Senior Edition 2013-2014

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The Olathe East

Senior Edition

Class

of

2014



Class of

2014 Table of

HAWKSEye

THE

senior issue

STAFF ADVISER Karen Bourland EDITORS Lauren Merino Zack Neuman MANAGING EDITOR Jessica Goddard PHOTOGRAPHER Heather Burton BUSINESS MANAGER Maddy Branstetter SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Kelsey Knecht Austin Porter Hanna Melton PUBLICITY MANAGER Aaron Rhodes STAFF WRITERS Logan Brockschmidt Amy Du Matthew Gwin Brock Holmes Jordan Meier Brenna Thompson Katie Thompson COPY EDITORS Courtney Child Lauren Hart PAGE EDITORS Lauren Heinrich Paige Schick

Contents

Destination Map....................4 & 5 Senior Profiles..........................6-23 Congrats, Seniors!......................24 Thank You’s...........................25-27 Favorite Moments..............28 & 29 Wills..................................30 & 31 Senior Year in a Title...................32 Unused Senior Pranks.................33 Senior Picnic Photostory..............34 Prom Photostory.........................35 Senior Best............................36-38 Senior Most Likely..............39 & 40 Teacher Most Likely.............41& 42 Teacher Best......................43 & 44 Retiring Teachers........................45 Staff Profiles..........................46-49 Letter From The Editors................50

Senior Issue ‘14 | 3


Arkansas

Arkansas State University:

Brett Anderson

John Brown University:

Hailey Scarborough

University of Arkansas: Alex Compton Austin Crowder Connor Davey Tanner Emerson Aubrey Gahagan Morgan Hodges Genna Lind Bailey Nelson Brooke Nelson Erik Panther Rachel Rindner Victoria Roberts Regan Stauffer Allison Stewart

California

Kansas Allen County Community College: Madi Evans Avila University: Haley Pickert Mia Rosinski

Baker University:

Benedictine College:

Ryan Dickerson Allie Heisinger

San Diego State University: Lexi Sprague

UC-Berkeley:

Mei Mei

UCLA: UC Santa Cruz:

Sharon Lee Elizabeth Martin

Jordan Brown Spencer Brown Victoria Cantrell Jacob Cleek Andres Cooper Drew Coyle Patrick Rydberg Taiylor Sharp Tommy Sharp Bethany Warrick Ben Pepper

Butler Community College:

Caelan Neal

Coffeeville Community College:

Chris Myers

Emporia State University:

Kyle Evans Parker Evans Nicholas Hampton Molly Schoonover

Colorado

University of Northern Colorado: Fort Scott Community College:

Florida

John Weatherly

Edison State College:

Dianela Palmer

Webber International University:

Georgia

Aaron Yuratovich

The College of Coastal Georgia: Nicole Pickett

Idaho

Brigham Young University:

Emma Wood

Illinois

Augustana College:

Mollie Magee

Bradley University:

Elizabeth Leonard

Olivet Nazarene University: Sabrina Flemming Breanna Sikes

Rob Wall

Highland Community College:

McKenna Davis

Hutchinson Community College:

Bailey Ward

Johnson County Community:

Taylor Arganbright Alyssa Argeropaulos Blake Beaubien Jordan Bettis Alex Bolanos Dajuane Box Austin Brennecke Jordan Brunk Rasheed Burton Trenton Clark Caleb Coit Matt Concepcion Carlos Diaz Michelle Dobratz Kelly Dwyer Christopher Easterwood Jessica Epps Cale Eubanks Seth Ford

Lauren Fritsch Lexi Gallagher Fallon Glenn Chandler Holaday Hannah Hollis Rebekah Huffman Sam Huffman Asma Hussaini Michael Lenz Zanah Maggio Dakota McClain Xandria McDaniel Emily Miller Megan Morris Jordan Moultrie Claire Munch Lauren Myers Malik Nance Rachel Odom Cassie Otte Itzel Paisano Austin Porter Kyle Rasphangthong Jamie Reaves Peymawn Saraian Meredith Smith Alex Stuckey Efraim Teves Katie Thoummavong Tai To Preston Townsend Branden Trinkle Anthony Tyner Dorran Wehr Colby Weigel Bryan Wills Jeremy Young Don Zimmer

Kansas State University:

Mikaela Altis Jenna Alton Natalie Alton Laura Apel Mark Birch Matt Blais Sean Branigan Brayden Bromley Dylan Brock Megan Cox Riley Curran Mackenzie Doherty Emily Don Ashley Elkiwan Luke Evans Hannah Fain Rachael Flynn Evan Green Reagan Grimm Chase Harvey Nick Hinrichs Joel Larkins Logan Lindsey Jacob Lorenzen Jack Maatsch

Cortney Mayhew Andy McLandsborough Lauren Merino Brady Myers Jacobe Nguyen Chris Opperman Abigail Osheim Raymond Panfil Kelsey Proctor Tim Randel Dayna Richards Griffin Rohlfing Matthew Roth Daniel Rowland Tyler Samuelson Stephen Snodgrass Jordan Stofer Riley Stoll Logan Thomas Sarah Torrey Bryce Turner Cammie Valentine Nick Varvel Emilee Voigt Sam Welch Anastasia Weston Alex Westrope Alex Wilson

Manhattan Christian Jenna Alton College: Natalie Alton Mid America Nazarene:

Brittany Alban Dalton Casey Catherine Seger

Ottawa University: Pittsburg State:

Kieryn Boyd Brian Newkirk

Bryce Norris - Bell Morgan Bly Samantha Cossey Pablo Espinosa Kelsey Gertsema Connor Leach Josh Nations Alexandra Odell Lauren Riggs Taylor Rusch Skyler Schmitt Josh Spear Samantha Wallace

Rockhurst University:

Annika Lewis Erin Spelger

University of Kansas:

Sierra Aboul Hosn Nate Ahlgren Nick Baker Quynton Barnes Joe Bartak Riley Botz

College Destin 4 | Senior Issue ‘14


Nebraska

Bellevue University:

Sayde Woten

University of Nebraska:

Maddy Branstetter Tyler Clark Haley Hanson Kiara Nguyen Chandler Stortz

Western Nebraska Community College: Roark Browne Nhi Bui David Burlingame Kelsey Cambern Maddie Cardwell Celso Carranza Tiffany Churchill Connor Dewitt Brooklyn Dobesh Thomas Doty Dustin Duman Neil Duval Anna Elliot Emily Evans Sean Fiore Theresa Frye Olivia Gerstner Lauren Gramlich Nathan Guthrie Emily Harmsen Madeleine Hoyt Arlo Guy Hurst Gloria Joseph Val Jardon Michael Johnson Kat Karstens Parker Kempin Colton Kennedy Cassidy King Nicholas Le Hanna Melton Thomas Monnett Chase Moyer Omid Nabavizadeh Alex Ohler Danielle Parsons Aditya Paudel Stephanie Pdorau Drake Robertson Matthew Roever Kelly Rummerfield Taylor Schmidt Amanda Sharp Kelley Sharp Ariel Silverman Courtney Smith Malik Smith Pamela Sounnarath Alex Starr Colby Stone

Austin Michaud

New York

Cornell University:

Jackson Stone Regan Stone Bryce Strong Husayn Sultani Zach Summers Bronwyn Troxel Aren Utter Krista Valdez Megan Wagner Zach Walsh Jillian Ward Morgan Weiler Connor Weishaar Morgan Westervelt Hannah Wilson Rachel Wolfe

Wichita State University:

Snighda Sharma Matthew Gleason

New York University:

Creighton University:

Taylor Bickel

Missouri State University:

Alex Birge Sam Esser Max Langmack Zack Neuman Chris Strange Robby Tipton Jackson Turrentine Abbie Van Nulend Matt Vollink Mackenzie Votipka Jordan Wolfe

William Jewel College:

Maryland

Coleson Douglas

Layne Shepard

Madeline Ward

Massachusetts

Berklee College of Music:

Corey Dean

Mississippi

University of Mississippi:

Missouri

Ian Root

Peyton Butler Monica Percival

Kelsey Knecht

University of Missouri:

Oklahoma State University: Hayley Bondank

University of Oklahoma:

Dane Stapleton

University of Tulsa:

Tyler Gartenberg Hunter Goff Caitlyn San Pablo

Pennsylvania

Grove City College:

Monica Sananikone

Tennessee

Vanderbilt University:

Joe Donley

Texas

Texas A&M:

Washington

Austin Rini Ryan Yost

Howard University:

Wisconsin

Joel Coatney

Mary Ellen Cox Adam Holthus Carley Johnson Jordan Larkin

Tierra Brown

Milwaukee School of Engineering: Carley Mitus

Virginia

Liberty University: University of MissouriHeather Burton Kansas City: Military

Colombia College:

Nathan Milford

Kennedy Randolph

Oklahoma

Southeast Missouri State UniUniversity of Washington: Connor Alexander versity: Mackenzie Kruse University of Central Missouri: Washington DC Connor Bosworth Arthur Clifford Todd McCarthy

United States Naval Academy:

Kent State University:

Missouri Western State UniSamuel Basham Kellan Richards University of Pittsburgh: versity:

Northwest Missouri State Aaron Fink Justin Kimmich University: Erica Kneib Ozark Christian College: Cara La Gore

Kelsey Lathrop Adam Thies Jessie Thompson

Thomas Schukai

Ohio

Air Force: Army: Navy:

Ezra Talbert

Alec Borden Tevin Lim Cody Van Dyke Mercades Hunt Dakota Lipp Mark Salinas John Tomicich

nations 2014 Senior Issue ‘14 | 5


Olathe East Class of ‘14

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hen the marching band performed at football games or at their annual competitions; the drum majors lead them to success. One of them was Natalie Alton. Since her junior year of high school Natalie has been leading the marching band as a drum major and has done her part in helping the organization to its newfound success.

“My favorite part about it was the change you can make on a daily basis. I enjoyed the success that we had at the competitions, but it’s the everyday interactions and relationships that I was part of that made the position so special to me,” Natalie said.   Her favorite experience with the marching band occurred this past fall when the group took home a championship trophy from the KU marching contest for the first time in the band’s history.

Natalie Alton

“I was able to see all the hard work that went into one product, and to me I was elated to have everyone’s hard work be rewarded,” she commented. “I was happy not just for myself but for everyone, and I think that really captured how I feel about band. That it’s not just a personal level thing but more of a group effort.”   Besides leading the marching band to victory, she also was able to march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade this past Thanksgiving.   “It was kind of an ‘on-a whim’-decision. When I first said I was going to audition, I said it kind of as a joke, but then I remembered I said I was going to a few months later and decided that ‘yeah maybe I should’. Going to New York City has always been a dream of mine…. and to be in the parade I had watched every year since I was little, it was like bringing to life a childhood dream.”

of National Honors’ Society, a part of the debate team and she participated in an organization called Camp Able, a group that visits different elementary schools every Tuesday and teaches anti-bullying and leadership qualities to the fifth graders there.

I want to make a difference; I want to impact children’s lives.

Band is not the only thing that Alton involved herself in during her high school career. As a Hawk Leader, a member

Alton loves popcorn and can now eat an entire bag by herself, which she is very proud of. She also has an obsession with pink which she blames on her mom.

“My mom used to dress me and my twin in the same clothes. I would always be in the pink version of the clothes and she would always be in the purple version,” she said.   She and her twin sister, Jenna Alton, are very close and have leaned on each other for support during their high school years, whether with school, band (which they were both involved in), other extracurricular activities or just needing someone to talk to.   “We like to help each other out. With all the drama and the problems, the stereotypical happenings of high school, it’s nice to have someone you can talk to every day,” Alton commented.   Next year she will be going to Manhattan Christian College and Kansas State University majoring in elementary education.   “I want to make a difference; I want to impact children’s lives.” she stated.   While we will miss her beautiful musical ability and wonderful leadership skills, Natalie will never be forgotten among the hallways and students of Olathe East. Best wishes for the bright future ahead of you, Natalie!

-Jordan Meier

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Olathe East Class of ‘14

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let her busy lifestyle get her down. She has always been a positive person, but one situation shaped her into the positive person she is today. When her mom was diagnosed with cancer, she took it as an opportunity to be positive.   “My mom having cancer really forced me to grow up and have a positive attitude about everything,” Hayley stated.   Hayley has always kept a “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game” attitude. “I tend to go all out for anything I have the slightest passion for,” she explained. “If you have an interest in something, go for it.”   She has learned that being successful comes along with getting out of a comfort zone. “To be successful,” she said, “you have to put yourself out there.” -Lauren Hart

Hayley Bondank

ayley Bondank walks into school with a smile on her face every day, no matter what. Hayley has been involved in several areas of Olathe East from the very first day of her freshman year. Hayley decided the first way to get involved would be to join the tennis team. “I had never played before but I wanted to be involved in something,” she explained.   “I barely made the team and was dead last ranking wise.” Her ranking still did not get in the way of her positive attitude. After slowly working her way up the totem pole, Hayley qualified for state this year.   Outside of athletics, Hayley has been involved academically as well. As a member of both NHS and SNHS, she stays busy. Hayley serves as NHS treasurer and SNHS Vice President. Along with serving as executive members of these societies, she actively volunteers in the community.   As a recipient of the Presidential Service Award all four years of high school, Hayley volunteers numerous places in the community. “Most of my community service is spread out although a lot of it has to do with the Spanish community in the area. Normally I will do a few bigger service projects either through school or church,”   At the 2013 Olathe East Homecoming football game, Hayley was crowned homecoming queen. Anyone who attended the game can remember that right as she was crowned a boy came running down the field to kiss her. She said, “The whole experience was a memory I will never forget. It was definitely one of my favorite high school memories”  Hayley never seems to

To be successful, you have to put yourself out there.

