Hawk's Eye November/December 2017 Volume 26 Issue 3

November/December

Volume 26

Issue 4

Happy

Holidays, Hawks!

Photo courtesy of Jacob Wilson

17

16

Christmas Little Gingerbread House on the prairie - 3 Holiday Happenings - 4 Emojii Songs - 5 Good Gifts for Teenagers - 6 Christmas in Germany - 7 Holidays with Hallmark/Hallmark Horror - 8-9 Holiday Coloring Page - 10 Holiday Highlights and Hardships - 11 Eif Mubarak - 12 Feeling S.A.D.? - 13 Gifts not Under the Tree- 14 Christmas Lights and Reviews - 15-17

Editorial Care to be Aware - 18 What About Thanksgiving? - 19

Feature Join the Movement - 20-21 The Right-Hand Women - 22-23 Buzzed - 24-25 Standing Strong - 26 War Hawks - 27

News National Novel Writing Month - 28 Marching Band Ends on a High Note - 29

Entertainment A Book a Day - 30 What’s in Your Backpack? - 31

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

Andrea Shehi // Staff Writer

9 Little Gingerbread House on the Prairie 2 Follow the OE Hawk’s Eye as two of our staff members construct a gingerbread house

G

ingerbread house construction is a fine art that requires dexterity, patience, and lots of creativity.

Depending on your skill level, you could make one from scratch or use a kit. To construct our gingerbread house, we used a kit.

It contained a total of six gingerbread pieces, for the front, back, sides, and roof of the house. It also included gummy christmas trees, snowflake sprinkles, gumdrops, mini candy beads, peppermints, and a bag of frosting for decorating.

The next step is assembling the house. Due to the instability and fragility of gingerbread, we suggest constructing your gingerbread house around or on a stable base. Our kit provided a base with indentations for each individual piece, but we still experienced some difficulty in getting the pieces to firmly stick together.

Once your house is structurally sound, it’s time to start decorating. For our decorations, we used horizontal stripes of frosting to attach

lines of candy beads to the roof. You might experience some difficulty in doing this if the consistency of the frosting is not right. Experimenting with different color combinations and sizes of decorations creates interesting textures and effects. The use of shredded coconut as faux snow also adds a nice touch. Once your house is decorated to your satisfaction, congratulate yourself on a job well done.

Watch the video tutorial on our YouTube channel - Hawk ' s Eye Newspaper Managing Editor Melanie Eszter and Staff Writer Andrea Shehi with their gingerbread house | Photo by Ryan Smith

Christmas

3

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Fight boredom, one event at a time- all within the Kansas City area

Esther Rose//Staff Writer

WinterFest at Worlds of Fun:

New to the park this year, for six weeks beginning November 24, is WinterFest. Das Eishaus Skating is “one of the largest ice skating venues anywhere,� according to Worlds of Fun. Santa will be there to take pictures. A Christmas show is put on every night. Even the Worlds of Fun Railroad will be transformed for the holidays.

Skating at night on the Ice at Park Place | Photo courtesy of Esther Rose

Ice skating:

At Crown Center Ice terrace, regular admission is $6, and skate rental is $3 (or skaters may bring their own). November through January, the rink is open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, and open to 11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday.

The Ice at Park Place is open November through February, Admission is $8 and skate rental is $3 (but again, skaters can bring their own skates).

Monday through Saturday the rink is open from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, or on Sunday from 12:00 to 8:00 pm.

Tubing at Snow Creek:

Snow Creek also offers skiing, but no experience is needed for tubing on this seven hundred foot long slope. Tubing costs $28 from Friday to Sunday, but is only $20 on Thursdays.

WinterFest at Worlds of Fun | Photo courtesy of Esther Rose

Santa Dives at the Kansas City Zoo:

Santa scuba dives in the penguin exhibit on the weekends. You can take a photo with him while he swims through the Helzberg Penguin Plaza. On December 16 and 17, the Zoo will becomes the Winter Wonderland. The lion pride will be given a Christmas tree and presents, and Polar Bear Passage will become the North Pole.

Winter Star Tour at the Planetarium at Union Station:

Star tour at the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium. The show, with a run time of about 30 minutes, journeys through the night sky from December 16 to January 7. The cost is $7 per person.

Holidays tours at the Strawberry Hill Museum:

Weekends from 12:00 pm to 4:15 pm, there are guided tours of this house that preserves ethnic heritage in Kansas City. Sixteen immigrant nationalities are featured for the holidays.

4

The Planetarium at Union Station | Photo courtesy of Esther Rose

Christmas

Erin McCarthy// Social Media Chair

Guess the Holiday Song Using the Emojis!

1.

2.

3.

4.

Christmas

5

6.

1. Baby, it’s Cold Outside 2. Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer 3. Frosty the Snowman 4. Santa Baby 5. I Saw Mommy kissing Santa Clause 6. Little Drummer Boy

Key

5.

Good Gifts for Teenagers

Entertaining and Practical Gift Ideas for Teenagers this Holiday Season

Margo Dulny//Staff Writer

Entertainment Laptop

Phone

Tablet

Books

Practical Make Up

Clothes Shoes 6

Christmas

Christmas in Germany When we celebrate Christmas:

Germans don’t celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December like Americans. For us Christmas day is on the 24. We put our Christmas tree maybe only four or three weeks before Christmas in the living room. Every family has their own tradition, but most families go to church in the afternoon and watch the play from the kids, where they play the story before Jesus’ birth. After church most have a big dinner and after this, we open presents. We have the first and second Christmas day (the 25th and 26th). Some families meet on these days at home and have lunch or dinner together or other families go to a brunch in restaurants.

What we eat: Americans typically eat turkey,but for us we feast on goose or duck with red cabbage which is a typical meal.

St. Nicholas day:

December 6 is St. Nicholas day. The main part of St. Niklaus day are the candies and small presents. But when you want these, you have to clean a pair of shoes. When you wake up in the morning, you have your goodies in your clean shoes. For example; some chocolate, walnuts and tangerines. This day is not as big a celebration as Christmas; Christmas is the holiday with family dinner, church and the big presents.

A tree I decorated with mother, last year.

Photo courtesy of Leonie Frischmuth

Christmas markets:

My favorite part of the Christmas time in Germany are all the Christmas markets. There are many stands where you can buy different things. Most of the cities have their own market and bigger cities often have more than only one. The whole market is decorated with lights and you can hear Christmas music and carousels.In my city somebody dresses up as Santa Claus and flies over the market, which kids love. A must have for every trip to the market is Schmalzgebäck it’s a dessert like mini donuts with powdered sugar. The typical drink is Eierlikör it’s similar to eggnog only with liquor. Another drink is mulled wine, made with red wine (or without alcohol) along with mulling spices. We drink it hot or warm.

On traditional Christmas day:

In Christmas morning, my mother and I decorate the Christ mas tree and hear Christmas music which takes quite a bit of time.

For lunch, my grandparents come to our house and we eat baked apple with marzipan, raisins and hot vanilla sauce what my mother and I made. In the afternoon we all go to church and watch the play, my favorite part, because my best friend is also in the church. This I love because it’s not too boring and every time really funny.

When we come home, my mother and grandma prepare the food and the Christmas tree. My grandpa and I go for a walk with my dog and search for Santa Claus. This has been a tradition since I was really little. When I was young I thought we can find Santa Claus on his way from house to house, and after our walk I find all the presents under the tree and thought I justed Santa.

Our food is different every year, and I hate to see all the presents under the tree plus not open them, but I have to wait until everyone finishes dinner. We, don’t open all our presents at the same time. Sometimes we sit two hours togehter on the table and open presents. We have a cube and every time when someone roll a six, then this person can choose a present under the tree and give it to the right one.

I really like it, that we do it like this, because then we have more of Christmas.

On the first Christmas day, I am at my father’s house. We meet some family members and eat together. On the second day is my favorite thing, because we go with the whole family to a restaurant and have a big Christmas buffet. Christmas is all about family, presents and food.

Leonie Frischmuth//Senior Staffwriter

Picture of a Christmas marketin Hamburg.

Photo by Mia Koops

Presents on Nicholas day.

Photo by Linda Frischmuth

Christmas

7

Holidays with Hallmark A look at the pros of Hallmark Christmas Movies

When the air outside gets colder and the days get shorter, one knows that the holidays are just around the corner. For many with the holiday season comes the much anticipated Hallmark movies. Fans or not, there are still plenty of reasons why you should watch, and not just only during the holiday season.

For starters the Hallmark Channel airs both movies and shows that deal with a variety of topics including relationships, holidays and Fall/ Summer specials. You can basically, just like a Hallmark card, find one for any occasion or emotion you are feeling, all year around. Even though, Hallmark movies have something for anyone’s opinions and film needs, many people are opposed to the cheeriness and joy that can be found in them. Every Hallmark movie has a plot, which follows a series of characters, usually between a boy and girl who will end up getting married or being in a relationship.

During the holiday season the movies usually follow a family who is either missing a parent, or a main character who will fall in love with their soulmate. These type of movies will leave you with a smile and are often the endings/ movies that you think of when you think “fairy tales”.

