Issue 5//Volume 22
The Polar Plunge: Submerging for Special Olympics
Daniel Prater ‘s Inspiring Weight Loss Story Pages 8 & 9
Military Familes at East Pages 10 & 11
Not Home for the Holidays
Is the N-word Okay in English Classes? Page 17
TABLE OFCONTENTS SPORTS
Cover photo: Brady Myers with other Hawk Nation members and faculty rising from the freezing Shawnee Mission Lake
The Love of Sports...............................................3 Matthew Gwin The Talbert Dynasty.....................................4 & 5 Logan Brockschmidt & Austin Porter
NEWS
p. 4 & 5 p. 12 & 13
Winter Olympics Primer.............................6 & 7 Lauren Hart & Paige Schick East’s #1 Weight Loss Story of the Year......8 & 9 Heather Burton & Lauren Heinrich
Feature
Students with Family Soldiers................10 & 11 Amy Du & Hannah Melton High School Sweethearts.......................12 & 13 Jessica Goddard & Brenna Thompson How Well Do You Know Your Sibling?.14 & 15 Lauren Merino & Zack Neuman
editorial
A student-run publication Olathe East High School 14545 West 127th Street Olathe, KS 66062
The Need for Weed...........................................16 Brock Holmes Is the “N-word” Ever Okay in School?............17 Aaron Rhodes
Karen Bourland
Entertainment
Lauren Merino Zack Neuman
Feats & Fallacies in Disney Movies........18 & 19 Jordan Meier & Katie Thompson Frozen Review....................................................20 Kelsey Knecht Books to Read Before They’re Movies............21 Courtney Child OE Talons Photostory..............................22 & 23 Heather Burton
ADVISER EDITORS
MANAGING EDITOR Jessica Goddard
PHOTOGRAPHER Heather Burton
BUSINESS MANAGERS
PUBLICITY MANAGER Aaron Rhodes
STAFF WRITERS
Logan Brockschmidt Amy Du Matthew Gwin Brock Holmes Jordan Meier Brenna Thompson Katie Thompson
Maddy Branstetter
COPY EDITORS
Kelsey Knecht Austin Porter Hanna Melton
PAGE EDITORS
SENIOR STAFF WRITERS
Courtney Child Lauren Hart
Lauren Heinrich Paige Schick
[February] 2014
For the Love of the Game Explaining the Love Affair with Sports
A
Matthew Gwin//Staff Writer
t least it’s just a game. Those six words so We love sports for the distraction, for the euphoria, often uttered after a disappointing finish to a for the pleasure, for the ability to be part of something sporting event attempt to bring comfort, but bigger than ourselves. If sports didn’t have these qualultimately create feelings of disgust and anger in the ities, why would fans travel across the country and true fan. How can a sporting event be just a game? even the world just for a chance to see their favorite How can something which forces the heart to skip, team or player? Why would accountants, CEOs, and the stomach to churn, and the brow to stockbrokers by trade don their team colors across sweat be no more than a mere game? Quite simply, while they may be called games, sports contain much more importance than the name suggests. Merriam Webster defines a game as “a physical or mental activity or contest that has rules and that people do for pleasure.” Furthermore, the dictionary proceeds to describe a game as “an activity engaged in for diversion or amusement.” While the first half of the definition provides the necessary information, it fails to supply the key information. Even the casual observer knows sports are played for pleasure. However, only those who experience the euphoria that a sport can generate firsthand understand the diversion created by these pastimes. This diversion leads to players and coaches alike roaming the sidelines, courts, and fields just days or even hours after the death of a loved one. Recently, University of Georgia basketball coach Mark Fox led his Bulldogs to an upset victory over Missouri only five days after the death of his father, also a basketball coach. Fox broke down in tears of joy near the end of the game, a raw symbol of the power of sports. Perhaps a more memorable example of A heart filled with an the diversion sports produce, at least to intense love for sports Kansas Citians, is the Jovan Belcher saga. Courtesy of Lauren Merino For those who do not remember, Jovan Belcher was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs who shot and killed his girlfriend Kasandra their chests and faces at each home contest? Why Perkins early in the morning of Saturday, December would the supporters of the Kansas City franchises 1, 2012. He later drove to the Chiefs facilities, where return year after year despite feeling punched in the regular meetings were to be held that morning, and gut one too many times? Then again, wasn’t the last committed suicide in front of then-coach Romeo time one too many? Crennel and then-GM Scott Pioli. As the late great Nelson Mandela once said, “Sport Needless to say, feelings of shock, sorrow, and has the power to change the world.” Whether this anger filled not only the Chiefs locker room but entails a rugby team aiding in the destruction of also the entire city. Belcher’s teammates were left to apartheid in South Africa, or a woman in Montana mourn the death of their compatriot, but also had to getting over a tough breakup, each and every sporting reconcile the man they knew with the murderer they event changes the world. Maybe not the entire world, lost. Despite all this, the Chiefs hosted and defeated maybe not even a large part of the world, but somethe Carolina Panthers the very next day, one of their body’s world. two wins in an abysmal year. A nearly inept team Certainly that is more than just a game. rode strong emotions to a stellar performance and embraced the diversion amid chaos.
Olathe East Sports Love Stories “It’s pretty special to be part of a legacy of amazing OE swimmers.” -Senior Connor Davey “Sports teach people how to handle disappointment and loss, as well as how to be a team player.” -Coach Kathy Lilley
“I’ve built great friendships through sports and learned a lot about life through them.” -Coach Jeff Meyers
“I grew up with older brothers, so they got me into sports. I like basketball because it’s a physical sport.” -Junior Molly Taitt
4 [Sports]
The Talbert Towers
Tracing the Basketball Roots in the Talbert Family Tree
A
bout four years ago the Olathe East basketball team had gained one of their most important players join the team: 6’8” small forward Ezra Talbert. Throughout his years at East, Ezra has become an important leader for the team. Now as a senior, Ezra has committed to Liberty University to play ball next year. Ezra isn’t the only Talbert that East has been blessed with. Josiah Talbert, sophomore, currently plays basketball for OE as well. With both of these brothers, the team has shown some real promise, but this isn’t the first time East has had two Talberts simultaneously. Ezra and Josiah’s two older
[To Josiah] Enjoy it while you can; it goes by really fast.”