Senior Issue ‘14 | 7


Olathe East Class of ‘14

Riley Botz

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magine being able to capture an irreplaceable moment with just the click of a single button. Now imagine doing this all over the world. Senior Riley Botz has imagined doing this so many times and is finally ready to make it a reality.   “Photography is my skill and my passion in life,” stated Botz.   People always say a picture tells a thousand words, which is exactly what this senior hopes to accomplish in photojournalism. Planning on attending the University of Kansas starting in the fall, Botz is set to participate in the naval ROTC program there. He hopes to travel the globe looking through the lens of a camera for the Navy and with his talent and love for it, he’s sure to excel.   Botz stated, “I’ve always wanted to go into photojournalism and the Navy opens a lot of doors for that. It guarantees you a job. I want to go across the world and do photojournalism for the Navy and show what they’re doing in different countries.”   Photography has been Botz’s passion all throughout his high school career. You wouldn’t be able to flip through an Olathe East yearbook and not see one of his photos. As a yearbook photographer and a student in AP photography, Botz has surely left his photography footprints here at Olathe East.   Botz does a great deal of photography outside of Olathe East as well. He’s had his photos shown at Avila University and the Nelsons Akins Museum along with a few other Olathe art galleries, photo shown below. Adding even more to his list of accomplishments, Botz takes many senior pictures and weddings pictures as a side job.   “[Some moments] are like a one-time thing. You can’t ever go back to them. That’s why capturing

8 | Senior Issue ‘14

photos is so important,” he explained.   Some events that Botz wishes to always remember are his times on the Olathe East football team and his devotion to the AVID program.   “I’ve been in AVID for four years, so it’s kind of sad leaving senior year,” he said.   Football, rugby, AVID, and photography have kept Botz busy during his four years of high school, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. Even though he had a tough transitioning freshmen year due to his house burning down, Botz has had a successful high school career at Olathe East with many accomplishments to show for his time spent here.   Keep your eyes peeled for this aspiring Navy photojournalist’s pictures from around the world. Riley Botz’s future looks to be filled with many exciting snapshots. -Paige Schick

It’s one of the coolest things to go into something that I’m really good at and something I really enjoy.


Olathe East Class of ‘14

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ho has played over 30 shows with a number of jazz combos and a couple of rock bands? Corey Dean has. He has performed some small festivals and even opened up for Jesus Christ Superstar at Theater in the Park. We all know Corey Dean at Olathe East as a very talented musician, but when he was little he was really into sports up until high school.   He originally thought that he would become an attorney because he claimed, “I was really decent at arguing.” It wasn’t until two-three years ago that he really considered music as a profession. He started playing percussion for band in fifth grade and playing guitar in sixth grade. In seventh grade he started taking guitar more seriously and began taking guitar lessons. Corey likes guitar more than percussion and is sometimes offered guitar parts to play in the school’s band.

Corey loves to write and sing his own music. His inspirations are always changing, but some of his bigger inspirations would be John Mayer, The 1975, Bob Marley and the Wailers, and Bon Iver. He has been writing a great deal lately for his band MISTERMAYOR that consists of Corey on guitars and vocals, Joe Donely on bass and vocals, Matt Lewis on drums, and Mark Vanlandingham on guitar. They were one of the top 20 acts to be selected to perform in a local contest “Olathe’s

Got Talent.” This fall Corey heads off to Berklee College of Music, which is located in Boston, Massachusetts. Known for being the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world and the world’s foremost institute for the study of jazz and modern American music, 99 Berklee alumni have received 229 Grammy Awards. He plans to study professional music with an emphasis in guitar. He hopes to pursue music as a profession after college. “I would like to write music for myself or other people, produce, and manage bands,” Corey stated. -Heather Burton

Corey Dean

I like guitar because it culminates the rhythmic and melodic aspect of music, and since I play percussion, that and guitar brings it all together.

Senior Issue ‘14 | 9


Olathe East Class of ‘14

Joe Donley

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usic] just is life; there is always something new to learn, always something that you haven’t explored.” Joe Donley explained about his deep love for music, which has always been a major part of his life. Donley’s love affair started in second grade when he learned how to play the drums, but his real journey began when he picked up the bass in fifth grade. His infatuation with music continued throughout his entire life. With both of his parents being music majors, Joe has been surrounded by music his entire life. “When I was in kindergarten for the first time my mom had made up a song to remember our address. I don’t remember it now but there was a song. It has always been a part of my life,” said Joe with a grin spreading across his face. “I really love teaching. I have a couple of private students now. It’s great,” Joe stated. He wants to continue his passion for teaching and become an orchestra director. “Hopefully in ten years I will be teaching somewhere in a program that I have built up to make it my own and inspire other young musicians to want to be great,” Donley described. During Donley’s entire high school career he has been a part of the Orchestra program, making copious

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I really love teaching...

memories, his favorite being the trip to Disney World last year. “Those magical memories made in Disney were pretty great,” Donley told the Hawk’s Eye. A major accomplishment of Donley’s happened earlier this semester when he was a part of the Kansas City’s Symphony’s Young Artist Competition. “Making it to the finals for the Young Artist Competition was great; I got to play the first movement of the Concertino of the piece I have been working on all year at Kauffman Center,” Donley beamed. Donley has three siblings: an older sister Emma, a younger brother John, and a younger sister Elizabeth. “Crazy is what I would describe my family life as, [There is a lot] going on. My mom always says if it is not on the calendar it doesn’t exist. So my life is run by Google Calendar, “ Donley explained. In the fall Donley will be attending Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he plans on majoring in Music Education. He hopes to continue on playing the bass in orchestras or bands, along with directing an orchestra program. ‘I’m still kind of rolling with the punches. To get through the next however long, but as long as I’m still playing it can’t be that bad,” he concluded. - Jessica Goddard


Olathe East Class of ‘14

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years and winning Jazz Band Gold Star Award this year.   Her biggest accomplishment this year, however, was made alongside her exceptional band mates.   She explained, “We won at KU with the highest score we have ever achieved or any other Olathe school has.” As successful as Jardon has been in her musical career, her classmates have made a major influence on her playing.   She said, “You get to be around such wonderful people and that have the same passion for music as you do. We are one huge family that all shares the same dream and we will do anything we can to reach it. Those are friends that will last a lifetime.” Jardon will continue her talents at the University of Kansas next fall, marching her way to a well-deserved dream. -Brenna Thompson

We are one huge family that shares the same dream and we will do anything we can to reach it.

Val Jardon

oing into freshman year, Val Jardon was just another band member, unsure of her future as a musician. Four years later, she marches to the beat of her own saxophone while playing in the marching band, jazz band, and wind ensemble. Along with incredible musical accomplishments, Val Jardon’s talents don’t conclude here. She also involves herself in being a member of SNHS, NHS, and TCA. Her impressive high school resume put her in every honor roll at Olathe East.   However, high school hasn’t been anywhere near a walk in the park. Her greatest tribulation all started this summer during band camp. However one time at band camp wouldn’t end with a lighthearted story, but a trip to the hospital. Jardon started to get extremely tired and sick, and after many months of battling a severe sinus infection, she decided to get surgery. She explained, “I had a chronic sinus infection and a deviated septum. What this means even if I take antibiotics the infection continues to sit and solidify. It couldn’t escape and therefore just expanded and took over my whole sinuses. Simply to say, I constantly felt like death. I couldn’t go in cars, or open my eyes for long periods of time, and people with this tend to lose vision. They opened up my septum and took out part of the infection and are hoping that medications will take care of the rest.   Although the recovery was painful and tiring, this ordeal would be worth it once Jardon again breathed into her saxophone with her clear sinuses.   She recalled, “I had never taken one breath through my nose, so it was completely different. Now I have a much better understanding tone, and can take in a lot more air.” Even though the recovery road hasn’t been stress-free, Val has never given up and always strived to improve.   She said, “I love challenging myself and overcoming it.” Jardon has done just that, lettering in band for three

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Olathe East Class of ‘14

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Suzan Kimani

otivation remains a frightening attribute to many students, even as many leave for college. Suzan Kimani never had to ask what motivated her. Her brief tenure of one year at Olathe East includes being president of National Honor Society, a member of FBLA, a member of Spanish National Honor Society, and a Hawk Leader. Suzan’s motivation comes from not only the desire for prominence, but also a childhood riddled with atrocity. Growing up in the ruthless streets of Nairobi, Kenya, peril was impending and poverty affected the masses.

“My school was across a hectic main road that did not have signals,” stated Suzan, “This journey would take me 30 minutes to an hour trying to figure out how to cross the road, since drivers never yielded to pedestrians.” She chronicled her struggle simply to get to and from school unharmed, while simultaneously battling school itself.   “I would leave for school at four in the morning and get home at nine at night. After working on homework until midnight, I would get about two hours of sleep” said Kimani. She continues by describing a particularly gory incident from her youth.

Since I have experienced two different lifestyles, I have a different perspective on life and it has broadened my way of thinking.

“In the sixth grade, my best friend’s family was attacked by robbers. The loud cries of help still haunt me, because the thieves slaughtered the family using machetes.” The trend of morbid casualty continued past the family of her best friend, even reaching her loved ones.   “As I was home alone one evening, my neighbor came through our gate with my dear mother unconscious in a wheelbarrow. She was attacked by college kids who choked her using a log of mahogany wood. Cases of residents choked to death occurred frequently,” she stated. Her family life during this time was

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tested furiously.   “My dad had to immigrate to the United States for greater opportunities, while my mother was working hard in a small shop in the city to make ends meet. I wish my parents were there for me physically and emotionally,” Kimani said. Her inspiration for a more suitable life comes from her struggle.

“My schoolmates and I used to wipe windows at church and schools just to get a Kenyan shilling. Life here is easier because this country gives so many opportunities. In Kenya, you have to fight, you have to struggle, and so my life in Kenya makes me appreciate everything.” She leaves for JCCC, stronger because of her struggle, more determined because of her background, and optimistic because of her experience. -Brock Holmes


Olathe East Class of ‘14

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Her passion to help kids with disabilities started with her cousin, Dustin, who had Cerebral Palsy and sadly passed away two months ago. “He made a ginormous impact on my life starting the day he was born, so when I was about six,” Cassidy said. “I just always learned to be accepting and I don’t see them any other way then just one of us.”   Cassidy plans on helping kids with disabilities in her job as well. She is going to KU to study to become an occupational therapist or nurse.   “I’ve wanted to be a nurse since the day I was born. I love that I’ll always be kept busy and helping people,” she commented.   When she’s not occupied with school and its activities, Cassidy is taking more classes to better prepare for her future. “Right now in my spare time, I am taking a CNA class to become a certified nursing assistant. And I love spending time with my family and friends,” she stated.   Sounds like Cassidy King will have a rewarding and bright future ahead of her. -Lauren Heinrich

Cassidy King

ompassionate, helpful, caring, and honest are a few words Cassidy King’s family and friends would use to describe her. As a gymnast, cheerleader, and a peer mentor, it appears that Cassidy has had a fulfilling high school experience.   Cassidy has been a gymnast since she was three years old. “My parents put me in it as a child, because I was always tumbling around the house,” she explained. Upon entering her freshmen year at East, Cassidy made the cheerleading team. She has been on the gymnastics and cheerleading teams all four years at East. “I love always being kept busy. Gymnastics taught me many lessons through the years and cheer was always great to be surrounded by fun people,” she explained.   As far as what she’ll miss the most about East, Cassidy said, “I will miss all my teams and definitely all my friends in peer mentoring, such a great class, with close bonds. And I will miss Friday night lights.”   Out of all of her classes, Cassidy says that peer mentoring is her absolute favorite. “[It’s my favorite] because I have a huge heart for disabled kids and I love all the mentors as well. It never fails to brighten up my day,” she commented. “You get to hang out and make great friendships.” In fact, Cassidy says that peer mentoring is one of the biggest influences in her life. “We aren’t any better [than them] and [they] bring joy to your life if you give them a chance,” she stated. Her parents are also a huge impact on her life.

I just always learned to be accepting and I don’t see them any other way then just one of us.

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Olathe East Class of ‘14

Braxton Love

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e do not live in an easy world. We are inhabitats of a place, which wants to bring us to our knees and take our power away. This world is a cruel place, yet there are people who will rise above the pain and shine on others. Braxton Love will shine for all to see. His best friend was taken from him last summer, less than two years after losing his mother. Most people would roll over and give up, but not Love. He knew he had to change.   “Losing people to death, especially when it comes to parents and close friends makes you value your own life and those around you much more,” Braxton said. These losses still impact his every day life. “I am still affected because those I have lost are no longer there; my number one fans are not in the stands to cheer me on when I compete in sports, or there to support me in my accomplishments” He added, “I know that they are still here, watching over me from heaven. They have got the best view of everything.”   The pain Braxton feels is hard to handle, but he knows he can make a positive life for himself by finding inspiration through others. “Those who go through trials and tribulations each day inspire me. If they can do it, then why can’t I?”   What Love does not realize is he is one of the brave souls who inspires others, which is exactly what he strives for. “I want to be remembered as a person who inspired others, worked hard to fulfill his destiny, and someone who never gave up on his dreams no matter what the circumstance was.”   Braxton does not live this journey alone. “I have my faith. I thank God for guiding me through this journey and shaping me into the person I am today.” Braxton does not solely rely on his faith, but also his family. “I want to say thank you to my family for loving me and allowing me time to heal emotionally.” Braxton

values his parents more now than he ever has before.   “I am not a perfect child, and they did not expect me to be. They just asked that I did my best and never give up on something without giving it a chance.”   Love has created a life for himself and overcome all the odds. His accomplishments in the past years include starting corner back for varsity football, and winning the long jump in regionals. His future includes attending Butler Community College for football on a scholarship, and after that he will take it one step at a time. “My future goals are simply to continue to chase my dreams, help others in some way, make a difference, and do whatever God has planned for me to do.” For better or for worse Love will continue to be an inspiration for all and keep his head up where everyone can see him succeed. He will live through others no matter what the weather. “It cannot rain forever, and things get worse before they get better.” -Katie Thompson

I know they are still here watching over me from heaven, they have got the best view of everything.