Anyway for this sole reason you should watch Hallmark movies. They are feel good movies that instantly improve your mood and make you happy in a sense. Who doesn’t want to feel 100 times better about themselves and how they see reality? I know I do. So for a happy ending where everything turns out the way it’s supposed to (or at least how we think it should), Hallmark is definitely the way to go. Another reason why you should watch Hallmark movies is because they are very different from the regular programs that you could find on cable through channel surfing. Hallmark leaves out the gore that most shows nowadays include and they also make an effort to avoid the hot and heavy realities of relationships. They in a way shelter, yes they shelter you, but they shelter you from a myriad of shows that are less desirable. Hallmark movies also have a way of soothing you and your feelings, therefore, many turn to Hallmark for tasteful romance movies that are more about the “lovely dovey” fantasy that we picture when we think of what a crush or relationship would be like. Hallmark offers an alternative to the generational “crap” that is constantly being shoved down our throats every single day which is transmitted through other media outlets such as social media and music.

Hallmark, also is not dramatic or scandalous for the most part, as the movies can have drama and sad moments in them but nothing that is worse than a divorce or an injured relative. Which in the end gets resolved with a happy ending that we all crave, especially during the holiday season. Therefore, Hallmark movies are light and appealing to our inner desires and to our very hearts. Even after these reasons some people still take a shot at defaming Hallmark for its incredible movies and these reasons include that Hallmark is “predictable or cheesy.” I will state that this is true, but for the most part it makes a Hallmark movie what it is. Without its predictability or cheesiness it would not be the happy, movie that we want. Another reason many bypass the Hallmark Channel is because “Hallmark movies are always about white people” and that they barely include minorities such as African Americans, Asians, and Gay/ lesbian individuals. While this is true, Hallmark is making countless efforts to be more inclusive to the types of people are represented and portrayed in their films and TV shows.

However, especially to me Hallmark movies are not about who is in it but the plot of the film, and I can truly de-stress knowing that there will not be a plot twist or a mass murder who will take out everyone at the end of the movie (excluding the Hallmark Murders and Mystery channel, that is another story). One could then see how race or stereotypes could be a deal breaker on whether to watch Hallmark or not, but it is truly up to your own interests and opinions.

Although if you have a chance definitely check it out and if you need help finding a great Hallmark holiday movie to watch, I highly recommend The Most Wonderful Time of the Year and Snow Bride, two of my favorite Hallmark holiday films. Make sure to let me know your thoughts on these films if you watch them over the break. Anyways, however you choose to spend your break make sure to enjoy your time with family and friends, just as Hallmark movies have a special place in our hearts so too do the memories that we make with our loved ones. On behalf of “The Hawk’s Eye” staff we wish you a happy holiday from our family to yours. Have a great break and see you next year!

“

“

They are feel-good movies that instantly improve your mood and make you happy!

Melanie Eszter// Managing Editor

8

Christmas

Hallmark Horror

Ryan Smith // Online Editor

The Cons of Hallmark Movies

T

he Heart of TV produces yearly love stories without a single twist. Every family-friendly movie tells the tale of a lonely girl searching for the perfect man, surrounded by fellow white actors. On the off chance a minority actor earns a part, their character is a mess of stereotypes. The token black friend’s presence gives Hallmark a tiny pat on the back, and an angry Asian adds one more thumbs up to including everyone. Rare LGBT representation at least attempts a step into this century. Hallmark must stay “family friendly” after all.

Let the viewers ignore the fact a man lost his wife or parents. Death is obviously more appropriate than accurate and relatable love stories.

In a traditional Hallmark movie, a struggling character stumbles into the arms of their love interest, following the path on a snowy street, relaxing in a warm diner, or while shopping for the same Christmas tree. The two fight innocently until a tiny child whines the battle to a close. The couple-to-be meet again and again, until finally the child convinces their parent to plan a date with this mysterious stranger. Drama takes over the cast when a previous lover or jealous competition returns to sabotage Hallmark’s protagonist, viewers begin to question the happy ending promised. Then, in the blink of an eye, the truth comes out and a cliche kiss ends the film. Next on the Hallmark channel, the same plot with different actors and a dog. Stay tuned!

Only two Christmas movies dare to defy Hallmark’s lack of diversity, and they give viewers false hope.

In A Bride for Christmas, a happy love story turns from cheesy to cringe-worthy. A runaway bride breaks off her third engagement, only to marry a man after four weeks of knowing him.

Her family supported their union more than any man she ever dated, fully understanding the woman’s rash decision. Her husband, however, pursued his bride on a bet. The gambler forfeited to avoid betrayal as he began falling in love.

Diversity, as promised, The scared, lesbian sister in A Bride for allowed a lesbian charChristmas | Taken from the movie A acter an insignificant Bride for Christmas role. Twice, the bride’s sister addresses herself as gay, yet has no effect on the plot. While at least present, Hallmark kept their minority out of the spotlight.

Enchanted Christmas, a new Hallmark “original” movie, stars married actors falling in love on screen. Carlos PenaVega plays the dancing sensation Ricardo Archuleta. He abandoned his wife’s character, Laura, in order to chase his dream. Hallmark’s website describes Ricardo as a high school sweetheart turned salsa instructor to Laura’s daughter while imbd.com claims he performs at a benefit in town with Laura after losing his previous dance partner. Perhaps viewers assume the PenaVegas starred together to make an even happier ending, as the couple fell in love on and off screen. Out of all movies, every possible cliche Hallmark produced, Carlos PenaVega’s character was exclusively a dancer. While an American actor, he seemed to play into a few Hispanic stereotypes, even only in reviews. Dancing and abandonment are two stereotypes Huffington Post says media should eliminate.

Laura and Ricardo dance in Enchanted Christmas | From the trailer for Enchanted Christmas Hallmark’s reputation never falls short. The sappy, repetitive storylines create an escape from reality through rose-colored glasses.

Viewers cherishing a cheesy movie where all is right in the world likely rarely complain. This fantasy builds unrealistic expectations of society. People can and will hurt each other, and some take significantly longer than a week to meet their true love, assuming they even look for one.

Everyday life might feel better with flowers and chocolates, diamond rings and decorated trees, but life is bitter. Seeing characters overcome a real challenge and still finding a happy ending might feel more rewarding than one magical kiss under the mistletoe.

Hallmark must overcome its own struggle to avoid stereotypes and producing realistic lives.

Christmas

9

Holiday Coloring Page

10

Christmas

Felicity Wenger//Staff Writer

Holiday Highlights and Hardships The holidays are full of strengths and struggles, and regardless of the many differences, all three of the following holidays have them.

Christmas

Celebrated every year on the 25 of December, Christmas stands as America’s favorite holiday. Originally celebrated in remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas is currently extremely family oriented. It’s very common for people to decorate their homes inside and out, including a christmas tree. Traditionally on Christmas Eve, presents are placed underneath the tree and opened up the next morning with family and sometimes friends. There aren’t necessarily any restraints, so gifts can range from a bag of candy to a brand new car. The possibilities are endless with Christmas.

Highlights & Hardships

The number one favorite Christmas tradition would have to be all the gfts.

Whether is giving or receiving, people love this part of the holiday. Many people also enjoy decorations. Both inside and out, lights are plastered through every neighborhood. These decorations also include a pine tree adorned with ornaments of all sorts. For the kids, this holiday just gets better because there are chances of snow days, plus guaranteed days off of school. Other fun things include the food. With family, people love to feast on christmas day and prepare festive pastries and dishes.

While Christmas includes multiple fun activities and traditions, not everything is merry. For starters, Christmas commonly overshadows Thanksgiving because of all the hype it brings. This causes a lot of stress for shoppers, making them feel rushed. Many people enjoy Christmas music during the holidays but the songs get annoying. This also goes for the cold weather. Snow usually acts as a special winter gift, but the freezing conditions can cause chaos.

Photo courtesy of Mallory Dick

Hanukkah

Celebrated by followers of Judaism, this eight-day long holiday revolves around the Menorah. According to the Talmud, a famous Jewish text, a menorah was lit and was only supposed to burn for a single day. However, the flame burned for eight days straight which was considered a miracle.

There is no set date for this holiday, but each night, another candle is lit on the menorah. Along with lighting the candles, giving and receiving a couple gifts each night is common.

Photo courtesy of Felicity Wenger

Kwanzaa

Highlights & Hardships

For Hannukah celebrators, the fun lasts for over a week. Depending on the family, different traditions can be tons of fun. One very common tradition is playing with the dreidel, especially among younger kids. Another tradition people enjoy is burning all the excess wax at the end of Hanukkah as a final celebration. Many people also enjoy eating authentic homemade holiday foods every night. Along with the food, presents are received by the whole family.

While Hannukah is definitely a good time, this holiday doesnt shine as bright as Christmas, and gets overlooked. This also includes the music. Hannukah is also guilty of having excessively repetitive music. People love the traditional Hannukah food, but the amount of fried food will surely result in weight gain.

Overall, the holiday revolves around candles and while the idea sounds silly, the chance of having an accidental house fire is a real concern.

Celebrated in honor of African culture, the festivities range from story telling to a large traditional meal. Kwanzaa is scheduled to start December 26 and end January 1 this year. Mostly celebrated in the US, Kwanzaa shares many similarities with Hanukkah. Each night, one of seven candles are lit as one of the seven principals are discussed.

Highlights & Hardships

Like Hannukah, Kwanzaa takes up a week. The extended celebration provides more time to spend with family and friends. Together, people enjoy dancing and listening to music. Eating authentic soul food continues to be a traditional favorite. People tend to wear African-style garments throughout the week. Unlike other holidays, cultural books are a highly common and appreciated gift that participants often give and receive.