"
brothers, have also played varsity in a variety of sports. Isaac and Andrew, identical twins, both played varsity basketball East. Isaac also ran track and field, winning state in the 4x400. The Talbert family has a history with sports, with their father playing all-state basketball and their moth-
er playing volleyball. “It runs in the family,” said Ezra. Ezra believes that he and Josiah are the better basketball players than Isaac and Andrew, and much like his older brothers, he finds joy in playing by his brother’s side. At times, like most siblings, he gets a little agitated with his brother whenever he makes a mistake, but the two have an advantage most people wouldn’t have: talking strategy at home. He loves getting the opportunity to play side-by-side with Josiah, and even though they have been playing together other all their, lives this is the first time they have been able to play competitively, which is completely different. He urges his younger brother to enjoy the time he has playing here. “It goes by faster than you would think,” he said. With graduation coming up, Ezra’s time playing with his brother is coming to an end. After this year, Ezra plans to play at Liberty University, a Division I school in Virginia. Even though they are brothers, there may still be a chance that they play against each other after high school. Currently Ezra may be the better player of the two, but Josiah has been playing basketball the longest out of all four of the Talbert brothers. With a few more years of experience under his belt, Josiah could possibly end up playing Ezra some day in college, although it is very unlikely. The two brothers have a very slim chance of play each other after high school, since Ezra is playing in Virginia, Josiah would have to take an offer from a school in the east. Ezra’s time here is coming to an end, but Josiah’s has only just begun. The two brothers have had many great moments together here at East including defeating Olathe Northwest and winning sub-state for the third time. Ezra leaving will be a big loss for the team, but it won’t be: losing one Talbert is still better than two. Next year you can expect him to make a splash in a Liberty jersey.
EZRA’S SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS PER GAME
15.2
REBOUNDS PER GAME
6.0
LAST YEAR AT LAWRENCE POINTS
Ezra Talbert shooting a free throw
26
REBOUNDS
11
3 PT % PER GAME
46 %
3 PT %
100 %
[February] 2014 Austin Porter//Senior Staff Writer Logan Brockschmidt//Staff Writer
J
osiah Talbert has big shoes to fill. Good thing his shoe size is 15. Josiah, the youngest of four Talbert brothers, is bringing up the rear of almost a decade of varsity sport success. The older Talbert brothers, twins Isaac and Andrew, started it off in 2006. Andrew was a captain of the basketball team his senior year, while Isaac has the brothers’ only state title which he won as part of the 2010 4x400 track relay team. Their father is the only one so far to win a state basketball title, which he achieved before playing college basketball at Fort Hays State University. “Our dad doesn’t have increasing pressure,” Josiah said. “He just lets each of us go our own separate ways.” Regarding their competitiveness, Josiah said, “It always
It is really surreal playing with [Ezra]. Growing up I always looked up to him.”
"
gets competitive. When we go to our grandparents’ house, they have a key to the gym, because it’s a small town. We get to go inside and play two on two. The games are very physical, and it makes all of us better.” Ezra and Josiah are close, both on and off the court, almost a dynamic duo per se. The brothers are playing on the court together for the second straight year. “It is really surreal playing with [Ezra]; growing up I always looked up to him. We are really close competitors and we motivate each other to compete at a very high level,” Josiah commented on their court synergy. The brothers motivate each other, pumping each other up. “We feed off each
other; we have played and lived together long enough that we know what each other prefers and what needs to get done to be able to win. Ezra competes at a high level, and Josiah feels that is the hardest part of playing with his brother. But as Ezra has become more and more noticed, Josiah is starting to reap the benefits as well. He is starting to get letters from colleges. Josiah said, “Ezra puts a lot of time into his craft; I feel that a couple years ago I was the better shooter. He worked really hard, and he is definitely the better player. I am really thankful and blessed that we are able to stay healthy for the entire time that we play.” The Talbert family is very supportive in their endeavors. When the twins were in the intramural championships at K-State, they were in constant communication cheering each other on. The twins, over winter break, were able to see a handful of games, and they have been able to give constructive criticism on how to improve each of their siblings’ games. “We are always really supportive of each other. I have always made attempts to go to their games, and in return they try to make my games too.” Josiah’s favorite memories include those of last year at Lawrence, in which both of them played really well. “A couple of my favorite games this year include the game at Blue Valley North, in which we were able to pull off the upset in which a game we had no business being in. We were able to pull out the win. I also really liked the Olathe Northwest game because there were a lot of dunks thrown down and we really got hyped.” Josiah is doing all he can to play Division-I basketball at the end of his years at Olathe East, but he still wants to accomplish a lot more. “I feel that this year we really have a good chance; we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to perform. Our toughest match-up is definitely Blue Valley Northwest. Coach always tells us that if we want to compete with the best of the best at state. We are going to have to compete with them,” Josiah commented on a hopeful state run this season.
JOSIAH’S SEASON AVERAGES
POINTS PER GAME
REBOUNDS PER GAME
5.0
2.0
LAST YEAR AT LAWRENCE POINTS
8
REBOUNDS
2
3 PT % PER GAME
44 %
3 PT %
100 %
Josiah Talbert asking for the ball Photos courtesy of Logan Brockschmidt
6 [News] HIDDEN OLYMPIC SPORTS Luge
Violence and Tension in Russia are Causing Athletes Around the World to Take Caution Going into the Largest Olympics to Date
A
Paige Schick//Page Editor
s we reign in 2014, we welcome not only a new year but also the twenty-second Winter Olympic games. On February 7, the world will unite and turn their heads to all the nations’ best athletes. Eighty-eight nations, ninety-eight different events, fifteen winter sport disciplines, and seventeen days of competition comprise this iconic world event. Nationality and language are blurred as athletes from around the world come together to compete in events they’ve trained their whole lives for. This year, 12 new events were added as well to make it the largest Winter Olympics to date. These events include figure skating team event, women’s ski jumping, mixed relay biathlon, team relay luge, ski half-pipe, ski slopestyle, snowboard slopestyle, and snowboard parallel special slalom. Sochi, Russia won the bid to host the Winter Olympics this year, causing much controversy due to the violence regarding gay rights in Russia. The major issues are with Circassian nationalists who demand that the Olympic games be moved or cancelled unless Russia apologizes for the nineteenth century deaths, which they consider to be a genocide against the safety and human rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people. Many nations and athletes competing show concern for their own safety and for the safety of LGBT supporters and journalists. “An athlete of nontraditional sexual orientation isn’t banned from coming to Sochi,” Vitaly Mutko said in an interview with R-Sport, “but if he goes out into the streets and starts to propagandize, then of course he will be held accountable.” United States athletes have been warned to obey the Russian laws, which means that they will not be allowed to speak about LGBT rights on television where minors could see or hear it. Russian President Putin claims that Olympic visitors will not be harassed or mistreated due to their sexual orientation, but many people are still taking precautions. “The legislation will not affect those attending or taking part in the games,” stated the Russian government. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was reassured multiple times that the issue of gay rights would not affect or interfere with those competing or going to the Olympics. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden are not planning on attending the Winter Olympics along with other leaders in what seems like a boycott against Russia’s treatment of LGBT people. Three suicide bombings in the past three months have exercised many concerns with the Olympic security as well. Many people hope that for a couple weeks, differences can be put aside for this prestigious world event.