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Olathe East Class of ‘14

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cannot believe that senior year is almost over. “It’s surprising,” he said.   Aside from his career, his future could hold a renewed hope for him. Originally, Jamie had believed that this injury would last for as long as he lived. Now, this coming summer Jamie is going to have surgery on his arm and his leg. This surgery gives him a chance to make a full recovery and have the opportunity to do all the things he used to love before the stroke.  Whatever the result is from the surgery, Jamie still remains positive about the prospect knowing that he has many loved ones that will be by his side, just like five years ago. When he was hospitalized for two months, his mother stayed with him each and every night, and also stuck with him through therapy.   “I am thankful to have my mother’s support,” Reaves stated. With so much encouragement, he remains hopeful for whatever the future may hold for him. -Austin Porter

I am thankful to have my mother’s support.

Jamie Reaves

number of seniors have endured countless traumas in their lives, but none more than Jamie Reaves. Jamie is your average teenager in many ways except for one. Jamie suffers from left side paralysis, which means that he cannot move the left half of his body. Caused by a stroke that he had years ago, Reaves has learned to live with this condition for five years; Jamie has truly been put to the test in these past few years.   Five years ago, on April 28, 2009, a blood vessel in Reaves’ brain popped, which in turn caused him to have a stroke. This impacted his life in a way nothing else ever would. After spending two months in the hospital, Reaves found out that he had left side paralysis, also known as Hemiparesis. Then, he spent years in physical and occupational therapy.   He said, “It changed everything.” His entire life had become a one-handed task. He had to give up football, golf, and all the things he used to do. Because of his condition, simple tasks, such as opening a container or jar, remain difficult. This is Reaves’ life; he has learned to accept his fate, but that won’t prevent him from living his life.   Today, Jamie, like most seniors, is preparing for his future. After high school, he plans to attend Johnson County Community College for two years, and then wants to transfer to Emporia to major in business.   After spending so much time in the hospital and in therapy for the past few years, he

Senior Issue ‘14 | 15


Olathe East Class of ‘14

Mia Rosinski

I drive my dad’s truck which still gives me a part of him,” said Mia Rosinski. “He taught me how to drive.” Rosinski’s dad was diagnosed with lung cancer caused by second-hand smoke in 2008. “He had gone through chemo radiation and surgeries,” she explained, “then in July of 2012 we went with quality of life over quantity and we put him under Kansas City Hospice Care.”   Rosinski and her family were able to enjoy their last moments with her dad in the comfort of their home.     “On December 26, he passed away,” said Rosinski about her father. “My mom always said it was an oddly beautiful moment.”   Through these heart-breaking times, Rosinski stays completely involved in various school activities, all the while maintaining her contagious positive attitude and outlook on life. Her sophomore year of high school, she began running cross-country and track. Little did she know, this is how she would meet some of her best and most encouraging friends.   “For cross country, one boy and one girl are awarded a positive influence award that the team votes on, and I was awarded that this year. That was very cool,” said Rosinski. “My positive attitude not only comes from how positive my home life is, but the cross country girls, too. They are so easy to be happy around. They really are my second family and I love all of them.”   Rosinski has also been a part of the Leadership Program all four years of high school and marching band her sophomore through senior year. She was inducted into Spanish National Honor Society her sophomore year, becoming a member her junior year

and an officer this year. She was also very involved in Hawk Leaders her junior and senior year as a member and an executive.   Along with her various athletic and academic involvements, Rosinski has poured her heart into the religious groups at Olathe East.   “I participate in and have joined the leadership board this year of Awake,” Rosinski said as she described this religious group that meets Tuesday and Friday mornings for worship. Rosinski and her friends started a Jesus Christ Brigade on Wednesday mornings beginning at 6:20am, showing extreme dedication and tremendous faith.   “[Losing my dad] was hard because it was us three girls in the house and none of us have really lost anyone close to us before,” said Rosinski. “Prayers really helped. We have the best community and the best family and friends.” Rosinski continues to spread her love and to appreciate everything she has.   “I just want to be able to do everything the best I can to honor [my dad] and make sure he’s proud of me,” said Rosinski. -Hanna Melton

I just want to be able to do everything the best I can to honor [my dad] and make sure he’s proud of me.

16 | Senior Issue ‘14


Olathe East Class of ‘14

ost students would naturally make their way through high school without thinking twice about their surroundings and never question the nature of their school peers. Such simplicity does not apply to senior artist Thomas Schukai. He pulls many of his greatest inspirations from the most commonplace beings in the world: people. He then uses art as a way to communicate to others and to discover within himself.   “Some people might be good at speech while others have a predilection for visual art and prefer to convey their complex ideas through that,” said Thomas. To him, art is a form of therapy that he can turn to in a moment of confusion. Currently taking art classes at East, Thomas will often paint at school around those who inspire him.   The meaningful pieces of art that Thomas creates reflect all sorts of human aspects from psychological disorders to the truth behind us all. He recalled that many of his paintings take on very geometric forms and globular features, and complementing his works are usually a wide array of intense colors and shades that reflect a person’s life.   “I try to represent people the way I see them,” recalled Thomas, “Don’t take people at face value. There are many layers inside us, for people are the most complex things in the world. I don’t think I’ll ever understand them, but my art helps me to at least come close to an understanding.” Once a piece of art is started, Thomas feels like he must finish it within two

weeks otherwise his mind will wander elsewhere. The exceptional results emerge from his hard work and dedication.   Just like any other activity we choose to engage in, creating art inevitably take time out of the already crowded schedule of a student.   “I think right now, school takes precedent, but with time I do have I spend a lot of time searching for inspiration,” said Thomas. Despite devoting time to art, he has managed to maintain a steady grade card of mostly A’s and will be graduating within the top five percent of the senior class. Alongside his good grades, Thomas has achieved a feat of learning many different languages such as Arabic and Chinese at classes in JCCC.   Thomas will be attending New York University next year with a major in a science of some sort. Although he won’t be focusing on art, Thomas believes that this passion will always continue to be a part of his life.   “It’s a competitive industry and it scares me to think that I might put everything into art to live as an artist.” remarked Thomas. Instead, he will continue to simply

Thomas Schukai

M

Paranoia, Mr. Nobody, and Narcissism By Thomas Schukai

find release through his art. -Amy Du

“My favorite thing about art is that there’s no exact science. Teachers will try to teach you what colors work best together and how to create a good composition and how to use a wide range of tones and values, but I think real art is about the message.” Senior Issue ‘14 | 17


Olathe East Class of ‘14

W

hen Snigdha Sharma moved to America from India at the age of three, she could not speak a single word of English. Now, as she heads off to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, Sharma possesses a control of the language to which only a select few can lay claim.   Sharma recalled, “When I came to America, I couldn’t speak a lick of English. My parents had to sit down and teach me every single day because I couldn’t talk to anybody in preschool.”   “Now, after all those painful years of thinking that ‘b-a-t’ spelled ‘dog,’ I read and write better in this language than any other.”   Sharma’s mastery of the arts extends far beyond writing and literature, though. In fact, many students around OE know Sharma for her musical prowess.   At the age of eight, her parents introduced her to the piano, and she has played ever since. In fifth grade, Sharma eagerly joined the elementary school music program and selected the violin as her instrument of choice.   Sharma has continued with the violin all throughout middle and high school, and she now sits second chair in the first violin section of the Olathe East advanced orchestra.   Her musical exploits do not end there, though. Before her junior year, Sharma made the decision to join the Orange and Blue Brigade as a percussionist, primarily playing the synthesizer.   “I think I was probably one of the first people, if not the first, to be in both band and orchestra,” said Sharma.   “Joining marching band was the best decision I made in high school, because it was the first academic decision I made by myself and for myself,” Sharma added.   Moving forward, she hopes to continue playing

the violin in college both independently and in an open-audition orchestra at Cornell.   “There’s not any one person or thing that keeps me going,” Sharma said. “It’s just my love of music in general. I just love music.”   Of course, getting accepted into Cornell, one of the

Snigdha Sharma

There’s not any one person or thing that keeps me going. It’s just my love of music in general.

18 | Senior Issue ‘14

eight Ivy League schools, takes a nearly Herculean effort, especially in academics. Sharma was up to the task, though, scoring a 33 on her ACT as well as earning the esteemed title of National Merit Scholar thanks to her extraordinary PSAT score- - 217 out of 240.   She laughingly recalled, “When I got the letter, I went to the bathroom to open it in case it was bad news. When I screamed, my mom thought I was dying, but the letter was actually good news.”   With her hard-earned mastery of the arts and academia to accompany her, Sharma will set her sights on Cornell University this fall, where she plans to major in English with a premed emphasis. After graduation, Sharma hopes to live in a big city-- New York City currently tops her list-- and work in a profession where she can use her writing talents every day.   “I’d like to do copywriting for an ad agency or journalism,” Sharma said. “If I’m not in med school, then I’d like to be doing something with writing, but there’s no reason I can’t be a doctor and also write on the side.”   Wherever she ends up and whatever career she lands in, Snigdha Sharma will undoubtedly outshine the crowd-- just as she has done in all her exploits thus far-- and make those lucky enough to know her extraordinarily proud. -Matthew Gwin


Olathe East Class of ‘14

B

One of the most significant moments in his high school experience was the moment he found out his older brother Nate had passed away almost two years ago. The whole school supported him and his family through the very difficult road ahead. This tragic event permanently affected his outlook on life.   “I mean, a lot of other people’s brothers and sisters pass away, but it just makes me stand out from everyone else. It mostly affected me toward being a better person, because it made me realize how short life can really be without even thinking about it,” he explained.   His parents have also helped him throughout his high school career, through the ups and through the downs. “They have always pushed me through my high school career. They’ve always pushed me to what I want to do,” Trinkle stated.   Trinkle’s personal mottos have gotten him through the hard times and held him up through the good ones. “I have two [mottos]: Don’t quit; if you quit, it’s just going to hurt you more than if you don’t try. The other one is: don’t look behind you; always take a step forward,” he explained.   Branden’s mottos define his point of view on how to live a good life. Branden Trinkle’s future looks positive and bright, so watch for him healing the brave when the big leaguers strike out. -Courtney Child

Don’t quit. If you quit, it’s just going to hurt you more than if you don’t try.

Branden Trinkle

randen Trinkle is no ordinary senior. His successful football career has set him apart from the other high school seniors here at East. His passion for the game truly has shone through.   “I like the contact and the speed of the game the best,” Trinkle said.   Playing football has affected his outlook throughout his high school career.   “Football has made me a better person toward high school,” Trinkle stated.   As he goes off to college next year, he contemplates the impact he made on the people he has spent the last four years with.   “[I would like to be remembered] for my football career,” Trinkle stated.   The one thing on Trinkle’s mind is starting his life as a personal trainer as soon as possible. “I just like helping people out,” Trinkle stated. He works hard to solidify his future career. “I’m going to JCCC. It’s a two-year program [to become a personal trainer],” he stated.   “[My favorite part of high school is] the friends and the football,” he stated. He was a captain on the football team, and most of his favorite memories from high school are with his fellow captains.   “Probably the captain meetings, just the things we did at the captain meetings every Wednesday before the games. Just going to the movies, water volleyball, going out to Chipotle. When we went out to Chipotle, we would stay out until ten or eleven, just talking,” Trinkle said. Those moments and memories mean the world to him.

Senior Issue ‘14 | 19


Olathe East Class of ‘14

Madeline Ward

T

he sail of Madeline Ward’s ship was caught in a crosswind heading for the Naval Academy that began both here at Olathe East, and overseas in a war-torn country of Afghanistan. As part of a leadership project, she sent care packages to Cale Miller’s Army Stryker unit which was deployed in Afghanistan. The Stryker unit encountered hostile forces, and Cale Miller was killed in action while the packages were en route to him. Upon the rest of the Stryker unit’s surviving member’s return, she was invited to meet them.   “When I realized [the soldiers’] sacrifice and commitment, it became clear to me that I wanted to serve as well. As I explored the various military branches, I decided that the Navy offered the best fit by way of the Naval Academy,” said Madeline Ward.   Passionate about competitions, Ward has participated in both school sports and events outside of school. Madeline previously played soccer at Olathe East. In the past, Ward competed in triathlons, and has run a half marathon.   “While it is great to win, sometimes the victory is in finishing,”she stated. In order to reach the requirements for admittance to the Naval Academy, Ward believes that it is easier to stay in shape than to get in shape. Her training includes running, biking, swimming, and weight-lifting as well as increasing her focus on push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups.   Ward was glad she had many influential people supporting her. “My mom, dad, and twin sister, Jillian, have been

huge motivators throughout my life. They have always been by my side and have cheered me on in everything I do. I can’t thank them enough for all of their support, and I hope to make them proud,” she said.   While at Olathe East, Ward involved herself in a variety of activities. She played on the soccer team and participated in NHS, SNHS, and the Leadership Program. In her free time, she works at Helpers, Inc., and volunteers at Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah and other organizations. Madeline also enjoys staying active and spending time with friends and family.   Madeline will attend the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland where she plans to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering, which can be used in virtually every service selection, from working on ships, to submarines, and to aviation. Don’t give up the ship, Madeline. -Logan Brockschmidt

When I realized [the soldiers’] sacrifice and commitment, it became clear to me that I wanted to serve as well. As I explored the various military branches, I decided that the Navy offered the best fit by way of the Naval Academy.

