me, they would need a new nose.” “I think having gay dads has made me who I am, and I love who I am,” Nathan Rapue said.

Dash Schneeberg Senior Dash Schneeberg’s moms have been partners for 30 years since meeting through mutual friends. He, his moms and his sister travelled to Des Moines, Iowa three years ago to watch Liz Schneeberg and Leslie Chandler take their vows and become legally married. Massachussettes became the first state to legalize gay marriage on May 17, 2004. Iowa, the place where Schneeberg’s moms got married, followed three years later as the fourth state on April 3, 2009. Schneeberg also has two older half-siblings who are related to him because of his dad. His moms wanted to have a kid, so they asked Leslie Chandler’s brother to be their sperm donor. “It’s a very open and judge-free environment. I was taught that I could be whoever I wanted to be,” Schneeberg said. June 26 marked a blessed day in the Schneeberg household. He said, “I was in bed, and I checked my phone, and I saw a Lady Gaga account tweet. So, I looked, and I saw the news, and I freaked. It was early in the morning, so I ran downstairs to tell my mom, she didn’t know yet, and she freaked out. She started crying, and it was so beautiful and amazing. Then, the rest of the day, we celebrated with family.” Schneeberg also said, “It was honestly one of the best days of my life. Everyone had been working so hard for this moment. It’s just going to be one of the most historic days to me. I can’t even put into words how much it means. It’s the best thing that has ever happened in America.”

Nathan, Mike, Curtis, and Joel Rapue Courtesy of Nathan Rapue Justin Adrian, social studies teacher and Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) sponsor, shows his support for gay marriage with equality stickers, goes to events like rallies, speeches by gay and lesbian community members, and attends an open-minded church regarding same sex rights and benefits. Adrian said, “I move towards equality and unity in a nation, and hopefully we’ll see change in views.” One day, a student came to Adrian one day and asked him to be the next GSA sponsor. “Just to see students coming together and being comfortable speaking about whether they are gay, straight, bisexual and offer a safe environment for students to discuss about what’s going on in the world with anything,” Adrian said. “I feel like the students are more tolerant now. They probably just don’t care. There is more tolerance for students who are different. I do see a change.”

Schneeberg claims not to have any complications growing up with two moms. “I think it has shaped me out to be a way better person. I wouldn’t change anything about it,” he said. “I don’t think it’s that different, having two moms or two dads. It’s not that different at all. I was raised in a more judgment-free household because there aren’t any gender norms. They are obviously accepting of it. Since I’m gay, I didn’t have to worry about coming out which I was so lucky to be able to have. But, I don’t think it’s that different Dash, Liz, Leslie, and Zoey Schneeberg because I always Courtesy of Dash Schneeberg come home to a loving household.” He said, simply, “I love having two moms. I think it’s a blessing.”

Editorial

Atheism on the Rise as Christian Majority Dwindles Recent Study Suggests Americans are Abandoning Religion

Gavin Miller//Senior Staff Writer

Courtesy of pewresearch.com

merica has proudly considered itself a “Christian nation” for longer than any of us have been alive. Omnipresent in life around us, our religion of choice also plays a major role in the upbringing of children in religious families. No one questions parents’ right to raise their kids to believe any religious doctrine or subscribe to any belief system, regardless of the fact that this will, without a doubt, play a massive role in the way in which a child sees people and the world around them. What becomes immediately apparent when studying religious trends is that geography overwhelmingly determines which religion you practice. Children born in the Middle East are much more likely to grow up to be Muslim adults than Christian adults for the same reason that American children are more likely to remain Christian than become a Muslim down the road. It is far more common for a person to continue to identify as the faith they were brought up with than to convert to a different one. This religious inheritance creates geographical regions with faith majorities, making it more difficult for people to stray from the standard or choose for themselves what to believe, who to trust and the extent to which they want religion to be a part of their lives. Lately, however, a shift in momentum has been felt. The Pew Research Center published a census in May 2015 suggesting that people are identifying less and less as Christians, and the increase in those identifying as “unaffiliated” has gone up in unprecedented amounts. Since 2007, the percentage of Americans who consider themselves atheist or agnostic has gone up 6.7 percent. Major declines in Christianity are most surprising in the Catholic and mainline Protestant denominations, where percentages have fallen 3.1 and 3.4, respectively. America’s Christianity affects everything from civil liberties, to school curriculum to the lives and rights of the non-religious. The millennial generation has a fairly clear stance on civil-rights issues which religion has historically impeded upon, most notably, same-sex marriage. According to Pew, 70% of millennials support marriage equality in 2015. The content and ideologies of the Bible are often used to back up conservative Republican viewpoints on a massive range of