This sport was inducted into the winter Olympics in 1964. A luge is a small one or two-person sled in which you sled on either face up or feet first. Steering is done by flexing the sled’s runners with the calf of each leg or exerting opposite shoulder pressure to the seat. Lugers can reach speeds of 87 mph. Each run, athlete(s) go down the track in the fastest amount of time they can; the fastest time wins.
Curling Curling has been an official Olympic sport since 1998. Curling consists of two teams with four players each. Players slide heavy, granite polished stones called “rocks” towards a circular target marked on the ice called the house. The goal is to get the rocks closest to the center of the target to score the most points.
Nordic Combined Nordic Combined has been in the winter Olympics since 1924. The sport consists of varied distances of cross-country skiing, followed by ski jumping. Athletes race in a ten-kilometer cross-country skiing race and then proceed to compete in one ski jump. The goal is to win the cross-country race and gather the most points from the ski jump. The athlete with the highest combined score will take home the gold.
Skeleton Skeleton first appeared in the winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948, but wasn’t seen in the Olympics again until 2002. Skeleton is similar to the luge, but skeleton riders must lie on their stomachs and race headfirst on their sled. Skeleton athletes can reach speeds up to 90 miles per hour. The goal is to get down the labyrinth (track) in the least amount of time.
Biathlon Biathlon debuted in the winter Olympics in 1960. The sport is a series of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Athletes must first race through a cross-country race varying in distance and then proceed to a rifle shoot. The goal is to hit as many targets as possible and ski through the course in the least amount of time.
[February] 2014
Heating up the Ice
Hockey Takes Center Ice in Midst of Political Face-off Lauren Hart//Copy Editor
What students say about College Now
“Great way to earn college credit in high school!” “It is a wonderful, invaluable opportunity.” “Stay ahead and get a head start for college credits.” Luc Blow on the ice Courtesy of Luc Blow
E
ven the casual fan might claim to know the basics and even the nuances of hockey, but as freshman Luc Blow knows, there is much more to hockey than meets the eye. Luc has been ice skating since the age of two and has been playing organized hockey since the age of four. He is no stranger to the sport. “Hockey is a very different sport. We are very particular about our gear and little things can throw us off our game,” said Luc. Different positions played in hockey vary from forwards, defense-men, and goalies. Luc plays right defense-man for a club team called the Kansas City Stars. Though Luc enjoys watching Olympic hockey, he prefers the National Hockey League (NHL). Unlike the NHL or the hockey Luc plays, Olympic hockey is not as physical. “I generally play the same team multiple times a season, so there tends to be more competition and physicality,” said Luc. Sidney Crosby, Luc’s favorite NHL player, plays for and serves as the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Crosby will be competing for the
College Now at Johnson County Community College is the only nationally accredited concurrent program in Kansas. See your school
counselor for details or visit www.jccc.edu/collegenow
Olympic gold medal with the Canadian team in this year’s Winter Olympics. Internationally, twelve men’s hockey teams and eight women’s teams total will be going for the gold this year. As a hockey player himself, Luc realizes that people do not know as much about hockey as they claim to know. “We wear a lot of hockey clothing and gear from brands not known to those distant from the sport. We also speak with a lingo that many people would not understand.” Even though ice hockey has been featured in the Olympics since 1920, the sport is still somewhat unknown. Hockey players almost have their own language with the sport. From “cherry picking”, when a player stays near their opponent’s defensive zone waiting for an outlet pass in order to receive a “breakaway”, to a “hat-trick”, when one player scores three goals in one game, it would take years of playing to understand all the terms. Though the ins and outs of hockey might not be known by the general population, hockey in the Olympics can still be enjoyed by many, including hockey players themselves.
8 [News]
Lauren Heinrich//Page Editor Heather Burton//Photographer
Weight loss: the number one New Year’s resolution that hardly ever gets a follow-through. Everyone wants to lose weight, but few actually do anything about their current status. Senior Daniel Prater took action last year by attending a weight loss school called MindStream. Daniel diligently works out everyday and continues to eat healthy in the hopes that he will reach his ideal weight of 220.
What is your story with your weight loss?
I was here freshman, sophomore and part of junior year. I left August 31 for a semester to a place called MindStream in Hilton Head, South Carolina. We [MindStream] incorporate a lot of CrossFit, which is intense movements. [The program also includes] running, yoga, and all kinds of stuff [to get in shape] and also just help your wellness all over. We have therapy, gardening, and nutrition classes. We eat probably half of our vegetables from the garden.
“To anyone that needs help [with weight loss] I am here. For sure approach me and I’ll do what I can to help you.”
Have you always struggled with your weight?
I have not. At about age seven, I started gaining weight and by the time I was eight or nine, I was what you would call “fat.”
What contributed to you gaining weight?
It was possibly in my genes and also just lack of activities and eating badly. My family doesn’t have a high metabolism. My mom recently lost 20 lbs and my dad lost 50 lbs. I have a high metabolism now, because I run about two miles a day and eat really healthy.
What motivated you?
I was sick of people looking at me like some fat outcast. Girls would never look at me I was really out of shape, and I was never really looked at as “top-notch”. I had tried so many diets and nothing worked. I was ready to get healthy.
Was it your family’s idea to try out MindStream or yours?
My mom saw a story about MindStream on the news because a bunch of kids from the Independence, Missouri School District had this thing going with MindStream. My mom checked into it and she thought it would be a great thing for me to try out in the summer. So, I tried it out and I loved it. Then, I went for the first semester of the school year.
How did going to MindStream affect your family?
I actually did not see my family for the full four months. I talked to them. I only had my phone on Wednesday nights and on the weekends.
How much weight have you lost?
I lost 20-25 lbs over the summer and lost the other 55 or 60 at the weight loss school. My starting weight was 322; I was a big boy [laughs]. I am recently at 245 and my final goal is 220.
“I really want to get it out there and help people that are in my situation. Everyone has the will in them; they just have to find it.” Photo Courtesy of Heather Burton
[February] 2014
How do you feel about sports? Were you involved in sports before?
How have people reacted to you coming back to East?