20 | Senior Issue ‘14


Olathe East Class of ‘14

I

Life is so beautiful, you’ve just got to embrace it”. Aren will continue his journey at the University of Kansas next year, where he intends to major in education. The Hawk’s Eye wishes him nothing but continued success and happiness, and supports his decision to remain true to himself. Regardless of what others may say or do or feel, Aren is confident that his selflove and pride will stay with him throughout the rest of his days. “I will never ever apologize to anyone for telling them who I am… I refuse to be ashamed about who I am, ever”, Aren stated. -Maddy Branstetter

You’ve got to be yourself... You will be 1000% more happy... Life is so beautiful, you’ve just got to embrace it.

Aren Utter

remember what my parents told me, ‘ all that matters is what you think of yourself’-- and that’s what I do”, Olathe East Senior Aren Utter recalled about his childhood.    Aren, a joy-filled spirit with a smile to light up a room, came out as gay in junior high. To him, this expression of who he was “felt like so much weight dropped off [his] shoulders”, especially when he was met with nothing but support from his parents. In retrospect, he comments on his coming out, saying, “that might be one of the happiest days I’ve ever had… for some people it’s the saddest, I was so lucky to have a family that understood”.   However, Aren was not as lucky with his peers as he was with his family, and his middle school years were difficult for that reason. “Real situations expose real people”, Aren said, referring to the friends that abandoned him shortly after coming out. In a culture that is highly homophobic and generally condemning of non-traditional relationships and at a time when he was much more sensitive to the criticism of others, Aren recalls, “I remember getting so upset.. wondering if other people were talking about me”. With junior high as an already tumultuous time in his life, Aren was happy to move up to East and towards a new start.     Deciding to be nothing but himself, Aren was among the hoards of freshmen that invaded East’s halls in 2009 as the first freshmen class to be hosted by the school. In his time at East, Aren learned not only the stereotypical subjects of learning, but also how to cope with the struggles life inevitably brings. With a grin marked by well-meaning honesty and experience, Aren offers up one of the lessons his experience with adversity has taught him. Bubbling with optimism, Aren advises others, “You’ve got to be yourself.. You will be 1000% more happy…

Senior Issue ‘14 | 21


Olathe East Class of ‘14

W

hen students are out enjoying their weekends, Monica Percival slaves away at school behind a computer, working on your yearbook. She and her classmate Spencer Brown are in charge this year’s Olathe East Yearbook. They decide what goes in, who writes what, and make numerous other decisions that lead to you getting your copy of the publication.   Percival joined the yearbook staff in her freshman year. Despite never working on her middle school’s yearbook, in eighth grade, her English teacher pulled her and a few other students into the hall, saying they had been recommended for the OE staff. She recalled, “I didn’t do anything else so I decided to apply and see how it went. I got in and I’ve been doing it ever

Monica Percival

“I got sick in San Francisco, so that wasn’t really fun, but I had a really good time at both. I think Anaheim was the trip because it was my freshman year and it was the first time I traveled alone, without my parents. The group of people was great and we had a great time,” she stated.   Besides the trips she noted going to see “The Great Gatsby” on a field trip with her English class as one of her favorite

I did [tae kwon do] for nine years...I started as a white belt and worked my way up to a third-degree black belt.

since.”   Being on the staff has certainly shaped her experience at school. “I don’t do sports and I’m not super artsy or anything so it gave me a place to meet people and work towards something,” she said.   “[Kevin] Mays, [English teacher and yearbook advisor], is pretty set in his ways but this year we’ve gone a little bit more modern, a little less traditional,” observed Percival while discussing how the yearbook has changed. Going in that direction was a joint deci-

sion with her co-editor, Spencer Brown.   Working with the staff has also given her some of her favorite high school moments, including trips to Anaheim and San Francisco.

22 | Senior Issue ‘14

memories from East.   Something you may not guess from looking at her is her extensive martial arts background.   “My brother started tae kwon do in first grade with his friends and I went for a little while and I’d sit in the back and watch. So one day I didn’t want him to be better at something than me, so I signed up and I fell in love with it. I did it for nine years; I just stopped last May because of a busy schedule and conflicts, but I did tae kwon do at Yang Masters United Tae Kwon Do Center. I started as a white belt and worked my way up to a third-degree black belt.”   After graduation, Monica plans to attend a co-op program at Missouri Southern State University and Ozark Christian College. She’ll receive a bachelor’s degree from both schools, nursing at MSSU and a Bible degree at Ozark Christian, along with going on missions. -Aaron Rhodes


Olathe East Class of ‘14

I can go past a car and tell exactly what kind of tires they’ve got.

Creek by Olathe North. Mill Creek is the Twenty First Century program through the Olathe Schools that has three categories– loading, auto collision, and auto tech. Bryan has been in the autotech program for two years. He’s

Bryan Wills

W

hen Bryan Wills walks into a room, his appearance leads you to believe he’ll have a southern drawl and the manners of the Duck Dynasty men. With his camouflage backpack and matching ball cap, Wills struts down the halls in his cowboy boots to the beat of his own drum. Though he may seem a little on the side of redneck, Bryan is a kind hearted and friendly kid who’s just looking to have a good day and smile as much as he can. Also quite the time manager, Bryan’s typical day consists of two hours of school at Olathe East – CP English IV and physical science – then heads to Mill

working on his ASE certification to actually be able to work in a shop one day. The certification includes mastering the breaks, engine repairs and performance, steering and suspension, electrical, and Hvac.   “I taught myself how to fix cars, and had some friends sophomore year who did it with me. I can go past a car and tell exactly what kind of tires they’ve got,” he commented. After he finishes his day in the shop, he then drives over to his real job. Bryan spends seven hours on weekdays and nine to ten hours on the weekends working in lumber for Lowe’s.   “The other day I built a giant jenga set for some family, and then a Plunko set. I also sold $15,000 on decking the other day. That’s a whole lot of money for just decks,” he said. Bryan definitely looks like a countryman – and that is exactly what he aspires to be. His grandparents recently sold their farm in Louisburg, Missouri, where Bryan spent numerous summers working for his Grandpa and his friends.   “My grandpa was going to give me his ten acres then moved because he couldn’t handle the farm anymore. He used to work construction, and has had six surgeries on his thumbs,” he said. While also on the farm, Bryan puts his hunting license to good use and supplies dinner with the deer he hunts, as well as fishes quite a bit.  Bryan dreams of tending a farm with herds of cattle, while also owning an automotive shop on the side for extra money. This car enthusiast would love to work at a place that does its own custom fabrication, from big trucks to remodeling 20’s and 30’s vehicles into hot rods for pleasure. Wills especially wants to specialize in lift kits and huge tires.   Whether owning his own shop or having his own herd of cattle, Bryan’s goals are quite attainable. This enterprising young man knows that someday, he will achieve exactly what his heart desires. This guy works extremely hard and gets the job done with a positive outlook, no matter what is thrown his way. Bryan Wills is the epitome of a Kansas man, and will always be the goofy guy with the accent and the big heart. - Kelsey Knecht

Senior Issue ‘14 | 23


Congratulations on your graduation, seniors! You made history and became the first class at Olathe East to complete four years of high school. The Hawk’s Eye wishes you the best in your future endeavors.

24 | Senior Issue ‘14


Thank You Thank you Meyers, for helping and teaching me more ways to become a better football player. –Branden Trinkle

Thank you, Mrs. Bourland, for being my bff and to Mr. Shafer for letting me do what I love for so long. –Kelsey Knecht Thank you Mr. Smikahl and Mrs. Creek for letting us eat in the band room every Thursday even though we were loud and annoying. –Elizabeth Martin Thank you to Mr. Luckert and Mr. Smikahl for being the two best teachers I’ve ever had. –Joel Coatney Thank you Mama B (Karen Bourland) for being the best teacher and friend the last two years. –Lauren Merino I would like to thank Miss Magee for keeping me in line and teaching me how to use Snapchat. I would also like to thank Coach Hulse for supporting my softball career in high school. –Elizabeth Leonard Thank you to Mr. Gunn, you have made my senior year one to remember. You’re easily one of my favorite teachers here at East. –Eric Luder Thank you to all my teachers for letting me get away with so much. –Alex Starr I would like to thank Coach Hulse and Spurdad for doing an awesome job as softball coaches, my friends for making school fun, and Mr. Weible and Ms. Snozek for being fabulous teachers. –Sayde Woten Thank you Silks for being an unforgettable teacher. –Zanah Maggio

Thank you to all my friends for making high school the best years yet. And thanks to the teachers for never giving up on us. –Cassidy King

Thank you to the Fine Nine for making the last 4 years interesting and some of the most fun-filled years up to date. –Alex Wilson

Mr. Luckert, Mr. Stephenson, Mr. Umphrey, and Mr. Reynolds, thanks for being so approachable and chill. Class was fun with you as the teacher. Stay awesome. –Michelle Dobratz

Thank you to Mrs. Keating and Mr. O’Grady for inspiring me to go into business. You were both huge role models and more than teachers to me. –Chris Strange

Thank you, Mrs. Richards, for being so nice and caring. I’ll miss you so much. –Claire Munch

Thank you, Mr. Franzen, for turning me into a poet. –Cara La Gore

Thank you Ms. Vohs for being an amazing teacher. Over the past three years you’ve taught me leadership, time management and how to give a presentation. You’re an inspiration and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to take your classes! –Jessica Epps Thank you to Vohs for being my mom away from home. –Hannah Hollis Thank you, Mr. Stephens, for teaching me all about history and being the best teacher out there at East! –Layne Shepard Thank you so much to Mrs. Hannah and Ms. Ludwig for inspiring me and helping me grow as an artist! –Nicholas Hampton Thanks to Coach Hulse for always being there and advising me to go out for tennis and never giving up on me. It was the best sports season of my life, and I have Coach Hulse to thank for supporting my learning to play tennis. –Danielle Parsons Thank you Mrs. Hansen for pushing all your students to succeed. –Dajuane Box Thank you Mrs. Schmidt for getting me through school. –Taylor Schmidt

Thank you to Jacob Cleek for always being a great friend and constantly being an example of how to treat a girl. –Regan Stauffer Thank you, Mr. Stephens and Mrs. Francis, for being the best leadership sponsors and putting up with craziness. –Aubrey Gahagan Thank you to Ms. Vohs for changing my life, and making me a better person. –Jared Walters Thank you Hawk Nation for getting rowdy and coming out strong. High school is only as great as we choose to make it. –Kat Karstens Calhoun, Thank you for always helping me through whatever problem I have. –Krista Valdez Mrs. Etherton- By far you are the sweetest, most caring teacher here. I love and appreciate all your patience and understanding. –Janelle Dotson Thank you Mrs. Schmidt for helping me through all my troubles. –Brady Myers

Class of

2014

Lauren Merino - Co-Editor

Thank you Mrs. Charlton for always looking out for me and inspiring me. –Robbie Tipton

I’d like to thank Mrs. Hollan. She’s helped me overcome a lot of obstacles throughout my freshman, sophomore, and junior years. –Samantha Cossey Thank you Mrs. Swyers for making your class way too hard. –Matt Blais Thank you Mr. Adrian for making his class really interesting. –Neil Duval Thank you to Renee in the attendance office for being so cool with me! I’ll miss you! –Emily Miller I want to thank all the students at Olathe East for making my exchange year the best year of my life. Especially thank you to Mrs. Bourland, who made my English better. –Mimoza Selmani Thanks Swyers for always being real with me. –Connor Dewitt Thank you to Brenna Calhoun for being such a good friend. –Roark Browne Mr. Keach: Thank you for all the acting advice and for not yelling at me for being late to your class every day. –Carley Johnson Thank you Google and Coach Schelp for keeping me on the right track. –Jacob Lorenzen Thank you, Ryan Beard, for being my shoulder to cry on. May the blue machine live on forever… and to Ebony Reardon… I love you Macaroni. –Tierra Brown

Senior Issue ‘14 | 25


Thank you Adam Holthus for being my favorite co-tenor player three years running. –Matthew Roth I would like to thank all of my wrestling coaches and teammates. You have all taught me that I can make it through anything, because I’ve been through worse. Wrestling will always be one of my favorite memories so I thank you all for being a part of this. –Evan Green

Thank you to all my teachers for teaching me many important things that will help me in life, and a special shout-out to Mrs. Etherton for inspiring me to make a difference in this world. –Lauren Fritsch Thank you Mr. Kidder for teaching me how to be independent and teaching me how to follow my dream. –Michael Lenz Thank you to Mrs. Hair for being a great teacher and an even better friend over the years. –Rachel Rindner

Thank you to Alex Compton and Lauren Toole for always helping me believe in myself! –Morgan Bly

Thanks to Mr. Umphrey for being the best teacher. I loved the Europe Trip and thanks for your inspiring pep talks. Thanks to you, I’m a boss at bouncy ball challenges. –Mackenzie Doherty