Kwanzaa differs from other holidays in that it doesn’t revolve around a religion, but around a group of people. Because of this, Kwanzaa gets shamed for being a made up holiday. The gift schedule isn’t really set for Kwanzaa, but one thing is for sure: no expensive gifts are allowed. Due to whatever other daily activities need to take place, not every day of the holiday gets celebrated.

Photo courtesy of Felicity Wenger

Christmas

11

Have A Blessed Celebration: Eid Mubarak

Basima Khan//Staff Writer

Eid-Ul-Fitr & Eid-Al-Adha: A Time of Celebration, Joy and Worship

E

id, an Islamic holiday celebrated by approximately 1.4 billion people across the world, holds monumental importance in the life of a follower of Islam known as a Muslim. Two types of Islamic holidays exist, Eid-Ul-Fitr and Eid-Al-Adha. Eid-Ul-Fitr, an Islamic festival, marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Zainab Alagha, a Muslim Olathe East student explained the origin of the name, Eid-Ul-Fitr.

“Fitr came from the word Iftar and Iftar means breakfast. Iftar means when you break your fast, you eat. We have Ramadan and it’s the whole month when you fast. The day after, you will not be fasting this day. So I think that’s why it’s called Eid-Ul-Fitr. In Ramadan you don’t eat breakfast. In Eid-Ul-Fitr, you eat breakfast,” said Alagha.

Eid-Ul-Fitr occurs the day after the Holy Month of Ramadan ends.

Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, honors the first revelation of the Holy Book Muslims consider as the Word of God, the Quran.

“We fast from before sunrise to sunset. Ramadan is a month when you get a chance to worship Him [God] more, to do more good deeds. You get more rewards,” said Alagha.

Salma Omar, a Muslim student at Olathe East specified what she loves about the Holy Month.

“For the entire month [of Ramadan], we are avoiding all the desires and temptations and sinful activities. We’re focusing more on our spiritual side, our spiritual connection to God, but not only just spiritually, but mentally and physically,” said Omar.

Yosra Hassan, an Olathe East junior described her favorite part of Ramadan.

“I love the vibes. It’s so peaceful. Ramadan nights are my favorite, to be honest,” Hassan said.

Eid-Al-Adha, the second Islamic holiday, occurs at the end of Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam and a mandatory pilgrimage performed by Muslims.

The festival of Eid-Al-Adha honors the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim, known also as Abraham, to sacrifice his son, Ismail, in submission to the will of God. Muslims believe the order to sacrifice Ismail was a test

from God. God instructed Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son through a dream. Prophet Ibrahim informed his son Ismail of his dream. Ismail did not hesitate to encourage his father to obey God’s command. As Prophet Ibrahim moved to sacrifice Ismail, God ordered Ibrahim to sacrifice a ram He sent down from Heaven and Prophet Ibrahim sacrificed the ram instead of his son, Ismail. For this reason, Muslims are commanded to sacrifice an animal during Eid-Al-Adha in the name of God. Rules exist to govern the way an animal is slaughtered in Islam.

“You can sacrifice sheeps, goats, cows. You can sacrifice beef. They [The animal] should be really fine. If there’s a sheep and they have a problem, like maybe this sheep is sick so you can’t really sacrifice this sheep. These animals, they should be in good health and a good look because you’re sacrificing them for Allah, for God,” said Alagha.

Muslims view Eid as a significant and remarkable holiday. Millions of Muslims look forward to celebrating Eid. “It’s like when someone you love gives you a gift, you will not reject it, you will not say no, I don’t want your gift. So it’s like Allah is giving us a gift. This is why we celebrate it [Eid],” said Alagha.

Muslims often greet each other with the greeting Eid Mubarak. Eid Mubarak literally means blessed celebration but can be translated to Happy Eid or ‘Have a blessed celebration.’ Many attend Salat-Al-Eid, a prayer followed by a khutbah, or sermon revolving around Islam.

“I feel like Eid is the time for us to kind of get together as a community, not only that, but like as families. It’s a really good time to bond. Eid is like happy times, just good vibes, good energy,” Omar said.

Muslims hold multiple views of what Eid stands for. “[Eid] It’s where you can do a lot of good deeds on this day, like feed your family with the date[s] and go to the prayer and to give gifts. It’s a really important day for me. I really love this day,” said Alagha.

Muslims all over the world spend and celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr and EidAl-Adha in different ways. The festival serves as a joyous and enjoyable occasion for a multitude of Muslims.

“Eid is beautiful,” - Zainab Alagha

How Muslim Olathe East Students Spend & Celebrate Eid Yosra Hassan | Photo Courtesy of Yosra Hassan

12

“I usually go to San Joseph, Missouri. I pray there and then, after prayer, we go to a farm and we slaughter goats and then we give some of the meat to the homeless and the rest to the family.

After that, we go out for Chinese with my entire family,” Hassan said.

Christmas

Salma Omar | Photo Taken By Basima Khan

“My mom cooks home food a lot and she cooks a lot of food and we help clean the house the day before. It’s weird, but every Eid, we change our curtains and put on really nice ones.

Typically, we have breakfast with some of our relatives,” said Omar.

Zainab Alagha | Photo Taken By Basima Khan “By wearing new and beautiful clothes. Getting money and gifts from my dad and my family, my uncles. Eid is also where you get money from your uncles or your dad. Just drinking Arabic coffee. Eating a lot of sweets, sweet things, and candy,” said Alagha.

Michaela Bilyeu // Staff Writer

Feeling S.A.D.?

It’s not always only “winter blues”.

The winter season is full of love and holiday cheer, but those with seasonal affective disorder, the holiday season is the most dreaded time of year. Underneath the garland and ribbon, many people struggle throughout the period of the cold months. The light is depleting from view as the days become shorter. In precaution, psychologists are warning of the accumulative indications of different disorders from the months of October to March.

Seasonal affective disorder (or SAD) is described by the National Institute of Mental Health as stated, “Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons, typically starting in the late fall and early winter and going away during the spring and summer.”

Cases of the subset of depression are most common in the winter, but can also occur in the summer season. Most commonly, the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are fatigue, hypersomnia, overeating, weight gain, craving for carbohydrates, and social withdrawal.

Abigeal Gaghen, the Olathe East school psychologist, gave even more information.

Gaghen said, “There’s a pattern that’s occurred over an amount of time that shows that [disorder] symptoms are exacerbated during certain times of the year… The difference between having the symptoms and an actual disorder is that people that struggle with depression feel that way all the time, and they really feel so sad and hopeless that they have a hard time functioning.”

Seasonal affec tive disorder is most common in young adults, but can also be found in children and teens.

In order to diagnose seasonal affective disorder in any person, seasons of a disorder

Counselors (By last name):

Ms. Shmale: A-Dan

Ms. Smith: Dar-Hi + CBR Ms. Book: McF-Sa

during the winter season must have occurred for two years or longer. Still, the term, “winter blues”, is another description for the feeling many feel during this current time of year. The difference is in the duration and specific symptoms.

Gaghen said, “For depression, it’s feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness that is not exactly impacted by anything else. It’s not related to outside circumstances. It’s just an overwhelming feeling of sadness… over a long period of time.”

The National Institute of Mental Health describes the scientific causes on a neurochemical level. Three causes are described.

N.I.M.H writes, “People with SAD may have trouble regulating one of the key neurotransmitters involved in mood, serotonin… People with SAD may overproduce the hormone melatonin, which regulates sleep…

Vitamin D insufficiency may be associated with clinically significant depression symptoms.”

These different factors may be treated with at home remedies or medication. As the N.I.M.H. states, different forms of therapy could be: medication, light therapy, psychotherapy, and vitamin D. A specific medication reintroducing serotonin into the body allows a natural boost in the mood based on the replacement of the once-lacked chemical. Light therapy is the use of artificial light to replace the lack of sunlight during the winter months. With SAD, or any other basic disorder such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, etc., psychotherapy is recommended as a support system in these months.

Gaghen said, “Your makeup and your overall health will effect the way that youfeel, so just by naturally taking care of yourself, making sure you’re eating right, getting physical activity in throughout the week, spending time with people that you enjoy, and getting outside of the house is good for all of us.”

No matter the treatment, getting help and having a well-developed support system is the first step in finding treatment for SAD or any other disorder.

Gaghen states, “I say that any student that is struggling with how they feel, I encourage to regularly connect with a support staff member here… the important thing is talking to a trusted adult.”

Ms. Gaghen and Ms. Robinette are considered mental health support staff along with all of our counselors. In this harsh time of the year, students are encouraged to contact someone in the support staff to assist them as they continue throughout the season.

Resources

Ms. Ryan: Sc-Z Ms. Shaw: Ho-McE

Mental Health Support School Psychologist: Ms. Gaghen Social Worker: Ms. Robinette

Hotlines

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800)273-8255 National Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-800-799-4889

Christmas

13

Gifts not Under the Tree

How to help out during the Season of Giving

D

uring the holiday time the focus can turn to receiving rather than giving. Orginizations during this time of the year especially can use some help.

One organization, The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, focuses on the lives of cats and dogs in the Greater Kansas city area. During the holiday season the organization collects items for their Holiday Wish List to help the dogs and cats in the shelter. Items such as dog and cat beds, birdseed, and food bowls are all needed.

Another organization Unbound helps people in poverty of all ages stand on their own. Created by five individuals in Kansas City, people can now sponsor someone from one in 87 countries.

“Unbound offers a personalized approach to our work – not every family has the same exact challenges, so why should we expect them to have the same exact solutions?” the director of the outreach Andrew Kling said.