I was into sports, but it was so hard to keep up with everyone. I think I tried out for the 8th grade basketball team and literally they were doing laps for 10 minutes. I ended up leaving in tears because I couldn’t keep even up. It was awful. It really held me back from the things that I wanted to do.
They’re all around nicer and I’ve gotten a lot of compliments. I’ve made a lot of new friendsthe ones that I had before weren’t necessarily friends. It’s given me a confidence boost.
What are some things that are different now than before?
Would you try out for any sports now?
Tucking in my shirt, I don’t feel self conscious about that as much anymore. I also had a knee surgery about two years ago and the weight loss has helped tremendously with that.
Daniel formerly: 322 lbs Daniel currently: 245 lbs
How has your routine changed coming back from camp? Are you still eating healthy and working out?
I joined a CrossFit On Track gym and I also go for runs regularly. I bring my lunch every day because the food here is crap.
Do you talk to a trainer or counselor who helps you stay on track?
I do weigh-ins with the school nurse every two weeks. She’s going to email me some recipes and exercises. At CrossFit, there are eight classes a day filled with several exercises you can go to with a trainer. You also keep in touch with a counselor from MindStream.
Do you think people who don’t know you treat you differently now?
Eventually they will, because I have a lot of extra skin from being so big that won’t go away. My stomach isn’t fat; it’s just skin. I’m going to have that surgically removed when I get down to my goal weight, which is about 25 more pounds, so I will be getting that done soon. Then, I can start working on my abs. This right here [points to stomach] is probably only about 20% fat. If this skin wasn’t here, I would probably almost have a flat stomach.
I’m a runner now. I go for runs every day. I would really like to try out for the basketball team, but I think the season is already about to start.
How has your wardrobe changed?
I don’t have to shop in the big and tall anymore. I just got my first large. I can shop just about anywhere. I would usually shop at The Foundry; it’s specifically for big and tall. I’ll never set foot in there again.
What are your future plans?
I want to go live with my girlfriend in Las Vegas and go to the Art Institute there for culinary. I was in Olathe North’s culinary program last year. I would really like to open like a bistro restaurant.
What advice do you want to give to people in your situation now? MindStream has helped me and I definitely say it is worth it. To anyone that needs help I am here. For sure approach me and I’ll do what I can to help you. I can give them recipes. When you go to the store, look for food with as few ingredients as possible and no fake sugars or hydrogenated oils. CrossFit would be great, because it burns so many calories. You get into amazing shape.
Photos Courtesy of Daniel Prater
Could you tell us about your girlfriend?
I got to camp August 31, and I met her there. We started dating September 31, so it was like a month into the program. It was very helpful and beneficial having her there so we could support each other. She lives in Las Vegas, and I’m trying to move out there after graduation, which she is coming to. It’s a pretty serious relationship.We are engaged ,but don’t plan on getting married till we both have a steady income, so probably not for a couple of years.
Daniel and his girlfriend Jessica
10 [Feature]
I
Hearts Away
magine a parent, a sibling, or a loved one of yours. They are your greatest role models and you care for them more than anything in the world. For some students at East, the closest they get to their loved ones is often through a telephone line or a Skype screen. Although they take pride in having someone close to them serving in the armed forces, one can’t help but miss family members and hope for their safe return home as soon as possible. Through the positives and the negatives of families being separated, the dedication to our country exhibited by our service members and their loved ones is immensely respectable. Here’s a look into the lives of some of Olathe East’s “military families”:
For senior Connor Leach and his two brothers, safety is a major aspect of being in the armed forces. Cody Leach is currently serving in the US Air Force while Cory Leach had just made it home for Christmas. Stationed 7,315 miles away on a mission in Afghanistan, Cory Leach was involved in an explosion that left him with severe injuries. Fortunately, Cory is recovered now and can spend time with his family. “It scares me, but if serving is something they want to do then I’m not going to tell them no,” said Connor about his brothers’ bold decisions to continue serving. Attendance during the holidays is varied in the Leach household. “Cory was deployed on Mothers’ Day, but managed to come back for other holidays,” said Connor. Last December, he had to spend Christmas without his brother Cody. “He’s my role model and I look up to him, so it was hard not seeing him. It just isn’t the same,” said Connor.
Senior Conn or Leach hold ing a memor photo of him able self with his brothers
Senior Dakota Lipp has learned to manage without his mother for the majority of his life. His Lieutenant Colonel mother has been serving in the army for 27 years and is currently positioned overseas in an unknown location in the Middle East. Lipp described her being gone as more of a blank space that you learn to get used to over time. “For every twelve months deployed, she gets two weeks off,” said Lipp. Imagine seeing your mom for only two weeks a year. At one point in his life, both of Dakota’s parents were deployed and he lived with his grandparents for some time. “It was the hardest point of my life,” said Dakota, reflecting on his childhood.
r
othe cture of his m
g a pi a Lipp holdin Senior Dakot
Photos courtesy of Hanna Melton
From Home
[February] 2014
Hanna Melton and Amy Du//Staff Writers
Senior Hannah Hollis and a photo of her sister
“It sucks, because she’s like my best friend,” said senior Hannah Hollis about her older sister Alina, a Corporal in the United States Marines. Alina is currently away from the Hollis household while stationed in Washington D.C. “This year was actually the first year she’s gotten to come home for Christmas. The past few years she’s been in Japan, so that was pretty cool,” said Hollis. “It sucks more because when she is somewhere else, she doesn’t have family, but we’re here with the rest of our family. I just feel bad for her because she’s not with us.” Communication is difficult enough in our society without having to contact someone miles and miles away, but Hollis seems to be coping with the distance very well. “We talk every day,” she said. “I always wish she was here, but Skype and Facebook and texting make it a lot easier.” Alina has been serving since 2011 and continues to make our country proud. “It’s not necessarily scary. I mean, I’m proud of her and I’m really happy that she’s doing it,” beamed Alina’s proud little sister. “It’s nice knowing that someone that close to you is contributing back to our country.”