Thank You

I’d like to thank Mrs. Britton for helping me with anything. –Maria Muniz

26 | Senior Issue ‘14

Thank you Swyers and Mrs. Hair for helping me with everything I’ve gone through senior year. –Carley Mitus Thank you to the Girls’ Varsity Golf team this year. I didn’t think a person could have so much fun golfing. I love you all! –Genna Lind I want to thank Thuston for making me look 100 times better each and everyday. Also all of my coaches! –Nathan Guthrie Thank you Seth Ford for being a good boyfriend. –Cassie Otte I would like to thank Carley Mitus for being my absolute best friend and standing by me no matter what these past four years. Love you. –Bailey Ward Thank you Kimberly Hansen for being the best teacher EVER! –Grant Young Thank you Mike McDonald for always believing in me and pushing me to thrive in all I do. Thank you Ms. Faunce for making Olathe East a happy place to be. – Riley Botz

Thank you Mrs. Charlton for all your guidance and support especially with Mill Creek Auto Tech. –Bryan Wills

Thanks Gretl for always letting me sleep in your room. –Allison Haggard

I would like to thank Coach Hulse for being a personal role model and making playing tennis the past four years one of the best decisions of my life. –Hannah Fain

Thank you Mrs. Donham for truly caring about your students, and pushing me to do my best. I’ve never had a teacher who’s worked so hard in helping us learn and understand. She’s a tough teacher, but that’s what makes her so great! –Asma Hussaini

I would like to thank Coach Umphrey for teaching me how to look at life the right way. –Dylan Brock Thank you to all my teachers who have impacted my life these last few years. I couldn’t have done it without all your support. –Haley Pickert Thank you Mr. Umphrey, for not only being an amazing teacher, but inspiring me to not always just go with the flow, but if I really want something to work for it. –Sarah Torrey Thank you Mr. McDonald for all the years of AVID. –Monica Sananikone Thank you Jessica Thompson for being my best partner in crime with me the last four years. Through ups and downs, without you I wouldn’t be this awesome. –Kayla Bui

Thank you John Tomicich, Sam Huffman, my senior AVID class and everyone who got me through the crap of high school. Also thank you Mrs. Howell and Mr. Weible for being the swaggiest teachers ever. Thank you Officer Cordell for allowing me to bother you in your office when I was bored! –Lexi O’dell I thank Mrs. Falen for always being a mom to me, and taking care of me when I need her. –Malik Smith Thank you to the Class of 2014 for being the best class ever and the first class to go through Olathe East for four years. –Andres Cooper Thank you Mrs. Mayer for inspiring me to become the musician that I am, and to want to inspire other students like you did for me. –Joe Donley

Thank you to Ginger in attendance for being so nice and caring all of my four years. –Austin Rini

Thank you Mr. Young for teaching me to have a growth mindset. –David Burlingame

Thanks to Mrs. Kimmel for understanding my pessimistic attitude. –Taylor Bickel

I just want to say thank you to Samantha Henriquez for doing my Spanish homework. Thank you to Ms. Snozek for being there for me! I love you Ms. Snozek! –Stephanie Polarao

I would like to thank Coach Bo for being my teacher, my coach, helping me to earn a state championship, and for always pushing me. –Amanda Sharp

Thank you Mrs. Swyers for always being there to help me and for always being so supportive. –Mary Ellen Cox

Thank you Coach Wally and Mrs. Coach Evans for helping me through these 4 years with everything and making me a better runner. –Kelsey Lathrop

Thanks to my man Brent Reynolds for being so dope. –Anna Elliot

Thank you Mrs. Stephenson for giving me a second chance. –Austin Porter

Thank you Mrs. Greenstreet for putting up with Brooke Nelson, Brooklynn Dobesh and I, and for helping us get through our senior year without dying of thirst. –Bailey Nelson


Thank You’s Thank you to all my teachers, past and present, for being helpful and supportive of everything I did. –Katrina Davis

Thank you, Coach Super, for all the hours of extra time you put in for our team and all the entertainment that came with it. –Ezra Talbert

I thank Coach Hulse for always letting us play mat ball in P.E. everyday first hour. –Skyler Schmitt

Thank you, Mrs. Swyers, for showing me that diligent work pays off. –Emma Wood

Even though he retired, I would like to thank Mr. Luckert for being the best teacher I’ve ever had. –Maddie Cardwell

Thank you, Madame Swetz, for inspiring my love for French culture and language. –Mei Mei

I’d like to thank Alli Heckmann for helping me get to where I am now. –Tyler Gartenberg Thank you Joe Donley for always picking me up “Lion King style” in the hallways. I’ve never felt more like Simba in my entire life. -Corey Dean

Thank you to Mrs. Hair for being hands-down the best teacher ever. Thank you to the Spanish department for making learning a foreign language fun!! –Mackenzie Votipka

Thanks to Ms. Snozek for being there for me and allowing me to be my crazy self. You rock. Thanks to Sayde Woten for being my best friend. Thanks to Mrs. Bourland for always putting a smile on my face!! –Pam Sounnarath Thank you, Mr. Richards, for the best year of history ever. –Parker Kempin Thank you, Mr. Weible, for always listening and having such a great sense of humor. –Fallon Glenn

A big thank you goes to Mr. McDonald for helping me out with math as well as my study habits to prepare me for college –Adam Thies Thank you, Ms. Smull, for making AP Spanish 5 somewhat easy. –Morgan Westervelt Mrs. Goddard, thank you for believing in me and being like a second mom to me. –Nathan Milford

Thank you Mr. Thuston for letting me see your beautiful body at PLC everyday. –Connor Leach

I would like to thank Jim Hutchinson for his continued friendship and guidance. Also for pointing me to the right college: K-State. –Alex Westrope Thank you Omid Nabavizadeh, for always staying positive. –Tyler Clark I would like to thank Mr. Gunn for everything he has done for me spiritually and how he has guided me though high school. –Nick Hinrichs Thank you for coaching me, Coach Walle. –Kyle Evans

Thanks for the crappy lunch food. –Thomas Monnett Thank you, Vohs, for being my day one and teaching everything I need to know to survive being a girl. –Jordan Bettis Thank you to everyone in my theatre class and the whole theatre department for making my days feel welcome. –Theresa Frye Thank you, Mrs. Richards and Mr. McDonald, for giving me a wonderful four years. –Riley Stoll Thank you, Mr. Mays, for everything! I take back everything bad I’ve ever said about you. –Spencer Brown

Thank you, Mrs. Manesh, for giving me many opportunities and helping me find a suitable career path. –Alex Birge Thank you to Regan Stauffer for being the best friend anyone could ask for. You are my rock babe. Love you. –Cammie Valentine Thank you, Mrs. Swyers, for kicking my butt and keeping me focused! –Aaron Yuratovich I would like to thank my mother, Ms. Vohs for everything through these four years. –Rob Wall

Thanks for all the narks keeping us straight. –Jack Maatsch

Thank you, Mr. Young, for teaching me that stress is overrated and to calm my amygdala. –Hailie Scarborough

Thank you, Mackenzie Votipka, for showing me that it’s okay to laugh at your own jokes. –Emilee Voigt

Thank you, Mimoza Selmani, for making 6th hour the highlight of my day every day! –Kristine Lundeby

Thank you, Mrs. Robinette, for helping me out through my senior year. –Colby Weigel

Thank you, Ms. Beck, for getting me as far as I am now. –Lexi Sprague

Thank you, Mrs. Swetz, for teaching me to love a language. Thank you Mr. Luckert for still inspiring me even though he isn’t here anymore. –Mikaela Altis

I would like to thank Coach Super for convincing me to be the men’s basketball manager because I will have all those memories the rest of my life and I became friends with some of the guys that I normally would have never talked to! –Victoria Roberts

Thank you Mr. Luckert for giving me a year of English I heartily enjoyed. I also want to thank Mr. Richards for helping me appreciate bow ties. –Luke Evans

Altis, thanks for being there for me. You made this transition a good one. –Shelbie Harris

Senior Issue ‘14 | 27


When my team and I figured out we were picked in the top 20 for Battle of the Brains –Joe Bartak Being able to spend a whole week on the beach relaxing and having fun with my friends. Oh and winning state. Twice. -Allison Stewart Finding out that I’m in the background of the Girls’ Cross Country team state picture –Jackson Stone Lunch with Swyz –Heather Burton Getting to spend four years in Environmental Design with some of my really good friends –Neil Duval

“I’m bringing sexy back!” –Super –Janelle Dotson Being Belle in “Beauty and the Beast” and singing at Carnegie Hall in NYC –Kelsey Knecht Winning state for XC. It meant so much to give the seniors that year a win to leave with, and wearing the ring everyday is so worth the work. –Amanda Sharp

“I actually cried twice” –Mr. Smikahl –Snigda Sharma

My most cherished moment of high school is when I passed physics with a B. –Taiylor Sharp

Running onto the field at our first home football game –Dylan Brock

My senior year during football two-a-days sharing all the blood, sweat, and tears with my brothers for the last year of high school football –Dalton Casey Sophomore year math class with Mrs. Robinson; we would always play jokes on her. –Chandler Holaday Sitting on the 800’s stairs for lunch to make daily life seem like a 90’s sitcom. –Mercades Hunt Taking my final bow on stage with my best friends by my side –Morgan Hodges During the Prom crash, sitting in the back seat of the car “dead” with Justus Johnson crying real tears over my body –Jacob Cleek “xoxo gossip girl” –Regan Stone Student Naturalist hour 5 (Brian Newkirk, Alex Stuckey, Haris Patel, Matt Vollink and Mr. Gunn) –Alex Birge

28 | Senior Issue ‘14

Favorite

Bribing Mr. Williams with a donut to switch my seat next to Brooke –Bailey Nelson

The moment when I walk out the door for the last time –Jack Maatsch

Playing for #2G1C –Chandler Stortz

2014

At all of the football games when everyone would do the chants because we all came together as a school –Kelly Dwyer

Being my first year at OE, I didn’t know that many people, meaning I was kinda lonely during lunch. That is until a group of kids invited me to sit with them and from there on became my good friends. –Asma Hussaini

My time on the cross country team. Those girls have become my family and I wouldn’t trade their excessive level of energy for anything. “No more till no more.” -Mia Rosinski

Class of

My most cherished moment would be prom. It was just like the movies, everything was perfect. –Mimoza Selmani

When Cathy Alcorn threw her crutch across the field to demonstrate a proper flag toss -Erica Kneib For me, I enjoyed my gaining of knowledge and my several awakenings into my personality and beliefs –Todd McCarthy The fight that broke out at the anti-bullying assembly. That was pretty rad. –Tyler Samuelson

Coming to East halfway through my sophomore year and meeting the most important people in my weights class –Malik Smith Celebrating Nate Trinkle’s life with everyone at his candle light vigil –Connor Alexander The first football game of my senior year –Tim Randel Four years in the Front Ensemble and winning grand champions at KU –Jenna Alton Winning the Gardner Edgerton wrestling tournament with Husayn sophomore year –Nathan Milford “State for Nate” –Lexi Gallagher Winter Break senior year –Connor Dewitt Being nominated for prom queen, because it was so rewarding being someone my peers wanted to nominate, and being blessed that they thought of me that way. –Danielle Parsons

Prom, it was such a fun time dancing and laughing with friends, and hanging out with amazing people, plus the photobooth. –Lauren Fritsch

Walking out of that door on the last day –Ashton Sheperd

Being Lady of the Lake on my 18th birthday –Cammie Valentine

Laughing so hard that I urinated my pants in Mrs. Tjaden’s psychology class –Austin Brennecke

Sophomore year in Mr. Williams’ class when we all turned our desks upside-down and sat in them backwards while he was out of the classroom –Breanna Sikes

Beating GE in football –Riley Curran

When Anastasia Weston and I had our first kiss sophomore year in the stairwell… best damn day of my life!! –Joel Larkins

First football game of senior year –Roark Browne

Storming the court at Olathe South –Erik Panther

During the final circle of “The Odd Couple,” the seniors said their goodbyes and I realized how much I benefited from theatre –Kelsey Proctor

Going to Umphrey’s for our freshman undefeated football year –Branden Trinkle

Winning state alongside my best friends is my most cherished memory. –Bailey Ward

My Junior Prom, it was one of the best nights of my life –Xandria McDaniel

Every cast and crew I ever have been a part of; I have been granted the access to brand new friends, who in turn, became my family. –Ariel Silverman

Being a part of the theater department – I now have a theater scholarship for Ottawa because of it. –Kieryn Boyd

Beating South –Emily Harmsen Hiding Mr. Williams’ donut sophomore year and having him look for it throughout the class period as we gave him clues… it ended up getting squished by a book that fell on it…Oops. –Brooke Nelson

Making first team all state at my very last high school swim meet –Tyler Gartenberg Getting to experience winning state twice and hopefully a third time next year! –Kelsey Gertsema Senior vs. Junior dance crews –Trenton Clark

Grindin’ with my boys every day in the wrestling room –Sean Branigan

Hysterically laughing my butt off at senior breakfast with my friends –Zanah Maggio

Playing on JV soccer my freshman and sophomore year –Madeline Ward

Winning four state titles and an individual state championship in the 800m –Kelsey Lathrop

Spring Break 2014. I got to have a great time with my friends and got to meet a lot of new people. –Taylor Schoenborn

Yearbook trips to San Francisco and Boston –Spencer Brown Making a kid forfeit a match because of my serve –Alex Stuckey