Kling highly recommends that students get involved.

“Students should get involved because this is real. I’ve learned that each of us is one choice away from changing someone’s world,” Kling said.

Unbounds impact reaches far and is the highest-rated child sponsorship organization in the United States according to top charity navigator sites – more than 92% of expenditures go to program support.

“I’ve walked with kids on the same roads they use to get to school; I’ve met them in their homes, and each time I do, I am struck by how remarkably gifted they are – how much better the world will be if they can achieve their dreams.

I’ve seen the difference that small choices made far away can make for a young person – this work really does change lives,” Kling said.

Seniors Emma Gordon and Shelby Cope volunteer in their free time. Cope volunteers many places, but mostly through her church, by helping out the older Unbound

Addis Sharpe// Business Manager community and going on mission trips. Last Little Ways summer, she volunteered through the school to Bring a district to serve breakfast to the kids Smile during this who went to summer school. She also volunteers through school Holiday Season activities including orchestra •Hand write a letter and art. to someone “It is a really good way to •collect cans for a help the community and local can drive you can apply for the Pres- •Call a friend idential Award if you have •Smile at a enough hours. It looks stranger really good on college • Compliment applications,” Cope said. someone Gordon volunteers at •Rake the her church, Colonial neighbors leaves Presbyterian Church, and she sings in the adult worship and youth band.

“I volunteer to share my gift of music with everyone,” Gordon said.

She enjoys sharing her gift and invites others to also give back.

“Volunteering is definitely something I recommend; it’s a great way to help your community and give yourself a bit more happiness.

When someone thanks you for giving your time, even when it barely meant anything to you, it really makes a difference in your life and in many others lives,” Gordon said.

The holiday season is full of chances to give back to the community.

Many churches have programs like Operation Christmas Child, Angel Tree Salvation, and One Less Gift.

Contact Information

The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City

Christmas Programs Websites

14

1 Elmwood Ave. Kansas City, KS 66103 800.875.6564 913.384.6500

Christmas

http://www.collegechurch.com/onelessgift/ http://salvationarmyindiana.org/need-help/christmas-assistance/ https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

5445 Parallel Parkway Kansas City, Kansas 66104 913.596.1000

Light Show Reviews

Jacob Wilson // Editor-in-Chief

Deanna Rose

William DeBolt // Senior Staff Writer

T

he festive farmhouse at Deanna Rose features an animated lightshow that acts as a music video for the songs broadcast to 90.5 fm. This effectively creates a “winter wonderland” at the scene, keeping viewers engaged at the show. The location, parking availability, and the large LED screen earn this show top marks from our review team at the Hawk’s Eye Newspaper.

Pros: -Animated LED Screen -Music Cons: -Very busy -Trees can block view

Sar-Ko-Kar Park

Pros: omantic, beautiful, breathtaking. These are only some of the words that come to mind when -Gorgeous scenery you visit Sar-Ko-Par during December for their christmas lights. Every tree around the pond -Open area at So-Ko-Par is lit up with different colored lights, that when combined with the watery reflection Cons: of the pond, create an awe-inspiring view that is one to remember.

-Walking outside (cold) -Poor parking situation

R

Paulie’s Penguin Playground W

hat do a Santa Clause rock band, penguin motorcycle gang, and a real life pony have in common? Absolutely nothing, but at Paulie’s Penguin Playground in Olathe you can see all of them and more. The hundreds of inflatable decorations are accented with penguin-themed movies projected on the house and a pony (may not always be there.) Although a bit childish, the experience is worth a visit and you can donate to support the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.

C

Pros: -Fun environment -Cool to see Cons: -Busy/hard to park -Very tight environment

Christmas Card Lane

hristmas Card Lane starts with a very enticing concept, aiming to be a neighborhood of lights with each house decorated wildly. This gets its name from the massive Christmas cards outside of the decorated house. However the overall effect falls short with very few houses actually having anything more than a few strings of lights. This display is redeemed by the few houses that go all out and express their love for the season.

Christmas in the Park

T

he spectacularly decorated park is a special experience for visitors. That is the visitors that make it through the endless line at Longview Park. Our staffers took nearly 45 minutes to get through the line for a 15 minute experience. Although, the traffic is one of this events only flaws, as the entire show is well crafted to be enjoyed by the whole family. However everyone in the car getting cabin fever drastically takes away from the experience

W

Pros: -Easy to drive through -Beautiful Houses Cons: -Few Houses decorated -Lots of driving

Pros: -Gorgeous -Accepts donation Cons: -Long wait time -Far away

The Legends

hen first walking into the Legends you notice the lights strung above the walkway. As you follow these lights down to the center you can hear the faint Christmas music slowly growing louder. The tree at the heart of the shopping center glows fantastically with lights that follow the rhythm of the music. Because the stores are still open the normal hussle and bustle of the Legends add to what is already a memorable experience.

Pros: - Superb Lights -Can go shopping Cons: -Lots of people walking -Not highly decorated

Christmas

15

(Above) The Deanna Rose Christmas Display is played in synch with music broadcast over the radio. The show has a packed lot, with people of all ages enjoying the festive music and animated visuals (Left) Sar-Ko-Par Park is decorated with lights surrounding the lake, which reflect beutifully on the water.

Families, couples, and friends alike wander through the forest of light.

(Below) Paulie’s Penguin Playground features over 100 lighted displays ranging from Santa in a band to penguins on motorcycles. This photo only captures a portion of the inflatables at the house.

16

Christmas

LIGHT UP YOUR CHRISTMAS Free Light Shows Around the KC Area

(Top) Christmas Card Lane is a neighborhood of lights. Many of the houses are decorated with outlandish detail.

Massive Christmas cards bear the names of the families.

(Above) Longview Lake has a massive drive through display. Its multitude of animated lights and decorated trees create a truly one-of-akind experience.

(Left) The Legends features a gorgeous Christmas display, the centerpiece of which is a giant tree. Like many others, the lights are set to Christmas music which plays throughout the plaza.

Photos by Jacob Wilson

Christmas

17

Care

to be

A ware

Felicity Wenger//Staff Writer

Breast cancer awareness month may be over, but awareness will continue to spread

Sophomore Lydia Salberg Verda Mae Salberg, an angel of a mother to Lydia, was an extremely friendly and cheerful person. She made everyone around her feel loved. Verda was first diagnosed with breast cancer when Lydia was in first grade. Verda was considered cancer free around 2008, however, six years later, Verda was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. Verda was given medicine that helped the tumors in her chest and stomach to shrink after about a year of using them.

“For a while, everything was good,” Lydia said. However, in October, Verda went back to the hospital because her condition was declining. The doctor told Lydia that Verda’s body had become immune to the medicine and it was now harmful instead of helpful. Her cancer had also spread to her liver, causing the organ to fail.

“The cancer just kept spreading and they couldn’t really do anything,” Lydia said. All treatment was stopped to try and get Verda healthy enough to spend the rest of her time at home. Verda came home September 22.

“It was a lot easier seeing her at home with her family and friends where she was supposed to be,” Lydia said. The next day Lydia went to visit Verda at a hospice house she was taken to the previous night, due to seizures.

“I sat there with her and I laid my head on her and just held her hand,” Lydia said.

“

tells her story

Photo Courtesy of Lydia Salberg.

Lydia (to the right) stands with her mom, Verda (to the left) at Bra Couture, May 6, 2017

All of Verda’s friends and family were there to support her.

“It was hard because I could tell she was fighting. She didn’t want to leave us,” Lydia said.

Just a few hours later she passed away.

To cope with everything, Lydia talks to her best friend Sam Dunlap.

“She helps me whenever I need her,” Lydia said. If things get too overwhelming, Sam will take Lydia to a park so they can swing together.

Lydia has always had anxiety but recently things have gotten worse, so she is thankful for Sam. Lydia has been going to events and fundraisers her entire life, including Bra Couture. Verda was actively involved with this fundraiser and even got to model for two years. Bra couture is now adding a program called “Verda’s place” for people to listen to music and dance after the show, in honor of Lydia’s mom.

“I think if you’re going to have an event and raise awareness for something, everything should go towards that and people should know where their money is going,” Lydia said. Lydia really loves bra couture because nearly all of their funds go towards research purposes.

This year, Lydia’s dad is planning to start a foundation in honor of Verda. This foundation will raise awareness and raise money for those who can’t afford treatment. It is not only for breast cancer, but for any cancer.

M ake

sure you are surrounded by people who love you and care about you and bring happiness to your life because even if you are hurting , having someone there for you makes everything better , L ydia said .

Photo Courtsey of Lydia Salberg

SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE

BRA COUTURE

Susan Komen died of breast cancer at age 33 in 1980. Her sister, Nancy Brinker, promised Komen to do everything she could to rid the world of the disease.

In 1982, Brinker founded the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation which is currently known as Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Only about 20% of the funds actually go towards research. Most people are unaware of the fact that not all their money is going towards research.

This fundraiser supports cancer patients who cannot afford their cancer supplies such as medications, treatment or wigs. While they focus on breat cancer, they raise money for all cancer.

SGK is know for Race For the Cure.

18

Editorial

Bra Couture is known for an annual event held for breast cancer survivors, who get to model various bra designs

to celebrate winning their battle over cancer.

About 50 bras, designed by family and friends of survivors, local artists, celebrities, and volunteers, are featured in the event.