Dr. Franklin holding a picture of her husband
“It was hard,” said Dr. Franklin, East’s school librarian, whose father was a commander in the Navy for 30 years and her husband a lieutenant for four years. “During the Vietnam War, we would make these cassette tapes and we would record a message on them. Then we would send them to my dad which would take anywhere from six weeks to maybe three months to get to him. He would listen to our greeting, erase it, record his, send it back, and we’d have to wait all that time again. It was weeks or months without hearing from him,” said Franklin. “He and my mother would write letters back and forth, too.” Many will agree that family comes before everything. Having military parents often means quite a bit of adjusting, such as moving from place to place and often living without them for long periods of time. Franklin had to move 28 times in her childhood, making it difficult to settle into a place to call home. Life at home is also a monumental adjustment for many military families. “The weird thing was, with us five kids who were all really close together, we would get really used to my mom being the boss. When my dad came back, being a military guy, he would be like, ‘You jump when I say jump!’ and we weren’t used to that,” said Franklin. “There was always an adjustment every time he came home. It wasn’t Dr. Franklin and her weddin husban a bad thing necessarily, but definitely an adjustment period.” g photo d’s milit Courtes ary y of Dr. Lori Fra nklin
12 [Feature]
From School Bells to Wedding Bells High School Sweethearts Share Their Stories Brenna Thompson//Staff Writer
Jessica Goddard//Managing Editor
B
eing in a high school relationship, and then marrying that person seems like such a long way away, almost impossible, and does it even happen? The answer is yes. Believe it or not teachers in your own school found their spouse as a teenager. Can you imagine being sixteen years old and knowing the man you’re going to be with for the rest of your life? Well, grade secretary Ellie Franz did. At a mere sixteen year old, future husband sitting across the table, she knew she had found her forever. She said, “ I knew he was the one, the very first time I met him.” Regardless of the doubts, these high school sweethearts made it through their changing, maturing years of high school into a solid, strong relationship. However, the road to romance wasn’t always easy. Tracy Jensen, student advocate, said “I dated other people. My husband and I broke up a few times but we got back together.” No matter what they always went back to each other. Through the years dating has changed immensely, from communication, technology, and pursuing a woman; however, one thing has stayed the same, couples can meet in high school and have their love endure through many years.
Anastasia Weston and Joel Larkins
When Anastasia Weston and Joel Larkins met in the seventh grade they never expected they would be the couple who stayed together through their high school years. Anastasia says ,“I told him in the seventh grade I liked him and he friend zoned me and we never spoke again until sophomore year.” The secret to keeping a long, happy relationship during high school: stay calm and relax. Joel Larkins advises “Take it one day at a time; don’t think too much about the future.” This is exactly what he and his steady girlfriend have been doing for over two years. Anastasia says, “Our relationship is pretty relaxed we just go with the flow.” Relationships can be difficult for most people; however, these high school sweethearts make it seem like a piece of cake. Joel says “It’s easy to stay together through high school when you’re dating your best friend.” They both said, “We really love each other and are always supportive of one another.” Their most memorable moment as a couple was prom of last year, but not because of the pictures and dancing. Anastasia recalls “Joel forgot to make dinner reservations and I ended up at the drive through at Dairy Queen.” The two aren’t sure what is in store for them, but they’re not worried about it. The couple said, “We don’t know what the future holds.” They also added, “We hope everything works out but if not we’ll walk away knowing that we’ve learned a lot about life through all our experiences together.” What they do know is that they’ve made it this far, and grown to become a strong, wonderful couple, bringing out the best in each other, and falling in love with their best friend along the way.
Anastasia Weston and Joel Larkins at their Junior prom Courtesy of Anastasia Weston
[February] 2014 Traci and Matt Jenson “Don’t let anyone tell you that it can’t work.” Traci Jensen, Student Advocate here at Olathe East, advised. She and her husband, Matt, have been married for seventeen years now, but met back in ninth grade. The road to forever was not easy though. Matt moved away after ninth grade. One of their hardest moments while dating was when Matt moved away. “Knowing that we still wanted to be together, and we couldn’t, just trying to figure out what life would be without each other. That was probably the toughest part about dating.” explained Traci. Though the couple dated other people throughout high school, they reconnected after college and got married when they were 26. “Allow each other space to grow and be your own person,” Jensen suggested to young high school couples. “I think there are still core values of what relationships should be. Whether people choose to explore those or not may be a little different. I think the overall idea of just finding that person that you want to be with, to really look for that person and be true to who you are, I think that is still true today,” Jensen commented on how relationships have evolved over the years. Seventeen years of love seems difficult but with hard work and time, a happy marriage can be achieved.
Traci and Matt and Jenson throughout the years Courtesy of Traci Jenson
Mike and Penny Shepard Mike and Penny Shepard throughout the years Courtesy of Penny Shepard
Mike and Penny Shepard did not meet in a conventional way. Mike was a witness to a minor car accident that Penny was involved in. Still, a chance brought them together, and now after forty years of marriage the couple is still going strong. After graduating from high school, Penny and Mike went to Pittsburg state, then called The University of Kansas in Pittsburg. The young couple stayed together throughout their college years, and got married the summer before Penny’s sophomore year and Mike’s junior year. The two would both agree that so much has changed about dating now versus when they dated. “Basically the electronic age.” Mike began to explain, but Penny quickly added, “You know, how you meet has really changed [with] communication. I think we were more old fashioned; he always held the door open for me. I still see some, but I wouldn’t say there is a majority[of young men opening doors].” Penny added, as Mike nodded in agreement. “Well, you know back then the guy paid for most everything in the beginning, and I think it’s gotten so expensive, I think we probably did more [activities together],” said Penny. High school sweethearts seem to run in the family, because Mike and Penny’s son married his high school girlfriend after she graduated from KU. “It’s not easy; that is not the easy way to go, it’s the hard way to go, you know. You have to give yourself time to have fun and enjoy your youth,” Penny said about getting married at a young age. Being in a relationship is hard, especially if you’re still growing up and finding who you are. Let yourself grow, and see if your love still fits into who you are.
14 [Feature]
g Smarts
of Siblin le tt a B a in te e p t East Com ers and Sisters a
Broth
Mia Rosinski (senior) Do you have a strange phrase you like to say? “I saw this thing…” What is your worst habit? Biting my nails What is your sibling’s biggest fear? Me getting taller than her What is your sister’s obsession? Eating pancakes at any time of the day
Renee Rosinski (freshman) Does your sister have a strange phrase she likes to say? “I saw this thing.” What is your sister’s worst habit? Biting her nails What is your biggest fear? Swimming in the ocean past where I can touch… What is your obsession? Watching old shows on Netflix
Justin Lee (junior) What is your brother’s favorite TV show? Mythbusters What is your brother’s obsession? He loves his dog too much What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time? I like playing video games and tennis What is your most embarrassing moment? In 6th grade, I wet my pants because someone pushed me while I was “taking care of business.”