Moment

I will never forget the moment my mom and I realized the football team dedicated the 2013 season to our dad as the boys set foot on the field for their first starting varsity game. We lost our dad to cancer just 11 days before freshman year started. –Emily Evans When my junior BC Calculus class watched The Office and ate Chipotle during the whole hour –Luke Evans Either the first time I played harmonica in the Tommy rehearsal or asking Jacqui to prom with a barbershop quartet –Chris Opperman

Favorite Moment

Friday night football games –Ashley Elkiwan

Hanging out with all my wrestling bros before practice and at meets. It was hard but it was also the most memorable part of high school. –Evan Green Hasn’t happened yet, I still haven’t graduated! –Griffin Rohlfing

1.Yearbook trip to Boston 2.Making the friends I have 3.Realizing the University of Kansas is my home –Jordan Stofer Going to Playa with my bros –Brayden Bromley Being with my friends and given the opportunity to play a sport I know and love –Nick Baker Every time we beat South –Adam Thies Winning the state 4x400 with Kyle Evans, Parker Evans, and Braxton Love –Nick Hinrichs

My favorite moment would be winning a state championship in track –Quynton Barnes My most cherished moment in high school would have to be at Nationals 2014 with my drill team girls. Competing with my team for the last time was too surreal. I love you guys! –Hanna Melton

The week my wrestling team and I placed nine people at our League Tournament -Pablo Espinosa

Meeting my girlfriend Rachel in my first drawing class. Thanks, Weible. –Guy Hurst

“Nice Bros for Iced Hoes” –Sabrina Flemming

Becoming a stronger version of myself in the weights room year after year –Logan Thomas

The Europe trip –Cortney Mayhew

When Mr. Meyers sang “Journey” at the UCM camp –Rob Wall

The catch I had in our football game against North where I jumped over the corner. That picture got so many likes on Instagram. –Colby Stone

Seeing my friend graduate when I was a junior. He worked hard and came from humble beginnings. Now he’s studying to help inspire other artistic students like myself. –Kiara Nguyen

Being under Friday night lights –Mikaela Altis Saying goodbye to Mr. Luckert, when he started to tear up. That’s when you know a teacher really cares about his students. –Kelly Rummerfield When we upset Gardner in the first round of the football playoffs! And Playa… -Nathan Guthrie Playing basketball my senior year. “Practice doesn’t make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect” –Ian Root When Mr. Feaster referred to YOLO as FOLO. We call it “Feaster only lives once” now –Anastasia Weston Baseball season –Kellan Richards

Watching fights –Thomas Monnett Meeting Kellan Richards –Reagan Grimm When our basketball team beat Olathe South and our fans stormed the court; it was the most exciting game I have seen. –Jordan Brown “Goodbye everyone, I’ll remember you all in therapy.” –Plankton –Emilee Voigt Meeting my best friend, Kayla Bui –Jessie Thompson Making someone smile/laugh each and every day –Omid Nabavizadeh “S-cute” “We need to slow” “cheese” –Alex Compton

In AP Chemistry when we made fireworks –Alex Westrope Participating in the shows for the Theatre Department. The program here at East is great! –Kelley Sharp Newspaper shenanigans –Maddy Branstetter Being in the fashion show and being involved with soccer at East –Megan Wagner “If you see the cops, give me the wooty woo”–Connor Leach My most cherished high school moment was the first time I played in a varsity baseball game –Chad Thomas My last walk down the Olathe East runway, so bittersweet! –Hannah Hollis When our sophomore basketball team went 19-2 for the season –Layne Shepard The Homecoming game and being titled Homecoming Queen. Getting to walk out on the field and hearing my friends cheer me on was the most heartwarming experience that I will never forget. –Hayley Bondank Being cast as Tommy in “The Who’s Tommy” –Arthur Clifford Spring Break 2014, my friend and I went down to Destin, and I rented a house. Gorgeous city, beach, weather, and wonderful memories that I will never forget. –Cat Seger The whole time was the best time –Chase Harvey

Senior Issue ‘14 | 29


Wills I, Jordan Bettis, leave my blanket to Natalie because this school doesn’t know what heat is. I, Sharon Lee, will absolutely nothing to my baby brother Justin Lee because he is a disrespectful little whelp. I, Skyler Schmitt, will anything to anyone who wants to be willed something.

I, Megan Cox, will my out-going personality and my sarcastic greatness to my little brother Jared because he needs it. I, Tyler Samuelson, will my son, Gregory, to Mr. Young’s anatomy classes. Enjoy.

I, Tiffany Churchill, will my great golf skills to my little brother, Connor Churchill, because he will need it out on the course.

I, Kelley Sharp, will the Madrigal Pearls to Lauren Howell. Only you can handle the classy responsibility of handing them out at concerts!

I, Ian Root, will my books because I’ll never use them again.

I, Don Zimmer, leave my punk/metal spirit to John Parton.

I, Mackenzie Doherty, will my God-given legs and extreme weirdness to Brenna Doherty, because she is a Doherty.

I, Madeline Ward, will my singing voice to Allison Osheim because someone has to jam to country music next year.

I, Kelsey Gertsema, leave my happiness to Darby Gertsema and Kaylee Byers because the only emotion they have is anger. I, Tierra Brown, will my undying love to my little sister Tyra. I am with you always. I, Sam Basham, will my insane track distance skills to my little sister Gretchen, because she’s way slower than me. I, Nathan Guthrie, leave my breath-taking P.E. ability to Vinny Sisillo, ya chache! I, Austin Porter, will my inhaler to Michaela Alexander. I, Brady Myers, will my body to Nathaniel Thuston, so he can get it whenever he wants. I, Cortney Mayhew, leave my heart to my sophomore crush. #AnonymousHottie I, Megan Wagner, will my kitchen parking spot to my sister Haley.

30 | Senior Issue ‘14

I, Dayna Richards, leave Emily Blais my dear friend Trevor Cox to keep forever.

I, Raymond Panfil, leave the Italian mafia to protect the East Swim team.

Class of I, Mackenzie Votipka, will my groups’ lunch seats to the “wannabe senior” underclassmen that think they’re superior to us at lunch. I, Celso Carranza, will my awesome Baritone skills to Mitch Menner. I, Jordan Wolfe, will my parking spot in the garage to my sister, Natalie. You’re welcome. I, Dorran Wehr, leave my sense of humor to my younger sister, Loren. I, Sabrina Flemming, will my yoga pose Wednesday to Selina Tucker and Abbie Meyer. I also will my sassiness to Justin Lee and my sarcasm to Carter Wade. I, Hannah Wilson, will the power of the pit to Ryan and Sam. Good luck! I, Tanner Emerson, will my luscious pecks to Jake Gartenberg because he doesn’t have any.

I, Zach Summers, will my senioritis to all underclassmen. Have fun.

I, Aubrey Gahagan, will my amazing college chemistry skills to Megan Farenden.

I, Morgan Hodges, will theatre HB to my little Mattie Bell because I know she will do great things with the crown.

I, Alex Compton, leave “Courtney” to Shannon Sewell and Taylor Spillers… use her wisely.

I, Austin Rini, leave my amazing good looks to my brother Michael. I, Hannah Hollis, leave McAuley Hollis and Morgan Benson my ability to not get in trouble with Dad all throughout high school! I, Haley Hanson, leave my overalls to Emily Nicholson. I, Riley Curran, will my good looks to Elijah Pardue even though you already have them because we are twins. I, Mimoza Selmani, leave my love and luck to the next exchange students even though they won’t need it.

I, Jacob Lorenzen, leave my Twitter game to Vinny Sisillo because thirsty ladies need a new DM king. I, Madison Evans, will my old car to my younger brother, Ethan, because I get a new one. I, Justin Kimmich, will my fiery red hair to Dustin Nguyen. I, Kelly Dwyer, will my driving technique and my flawless dance moves to my best friend, Thea Tanius, because she desperately needs them.

2014 I, Caitlyn San Pablo, will Emily Nicholson this slice of pizza because everyone loves pizza. I, Maddie Hoyt, will my theatre cred to my little sister, Ellery, because she will rock being a techie. I, Mia Rosinski, will my strength to Renee Rosinski. “Leave a little sparkle wherever you go.” I, Evan Green, will my b*tchin’ Cadillac Escalade to my little brother Brett, because it will help him pull. I, Heather Burton, will my “dope” grammar skills to Mark Vanlandingham. I, John Tomicich, leave all my respect to all the freshmen, they have none! Also my ability to walk in the hall, because they don’t know how to do that. I, Rachael Flynn, will my old band locker, #75, to Matt Kinkley. I, Sarah Torrey, leave Shannon Sewel and Maddie Bolen my scheming skills…as well as permission to go power hour on fries at all times to the ladies of TDFWBB. I, Regan Stone, will my interview video announcement skills to Molly Taitt. I, Pablo Espinosa, leave my carefree happy attitude to the biggest little bullies on the wrestling team and my favorite teammates Jake Dejong, Connor Guard, and De’Khayle McFarland. I, Lauren Gramlich, leave my personality and fashion to Ally Griffin because she is a fantastic person. I, Morgan Weiler, will my beautiful, outgoing, charming personality to my handsome little brother Austin.


Thank You’s I, Max Langmack, will my height to my brother, Brendan Langmack, for unless he is as tall as me, he will never overtake my tall guy reputation.

I, Arthur Clifford, leave my heart to my wonderful and loving girlfriend, Jessica.

I, Kelsey Knecht, leave the perfect woman title to Lindsey Hart, my love of cookie cake to the juniors of the newspaper staff, and my soprano 1 seniority to Lauren Howell. I, Emily Don, will my tennis swag to Courtney Child next year. I, Kiara Nguyen, leave my knowledge and sense of friendship to Jontel Mendoza for her to become a more beautiful person than she already is inside and out.

I, Lauren Merino, will my fantastic driving skills to Brenna Thompson because she desperately needs them.

I, Nick Baker, will my swag, courtesy, and braveness to Weston Funk for him always being my true friend ever since we were little. I, Natalie Alton, will my drum major voice to Allie Brachtenbach; be loud and inspiring. I, Erik Panther, will my C-Team attitude to the C-Team. Stay slow.

I, Branden Trinkle, leave my athletic ability to my sister, Jessica Trinkle. I, Elizabeth Leonard, will Madi Augustyn the tradition of the OE softball pre-game prayer, and my punny jokes.

I, Taylor Schoenborn, will my server skills to Paige Engle. I, Meredith Smith, leave my awkwardness to Amy Du.

I, Andres Cooper, leave my ability to talk to girls to Nathan Best and Lucas Reynolds because they need it.

I, Omid Nabavizadeh, will my (the school’s) laser engraver to Avery Don and Mitch Massilionis… but please do not break it. I, Annika Lewis, will the one good orchestra cello to Kate in the hopes she will put it to good use. I, Matt Blais, leave my swag, personality, and love to my sister Emily. She’s an amazing sister and will do great things.

I, Ashley Elkiwan, will my scheming skills to Maddie Bolen and Shannon Sewell. Also my back-spot abilities to Rachel Kimberling. I, Joel Larkins, will my tremendous mat ball savvy to Tyler Olson because he sucks at mat ball. I, Kelly Rummerfield, will my good looks and singing ability to my little sister, Rach. I, John Weatherly, will Cameron John all my theatre swag.

I, Kennedy Randolph, will my amazingly awesome but loud sneezes to my favorite ginger, Emily Schukai.

I, Coleson Douglas, leave the fight song and Final Countdown to Will Compton at all of the home basketball games.

I, Jared Walters, will my Gov. notes from Thuston’s class to any underclassman who will pay me enough.

I, Mei Mei, will my dorkiness and ability to yip-yap for hours to Claire Mitchell.

I, Rachel Rindner, will my rockin’ physics knowledge to Kellie Kalinoski and Jack Shierling.

I, Sayde Woten, will my neighbor Karah Brown my basement and pool when the house is empty.

I, Hannah Fain, will my tennis nickname, “The Silent Assassin” to Andie Metzger because she kills it on the tennis court.

I, Parker Kempin, will my cross country work ethic to Henry Cannon.

I, Jacobe Nguyen, will my outrageous swag to my little brother, Markis, because he needs it.

I, Mollie Magee, will my seniority to Kaylee Byers because she believes she’s a senior.

I, Carley Johnson, will my math skills and keystone to Wes Renfrow and Sophie Jones because they will for sure need it next year.

I, Bailey Ward, will my visor swag to Kennedy Poro. Make me proud.

I, Abigail Osheim, will my car to my little sister Allison.

I, Alex Starr, leave my fun and outgoing spirit to my main crew at Addie’s!

I, Laura Apel, will my hair to my little sister, Caroline, for warmth in the winter.

I, Maddy Branstetter, will my Patt Merrin legacy to Marissa Round.

I, Victoria Roberts, will St. Andrews golf course to Bridget Kalicki because it needs tender loving care while I’m gone.

I, Mercades Hunt, leave Aubree Gaytt the will power to stay in school.

I, Snigda Sharma, will my status as token brown kid and butt of all curry jokes to Saurabh Harohalli because he’s my honorary little brother and will undoubtedly improve upon my legacy.

I, Joe Bartak, leave my outrageous amount of pimping skills to my younger brother, Danny Bartak, so he might be a successful B.A. like me one day.

I, Cassidy King, leave the ability to Brylee Andersen to beat up Brett Andersen forever and always. And Maddie Sanders to skip running and hide in the parking lot during gym, sorry Bayha.

I, Ryan Dickerson, leave Matthew Ellis to Jack Freeman and Vinny Sisillo; they will put him to good use.

I, Samantha Wallace, leave Delfino Vasquez all of my notes, quizzes, tests, and homework because he needs all the help he can get.

I, Aaron Yuratovich, will my incredibly charming personality to Zac Marquess.