“

Photo Courtsey of Lydia Salberg

NATIONAL BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION

Founded in 1991 by Janelle Hail, after she beat breast cancer, NBCF started to grow into one of the largest foundations in America. The ultimate goal of NBCF is to help and inspire people dealing with breast cancer.

NBCF is known for Beyond the Shock, National Mammography Program, Patient Navigator Program, Breast Health Education and Breast Cancer Research.

aWhat about Thanksgiving?a Leonie Frischmuth// Senior Staff Writer

T

he United States is the only country which celebrate this holiday which is always celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. The native people celebrated Thanksgiving because of the harvest, and they hoped for an early spring. The Christians thank God that he gave them enough food with the harvest. Today whole families comes together but every family has their own traditions.

A) What is your favorite part of Thanksgiving?

Questions

C)What is your favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal?

B) What is your special tradtion?

D) What is a thing you’re most thankful this year?

A)My favorite part of Thanksgiving is all the food; usually we don’t have anything

planned out food wise until the day before. Like a couple years ago we had shark, which is really untraditional. But it’s never turkey, I hate turkey- so my mom usually gets ham.

B) Growing up we never did anything exciting; we would typically watch movies.

As I’ve gotten older I’ve gone to the Plaza and watched the Christmas lights turn on. We’ve been going for the last couple years, that’s probably the only thing what we have done consistently.

C) Mashed potatoes are my favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner; my mom’s cook ing is amazing but her mashed potatoes are the best. A couple years ago, my friend’s mom told us to use red potatoes, and ever since we switched they’re even better.

D) To see my brother on Thanksgiving, because he is in college since this year.

Tiffany Hanson; Junior

A) I love sharing time with my family and friends, I know it sounds really cliche.

B) Every year before we eat dinner we like to go around and share everything that we are thankful for that year, and again very cliche.

C) My favorite thing about Thanksgiving meal is the food in general! We fry a turkey almost every year so I look forward to eating fried turkey.

D) I am most thankful for the people that have stuck by my side for the last three years and being able to see my sister since she went to college this year!

Tiffany Hanson on Thanksgiving with her siblings. | Photo Courtesy of Tiffany Hanson

Gaby Suarez; Senior

q

A) My favorite part of Thanksgiving is probably turkey and to be with the family.

B) We celebrate with the family of my husband; we don’t have a lot of tradition. After the meal, we

hang out and watch movies, that’s the only thing that we really do. Sometimes they don’t like to eat traditional Thanksgiving dinner, so sometimes we have steak instead of turkey.

C) I like my turkey. I make this salad, we call it: the cherry-jello apple- salad. It’s apples, walnuts cherries and jello. It’s like cranberry sauce, but it’s not cranberries. It’s really good. It’s been handed out down from my great aunt, to my side of the family. It’s really easy to make and it’s like the thing I can eat all year around. If I had to.

D) I am most thankful for how happy my daughter is right now. I love watching her like figuring things out.

Mrs. Heather Tow- Senior/Sophomore English teacher

Mrs. Tow and her family. | Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Tow

Editorial

19

JOIN THE MOVEMENT Students at Olathe East join in the stand against human trafficking in our city.

S

lavery. A word heard in history classrooms, or in conversations about far off countries. But slavery is here, today, in Kansas City. There are more slaves today than ever before in human history.

MORE SLAVES TODAY THAN EVER IN HISTORY Almost thirteen billion slaves were shipped between 1525 and 1866. Forty seven million people exist in a form of slavery worldwide, according to the Kansas City Star.

Mychaela Burris // Senior Staff Writer Esther Rose // Staff Writer

trafficking, but they are in need of greater support. How are these organizations bringing about change? A21 prevents slavery, rescues victims, and restores survivors by providing for and protecting them and rehabilitating them to join society once again free from the bondage of the sex trade. One event planned by A21 is the “Walk for Freedom,” a silent protest that takes place every year in cities around the world.

“I found out because I go to the Cause church downtown. They hosted it down there, and I was serving that day and then I also did the walk too,” said Post.

Many are caught in the vicious trade cycle, but the truth is less than one percent are ever rescued.

ONE HUNDRED FIFTY BILLION DOLLARS “It’s not a super comfortable subject. We’d like to think that we’re not selling slaves and it’s not a thing,” said senior Rachel Post.

Human and sex trafficking: “It’s the illegal trade of human beings. It’s the recruitment, control, and use of people for their bodies and for their labor.

LESS THAN ONE PERCENT ARE EVER RESCUED Through force, fraud, and coercion, people everywhere are being bought and sold against their will– right now in the 21st century,” said A21, a nonprofit organization that fights human trafficking.

“Kansas City is a huge hot spot for it too.

It’s where all the highways converge, so lots of deals and trades are going around here,” said Post.

“In Kansas, cases have doubled in the last five years, reaching 54 in 2016. In Missouri there were 48 cases in 2012. Last year, that number jumped to 135,” according to KCUR. Current organizations are currently fighting human

20

Feature

“I specifically walk because the statistic shocked me. I read a lot, and just of all the cases that there are, I feel like we think it’s some distant thing in some different country, like ‘oh this is happening, but I can’t do anything about it,’ but literally it’s all around us,” said Post.

This industry is not one easily dispersed. One hundred fifty billion US dollars are circulated throughout this criminal industry each year, which could be brought to a halt when people are united against the injustice.

“We know very little about [trafficking], and there needs to be more attention for it. [Slavery} needs to be more talked about in a way, but in the beginning it’s almost taboo to talk about. It’s just not good. I just feel like no one thinks it could happen to them because we do live in a good area, but empathy and compassion is just kind of important,” said Post.

Human trafficking is not just blind kidnapping, but rather there are many different tactics traffickers use to entrap their victims. The majority of victims are lured in by hopes of a steady job opportunity but find themselves being exploited. (Refer to the graph for other ways that victims are taken advantage of.)

To end slavery all over the world is not impossible, including inside our city. Already individuals and local organizations are fighting to diminish the growing number of victims in Kansas City. Organizations such as the 1X1 Project, Veronica’s House and KC Street Hope are just a

™If we're looking for it we can report more. Just that weekend after the walk, three girls and two others were

[rescued]

and seven sex traffickers were put into jail,∫ said Post. few fighting together to end slavery in the 21st century.

Human and sex trafficking is commonly believed to be a big city issue or to be found in third world countries. In reality this injustice is happening everywhere around the world including our city. Awareness is the place to begin. Knowledge makes possible the ability to be a part of positive change.

“Slavery is more stoppable than ever, and that’s why we’re here, rallying around the world and doing the work together,” said A21.

MILLIONS ARE STILL SLAVES TODAY. BUT THIS GENERATION CAN END IT. National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or help@humantraffickinghotline.org National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: 1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678) Feature

21

The Right-Hand Women

Staff Writer//Basima Khan

The Role of a Secretary at Olathe East

I

magine no one to answer the phone, no one to assist the principal and administrators, no one to carry out countless significant responsibilities. Without secretaries, Olathe East would enter a state of unorganized chaos. Secretaries, credited with helping run the school, hold an important role in how the school functions. At Olathe East, multiple types of secretaries handle different types of responsibilities.

Many individuals count on the secretaries from parents to administrators to students.

Marcy Magott, the general secretary who assists the three administrators, Drew Thomas, Kraig Taylor, and Frank Bell explained what role secretaries play in running the school.

“We help get the doors open and get things started. We just help them [administrators] manage it [the school],” Magott said.

Secretaries carry multiple responsibilities on their shoulders to make sure the day passes along smoothly. They perform a variety of tasks specific to their type of job.

“I help all the administrators with discipline and referrals. I also assist in the truancy letters. I assist Mr. Taylor with the facilities calendar. I assist in gathering the seminar club information for Mr. Bell and other activities. I help with editing the payroll for parents who are in the building,” Magott said.

Ginger Ewonus, the attendance secretary who has been working at Olathe East for 10 years holds different responsibilities specific to her line of work.

“I spend time answering the phone, going into our student information system, synergy and entering each student’s individual attendance for the day to make sure they are excused. We also look into attendance verification which will show everybody absent in this school, not excused yet so we can figure out where they are at so we can get them excused.

If somebody needs an I.D. card, we enter their information, take their picture, and print it.

If somebody want to park their car on the lot, they come in and purchase a parking pass and then we issue [a] parking sticker to them,” Ewonus said.

Olathe East secretaries work from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Their day is comprised of an eight hour workday with half an hour Jackie Giesecke, Principal Kerry Lane’s for lunch. Sometimes secretary, helps plan events for the staff the number of hours around professional development days. | secretaries work varies Photo Taken By Basima Khan depending on the amount of work left towards the end of the

22

Feature

day or the time of the year.

Janel Hernandez who recently became the athletic secretary of Olathe East stated what times of the year the workday stretches beyond the 3:30 mark.

“As the athletic secretary, the weeks sports start are a little more hectic,” Hernandez said.

Certain times of the year remain busy for different types of secretaries.

“A few times a year, when it is parent teacher conferences, we work into the evening but other than one or two nights a year I can usually leave by 3:30. It is a nice, flexible posiMarcy Magott, the general secretary who tion,” Magott said. began working at Olathe East in July of Secretaries learn and 2017. | Photo Taken By Basima Khan practice many skills in order to effectively perform their duties and carry out responsibilities. Sometimes, they learn new skills to perform their job more efficiently or due to a change occurring in the system.

Tina Durham, the 21st Academies secretary explained other skills secretaries need to become successful in their position.