Austin Lee (freshman) What is your favorite TV show? Mythbusters What is your obsession? Animals What is your brother’s favorite thing to do in his spare time? Sleeping What is your brother’s most embarrassing moment? Sleeping inside a church
Evan Green (senior)
What is your biggest fear? Going to wrestling practice Who is your celebrity crush? Whoopi Goldberg What is your brother’s biggest fear? Me tickling him Does your brother have a strange phrase he likes to say? “Yes, master”
Brett Green (sophomore) What is your brother’s biggest fear? Back hair Who is your brother’s celebrity crush? Paula Deen What is your biggest fear? Spiders Do you have a strange phrase you like to say? “Yesterday night” instead of “last night”
The Green Brothers on a family trip in Colorado Courtesy of Evan Green
Jacob Pheffer (senior) What is your brother’s favorite TV show? Breaking Bad What is your brother’s obsession? Jackson McClain’s family What is your worst habit? Cracking knuckles What is your most embarrassing moment? Tearing a muscle picking up a tub of wet towels at work
Jared Pheffer (freshman) What is your favorite TV show? Breaking Bad What is your obsession? Jackson McClain’s sister What is your brother’s worst habit? Cracking knuckles What is your brother’s most embarrassing moment? He tore a muscle while picking up towels at work
[February] 2014
Zack Neuman & Lauren Merino//Editors
Brett Andersen (senior) What is your favorite TV show? KU basketball What is your most embarrassing moment? Braces What is your sister’s worst habit? Climbing trees and barking at strangers What is your sister’s biggest fear? Losing her big toe
Brylee Andersen (freshman) What is your brother’s favorite TV show? One Tree Hill What is your brother’s most embarrassing moment? Went to Cosmic Jump in a singlet What is your worst habit? Chewing on my tongue when I concentrate What is your biggest fear? Airplanes
Seth Ford (senior) What is your brother’s obsession? He is obsessed with painting his toenails What is your brother’s biggest fear? Me What is your favorite TV show? Trailer Park Boys Who is your celebrity crush? Jennifer Lawrence
Brett Ford (freshman) What is your obsession? Hot Cheetos What is your biggest fear? Heights What is your brother’s favorite TV show? Dexter and The Bachelor Who is your brother’s celebrity crush? Oprah
Brittany Hohenadel (junior) Does your brother have a strange phrase he likes to say? He says “KAH” and a lot of other obnoxious sayings All. The. Time. I’m pretty sure more than half the freshman class says it too because of him. What is your brother’s biggest fear? Probably accidentally erasing all his Xbox/computer data What is your obsession? Cows, incense, raspberries What is your most embarrassing moment? When Noah made a hightech video recording of me sitting in my room and he edited my Beatles posters to a boy in my class he knew I liked, so it looked like I had posters of him, and he sent it to the boy.
Noah Hohenadel (freshman)
Do you have a strange phrase you like to say? Kah What is your biggest fear? Being a “disappointment” What is your sister’s obsession? Candles, weird oil “smell good” items What is your sister’s most embarrassing moment? Probably something with me in that event
Brittany and Noah Hohenadel in an old family photo Courtesy of Brittany Hohenadel
16 [Editorial] Brock Holmes // Staff Writer
Pot Thoughts
Why Kansas Should Follow Washington and Colorado in Legalization
“In the past, we have had officers of this de-
partment shot and killed by marijuana addicts and we have traced the act of murder directly to the influence of marijuana, with no other motive. We have found from long experience and dealing with this type of criminal that marijuana is probably the most dangerous of all our narcotic drugs.” The preceding quote comes from J.F. Taylor, the chief of detectives of the L.A.P.D in the late 1930s in retrospect of the propaganda film turned unintentional comedy, Reefer Madness. If the claim that marijuana turns people into murderers is an insane claim to make, that’s because it is. In fact, according to the Denver Post, violent crimes are down since the legalization in January of this year. Fifty-eight percent of Americans currently support legalization according to a recent Gallup poll, and positive outcomes from legalization in Washington and Colorado cause that percentage to continue to grow. Yet, some remain skeptical about legalization for misconceptions such as: 1. Marijuana makes you dumb. Because alcohol intellectually stimulates, 3. Marijuana gives you cancer. right? Should it be the responsibility of the government to prevent the general population Two gaping flaws appear in this argument: marijuana does not cause cancer, and there are plenty of from taking part in an activity because the products that cause cancer that are legal. Not only legal substance does not make us scholars? does marijuana not cause cancer, but it is legalized The answer is an obvious no. But does marfor medical purposes in twenty states because THC, ijuana really make you dumb? According to studies published in the April 2013 edition of a chemical found in marijuana, actually slows the spread of cancer. It is not the cannabis, but some the journal Psychology of Addictive Behavof the ways users ingest the substance that slightly iors, the answer is once again no. The study showed that teens that drank five or more increases the chance of getting cancer. If our governtimes per week lost white brain matter tissue, ment will make a product illegal because the product which is required for cognitive functions like causes cancer, cigarettes should have been banned at decision-making and memory. The same the same time as cannabis. study revealed that even the heaviest users of marijuana suffered no brain damage. 2. Marijuana is different from alcohol. This argument actually has truth to it. Although alcohol and marijuana have similar addiction rates, science has proven cannabis, the marijuana plant, as alcohol’s safer counterpart. Alcohol directly causes 25,000 deaths a year in the United States, while cannabis has never directly caused a single death, according to a study in the journal Addiction. Federal agencies acknowledge alcohol as the cause of 40% of violent crimes and a third of emergency room visits, yet the substance remains legal.
Courtesy of Flickr
Courtesy of Flickr 4. Marijuana leads to harder drugs. Anyone that has taken sophomore English will recognize this argument as the post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy. No scientific evidence supports the “gateway drug” claim. A more logical conclusion would be that the same person that sells marijuana also sells harder drugs and manages to talk some consumers into using other substances. Marijuana typically comes before the use of harder drugs, because it can be obtained easier. A study from NORML, the drug researching center, shows that less than one percent of citizens that have used cannabis have used harder drugs. The study concludes that marijuana is usually used as a termination drug more often than a gateway drug. 5. Nothing is stopping high driving. Very little is stopping drunk driving, yet alcohol is still legal. Assuming the states regulating cannabis treat the substance similar to alcohol, the harsh penalties applied to drunk drivers will also apply to high drivers. Drunk driving and drugged driving will be dealt with in an equal fashion. Studies have also shown that high driving is less dangerous than drunk driving; not that driving under any influence is acceptable.