I, Jordan Stofer, leave my little brother, Jacob, my passion for learning and being involved.

I, Krista Valdez, leave the Lacy sisters my long eyelashes and fluffy butt.

I, Allison Stewart, will my swag athletic ability to my baby brother, so maybe someday he will be good at mat ball. I, Carley Mitus, will my sarcasm to Emily Blais: stay sarcastic. I, Cat Seger, will my perseverance to my younger sister, Grace, so she can have an amazing next three years, but also know that what happens in high school doesn’t define you! I, Erin Spelger, will my food to Shae, Jeremy, and Courtney.

I, Corey Dean, will Wespoochin Renfrow my beard growing skills. I, Lexi Odell, will my sass to my sister from another mister, Abbie Meyer. I love you Abs.

I, Theo Hillamn, will my muscles to De’Khale McFarland. I, Bryce Turner, leave all of my mat ball skills to Greg Hodges. I, Quynton Barnes, leave my good standing with the teachers, coaches, and people in this school to all of my little bros! I, Austin Brennecke, will everything in the time capsule to Mark Vanlandingham. I, Asma Hussaini, will Alex Caedo all the “Makarony and Chez” he needs to survive another year in this school… Use it WISERY! #NoRagrets I, Alex Stuckey, leave behind my hate of the French language to by boy Juan Felix. I, Peymawn Saraian, will my hard work at school to Edgar Lopez, because there is a lot to come.

I, Jordan Brown, will the word “YUKI” to Chase Miller as a part of the football team tradition.

I, Roark Browne, leave my ability to hit wet balls to Tafi Mpofy because he doesn’t ball.

I, Cassie Otte, leave all my cats to Silly B Ford.

I, Sam Esser, leave my deep voice to all underclassmen.

I, Hanna Melton, will my obnoxiously beautiful laughter and unbelievable productivity in newspaper to Lauren Hart. Smile thru da pain, girl.

I, Ashton Sheperd, will my blanket to anyone taking fashion because Vohs’ room is an igloo.

I, Aaron Fink, will Bailey Larkin my passion for theatre and tech, and my creativity and ingenuity.

We, Brooklyn Aston, and Emily Miller, leave the dressing room in the small theater for any 4th hour Rep student who just needs a place to chill out and get away from life!

Senior Issue ‘14 | 31


Class of 2014 My High School Experience as a Title Mission Impossible –Alex Wilson

Let it Go –Anastasia Weston

All I Do is Win –Haley Hanson

This is the End –Cara La Gore

Boulevard of Broken Dreams –Guy Hurst

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas –Tim Randel

Hallelujah! –Zanah Maggio

Turn Down for What –Andres Cooper

Pretty Boy Swag –Brayden Bromley

We Can’t Stop –Fallon Glenn

Finger Prints –Malik Smith

Lamentations of the Heart –Emily Miller

Started From the Bottom –Connor Alexander

Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy –Chris Opperman

Live Like There’s No Tomorrow –Kelsey Proctor

The Hungry Hungry Caterpillar –Caitlyn San Pablo

The Longest Yard –Monica Sananikone

From Bad to Best –Joel Coatney

Drag Me to Hell –Adam Holthus

Bridge to Success –Susan Kimani

Bells of Freedom –Dakota Lipp

Memorable –Kyle Evans

Spring Breakers –Jordan Bettis

Saved by the Bell –Jackson Turrentine

Wolf of Wall Street –Chandler Holaday

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly –Neil Duval

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest –Tyler Clark

We Are Never Getting Back Together –Sam Basham

Stress Builds Character –Don Zimmer

Bangerz –Bethany Warrick

High School Never Ends –Theresa Frye

Walking Disaster –Daniel Rowland

Mean Girls –Mary Ellen Cox Project X –Eric Luder Everybody Loves Raymond –Raymond Panfil To Hell and Back –Abbie Van Nuland Piano (wo)man, because I’m a girl… -Natalie Alton Juno –Mercades Hunt

The Perks of Being a Wallflower –Megan Morris Wake Me Up –Colby Stone LOL –Todd McCarthy It’s a Hard Knock Life –Sabrina Flemming

Don’t Phunk with my Heart –Janelle Dotson Final Destination –Samantha Cossey White Blank Page –Tyler Samuelson Helluva Life –Madeline Ward

Why I Love High School –Bryce Turner

Young and Wild and Free –Xandria McDaniel

Bring it On –Jillian Ward

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun –Anna Elliot

How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying –Aaron Fink I am Legend –Parker Kempin Mr. Nobody –Kyle Rasphangthong What Was I Thinkin’ –Dalton Casey

32 | Senior Issue ‘14

It’s the Final Countdown –Griffin Rohlfing

The Pursuit of Happiness –Nicholas Hampton Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day –Snigda Sharma We’re All in This Together –Colton Kennedy

Never Coming Back –Jordan Wolfe

Friends –Victoria Cantrell

Gangsta’s Paradise –Robbie Tipton Lost –Laura Apel Above the Rim –Dajuane Box Life’s a Dance –Hanna Melton Gossip Girl –Victoria Roberts American Horror Story –Aren Utter Dazed and Confused –Maddy Branstetter Small Steps –Connor Bosworth Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) –Lexi Gallagher

If it Means a lot to You –Alexis Tabares

Here’s to the Good Times –Mollie Magee

Dumb and Dumber –Heather Burton

A Bend in the Road –Morgan Bly

Ferris Bueler’s Day Off –Austin Porter

White and Nerdy –Tommy Sharp

Twelve Years a Slave –Hunter Goff

The Breakfast Club –John Tomicich

I Don’t Wanna Care Right Now –Riley Botz

Thanks for the Memories –Tiffany Churchill


Unused Senior Pranks Releasing 10,000 crickets in the school on the last day –Connor Leach Lay mattresses all down the halls and have the seniors totally take up the space in the halls by sleeping on them –Victoria Cantrell Filling the school with bouncy balls –Trenton Clark Unleash a bunch of marbles in the halls and cafeteria –Stephanie Polarao Drug 50 seagulls with Nyquil, and then place them in cabinets around the school so they wake up and cause havoc. –Thomas Monnett Bubble wrapping Dr. Weber’s office –Taiylor Sharp Pantsing a teacher during a pep assembly, or playing the dirtiest song over the intercom –Todd McCarthy Sending out a mass voicemail to all underclassmen’s parents saying they have been expelled for some crazy reason –Mackenzie Votipka

Put a fish in the bathroom ceiling tiles –Chase Harvey Bring your pet to school day –Kennedy Randolph Putting goldfish in all of the water bottles in the vending machines –Mikaela Altis

Unleash thousands of birds in the commons –Mark Birch

Putting laxatives in the applesauce –David Burlingame

Release over 100 dead hawks from the rafters of the gym during a pep assembly –Cammie Valentine

Letting three goats go in the school and label them 1, 2, and 4 so the principals are looking for the third one when it doesn’t exist –Amanda Sharp

Covering the security car in post-it-notes –Emily Evans Using string to connect all the doors in school together –Zanah Maggio Adam Holthus talking about throwing a fit and then grabbing a pill bottle full of tic tacs and swallowing the whole bottle in front of the class –Sam Welch

Dump baby oil all over the halls –Jackson Turrentine Blocking all school exits with parked cars after seniors graduate, so underclassmen can’t leave –Jordan Brown

Putting a new padlock on the gates in the back of the school so no one can get out, then putting a car at the front entrance and slashing its tires. Then no one can leave or get to school. –Jackson Stone Hiding rotten fish throughout the school –Heather Burton Putting the school up for sale on various medias –Tyler Clark All the seniors get out of class and wait for underclassmen to get out of class and shoot them with water guns. –Alexis Tabares Water Ballooning underclassmen –Colton Kennedy Releasing mice in the halls to run wild –Pablo Espinosa

-Everyone buys heelies and just rolls around for a day -Choreographed, random flash mob in the commons –Justus Johnson Making a banner saying the school is for sale –Morgan Westervelt Filling a hallway with red solo cups filled with water so no one can get through –Anna Elliot Leading a cow upstairs (big enough to fit in the elevator) –Kellan Richards

All seniors in Olathe School district switch schools for a day and pretend to be someone else –Michelle Dobratz Saran-wrapping the school –Ian Root Switching identities with senior class (schedules, clothes, anything) only works if at least 40% of the class does this. –Emily Miller Moving everything in a classroom an inch in one direction –Corey Dean Cover the commons floor with red solo cups; fill almost all of them with water but 1/5 of them with vegetable oil. –Kat Karstens Kidnap Micheal Batch –Tim Randel Making a nativity scene to block the school entrance –Sean Branigan Switching around all the picture frames in the school or putting them all in the bathroom –Sharon Lee Wrapping school in caution tape = day off –Erin Spelger Sacrificing the freshmen… lol –Connor Alexander

Putting pudding in the drinking fountains –Michael Lenz

Senior Issue ‘14 | 33


Senior Picnic A sunny, relaxing day at the park where seniors made unforgettable last-minute memories as a class.

When: May 2, 2014 Where: Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park Activities: Senior video presentation,

soccer, frisbee, baskteball, football, cards, board games, kickball, a delicious hamburger lunch, and a sweet snow cone surprise.

Photos Courtesy of Heather Burton

34 | Senior Issue ‘14


The Great Gatsby Prom A fun-filled night to remember dancing the night away as if in the 1920s.

When: April 12, 2014 Where: Overland Park Convention Center

Photos Courtesy of Melissa Sellers

Senior Issue ‘14 | 35


Senior Best Photos Courtesy of Heather Burton

Best Personality

Best Sense Of Humor

Best Athlete

Best Musician

Kellan Richards & Hannah Lukinac Brady Myers & Cortney Mayhew

Caelan Neal & Hayley Hanson

36 | Senior Issue ‘14

Joe Donley & Natalie Alton


Best Hair

Best Dressed

Best Student

Best Couple

Justin Matthews & Ashley Elkiwan Connor Dewitt & Hayley Bondank

Spencer Brown & Mei Mei

Zach Spencer & Genna Lind

Senior Best Senior Issue ‘14 | 37


Best Leader

Best Smile

Best Artist

Best Actor/Actress

Connor Alexander & Anna Elliot David Burlingame & Mackenzie Doherty

Zack Neuman & Heather Burton

Arthur Clifford & Kelsey Knecht

Senior Best 38 | Senior Issue ‘14

Photos Courtesy of Heather Burton


Senior Most Likely To

Survive The Apocalypse

Be A Model

Rob Wall & Annika Lewis

Brett Andersen & Jessica Epps

Become Famous

Be Successful

Justus Johnson & Lexi Sprague

Ezra Talbert & Elizabeth Martin

Senior Issue ‘14 | 39


Senior Most Likely To

Be Mistaken For A Teacher Joe Bartak & Jessie Thompson

Be President

Alex Ohler & Maddy Branstetter

40 | Senior Issue ‘14

Cure Cancer

Ben Pepper & Snigdha Sharma

Get Married

Joel Larkins & Anastasia Weston


Best Dressed

Best Friends

Best Hair

Best Overall Teacher

Justin Adrian & Nicole Etherton Keeley O’Grady & Cheryl Schmidt

Scott Feaster & Mary Hair

Mike McDonald & Karen Bourland

Teacher Best Photos Courtesy of Heather Burton

Senior Issue ‘14 | 41


Best Personality

Best Coach

Jacob Gunn & Carmen Smull

Mike Wallace & Jennifer Rippee

Best Dancer

Best Comedian

Nathaniel Thuston & Cathy Alcorn

Brent Reynolds & Jill Vohs

Teacher Best Photos Courtesy of Heather Burton 42 | Senior Issue ‘14


Teacher Most Likely To Be Asked For ID

Follow You On Twitter

Inspire Students

Win Survivor

Jared Schelp & Megan Dawson

Josh Umphrey & Gretl Swyers

Dustin Cates & Sara Silks

Matt Stephenson & Josie Stiles

Senior Issue ‘14 | 43


Take Over The World Win An Olympic Medal Jim Super & Garry Goddard

Stephen Young & Heather Tow

Leave The Parking Lot Before Students

Win The Lottery, Then Lose The Ticket

Tim Weible & Shanna Evans

Justin Williams & Pam Valentine

Teacher Most Likely To

Photos Courtesy of Heather Burton 44 | Senior Issue ‘14


OE’s Retiring Staff Ryan Ralston How long have you been teaching at East? --I started here when we opened in ’92. As far as that, I was Athletic Director; two years after that I started as Assistant Principal, and I’ve been Assistant Principal ever since. I was Athletic Director up until a couple of years ago, and then I dropped that to do this special education, and I’ve been the administrator for special education for the last two years. What will you miss most? --Olathe is a very special place. I think what I’ll miss most is the students. I have built very good relationships with some of the staff; this is the best staff I’ve ever worked with. And obviously I’m going to miss the relationships I’ve made with the SpEd students, but also the coaching staff and the other teachers I’ve worked with over the years. What would you like to be remembered for? --I think the one thing I hope people would just remember me as someone who enjoyed being with kids and working with kids. I try to be a caring person. What are you looking forward to in retirement? --Hopefully to have the opportunity to get out and play a little golf and also enjoy going to my grandkids’ activities as well, like I do now. And maybe find myself a part-time job I can keep myself busy with. That’s what I’m really looking forward to. This has been quite a fun ride. What is your favorite memory from Olathe East? --One of the things I was very proud of was when we won our first state championship for boys soccer in 1996. To win that first one as an athletic director, I was very proud of that group to be the first to do that. Obviously, we have won forty or so since then, and each one of them are very, very special, and to see our coaches work was pretty special. I also have to say, I have fond memories of our cupcake wars that we’ve done down in Special Ed too. I’ll leave Olathe East with a lot of very special memories. Another thing I’m very proud of is that I have my name on the wall. To have anybody here at this building think enough of me to do that is very, very special. I will never forget that night they surprised me with that. To have my name associated in any way to this staff and this school…that is very special to me. It’s something I will always cherish.