“You need really good organizational skills because you usually have several things you have to get done when you work for multiple people so you have to be able to know what is important first and get that taken care of. You have to have good typing and word-processing skills [and] know how to use Google docs. Gathering information or providing information [is a necessary skill]. You have to have a good sense of humor,” Durham said.

Jackie Giesecke, the principal secretary who assists the school principal, Kerry Lane explained the relationship secretaries need to share with the public.

“One of the most important skills a secretary needs to have is the ability to meet the public and present themselves professionally. You have to have the ability to adjust to who your audience is and meet the need of the person you are dealing with. Skills [are] being able to handle parents [or] students who might be upset, from people who want to offer you a service. You have to be able to work in the programs the district provides for us. All of us do not work in the same programs everyday so depending on what our responsibilities are in the building, we all deal with different things, ” Giesecke said.

Communication plays a major role in a secretary’s job. Their responsibilities require them to communicate with multiple people for a plentitude of reasons.

“Every single day. Certainly, there are periods where I just spend a lot

of time at my desk but I meet with all of the juniors and seniors and the academies so I need to discuss where they are and make sure they are on track for the endorsement so there is a lot of communication on a student level. I have to keep the teachers informed of where they are and I need to help them whenever they need it so I am always talking to somebody, of all different ages from students to my co-workers to the adTina Durham, the secretary for the 21st ministrators to parents Century Academies | Photo Taken By and to venders on the Basima Khan outside,” Durham said.

They often acquire the skills needed to deal with difficult people such as learning how to maintain a calm and collected exterior.

“If I come across a difficult situation and it either angers or causes a conflict, I just try to stay level-headed and mostly listen because [it] helps a lot. I make sure I understand what they are needing and I will follow up and help them with the situation. If it is a parent calling in, [who] is upset for some reason, I tell them I am a parent too and I understand; however I am not the person they need to be speaking with but I can get information to the right person, and [it] usually helps,” Magott said.

Commonly secretaries communicate with people through emails or face-to-face depending on the preference of the person.

“There are a large number of teachers in the building, some just can not get down to see me and prefer to communicate electronically. There are some people [who] will come and see me. I’m just flexible with whatever works, because I can do either. It is nice having things electronically because you can refer back to it and have good information [which] is written out but I’m accepting to whatever works for anybody else,” Magott said.

No day remains the same for secretaries, lending a certain spontaneity in their job.

“What I like the most is I get to do something different everyday. If I had to sit at a job [where] I did the same thing all day long, everyday, I would be miserable. So, I like the change,” Hernandez said.

Thrown different challenges everyday, secretaries perform their responsibilities efficiently and complete tasks at the appropriate time.

Due to the number of changes occurring throughout the day, a secretary must remain flexible. Flexibility Janel Hernandez, the athletic secretary, often helps secretaries makes sure all the athletes have physical when dealing with the and concussion forms on file| Photo Taken unpredictable nature of

By Basima Khan their job.

“You cannot expect

the day to go as planned. A lot of times, things are thrown at us out of the blue that were not expected and so you just have to be willing to bend and be flexible and to give a little bit,” Ewonus said.

Teamwork plays a major role in the environment of secretaries. Secretaries often help and learn from each other.

“There needs to be [teamwork]. When someone up front is gone, we have to cover for them to answer the phones and stuff like that. We have to cover for each other and that is where the teamwork come in. Whoever has a need, I try to jump in and help whenever I can,” Hernandez said.

Luckily, Olathe East secretaries find the atmosphere of their workplace positive and warm.

“I think it [the atmosphere of the office] feels busy and fun and sometimes loud and overwhelming. It just depends on whatever the day brings and it is never the same everyday,” Giesecke said.

Olathe East secretaries believe they hold a number of benefits, allowing them to carry out their responsibilities more easily and quickly.

“For secretaries, we all work in the same space together, so it is easier for us to get together as a group and get something done. We can see this job we need to get done, we can immediately do it, and get it taken care of. [This] is a huge benefit. It is also a benefit you can specialize more for your duties like Mrs. Durham is the 21st Century Programs secretary, that is her speciality, but we all benefit from that because we know who to go to to get the information and come along side her, and to help her if she needs something so we can help her do her job. Each of us has our area of speciality but we can all draw from each other’s knowledge,” Giesecke said.

Some Olathe East secretaries learn many valuable lessons.

“I’ve learned to realize I need to appreciate other people and always be thankful for the things they help me with, as well,” Hernandez said.

These lessons allow them to become better people and better Ginger Ewonus, the attendance secretary secretaries. began working at Olathe East ten years “You should never ago. | Photo Taken By Basima Khan judge the book by its cover. You need to take time to get to know people and understand them because we all have different experiences that cause us to think and operate the way we do,” Giesecke said.

Secretaries experience multiple special events.

“The memorable moments for me involve, usually involve when a student is having a very rough day and maybe just needs a safe place to come and hang out or to talk. It is always memorable when you can be there for a student and maybe help them feel better,” Ewonus said.

Some turn out positive, some turn out negative, but they remain unforgettable moments.

“I had kids yelling at me, I have had parents yelling in the front office and had to break up that argument. I have had parents and students thank me for what I’ve done for them. I had my boss thank me for what I have done for her. Those things are valuable. They make your heart happy,” Giesecke said.

Olathe East secretaries enjoy their job to the fullest and enjoy carrying out tasks benefitting the school as a whole. They care for and help different people throughout the school even if the person remains unaware of the help offered.

“Appreciate the secretaries because they are important and needed,” Hernandez said.

Feature

23

u B

Melanie Eszter // Managing Editor Erin McCarthy// Social Media Chair

24

News

z z

d e

T

A Look into High School Vaping

he cotton candy smell filled the bathroom again, most students are aware of what the smell indicates. This meant that a student was “vaping” in the bathroom again.

“We actually like to have physical evidence, if I have someone that looks like their smoking but I don’t have anything to prove otherwise I’m probably not going to go with it,” Erik Clark Olathe East Student Resource Officer said. Those that pursue vaping, using water vapor as an alternative to smoking cigarettes, each have their own reasons for choosing to partake in this trend.

“I just started for fun and I was using zero nicotine juice,” Senior Parker Davey said. Davey, like many began without smoking nicotine and then gradually began to include it into his vape routine and now uses a level of six nicotine with his fix. Although he frequently vapes, he states that he is not addicted to vaping.

“For me it’s more like I keep it in my car, if I’m driving somewhere I am going to vape. I don’t really need it or have a schedule for it,” Davey said. Recreational vaping has taken the place of smoking cigarettes for a number of high school students. Some students who used to smoke cigarettes have now switched to vaping. One of the most lightweight vape pens on the market now is called a Juul and tending to be popular among high schoolers because of its appearance. Juuls look like a longer version of a flash drive, which makes it less likely to raise suspicion in adults.

“I have a Juul, and I do nicotine for the buzz which is really addictive,” Senior Kyle Graham (not real name) said. Graham mentioned that he used to smoke cigarettes but he was not a fan of the smell and how harsh they were on his lungs so he made the switch to vaping. He started consistently vaping junior year and now vapes a level of 50 nicotine. The vape that he uses cost around $50 however, the pods he uses to replenish the Juul cost him about 20-30 dollars which he spends weekly to fuel his addiction. Graham explained that he smokes a pod a day and in each pod there is about the equivalent to one full pack of cigarettes. Graham has admitted to being addicted, saying that he vapes when he wakes up and sometimes on the way to school and occasionally while at school.

“At this point it’s like I’m addicted to what’s in my mouth and in my lungs,” Graham said.

Graham also pointed out that many of his friends vape and they often share vapes when they hang out together. Although he regrets choosing to vape and that if he would have a chance to go back and choose to not vape, he would. He advises that those who do not vape but are wanting to should not buy their own, but use from their friends if they must vape.

“It controls my schedules sometimes, because you are like, ‘when can I go and get a buzz’,” Graham said.

Of those OE students who vape, some began their habit as early as seventh grade while others began junior or senior year. The amount that these vapers have spent on vape can range from $150-$1500 so far. Students have also gotten their vape pens stolen at parties or had them thrown away by parents or school administration. Most of those that were interviewed enjoy vaping because of the “tricks” that they can make with the vapor or because of flavors such as Razzle Berry Ring Pop or Gummy Worm.

“I can’t smoke weed; I use that as a replacement,” Senior Jen Smith (not real name) said.

Of the seniors interviewed, about half say that they purchase their vape materials online.

“EBay especially doesn’t ID,” Senior Cale Johnson (not real name)

“

said. For those that do not go to a different city to purchase vape or purchase it online, underage students specifically turn to those who are 18 to buy their supplies for them.

“For me it’s causal, if somebody wants something bought for them and they like give me money just for the thing and I’m going anyways, it’s like ‘alright I’ll get it’,” Senior Chris Lewis (not real name) said. Although there are those under the age of 18 that try to purchase vape in other cities. Willie, a current employee at Vapor World in Shawnee talked to the Olathe East Hawks Eye. “We card anyone who looks under the age of 26 and we see underage kids trying to buy at least once a week,” Willie said.

Vapor World or any vape shop for that matter must by law, put nicotine warnings on the juice because it may contain nicotine. He also mentioned that the average age of customers they see at their store in Shawnee is 18-20 because it is legal for 18-year-olds to buy vape.

Although he does advise against the use of vape or cigarettes if at all possible.

“You should know that if you are not vaping or smoking it is better to not get started because you could easily get addicted to nicotine,” Willie said.