So, will Kansas follow the example set by Colorado and Washington? If previous behavior repeats itself, probably not any time soon. But the bipartisan efforts of legalization prove that this movement is not like others. Normally, social movements begin in the west and northeast and work their way down to the south. Red states like Nebraska, Alaska, Montana and North Carolina improved laws on marijuana by decriminalizing the substance or legalizing marijuana for medical purposes. Some states are coming around to the fact that jailing citizens for possessing a plant does not make logical sense, and that spending taxpayer funds to jail people is a much worse idea than regulating cannabis and creating tax funds.
Mark Twain and friend John Lewis in 1903 Photo courtesy of PBS
[February] 2014
Okay To Say?
Teachers and Students Discuss the Use of the N-word In Education Aaron Rhodes//Publicity Manager
I
f you’ve taken a high school English class in the 21st (or 20th) century, you have probably read The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. The book tells the tale of Tom Sawyer’s best friend Huck and his journey down the Mississippi River with a runaway slave named Jim. The novel was published in 1884 but took place while slavery was still law. Black people faced persecution and racism everywhere they went, including many racial slurs constantly used against them. Using the n-word was extremely common, and Twain’s novel reflected this norm. Over the years, many schools and libraries have banned the book due to it using the n-word. Some editions of the book have been published where every use of the word is changed to “slave”. Olathe East has the regular edition of the book and many teachers include Huck in their curriculum. While fairly common for teachers to read passages from assigned books out loud to their classes, this novel brings up the question: is it okay for an English teacher to use the n-word in the context of the story? English teacher Steven Franzen assigns the book to his English III classes every year. He explained that he chooses not to use the n-word because it turns off some students. He chooses to substitute the word “slave” or “African-American” instead “to smooth it out the text” as he reads it, rather than leaving holes. Kevin Mays, another Junior English teacher, however, does choose to use the word while reading select passages from the book to his classes. “We start off the year talking about the volatility of the word, and how it’s a racially charged word, and it’s not a word we should use out loud and I tell them that I am not going to use the word in class. However, if I’m reading a passage, and I come across the word I won’t skip it, but that’s the only time. I’m pretty picky about the things I choose to read. The few times I do actually pronounce the word out loud is to let the students see how strong it is, and how
offensive it is for it to come out of someone’s mouth, especially someone who’s an authority figure,” Mays explained. Mays said that he has no problem with other teachers not using the word when reading aloud. He did say it has upset some parents before but that the n-word must be kept in the book.
"
It has to be there. If you take it out, you’re changing the essence of what Mark Twain wanted to get across.” -Kevin Mays “It has to be there. If you take it out, you’re changing the essence of what Mark Twain wanted to get across,” said Mays. Mays also mentioned how English teacher Jim Super had a correspondence with some African-American studies professors after receiving complaints from parents. They took Mays’ and Super’s side on the word’s use in classrooms. Junior Fred Douglas stated, “I don’t think they actually need to say the word. Just say “n-word” or skip over it. It truly does mean something different when a white person says it.” I asked Mays if using the word those few times makes him uncomfortable. He said, “Absolutely, especially if I have African-American
students in the class. But the thing I know as an experienced teacher is this is an issue that people have dealt with all their lives. The thing that is hypocritical to me is that words that are like that, or are very similar to that, are in music, so the hypocrisy of the word by slightly changing the pronunciation and people saying it all the time. It’s in movies all the time. In Django Unchained they said it all the time and they don’t shut down the word. In fact they get people who get angry and vehement about it, so I don’t feel too bad saying it a couple times when I do it under the construct I mentioned.” Franzen agrees that it should be kept in the book. However, he told me that not reading it out loud in his classes doesn’t take much power away from the word’s use in the story’s context. “The students reading the book will see it there. It was used in a very negative way, but when the book came out 100 years ago the audience expected that part, it was a part of their lives. Today we talk a lot as a society about not using that word.” While teachers don’t always share the same methods while teaching the book, they can both agree that the story does help combat racism. “It’s helpful to see how the white characters treat African-Americans in the book, but also how some white characters like Huck and Tom don’t really care about skin color,” said Franzen. Franzen and Mays agree that racism is still a great problem in America, although Mays is optimistic about this. “Every time I think that [racism is going away], something comes up like the Trayvon Martin case and all of a sudden you get people who take sides automatically because of what color they are. And suddenly you think ‘Is it over? Are we done with it?’ And I love to think my grandkids don’t see color like we do, but it’s almost like they get trained on the way, but I know it’s something much less than it used to be.”
20 [Entertainment]
D
Fourteen Fabulous Frozen Facts for February
Behind the Scenes Facts from Your Favorite Disney Whiz
isney’s “Frozen” was released on December 27 amidst much buzz over the talking snowman, Olaf. But Olaf isn’t the only thing that made this classically animated musical a chart topper. With Idina Menzel as Elsa belting her heart out in “Let it Go,” wonderfully bright colors in the mountains of Norway, and the heartwarming tale of a sisterhood that can beat any odds, “Frozen” stole the hearts of folks from ages two to infinity as well as winning a Golden Globe for best animated feature film. If you’ve already seen it ten thousand times like the rest of us, then you probably know all the basics already. What you don’t know, however, is that there are some cameos and behind-the-scenes tidbits that’ll catch you by surprise. And that’s what I’m here for. As a designated Disney Cruise Line Disney trivia aficionado, I promise to give you all the juicy details on our new Disney princesses. Here we go! Hans’ horse has a name – Sitron, which means “lemon” in Norwegian.
The snow that Elsa makes is made in CG. They created computer generated snow specifically for “Frozen” – and named the advanced snow simulation Matterhorn, after the Norwegian bobsled ride that has been in Disneyland since it opened. Disney’s animators had to work 400,00 CGI threads for Elsa’s hair, also making a new program called Tonic. They say it was even harder than making Rapunzel’s hair, because Elsa plays with it much more than Rapunzel does. “Tangled”’s Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder make a cameo appearance in the beginning sequence of the song “The First Time in Forever.” Rapunzel is seen in her pink dress and her short brunette hair at the edge of the screen.
Kelsey Knecht//Staff Writer Frozen is one of the rare animated films that got the principle cast that they wanted to record the characters’ voices. It led to improv and voice recording of Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell for up to two years. The animators didn’t just make up the vast amount of scenery in the movie, they actually took a research trip to Norway and tried to make all the scenes look true to life.
You know those lederhosen with the fancy flower designs on them? That design is called “rosemaling” – which translates to rose painting in English. Pretty much every surface in the movie is covered in this art form.
Frozen has the largest wardrobe
of any Disney film ever made. They had to make multiple costumes for each character and make an entire wardrobe of Norwegian clothing for the huge crowds that flock around Arendelle in several scenes.
Filmmakers invited a real-life reindeer into the studio to help make Sven, Kristoff ’s reindeer friend, as life-like as possible.