Vanessa Meyer How long have you been teaching (at East)? What have you taught/ do you teach? --I have worked in the Olathe School District since January 1979. This is what we call my 36th year in the district. It’s been fun; it’s gone fast. I started here at East and at North (I split my time between the two) in 1997, so it’s been 17 years. Have you always been a counselor? --I started as a counselor in 1992. Before that, I worked with special needs students at the vocational school. I did career and academic assessments and just trying to help students find where their strengths were and where their interests were. What will you miss most? --I will miss the students, of course, and their families. Lots of wonderful, wonderful people here at East. What would you like to be remembered for over your career? --I hope to be remembered as someone who was helpful. If I didn’t know an answer then I would try to find the answer and just, to help people. What are you looking forward to in retirement? --I am looking forward to more time with my granddaughter and just [being with] family and friends and doing those things that I haven’t done for a long time.

*Other teachers who are either retiring from teaching or starting new chapters in their careers this year are: Caine Kreimendahl, Dustin Cates, and Loree Knoll.

Senior Issue ‘14 | 45


Hawk’s Eye’s Senior Staff   Though we are sad these Hawks are leaving the nest, we wish them all the best! Our senior staff writers are one-of-a-kind people. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication. This year would not have been as wonderful without you. The memories and lessons we all have made together this year are ones that will stick with us for the rest of our lives from Seattle to San Francisco, inside jokes, and crazy mistakes. Remember you always have a home in room 612. Fly away not-so-baby birds!

What would the title of your memoir be and why? I would have to say “I’ll Rest When I’m Dead.” The cover would have me on the front wearing a suit and a sly look on my face. That title is something that my family says at times and I hope that I can live by. I would hate for my life to pass by in front of me. Sum up your high school experience in three words. Let it go. I swear I am not trying to make a Frozen reference. If someone gave you the power to save just one animal species on earth, which would it be? Why? Red Pandas! Have you ever seen those cute little things?? Adorable. Just adorable. Who is someone who made a big impact on you in high school and why? I would have to say my best friend, Joe Donley. He has always been there for me and is one of the greatest guys I know. We’ve always been able to understand each other and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to get through high school with. Name three people you want with you in an Apocalypse and why? Joe Donley, Austin Crowder, and Oprah Winfrey. Joe Donley is extremely resourceful and smart. If anyone can survive the apocalypse, it will be Austin Crowder. My last one is Oprah because we need someone to keep peace among us all.

46 | Senior Issue ‘14

Zack Neuman Editor


What is your favorite part of newspaper that you’ll miss most? I would say bagel runs, but that’s not real. I would say the family feel of newspaper and getting to know people I would never ever talk to. I don’t know that many underclassmen except for theatre underclassmen, so it was nice to get to know people who are different and see that there are other things besides theatre in the world, and getting to write what I want to write.

Kelsey Knecht

Senior Staff Writer

Who is your biggest role model and why? I would say my mom is one of them because she was valedictorian of her class; she did all this cool stuff; she went so many places, but there are some things that she wanted to do that she never did, and she helps me to understand what I need to accomplish in my life, and how much I can do. She pushes me everyday to do more than I can, and I love her. If you could bury something in the school, what would you bury, why, and where? I would probably bury something with my friends’ and my name on it because why not? I want my name here! I would bury sidewalk chalk or something so people could use it if there’s not sidewalk chalk later on, you know? If you could spend one year traveling the world, where would you go? I would definitely go back to Africa. I would go to Switzerland, Nepal, The Netherlands, and Ireland. I don’t know about Asia yet. I’ll get there later in life. I would probably go to Canada because I really want to wear the maple leaf mittens! What is your biggest fear? Not living my life to its fullest. Just laying low, not doing all the things I want to do, not getting everything accomplished, not reaching my full potential.

Lauren Merino Editor

What has been your favorite part of being newspaper editor this year? All the editor privileges: AKA going out to lunch, bossing people around, making fun of the underclassmen on staff, taking any food I want from Mama B’s room…etc.… Do you have any hidden talents? I can lick my elbow. What’s something someone may not know about you? A lot of people don’t know that I have two last names, and that I’m part Mexican. Actually, a lot of people don’t know that I’m an editor of the school newspaper either. What do you want to be remembered for? I want to be remembered for making people laugh. Even if I embarrassed myself doing it, that’s okay. What’s one of the scariest things you’ve ever done? One time I went on the Ripcord… scariest moment of my life. I made Heather pull the release. Another time I explored an abandoned warehouse with my friends at 3 am and a bat flew towards my face.

Senior Issue ‘14 | 47


Maddy Branstetter

Buisness Manager

If you were an ice cream flavor, what would you be and why? Probably coffee because I’m just the right balance of sweet and bitter and full of energy. What is one of your favorite memories about high school? Probably being in orchestra all four years with some pretty amazing people. If you were on a deserted island and you could bring three items, including people, what would you bring? I would bring my two dogs and probably a pocket knife cause I can make things. If you could see any band in the world in concert, dead or alive, who would you choose and why? Pink Floyd, because it’s Pink Floyd. Who doesn’t want to see Pink Floyd? If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be? I think I would have been more outgoing and more, I guess get to know people better. Like, there are a lot of people that I’m not really close to that I wish I was and I wish I had gotten to know better throughout my time at East and it kind of sucks. I wish I would have known people better.

What was your favorite part of newspaper? My favorite part was knowing every day that no matter what mood I was in before I walked into the room, I would laugh my butt off in newspaper while getting to do what I love. What will you miss most about high school? I will definitely miss all my friends being together and I will miss dancing both outside of school and with my drill team. What are the top Three things on your bucket list? 1) Study abroad in London 2) Road trip to a beach with my best friends 3) Go parasailing Where do you see yourself and what do you see yourself doing 15 years from now? I see myself in Chicago with some sort of successful career in marketing and advertising. If you had to change one thing that you’ve done or something that has happened to you what would it be? I honestly wouldn’t change anything because I like where I am in my life right now. Everyone has those moments where they wish for do-overs, but I wouldn’t want to risk anything turning out differently today.

48 | Senior Issue ‘14

Hanna Melton

Senior Staff Writer


Austin Porter

Senior Staff Writer

What is your favorite newspaper memory? When I convinced Lauren, Katie, and Jessica that I had a son. What are you most looking forward to in your future? Not going to high school. If you could have three free wishes, what would they be? To wake up in a new Bugatti every day, to be the Wolf of Wall Street, and to be the best basketball player in the world. Who would play you in a movie about your life and what would the movie be called? Lil B in Based High If you could have any job in the world, which job would you pick? NBA Player

Heather Burton Photographer

What is your favorite moment from newspaper? Being a part of the newspaper family. If you could go anywhere in the world to take pictures, where would it be and why? Anywhere but Kansas because it’s Snoozeville. If you could have any pet in the world, illegal or not, what would you get and why? A big bear that is nice and will cuddle with me. What is your most embarrassing moment here at Olathe East? The countless number of times I have tripped over myself. If a genie offered you three wishes, what would you wish for and why? -I wish for more wishes- so I can have more wishes, duh. -For Zack Neuman to be granted a soul- he is sadly a ginger. -My own personal Marrachi band- who doesn’t love mariachi bands?

Senior Issue ‘14 | 49


Letters from the Editors   Two years ago, I knew Zack Neuman as just a ginger kid with outstanding photography and diving skills. If someone had told me that I would be the editor of the Olathe East newspaper with him my senior year, I would have wondered what I was about to get myself into. Now my only regret is not spending more time with the group of wackos that I now consider my second family.   Zack, you will always be voted most likely to contract Gingervitis. You eat more than anyone I know, and I love your musical taste. Austin, I will never forget the time you convinced all the girls that you were a dad. I have to say, you make me laugh everyday. Katie, some of my best memories are from the San Francisco trip last year. From staying up late talking, to making runs to Walgreens for Chobani yogurt, it would not have been the same without you. Jordan, from the time I met you when I moved here in fourth grade, I knew you were one of the sweetest girls around. You were my first friend here, and I’m still thankful for your friendship. Kelsey, I can’t believe you’ll be living in Mississippi so soon. You are such a giving person and as much as I despise your Disney music sometimes, I adore your high-spirited personality.   Lauren Heinrich, I don’t remember a time when you weren’t busy helping someone else. You have such a big heart. I also appreciate the fact that you never turn down trash duty at the end of a deadline. Matt, your sense of humor is so unique and yet so approachable. I trust you to take an important leadership role next year with your incredible writing and useful ideas. Paige, you are one of the only people I have never gotten in an argument with. You are a very talented journalist. Please spread your bright energy to those who need it next year! Courtney, despite your shoulder injury this year, you remain one of the most motivated and positive people I know. I think you’re a natural-born leader and you have a great future ahead of you. Heather, obviously we were best friends before you even joined newspaper. I couldn’t thank you enough for being such a talented photographer not only for the paper but also for my senior pictures! I’ll miss you like crazy when we go our separate ways, but you will always be my puddin’.   Amy, you might be the sweetest, most innocent person I know. I’m glad I got to know you this year. Aaron, I appreciate your hatred for Matt and Kim. Even when I leave, you’ll never get a Twitter unfollow from me. Your tweets crack me up. Maddy, believe it or not, I will really miss your daily rants and tangents. I know you will celebrate your butt off when you leave for Nebraska, but don’t forget your newspaper family. In return, I will never forget the money you made for us, but most importantly, your loud company. Hanna, I knew you before you joined staff, but I only knew about your dancing talent, not your writing talent. Thanks for always being a big help and preparing me for Thuston’s tests. Logan, despite your prolonged sickness, I am so proud of you for always being a special part of the class. I’m so happy to see you doing better. Brenna, you are such a talented, beautiful, and intelligent girl. I’m so thankful we became closer this year.   Brock, I’m so glad you decided to be a part of newspaper this year! You really fit into the group, maybe even too much. Jessica, when I was a junior last year and new to the staff, I appreciated how you got me comfortable with the ways of the newspaper. When I use that Icing gift card to buy something sparkly, I will always think of you when I look at it. Lauren Hart, you were the only sophomore I knew when I met everyone in newspaper last year. (remember Spanish 2 with Byrne?) You are such a smart and funny person. Mamma B, You are the white Oprah. You are the most caring teacher I’ve ever had. Even when I’m grumpy or stressed out, I can count on you to make me laugh. Because of you, I am now a better writer, leader, and advice-giver than I was two years ago. No way will I ever forget the one-of-a-kind memories I made in your class.

50 | Senior Issue ‘14

I never planned on becoming Coeditor of the Hawk’s Eye. In fact, I never really had any intentions to join the staff. I was recruited in the middle of sophomore year to take photographs, and it was one of the best decisions I made through all of high school. Here is where I say goodbye to all of the wonderful times and wonderful people who have made the newsroom the special place it truly is.   Aaron, I leave you the most important task that anyone can hold on staff: Selection of music. Fill every day with cool jazz and sick beats so loud, you can’t hear others complaining. Jessica, you have always been part of the staff when I was on board, and it wouldn’t have been the same without you (especially Seattle). Katie and Brenna, you two are some of the most beautifully different people I have ever met and thank you for always staying true to yourself. Oh, and best of luck with your Disney Channel show. I will be watching, that’s for sure. Jordan, you are one of the hardest working people on staff. Anything that needs to be done, you were willing to do, and people like you are what make this newspaper what it is.   Matt, you’re righting iz amazing. Natural born writer is you. Logan, you are such a happy kid. Your attitude toward life and this paper always brightens my day. Brock, I am so happy that you joined the staff this past year, even if you don’t agree with my love of Katy Perry. Austin, getting to know you this year was a pleasure. Yeet-yahh for life. Heather, I’ve known you longer than I’ve been on staff. Thank you for all of the great memories that we’ve shared and for pushing me to further my photography. You may be short, but you have a big personality.   Paige, you are one of the hardest working people I know. The only thing I like about you more than your work ethic is how great you are to be around on the journalism trips. Lauren Heinrich, you are always helpful in the newsroom, especially when it comes to trash duty. Lauren Hart, you are awesome. I am so glad that we were Hawk Mentors together even though all I did was stand there and let you do all of the work. Maddy, I am so glad that I was able to force you to join newspaper. Though your rants may be loud and bountiful, I have enjoyed every one. Never let others take your voice away from you (like that would even be possible). Hanna, you were lovely to have on staff this year and it’s a shame you weren’t on it for longer.   Courtney, thank you for everything you have done for the paper. Your editing skills are cray, and your tennis skills are even more cray. Amy, you were a great addition to the paper this year. Keep dancing your heart out and being a wonderful all around person. Kelsey, you are a beautiful princess, and your Disney obsession would scare me at times. Thanks for being one of the best people I met in high school and making such an impact on everyone around you. Mama B, you are such a great example of what a teacher should be. It is easy to see you deeply care about all of your students, and I thank you for being such a major part of who I have become through high school. Last but not least, Lauren Merino. This year has been insane, but I wouldn’t change a thing about how it went. You put your heart into this newspaper and into leading our staff. You are a beautiful person and an even more beautiful friend. Best of luck to everyone next year no matter what you decide to do.




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