While few students vape during school hours, administrators are aware and take precautions to enforce punishments for those caught vaping or smoking on school property as they will be given a citation from the Student Resource Officer and will receive administrative punishment be it ISS or OSS. Now if they are 18, while it is legal to possess nicotine at 18 they still may not smoke it on school property. I caught they will not be receiving legal punishment but they will still receive the punishment for smoking on school grounds. Precautions are taken by the administrative staff to ensure that students who vape anywhere in the building are caught and given consequences.

“We have staff that walk around that are supposed to go in and check the bathrooms periodically not just for vapes but are people smoking marijuana, are they fighting, or are they doing anything inappropriate, things like that,” Erik Clark Olathe East SRO. said.

Teachers also may inform the SRO and or the administration if they witness a student vaping or smoking in their car, which is considered to be on school property once they enter the parking lot. Then the administration, at that point can pull the student in for questioning and search them. They could also check the cameras to look for physical evidence.

Consider vaping safe are not scientists are still not 100% sure of what chemicals are being ingested while vaping and what effects it can have on the human heart, mind, and body. Although according to current research a flavoring chemical, diacetyl, found in most vaping products has been linked to bronchiolitis obliterans. This causes scarring in the bronchioles and can leave you with shortness of breath, cough, and other respiratory problems.

“So yeah they say it’s safer but is it really?” Clark said.

It controls my schedules sometimes, because you are like, ‘when can I go and get a buzz’, - Kyle Graham

“

Most sources have been changed to protect the identity of the students interviewed

News

25

Standing Strong Jacklynn Holst remains optimistic through her trials

Addis Sharpe// Business Manager

T

he first thing you notice about junior Jacklynn Holst, or Jackie as she goes by, is her smile.Then you notice that her fast pace is aided by a prosthetic leg. Students frequently question Holst about her leg. Her right leg was amputated because two bones were not the same size and when the doctors tried to save the knee, but could not she underwent a second procedure.

“I have gone through so many prosthetics over the years. The prosthetics they had in the past were having problems. Medicaid paid for most of this, actually all of it, because of being a patient of Children’s Mercy,” Holst said.

She takes off her leg each night to go to sleep. The process of putting and removing the prosthetic off is relatively easy.

“I have a gel sock that I put on everyday. The strap goes through the two openings and I pull it tight for it to stay on and strap it down to the velcro,” she said.

To get a new prosthetic, she goes in to have her stump measured then casted or digitally made. She waits till she recieves Get well letters from students in her PE class | Photo a call.

courtesy Jacklynn Holst

get so bored easily so it’s like I have to keep myself involved with something to keep me busy,” she said.

Though an only child she keeps busy with other relatives.

“I have cousins that treat me like I am their younger sister because I see them all the time,” she said.

As Jackie Holst grew, so did her curiosity about her Jackie and the C-Team this year | Photo courtesy Jacklynn Holst father. Her father left when she was two years old.

“We do not know where my father is or even if he is alive. [We know] no contact information because he basically left. He said he would come and visit me and he never showed up,” she said.

Her mother and her began searching for him when she turned 16.

They remain searching for him, and Holst remains optimistic that she will find him.

“I just want to know him,” she said.

When she finds a spare moment she enjoys watching movies and playing video games like Sims. She also involves herself with her church’s youth group on Sundays.

Here at East she stays active in school theatre, soccer management, softball management, choir, also Educator Rising club for students that want to become teachers. Jackie participates in the club’s executive board.

In the summer she also volunteers at the Olathe Library.

“I like Educators Rising Club because I got an idea of what it was like to be a teacher. I joined the club [Educators Rising Club] because I’m stuck between teaching and ministry,” she said.

She looks forward to attending and getting involved with the college she decides to attend.

“So far I have found two colleges that have what I am looking for: a dual degree K-state Manhattan I could get dual degree ministry and education degree. The other college I was thinking about was Baker University which would be closer to home and I kinda like that,” she said.

Thanks to listening to a TED talk “Beyond the Limits” about a woman and her prosthetic foot, she remains ver open and honest about her condition.

“It made me think if they can do that than we can probably do that.

Also it inspired me [as a hawk mentor] to talk to my freshmen about what happened to my knee.”

Her health issues have not nor will deter her from what she wants to do. She wishes that others will live to the fullest.

“I don’t feel like it [the disability] has stopped me from doing what I love to do,” she said.

She advises that students get involved and enjoy high school. She realizes that without particpating in sporting managment she would miss out on all the fun.

“Live your life to the fullest don’t miss out on things that will pass you by or else you will always wonder; why didn’t you do that in high school?” she said.

“I don’t feel like it [the disability] has stopped me from doing what I love to do.” Jackylnn Holst

“They do adjustments if it does not fit well, if it does then I wear it home,” she said.

Her leg has not stopped her from being like everyone else.

“When I was younger I was bullied. Throughout the years it has gotten better. People that used to bully me don’t anymore. It’s like they’ve changed who they are throughout the years,” she said.

Holst continues to undergo surgeries due to her left knee.

“A year ago I had an ACL [anterior cruciate ligament] put in because I never had one. The reason I had it put in was because I was having knee pain,” she said.

Due to the surgery she missed half of a week from school.

“I will have to say being stuck in bed was not fun. I Jackie singing at her church’s karaoke | Photo

26

courtesy Jacklynn Holst

Feature

War Hawks Two Seniors Enlisted in the United States Military

Elizabeth Carr - Army Reserves Reserves: Should war break out, Carr’s unit ships out after active duty soldiers.

Family History: Great Grandfather and Grandfather Pfeiffer served in the Army. Grandfather Falconé and Carr’s father served in the Marines. Carr’s sister currently serves in the Navy.

Carr’s Great Grandfather was likely drafted. Grandfather Falconé and Carr’s father enlisted to leave town. Grandfather ‘s reason remains unknown. Allie Carr joined the Navy out of patriotism.

Carr’s Reasoning: “They pay for school, which is nice, but just having all the family in it... Dad is proud of his time in the Marines. He doesn’t talk about it but you know he’s proud of it. I want to experience that pride.”

Preparation: Carr trains with fellow future soldiers at the Olathe recruiting center. She attends drill at the Reserves once a month. She recently completed an anti-terrorism class, required before traveling out of the country.

Plans: “I’m trying to get a scholarship that they offer so they can pay for my undergraduate, and then I’ll go to med school. When I finish med school is when I can go active because I’ll be done with all of my requirements. Then I can be a combat surgeon, which is the dream.”

Jacob Miller - Delayed Entry Army

Peter Herman Pfeiffer in Korea (Top), Elizabeth Carr after swearing in (Middle Left), Carr’s father from the Marines (Middle Right), and Carr’s sister Allie swearing in (bottom). | Photo Courtesy of Elizabeth Carr.

Ryan Smith // Online Editor

Family History: Miller’s grandfather served in the Army.

Miller’s Reasoning: “I chose the Army so I can choose my career that I want, choose the job...in most branches you can’t do that.

I’ve always wanted to join. I have a chance to make a difference on terrorism.”

Delayed Entry: Miller enlisted at age 17 with parental consent and swore in. He leaves for basic training after graduation in May. Preparation: He trains in endurance twice a week at the recruiting office and works out on his own time.

Scholarships: After enlisting, Miller received an $11,000 bonus and will receive an additional $60,000 after training. This excludes the Government Issue Bill granting him discounted college tuition.

Current Work: Miller enlisted as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist, however he wants to earn a Ranger Contract.

Becoming a Ranger: “Rangers, they’re kind of an elite special operations. They focus more on direct action terrorism and going after people... terrorist leaders. They basically do the really dangerous, dirty work in the army.”

Jacob Miller swearing in (Right) | Photo Courtesy of Jacob Miller

Feature

27

w Image courtesy of National Novel Writing Month

Two Students Attempt to Write a Novel in One Month

E

Andrea Shehi // Staff Writer

very year, over 300,000 writers internationally compete to complete a 50,000 word novel in one month. This event, called NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), takes place every November. In order to meet the word goal, one must write 1,667 words each day- a hefty load for people with lives to live and jobs to do. Anyone can do NaNoWriMo; the professions of the participants vary from professional author to cybersecurity consultant. Participants of the 2017 event include two students at Olathe East- Rachel Glass and Timothy Schmidt.

Author Profile- Rachel Glass

Rachel Glass, sophomore, has participated in NaNoWriMo twice: once in 2016 and again this year. Despite her timely commitments to theatre, she has decided to write a second novel. To come up with ideas for her novels, she refers to current events as well as her own thoughts.

“I usually look to what I am currently thinking about... It’s mostly what I see on TV, a lot of that gets put into ideas and what I think personally-as a kid-what I wanted as a story.”

She also stated that her previous novel completed in 2016 featured an allegory to the American government and election system.

To prepare for a whole month of frenzied writing, Glass develops her novel before November commences. For her, the development process involves creating well-thought-out characters and a sketch of the plot.

“I actually have a NaNoWriMo booklet thing and... it helps you to get a solid foundation for your book before you start writing... I usually Author Rachel Glass with her dog have a beginning and ending Photo courtesy of Rachel Glass in mind, and then a few key

points in the middle, and I find myself along the way,” Glass said.

She shared her experiences from NaNoWriMo 2016, including personal insights and struggles.

“Towards the end it got a little stressful, when you start thinking about deadlines and how many days you have left, but you don’t do it unless you have fun writing. One of the struggles I had was trying to work past myself, trying to not be a perfectionist with what I was doing and put a story out on paper,” Glass said.