In effects alone, over 50 people were used to make Elsa’s building of the ice castle during the song “Let it Go.”
Anna’s favorite quote, “Wait, what?” was inspired by her voice actress, Kristen Bell. It was added on later in the script writing.
Jennifer Lee, the director and cowriter for the movie, is the first woman to direct a Disney animated feature.
The artists of the movie couldn’t figure out how to make dresses move through snow, so they all went to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and filmed themselves trudging through the snow in dresses--even the men did it. Disney men are always the best kind of men.
Frozen is (loosely) based on one of
Walt Disney’s favorite stories ,“The Snow Queen” by Hans Christian Anderson. The story includes trolls, a frozen heart, a reindeer, and a tale of fierce friendship and determination to make the friendship last.
n t by
The M az
Go
T
Mo c
M ar ch
21
h
tor
Edi
Sept emb
B
: Gillian Flyn n If you
like a good murder mystery, this is the book for you. Nick Dunne marries the love of his life, Amy, but before they can enjoy their fifth anniversary together, she disappears out of their home in broad daylight, with no witnesses. The many clues all seem to point to Nick. But he’s the innocent husband. Right? This mystery will capture you—hook, line, and sinker—and have you doubting your own judgment more times than you can count before the final chapter.
August 15
e
er 19
nnerInby: James D u R The Maze Runner, as
Thomas wakes up one day with no memories except his first name. He finds himself in a maze with many other boys, and they must find a way out, or they will perish. When a girl—the first girl in the maze—appears the day after Thomas, she tells him that he is much more important to the maze than he ever expected, if he can uncover his memories.
er hn
ne
O
be o t c
hild
yC
tne our C : y
nas, just an ordinary eleven-year-old, lives in the dull community that came after the Sameness. There is no joy, no passion, no suffering, no pleasure. Many strict rules plague the small town, but little Jonas is different from the other people living there. His peculiar physical traits, like his pale eyes, lead the Giver to him. The Giver transmits different memories to Jonas: ones of brightness and passion and sadness. As Jonas becomes the new Giver, he battles the norms of the community and fights for what he believes.
y Lowr ois y: L
r3
opy // C
Giv he Jo- e
rb
ne Collins
1
by: Jo h n Gr e
5
r2
Suzan
r2
tars
be m
ce b y:
No ve mb e
e h T e or (Bef come Be es) i Mov
rS
De
1 rt
n e v e S p o T To s k Boo d Rea y
because this sweet story will have you crying your eyes out at every turn. Two terminally ill cancer patients, Hazel and Augustus, fall in love after they meet in a cancer support group. They lean on each other for support, but their friendship quickly blossoms into a deep, true love that neither can fight.
Jun e6
nd
: Veroni c a Ro t
ra nb
jay: P ngThe i a k
ult In e FaLine O h T up those tissues u
en
lle
delinquent, a rebel, and a bully, survives the unsurvivable: a plane crash in the middle of the ocean. And he is the only survivor. He then battles the open ocean filled with sharks, the enemy, and his growing need for food and water with his unbreakable reserve as a soldier in World War II. You don’t have to be a sports or WWII fan to read this book. His story of resilience and determination will capture any reader.
l by G ir
*Dates connecting the circles indicate the release date of the accompanying film.
ge er
Hi
U
Di v
Five factions—Abnegation, Erudite, Amity, Candor, and Dauntless—make up this seemingly complacent town in America. The Abnegation are selfless; the Erudite are intelligent; the Amity are kind; the Candor are honest; the Dauntless are brave. As a sort of rite of passage, every 16-year-old takes an aptitude test to determine his one perfect faction, where he remains for the rest of his days. Unless you’re Divergent, like Tris Prior. She discovers her true talents and traits as she goes through her unforgiving initiation, desperately hiding her true label. This is a book you won’t be able to put down.
n by: L roke a Louis b n Zamperini, a ura
first part of the last novel in the amazingly popular trilogy, The Hunger Games, is coming to the big screen. What happens to Peeta? What happened to District 12? How will the revolution finish? This finale will have you on your toes until the final word. You may want to grab a few tissues for this one as you read the emotional parts sure to come. Read it before the premiere and stress less after the imminent cliffhanger.
[February] 2014
22 [Entertainment]
Olathe East Talons
Heather Burton//Photographer
Our talented drill team has always been the team to beat. They received multiple awards at KSPEC and Miss Kansas, competitions they have been working hard all year for. Here’s a glimpse of their most memorable moments.
[February] 2014
Flat-rate tuition. Less than two hours away. Pittsburg State University
www.pittstate.edu • Pittsburg, Kansas
Calendar
Teacher Trivia
February 6 Athletic Signing February 12 Blood Drive February 13-14 Parent/Teacher Conference February 14 Valentine’s Day February 20 Fashion Show February 21 WPA February 22 Harmony Explosion
TOP FIVE Gifts to Give a Girl on Valentine’s Day
1) Chocolate 2) Flowers 3) Jewelry 4) Hand-Made Card 5) Stuffed Animal
? Which Olathe East teacher started a private school? Last Issue’s answer:
Ms. Parker was a former Olathe East student and cheer captain.
Notification Statement of Non-discrimination: TheOlathePublicSchoolsprohibitdiscriminationonthebasisofrace,color,nationalorigin, sex,age,religionordisabilityinitsprograms,activitiesoremployment,andprovidesequal accesstotheBoyScoutsandotherdesignatedyouthgroupstoitsfacilitiesasrequiredby: TitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentsof1972,TitleVIandTitleVIIoftheCivilRightsActof 1964,theAgeDiscriminationActof1975,theAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA),theIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct,Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973and otherrelevantstateandfederallaws.Inquiriesregardingcompliancewithapplicablecivil rightsstatutesrelatedtoethnicity,gender,agediscriminationorequalaccessmaybedirectedtoStaffCounsel,14160BlackBobRoad,Olathe,KS66063-2000,phone913-7807000.AllinquiriesregardingcompliancewithapplicablestatutesregardingSection504of theRehabilitationActandtheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActandtheAmericans withDisabilitiesActmaybedirectedtotheAssistantSuperintendentGeneralAdministration, 14160BlackBobRd.Olathe,KS66063-2000,phone(913)780-7000.Interestedpersonsincludingthosewithimpairedvisionorhearing,canalsoobtaininformationastothe existenceandlocationofservices,activitiesandfacilitiesthatareaccessibletoandusableby disabledpersonsbycallingtheAssistantSuperintendentGeneralAdministration.(04/13)