Olathe East Hawk’s Eye

controversial issues – the aforementioned marriage debate, a woman’s reproductive rights and curriculum in public school are all among the issues of legislation in which the influence of Christianity manages to creep into. When millennials witness this particular religion being associated with lack of progress and retrogressive contributions to ideas of basic American rights and promises made by the Constitution of a religion-free government, it’s not implausible that they would wish to disassociate themselves with what many would credit as responsible for these problems. For Senior Robert Herrera, Christianity has always been a constant at home. “Both of my parents have always been Christian – my father is Catholic and my mother is an Evangelical.” Herrera identified as Christian himself, up until the seventh grade: “I just stopped believing. I still haven’t told my parents, and it’s probably better that it stays that way.” Robert has also had experiences with religious extremism. “I’m appalled by it,” he says. “When the news broke that gay marriage had been legalized, my mother got on her hands and knees and started yelling and speaking in tongues.” Robert does not have a problem with being religious; he just wishes that others treated his lack of belief with the same respect. “I have nothing against religion. I just don’t believe in a god. I have Christian friends whom I respect, and I love my parents dearly. I just disagree with their faith.” For a country with a population like the United States’, statistics like those published by Pew point to a new era of “standard” faith and affiliation. The atheist and agnostic percentage of the population is still minuscule in relation to the super-giant of Christianity, but with the percentage steadily climbing, a whole new generation of non-believers could be ushered in. As, of course, what a child grows up around heavily informs the beliefs they adopt for the rest of their life. Children growing up with the absence of religion in their lives may indeed be far less likely to subscribe later on, and it would only take a few generations to completely change the religious landscape of our country.

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS, WE ARE BACK, OLATHE EAST. The Hawk’s Eye is back with innovative design, a dedicated staff, and a few surprises up our sleeves. This year we will aim to be your go-to news outlet on all things Olathe East. From football games, to the latest theater production, we will be covering it all. For those of you who do not know who we are, here’s a bit of an introduction: we are Jordan Meier and Logan Brockschmidt, the 2015-2016 Hawk’s Eye editors. This year our mission remains simple—to tell the stories of students and report on things that matter to our student body. As always, we are trying to improve our writing and design, and we hope that this first issue is the start of a whole different look and era for the Hawk’s Eye. We’re going to try some new things, and we will make a diversion from the pattern of past years which included a more upbeat coverage with lack of depth accompanied with very few articles that seem to make an impact. Hopefully, these changes will be noticed by you, the students, and will be a discussion board that you can use to change Olathe East and create a better high school. This year, we have welcomed on nine passionate staff members after losing a majority of our staff last year when they graduated. Each member of our staff has proven to be dedicated to putting out the best paper possible, and for that we are extremely thankful. We have seen them begin to blossom as journalists since they first walked into room 612 back at the beginning of August. We are extremely proud of each and every one of them. As seniors we hope that our passion for journalism rubs off on them and they can continue the tradition of Hawk’s Eye once we graduate. As we are trying to revamp the paper, we want to know what you, the readers, want to see. Contact us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook with things you would like to see us write about! We look forward to hearing from you. Once every month a freshly printed issue of our paper will land on your desks. The process of getting there, however, is no easy task. From after-school work sessions and a series of late nights, to Panera bagel runs, technical difficulties, copy edit after copy edit, terrible music blasting and a little blood, sweat and tears—a new paper is born. Whether you believe it or not, we pour our hearts and souls into this paper. We hope that as the year progresses that you will grow to appreciate us, and all that we do. As for now expect to hear from us in about a month. Enjoy our paper!

FIND US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA: FACEBOOK: The Olathe East Hawk’s Eye TWITTER: @oehawkseye INSTAGRAM: @OEHAWKSEYE SNAPCHAT: @oehawkseye

Your Editors,

Jordan and Logan

Editorial

THE

Pictures of the Issue

Dates to Remember THE

Thursday, October 1st 7pm Soccer : vs. Olathe South @ ODAC Adviser Karen Kirk Co-Editors Logan Brockschmidt Jordan Meier Copy Editor Alexa Buechler Social Media Chair Natalie Friend Business Manager Amy Du Senior Staff Writers Gavin Miller Nikki Lansford Ben Kohl Writers Jacob Wilson Jacob Stofer Melanie Eszter Margo Dulny Ryann Smith Addis Sharpe Blythe Dorrian Kaitlyn Shacklett

Wednesday, October 7th Powder Puff Football Game @ OE Friday, October 9th 7pm Football: East vs. SMW @ CBAC Saturday, October 10th 8pm -11pm Homecoming Dance @ OE Friday, October 16th 7pm Football: vs. Olathe North @ CBAC

The Olathe Public Schools prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability in its programs, activities or employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups to its facilities as required by: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other relevant state and federal laws. Inquiries regarding compliance with applicable civil rights statutes related to ethnicity, gender, age discrimination or equal access may be directed to Staff Counsel, 14160 Black Bob Road, Olathe, KS 66063-2000, phone 913-780-7000. All inquiries regarding compliance with applicable statutes regarding Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act may be directed to the Assistant Superintendent General Administration, 14160 Black Bob Rd. Olathe, KS 66063-2000, phone (913) 780-7000. Interested persons including those with impaired vision or hearing, can also obtain information as to the existence and location of services, activities and facilities that are accessible to and usable by disabled persons by calling the Assistant Superintendent General Administration. (04/13)

On the Flipside

HAWK'Seye