After completing her novel Terraform, she went through what many NaNoWriMo participants call the “What Next?” months. In these months, writers run their drafts through editors and comb out plot holes and errors. Many novels written during NaNoWriMo have become published literature: Sara Gruen’s Water for Elephants, Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl, and Marissa Meyer’s Cinder. Glass hopes to join the ranks by becoming a published author. According to Glass, the publishing process is neither quick nor easy.

“First, you have to get a literary agent. And that takes a while because you have to go through a couple and almost all of them take six weeks to respond to you. Right now I am actually talking to the literary agent that helps with John Green books and she’s going to respond to me in two more weeks. And after that, the literary agent helps you contact publishers and publishing houses and they can help you get your book submitted for awards,” Glass said.

She offered advice for fellow NaNoWriMo participants.

“Don’t be worried about the word count. And don’t be worried about where your story’s going, the words are going to come,” Glass said.

Author Profile- Timothy Schmidt Senior Timothy Schmidt plans on completing his debut novel, The Global Wars, during NaNoWriMo. He has wanted to put his ideas into writing for a year, and decided that this November would be the month to do it. Inspiration for The Global Wars was drawn from dystopian novels as well as the Percy Jackson series. Schmidt prepared for this undertaking using a unique combination of methods.

“I feel like if I can come up with a chapter title for each chapter, I feel like that gives me an overview of where I want to be at for each chapter.

I also enjoy graphic design so I’ve designed logos and book covers, that sort of thing, and that gives me a visual to pair to my ideas so I don’t forget things I want to write down,” Schmidt said.

NaNoWriMo rigorously tests the time management skills of its participants. For Schmidt, college and scholarship applications have challenged NaNoWriMo for priority. He added it feels nice when he does find time to write.

Two of the core challenges NaNoWriMo presents, the imposing word goal and tight time constraints, antagonize Schmidt daily.

“That’s the main problem, getting situated with nothing else on my mind so I can just sit down and think about what I’m writing. What ends up happening is I’ll just sit there, I’ll stare for a long time, I can feel the minutes ticking, and the word count’s going. That can also be a little annoying to me- I want to try and keep up with the goal, but I haven’t been so far. It’s a little stressful for me to try and keep the word count

28

News

and try and reach the goals I’m supposed to,” Schmidt said.

NaNoWriMo doesn’t end after November, though. During the “What Next?” months, he plans on continuing to improve his novel.

“If I could finish my novel, I definitely would want to get it to an editor. I would definitely go to my parents first; they’re both good editors, I want to see what they think because they know me well but then if I am really satisfied with my work, I’d love to send it off to an actual editor somewhere, [to] see what they have to say.

And of course, we’re being very hypothetical here but...I wouldn’t mind getting my book published if I could get Writer Timothy Schmidt that done. That’s way down the Photo courtesy of Timothy Schmidt road,” Schmidt said.

Marching Band Ends On A High Note That’s a wrap for marching band

Kaytln Willis//Staff Writer

Purdy. She admitted that she does not know what a good band season looks like. Purdy’s final statement was that she doesn’t know what the awards mean to her , but she knows it’s an accomplishment. This would be the case for most first year marching band members. Those who are two to three years into marching band would obviously have more experience.

Senior Mckenna Dick is in her third year of marching band.

She believes that the Shawnee Mission North event was the band’s most successful event as well. “I think that we[the band] were more successful this season and that this season has also went smoother” Dick said.

The marching band ‘s awards are representations of their hard work, and point to a successful year. Mckenna Dick as well as Jordan and Aaron believe that it is “a payoff for all the hard work we[the band] has done.” said Dick.

A favorite memeory of Flemming’s was at the end of KBA this year, when the whole clarinet section gathered together and began to shout “clarinet cult” repeatedly. Jordan said that everyone in the clarinet section are all so close that they are like family. His Rehearsals are an integral part of preparing for a performance | Photo by a A Weishaar favorite part about marching band besided his extended family is the fact that marching band is one big group competing together instead of three separate groups competing against each other.

ophomore Aaron Bethel once said about the awards, “It gives us The end of this band season means a new one to come. Band students more confidence because it shows that we are able to do more than we agreed that there were a lot of successful events this year. It is clear that.... think.

S

“Without the Marching Band, Olathe East would be flat.”

The band finishes the marching season with a total of five awards won.

The awards include: Best Soloist, Best Visual Effects, Best Individual Marching, First in Division, and Grand Champions.

The reason for the improvement might be that there has been a change -Band Puns in a way the instrument sections are being directed.

-Mckenna Dick Another may be that there is supposedly a better ensemble this year., according to Bethel. The final reason, srated by both Bethel and Flemming, was that the music fit better with the routine performed by the band.

The audience of the band performances were also said to have liked this music more as well.

It was said by Flemming and agreed

by Bethel that this has been a smoother season for the marching band.

It was claimed by Flemming that their most successful marching event would have to be at Shawnee Mission North where they had a “clean sweep”. Bethel seconded this.

From the interview with Flemming and the statements from Bethel, one can say that it was a successful season for the Olathe East marching band.

Sophomore Gwynna Purdy is a first Olathe East’s marching brass section in formation | Photo Courtesy of Olathe Band Booster Page year marching band member.

“I’m new to marching band this year so I don’t have much to compare to.”, said

“There are too many trophies to hold.”

News

29

Michaela Bilyeu // Staff Writer

A Book a Day 365 days in a year, and Shelley McNerney was reading through each one After a long eight-hour work day, legs become propped up on couches and the mind takes a much needed break. Hopefully. For Shelly McNerney, she spends the next three hours of her day racing through hundreds of pages towards the back cover of a book. This occurrence wasn’t every once in a while, either. This routine lasted five years.

The librarian at Olathe East, Shelly McNerney, started her career as a middle school and high school teacher, teaching English to teenagers.

Among these years, she had consistently been encouraged to pursue a career in the library field, as she had a passion for both researching and reading. Although the idea had only begun surfacing, McNerney found a position as an administrative assistant for the The Best Fiction for Young Adults through a librarian at Blue Valley North. This was only the beginning to her reading adventure.

In this committee, McNerney had access to thousands of books, and with the necessity and demand of reviewing novels, she started reading one book, every single day. After joining the committee, McNerney found herself involved in time-consuming activities, making the start of her a-book-a-day experience increasingly difficult.

McNerney said, “I was teaching full time; I was going to grad school full time, and I was reading a book a day, so it was overwhelming.”

Still, McNerney pushed through in her reading challenge, and took on more responsibility than hundreds of pages a day.

McNerney pressed her way through the committees, becoming an official member after another dropped out. Here, she was finally able to join the discussion. This position built a gateway to many future position in this path to her reading passion. The two-year committee seat opened doors to her participation in the Morris Committee, and later, elected to a national chair in which McNerney would choose the best young adult novel of the year.

Still, with a high status, McNerney found herself burnt out from the experience.

McNerney said, “You get used to having to tear books apart, even books you really like. It made me turn into a really critical reader. It took me a while to get out of that mode. I’m now just starting to get back to something and really enjoy it.”

Since then, McNerney has stopped reading a book a day, but continues to read four books a week. Now, the extent of her responsibilities span from being the Olathe East librarian and writing book reviews in a monthly magazine.

Shelley McNerney was reluctant to decide whether or not she would start the experience again.

McNerney said, “It’s nice to have hobbies again.”

Now, McNerney has free time to indulge in new projects. She takes advantage of her time by caring for her new dog, renovating her home, as well as simply reading for fun.

Through the exhausting five years of reading a book a day, Shelley Photo of Shelly McNerney | Photo McNerney continues to work past an

by Margo Dulney experience that left a semi-sour taste in her mouth. Now, McNerney still confidently says that she still loves reading.

“I was teaching full time; I was going to grad school full time, and I was reading a book a day, so it was overwhelming.”

- Shelly McNerney

30

Entertainment

Michaela Bilyeu // Staff Writer

What's in your Backpack?

Through all the mess, what do you we have in common?

Items above include: calculator, wallet, sketch books, notebooks, pencils, change, jewelry, pens, and a pencil case.| Backpack Courtesy of Junko Okada

Items above include: notebooks, binders, headphones, charger, hair pick, pencil case, kleenex, ruler, and garage door opener. | Backpack Courtesy of Jordan Flemming

Average number of notebooks: five or more notebooks

five or more notebooks

three tothree four notebooks to four notebooks one or two notebooks

one or two notebooks

Average number of pencils: six or more pencils six or more pencils three to five pencils

three to five pencils one or two pencils

one or two pencils

Average number of binders: four or more binders four or more binders

two totwothree binders to three binders one binder one binder

Entertainment

31

Big

Fish

The many characters meet in the finale of a musical number in the Olathe East performance of Big Fish | Photo Courtesy of Eddie Shafer

Adviser Karen Kirk Editor-In-Chief Jacob Wilson

Mia Valentine wows the audience with her portrayal of the witch | Photo Courtesy of Eddie Shafer

Online Edtor Ryan Smith Managing Editor Melanie Eszter Buisiness Manager Addis Sharpe Senior Staff Writers Erin McCarthy Leonie Frischmuth Michaela Bilyeu Mychaela Burris Will Debolt Staff Writers Andrea Shehi Basima Kahn Felicity Wenger Kaytlin Willis Margo Dulny Esther Rose

The main couple played by Maggie Horton and Jacob Thomas declare their undying love for each other | Photo Courtesy of Eddie Shaefer